WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama had a simple message for Republicans in Congress: Do it my way.

Tribune editorial

The debt ceiling debate in Washington raises economic and constitutional questions that are not easily answered.

The debt ceiling debate in Washington raises economic and constitutional questions that are not easily answered.

The debt ceiling debate in Washington raises economic and constitutional questions that are not easily answered.

The average consumer may feel far removed from the heated debates on Capitol Hill concerning the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling, which the nation could crash into next week. But the truth is, American households are dealing with plenty of their own red ink, and the debt issues that lawmakers must solve to get the nation back on track are similar to those facing consumers.

Guest commentary by Jeff Flake

East Valley officials expect no immediate impact on their municipalities' day-to-day operations should the federal government default on its debt next week.

Jon Beydler

It seems almost a certainty that the first paycheck most Americans cash in January 2013 is going to be smaller than their last paycheck in December.

Scott Beaulier and Peter Boettke: Rather than incur painful, gradual inflation taxes, we would prefer to see politicians come clean. Debts will be erased once and for all, and the legitimacy of the state will, in one fell swoop, be called into question. 

Arizona’s outgoing senator and the East Valley’s newest congressman had dire things to say about the federal deficit and national debt in an address to the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday, though they hailed what they called better dialogue and brainstorming about the issues.

WASHINGTON — Efforts to save the nation from going over a year-end "fiscal cliff" were in disarray as lawmakers fled the Capitol for their Christmas break. "God only knows" how a deal can be reached now, House Speaker John Boehner declared.