Over the past several days, President Obama, Vice President Biden, Senate Majority Leader Reid, and House Speaker Boehner have been negotiating the budget for the next fiscal year. So far nothing has been accomplished. While government disagreements are far from unusual, there could be rather unsettling consequences if a budget fails to pass this Friday. Without a new budget, there is the possibility of a partial government shutdown. While law enforcement and other essential services will continue to go about business as usual, around 800,000 government workers will be furloughed until further notice. Both sides of the aisle are blaming each other for not cooperating on drafting the budget or showing any unwillingness to compromise.
As the President of the United States, Mr Obama is put in a very precarious position. He must not only appease his Democratic base but he must reach out to his Republican counterparts. In other words, President Obama must transcend party lines to help decide what is in the country's best interests. Having fantastic communication skills and an air of authority have helped him remain relatively popular in despite the economic woes of the nation. But President Obama has not yet distinguished himself in his presidency in either a extremely positive or negative way. He has chipped away at fulfilling his agenda but many Americans are still calling for opportunities to work. What is a President to do?
This budget dispute is a perfect time for President Obama to appeal to the sensibilities and sensitivities of the American people. It is well known that the United States must curb its tremendous debt to avoid dumping it on future generations. But we should not forsake noble social institutions entirely in order to ease our fiscal woes. The obvious solution is the middle ground. But at the same time it is the most difficult. President Obama must look the budget from a logical standpoint. Programs that do not have any obvious function should be cut entirely or at the very least restructured in such a way that they are more sustainable like the Department of Defense. But at the same time, President Obama needs to have a heart when drafting his spending plan. Programs that tend to the sick and the elderly should not be cut coldly. Reorganization of these institutions may be much more ardous but in the end, it is much more humane. Some areas such as education and clean, renewable energy should actually receive more spending. These options are the key to a better future. Too long have we as Americans been content with the present. It is now time to live up to our potential and look at the possibilities. So when President Obama finally agrees on his budget, I hope that it contains a mixture of reason to solve our problems and passion to fuel our dreams.
I've not been following the recent budget debates in detail, however, I definitely understand the seriousness of what is happening. It's scary to think that political disagreements and the inability to compromise could potentially shut down the government altogether for a period of time. It is necessary for President Obama to display leadership especially now to settle this issue.
ReplyDeleteIn order to reach a definite conclusion that takes the country's best interests into account, I think it is necessary that Obama reach out to his Republican counterparts. Although, as you say, he must transcend party lines to resolve this issue, I think it is part of creating a public discourse that encompasses all viewpoints on one issue. Engaging in discourse is necessary when considering any issue in society; it is what our democracy thrives on.
ReplyDeleteA partial government shutdown would be devastating for this country at this current economic state and it would be in the interest of both parties to come together to decide something. President Obama will have to try to be very articulate to appease both parties to have this passed in time. Also I definitely agree with your recommendations in policy changes for education and it would be harsh if they were to cut out programs that helped the sick or the old.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I do not know much about how the government spends its money, I agree that many programs need to be cut or restructured because I feel that the government is not being efficient enough with its money. I think that making a program better does not necessarily mean splashing more money on it. For President Obama, he is caught between the Democrats and Republicans, and he needs to keep both of their interests in mind. I feel that the best solution though, is for him to do what he feel is best for the American people, regardless of whether they serve democratic interest or republican ones.
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