Not to enter into a debate, but some additions to your thoughts on budgets. I have exactly zero respect for Congress, Republican or Democrat. It is pretty easy to spend other people's money to satisfy your own craving for power. Congress uses your money to charge a minimum of $10K for a few minutes with the esteemed member. They forgot a long time ago they were working for us. I propose outlaw payroll deductions and sales taxes. Instead each citizen writes a monthly check to the gov't. We'd see a revolt in less than 3 months when people realized the were giving more than their combined martgage, food, and ulitlity bills to a gov't that exists only to get relected.

As far as the cost of Afghanistan and Iraq, what do you suggest? Retreat so they can follow us to your hometown? I think that will happen btw, so we will get a chance to test your theory.

As far as gas prices I hate paying higher prices too. But it is still a value given constant dollars comared to years ago. But what are you doing about it? Have you invented an alternative? Walking more? The government has nothing to do with gas prices, nor should it have. The is a wonderful thing. I trust it considerably more than government in almost ever instance I can imagine. Pretty easy to criticize. Harder to find realistic alternatives and tehn actually get up off the couch and do something. Currently I hear a lot of bitching and almost no realistic constructive ideas.

Keep thinking.

AK