I first learned about government budgeting while flying B-52s back in the 1980s. Military vets know the significance of Sept. 30, the last day of the federal fiscal year.

As that date approached, our crew was completing a mission too long to conduct additional training like practicing approaches back at base. Asking for permission to land early, the CP responded that the wing commander directed us to fly out our time so he could meet the annual flying hour budget. We sat in holding over the base for 45 minutes, burning about 3,000 gallons of JP-4, just to make the numbers work.

It is a common perception in government culture that if you don't spend your budget, it will be reduced next year. This wastefulness should not be tolerated or encouraged. Texas congressman Ron Paul set the example this year. His congressional staff came in $100,000 under budget.

Visit larrybill.com.

LARRY BILL, 2543 Prairie View Trail, Jackson, MO 63755