Jefferson did not deal in fiat currency.
When a country owed money, it owed GOLD.

If America owed gold, yes, we'd be screwed.
Anyone terrified of 16.3 trillion fiat dollars of "debt" should ask... which countries are hoarding the 16.3 trill?

None. Not one country has a surplus. So what the hell is national debt if every country owes?

Answering that question will lead you to the truth no one wants you to know and it is NOT the debt Jefferson speaks of.