A few days ago I received this letter from my Aunt Janie:
Dear friends and family,
In the 1960s I learned about a law that allows citizens to give gifts to the U.S. Treasury Department that may only be applied to reduce the debt. I've been so troubled by our current problems, most especially the August 2, 2011 payment deadline, that I dug out the old information on the law. It still exists.
For some months now, I've wanted to let people know about this opportunity for us as individuals citizens to come to the aid of our country just as we have done for victims of natural and political disasters around the world. We are a generous people and now our own situation is dire.
So, I dug out the old information on the law and then sat on it because several people felt my idea of encouraging us to help out was impractical. I believed they must be right. Then, last Sunday, June 26, 2011 I awakened with a dream about this possibility and a tremendous sense of remorse because I had not acted upon it.
This week, I sent out the attached letter which was published in the Las Vegas Review Journal's"Letters to the Editor" section. I also sent it to several politicians, but I do not expect a response because I know they are swamped with mail.
I don't have much money but I am sending a little to the Treasury specifically for the August 2nd deadline. If you are so inclined, the specific information is in the attachment. Be careful if you try to pay online. Make certain you have the Treasury Department. There are all sorts of sites that start with "pay.gov." If you would, please send this email and attachment to others you know might be interested in helping.
Love and thanks.
Janie 
I think that this is a brilliant idea, not necessarily because it will pay down the debt in any significant amount (although if every American donated $10 we could pay down the debt 3 billion dollars), but because we will be able to show our leaders that we are committed to debt reduction. Imagine, hundreds, thousands, millions of people donating what they can to pay down the debt. Imagine them writing to their Congressmen urging them to work together to work out a national debt reduction plan. (Yup, I am afraid we will have to work together to cut spending and raise taxes.) Here is a site where you can look up your Congressman's contact information.
Imagine people having debt reduction garage sales, raffles and lemonade stands. Imagine this movement going national, viral and being talked about on national news. Everyone has profited from government programs and tax breaks. The debt is everyone's problem and we need to show that we are engaged and willing to sacrifice and do our part to pay it down.
Does that mean we will have to pay more taxes? Yes. Does that mean we might not qualify for government programs anymore? Yes. Are Americans tough? Yes! Can we sacrifice like our ancestors for the benefit of our country? YES!
Let us show everyone that we are willing to tighten our belts, make the tough choices and sacrifice to make our country a better place. Please consider making a donation to pay down the national debt. Please contact your Congressmen telling them about your donation and your commitment to debt reduction. You could also contact your local newspapers. Here is a letter Janie has written up that you could submit as a letter to the editor:
In as much as we face an immediate crisis with a considerably large payment on a portion of the national debt, and in as much as the Republicans and Democrats are entrenched in opposite positions, each of which has merit, it seems appropriate to ‘think outside the box.’ There is a third possibility.
H.R. 311 Public Law 87-58 (also found as Search 31 U.S.C. 3113:US Code-Section 3113) was passed on June 27, 1961. It permits individuals and groups to give gifts to the United States Government to be used only to reduce the public debt. Contributions may be mailed to Department G, Bureau of the Public Debt, P.O. Box 2188, Parkersburg, WV 26106-2188 or paid at www.pay.gov (U.S. Treasury, Gifts to Reduce the Public Debt). In the present case, contributors should specify that the monies are to be used for the immediate debt crisis.
Cities, states, businesses, and organizations as well as private citizens of all economic positions could compete for recognition of their patriotic generosity. Efforts need to be transparent with regular reports of progress in the news, on the internet, and on television. A concerted, ongoing effort to reduce this debt would 1) find enthusiastic participants, 2) make evident our determination to meet our financial obligations, and 3) demonstrate to the world the patriotic fervor of the American people.
Should this suggestion prove impractical, it may at least stimulate further discussion and the opportunity to ‘think outside the box.’
Sincerely,
Your name
Please help spread the word!
5 comments:
Alright, this is ridiculous. Sixty plus people have viewed this post and not one of you has said anything. Come on, I can take it. Obviously, there are sixty plus people who don't think the idea is as brilliant as I do, but let me know what you think -- very nicely of course. What do you think needs to be done about the debt crisis. If you could unilaterally do something what would you do? If you were really a senator and had to make some compromises what would you do? How would you vote? What would you propose?
I think this is a great idea...but only for after our politicians get on board and balance the budget. Until then it would just be enabling them to keep adding to the National Debt.
I saw an exhibit at the BYU museum of art about the art of American Propaganda at wartime. I was astonished at the sacrifices made by the American people during WWI and WWII. Art work encouraged people to save the grease from cooking as it could be used in making munitions. People were encouraged to drive less so the rubber could be used for a war effort. And those war bonds, Americans investing in America. What we lack today is the ability to sacrifice for something of greater value.
The ability to prioritize funding at a national level is also a concern. It seems to me that promised spending ties the hands of those who would make changes. Cutting programs will have to happen if we are to eliminate debt.
Raising taxes would also have to happen-- I get an awesome tax return every year, maybe I could get less back.
What I would like to see is a movement led by special interests-- the AARP crowd instead of fighting against reducing benefits, boldly offering to take the challenge on.
But we all have to make the sacrifice-- not just one group.
I love Janie's idea-- It is too bad there are so many skeptics, so little belief that elected officials will do the right thing (I'll admit that I am concerned about enabling congress and giving them an illusionary carte blanche)
Maybe we have to make the sacrifice first, and take the leap of faith and trust that someone will do the right thing. Keeping our word as a nation is important too.
rlove this plan and will send off something from our house. if you want to be inspired try and see this documentary A Paralyzing Fear: The Story of Polio in America, its a free watch on net flicks. it shows what america can do ..so interesting
I can say you're heart is in the right place. However, I agree with Ellie, sending in money would not motivate the political leaders to live within a budget. They'd say, "See, the American people sent in money to pay down the debt. We can just charge them more."
I love you Leila, but I disagree that this idea is so great.
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