Stuff They Don't Want You To Know The National Debt Conspiracy
Nov 26, 2025
Dive into the complexities of national debt and its political implications. Discover the differences between personal and government debts, and how the U.S. owes a portion of its debt to itself. Learn about the historical lessons from inflationary mismanagement and how wars have inflated borrowing. Explore the Fed's role in managing debt and how a loss of trust in the dollar could reshape global finance. Plus, the hosts tackle conspiracy theories related to wiping debt using cryptocurrency. A fascinating look at fiscal realities and their worldwide impact!
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Debt vs. Deficit And Political Leverage
- National debt is the gap between government spending and income and differs from the deficit.
- Debt becomes political because rules around borrowing and repayment are set by those in power.
Inflation Makes Paper Millionaires
- Ben recounts his father saying inflation could make everyone a millionaire on paper.
- The anecdote illustrates how inflation erodes real wealth despite nominal numbers.
Much Of The Debt Is Owed To Itself
- About 20% of U.S. national debt is intra-governmental; the rest is public and foreign-held.
- That internal owing makes questions about 'who owns the debt' and repayment less straightforward.
