We got downgraded because we have a budget that's out of control.
GDP comes from how well the economy is doing. Most say that we need to grow at rate of at least 4% annually to survive. Harry Reid has blocked every bill from the House that has anything to do with the economy. As long as there is a Democratic President and Senate, the economy will be anemic. They're either stupid or they want it that way.
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"Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice." -Thomas Paine
The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government."