Planned GOP Budget Cuts Target Programs Such as Foster Care

[MountainLaurel]

Color me surprised: Will this precede another effort to move these social services to "faith-based" organizations with neither the professional skills nor the administrative infrastructure to do the job effectively?

Republicans began targeting key programs for budget cuts yesterday, from student loans and health care to food stamps and foster care. But the tough measures immediately drew staunch opposition from anti-poverty groups, businesses and moderate Republicans.

Sixteen congressional committees began cobbling together one of the most comprehensive bills in years, touching issues such as trade policy, prescription drug reimbursements, agriculture price supports and the future of welfare.

The rash of spending that followed Hurricane Katrina two months ago has emboldened conservatives to push for cuts far beyond what Congress could agree to in a budget blueprint in the spring.

"Listen, we're broke. Let's face it," said Rep. John A. Boehner (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, which will try today to complete legislation saving $18.1 billion over five years from pension protection and student loan programs.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/25/AR2005102501485.html

[Arkana]

1. Grrrrr..........

"Listen, we're broke. Let's face it," said Rep. John A. Boehner (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, which will try today to complete legislation saving $18.1 billion over five years from pension protection and student loan programs.

OK, but WHY THE FUCK ARE WE BROKE AGAIN? OH, THAT'S RIGHT--THIS ILLEGAL WAR THAT'S DRAINING ALL OUR FUCKING RESOURCES!

[MountainLaurel]

3. It reminds me of TV censors

Who have no problem with shows where 3/4 of the on-screen time involves people getting beaten, raped, and shot, but got forbid you show something like a naked human body.

Thus, wreaking violence against swarthy infidels is OK, but we're too poor to support poor Americans in need.

[belle]

5. Oh, and TAX BREAKS FOR BILLIONAIRES.

but we mustn't touch those. noooooo.

[Norquist Nemesis]

2. We're broke?

How can that be??? The economy's strong and tax receipts are higher than ever! Oh, wait...

[oneold1-4u]

4. "$18.1 billion over five years "

Follow the real money trail!
Everyone should understand some simple multiplications!
Katrina, a natural disaster, has already been heralded as a great boon to this government! It wiped out multi-millions of SS, medicare, medicaid, food stamps, HUD and senior housing allowances, for the next five years, because a disproportionate number of the deaths were the poor, seniors, disabled, and their children!
Accept the fact that those who died in a burned-out bus would have likely been totally supported for another five years with one or more form of federal aid.
The sad part is that that amount of savings wouldn't support the war for one more day, or keep the president in AF1 for ten more trips to TX ranch, photo ops, or GOP fundraisers!