My pessimistic view about the future of our country led me to write this”Five reasons why the US decline appears irreversible“In January 2024. That torrid presidential election year now seems like ancient history. Twenty-one months later, new data and events have accelerated the decline, prompting this update. As before, we start with the main reason.
1. America’s uncontrolled debt
according to US debt clock In mid-January 2024, the national debt stood at $34 trillion. That debt exceeded GDP by $27.8 trillion, resulting in an irresponsible debt-to-GDP ratio of 122.30 percent. National debt has increased to date $37.8 trillionWhile GDP has grown to $30.3 trillion, the debt-to-GDP ratio is a worrying 124.84 percent.
In June, Treasury Secretary Scott Besant spoke optimistically about “expanding our way out of the debt.” Saying“If the economy grows faster than the debt, we stabilize the country.” But “if” was a fantasy. Based on current trends, Debt Clock estimates that by 2029, the federal debt-to-GDP ratio will be 141 percent.
Therefore, according to Besant’s philosophy, our country is becoming increasingly unstable as interest payments on the national debt consume an ever-increasing portion of the American budget. Interest now exceeds $1 trillionDue to which it became the third largest expenditure of the government. Debt service has also outstripped the defense budget, a marked change from January 2024, when interest on the national debt was the fourth-largest budget item.
2. Low student achievement
To offset the debt, strong economic growth must be driven by the next generation of educated, intelligent workers. However, America’s future remains bleak due to the epidemic of low student achievement.
in meJanuary 2024 pieceI referred to this2022 national report cardIn which it was found that only 29 percent of fourth grade and 20 percent of eighth grade students were proficient in mathematics. Covid was partly to blame, but scores were already falling before the pandemic caused schools to close and children were forced to learn online.
last month,2024 national report cardIt revealed that 45 per cent of high school seniors scored below the “Basic” qualification in mathematics – the lowest since 2005. Reading scores were worse, but math ability is particularly troubling because it translates into high-tech innovation, which drives economic growth.
It is sad that our country has lagged behind. America’s 15 year olds in 2022Ranked 34th worldwidein math, science and reading, with a score of 465grinded(International Student Assessment Programme), an examination conducted every three years. Singapore scored the highest with 575, followed by China with 552. Another PISA test is underway, with scores expected to be released next year.
In a technology-dominated world, low American achievement requires a reliance on skilled foreign workers, which has now increased due to the Trump administration’s high cost-of-work.Anti-immigrant policies.Furthermore, extremely poor student scores perpetuate the next irreversible sign of decline.
3. Income and wealth inequality
On October 3,CNBC reportedStaggering wealth distribution figures for the second quarter.top 1 percentAmericans held 29 percent of total household wealth, while the top 10 percent held 67 percent, and the bottom 10 percent90 percentOnly 33 percent was claimed.
These numbers are not surprising, given that in May, Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity Released a disturbing, detailed study examining wealth inequalitymetrics from them Minimum Quality of Life Index concluded that “The country’s bottom 60 percent of earners have only 22 percent of disposable income, but 39 percent of what is needed for a minimum quality of life.”
America’s wealth imbalance helps explain why New York City’s next mayor is likely Zohran MamdaniA democratic socialist who advocates a low cost of living and free services. Look carefully, because Mamdani’s ascent Shows national decline, where the majority struggles and the wealthy minority flourish.
4. Loss of American identity and patriotism
Traditionally, “proud to be American” was a strong common thread that, for decades, helped maintain our post-war superpower status. However, a confluence of negative factors has created a perfect storm. decline in national pride among all Americans, but especially the youthWhy? For starters, it is political skepticism, extreme polarization, lack of trust in leaders and traditional institutions, economic despair, pessimism about the future, widespread violence, and even fear of civil war.
The age-related decline in patriotism contributes to a general weakening of American identity, even threatening national security. Gallup’s annual survey on patriotism This confirms the downward trend. Among people born before 1946, 83 percent feel “extremely” or “very proud” of being American. The sharpest decline has been seen among “Gen Z”, born between 1997 and 2012. Only 41 percent of them feel as intensely proud as their elders. Reducing that 42-point gap presents a significant leadership challenge linked to the loss and erosion of a unified national identity. American exceptionalism.
5. There is a widespread perception that our political system is broken
in me January 2024 pieceI described the political system through the lens of November’s presidential election — “so broken that two flawed, unpopular candidates were thwarted long before their prime.” Since then, our broken system has hardened into two polarized camps. level of hatred in civil warwhere there is political violence”sometimes appropriate” And even talked about by some people as necessary “To get America back on track.”
The schism below, described 21 months ago (well before President Biden’s re-election, which made no difference on any of the issues), dominates today’s headlines:
“Team Trump is convinced that only the former President can protect democracy, save the country from ‘invasion’ at the southern border, and stop President Biden’s ‘corruption’ as well as the ‘weaponization’ of his Justice Department. In contrast, Democrats believe Biden will save democracy and the country from Trump, who would otherwise be an authoritarian ruler destroying the Constitution.”
At present, the five causes of irreversible decline are getting worse, while the “red” and “blue” camps are deeply embroiled in an inevitable conflict. A potentially devastating war that our country cannot afford – led by a president whose unofficial motto is “Fight, fight, fight” – is coming soon.depicted on a coin Celebrating his and America’s 250th birthday.
As always, the phrase “In God we trust” will appear, taking on even greater meaning.
myra adamsis a political and religious opinion writer who served on the creative team of two Republican presidential campaigns in 2004 and 2008.
