Call to Action: Tell Leaders in D.C. to Raise the Debt Ceiling

Investors are jittery about D.C.'s inability to raise the debt ceiling, so they are seeking alternatives to U.S. bonds. AEM has been discussing the ramifications of not raising the debt ceiling and interest rates on student loans over the past week, and interviewed several experts who painted a grim picture of what will happen to indentured educated citizens if the U.S. loses its AAA rating.

As already stated, there is a likelihood that the U.S.'s credit rating will be downgraded to AA status. That means that variable rates on student loans could increase, and borrowers seeking loans will have a harder time obtaining them. Just to be clear, I do not believe people should have to take out loans to finance their education - as I have stated countless times. In fact, I am so "radical" that I believe higher education ought to be free. But neoliberalism has triumphed, and turned higher education into a market, and one that has been highly lucrative for people like Albert Lord and [insert for-profit President's name here]. But I digress.

The Nation has written a great piece about the situation. It's called, "Shut Up. Raise The Ceiling." 

Call your representatives in D.C. and politely tell the ones who are refusing to act on this simple, procedural mater immediately. Send them tweets asking them to raise the debt ceiling. Tell them you don't care if they signed a promise to not raise taxes. Tell them you are tired of them working against the interests of the American people. Tell them that, if they have been opposed to raising the debt ceiling, they are economic terrorists and victimizing millions of people in the U.S.

Some quick facts on the debt ceiling. Right-wing "wonks" are conflating it with raising taxes. Anyone who understands the difference knows that's crap. The debt ceiling was raised under Bush seven times. It was raised under Reagan eighteen times. 

As a struggling, underemployed freelance writer and activist, the needless focus on the debt ceiling infuriates me. I blame both parties, too. Moreover, most of these clowns make no mention joblessness anymore. This shows the level of dysfunction and corruption in D.C. While I am looking forward to reconnecting with my contacts on the Hill, and meeting new folks there, I am discouraged by our leaders' inability to actively solve problems.

Related Links


"Sell Those Indenture Instruments Immediately! The Debt Ceiling Disaster and Student Loans," AEM (July 25, 2011)

"The Debt Ceiling Fiasco and Student Loans," AEM (July 25 ,2011)