You don't have to default on the debt if you don't raise the debt limit. Those are two separate things.
Asking for a plan to balance the budget is not unreasonable.
Are you saying if the government were to cut 1.6 trillion over 6 years that will cause a global financial crisis?
Thats bullshit and you know it. Thats like 250 billion / year, even less when revenues pick up. Give me a fucking break.
Either they don't increase the debt limit and they are forced to balance the budget right here and now, or you sign on to a plan that balances it in 5-6 years.
Thats what I want to do. Thats the only leverage they have against the spending.