Where should taxpayer funding stop?

[Fins4ever]

In last night's debate, Romney made the remark he would stop funding PBS (Bigbird). I have heard that the government supports about 8% of the funding for PBS and also supports agencies like Planned Parenthood, which offers abortions among other things. PBS, keep in mind makes millions on merchandising sales of which the taxpayer gets nothing.

Should the taxpayers be on the hook for theses type of things? My position is that government is already involved with way too much, including my personal decisions. I don't feel like my taxes should pay for a TV network, contraception or abortions...I could go on and on.

All I want from my government is keeping me safe by providing a strong military, running the jails (that is going private btw) and investing R&D in the sciences. If the education system went private, it would be cheaper and better. You can get rid of the post office too.     

[badger6]

In last night's debate, Romney made the remark he would stop funding PBS (Bigbird). I have heard that the government supports about 8% of the funding for PBS and also supports agencies like Planned Parenthood, which offers abortions among other things. PBS, keep in mind makes millions on merchandising sales of which the taxpayer gets nothing.

Should the taxpayers be on the hook for theses type of things? My position is that government is already involved with way too much, including my personal decisions. I don't feel like my taxes should pay for a TV network, contraception or abortions...I could go on and on.

All I want from my government is keeping me safe by providing a strong military, running the jails (that is going private btw) and investing R&D in the sciences. If the education system went private, it would be cheaper and better. You can get rid of the post office too.     

^^^ This guy gets it

[el diablo]

Except that Article I, section 8, clause 7 calls for the establishment of post offices.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

running the jails (that is going private btw)

Do not confuse "going private" with not taxpayer funded. 

Taxpayers still pay for the jails.  The only difference is it typically costs more.  The workers are paid less.  And someone who made a huge contribution to the politican in charge winds up pocketing profits at the taxpayers expense. 

[Dave Gray]

I liked what Romney said about cutting programs that didn't pass the test of: Is it worth borrowing money from China to fund?

There are programs that I personally like, like NASA and PBS, that make it a tough call.  Others, like farm subsidies, that I think need to be eliminated.

I think that contraceptives should ABSOLUTELY be covered by national health care, as it saves the nation money.  ...abortion, while we're at it, but it'll never happen.  Basically, anything that does better when it is a shared resource should be run by the government.  ...things we all need -- defense, health care, education, transit, post, courts/jail, and advancements to technology that helps push industries (telecommunications, energy)

[Fau Teixeira]

i think the whole "borrow money from china" thing is also misleading.. when the united states increases the debt, at no point do we borrow money from china.

If you don't understand how the world of modern financing works, i'm sure it makes for a nifty sound byte though.

[Spider-Dan]

I always thought that it's strange that people feel like abortions shouldn't be paid for with tax dollars because it's a policy that they oppose.

I opposed the war in Iraq and private contractors doing the work of our military, yet those seem to have been funded without any issue.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

I wonder if attacking Big Bird is going to fail as collassally as Dan Quail's attack on Murphy Brown or Bush, Sr.'s attack on the Simpsons.

[Dave Gray]

As a matter of a philosophical debate, I think that bringing up PBS is a good one.  Should government be in the business of running a TV station?  That's a total legitimate concern about the size of business.

What I hate is that it seems to come with complete blinders to the big issues of spending.  Military, Social Security, Medicare -- that's where your money goes.

[Fins4ever]

Do not confuse "going private" with not taxpayer funded. 

Taxpayers still pay for the jails.  The only difference is it typically costs more.  The workers are paid less.  And someone who made a huge contribution to the politican in charge winds up pocketing profits at the taxpayers expense. 

Yes, excellent point. I was not very clear. Just meant that the government was not running the jails, but the taxpayer is ALWAYS on the hook.

Here in AZ. our Governor is a huge supporter of private prisons. They claim it is cheaper, but it isn't and it is not nearly as safe. Private companies cut costs by hiring cheaper labor, less security, less training and .....

Last year a couple of people escaped a private prison and killed some innocent people. We were more than upset. Not only that, but the state has failed to follow up on audits and inspections. The prison issue is really a hot topic for me. Would you believe the state of AZ. even imports prisoners from other states to keep the bed count up? They even passed a law that requires ALL incarcerated to serve a minimum of 85% of time sentenced. Now that is effective rehab!

[Fins4ever]

I always thought that it's strange that people feel like abortions shouldn't be paid for with tax dollars because it's a policy that they oppose.

I opposed the war in Iraq and private contractors doing the work of our military, yet those seem to have been funded without any issue.

It will be a debate that will never die, and if you are pro life or pro choice makes no difference. IMO, it is still an area that the government has no business being in.

[badger6]

I always thought that it's strange that people feel like abortions shouldn't be paid for with tax dollars because it's a policy that they oppose.

I opposed the war in Iraq and private contractors doing the work of our military, yet those seem to have been funded without any issue.

Do you think that the government should foot the bill for abortions ?

[Dave Gray]

Do you think that the government should foot the bill for abortions ?

I would like the government to oversee the entire healthcare industry, which would include abortions, contraception, etc.  The only thing that I think shouldn't be covered is stuff like cosmetic surgery for non-deformities.

[Fins4ever]

I would like the government to oversee the entire healthcare industry, which would include abortions, contraception, etc.  The only thing that I think shouldn't be covered is stuff like cosmetic surgery for non-deformities.

That is exactly what the European Socialist Countries believe. How is that working? Ever talk to anyone who has lived in Canada? It is a nightmare and dying before you can see a doctor is not uncommon. They say as long as the illness is minor, it is OK, but anything serious and you are in trouble.

Point #2. Name 1 thing besides the military that the government is more efficient than private industry. There may be one, but I can't think of it.

A perfect example is the post office. The PO was a government monopoly for years and still lost money. Then when UPS and Fed EX showed up, who are both profitable BTW, it was ballgame over.

Dave, have you ever worked for or with the government? Are you aware of the culture and entitlement attitudes? Just curious...Oh, Brian Miller says hello.

[badger6]

I would like the government to oversee the entire healthcare industry, which would include abortions, contraception, etc.  The only thing that I think shouldn't be covered is stuff like cosmetic surgery for non-deformities.

So other than a health issue or life risking problem in pregnancy, you consider normal pregnancy a health problem ?