Didn't you notice the massive increase in military spending both times? That's the primary reason behind huge government deficits. In the latest go-around, crony bailout is another reason, as the recipients of bailouts essentially took the conjured up government money in the form of government bonds, which bear interest payment, which is now a major item in government deficit. Yes, Warren Buffet is one the leading reasons of the huge deficit, and he is asking American public to pay up to him.