Debt is no joke

The philosopher Soren Kierkegaard wrote a parable about a fire breaking out backstage in a theater. The Clown came out to inform the public. They thought it was a joke and applauded. He repeated his warning and they laughed and clapped louder.

The point of the parable is that the greatest of disasters often occur amid public laughter and applause. Today, our nation has a deficit of $1.4 trillion. These deficits are projected to grow exponentially over the next few years. Our currency is losing its value. The price of gold is soaring, along with the price of other commodities. Foreign nations that hold our bonds, and are financing our reckless debt, are threatening to end their support.

Many who warn of this get the same regard given Kierkegaard’s Clown. Our elected representatives seem to be more interested in perpetuating their careers than acting in the best interests of the citizens of this nation. We need to get back to principles of fiscal responsibility before a greater disaster than we have ever experienced takes place amid public applause and laughter.

Donald Sessions

Liberty Lake