Those "small government" Republicans decide to raise our debt limit by $800 billion

[Ryan]

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20041118/D86DVIG00.html

Meanwhile, those damned "liberal" Democrats tried to block the spending measure as they selfishly think of "future generations."

Don't blame me, I voted with the sane portion of America.

[matt]

the "conservative" of today is such a misnomer

"Conservative" is not synonymous with Republican. That's the source of your confusion. George Bush is the latter not the former, even if he adopts some conservative social positions. His strong support of the War on Drugs, his fiscal irresponsibility, his willingness to expand the nanny state (most notably in entitlements) etc etc clearly put him at odds with core conservative ideology.

Now, what's a conservative to do? Refuse to vote for him and accept Kerry?

Originally Posted by Ryan

Meanwhile, those damned "liberal" Democrats tried to block the spending measure as they selfishly think of "future generations."

Are you really concerned about the deficit?

Our deficit following WWII dwarfed (in real dollars) today's debt.

As long as the debt stays within a small percentage of GDP it really shouldn't scare you as much as it seems to.

This is not to be interpretted as permission for Bush to spend willy nilly - the Congress and GW need to have their hands slapped when they reach for the till - but - our economy can absorb this with little pain.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by xiannaix

Are you really concerned about the deficit?

Our deficit following WWII dwarfed (in real dollars) today's debt.

As long as the debt stays within a small percentage of GDP it really shouldn't scare you as much as it seems to.

This is not to be interpretted as permission for Bush to spend willy nilly - the Congress and GW need to have their hands slapped when they reach for the till - but - our economy can absorb this with little pain.

Considering our current global environment, the consumer debt level, our fiat monetary system, and our weakening currency - none of which have ever existed to this extreme - I am extremely concerned about our debt level.

Originally Posted by Ryan

Considering our current global environment, the consumer debt level, our fiat monetary system, and our weakening currency - none of which have ever existed to this extreme - I am extremely concerned about our debt level.

Again, I don't share the level of your concern. I don't think it is something that should be ignored, just not alarmed about. However, your worries about consumer debt - I think are spot on. I think there is a bit of regional variation to this. Some places I've lived it is common to carry huge credit card debt and in others its seen as a charachter defect Regardless, Americans, in general, are extended too far.

[tricky]

Currently 16-17 cents of every taxdollar goes to pay interest on the defecit. If the current rate of spending/debt increase is consistent, in 20 years, we will be paying about 1/4 or 25cents of every taxdollar in interest. To me, that is a gross waste of money that could be better spent on consumption or investment which either would have a much greater beneficial effect for the economy than interest payments.

So maybe I have reason to worry about my future.

.02cents

Originally Posted by tricky

Currently 16-17 cents of every taxdollar goes to pay interest on the defecit. If the current rate of spending/debt increase is consistent, in 20 years, we will be paying about 1/4 or 25cents of every taxdollar in interest. To me, that is a gross waste of money that could be better spent on consumption or investment which either would have a much greater beneficial effect for the economy than interest payments.

So maybe I have reason to worry about my future.

.02cents

How does that increase in cost of interest account for growth of the economy?

[tricky]

money being spent on taxes in interest payments could be better spent towards consumption or investment...i am saying the increase in interest is a drag on the economy

Originally Posted by xiannaix

How does that increase in cost of interest account for growth of the economy?

Originally Posted by tricky

money being spent on taxes in interest payments could be better spent towards consumption or investment...i am saying the increase in interest is a drag on the economy

I agree that its preferrable to spend less on interest and more on substance.

I am asking if that increased intrerest projection took into account increased revenues from a larger economy? If not, your concern, while well placed, should abate in some part.

[tricky]

The growth of the economy will still increase revenues somewhat, but there is the compounding of debt from previous years that will still pust up interest.

Originally Posted by xiannaix

I agree that its preferrable to spend less on interest and more on substance.

I am asking if that increased intrerest projection took into account increased revenues from a larger economy? If not, your concern, while well placed, should abate in some part.

Originally Posted by tricky

The growth of the economy will still increase revenues somewhat, but there is the compounding of debt from previous years that will still pust up interest.

I'm not sure I buy that calculation.

Anyway, I don't disagree with you or Ryan in kind - only degree. It is a real concern and we do need to address it.

[tricky]

http://www.clubforgrowth.org/index.php

The NY Times Magazine a very good article last year on how this group puts pressure on republican canidates in certain elections to be more fiscally conservative.

Originally Posted by E-brake

Perhaps if more Republicans could pull their heads out of their asses and not support Bush we could have had someone else to chose from. Clearly most Republicans dont know what the party is suposed to stand for and blindly follow Bush no matter what he proposes. This Administration seems to be following in Clintons footsteps instead of Regan, or Bush Sr.

I would love to see the Republicans in the house and senate get their balls back and stop blindly supporting him on every issue.

Originally Posted by E-brake

Perhaps if more Republicans could pull their heads out of their asses and not support Bush we could have had someone else to chose from.

This suggests the GOP nominate one other than a sitting President. Do you think such a move wise given the alternative is a very likely DNC win?

Originally Posted by E-brake

Clearly most Republicans dont know what the party is suposed to stand for and blindly follow Bush no matter what he proposes. This Administration seems to be following in Clintons footsteps instead of Regan, or Bush Sr.

Actually - Clinton adopted a great many Reagan fiscal policies.

Originally Posted by E-brake

I would love to see the Republicans in the house and senate get their balls back and stop blindly supporting him on every issue.

I'd certainly like to see a great deal more restraint with the checkbook.

[MysteryMeat]

Originally Posted by xiannaix

willy nilly

Did you really just say that?