David Rubenstein Discusses National Debt, Illiteracy, and White House Renovations
David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group, has shared his perspectives on several pressing national issues, including the United States' $40 trillion national debt and the implications of paying more in interest than on national defense. He highlighted the concerning statistic that over 50% of adult Americans have not read a book in the last year, distinguishing between illiteracy (inability to read) and illiteracy (choosing not to read). Rubenstein also touched upon the functional illiteracy rate, noting that 19% of adults cannot read past a fourth-grade level, which significantly impacts employment and contributes to high rates of illiteracy in federal prisons and juvenile delinquency systems. Furthermore, he expressed his views on the ongoing physical changes to the White House, particularly the addition of a ballroom, suggesting it might diminish the historical intimacy of state dinners. Rubenstein, who has chaired various historical and cultural institutions, emphasized the importance of prese...
