In reference to the letter from Mr. John Judd to the Call, the national debt has grown by more than $4 trillion during President George W. Bush’s presidency.

It’s the biggest increase under any president in U.S. history. On the day President Bush took office, the national debt stood at $5.727 trillion. The latest number from the Treasury Department shows that as of Dec. 25, 2008, the national debt now stands at more than $10.607 trillion. That’s a 71.9 percent increase on President Bush’s watch.

The estimated population of the United States is 305,339,155 so each and every man, woman and child’s share of this debt is $34,740.92. The record $438 billion shortfall for this budget year is up from the $162 billion posted last year. The previous record shortfall of $413 billion was posted in 2004, which also was during President Bush’s administration.

I do agree with Mr. Judd it is a shame our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have to pay for these government expenses.

But let’s put the blame where it belongs. President-elect Obama won’t be in office until 2009. Thank God the people have listened and spoken.

Stephen Lawler

Oakville