Thanks for the link, David. A lot of ground was obviously covered that I won't even attempt to address. Our nation's problems have many causes, but I think some of the main ones relate to: 1. Hubris and America's collective embrace of the notion that we know what's best for others. 2. Shortsightedness, coupled with the inability to defer gratification. We simply live too damn large!  Our country and its citizens are financially stretched far too thin. I don't know when the day of reckoning will come, but it most surely is on the horizon. The $9 trillion debt cited in the article far understates our unfunded liabilities. 3. An entertainment culture that thoroughly distracts many of us from being vigilant and informed citizens.

I don't see things changing for the better anytime soon. We have met the enemy and it is us!

Peter T.