Is this the most important chart in history?

Question

http://www.lafn.org/politics/gvdc/Natl_Debt_Chart.html

Answer 1

First I want to say, thanks for posting that link. It appears that Republicans can never take responsibility for the damaged they caused. Of course, Republicans support tax cuts when it's beneficial to the rich. How can people say that our current president is doing a good job with tax cuts when we are spending billions of dollars in Iraq each month?! Our national debt is at it's high point, probably as high as it's ever been, thanks to good ole' Bush.

Answer 2

I don't think it is, it is however a very nice chart. It is sad that the young are saddled with a debt on a bill they never approved. What some forget is that those same young that will inherit much of this debt are also being born into a safer and much better standard of living. My generation had to pay for some of WW2, Korea, and Viet Nam all while trying to preserve open space and work for a fraction of today's wages. There are more benefits and advantages to being an American these days as a result. I hate seeing Govt rampantly waste money and agree this debt is well beyond reason. The alternative however is one most spoiled Americans would never accept. The debt will grow even higher and more programs will be created as our elected officials spend money like drunken sailors on shore leave. Maybe we need to tell Govt we the people cannot afford them anymore and are outsourcing their services.

Answer 3

Calling it the most important chart in history is a bit of a stretch at this point, but it is a significant indication of a huge problem that could lead to disastrous consequences for our country's future. We are already seeing signs of that right now with the economy. I disagree with those who say that it is Congress that is solely responsible for the deficit. Congress, as a whole, is more powerful than the president, but the president has a lot more power than any other politician. He has the power to draft and submit budget proposals, demand funds, authorize emergency funding, veto bills, make contracts and trade agreements with other countries, etc. He gets even more power as a "wartime" president (however contrived). I would say the president, as an individual, has the most power to influence the economy, and if that president has a majority in Congress, then fudgetaboutit, he can (if he chooses to) act with impunity (which is what we got the first 6 years of the Bush Dynasty).

Answer 4

Hardly the MOST important, but a big sign that the Republicans are lying when they claim to be the party of fiscal, or any other kind of, responsibility.

Answer 5

Yes, it is, but I don't think you see the real trend.

Every time we have a Democrat in the white house, The Republicans have to come in and spend a ton of money to fix the mess the Democrat made of our economy.

Answer 6

Not the most important. But it's certainly worth posting--its a great corrective to the right-wing lies.

And--for other readers--it IS accurate.

Answer 7

I'm not even a democrat, but I assure you the numbers are correct. If someone doubts these numbers, then I urge you to do a little research while you're on your computer and you'll see for yourself.

Answer 8

Probably a big reason why the republicans were voted out of congress.

Answer 9

Please note which party controlled congress during those presidential administrations. Also include how much the defense budget was increased/decreased. Then you will have something important to look at.

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Answer 10

It's almost like the republicans in both Bush time periods had to spend like crazy to make up for the lack of military spending that the two intervening democrats slashed. I would also go as far to say that there may have been wars in both Bush time periods.

Next graph, National deficit as a percentage of growth in GDP. You might not like that one as much.