Debt, Default, and Democracy

2023-06-22T23:42:37-04:00

Debt ceiling, default, and democracy. Many in our country would add another “D”– dysfunction.

The recent debt ceiling debate in Washington DC had many lamenting it as “crazy” and a mis-guided process. In fact, the concern about the debt ceiling and the political process surrounding it is not new. You can go all the way back to 2006 when then-Senator Barack Obama opposed raising the debt ceiling during a Senate floor speech:

“The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. government can’t pay its own bills. ... I therefore intend to oppose the effort to increase America’s debt limit.”

Obama’s opposition to raising the debt ceiling in 2006 has morphed, 17-years later, into a desire to get rid of it:

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen: “I’d like to see it go.”

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell: “The debt ceiling is counterproductive.”

JP Morgan Chase CEO Jaime Dimon: “I would love to get rid of the debt ceiling.”

Moody’s Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi: “It’s just creating all kinds of havoc.”

Former vice chairman of the Federal Reserve Roger Ferguson: “It is an antiquated mechanism that brings the country to the precipice of default every few years.”

And this concern not only with respect to the debt ceiling itself but also the political process that delivers debt ceiling deals extends to the American public.

The apparent view within the American polity is that the nature of the political debates in Washington DC whether it be about the debt ceiling or something else – from the rancor, to the posturing, to the brinksmanship – is a reflection of a dysfunctional political system.

In fact, in a Gallup poll published just one-year ago, confidence in American institutions hit the all-time low of 27-percent (lowest since the measure began being tracked in 1979). Moreover, when looking at the three branches of government, each had sharp declines in the same polling:

US Presidency – Dropped 15-percentage points to 23-percent confidence
US Supreme Court – Dropped 11-percentage point to 25-percent confidence
US Congress – Dropped 5-percentage points to 7-percent confidence.

Equally notable, Americans have lost confidence in themselves.

Gallup found in a 2021 poll that trust among Americans to make good decisions within the US political process declined to just 55-percent. While still a majority of Americans, it is significantly down from the more than 80-percent confidence the other times Gallup conducted such a poll and the 78-percent confidence the American public had in itself following 9/11.

If Americans have not only lost confidence in US political institutions but also themselves to make good calls within the political system, this may well explain the anxiety the public has when it comes to issues like the debt ceiling.

Our adversaries – from Russia to China – could not write the story of decline of the United States any better – they revel in our crisis of institutions and lack of confidence in ourselves because it puts into question the viability and durability of the US political system itself.

Much of what is at issue is that the American public does not value the system itself. It views debate, the deliberateness (i.e. slowness) of the process, and the role of politicians to aggregate political perspective as a flaw of the system rather than a feature. Indeed, we tend to characterize that which is the usual machinations of democracy as dysfunction.

But what if the debate could be seen as actually a feature of the system – a reflection of a healthy system?

To begin to test this, let’s do a bit of a thought experiment.

What if our elected leaders were not debating one-another – and, yes, even yelling? Could the will of the people be properly reflected in the US political system? It is often pointed out that politicians are doing all this yelling and debate for votes. A response to such an observation could be: that’s exactly the point. It is a core, positive feature of our system to have politicians vying for the will of the American people. Yet, many in our country view the posturing of politicians as actually an attempt to represent narrow special interests and/or the machine of each political party.

The key point no matter whether one views debate, posturing, and fighting in our system as a flaw or a feature is that, for political debate to work, it requires participation. The people must directly participate in our political process to ensure the debate is a healthy debate as defined by a reflection of the will of the American people. The most tangible element of our participatory democracy that we all (over 18 years) have is, of course, the vote.

The most powerful aspect of our system is the fact that our leaders must regularly stand for election. It was one of the core revolutionary rallying-cries that our Founders ultimately fought for in opposition to the absolute power of the British monarchy. And this revolutionary rallying-cry – that the people could govern themselves – was ultimately enshrined in the US Constitution (and modified, over time, to ensure participation by all).

The vote – not to mention also the first amendment protections of free speech, free association, and free assembly – indeed, participation in our democratic process – is, in fact, the difference between our political debate being a flaw or a healthy feature of our system.

Perhaps the flaw in our system is not the way democracy unfolds – but instead whether we actually value the system itself.

We, as a country, must believe in our elections. We must also directly participate in the democratic process – as a guard against dysfunction and a guide towards a healthy process.

Therefore, what may be needed in our system is an appreciation of the role of citizen within the system itself.

What citizenship must be reflective of is a citizen-culture. We must re-build the culture in our country towards a concept of a healthy citizen-culture.

Perhaps some of the elements of a healthy citizen-culture could include understanding the system itself and the purposes behind its design. It may also include ways to get involved and engage in the political process. And it most certainly should include more pathways for public and national service – serving our country, serving our states, and serving our fellow citizens.

This combination of understanding the design of our system, directly engaging in the political process, and serving fellow citizens could go a long way towards building a citizen-culture that would renew our modern democratic Republic.

If we had a culture within American society that actually valued the features of our system – rather than seeing them as flaws to be controlled for or done away with – we may well be able to solve many of our problems in society through our system.

Including future debt ceilings….

Alex Gallo is the author of “Vetspective,” a RallyPoint series that discusses national security,
foreign policy, politics, and society. Alex also serves as the Executive Director of the Common
Mission Project, a 501c3, that delivers an innovation and entrepreneurship program, Hacking
for Defense®, which brings together the government, universities, and the private sector to solve strategic challenges. He is also a fellow with George Mason University’s National Security Institute, an adjunct professor in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University, and a US Army Veteran. Follow him on Twitter at @AlexGalloCMP.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jun 22 at 2023 11:52 PM

2023-06-22T23:52:21-04:00

CPT Alex Gallo Thank you for sharing such a well written editorial about the debt ceiling and the history, the effects on public perception and foreign countries. Numerous valid points, so refreshing to read properly formatted well researched information instead of some of the other things I have been seeing on RP lately,

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2023 4:00 PM

2023-06-23T16:00:30-04:00

Interesting read. As Abe said, "A house divided cannot stand". I fear we are heading towards a reckoning.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 24 at 2023 1:51 PM

2023-06-24T13:51:47-04:00

Who wrote this? lol

Response by 1LT Kenneth Fendley made Jun 25 at 2023 8:28 AM

2023-06-25T08:28:10-04:00

I got involved in politics in 1966, working with a young man in law school named Mitch McConnell Who is campaign chairman for the candidate for US Senate from Kentucky. I’ve seen politicians come and go, and I’ve seen politics morph into something ugly, particularly since 2016. I remember the days of Reagan and Tip O’Neill, on opposite sides of the political spectrum, but finding a way to work together. I’m not sure if or how that could ever be reclaimed.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Jun 25 at 2023 12:36 PM

2023-06-25T12:36:43-04:00

First, I am going to steal this and pass it on to some friends and a few political adversaries. I will give appropriate credit to Capt. Gallo.

Second, the major theme is one I constantly try to repeat: Our system is filled with corruption and problems, but it beats the hell out of whatever is in second place.

Third, I strongly encourage EVERY citizen to use their most precious right: VOTE!

Thanks, Capt. Gallo

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Jun 25 at 2023 2:22 PM

2023-06-25T14:22:29-04:00

Good afternoon CPT Alex Gallo. Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 27 at 2023 8:24 AM

2023-06-27T08:24:13-04:00

Before everyone panics, an honest look at the history of the US Monetary System says we have "defaulted" at least 4 time. First was 1862 during the Civil War when the US refused to redeem its Demand Notes for gold. Instead they paid in printed money that was discounted according to the fortunes or misfortunes of the Union Army.
Second time was 1933 when the US refused to Redeem it's Gold Bonds with gold. Again, printed money and paid off in depreciated paper currency.
The same type of thing happened again in 1968 when the US Government refused to redeem the Silver Certificates for Silver Dollars, and again paid for it with inflated paper currency.
The last was in 1971 when Nixon refused to pay foreign debt holders with gold per Britton Woods.

Response by Amn Dale Preisach made Jun 30 at 2023 2:18 PM

2023-06-30T14:18:53-04:00

When you're an alcoholic, the best course of action is not to keep drinking. When you're a spendthrift, the problem isn't helped by giving an unlimited charge account.

Response by 1stSgt Michael Shafer made Jul 1 at 2023 12:32 AM

2023-07-01T00:32:59-04:00

A true pleasure to read Captain!

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jul 3 at 2023 8:29 AM

2023-07-03T08:29:53-04:00

https://youtube.com/shorts/gazpRAkIYAc?feature=share

1.) United States is a federal constitutional republic

* JUNI 3, 2020

The United States is a federal constitutional republic, in which the President of the United States (the head of state and head of government), Congress, and judiciary share powers reserved to the national government, and the federal government shares sovereignty with the state governments.

There are major differences between the political system of the United States and that of most other developed democracies. These include increased power of the upper house of the legislature, a wider scope of power held by the Supreme Court, the separation of powers between the legislature and the executive, and the dominance of only two main parties. The United States is one of the world’s developed democracies where third parties have the least political influence.

The federal entity created by the U.S. Constitution is the dominant feature of the American governmental system. However, most residents are also subject to a state government, and also subject to various units of local government. The latter can include counties, municipalities, and special districts.

SOURCE : https://ar.usembassy.gov/u-s-government/

2.) Our American Government

The foundation of our American Government, its purpose, form and structure are found in the Constitution of the United States.

The Constitution, written in 1787, is the "supreme law of the land" because no law may be passed that contradicts its principles. No person or government is exempt from following it.

The Constitution establishes a federal democratic republic form of government. That is, we have an indivisible union of 50 sovereign States. It is a democracy because people govern themselves.

It is representative because people choose elected officials by free and secret ballot. It is a republic because the Government derives its power from the people.

In order to achieve this purpose the Founding Fathers established three main principles on which our Government is based:

* Inherent rights: Rights that anyone living in America has;

* Self Government: Government by the people; and

* Separation of Powers: Branches of government with different powers.

SOURCE : https://clyburn.house.gov/fun-youth/us-government#:~:text=The%20Constitution%20establishes%20a%20federal,by%20free%20and%20secret%20ballot.

3.) The difference between a constitutional republic and a democracy

The USA has been a Constitutional Republic since 1789: “A continual republic is a state in which the head of state and other officials are representatives of the people and must govern within an existing constitution. In a constitutional republic, executive, legislative, and judicial powers are separate into distinct branches.”

There is a difference between a constitutional republic and a democracy. A “democracy is run by people and republic is run by the laws of constitution.”
A Constitutional Republic is a system of laws to protect citizens and contain government.

Tyranny of Democracy is not an idle statement. 51.1 percent may force it’s will on 49.9 percent in a Democracy!

This is on display in the House of Representative’s current impeachment dealings, which are controlled by a Democratic majority.

Last modified: March 9, 2023

A republic is where the people delegate their responsibility to elected representatives in government to make decisions.

A democracy is a form of government where every person has a voice. This could be by representation or directly.

Is the United States a democracy or a republic?

The United States of America is defined as a constitutional republic.

Continue reading to find out what the different terms mean.

What Does a Constitutional Republic Mean?

Let’s break it down.
First, the “constitutional” part refers, of course, to the United States Constitution.

The Constitution functions as the supreme law of the land – by “supreme law,” we mean that no laws made by state governments or the federal government can contradict it.
Suppose a specific law is believed to go against the United States Constitution.

In that case, the Supreme Court’s Justices will decide whether it does or not according to their interpretations of the Constitution.

SOURCE : https://constitutionus.com/democracy/is-the-united-states-a-republic/

America is NOT a Democracy

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Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2023 9:49 AM

2023-07-05T09:49:10-04:00

There is nothing the matter with saying this is your budget and it needs to last you the entire year. The President AND Congress has one job that needs to be performed annually and thru just can’t do it. Why do we keep voting for them. Speaking for myself, I have no more money to give them.

Response by CPT Richard Trione made Jul 5 at 2023 5:58 PM

2023-07-05T17:58:28-04:00

Great editorial! Thank you!

Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made Jul 7 at 2023 2:14 AM

2023-07-07T02:14:44-04:00

“The most powerful aspect of our system is the fact that our leaders must regularly stand for election. It was one of the core revolutionary rallying-cries that our Founders ultimately fought for in opposition to the absolute power of the British monarchy.”

How many of my fellow veterans do not vote? I cast my first vote in 1971 while stationed in Minot, ND. I have never missed an election because I do refuse to be cynical, even when presented with evidence of fraud (hey, I live in Arizona….‘Nuf said.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Jul 7 at 2023 4:31 PM

2023-07-07T16:31:14-04:00

America is not a democracy.
We are a Constitutional Republic but "they" want it to be a communist dump/democracy.

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Jul 7 at 2023 6:17 PM

2023-07-07T18:17:01-04:00

The debt ceiling is a distraction from what's really going on: debt spending! We don't "pay" for anything any more, not since the promise to pay in lawful money was removed from our currency! In economics, a "note" is a "promise to pay." US notes, and then Federal Reserve notes, used to have a promise to pay in "lawful money (gold or silver coin) printed on them. Once the promise to pay in lawful money was removed, we changed to an all-debt money system. It works (sort of), in that if you present a Federal Reserve note to a vendor they will exchange it for a "good" or service, no questions asked! The note has at least psychological value because everyone is used to using the notes as payment. If everyone knew and understood that there was absolutely nothing backing up the notes except the "good" credit of the United States, some might have second thoughts! Until then, the system is useful enough, but over time, what does a debt ceiling really mean? Right! Nothing! All the US needs to do is keep passing continuing resolutions and then borrow what we don't have, and then tax out of the economy the surplus money causing inflation, right? It's a MESS because the average citizen hasn't a clue how our money system works. Which is OK, right, because our money has at least psychological value? Any questions? Hooah!

Response by Carlos Barrera made Jul 10 at 2023 10:30 PM

2023-07-10T22:30:36-04:00

Parece que la "deuda" aparte de ser en divisas se ha convertido en "deuda moral y polìtica" de quienes dirigen los desttinos de esta Gran Naciòn" socabando la base social de la Democracia cuando las cuentas no reflejan el verdadero estado de la Nación y de los resultados surge la duda y la inconformidad sobre la administración de los recursos pùblicos entre los ciudadanos, preocupados para que resurja la Patria a una sana economía. En el fondo no es la política "bien intensionada", que busca solucionar el déficit, sino "Los polìticos" que quizas sin quererlo mezclan intereses personales con intereses de la nación, afectando la seguridad interna nacional y enviando señales equivocadas a las naciones que estàn penndientes de devorarnos vivos ante una supuesta decadencia.
Por esto digo que la obligación política de los políticos es empezar a bajar y a acortar la brecha de la "deuda moral y política" frente a sus ciudadanos para que por necesaria consecuencia baje el "techo de la deuda Pública"
La Democracia capitalista, se evalua por el buen resultado en la gestion y manejo de la cosa pública porque el mal ejemplo desmoraliza y acaba con la paz ciudadana y esto descansa en todos los poderes en los que se soporta nuestra Institucionalidad Democrática. Mejor gestión mejor participación ciudadana, mejor imagen del Paìs, vital para una sòlida cultura Democrática que ya subyace en el inconsciente colectivo de todos los ciudadanos que amen la Primera Potencia Mundial" en todos los aspectos.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2023 3:09 AM

2023-07-11T03:09:18-04:00

"Perhaps some of the elements of a healthy citizen-culture could include. . . ." removing repeated tax cuts to the rich and making the rich pay for being rich. Rather than penalize the poorest, the least powerful, by continuing to cut services to this group of Americans, be fair: make the rich pay down the debt as they certainly can and certainly should. Make the rich pay until there is no deficit. Same with social security: Make the rich pay without a cap. Doing so, there'd be no "crisis" in social security solvency. Anytime there are financial problems, let the rich pay until there are no problems. Rich-rich getting rich caused and causes all capitalist-financial problems. So, make the rich less rich. They'll still be rich. So, it's no big deal. But the rich paying for being rich is a great big deal to all the rest, the 99% of us. Whatever caused the 99% of us push to fizzle????

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2023 4:52 PM

2023-07-27T16:52:14-04:00

The problem is our current politicians all "kick the can, down the road" and at some point we will either default or it will be time to "pay the piper." Increasing the debt ceiling is asinine. Imagine if you had a credit card which you were over extended on, and instead of making payments or heaven forbid "paying it off" you were able to get your lender to raise the debt ceiling?! Your creditor would never get all of the money which is owed to them, it's not sustainable.

Response by Amn Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2023 1:30 AM

2023-08-21T01:30:25-04:00

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Response by PO1 Wayne Merritt made Sep 20 at 2023 8:59 AM

2023-09-20T08:59:00-04:00

How can America be healthy when we don't even know what "type" of government we have? We are NOT and NEVER WERE , WAS or IS a Democracy. - 51% don't make up laws. We are , in case you care, a CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC and that my American Friends, has NEVER changed. Sorry if this doesn/t meet the criteria of your article, but what goods any article when we don't know our own government