A major issue in my eyes is our deficit/debt issue. America's spending habits reflect those of an irresponsible teenager. I'd like to see a candidate who possesses a strong vision to stop spending outside our means, limit our social programs to a responsible level, cease expensive international missions, and closely re-examine and make decisive cuts in government agencies and organizations to focus our money on PRIORITIES. Obviously, the issues of immigration and the war on Iraq tie in to this more broad issue. But, our continued prosperity and foothold as a leadership force in the world rely on our economic status. How do we continue on without buckling? We borrow money from rich investors in other countries. Each year billions of dollars are squandered away, we slide further down the slope of debt, meanwhile slowly selling our country to foreign investors by way of loans we can't afford to pay back. Our way of life will be short-lived unless we figure out ways to spend our budget more like a successful business. More specifically, a we must spend like a country who realizes that despite its best intentions of saving everyone on earth, we simply CAN'T afford to support the whole world, especially when we are failing to prove we can support OURSELVES without having to do so on credit.

I think that gov't spending should be a big-ticket item. Especially among the Republican candidates. I'm tired of hearing about taxes and welfare programs. I want to know who is going to cut spending, how they're going to do it, and what changes we can expect in the economy because of it.

Well Pan and Vbron, I agree our nation's debt and spending habits are out of control and need to be brought back in check. I also left the question here pretty wide open, I really thought there would be more posters wanting to voice their opinion. I guess its true, people really are sheep to the "hot buttons". thats too bad.

Spending ? What spending ?
Example : You have a wallet full of credit cards and for 8 years you run up an outstanding balance that would make most sane people sick . You still haven't spent anything -------- it's all on paper .
Now here comes the nasty old Demarcates to take your plastic away . And THEY pay your bills .
History repeats it's self ---------- again .
Now the Pubes will jump up and down and cry about taxes -------------------- note that they didn't say anything when the debt was being run up , they just get cranky when they have to pay it .
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One of the things that has bothered me for years is the country's infrastructure or lack thereof . Highways , sidewalks , tunnels , the parking lot at Hooters , etc .
If we can fix the stalls in the mens rooms , we should be able to fix the rest of it . If we hurry we can put it on a credit card .

Reddog