GAO chief warns economic disaster looms

GAO chief warns economic disaster looms - Yahoo! News (AP)

Really. That's not even an exaggeration.

Not the cheeriest news in the world, for sure.

But sometimes we have face unpleasant facts, then deal with them. It's about what really is, a.k.a our reality, and what we're going to do about it.

This GAO chief talks about reality, the reality all of us Americans are facing if we don't change our present course.

It's not pretty, it's not sexy, it's not cool, it's not fun.

His message is even full of numbers and rather dry reading. About as much fun as algebra was. And, when it sinks in, it's grim - stuff about our probable future you'd rather not hear or believe.

But, it makes perfect sense. I believe this guy. And, why not? He's the freaking accountant - essentially - for the United States! His long-term, appointed job is secure - he's not beholden to voters, bosses, or contributors. Unlike our politicians, he doesn't have to say what we want to hear, he can tell us what is. Truth. Reality. I'll add I've heard this guy present his message - same as in this article - on C-Span. It was some of the scariest TV I have ever watched. Note how C-Span will cover this guy - but will any commercial TV? Network? CNN? Even PBS? Heck no. It's not in their best interest, if you think about it ($$$ and political obligations).

Raise taxes? Nobody wants to hear about that. Not even Democrats.

Cut benefits and entitlements? Nobody wants to hear about that. Not even Republicans. And, especially not anyone in or approaching retirement. And what about the poor? The disabled?

This GAO chief also brings up those words we used to hear so often in the past, but not much any more:

The national debt (it's shocking and disturbing how much we owe China, as well as other countries)

The national deficit (worse than it's ever been)

Balanced budgets? A good thing for individuals, families - and our country.

(BTW, the average savings rate for Americans is a negative number. Common sense dictates that this cannot be a good thing and will eventually catch up with us.)

Basically, we need to get our financial house in order, which includes, ideally, not spending money we don't have. What a concept. And those who do have money, just may have to pay a bit more of it in taxes. Not unreasonable or unfair, really.

Also, winding down our involvement in Iraq would be one step in the right direction, IMHO.

So, we can clean up this mess - and we need to, starting ASAP. And, demand that this be a key issue in the 2008 election.