FYI that's well past inflation.
$1 spending in 1980 = $2.77 spending in 2007 (due to inflation). Federal spending rose from $894M to $2.7T (1980-2007), a factor of 3. Pretty close. Real GDP increased from 5.9T to 13.4T (1980-2007). If taxes remained a constant percentage of GDP, we should now be spending 6.3X 1980.
with more people you can lower the burden on all
The population grew from 227M to 300M (1980-2007). The idea that a larger population doesn't lead to proportionally larger demand for government services (roads, police, courts, etc.) is odd.
the government sextupled spending (>$1 Tril/year -> $6Tril/year)
Given inflation and growth in GDP and population, you'd expect a large growth in federal spending. The actual growth was 3X. (0.894 to 2.7). The U.S federal government spent $3.5T in FY 2010 and is expected to spend $3.8T in FY2011 - large but significantly less than $6T.
Both parties have been simultaneously increasing spending and cutting taxes. It's the combination that has driven the country to its parlous financial state. To blame it all on spending increases is counter-factual.
The system was down for backups from 5am to 10am last Saturday.