if it doesn't reduce the debt - either with taxes or cutting expenditures. Notice they gave the administration "3-4 years" so as to allow for an Obama re-election before raising taxes. Then it's all hell breakin' loose for taxes. Either that or let the rating fall and apologize for the fact that we ever had a Triple-A in the first place and appeal to our "empathy for those nations that never had top rating. This would also fit into the progressive p.r. agenda.

Rating agencies can be wrong and something counter productive or just a waste of time.

I'd say inflation is coming, though. Then the USA will pay off all it's debts with cheap money.

I see your point.