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The US Ain't Broke, Mr. Boehner

The US Ain't Broke, Mr. Boehner

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Originally posted by Metal Brain
Even as the US dollar becomes worthless?

I guess counterfeiters are never broke. That is one way of looking at it.

What is the name of that game where everybody sits down in a chair after the music stops playing?
The fact that the US is able to borrow at historically low interest rates shows, among other things, that the US dollar is in no danger of becoming "worthless".

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Originally posted by no1marauder
The fact that the US is able to borrow at historically low interest rates shows, among other things, that the US dollar is in no danger of becoming "worthless".
Great!

Now we can borrow forever!

Flawed logic alert!

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Originally posted by Metal Brain
Great!

Now we can borrow forever!

Flawed logic alert!
Go ahead and show where the logic is flawed.

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A comparison with Japan shows that the US is a long, long way from a possible default.

Of course, it would be better if the deficit was resolved on the short to medium term.

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Originally posted by sh76
Both.
If the politicians can show me they are willing to cut spending (starting with their salaries and expenses) then I won't complain about a tax hike. The President missed a big opportunity to stick it to the republicans when his debt comission released its report.

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Originally posted by dryhump
If the politicians can show me they are willing to cut spending (starting with their salaries and expenses) then I won't complain about a tax hike. The President missed a big opportunity to stick it to the republicans when his debt comission released its report.
Surely you are aware that legislators' salaries are a negligible part of the federal budget?

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Originally posted by KazetNagorra
Surely you are aware that legislators' salaries are a negligible part of the federal budget?
The statement was about complaining about a tax hike, not balancing the budget.

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Originally posted by no1marauder
Go ahead and show where the logic is flawed.
First answer me this.

Why would anybody loan us money with such a low return? Do you really expect this to last forever?

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Originally posted by Metal Brain
First answer me this.

Why would anybody loan us money with such a low return? Do you really expect this to last forever?
Because the risk premium is extremely low (close to zero).

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Originally posted by KazetNagorra
Surely you are aware that legislators' salaries are a negligible part of the federal budget?
Yes, I am aware of that.

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Originally posted by no1marauder
Because the risk premium is extremely low (close to zero).
Risk of what?

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Saying you are not broke because you can go further into debt to pay the bills is stupid. To say a country has to default on the debt before it is broke is misleading.

If it ain't your money you are broke.

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Originally posted by Metal Brain
Risk of what?
Of the lender not getting paid.

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Originally posted by Metal Brain
Saying you are not broke because you can go further into debt to pay the bills is stupid. To say a country has to default on the debt before it is broke is misleading.

If it ain't your money you are broke.
What if you can borrow money by mortgaging a house you own? Are you broke in that case?

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Originally posted by dryhump
Yes, I am aware of that.
So why does it matter? Should politicians give themselves an (additional) big payrise whenever they enact a tax cut?