Demographics, debt and destiny
Demographics, debt and destiny
A nation cannot endlessly borrow against a future that contains fewer people to pay the tab. Debt and demographics are not separate challenges; they are a collision course;
Greg Maresca , Bio and Archives--August 2, 2026
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Throughout American history, economic and population growth have paced together. A growing population means more workers, more consumers, more taxpayers and more families investing in the future.
Today, however, two troubling trends are moving in opposite directions as the population is in decline, while the national debt continues to grow. It is a dual threat to which few seem to be concerned.
According to CDC data, the American birthrate continues its historic decline, with a one percent decrease in births in 2025, a trend that began in 2007. The total fertility rate is now 1.57 births per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1.
Moreover, the Institute for Family Studies, said the U.S. population will begin shrinking by........
