WISDOM FROM THE ANNALS OF HISTORY; Why isn't anyone talking about the huge national debt?

 WISDOM FROM THE ANNALS OF HISTORY

(aka:  We can restore democracy in the United States, if we try)

By S.C. Burns
Historian, Author

September 19, 2018
 
My first blog/My first question:  Can we restore integrity in Washington, D.C.; and why isn't anyone talking about the huge national debt?

In the famous words of Meryl Streep (in the movie, Doubt), I have doubts!  In fact, I have HUGE doubts and fears about the character of people working within the Washington D.C. beltway today.  Why have common sense, logical rationale and integrity become so "yesterday" in the United States of Trump?  With the passing of John McCain, I fear there are no free-thinking Republicans, willing to work for the American people, hands across the aisle, rather than working for their pocketbooks and re-election concerns.  

I also fear there are very few legislators--period--who are concerned about the U.S. economy.  The Republicans point to a low unemployment rate, the GDP, the GNP, but nothing about that rapidly clicking debt clock (visit daily at http://usdebtclock.org/), which reveals the largest national debt by any country in the history of the world!.  Democrats are not talking about it either. They have so much evidence to work with, to prove the current administration is leading the U.S. down a path to economic ruin.  However, they seem content to stand by and let Trump and friends hang themselves.  The problem is that, along with revealing this administration's corruption, the current Republicans are punishing the middle and lower class working folks.  Between destroying a workable health care plan and structuring a tax code which rewards the wealthy, especially the top 1%, they have, de facto, increased personal income taxes for the majority of Americans.  Yes, Trump lured you into "loving" this package by stating that the standard deduction is so simple, you will be able to file your taxes on a postcard.  He is hoping you opt for simplicity, rather than survival. In reality, this plan takes away deductions which are essential to many independent contractors'/laborers' only method to pay for their ability to labor: travel deductions and more.  Trust me--this is not a fair exchange!  You will discover this when you file your taxes for 2018.

As a teaching historian (at the college/university level), having taught for 24 years, I am accustomed to gathering empirical evidence to prove workable solutions.  I ask you honestly, when did the empirical method become so passé?  I've had it.  I'm throwing down the gauntlet and insisting that everyone--yes, Congresspersons and Senators--learn a few lessons from HISTORY.  My weekly blog will prove to you--from U.S. History--that governments which work for the people, all the people, create a truly prosperous nation.