The Debt Ceiling Crisis, Continued

Democrats are exploring another long shot hope for preventing the U.S. from defaulting on its debts. It’s called a “discharge petition,” an esoteric procedure whereby the Democrats could bring about a clean vote on a bill to raise the debt ceiling despite opposition of the Republican majority to its being considered. To pass this sensible measure would require that five of the 222 Republicans in the House sign on to it. Any of them who do are likely to be shunned thereafter by the Party leadership. The price of doing the honorable thing would likely be the loss of one’s political career.

Remember Diogenes, who walked around ancient Athens with a lamp, looking for an honest man. That’s what the Democratic leaders are doing right now, searching for five Republicans who care more about saving the economy and America’s reputation than their political standing.