By Selwyn Duke
While the United States put a man on the moon in 1969, it took a bit longer to get there with our spending. But we finally made it with our profligate ways, as 3.9 trillion (our estimated 2013 budget) one-dollar bills stacked up would reach all the way to the moon — and beyond. The question is, can we reach the moon with taxes, too? Since many Americans seem to think so — and continue voting for politicians who spend like drunken sailors — let’s place the issue of taxes and spending in perspective.
Many people believe Americans are under-taxed, even though 2013 federal tax revenue will be $2.9 trillion. So mull over the following examples pertaining to this figure (taken from Rob Bluey at The Foundry and updated):
- It is 2,900 billion.
- At $45.8 million per year, LeBron James would need to work 63,318.8 years to earn it.
- Average life in the U.S. lasts 2.4 billion seconds.
- 2.9 billion seconds ago take us back to the year Benito Mussolini seized power in Italy: 1922.
- 2.9 trillion seconds ago woolly mammoths and saber-toothed cats walked the Earth. It was 89,944 B.C.
Read the rest here.
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