So how would you amend the constitution?

[Algernon Moncrieff]

71. I like the amendment Warren Buffett proposed somewhat tounge in cheek

It amounts to this: If congress does not pass a balanced budget, they can't be re-elected.

I actually agree that in years where we are not in severe economic crisis or are engaged in a declared war, the budget should balance. In a perfect world, we should try to get a year's budget surplus into the treasury to avoid having to immediately resort to borrowing. Where I strongly disagree with Republicans is where the cuts should be made. IMO, the bloated defense budget needs to have at least a third shaved off -- and that can be accomplished without making us one iota less secure. Next, eliminate hedge fund loopholes, and enact draconian tax penalties on corporations that ship jobs overseas. Start a multinational effort to twist the arms of the Swiss, Lichtenstein, and the Caymans to engage in transparent banking so that the IRS can find hidden money. Re-enact modest estate taxes on estates in excess of $5M. Finally, get income tax levels back to where they were under Bill Clinton.

Cutting money for education; food for the needy; winter heat assistance; and rent assistance should be a last resort. If you really want to get serious about cutting spending on those programs, raise minimum wage to levels that allow anyone working 40 hours a week to pay bills.