[mewzilla]

We could lower the long-term rating to ‘AA’ within the next two years if we see that less reduction in spending than agreed to, higher interest rates, or new fiscal pressures during the period result in a higher general government debt trajectory than we currently assume in our base case.

They're blackmailing us into raising taxes.

Which is what the 'Rats have wanted all along.

[who knows what evil?]

Just want to take a moment to thank the 69 million people who voted for Obama. Thanks, you f****** idiots.

[Varsity Flight]

Correct, and with the big media “life-coaches” pitch for them.

NOTICE that no downgrade occurred when Vampire-Care was passed! See my above post.

[concerned about politics]

They're blackmailing us into raising taxes.

I don't think so. They're trying to sound neutral, but a tax increase will decrease consumer spending. Less spending, more lay offs. Less tax revenue. More safety net expenditures.
They started out saying the U.S. needs to cut spending by 4T, and they meant it. I'm sure Washington got the message, but will still ignore it.
The rest is simply to calm fears so the entitlement crowd doesn't resort to their raw animal instincts ( any more than they already have). Austerity is NOT what they want the citizens to "hear", but Washington has heard it, whether they like it or not.