But as is being demonstrated by the spread of radical Islam- if we don't pay one way now, we pay in other ways later. Besides- the ethics and wisdom of elevating the importance of avoiding debt over and above the moral obligation to improve human welfare remains one of the most significant questions we face today not just as Canadians but also as an enlightened sentient species largely  in charge (purportedly) of our own destiny. Besides- given the rise of new energy tech- PV especially- I expect we may find the tables reversing themselves later this century.