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CATO Institute lambastes President Bush
CATO Institute ^ | July 31, 2003 | Veronique de Rugy and Tad DeHaven

Posted on 08/01/2003 6:05:23 PM PDT by Harlequin

The Bush administration's newly released budget projections reveal an anticipated budget deficit of $450 billion for the current fiscal year, up another $151 billion since February. Supporters and critics of the administration are tripping over themselves to blame the deficit on tax cuts, the war, and a slow economy. But the fact is we have mounting deficits because George W. Bush is the most gratuitous big spender to occupy the White House since Jimmy Carter. One could say that he has become the "Mother of All Big Spenders."

The new estimates show that, under Bush, total outlays will have risen $408 billion in just three years to $2.272 trillion: an enormous increase in federal spending of 22 percent. Administration officials privately admit that spending is too high. Yet they argue that deficits are appropriate in times of war and recession. So, is it true that the war on terrorism has resulted in an increase in defense spending? Yes. And, is it also true that a slow economy has meant a decreased stream of tax revenues to pay for government? Yes again.

But the real truth is that national defense is far from being responsible for all of the spending increases. According to the new numbers, defense spending will have risen by about 34 percent since Bush came into office. But, at the same time, non-defense discretionary spending will have skyrocketed by almost 28 percent. Government agencies that Republicans were calling to be abolished less than 10 years ago, such as education and labor, have enjoyed jaw-dropping spending increases under Bush of 70 percent and 65 percent respectively.

Now, most rational people would cut back on their spending if they knew their income was going to be reduced in the near future. Any smart company would look to cut costs should the business climate take a turn for the worse. But the administration has been free spending into the face of a recessionary economy from day one without making any serious attempt to reduce costs.

The White House spinmeisters insist that we keep the size of the deficit "in perspective." Sure it's appropriate that the budget deficit should be measured against the relative size of the economy. Today, the projected budget deficit represents 4.2 percent of the nation's GDP. Thus the folks in the Bush administration pat themselves on the back while they remind us that in the 1980s the economy handled deficits of 6 percent. So what? Apparently this administration seems to think that achieving low standards instead of the lowest is supposed to be comforting.

That the nation's budgetary situation continues to deteriorate is because the administration's fiscal policy has been decidedly more about politics than policy. Even the tax cuts, which happened to be good policy, were still political in nature considering their appeal to the Republican's conservative base. At the same time, the politicos running the Bush reelection machine have consistently tried to placate or silence the liberals and special interests by throwing money at their every whim and desire. In mathematical terms, the administration calculates that satiated conservatives plus silenced liberals equals reelection.

How else can one explain the administration publishing a glossy report criticizing farm programs and then proceeding to sign a farm bill that expands those same programs? How else can one explain the administration acknowledging that entitlements are going to bankrupt the nation if left unreformed yet pushing the largest historical expansion in Medicare one year before the election? Such blatant political maneuvering can only be described as Clintonian.

But perhaps we are being unfair to former President Clinton. After all, in inflation-adjusted terms, Clinton had overseen a total spending increase of only 3.5 percent at the same point in his administration. More importantly, after his first three years in office, non-defense discretionary spending actually went down by 0.7 percent. This is contrasted by Bush's three-year total spending increase of 15.6 percent and a 20.8 percent explosion in non-defense discretionary spending.

Sadly, the Bush administration has consistently sacrificed sound policy to the god of political expediency. From farm subsidies to Medicare expansion, purchasing reelection votes has consistently trumped principle. In fact, what we have now is a president who spends like Carter and panders like Clinton. Our only hope is that the exploding deficit will finally cause the administration to get serious about controlling spending.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Constitution/Conservatism; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: cato; conservative; economic; libertarians; veroniquederugy
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To: Luis Gonzalez
Your choice of candidate is spineless. Status quo is no major accomplishment. Don't go tooting your horn like you have any influence to change minds when really you have nothing to offer.
281 posted on 08/02/2003 8:35:32 AM PDT by Stew Padasso (pro-rock.com - bsnn.net - libertyteeth.com - BFD - Puff Puff Ping)
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To: ovrtaxt
I plan to vote for Bush, much like I did for his dad, because a third party split means a Dem wins.

Yeah, I voted for his old man while holding my nose (I never forgave him for his "voodoo economics" criticism of Ronnie. Bush senior could be a smirking smart ass just like Jr. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree

I even voted for that doofus Dole. Folks like you, every four years, warned me about "wasting" my vote.

Hell, with the exception of Reagan, I've been wasting my vote for FORTY years.

The first step to getting yourself out of a hole is stop diggin!

282 posted on 08/02/2003 8:37:56 AM PDT by iconoclast
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To: Luis Gonzalez
great post. great quote.
283 posted on 08/02/2003 8:39:21 AM PDT by jern
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To: Harlequin
So a 70% increase in the budget for the Education Dept. (*cough*) is helping the war on terra? Buy a clue, bozo.

From the department of education web site:
"President Bush's budget request for 2004 provides $53.1 billion for the U.S. Department of Education, an increase of $2.8 billion or
5.6 percent
above his 2003 spending plan..."(emphasis added by R_D)

Now, that being said, I understand the desperate straits our government might be put in by increasing accountability and spending on Education...after all, $53 billion in a what, $10 TRILLION economy is one big chunk! <\sarcasm>

But let me offer this thought, despite that wreckless and wild, out of control spending being approved by the President: in D.C. there's that wacky thing called "politics" that is the lifeblood of every professional person in that town.

One must engage in this dirty business called "politics" to get things done...and if one is a comparative conservative, one will not get any help from three of the most influential classes in that town: the "punditry", the "handout crowd" and the Socialists--sometimes called "Democrats". The President has so far successfully kept these foaming-at-the-mouth wolves at bay by playing this sordid game of "politics" very, very well.

The President is dealing with hand he was dealt the best way he knows how--I know CATO has a job to do, too, and I'm glad they're there to remind us all what would be great to have in an ideal world. CATO and other think tanks serve important philosophical roles. I hope we remember that practical matters also have a function in advancing the cause...even if it seems as if we're going about it in a roundabout way.

What helped me was reading Myron Magnet's "The Dream and the Nightmare"...a fine book, and one supposedly that influenced the President's (then the Governor of Texas) thinking on the role of government. I believe he required his entire staff to read Magnet's analysis of 1960s government expansion...I suggest those who haven't read it, take an few days and soak it in. It'll give you at least some insight into what the President believes--remembering, though, that possibly some of his perspective about domestic programs has changed since the all-encompassing focus 9/11 put on his Presidency's mission.

I think we're damn lucky--no, blessed to have this man in office right now. He's truly the right man at the right time.

284 posted on 08/02/2003 8:49:08 AM PDT by Recovering_Democrat (I'm so glad to no longer be associated with the Party of Dependence on Government!)
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To: habs4ever
The "neo-con" philosophy is mainstream Republicanism, so if you wish it to go away, then you wish the party to implode.

Ah. One person gets it. The party left me, I didn't leave the party!

285 posted on 08/02/2003 8:51:46 AM PDT by iconoclast
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To: Recovering_Democrat
I think we're damn lucky--no, blessed to have this man in office right now. He's truly the right man at the right time.

You guys don't mind losing ground ... just elections.

Somehow that makes you feel like winners.

286 posted on 08/02/2003 9:01:58 AM PDT by iconoclast
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To: studly hungwell
I honestly did not realize things had gotten this bad. I have spoken out against the Education Bill and the Medicare insanity, but it is obvious that as wasteful as are those programs, there is a compounding of waste elsewhere.

I say waste, because that is what it is. There were two reasons that many Conservatives greeted the Reagan triumph as a chance to get the Federal Government out of Health, Education & Welfare. The first was the more obvious, that such Federal involovement is simply not sanctioned by the Constituttion. The second, sometimes overlooked, is that these programs have consistently been counter-productive from the standpoint of social values, positive progress, and economic reality.

I have been pursuing a policy of selective criticism, hoping somehow to help those who are trying to wake the Republican Administration up. I realize that that is not very satisfactory to those who want to put the whole picture on the table at a given moment. It is an attempt to marry the pragmatic to the idealistic. But I am well aware, that ultimately, the most pragmatic course is the one which does not shirk one's duty to oppose that which is wrong. As our beloved first American, George Washington put it, "honesty is always the best policy."

William Flax Return Of The Gods Web Site

287 posted on 08/02/2003 9:04:34 AM PDT by Ohioan
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To: Reagan Man
You're starting to piss me off. I've not devalued PresBush at any time. You made some outrageous charges against PresReagan's legacy that weren't true. So don't take a swipe at me because you screwed up with the facts.

Look, I didn't say you devalued Bush, it was a general statement to provide context for the remarks you took issue with. And how saying that the combination of a recession, attack on the United States and stock market crisis is different than the economic factors Reagan dealt with is hardly screwing up the facts.

288 posted on 08/02/2003 9:07:10 AM PDT by Dolphy
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To: AAABEST
Deficits don't matter sunshine as long as the incentives for growth are sound.People like me make up for US domestic savings shortfalls that otherwise would require real rates to rise to over 12%, just like they did in 1981.So, be thankful there are fereners who will do that because they like to invest in the US as it has the best prospects for stability and high after tax ROR's.Those quarter trillion a year interest payments also go into US domestic savings pools...the place where mutual fund companies have the savings of millions of Americans.Americans want bonds and paper to invest in, and well, Uncle Sam provides it.

Duh.

If you are that young,you're gonna be one sorry crank as you age.You need an attitude adjustment.Plus a brain transplant.Oh, and bone up on your understanding of economics, Jethro....think counter-intuitively if you wish to come out ahead.
289 posted on 08/02/2003 9:09:52 AM PDT by habs4ever
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To: iconoclast
Good luck in your search.
290 posted on 08/02/2003 9:10:30 AM PDT by habs4ever
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To: Recovering_Democrat
"I'm glad they're there to remind us all what would be great to have in an ideal world."

Who is looking for an ideal world?

Common sense, government restraint and responsibility is not too much to ask. Personally, I have given up on the RP making the argument for small government. And to be honest I think they are trying to build the "ideal world" through government and my famliy's resources. They need the reality check.
291 posted on 08/02/2003 9:11:59 AM PDT by Stew Padasso (pro-rock.com - bsnn.net - libertyteeth.com - BFD - Puff Puff Ping)
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To: Tarl
Why fall into this obvious trap. Does anyone claim to know private discussions between GWB and his leaders in the House and Senate? Just because he proposes to endorse big spending legislation doesn't mean its not rhetoric meant to "steal" democrat votes in the hope of re-election and a larger gap in Republican margins in Congress

The single most powerful tool that the President of the United States has is what Teddy Roosevelt, I believe it was, described as the "Bully Pulpit"--the ability to use the office to promote his values to the American people. What you suggest is to totally ignore that tool, and by ignoring that tool forfeit any realistic chance for just the scenario that you suggest. This approach is absolutely 180o wrong--absolutely suicidal. If this is what they are really thinking, it absolutely confirms my suggestion that Karl Rove suffers from a perceptual/conceptual deficit, and does not really understand any part of the strength of the Conservative argument.

William Flax Return Of The Gods Web Site

292 posted on 08/02/2003 9:13:42 AM PDT by Ohioan
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To: habs4ever
There you go again, for all your supposed knowledge you can't seem to figure out how wasting $275,000,000,000 paying interest (on borrowed money that's been pissed away on socialism) while adding another half trillion a year to the principal is detrimental.

No wonder they don't want you guys owning anything up there, you're too stupid to be trusted with anything of value. Thank you for saving our economy though.

People like me....


293 posted on 08/02/2003 9:35:57 AM PDT by AAABEST
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To: NRA2BFree
Ping
294 posted on 08/02/2003 9:49:43 AM PDT by Mr. Mojo
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To: Ohioan
The Bully Pulpit is useful when a debate can be enjoined, if it is seen or reputed as reducing yourself to your adversary's level then you fall into justifying their claim no matter how detailed your rebuff. GWB is no moron irregardless of how much the other side wishes it's mantra would stick. This monumental task of confronting terrorism is a 24/7 concentration, he surrounded himself with good people and he's relying on their sound strategies to allow him to devote his concerns where they need focused. These assaults by his political opponents are a dangerous distraction, of that I have little doubt.
295 posted on 08/02/2003 9:56:46 AM PDT by Tarl
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To: Dolphy
I don't know if you were alive during the Presidency of Ronald Reagan, but you're either ignorant of historical facts or down right stupid. I'm gonna spell this out for you one more time, so listen up, you just may learn something.

You called the decisions made by PresReagan, irrelevent. The opposite is true. They were highly relevent. Pick up an honest history book and get educated.

The current set of economic circumstances that PresBush faces --- a mild recession & economic slowdown, exacerbated by 9-11 and a cooling of a hyper inflated stock market --- is still nothing compared to what PresReagan faced in economic terms, when he entered office. I gave you the hard facts and yet you're still as blind as a bat. In 1981, the US economy was headed into a deep hole and eventual collapse was just around the corner. Reagan's leadership was instrumental in the economic recovery that immediately followed and which led to the 20 years of good times the American people enjoyed.

In 1981, the Cold War was still a serious problem to the national security of the US and the entire world. The evil empire of the Soviet Union was America's deadly enemy. Over a 36 year period, the US encountered the USSR on the Cold War battlefields around the globe, from Korea, to VietNam, to Afghanistan. There were literally thousands of Soviet nuclear missiles pointed at American cities. For the first time we had a President who didn't use appeasement or detente as the main avenue to bring peace between the US and the USSR. With the determination of the ultimate "cold warrior", PresReagan rebuilt the US military and stood face to face with the Soviet communists. Reagan submitted the final death blow to Soviet communism and the US won the Cold War.

The 9-11 attacks on the US, have been met with the power and force of the US military. PresBush has done a fine job leading as CIC and deserves credit for protecting and defending the homeland. Bush`s tax cuts, military buildup and missile defense came right out of Reagan's playbook. And the events of Reagan's and Bush`s first three years in office, are similiar in nature and highly comparable.

However, there are a few areas where Bush doesn't follow Reagan's political agenda. Bush has been unwilling to hold the line on discretionary spending, as Reagan did. Total federal spending under PresBush`s first three years has increased by 14 percent as opposed to 7 percent under PresReagan. This includes adjustments for inflation. And while Reagan reduced non-defense discretionary spending by 14 percent, Bush will have overseen a rise of 18 percent in discretionary spending. That's a huge 32 percent difference between the two men. Those are the facts.

Reagan also used his veto pen on numerous occasions. Bush hasn't employed his veto power once since taking office. I expect things to change in a second Bush term, but for now we'll have to live with Bush`s weak effort at controlling waste, fraud and abuse in the federal bureaucracy.

And for your information, just as with PresBush, PresReagan was called a cowboy and a dummy by the liberal establishment throughout his Presidency. Democrat's continually underestimated PresReagan and said he would start WWIII. They were wrong then and they're wrong today.

296 posted on 08/02/2003 9:59:16 AM PDT by Reagan Man
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To: Stew Padasso
What's spineless is your refusal to name the candidate that you support.

At least I have the backbone to sit here and tell YOU who I support.

297 posted on 08/02/2003 10:10:01 AM PDT by Luis Gonzalez (Yo soy la Cuba libre.)
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To: Stew Padasso
"The bottom line: your belief set is offensive and digs into my wallet."

I stated no beliefs, I showed you reality.

You are showing that your wallet is far more important than your nation.

THAT'S truly offensive.

So far, you have yet to state what candidate you support for the presidency...whether you fullfill your civic duties as an American citizen or not, we will elect a president in a little over a year, you should at least show some courage and name your candidate.

298 posted on 08/02/2003 10:15:39 AM PDT by Luis Gonzalez (Yo soy la Cuba libre.)
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To: jammer
One of the most important requirements of a conservative, is attention to detail.

Those were not my words, and it's obvious that you are not paying attention.
299 posted on 08/02/2003 10:17:41 AM PDT by Luis Gonzalez (Yo soy la Cuba libre.)
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To: e_engineer
Those "few" votes you are threatening to use to cost the GOP the elections will be replaced from somewhere.

Tell me, if you are looking to increase your voting base, where do you go get new voters from?

The GOP is trying to pull in centrist and undecided voters. They are trying to pull in strong family, Christians in Hispanics, and trying to make a dent into the DNC black voter base by attracting the more moderate and centrist voters.

It isn't pandering, it's political reality.

And by the way, no "conservative" ever sees helping elect liberals as a solution to anything.
300 posted on 08/02/2003 10:31:22 AM PDT by Luis Gonzalez (Yo soy la Cuba libre.)
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