In 2011, our federal government spent about $3.7 trillion, or 25 percent of gross domestic product. In 2001, it spent about 18 percent of GDP. That is a 39 percent increase in 10 years.
Meanwhile, annual federal revenue hasn't kept pace with that growth, hence the growing deficit.
Does America need 39 percent more federal government today than it did 10 years ago? A better question: Can America function with even less federal government than it had 10 years ago?
I say "no" to the first question and "yes" to the second one — before it is too late.
ROBERT SCHWARZ
Clifton Park