Severn Republicans React to Debt Ceiling Deal

In an article earlier this week, the New York Post reported Vice President Joe Biden said tea party Republicans were "acting like terrorists" when it came to negotiating a deal to raise the debt ceiling. 

Biden's words were in reaction to comments made by Mike Doyle (D-PA) during an irate speech where he said Democrats "have negotiated with terrorists," according to Politico.com. 

Yet, as the dust begins to settle after the maelstrom of political discourse that concluded in a deal to raise the debt ceiling, local Republicans of District 32 expressed their satisfaction that an agreement was reached—even if it wasn't what they exactly wanted. 

Stephen Reigle, president of the District 32 Republican Club, said it was too early to say how the debt ceiling deal would impact the nation in the long run.

"Any raise of the debt predictions can only do harm to our children and grandchildren," Reigle said. "It kind of makes you sick to the stomach to think about."  

Others are just happy that a deal was reached.

"What they have done is better than nothing. It's good that they raised the debt ceiling and they at least have some sort of plan to catch up on some of the debt," said Shirly Kaliszak. "I just wonder if over a 10-year period, things will really get caught up."

The deal came just in time for many government workers in Maryland who were waiting to learn if a prolonged discussion would result in job instability for federal employees.

"If federal jobs are cut, Maryland will take a hit and the result could be damaging long term," said Reigle. "I think Maryland is often spoiled due to all the government jobs and don't know the reality of the economy in the middle- and lower-class America." 

One club member, Bruce Green, was just pleased that Republicans fought hard on the debate.

"We're only in control of one of the three branches of government," Green said. "I'm just thankful that we've changed the debate a little bit. They've given up on stimulus being the solution and that's one positive for me."

Vice President Biden and Doyle labeled tea party Republicans as terrorists, but local tea party member and senior citizen, Debby McWilliams, was proud of her representatives.

"I'm a senior, I'm on social security and I'm proud to be a member of the Tea Party," McWilliams said. "I feel that those Republicans are the heroes and real American patriots." 

While most are probably glad to see politicians agree on the bill, Patrick Kaczmar was interested in a different solution.

 "It might have been nice to see the deal fail," Kaczmar said. 

Freelancer Terri Peters contributed to this article.