Who's asking about the nation's debt?

During the past 14 months the presidential candidates have been interviewed countless times and participated in numerous debates; but yet not once have I heard the candidates pressed on how they would balance the federal budget and reduce the size of the national debt.

But then perhaps no one is really concerned that for each of the past seven years the federal budget deficit has been over $400 billion and the national debt has ballooned to $9.4 trillion -- not million, not billion, but trillion.

To get a better idea of just how much money $9.4 trillion really is, each person's share of the national debt is almost $31,000. Since Sept. 2006, the national debt has risen $1.58 billion a day. What will happen in the next 15-20 years when most of the Baby Boomers retire and the country no longer has a Social Security surplus?

In his stump speeches, Sen. McCain says he will pay for tax cuts by cutting wasteful spending. But unless McCain is going to cut spending for defense, Social Security/Medicare or some other major programs, there is no way to achieve a balanced budget and reduction in the national debt without tax increases. On the other side of the aisle we have the two Democrat candidates both promising not to raise taxes if elected. This is an example of candidates pandering for votes.

With really important issues such as wearing a flag pin and questions about their pastors or ministers, I can understand why the candidates are not asked questions about unimportant issues such as the deficit and national debt. But perhaps when the debates are held between McCain and Obama or Clinton, the moderators might sneak in a question or two about how reducing the national debt that will soon top 10 trillion.

Victor Darst

West Dundee