The new book "Blowback" is a spy thriller written by someone who knows from spies – former CIA officer Valerie Plame. Plame became a household name when in 2003 her cover was notoriously blown by a member of the Bush administration.

The government invaded Plame's privacy, but she is also somebody who understands the importance of intelligence. The former spy said recent and ongoing NSA surveillance controversies should spark a debate in this country.

"This really should begin a serious discussion, a debate, about the proper balance and dynamic between security and privacy," said Plame.

Asked if the U.S. leaned too much towards security, and too far away from privacy, Plame said, "I believe so."
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The last time the U.S. faced a debt ceiling deadline was back in 2011. Even though Congress reached an agreement in time, the eleventh hour decision had a lasting impact on the economy. According to the Treasury Department the stock market fell 17%, household wealth declined by more than $2 trillion, and retirement accounts took a major hit, falling $800 billion.

Now, not only is another debt ceiling debate around the corner, the government shutdown remains ongoing.

"It is absolutely inexcusable for the United States to ever default on sovereign debt," said Republican Congressman Jeb Hensarling, chairman of the financial services committee.
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