No Debt Problem, Big Gulps and White House ToursDear Mark: Rep. Paul Ryan has released the Republican budget, and it looks like typical Republican trash. Once again, they're balancing the budget on the backs of average Americans, while the rich get richer. I like President Obama's plan to solve the debt problem with a balanced approach. Why can't you see that people just need to pay their fair share and all will be good? — Balancing Act Dear Balancing: Are you kidding me? How can President Obama have a solution to a problem he doesn't even acknowledge exists? This week on David Letterman, President Obama actually told Letterman with a straight face while referring to the national debt that "we don't have to worry about it short term." The way Obama is "governing," short term must mean until he is out of office and the debt is some other president's problem. President Obama is so on top of the debt problem that when pressed by Letterman, the president couldn't tell the comedian what the national debt was when he took office. I bet Obama can remember all of those golf tips he received from Tiger Woods, though. Can you guess which historic figure made this statement? "In these challenging times, when we are facing both rising deficits and a sinking economy, budget reform is not an option; it is an imperative. We cannot sustain a system that bleeds billions of taxpayer dollars on programs that have outlived their usefulness, or exist solely because of the power of politicians, lobbyists or interest groups. We simply cannot afford it. This isn't about big government or small government. It's about building a smarter government that focuses on what works. That is why I will ask my new team to think anew and act anew to meet our new challenges. ... We will go through our federal budget — page by page, line by line — eliminating those programs we don't need and insisting that those we do operate in a sensible cost-effective way." Was this Ronald Reagan, Barry Goldwater, George Bush or maybe Bill Clinton? No this is what President Obama actually said in November 2008, shortly after he had defeated John McCain.
Paul Ryan's budget may not be sexy, but it addresses the budget deficit and entitlement reform utilizing actual numbers, as opposed to the Democrats, who continue to spew divisive class warfare rhetoric as a solution. Instead of dismissing Ryan's proposal whole cloth, the left at the very least should use these numbers as a starting point for discussing a solution. Dear Mark: I am excited that Mayor Bloomberg's "soda ban" was overturned. Bloomberg's Napoleon complex is turning him into a dictator over some pretty stupid stuff. He even bypassed the city council to implement his measure. Aren't there more important fish to fry in New York City? — Soda Jerk Dear Soda Jerk: Don't mention fried fish because that's probably next on the mayor's plate. (Pun very much intended.) Fighting for the right to drink a Big Gulp isn't exactly fighting for civil rights. Anytime you can stop unnecessary government infringement, however, it's a good day. Celebrate — make it large. Dear Mark: I'm confused. President Obama says that, due to the sequester, the White House is closed for tours, but then again, it's open. Presidential spokesperson Jay Carney was equally as confusing. Which is it? — Susie Homemaker Dear Susie: According to Organizing for Action, a nonprofit offshoot of Obama's campaign team, for a $500,000 contribution you can meet quarterly with the president. I'd say the White House is open for business. Dear Mark is a public platform for your enrichment and entertainment. E-mail your questions to marklevy92@aol.com. To find out more about Mark Levy, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM 
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