Monday, September 8, 2008

One Nation. Under Stress. In Debt.

I am one of a growing number of people who believe our nation is headed toward the most serious economic problem we have ever faced as a nation. A problem that if unaddressed, will make the "Great Depression" look mild in comparison. We still have a chance, although slim, to fix it before our nation comes crumbling down around us, BUT it will take immediate action by our next president and Congress AND the support of the American people.

We as Democrats, must make this the most important issue of our times. We care about America and its people, but unless we show our support for the tough decisions that must be made, we will be dooming our children and grand children to a unimaginable future.

I have posted many diaries on the work of David Walker and the problems facing our economy. Here are a few:

Economic Abyss, Economic Meltdown, Social Security and Medicare Crisis, The Selling of America, But they are just diaries

David Walker's organization is gathering steam in a move to bring this issue to the forefront of American consciousness and force politicians on both sides of the aisle to address it.

I received the following email this morning from the David Walker. It was also sent to thousands or millions of others, so I don't feel to special.

If you feel there is no problem, then ignore this diary. If you feel, as I do, that this problem exists and that ignoring it will not make it go away, then please follow the links in Walkers email below, READ AND SIGN HIS PETITION, and let's help him start the process. Nothing short of the future of our nation is at stake.



Dear Friend,

Can "we the people" really save our economy? Can we really force our government to face the inconvenient truth of the $53 trillion hole we're in? That's the sum of all the US government's current financial obligations including unfunded promises for Social Security and Medicare - a $455,000 bill for every household in this country.

The answer is "YES" - there IS something each of us can do. Click here to add your signature to a letter we're publishing in the New York Times (more on the letter below).

This new movement for fiscal responsibility is just a few weeks old. And yet, thanks to folks like you, we've already made significant strides:

Over 100,000 of you have already signed on to help us fight for fiscal responsibility in Washington and at home

Our effort already has been covered extensively by the media, ranging from the New York Times, ABC News and CNN to literally thousands of blog mentions (source: Technorati)

"I.O.U.S.A.," our feature documentary about the impending fiscal crisis, has made an incredible splash. Not only did the film get three and a half stars from Roger Ebert, and rave reviews from the New York Times and other critics, but it set an opening-day record for a documentary, thanks to a bonus post-screening town hall, and is about to break into the ranks of the top 100 highest-grossing documentaries of all time (source: BoxOffice Mojo).

That's right - a documentary about fiscal responsibility is about the break into the top 100! And the film is still in theaters in selected cities; Check here for the listings.

We've taken the first step together, and we've begun to build the movement that cynics claimed was impossible. We're sounding the alarm and America is waking up. Now, it's time to take it to the next level. Here's how you can help:

This Sunday, we'll be publishing a letter across two full pages in the New York Times calling upon the presidential nominees to move beyond the "denial" stage, recognize that America has a $53 trillion problem, and start taking steps to solve it. This letter will be signed by a bipartisan group of some of the country's most prominent leaders in finance and fiscal policy-making, and by representatives of young people's organizations around the country. You can add YOUR name by visiting www.PGPF.org today. Please help us make this letter one our next President can't ignore.

Are you on Facebook? If so, please visit the Peter G. Peterson Foundation and I.O.U.S.A. pages and become a fan today.

And finally, spread the word! Forward this e-mail to your 10,000 closest friends.

We've started a movement for fiscal responsibility - a movement few thought possible. And with your help, we will wake up America and set the nation on a course toward a more secure future and a brighter tomorrow.

All the best,
Dave Walker
President and CEO,
Peter G. Peterson Foundation

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