Ben Stein Throwing in The Towel on Reducing Gov’t Expenditures

February 23rd, 2007 at 10:27 am by Cranky

Is Ben Stein is getting soft or just more pragmatic? Here is his appeal to raise taxes on the rich.

He may be onto something about never being able to reduce government spending.

We the people do like our government perks. A bridge to nowhere keeps several hundred people employed for a couple of years. Bringing home millions to move brand new train tracks keeps people employed and employed people are happy people. If you’re the guy spreading so much joy, you may well get elected next time around.

The MSM, as predictable as a dog salivating at the ringing of the bell, immediately does a human interest piece at a homeless shelter at the first hint of cutting government programs. John Stossel is the notable exception since his investigative reporting has opened his eyes to the beauty of libertarianism. (non-commissioned Amazon link)

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7 Responses to “Ben Stein Throwing in The Towel on Reducing Gov’t Expenditures”

1. Billy Says:
   February 24th, 2007 at 1:35 pm

   I read Stossel’s book last summer. While I don’t agree with everything he says, I will say that his revelations are difficult to refute.

   Especially great…his discourse on teachers unions and education in general.

   Anyone weighing the public vs. private school issue should read that chapter.

2. TC@LeatherPenguin Says:
   February 24th, 2007 at 7:37 pm

   manshake

3. The Sanity Inspector Says:
   February 24th, 2007 at 10:32 pm

   Stein’s probably right about not being able to cut spending. I still remember the Reagan-era talk, about how a stack of dollar bills equal to the national debt would reach to the moon and back, and suchlike. We’re well beyond even that, now. The biggest disappointment of the 1994 Republican Revolution was their inability to get rid of the current service baseline budget process, wherein the federal budget *automatically* increases each year. If Reagan and Newt couldn’t do it, and Bush at the height of his popularity in 2002 wouldn’t do it, then no one will.

4. Gordon Says:
   February 25th, 2007 at 11:15 am

   Totally agreed SI. As much as I’m disgusted with the pols, however, I realize that they have no motivation to fix it.

   The voters don’t get fired up about reducing expenses but they sure do get riled up about any cut that might affect them.

   I’m probably in a bigger fantasy land than anyone by saying that perhaps all the $$ can be counted and saying, spend away suckers, but no more debt financing. When it’s gone, you’ll have to come back next year.

5. The Unabrewer Says:
   February 25th, 2007 at 10:49 pm

   “Especially great…his discourse on teachers unions and education in general.”

   I tried to get my ex (a teacher) to read that and things like it, but she couldn’t stand to read any information that conflicted with her pre-formulated worldview.

6. Cranky Says:
   February 25th, 2007 at 11:45 pm

   Billy, what’s not to agree with Stossel on? Your comment and the Unabrewers got me to pull the book off the shelf.

   Stossel appears to bea free market libertarian-type who is socially liberal.

   I think this might make a good post somewhere down the line. Like book report or something.

   Come to think of that, a book report could really blow.

   I’ll get back to you.

7. Billy Says:
   February 26th, 2007 at 12:06 am

   Cranky,

   I just ordered the Politically Incorrect Guide to Global Warming. That should be my next read.

   Either that or the first Anna Nicole Smith biography that comes out this week.

   I’d be willing to do a book report for you. Of course if you post it, that might drop this fine blog from 3rd tier status to 6th…