War Dollars contributing to National Deficit

One of the biggest contributors to the National Deficit of the United States comes from war. When the nation is at war with another country, the President is in command of the U.S. armed forces and the war fund. For this reason, the blame for creating a larger national deficit is often associated with the President. But, Congress has the power to approve funding of the war through the Federal Government. This is known as "the Power of the Purse". However, when Congress introduces higher taxes to fund war efforts, they might find it harder to get rid of them when they may seem unnecessary. For example, former President Bush was in favor of funding the war efforts, but many of the people did, and still, believe that the war in Iraq was dragging on for far too long. If Congress tries to make changes in the war policy to reduce war funds, but the President is in favor of the war, the President could veto the policy and allow the war fund to continue. Then, does this make the President responsible for the national deficit or Congress?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_deficit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_of_the_purse

War has always been a drain in the wallet ever since the existence of war. I think that too much money that we do not have has been spent on war, creating a greater national deficit. Joe Weisenthal, a writer for Business Insider, writes: "We have spent a trillion dollars at war, often financed by borrowing from overseas. This, in turn, has short-changed investments in our own people, and contributed to record deficits." To keep our economy from crumbling, we must understand why the U.S. is descending into debt. Where does the money come from? It comes from the people who channel their money to the Federal Government through taxes laid by Congress. Then, it is used by the President to fund the war. During wartime, there is a balance of power between Congress and the President. The President can claim war against another nation, but only by having a reasonable war fund, created by Congress, would doing so be rational. So, when a greater national deficit begins to build up, who is responsible? Because the President could veto a decision to end a war fund, some people would probably say that the President is responsible. But, if Congress creates a war fund policy with an set expiration date on it, this would prevent the President from perpetuating the policy to fund the war and, ultimately, creating a greater national deficit. Does this make Congress responsible then? Members of Congress, as well as the President, are always at the mercy of the people during re-election. Therefore, everyone: Congress, the President, and the people, are all responsible for the national deficit.

http://www.businessinsider.com/obama-announces-end-of-iraq-war-turns-it-into-speech-on-the-economy-2010-8



Other Related Links
Spending What We Can Afford (Issue #2): http://katieireneiverson.blogspot.com/
Social Insecurity (Issue #3): http://theresasocial.blogspot.com/

Potential Terror Attacks in Europe

U.S. and European security experts are concerned with the safety of Europe as they believe that al-Qaida is planning more terrorist attacks. Also, Osama bin Laden is thought to be behind the plotting of the attacks. To protect Americans living or traveling in Europe, the Obama administration, on Sunday, encouraged vigilance especially in public places, tourist attractions and transportation hubs. The threat level, being "severe", is considered to potentially hurt tourism in Europe and students who are wishing to study-abroad.
Above all, I wish that nobody in Europe will come to harm. I find it extremely unfortunate for American students who are planning to study-abroad either sooner or later, depending on how long the threat will last. Chances are, students that are planning to study-abroad will less likely to be able to do so for the time being. Just as well, tourists who are hoping to visit the Louvre Museum or the Eiffel Tower in Paris may have to postpone their dates to a later time since sites such as these are probably prime targets for terrorist attacks. Osama bin Laden's persistency to cause paranoia in Europe truly stands as a testament to his cowardice. Hopefully, when he briefly finds some cajones to step out of hiding, we can finally blast him to bits and be ease up on the paranoia.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39484389/ns/us_news-security/