Paul Krugman: Origins of the Deficit

[Fergasun]

Paul Krugman: Origins of the Deficit

From The Hill, Feb. 5, 2003:

As President Bush sent his budget to Capitol Hill Monday, a split opened among congressional Republicans between those who are still deficit hawks and an increasing number, including top leaders, who no longer see deficits as the touchstone of fiscal probity. Confronted with projected deficits until fiscal 2007, senior GOP lawmakers are backing away from long-standing rhetoric about the government’s duty to live within its means. The switch – whether from conviction, circumstance, or both – is bringing charges of hypocrisy from Democrats.

Some lawmakers view the existence of deficits as a useful tool to keep spending down. “I came to the House as a real deficit hawk, but I am no longer a deficit hawk,” said Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.). “I’ll tell you why. I had to spend the surpluses. Deficits make it easier to say no.”

... and now we see the GOP strategy coming full force since 2003. "top leaders, who no longer see deficits as the touchstone of fiscal probity". Why is that? Because the GOP strategy was to run huge deficits so they can now show everyone that "spending is out of control, vote GOP!". Kind've a mix between a scorched-earth/self-fulfilling prophecy election strategy.

(I do believe that Democrats also share blame for the deficit, but I can't believe the hypocrisy in the GOP).

[Thiebear]

I sometimes think in the last 10 years we've had the equivalent of the south going from Dem to Repub.

Every youtube video of the Dems now agrees with what they fought 8 years ago.

Every youtube video of the repubs mouths moving and fight against what they passed 8 years ago.

I understand there is sometimes nuance and changes in the environment, but you can grab an hours worth of video.

30minutes for it when their team is on deck

30minutes against it when the other team is at bat.

[Riggo-toni]

Once Gingrich got the boot and was replaced by Hastert, all the fiscal reforms the GOP fought for went out the window. The last gasp was selecting social conservative W over fiscal conservative McCain in 2k election. I hate both parties. If you still devoutly follow the same political party you did 20 years ago, please get down on all fours and say "baaaa, baaaa" because you're nothing but a sheep.