Deseret News | U.S. called a house of cards just on brink

Reader comments
U.S. called a house of cards just on brink

157 comments | Read story

money to burn | 4:56 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

A consumption tax, such as a national sales tax, could benefit the nation's economy.
As a man with a massive income that I only spend on necessities, this sounds like an ideal plan.

Guy Fox- Key West/London | 4:59 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

WHERE THERE IS NO INSIGHT, THE PEOPLE PERISH! AND WHOM THE GODS WOULD DESTROY, THEY FIRST MAKE MAD!

Rob Shiveley | 5:08 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

It's more than a little dismaying to see the representatives of our government are more interested and focused on determining (for example): if a brain-dead women had the right to be allowed to die, whether baseball players took (or didn't take) human growth hormone or steroids (completely legal substances, by the way), whether an elected representative had an affair while in office; and the list goes on. These are things a tabloid publication might be preoccupied with, but not the government. Why do we allow our elected government representatives to get away with such rubbish? Why don't we, as the people, hold them accountable for their actions? Why don't we demand proficiancy and accountability? Why don't we require complete transparency? Why don't we demand checks and balances? Maybe we are simply asleep at the switch. Maybe we just don't care. Perhaps we're brainwashed by religions that demand complete obedience to figures of authority and have conditioned a sheep-like attitude, resulting in a loss of critical thinking. Maybe we're too hooked on soft drinks, junk food and the American Idol and have lost our capacity for rational thinking. Wake up people and get a grip. Quickly. Before it's too late.

Comments continue below

bhparkman | 5:22 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

Prepare. We got sold out.

shadow | 5:28 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

Si, el presidente said we are not in a recession.

One month ago he told us we had to spend borrowed money in order to head off the recession!

It must have worked!! Hallelujah!!!

But wait a minute, the checks have not been sent out...

Huh?

No wonder no one will buy a used car from this guy.

The Shadow Knows.

nothing is wrong | 5:37 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

There is nothing wrong with the economy.
This is just something the liberals conjured up.
You know how those trouble-making do-gooders are. Always trying to draw attention to something that need no attention. Always wanting change. Always wanting progress.

Rich | 5:38 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

Anonymous, I'll tell you what today's neo-cons would have to say about this guy's concerns.

He is right on. Government is too big and tries to do much, meddling in too many lives, too many businesses, and in too many arenas. People who want the government to provide them with things are finally going to realize there is no such thing as a free lunch. The government should have been paying billions in Social Security payments to wealthy retirees or to anybody who is capable of working. The government should not have wasted billions wastefully, not only in the military but in almost every other facet of its operation. People should say, let's scale back governmental spending except where it is actually needed. Then let's cut taxes so that people can invest or save their money how they see fit. Many of us used to be producers and got tired of paying all our profits to the government. The government should be promoting business, not fighting it and sucking it dry at every turn.

Rich | 5:40 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

Ooops. The government should NOT have been paying billions in SS payments to people who could have got by without it.

Unbelievable! | 5:35 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

Who are these people that are dragging this guys past business ventures into the equation? I donï¿½t even know what Fonix is but come onï¿½ this article is about taking a stance from the status quo. Not a botched business deal. You got a beef on that, take it up somewhere else. You got something constructive to say about the greatest nation on the earth digging a shallow grave, please pipe in! Loved the article, agree one hundred percent.

Get a job! | 5:48 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

WASHINGTON, DCï¿½Responding to the nation's worst unemployment rate since the Hoover Administration, President Bush addressed the nation's 8.2 million unemployed workers in a televised speech Monday.

President Bush urges America's jobless to get off their duffs.
"The economy has been on the rebound for months, but 5.6 percent of you are still out of work," Bush said. "Come on, people: Get a job! Don't just sit there hoping that you'll win the lottery. Turn off that boob tube, get off that couch, and start pounding the pavement."

When the number of people taking part-time jobs because they can't get full-time work is factored in, the unemployment figure approaches 15.1 million, a number Bush called "unacceptable."

Nor Cal! | 5:58 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

""I was appalled to see the United States Congress spending so much time, resources and energy over the issue of steroid use by professional ballplayers, when there are weighty issues that affect not only the country today but the country's existence for generations to come," he said."

Hear hear!

Re: The War | 6:17 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

Have any of you blaming the war ever even bothered to look at the national budget and how much we spend on entitlements? More importantly, do you have any idea how much we have promised in future benefits?

Even if the war in Iraq had never been started we have really spent less so far on it than we spend IN ONE YEAR on entitlements.

You see, the issue here is not the war or how much you hate bush and Mormons. It is what is going to happen in ten years of kicking the can further down the road. Fine, mock the guy all you want. It's your kids that will suffer.

Anonymous | 6:36 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

Re: The War -
"... hating Bush and the Mormons..."

What utter childish nonsense!

Spanky | 6:42 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

Re: The War

No, it will be your many kids that will suffer because of who you elected to the White House. If you don't want to take responsibility, fine, don't. As for Bush, mockery is too good for him, and I find it amazing that so many people are willing to give him a pass on running up the biggest trade and budget deficits in the history of the US. Giving tax breaks to the most wealthy. Selling government to big business. Starting an unnecessary immoral war that has/will cost us trillions, and ruined our reputation in the world.

Vienna | 7:10 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

Mr. Studdert deservees applause for speaking the truth! As for his role at fonix a dozen years ago, if you remember it did well until he left and then his successors ran it into the ground. So get off the guy's case. I just bought his book and I'm loving it! Long overdue!!

Re: Spanky | 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

"Starting an unnecessary immoral war that has/will cost us trillions, and ruined our reputation in the world."

Ever heard of something called the "World Trade Center?"

Ever head of something called the "Gulf War?"

Learn you history before you make another stupid comment like that. The current war in Iraq is in part a carry over from the first Gulf War. That war never ended. There was a cease-fire, not a peace treaty. Saddam Hussein violate the terms of the cease-fire, so hostilities recommenced. Whether you agree with the recommencing of hostilities or not, those are the facts. As far as Afghanistan and the current fight against Al-Quaida and other terrorist groups in Iraq, perhaps two airplanes being steered into the World Trade Center had something to do with that. Or are you one of those nut jobs who believe that was an inside job?

BTW: tax cuts for the rich? That's ludicrous. I'm not rich, and I got a tax cut. At the time, I was making about $20,000 a year. I went from paying very few federal income taxes to paying nothing. I make more than that now, but my tax bill is still next to nothing.

Johnny | 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

I heard the speech -- what a fantastic tribute to America. This gentleman is a real patriot who loves our country. His remarks were a warning, sound and well reasoned and full of supporting facts. I hope he keeps speaking out about what a mess our national house is. We are not living today in a house of order.

TOT | 7:47 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

Re:Spanky,

Nut jobs believe that it means nothing that structural girders in the basement of the WTC were cut at an angle with molten metal running down the side. Nut jobs believe that Building 7 fell down all by itself when it was barely damaged.

It's amazing that LDS who believe in " a secret combination to overthrow the freedom of all people" reject out of hand the warnings of Ezra Taft Benson when he said this self same secret combination was gaining power in our country.

Ostriches!!

It's monstrous. It's uncomfortable. But it's true.

Pay Day Loans | 8:28 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

As a nation we are walking on VERY thin ice.

Reading some of the unconcerned Utahn's comments lead me to believe that the economy in Utah is doing better than the rest of the nation, until I remembered that Utah is one of the leading places for pay-day loans.

Out in Illinois (where I live) poor people (making less than 20K per year) are driving around brand new cars costing them $500/mo and talking on the newest cell phones. They then drive their expensive car home to a beaten down 1940's apartment, turn on their 60" plasma screen, and throw away their Medicaid bill without opening it.

Lenders are responsible for this mess!!! Extending credit to people who will irresponsibly max it out then end up being unable to pay for it is placing our economy on VERY thin ice.

Creditors need to clamp down for a LONG time and stop extending credit irresponsibly to pad thier own wallets.

Don't get me started about pay-day lenders...

Born American | 9:30 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

In your heart of hearts,have you truly not understood this was coming? You with your heads in the sand will be the first to scream for government to save your irresponsible butts and you know it. So get up,go down to the welfare office and get in line so the rest of us will know who you are.
LDS folk,did you listen to what your leadership told you to do all these decades? You'll make it through OK if you did.
Everyone else,have you used the good sense you were born with,or did you succumb to greed and the need for instant gratification and the hunger for status?
As a nation,we have consistently voted people into office who serve only themselves,and keep us off their backs by robbing our future to give us crumbs for today. IF we are very lucky,we may yet have time to throw the bums out,ALL OF THEM,and restore the Constitution. Take a good look at Ron Paul and see for yourselves if he isn't our best shot at a future that isn't a wasteland for us and our children and grandchildren. Time to THINK people!

FREE AMERICAN | 11:02 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

The flood is upon us. The US is being flooded and we can't do anything about this. Our future will be a third world country unable to care for our own. We will be a nation of poor, depressed self rightoues individuals who can only think for themselves. The masses will spoil in the quagmire and stiffle those who have tried to keep this nation free. Our house of cards will not stand unless change is made. To make change, use the tool provided and that is the power to VOTE. Several people I know said they will not vote this election. This attitude is what will keep us in the present. Change the people in office, that will bring about change in our society. We as a nation need to stand up and voice our opinions and concerns on the direction we are being led. Lets hope our children have a better presence of mind when its their turn to run this country. This country will change after 11 MAY 2008. Our indebtness to foriegn countries will keep us hostages for decades to come.

James | 11:27 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

Studdert is exactly right. He is not blaming any particular president or single politicians for this mess, he is simply stating the facts and that it is America's problem. He did advise four presidents, and held the title as "Special Assistant to the President" while serving with Reagan and Bush. His book is simply stating the facts and does not point fingers. It is a wake-up call to all of us. Thanks Mr. Studdert for standing up! Just bought his book on Amazon.

I Love America | 12:43 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

The problem, as I see it, is two-fold. One: Economics is not taught in any significant way in American High Schools. Two: Civics is ALSO no longer taught. How else can you explain anyone voting for politicians who fully intend to raise taxes and also intend to spend more than they bring in? The people making these unbelievably bad decisions are Ivy League educated. The know better than this, yet they continue to persue the same course. My belief is that they know they will have passed away beforre this becomes a real problem. The current group of national leaders, Republican AND Democrat, will not be treated well by history. But the American people who allowed this will also shoulder the blame. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

Dave in Colorado | 1:24 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

It may take a very serious economic downturn to wake up the country and get a guy like Romney elected. This is so reminiscint of 1976. Be prepared for 4 years of economic misery.

Rob H | 5:30 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

Obviously the Iraq War is a problem. When Bush/ Cheney took office, the debt was 5 trillion. Now it is 9.3 trillion, and increasing by 1.5 billion a day! That is crazy.
Iraq is a mess, and I believe we should clean up our mess there, but I don't think we can afford to follow McCain's policy of staying there indefinitely. Barack Obama will get us out so we can start taking care of things here at home. We have got to get our bus out of that ditch. It will be tough, and we can't just leave the Iraqis, but it's time to get out of that squalor.

Mahershalalhashbaz | 5:48 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

I am one of the nuts who believes the world trade center was an inside job. I agree with the post above. The real nut jobs are the ones who believe otherwise. I've heard of killing 2 birds with one stone, but bringing down 3 giant steel buildings with 2 birds=ridiculous. It's so funny to hear people like the 2 guys from popular science who wrote their debunking book say how hard it would be to bring those buildings down as a demolition. Nearly impossible they say. You can't even believe the thousands of pounds of explosives it would take, and the 100's of men who would have to work around the clock to pull off such an incredible feat they say, yet they believe a few uneducated Muslims who have barely ever flown an airplane before can do it. God help us. Repent fast. He's the only one who can save us. The Elite in this country are the ones who are in government, and they want to conquer this nation. They purposefully have weakened us by spending us into oblivion. Can't anyone see they are trying to get rid of guns, freedom of speech, and religion?

Mahershalalhashbaz | 5:55 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

James Madison said "crisis is the tool of the tyrant". That is what Al Gores global warming is all about. Remember McCarthy and Benson who were made out to be fools because they said our government had communists in it? Well, they were right, and now the communists (or elitists) have taken over. If you want to know who they are, look to see which politicians push the global warming agenda. Huntsman the younger, Arnold, Rocky Anderson, the governor of Arizona, most democrats in congress, President Bush, and on and on. These people are the elitists who are trying to overthrow our government. We need to arrest them immediately. They purposefully are trying to bankrupt us (Bill Clinton=we need to let the economy slow down to save the environment) so they can let their chinese/russian allies march in here while we are down after the economy crashes. Why do you think Giuliani/Bloomberg tried to outlaw guns over & over (and still are). Our government has been hijacked at every level. These people have trillions. The US has......debt enslavement. Repent or be destroyed. God is the only one who can fix this mess we're in, and only if we repent.

Read the Founding Documents | 7:46 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

The answers to our problems are all contained in the Founding Documents. Number 1, a military for a national defense (nothing mentioned about our "interests.") along with a caveat regarding foreign entanglements. The Founders would never have sold out our production capabilities and they would not have accepted foreign loans to support our debt. They would not have created the entitlements, no income tax, etc. What you have now is rampant Treason and Corruption. When former Sen. Bob Dole represents Dubai, Sec. James Baker..the Saudi Arabian Gov't. and Bill Clinton making deals with the Chinese during his reign, not to mention the current Obama who is tied to racists individuals and organizations, such as Farakan,...well folks..throw into the mix the horrible acts of violence in this country, probably attributed to prescription drugs, AKA..anti-depressents..you have a country that is in a moral, spiritual, and political abyss. The answers lay in the Bible and the Founding Documents.

Anonymous | 8:40 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

Mahershal(whatever) is no doubt a member of the John Birch Society.
The most paranoid and self-absorbed group in the country.

Don't blame others first | 8:50 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

All you people who call him a "prophet of doom," you should read the book before making such statements. And those who blame him as "part of those administrations"? Get real. One man, particularly an advisor (largely on foreign, not domestic, policy) is not responsible for the state of the nation. You need to absorb the point of this book which is Personal Responsibility. The government is a reflection of the will of the people, who are also irresponsible as a whole. No one man, even the president, is solely responsible for our economy. Bush is not solely responsible for the current problems, nor was Clinton solely responsible for the prosperity during his terms in office.

The bottom line is, take responsibility for yourself, get yourself out of debt and dependence on foreign countries and oil, and THEN demand that your government do the same.

Get a Clue America | 8:57 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

Politicians and the Media are killing us and we keep voting for them and believing them.
Latest Example: They are fighting over the whether or not we should be able to wire-tap the bad guys( DuH)
We continue to grant citizenship to children of illegal aliens born in this country and give them welfare/food stamps and Medicaid to help them make a living in this country illegally. ( Duh)
Our troops shoot back into a home that is firing on them, and it is reported that they killed some civilians who also happened to be in the home ( DuH)
We continue to buy oil from our enemies and fund the war against us instead of building oil refineries( complete with all the pollution controls) it would actually cost us less and stimulate our economy. (Duh)
Gas prices are causing the economic ressession. ( Duh)
We don't do enough manufacturing in our country( Duh)
America quite watching to see what Brittney spears is going to do next and get involved in your country. Every incumbant politian should be voted out of office the next time we get a chance.Let's stand up for this country.

roger | 9:51 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

people get the government they deserve,don,t look for a leader to get you out of this mess.do your home work,democracy will not survive if it has an electorate who is completely ignorant of political and social issues and be willing to share a little don't always think in terms off what's in it for me!

War Party Media | 10:30 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

Ad-hominem
Red Herring

Familiarize yourselves with these terms and call people out when they use these devices. Otherwise there can be no productive discourse.

That is all for now. Feel free to resume feeling superior to everyone else.

Adam Obrey | 11:00 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

OH! You mean someone who was the man who made sure the chairs were set up for the Pres. is now aware of the problems in American. This man was the advance party man for the "Big Honcho" in the white house. He never
made a policy decision or was in on one. His biggest
task was to make sure the lights were on.

lowonoil | 10:59 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

We will get leaders who will do the right things when all the crowds at campaign rallies are chanting "Less, Less, Less!"

Our politicians are constantly advised about what should be done for the long term good of our country. The advice gets dismissed immediately as political suicide.

change is good | 11:59 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

The conservative mind is resistant to change. Afraid of change. Terrorized of change.
Yet change is natural and inevitable.
In doing nothing, putting up roadblock after roadblock, these conservatives become a part of the problem.

Is it November yet?

sean f | 12:19 p.m. Feb. 29, 2008

Adam Obrey, Ha! Ignorance is bless for the likes of folks like you. If you only had a clue.

Highland resident | 1:16 p.m. Feb. 29, 2008

Who has created this "House of Cards", Mr. Studdert? Are you acquainted with the CFR, the Trilaterals, the Bilderbergers, who, since 1921 (when the CFR was founded) have worked relentlessly on the destruction of America? Learn about them, Mr. Studdert, and you will see that these people provided the string pullers behind the Government.
Just as a side note, I haven't voted for a SINGLE President or pres. candidate since Barry Goldwater. These neocons have sabotaged the candidacy of RON PAUL! He is the only one who could change the course this country is going. But, he's not "anointed" by the establishment!!! You, as former Stake President, should know better!

Re: Sean F. | 2:10 p.m. Feb. 29, 2008

The phrase is ignorance is (Bliss)

Re: Change is Good | 2:20 p.m. Feb. 29, 2008

The liberal mind is nothing to be proud of either. You all should read get a clue from above. He is right on.

What makes us fail? | 9:18 p.m. Feb. 29, 2008

I believe the biggest problem in America, is a sense of entitlement. People think they deserve this or they deserve that. Some people are more willing to commit crimes than earn an honest living. Some people are more willing to live a meager lifestyle for free (off of the taxpayers) than to get an education and work for a living. Somebody commits an accident, and the "victim" feels entitled to millions and never having to work another day in his or her life. Hard work and earning it for yourself is what makes our country great. Many people think they deserve to own a nice home and 2 or 3 nice vehicles. They think they deserve an all expense paid retirement and free health care. News Flash, those producing are carrying the load. The freeloaders are worthless. Work hard, spend less than you earn, invest the difference, get an education, and obey the law. If everyone did those simple things, we would be much better off. I think our ancestors would be ashamed at how slothful we are and how much time we waste watching TV, playing video games, and eating out all of the time. Sickening...

Anonymous | 9:53 p.m. Feb. 29, 2008

Funny about entitlements. Oil companies selling oil for over $100 a barrel feel entitled to not pay royalties. Conservatives feel entitled to wars without paying for them. Ranchers feel entitled to grazing right at below the market rate. Contractors have convinced Bush they are entitled to immunity for loosing billions in Iraq. Niel Bush, of failed S&L fame, felt he was entitled to a 12 million dollar contract for educational CD's as his part of hurricane relief.

We have seen the largest transfer of wealth in American history.

Conservatives still blame the poor, elderly and the handicapped. You widowed mother's Social Security check for $819 is he problem, the veteran at the VA hospital is the problem? The child born into poverty is the problem.

The problem has been working Americans voting for lap dogs of the wealthy. "The wealthy pay more taxes!" The question should be who benefits more from government? The rich get the loin's share of government benefits. Who educates their workforce, defends their economic interests and control air traffic and builds highways to enhance commerce? Who developed the computer, the Internet, Jet engines and micro electronics?

To: What makes us fail | 10:06 p.m. Feb. 29, 2008

We see things differently. I believe an even bigger problem is the "us versus them" mentality that seems to have evolved in America. We seem to have forgotten that "we're all in this together."

People in America SHOULD feel "entitled" to basic services (police/fire protection, education, emergency health care, food if we're starving, or shelter from harsh weather) as long as there is any way at all that America can afford it.

Everyone, even the wealthy, needs to care more, and to be willing to sacrifice if necessary. I honestly think our war efforts would be more successful if EVERYONE joined in the sacrifice.

We need political leaders who can inspire us to work harder, care more, and yes, even share more.

(Good points about working hard, getting educated, investing, and obeying the law.)

Ronald A. Young | 2:19 a.m. March 1, 2008

I do not think we are on the Brink Of Anything. Right Wing Talk Show Hosts Aside. We are a Blessed Nation. Chosen to be the place where The Gospel was Restored. Plus the place where The Last Dispensation Began. I think we will be a Less Blessed Nation if we continue to allow Abortion. Also Alternative Life Styles might be a bit hampering. I fear for America that we do not have enough Trained and Equipped Military to handle all possible Domestic and Border Issues. Another Million Men/Women Under Arms would not hurt a bit. A Draft would focus young people, if to do nothing else then to avoid it, by doing something. Many Vietnam Vets are Collecting or are going to Collect Social Security another 10 years and they will really begin to die off, just from Old. I like the Idea of a flat sales tax and no income tax. I get large refunds but its my and my wifeï¿½s money and I'd rather not pay it in the first place. Sales Tax is fair and equal covers everyone. My biggest fear aside from getting old. Is Abortion goes unchecked and Sherrill Law becomes excepted.

John Wayne | 8:29 a.m. March 1, 2008

John Wayne said it best...

"I will give you nothing and you will not give me nothing. I hire men to do a job, for which in return, you will provide me with a good days work. Then, I will not have given you anything and you will not have given me anything."

I'd like to see a politician say this and mean it!

Jud | 9:38 a.m. March 1, 2008

Studdert helped create this mess. Working for Reagan, spending ourselves crazy on defense while cutting revenues. Steve, you're a little late with the critique... look in the mirror, you Reagan guys set the pattern. If I told my wife I was going to cut our income and go into debt for a safeload of guns, she'd have me committed. That's what we should have done with you.

War Party Media | 10:44 a.m. March 1, 2008

The whole Liberal vs Conservative debacle is a joke.

Americans arbitrarily pick sides, blaming the other for all their woes. Liberals in this state feeling that they know all there is to know because they listen to NPR, and Conservatives hanging on every word of Glen Beck.

Take a look and see who all was there when NAFTA was signed into effect ensuring the slow death of America's middle class.

The major players on both sides are owned by the same special interest groups and think tanks. They pretend to be opposing forces, but behind closed doors they are sleeping in the same bed.

happy day! | 12:04 p.m. March 1, 2008

wow.... that's an optimistic fellow... I think I'll go see if I have a garden hose that I can attach to my tailpipe....

Adam | 1:36 p.m. March 1, 2008

To What makes us fail? | 9:18 p.m.

Your narrow view is astonishing. Didn't the Great Depression teach you anything? There are economic forces at work that are larger than individuals. Those economic forces provide jobs (or not), prosperity (or not), and peace (or war). Key groups and individuals in government and social organizations make decisions that affect the lives of the masses who, through no fault of their own, suffer from the decisions of others. It doesn't matter whether they want an entitlement or want to work hard - it is beyond their control. Hopefully, you can have the opportunity to become educated about how societies work. It is unfortunate that you have failed to do so to date.

Don S. Robertson | 2:50 p.m. March 1, 2008

Dr. Mr. Lee, Thank you very much for quoting Stephen Studdard's remarks, "U.S called 'house of cards' on brink." I am age 81 and have observed the increasing federal debt over many decades, with one excuse after another. I has always disturbed me that our Social Security money was not put into an account to be returned later. We are storing food and preparing for the consequences which we agree are most likely to follow. Thanks again.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.