reply to post by jpm06002
We could do that. We certainly wouldn't be the first. There's nothing anyone could do to force payment, either, not when the US has about 3,300
nuclear warheads on hair trigger alert.
So what's the catch? For one, it would destroy the ability of the US to borrow funds overseas for a very long time. In order to do so, we would
have to pay exorbitant rates of interest. It would also destroy the value of the dollar and, as such, affect international trade. Second, it
would destroy the US' credibility in international affairs and international business dealings.
But you're right, it IS an option and it is not necessary to pay the foreign portion of the debt IF you're willing to live with the economic
consequences of defaulting on the debt.
[edit on 7-2-2009 by vor78]