That’s good to hear, even if it is only one Alabama congressman’s opinion. A government that defaults on its debt can expect few good fiscal outcomes.
But count Bonner as one of those in Washington who at least has said what’s long been apparent: that many Americans are tired of the clichéd gamesmanship that dominates much of national politics these days.
“There’s a weariness factor that is a part of this, because people, they feel like they’ve heard this same song and verse many times before,” Bonner told the Mobile Press-Register this week. “At the end of the day, some decision will be made at the last minute, and we will avoid a train wreck.”
This week, Bonner, Alabama Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions and other members of the state delegation have either reiterated their support of the so-called “cut, cap and balance” measure or panned the Democrats’ compromise efforts.
On his website, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, voiced his strong support for HR2560, the cut, cap and balance proposal that has passed the House but will die quickly in the Senate, which Democrats control.
“Instead of following the lead of folks across America who have tightened their belts in these tough economic times, Washington just keeps spending its way deeper in a hole,” Rogers said. “This bill makes cuts and caps to spending, but most importantly, it forces Washington to live within its means.”
Shelby told the Press-Register that a government default on its debt “would be a disaster,” but later he tried to be less apocalyptic — somewhat. “It would not be a good situation. On the other hand, it’s not a good situation to continue to borrow and spend. We’re damned either way.”
Let’s assume that doesn’t mean the senator is throwing up his hands in disgust.
We’ll reiterate that we would prefer a simple increase of the debt ceiling free of strings. That’s the best outcome from this crisis. There’s no reason to loophole or earmark a legislated fix to death. Short of that scenario, we strongly argue that any bipartisan deal be strong enough to withstand the turbulence that will surely follow.
In the meantime, Washington would be wise to remember Bonner’s admonition about Americans’ weariness of this “same-song” politics.
