Perception is reality

When it comes to public manipulation, Republicans have shown they have no equal.
How else can you explain their continued representation that they are the party of fiscal responsibility while those damned Democrats are miserable tax and spenders? But let's take a closer look.
It was Reagan who successfully molded this idea in the public's consciousness. And Uncle Ronnie proceeded to act on his mandate by pushing through tax cuts and, at the same time, increasing military spending. Although some often think of economics as a hopelessly complex affair, some of it is pretty simple: tax cuts = less money coming in; higher spending = more money going out. Add the two together at the same time and you get what, boys and girls? Deficits.
By the time Reagan was done reshaping our national economy he had tripled our national debt. Those who can recall the 1988 presidential election will remember that the deficit was practically THE issue. And, despite the fact that it was run up under a Republican administration, George Bush I was elected.
After Clinton was elected we actually had some surpluses and the Congressional Budget Office actually predicted record surpluses well into the future.
Enter George Bush II. Since 2000 the national debt has nearly doubled again, from $5 trillion to $9.4 trillion. One might ask how this was accomplished? Borrowing a page out of Uncle Ronnie's book, Bush pushed his tax cuts through the Republican-controlled Congress and increased spending with his war mentality.
Let's talk about those wars for a second. No American will quibble with Afghanistan. The perpertrators of 9/11 were hiding there and the Taliban government was giving them sanction. But the Iraq War is something else. Tune in to Channel 36 Thursday for Frontline's excellent dissection of "Bush's War." It's an eye opener, even if you already oppose the war.
So let's review. Republicans reduce taxes, increase spending, run up deficits and still have the audacity to claim the mantle of economic super heroes.
And you can bet your sweet bippy that McCain will be trotting out that tired dogma this fall, regardless of which Democrat runs against him.
And, you know what? The idea instilled by Reagan and conservative talk show hosts is so ingrained, Americans might just fall for it again.