The possibility of US default is obviously negligible, but the pantomime itself has impact on market confidence, as well continuing to
erode the US public’s esteem of political institutions, so it’s worth understanding the whys and wherefores of this ritual, which
Lyn Alden explains better than most. Also good piece at 45 min mark on GFC root of move to multi-polarity. All this stuff cascades down to us in recruiting at some point, so worth knowing the why as much as the what.