The economic crisis is real and pressing. It is not a partisan issue. The Democratic majority in congress is willing to go along with the bail-out on the grounds that it is necessary for the sake of the country's economy. Naturally, the Democrats want the Republicans to join them and present a united front. But the House Republicans see an opportunity for political gain.

In my view, they are not thinking about the urgency of addressing the economic crisis, or the misery and pain that failure to act will caue to millions of Americans.

Instead, they sense a clever way of hurting the Democrats. And, again in my view, they are willing to let the economy fall into a shambles if it will benefit their narrow partisan interests.