And as one of their essential responsibilities, to ensure that they do no harm in Congress to this economy and to the livelihoods of average Americans, flirting with default or, even worse, allowing default, would be a violation of those primary responsibilities.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney,

These are things every leader should consider an essential part of their job responsibilities.

FORBES: Why Aren't Leaders Delivering the Basics?

He filed an unusual "mission statement" that declared, among other things, that the creditors committee's "oversight responsibilities are highlighted and particularly essential" since the airline didn't have a bankruptcy loan requiring it to meet certain milestones.

WSJ: Lawyer Pushed AMR Deal

Our Nation's health care professionals provide essential medical services to millions of Americans, yet they do not shoulder their responsibilities alone.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House