Who wants to fix the American Economy?

United States debt is now past 14 trillion, so it's pretty obvious that some things need to change here in the states. The New York Times has released a "Budget Puzzle" so that you can fix the economy. Once your done, it will give you a link to re post here on the site. Also, post your ideas on the NYT's plan to fix the economy. Are these really the only choices we have? Oh, and I'll worn you, it's harder than it looks.

Original link: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html

My solution: (for now) http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html?choices=v4lsqbmg

Very interesting.

My proposal: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html?choices=v3tsqbrc

Although, I wish they broke down some categories more. For the "this or that" options, it only broke down into 2 options. For example, I think the retirement age for social security (and medicare) could be expanded more beyond 68 and 70.

Might change the list later on, this is my best solution (for now).

What I noticed was for me (after comparing to Meatshield) I tended to cut more and increase taxes less.

EDIT: I actually had a perfect plan originally that reduced the deficit to 0, but apparently 0 isn't considered "solved" (must be over the 1,345 billion), so I had to rework it )


And I think there is a lot more that can be put on the table beyond this list for cuts and tax increases. Like for the "Millionaire's tax on income above $1 million" for example... I would have personally doubled it.

I think I got it...
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html?choices=zzxrh5qz

Was late when I made the last post, and I reconsidered a few things. Again, I wish they broke it down more, because some options included things I like, and things I didn't like.

Here is my revised plan: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html?choices=u3tj6bqv

I'm confident that this will be my final unchanged solution.

Derp: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html?choices=mu5995b7