US National Debt

According to http://www.usdebtclock.org/, the US National debt is over 15 trillion dollars. The Gross debt to GDP is at 100% and counting.

The Federal Debt has increased 360% since 1990, and over 1500% since 1980. Adjusted for inflation, the debt is still 500% higher than it was in 1980.

Most people who discuss the debt often rationalize it in a number of ways. However, when it comes down to it, running with a budget deficit nearly every year is asinine.

Additional Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_United_States_public_debt#Federal_spending.2C_federal_debt.2C_and_GDP

The effect of a politician's age on their policies

Anytime a politician takes a stance that opposes progress, they show how disconnected they are with the younger generation, the next generation of leaders.

Examples:
Restricting the internet
Resisting technological advances, i.e., stem cell research, genetically modified crops
Moderating sex, even in private affairs.

The bottom line, the people chosen to run this country are generally from the older generations. And it shows.