this is what happens when the world’s most powerful country elects willful idiots into office, again and again, drunk on its own wealth and power:
World leaders expressed concern at the effect of the US vote.
“It will have a big impact on the US economy, and it will also greatly affect the global economy,” said Japanese Economics Minister Kaoru Yosano.
Australia’s Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said he had spoken to his British counterpart Gordon Brown and they agreed to urge the US Congress to reverse Monday’s decision
“The attitude that we will adopt… is to urge the United States Congress to pass this or a similar measure when it is represented to the Congress later this week,” said Mr Rudd.
Earlier, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva accused the US and other wealthy nations of financial irresponsibility that could jeopardise the economic progress made in recent years by developing countries.
Brazil’s Ibovespa stock index dropped 9.4% on Monday.
ignorance is bliss, until it isn’t.
from the NYT:
While there were lawmakers who opposed the package on the merits, with Election Day just five weeks away, substantial numbers decided that to favor the bill would be to imperil their own political futures. And once the vote was under way and so few Republicans were voting aye, Democrats were disinclined to force more of their members to help pass the unpopular plan.
Mustn’t upset the baby.
