Here is a thought

[dan_s]

We all know that America is in deep financial trouble.

I think we can agree that the goverment should provide "essential" services to its citizens.

So, our task is to:
1. Define what Essential Services are and
2. Determine the level of taxation needed to fund them then
3. Decide how to fairly access that tax.

IMO "Essential Services" do not include lots of "stuff" for people able to work who just decide not to or healthcare for all citizens and illegals that sneak in. All this "stuff" cost more money than we have.
For example, IMO Essential Services include basic education but not a college education for everyone or excessive pensions for all teachers. They do not include research on the mating habits of every insect or (sorry Houston) funding for sending spaceships to Mars. Does anyone really thing there is something on Mars we really "need"?

When I was a child I wanted every toy in the Sears catalog but my parents said no. At Christmas I got to circle ten things I wanted and would probably get two or three. I didn't hate my parents for giving me less than what I desired. At ten years old I knew we couldn't afford it. We need to stop acting like children and learn to live without everything we want.

Just like any family that now must live within a limited budget. Our government must start acting like adults. "Essential Serives" should be a list of what we "need" not a list of everything we "want".

Time is running out on this country. This is not Ireland. There is no one out there big enough to bail us out.

[dan_s]

Our debt grew by $2 Trillion in 2010.

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Govern ... ode=B597-1

[wturk]

Dan, thanks for Energy Prospectus and all your hard work. You are a special respected special man who has helped many investors profit from your hard work....a Blessed Christmas season and 2011 to you and your family.....you are a great success story.