As the United States government comes within breathing room of default on its credit obligations due to the Congress’ refusal to raise the federal debt limit, it’s a reminder that the “full faith and credit” of the government isn’t the only thing at stake in a society where uncertainty and broken promises have been normalized.
Pundits say the US is politically polarized between the Democrats and Republicans. But the two parties are more similar than alike: ideologically far to the right. From assassinations to preemptive wars to drones to kowtowing to business to backburnering the environment to torture, the Democrats and Republicans embrace extremist right positions.
Everything you need to know about how a bill becomes law – or not – in today’s dysfunctional Congress. From signing statements to invisible filibusters to debt limits, it’s the best system of government anyone ever came up with.
The Republican Party is threatening not to raise the debt limit unless President Obama and the Democrats accede to their list of demands, which includes defunding the Affordable Care Act. Economists believe that this would precipitate an economic downturn. Effectively, then, the GOP is holding economy hostage. So why don’t most Americans seem scared? Because for them, the downturn began years ago, and is merely continuing.
If you have a great idea in the age of the Internet, you need to push it out via social networks! But what if, after you’ve publicized your great idea, there’s no time left to execute your great idea?
According to a new poll, Americans are increasingly pessimistic about their future and that of their children. Half of Americans doubt they’ll get as raise or a better job within the next five years. But hey, we’re Americans. We’ll adapt!
Anyone in America could be a terrorist. That’s why the NSA is spying on all Americans. Because every American could be an American.
What if there were radical liberals pushing a left-wing agenda, and willing to do whatever it takes to get it enacted? The current “double-barreled showdown” over the federal budget and raising the debt limit is a reminder that American politics is a contest between the right and the further right.
On October 1, 2013, Americans are supposed to start shopping for insurance under new Healthcare Insurance Marketplaces established under the Affordable Care Act. But there has been no attempt by the government to explain what people should do. And the system is buggy and complicated. Here’s an “easy” guide to make it simple for you.
Of course, in case it isn’t obvious, the crappy graphics and excessive gradients and tiny fonts are intentional and an attempt to satirize the complexity and the inability of the government to make things simple and understandable.
Believe it or not, one entire paragraph is word for word taken from an official government press release about this. See if you can guess which one it is.
