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On 3/12/2003 7:46:02 PM UnitedChicago wrote:
"Republicans in '04, '08, '12...."
So far for Republicans in '00:
-largest deficit on record
-record unemployment
-honerable greenspan openly disagreed with dis"stimulus" program
-biggest crisis in NATO's history
-fractured allies
Oh and the list goes on...but I'll spare everyone the obvious.
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UnitedChicago: before you spew your ignorance, try checking on the facts.
1) Deficits. The deficit is projected to be 2.7% of GDP. In the 20 year period from 75-94, there was only ONE year (79)the deficit was lower. In the later 90s, the stock market bubble contributed to lower deficits. And, if you go back for the entire 1900s, you will find our current deficit is well below other deficit peaks.
2) Unemployment. The unemployment rate for Feb 03 was 5.8%. You called that a record? Try the following: 1932 - 23.6%, 1940 - 14.6%, 1958 - 6.8%, 1976 - 7.7%, 1986 - 7.0%, 1993 - 6.9%.
3) Alan Greenspan was concerned primarily with the geo-political situation and how that would effect the markets and the economy. He did not state he was against the stimulus plan - only he didn't favor action at this time. He did favor specifics in the plan, however - as he stated:
"The elimination of the double taxation of dividends will be helpful to everybody," Greenspan said. "This particular program will be net of benefit to virtually everybody in the economy over the long run, and that is one of the reasons I strongly support it."
4) Biggest crisis in NATO history? Fractured Allies? There are 19 member nations in NATO. 16 of those 19, an OVERWHELMING MAJORITY, SUPPORT the US position on Iraq. How is that fractured? The French and Germans have clear (and illegal in violation of UN sanctions) economic ties to Iraq - thus their not only lack of support but actual hindrance to enforcing 17 UN resolutions. France, in just the last few months, has even sent military parts and hardware to Iraq!!! in clear violation of UN sanctions - parts and hardware that will be used against the US military (myself included) in any future conflict.
Next time, do your research and don't be a clinton and lie, lie, lie.