For 40 years: Instead of fixing our economic problems, we put everything on the credit card.

[shockey80]

National debt, personnel debt, that's how we maintained our lifestyle. We did not fix the wealth divide. We did not fix the cost of healthcare. We did not fix student debt. We let it grow and grow. We did not fight hard enough for fair wages. We did not fight hard enough for the right to organize. Most people lived a life of apathy. They were unwilling to fight for a better way of life. Many Americans voted against their best economic interests destroying their way of life.

We put everything off and put it on the credit card. Now millions of Americans will go further into debt. Many have no savings at all.

Now we must pay for what we did not do over the past 40 years.

[DEbluedude]

1. As a nation, we did. What saddens me the most though, is that we won't end up paying for most it.

Future generations will.

[central scrutinizer]

2. Add in deferred maintenance

Fortunately, we used to build things very well so they would last for years. But not forever. Money went for tax cuts that should have been invested in infrastructure. How many bridges are dangerously under maintained?

[ret5hd]

3. We, as a whole, are a nation of children.

We, as a whole, are akin to the heir of a successful but flawed company, who then refuses to maintain or build on the company after it is handed to them...just use the company bank account to fund an unsustainable lifestyle.
Bridges? Fuck it.
Pay the employees? Fuck it.
Educate the children? Fuck it.
Just give me another hit of coke and let the good times roll!!!

[shockey80]

4. I agree.