Offset Now or Be Forced to Stop Spreading Democracy

I see nothing wrong with being forced to offset the cost of new spending. When we are already running a $1.4 trillion deficit, offsetting is not a bad thing. I agree that during a recession deficit spending is necessary. But that doesn't mean everything we do must be written with red ink. That's why it's encouraging to see the $26 billion in state aid is being offset with cuts and foreign taxes.

Toward this end, Reid offset the full cost through a combination of foreign tax credit provisions and $17.1 billion in savings chiefly from cuts to food stamps and prior appropriations. The Medicaid assistance, which extends a program begun under the Recovery Act, is designed now to phase out in the first six months of 2011—something recommended by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine.)

Now some will argue the logic behind cutting food stamp spending during a recession. No doubt the poor have felt this recession just as hard as the middle class.  The good news is because of the Stimulus Act food stamp solvency will be good for at least another 5 years.  Relieving states from the enormous debt burden they face will do more to keep the food stamp roster from expanding, which to me is a real concern and well worth the offset.  Next has to be a jobs bill, or all the offsetting might actually lead to cuts in our Glorious Wars where we spread our giant wealth to foreign countries to build them roads, schools, mosques, bridges and other infrastructure just so we can blow them up again.  And there's no sense in stopping any of that stuff so let's solve this now before we get into crazy budget territory.