Reality Hits the Swamplands

I poke fun at New Jersey. The politics in the Garden State have been high on corruption and low on common sense. But in a shock (a very welcome and surprising shock) last November New Jersey residents said enough. Governor Chris Christie told New Jersey that the state is basically broke and that, “Today, the days of Alice in Wonderland budgeting in Trenton end.”

Hallelujah! A politician understands that whatever you take in, you must spend less. His entire speech is well worth perusing. Governor Christie announced cuts to 379 programs, including not making a $100 million contribution towards pensions. Of course, expect the public employee unions to yell foul and complain that Governor Christie is harming children, etc.

There’s a simple problem: You can’t spend money you don’t have. Government needs to be limited in scope and size. Unfortunately, most states operate like they have printing presses. And please don’t talk to me about the current administration in Washington.

It will be interesting to see how far and fast budget reality spreads. It will be spreading as there aren’t any other real options. Unfortunately, California figures to be among the last to grasp reality.

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