From: John Cuccia 

On Mon, 20 Mar 2006 22:44:54 -0500, "Mark"
 wrote:

>I think the prescription benefit is not nearly so bad as the detractors want
>to make it out to be (just as their whining about "No Child Left
Behind" is
>a bunch of wringing hands liberal "protect the teachers that don't
teach"
>BS).

Just like the rest of your sort, you are much more interested in
maintaining the power of the Party than in conservative principles. How
else could you defend both a giant new entitlement *and* W's federalization
of public education?

Here's what noted liberal Cal Thomas said today about the above programs
(and Republican overspending in general):

http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/calthomas/2006/03/21/190629.html
That Republicans are outspending the most reckless 1980s Democrat (and
1960s Great Society Democrats and 1940s FDR Democrats) is the sorriest
spectacle of all.

and...

The Bush administration has sired the biggest new entitlement program in
history - a prescription drug benefit for the elderly. And let's not forget
"No Child Left Behind," which massively increased federal
education spending when there is no evidence of a connection between money
and academic achievement.



But, in the manner of real Republicans everywhere, Cal found someone else
to blame for Republican overspending:  Americans.



"Perhaps the real culprit is not Congress, but us. The Pew Research
Center poll of March 14 found that only 55 percent of Americans rate the
deficit as a "top priority." That contrasts with the 1990s when
the deficit resonated more strongly with voters. As long as we are willing
to take the money in exchange for our votes, politicians will give it to
us. "

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