[Scott from the Left Coast]

So, is Boehner listening or is he still worried about the "moral imperative" to take care of the baby-boomers and avoid "default"?

The simple fact is that our society and our government are completely corrupt. Politicians maintain their positions of extreme privilege by doling out money and benefits to voters - it is their ability to bribe that ensures their continued privilege. If you have real cuts or if you have the government unable to continue increased borrowing, then all you do is cripple the politician's ability to bribe the population with relative crumbs. It (default or some forced reduction in government spending) cripples the politicians, not the country. That's why none of them, of any political stripe, will ever cut or reduce anything related government's scope - they are purposely reducing their own power and privilege by doing so.

[EGPWS]

Politicians maintain their positions of extreme privilege by doling out [other peoples] money and benefits to voters - it is their ability to bribe that ensures their continued privilege.

Most politicians don't know anything else.

[jacknhoo]

That's what Obama is so upset about...he's promised big money to supporters and he needs every cent he can get to buy his reelection.

America is for sale!