Posted by
Limited Government on Tuesday, March 04, 2008 11:27:01 PM
In 1908, federal spending was 2.5% of GDP and total government spending was 7.8%. In 2008 federal spending is estimated to be 20.5% of GDP with government spending at federal, state and local levels totaling 35.7%. Many people do not know that the federal government has not always been as expansive as it currently is. Even some conservatives have embraced "big-government conservatism," arguing that big government is here to stay. In some ways this is an understandable position for politicians because only so much can change over the course of 2, 4, or 6 year election cycles. However understandable the position may be, what this country needs is a conservative, limited government vision.
The vision that I have for the federal government of the United States is a budget, in typical circumstances, of no more than 10% of GDP. Many people may argue that a 50% reduction in federal spending is impossible. Though there are obstacles to achieving this reduction, over time it is possible. If federal spending was frozen at 2008 levels and the GDP grew at an annual rate of 3%, after 25 years, the federal budget would be 10% of GDP. If GDP grows at a reduced rate or if the amount spent increases, the length of time that it takes to achieve the reduction would be extended, but the reduction would still be achieved. The cumulative reduction over the course of time is substantial, but it is achieved incrementally.
How would this reduction be achieved? Since the reductions happen incrementally, drastic annual cuts are not necessary, but the process will require a fundamentally different approach to government spending. Departments could no longer assume annual increases in their budgets. Wasteful spending would have to be eliminated. Redundant agencies would be combined. Departments, programs, and agencies would have to be prioritized, and eventually some would be eliminated. Evaluating the Constitutional legitimacy of the various entities could aid the process. Entitlement programs may have to be restructured to meet promised benefits over the short term while being phase out over a longer term.
How would the country function with reduced federal spending and the elimination of some government agencies? Again, the reductions happen incrementally, so there is time to plan and adjust to the changes. Some of the changes, such as reducing wasteful spending would require no adjustment (except possibly for the recipients of the wasteful spending). Other changes may require the states, local governments, religious and civic organizations, and individuals to assume the responsibilities. Not only is this a constitutional principal, but pragmatically, it moves the responsibility closer to the need.
With patience, concerted effort, and a conviction that a limited federal government is best for the country, this limited government vision can become a reality.