[hardflex]

Aurel, your chart is out of date. the new chart should have the latest projection off the chart down near the rueter's signature, about 480 billion.

I'll give credit to Clinton where it's due. He took Perot's lead and raised gas taxes and tax rates on higher incomes, from 33% to 35%. Remember the vote, when Gore had to come down to congress and cast the tiebreaking vote? Clinton should also get credit for "streamlining" government which took a lot of government workers off the payroll. (I was a skeptic on this one, but my niece works for the GAO and she insists it cut over 1/3 out of the organization).

A third major factor in the surplus was the election of a republican congress in 94, which began passing the costs of programs down to the states, although they are mandated by federal law. It's a big reason why many states are running deficits now too.

And what's happening now? With interest rates low, neither party in congress is afraid of more spending, GWB has increased discretionary spending by 32% in his 2 years (Gray Davis is at 38% in Calif. which earned him a recall) , and has yet to veto a spending bill.

The Concord Coalition (who's stated goal is to not pass on the debt to our children) gives this congress and administration an "F"