I note with interest that 35.6 percent of poll responders and at least one letter writer (Robert Duff) think that Congress should not raise the debt ceiling. Tough stuff. Not raising the debt ceiling would mean that the U.S. could not pay debts that we have already incurred.
So people who by U.S. Treasury bonds would not be paid, debts owned to U.S. companies could not be paid, Social Security checks might not be issued. The executive branch is required by law to pay debts that Congress has authorized, yet these folks think that it is OK not to do that.
Just how is this the right thing to do? Raising the debt ceiling does not authorize the president to spend more money as many have suggested. The executive branch can only spend money that Congress has authorized, and right now the executive branch has to borrow money to pay for what Congress wants.
I guess another way would be to raise taxes or cut spending, but each of these must be done by Congress and cannot be done by the president.
Patrick Williams
Millsboro
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to viewpoints@capegazette.com. All letters are considered at the discretion of the newsroom and published as space allows. Due to the large volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge receipt of each submission. Letters must include a phone number and address for verification. Keep letters to 400 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content or length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Letters should focus on local issues, not national topics or personalities. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days regarding a particular topic. Authors may submit a second letter within that time period if it pertains to a different issue. Letters may not be critical of personalities or specific businesses. Criticism of public figures is permissible. Endorsement letters for political candidates are no longer accepted. Letters must be the author’s original work, and may not be generated by artificial intelligence tools. Templates, form letters and letters containing language similar to other submissions will not be published.
