Extortion Politics: Why Won’t American Business Stop the GOP From Threatening to Blow Up The Economy

[Purveyor]

Tuesday 19 April 2011
by: Robert Reich, Truthout

As the government approaches its borrowing limit of $14.3 trillion, Republicans are seeking political advantage over what conditions should be attached to raising that limit.

This is a scandal — or should be. Raising the debt limit shouldn’t be subject to party politics. Economic extortion should be out of bounds.

It’s bad enough government shutdowns have become an accepted part of political negotiation. But failure to increase the amount the Treasury can borrow would have far graver results.

Not only would the government be unable to issue Social Security or Medicare checks but the United States couldn’t pay interest on its current debt.

MORE...

http://www.truthout.org/extortion-politics-why-won%E2%80%99t-american-business-stop-gop-threatening-blow-economy/1303196400

[Drale]

1. Any repukes stupid enough to stand in way of the debt cap being raised

Is going to lose all their ill gotten gains from the corporate world. This is one major issue that I think everyone evil and not evil can agree on.

[madrchsod]

2. the president has the bully pulpit.

the has the majority of the american people on his side.

there is no reason what so ever that the blame should be put on the president or the democrats.

[Ozymanithrax]

3. Because Republicans promise endless profits and wet dreams...

to their constituents using hyper simplistic arguments that equate the budget of a single family with 2.5 children, a dog, and a car to that of the entire nation.

The Republicans elected by tea party of the coned are so stupid they believe everything they say. The leadership that knows better believes by pushing the debt ceiling to the last minute, they can get political advantage.

[jwirr]

4. I especially want to know the answer to that question when it concerns

small businesses. They have nothing to gain from the destruction of our economy. On the other hand big business are working on the idea of globalization which ignores borders because they do not have to follow national laws if they are stronger than the nations.

[Doctor_J]

5. Because the current resident of the WH won't call their bluff

Every time they make a threat he gives them something else.