For years, the U.S. Government reported a budget deficit and an
increasing national debt. Then, in the year 2000, the U.S. Government seemed to
overflow with cash and reported huge surpluses to the public that were almost
too much to believe. It was a veritable rags to riches story. Then, based on
these reports, and over-flowing optimism about the future ability to pay down
the debt, a tax cut passed. By 2002, however, the financial and economic
environment tumbled bringing again into question the financial reporting and
fiscal responsibility of the U.S.Government .
