American Reality

[Jexiel]

Any reasonable American can clearly see that our current path will lead us to our demise. Our population grows, our demand grows, our deficit grows, and our returns decrease. We continue electing politicians that are only concerned about holding on to power instead of addressing the problems that will inevitably bring us down.

I think is time to face reality.

a) Reduce or eliminate Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
b) Reduce military spending and demand more effective military programs (more drones, less F-35s).
c) Legalize marijuana and other similar elements. Tax it and regulate like nicotine and alcohol.
d) Fund NASA for necessary missions only (start Mars colonization process, less Hubble telescope).
e) Promote saving, healthier lifestyles, and discourage rampant spending.

These are just some workable ideas. Please let me hear your opinions, ideas, and criticism. Thanks.

[danzig]

Ill support revamping of social security but medicare and medicaid unfortunately have to remain absents INTELLIGENT health care reform. Think you mean the F22 raptor not the f-35 which is actually relatively cheap but yes military spending does need to be cut, hell we can cut 25% of it and still spend more then most of the world combined. You say necessary missions and then mention Hubble? Um Hubble has been one of the greatest achievements by NASA and has generated massive about of science. Colonization of Mars for what? Yes going to Mars would be nice and we do need a manned, long journey space program but there is very little on Mars that cant be done by rovers so until there is a reason to go to Mars other then we want to go there Id say it shouldnt be a priority.

[Jexiel]

I'm more in favor of eliminating SS, Medicare/Aid entirely. People and not the government should be responsible for the general welfare and health. Charities and donations can and will always help those in most need. I'm simply not into financing the continued existence of a chain smoker.

Military, I meant the F-35 (the era of manned planes is over). Also, get rid of 5 aircraft carriers (we have 10 + 1 under construction + 2 planned), get rid of all but 100 ICBMs, get rid of 30 submarines (we have roughly 70, 18 of them being nuclear-capable (keep all nuclear-capable)), and get rid of other cold-war era programs. Close down WWII/Cold war era bases (no need for bases in Western Europe except Germany). Invest in more drones (air, land, sea), better cyberwarfare equipment/software, and stop fighting wars in foreign lands.

Nasa, I know the Hubble telescope has been invaluable but is not furthering the human cause. We know Mars has water and CO2, all you need for basic life. We also know of life-forms on Earth that can survive in environments deemed impossible just a few years ago. Start the colonization process by inducing Martian global warming to melt the icecaps then seed the planet with basic bacteria and plant life.

Crazy? Yes. Doable? Of course.

[Rapax]

Military, I meant the F-35 (the era of manned planes is over).

Really? Apparently every air force in the world didn't get the memo.

Let me sum up your post though:
"I have no idea what any of this is good for but I decided we don't need it anymore. Instead let me give you alternative ideas of how we can waste a ton of money!"

[Tankbuster]

a) Reduce or eliminate Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

No. What you guys need to do is get a DECENT healtcare system. A well-functioning healthcare system is good for the state, and pays back practicaly every dime you put in it.

d) Fund NASA for necessary missions only (start Mars colonization process, less Hubble telescope).

Stop science? No. NASA is one of the best scientific organisations on the planet. Money for science is actually one of the only places where money actually pays off!


I agree with the rest though. Especially option E.

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I'm more in favor of eliminating SS, Medicare/Aid entirely. People and not the government should be responsible for the general welfare and health. Charities and donations can and will always help those in most need. I'm simply not into financing the continued existence of a chain smoker.

So because you might have to pay some dollars to a chain smoker, you're not going to help pay for ANYONE??? That's insane.
Can't you see that paying for the health of your fellow citizens has a direct impact on the economy, and thus an indirect impact back on you?

Nasa, I know the Hubble telescope has been invaluable but is not furthering the human cause.

How can learning more about the universe not be furthering the human cause?
[QUOTEWe know Mars has water and CO2, all you need for basic life. We also know of life-forms on Earth that can survive in environments deemed impossible just a few years ago. Start the colonization process by inducing Martian global warming to melt the icecaps then seed the planet with basic bacteria and plant life.
[/QUOTE]
Errr... except for the gigantic cosmic radiation and the huge sandstorms...??
Plans to make Mars into a second Earth are total fantasy.
Besides, why the hell do you want Mars, of all places?