An odd question, but let us sit back and see how the americans answer it. jjf come to think of it, you can take the health care issue as an example of americans voting with their teeth instead of their minds, thus excluding them from formatting a major issue.
Very good post, jjf. Indeed, the post-war period in U.S. (and global) history is the exception to the historical standard, not the norm--a fluke if you will. Sadly, this development is taking place all over the world (to a greater or lesser extent).
If you're not loaded already, with powerful friends, there's a better chance than not you and your kids will be indentured servants - dependent on the government and employers to give you highly deflated wages, even lowering the nominal amount at times, while, if you're weak of constitution, in trying to have the latest cars, homes and gadgets, you'll find yourself a literal slave to the 'minimum payment mindset, and before you know it, nearly all of your payments will go towards paying interest only off on your debts, and the size of your principal debts will grow and grow and grow through inflation. Deflation and inflation will work in harmony to deprive you and your children and your childrens' children of anything 'owned.' Just as Thomas Jefferson warned us all.
Indeed some of the qutoes from way back are stunning: "There are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation. One is by sword, the other is by debt." John Adams