Guantanamo is a debt that dwarfs all others in this economic maelstrom, and for America, an account whose interest compounds the more it's etched in time and history. For unlike money, history neither rises nor falls, spikes or crashes. History rolls out evenly behind us, once written, never changed.

History will record Guantanamo as both a folly and a turning point. A folly because America traded two and a half centuries of good will and hope for man for an eternity of Abu-Gahrib, Gitmo, and water boarding. A turning point because it will be the weight of Guantanamo that forever quashes America's ability to project soft power through example.

It will be debated for years in America, the question of the value of Iraq, and of Guantanamo more particularly. Outside of America, the debate is long over. History is written by the victors, and America lost. Russia/Stalin, Germany/Hitler, China/Mao, USA/Washington Guantanamo.

The larger issue for America is how to negotiate on a world stage without invincible economic power or moral persuasion, which once were two of three pillars of American supremacy. Only the military remains, so egregiously overwhelming it has no value, and being kept alive by physical responses to failures with economics or diplomacy. Truly a turning point in history, unfolding across IPods and Blackberry's and monitors around the world, and in real time.

By some accounts, America's financial obligations exceed 60 trillion dollars, and are growing exponentially, day-by-day. The debt it has incurred and the amounts it is contemplating staggers the minds ability to process the magnitude and danger. Angry eyes have tightened as they furl their brows at America, it's cowboy attitude no longer appreciated in polite society. Beneath the charismatic veneer of Barack Obama, the world is closing ranks and clipping the wings of mighty USA. New and powerful players are making their presence known, coalitions of opportunity seekers, determined to pick over the spoils.

And where its economic hegemony was not wanted or felt, and where its mighty military tried but failed, American virtue and exceptionalism was left to fill the void - a void now filled by a tiny, sun tormented beach front on a pointlessly embargoed island of otherwise free people. Guantanamo.

In time, economic nature will run its course, and America will have survived it by the sheer patriotism of its people. A smaller, leaner, better America amongst a world of nations of equal significance and value. The American military will continue to be the stupefying thermonuclear waste of trillions it always has, the shield behind which America by necessity must retreat.

The toxic debt incurred during the Bush years of the early twenty first century known collectively as Guantanamo, will never be repaid. A balance sheet of heinous acts towards all humanity, ledgers of evil words spoken and deeds done. Toxic debt against which no leverage can be made. A bankrupt morality, an insolvent integrity.

Guantanamo is a permanent stain on America's future - the tattoo on your forehead you woke up with, after a night of huffing glue.