We all like to procrastinate, but to put off until the last minute an agreement to keep the federal government running seems inexcusable.
Starting before last November’s elections, it was made clear to those heading to Washington for the next Congress that getting a handle on the budget was a priority. And now, we learn, we’re probably only days away from the government shutting down because those in charge have failed to reach an agreement going forward.
All sides seemed to be right on Tuesday afternoon when it was announced that President Obama, House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had failed to reach a compromise on the budget in order to keep the government running. Among the finger pointing, some pertinent points were made.
Obama said it would be disruptive to the nation if the government was forced to shut down because funding had been cut off. We agree. Too many people depend on too many services for an outright shutdown. And considering the state of the world, with its natural disasters, wars and rebellions, the United States needs to be ready for anything.
But we also agree with Boehner that it can’t be business as usual in putting together the federal budget. It’s folly to continue to maintain current spending levels. Real, significant cuts must be made to the budget in order to restore faith in the government, stabilize our economic standing in the world, and begin the process for digging out of the massive debt the United States is holding.
A government shutdown as a leverage tactic by either side is wrong. But so is clinging to the hope that massive deficit spending can be maintained.
Our governmental leaders are late in finding a solution. Our hope is that they don’t delay the inevitable any longer.