PBS documentary examines the rapidly growing national debt and its consequences for the United States and its citizens. In February 2007, the United States federal debt stood at $8.7 trillion, more than doubling over the term of George W. Bush's presidency. The situation will only get worse over time with known future spending such as payment of social security to the baby boom generation. The issues? The United States has had a history of consumption, spending more than it has available, especially during war years, most specifically during World War II and the Iraq conflict of the 21st century. There is also a history of non saving, both by the government and by individuals which leads to lack of investment moneys. And in the new global economy, the United States has the highest trade deficit in the world, reliant on other countries, especially China which holds more than half of the United States' treasury bonds. Overriding these issues is a lack of political leadership, politicians who really don't seem to know how to get the country out of this financial hole.
