![In the future, where will the u.s. obtain money for its upkeep? [part i]?](http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif) |
Question: In the future, where will the u.s. obtain money for its upkeep? [part i]?
(Posted by: PJ on 2010-03-09 02:32:31)
This is not a Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative commentary. Rather, it is a given fact that our nation needs tons of money to keep it going. Meaning: The U.S. cannot cut on its defense budget or else, our homeland security is greatly imperiled! And no matter how much we try to make amends internationally (go even further than what Obama does now), there will always be "U.S. haters " no matter what because that comes with the territory of being a super power. I mean, has there ever been a super- power in human history where no one hated it? The answer is no & so, drastic cuts in defense spending will never happen. Next, can the U.S. cut spending on its human services such as: public works, infrastracture, education, social programs, health care, the environment (parks & etc.), international aid & so many other programs I failed to mention? The answer is no because the U.S. is such a COMPASSIONATE & CARING nation that even the staunchiest fiscally- conservative, pro- Republican folks will not be in favor of abolishing the spending on the aforementioned. Meaning, in so many other countries of the world, there's no such thing as Social Security, health care, & other social programs even if their economies are emerging. Ultimately, the family takes care of its elderlies or unhealthy members, not some social program from the government. As for education, having more than 50 students in a classroom & antiquated facilities is a norm in a lot of countries but not in the U.S. Also in other countries, people get by with decrepit roads & infrastractures, people uses public transport en masse, lands are utilized for basic needs unlike in the U.S. where huge acres of lands are set aside for the sake of environmentalism which in turn needs lots of money for upkeep, & so on & so forth Last but not the least, the U.S. will never cease aiding internationally whenever calamity strikes (even if there's a huge number of Americans who says that the U.S. should start taking care of itself first especially now that the economy is in shambles) because the U.S. as a whole is just one HUMANITARIAN nation inspite of what other people worldwide thinks. Also, we'll never cease spending on space exploration because it's the next frontier. But the problem is, the U.S. is not as prosperous as it used to be. Back then (i.e. after World War II), the U.S. was the only major industrial country that didn't get ruined. Hence, it emerged prosperous as its industries remained intact & productive leading to the golden years of abundant "goods & services " to its people. And that's why a lot of people around the world migrated to the U.S. by hook or by crook because life here is that good, it cannot be found anywhere else on earth! Edit 5 And so, there may come a time in the not so distant future whereby the only way to pay our debt as well as to sustain this kind of lifestyle well into the next 2- 3 centuries is via selling some of our valued real estate [to China?] because raising taxes high won't solve it whereas stopping this kind of a lifestyle will never happen as caring for our fellow man, whether fellow citizen or not, is deeply ingrained in our culture even if we ourselves are already buried in so much debt. Ultimately, caring for our fellow man regardless of the price is who we are. Edit 1 Ooopppsss, what I should have said is "lifestyle " instead of "standard of living. " Meaning, there's several countries in the world [mostly in Europe] where the standard of living is actually higher than the U.S. However, no other country in the world is similar to the "lifestyle " of the U.S. where so much is spent on so many things such as: defense, space exploration, social programs, the environment, & etc. (And space exploration is a necessary endeavor for mankind.) Edit 2 In the U.S., we have a program called "S.S.I. " whereby the poor & unemployed is eligible to get a monthly allowance of $800/ month even if you're a new [legal] immigrant here who can't find work. Now that's truly COMPASSION & CARING. And though some Americans despise such program arguing that it gives incentive to some people not to work & that new immigrants gets money while those born here don't get free money simply because they work, the truth is - there are legit poor people who really needs help & immigrants who needs this kind of help to get them started because sooner or later, they will be productive citizens who will also contribute to society. Edit 3 But even illegal immgrants are taken care of here & not neglected as they get free hospitalizations, low cost housing, & other several programs & resources they can tap into. Also, we have tremendous unemploment benefits which enormously helps a lot of people in this time of economical hardship. Whereas in most countries of the world including some 1st world nations, your family or relative takes care of you when you're unemployed or new to the country (whether legal or illegal), there's no social programs available to you. Last but not the least, we remain #1 in international aid to the world whether it be mobilizing during an unfortunate calamity; or tackling chronic calamity such as combatting AIDS & other diseases; being a donor in fighting hunger; providing medicines; building infrastractures such as roads, schools, hospitals, & etc. Edit 4 Overall, the U.S. may not have the highest standard of living, but our LIFESTYLE remains the "beacon of light " for so many people worldwide & that's why America remains the #1 country in the world that people around the globe wants to immigrate to. And though this is a point of contention for some Americans arguing that we cannot keep on with this UNSUSTAINABLE lifestyle, the truth is - this is the very essence of the American culture, we are indeed one CARING & HUMANITARIAN people (inspite of what other people in the world thinks) even if we're already a sinking ship! |
