A Nation in Debt: How Can We Pay the Bills?

October 12, 2011 by publicagenda 0 Comments

The fight over the federal budget and the national debt has consumed Washington this year – and given us an increasingly bitter debate. How we choose to deal with this issue will affect our economy and the lives of millions for years to come. But what are our options? Can we have a more thoughtful, nonpartisan discussion? How can students grasp the real challenge, and think about possible solutions?

National Issues Forums books can help your students acquire the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to wrestle with these current events questions. The nonpartisan NIF books and proven forum process ask students to participate in dialogue, inquiry, and choice making, while meeting national curriculum standards in social studies and language arts.

Here’s an example of how the discussion framework looks like. Download free sample curriculum materials below (PDF format), or buy the issue books now:

Option One: Agree to Make Sacrifices Now
We need to compromise on our differences and act now to reduce the national debt. If this generation doesn’t make needed sacrifices, we’re simply passing the burden to the next generation. It’s time to face this urgent problem. We need to raise taxes and cut spending; neither will get the job done alone.

Option Two: Strengthen Checks and Balances
We cannot just hope that personal discipline and basic legislative safeguards will control the urge to spend. Citizens willingly accept more benefits than government can afford, and our leaders are too willing to help us dig this hole. Our top priority should be to make systemic changes to increase fiscal responsibility.

Option Three: Invest in Growth First
We need to encourage economic growth by investing in research, development, infrastructure, and science education. Growing the economy will boost tax revenues, make the debt more manageable, and will be better for the country in the long run. Drastic cost-cutting measures would likely harm the economy as it tries to recover.