A friend on facebook wants to reform her national government.

Kathy, if you want reform — that is, to make significant changes to the way tax revenues are spent (and possibly, collected, decreasing the debt load) in your local/state/national government — look at the numbers.

And, while looking, ask yourself what you’re willing to give up, both now and in the future, if reform to you means lowering the total expenditure.

For instance, here’s the pie chart of U.S. total spending for FY 2011:

Perhaps your  local political entity has a similar, easy-to-view breakdown of the way tax revenues/debts are supposed to be divided.

Where do you want to see changes made?

Where are the areas that change will be most effective for you and your sub/culture?

Can we manage government budgets as if they’re our own households?

What is a manageable public debt load?  After all, who’s going to call in your government’s debt?  Has your government’s debt been called in?

If bankruptcy is not an option, is eliminating the wishy-washy ratings agencies a good starting point?

More later.

Time for lunch and a few good books to read, including an ebook titled “Three Cups of Deceit – How Greg Mortenson, Humanitarian Hero, Lost His Way,” by John Krakauer.

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Thanks to Joe and Harold at KCDC; Tee Aundra at Krystal.