Kudos to President Barack Obama for rejecting the Republican proposal for a short term increase in the debt limit ("Obama and Republicans struggle to break fiscal impasse," Oct. 11).

There can be no negotiations until the debt ceiling is raised and a budget is passed. The Congress has a Constitutional duty to raise the debt ceiling and fund the government, and these duties under the Constitution are absolute and not subject to conditions or negotiations.

Blackmail and hostage taking constitute criminal offenses and have no role in the running of government.

Jack Kinstlinger, Towson