Watch I.O.U.S.A.

I.O.U.S.A. is a documentary film released in 2008 directed by Patrick Creadon and produced by Christine O'Malley and Addison Wiggin. The movie takes an in-depth look at the skyrocketing national debt of the United States and the impact it has on the economy and the country's future. The movie features interviews with some of the financial world’s most prominent figures, including Warren Buffett and Paul O'Neill, as well as other experts in economics and finance. Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers explore the issue of America's rising national debt and the implications of this debt for future generations.

The movie opens with a historical perspective on America's national debt, tracing its origins from the Revolutionary War through to the present day. It highlights the fact that the United States has only been debt-free for a total of two years in its entire history.

The documentary goes on to explore how the national debt has climbed to an unsustainable level. With a debt of over $20 trillion, the filmmakers explain how this debt is affecting the economy and how it could impact the country's long-term future.

The film features interviews with politicians, economists, and business leaders who offer their insight on the issue. The interviews are interspersed with animations and graphics that help explain the complex financial concepts, making them easier to understand.

The movie features a series of public conversations that were held across the country, entitled "Fiscal Wake-Up Tour." These conversations were organized by the Concord Coalition, a non-partisan, grassroots organization founded by former Senator Warren Rudman and the late Paul Tsongas. The goal of the tour was to help engage people from all walks of life in the national debt discussion.

One of the central themes of I.O.U.S.A. is the idea that Americans are living beyond their means. The movie shows how overconsumption and a lack of saving have contributed to the debt crisis. This leads to a discussion of the trade deficit and how American reliance on borrowing from foreign countries, particularly China, has created vulnerabilities in the economy.

Another important topic discussed in the film is the entitlement programs of Social Security and Medicare. These programs are projected to become insolvent in the near future, adding to the already staggering national debt.

The movie does not only offer a critique of the situation, but it also presents a series of solutions to the problem. The film asks whether the country and its politicians have the courage to implement the necessary changes to reduce the debt.

In conclusion, I.O.U.S.A. is a thought-provoking documentary that explores one of the most pressing issues facing the United States and the global economy today. It presents a balanced and informative analysis of the history, causes, and consequences of the national debt. It brings together a diverse range of perspectives and offers practical solutions for addressing the problem. The movie is a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the current state of the American economy and the challenges facing future generations.