Reagan started the trend as Governor though. Cutting programs for the people and complaining about welfare queens. Then as President, he began the "government is the problem" talk. That's why you right wingers talk this talk. You have Reagan to thank you good little/puppet pupils. You notice government spending didn't go down under Reagan though? Repubs don't want less spending, just less spending when it comes to spending for the needy. This leaves more money for the war machine, subsidies for big business, etc.
Programs for the peeps have been cut?
Laughable.
Really, really laughable.
Interesting chart. Especially the entitlements.
100% of Social Security is paid for with the payroll tax. 60% of Medicare is paid for with the payroll tax,
and as for veterans' benefits, well,
if you think veterans are mooching too much off the Federal Government, you should compose a case for that and start a thread about it.