You really want to compare the U.S. Government now to one from 100-200 years ago, per the graph? Really? Well, aren't you just an amazing intellectual. Over that time we have developed a highly successful capitalist-socialist hybrid that actually provides benefits to the people of the country. You people really want to strip all that away, don't you. Why don't you also, whilst studying just raw numbers, also discover how people lived in those times. It requires reading and sh*t, so you probably won't do it. Just ask John McCain, he was around back then. They didn't even have public sewer systems, my friends. Those were the days!

In short, you blog and overall outlook on life sucks the big one.

Ah the good old days when one third of adults died from disease instead of age, the poor just froze to death and a worker was expected to work 6 12 hour days a week, sure what else did they have to spend the money on

And the entire federal budget back in the day was what--tree, tree-fiddy?

They also passed a law requiring certain individuals to buy private insurance. So, sure, let us track their decisions in our own policies.

I'll make you a deal: when England starts wanting to take us back over, when France and Spain are fighting us on our doorstep, and when the indigenous peoples start fighting us to stop taking their land, we can increase the defense budget. Until then, shut the fark up, Donny.

They also owned other people, and forced them to do grueling work for free.

So... yeah.

Up until the turn of the last century most of the U.S. was unsettled, poorly-mapped wilderness. And the U.S. was an upstart former colony competing against massive foreign powers like England and France when it came to international trade. Navies aren't cheap. Also, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican American War, Injun conflict, etc.

Our spending back then was a larger portion of our budget, but it was miniscule compared to what other empires were spending on defense. Our defense spending now is a smaller portion of our budget, but it still eclipses (several times over) the next 10 countries combined.

Defense because they needed to defend themselves from the onerous threat of the British.

But how would they pay for all this Big Government? Could it be Taxes?

Subby needs some schooling. Mostly on how not to look like an idiot.

gilgigamesh: They also owned other people, and forced them to do grueling work for free.

So... yeah.

so we should raise the defense budget and bring back slavery is what you are saying, right? GENIUS

/maybe missing the point

We can't possibly cut it even one nickel without being in danger of spending less than the rest of the world COMBINED.

So, we need to spend money on Minutemen, and trash the Air Force and the Navy?

GAT_00: So, we need to spend money on Minutemen, and trash the Air Force and the Navy?

The air force commands the minutemen

GAT_00: So, we need to spend money on Minutemen, and trash the Air Force and the Navy?

What a Minuteman looks like in the 21st century:

And we'll fund everything by tariffs!

The British aren't coming anymore, subby.

gilgigamesh: They also owned other people, and forced them to do grueling work for free.

So... yeah.

they had walmart back then? wow...they've been around longer than I thought!

Of all the possible arguments I've heard to not cut the defense budget, this is by far the most retarded.

That's the dumbest article I've read today but I have a feeling that's not even close to the dumbest article posted on that site.

WTF Indeed: All the butthurt in here just goes to show that none of you liberals know the history of the country you're actively trying to destroy. George Washington demanded that America express it's new God-Given might around the world. Jefferson thought that hippie farmers would lead us into being a nation of pussies which is why he created the National Bank to fund our massive arms build up. If it wasn't for Whiny Iron Cross Eisenhower we'd still have the world's most formidable fighting force.

2/10. you should have worked in a 'christian nation' talking point in there somewhere. if you're going to go with historical inaccuracy then stick with the theme and really hammer home the more blatantly stupid talking points.

robmilmel: Of all the possible arguments I've heard to not cut the defense budget, this is by far the most retarded.

and yet, i'm sure someone will come along with another reason that's even more stupid than this one....

WTF Indeed: All the butthurt in here just goes to show that none of you liberals know the history of the country you're actively trying to destroy. George Washington demanded that America express it's new God-Given might around the world. Jefferson thought that hippie farmers would lead us into being a nation of pussies which is why he created the National Bank to fund our massive arms build up. If it wasn't for Whiny Iron Cross Eisenhower we'd still have the world's most formidable fighting force.

That's where it became art.

They needed an army to enforce tax collection... ala the whiskey rebellion. (new window)

Really, WTF Indeed, that was an awful troll attempt. You couldn't keep your conservative and paranoid delusions separate. And it wasn't even funny.

/I is sad.

There's 90 years cut out of that chart. You would have thought they'd have thrown in the time from 1914-1918, just low how they started the second chart at the height of WWII spending to make it look like high military spending had been going on non-stop during the gap.

And people lived to be like 40 years old. The major cost of healthcare was hiring some guy to put leeches on you. The costs of infrastructure were clearing a dirt path in the woods. Education consisted of building a one room school house and hiring a teacher who probably had a questionable education to begin with. What smaller businesses there were had to compete with Bob down the street and not with 2 billion Asians. And we were an agrarian based economy.

So, what was your point again?

Yeah, this guy totally doesn't scream "FLAMING DOUCHEBAG" (new window)

The Tea Party's emphasis on individual liberty and constitutional government has resulted in a significant paradigm shift in domestic politics. Such a shift is needed in foreign policy. In short, the Tea Party can and should help shape America's role in the world. However, it is only by adopting a correct understanding of the Founders' foreign policy that the Tea Party can successfully advocate an approach that is compatible with America's founding principles. This approach has broad but clear policy implications. First, America must be prepared militarily to meet any threat. Second, America's foreign policy tools must be used to protect America's interests and, when prudently able, to defend the cause of liberty abroad. (new window)

Anyone who uses "paradigm shift" in a sentence should be beaten to death with a rubber hose.

WTF Indeed: All the butthurt in here just goes to show that none of you liberals know the history of the country you're actively trying to destroy. George Washington demanded that America express it's new God-Given might around the world. Jefferson thought that hippie farmers would lead us into being a nation of pussies which is why he created the National Bank to fund our massive arms build up. If it wasn't for Whiny Iron Cross Eisenhower we'd still have the world's most formidable fighting force.

Stupid hippie farmers, giving us FOOD.

That's before losers found out that they could cry for their dinner, housing, car, fridge, TV...

bravian: So what? We could spend 10% of our budget on defense and just be as safe.

Thanks Putin.

NewportBarGuy: Yeah, this guy totally doesn't scream "FLAMING DOUCHEBAG" (new window)

[i41.tinypic.com image 200x300]

The Tea Party's emphasis on individual liberty and constitutional government has resulted in a significant paradigm shift in domestic politics. Such a shift is needed in foreign policy. In short, the Tea Party can and should help shape America's role in the world. However, it is only by adopting a correct understanding of the Founders' foreign policy that the Tea Party can successfully advocate an approach that is compatible with America's founding principles. This approach has broad but clear policy implications. First, America must be prepared militarily to meet any threat. Second, America's foreign policy tools must be used to protect America's interests and, when prudently able, to defend the cause of liberty abroad. (new window)

Anyone who uses "paradigm shift" in a sentence should be beaten to death with a rubber hose.

It would be an easy segway for them, they already think muslims and mexicans are the root of all our problems?