Debt Raises Questions
To The Editor:

Why is it that our public officials on a bipartisan basis at the city, state and federal level all seem to avoid talking about the long-term consequences of our ever increasing government public debt? It is only periodically in the editorial pages of the Queens Gazette and other newspapers that this critical issue is ever raised.

Consider that the current New York City municipal debt is now $55 billion. Each resident is responsible for $6,800, making the Big Apple number one nationally. Being number one in total and resident municipal debt is nothing to be proud about.

New York state is number two nationally among the 50 states, with each resident responsible for $3,115 of the $50 billion total debt. Uncle Sam's national debt is now over $9 trillion dollars!

Politicians of all political persuasions are always talking about tax cuts or refund checks, but no one ever wants to identify how these lost revenues will be made up. This is needed to maintain the basic level of services everyone desires. Equally, no elected official ever identifies the source of revenues to pay for increases in spending and services.

Each year, the growth in spending always seems to be double or triple the rate of inflation. Shouldn't government at all levels live within its means just like ordinary citizens do? You shouldn't spend what you don't have. It may not be international terrorism, but a weakened economy which could long term result in a lower standard of living for everyone. Why would responsible government leaders want to leave this inheritance as their legacy which may very well bankrupt future generations? Sincerely, Larry Penner Great Neck