by Paul Jacob

How do we gain control of government spending, especially when our politicians work so hard against us?

Take control ourselves.

This spring and summer, citizens across America have rallied to put Stop OverSpending measures on the ballots in their states.

In Maine, citizens will see just such a measure this November. Activists in Michigan and Montana appear to have collected more than enough signatures to do the same.

Not surprisingly, there's opposition. In Missouri, more than 200,000 signed petitions weren't enough for the Secretary of State, who is now being sued to do his/her job. Nevadans went to court to stop a union-backed group from harassing petitioners and interested citizens. In Nebraska, petitioners have been told they cannot petition on public property outside government buildings. In Oklahoma, public employee unions allied with powerful GOP-leaning donors have brought suit to prevent a Stop OverSpending measure from appearing on the ballot.

Why? Because politicians and some special interest groups want free rein to raise spending and taxes. But the thing is, Stop Overspending doesn't cut back government. It just puts spending increases on a budget.

A strict one.

It would end the feast and famine budget cycle. SOS initiatives don't allow politicians to spend us stupid in good times, when tax dollars roll in faster than expected. No more binge and tax, binge and tax . . . at least for those states that pass their SOS initiatives.

Common Sense is published by Americans for Limited Government. Their website can be visited at www.limitedgov.org.