It’s funny, when I create a cartoon like this I try to explain what’s going on using satire and humor, but when I write about the issue in a post, I apparently put on my grumpy pants.
According to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, we’ll pass the debt ceiling deadline on June 1. Once the U.S. stops paying its bills and is in default, economic calamity will ensue. Yes, something must be done to avoid cratering stock and financial markets and certain recession.
The problem is, Joe Biden and the Democrats are trying to negotiate with unhinged extremists.
But if you listen to much of the reporting about the debt ceiling standoff, it sounds as if we’re witnessing just another instance of those darn Democrats and Republicans unable to get anything done in Washington and, gosh, can’t both sides just give a little and end this thing.
What we are witnessing is far worse and more dangerous.
Republicans are trying to take over U.S. policymaking by threatening to destroy the economy.
Since they can’t pass their unpopular agenda with votes, they’re trying to force it by using a previously pro forma legislative process to get what they want.
Keep in mind that while Kevin McCarthy talks about “good faith” and “compromise,” much of his party sees a tremendous benefit in a destroyed economy that would push voters away from Joe Biden while cutting programs for poor people at the same time.
In the MAGA-addled Republican brain, blowing up the economy is a win-win.
Let’s just call debt ceiling talks what they are: hostage negotiations with economic terrorists.
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