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.