Translations

Showing posts with label Poly Tics (from Greek 'poly' meaning many & 'ticks' = blood suckers). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Poly Tics (from Greek 'poly' meaning many & 'ticks' = blood suckers). Show all posts

Sunday, March 12, 2023

“Sunshine Protection Act of 2021” Update: My Rant on “Guvrmint” Time (published 3-12-2023; article #393)

6/2/2014 photograph, by Sonja Langford on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Greetings to each local, regional, national, and international reader – especially to you, dear reader. On this cloudy Sunday afternoon, I might as well get this off my chest. My Irish dander is up today.

Why? Aside from the usual aggravations of stagflation and taxes, which Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I endured yesterday, my Irish blood is boiling – due to “guvrmint” time.

The loss of an hour of sleep didn't bother me. Having to set fourteen timepieces ahead one hour aggravated me enough. “Fourteen?” -- you ask? Yes. They are two watches, clocks on two vehicles, DVD player, landline phone, stove, two microwaves, three alarm clocks, and two light timers. That's fourteen.

In a sense, this article is a follow up to my article of last year: “SUNSHINE PROTECTION ACT OF 2021" (published 3-19-2022; updated 3-20-2022; article #303). Reading that article again today, I feel anew the shock and frustration that inspired the tone in that article. I would not change a word.

Who wants year-round “guvrmint” time? Who wants the sunrise to be after 8 AM, from November 3rd to March 5th every year?

The purpose of this sixty-fifth article on “poly-tics” is to educate folks who want year-round “guvrmint” time. Writing this article will soothe my Irish temper. I have to stand with Papaw Ferrell, as the conclusion will indicate.

Tennessee's 'Guvrmint' Time Law of 2019

Since 5/21/2019, the Tennessee “guvrmint” has had a law on the books. That law states that, once the federal “guvrmint” passes year-round “guvrmint” time, then the Tennessee law will go into effect.

See Tennessee General Assembly, HB 0247. The “Bill History” and “Summary” buttons contain the details. The “Votes” button shows how each representative and senator voted.

On election day, 11/8/2022, I had the pleasure, once again, to converse with Representative Dave Wright, while he was outside, at the voting location. We spoke in pleasant, humorous, and spiritual agreement on several mundane political and deeper religious topics. My only disagreement with our fine representative was that he voted in favor of the bill, which I have cited.

Regrettably, the switch is already set, in Tennessee. If the federal “guvrmint” passes the “Sunshine Protection Act of 2021,” then the switch turns on, in Tennessee, for year-round “guvrmint” time.

Sunshine Protection Act of 2021” -- My Rant

As my 3/19/2022 article stated:

How can the USSA federal “guvrmint” protect sunshine? Only the Good Lord can do that!

Daylight Savings Time” is a lie! It does not “save time!” It only moves the sun forward one hour.

That 3/19/2022 article indicates that the bill passed the US Senate, on 3/15/2022. Today, the same source -- S.623 - Sunshine Protection Act of 2021, 117th Congress (2021-2022): Actions Overview -- indicates no further action. The US House has not yet taken action, as the “Actions” button indicates. I hope that the US House keeps fiddling, while Rome burns, on this.

Daylight “savings” (“guvrmint”) time ended on 11/6/2022. It started today, 3/12/2023. Please keep those dates in mind. Standard time is a little over a third of the year. “Savings” (“guvrmint”) time is from today, until 11/5/2023. “Guvrmint” time is almost eight months, or three-fourths of the year.

Please see Sunrise and sunset Knoxville (Tennessee): January 2023. This is for the eastern time zone. Previous and following months can be viewed by clicking the button for the selected month and year. The information below is from the website, by month and year selections.

For November 2022 -- on savings” time -- sunrise was as follows, for the first five days: 1st 7:59 AM, 2nd 8:00 AM, 3rd 8:01 AM. 4th 8:02 AM. 5th 8:03 AM. On 11/6/2022 – on standard time – sunrise was at 7:04 AM.

For December 2022 – on standard time – sunrise was incrementally later, from 7:28 AM, on the 1st, to 7:46 AM, on the 31st. If “savings” time were year-round, then sunrise would be from 8:28 AM to 8:46 AM, incrementally. (Add an hour to standard time sunrise.)

For January 2023 – on standard time – sunrise was incrementally earlier, from 7:46 AM, on the 1st, to 7:37 AM, on the 31st. On year-round “savings” time, sunrise would be from 8:46 AM to 8:37 AM, incrementally.

For February 2023 – on standard time – sunrise was incrementally earlier, from 7:37 AM, on the 1st, to 7:08 AM, on the 28th. On year-round “savings” time, sunrise would be from 8:37 AM to 8:08 AM, incrementally.

For March 2023 – on standard time – sunrise was incrementally earlier, from 7:06 AM on the 1st, to 7:01 AM on the 5th, to 7:00 AM on the 6th, and to 6:53 AM, yesterday, on the 11th. Today, 3/12/2023, the start of “guvrmint” time, the sun rose at 7:51 AM.

As is clear from the data, if we were on year-round “savings” (“guvrmint”) time, then sunrises after 8:00 AM would occur from the 3rd of November until the 5th of March. (Again, add an hour to standard time.)

Yes, of course, if “savings” (“guvrmint”) time were year-round, then the sun would set later, by an hour, daily. I understand the rebuttal to my rant. Year-round “guvrmint” time, however, would cause early risers to lose even more and late risers to win even more.

For example, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman -- bless her heart, being <deleted by Mrs. Appalachian Irishman> years younger than me – still has to work for a living a couple or so more years. She leaves for work about 6:20 AM, to arrive early and to avoid morning traffic, since her teaching/vice principal job starts at 7:30 AM. The one-way drive is about 40 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Since March 1st, when the sunrise was at 7:06 AM, she could leave, just as the pre-dawn was bringing a little light to the darkness. This week, my wife is on spring break. On 3/20/2023, however, when she returns to “hitting a lick” at work, the sunrise will be at 7:40 AM. So, she will return to leaving for work, in darkness, as she does during most of the school year, except for a few days in August and March.

Where's the rant?” -- you ask? Here it is! “Guvrmint” time discriminates against early risers, such as my wife! School-aged young 'uns face the discrimination. Folks who start work by at least 8 AM endure the discrimination.

Who wants, for example, school-aged children to await the school bus, ride the bus, and be at school – when it's still dark – with sunrises after 8:00 AM from November 3rd until March 5th?

An online search of “daylight savings time and traffic accidents" finds several sources that agree with educated common sense. Travel to work, to school, or for any reason -- in morning “rush hour” darkness -- indicates a higher probability of accidents, injuries, and deaths. Several online sources indicate credible studies, which conclude that year-round standard time is safer. I agree.

Conclusion

Guvrmint” time discriminates against early risers. It benefits folks who are late risers – who work later shifts or who are lazy. Folks who work later shifts have my respect. Lazy folks have my pity.

As a note on the plan, as stated in my 3/19/2022 article, I contacted the offices of both US Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty. Senator Blackburn's office did not reply to my voicemail. A staff member of Bill Hagerty and I had a beneficial conversation. Neither Senator replied directly to my emails or postal letters. US House member Tim Burchett and I exchanged encouraging emails. He did not reply to my postal letter. I emailed and called News Talk 98.7. The email had no reply. A call screener and I spoke only. I was unable to be on the air, due to timing.

The conclusion to my 11/7/2021 article is a fitting conclusion to this article:

Papaw Marion Ferrell (4/13/1880 - 11/21/1970) hated “guvrmint” time, as he called it. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, Papaw!


Sunday, February 12, 2023

“Supper” Bowl Reactions: TN State of the State Address (2-6-2023) and State of the Union Address (2-7-2023) (published 2-12-2023, article #389)

4/17/2021 Photo, by Elisa Stone, on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

 Introduction

Imagine, from the above image, that several other skunks are with that one, in your front yard. That image is fitting, as the final conclusion will explain. Yes, our front yard was invaded by skunks.

Greetings, dear reader. I trust that you are well. It's a warm and rainy Sunday, in this neck of the woods. There are no skunk sightings today.

I apologize for the need to write my sixty-fourth article on “poly-tics” (Greek πολύς, meaning “many,” and “ticks,” or blood suckers). I prefer to continue working on the sixth article in my Christian Evidences series. I, however, will remove these “many ticks” from my thoughts, by writing this article, if you will indulge me.

The news media -- specifically, the 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 weeks a year type -- present the “reactions” of various pundits, to trending news topics. I don't care to know the reactions of pundits. I have my own reactions. I am not a pundit. The news media, simply, need to state only the facts, as verified by accurate information. If they did only that, then they would not need to be on constantly.

This article denotes my public “reactions,” first, to the Tennessee State of the State Address, on 2/6/2023, and, next, to the State of the Union Address, on 2/7/2023. I did not listen to either televised-live address. Instead, I read each address, by the references, as listed.

TN State of the State Address (on 2/6/2023, Monday)

The Address

The complete text of Governor Bill Lee's address is found at TN, Office of the Governor, 2023 State of the State Address, on 2/6/2023. (The spending details -- of a billion here and a million there, in nine spending categories -- are found at TN Office of the Governor: “Gov. Lee Delivers 2023 State of the State Address – ‘Tennessee: Leading the Nation,’” 2/6/2023.) The televised-live record is at “Governor Bill Lee – 2023 State of the State Address,” on The National Governors Association, on YouTube.

The Governor spoke for 59 minutes. I read his address. I didn't watch it, since I preferred to watch an episode of Gunsmoke. Four of the Governor's five main topics, by section, were on:

Good Jobs + Opportunity

Great Schools + High-Quality Education

Safe Neighborhoods

Brighter Future

My Reaction

My general reaction to those four topics is nominal interest. Tennessee, by law, must balance its budget – unlike the USSA (Ununited Socialist States of America). The bureaucratic details bored my mind. The Governor wants to spend money on stuff.

I hope that his “choice lanes” idea will repave roads near us – not just repatch the patched potholes again. The immorality of citizens cause unsafe neighborhoods. Good and moral neighbors -- with my weapons to stop a threat if it arises -- keep Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and me safe at home, under the Good Lord's provision. Apparently, the “brighter future” involves a cleaner, greener, and more nuclear environment.

As long as the Governor plans to restrict further government intrusion into my life, maintain a balanced budget, and not increase taxes, then whatever he said is of mundane interest. Bill Lee is doing well enough. Regrettably, he knows, too well, how to write and speak like a bureaucrat.

The Governor's other topic was on Strong Families, on which he stated, in part:

There was a significant shift in this country last year when it comes to protecting the lives of the unborn. We now all have an opportunity and a moral obligation to support strong Tennessee families . . . .

. . . Tennessee has the opportunity to ease one of the biggest financial burdens on mothers. We are going to propose covering the cost of diapers during the first two years of a baby’s life for mothers on TennCare.

My article of 6/30/2022 referenced the Supreme Court's 6/24/2022 decision and affirmed the pro-life position. In general, I agree with the Governor's remarks, under his Strong Families topic, the bureaucratic minutiae withstanding.

Individuals, families, and churches have the primary moral obligation to support families. Fathers should not be absent. The government usually “supports” families, by funding programs.

The Governor's plan proposes that TennCare buy diapers for babies. Is that a moral obligation? The Governor, apparently, thinks that it is.

Mom washed cloth diapers (in an old washing machine or the bathtub) for us for boys, when we were young enough to need them. Those diapers were reusable. By the way, Dad was, of course, in the home.

In his closing remarks, the Governor stated, “In many ways, our country is off track. But America’s best days are not behind her.“ Generally, I am a realistically optimistic person. Unlike the Governor, I am not optimistic about America (the USSA). I wish that I could be.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I are glad that we live in Tennessee. The state government is bloated by layers of bureaucracy, lack of common sense, incompetence, waste, and inefficiencies. I know, based on my ten years as a state employee and on my recent interaction with the Tennessee Department of Revenue (which my 12/5/2022 article highlights). My 9/3/2006 article -- on the “Big Dig” -- denoted wasteful spending. We, however, don't plan to move to, for example, California – ever.

State of the Union Address (on 2/7/2023, Tuesday)

The Address (including my efforts to read then watch)

The televised audio and transcript of President Joe Biden's live address are found at The White House: February 7, 2023, State of the Union Address. The address, as prepared for delivery, is found at The White House: Remarks of President Joe Biden – State of the Union Address as Prepared for Delivery, on 2/7/2023. I wonder who prepared the remarks. The President spoke for one hour, twenty minutes, and seven seconds.

The President's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are not organized by topic, as Governor Bill Lee's were. Initially, on 2/8/2023, I started to read every word of the prepared remarks; however, the political spin was so fast and furious that I became dizzy! Thus, I glanced for key topics and phrases. That was all that I could endure. Finally, with reluctance, on 2/9/2023, I printed President Biden's prepared remarks and read them more closely.

On 2/7/2023, I did not listen to the President's live, televised address. (I preferred to watch an episode of Star Trek.) On 2/10/2023, I listened to much of his address, via the first website reference, above, until I could endure no more. I did not compare the transcript of the President's live address to the prepared address.

My General Reaction

From what my closer attention could determine, the President jumped, fairly randomly, from topic to topic. An organized outline, by topic, would have been better. The political spin was intense and obvious. President Biden spoke, from the teleprompter, on the following primary topics, as underlined. (My reactions, notes, and comments are included in parentheses.)

His “accomplishments” in two years (which are rife with spin and do not mention the Biden family investigations that are being conducted in the House).

COVID-19 (including his spin. I have written 30 articles on “Corona Myopia.” I'm done with that new cold virus. I have moved on.)

The events of January 6, 2021 (with his abundant spin).

The Slavic war or the Russian invasion of Ukraine (as I call it, not “Putin's war,” which did not cause economic decline in this nation. I have written five articles on the “2022 Slavic War,” which began on 2/24/2022.)

American assistance to Ukraine (i.e., spending federal Monopoly money, on weapons, to give to Ukraine).

The economy (with several pages on inflation, jobs, manufacturing, wages, imports and exports, infrastructure, supply chain, and so forth, with an abundance of socialist spin).

Veterans (with proper emphasis on their care, often, unfortunately, through the improved but still too bureaucratic, wasteful, and inefficient VA).

The “Respect for Marriage Act” (but see my 12/15/2022 article on that Act).

Healthcare and health insurance (in context of the socialism that monopolizes both, with abundant socialist spin).

“Clean” energy and electric cars (in context of the global climate “crisis,” which is a cover phrase for a propagandized and socialist agenda).

Border insecurity (which is obvious, despite the President's spin) andimmigration reform” (i.e., the “pathway to citizenship” for illegal alien invaders).

Drug trafficking (especially due to border insecurity and human immorality).

The federal government's Monopoly money spending (as I call it; see my most recent, 1/23/2023, article on the topic).

The national debt (which is huge), debt limit (which is too high already), and budget (which continues to spend more than it receives).

The federal tax system (i.e., taking more from the haves, to punish them, and to give to the have-nots, to keep them dependent on socialist government programs).

Big corporations and “Big Oil” (with emphasis on taxing more of their “exorbitant” profits, which will raise prices for consumers).

Public (i.e., socialist) housing and public (i.e., socialist) education.

Public safety (or the lack thereof, due to the moral decline in the nation).

“Gun control” (i.e., again about banning so-called “assault weapons,” with no comment on the moral decline in the nation).

A cure for cancer, by a “Cancer Moonshot” (whatever that will be and cost).

. . . to protect every woman's constitutional right to choose.” (i.e., to murder, which is not a constitutional right, their unborn children. See my 6/30/2022 article on the topic. The President, once again, did not say what is chosen -- which is usual, for those who advocate the moral evil of unborn baby murder. To choose what, Mr. President?)

Ensure the “safety and dignity” of LGBTQ citizens (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer. Not safety and dignity, but the forced acceptance of those immoral lifestyles. See my 6/26/2022 article, under the “LGBTQ Pride Month” section.)

China (and its military and economic domination, with only a mild inference to their recent spy balloon).

Voting (with spin and labeling against those who want only fair elections).

My Specific Reactions to Specific Remarks

In his introductory remarks, President Biden stated his “vision for our country,” which included: “To restore the soul of the nation” and “To unite the country.” I doubt that the President's vision is based on biblical values and the biblical worldview. (See my eight articles, so far, under Worldviews in Conflict topic section.)

Early into his remarks, the President stated, in part, that he “ran for President to fundamentally change things . . . .” That was a very vague statement, but the President revealed his change agenda through out his address. The change should be to return to founding constitutional principals, not to further advance socialism and immorality.

Later, but still into his early remarks, the President stated, as a single paragraph, “I’m a capitalist. But just pay your fair share.” I simply had to laugh out loud! I assume that the President was joking, by stating that he's a capitalist. “Fair share” is the commonly used and euphemistic expression for taxing the haves more, to give to the have-nots, to further expand the socialist federal government.

In his closing remarks, the President stated, in part:

My fellow Americans, we meet tonight at an inflection point.

We are a good people, the only nation in the world built on an idea.

That all of us, every one of us, is created equal in the image of God. A nation that stands as a beacon to the world.

Because the soul of this nation is strong, because the backbone of this nation is strong, because the people of this nation are strong, the State of the Union is strong.

I have never been more optimistic about the future of America.

Those words did nothing to inspire me. The inflection (or turning) point should be to repent as a nation and to return to godly and moral living, under the original intent of the Constitution, which is based on biblical values. The President, of course, believes that some of us are more equal than others (i.e., the socialists are elevated, while the conservatives are relegated). He, of course, does not affirm the equality of the unborn child. This once great nation needs to return to the Beacon to the world, in Christ. The souls of true followers of Christ are strong. The national soul, which, in majority, does not follow Christ, is morally weak and corrupt. The State of the Union is, at best, continuing to weaken, ever so slowly.

I am a realistic optimist. I, however, am very pessimistic about the socialistic future of America.

The Blackburn Report: Responding To The State Of The Union

Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn's The Blackburn Report -- which I received by email on 2/10/2023 -- is the title of this section. I subscribe to her weekly emails.

Senator Blackburn's introductory paragraph is as follows. (The website links are in her original paragraph.)

This week, President Biden delivered his second State of the Union address in front of a weary nation. On the day Biden walked into the Oval Office, inflation sat at 1.4%, border encounters were three times lower, and our adversaries feared us. Two years later, inflation is at a 40-year high, our national debt has exceeded $31 trillion for the first time ever, 4.6 million immigrants have illegally crossed the southern border, and Chinese spy balloons are violating U.S. airspace. The Biden administration has intentionally implemented policies to further a destructive left-wing agenda, and the American people are paying the price.

The inclusion of Senator Blackburn's response, to the President's State of the Union Address, are added to this article, simply to strengthen my own response.

Supper” Bowl Side-note

Apparently, today is “Supper” Bowl Sunday. It's the 57th “Supper” Bowl. The football game, between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, starts at 6:30 PM ET.

About that time, our supper should be over, and Molly (our doggy) should be inside with us. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman will probably be washing supper dishes. An episode of Gunsmoke will probably, as usual, be my TV selection.

Previous notes on the “Supper” Bowl are in my articles of 8/8/2021 and 2/20/2022. Roger Goodell never did reply to my 7/19/2021 e-mail to him.

Conclusion: Balancing the President's Spin

Apparently, I was one of millions, who chose not to watch the President's 2/7/2023 State of the Union address. See “27.3 Million Watched the 2023 State of the Union Address,” on Nielsen, 2/8/2023. The article states that viewership was down 29%, from President Biden’s 2022 State of the Union address. The article includes historical audience data, for State of the Union addresses, from 2/17/1993 to 2/7/2023.

The latest Gallup, “Presidential Approval Ratings -- Joe Biden,” poll (1/2-22/2023) shows that 41% of Americans approve of his job performance.

The viewership and approval ratings, which I have cited, place into context President Biden's political spin and propaganda, in his 2/7/2023 address. I do not understand how even 10% of Americans could approve of the President's job performance. At least 41% of Americans, apparently, are drinking the poison-laced, socialist Kool-Aid.

Final Conclusion

What about the skunks, which the introduction mentioned? Why the photograph, for this article? I will explain, as I close.

Overnight last Sunday into Monday morning, the skunk invasion of our front yard occurred! Early in the morning, of Monday, 2/6/2023, while still dark, as Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was leaving for work, we both smelled the pungent odor of skunk spray – even before she opened her garage door.

Later that day, I noticed several diggings in and around our front yard. I spoke with a neighbor, a few days later. He had spoken with other neighbors. The conclusion was obvious! Several skunks had entertained themselves, in at least three yards, by having a skunk war! The spray lingered two days. The diggings are still present in our yard.

Thankfully, Molly (our doggy) was not sprayed. She did, however, do a lot of barking and sniffing around the skunk diggings.

Beware of political skunks. Their stinky spray is unpleasant. We can't keep from smelling it. Just don't let them spray you directly.


Monday, January 23, 2023

Raise the Debt Ceiling, Increase Income, or Lower Spending? (published 1-23-2023; article #386)

2/21/2017 photo in Melbourne, Australia, by Alex Knight on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

If I look too long at the high ceiling (surrounding and above the tower, in the photograph), then I start to get dizzy. I'll stop looking and continue to write now.

The media were a buzz, on 1/19/2023. They still buzz. Aside from the buzzing on southern border insecurity, President Biden's classified documents, former President Trump's classified documents, ad nauseam, this buzz is about the USSA debt ceiling. One of several sources is: “House conservative leader rips media for ‘irrational’ debt ceiling coverage, vows ‘serious fiscal reform,’ on Fox News, by Peter Kasperowicz, 1/19/2023. The article states, in part:

The U.S. hit the debt ceiling on Thursday, which means the government cannot borrow anything above the $31.381 trillion it has borrowed so far. House Republicans have said they would require deep spending cuts as a condition for raising the ceiling, but the Biden administration has said it will not negotiate.

The USSA reached its dizzyingly high debt ceiling limit, on Thursday, 1/19/2023. On that same date, Dolly Pardon attained age 77. Happy belated birthday, Dolly!

I am a practical man, who thinks logically. This article places the USSA debt ceiling buzz in the context of recent household income and expenses, for Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and me. Do we raise the debt ceiling, increase income, or lower spending?

Every member of Congress needs to read this article, which is published, as sage advice, as a public service announcement. What should we (as a household and as a nation) do? The conclusion will answer the question.

Raise the Debt Ceiling?

Household: my wife and I still have a mortgage debt. That's the only debt that we have. Our household income is sufficient to meet household expenses, with a sufficient surplus. Our surplus, built up in savings over many years, could pay off our mortgage debt and leave a lower surplus. This is not bragging. It is God's grace, our health, and our work ethic.

If, God forbid, our household debt were to increase, above our combined annual income or our surplus, due to an unexpected and large expense, then we would have to either spend down our surplus or borrow money (at interest, with monthly payments). If, God forbid, that should occur, then we would have a plan to pay off the new debt.

In short, we might have to raise our debt ceiling temporarily. We would plan, Lord willing, to reduce our debt. We would not continue to raise our debt ceiling. That would be irrational.

USSA: the Fox News article, which I cited in the introduction, stated that the debt ceiling is 31.381 trillion dollars. That's $31,381,000,000,000.

How many times has Congress raised the debt ceiling? The official answer is at U.S. Department of the Treasury, Debt Limit:

Since 1960, Congress has acted 78 separate times to permanently raise, temporarily extend, or revise the definition of the debt limit – 49 times under Republican presidents and 29 times under Democratic presidents. Congressional leaders in both parties have recognized that this is necessary.

Necessary? Really? Yes, both parties are at fault, especially Democrats – as a study of congressional debt ceiling votes, by party, since 1960 will surely prove. Presidents can't raise the debt limit.

I was born in 1960. I'm 62 years old. I have not needed to raise my debt ceiling limit 1.25 times a year, in each year of my life. I have never had that kind of an income versus spending problem. Dad taught me that money doesn't grow on trees. You've got to make it, to spend it. Don't spend more than you make. If you need to borrow, then get out of debt as fast as you can.

The “guvrmint,” however, has had to raise its debt ceiling limit 1.25 times a year, in each year, from 1960 to 2022 – 62 years. It has a definite income versus spending problem. The “guvrmint” must think that money grows on trees – or is devalued, causing inflation, by printing more almost worthless Monopoly money dollars.

In short, the “guvrmint” must stop raising its debt ceiling and devise a plan to reduce its debt.

Increase Income?

Household: We have sufficient income for manageable expenses. I draw retirement income. My wife, bless her heart, is <deleted by Mrs. Appalachian Irishman> years younger than me, so she must work another year or so. By God's grace and our wisdom, we manage the best that we can, to keep expenses below our income.

If our household expenses, at some point, require additional income, then I could find a part-time job. I know how much the “socialist insecurity administration” states that I could earn, without reducing the amount of money that they owe me on a monthly basis. At this point, I have toyed with attempts to find the right part-time job, but I've not yet found a position that would serve my interests. I could become less picky, if inflation continues to be so uncontrolled.

USSA: the “guvrmint” has sufficient income but unmanageable expenses. The Fiscal Data on Treasury.gov section is: “How much revenue has the U.S. government collected this year?” (Note: scroll down to the “Federal Revenue Overview” segment.)

That segment states that, in fiscal year 2022, the USSA “guvrmint” collected $4.90 trillion ($4,900,000,000,000) in revenue. It spent $6.27 trillion ($6,270,000,000,000). The deficit, thus, was $1.37 trillion ($1,370,000,000,000). (Note that it reports $1.38 trillion deficit, but $1.37 trillion is correct by my math.)

Isn't $4.90 trillion ($4,900,000,000,000) in revenue enough? The “guvrmint” may try to increase taxes. Wisdom dictates, however, that it must control and reduce its runaway spending! This leads to the next question.

Lower Spending?

Household: my wife and I are thrifty. We don't just “blow money.” We limit our so-called “discretionary” spending.

Unfortunately, runaway inflation (caused by federal spending) forces us to pay more for groceries, utilities, gasoline, household supplies, home and vehicle maintenance, and so forth. We track and budget our costs. My article of 9/2/2022 was a snapshot on how grocery costs have increased.

In a recent ten-day period (1/11/2023 - 1/20/2023, Wednesday through Friday), we endured a “perfect storm” of expenses. On 1/11/2023, my wife had her six-month dental cleaning, which we knew. On 1/12/2023, we had to replace our garbage disposal, which we didn't expect. On 1/17/2023, my wife had a follow-up dental appointment, which we didn't expect. On 1/19/2023, our propane tank was filled, which I'd rather have put off until next month. On 1/20/2023, Molly (our doggy) had her dental cleaning, which we'd known. (Interestingly, Molly's dental cleaning cost the same as my wife's!) In that ten-day period, we had to spend over $2,200.

Upcoming, we know that our 2012 Nissan Sentra needs new struts (estimated at about $1,100 total cost for parts and labor). Property tax must be paid before 2/28/2023. Thankfully, we have managed, and we should be able to manage those expenses. Our surplus, however, will be lowered, at least for a while.

In this period of inflation, we are unable to lower total spending. We, however, reduce costs, by dining out rarely and by not just “blowing money.” By God's grace, we will survive. (Jesus' words, in Matthew 6:25-34, assure us.)

USSA: the “guvrmint,” in contrast, is not thrifty. It, apparently, spends money like a drunken sailor, with apology to all sailors. Yes, certain outlays are necessary. Others are certainly not. I could unpack my thoughts on necessary verses wasteful spending, but I will not take the time to do so, in this article. Anyone with any fiscal common sense should know what I'm thinking.

Any “guvrmint” that has had to raise its debt ceiling limit 1.25 times a year, in each year, from 1960 to 2022, has a spending problem or obsession! That's what our “guvrmint” has been doing.

My article of 1/11/2021 cited a credible source, which indicated that, in 2014, the “guvrmint” started spending more than it brought in. Could you imagine spending more than your income, for nine inclusive years in a row? That's what our “guvrmint” has been doing, under various Presidents and Congresses.

3/2/2022 photo by Alan Roberts on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

 The “guvrmint” needs to remove some of the “piglets” that are sucking on the “tits.”

Conclusion

The search of my website by “debt” finds the following six articles, listed below, in chronological order. This is my seventh article on the subject of national debt.

“ELIMENTRY” LESSONS for the “GUVERMINT EDUKATED, SO$IALIST” FOLK (published 2-24-2013; updated 8-28-2022). The article notes that the 2012 national debt was $16.6 trillion and change. Of the six articles, this one is my favorite.

STATUS OF A ONCE GREAT NATION: Inflation, Debt, Socialism, & 1/6/2021 White House Attack (published 1/11/2021; updated 10/4/2022)

5/2/2021, SUNDAY: POLY-TICS SMORGASBORD CATCH-UP (#2)

AN INVITATION TO THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE USSA TO REVEAL THE MONEY TREE (published 5/22/2021)

PRESIDENT BIDEN'S REPLY TO MY LETTER – Over a Year Late (published 7-27-2022; article #341)

STAGFLATION & MONEY TREE: “Engine Air Intake Hose” Story (published 8-28-2022; article #350)

Should the USSA raise the debt ceiling? No! If the house is full of garbage spending, then raising the roof will only allow more garbage to be added. Instead, haul off some garbage spending.

Should the USSA increase income? No! Who wants to pay Uncle Sam more, to allow him to keep up his addiction to reckless spending? Uncle Sam needs to undergo rehabilitation for reckless spending.

Should the USSA lower spending? Absolutely! Remember, the national debt is available on at least three websites: Fiscal Data on Treasury.gov, an official website of the U.S. government (Total Public Debt Outstanding), USA Debt Clock, and US Debt Clock – which also records debt per citizen ($94,200 debt per citizen, as of 1/23/2023, 2:45 PM).

I can't look up at a high ceiling too long, without getting dizzy. I can't watch the numbers increase by the second, on USA Debt Clock and US Debt Clock, without getting dizzy.

Wake up, not woke up, America! Come down from the dizzying heights of spending, increasing by the second! My wife and I know how to manage our household budget. Does Congress know how to manage the federal budget?

You are welcome, dear reader, to share this article with anyone – especially to any member of Congress. Those folks need our common sense advice, if they will listen.