According to reports, the federal deficit is shrinking this year because of the sequester-- which neither Congress nor the Presidnt wanted to go into effect. It's good the deficit will be down this year, but the real problems driving up long-term federal debt have yet to be addressed.
Those problems-- coming huge shortfalls in Social Security and Medicaid/Medicare-- could break the government financially, forcing a draconian cut in benefits and a reduction in the standard of living for most Americans. The political consequences of that kind of situation are unclear.
What is clear is dealing with the entitlements dilemma is another test of whether humans are in fact capable of self-government. It is the essence of the American Experiment. Are we willing to make tough choices to retain and enhance our freedom and independence as a people? Americans have in the past. We might know soon if we still have that capacity as a nation.
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