So we hit the debt limit...

[alfred russel]

I was hoping there would be a new different argument for the ceiling to be unconstitutional in that piece, but alas. I think McConnell's plan sounds much more unconstitutional to me, as it's sort of delegating part of the powers of the purse to the executive. Maybe not outright unconstitutional, but certainly making the separation of powers more squishy than intended. Wouldn't be the first time, but still. I think when the debt limit came in during the war, it was probably a way to allow the executive more leeway while still retaining ultimate spending power in the Congress. It is, in itself, a compromise on the constitutional intent. Again maybe not unconstitutional on those grounds, but...squishy.

MIM, there is nothing in the constitution about needing a debt limit. Congress passes appropriations, and the Executive spends them. Maybe it is unconstitutional to let the president set a debt limit (theoretically he could refuse to increase it, and just not spend on the programs he doesn't like, creating a back door line item veto), but I would think the remedy would be to toss the whole debt limit out.

[alfred russel]

James K. Galbraith argues that there is in fact no actual crisis beyond that manufactured by political posturing, and that the Debt Ceiling is in fact unconstitional here: http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/07/11/the_catastrophic_debt_ceilng_debate/index.html

I've read some rather convincing take downs of that argument. Maybe there is something to the idea that if the debt ceiling isn't increased we will still have to make debt payments from our current revenues, but that doesn't mean people are going to keep getting their medicare (and actually would make it less likely they get their medicare).

Maybe a real lawyer could chime in.

[Jacob]

The argument about the 14th Amendment has been made elsewhere, and much, much better than this schmuck does.  His airy dismissal of the debt is similarly unimpressive.

"Shtetl haggler" and now "schmuck" - what's with all the Yiddishisims? Is the Yi in your name short for Yiddisher?

[CountDeMoney]

So you down to buying guns and canned food now, Seedy?

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/index.asp

You tell them I'm coming, and Hell's coming with me.

You do realize that there's a clause in the Canadian Pledge of Allegiance about football having only 3 downs, right?

SON OF A

[CountDeMoney]

Language abilities

Canada has two official languages—English and French. You need to have adequate knowledge of one of these two languages in order to become a Canadian citizen.

The citizenship knowledge test and your interaction with CIC staff will be used to assess if you have an adequate ability to communicate in either English or French. CIC staff will observe

    * your ability to understand basic spoken statements and questions, and
    * your ability to communicate basic information or respond to questions.

For example, as part of your interaction with departmental staff or as part of your written test or your interview with a citizenship judge, you will be expected to:

    * answer simple questions on familiar topics, using short sentences;
    * show that you know enough words for basic everyday communication;
    * tell a simple story about everyday activities;
    * speak about something you did in the past (or will do in the future);
    * give simple everyday instructions and directions; and
    * express satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

I wish we had that.

[Neil]

Your immigrants are all illegal anyways, so it wouldn't matter what sorts of laws you make.

[jimmy olsen]

I think he's the worst we've had since Carter.  I never thought we'd have a president that would make me miss Clinton this much.

He's a complete Clinton clone, if there's any difference he's further to the right.

[HisMajestyBOB]

It should mystify you-- because I didn't say it.  I don't fear a Bachmann presidency like you guys do.  She's not my first choice, nor is she my second, third, etc.  But I agree with her politically a lot more than I do Obama.

http://www.politifact.com/personalities/michele-bachmann/

You agree with lies?

[Razgovory]

It should mystify you-- because I didn't say it.  I don't fear a Bachmann presidency like you guys do.  She's not my first choice, nor is she my second, third, etc.  But I agree with her politically a lot more than I do Obama.

http://www.politifact.com/personalities/michele-bachmann/

You agree with lies?

He does get his news from Breitbart, a blog site that alters videos to serve their purposes.

[CountDeMoney]

He's a complete Clinton clone,

You're a putz.

[Razgovory]

I think he's the worst we've had since Carter.  I never thought we'd have a president that would make me miss Clinton this much.

He's a complete Clinton clone, if there's any difference he's further to the right.

Republicans hated Clinton so much they blew up a federal building.

[Neil]

I think he's the worst we've had since Carter.  I never thought we'd have a president that would make me miss Clinton this much.

He's a complete Clinton clone, if there's any difference he's further to the right.

Republicans hated Clinton so much they blew up a federal building.

I don't think that was the Republican Party.

[MadImmortalMan]

MIM, there is nothing in the constitution about needing a debt limit.

I know. I think it's unnecessary to have it at all. And I don't like the idea of it if it's intended as a method for the Congress to devolve some of their powers to the executive. The McConnell thing goes farther in that direction. That's why I have distaste for it.

[Razgovory]

I don't think that was the Republican Party.

McVeigh was a registered Republican, though he was leaning toward Libertarian.

[Neil]

I don't think that was the Republican Party.

McVeigh was a registered Republican, though he was leaning toward Libertarian.

So what?  When a black person robs someone, they are robbed by a black person, not the Democratic Party.