Perhaps the only answer !

It is becoming painfully apparent that the power and prestige of the American president is becoming eroded.     When Barack Obama publicly threatened a " red line " on the use of chemical weapons in Syria, his authority was diminished when they were used - and he did nothing !

The " Tea Party" wing of the Republican party senses blood in the water and have used their power to virtually shut down the government of the United States and send the public service on furlough.    It seems that their resolve may actually carry through to blocking a bill to increase the critical borrowing power of the country - and lead to it defaulting on it's debts.

This is the ultimate tactical use of political power.   A vote to end the shutdown and pass that money bill would probably be successful - if the leaders of the Republican party would let it go to the vote.   They are using their numbers to block it even reaching that stage while they try and force Obama to capitulate on his health care reform.

It seems farcical that the greatest military and economic power on the planet should be brought to it's knees by a minority of it's people refusing to allow the government - to govern !    Desperate situations require the brave to venture into unknown waters to create a workable solution.

It would be unrealistic to think that the founding fathers would not have provided emergency powers in the constitution to absolve just this sort of situation.   Perhaps Barack Obama should take the matter to the highest court in the land - the Supreme Court of the United States of America in Washington, and appeal to the Chief Justice and the eight Associate Justices to use their powers to save the country from anarchy and financial destruction.

It would be reasonable to ask the Supreme court to declare the terms of office of all members of the House of Representatives - and of the Senate - vacant, and order a fresh election.

Similar action has happened in other world countries, and Australians will remember a day in 1975 when supply was blocked and a government defied the constitution and refused to take the matter to the people.   The " Reserve Powers " came into play - and the obstacle was removed.

There is every likelihood that Obama would be vindicated.   On a previous shutdown, the voters at a subsequent election punished the Republican party for it's tactics and voiced their disapproval.  Such a bold step would go a long way to restoring the credibility of the American president.

The world economy is at cross roads.  To do nothing seems to ensure economic disaster !