Washington is about to bump smack into the nation's debt ceiling, and the Obama White House is demanding that it be raised without any cost-cutting measures attached.
Republicans say no -- raising the prospect of the government lacking sufficient funds to pay its bills.
That'd cause problems -- but if refusing to hike the limit is what it will take to start an adult discussion about the nation's finances, we say: Go for it, folks.
"I have to hold my ground," says freshman Rep. Mike Grimm (R-SI), "because otherwise I really believe . . . our economy will be destroyed."
The left is having none of it: The Working Families Party organized an anti-Grimm protest this week, essentially accusing him of voting to put old folks on ice floes and float them out to sea.
Grimm isn't the only target, of course.
But it doesn't seem as if the scare campaign is working.
A Gallup poll shows a plurality of seniors supporting Medicare reforms meant to help reduce deficit spending.
It seems voters are starting to realize that the debate is about the integrity of the dollar and whether the economy can support the safety net long-term.
That is, when Standard & Poor's downgraded America's credit rating last month, people noticed.
Democrats can demonize the GOP all they want, but if they do they'll be playing a mug's game. Indeed, several Senate Democrats announced last week that any debt-ceiling increase needs to include significant deficit-reduction measures.
America is beginning to pay attention, and that's good.
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