Symbolism and Savings in the President's Budget

Only in Washington would $20 billion be "symbolic." But that's pretty much what the cuts President Bush proposed in his budget.

The President wants to slash or eliminate 150 programs. All told, that adds up to about $20 billion. That's a lot of money to the average Joe -- but just a drop in the bucket when it comes to the $2.5 trillion budget.

It's only about 5% of the deficit for next year -- and only eight-tenths of one percent of the budget. What's more, some of it's taken from programs that have friends in Congress.

For instance, The Bush budget calls for doubling the co-pay for some veterans' medical care and charging others a $250 a year fee. The President can propose that because he doesn't have to run for office again. The people who have to vote on it -- are voted on next year. It's hard to believe any but the strongest Bush loyalists in the House backing a plan to raise prices on vets.