The National Debt

[nightfighter]

Back when people united to do the right thing....

Even in 1806 (213 years ago), Marblehead's annual Town Meeting was a unique and special occasion. While Marbleheaders were... "Democratic at all times, and under all circumstances, they were especially so when in town meeting assembled. The wealthy merchant, proud of his aristocratic ancestry; the imperious captain, accustomed to the strict discipline of a ship, where he had but to command to be obeyed; and the poor fisherman whose life from youth to old age had been one incessant round of toil and privation. Each met on an equality (at town meeting), which in any other town would have been impossible."

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by nightfighter

There has been a significant cost added from going alone as the world's policeman... Current administration is calling other nations on the carpet. But the failure of the UN and NATO to fulfill their original intentions lies with all nations, especially those who don't pull their own weight footing the bill.

UN has failed, NATO not so much, though the willingness of most NATO countries to contribute in manpower and material is lacking.

Originally Posted by DZ

It's a complicated issue which provides good talking points but no one ever really wants to tackle the problem. We've heard it all before, entitlement reform, cut military spending, time limit the welfare safety net, etc.

All these things are going to hurt someone.

I suspect nothing will ever be done.

True. All except for the last part. Something will be done, and the longer we go without doing something the more severe upon us it will be.

Originally Posted by nightfighter

Back when people united to do the right thing....

Even in 1806 (213 years ago), Marblehead's annual Town Meeting was a unique and special occasion. While Marbleheaders were... "Democratic at all times, and under all circumstances, they were especially so when in town meeting assembled. The wealthy merchant, proud of his aristocratic ancestry; the imperious captain, accustomed to the strict discipline of a ship, where he had but to command to be obeyed; and the poor fisherman whose life from youth to old age had been one incessant round of toil and privation. Each met on an equality (at town meeting), which in any other town would have been impossible."

Problem is, some people want pure democracy and want someone else to pay for it and do for it.