It isn't news that Republicans can spend money as fast and as loose as Democrats. They just don't do it as much or as often, which is true. Republican budgets are never as bloated as Democratic ones. This is why I prefer them over Democrats in an election when simply discussing fiscal matters alone. However, there are more important philosophical differences. Keep in mind that government spending and government encroachment on our lives are not synonymous, although they do have a lot to do with each other.

I don't think it's any surprise that Bush has taken a lot of positions that harder-line Republicans would not have taken, never mind libertarians. I went over some of this in my comments.

This whole Super-Peace-Corps approach is unnecessary and a little disturbing. I'm not too enthusiastic about the prescription coverage--a brand new entitlement that will grow like a weed like all the other ones did--and the Patient's Bill of Rights. His support of the recent education bill was not received with wild enthusiasm among many conservatives either.

I have no objection to increasing military spending, if they can keep a grip on the pork projects (not holding my breath.) This is, after all, the main purpose of a government in a free society.