[Theoria]

'but the US budget deficit was SHRINKING every year up to 2007 '

The budget was also going UP every year.

[SeekAndFind]

RE: The budget was also going UP every year.

I have no problems with that with the following proviso in mind:

1) Keep an eye on TAX REVENUE, you cannot increase the budget if your revenue is SHRINKING.

2) Increase the budget based on this normal rule : Inflation rate plus population growth.