Entitlement Nation

"Gross domestic product" is a measure of the size of the US economy. Though federal taxation (as a percent of GDP) has stayed relatively stable, government spending (as a percent of GDP) has undergone dramatic change, as can be seen in this chart.

The black line traces economic commitment to the armed forces. After peaking in World War II, the commitment plunged, rebounding slightly and briefly for Korea, Vietnam, the late Cold War, and today's Global War on Terrorism. The trend, however, is down. Now look at the red line. It signifies economic emphasis on "payments to individuals" --- entitlements such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, welfare, unemployment insurance, and the like. This entitlements line has enjoyed a long, steady rise. The trend, even today, is up.

In the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, the defense commitment reigned. The crossover point came in 1971, and entitlements have ruled the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Today, defense gets by on about four percent of GDP. By contrast, entitlements take nearly 13 percent.

Follow the money, and the true national priorities become glaringly apparent.

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