Everyone says they care about the debt, but almost no one in Congress behaves as if it is a priority. The issue is not that the math is especially complicated or unknowable. The core problem is that the incentives are misaligned. Politicians are rewarded for delivering benefits today and face
A brief history Social Security was created in 1935 during the Great Depression to provide a basic level of income security for older Americans. It was later expanded to include survivors and people with disabilities. The last major reform came in 1983, when Congress raised payroll taxes and gradually increased
Most people agree that the country’s long-term finances matter. Far fewer do anything about it. This article gives you one of the simplest ways to start. It takes about five minutes to send a message to your elected officials. You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to
The 80/20 rule—associated with Vilfredo Pareto—is a simple idea with broad application. In most systems, a relatively small number of drivers account for the majority of outcomes. The exact ratio is not always 80/20, but the pattern holds: a few things matter far more than the rest. The value of
Key Terms to Know Deficit: The amount the federal government spends in a single year beyond what it collects in revenue. For example, if the government brings in $5 trillion and spends $6 trillion, the deficit is $1 trillion for that year. The current annual deficit is approximately $1.78 trillion.
See how to get involved by clicking here, and/or join the Long Term America mailing list. Help build the public support needed for responsible leadership and a stronger future. One citizen has a voice. Thousands of us have influence.
Plus: When you join our mailing list below, you receive our free Quick-Read Email Course explaining America’s debt and deficit in plain English.
100% volunteer-led. Self-funded. Nonpartisan. No spam. No fundraising.
Most Recent Articles
Most Recent Articles
Thank you for connecting with us! Please check your email for a verification link. Sometimes this email ends up in the junk folder, so please check there if you do not see it in your inbox. Also, please make info@longtermamerica.com an approved email in your email system.
Meanwhile, please explore the articles on our site. Start by clicking the Insights link in the top navigation, and then explore our primers, options, and tools to think long-term. Enjoy!