http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/year-end-tax-cuts-have-nearly-doubled-projected-size-of-national-debt-cbo-says/2013/09/17/cda802d2-1f9c-11e3-94a2-6c66b668ea55_story_1.html
Once again, business in the House of Representatives is grinding to a halt as we approach the imminent government funding debate. Just in case it slipped your mind, lets have a recap of the 2011 debt ceiling crisis in which congress dragged out a vote on whether or not to raise the debt ceiling. Republicans in the House of Representatives threatened to let the government shut down if Democrats did not agree to include a "balanced budget amendment" to the constitution, thus holding the nation hostage as a polarized congress underwent endless debates and theatrics until a compromise was finally reached. But this time is slightly different, as House Republicans are demanding that Democrats vote to defund Obamacare before they will vote to continue funding the government.
While I do not oppose Republicans' efforts to end Obamacare, I do not believe that threatening to shut down the government is a rational way for the GOP to accomplish this goal. Not only is this tactic unorthodox and ineffectual, but it is also a surefire way to damage the economy by inciting fear on Wall Street. When investors see that there is a chance of a government shutdown, they are likely to respond by selling stocks, lowering their values and ultimately hurting the economy. For this reason, Republicans should be wary about sticking to their guns without compromise in this situation. While the effects of a government economy would probably not be described as catastrophic, it would most certainly be an undesirable situation for everyone, with all but "essential services" of the federal government being delayed until further notice.
Will Republicans and Democrats come to a compromise on this issue and vote to continue funding the government? I hope so. And if history is any indication of what will happen, we can probably assume that they will, even if it comes down to an eleventh hour agreement. While I do not like to see Obamacare going into effect just as much as the Republicans don't, the best way to cut the deficit at this point is not by letting the government default. Republicans should focus on more realistic methods of stopping Obamacare, instead of settling for an all-or-nothing, high stakes showdown with Democrats in congress by using a potential government shutdown as leverage by which to ram through their economic policies.
With the government shutdown now a reality, I believe that less attention should be paid to the intricate details of various government bills and such, and more attention to just finding a middle ground. Let's face it, the Republicans in the House will likely continue to deny any further progress attempted by the Democrats in the Senate and visa versa. If a compromise is not reached, this will simply continue. The government should focus on improving the country as a whole, and not just pointing fingers and saying who is right and who is wrong.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both you and Lem. This goal will be not accomplished by shutting the government down. What do they care as long as they're still getting their paychecks? Both the Democrats and Republicans need to come to an agreement real soon because this can't continue. Like Lem said, they should focus on improving the country as a whole instead of pointing fingers.
ReplyDeleteI accept the idea that the Republican's should not use the shutdown as leverage but I feel like that is the only way to stop Obamacarefrom hurting our econmy. Obamacare will at about $630 billion dollars to the deficit and that is something that I think at least is unacceptable. I do feel like all the petty arguing in the House and Senate is unneccessary and is the fault of both parties. However I think that the consequences of having the government shut down are far smaller than those that would be created if we funded Obamacare.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the Democrats and the Republicans should work out a deal. I understand that the Republicans are upset and they want to defund obamacare. However, it appears as though this will not be possible as the Democrats will not allow it. Therefore, as David said, the republicans should look at long term ways that they can trim down the amount of money being spent. No matter what party they belong to, members of the house and senate should remember that they are working for the American people.
ReplyDeleteI think that if the debt ceiling does raise small cuts should be made. If small cuts are taken from every program I don't think we will see too much of an issue. I think the democrats and republicans are acting childish. I see why republicans want to get rid of Obama Care but to demand it is irrational. They need to talk about responsibly, however they need to speed up the process because at this time many people are jobless.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of the shutdown, i wouldn't blame the republicans. The democrats are just as guilty of this situation as the republicans are. Sure cutting Obama care could hurt a lot of people because the economy is so low right now, but if you look at it in the long run, making small cuts like this is, in my opinion, the way to start lowering our debt. I see where you're coming from as far as shutting down the government is unorthodox. Personally, i find it very pointless and inefficient.
ReplyDeleteI believe that there should be a no-strings attached bill that is signed to just end the shutdown and get the people working for the government working again. If the shutdown lasts too long and they cant agree on a deal, this could lead to an economic shutdown. I cant speak for everyone, but I know that there are a lot of people including me who have college funds that increase and decrease with the stock market. If there is an economic shutdown, there goes all that money. Sign a deal!!!!!!!!!! And what up with the Nigerian prince?
ReplyDeleteI thought it would be a good name for a blog because Nigerian scammers make mad bank
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DeleteWith the government shutdown, will the scammers be prosecuted?
DeleteThey should figure out something. Shutting down the government isn't gaining us anything. It just makes the U.S. look bad because they're not working together. We're not getting anywhere as long as the government shut down remains.
ReplyDeleteThe fundamental problem I see with this Congress is the absolute refusal to side with anyone but the majority of your own party. Not to say that nobody thinks for themselves, but I feel like Congress has become a game in which two teams are pitted against each other in order to stop the other team from accomplishing anything. I think that more of a bipartisan effort must be made to get things accomplished, otherwise drastic measures like this will continue to be taken
ReplyDeleteAgree with Goob. It's nearly impossible to agree on anything if both parties stick religiously to their respective sides. People have to have somewhat of an open mind and at least listen to what both sides have to say. Remember: "Seek first to understand, then to be understood."
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