Disagree completely with the repeated claim that the debt/deficits 'cannot be afforded' (therefor the issue is to either accrued debt or reduce social programs).

From a Canadian's POV, the freebies that both your political parties lavish on your ultra-wealthy just boggles our minds. Freebies with no social benefit, no benefit to any citizens other than the wealthy.

The only point of which I can figure out, is that they buy votes and buy campaign financing ... and the voting public knowingly and willingly allows/supports this state of affairs.

Of course the US can afford its social benefits. It simply refuses to bill the people who should pay for them.