Bush administration projects record 2009 deficit

[GhettoDogAllStars]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

IMO here are the biggest problems we face today:

1) Dependency on foreign oil

2) Threat of terrorist strikes

3) Overspending by government (pork, unnecessary regulation & programs)

4) Social programs (SS & Welfare) that will either bankrupt the government or go bankrupt themselves unless real solutions are implemented.

I wouldn't say the threat of terrorist strikes is one of our biggest problems. However, it is made to look like our biggest problem, so that the powers can control the people through fear.

So, that would leave:

1.) Foreign Oil
-- The price of oil has risen more dramatically during Bush's term than at any other time in history. Demand is through the roof. I would guess a lot of the demand for oil is coming from our government and their operations in Iraq. The Bush administration lied about Iraq. That one's on them -- not the American public. While Bush isn't responsible for all of the increased demand, he's certainly responsible for a large part of it, and he's not doing anything to help the situation. He's only made it worse.

2.) Government Overspending
-- From the article:
"House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt, D-S.C., said the new deficit figure confirms 'the dismal legacy of the Bush administration: under its policies, the largest surpluses in history have been converted into the largest deficits in history.'"

This administration spent $482 Billion (with a 'B') over the budget -- in one year! Never has this country overspent so much -- never. The previous record of $413 Billion was also set by Bush, in 2004.

It's hard to imagine how anyone could excuse Bush for that.

3.) Social Programs
-- I wouldn't just say social programs are one of our biggest problems. It's too general. Social programs can be great, and it's a shame that most of America's social programs are worthless. This is definitely not Bush's fault, but this problem pales in comparison to the previous two.

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

There are many more, but these are the first major ones that come to mind. How is President Bush responsible for these problems? Has he contributed to some, certainly, but there is a Congress. Bush is not a monarch. Don't we as the people that elect Congress and the President bear some of the responsibility as well?

I agree that the public is ultimately responsible. However, our government doesn't work the way it is supposed to, and what we are left with is what I like to call a "Virtual Monarchy". The people who make most of the important executive decisions -- the Presidential Cabinet -- are appointed, not elected. In addition, for any citizen to truly do their duty as a participant in the democracy, they would have to spend all of their time doing it. There is far too much going on in government every day.