Our Deficit Isn't So Bad ... Is It?

Any pretentious or condescending anti-government loon who (in a fantasy world) has a masterful grasp on and a vast understanding of economics will surely tell you that our nation's 'crippling' debt could be solved with simple math! We only need to spend less than we take in. This elementary analysis of a complex economic system is almost insulting. And it's wrong. Yes, I said it. Paul Ryan, the tea party, and anyone who condemns logical, reasonable spending as an evil perpetuation of every known problem the nation faces is completely wrong.

And here's why.

When the economy hits a recession, (which was caused the policies of the Bush era-- y'know, the same ones that Republicans STILL endorse today) people spend less money. This can be attributed to a variety of causes: unemployment, less take-home pay, and fear are a few.

When people spend less, the economy suffers. This was mitigated, however, by the hefty government spending that occurred in 2009, and the economic stimulus was the only thing preventing us from diving straight into another Great Depression.

When federal funding is cut, then state funding is cut, and states have to spend more. The debt is passed on to them as opposed to the nation; it is inevitable to incur a negative balance at some point.

This policy of criticizing the administration regarding its spending is fallacious in every facet; the same system of economics was practiced by Reagan and Bush. However, they disguised theirs through lowering taxes, so that instead of "socialism" it was "American laissez-faire glory."

Who wants to play a round of Fox News 'Fact' Buster? You may hear a conservative say that "China owns us!", as if we can only collect funds from China alone. While China owns 7.1% of our total debt, we are currently not relying on China as much; in fact, they own less of our debt today than they did in 2011. Japan is actually our largest lender, owning a slight bit more than China. Now, 44% of our total debt is owned by foreign investors. This is not very good by any means, but don't believe the lies about Chine the next time a redneck with a master's degree in misinformation tries to enlighten you with his endless wisdom.

Oh, and since these facts are real and not faux, here's the citation to the data: Hooray for Truth!

Now that the Obama administration has reduced spending, the notion of raising taxes at all sets off a wildfire of ignorance and blatant stupidity throughout the conservative world. However, it is these same exact conservatives who want the deficit to be reduced. Why is it, then, that raising taxes at all is so bad all of a sudden? I mean, the "math geniuses" with their breakthrough notion of taking in more than what is spent should be delighted in this! But they're not. Because they are Republicans, because Barack Obama is the President of the United States, and yes, because they are that stupid.