http://www.abengnews.com/2010/01/26/to-rachel-maddow-we... /
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In my view, the halcyon days seem irretrievable – by Obama or any other, as you have become the victim of that which made you great and now, like most Third World countries, you are in a debt trap. Debt that was used not for capacity building, infrastructure nor your human capital, but war, consumption, satisfying the behest of big business, and “currying” favour with the rich. Interest expense, which, like us, is fast becoming one of your largest budgetary items, can only be eliminated by discharging debt and surpluses needed to do this, can only come from excess revenue over expenses. Work the math.
Raising taxes is political suicide and may further exacerbate the problem of a depressed economy. Drastic cuts in expenditure, including withdrawing from Iraq and Afghanistan, has its obvious challenges and will not jump start the economy. Indeed it may very well bankrupt some of the industries that benefit from war and lobby generously for it continuously. Defense Budget seems to be sacrosanct. Without a surplus the debt cannot be retired or reduced….and ironically, like us Third World countries, you don’t have the IMF to force your hand. LOL!
The “transformational” leadership that is required at this time, to change Americas imminent destiny – as Obama has now realized, will never be permitted by the “special interests” which now control your Congress. As is wisely said, unbridled capitalism is as destructive as unbridled socialism.