Discussion 7: econ

Background & links:

http://www.iousathemovie.com/

This is the link to the homepage of the I.O.U.S.A. documentary video.  It contains links to the five-part I.O.U.S.A. Solutions videos that you are required to watch.  Individual links to each of these five parts are posted below.

Throughout history, the American government has found it nearly impossible to spend only what has been raised through taxes. Wielding candid interviews with both average American taxpayers and government officials, Sundance veteran Patrick Creadon (Wordplay) helps demystify the nation's financial practices and policies. The film follows former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker as he crisscrosses the country explaining America's unsustainable fiscal policies to its citizens.

With surgical precision, Creadon interweaves archival footage and economic data to paint a vivid and alarming profile of America's current economic situation. The ultimate power of I.O.U.S.A. is that the film moves beyond doomsday rhetoric to proffer potential financial scenarios and propose solutions about how we can recreate a fiscally sound nation for future generations.

Pointedly topical and consummately nonpartisan, I.O.U.S.A. drives home the message that the only time for America's financial future is now.

I.O.U.S.A. Solutions - Part 1:  Fiscal Overview  (8:18)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5dT2uwj5jA

I.O.U.S.A. Solutions - Part 2:  Budget Reform  (8:34)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnzXlHD-F-Y

I.O.U.S.A. Solutions - Part 3:  Defense & Other Spending Reform  (8:28)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HSzIGVal38

I.O.U.S.A. Solutions - Part 4:  Health Care Reform  (10:50)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ain_VXnUhs

I.O.U.S.A. Solutions - Part 5:  Tax Reform  (7:17)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuvx4-5vszU

Discussion Thread Questions:

You are encouraged to watch all the 5 videos above. However, you need to answer the following questions, based on your understanding on ONLY one of the above 5 videos:

What is your reaction to your chosen video from the five (5) videos on I.O.U.S.A.?  What impressed you the most?  Does it make you think differently about anything?  What do you think is the primary motive behind this video and ay of the other videos on I.O.U.S.A.?