nmuse, the current robust economy is largely fueled by foreign investment. When boomers start taking money out of their IRAs instead of putting it in, foreign investors will have even more leverage. I think it's a legitimate concern that we're selling the country to Europeans, the Chinese, and other nationals and nations piece by piece so that we can live well today.

Higher taxes are entirely consistent with a booming economy, as was the case in the late 1990s, when the govt got a handle on its deficits and Americans were at least saving a little of their income. We're in uncharted territory now. I don't blame this on George W Bush either. It's something that the nation as a whole will have to work out, and I hope it's not too painful--for our kids and grandkids.