"But Clinton, tho' certainly not my hero, slowed the growth of the federal government. Bush did not."
Cporrection: Congress has the power of the purse... the Newt Congress of 1994-1998 cut back spending, later GOP Congresses since 1998 have slacked off. After 9/11 and the after the PAYGO contraints expired, spending restraint has been a backburner issue, alas.
Of course, Clinton's cut of 2 Army divisions and cut of more than 500,000 people in the DoD, and other 'peace dividend' activities helped reduced the deficit in ways that had to reversed post 9/11. So for both reasons, it is really a myth to peg Clinton as the fiscal conservative. He was always trying to spend more than the GOP Congress.
" So as to how much federal spending is wasteful, the question is more appropriately directed at Mr. Bush."
Um, first this is a Congression issue as much as anything else; second, this is your forum, he's not here: What percentage of the Federal Government do you think is wasted?
And if it is wasted, should spending be cut?
what is your ideal amount of Federal govt spending?
Can you name a Federal program that *doesnt* waste money?
And if a "Pell grant" is such a great Govt program, amounting to a voucher for College, what is so awful about vouchers for K-12?
And if a "Pell grant" is such a great Govt program, amounting to a voucher for College, what is so awful about vouchers for K-12?
That's an excellent argument. I'll be interested in seeing what he has to say to that one.