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Unfortunately, the computer systems used for government payments do not have the capability to prioritize payments, so that wasn't an option. We would stop payi
by scarmig 13y ago
Unfortunately, the computer systems used for government payments do not have the capability to prioritize payments, so that wasn't an option. We would stop paying at least part of our debt, and that puts us in a state of default.
- jessaustin 13y agoGranted, government-run computer systems have not impressed lately, but a claim that they are this outrageously awful should link to a reputable source. Otherwise it just seems like you pulled it out of your ass. No private corporation would tolerate an A/P system that fails to provide a prioritization and approval process.
- scarmig 13y ago"Pulled it out of my ass"? Harsh words for something that's common knowledge, especially as it's almost constantly mentioned (albeit often ignored) anytime anyone brings up prioritization of debt payments. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-shutdown-treasury-debt-limit-20131016,0,3357429.story http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-shutdown-treasury-debt... If you're so out of the loop that you haven't already heard about this issue, you get dozens of resources with a simple google.
- jessaustin 13y agoThanks for the operating the Google! I don't normally read the LA Times. The crux of it seems to be the proposition that bills are paid without human approval. I simply don't believe that. I realize the government has anti-fraud options unavailable to the private sector, but such a house of cards would have collapsed a long time ago. "Lew would not commit to prioritizing payments on government bonds if the debt limit is not raised. He said the decision would be up to Obama." No, I don't have a source to back up any of this. Sorry about the "ass" comment; I shouldn't have phrased my point in that manner.