Should we be worried about the debt ceiling or our abilities to form compromise?

[mputnal]

If we take the politics out of this question what are the concerns for most americans regarding the circus surrounding the debt ceiling? Is it even possible to talk about this subject without thinking in terms of which party is right and which party is wrong? I own a very small business and I do not believe I could stay in business without some ability to compromise. I know I could not stay married without some ability to compromise. I thought democracy was a from of compromise. I am worried about our ability to pay bills but I am more worried about what has caused this seemingly unwillingness to form compromise.

I believe the importance of this issue will energize all of us to demand better accounting of those in charge. IMO I believe we are entering a new era of involvement regarding our economic and political systems. Both systems are broke. Blame is the game and that is a shame...

 

[Kurt]

Sorry, but are you able to ever GET IT??? You could have written this before JC was born.

This link just about sums it all up.

 

[mputnal]

My inference was meant toward a need for constructive change toward a more center less divisive behavior within community leaders. What do I not get? Mankind has never been able to compromise ideals for the good of their communities and country or that we live in paradise so what I am complaining about? Or maybe you are trying to tell me to get a life and go to the beach (I hope this is what you mean). Please explain because I am not sure what your point is.

 

[beachFool]

Just my opinion but to answer your questions, yes and yes.

I thought all along the debt ceiling would be raised because it has to be.

I disagree with Kurt=our nation's level of discourse is particularly disturbing.

During the 80s, Republicans & Democrats compromised by raising taxes and making entitlements less generous.

During the 90s, Clinton raised taxes and 'ended welfare as we know it' with biparisan support.

No one ever went broke underestimating the attention span of the American public.

At the end of the day it is our fault.

 

[Waterbaddrinkwine]

I say let's go broke, we're Americans and have proven time and again that we can make it through anything. Then, after we go broke remember everything that happened and who was in office in both parties. Just like the housing bubble had to pop I think the USA bubble could use a little air taken out and come back down to earth.

 

[mputnal]

Now that is a very interesting perspective. I think you are right. When our entitlements are taken away and our economy really hits bottom because of behavior that apparently has existed before JC maybe then will we realize that we had a pretty good thing going and we blew it. Something (I dare say the word) needs to be updated, upgraded and rennovated.

 

[idlewind]

The budget must be balanced because we can afford no more debt. Spending must be reduced and revenue enhanced where possible. The deal should have been struck weeks ago but neither party trusts the other and both are looking for political gain rather than what is best for the country. The Dems want a deal to go beyond the 2012 election to protect Obama's relection chances and the Repubs will not agree to any new taxes because their base will vote them out if they agree. So here we go.

 

[Kurt]

The budget must be balanced because we can afford no more debt. Spending must be reduced and revenue enhanced where possible. The deal should have been struck weeks ago but neither party trusts the other and both are looking for political gain rather than what is best for the country. The Dems want a deal to go beyond the 2012 election to protect Obama's relection chances and the Repubs will not agree to any new taxes because their base will vote them out if they agree. So here we go.

Well said. Well sad.

 

[mputnal]

The budget must be balanced because we can afford no more debt. Spending must be reduced and revenue enhanced where possible. The deal should have been struck weeks ago but neither party trusts the other and both are looking for political gain rather than what is best for the country. The Dems want a deal to go beyond the 2012 election to protect Obama's relection chances and the Repubs will not agree to any new taxes because their base will vote them out if they agree. So here we go.

Yes this is right on the money (so to speak). "So here we go" is my main point. My grandfather's words of wisdom was that if you want something fixed (better) then you better get up off your fanny and go fix it yourself. I hope that what is going on up there will energize us to vote for candidates that are less boxed in by an ideal and are more checked in to the the reality of the common person either trying to find a job or trying to successfully operate a small or medium size business. Of course I am making an unproven assumption that the common voter is not also boxed in by an ideal because but if we are then we are part of the problem. When the stakes get this high it takes courage under fire. Are we electing individuals that have any courage to just do what is right for the country even if it costs them their precious "power" (not job because politicians seem to always have connections). Can I please just get this out of my system, "you #^%$# politicians just go do your #$$%%# job and balance the budget like the rest of us!!" Venting is not for this forum I know so I apologize to all.

 

[Kurt]

Venting is common in the lounge.