That’s what is universally conceded as the Bush legacy.  Cut, not raise taxes, and then start two wars, the first time in history.  Borrow the money to fight the wars.

Now, just exactly who did they expect to pay for those wars?  Did they anticipate the next administration would get stuck with those debts, those wounded veterans, the replacement of military equipment?

Is that what is considered smaller government and fiscal responsibility?  Go nuts with the credit card and expect someone else to manage the debt?  And then badger the next guy because he has all this debt, and more from the hedge funds?

Brilliant strategy.  Fiscal responsibility sounds so good, and fiscal irresponsibility is so rewarding.  The best of both worlds for a certain kind of people.