It depends on what the meaning of ‘problem’ is
“We must show courage in a time of blessing by confronting problems instead of passing them on to future generations.”
—George W. Bush, Inaugural address, January 20, 2001“The Bush administration has shelved a report commissioned by the Treasury that shows the U.S. currently faces a future of chronic federal budget deficits totalling at least $44,200bn [$44 trillion] in current US dollars.”
—Financial Times UK, US ‘faces future of chronic deficits’, May 29, 2003
Saddling future generations with a multi-multi-trillion dollar debt easily satisfies my definition of problem.
Okay, that’s the Treasury prognosis. Now, a diagnosis and treatment step from Dr. Dean:
“The economic plans put forth by President Bush and the Republican party are a fundamental assault on the basic American ideals that we all share — an assault on our schools, our health care, our environment and our social security. …
“Let me be clear. The President’s tax cuts are part of a radical agenda to dismantle Social Security, Medicare, and our public schools through financial starvation. …
“My central commitment upon taking office will be to repeal these tax cuts to put our fiscal house in order, and save the very fabric that holds our American community together.
“We will not be able to meet our fundamental obligations to teach our children, care for our parents, and defend our nation if we bankrupt our country. …”
—Howard Dean, We must put our fiscal house in order (see also Dean for America)
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