Prickly City by Scott Stantis for May 22, 2023

Not going to happen!

That sinking feeling!

Under Donald Trump, Republicans gave two TRILLION dollars in corporate welfare and tax giveaways for the few richest elites who already had the most and ran up 40% of the entire national debt, and now they don’t want to pay for it, unless it is on the backs on the poorest and neediest among us, and they are willing to hold the world economy hostage to get their way.

If the congress will not amend the debt ceiling statute, the executive branch is nevertheless obligated to COMPLY WITH THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT prohibition against defaulting on debts.

The correct terminology should not be that we “invoke” the Fourteenth Amendment as if it were some kind of policy option. It is a constitutional mandate. It is not optional. The correct term should be “comply with” the Fourteenth Amendment.

If the debt ceiling limit cannot be addressed by statute in a way that does not require the president to avoid paying all bills as directed by congress, the Fourteenth Amendment must be complied with and bonded indebtedness incurred sufficient to pay all such debts.

The language of the Fourteenth Amendment is clear and unambiguous: “The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law … shall not be questioned.” No one who claims to be a “strict constructionist” or an “originalist” could possibly read it any other way.

The Republicans gave a huge tax break to people who have no need of more money, and want to take YOUR RETIREMENT MONEY to pay for it.

One thing that drives me crazy about Democrats is they’re lousy at messaging. They should say the above every single time they talk to a reporter.

Remind Sunny Boy it is McCarthy’s House of Representatives, chock full of (MAGA)nuts.

The Hill:

Florida Republican spars with Chuck Todd over Trump stance on debt ceiling:

https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/4014273-florida-republican-spars-with-chuck-todd-over-trump-stance-on-debt-ceiling/

Should have stayed off the trampoline, guys.

Let’s FALSE EQUIVALENCY this one, Stanti.

Ah

Once again: Republicans never EVER mention tax cuts in connection with the deficit.

Worse than that: They somehow believe that tax cuts for the rich and for patriotic multinational corporations will benefit them personally.

.

They can never explain, or even acknowledge either one.