The American Conservative
by Doug Bandow

For years Republicans promised revolutionary change in Washington. But after Ronald Reagan was elected president in 1980, they complained that the GOP needed to run Congress. After Republicans gained control of Congress in 1994, they said they needed the presidency as well. Now, with both the White House and Capitol Hill under firm GOP control, Republicans have no more excuses. Unfortunately, the budget results have been ugly, and the future looks even worse. Notes Peter Ferrara of the Free Enterprise Fund, 'under current law Federal spending as a percent of GDP will rise from 20 percent today to 34 percent by 2030.' That is higher than at any other point since World War II. Toss in state and local spending, and half the economy will be in government hands. And these estimates ignore the natural tendency of government outlays to climb far faster than projected... (for publication 11/21/05)

http://www.amconmag.com/2005/2005_11_21/cover.html


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp