[terilyn]

I'm not arguing what the baseline is. I'm simply saying that it's obvious they're going to spend the money anyway as they have since 1998. The difference is that in 1998 - 2001 it was done IMHO without fanfare. You and I and the rest of the American taxpayers paid for it without seeing how much it was in black and white. The only advantage here is that for the first time in four years they're at least telling us they're going to do it. Doesn't make it great, but it does make it a little easier to take, (at least for me). I prefer honesty and transparency when it comes to government spending.

[zoyd]

I prefer honesty and transparency when it comes to government spending.

Point well taken, but I don't understand why we don't revert at the least to mid-90s levels.