I think that there should be zero increase in government spending in years where there is no increase in Social Security benefits. Social Security benefits are calculated based on the inflation rate.
In order to manipulate the numbers to meet the needs of the bureaucrats, inflation is calculated without the use of the numbers for food and fuel. The two things most people need to survive and hold a job are removed from the equation. I'm guessing that if we didn't have to buy food or fuel, we could balance our budgets. Am I right? Then there is the increase in interest on student loans and the cost or penalty one must pay for insurance. So, regardless of the government's fuzzy numbers and even considering the drop in gasoline prices, we are still being hit hard in the wallet.
Yet, Washington passed a 2200-page 1.1 TRILLION dollar spending bill. That bill has thousands of unrelated and costly provisions. Removing "country of origin" meat labels and the end of the federal prohibition on medical marijuana to name two.
There is no end to the rampant and unrestricted spending that you and I are expected to fund. For millions of Social Security recipients, they are expected to fund more with less money. Proof positive that your government doesn't give a furry rodent backside about you.
Arnold Avery
