This is an interesting contrast. Good news for Germans, sad news for Americans.
As most Americans are aware, we’re having real problems handling our budget shortfalls. We’ve got deficits, fiscal cliffs, and sequestrations. We have a constant political battle of which direction to go.
Well, Germany has recently run into some budget shortfalls. What was their reaction to this?
Funding Shortfall: Germany Forced to Cancel Climate Programs
The European cap-and-trade system has for months been sliding into inconsequence as prices for CO2 emissions have stubbornly remained below €5 ($6.47) per ton. The revenues Berlin earns on the mandatory emissions certificates have suffered as a result.
By the end of the month, Environment Minister Peter Altmaier, a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative Christian Democrats, is set to cut the program aimed at promoting electric cars, a fund for research and development of energy storage technologies and a third program focused on protecting and expanding forestland in Germany as a way to absorb more CO2 out of the atmosphere. In April, further programs are on the chopping block, according to an internal ministry document seen by SPIEGEL. In total, 14 programs or one-time measures are affected.
Here we see responsible adults making choices. The prioritized the things really wanted vs the things they don’t need. When they have a budget shortfall, they cut away useless programs.
What was the response to budget shortfalls of the US?
There’s even this ……
White House warns Easter Egg Roll could be canceled
One day, we might get an adult as a head of state, too.
h/t Lat
No, the children are in charge, and they will not allow another “grup” in the WhiteHouse. As long as they get “taken care” of, they have no need to find a job.
One can only hope for one day……
Nice article at American Thinker… a quote:
‘The takers have become infantilized. Would any sane parent give their children the unqualified right to decide their own allowance?’
The author supports what would be considered an extreme measure: not allowing the government dependent to vote, as it’s kinda like a self-sustaining conflict of interest. But maybe the only way to save us.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2013/03/stopping_the_inevitable.html
Like all good ideas, it has no chance of becoming law. A shame really. It allows those with no skin in the game to make the rules of the game.
“It allows those with no skin in the game to make the rules of the game.’
Exactly.
Getting rid of WH perks would be a good place to start!!!!
Alfred
“One day, we might get an adult as a head of state, too.”
Well. The first thing Merkel did when becoming chancellor in a great coalition with the socialists was increase VAT by 3% points; harvesting 32 bn EUR a year. If she has the choice between raising taxes and cutting spending she will always choose raising taxes – EXCEPT 6 months before an election. Make no mistake, the slush funds WILL be filled, after October, by whomever governs Germany then.
Yeh, but, I thought it worth noting the distinction between responses of one country and another.
Are you suggesting we stop spending millions of dollars studying the eating habits of the brown-nosed squirrel of northeastern Manitoba? That’s economically stimulating research, and useful too.
LOL!! Yes, it’s part of my evil austerity plan.