WATCH "The Cafferty File": Lessons from Katrina?

The Congressional Budget Office says the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could cost $2.4 trillion dollars through the next decade. How could that money be better spent?
I'll tell you how, even though I shouldn't have to. How about that child health care bill? That would be a good place to start. How about boosting our border defenses? That would also be nice. But no, no, no, everyone knows that what Bush wants, he gets. I say we impeach him, now. Let's go down to the White House and fire him. -Ben, Maryland

Jack, Jack, Jack. How about paying back Social Security, health care for the poor, protecting our borders, paying off our debt to China. Have I spent it all yet? -Anne, Whittier, North Carolina

Mr. Cafferty, I have a suggestion. How about if we end the war, and reduce government spending? Then we can sit back and wait for the next 9/11 to hit us and enjoy another $3 trillion negative impact on the U.S. economy. I will gladly spend $800.00 a year of my money to ensure we keep terrorists at bay. -Jeffrey, Elverson, Pennsylvania

That money would be better used in securing our borders and our ports and on health care for our own children that have no insurance. I am ashamed of these so-called leaders we have. They do not care, no concern do they have for their own countrymen. To hell with the lot of them, not one serving in office to date will get a vote from me! -Dan, Ohio

$2.4 trillion for wars? Just how many zeroes is that? It doesn't fit on my calculator. -Steve, Omaha, Nebraska

What powers should the next president be willing to surrender?
Congress should step forward and remove the presidential powers act of 1963 which in effect would be one giant step for all Americans. Then pass an amendment barring congressional members and lobbyists being in the same room at the same time or from talking to each other by telephone, mail or e-mail. We need a version of the Chinese "model citizens" law for politicians. Violate the public trust while holding any public office, get executed. -Ralph, Diamondhead, Mississippi

Only one: the unilateral power to send troops to die without Congress sharing responsibility by formally declaring war. -Pete, Arkansas

The next president, no matter which candidate wins, should immediately give up the signing points or whatever it's called that allows the president to override any law passed by Congress. And then she/he should restore Habeas Corpus, and follow the Geneva Conventions. We're a better country and people than King George has shown us to be to the rest of the world.
-Elaine, Hollister, Missouri

Jack, It seems your question assumes Bush has powers that need to be curtailed. I don't think the problem has been Bush's powers as much as it has been the abdication of the powers of intellect by a mentally lazy American populace. We have become soft and self-absorbed to the point that the republic has become endangered. If you seek Bush's enablers, look around you.
-Milton, Bell Acres, Pennsylvania