Fortune.com - The national debt is over $34 trillion. It’s time to tell the truth about the U.S. government’s finances...

[jafo]

How did things get to this point?

Fortune.com - The national debt is over $34 trillion. It’s time to tell the truth about the U.S. government’s finances.

 

[diatessaron]

Communism doesn't work.
Capitalism doesn't work.
Socialism doesn't work.

All end up in debt. I used to think human nature does not comply with the above but as I grow up into a beautiful little asteroid; it's those at the top who don't want it to work, what a load of inbred mudbloods.

 

[JohnLocke]

It can hardly surprise anyone when they watch one documentary after another about the USA's debt. It's sad, but as a superpower, it's no problem... or maybe it is?

 

[JackAlabama]

Communism doesn't work.
Capitalism doesn't work.
Socialism doesn't work.

All end up in debt. I used to think human nature does not comply with the above but as I grow up into a beautiful little asteroid; it's those at the top who don't want it to work, what a load of inbred mudbloods.

capitalism does work as does sound money.

The problems started to spiral out of hand, once usa embarked and embraced socialism.
(introduction of the Fed, income tax, all sorts of wars against xyz fueled by easy money etc etc)

 

[diatessaron]

capitalism does work as does sound money.

The problems started to spiral out of hand, once usa embarked and embraced socialism.
(introduction of the Fed, income tax, all sorts of wars against xyz fueled by easy money etc etc)

Communism also works, on paper. It's human nature that ruins it. Capitalism also works, on paper. It's human nature that ruins it. But it is the nature of those on top who want to control everything because they think they're better than the rest of us.

 

[wellington]

How did things get to this point?

Fortune.com - The national debt is over $34 trillion. It’s time to tell the truth about the U.S. government’s finances.

5,000 years of debt history - just package as something else and carry on.

 

[polonieth]

Capitalism works, crony capitalism doesn't.

 

[jafo]

Capitalism works, crony capitalism doesn't.

I do believe this. I practice what I would consider "Capitalism."
I'm NOT starting wars or telling others how "I" should spend THEIR money!
It's just strange to me how some people think they have a right to other people's possessions. Really shocking. All they had to do was read the 13 commandments.

 

[Martin Everson]

How did things get to this point?

Greed.

 

[ActionMan]

Communism also works, on paper. It's human nature that ruins it. Capitalism also works, on paper. It's human nature that ruins it. But it is the nature of those on top who want to control everything because they think they're better than the rest of us.

"A well-organized minority will always defeat a disorganized majority"

In the context of capitalism, socialism, or communism, the real struggle lies in the control of information. Those at the top will always possess knowledge and power that the ordinary people lack. It's not about the economic system—it's about the information you hold, how effectively you use it to control those around you, and how you leverage it to disrupt your competitors.

 

[wellington]

"A well-organized minority will always defeat a disorganized majority"

In the context of capitalism, socialism, or communism, the real struggle lies in the control of information. Those at the top will always possess knowledge and power that the ordinary people lack. It's not about the economic system—it's about the information you hold, how effectively you use it to control those around you, and how you leverage it to disrupt your competitors.

True - in context - I was all for bringing technology that brings information to the masses to make education decisions from - then realized the masses prefer spoon fed without having to make a decision themselves - thus opted for internal use - best decision ever made - there will always people in different ranks/perspectives and coupled with admiration/resentment - just make what you can and run with what they allow.

 

[ActionMan]

True - in context - I was all for bringing technology that brings information to the masses to make education decisions from - then realized the masses prefer spoon fed without having to make a decision themselves - thus opted for internal use - best decision ever made - there will always people in different ranks/perspectives and coupled with admiration/resentment - just make what you can and run with what they allow.

Your observation is spot on. There is a reason why Socrates hated democracy! His critique of democracy hinges on the idea that an uninformed majority often fails to make sound decisions, a concept still relevant today.

Some might say:

“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"

However, in today's context, this concept is flawed if the majority are unwilling or incapable of learning how to fish. People nowadays often lack the necessary knowledge and critical thinking skills to make wise decisions, and they either fail or refuse to acknowledge this!.

Your observation is spot on. There is a reason why Socrates hated democracy! His critique of democracy hinges on the idea that an uninformed majority often fails to make sound decisions, a concept still relevant today.

Some might say:

“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"

However, in today's context, this concept is flawed if the majority are unwilling or incapable of learning how to fish. People nowadays often lack the necessary knowledge and critical thinking skills to make wise decisions, and they either fail or refuse to acknowledge this!.

Just saw this:

Fidias Panayiotou: YouTube prankster from Cyprus elected as MEP

Fidias Panayiotou, who boasts more than 2.6 million followers online, came third in polls in Cyprus.

www.bbc.com

I rest my case! Cyprus, I wish you the best of luck, it would be fun! @CyprusLawyer101 Give the guy some money to pass on things that might benefit us here in OCT!

 

[wellington]

Your observation is spot on. There is a reason why Socrates hated democracy! His critique of democracy hinges on the idea that an uninformed majority often fails to make sound decisions, a concept still relevant today.

Some might say:

“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"

However, in today's context, this concept is flawed if the majority are unwilling or incapable of learning how to fish. People nowadays often lack the necessary knowledge and critical thinking skills to make wise decisions, and they either fail or refuse to acknowledge this!.


Just saw this:

Fidias Panayiotou: YouTube prankster from Cyprus elected as MEP

Fidias Panayiotou, who boasts more than 2.6 million followers online, came third in polls in Cyprus.

www.bbc.com

I rest my case! Cyprus, I wish you the best of luck, it would be fun! @CyprusLawyer101 Give the guy some money to pass on things that might benefit us here in OCT!

Ref teaching fishing rather than giving fish, have a former employee - one I like as a friend - during Covid he was having issues paying his mortgage - basically gave in 15k UK, another friend of his paid his CC off 22k

Since that point multiple requests for help so another 10-12k

Few months ago he asked again - responded no.

Said instead of treading water ask for more money or find a better paid job - cost of living etc - had three pay rises and still treading water.

 

[jafo]

Ref teaching fishing rather than giving fish, have a former employee - one I like as a friend - during Covid he was having issues paying his mortgage - basically gave in 15k UK, another friend of his paid his CC off 22k

Since that point multiple requests for help so another 10-12k

Few months ago he asked again - responded no.

Said instead of treading water ask for more money or find a better paid job - cost of living etc - had three pay rises and still treading water.

This is ALL too common! Never fails!

 

[Radko]

How did things get to this point?

The US GDP is 29 trillions as of today, so a 34 trillion debt is not that bad compared to other countries (Italy's debt to GDP is 140%)

I wouldn't be surprised if it gets to 40 trillion debt in just a few more years, they can't stop printing money.

They treat billions like nickels and dimes....