Republicans must stand firm:
We can't raise the debt ceiling, non-starter, no compromise
We can't raise taxes, non-starter, no compromise
We can't increase spending, non-starter, no compromise
Obama stating that if no agreement by Aug. 2 means he can't guarantee social security checks will go out after Aug. 3 is a scare tactic. There is no reason social security checks cannot go out without a raise in the debt ceiling. If we raise the debt ceiling than the government will borrow more money. The government has already borrowed enough money.
source: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/07/12/round-4-white-house-debt-meetings-to-begin-with-no-deal-in-sight/
