Number Nerds Love the US National Debt


Image: US Debt Clock

The stupendously large US national debt (currently at nearly $12.1 trillion and growing) is a depressing thing for most of us, but not to the number nerds at the Bureau of Public Debt! They LOVE to calculate how much the American government owes.

Lisa Desjardins of CNN Radio has the story:

At a large desk in Parkersburg, Jaime Saling watches over roughly 6,500 pieces of data and trillions of dollars each day. Her title takes up a few characters itself: Saling is the debt accounting branch manager for the Bureau of Public Debt.

She and a division of just 15 people quietly and relentlessly work to account for every penny of the national debt. It is tedious and potentially overwhelming work, but Saling acts as if she flies jet fighters. [...]

The public debt building has become a number nerds' paradise. Employees say they balance their checkbooks at least weekly, some daily. A big happy-face sign marks progress on a recent audit. A written goal is taped to a Nerf-sized football. And the security guards brag that someone brings in a cake about every other day.

Link


Newest 2
Newest 2 Comments

it's a bit scary how fast currency and credit derivatives are soaring upwards. it appears to be something like a billion dollars every five or so minutes.

$632 trillion in derivatives and growing exponentially. Have we learned ANYTHING??? This is going to get ugly very fast...
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Email This Post to a Friend
"Number Nerds Love the US National Debt"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More