Is the republican demand for spending cuts before raising the debt ceiling akin to suicide bomber threats?

Yes. Everyone knows the debt ceiling needs to be raised, and everyone knows what kind of economic chaos that could create if we don't. The Republicans' Game of Chicken with our debt and economy is very terrorist-like. They should just raise the ceiling and focus on making serious cuts in the 2012 budget, which will be due shortly. The Ryan Plan isn't going to see passage; it's only an opportunity for Republicans to admit they support gutting Medicare while giving the wealthy substantial tax cuts.