It seems to me that we have a critical-mass scenario which will prevent our current economic system from sustaining itself. Sure, the economy will grow a little by default, but not enough growth to bring us out of this quasi recession and sustain growth into the future.
Parts of this critical-mass;
- High cost of living in the USA.
- Continued population growth...about 2 million+ per year.
- Current unemployment or underemployment of perhaps 15-25 million Americans.
- Lowering personal productivity rate.
- Too many unskilled and/or lower-skilled workers.
- More and more demands on government at all levels.
- Government and private debt at all-time highs.
- The dumbing of America with a drop out factory education system.
- Federal government appears paralyzed.
So, as I see it from my lowly corner of this USA, the high costs of doing business in the USA makes it difficult to compete in the world marketplace. The population growth of immigrants and US-born simply exacerbates all the issues. If we can't create tens of millions of middle-class paying jobs, and sustain these jobs for many years, then unemployment becomes paramount. Exacerbating the high cost of doing business is our productivity rate which IMHO is pathetic...few wish to work hard and do so for 40+ hours per week. We have become, and the highest growth continues, top heavy with lower-skilled workers which translates to lower wages which translates to fewer income taxes and less consumption. Yet a disproportionate quantity of Americans are placing greater demands on government. All governments are deep in debt with reckless spending issues and no relief in sight. Our political issues have become out of control, immensely complex, and require so much funding, that not only can the electorate not comprehend the issues, but those in Congress and Administrations are equally clueless. And finally, whether it's two private individuals, or Congress, or America, it is impossible today to find enough unity in order to solve problems and move forward in an effective and productive fashion.
Now my problem with all this stuff is trying to find a turning point. A turning point would be a bright point in our future when we believe we have taken appropriate actions and these actions are truly bringing about effective resolutions for a majority of Americans that will sustain itself for decades. I guess this is where I challenge you to show me the turning points, on the nine items above, as well as others?
The question I'm too stupid to answer is what happens if we can't find timely and effective turning points for these 9 items...