How should the US government deal with its rising national debt?

📈 Raise taxes (12%) – "Closing certain loopholes or removing tax write-offs for high net worth individuals and corporations would result in a lot of tax revenue without having to raise the tax percentage."

• "Go ahead and raise taxes, especially on the megarich and large corporations. The country needs to continue its programs for the indigent and health care for all."

📉 Cut spending (49%) – "I'm an accountant; we're spending money we don't have. It's a very simple problem. Regardless of which area you think we should cut, cutting spending HAS to happen or we just keep digging a hole. That's not sustainable, and it's the hot hands fallacy to think it is."

• "Spending is out of control and not sustainable. Eventually it will catch up to us and there will be a fallout. I think the government should start by accounting for each dollar spent - actually knowing and making sure it’s being spent wisely and appropriately."

"Get rid of the bloated government employees who do nothing. Get rid of the worthless entitlement programs especially for illegals. Have everyone pay into social security and stop capping it if you make so much in a year. Let the rich pay the social security tax on all their income. Have the rich and corporations pay their fair share of taxes."

• "The government could easily eliminate entire Departments and save money. Hold each unit accountable for a balanced budget. If you can't balance the budget, find someone who can. Government jobs should not be lifetime appointments regardless of performance!"

"Speaking as someone in the US Army, the government spends way to much on defense. Every day I see a tank roll by, or helicopters fly above, all I think is "wow that takes a lot of money to make, I wonder where that money could have gone." I understand protection is important and we have the best military in the world, but I'm positive we can cut some corners."

💸 Print more bonds/money to cover interest (4%) – "I think this is the right way to go. The entire world is dependent on the US dollar, so I think the possibility of financial trouble is low."

⬆️ Some combination of the above (20%) – "There needs to be a smart and thoughtful combination of cutting spending and raising taxes in a way that will not hurt the most at risk Americans. I know it will never happen, but I would love to see cuts to politicians salaries and higher taxes on the uber rich."

• "Just like in a household budget, the fastest way to get out of debt is to reduce spending and increase income. Reduction in spending seems to be all Washington wants to talk about. But if we really want to reduce debt then we have to raise taxes as well. Further harm to the middle and lower classes won't help the economy, but taxing the wealthiest among us at a higher rate won't prevent them buying Bugattis."

🙅 Nothing needs to be done (6%) – "If something is done then the government will gain a lot more power than they do. So I believe that nothing needs to be done because the government will take more stuff from us."

🤷 Other/unsure (9%) – "This is an expert question that needs an expert to answer. However, I am not one. But I think we have a corruption problem that should be addressed and nothing else."