"America’s Financial Prison: Can We Escape the Debt-Based Economy?"

The Urgent Need for Economic Reform: Addressing the U.S. Debt Crisis

The Looming Economic Collapse

The national debt has surpassed $30 trillion and continues to rise at an unsustainable pace. While government borrowing has long been a staple of fiscal policy, the sheer scale of today’s debt burden is no longer just a domestic issue—it is a looming global threat.

The U.S. dollar serves as the world’s reserve currency, underpinning global trade, financial markets, and international stability. If confidence in the dollar collapses due to unsustainable debt, the ripple effects could trigger a worldwide financial meltdown.

At the heart of this crisis is a federal budget consumed by three primary expenditures: Social Security, Medicare, and military defense. These programs, while essential, are outpacing revenue and are primarily funded through borrowing, further accelerating the debt spiral. Meanwhile, rising interest payments on the national debt are diverting funds from critical investments in infrastructure, innovation, and long-term economic growth. Without immediate fiscal reform, the U.S. risks not just domestic economic stagnation but also the destabilization of the global financial system itself.

1. The Economic Impact of the Debt Burden

A growing portion of the federal budget is now dedicated solely to servicing debt interest, siphoning funds away from productive investments. In 2023 alone, the U.S. spent approximately $700 billion on interest payments—a figure that is projected to increase as debt levels rise and interest rates remain high.

This financial strain is not just an abstract concern for policymakers—it is already impacting everyday Americans. As the federal government borrows more, inflation remains a persistent threat, eroding purchasing power, raising the cost of goods and services, and making it harder for families to afford basic necessities. The more the government borrows, the greater the risk of inflation, devaluation of the dollar, and loss of economic stability.

But the consequences of this crisis extend far beyond U.S. borders. Since the dollar is the world’s primary reserve currency, many international financial transactions depend on its stability. If foreign nations and investors begin to lose confidence in the dollar, they may divest from U.S. assets, abandon dollar-based trade agreements, or shift to alternative currencies like the Chinese yuan or digital assets. Such a shift would shatter global markets, disrupt international trade, and trigger a financial crisis of unprecedented scale.

We are reaching a breaking point, and the consequences will hit you directly. As the government drowns in debt, more of your paycheck will go to higher prices on food, gas, and housing, while your savings lose value overnight. Retirement funds will shrink or disappear, job opportunities will dry up, and wages won’t keep pace with rising costs. If confidence in the dollar collapses, expect a financial shock that could wipe out businesses, trigger bank failures, and make everyday necessities unaffordable. This isn’t just numbers on a government spreadsheet—it’s your future, your security, and your ability to provide for your family at risk.

2. The Three Largest Federal Expenses: Social Security, Medicare, and Military Spending

The three largest expenditures in the U.S. federal budget—Social Security, Medicare, and defense—account for over two-thirds of total spending. These obligations, while critical, are growing at an unsustainable rate and are largely financed through government borrowing, further amplifying the debt crisis.

Social Security ($1.3 trillion, 2023)

Social Security remains the single largest expenditure, accounting for 20% of the federal budget. Over 66 million Americans rely on Social Security for retirement income, but due to shifting demographics and a declining worker-to-retiree ratio, the program is facing insolvency. Without reform, the Social Security Trust Fund is projected to run out of full funding by 2034, at which point automatic benefit cuts will be required.

If we had no national debt, the money spent on interest payments—nearly $700 billion in 2023 alone—could be used to fully fund Social Security and ensure financial security for millions of retirees. Instead, that money vanishes into servicing past borrowing, leaving Social Security on the brink of insolvency. With no debt burden, we could cover essential programs without tax hikes or benefit cuts. But as debt keeps rising, so does the risk that Social Security checks will shrink, forcing retirees to struggle while Washington continues borrowing with no plan to fix the mess.

Medicare ($1 trillion, 2023)

Medicare, which funds healthcare for over 65 million seniors and disabled individuals, consumes 15% of the federal budget. Rising healthcare costs and an aging population are driving Medicare spending to unsustainable levels. The program’s trust fund is expected to face serious shortfalls within the next decade, requiring either tax increases, benefit reductions, or major structural changes.

If we had no national debt, every senior and disabled American who relies on Medicare could have the care they need—without fear, without cuts, without politicians threatening their lifeline. Instead, because of reckless borrowing, nearly $700 billion a year is wasted on interest payments—money that could be keeping hospitals open, funding life-saving treatments, and ensuring our parents and grandparents get the dignity and care they deserve. Without change, Medicare will be forced to cut benefits, leaving millions wondering if they can afford their next doctor’s visit, prescription, or even a hospital stay. This isn’t just numbers on a budget—it’s the health, security, and survival of those who spent their lives building this country.

Military Spending ($877 billion, 2023)

The U.S. military budget remains the largest in the world, surpassing the combined defense spending of the next nine highest-spending countries. While national security is essential, defense spending is a major driver of debt accumulation, especially when combined with long-term overseas commitments and new military initiatives. Unlike Social Security and Medicare, which are funded through dedicated payroll taxes, military spending is financed almost entirely through general revenue and borrowing.

This raises concerns about fiscal sustainability. With ongoing geopolitical tensions, pressure to increase military funding remains strong. However, without a reassessment of spending priorities and efficiency measures, defense costs will continue to contribute significantly to the debt crisis.

National defense is essential—we must protect our nation and maintain global stability—but at what cost? While America foots the bill for defending the world, racking up trillions in debt, many of our allies spend a fraction of what we do, knowing that the U.S. will always step in. Meanwhile, our own economy buckles under the weight of endless military commitments, financed not by dedicated funds, but by borrowing that future generations will be forced to pay. It’s not fair. We are stretching ourselves thin, sacrificing our financial stability, while other nations enjoy security without the same burden. If we continue down this path without demanding that our allies share the load, we risk not just economic collapse, but the very strength we seek to protect.

Monetary Reform: Ending the Debt-Based Money System

I'm not just here to complain—I believe there's a way out of this crisis. Our financial system isn’t broken simply because of government overspending; it’s designed to trap us in an endless cycle of borrowing. The core issue is our reliance on a debt-based monetary system, where every new dollar is created as debt.

This guarantees that debt will always outpace the money supply, making true repayment impossible.

The United States' financial crisis is not merely a result of excessive government spending—it is rooted in a flawed monetary system that relies on debt-based money. Many call this "fiat money," but the more accurate term is debt-fiat money because every new dollar created is issued as debt, either through government bonds or bank loans. This system forces the country into a perpetual cycle of borrowing, ensuring that debt continues to grow no matter what policies are enacted.

But history shows us another way. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln issued Greenbacks—a non-debt fiat currency—to fund the Union Army without borrowing from private banks. He proved that money can be created without saddling future generations with endless debt. Yet after his assassination, private banking interests regained control, leading to the establishment of the Federal Reserve and our current debt-driven system.

The solution isn’t reckless money printing—it’s about issuing debt-free money responsibly, tied to real economic productivity rather than financial speculation. If we shift back to a sovereign monetary system, we could eliminate the need for government borrowing, stabilize the dollar, and free ourselves from the grip of private banks. This article will lay out how we can achieve that and finally break the cycle of debt-fueled collapse.

The truth is, it does not matter what backs a currency—gold, silver, or even government decree. What matters most is who controls its issuance and how its quantity is managed. The real problem is that under the current system, all money is created as interest-bearing debt. But the money for the interest is never created, forcing us to print more to pay the debt, which leads to more debt... and the cycle goes on. This ensures that total debt must always exceed the total money supply, making repayment impossible without further borrowing. This system benefits bankers and financial institutions while trapping governments and the public in endless cycles of debt and inflation.

After Lincoln’s assassination, President Andrew Johnson took steps that ultimately restored control of the U.S. monetary system to private banking interests. By moving the country back toward the gold standard, he ensured that those who controlled gold—primarily banks and wealthy elites—indirectly controlled the money supply. When gold was abundant, money flowed freely, leading to inflation. But when bankers and industrialists withdrew gold from circulation, money became scarce, triggering economic downturns and depressions. This manipulation of the currency supply put financial power in the hands of a few, setting the stage for economic instability and deepening reliance on a debt-based system. This cycle continued until the establishment of the Federal Reserve in 1913, which permanently tied money creation to interest-bearing debt, keeping the nation in a constant state of borrowing and financial dependence.

LFTRs: The Game-Changer for Clean, Unlimited Energy— We don't have to wait for Fusion.

 

Introduction

In the quest for sustainable energy solutions that meet the demands of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactors (LFTRs) have emerged as a groundbreaking technology. LFTRs are a type of molten salt reactor, an innovative class of nuclear reactors, that utilize thorium—a naturally abundant element—as fuel. Unlike traditional reactors that use uranium, LFTRs operate at atmospheric pressure and with a liquid fuel mixture, which introduces inherent safety improvements and operational efficiencies.

The relevance of LFTR technology in today's energy landscape cannot be overstated. As the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and energy security, LFTRs offer a promising alternative that could reshape how we think about nuclear power. Their ability to produce minimal waste, reduce nuclear proliferation risks, and harness a widely available resource places them at the forefront of sustainable energy innovations. Moreover, the multifunctional capabilities of LFTRs extend beyond electricity generation, touching on critical areas such as water desalination, rare earth element production, and even synthetic fuel creation. This versatility makes LFTRs a particularly attractive option as we strive for a balanced and resilient energy future.

Thorium is more abundant than uranium, making it about three to four times more prevalent in the Earth's crust. While not as common as elements like lead or nickel, thorium is still relatively abundant compared to precious metals. Its abundance is comparable to that of tin, which occurs at similar levels, making it a moderately abundant element in the Earth's crust. This positions thorium as a viable and accessible resource for energy production, especially in contrast to more scarce elements.

In addition to their technological advancements and safety benefits, LFTRs hold significant promise for addressing energy poverty in poor developing nations. Access to reliable and affordable energy is crucial for economic growth and social development, particularly in regions where traditional energy infrastructure is limited or unreliable. LFTRs, with their potential for decentralized deployment and efficient energy production, offer a viable solution to empower communities with sustainable cheap electricity. By leveraging thorium, a resource more abundant and accessible globally than conventional uranium, LFTRs can potentially bridge the energy gap, enabling economic empowerment and enhancing quality of life in underserved regions.

LFTRs are uniquely positioned to overcome water limitations, which are a significant challenge for energy production in arid regions. Unlike traditional nuclear reactors that rely on water for cooling, LFTRs operate without the need for large quantities of water, reducing the pressure on water resources. This capability is especially valuable in regions where water scarcity is a critical issue. Additionally, the extreme energy efficiency of LFTRs could even facilitate the harvesting of water from the air, providing an additional water source for regions struggling with droughts or limited fresh water access. This transformative capability underscores LFTRs as not just a technological advancement, but a catalyst for global equity in energy access, water security, and sustainable development.

Tariffs, State Banks, and the Key to Economic Growth Without Stagnation

Rethinking Tariffs: Protectionism or Strategy?

Few economic topics provoke as much debate as tariffs. Critics warn they lead to stagnation, shielding domestic industries from competition until they become inefficient and complacent. Proponents argue that tariffs are necessary to level the playing field against unfair competition, such as nations that exploit cheap labor, weak environmental laws, and heavy subsidies.

But history shows that tariffs, when applied correctly, are not synonymous with protectionism. Instead, they are a strategic tool—one that nations from Hamilton’s America to modern China have used to develop strong industrial bases.

However, tariffs alone are not enough. If an economy imposes tariffs without ensuring capital flows into productive businesses, stagnation becomes a real risk. The missing piece? State banks.

State-owned banks, like the Bank of North Dakota (BND), ensure that capital stays in the economy instead of accumulating in corporate monopolies or speculative Wall Street ventures. They can fund innovation, small manufacturers, and technological development, preventing industries from simply coasting behind tariff barriers.

In short: Tariffs protect, but state banks keep the economy dynamic.

Beyond Christendom: Brownson, Vatican II, and the Path to a Catholic Republic

A Traditionalist with Political Realism

Orestes Brownson was one of the most important Catholic intellectuals in 19th-century America, a forceful writer who defended both the Magisterium of the Church and the principles of the American political system. A former Transcendentalist who converted to Catholicism in 1844, Brownson brought philosophical depth and historical perspective to the Catholic cause in the United States. He was a staunch traditionalist in faith, upholding the teachings of the Church against secularism and Protestant influences, yet he also rejected the idea that a confessional state—where Church and government are merged—was the ideal political arrangement.

Brownson argued that Catholicism should shape society, but not through a theocratic government. Instead, he saw America’s constitutional system as a practical safeguard for religious freedom. In his influential work The American Republic (1865), he wrote:

“The Church is not dependent on the state, nor the state on the Church; and yet both are in the divine order and must work together in harmony… But their harmony is not that of fusion or identity; it is the harmony of mutual independence and cooperation.”

He recognized the dangers of government control over religion, warning that it could lead to political corruption, spiritual complacency, and a weakened laity. He pointed to historical examples where state power over the Church resulted in compromises of doctrine, and where clergy, entangled in politics, became mere tools of the ruling authorities. Brownson wrote:

“A Church allied with the state becomes subservient to political ends, losing its spiritual mission in the struggle for power.”

At the same time, he rejected secularism and anti-Catholic liberalism, arguing that religion must inform public life and that a nation without moral principles would ultimately collapse. He believed that the American experiment could succeed only if rooted in a Christian moral order, warning:

“Liberty divorced from religion is license, and democracy without Christian virtue is the path to tyranny.”

While many Catholic thinkers of his time struggled with how to reconcile their faith with American republicanism, Brownson saw in the U.S. Constitution a model that could protect religious truth without state interference. His vision—both critical and appreciative of the American system—was prophetic, foreseeing the challenges that modern secularism would pose to Catholic life in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Many modern Traditionalist Catholics correctly defend dogmatic theology and the sacred liturgy, but they often lack historical perspective when it comes to political developments. Their criticisms of religious liberty frequently create a straw man argument, failing to recognize that both Brownson and Vatican II advocated a Catholic engagement with society that was neither secularist nor theocratic. If Traditionalists read Brownson alongside Dignitatis Humanae (1965), they would see the logic and consistency of this approach.

From Space Race to Energy Chase: China Speeds Ahead While the U.S. Stalls

 

A New Nuclear Revolution Is Coming—But Will It Be Made in America?

In the 1950s, the United States and the Soviet Union raced to the moon, each desperate to plant their flag in history. Today, an even bigger race is happening—not for space, but for the future of energy. And this time, America isn’t in the lead.

While the U.S. government debates nuclear regulations and struggles with red tape, China is on track to deploy a revolutionary new reactor by 2030—one that could make nuclear energy safer, cleaner, and more abundant than ever before.

This isn’t just about electricity. Whoever controls this technology will dominate the global energy economy for the next 100 years.

And right now, it looks like China will get there first.

---

What’s So Special About This Reactor?

China is investing heavily in Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs), a next-generation nuclear technology that fixes the biggest problems with today’s reactors.

🔹 No Meltdowns: Unlike conventional nuclear plants, MSRs can’t melt down—they’re designed to shut down safely even in extreme scenarios.

🔹 Runs on Thorium, Not Uranium: Thorium is three times more abundant than uranium, meaning we won’t have to rely on expensive, geopolitically sensitive uranium supplies.

🔹 Minimal Nuclear Waste: MSRs produce only a fraction of the long-lived radioactive waste created by today’s reactors.

🔹 Super Efficient: They run at higher temperatures, converting more energy into electricity with less fuel.

China is already operating a small experimental MSR, and it plans to launch a full-scale commercial version by 2030. If successful, this could change the global energy game forever—and leave the U.S. playing catch-up.

---

So Why Isn’t the U.S. Leading the Charge?

The U.S. actually pioneered this technology—way back in the 1960s. Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory built a working MSR, proving the concept was viable.

Then the project was shut down.

Why? Politics, uranium industry lobbying, and short-term thinking.

🔹 The U.S. was focused on building nuclear weapons, and traditional uranium reactors were better suited for making bomb material.

🔹 Regulations froze innovation—new reactor designs have to go through years of red tape, making it nearly impossible to bring something new to market.

🔹 Big energy companies saw no reason to change—they were making plenty of money off existing nuclear technology.

The result? The U.S. shelved MSRs, while China picked up the torch.

---

Can America Catch Up?

The good news? It’s not too late.

The key to making MSRs commercially viable is solving their last big technical hurdle: material durability.

These reactors run on hot, liquid salt, which corrodes most traditional reactor materials over time. But new advances in Silicon Carbide (SiC) piping and diamond-like reactor materials could be the game-changer we need.

🔹 SiC pipes don’t corrode in molten salt and can even self-heal microcracks under extreme heat—making reactors last longer with less maintenance.

🔹 Diamond-like coatings on reactor walls and fuel containers could resist radiation damage and extreme temperatures, extending reactor lifespan.

These innovations could make MSRs ready for mass deployment—but only if the U.S. commits to building them.

---

The Clock Is Ticking

China is moving fast, and if they commercialize MSRs first, they will own the global energy future—just like the U.S. dominated oil production in the 20th century.

This isn’t just about energy independence. It’s about who sets the rules for the next era of nuclear power.

The U.S. has the talent, the technology, and the history to take back the lead. But will we act before it’s too late?

The space race was about getting to the moon. The energy race is about controlling the power that will fuel the next century.

Will America lead? Or will we watch as China takes the prize?

Rethinking Mexico City: A Vision for Resilience, Renewal, and Revolutionary Technology

Mexico City, a marvel of human achievement, stands as both a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the cost of thriving in a challenging environment. Built atop the ancient city of Tenochtitlán, it has weathered centuries of earthquakes, floods, and the relentless pressure of expansion. Yet, the city that has been called the "Heart of Mexico" now faces challenges that threaten its very survival. 

As its aquifers dry up, its buildings sink, and its residents struggle to breathe clean air, one question grows louder: How can we ensure a future worthy of this city’s rich past? New technologies like Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactors (LFTR) could help write the next chapter of Mexico City's story—a chapter of renewal, sustainability, and innovation.

But solutions as bold as these demand vision, courage, and a willingness to let go of old ways in favor of what could be.

Origin of Life ?

 Are we getting closer to discovering how life first emerged?

Will scientists be able to create life in a lab in our lifetimes?

Dr. James Tour is a chemist and nanotechnologist who has been following origin-of-life research closely for years. Discusses these questions and more.

Amazing World: St. Charbel's miracle in Phoenix

I recently saw a post on FB mocking Christian miracles.

I believe miracles happen, but some "Christians" make it into a superstition or a business. They DEMAND a healing from God. Magic is when one claims power over the world according to one's own will, not God's.

Why does God allow bad things to happen ? I don't know.

But when we pray we ASK not demand a miracle. Prayer is always submissive to God's will. That is not to say that one can not keep praying, but it is pleading and asking not demanding. Jesus even said to persevere in asking.

Luke 18:1 : "Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart"

Here is an example of a miracle below. A woman was healed from being blind here in Phoenix, about 5 years ago.

There are millions of miracles all over the world. But in the Catholic Church it needs to be documented to classified a miracle.
Meaning -- if it is an illness, the illness needs to be well documented by medical science, and it needs to be documented as an unexplainable healing, again by scientific  investigation.
 

Amazing World: St. Charbel: The Saint with the Most Miracles Ever?

 Fr. Chris Alar explains the incredible life, miracles, and incorruptibility of St. Charbel (or Sharbel) Makhlouf of the Maronite Rite in Lebanon. His feast day is July 24.

Since 1950, the year the monastery began to formally record the miraculous healings, they have archived more than 29,000 miracles, Matar said. Prior to 1950, miracles were verified only through the witness of a priest. Now, with more advanced medical technology available, alleged miracles require medical documents demonstrating the person's initial illness and later, their unexplainable good health.

Amazing World: Relics of Saint Anne-- Mother of the Virgin Mary

 

God, UFOs, and The Physics of Star Wars with Hugh Ross

Astrophysicist Hugh Ross, the founder of Reasons To Believe, talks to The Babylon Bee about extraterrestrial alien life, UFOs, and the reasons from science to believe in the God of the Bible. They also talk about how faster than light travel would completely kill you dead.

10 shocking things I've learned as a pharmacist

drugtopics.com

The culture shock between pharmacy school and the real world is mind-boggling.

I assumed that pharmacy school would largely reflect the real world. How wrong I was! The culture shock between pharmacy school and the real world is mind-boggling.
figure image

Dennis Miller, RPhStudents graduate with egos that professors have built to stratospheric levels and with a belief that they are God’s gift to our healthcare system. Then, in the real world, they are immediately confronted with the realization that the only thing that matters is how fast they fill prescriptions.

What about you? Did you graduate from pharmacy school with noble ideas about promoting health? Did you find yourself becoming more skeptical, the more you experienced the real world?

Here’s my list of what shocked me the most. What would yours look like? (This is not a rhetorical question. Please write and tell me.)
Pills rather than prevention

1. I was shocked to see that our healthcare system prefers to throw pills at people with elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar (type 2 diabetes), elevated cholesterol, and other diseases of modern civilization rather than aggressively focus on a diet of whole, nonprocessed foods, lifestyle change, and weight loss.

The Merck Manual (16th edition, p. 984) says that most cases of hypertension and type 2 diabetes are preventable: “Thus weight reduction will lower the BP [blood pressure] of most hypertensives, often to normal levels, and will allow 75% of type 2 diabetics to discontinue medication.” Ninety percent of diabetics have diagnoses that fall under the heading of type 2.

Stephen Meyer on Intelligent Design and The Return of the God Hypothesis

The Second Enlightenment

 

Amazing World: Scientists May Have Found a Way to Treat All Cancers... By Accident

 I hate to be cynical but these promising discoveries never make their way to the public. I have been following treatments fro cancer for years, but they all seem to go to "development hell"--never to see the light of day. They are either never heard from again, or are written off as a false hope.

There was a controversy with amygdalin back in the 1970's. The man made form of  amygdalin is called Laetrile. There was great hope of it being the cure for cancer and many doctors were treating their cancer patients with it successfully. But "Big Pharma" seemed to get involved and squashed it. The FDA outlawing its use in the USA. There is a lot of confusing literature on it.

But what convinced me it was true, was a little documentary called "Second Opinion." It tells the story how a major USA testing laboratory falsified the findings about its effectiveness. It really did work.

Amygdalin can be found in high doses in nature in apple seeds and especially bitter apricot seeds. The claim is they are poisonous but they are not. Some things can appear dangerous by the composition of the chemical names, like cyanide in found in vitamin B12. The structure is as important as much as the chemicals.

2nd opinion documentary film from Balance Field on Vimeo.

Amazing World: The Forgotten Great American Titan--- George Westinghouse

Westinghouse was one of the great Americans, although forgotten by most. He has become famous again only by association with Nicola Tesla-- who was also a forgotten man until about 20 years ago. George is an example of what the free market can do with a virtuous man at the helm. He was a Christian and tried to live it

Amazing World: Glass Batteries-- Dr. Goodenough

 Possible big breakthrough in battery technology, by  John B. Goodenough, inventor of the lithium battery.

Amazing World: Boy Genius

 This boy now a man, has an incredible gift of being able to do complicated math in his head. He can learn a new language in a week.

Amazing World: This SECRET Will DOUBLE Your Learning SPEED!

 Jim Kwik is a motivational and memory expert. Very inspiring story.

Amazing World: A Millionaire Pretended to be Poor to Find a Wife

 This a story fairy tale story. It is also a parable. God wants us to love Him not for what He can give us but for who He is. Will we still love God when things go bad? It is difficult but this is the test that God uses to purify our love.