When You’re in a Hole, Stop Digging

 The commentary critiques the leadership of U. S. presidents in relation to the growing national debt and welfare fraud. It humorously suggests replacing presidential portraits with images reflecting their fiscal legacies and criticizes the lack of accountability and reform in government spending.

1. Mocking Portraits: The writer proposes replacing the portraits of recent presidents with images symbolizing their fiscal impact, such as holes and shovels to signify debt and poor financial management.

2. National Debt Growth: Since George W. Bush’s presidency, the national debt has dramatically increased, now standing at 121% of GDP and projected to double by 2053. It costs nearly $1 trillion per year to service the growing $38.5 trillion debt.

3. Shared Responsibility: The commentary emphasizes that while presidents influence budgets, Congress and the public also play significant roles in perpetuating fiscal irresponsibility.

4. Fraud in Welfare Programs: There is an ongoing problem of fraud in welfare programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans' benefits, which has gone largely unaddressed. Reports indicate significant abuse and overpayment in these programs.

5. Lack of Serious Reform: Despite evidence of fraud, there has been a reluctance from leaders, including President Trump, to focus on rooting out this corruption, often deflecting attention to other issues.

6. Call for Action: The piece concludes with a warning that without addressing the underlying fraud and abuse, the U. S. could face dire fiscal consequences. It advises future leaders to stop exacerbating the problems by "digging deeper. "

The analysis highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform in U. S. fiscal policies, particularly within welfare systems, to prevent financial disaster. The metaphor of digging out of a hole serves as a reminder for leaders to acknowledge and rectify the deep-seated issues in government spending and fraud. 

https://realclearwire.com/articles/2025/12/12/when_youre_in_a_hole_stop_digging_153619.html