This is a blunt assessment and situation. Let me revisit the problem statement. America has spent more revenue that it is taking in and is projected to continue to do that, borrowing more than it can afford and accruing a deficit that cannot be repaid without dire consequences.
Today, the Executive and Legislative branches of government are in disagreement about reducing and controlling spending and about increasing revenues to help replace a shortfall. Solutions to this situation begin with engineering a sustainable economy that meets all if its obligations, debt and essential needs for national and economic security.
The current capitalist model is spent and not sustainable. Part of the battle for which the disguise must be removed is about capitalism.
This need not become class warfare if political leaders focus on solving the problem under the Constitution. Corrupt conservatives have sought to undermine that by making corporations equal to persons, for instance, under the ruse of free speech. That was wrong. How close is America to failing as a state?
- If we continue to permit wealth and corporations to corrupt and undermine government, that is a slippery slope.
- If government fails to ensure full employment, ending poverty, and ensuring a good life for all, that may incite riots and conflict that pits the force against protesters.
- If Congress fails to reach bipartisan decisions then it will erode its own authority.
- When government fails to deliver essential services it becomes a failed state.
- Without adequate resources and effectiveness, the nation may become unable to interact with other states.
So, today you may read Eugene Robinson’s report in the Washington Post about the evidence of America becoming a failed state. That is how I see it.
“No winners in this game
By Eugene Robinson, Published: February 21
The standoff over the package of budget cuts known as “the sequester” is the dumbest, most self-defeating fight between President Obama and Republicans in Congress since . . . let’s see, since the last dumb, self-defeating fight less than two months ago.
Obama is winning this showdown but only in a relative sense. The truth is that everybody loses — Republicans a little more, Democrats a little less. And the American people, who have a right to expect adult behavior from their elected officials, will inevitably be the biggest losers of all."
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