Although I know this thread can go many different directions–all very
interesting– I’d just like to add that I agree with flu’s comments.

Although the issues involving government employess do effect society as a whole, there is little we can do about them, so to concentrate on one’s own wealth-building efforts probably makes the most sense.

We’ve been focusing on this for years, and now, at 50, have no financial concerns.
As I’ve seen with friends, in the final analysis, your health will go before your finances do, so enjoy everyday–everything on earth is temporary.