Isn't now the time for a constitutional showdown with the "debt ceiling" extortionists?

[Faryn Balyncd]

14th amendment:
"Section 4:The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bonuses for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any state shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void."

Isn't it time the unconstitutional pretenses of the extortionists be ended?

[quinnox]

1. probably, but with this deal done, I have a feeling another deal will be reached instead

with the GOP at that time, in what will be called "slight" adjustments to benefits in medicare or other programs of the like, which will be made "to sustain the program for the future". In other words, cuts.

[DevonRex]

2. Which is exactly what Obama was saying

In his statement tonight. It's a matter of national security. We cannot default. He will ignore the ceiling so they have no card to play on that front.

[SunSeeker]

3. Sure sounded that way to me! nt

[SunSeeker]

4. K&R

[pa28]

5. Jay Carney unequivocably took a constitutional option off the table.

Unless they start walking those statements back right now I really don't think the administration is going to use the 14th amendment.

Bill Clinton thinks the debt ceiling needs to be challenged, as you suggested, and it's future determined by the supreme court. Unfortunately it looks like that's not gonna happen.

[DevonRex]

6. But Obama was very clear in his statement.

I don't see how he could get any more clear than that.

[kentuck]

7. last night was our best chance

May not come again?

[99Forever]

8. On another thread, one talking up Obama saying ...

... he would not renegotiate on the debt ceiling, I asked the following (to which I got not a single response):


Exactly how is it that he won't "renegotiate raising debt ceiling?"

Has something changed in the powers the President has at his disposal? I've heard countless times how he isn't a dictator stated as the reason he couldn't get a myriad of things accomplished. What's different now?

If so, wonderful. If not, ...

... well, just how much good does an empty threat do?

Another question would be, if he can just go forward without Congressional consent, why the hell did he give away so damn much last time?

WTF?