There are three complementary explanations for this abandonment of
fiscal restraint, namely:

--the growth of 'big government' conservatism

--a belief in tax cuts as the cornerstone of domestic policy

--new demands for spending on the war on terrorism and homeland
security

In the 1994 elections, Republicans seized control of Congress by
promoting traditional conservatism, including smaller government,
lower budgets and reduced public services.


From Forbes, 1/10/06:
http://www.forbes.com/business/2006/01/09/us-deficit-politics-cx_0110oxford_bu
sh.html

Bush Priorities Will Swell Deficit

Oxford Analytica


President George W. Bush on Jan. 7 pressed Congress to extend tax cuts
on dividends and capital gains, but ruled out major reductions in
entitlement programs.

The growth of the federal budget and accompanying deficits are
straining Republican Party unity and undermining the Administration's
ability to respond to emergency needs, such as disaster relief.

_____________________________________________________________

http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/

U.S. NATIONAL DEBT CLOCK

The Outstanding Public Debt as of 10 Jan 2006 at 02:46:42 PM GMT is:

$8,221,103,237,522.23

The estimated population of the United States is 298,212,121
so each citizen's share of this debt is $27,567.97.

The National Debt has continued to increase an average of
$2.83 billion per day since September 30, 2005!


Harry