American Debt

The second in a series of editorials sent to the Tuscaloosa News for publishing - 9/29/2009

"I am one of those who do not believe that a national debt is a national blessing, but rather a curse to a republic; inasmuch as it is calculated to raise around the administration a moneyed aristocracy dangerous to the liberties of the country." --President Andrew Jackson (1767-1845)

The national debt is $11,838,821,622,477 (9/17/09) or about $38,570 for each citizen. Excessive spending is going to bankrupt this country. What kind of legacy are you leaving for your family?

Healthcare needs to be reformed but the Baucus bill is not the answer. It “pays for itself” over 10 years by offloading the majority of the cost to the states through expanded Medicaid coverage. Medicaid spending is, on average, the second largest component in state budgets behind education. Currently 48 states have shortfalls in their 2010 budgets. How can anyone believe that this “change” will not be associated with large tax increases?

Let’s try a different approach—tort reform and increased competition by allowing us to buy insurance across state lines (think auto insurance). Healthcare makes up 15% of the US economy; we need to spend time getting the bill right.

Congress wants to belittle people who question them. After all, don’t you trust that the 1,600 page bill written by the Service Employees International Union?

It is difficult to get the average American motivated to participate in politics. We are too busy living our lives. I urge you to get involved to protect your children and grandchildren’s future.

Kristi Pugh-Owens