Just to help those that truely don't understand.

The following simplifies how our government spends money in relation to how one household spends money.

Why S&P Downgraded the US - Simplified

U.S. Tax revenue: $2,170,000,000,000
Federal budget: $3,820,000,000,000
New debt: $ 1,650,000,000,000
National debt: $14,271,000,000,000
Recent budget cut: $ 38,500,000,000

Let's remove 8 zeros and pretend it's a household budget:
Annual family income: $21,700
Money the family spent: $38,200
New debt on the credit card: $16,500
Outstanding balance on the credit card: $142,710
Total budget cuts: $385

Do you understand now?

And they should be really grateful that the interest rate on that national debt is not what the credit card companies charge.

Boy, ain't that the truth Lizzy