Somewhat inspired by James's commitment to post something positive about a liberal, I will now post something reasonably positive about a "conservative". I'm no fan of Cantor particularly, but it is nice to see the GOP come up with a good idea on how to use their leverage rather than sheer obstruction:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/18/eric-cantor-debt-ceiling_n_2505001.html

The first step to fixing this problem is to pass a budget that reduces spending. The House has done so, and will again. The Democratic Senate has not passed a budget in almost four years, which is unfair to hardworking taxpayers who expect more from their representatives. That ends this year.

We must pay our bills and responsibly budget for our future. Next week, we will authorize a three month temporary debt limit increase to give the Senate and House time to pass a budget. Furthermore, if the Senate or House fails to pass a budget in that time, Members of Congress will not be paid by the American people for failing to do their job. No budget, no pay.