McCain's so-called "spending freeze"? Not so frozen.

[Barack_America]

In fact, it seems to be melting on pace with the polar ice caps.

McCain won't freeze science funding, adviser says

By Jeffrey Young
Posted: 10/14/08 01:58 PM

Republican presidential nominee John McCain would exempt funding for scientific research from the across-the-board federal spending freeze he's promised on the campaign trail, a campaign adviser said Tuesday.

The McCain budget plan includes “a specific carve-out for spending on science,” said Ike Brannon, a senior policy adviser to the McCain campaign.

“You’ll definitely see, under John McCain, more spending on research,” Brannon said.
Sen. McCain (Ariz.) has emphasized his intention to hold flat federal spending on programs not connected to defense, veterans’ programs or homeland security as a key part of his fiscal platform.

“I recommend a spending freeze that — except for defense, Veterans Affairs, and some other vital programs, we'll just have to have across-the-board freeze,” McCain said during his second presidential debate against Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), the Democratic candidate, on Oct. 7.

The McCain campaign, however, has committed to upping funding for federal research agencies, Brannon said at a briefing sponsored by Research!America, an advocacy group made up of hundreds of organizations including universities, pharmaceutical companies, physician societies and patient groups.

McCain will pay for the increases in science funding by cutting other programs, Brannon explained...

More:
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/science-funding-wont-be-frozen-under-mccain-adviser-says-2008-10-14.html

The question is, which programs?

I think these graphs make it pretty clear...



McCain has already announced that defense spending is exempt from his "freeze", which has now turned into "cuts", due to his expressed desire to expand some programs at the expense of others.

So that means Medicare, Social Security and low-income assistance...John McCain is looking at you.

Transportation, infrastructure and education...you very well may be next.



How else does John McCain plan on balancing the budget without raising taxes on anybody? How else does John McCain plan on handing out additional tax credits while still balancing the budget?

It's time for John McCain to start being honest with the American people about his economic plans. And seniors, be prepared, you probably won't like what you're going to hear. Because John McCain's economic plan only has two options:

1). Reduce your benefits

-or-

2). Continue this



Sources:
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/science-funding-wont-be-frozen-under-mccain-adviser-says-2008-10-14.html
http://www.cbpp.org/4-14-08tax.htm
http://www.lafn.org/gvdc/Natl_Debt_Chart.html

and, for fun: http://www.benjerry.com/americanpie/allocate.cfm

[thoughtcrime1984]

1. K&R, Repubs are awful with the national debt. nt

[Barack_America]

2. Thanks. This is something I hope Obama pushes.

McCain has already discussed cutting social security and medicare benefits, but so far the Dems haven't really called them out on this.

Tomorrow night may be their last chance.