Republicans’ records not fiscally responsible

Today, let's put to rest that old canard that Democratic administrations “tax and spend” irresponsibly while Republicans are fiscally responsible. Between 1978 and 2005, Democratic administrations increased the federal budget by 9.9 percent on average, Republicans by 12.6 percent.

The deficit (as a percentage of GDP) grew by 4.2 percent under Democrats and by 36.4 percent under Republicans. Yes, the Republicans grew the deficit more than eight times as much the Democrats. Which party looks like they are better at managing money?

By the way, the GDP grew by an average of 12.6 percent under Democratic administrations and 10.7 percent under Republican ones.

And don't forget that George W. Bush did not even put the costs of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars in his budgets (Obama does) – nor did Bush put his Medicare expansion on the books. Does that sound responsible?

Republicans talk a lot about fiscal responsibility, but their record doesn't match the words.

Rex Clemmensen

Iowa City