Reply #2: I believe that it is hardly a coincidence either

[Proud Liberal Dem]

Whenever they're in power, the Republicans essentially fritter away our tax money through tax cuts to the wealthy, no-bid contracts, WARS OF CHOICE, and other frivolous non-essential things- all of which balloons the federal deficit (with little or no shrieks or howls of opposition or outrage from the right-wing/Republicans or "Blue Dog" Dems) leaving the next Democratic administration effectively "hobbled" and responsible for cleaning up their mess of the prior (mis-)administration- which usually means that they have to pretty much "tone down" if not give up their plans to spend more money on useful domestic proposals (i.e. healthcare reform, alternative energy, etc.) altogether. What also usually happens (like it is now) is that Democratic administrations suddenly come under INTENSE pressure by so-called "Deficit Hawks" (primarily Republicans and "Blue Dog" Dems) to CONTINUE to hack away at critical domestic programs, as well as look at "reforming" entitlement programs. I'm heartened to see Obama not fall into this trap (so far) and to push ahead with his focus on our domestic priorities-seeing the forest for the trees if you will- but the way Republicans keep our government from doing anything *gasp* useful or helpful for its citizens anything but unintentional. Thomas Franks wrote an excellent book called "The Wrecking Crew," which carefully details how Republicans PURPOSELY (mis-)manage government so as to prevent government from doing anything to help us. I consider it a MUST READ (or listen- depending on your preference) for all DUers!