Rumpole
Diamond Member
- Mar 20, 2023
- 3,307
- 2,650
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So, you assign an equally narcissistic arrogant billionaire (as Trump is) untrained in auditing science, ignorant of the law and the constitution's bicameral system (as Trump is), and what could possibly go wrong? Well, it's going wrong -- the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE--Elon Musk's latest foray into bureaucratic bungling. Market’s are crashing, Tesla is crashing and protests ar mounting in just about every state, people, children, veterans, are suffering because toss the baby out with the bathwater approach is about as wise as a lemming going gleefully over a cliff. They boasted about slashing billions from the federal budget, but it turns out their math skills are as reliable as a politician's promise. They claimed an $8 billion cut from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but oops, it was just $8 million. And those three $655 million cuts at USAID? Try a paltry $18 million total. Now, they've quietly scrubbed these "savings" from their website, yet still tout a $65 billion reduction. It's like watching a magician botch every trick but still expect applause.
But wait, there's more! They also boasted about a $232 million cut to the Social Security Administration, which in reality was a mere $560,000. And let's not forget the $1.9 billion "saving" from the Treasury Department, based on a contract canceled during the previous administration. It's like they're using Monopoly money to balance the budget. They even claimed a $2 billion savings, well, turns it was saved during Biden's term, so they had to delete it from the list.
Despite these blunders, DOGE's website still flaunts a $65 billion savings claim which I hold as suspect. It's as if they're hoping no one notices the emperor has no clothes--or in this case, no calculator. Besides, the 'savings' or alleged savings, is a subterfuge because Trump is planning a massive tax cut for his rich chronies, including himself and if the 'savings' pay for the tax cut, how does that lower the debt? It doesn't.
DOGE claims $65 billion in savings — but its own ‘wall of receipts’ shows just $9.6 billion
The national debt is $36 trillion, so $9.6 billion represents about one quarter of one percent. And since they are planning to use theses so-called 'savings' to enact a massive tax cut, how in holy hell is that savings going to drive down the debt? Hmmm? All it will do is pay for billionaire's tax cuts, money they sure as hell don't need, anyway.
Yeah, suspect. I don't trust anything these clowns, Musk and his merry band of slightly older than teenyboppers say.
Incompetence or intentional deception? Either way, it's a masterclass in how not to run a government efficiency program. Maybe next time, they should try using an abacus, or better yet, the trained folks in auditing science and protocols over at the GAO, and the IG system, constitutionally and lawfully assigned to these tasks, by non partisan professionals.
As for Musk and 'DOGE' (which should be retitled as, 'Dysfunctional Oligarch Grifting Excessively ), Excuse me if I don’t trust or care to take the word of a billionaire (whose billions are courtesy of the US taxpayer) who is a partisan hack with extreme conflicts of interest, no training in auditing, no grasp of its science or protocols, and no regard for the constitutional role of the IG apparatus and GAO -- established by Congress to do precisely what he’s redundantly attempting, and have been doing it for years. The inescapable fact that DOGE is illegal, unconstitutional, and driven by someone so arrogant and full of himself (given his wealth) he thinks he’s untouchable and above learning or accountability.
We have the IGs and the GAO detecting this stuff all the time, and they are staffed with experts in the auditing fields, which is far more complex than Musk and Trump realize.
You can't solve the problem of a bloated government with a simplistic mindset, it's too big, too complicated.
If you are going to cure an illness, medicine doesn't cure, you need to attack the cause, and DOGE doesn't do it.
I attacked (see below) what I believe is the cause, which must be dealt with, and, unless it is done, the symptom, bloated government, will just return.
DOGE is a scam, and NOT the solution. The firings 'cost savings' are a miniscule fraction of 1% of the national debt, and will cause for more havoc than shrink the debt, and the 'cost benefit' ratio just isn't there. Moreover, we have the IG system and the GAO establish per the constitution by Congress, all of whom have training in auditing, knowledge of it's science and auditing protocols which Musk and his merry band of boppers haven't a clue. What's tragic is that they assume they do, but theirs aligns with hyperpartisanship, and ignores the law and the constitution. Like I said in the link, below:
There's a reason for Congress, it represents 'the people'. This is why the bicameral system is in place, so that the people have a voice in policies, that no one person or faction can tyrannize another, that we all have to compromise and find common ground, this is the why of 1776, the Declaration of Independence, why we broke from Great Britain and it's king and his tyranny, we had a enough, and we created a republic. It is why our service personnel died in wars for this cause. They sure as hell didn't fight for our freedom from tyranny only to have a guy Like Trump trying to become one.
Trump’s and Musk’s justification for these mass firings -- that it will significantly reduce spending and lower national debt -- is economically illiterate. The total federal payroll, based on 2.4 million federal workers earning an average salary of $108,510, amounts to approximately $260.42 billion -- a mere 0.72% of the total U.S. national debt of $36.22 trillion. Even if every federal worker were fired, the impact on national debt would be negligible (2/3rds of 1%)
Moreover, the debt issue is systemic, stemming from (imo) two key flaws:
But that's just an overview, here is more in-depth view:
The debt crisis is not just a consequence of reckless spending or tax cuts but also systemic flaws in how money is created and allocated. Trump’s brand of fiscal vandalism is merely an acceleration of an already broken process. To avoid economic catastrophe, both spending reform and monetary realignment are necessary.
Legal and Constitutional Violations
DOGE’s firings are not just reckless -- they are unconstitutional. Article I of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, meaning that Musk’s interference in appropriations is a direct violation of the law. The Inspectors General (IG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) have been instrumental in maintaining oversight, proving that federal agencies have already made efficiency strides without the need for Musk’s authoritarian interference.
Historical Precedents and Backlash
Rehiring After Public Outcry: The last time a significant number of federal workers were dismissed, the operational chaos and public backlash forced the government to rehire critical personnel. This cycle of reckless firings and costly rehiring only adds to the deficit Musk claims to be solving.
Failed Government Shutdowns: Previous government shutdowns have shown that even temporary furloughs of federal workers cause immense disruption, yet DOGE is advocating for permanent eliminations, a move that is far more destructive.
In summary; Musk’s & Trump's Plan is a National Suicide Pact
Firing federal workers so wantonly and indiscriminately is not a solution -- it is an act of national self-destruction. Musk’s initiative is not precision surgery; it’s a chainsaw amputation. His reckless disregard for the nation’s institutional framework and constitutional laws makes him less of a reformer and more of a demolitionist. He says 'no agencies' should be the default, so fire all of them, and replace them as needed. This is insane.
If Musk & Trump truly wanted to fix the debt problem, they would advocate for systemic fiscal reform, including changes to the banking system and budgetary processes. Instead, their actions mirror a child smashing a clock because don't don’t like what time it is.
The United States needs competent governance, not indiscriminate destruction. Musk’s & Trump's meat-cleaver approach to governance is a ticking time bomb, and the nation cannot afford to let it detonate. If you think Trump's the cat's pajamas, you've been Trumped.
But wait, there's more! They also boasted about a $232 million cut to the Social Security Administration, which in reality was a mere $560,000. And let's not forget the $1.9 billion "saving" from the Treasury Department, based on a contract canceled during the previous administration. It's like they're using Monopoly money to balance the budget. They even claimed a $2 billion savings, well, turns it was saved during Biden's term, so they had to delete it from the list.
Despite these blunders, DOGE's website still flaunts a $65 billion savings claim which I hold as suspect. It's as if they're hoping no one notices the emperor has no clothes--or in this case, no calculator. Besides, the 'savings' or alleged savings, is a subterfuge because Trump is planning a massive tax cut for his rich chronies, including himself and if the 'savings' pay for the tax cut, how does that lower the debt? It doesn't.
DOGE claims $65 billion in savings — but its own ‘wall of receipts’ shows just $9.6 billion
The national debt is $36 trillion, so $9.6 billion represents about one quarter of one percent. And since they are planning to use theses so-called 'savings' to enact a massive tax cut, how in holy hell is that savings going to drive down the debt? Hmmm? All it will do is pay for billionaire's tax cuts, money they sure as hell don't need, anyway.
Yeah, suspect. I don't trust anything these clowns, Musk and his merry band of slightly older than teenyboppers say.
Incompetence or intentional deception? Either way, it's a masterclass in how not to run a government efficiency program. Maybe next time, they should try using an abacus, or better yet, the trained folks in auditing science and protocols over at the GAO, and the IG system, constitutionally and lawfully assigned to these tasks, by non partisan professionals.
As for Musk and 'DOGE' (which should be retitled as, 'Dysfunctional Oligarch Grifting Excessively ), Excuse me if I don’t trust or care to take the word of a billionaire (whose billions are courtesy of the US taxpayer) who is a partisan hack with extreme conflicts of interest, no training in auditing, no grasp of its science or protocols, and no regard for the constitutional role of the IG apparatus and GAO -- established by Congress to do precisely what he’s redundantly attempting, and have been doing it for years. The inescapable fact that DOGE is illegal, unconstitutional, and driven by someone so arrogant and full of himself (given his wealth) he thinks he’s untouchable and above learning or accountability.
We have the IGs and the GAO detecting this stuff all the time, and they are staffed with experts in the auditing fields, which is far more complex than Musk and Trump realize.
You can't solve the problem of a bloated government with a simplistic mindset, it's too big, too complicated.
If you are going to cure an illness, medicine doesn't cure, you need to attack the cause, and DOGE doesn't do it.
I attacked (see below) what I believe is the cause, which must be dealt with, and, unless it is done, the symptom, bloated government, will just return.
DOGE is a scam, and NOT the solution. The firings 'cost savings' are a miniscule fraction of 1% of the national debt, and will cause for more havoc than shrink the debt, and the 'cost benefit' ratio just isn't there. Moreover, we have the IG system and the GAO establish per the constitution by Congress, all of whom have training in auditing, knowledge of it's science and auditing protocols which Musk and his merry band of boppers haven't a clue. What's tragic is that they assume they do, but theirs aligns with hyperpartisanship, and ignores the law and the constitution. Like I said in the link, below:
There's a reason for Congress, it represents 'the people'. This is why the bicameral system is in place, so that the people have a voice in policies, that no one person or faction can tyrannize another, that we all have to compromise and find common ground, this is the why of 1776, the Declaration of Independence, why we broke from Great Britain and it's king and his tyranny, we had a enough, and we created a republic. It is why our service personnel died in wars for this cause. They sure as hell didn't fight for our freedom from tyranny only to have a guy Like Trump trying to become one.
Trump’s and Musk’s justification for these mass firings -- that it will significantly reduce spending and lower national debt -- is economically illiterate. The total federal payroll, based on 2.4 million federal workers earning an average salary of $108,510, amounts to approximately $260.42 billion -- a mere 0.72% of the total U.S. national debt of $36.22 trillion. Even if every federal worker were fired, the impact on national debt would be negligible (2/3rds of 1%)
Moreover, the debt issue is systemic, stemming from (imo) two key flaws:
The Fractional Reserve Banking System: The U.S. monetary system is structured to encourage perpetual debt. The Federal Reserve creates money through lending, and the government must borrow to function, ensuring an ever-growing debt cycle.
The Appropriations Process: Congress writes spending bills without a structured plan to balance debt accumulation. It’s as if the left hand (Congress) doesn’t know what the right hand (Treasury and the Federal Reserve) is doing. This lack of coordination leads to unchecked spending and unsustainable deficits.
But that's just an overview, here is more in-depth view:
The debt crisis is not just a consequence of reckless spending or tax cuts but also systemic flaws in how money is created and allocated. Trump’s brand of fiscal vandalism is merely an acceleration of an already broken process. To avoid economic catastrophe, both spending reform and monetary realignment are necessary.
Debt-Conscious Appropriations Process
Congress should tie new spending to long-term fiscal sustainability rather than passing bills that add debt with no repayment strategy.
A mechanism (such as a balanced budget amendment with exceptions for recessions and emergencies) could force lawmakers to offset new spending with revenue or cuts elsewhere.
Reforming the Fractional Reserve System Without Disrupting Credit Growth
Stronger coordination between the Fed and Congress to align interest rate policies with spending habits.
Explore targeted monetary policy tools (such as direct infrastructure investments instead of debt-financed spending) that yield long-term growth rather than short-term borrowing binges.
Eliminating the Tax-Cut Scam
End the cycle of reckless tax cuts for the wealthy under the pretense of economic growth.
Increase corporate tax rates and close loopholes that allow corporations to pay zero in taxes while working-class Americans carry the burden.
Strengthening Fiscal Coordination
Establish better transparency and communication between Congress, the Treasury, and the Federal Reserve to ensure spending policies do not conflict with monetary policies.
Implement these and the debt will eventually take care of itself, no shock treatment needed. Why? All we have to is just reverse the ship's direction, pull it away from the wall towards which it is headed, because the shock treatment will just sink it.
Moreover...Legal and Constitutional Violations
DOGE’s firings are not just reckless -- they are unconstitutional. Article I of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, meaning that Musk’s interference in appropriations is a direct violation of the law. The Inspectors General (IG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) have been instrumental in maintaining oversight, proving that federal agencies have already made efficiency strides without the need for Musk’s authoritarian interference.
Historical Precedents and Backlash
Rehiring After Public Outcry: The last time a significant number of federal workers were dismissed, the operational chaos and public backlash forced the government to rehire critical personnel. This cycle of reckless firings and costly rehiring only adds to the deficit Musk claims to be solving.
Failed Government Shutdowns: Previous government shutdowns have shown that even temporary furloughs of federal workers cause immense disruption, yet DOGE is advocating for permanent eliminations, a move that is far more destructive.
In summary; Musk’s & Trump's Plan is a National Suicide Pact
Firing federal workers so wantonly and indiscriminately is not a solution -- it is an act of national self-destruction. Musk’s initiative is not precision surgery; it’s a chainsaw amputation. His reckless disregard for the nation’s institutional framework and constitutional laws makes him less of a reformer and more of a demolitionist. He says 'no agencies' should be the default, so fire all of them, and replace them as needed. This is insane.
If Musk & Trump truly wanted to fix the debt problem, they would advocate for systemic fiscal reform, including changes to the banking system and budgetary processes. Instead, their actions mirror a child smashing a clock because don't don’t like what time it is.
The United States needs competent governance, not indiscriminate destruction. Musk’s & Trump's meat-cleaver approach to governance is a ticking time bomb, and the nation cannot afford to let it detonate. If you think Trump's the cat's pajamas, you've been Trumped.
