As we debate whether or not the Republicans are deliberately attempting to sabotage the economy, don't forget that Eric Cantor has a real life financial stake in America's economic failure. Don't forget this from last June:
[Cantor], the Republican whip in the House of Representatives, bought up to $15,000 in shares of ProShares Trust Ultrashort 20+ Year Treasury ETF last December, according to his 2009 financial disclosure statement. The exchange-traded fund takes a short position in long-dated government bonds. In effect, it is a bet against U.S. government bonds — and perhaps on inflation in the future.
I don't know whether or not Cantor continues to short government bonds, but if he is, he'll make a fortune when and if the government defaults on the debt.