GOP Filibusters Debt Limit Hike As Anxieties Flare Over Default

[Bill USA]

... hang in there Harry. There isn't too much riding on this (standing up to terrorists) only our democracy.

...DON'T WEAKEN....

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/gop-filibusters-debt-limit-hike-as-anxieties-flare-over-default

Senate Republicans blocked a debt ceiling extension from advancing on Saturday, bringing the country one step closer to a catastrophic debt default.

The motion to proceed to the Democrats' bill received 53 votes in favor and 45 against, falling short of the 60 needed to begin debate. Every Republican senator voted to filibuster it. The bill would have raised the debt limit until the end of 2014 with no policy add-ons.

"A few extremist Republicans ... too radical to compromise, could force a default on the nation's financial obligations for the first time ever," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). "What I see staring us in the face is not a pleasant picture."

After rejecting a House GOP proposal, Reid shot down an offer by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) to resolve the impasse, and has initiated talks with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Reid, McConnell, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) met Saturday morning to begin new discussions, according to a source familiar with the matter.

[blkmusclmachine]

1. .

.

[bpositive]

2. I just don't get it

What is the end game exit strategy for the republicans?

Why continue down a path that will lead to their demise?

[SolutionisSolidarity]

3. You've heard the phrase "We had to burn the village to save it".

This time the village is America.

[Sam1]

4. So, why isn't this being handled under the budget rules that don't allow for a filibuster?

[zbdent]

5. Wait ... the Senate Republicans are filibustering a move to end this, not Harry Reid?

Obviously, not the "liberally-biased media" reporting this ... like all the other times that the Republicans/baggers claim that Reid "won't let a vote happen" ...