Thompson says spending puts U.S. on course to Soviet-like oblivion

AP ^ | Jan. 16, 2008 | by Mary Ann Chastain

[jdm]

LAURENS - Republican White House hopeful Fred Thompson said Wednesday that the United State's spending on programs like Medicare and welfare puts the country on a course for the same financial oblivion that brought down the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

"We're doing it in a different way," Thompson said during a radio interview in response to a question about President Ronald Reagan's strategy of outspending the Soviet Union and whether the U.S. was now on the same course. "The bottom line could be the same."

Recurring spending demands for programs that pay for health care, welfare and social security will take up the entire budget within 30 years, Thompson said.

"We're spending ourselves into oblivion," he said. "It cannot be sustained."

The pressure is on for the former Tennessee senator to do well in the first Southern contest for Republicans.

"Different people are winning these different major contests and I think a different person will win Saturday in South Carolina," said Thompson, who fizzled in earlier states. "No one has settled in on anyone."

Thompson's first question from a crowd of about 200 at a breakfast and burger restaurant came from a man who claimed the federal judicial system was corrupt, particularly because 40 cases he has filed have not been heard.

"I think you need a better lawyer," Thompson joked. The man told Thompson he couldn't afford one.

Thompson said he would get tough on illegal immigration by tightening the border and eliminating incentives for people who enter the nation unauthorized. His remarks were a swipe at Mike Huckabee who, as Arkansas governor, attempted to make children of illegal immigrants eligible for scholarships and in-state college tuition.

[tpanther]

...or in a van down by the river.

[kellynla]

With more than half of Americans receiving some kind of government assistance; I’d say we’re well on our way...

“Liberalism is just Communism sold by the drink.”
P.J.O’Rourke

[the808bass]

I mean, how is anyone able to get justice in this great country if they cannot get a good lawyer?

I'll see you and I'll raise. I say we set up a new "Pursuit of Happyness" Department under the auspices of the White House. It'll be like the "Make-a-Wish" Foundation except with this one, you don't have to be sick. Just fill out our handy online forms, send them in and see if your wish can be granted by the Federal Government. Trip to Bora Bora? Maybe. A new john boat? It could be in the cards. Free groceries for 5 years? You betcha! It all depends upon how compelling you can make your argument that YOU should get your wish fulfilled.

[numberonepal]

Fred don’t do red!