"And he points to the Reagan years of high budget deficits, when net investment fell to historic lows and the standard of living and real wages of the typical American family stagnated.

"Professor Friedman says that a combination of spending restraint and tax increases - such as those introduced in the l990s - will be needed to close the budget gap.

"But he sees little evidence that the Bush administration is committed to either."

Now the 1990s - Clinton was President. A Democrat. Introduced fiscal responsibility into the Federal Government. Although Republicans try desperately to claim credit.

Y'know, that's about the only thing they DON'T blame on Clinton - the surplus which was inherited by GWB & Co.

Arf