BUDGET
A Strategy for US Budget Reform
This report sets some key political priorities for reform.
This includes a list of government investments and revenues that are necessary for America's future.
This report gives an in depth account of what is needed to deal with America's current budget crisis.
Building a Sustainable Future: A Global Outline For Reform
This report includes ideas for Global Reform as well as the Environmental and Political reforms necessary in building a sustainable future.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Russia is unlike any other country on the planet. They are the one country that could wipe the United States off the face of the Earth in 45 minutes. Russia currently has the largest arsenal of nuclear warheads in the world, with 8,000 weapons in their arsenal (the U.S has up to 7,315). Yet with the rhetoric that the United States has been using against Russia as of late, you wouldn't realize this.
We call on all reasonable people to support an internationally supervised plebiscite in Ukraine to help the different provinces to decide their own future. We have both Ukrainian and Russian friends. We need a road to a peaceful future for all.
The U.S. House and Senate Ukraine bills state that they support the efforts of Ukrainian president Poroshenko, as well as the Ukrainian people to create a lasting peace. However, some of the language in these bills could prevent such a peace from taking place.
WHAT NEEDS INCREASED US GOVERNMENT SPENDING?
We believe that there needs to be a comprehensive approach to the budget crisis.
Mindless budget slashing and spending in the wrong areas can be dangerous.
The Need For a Manhattan Project on Renewable Energy
Since 1980 America has slashed its research funding for renewable energy by over 75%.
It's time for America to mobilize a major commitment to renewable energy spending and research.
Throughout American history the government has played a vital role in investing in America's economic future.
Today, there are few more important national priorities than building out the high speed internet for all Americans.
WHAT SHOULD BE AMERICA'S TAX PRIORITIES?
In What Areas Should We Increase US Taxes?
Consumption Tax Energy Tax Financial Transactions Tax
In What Areas Should We Reduce US Taxes?
Charts on US Taxes
ENERGY
As outlined in the sections above, one of the pressing issues of our time is finding alternative energy sources.
This is doable from a technological and scientific point of view. However, we need to summon the political willpower to make this a reality.
Some important political points about America's Energy policy are outlined below.
The World Future Fund does not have an exact position on this subject but we do feel strongly that we need to raise both private and public investment in this country.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The Budget Crisis and the Environmental Crisis are not separate issues.
The following chart below shows America's dangerous lack of commitment to a responsible environmental policy.
EPA Budget Cuts Chart
This chart shows that there has been a 75% drop in EPA funding in the last 3 decades.
HEALTHCARE
Single Payer Health Insurance Plans
A majority of the world's modern states have single payer, universal health care.
Single Payer Health Insurance is the only realistic option on the table.
EDUCATION
Much like our Health Care system, education is an area where Americans spend more and get less.
We spend more on Education than any other nation in the world, and yet the results are limited.
This is an area where we need smart spending, not more spending.
Education Spending: An Area Where America Spends More and Gets Less
INVESTMENT AND SAVINGS
International Savings and Investment
America is falling dangerously behind in terms of saving and investing in its own future.
Chinese investment and savings rates are more than three times higher than American savings and investment rates.
You get what you pay for. It's time for America to invest in its future.
Collapse of America's International Investment PositionChart
This chart shows the collapse of America's international investment position over the last 30 years.
AMERICA'S ENORMOUS ANNUAL LOSS IN WORLD TRADE
America's Balance of Payments Deficit Chart
This chart shows America's enormous annual losses in world trade over a period of 30 years.
MILITARY
The structure of NATO was built when Europe was in ruins and a Soviet Empire threatened to take over the continent.
This is no longer the case, and yet Americans are paying the bulk of NATO costs. It's time for reform.
CHARTS
Here is a collection of the World Future Fund budget charts mentioned in this index.
TAXES
ENVIRONMENTAL
INVESTMENT
Collapse of America's International Investment Position (We need to update this with newest chart)
LOSSES IN WORLD TRADE
America's Balance of Payments Deficit
LINKS
For more information on the current budget situation, check out our set of political links.
Government and Private Sector Budget Links