NationStates Jolt Archive

I recently introduced a resolution entitled, "Fiscal Discipline." This is a rewritten resolution of a prior proposal to require balanced budgets in member states of the United Nations. I ask that you take the time to review the proposal and consider endorsing it if you feel it should come up for a vote before this august body. I have only recently gained a greater understanding of how to adequately navigate these discussion boards, so I apologize if I missed discussion on the previous resolution.

I believe that promoting fiscal discipline among member states is vitally important for the proper function of global economic markets. It is well established that retaining high deficits leads to higher interest rates. This in turn stops growth, makes it harder for consumers to obtain funds for housing, schooling, etc. Additionally, greater amounts of nation's budgets are consumed with interest payments, meaning that wealthy investors are receiving limited government funds that could be spent on health care, education and infrastructure.

At the same time, there are obviously occasions in which national budgets might need to operate with short-term deficits because of a national crisis. Adequate mechanisms need to be put in place to account for this need. However, when countries operate with permanent cyclical deficits they do a disservice to both their citizens and the global markets.

Thank you for your time and consideration, I humbly request your endorsement for this proposal.

East Colorado

Dude, no. It is a good thing for a single country to embrace the idea of not going overbudget, but the UN should NOT make this a resolution. If nothing else, this would have our countries seriously watching how we spend our money, and would detract us from more important things.

Also, if we were forbidden to utilize deficits so that we could stockpile supplies, improve our country, or in general improve the globe we would be in sorry shape. Nations could not build up armies, enhance our national parks, create space programs, without really getting hairy with deficits. Or another option could be to just tax your citizens through the nose.

I'm sorry, East Colorado, but if this somehow manages to become a resolution The Drama Isles will resist it, tooth and nail. And I sincerely hope that the former advocates of this idea have softened in their views.

We are torn between our appreciation of the wisdom of this proposition, which would reduce sensual luxuries and impose wholesome frugality and austerity, and somber recognition that most nations are far too addicted to the pleasures of deficit living to be so easily weaned off the teat of indulgence.