http://www.gold-eagle.com/gold_digest_03/stott080803.htmlTHE GDP
Don Stott
The commonly used term "GDP," (Gross Domestic Product, formerly GNP, or Gross National Product), is perhaps one of the least understood terms. Not because it is any mystery, but because one of its prime ingredients is not included in most thoughts, be they amateur or professional. It's like a cake recipe, which leaves out the flour. The GDP INCLUDES FEDERAL AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL SPENDING.
Right now, it is estimated that the Iraq thing is costing 15% of the federal budget. In other words, 15% of the federal GDP happens to be spent in Iraq, so the term "domestic" doesn't apply, but it is included.
All federal handouts, welfare, subsidies, and waste, are part of the GDP.
All executive expenses, such as security, White House expenses, Air Force One and Two, Congressional silly trips, and entertaining foreign dignitaries, are part of the GDP.
All military services, regardless of where they may be, and what they may cost, are part of the GDP.
Billions of pieces of bureaucrat turned out paper, endless streams of new computers, and office equipment, are part of the GDP.