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May 25, 2012
Mark Clayton: Is Hillary's State Dept. hacking Al Qaeda? Not quite
Erika Bolstad: Temple cancels Wasserman Schultz speech
The Kosher Gourmet by Ethel G. Hofman: The former president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, whose members included the likes of Julia Child, is back with contemporary Shavous cuisine: Ruby Fruit Soup, Sweet Noodle Kugel with Cheese, Key Lime Curd, Calsone Casserole Frittata with Wild Mushrooms, Sun-dried tomatoes and Olives, Baked Tilapia with Pepper Cheese Cream and Brown Sugar Shortbread
May 24, 2012
Jeff Jacoby: The peace process battered Israel's reputation
Michael Muskal: 'Pro-choice' position hits record low, according to poll
Chris Farrell: Are We in a Tech Bubble?
The Kosher Gourmet by Penelope Wall: PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS --- hold the steak!
May 23, 2012
Tony Pugh: More private colleges offering tuition discounts
Mary Beth Franklin: How to Choose the Right Annuity for You
Tina Susman: The wig wasn't enough: Man gets 13 years for posing as his dead mom
The Kosher Gourmet by Emma Christensen:A simple way to do fish right
May 22, 2012
Warren Richey: Can US group challenge overseas surveillance act? Supreme Court to decide
Thomas M. Anderson: Walking Away From a Mortgage
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: Enjoy a celebration of the most rich and layered flavors: Black bean, sweet potato and quinoa chili
May 21, 2012
Mark Clayton: Cybersecurity: How US utilities passed up chance to protect their networks
Howard LaFranchi: NATO summit: Who will foot the bill for long-term Afghanistan security?
Chris Farrell : Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Stephen Whiteside, Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Social anxiety disorder --- or just shy?
Guy Jackson : Victim's father regrets death of Lockerbie bomber
The Kosher Gourmet by Mario Batali: Famed chef's veal shoulder farsumagru: A festive meat course for late spring
May 18, 2012
Rabbi Berel Wein: Striving: The People of the Book's Book for (All of) the People
Steven Goldberg: 5 Great Stock Picks and the Exchange-Traded Fund that Owns Them
Mary Pickett, M.D.: Ask the Harvard Experts: Don't be forced into gluten-free lifestyle based merely on a doctor's false-positive test
The Kosher Gourmet by Carolyn Malcoun: DIY healthy lunchbox treats: HOMEMADE FRUIT BARS for kids and brown-bagging adults alike
May 17, 2012
Warren Richey: Teacher fired for being unwed and pregnant can sue religious school, court rules
Josh Mitnick: Netanyahu's 'centrist' coalition is already proving it's anything but
Steven Goldberg: Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Amina Khan: Research links coffee to lower death rates
The Kosher Gourmet by Faith Duran : Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole with Cheddar and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
May 16, 2012
Carmen Terzic, M.D., Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: A variety of exercises can help improve balance
Melissa Healy: National strategy on Alzheimer's disease aims to halt it by 2025
The Kosher Gourmet by Joyce White : GOODNESS GRACIOUS: GREENS! 4 winning recipes that are no longer just for down-home folks (Includes expert tips & techniques)
May 15, 2012
Kristen Chick: Obama administration resumes arms sales to Bahrain despite serious unresolved human rights issues. Activists feel abandoned
Pat Mertz Esswein: Homes are now affordable again and mortgage rates are low. What you need to know before you buy
Kathy Kristof: Our Practical Investor Fights Inflation with These 6 Investments
Sue Hubbard, M.D.: The Kid's Doctor: Lactose intolerant young child? Check again
The Kosher Gourmet by Kathy Hunt: Spread a Little Excitement with EXOTIC CONDIMENTS (4 RECIPES)
May 14, 2012
Lisa Gerstner: How to Protect Your Identity, Finances If You Lose Your Phone
Harvard Health Letters: Heart disease and dementia
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: MANGO COCONUT OAT MORNING MUFFINS are a bright but hearty delight
May 11, 2012
Jessica L. Anderson: Get the Best Deal on a Used Car
Jett Stone: Forget face-lifts and fake knees. Scientists have seen the fountain of youth --- and it's broccoli
The Kosher Gourmet by Chef Mario Batali: The famed chef's vegetable dish that tastes true to the season: FAVAS AND SUGAR SNAP PEAS WITH POTATOES AND TARRAGON
May 10, 2012
Sergei L. Loiko: Putin sends warning to U.S., NATO in Victory Day speech at Red Square
Mary Rourke: How being a 'mentch' got Vidal Sasoon his start and fighting in Israel's War of Independence provided him with confidence and a strong sense of his own identity
Jeff Bertolucci: Get Home Phone Service for Less Than $10 a Month
The Kosher Gourmet by Betty Rosbottom: Gleaming with its golden, crimson, and snowy white hues, this silken smooth and creamy STRAWBERRY ORANGE TRIFLE looks impressive, but is easy to prepare
May 9, 2012
Sharon Palmer, R.D. How you can reduce your risk -- or delay -- chronic diseases associated with aging
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Jewish World Review
June 29, 2011
/ 27 Sivan, 5771
Balanced budget or bust
By
Dick Morris And Eileen McGann
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http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
After the government has racked up a deficit of $1.5 trillion and over $14 trillion in debt, it’s obvious to most Americans that some fundamental reworking of the system that permitted such extravagance is desperately needed and quite overdue. To raise the debt limit in exchange for dollar-for-dollar cuts is one key element of an emerging deal. If Congress is to approve a $2.3 trillion increase in the debt ceiling, it must be matched by an equivalent amount of cuts in the 10-year budget. But what one Congress does, another can undo. And 10 years is a long time.
So this debt-limit negotiation is the time to seek the fundamental and permanent change that can only come through a constitutional amendment. The concept of a balanced-budget amendment has been kicking around for four decades, but now is the time to pass it through Congress.
The state legislatures have never been the obstacle to passing a balanced-budget amendment. Since each has such a requirement in its own constitution, state legislatures will likely look favorably on a parallel federal requirement. The problem has always been to pass it through Congress with the requisite two-thirds majority.
With the Obama administration desperate for a debt-limit increase and the Republicans holding vast new power at the state level as a result of the 2010 elections, now is the time to demand these constitutional reforms. To pass a debt-limit expansion in return only for possibly evanescent spending cuts spread over a decade would be to squander a historic opportunity for basic structural change in our government.
A constitutional amendment should include:
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A requirement for a balanced budget with deficits permitted only by vote of a supermajority. This requirement will give the forces of fiscal responsibility the bargaining leverage they need to hold the big spenders in check.
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No tax increases or changes in the tax code except through a supermajority of both houses of Congress.
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A cap on the percentage of GDP that can go to federal government spending; a permanent limit on the growth of government that can only be waived by a supermajority. The cap should not be onerous but should be appreciably less than the 25 percent of GDP the current federal appetite consumes. A phased-in ceiling of 21 percent slightly above the historical norm would be appropriate.
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A line-item veto. Passed in the Clinton years and thrown out by the court, it is now time to embed this change in the Constitution. It will give the president the leverage he needs to stop excessive spending and nutty earmarking. With a Democrat in the White House, now is probably the time to pass it.
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Give the president the authority to impound money voted by Congress. The legislative branch stripped presidents of this authority during the realignment of power that took place during the Nixon presidency. The time has come to restore this power so that the president can rein in parochial, special-interest-driven appropriations voted by Congress. Again, with a Democrat in the White House, this might be the ideal time to pass it.
Some will object that provisions for waiving these requirements by a supermajority in Congress will give the big-spending legislators just the opening they need to continue to rack up debt. But all will agree that some flexibility is needed in the event of war, natural disaster or economic necessity. A supermajority requirement will empower the most fiscally conservative of legislators and give them the bargaining power they need to force responsibility on the rest of Congress.
Without constitutional reform, the Republicans should not agree to raise the debt ceiling. The overspending of the past few years is so egregious that it is obvious that only permanent change embedded in our national charter can save us from ruin. And the political climate for such change is certainly ripe.
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