The ominous shadow of economic decline looms over America, as the nation grapples with a staggering national debt of $33.2 trillion in the fiscal year 2024. https://www.statista.com/chart/28393/us-public-debt/  The interest on this colossal debt, a  staggering $879.3 billion, is close to half of the total revenue collected through taxes by the U.S. government, standing at $1.58 trillion. https://www.investopedia.com/us-national-debt-by-year-7499291

To put that number in perspective, it is more than what the federal government spent on national defense ($821 billion) or Medicare ($848 billion) in 2023. The economic landscape is further muddled by recent decisions, such as the cancellation of billions in student loan debt by the Biden administration, exacerbating an already precarious financial situation.

The Warning from History

The prophetic words of Benjamin Franklin reverberate through time: “When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.” This sentiment finds its echo in the wisdom of Alexander Tyler, who, in the early 1800s, warned that “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the majority discovers it can vote itself largess (bestowing money to others) out of the public treasury. After that, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefits with the result the democracy collapses because of the loose fiscal policy, always to be followed by a dictatorship, then a monarchy.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Fraser_Tytler%2C_Lord_Woodhouselee

Venezuela is such an example that fell from the richest country in South America because of massive social spending, greed, and economic mismanagement along with the corruption at the top. https://www.history.com/news/venezuela-chavez-maduro-crisis   

The Impact of Political Leadership

This is not meant to be a political endorsement or degradation but there is a stark difference in economic and political stewardship since the transition from the Trump to the Biden administration. The fundamental contrast lies in the fact that Trump was a seasoned businessman first and a politician second, while Biden, with a 51-year political career, has never ventured into the private sector. This distinction has left Biden out of touch with the realities of American life, where citizens earn their livelihood by contributing to the economy and have to face the consequences of market fluctuations.

The concern raised is that lifelong politicians, insulated from economic challenges, become beholden to their benefactors, in order to remain in office.   It’s only a matter of time before Alexander Tyler’s statement comes to fruition when politicians lose touch with WHY they serve in government.

Challenges at the Border

As a proud 1^st wave baby boomer, and a product of Italian immigrants during the early 1900’s, what we are witnessing today at our southern border defies all measure of a country’s sovereignty.  A country is defined by its border’s language and culture.  Entry into any country is both a privilege and a calculated risk. 

Ellis Island in upper N.Y bay, became the gateway for European immigrants from 1892 to 1924, when some 12 million European immigrants were processed into the U.S. https://www.britannica.com/place/Ellis-Island

The biggest challenge was the language barriers and cultural differences.  Those same challenges are echoed today; however, for a far different reason.  https://www.history.com/news/ellis-island-immigrants-compare-today-study  What is happening on the southern border today is not immigration but an invasion facilitated by the cooperation between certain countries and cartels, leading to the influx of combatant-aged men, including known criminals.

In just the past 3 years over 8.3 million “asylum seeking” migrants have crossed our southern border, with an estimated 1.6 million who have crossed our border without processing.  Migrants are being processed under an immigration statute known as Title 8 and can be released into the United States while their immigration cases are pending, which could presently take 8 years. (good luck with that).

President Biden’s immigration policies, particularly the cessation of border wall construction and the repeal of the “remain in Mexico” policy, coupled with the promise of a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants creates an unsustainable situation.

• Cartel controlled border crossings have also led to a recent 6.5-ton methamphetamine seizure. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/border-agents-seize-6-tons-of-meth-at-border/ar-BB1iMWod
• Asylum seekers are eligible to apply for work permits, health benefits and public education. 

Make no mistake, the ultimate byproduct for opening our borders is to create a new “gratitude” Democratic voting block.

Economic Fallout

The economic impact of these decisions is vividly portrayed through the lens of everyday life. We have been primed to expect rising food costs, construction materials, and fuel, coupled with the looming threat of the dollar’s conversion into digital currency.

Business Fallout

The economic strain is further illustrated by the closure of numerous businesses, restaurants, and entertainment centers, and the nationwide closures of over 2,800 established store chains.  Here is a partial list of some of their store closings: https://www.businessinsider.com/stores-closing-in-2023-list?op=1

• Bed Bath & Beyond: 896
• Foot Locker: 545
• CVS: 300
• Rite Aid: 154
• Walgreens: 151
• Christmas Tree Shops: 82
• Party City: 31
• Walmart: 23
• Best Buy: 20
• Target: 13
• Amazinb: 9
• Big Lots: 7
• Macy’s: 4
• JC Penny: 2                

In my hometown of Melbourne, Florida in the past 6 months, 19 restaurants have closed, entire shopping plazas have emptied and some of the major bars and entertainment centers have closed.  When established business corporations begin to fail, it means that citizens have no expendable income. We are facing the gravest economic crisis since the Great Depression. Our leaders seem more interested in maintaining power than maintaining our country.

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The call to action is clear, America needs a paradigm shift in leadership NOW before all is lost.

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