THE US REPORT

A YouTube video courtesy of visitphoenix.com gives a travel overview of the city that is a popular golf destination.Thousands have read our story about the Social Security Administration Training Conference in Phoenix, Arizona at a top tier hotel. Many of those readers apparently work for SSA, judging by our IP number stats. When a number recurs, I look it up.

I’ve received emails and other bloggers’ posts on the topic have attracted commentary. Some defend the SSA; others deride the agency. I acknowledge the SSA did nothing wrong technically—the agency spent legally budgeted money on a legally accepted expense. Some point out the conference actually acted like the ‘Stimulus,’ helping the economy.

I didn’t agree with the officially issued ‘Stimulus,’ though and I’m not biting the benefits bait on the issue of the conference.

Another overlooked donkey in the room is the carbon footprint. The federal government hopes to drive the costs of energy up for all of us, and our president projects a solid green agenda. Yet we have 700 people transported to a city where water is surely not overly abundant and additional heat certainly isn’t needed. I’ve always pointed out the greenest among us are the biggest hypocrites. Personally, the carbon footprint isn’t a concern but I would like to see the Dem administration practice what it preaches. I would also like to win the lottery. Neither outcome is likely.

But the fiscal situation in this episode in federal governance goes to the heart of the problem.

If an agency cannot come up with a viable means to train managers in an age when technology permits face to face via a computer screen, the agency probably needs their network upgraded. I’m being generous here with my reasoning.

I once suggested President Barack Obama require a minuscule reduction in existing federal spending within every agency and entity. A good place to start—5 percent of every single federal budget in the land.

Then change disbursement mentality. Instead of penalizing federal agencies for not spending all that’s budgeted, reward those who return funds to the general revenue pool each year.

Media have cited the cost of the conference at approximately $700,000. If you think this is the only agency doing the only conference like this, think again. And Congressional excursions are at an all-time high. It’s time for government to refrain from spending a dime that isn’t absolutely necessary. Obama could actually cut taxes if agencies did that. I admit this will never happen. Tax and Spend is not a fabrication when it comes to the Dems.

Until taxpayers realize every federal dime comes from us, and until we admit the feds do not spend the money wisely, we will continue to see dollars wasted on questionable practices. Even if something is technically legal, that doesn’t make it a sound practice. There is nothing sound about federal fiscal policy at present in any branch, cabinet or agency of our government.  Corporate managers, small business managers and individuals in the private sector are slashing expenses. Government should have the moral decency and enough common sense to do the same.

 Social Security Admin did nothing wrong technically with Arizona conference
by Kay B. Day
The US Report, July 13, 2009