why is the U.S. in national debt?

Answer 1

Because we import more then we export.

Answer 2

The enormous US debt is not attributable to what most Americans think is the biggest reason -- Lending Money to Foreign Nations. The biggest reason is exactly the opposite. The US debt is enormous because the vast majority of our debt is purchased and held in the form of US backed bonds mostly by foreign corporations or foreign states themselves. China is the best example of this. They hold a larger stake in US debt than any other other foreign state. China buys billions of dollars worth US savings bonds every year. Why? Without going into detail; by doing this China keeps the US dollar weak, interest rates low, inflation at bay, and grows their trade surplus with the US and it's consumers - meaning you and I. More reasons why? China does this is to drive US demand for cheap products manufactured in their country. Why? So US banks lend more money to more Americans. Who benefits? Multi-national corporations, the US Lending industry (banking, mortgage etc) and their share holders who's largest stakeholders are CEO's, institutional investors, and the likes of people with vast wealth like Warren Buffet, Donald Trump, and Bill Gates. What is the bottom line? The vast majority of American citizens consume more than they save and keep allowing themselves to be screwed by feeding the belly of the beast, the likes of the previously mentioned. Think about it. Think about it the next time you fill up your 30-gallon SUV tank at $3.00/gallon and drive to Walmart or Best Buy to purchase cheap products manufactured in China, India, Bangledesh, or the Phillipines.

Answer 3

We are mainly in debt by going over our yearly governmental budget, especially after World War 2 and during the 80's when we were trying to "outspend" the Soviet Union. But we are also in debt because we loan money out to countries so that they can help improve living conditions within their borders, but they must give us something in return, such as space for military bases or natural resources.

Answer 4

Because Congress spends like drunken sailors (as John McCain has stated repeatedly). They will never decrease or hold spending steady and have created the hole we are in (along with Presidents who lack the resolve to impose fiscal restraint).

For those who think we have debt because of tax cuts for the rich, GET REAL. Tax receipts are higher by double digits following the cuts. So much for that theory from the misinformed among you. (check with the IRS)

Answer 5

They operate like most households "spend todays money tomorrw" which will get you into debt. The Government does it because spending lots of money , in their mind, will stimulate the Economy which then helps pay the debt.

Answer 6

The war in Iraq will not bring us the money we need to get out of debt, no matter how much oil we steal from them.

Answer 7

Because of unnecessary wars and even more unnecessary pork barrell projects ... throw in a bit of corruption ... tax cuts to the well off ... in other words, a total mismanagement of the economy ... exporting American jobs to India and Mexico and God knows where, thereby not getting in the tax revenue from workers in the U.S., opening our borders to millions of illegal immigrants who may or may not pay taxes ... the list is endless ... :((

Answer 8

Because our 'leaders' don't have the simple discipline to not spend more money than we have. They have been poor stewards of our national wealth.

Often, lawmakers place their own personal interests (i.e., re-election) ahead of the people's interest, and borrowing money is an easy way for them to realize short-term gain.

Answer 9

Ask Bush-He will lie to you and say there is no national debt!!

Answer 10

simple government spending > earning
then in order to make government working, they simply borrow more money from anywhere in the world by issuing debt.

Answer 11

Because we continually have the need to "help" every other country in the world before putting the needs of our citizens first.