Federal Budget Austerity during the Recession

In April, President Obama promised to find ways to cut 100 million dollars from the federal budget. This video puts that number in perspective.

So why would the President make a big announcement over a budget cut which is said to equal the amount the federal government spends every 13 minutes? Just about anybody could do better than that with their own budget.  Maybe because it's all about image:

President Obama has reportedly been working closely with noted behavioral economists, and their studies have shown that most people are “insensitive to scope,” meaning they are not very good at putting large numbers in their proper context. People will react about the same to a policy proposal whether the cost/benefit is $10 million, $10 billion, or $10 trillion. Consequently, the $100 million cut may seem huge to many voters.

What else mightt the President do to enhance his budget cutter immage and to fulfill his promise to bring America together?

Conservatives should welcome converts, and ask President Obama to not stop at a measly $100 million. Why not come together to cut:

· At least $55 billion in annual program overpayments;

· $60 billion for corporate welfare;

· $25 billion in unused federal property

· $123 billion for programs for which government auditors can find no evidence of success;

· $140 billion in potential budget savings identified in the CBO’s “Budget Options” books; and

· Massive program duplication, such as the 342 economic development programs?