The U.S. Government reminds me of the married couple who realize they are deeply in debt. The husband resolves that henceforth, he will purchase neither high heels shoes or dresses. The wife is firm in her commitment to purchase neither tools nor golf clubs. For some reason they are surprised when, one year later, they are yet deeper in debt than they were before.
Republicans want to balance the budget as long as military spending is not reduced. The Democrats are willing to decrease spending as long as it does not include entitlement programs. Our national debt increases from year to year because when the Republicans are in power they increase military spending, but they do not decrease entitlement spending. The converse is true for Democrats.
You could make a case that the Two Party System would work if the parties effectively opposed each other. The problem is that they are too similar, they both agree on an economy based on continuous warfare and debt. Ultimately, though, you have to blame the American Public, who have not been willing to demand better.
