Common Sense On Deficits

There is a progressive answer to the conservative argument that the country is facing a federal spending crisis that must be addressed through cutting Social Security and other domestic programs. On this page our writers and other progressive leaders address how we can honor our historic social contract and reduce federal deficits responsibly.


Richard Eskow's picture

Social Security Suicide Pact (or, The Folks Back Home on the Old Ant Farm)

By Richard (RJ) Eskow
July 2, 2010

Democrats won the news cycle yesterday when they slammed John Boehner for calling the economic crisis an "ant." But winning a news cycle isn't the same as winning an election. A new poll shows that the President and his party risk political suicide if they join in the mad rush to cut Social Security, and a sleight-of-hand move by the House leadership today suggests they're considering it. more »

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Roger Hickey's picture

Grow The Economy, Reduce The Deficit, Invest In The Future

By Roger Hickey
June 30, 2010

I support smart economic policies to reduce the structural deficit over time. However, I want to share three major concerns.

1. We are in danger of killing or weakening needed growth in the name of reducing deficits. more »

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Richard Trumka's picture

Eight Keys To Addressing The Deficit

By Richard Trumka
June 30, 2010

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Commission, I know my time is short, so I will limit my testimony to eight key points:

First, stabilizing the national debt is a means to an end, not an end in itself. more »

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James Galbraith's picture

A Financial Crisis, Not A Deficit Crisis

By James Galbraith
June 30, 2010

What caused the deficits and rising public debt? The answer comes in two parts: present deficits and projected future deficits. more »

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