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I really don't think it's as easy as stating that it's one problem (taxation) or the other (spending). Really? It all simply comes down to balancing budgets.
America has a serious spending problem, so cuts are badly needed.
America has a relatively low tax environment, so raising taxes makes sense.
It's not difficult, though I will admit the household budget is oversimplifying it. Running deficits often make sense. And while I know that both sides of the aisle are to blame for many things, I want to put out there again that during G. W. Bush's presidency, there was a great opportunity for balanced budgets if not reduced deficits.
Cutting taxes whilst funding wars is financially irresponsible. Clinton worked towards balanced budgets. Obama probably would have too if the shit didn't hit the fan.
The problem on both sides of the aisle right now is not taking the situation seriously enough. Like roachboy said: military spending, hidden costs, and the war on terror need to be addressed here. Follow the money.
If you're going to cut, cut across the board. Cut deeper where the benefits are questionable; cut shallower where you know it will hit the average Joe.
America will get nowhere fast without both raising taxes and cutting spending. If the equation is too heavily on the side of cutting, it's going to have devastating long-term consequences on the nation to the tune of falling behind in the world. I don't think anyone wants that.
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Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön
Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot
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