Over the last year or two, it’s been interesting to watch events unfold in several European countries, especially Greece. Years of government overspending, unrealistic social programs, high taxes and excessive regulation of business have brought the country to the brink of bankruptcy.

Now the government is unable to borrow money to continue its fiscal profligacy, and drastic measures are needed to change course.

Yet, the people are unwilling to accept the necessary measures, and the streets have erupted in violent protests. They’re demanding that the taxpayers of other countries, especially Germany, lend them more money to continue their excesses. They can’t accept the reality that the party is over.

Here in America, we’re on the same fiscal path, with the federal government borrowing 40 cents of every dollar it spends. President Obama’s budget projections show these deficits continuing for years into the future, and the Senate has not even produced a budget in three years. A few more years of this and we will be Greece.

Governor Romney’s selection of Rep. Paul Ryan to be his vice-presidential running mate increases the likelihood that the upcoming election will focus attention on this problem, which is the most serious issue facing our country. Hopefully, we will have a serious national debate, rather than the mudslinging that has characterized the campaign so far.

The question is this: Will the American people engage in a serious debate on this issue, or will we stick our heads in the sand and continue down our present path?

In other words, will we be America or will we be Greece?

John Rowerdink

Pinehurst