Make Issues Transparent
Follow the Money
We can take-a-part Government one penny at a time. Dissecting the Bills and proposed Budgets can reveal a lot about the nature of the beast.
How much are we willing to spend?
Is is possible to have oversight in these matters, can we follow legislation to see if it accomplishes what's promised? Did we stay within the budget. Were there unseen costs?How long will it take?
Do all proposition and measures do what is promised.Who benefits?
And how do we find out?Does the title match the action?
Clever names often persuade members of congress to vote a certain way. It makes a good campaign slogan to vote for catchy phrases. Bailout doesn't sound as good as "economic stability" or "financial rescue" [sample].
Federal, State, and City Budgets
Where's the money actually go?
Taxes?
How are taxes used?
Does the Gas tax go to improve our roads?
Do taxes proposed in bond measures, measure up?
How are city sales taxes used?
How much tax is collected? ... a breakdown by tax.
Bond issues
How are these structured, paid out and what is the true result?
