>I think there is a LOT of justification in that opinion (by citizens, not politicians). I do not agree with probably 80% of where tax money goes - to include all of the foreign aid that goes out. If the government were to require each citizen to annotate precisely where every one of their tax dollars go when they prepare their tax returns, I doubt there would be a deficit. There is also a difference in thinking among half of the country especially when it concerns aid. Many feel that it should come from private donations and not public funds. Most Americans donated to private charities to provide tsunami relief aid, Katrina victim assitance, Pakistan earthquake assistance, etc. Yet the government foots a large portion of the bill and when it comes to foreign aid, other countries judge us by public aid, not private aid. If I give 20% of my income one month to private aid (I have done this), it is really hard to agree to a public debt for aid as well.

Ah, but Tracy, look what happened to Canada when we offered less than was expected to some foreign aid pet projects. We got yelled at by Bono. Believe me, you don't want to have to live through that sort of experience. I'm still having trouble sleeping. ;)

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>>>Sadly, I don't think most Americans think of the deficit as their responsibility.
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>>The damned politicians sure don't. The pork in last year's highway bill was insane. That's MY money Congress is throwing around!