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Thanks very much for the link to the online copy of "Infinite Debt". I think that article should be read by as many people as possible. Not only does it explain with remarkable clarity how the US got into its current sad state, but it's extremely readable.
One of the frequent flaws of articles which expose systemic corruption in the US is...well...a certain turgid (or perhaps I should say "turbid") style. Try to get the man in the street to read one of those articles, and he or she will just yawn and turn away. "Infinite Debt" surprised me with its clarity and readability.
As for the Dateline story, here's a link (although they don't deserve one): http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/29923501#29923501