The richest country? - going broke?

Figures recently released in Australia show that every Australian owes $160 for every $100 income. One needn't be a genius in maths to see that this won't work for very long. Also, it gives the lie to the suggested financial well being of the populace. The rich may be doing well, but the majority are not.

The great US of A - with its allegedly powering economy and polulation of 300 million - seems to be traveling badly on an economic level, with troubles afoot down the track, if this report in USA Today is to be believed:

"Bottom line: Taxpayers are now on the hook for a record $59.1 trillion in liabilities, a 2.3% increase from 2006. That amount is equal to $516,348 for every U.S. household. By comparison, U.S. households owe an average of $112,043 for mortgages, car loans, credit cards and all other debt combined.

Unfunded promises made for Medicare, Social Security and federal retirement programs account for 85% of taxpayer liabilities. State and local government retirement plans account for much of the rest.

This hidden debt is the amount taxpayers would have to pay immediately to cover government's financial obligations. Like a mortgage, it will cost more to repay the debt over time. Every U.S. household would have to pay about $31,000 a year to do so in 75 years."

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Mahler's Prodigal Son

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