David Rubenstein, co-founder and managing director of the Carlyle Group, speaks at the annual Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California on Tuesday, April 30, 2013. Rubenstein recently told the Associated Press that D.C is getting in the way of economic growth.

KEN SWEET

Oct. 28, 2013 2:41 PM EDT

...Q: What was your reaction (click here) to the 16-day government shutdown and the near breach of the nation's debt ceiling?

A: I am relieved that the shutdown and debt ceiling crisis are behind us. Hopefully something like this will not occur again. But I am disappointed, saddened and embarrassed for our country that our democracy did not work as the founding fathers had hoped.

Q: What should Congress tackle first — now that the debt ceiling and shutdown is resolved?

A: They should try to reassure the country — and the world — that the last few weeks were an aberration and not likely to be repeated early next year. Once that re-assurance occurs, focus on how to spur economic growth — while reducing economic disparity — (which) would be a great plus for everyone....

These are the political 
donations from Carlyle. 
(click here) 

I would fully expect Carlyle and other large firms to curtail their donations to those that have actively participated in the government shutdown. These firms are just as responsible for the shutdown and the brinkmanship over the debt ceiling as the Congresspersons were if they are going to continue to back those responsible. It is pure foolishness. These firms know the shutdown and brinkmanship has done damage to this economy. Why would they actively continue to back members of Congress acting this foolish for political pandering to extremist constituents. The country doesn't need it.