House Republicans — now under the control of a minority of rather extremist members calling themselves the “Freedom Caucus” — are threatening to crash the nation’s economy by refusing to raise the debt ceiling. That means America would then be forced to refuse paying bills which are currently due — which incidentally would have no effect whatsoever on future spending. Gee, I wonder how things would go if you or I would just refuse to pay owed bills claiming we’ve reached our “debt ceiling”?

Among other things, such a historic and massive default would irreparably damage America’s credit, tank the economy, raise interest rates, and result in widespread job losses and soaring inflation. And the ripple effects throughout the world economy would be unimaginable.

So why are these Republicans doing this? Ironically, and supposedly in the name of “fiscal responsibility,” they are demanding cuts in certain types of programs. Which ones? As usual, those benefiting poor and working class Americans such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, and others.

This is dangerously insane. They are basically holding the American economy hostage as a way to cut programs which most Americans — other than the wealthy — depend upon.

Interestingly, Republicans happily raised the debt ceiling three times during the Trump administration, instituted huge tax cuts to wealthy corporations and individuals, and in doing so raised the national debt by 39% over that four-year period. In fact, 25% of our current national debt incurred over the past 230 years occurred during the Trump administration.

And they have the audacity to claim they are championing “fiscal responsibility”?!

The level of irony and hypocrisy here is truly stunning. Those entrusted by voters to represent and serve them, to help them get by and to make their lives better, should not be threatening to burn down the American economy to get their way, especially as their demands would also harm their constituents. But at least their wealthy corporate and individual donors will be happy, right?.

So buckle up. It looks like it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Dale E. Buonocore is a Warren resident.