On sequestration, Obama becomes extortionist in chief

At the end of 1995 and stretching into January 1996, the federal government "shut down" because of an impasse between President Bill Clinton and House Republicans led by then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich. The issue was increased taxes vs. less spending. Sound familiar? The government reopened when a bipartisan agreement was reached to balance the budget by 2003. Now the national debt is racing toward an unsustainable $17 trillion.

By Cal Thomas

February 23, 2013