What liberal deficit reduction would look like

**Marcus Bryant** · 04-08-2011

http://washingtonexaminer.com/opinio...n-would-look-0

**Marcus Bryant** · 04-08-2011

Next week, the group of progressives plans to introduce its alternative to Ryan's proposal, called "The People's Budget." Based on an advanced peek provided by a senior Democratic aide, it promises to return the nation to surpluses by the end of the decade and reduce the debt, only with a much different approach from Ryan's.

To extend the long-term solvency of Social Security, it would propose dramatically increasing payroll taxes on both the employer and employee side, and funneling the money into even more generous benefits.

**Marcus Bryant** · 04-08-2011

The plan would also build on Obama's most notable initiatives. It includes an additional $1.45 trillion in economic stimulus spending. On health care, the plan would add a government-run plan, or "public option," to Obamacare and have the government negotiate drug prices.

Yet while other parts of government would grow, the defense budget would be gutted. The proposal would "reduce baseline defense spending by reducing strategic capabilities, conventional forces, procurement, and R&D programs."

**Marcus Bryant** · 04-08-2011

Cutting taxes or increasing spending to reduce the deficit. Some choice.

**Drachen** · 04-08-2011

I think you have far and away the highest post count. I am pretty sure that you don't have to pad your count by taking one post and dividing it into four.

As far as the choice (reducing deficit by cutting revenues or increasing expenses), I feel like I am taking crazy pills.