After a lot of reflection, I realize that I need to confess. I am responsible for the US debt debacle.
Let me elaborate. I watch my family finances carefully. I make sure to spend less than I take in. Except for our house, I pay off our bills every month, including our credit cards.
But I have not carefully watched the finances of my country.
And this is where my responsibility lies: I have allowed my elected representatives and the president to spend more money than our country takes in. I have allowed it for years. I made the mistake of thinking "surely they know what they are doing."
de Tocqueville said almost 200 years ago, "in every democracy, the people get the government they deserve." It might be better said that "the people get the government they tolerate". I have gotten the government I have tolerated.
Please forgive me for allowing Alaska's representative and senators to play their part in this disaster. And forgive me for not sternly communicating with this and previous presidents about the large role several of them have played in edging us so close to the brink of financial ruin.
Furthermore, I have not demanded accountability of big business, especially financial institutions. Capitalism is the most powerful economic engine on the planet, but it will never be a candidate for sainthood.
I have allowed America to get into serious financial trouble by my lack of watchfulness. I am sorry. I won't make that mistake again.
It would be easy to give in to a spirit of fear that wants to grip America because of this issue. There is certainly danger ahead, but I am confident that we can master this terrible enemy of the American people. That will be my regular prayer in the days ahead.
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