America Hits the Debt Ceiling

[*Shinzon*]

Wasn't there some prediction that our coal supply would hit it's peak in 10-15 years? That's nearly the amount of time most people predict electric cars to be as viable as their petrol counterparts. I'm just curious how they plan to fill that void left by coal.

[Senoska]

Sounds like we're headed towards the last straw when it comes to US citizens putting up with politician's crap. Shit's going to hit the fan when the government starts defaulting, not paying income tax returns, cutting government spending and terminating jobs, increasing taxes, etc. The American people have let these retarded politicians sit in their cozy jobs figuring out how to give each other pay raises while ignoring the deficit. When a big fat reality check is slammed on us if they don't figure out some miraculous way to get us out of the mess they put is in, it's going to be interesting to see what happens.

This pretty much sums up how I feel. What about the others here? I'm just wanting to gauge how angry everyone is about this entire situation. Frankly, I'm outraged. I've made a trip in the past to my state capital to protest, but this is an entirely new level of low these past few weeks. I think I may get a sign and stand outside. Even if I'm the only one. I figure if everyone here is pissed off to the same degree that I am, maybe my standing outside for hours wont be in vein and some people will join me. Not conspiracy theorist or hippies, but real honest every day Americans. Maybe something can actually come out of this, beyond just turning another blind eye and forgetting about it.

edit: Most people in this thread, for the most part, are avoiding partisanship. This seems to be something most of us can admit an issue. I, for one, and glad that discourse has at least reached this level. At least the few of us here have admitted that there is a problem that we are facing. Not just a "oh, yeah theres this thing." but its being understood America is fucked, and appears to be going the way of Rome unless some very serious shit changes. I'm glad we're able to talk about this on some general level beyond the noise and filler.

[archibaldcrane]

Wasn't there some prediction that our coal supply would hit it's peak in 10-15 years? That's nearly the amount of time most people predict electric cars to be as viable as their petrol counterparts. I'm just curious how they plan to fill that void left by coal.

As coal prices increase, there will be a big push from market forces for other (now cheaper than coal) forms of electricity. Hard to say if nuclear will ever be a part of that, or if the slack will just come from renewables and natural gas.

[Senoska]

I think this almost may deserve its own thread, but hurray! 4 more years!

Congressional leaders reach deal on Patriot Act


Washington (CNN) - CNN has learned that Congressional leaders have agreed on a tentative deal that would extend the Patriot Act for four years.
The deal to extend the expiring law was sealed today by Speaker John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, according to senior Democratic and Republican sources.
The move would largely take the issue off the table for the next election by extending the law well beyond November 2012.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com...ot-act/?hpt=T2

I dont know what to say lol.

[notorious bum]

I think this almost may deserve its own thread, but hurray! 4 more years!
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com...ot-act/?hpt=T2

I dont know what to say lol.

Not surprised, most of America is completely ignorant on what the Patriot Act actually does, they would probably die of irony if they actually knew what that meant lol

[archibaldcrane]

They'd have to know what irony meant too.

This is a lot of stipulations.

[Kuya]

This pretty much sums up how I feel

Then you're a moron.

[Senoska]

Far from it I'd say.

Say what you want about me personally, but I don't think that you're taking into perspective everything if you think this isnt going to affect you in some way. Since we're putting all our eggs in the financial sector basket in terms of job creation, look at market trends for this morning. While you can say that the stock market doesn't necessarily reflect the market, and I will take that as a valid point, its still interesting to see where the major sales are happening.

Investors are smart people and a lot of time and money goes into playing the market. When you start to see some broad skepticism, its at least worthy to take note. Rich people dictate our lives, and when rich people start to worry, its time for you to worry as well. When their life is hell, you can expect them to make yours just the same.

[Kuya]

Ultimately, what you're whining about has some truth to it, even though it's wrapped up in a mess of assumptions and dubious associations. I don't think what you're doing right now is harmful, so feel free to keep ranting, even if i call you an idiot every now and then.

Remember, sometimes being right isn't very useful, but being loud can be.

[Senoska]

Maybe, but being right and loud I'd say is what is key to this situation. I don't think I'm making random assumptions. I've been trying very hard (even here) to read the American attitude regarding this. I've been making an effort of asking people around me, although less so here, how they feel without the current situation, how it will affect them, and what they plan to do about it. I haven't been giving my perspective, just asking and listening. Universally, people are extremely pissed off.

While I may be polarized on this issue, its because its alarming its happening. So you are right, I may be a little extreme in this. However, here's what is easy to see from the outside looking in, in terms of what is about to happen here shortly. The debt ceiling is going to be raised, but not without serious debate from the republican side. They are already trying to push the issue to august. One republican senator has already withdrawn from the committee handling this. The Republicans (and I'm using them because they're the most obvious about it.) are trying very hard to push an agenda that lowers restrictions on business for billionaires, but are terrible for you and I. One example of this, is in my state, the push to privatize the prison system. Now, I live in Detroit. If you can't put together how bad of an idea it is to take a predominately black, poor, unemployed, "crime ridden" city and privatize the prison system, that's great for business, but horrible for everyone else here. Or take for example the stuff going on in Florida with the EPA. That's great for business, but we lose out in the end. Privatizing social security is good for business, but a very shitty idea for the seniors. There will be debate on the debt ceiling pushing more and more of these type of issues.

Americans in your eyes are probably fat stupid and lazy, and while that may be true for some, its not for everyone. People do see what is going on. I know I do and I hope you do as well. So at least we have the right thing going for us. What is happening is nearly objectively wrong. Now, the question of being loud. The voice of those that are right will win in this. It won't be one or two big mouth social engineers like it is right now, but the population banding together for a cause. It is inevitable. Something will come about as a result of this. Life as it is right now absolutely cannot continue.