Talking about fantasy and bogeymen, here's the latest from China:

“As U.S. politicians of both political parties are still shuffling back and forth between the White House and the Capitol Hill without striking a viable deal to bring normality to the body politic they brag about, it is perhaps a good time for the befuddled world to start considering building a de-Americanized world,” according to a stinging op-ed article by state news agency, Xinhua.

The article, published Sunday, conveyed Beijing’s frustration with the spending and debt impasse that has paralyzed Washington for more than two weeks.
"Days when the destinies of others are in the hands of a hypocritical nation have to be terminated, and a new world order should be put in place, according to which all nations, big or small, poor or rich, can have their key interests respected and protected on an equal footing,” the piece added.

Dave, it's not only me: the IMF and now China's mouthpiece have described potentially devastating losses for the world. I stand by polls indicating Americans blame Republicans more than Democrats. Boehner will pull it out. The United States of America, richest and most powerful nation in the world, cannot afford to default on its obligations. Forget the money, for its reputation alone.