The American People want an open civilized discussion and decision as to what's on the table for cutting and when! We do not want one party alone holding all the cards and calling the shots, like the 'Snidely Whiplash' Party is attempting to perpetrate at this time! If the economy is in utter chaos at the November 2012 election, the People will be voting their wallet, and that will be for Democrats not the Republicans !!
It is idiotic for any politician to make a pledge that they will 'never under any circumstance ask for a revenue increase'. On the other hand the Democrats haven't been at all historically serious about controlling the Debt. Congress, Stop the blame-game; Get together and take it one step at a time. First of all it would be immoral to just deny the poor elderly and disabled their monthly benefit income while oneself is sitting fat and happy, as well as what a US default would do to the World Economy! It must be agreed on how and where cuts are made, instead of being a 'Jack the Ripper' like the tea party is demanding right now.
Turn on the TV and listen to all three networks and compare. The whole thing could snowball into a last days scenario, if we don't do what's necessary and step back from the brink. I agree we need a balanced budget amendment, but haste makes waste. It needs to be Well Thought Out and Debated, not Rammed Down the Throat of America!