Posted by
Moonkeeper on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 10:22:08 PM
Insanity: Repeating the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
In 1968, we elected Nixon. We wanted out of Vietnam. We were disgusted by Johnson's Great Society porgrams. During Nixon's entire presidency, we stayed in Vietnam, and the Greater Society was never rescinded. Discretionary spending increased faster then the rate of inflation plus population growth.
In 1980, we elected Ronald Reagan because he gave us hope. During his presidency, spending sky-rocketed. Discretionary, non-military, non-defense spending increased at a rate far faster then the rate of inflation plus population growth. As for his tax "cuts," while the rates applied went down, write-offs were rewritten in such a way that the effective average federal tax rate for America actually increased from 27.5% to 31%. We were sent on multiple military missions to countries that posed no threat to us.
In 1992, we elected Bill Clinton. The income tax rate was increased. We were told that we were experiencing prosperity. During this period of "amazing prosperity," average personal debt increased approximately 6 times, and the annual number of bankruptcy filings increased 15 times. We were sent on multiple military missions (i.e. Kosovo) to areas that posed no threat to us.
In 2000, we elected George Bush. Non-military, non-defense, discretionary spending has increased at a rate that far outpaces inflation plus population growth. Our prescription drugs were socialized. We are about to grant amnesty to 12 million illegals.
During the time period covered, the following has occurred that both parties at different times had a chance to correct:
- Kelo vs. New london - For all the talk about how "outraged" every politician in Washington is, they have yet to pass any law clarifying the intent of the 5th amendment.
- Earmarks have increased literally thousands of times over.
- McCain-Feingold effectively shut out what little voice those that were not politically connected had. This should have been called the incumbent reelection act. Challengers to incumbents most often rely on "soft" money, and must spend more for name recognition.
- A military presence has been kept in over 100 countries.
- Our total national debt has increased every year.
- Millions have been jailed for commiting "victimless crimes"
- During each election, the majority of money given to a candidate comes from billionaires and multi-millionaires.
For all our talk about needing changes, we're on pace to have a presidential showdown between Rudy McRomney(son) and Hillary Edbama. Do you honestly believe things will be different with either of them?
I'll be voting Ron Paul.