The fast-approaching deadlines — the government runs out of money Oct. 1, out of borrowing authority Oct. 18 — arrive at a moment when would-be responsible Republicans, chief among them House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, cannot control the lunatics in their caucus. This group is so consumed by distrust of government and hatred of Obamacare that it is willing to risk the full faith and credit of the United States.“The anarchists have taken over,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said last week. “They’ve taken over the House, now they’re here in the Senate.”Boehner’s angling to avoid a shutdown and instead use the debt ceiling for maximum leverage. Obama, having previously blinked, says he’s done with that: No more negotiating on the debt ceiling. Is it any wonder that there are doubters?Ruth Marcus’ email address is ruthmarcus@washpost.com.
The fast-approaching deadlines — the government runs out of money Oct. 1, out of borrowing authority Oct. 18 — arrive at a moment when would-be responsible Republicans, chief among them House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, cannot control the lunatics in their caucus. This group is so consumed by distrust of government and hatred of Obamacare that it is willing to risk the full faith and credit of the United States.“The anarchist
s have taken over,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said last week. “They’ve taken over the House, now they’re here in the Senate.”Boehner’s angling to avoid a shutdown and instead use the debt ceiling for maximum leverage. Obama, having previously blinked, says he’s done with that: No more negotiating on the debt ceiling. Is it any wonder that there are doubters?Ruth Marcus’ email address is ruthmarcus@washpost.com.