Size of Government

[garentee]

Found something interesting just now about the size of government under George Bush 2..and it may have relevance to the reason why we are in the economic straits we are in now. Contrary to the wishful thinking of many conservatives it is not just because of Obamas policies,but due to the Bush policies as well. IF I recall correctly it was about this time 3 years ago that the economy started to tank big time...
Did they reduce the size of government?

[James Fletcher]

You won't get any argument from me that Bush was a big spender, and his administration contributed to the severity of the GFC, as did the actions of many parties the world over (e.g. Europe).

But the tax cuts weren't the problem. The problem was that they were trying to fund two wars while vastly expanding government programs such as No Child Left Behind and Medicare, with the added pressure of the 2001 recession, 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.

But it is worth mentioning that it was the Democratic congress and senate that loosened lending regulations in 2007, leading to loan approvals for people who would never be able to pay the money back.

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by James Fletcher

You won't get any argument from me that Bush was a big spender, and his administration contributed to the severity of the GFC, as did the actions of many parties the world over (e.g. Europe).

But the tax cuts weren't the problem. The problem was that they were trying to fund two wars while vastly expanding government programs such as No Child Left Behind and Medicare, with the added pressure of the 2001 recession, 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.

But it is worth mentioning that it was the Democratic congress and senate that loosened lending regulations in 2007, leading to loan approvals for people who would never be able to pay the money back.

Correct. Anyone still trying to blame Bush for our situation, has their blinders on. Democrats have had control for awhile now.

[Solipsist]

Originally Posted by russianrocket

Anyone still trying to blame Bush for our situation, has their blinders on.

... or they're trying to deny the Democrats' complicity.

Here's how I see it: W. and the neocons screwed it up (not that it was perfect when they took over); Obama and the Dems made it worse. As far as I'm concerned, they're all just two sides of the same corrupt coin.

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by Solipsist

... or they're trying to deny the Democrats' complicity.

Here's how I see it: W. and the neocons screwed it up (not that it was perfect when they took over); Obama and the Dems made it worse. As far as I'm concerned, they're all just two sides of the same corrupt coin.

That too. Annoys me because they think their fav prez is perfect, and just got dealt a bad hand .