Yes, Cass, I have heard of the United States. There has been no time in history where increased taxation has increased the prosperity of the people. Unless the people who you think should "prosper" are government beauracrats, progressives and the social programs they promote. And before you start - NO, I'm not in favor of "corporate welfare" nor am in favor of welfare forever - unless you are unable or incapable of taking care of yourself. I am in favor of those receiving welfare - originally designed as a temporary measure - of working; such as, street cleaning, parks cleaning, etc. That would free up money and manpower to tackle some of the infrastructure improvements you are concerned about. If the politicians - all of them - were really doing their jobs instead of buying votes with their "group identy" politics to get re-elected, we would not have a crumbling infrastructure because we would have had the money and it would have been kept up with through the years. Just like you and I do with our own personal infrastructure - house, car and property. So, just how do you propose we deal with this problem???

The article you cited in your post for me to read about austerity failing in Europe...I did read it. Apparantly you did not read past the title or the first paragragh. Maybe you should stop getting your news from the Daily Kos of Huffpo and actually read the entire article as it goes on to explain what is going on in Europe and how the wild spending of OPM has destroyed the economies of the EU. The article also explains what happens with more taxes are taken from the earners. Read it, it is very good.

You and I probably operate with our money in a similiar fashion - we don't spend more than we earn. If we do we can get away with it for several years but at some point, the bills must be paid or we go bankrupt. In order to avoid bankruptcy you must develop an austere budget - paying off your debts and not incurring new ones. This also includes eliminating that which is not necessary - dinners out, movies, fancy cars, boats, designer clothing, etc. The austere budget is painful, but necessary if you are to survive. Countries must do the same - who is buying Greek bonds right now?? How about Spainish bonds?? Italian bonds?? The rich are considering leaving France because of the new government - plans to tax income up to 95%. That's ludicrous. Is that what you are seeking??? What are your ideas for solving the problems??? Tax, tax, tax is not a solution. There comes a time when you will run out of OPM...