Nathan Becker
@netbacker.bsky.social
Unpacking economic myths! "Taxpayer dollars" rhetoric has racist roots & blocks public good. The real crisis? Private household debt—not national debt—crushing families.
💡💙🗳💰
https://thedeficitdelusion.substack.com/
💡💙🗳💰
https://thedeficitdelusion.substack.com/
You say that in sarcasm, but that’s the hard truth.
Every dollar the federal government has ever spent was a newly “printed” dollar. Federal spending creates new dollars & federal taxes “un-creates” most of those dollars.
Every dollar the federal government has ever spent was a newly “printed” dollar. Federal spending creates new dollars & federal taxes “un-creates” most of those dollars.
October 23, 2025 at 6:03 AM
You say that in sarcasm, but that’s the hard truth.
Every dollar the federal government has ever spent was a newly “printed” dollar. Federal spending creates new dollars & federal taxes “un-creates” most of those dollars.
Every dollar the federal government has ever spent was a newly “printed” dollar. Federal spending creates new dollars & federal taxes “un-creates” most of those dollars.
You're describing an inflation scenario. Weak bond demand is an inflation risk, not a solvency risk. Fed's power to create dollars makes U.S. solvency a political choice, not a market-driven one.
October 23, 2025 at 5:20 AM
You're describing an inflation scenario. Weak bond demand is an inflation risk, not a solvency risk. Fed's power to create dollars makes U.S. solvency a political choice, not a market-driven one.
An oldie but still a Goldie:
"Actually, the U.S. government can afford anything achievable that's denominated in U.S. dollars.
'When we tell you Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid is unaffordable, we really mean that we just don't want YOU to have it.'"
"Actually, the U.S. government can afford anything achievable that's denominated in U.S. dollars.
'When we tell you Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid is unaffordable, we really mean that we just don't want YOU to have it.'"
October 21, 2025 at 7:10 PM
An oldie but still a Goldie:
"Actually, the U.S. government can afford anything achievable that's denominated in U.S. dollars.
'When we tell you Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid is unaffordable, we really mean that we just don't want YOU to have it.'"
"Actually, the U.S. government can afford anything achievable that's denominated in U.S. dollars.
'When we tell you Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid is unaffordable, we really mean that we just don't want YOU to have it.'"
Been saying this for years
October 10, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Been saying this for years
The result? We didn't get an ownership society; we got a massive debt society and the rampant corporate power you're describing. The chart I posted is the direct result of that policy choice.
August 22, 2025 at 2:07 AM
The result? We didn't get an ownership society; we got a massive debt society and the rampant corporate power you're describing. The chart I posted is the direct result of that policy choice.
This chart illustrates the point perfectly.
For over 15 years, the US economy has consistently operated below its productive potential (green trend line).
This is the underutilization of our nation's capacity.
For over 15 years, the US economy has consistently operated below its productive potential (green trend line).
This is the underutilization of our nation's capacity.
August 22, 2025 at 1:43 AM
This chart illustrates the point perfectly.
For over 15 years, the US economy has consistently operated below its productive potential (green trend line).
This is the underutilization of our nation's capacity.
For over 15 years, the US economy has consistently operated below its productive potential (green trend line).
This is the underutilization of our nation's capacity.
You claimed govts need a "source of revenue" to finance debt.
I demonstrated the true source of revenue to be the constitutional power of Congress to authorize spending.
You've now moved the goalposts and are exiting.
The peg fits; you just dislike the frame. Enjoy the last word.
#EconSky
I demonstrated the true source of revenue to be the constitutional power of Congress to authorize spending.
You've now moved the goalposts and are exiting.
The peg fits; you just dislike the frame. Enjoy the last word.
#EconSky
August 21, 2025 at 10:58 PM
You claimed govts need a "source of revenue" to finance debt.
I demonstrated the true source of revenue to be the constitutional power of Congress to authorize spending.
You've now moved the goalposts and are exiting.
The peg fits; you just dislike the frame. Enjoy the last word.
#EconSky
I demonstrated the true source of revenue to be the constitutional power of Congress to authorize spending.
You've now moved the goalposts and are exiting.
The peg fits; you just dislike the frame. Enjoy the last word.
#EconSky
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. -- Muhammad Ali
www.brainyquote.com/quotes/muham...
www.brainyquote.com/quotes/muham...
August 17, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. -- Muhammad Ali
www.brainyquote.com/quotes/muham...
www.brainyquote.com/quotes/muham...
Small correction, Mark: ‘That’s not how economics works TODAY.’
Since the 1970s, economics has fundamentally changed.
The U.S. government can’t go insolvent—it can always pay its bills.
It doesn’t rely on credit markets to operate.
#EconSky #BondVigilantes #NationalDebt
Since the 1970s, economics has fundamentally changed.
The U.S. government can’t go insolvent—it can always pay its bills.
It doesn’t rely on credit markets to operate.
#EconSky #BondVigilantes #NationalDebt
August 10, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Small correction, Mark: ‘That’s not how economics works TODAY.’
Since the 1970s, economics has fundamentally changed.
The U.S. government can’t go insolvent—it can always pay its bills.
It doesn’t rely on credit markets to operate.
#EconSky #BondVigilantes #NationalDebt
Since the 1970s, economics has fundamentally changed.
The U.S. government can’t go insolvent—it can always pay its bills.
It doesn’t rely on credit markets to operate.
#EconSky #BondVigilantes #NationalDebt
"Small Government" is conservative code talk for Corporate Dominance
Board rooms don't have to listen to a thing you say
They will eradicate every law on the books except those that protect and increase their wealth and profit
It isn’t too late to wake up America, don’t sleep walk into tomorrow
Board rooms don't have to listen to a thing you say
They will eradicate every law on the books except those that protect and increase their wealth and profit
It isn’t too late to wake up America, don’t sleep walk into tomorrow
August 9, 2025 at 2:41 AM
"Small Government" is conservative code talk for Corporate Dominance
Board rooms don't have to listen to a thing you say
They will eradicate every law on the books except those that protect and increase their wealth and profit
It isn’t too late to wake up America, don’t sleep walk into tomorrow
Board rooms don't have to listen to a thing you say
They will eradicate every law on the books except those that protect and increase their wealth and profit
It isn’t too late to wake up America, don’t sleep walk into tomorrow
5/5
The fight isn't about math—it's about power.
When you hear "SS is going broke," remember
• The St. Louis Fed says otherwise
• Every "fix" proposed helps oligarchs
• Only public pressure can break the scam
The fight isn't about math—it's about power.
When you hear "SS is going broke," remember
• The St. Louis Fed says otherwise
• Every "fix" proposed helps oligarchs
• Only public pressure can break the scam
August 8, 2025 at 11:47 PM
5/5
The fight isn't about math—it's about power.
When you hear "SS is going broke," remember
• The St. Louis Fed says otherwise
• Every "fix" proposed helps oligarchs
• Only public pressure can break the scam
The fight isn't about math—it's about power.
When you hear "SS is going broke," remember
• The St. Louis Fed says otherwise
• Every "fix" proposed helps oligarchs
• Only public pressure can break the scam
Whenever a politician says "pay your fair share" but **hasn’t passed a single law to force it**,
they’re not fighting inequality—they’re
**performing for your vote.**
they’re not fighting inequality—they’re
**performing for your vote.**
August 5, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Whenever a politician says "pay your fair share" but **hasn’t passed a single law to force it**,
they’re not fighting inequality—they’re
**performing for your vote.**
they’re not fighting inequality—they’re
**performing for your vote.**
As the dollar’s sole issuer, the U.S. government’s only real limits are:
1) Inflation (when demand outstrips supply)
2) Political will to tax concentrated wealth
The ‘scarcity’ is manufactured. The crisis is artificial. The only thing missing is the courage to call the bluff.
#EconSky
1) Inflation (when demand outstrips supply)
2) Political will to tax concentrated wealth
The ‘scarcity’ is manufactured. The crisis is artificial. The only thing missing is the courage to call the bluff.
#EconSky
August 5, 2025 at 12:06 AM
As the dollar’s sole issuer, the U.S. government’s only real limits are:
1) Inflation (when demand outstrips supply)
2) Political will to tax concentrated wealth
The ‘scarcity’ is manufactured. The crisis is artificial. The only thing missing is the courage to call the bluff.
#EconSky
1) Inflation (when demand outstrips supply)
2) Political will to tax concentrated wealth
The ‘scarcity’ is manufactured. The crisis is artificial. The only thing missing is the courage to call the bluff.
#EconSky
5/ To every staffer/policymaker seeing this:
You have more power than you use.
The "possible" is wider than DC pretends.
Stop laundering oligarchy through sad tweets.
You have more power than you use.
The "possible" is wider than DC pretends.
Stop laundering oligarchy through sad tweets.
July 27, 2025 at 10:17 PM
5/ To every staffer/policymaker seeing this:
You have more power than you use.
The "possible" is wider than DC pretends.
Stop laundering oligarchy through sad tweets.
You have more power than you use.
The "possible" is wider than DC pretends.
Stop laundering oligarchy through sad tweets.
1/ At the risk of losing followers & getting blocked by Very Serious Policy People™ like this one - here's my unfiltered take on why we stay stuck.
#EconSky #Democrats bend over backwards to keep falling.
#EconSky #Democrats bend over backwards to keep falling.
July 27, 2025 at 10:17 PM
1/ At the risk of losing followers & getting blocked by Very Serious Policy People™ like this one - here's my unfiltered take on why we stay stuck.
#EconSky #Democrats bend over backwards to keep falling.
#EconSky #Democrats bend over backwards to keep falling.
July 26, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Hey bud you dropped this.
July 25, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Hey bud you dropped this.
Also, Let's be honest: Taxing the wealthy isn't about 'funding' anything—it's about breaking their stranglehold on power. We don't want them buying democracy. Literally burn their excess power, period.
Taxes don't pay for programs; political courage does. The rest is accounting fiction.
Taxes don't pay for programs; political courage does. The rest is accounting fiction.
July 22, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Also, Let's be honest: Taxing the wealthy isn't about 'funding' anything—it's about breaking their stranglehold on power. We don't want them buying democracy. Literally burn their excess power, period.
Taxes don't pay for programs; political courage does. The rest is accounting fiction.
Taxes don't pay for programs; political courage does. The rest is accounting fiction.
2. Your ‘bloated money supply’ fear ignores:
- Dollar’s reserve currency status(60% of global trade)
- The output gap (we’re still below pre-2008 productivity growth)
- Dollar’s reserve currency status(60% of global trade)
- The output gap (we’re still below pre-2008 productivity growth)
July 22, 2025 at 3:00 AM
2. Your ‘bloated money supply’ fear ignores:
- Dollar’s reserve currency status(60% of global trade)
- The output gap (we’re still below pre-2008 productivity growth)
- Dollar’s reserve currency status(60% of global trade)
- The output gap (we’re still below pre-2008 productivity growth)
You’re damn right deficit spending is popular — deficit spending works. It’s how economies function. The government can’t run out of dollars. Elites only hate deficits when they benefit average Americans, not when they’re for tax cuts for themselves.
July 7, 2025 at 12:17 AM
You’re damn right deficit spending is popular — deficit spending works. It’s how economies function. The government can’t run out of dollars. Elites only hate deficits when they benefit average Americans, not when they’re for tax cuts for themselves.
I used the graphic you posted. I subtracted consumption spending from income - wages
July 4, 2025 at 3:15 AM
I used the graphic you posted. I subtracted consumption spending from income - wages
A counter argument:
A trillion seconds ago (30,000 BC), no USD, no US debt.
8 billion seconds ago (1776), US existed—still no debt.
2.7 billion seconds (1940), global dollar savings: $49B.
1.7 billion seconds (1971), it grew to $400B.
A million seconds (May 23), dollar savings hit $36.2T ‼️
A trillion seconds ago (30,000 BC), no USD, no US debt.
8 billion seconds ago (1776), US existed—still no debt.
2.7 billion seconds (1940), global dollar savings: $49B.
1.7 billion seconds (1971), it grew to $400B.
A million seconds (May 23), dollar savings hit $36.2T ‼️
June 6, 2025 at 1:41 AM
A counter argument:
A trillion seconds ago (30,000 BC), no USD, no US debt.
8 billion seconds ago (1776), US existed—still no debt.
2.7 billion seconds (1940), global dollar savings: $49B.
1.7 billion seconds (1971), it grew to $400B.
A million seconds (May 23), dollar savings hit $36.2T ‼️
A trillion seconds ago (30,000 BC), no USD, no US debt.
8 billion seconds ago (1776), US existed—still no debt.
2.7 billion seconds (1940), global dollar savings: $49B.
1.7 billion seconds (1971), it grew to $400B.
A million seconds (May 23), dollar savings hit $36.2T ‼️
Sure they do, that’s because we buy a lot of real goods from them. They get the dollars, we get their goods. That’s an even and fair trade, IMO.
#EconSky
#EconSky
June 4, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Sure they do, that’s because we buy a lot of real goods from them. They get the dollars, we get their goods. That’s an even and fair trade, IMO.
#EconSky
#EconSky
The National Debt's size isn't the problem - it's WHO holds it. Wall Street banks & hedge funds park $Trillions in risk-free Treasuries while:
• Starving productive investment
• Extracting wealth via financialization
• Distorting markets
We need debt that serves Main Street, not rent-seekers.
• Starving productive investment
• Extracting wealth via financialization
• Distorting markets
We need debt that serves Main Street, not rent-seekers.
June 4, 2025 at 2:27 AM
The National Debt's size isn't the problem - it's WHO holds it. Wall Street banks & hedge funds park $Trillions in risk-free Treasuries while:
• Starving productive investment
• Extracting wealth via financialization
• Distorting markets
We need debt that serves Main Street, not rent-seekers.
• Starving productive investment
• Extracting wealth via financialization
• Distorting markets
We need debt that serves Main Street, not rent-seekers.