Financial Woes

As I watched the news this morning, the same topic seems to be on everyone's mind - is the country's economic system going to fail??

Jefferson County to file for Bankruptcy;  Trussville can't continue capital projects without a tax increase;  and, of course, the battle of all times - whether to raise the debt ceiling.  Financial advisors, gurus, etc. have always "preached" that we should live within our means.  Does this not apply to governments at all levels? 

If any one citizen who is in jeopardy of having to file bankruptcy sought out advice, they would receive the same advice from everyone they talked to - cut your spending - live within your means.  Why does this same advice not seem to apply to government.  If we, as citizens, are to live within our means, we should stop charging on our credit cards, develop a plan to pay off our debt, and make sacrifices in order to live within that plan.  We don't eat out as often.  We don't make extra trips to the store, raising gas costs.  We don't buy unnecessary items just because we want them.  These things are all sound financial advice, so why can't governments follow suit?

If Trussville can't continue capital projects without a tax increase, then don't continue the projects.  Put those things on hold until they fit into the budget.  Find ways to cut your spending.

Jefferson County may actually have no alternative at this point.  The sewer debt is way too high.  However, where are the talks about cutting spending?  I have not heard any of the county commissioners volunteer to take a salary cut.

The US Government has to cut spending.  Everyone agrees on that.  Again, I have not heard any congressmen volunteer to take a salary cut - how much could be saved by this?  The same for the President. 

I think the bottom line is that these governments find it as hard to cut spending as the typical family does - yes it is hard - but let's just do what we have to do.