The first business of the House of Representatives in 2011 was to read the U.S. Constitution. It was a laudable effort, even though they left parts out. Which member or members read the 14th Amendment? It would appear that the Republican leaders should take a look at Section 4 again: “The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for the payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion shall not be questioned. But neither the United States or any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States.” It would appear that failure to pay the public debt is a violation of the 14th Amendment. In light of this amendment, perhaps the “debt limit” is actually unconstitutional.
Hugh Shuford
Vancouver
