In my last column, I posted some fairly alarming statistics concerning the U.S. economy and our national debt. Apparently, I was the only person alarmed since most comments to the Nevada Appeal were inaccurate or unresearched opinions about candidates running for office. Folks, you may want to go to Factcheck.org before believing anything you see or hear in a political TV or radio spot.
What I am trying to say is that when candidates attempt to earn your vote, promises get made that can occasionally be unrealistic. Can taxes be lowered and services be increased or at least remain the same simultaneously? Let me ask it another way. Can this country, with an ever-expanding government and military, already overextended entitlement programs, increased foreign competition and $13 trillion in debt to foreign countries, individuals and the Social Security trust fund continue on its present path without catastrophic consequences?
I believe that the American taxpayer and voter does care about the ticking time bomb of our growing national debt. Perhaps some of you do not understand the nation's financial policies and practices. Perhaps some of you are concerned with only programs that directly benefit you or your family. Perhaps some of you would really just rather not know, because knowing is not very pretty. Whatever the reason, the size and rate of growth of our national debt is not a can we can kick down the road any longer.
I encourage all of you to watch a documentary called "I.O.U.S.A." The movie follows former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker as he crosses the U.S. explaining to citizens America's unsustainable fiscal policies. Easy to understand, the movie is nonpartisan and timely. You can go online and download a byte-size version on YouTube or I will try to get a copy on loan for educational public use. This documentary should be shown to all graduating high school students, open forums, services clubs or anywhere people have candid discussion. There was a follow up of this PBS documentary called "I.O.U.S.A Solutions," originally shown on CNN and available on YouTube Movie Channel as well.
Before Nov. 2, please try and watch at least the byte-size version. Your lawmakers received a report this year with no fanfare from the Treasury Department that said the ratio of debt to GDP would rise to $19.6 trillion or 102 percent of GDP by 2015. Big numbers and real money.
Exercise your right to vote and vote for the candidates that you think are willing to tackle this problem now or hold them accountable if they do not. This can is at the end of the road.
• Carol Perry has been a Northern Nevada resident since 1983. You can reach her at carol_perry@worldnet.att.net.