What’s the fuss over the debt ceiling all about?

Cartoon by Mike Duncan & Jason Novak/The Morning News

Congress used to authorize the government to go into debt on a case-by-case basis, but that all changed with World War I.

If you’re still confused about the mass panic about the government defaulting on its debts, read this cartoon. You’ll learn more why we have a debt ceiling in the first place. Cartoonists Mike Duncan and Jason Novak appear to agree with Democrats on the motivations behind the current debt ceiling standoff, but regardless of your politics, the history they present is great context for the current battle in Congress.

For another perspective on why Congress is unable to come to an agreement on the shutdown and the debt limit, watch our interview with Republican Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee.

Click on the cartoon to read more.