I suggest that our national anthem be replaced with the Dire Straits song "Money For Nothing." It seems to fit our national desires better than claiming to be the land of the free. Instead, because of our desire for something for nothing, we will become the land of the fee.
The Roman Empire took hundreds of years to ultimately fall. America has been an Empire for at least 100 years, so we may go on for some time. I have been predicting 5 to 8 years untill we have a crisis more severe than 2008—a few more years if the recovery next year is stronger than I think. I am certainly no economic expert. I can only look at my situation and extrapolate. Extrapolation of our current spending issues leaves little doubt that an even bigger crisis is coming relatively soon.
There were gasps in the audience when Michelle Bachman recently suggested a cut of 40% of government expenditures. Instead there should have been applause. I was talking to my son Dmitry about politics and said our politicians were either liars, or idiots who think that 2+2=6. The fact that Republicans think 2+2=5 is not particularly comforting.
I am guardedly pessimistic because I expect budget cuts when a crisis forces it. Waiting until then makes the coming crisis worse and the cuts greater. Every few years we have "kicked the can down the road." Is there a cliff coming? At the very least we are headed for a ditch. Fasten your seat belt.