Fiscal Policy: I.O.U.S.A.
In order to receive full credit for this discussion, you need to post(1)an answerof at least 100 words to the main questions below,and(2)a substantive responseof at least 50 words to a comment on this discussion board posted by another student. A substantive response is more than just saying you agree or disagree. Explain why.
Background and links:
Throughout history, the American government has found it nearly impossible to spend only what has been raised through taxes. Wielding candid interviews with both average American taxpayers and government officials, Sundance veteran Patrick Creadon (Wordplay) helps demystify the nation's financial practices and policies. The film follows former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker as he crisscrosses the country explaining America's unsustainable fiscal policies to its citizens.
With surgical precision, Creadon interweaves archival footage and economic data to paint a vivid and alarming profile of America's current economic situation. The ultimate power ofI.O.U.S.A.is that the film moves beyond doomsday rhetoric to proffer potential financial scenarios and propose solutions about how we can recreate a fiscally sound nation for future generations.Pointedly topical and consummately nonpartisan,I.O.U.S.A.drives home the message that the only time for America's financial future is now.
I.O.U.S.A. Solutions - Part 1: Fiscal Overview (8:18)
IOUSA Solutions: Part 1 of 5(Links to an external site.)
I.O.U.S.A. Solutions - Part 2: Budget Reform (8:34)
IOUSA Solutions: Part 2 of 5(Links to an external site.)
I.O.U.S.A. Solutions - Part 3: Defense & Other Spending Reform (8:28)
IOUSA Solutions: Part 3 of 5(Links to an external site.)
I.O.U.S.A. Solutions - Part 4: Health Care Reform (10:50)
IOUSA Solutions: Part 4 of 5(Links to an external site.)
I.O.U.S.A. Solutions - Part 5: Tax Reform (7:17)
IOUSA Solutions: Part 5 of 5(Links to an external site.)
Discussion Questions:
You are encouraged to watch all the 5 videos above. However, you need to answer all the following questions, based on your understanding of ONLY one of them:
What is your reaction toyour chosenvideo? Explain what impressed you the most. Does the video make you think differently about anything? What do you think is the primary motive behind this video and any of the other videos above?