Spending the Debt

While we are on the subject of passing legislation that increases the national debt, especially when it pertains to Republicans all of a sudden being concerned about debts and deficits. It's also worth taking a look at who is most responsible for today's national debt.

As we all know, Republicans are fiscal conservatives. They are not just morally responsible but fiscally as well. They are so concerned about debt that while in power-- the only substantive thing we can go by that proves they are what they claim to be-- they did nothing but increase our national debt by leaps and bounds. Take a look at the nifty chart below.

Overwhelmingly Republicans have contributed more to the national debt since their so-called conservative Reagan Revolution than Democrats. True a Republican has been head of government 20 of the 28 years listed in the chart but the 8 Democratic years was when the least amount of debt was accumulated. On average the 3 Republican presidents increased the debt by 115%. It's not like the lone Democrat created a substantial amount either. In fact, almost 85% of today's $12 trillion debt is contributed to Republicans. And when you look at it in terms of actually decreasing the debt in any formidable sense (something Republicans claim they do), it only came when Democrats controlled the White House.

Clearly there is no real concern by Republicans when it comes to debts and deficits. They can't spend money fast enough. This is not to assume Democrats are great debt slashers or fiscal stewards by any means. Their spending should be scrutinized. But let's be real. Republicans have not an ounce of claim to any terminology of traditional conservatism or fiscal responsibility. It would be personally embarrassing after 30-plus years of a track record that is full of red ink to still want to debate the worthiness of fiscal matters and personal responsibility on this country. Personally acknowledging their record is not something Republicans do, however. So this week, and the rest of this year, when Republicans want to chime in about health care reform, the deficit and slashing budgets, just remember they live in a total fantasy world where they want to be able to blame all their own infringements on everyone else. It's way past time in this country that we quit allowing that to happen.