I’m sure the ‘republicans’ will once again start making noises about how bad the debt is, now that they have no power whatsoever to do anything about it.
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As I’ve gotten older (and gained a better understanding of modern, central banking), I’ve come to realize that the only danger is inflation. Contemporary knowledge of how to deal with inflation is good, so it’s really not an issue. Thank about it, we’ve had historically low interest rates for ages and yet prices have been held in check by a struggling economy. During Obama’s tenure, the Fed had interest rates effectively at 0 and we still had low inflation (of course we had low growth too, but that’s a different issue).
We should not let Republicans use this talking point in the future. Individual financial responsibility and productive behavior? Fine. Being misers when the average American citizen is hurting badly? Not fine. What McConnell did in his recent stunt was inexcusable.
I'd have to agree with your assessment that inflation is a relatively 'small' problem. I see it as a hidden thief. Your average bloke doesn't generate the kinds of savings/investments that it takes to actually get ahead of inflation. Even the creeping 'low' inflation that we're currently experiencing, (I'd argue that the official rates are fantasy), will eat into the ability of folks who are not politically connected to get ahead of the curve.
The ponzi scheme known as 'social security' is a good example. For years I've been bumping right up against the limit beyond which social security taxes go away. Every time I get close, the limit is raised. Kinda frustrating IMO.