I have inside knowledge of where we're currently at with our reserve. I'm in favor of 18% because I think we currently need it with the amount coming out for our current situation. There's never a definite, firm "enough" point. The tax is, and should, be fluent so as to fluctuate based on certain factors.
The point I'm getting at is, currently, we're spending, and our reserve is going down. I'm okay with 18% in order to recuperate our reserve until it reaches a certain point.
I'm relatively certain that I've seen you post MAX TAXES more than once and that was during my one and only time in congress. That and your quoted statement of feeling 18% is correct right now leaves me wondering if you're being entirely forthright about tax levels. Did you vote for the current 25% WT?
As I asked TDK, I also put these questions to you:
What do you have in mind in the way of expenditures?
Do you foresee any changes in foreign affairs/diplomacy?
Do you have any expectations of decorum for those you choose to be in your cabinet? What would you do if they insult others over their positions on issues rather than having a civil discussion?
My "MAX TAXES" are in jest, and not intended to be serious. Anytime my caps lock is on, it's probably sarcasm.
Also, when I quoted 18%, I was unaware of where our reserve at the time was. I'm sure I could've math'd and figured it out, but hadn't at the time; that number came to light later in the day. I did not vote in the 25% WT vote, I guess file that as abstain?
For expenditures, I'm fine with keeping our internal spending at the level it is now, ie USAF/DoCA/AA. I would like to keep external expenditures low also. That means no foreseeable great, amazing wars where we'll blow what's left of our reserve, keeping in mind, surprises happen and I don't know what will be thrown at us.
I do not see any drastic changes in foreign affairs/diplomacy. I think the Owl doctrine has shown to be effective in keeping this country safe. It helped turn what was a 3v1 battle into something much more manageable.
I do have expectations of decorum for members of my cabinet. I won't say what measures will be taken if those expectations are broken, but, they'll be commensurate with the infraction.