[PubliusToo]

Your facts and figures sound correct, but your assumptions are unproven. How do you know, for example, that government spending has decreased real GDP growth? You may recall that a balanced budget certainly did not end the Great Depression. In fact, the massive federal spending and resulting budget deficits duing WWII most likely ended the depression. Some economists believe that the stimulus of federal spending is required to propel the economy to more consistent positive growth. I understand your point of view, but I just don't see the support for your underlying assumptions.

[Conservative Coulter Fan]

The problem is that balancing the budget was merely a broken campaign pledge...I would compare it to Clinton running on Welfare Reform, but in office he vetoed such reform TWICE uintil finally he relented to Congress. Secondly, despite all the New Deal infusions...we saw a prolonged Depression that did not end until after WWII. You should read 'FDR's Folly' for more on this subject.