A Call for Modern-Day Patriots

This speech was given by the Comptroller General before the Sons of the American Revolution Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas, on July 11, 2006. Today, the United States is the greatest nation on earth and one of the world's longest-standing republics. We are also the only current global "superpower" with economic, political, military, and cultural influence that is felt around the globe. In addition, history shows that once America gets serious about an issue, we tend to go the distance and others are affected by our resolve. Given the passage of time and the nature and purpose of our organization, the SAR, it seems reasonable and appropriate to ask this question: What would the Founding Fathers say if they came back today? This evening, I'm speaking not just as the Comptroller General of the United States but also as a concerned citizen, father, grandfather, and SAR member, all roles that I cherish deeply. Based on a review of our past history, our current state, and our future prospects, it seems likely the founders would be pleased, proud, and concerned all at once. Today, due in part to the gerrymandering of congressional districts and the migration of members from the House to the Senate and the power of incumbency, many members of Congress are protected and the House and Senate as institutions are often polarized along party and ideological lines. In addition, the so-called "sensible center" is relatively small and under constant attack. Our Founding Fathers also believed in the concepts of prudence and stewardship. They recognized how important it is for a nation to avoid excessive debt and to not unduly burden future generations. In the last five years alone, our nation's total liabilities and unfunded commitments have gone up from about $20 trillion to over $46 trillion. That's about $411,000 per household, and it's growing every second, of every minute, of every day due to continuing deficits, known demographic trends, and compounding interest costs. Too many people today have a false sense of security due to recent healthy economic growth, modest interest rates, and moderate inflation levels. But things could change relatively quickly if we don't get serious soon about addressing our large, known, and growing fiscal imbalance.