Exempting Social Security and Medicare, which make up 45 percent of total outlays, would put a greater burden on programs and benefits that go to children and others. The plan must attract substantial bipartisan support. A starkly partisan budget proposal may appeal to true believers, but it won't be enacted. Partisanship must be put aside for this crucial federal exercise. Generational Responsibility must be recognized.
Elderly citizens receive half the current federal resources.
Investment in future generations is held to a disproportionately small share. Providing for the well-being of the young is how every generation of Americans has traditionally undertaken their stewardship. Generational responsibility is a sacred trust. A balanced budget plan should address this obligation by investing in the future, achieving permanent budget balance, and asking all citizen, including those elderly who have the means, to help solve this national problem not only for themselves, but for generations to come. The time for a realistic balanced budget proposal is now.