Even as we read this...

[BlueCross]

we are having a conversation about the government shutdown, blah-blah-blah-blah...

And you know what?

It really sucks.

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*pause...*

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Why can't everyone think like me?  (Thank you, Rex Harrison)

[KMD]

It could be worse. They could default.

[Xerxes]

The thing I don't see is what either side has to gain from a US default. The net result would be that the dollar was dumped as the world's reserve currency in favour of the Euro or the Chinese renminbi. The US would lose countless advantages as a result. Are the Republicans that insane that they are willing to destroy the dollar to try and stop a policy that the US people have backed?

[AcdQueen89]

Are the Republicans that insane that they are willing to destroy the dollar to try and stop a policy that the US people have backed?

Have you met many americans? We're a very self centered lot

[Xerxes]

Even so - even the Tea Party must have some people who know how finance works? Besides, it's not a question of the US getting an NHS - that would be worth going to the barricades for! It's just that some people who would now die because they can't afford medical treatment will get lifesaving treatment. It has yet to be explained to me why this is such a bad thing.

[AcdQueen89]

Everything i've read/heard boils down to bully economics: "I dont like you. You want a thing? I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure you dont get it. Ever play keep away?"

To make that sound more adult....
Traditionally the Republicans want the federal government to focus on foreign policy and stay out of our lives. Obamacare is another way for governmental control. Then pair that with "Obama." Fuck that guy


* all my solid facts have come from watching the Daily Show and the Colbert Report rather than "real" news sources like Fox and MSNBC

[The SysMan]

It seems like the best choice for Obama now is to go ahead with the budget, set the debt ceiling, and flip the GOP the bird while they try to impeach him.

[Hoopy Frood]

To make that sound more adult....
Traditionally the Republicans want the federal government to focus on foreign policy and stay out of our lives.

Unless it's an issue of what we might be doing in our bedrooms, in which case the Republicans think there should be a congressional committee to make sure we're not sleeping with the wrong gender/nationality/race/etc.

[KMD]

Only 2 more days until we default on our debt, yay

I dont particularly trust Obama anymore. Especially after this shit with the NSA came out, and he just brushed it off and acted like we shouldn't be concerned that the NSA basically wants to monitor every aspect of our digital lives. Now, more than ever, I feel like the individuals have less control over whats going on in our government.

[The Hanged Man]

I dont particularly trust Obama anymore. Especially after this shit with the NSA came out, and he just brushed it off and acted like we shouldn't be concerned that the NSA basically wants to monitor every aspect of our digital lives. Now, more than ever, I feel like the individuals have less control over whats going on in our government.

Obama always brushes off those kind of questions.
For example: Two years ago, he blew off a similar question on SOPA.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW7bNbOFr9U

[KMD]

Welp, it looks like they're coming to some kind of agreement.

Heres something patriotic to celebrate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2zlPNGuPbw

[BlueCross]

the NSA basically wants to monitor every aspect of our digital lives

This bothers me like zero.  Nada. thZip.

If it helps catch the bad guys, I'm all for it.

If the NSA uses any information that they have gleaned from my emails, postings, etc illegally, then I'll sue their asses.

[Hoopy Frood]

An interesting column that puts the "debt ceiling" in perspective:

http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2013/10/yum.html