I think we can hit $40 to $60 trillion in debt (in real terms) before the system starts to collapse. In other words, at least 20 years from now, maybe much more. I have no faith in either political party to exercise fiscal restraint or conservatism. I firmly believe the excessive deficit spending will continue until the breaking point. Given that belief, I'd like to spend the money (the newly issued debt, as you correctly point out) as wisely as possible.