I solved the deficit!

[Antonio the Sixth]

And so can you, with NYTimes.com's interactive feature (http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html).

That's very instructive. In particular, I managed to balance it out until 2030 without cutting any welfare program (you know, those that "absolutely need to be cut"...), almost only by taxing the rich and cutting military spending. Here's my proposal.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html?choices=d3x006qv

Of course, that's not going to happen...

[Antonio the Sixth]

And so can you, with NYTimes.com's interactive feature (http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html).

That's very instructive. In particular, I managed to balance it out until 2030 without cutting any welfare program (you know, those that "absolutely need to be cut"...), almost only by taxing the rich and cutting military spending. Here's my proposal.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html?choices=d3x006qv

Of course, that's not going to happen...

Nor should it.  It's a cute toy, and it sells ad space, but solving the deficit needs to be done not with across-the-board spending cuts, but with some forethought.  Any child with a computer can say hey, let's do a ten percent on this program and a 30 percent on that.  If it makes you feel better, pat yourself on the back.  The NYT actually sells ads with these gimmicks.  What's your excuse?

If you bothered actually clicking the link, you'd notice that:

1. The NYT tool is based on actual proposals formulated by political figure, not "across the board spending cuts"

2. It's not like I'm cutting much, actually my proposal consists by 3/4 of revenue increases.

But if summarily dismissing people's opinions without even knowing what they are makes you feel smarter, pat yourself on the back.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Looks like so far I'm the one with the highest % of savings from raised taxes.