> I'm sorry, I don't really see how any of those explain the government being granted money (in staggering quantities), then spending it, then having nothing.

> I'm sorry, I don't really see how any of those explain the government being granted money (in staggering quantities), then spending it, then having nothing. Would it help to know that the same government (altho Federal Reserve is private but heavily regulated) print the money for their own use? Imagine you have a small house with a garage inside and printing money machine in it. Now you want to expand the house and you know you can pay for the materials labor, etc, thanks to your printing machine. Wouldn't you do it? The answer is those who care about US, about their outlook on the world would be very careful with using this machine. Those who would "own the house" for just a little bit would abuse it. We are at this stage where government human resources are so overbloated, ,you need so many signatures to buy a roll of toilet paper that eventually at the end of the day nobody is responsible for anything. That can least if you own the world and don't have to answer to anyone. Un/fortunately this is not US case. If we default, we lose credibility with other major player such as China. Imagine if China stops producing for US (would be insane embargo if you think about out), can you imagine what would happen with us economy? all of sudden the soap dispencer you buy at wallmart cost $45 (made in USA) instead of 4.99 (made in China). Unfortunately, like I said there is no credibility even Chief in Charge Barrack Husain Obama is not aware (in most part) what is really going on under his watch.