I don't know specifics of how a downgrading by the major rating agencies might affect our economy but I suspect it wouldn't be good. I do think it would allow the grin on the "face" of other countries to grow wider.

The bill signed into law IMO is simply a band-aid, and worse, a band-aid with no sticky stuff to make it adhere. I doesn't reduce the problem it only slows the growth of the problem. Members of Congress are only putting the big problem off farther into the future. I liken it to "kicking the can down the road", but first wrapping it in a towel so it reduces the noise it makes.

The bill signed into law IMO is simply a band-aid, and worse, a band-aid with no sticky stuff to make it adhere. I doesn't reduce the problem it only slows the growth of the problem. Members of Congress are only putting the big problem off farther into the future. I liken it to "kicking the can down the road", but first wrapping it in a towel to reduce the noise it makes.

The serious damage done by the wrangling in Congress is going to be with us for some time IMO. They have shattered confidence in the Democratic process. For seven months they have played the political game without regard to damage being caused to our country--pure self promotion, idealism, and utter disregard for our children's future.

Their lack of action and cooperation displayed an ugly side of humanity, and constituents as well as investors are disgusted and fed up with the system. Investors, basically, want out. That seriously harms them in the future, creating another problem when they reach retirement age.

Our image within the country as well as outside has been harmed. As an interviewee on TV said, "Our skirts were lifted and the world didn't like what they could see."