Poll: Balance the budget? Yes and no, by Bradley Meacham

[joel123]

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/News/PollBalanceTheBudgetYesAndNo.aspx


"An MSN-Zogby poll says most Americans want the next president to make government live within its means. But they don't support cuts in programs and aren't willing to to pay more taxes."

[sonic]

Sounds good! Lets have our cake and eat it too!

Seems to me like we are going to have to raise revenue somehow, what with our bridges falling down now.

[vette68]

You have to laugh at some of this article....people are accepting of some budget cuts as long as they aren't affected. I know know what my grandfather would say...we are all going to need to suffer together.

[sbo]

Its hard for me to understand why some people don't get the idea that from time to time sacrifice is required. Everyone knows they will eventually have to balance the household budget. The country must do this as well. It makes me so frustrated at times!

[dellaone2]

I'm with you sbo. I think we have gotten pretty spoiled as a people. There is plenty we need to attend to, but everybody thinks they need the flat-screen tv instead.

[duncan]

I think alot of the problem is waste at the government and individual level. No question about the inefficiency of government in my opinion. But also it funny how over time so many wants become needs, got to haves...there is a lot of waste in our day to day lives too.

[blueeagle]

I couldn't agree more. The current generation, the baby boomer, of whom I belong, is one of self-indulgence and consumption. Its seems there are many areas we as a country need to attend to; I don't know that this generation has what it takes to make the tough decisions, sacrifice a little.

[sixfeet]

Based on all the info on consumer debt, low saving rates, home foreclosures, its hard for me to believe that 82% of Americans polled said they live within their means. Something is off here.

[vette68]

I agree sixfeet. The sample is either off or some folks don't define "living within their means" like I do. Its obvious more than 18% of the population struggles with their finances.

[ochati]

I think the day of reckoning is not too far away. The is no way we can provide the services the population wants and needs and maintain the budgeting style the government adheres to. Its likely to be painful and difficult, something we are far from accustom to.