A Twelve-Step Program to Cure Spend-aholism

Abstract:

Many members of Congress and officials of the Bush Administration have a serious problem that they refuse to recognize: They are addicted to spending. Typical of individuals with addictions, often they place the blame on others or on economic "forces" beyond their control. Elected officials should commit themselves to changing their spending ways and to help their fellow officials do so as well. And lawmakers should admit publicly to their problems. Each should say, "Yes, I have a spending problem that I cannot control," and take the pledge to follow the twelve steps that will help them "just say no" to spending.