How Did The Deficit Get So Large?

If you are like me, you are a little peeved at the actions of the politicians, apparently willing to throw the entire nation under the bus for who-knows-what reason, and, even more peeved at the media for not providing real, in-depth analysis of the causes that got us here so that we can all be informed...

I've seen hints, and even attempted to look at some of the numbers myself, but realistically, I've got more to do - and let's face it: That's why we pay the investigative journalistic profession. They should be delving into the reasons for our current state, and laying it out clearly, and repeatedly when some politician, for power gain, attempts to say otherwise.

This article, in the NYTimes, does exactly what I've been waiting for: A solid presentation of the causes of the deficit, including clearly understandable graphs. Read it, and cogitate on this most salient point:

"...non-
defense discretionary spending on areas like foreign aid, education and food safety was not a driving factor in creating the deficits. In fact, such spending, accounting for only 15 percent of the budget, has been basically flat as a share of the economy for decades."

It's not the welfare for the public good that has gotten us here...