National Debt Erodes Public Trust

[babylonsister]

National Debt Erodes Public Trust

By Andrew L. Yarrow
June 5, 2008


America’s $9.3-trillion-and-growing national debt rightly has been blamed for many economic ills that lurk on our nation’s horizon, but it also had the stealth effect of further eroding Americans’ waning belief in the benefits, efficacy and trustworthiness of government.

Many other, oft-mentioned factors – Vietnam, Watergate, anti-government rhetoric, and a 24/7 cycle of Washington scandals and blunders – have played a huge role in turning post-World War II pride in our government to present-day disdain for it.

At a time when roughly a quarter of Americans think that Washington is doing a good job, it is hard to remember that, during the days of Franklin Roosevelt to John Kennedy, the feds were leaders and public servants admired by the vast majority of the population.

Yet, a side effect of warp-speed debt growth, not mentioned in any warning label appended to the querulous tomes known as the U.S. budget, has been to push public esteem for government into ever-faster freefall. How has it done this?

Opinion research by Public Agenda and others has found the public to be livid about Washington leaders so unaccountable and irresponsible that, for most of the last generation, have been unable to balance its income and expenses, as any household is expected to do, or even to have on-time, straightforward, and honest budgets (or financial statements), as any self-respecting business is expected to do.

Watching Washington cut taxes and increase spending, when our finances are already deep in the red, while leaders claim with a straight face the mantle of fiscal probity is enough to make anyone blanch.

more...

http://www.consortiumnews.com/2008/060508b.html

[enough]

1. All part of the program. Bleed the economy dry to the benefit of a few corporations,

and simultaneously convince the populace that "government" is untrustworthy. So far, it seems to be working.

[bronxiteforever]

2. Kick & R-Bushonomics has put the US economy in the ICU.Increased spending & tax cuts for the rich-

great idea! Who didn't see that problem?
Apparently millions who voted for Shrub and those of us who didn't are with them on the e-ticket ride from hell.