The Florida Governor, And Economics 101

Gov. Rick Scott of Florida, and CNN's "American Morning" anchors, collaborated yesterday to show the world why Congress has been unable to raise the national debt limit, which must be done--and soon--to prevent the federal government from defaulting on its financial obligations.

The Governor has come out against the raising of the national debt limit, and is in favor of letting the United States slip into default. He was invited to appear on CNN to clarify and explain his position--which is contrary to the thinking of most respected economists. Nearly all of the experts say that failure by Congress to increase the debt ceiling could have catastrophic consequences.

The interview is noteworthy because Gov. Scott echoes the thinking of many Tea Party members of Congress, who are opposing the necessary increase, and whose obstinacy has the nation on the brink of default.

When questioned as to the why of his position, the Governor cited the need to cut spending. When told that not raising the debt limit meant not paying for what Congress has already spent, the Governor stil offered the same response.

In an effort to get through to the Governor, CNN's Christine Romans likened the federal government's debt situation to that of an individual with a credit card that becomes maxed out. The individual can stop spending, but charges for purchases already made have to be paid.

Just like the Tea Party members of Congress, the Governor seemed unwilling to think about any point of view except his own. Finally, in exasperation, CNN's chief business correspondent, Ali Velshi, asked, "Governor, why is this so difficult for you to understand?"

That question makes one wonder if Governor Scott was ever enrolled in that college course known as Economics 101.