I am wondering if there are any self described "conservatives here" who can agree with any of the following statements:
The GOP is primarily responsible for the fact that the government is shut down. No, Obama and Dems never passed a budget or got spending under control as they all promised they would when running to be elected. Both parties have done this and thus both parties are near equally to blame
The deficit is lower this year than last.
Incorrect, The deficit is lower on the books, but the FEDR is spending over 1 trillion a year stimulating the markets. If you credit Obama with a "recovery' based on markets, then you must hold Obama accountable for the spending that causes the rich investors to get richer.
Failure to raise the debt ceiling will have a negative effect on our economy.
Possibly, but so would raising it.
It is not wise for the GOP to try and use the debt ceiling approval as a bargaining chip in negotiations.
I don't really care to advise Republicans, they are progressive lite and have no intention of cutting any spending as proven when they had a super majority and Bush. However, the debt ceiling and default will destroy Obama even more, and seeing that all the 2 parties care about is bullshit ways to hurt each other leaves no room for taking a position on an issue because "its the right thing to do." rather we get crap like a shutdown where Obama and Dems bank on it hurting republicans more than it hurts them, likewise the Reps bank on it hurting Obama and Dems more than it hurts them. Reality is it hurts US citizens and both parties count on people like the OP to pick a side and blame the other.
Anyone?