Letter to the editor: Republicans holding us hostage

I have some question for voters who cast ballots which nominally granted control of the U. S. House of Representatives to the Republicans:

Is it acceptable to you that a high-stakes game of chicken will be played over whether to increase the debt ceiling, an action which enables the country to pay its bills, that members of the GOP will refuse to act unless the administration and the Democrats agree in exchange to significantly reduce spending?

Why did the Republicans vote to increase the debt ceiling without challenge multiple times under presidents of their party?

Is an agreement to reduce federal spending in exchange for increasing the debt ceiling important enough to you that you are willing to risk a collapse of the national economy, international economies and the stock market?

Are you willing to accept higher interest rates that the government will be required to pay on its massive debt if it brings about a default or even threatens one?

Is blackmail in which all of us are held hostage acceptable in a bid to reduce spending?

Oren Spiegler

Peters