Deficit Spending

January 27th, 2004 11:34 AM

Things like this make me sad:

“Sorry, I don’t vote for Democrats.”

Puzzled look. “Why not?”

I keep walking, he follows us. So I turn around and say, “Tax and Spend. It’s no good. You guys want to steal money from me and waste it.”

because having issues with Dean supporters is fine. They’re kinda freaky, I know. And I can support the idea of wanting smaller government (or at least less deficit spending). But giving “Tax and Spend” as the reason for ignoring the Democratic party just seems like an awful joke these days given that the current Republican government has a “Tax-cut and Spend” policy that is getting worse and worse:

The budget office projected that for the decade ending in 2013, the red ink will total $2.38 trillion. That was $986 billion worse than it projected in August and $3.7 trillion deeper than it projected only a year ago.

As Bush took office in January 2001, the budget office projected surpluses totaling $5.6 trillion for the decade ending in 2011.

I’d prefer to not be spedning so much money. But if we take the spending as some sort of necessity, I’d much rather be taxed on it than hand on that debt to future (or perhaps my) generations. I mean, come on! In five months estimated deficits by 2013 increased by $1 trillion???

I’m no economist, and I’d love to hear why this isn’t really as big an issue as it seems. But the actions of this administration fill me with fear.

Comments

Actually, this is why everyone should vote for the Fuck You Party. Tax and Don’t Spend. We’re for screwing over the American people as much as humanly possible. It’s a big Fuck You… for America!

Posted by: Benjamin on January 27th, 2004 6:02 PM

Most people don’t realize it, but the deficit is actually a good thing (this isn’t a joke, just hear me out). The original plan was for it never to be fully paid off. If we owe people money, they are less likely to attack or try to get rid of us. I don’t think it helps to be this far in debt, but I don’t really want it to be completely gone.

Posted by: Matt Wantman on January 29th, 2004 10:33 PM

If you buy into Krugman (I think he gives the Bush administration to much credit), the republicans are are cutting taxes and raising the deficit in order to “starve the beast”. As the deficit rises to unheard of levels, public services and institutions will be shut down, thus reducing the size of government. the republicans “protect the country” while shutting down services and the public loves it. ingenious really.

Posted by: krazyk on January 31st, 2004 8:41 PM

Maybe he votes Libertarian?

Posted by: Simon on February 2nd, 2004 12:42 PM

Heh. As the OP, I can confirm three things: First, “Tax and Spend” is a terrible reason to vote for Republicans, Democrats, or other fiends. Second, “Tax and Spend” is a great way to get Dean supporters all flustered. And third, yeah, I’ve voted (little-l and big-l) libertarian before… :)

Posted by: Brian on February 8th, 2004 10:02 AM