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An update:
The Gross National Debt
Note:
At 4:40 pm EST on 7/22/11 the debt totaled: $14,412,536,802,223
At 9:40 pm EST on 11/20/12 the debt it totaled: $16,290,755,341,268
At 12:58 pm EST on 1/1/15 the debt totaled: $18,050,495,107,615 (the time/date this article was posted)
What this means is that each man, woman and child in the United States owes over $51,000, and growing each and every second that passes.
It's not sustainable...everyone knows this.
I guess this has been weighing on my mind, especially as I'm a member of the Village Council and we're having to take hard looks at the very tight budget. See, the state governor brags about cutting taxes and keeping a balanced state budget (which he, just like St. Paris) has to do by law--unlike the Federal Government.
But, as I see it, from my limited perspective, much of the burden has been passed on down to counties and local municipalities. Continued lessened revenue, although there is some hope with the economy doing a little better. But support from the State, including grants and other assistance has become more of a challenge to obtain, and 'matching funds' rates have become so high and cost prohibitive that they're not an option. (Thus, the State government saves money--yet the spending revenues they have available at the State level to do what needs to be done remains largely the same, or better).
The point is that it all rolls down hill, and the National Debt, the $51,000+ dollars and growing, is going to be borne by the average person. And when the bill finally comes, it's going to hurt. Does anyone really think it's not going to have a devastating effect when it does?
It's come up in my classroom on occasion, usually in November when elections are on their minds. When I point out to them the debt that they're going to inherit, they're incredulous. "I'm not going to pay that!" they invariably reply. "Okay," I usually say. "It's something to think about, and you should remain aware of. Because, as an adult, one way or another, it's going to impact your life and the lives you care about."
Okay, starting the New Year off with a not so cheery point of view.
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I do not consider this topic negative. It is essential that those of us who understand fiscal responsibility slowly educate the next generation IF there is to be any chance to reverse this government behavior.
ReplyDeleteThat's a big 'IF', Dean. It'll probably take a crisis to turn the tide, and then it'll be painful. Far more painful that it would be to address it now.
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