If nothing else, I hope you take away two things from reading this diary:
1. Federal Budget Deficits Don't Matter(at least not in the way you think)
2. It is impossible for the federal government to be broke
The conservative movement in this country is attempting to eliminate all social programs. Most of these programs, like social security, medicare, and food stamps are popular so they are not trying to eliminate them directly. Instead they're using an end-run around them by claiming "we can no longer 'afford' these programs." It is a compelling argument that draws lots of people in. The problem is, the traditional counter-point to it is weak. Progressive's can protect these vital, popular programs, by obliterating conservatives claim that we're "broke".
We are not broke. If you think we're broke, then you're looking at the wrong data.
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