I am really quite proud of the Democrats. Everyone should be.

They didn't give citizens any false sense of hope regarding the national debt and deficit going into the 2010 elections.  No legislation for continuing tax cuts in a permanent way without having the President's Commission findings first.  I find that admirable.  I also believe the Republicans and the Tea Party have no clue about the best options for resolving the fiscal problems of the nation.  Certainly, Bernanke doesn't.  Wouldn't it be such a mess if there were PERMANENT tax cuts voted in legislation before the election only to find out there are changes in the entire tax code necessary.

The Democrats should not underestimate the resolve of the nation when this topic comes to the floor.  The Baby Boomers were always committed to their children's future and to that end they will see their way to make changes in meaningful ways.  At least that is my assessment of my generation of Americans.   "...The proposal is aimed at cutting $4 trillion from deficits over the next decade...."  I sincerely believe there is much to be discussed and even more to be decided before any significant legislation can be introduced.  This is a very tough economic environment to make all these changes, but, I also believe the President is sensitive to the 'impulsion' of the current economic dynamics.  Regardless of who wanted to hear it, he was correct when there was a freeze put on foreclosures and he made that statement immediately and with clear resolve.  The military spending has to be scaled back.  It is not what the military wants to hear, but, the problem of terrorism is best addressed in 'protective and preventative' measures with strong allies that share intelligence.  It is known that wars increase the clout of terrorists among their followers.

Erskine Bowles (left) and former Sen. Alan Simpson present their plan on Capitol Hill.

The reduction in military spending will have to be a focus of a PEACETIME military that will prevent Neocon War Mongers from running rough shod over the United Nations Security Council and entering nations illegally for their assets.  A peacetime military should be the focus of any downsizing and it should be unshakeable in that resolve.

I especially like the idea of removing all tax deductions from the tax code.  Oh, I know it is laughable to many, but, it will remove a great deal of 'impetus' to the corruption Republicans demand to serve their cronies.

At this stage of the game, reducing the government workforce by 10 percent is an idea, but, it also adds burden to the country in that it increases the unemployed.  The cuts should be prudently proposed in areas that are not essential to ENFORCING provisions that protect Americans, namely the FDA and the EPA.  We would be a sorry nation to allow toxins back into the air, water and food supply of our nation.  These agencies are vital to protecting children and their future and their heritage to an intact nation with resources that make their nation more valuable and not raped. 

The Democrats are wonderful people.  We are dedicated and loyal Americans.  I have heard the very thoughtful reflection of our Democratic legislators regarding the deficit and debt and they KNOW there business.  It is why so many are re-elected year after year.

I believe there is a real opportunity here to accept THE TRUTH and seek to make America the nation it SHOULD be rather than the corrupt infrastructure it has become over decades dominated by Republican corruption and cronyism.

I trust the Democrats to make the argument for a strong and vibrant Middle Class that will sustain this country for centuries to come.  The Middle Class needs to be the 'sculpted' focus of the Democratic legislators.  They need to keep their constituencies informed and they need to be OUT THERE talking and enforcing the PROPER balance to the changes we have to endure.

I see this as a 'one shot' opportunity to bring viability and sustainability to the United States and it should be approached with that precision.  President Obama is the man for this job and I am grateful for him and for every Democratic legislator.

As we go through this process, I am confident we will hear a lot from OMB.  Numbers are numbers and THE TRUTH can't be hidden among rhetorical words and phrases.

..."It's a lot to digest. I support the goal," said Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.  But, he said, "we're at the early stages."

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad, D-N.D., said commission members will meet this week and again next week to continue discussions and "offer alternatives."

Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., battered by Democrats over the details of his own plan to balance the budget, said he is excited to "see another plan put out there."...