Why don't people care about the growth in national debt?

[mjshira]

As far as I can tell both options in this years race will raise our national debt. I have a simple question: why don't people care?

[nostatic]

because people are morons?

is this a trick question?

[stomachmonkey]

I care.

[mjshira]

no, it is a serious question, is it because they don't understand?

If we cared, why would we allow the growth of social and military programs?

Shouldn't the gov't live within its means?

[the]

Because it doesn't affect them in a way that is direct and obvious enough.

[legion]

FDR was president when my great-grandparents generation was running the show.

He established the precedent of deficit spending.

Three generations of politicians have successfully pushed the cost of their bloated government onto the next generation. Why stop now? No one has gotten caught holding the bag yet. Based on past occurrence, chances are the current crop won't have to pay the piper either.

Besides, think of the children©.

[nostatic]

sadly, "people are morons" is a serious answer.

We live in an era where everything is taken for granted. I think the intelligence level and awareness level on this bbs is significantly higher than the national average, but even here we still have people who don't think there is a problem with the economy or our current state.

We have become sated by cheap crap, mindless pursuits, and a lack of values. We assume that everything is disposable and that the world is our oyster. We do not respect other countries and cultures. And we lack personal responsibility.

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by nostatic

sadly, "people are morons" is a serious answer.

We live in an era where everything is taken for granted. I think the intelligence level and awareness level on this bbs is significantly higher than the national average, but even here we still have people who don't think there is a problem with the economy or our current state.

We have become sated by cheap crap, mindless pursuits, and a lack of values. We assume that everything is disposable and that the world is our oyster. We do not respect other countries and cultures. And we lack personal responsibility.

Yes. You are right.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

It's a combination of factors including a lack of long-term thinking that's constantly reinforced by. . .

Hey look! There's a sale on programmable digital turkey basters (with built-in .mp3 player!) at Wal-Mart!

What was I saying again?

[krichard]

As I was falling asleep the other night I pondered my death and what I've done with my 34 years here. The only thought that I couldn't shake is I wanted to quit my job, beg my wife to quit hers and spend as much time as possible together doing something that we both enjoy for however much time we have left. I want it to feel like forever when we look back on our life.

That said our American lives are the opposite of this hazy dream. We both work in highly taxing jobs to pull in big incomes for something. I often forget why..........

[the]

you also have to remember that we are a nation of people who don't even care about growth in their own PERSONAL debt.

if they can't be bothered to worry about their own debt, they sure as heck aren't going to worry about someone else's.

[Hugh R]

Because the average American thinks they pay their fair share of taxes and haven't got a clue. If the Feds came to you and said BTW, in addition to the $1,400 you paid in income taxes (national average) you're going to get a supplemental bill for $100,000 for national debt when it comes due, Joe Blow would say WTF? Most people don't pay a fraction of their "per capita" share of the national debt, but believe that they do.

[the]

Originally Posted by krichard

As I was falling asleep the other night I pondered my death and what I've done with my 34 years here. The only thought that I couldn't shake is I wanted to quit my job, beg my wife to quit hers and spend as much time as possible together doing something that we both enjoy for however much time we have left. I want it to feel like forever when we look back on our life.

That said our American lives are the opposite of this hazy dream. We both work in highly taxing jobs to pull in big incomes for something. I often forget why..........

Why?

so that some day, hopefully sooner rather than later, you won't have to do it anymore.

[Lothar]

Originally Posted by mjshira

no, it is a serious question, is it because they don't understand?

If we cared, why would we allow the growth of social and military programs?

Shouldn't the gov't live within its means?

The government would prefer to live on our means. Every dime spent by the government is stolen from working Americans.

[mjshira]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

Because the average American thinks they pay their fair share of taxes and haven't got a clue. If the Feds came to you and said BTW, in addition to the $1,400 you paid in income taxes (national average) you're going to get a supplemental bill for $100,000 for national debt when it comes due, Joe Blow would say WTF? Most people don't pay a fraction of their "per capita" share of the national debt, but believe that they do.

that is a good point.

You know how they send you that little letter every year with what your social security 'benefit' will be? I think they should send a similar one for what your families share of the national debt is!

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by nostatic

sadly, "people are morons" is a serious answer.

We live in an era where everything is taken for granted. I think the intelligence level and awareness level on this bbs is significantly higher than the national average, but even here we still have people who don't think there is a problem with the economy or our current state.

We have become sated by cheap crap, mindless pursuits, and a lack of values. We assume that everything is disposable and that the world is our oyster. We do not respect other countries and cultures. And we lack personal responsibility.

nostatic is an oracle. Pay attention, America.

[David]

Originally Posted by mjshira

As far as I can tell both options in this years race will raise our national debt. I have a simple question: why don't people care?

If the past is any indication, McCain will be the one to increase the debt the most. Reagan, Bush I, and Bush II have raised the debt far beyond what is imaginable.

This is why it amazes me when people associate conservative with Republican. Maybe morally conservative, but not fiscally.

Republican's placate the masses with big spending and low taxes, if that's not pandering, what is it?

Around my house, if you don't have it you don't spend it.

[gtc]

Originally Posted by nostatic

because People Are Morons?

Is This A Trick Question?

+1

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

nostatic is an oracle. Pay attention, America.

I think you may be right. He's got me reading Pema Choedroen and listening to my inner child.

[cel]

The president cannot spend a dime, Congress does.