Onion guide to debt ceiling and 'Are we fucking stupid?"
The Treasury Department has warned that the continued failure by Congress to raise the debt ceiling would leave the United States unable to pay all of its bills and may force the country to default on its government bonds. Here are some helpful answers to the most common questions about the debt ceiling crisis:
What is the debt ceiling?
The debt ceiling is a specifically defined yet changeable clause in official federal legislation that ensures that our country becomes embroiled in maddening, childish theatrics every few months or years.
How high is the debt ceiling now?
Just like normal ceiling height.
When will we hit the debt ceiling?
On Thursday, Oct. 17 at precisely 5 p.m. Eastern time, when the nation’s $46 billion cable bill comes due.
What happens if the government defaults on its debt?
The United States will lose the credibility and respect we incorrectly assume other nations still hold toward us.
How would a government default affect the economy?
Picture a cake, small crumbs of which fall off during each slice, or transaction, whenever money is lent to institutions from the Federal Reserve. It is a thick, rich sponge cake with icing. The icing is the American people.
How would a government default affect me?
It’s always about you, isn’t it? Prick.
more: http://www.theonion.com/articles/the-onions-guide-to-understanding-the-debt-ceiling,34177/
ARE WE FUCKING STUPID?
I thought these two items fit together.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Reasonable solutions to create an affordable, private, cost-effective health care system, a renewed emphasis on the entrepreneurial spirit that makes this country so great, long-term investments in our economy and infrastructure to build a stable and sustainable middle class, and a return to constructive political discourse.
SURE they do! 
