Have U.S. lawmakers lost the plot over the last few weeks? This editorial from Sweden’s Upsala Nya Tidning offers members of the U.S. Congress some practical advice about what to do about the U.S. debt ceiling, and some comparative politics just to remind them that America isn’t the only developed country struggling with debt and social safety net reform.
The Upsala Nya Tidning editorial says in part:
Now it’s really becoming embarrassing. We’ve been following the circus for a long time and now the whole U.S. economy is at risk with Democrats and Republicans continuing to argue. The debt ceiling must be raised by August 2 at the latest so that the country can afford to pay for pensions and interest on loans.
As a politician, making enemies among one’s own party members and voters or even risk one’s political career is obviously difficult. We hope that the drama in this serious, acute situation makes it easier for the parties to justify internal compromise.
There are times that the national interest must be held higher than party politics and electioneering. It is about practical patriotism, which is often praised in the United States.
We see several examples in the world around us in which both governments and the voters lack a sense of responsibility. For leaders, it’s about daring to take wise decisions – even if there is a cost. As voters, it’s more important that we keep ourselves well informed about the economic realities facing the country. In the end, it is our responsibility to neither reward economic frivolity nor punish politicians that dare to take tough decisions on behalf of the public good.
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