News organizations last week reported that this year’s national deficit will exceed $2 trillion — that’s 12 zeros, folks. With unemployment at historic low levels and a growing economy.
A quick review of how we got here: 1) the GOP ran tax cuts while the economy was growing and markets booming; 2) during the pandemic, the government, under GOP leadership, dolled out trillions with little thought; 3) Democrats dumped trillions of stimulus dollars after the pandemic had abated; and 4) both sides agreed to an incredibly weak budget “deal” a few months ago to extend the debt limit past $31.4 trillion.
Exactly one presidential candidate has called out the whole system, including her own party leader, Kevin McCarthy — Nikki Haley. The former South Carolina governor was U.S. ambassador under Donald Trump during very challenging times. She is a moderate Republican. She’s smart and affable. She’s a strong family-centered person. And, on stage surrounded by mostly milquetoast candidates in Milwaukee last month, she lambasted her own party when it comes to responsible government. To all my independent brothers and sisters, I think we have someone to vote for if she can get through the gauntlet on that side of the aisle.
