Bush May Meet Vow To Halve The Deficit Three Years Early

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

ET,

The following graph, which shows our national debt as a percentage of GDP, is more meaningful than simply adjusting it for inflation. JMHO.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Nationa..._%25_of_gdp.jpg

Depending on what is being discussed. But yes, I agree that looking at national debt in relation to the GDP makes sense. Much like looking at personal debt in relation to one's income rather than looking at absolute figures. While a 200K mortgage may be crushing to some, others can handle a 500K mortgage with ease. It's all relative...

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

And you'll notice that even with the relative to GDP numbers, the Clinton years (at least his second term) do show a downward trend.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

And you'll notice that even with the relative to GDP numbers, the Clinton years (at least his second term) do show a downward trend.

No argument there.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

And in the same vein, in the same graph, the upward trend in the Bush years has not been as pronounced as his opponents would like us to believe.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

And in the same vein, in the same graph, the upward trend in the Bush years has not been as pronounced as his opponents would like us to believe.

Also true. Although one would have to admit that this is not a fiscally conservative President. Or Congress, for that matter.

[cmartyn 0]

But the chart lies. There is no way to tell what is real and what is not.

I know our IT costs are down.. we pay 90.00 / day / person now instead of 300.00. But Executive comps are way up! Top six guys in the company took in about 80 mil according to our 10K filing as opposed to 60 just last year.

I, on the other hand, am barely keeping up with inflation as indicated by the Fed. Real inflation.. yaknow.. like those 20% property tax hikes we get every year and those 30% Medical Insurance cost hikes, the 50% rise in gas prices. NEWSFLASH: THIS IS NOT OFFSET BY THE FACT I CVAN BUY ####### SHOES THAT HURT MY FEET AT WAL-MART FOR 10.00.

Anyhow.. We could debate this endlessly, without real data, you have to take it all with a grain of salt. Remember that the complaints against GW's spending habbits are about spending in general. The deficit increase is just one aspect of the spending.

[maya62 7]

Uh, pardon me...

I am wondering where the cost of the Iraq war fits into the OP's assertions...

?

Maya