Or the status quo crowd will become extinct because we all become extinct...by turning the earth into a place that we can't live on.

Why can't we do it again today? You already know the answer to that question. It's related to the fact that likely no one will go to jail for the BP oil disaster in the gulf and the fact that the numbers on the spill started at 1k barrels, then 5k barrels, then 19k barrels, now 60k barrels and rumors of 100k barrels... It will take a revolution to over throw the mega corps, imo.

But, having said all of that and living here on the gulf and seeing all of the damage, I hope hope HOPE that somehow we will find the answer to get us off of oil.

Well said Feisty and so true. . . my mama had a saying that has always stuck with me:

"Don't figure out how you can't do it, figure out how you can."

Or in the words of our President:

YES WE CAN!

I've learned that we are a voluntary baby step society. The governments (well pretty much all technologically advanced governments) have the items shelved and are still developing future tech. With that being said, the vehicles that are used to develop these items are being issued in increments.

They will not push future advancements due to the fact that consumers would drive down the costs of yesteryears items. Alternative energy being one of them they will weaken the big energy corporations to the point of competition becoming the forefront of other future advancements.

We have no choice in the matter, that's the nature of the machine. Republithugs can crow about new blood in the halls of Congress all day long, but that won't matter because they will be held to the same constraints.

Besides, I would rather entertain an old thief in congress than invite a young one in and find that the chairs have even been stolen and no one has a place to sit down.

:^p

What have the Republicans done for us Americans this week???

1) Showed their support for Big Oil - Barton still has his position, Tea Baggers calling the spill a government conspiracy.

2) Stopped the unemployment Bill - even called people unemployed "Hobo's", - So much for being for the average citizen, 1 Million people now in greater straits than before, this also included stopping tax breaks for small businesses and private citizens - I thought the Repugs were for less taxes? Every single republican voted NO along with numb nut Ben Nelson. 16 point majority goes down in flames

3) Keep on drilling baby- republican judge throws out common sense for the sake of money.

I can hardly wait for what the party of NO (no morals, no ethics, no ideas) will do for us Americans next week.

US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired

Well ,you forgot to mention that John McCain, Bohner, Cantor, Steele and been quiet for the last 3 weeks, the spill has kind of shut them up. i'm sure they were waiting for Obama to retain McCrystal so they could jump on that but it did not happen. believe me people remember the drill baby drill and these guys are just being real quite right now.

Morning Retired...and oh so true!

Well said Feisty! I too am sick and tired of listening to the clueless rightwing liars who seem to think they have some god given right to burn as much cheap oil on their watch as possible. Ever since 1974 when Tricky Dick Nixon first proposed energy reform to get us off our addiction to foreign oil the politicians (rightwingers) have done nothing to get it done. That's 36 wasted years and just look at the oil addiction mess we're in. We need to get the sane energy and climate change reform done now, we need to transition to more cleaner sources of electricity and energy to break our addiction to foreign oil. We need those stricter gas mileage standards the dopes of nope always whine about and now are trying to reverse. If we don't get it dome now then our future generations will curse our generations for many generations to come.

We can't do anything today because EPA & the Government has a strangle hole on everything that is proposed, The EPA will circumvent any idea that we come up with today & our Government makes it so hard for anyone to proceed with an idea that most just quit before the idea comes to fruition.

In other words 200 years ago if you came upwith an idea or invention there was no one to stop you, thank God we did not have the Congress then that we now have, are we would not have all the wonderful inventions that we live with every day. Thanks

Fiesty, I'd just shake my head at the cynicism if it were just people tut-tutting that it can't be done. Instead we have people vehemently reacting that we shouldn't even TRY. OK, isn't that the same as resolving yourself to failure? I refuse to give up.

Does anyone find it interesting that the Repubs have such overwhelming concern about leaving future generations in debt, but not much concern about leaving future generations an uninhabitable planet? Isn't denial an amazing phenomenon?

Who has the balls to say an approval rating in the mid 40's after 18 months is normal.

Hi Ron, happy Friday!

I do have the balls to tell people everything you wrote and I do it on a regular basis. I also have the balls to remind folks - Rand Paul is a fraud who is not Board Certified. Not sure about anyone else, but there is no way on earth I'd let a non-board certified person operate on my eyes (or any other part of my body). I work for a very large group of surgeons, we don't live in Ky, but if the surgeons in KY are anything like the ones in Tennessee, they probably think Paul is a joke, incompetent, unqualified, and uneducated person who wants to play being a doctor. that alone makes him unqualified for office - if he can't tell the truth about his own original profession how on earth would anyone trust him to tell the truth if elected to office? you can't.

Hello All!

Who has the balls to tell people to shut up! Who are you to tell other people we don't need your stupid opinions, and they're all wrong anyway. That kind of stupid crap cuts both ways baby, and there are as many idiots on the left with as many naive ideas and opinions, as you have shown with your entry above.

It's called opposition, and wishing that everybody thought like me, and believing that if everyone did the world would be a better place is where the most dangerous ideas of censorship and totalitarianism get their start.

Happy Friday to you Union Baby: Thanks for the thoughts. Let's make this a FUN Friday.

Let's hear it, loud and proud, for good, old-fashioned, patriotic, American political dissent...if it was good for the last Administration, it's good for this one!

dangerfield,

Your post wasn't very entertaining or enlightening.

You can do better right?

lol

------------------------

Ron,

Who has the balls to make "conservatives" explain why they can always talk the talk but never walk the walk?

I mean can you really say "We want less government!" out of one side of your mouth and "Why isn't the government cleaning this up!" out of the other?

These folks are straight up schizophrenic.

Who has the balls to stand up to the corporations and financial markets and tell them that we will no longer simply forgive and forget when they pursue policies that kill and maim our fellow citizens, destroy our livelihood and put us in a position where we can no longer work and care for our families and old and young ones.

Who has the balls to call that crap legislation in April Health Care Reform?

Who has the balls to call the proposed legislation Wall Street Reform?

Who has the balls to wean themselves off propaganda and actually deal in facts, cogent thought, and intellectual discourse?

And another one Who has the balls to stand up and say that we will no longer listen to the folks that work and agitate so hard to pit one group of We The People against another in pursuit of Money, Power and Influence.

...forgot

Who has the balls to call that 800B spending sop to the public service unions a stimulus

Who has the balls to bring new ideas to the table instead of just saying NO?

What's the GEENOPEE done to improve your life today?

What's the GEENOPEE done to improve your life today?

As much as any of the other politicians in Washington. But why should I be relying on that bunch of self important windbags to do anything for me? So far (and this relates to both parties), they have spent my retirement, put me in the hole to $43,000, done nothing to lower my health care costs and made me popular around the world by prosecuting two wars.

So I'll ask you what has the Democrats or the Republicans done for me today?

You're kidding, right, Ron?

Obama's poll numbers have addled your brain, correct?

How about this: who has the courage to recognize that a failed economic theory will always be a failed economic theory?

Who has the courage to admit that announcing to your enemies that you will be handing over a country to them at a set time is an idiotic idea?

Who has the audacity to stand up to a thin-skinned president and tell him that his priorities are completely wrong-that abdicating his duties in favor of having his picture taken with sports heroes, having private concerts, daily golf games, ad nauseum, is proving that he is not presidential caliber?

Who has the nerve to tell him that saying one thing, and doing another, is nothing more than a lie? (See all the spending bills that somehow are not subject to 'paygo').

Who is going to tell him that the electorate is tired of empty speeches, policies that they do not want shoved down their throats, and amateur hour in the White House?

You get the idea.

Didja see all the DEMOCRATS being outed in the HUFFPO yesterday? What have they done TO YOU, and why is your tushy smarting? You are more likely to get screwed by the ones (dems) you trust, but keep shooting fish in a barrel, probably the zenith of your abilities...sheesh

I have the balls to say a lot of things; most importantly - get MONEY out of Washington - BAN Lobbyists - and don't even think about letting the party of GNOP have the keys to the car. Those suckers totaled the last one and have shown no remorse or willingness to work hard to make amends.

The only reparations we need are for the GOBP to quit putting FOREIGN corporate interests ahead of American Citizens' interests!

Who has the balls to tell Rachel Maddow she looks like Keanu Reeves?

I see njnbnj thinks she's sharing ideas. But I am so happy to see that she is finally in agreement that 'trickle down' economics is really just pissing on the 'small people' to coin one of her corporate gods. And yeah, I have the balls to point it out.

A tantrum by any other name, dear - is still a tantrum.

Ok, I posted this on another thread, but I think this can apply here too. I have taken the challenge of one of the more vocal right wing supporters and provided several SPECIFIC examples of why I am critical of GWB. I have also provided my reasoning and supporting evidence to support my opinions/positions.

Now, who on the right has the balls to step up and respond in kind?

You want to know why I am critical of GWB? Unlike when someone challenges one of you or your vocal supporters, I will not duck the question and will respond with specific examples.

1) While on vacation, he received the Presidential Daily Briefing that warned of Bin Laden's desire to use passenger airliners as weapons aimed at buildings. Rather than canceling his vacation (oh and golf games), he dismissed the briefer as having covered his ass and then completely dismissed the warnings without so much as convening a meeting of his security advisers to discuss and evaluate the potential threat. You all DO remember 9/11 right?

2) In response to 9/11, with the entire world behind us (even IRAN expressed their support of the US and decried the terrorist act), GWB used that goodwill initially to properly channel our resources and efforts against those that attacked us and the Taliban government of Afghanistan that supported Al Qaeda and provided a base of operations. Our initial efforts in Afghanistan were on point and quickly had the Taliban AND Bin Laden cornered and on the run. Rather than maintaining the focus where it should have been (and needed to be), GWB decided unilaterally to scale down the Afghan operation in favor of his personal goal of invading Iraq and toppling Saddam.

3) In appointing his political friends, operatives, cronies, and business moguls to key positions like MMS and FEMA, GWB began a practice of crippling the very agencies that Americans count on to safeguard us, our environment, and our natural resources. "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job" being but the most famous example of what occurs when you appoint inexperienced people that have zero background or knowledge of the agency or function they are appointed to fill. Now, knowing that the USA is subject to natural disasters of all kinds and that we need the ability to quickly and EFFECTIVELY distribute aid, support, and necessary supplies and logistical coordination, why on earth would a President appoint someone with absolutely NO experience of ANY sort in managing, assessing, or dealing with ANY kind of a disaster. When the person in charge has no idea what to expect, has no body of personal experience, no understanding of the logistical challenges involved in an operation like that, how can you expect anything but an epic example of how NOT to respond. I know that GWB get a bad rap for Katrina and that the people on the right that support Bush feel this is somehow unwarranted and unfair. The reality is that there is a lot of blame to go around for Katrina and it is not ALL on GWB. Having said that, the fact remains that he WAS the President and the man in charge of appointing people to critical positions that have the best chance of success and of fulfilling the requirements of their positions. In the case of FEMA (as well as MMS to name another prominent current example), GWB appointed people more for their political philosophy (or willingness to turn a blind eye to inspections and oversight) and their ability to help his business contacts to make an unfettered fortune or to further their political views, all to the detriment of those Americans that were depending on agencies like FEMA to be able to provide aid and assistance when they most need it. We also count on agencies like the MMS to protect workers, safeguard the environment, and ensure that we do not suffer from AVOIDABLE catastrophes like the one we are experiencing in the Gulf right now.

4) Terry Schiavo (sp?). For a party that screams themselves hoarse over keeping government out of our lives and that big government is the problem, they sure were in favor of having the PRESIDENT cut short (yet another) vacation to fly back to Washington for the sole purpose of injecting the federal government in the private, personal, and painful decisions faced by this unfortunate family. Since when is it ANY of our business what someone does for their family regarding their medical care. You all scream how you do not want government taking over your life, but when it comes to matter of the most personal decisions regarding life and death, you all have NO compunctions of inserting YOUR beliefs and values on someone else. What hypocritical hogwash.

5) The Patriot Act. Yes, I know that Obama has essentially adopted it and is operating using some of its provisions no doubt. That does not change the fact that, because GWB failed to heed the warnings and take ANY action to prevent the biggest single terrorist act ever perpetrated on the US while on HIS watch. I know that Mayor Guiliani apparently does not believe that 9/11 took place on GWB's watch, but the fact is that it did. Because GWB and his administration failed to even look into, let alone prevent 9/11, we somehow needed to trample on all of the civil rights and liberties enjoyed by ALL Americans for over 225 years? Ignoring and dismissing the FISA court and the legal mandate to have ANY case for wiretapping approved by the FISA set a bad precedent. At this point, we are aware of a myriad of abuses and over reaching enforcement actions using this law as a framework. yes, I know the mantra that you have nothing to hide and that is all well and good. Please also remember the insightful saying that those that sacrifice their liberties for the sake of security deserve neither.

6) Two wars. GWB ended up committing American lives and treasure to two wars. one justified, the other likely not once history weighs in. Regardless, GWB did not pay for either and, in fact, did not even include them in the budgets that were submitted. GWB ran a multi trillion dollar war off the books, squandered our budget surplus (that he inherited on HIS ascension to the Presidency) and left us with the biggest deficit in our history.

7) Medicare Part D. This was another big money giveaway to Big Pharma. By not funding this giveaway and legislating that there would be NO negotiating for a discount, GWB punched another multi hundred billion dollar hole in the budget. How is that for fiscal conservative huh?

Ok, I think that should suffice as a short (but specific) response. I know this will fall on deaf ears since I have presented actual facts that have been substantiated and are now common knowledge. At least for those individuals that are not afraid to research on their own and go beyond what the MSM feeds us all and attempts to pass of as news. If any of you are intellectually curious and honest, you know that much of what I presented has been verified as accurate. I am not asking you to embrace it, but you must at least recognize that valid points have been made regardless of your personal political leanings.

Now, why is it I know going in that I will not be afforded with anything even remotely approaching the degree of OBJECTIVE facts that have been presented in support of MY positions. Is it really too much to ask for even ONE of those that are so vocal in their opposition to Obama to provide me with an equally detailed and insightful post outlining the specific issues and arguments to support YOUR contentions? Please do not simply resort to the whole Obama is inexperienced arguments or fall into your hyperbole about Socialism and Marxist agendas and such UNLESS you are willing to provide YOUR definition of the label you wish to apply AND provide something more solid for support than "He is a Muslim!".

Ok, the challenge is out. Who has the balls to accept?

Thanks everyone for helping me out. I guess we know who has the balls around here! Have a great weekend everyone. Thanks FR for giving us a great website.

nojoe,

The answer to all your questions is YOU!

lol

And you think the President is narcissistic . . . whoa.

LMAO Nash! You got my vote!

Breaking News "Disgusted"....George W Bush is no longer President. As much as I agree with most of your points so what?

There's a different guy in charge now making the decisions. If you want to go back and rake over the Bush disasters be my guest but it won't change where we are today. Nothing annoyed me more than Obama during the campaign continually state that he wouldn't have went into to Iraq. So what! I wouldn't have went into Iraq either but that's not the current situation. When he did have a choice on Afghanistan he chose to escalate. When had a choice to change Medicare D and reduce payments to big Pharma he chose to do nothing. When did have a choice to vote against the FISA changes as senator he chose not to.

I criticize the current president as did the prior one (and congress) for their profligate spending and I will continue to criticize the current president when I do not agree with his policies. I do not criticize the prior president because it is a waste of time.

DiPA-I've done so.

Repeatedly.

And, by the way-the year is 2010. GWB is NO LONGER president. We had an election in 2008, and a guy by the name of Barack Obama won. I get that things have only changed for the worse, but go google it. You'll see I'm right.

Alan,NJ and NoJo:

Can somebody give me the official rules for referencing former Presidents?

Because it seems like when it is beneficial, I hear a whole lot of talk about how Bush had BALLS, Bill Clinton was like the greatest guy EVAH and Reagan was the GREAT COMMUNICATOR reat, and Lyndon Johnson was TOUGH.

But when the former President whose policies we are still recovering from is brought up, suddenly the new rule is - THAT'S THE PAST . . . no need to bring that up like, EVER!

Sorry folks - you don't get to decide what is relevant based on what is convenient for the point you are tryng to make.

When the mines explode and the oil wells erupt and the stock market collapses and the deficit explodes and the military is run down ALL AT THE SAME FREAKIN' TIME as a result of the SAME LAISSEZ FAIRE government that NEVER WORKS that is more than a coinky dink and that is something that will not be ignored.

Nice try though.

Nash

You will never hear me praise the prior president. As to "When the mines explode and the oil wells erupt and the stock market collapses and the deficit explodes and the military is run down ALL AT THE SAME FREAKIN' TIME as a result of the SAME LAISSEZ FAIRE government that NEVER WORKS that is more than a coinky dink and that is something that will not be ignored." thats fair enough but rather than whine about it what's the current incumbent going to do about it. Did he just arrive from another planet or wasn't he around when the financial crisis hit in 2008. If he didn't want the job then he could have walked away. Wasn't there a war in Afghanistan and Iraq when he was campaigning? Didn't he know that MMS existed and that is was an inept agency

Or do you belong to the camp that blames Clinton for 9/11?

Alan,

Thank you for your response and I respect your position. To provide you with an answer (see? We have no problem in directly responding to a question or an issue), I made my post because I have been challenged to do more than just whine about GWB and the legacy he left our current President. Rather than simply make vague statements like "Bush sucked balls", I provided thorough support, analysis, and justification for MY criticisms.

The purpose of my post (something that WAS explained therein by the way for those that bothered to read, speak english, or can comprehend cogent thought) was to challenge those of you that take great delight in bashing Obama to actually provide the same level of reasoning, explanation, and justification as I provided in supporting my positions and opinions.

Is it really that difficult for you all to respond to anything without having it fed to you or your hand held by the media stream you all suckle from constantly and to the exclusion of anything else?

Alan,

Yes Obama was around when the financial crisis hit in 2008. Do YOU remember that it was during the height of the Presidential campaign and McCain and Gramm attempted to convince us that "the fundamentals of the economy are sound" and that it was nothing more than a "mental recession" that was all in our heads and some imaginary concoction that was not supported in the data? Yes, Obama I am sure knew he was in for a rough ride. I am also sure he did not know just HOW rough the ride was or how bad things had truly gotten before being sworn in.

Yes, there were wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I agree that what matters now is what is Obama going to do with the situations he inherited. Well, considering the depth and breadth of the problems that were not created by Obama, but that need to be addressed and responded to by Obama, I think it is only fair that an analysis of why things are that bad, how did they get that bad, and THEN how can we extricate ourselves is the ONLY prudent way of proceeding. Unfortunately, rather than rally together, support OUR President, and attempt to analyze and strategize a way OUT of this predicament, the right wants only to ignore all the problems, blunders, policy disasters, economic shortfalls, and the lack of any real political will to fight these wars here at home. How any of you feel this actually helps strengthen or improve America, our national security, or the integrity of the Presidency is beyond me. But, you all love America and, God forbid one of us questions any decision of GWB, we are branded traitors and labeled as unpatriotic.

Lastly, Yes, Obama knew that MMS had been staffed with incompetents, was not providing oversight, and was hampered by a series of crippling amendments to the policies, procedures, and statutes that govern their oversight and management of our natural resources. While Obama was attempting to clean this agency up when the current disaster occurred, completely cleaning out and removing the incompetents that had been installed at the agency was not an easy task considering the nature of the civil service administrative processes that govern the removal of these employees.

Now, if you want to analyze and discuss these issues from an objective opinion without the blinders of EITHER political persuasion coloring pre-suppositions, I welcome the challenge. If not, I think I hear the echo chamber warming up for another full day of opinion feeding and idea planting. I would feel bad if I kept you from your appointment with your heroes...

Alan,NJ:

My purpose is not to "blame" anybody or to absolve President Obama from his responsibilities.

My purpose is to add some perspective to the 24 hour a day complaint factory that likes to pretend that President Obama is the CAUSE of things that were already set in motion before he even ran for the U.S. Senate.

If we cannot even be honest about how we got in this position, we have absolutely no chance of getting out of it.

The purpose of my post (something that WAS explained therein by the way for those that bothered to read, speak english, or can comprehend cogent thought) was to challenge those of you that take great delight in bashing Obama to actually provide the same level of reasoning, explanation, and justification as I provided in supporting my positions and opinions.

Is it really that difficult for you all to respond to anything without having it fed to you or your hand held by the media stream you all suckle from constantly and to the exclusion of anything else?

Oh I'm sorry so you want reasons why I don't think the stimulus was stimulative, why I think Healthcare Reform is a farce and why I disagree with the escalation and policy in Afghanistan, because I don't require to have opinions fed to me I have enough of my own.

Stimulus. Too much spending allocated to the states to pay for current spending. Simply put off the difficult decision they will have to make soon. Locally, too much was promised by politicians to police, fireman and teachers such that the future liabilities cannot be supported by future tax increases. Now that the stimulus money is ending these decision have to be made so instead of having new infrastructure that would create jobs, or having paid for training those who would have lost their jobs now we have the situation where they will lose their jobs and there is nothing to show for the money spent.

HCR. Moving 15m new people in Medicade will solve nothing as there are no doctors that will see them. Aslo, in two years how are the states (see above) going to pay for this? For the other 15m how many can really afford 8% - 10% to buy health care insurance. Everybody new that the system was being gamed to keep it under 1T but that is already coming out and the bottom line for the majority is that it does NOTHING to lower costs (as charged by doctors or hospitals).

Afghanistan is a lost cause - come home. That ship sailed in 2002/3.

If we cannot even be honest about how we got in this position, we have absolutely no chance of getting out of it.

OK Tell me why we went into Iraq because to this day I have no freakin clue.

Do not use any of the GWB/Republican rational because I don't believe them (even the one about wanting the oil)

Alan, NJ:

I am unclear about why the Iraq War happened as well, but I do believe that President Bush had the best of intentions and truly did not foresee the quagmire that resulted.

I think it was what we used to call an "honest mistake".

And one we have paid dearly for.

P.S. I'm not one for conspiracy theories, but I will say that I don't think we will ever get the story on why Dick Cheney thinks we went into Iraq . . . but the true answer might start with him.

And, who has the balls to tell you, Ron, to quit with your racist crap? That excuse "they don't like him because he is black" is worn out. You come on here and criticize people day after day and produce this hate-filled list but then you present that you're "above it all". BS!

dirt-303814:

I think your screen name says it all.

Ron - thanks for having the balls to post this excellent comment! While many respond well to your comment there are always the few rightwing Beckerheads here who disagree with you but then they have no clue what to say unless Wailing Old Woeman Glenda Becky tells them what to say.

You know I've been thinking lately about the Beckerheads who want to go back to the 1950's and there is one thing about the 1950's that I do miss and would like to see come back. Back in the good old days of the 1950's when people said they heard voices in their heads the men in the White Suits came to take them away Ha Ha, Hee Hee, Ho Ho! Yeah we really need the Men in the White Suits to make a comeback to take away the mentally disturbed like Wailing Old Woeman Glenda Becky and Airhead Sarah Palin to mental institutions to be cured of their deranged visions of utter nonsense.

I really enjoyed Father Guido Sarducci coming on the Colbert Report the other night. He really diagnosed Wailing Old Woeman Glenda Becky perfectly as a prophet since Glenda talks too much, hears voices in his head and is unstable. Both Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert did a great job trashing Fox and Freaks this week and I can't wait to see what they'll do next week. They sure have a target rich environment since so many tea bagging rightwing "prophets" are so out of touch with reality.

Glenn Beck the Men in the White Suits are Coming to Take You Away! Ha Ha! Hee Hee! Ho Ho!

Nash...

Speaking of balls - I think 'dirtb'all is quite appropriate don't you?

Feisty,

There seems to be alot of dirtballs floating around this week . . . time to grab those mops again I guess! lol

Who has the balls to tell No Jo, no one believes her made up polls any more

Who has the balls to tell the tea party they are closet racist.

Who has the balls to tell president Obama his wife has great legs.

Who has the balls to tell mike steele he is a uncle tom

Who has the balls to tell dick chenny your really old man potter.

Right on Jeff: You score!!

Who has the balls to make up a bunch of "friend of OPEC" bumper-stickers, and slap 'em on every suv parked in the mall parking lot?

Tell em RON!!!!!!!!!!!! My favorite Hoosier for today!

rofl "old man potter"!

"How about this: who has the courage to recognize that a failed economic theory will always be a failed economic theory?"

I do. 30 years of deregulation and Laissez-Fair Reaganomics has nearly destroyed the middle class along with much of the industry that used to keep us in good jobs at livable wages. What was promised to be a race ahead has instead a race for the very wealthy to live like Robber Barons and the rest of us to live like Malaysian factory workers. The fundamental unfairness of virtually all new wealth being concentrated at the top has sapped the vitality of a once-great economic engine and brought us to the brink of a loss of that greatness. It's time to return to the common sense regulation and insistence on economic fairness that made our nation great.

Bless you John for exactly the kind of cogent and concise post this board need so much more of. Well said.

Now, of course you will be assaulted for your heretical views, but that is only because they really do not understand economics, theories, history, facts, or the difference between a strategy and tactics. How sad...

Great post, Pat, and something that needed to be said here, if yesterday's posts are any indication.

Pat...great post as always my friend. I lost 2 friends in the Trade Center that day. Whenever I hear someone talking about it being an "inside job", I have to walk away.

Good job Pat Like Grimey I lost a good friends Daughter and her husband up there that day and when I hear that stuff I just have to walk away

Terrific post, Pat. Anyone who buys into that conspiracy theory is incredibly paranoid.

Truthers are as bad as birthers, if not even more.

Great Post pat,

My brother is one of those who believes some of what you just said. i have tried and tried to explain to him these kinds of theorys are impossible.

Mixed Bag, yesterday i hope i did not insult you in any way, when you asked the question about blacks and the our loyalty to democrats you touched a nerve. you made good points and will continue to read your posts.

No worries, Jeff-

We're good.

And...thanks.

MB

Pat

Thanks for giving it a reading. I know it is a scary concept. Some of us will stay here and fight the evil, if you feel the best thing for you to do is to run away to another country, we'll miss you. What I don't understand is why you would surrender the greatest country on Earth to the criminals who have ''hijacked" it. The other interesting issue is the non-believers inability to repeat accurately what the 'conspiracists' tell you. No one who thinks that they know anything of substance about the 9/11 conspiracy believes that GWB was let in on it, prior....only a fool would think that he "planned" it. 9/11 was planned before Bush even knew he was going to run for President. George H. W. Bush spent 9/10 overnight at the Whitehouse and was meeting with Osama BinLaden's brother Salem in a Carlyle Group meeting on the very day "that changed everything".

We all lost loved ones on 9/11. We dishonor their deaths by willfully believing the lie being told about how they were killed. If you have a "family" member who died on that day, you dishonor them by being unwilling to bother to type out their names when you write about how they connect you to the "emotion" of 9/11. Why would you not bother to give them their due? To protect your own anonymity or because it's simply not true? We all need to grow up and face the evil that we let blindside us.

Don't forget. Jimmy Carter said we should wear our sweaters in the winter.

What meds are you on? Do you read? There are no jobs, the ocean is belching oil into the gulf, housing starts are the lowest in HISTORY, the dollar isn't worth the paper it's printed on, insurance premiums are SKYROCKETING, the Taliban have the "momentum", in Afghanistan, the country and political parties are more divided than ever before, democrats are set to lose god knows how many seats in the next election...to be continued, because it's making me sick...

dangerfield,

I live on Planet Earth.

How does your list of troubles relate to my original comment?

President Obama has been quite responsive to all the things on your list and more, so what is your point?

P.S. Do you have a crush on me? *blush* You are giving me a lot of a attention and we only just met yesterday . . . I'm flattered.

If he's working on them he's doing a lousy job, and I am in the MAJORITY in that belief. Nothing special about you, see that there's no shortage of pom-pom girls here now, but your stuff is pretty funny...You remind me of one of the extras in "bye bye Birdy", singing that annoying song...

dangerfield,

The President is doing a great job, and you know it.

That is why you are so grumpy.

I remember a time when supporting the President used to be call "patriotism".

Now it's being a "pom-pom" girl . . . whatever floats your boat!

Siss Boom Ba!

Rah! Rah! Rah!

Obama!

Obama!

Ending all the drama!

Making government do it's job!

Not letting industry loot and rob!

President loved around the world,

Making teabagger toe nails curl!

USA!

USA!

USA!

USA!

:o)

Oh my, dangerfield-

"Bye, Bye, Birdy"...nice.

You won't get far with substance here...but there's still a lot of fun to be had at First Read.

Nash, you are cracking me up today!

GOoooooooooooObama!

Dangerfield, you need to study some facts.

Carter in 4 yrs created 10.5 million jobs; Reagan in 8, 16 million; Bush 41 in 4, 2.5 million; Clinton in 8, 23 million; GW Bush in 8 yrs, 3 million; Obama, 1.7 million.

Jody, how could you be so cruel and heartless? You know darn well that when confronted with anything other than chalkboard scribblings, the echo chamber inhabitant's heads will explode. Now, please edit your post to remove all of those un-necessarily destructive facts from what should be nothing but emotional drivel and opinions. This is FR after all.

You have been here long enough to know better and I have to say I am a little bit disappointed in this lack of decorum on your part...

How many jobs? How many census jobs? What was the number of new private sector jobs created last month? How's the construction industry doing, and how many new jobs will there be after the biggest month to month fall off in new housing starts in HISTORY?

Give me those "facts" so I can learn exactly how successful this president is. Ask the 20 million unemployed to help, they have the free time.

dangerfield,

Under President Bush we were LOSING jobs and now you complain because you don't like the type of job being created?

Diva much?

Mercy.

We only have one president at a time and the statute of limitations on your whine is officially over as of today. You are nothing more than a fan, fannie, and that means no critical thinking.

Or tell me; when if ever will President Obama be responsible for anything in your opinion. Idiot republicans blamed Clinton for every one of Bush's shortcomings, and you are no better or different for that matter than they are...

dangerfield,

I think I need to remind you that we just met and you don't know me . . . so I will ignore all of your imaginings about who I am and what my motivations are.

President Obama is responsible for things right now today. But your supposition that he should have already shoveled us out of a sh!thole that it took 8 years to dig in 17 months is laughable.

And you know that.

You just enjoy the instant gratification that First Read provides. I know, its addictive! :o)

But when the rush wears off, try to add something to the conversation besides noise, okay?

Dangerfield,

Since we seem to be stuck on statistics, let's see what else we can find shall we? Ok, I will agree that creating only 42,000 or so jobs last month is way more anemic than I would like. In fact, we need about 100,000 new jobs per month just to stay even, let alone make any progress. Now, I will agree that Obama has not yet been able to accomplish this goal. I will not make a major point of the fact that the Republican party has literally stood in the road at every step of the way and done everything and anything possible to prevent the President from being able to address the problem.

Ok, we have now established that Obama has not managed to find a way yet to create the 100,000 or so new jobs we need to create a month and I am disappointed in this. Let's look at how we got here shall we?

Ok, so if we start at the point where Obama was sworn in (since I think even the Republicans will not take the position that Obama is responsible for what happened BEFORE he was sworn in right?), we can agree that whatever level the economy was creating jobs was Obama's baseline for comparisons right? So, if we say (hypothetically) that the economy was creating 250,000 jobs per month on January 20, 2009, then we can severely chastise Obama for being responsible for the loss of over 200,000 jobs per month from his baseline. Now, if we replace the hypothetical number of 250,000 per month being created with the REALITY that the economy was SHEDDING 750,000 per month at the time Obama was sworn in, I believe that would mean that Obama is responsible for CREATING or SAVING almost 8000,000 more per month than were being created when he was sworn in. Is this too difficult for you Dangerfield? I know there are a lot of numbers and math and stuff...

Housing starts? Ok, let's address that one too. Prior to the time of Obama's inauguration, the real estate market had begun to show signs of issues. Again, we were told it was a mental recession and that the "fundamentals of the economy were strong." The recession was all in our heads. There was nothing to see here, do not look at those men behind the curtains creating all those wonderful investment vehicles that present NO risk and are a guarantee to make money. It was all a great sell while the bubble was still inflating. What you apparently fail to realize is that it was the free-wheeling financial derivatives and hybrid investments that took what was once a rock solid economic cornerstone of our economy and infused the very foundation that supported it all with dry rot and decided never to look further than the ROI they were making. Ok, how does that impact on Obama's performance? Let's look at what his administration has attempted to do (all the while over the strong and unified opposition of the ENTIRE GOP). The administration requested (and congress has so far complied) a comprehensive overhaul and reform of the financial markets to restore confidence, equity, fairness, and consumer protections to this vital area of our economy. Not surprisingly, the GOP has vigorously opposed any efforts to reign in the speculation and rampant gambling that led to the crisis. They cannot stomach the idea that their buddies on Wall Street might be limited to earning 50% of all wealth in this country. They want it all and will not settle until they have it all (or have destroyed our entire economy in the pursuit of their dream of having it all).

With specific reference to the housing market, Obama and the Congress were able to implement the tax credit for first time buyers that propped the market up all this time and prevented further erosion in the housing market. Since the GOP is suddenly so concerned about deficits, they have now blocked the legislation that would have restored this credit, providing additional support for a market not yet ready to stand alone. No, it would not do for the GOP to be seen as complicit in assisting the housing market, reigning in wall street, supporting those that are about to be on the street now that Unemployment has not been extended. How do you believe the economy is ever going to get re-started if we are about to throw millions more on the street with no income or ability to contribute to the economy or society? Will it help YOU asset sheet when your house declines in value because nobody has the job, income, credit, or ability to purchase your house? When will it finally sink in that you all do better when we ALL do better?

Whatever, I know I am wasting my effort and keystrokes. You will all continue to bash and hate Obama, refuse to accept the blame for ANYTHING that occurred before Obama took office, and will continue to denigrate anything Obama accomplishes as any accomplishments or positive results will make the GOP look powerless and helpless and we cannot have that can we? As long as the GOP can rise back into power, you do not give a whit about what happens to ordinary Americans, the people of the Gulf, or anyone but yourselfs.

IGMFU!

It's closer to 220,000 jobs, but whichever number you choose, we are a long way from seeing that happen. I don't hate the president, but I don't think he has done a very good job. Amazing that any criticism of this president is equated with hatred. I hated BUSH, because he obviously stood for most things I was against. President Obama is simply not getting the job, let alone the things he promised, done. Bush was a lousy president, the worst of my lifetime (which makes it easier to accept that Christmas card I get every year from Jimmy Carter) but so far, President Obama has been a HUGE disappointment on many levels. Criticism is not hate, and an incompetent democrat is no better in the long run than an incompetent republican.

Have I wasted my keystrokes?

If you needed any proof of hypocracy and or short-term memory loss; FANNIE!

">>>so I will ignore all of your imaginings about who I am and what my motivations are."

Followed closely by;

"You just enjoy the instant gratification that First Read provides. I know, its addictive! :o)"

I am a clever, thoughtful critic-you are a mindless sycophant and cheerleader. We both have a part to play.

dangerfield,

Clearly you take yourself and your opinions very seriously.

I will leave you to your "thoughtful criticism" since clearly dialogue is not your strong suit.

Welcome to First Read . . . see you around.

Nash:

You were on fire yesterday and getting pretty warm today!

Republicans are so desperate to make the President look bad that Congressman Dan Burton from Indiana got caught lying on the floor of the House about a sweetheart deal that he attributed to Obama when it was actually approved and signed off by...W.

He (Burton) was KO's "Worst Person In the World" last night and it was hilarious. Apparently he got the talking point from Glen Beck and did not bother to do his homework.

I am po'd that we the taxpayers are paying a salary to idiots who show up to work every day just to vote No!

Ah, yes, once again with the wingnut litany!

Dan, you are so full of it. Who pays you to write such crap? His leadership has been far from being a failure and you know it. You just cant stand that he has been successful and will continue to be despite the likes of you peddling hate and lies.

YOU are the idiot. You need to educate yourself before you start spouting Fox and Limbaugh sound bytes. I dont intend to waste any more of my precious time on you and the others who are so unAmerican.

Holy crap, you're an extremist, Dan G boy...

The president isn't perfect and could have done some things better but he gives a sh1t about the American people and he is bustin' his azz to try and do the right thing. That is more than I can say for our last president who most certainly had only the best interests in mind of big business.

Since he has been in office it's been the republicans who are stopping everything he tries to do. It's common knowledge that they are purposefully being obstructionists in order to make the president look bad, not because he is bad but because the republicans want to win.

To the intelligent person this would show an obvious problem with priorities where the people are NOT first but rather the interests of the republican party are.

Two skimmers?? When you get back from glenbeckistan here are the facts fom Wed. Do you think we may have stretched the worlds resources on this?

Wednesday, June 23 Statistics

RESPONSE VESSELS

Vessels of Opportunity: 2,640

Barges: more than 600

Skimmers: more than 430

Other Vessels: more than 2,500

Total active response vessels: more than 6,170

Aircraft: 95

BOOM DATA

Boom deployed: more than 2.59 million feet

Boom available: more than 852,000 feet

Total boom: more than 3.44 million feet

OIL RECOVERED

Oily water recovered: nearly 25.6 million gallons

Amount estimated burned: nearly 10 million gallons

Oil captured (CAP) over last 24hrs: more than 708,372 gallons

DISPERSANTS

Surface dispersant used: more than 977,000 gallons

Subsea dispersant used: more than 501,000 gallons

Total dispersant used: more than 1,478,000 gallons

PERSONNEL INVOLVED

Overall personnel responding: more than 37,000 personnel responding

There you go again Jo. Responding to the ravings of a mainstream Republican with logic, reason, and FACTS??!! What are you thinking? You know they immediately tune out as soon as someone starts peppering them with actual facts. That is, unless the "facts" are scribbled out on a chalk board in front of a TV camera. Then, opinions become transformed into facts, history turns into conspiracy, and conspiracy turns into the justifications for questionable policy decisions. Where you been?

Dear Dan: While it is clever of you to rant the right wing talking points that have been drilled into your head by the "Great Unwashed", nothing that you have said is true. Since I travel the world, as do my cherubs, I know that Europe is feeling better about us these days. As to the oil spill, what is YOUR solution, Dan? And by the way, I know that Fox News likes to say that we are refusing help from other nations, but that simply isn't true. I hope you turn off Fox News today, since it seems to make you irascible, and perhaps read an edifying book that may present a different view than that drilled into your head daily by the "tea baggers" Alter's book, The Promise, might be a good start.

jomama72-

You need to get that list to the folks down in Pensacola...

STAT...!

Better yet, forget your LIST, jomama...

Send some of the equipment and personnel on it.

Pensacola natives will be more impressed by that.

I was just watching the news and the slow walkers with the shovels and trash bags cleaning up the beaches. I just wanted to cry. If someone says a naughty word we can have the T shirt on the street by that same day and the balls have been coming for weeks and we are still hand picking them up? Surely we can do a better job than this.This reminds me of sending your children out to mow the lawn with a pair of nail clippers.I have no grand ideas but surely some engineer or very smart person can figure this out.

Clearly you are blind!

There was an armada of skimmers in Florida yesterday!

People who get there news from FOX look and sound stupid all the time.

You're right, MB. I'm sure they'd love to see a traffic jam of skimmers in there.

Actually Dan I have to disagree with you on healthcare, it has been great for the healthcare system I work for, it might be bad for the health insurance industry, but since I have spent way to many hours for close to 25 years fighting them for good health care for sick children I don't particularly give a good damn about the health insurance industry. It is not the President's responsibility to clean up after BP and I sure don't want my tax dollars doing it - this baby lands squarely in BP's lap, plus why should I care about Lousianna beaches when their governor and the business folks clearly want more off shore drilling, setting them up for the same senero? I spoke to a good friend of mine in Perdido Key, FL (between Pensacola and Gulf Shores) earlier this week, said he is still fishing almost every day, no oil on the beach where he goes, guess the folks in FL are like us in TN - if you remember, after our flood in may we did not wait for other people to help us, we just pitched in and helped each other. But yes, the oil spill makes me sick, and I hope BP has to pay out the nose! I am a very happy receipient of the stimulus, my company got a healthcare grant which eneabled me to work in the field I was orignally trained it, so no complaints from me on that one. Wall street reform is necessary and I hope it helps get some of this crazy financial stuff under control.

Do I like everything President Obama does? Of course not, I wish he were more forceful (not as arrogantly forceful as president GW Bush, but more than he is most of the time); however, I do know that really smart people don't normally explode like most ordinary people do (I work with some exeptionally intelligent people) I wish he would call the republicans out more and make it stick. But it may not be in his personality to behave that way, so in light of what we had before and could have had, I'm pretty happy with what we have and I'm still proud of my vote.

Peace be with you,

Actually, Sheila, MD-

I find that CNN has had the best coverage of the Gulf oil catastrophe overall, as well as the best coverage of the federal government's response specifically.

And, Sheila...CNN managed to get to the oiled Pensacola beaches before the feds did.

Union Baby-

If you think that Obamacare, with it's individual mandate forcing every American to buy health insurance, is bad for the health insurance industry...well, that's certainly a unique point of view, and an interesting take on the matter.

It's a little hard to believe they're lamenting the millions and millions of captive new customers.

You mean the individual mandate Republicans insisted on, before voting against the plan anyway? That's just one of 200 Republican ideas that made it into the final law they didn't vote for, but I guess that's what passes for "smart negotiation" these days.

I have my finger whistle, yellow card, red card, and a 25 year old patch. I'll be watching. and calling off-sides.

Go for it striker.

With the way the officials have been calling offsides in the tournament, I think you're needed in South Africa! :-)

By the way, watch for my son to be the starting sweeper for the US in the 2026 World Cup. In 2 seasons, his team has given up 3 goals with him in the game. I should send Onyewu some tape. :-)

Frank, it is such a pleasure reading your posts. This oil disaster is a wake-up call. Further drilling must be stopped until we have that failsafe solution.

Those claiming the moratorium has taken away all off shore jobs are flat out wrong. There are around 3600 oil rigs in the Gulf, only 33 rigs are actually drilling exploratory wells. The rest are producing oil and are not impacted by the moratorium. It is beyond me why Jindal, Barbour and others are willing to risk further harm to the region.

When I was taking OSHA classes for my degree in Occupational Safety & Health, one of the OSHA instructors made a point that always stayed with me: if the potential for an accident exists, sooner or later it will happen. BP's Deep Water Horizon is the reality of his words.

2026...I may have a ring side seat looking down. That's assuming that I'm going up and not down. My best wishes to you and your boy.

Ah, yes, Grimey, one thing we can all agree on is dreams for our children. I have no playing background in soccer, but I got drafted as coach of a travel team. Whatta zoo!! You'd meet the coach from the other team before the game. I used to assume that, the more accented his English was, the bigger the beatdown we'd get. That was true often enough! Even I can call offsides better than I've seen it called this World Cup!

Hey Pom-pom boy, you must be taking the same combo of meds as your buddy Fannie. Yeah, the world is such a better place now than it was...when? If you had a brain in your head or a subscription to something other than Cat Fancy you'd know that Putin's the real power in russia and that's why he sends his errand boy here. Meddy couldn't say hello without Putin's hand up his ass moving his mouth. Your understanding of geopolitics is about pre-school level.

'danger'field,

Somehow I found your Grampa, Rodney, funnier. I see Glenda Becky put some Energizer batteries up your back side so you could just keep 'going, and going, and going'; but when you're done in there, you need to go back to your room - some adults around here want to have a grown up conversation - and well your little ears aren't quite ready for prime time.

Clara,

Now you are cracking ME up! lol

Clara, perfect!

It seems the FOX quoter crowd who were absent a couple weeks finally figured out the new FR.

Don't watch TV, but you obviously do. Suggest you read instead. So now I have received the coveted "Duh, if you don't madly love the president, you must be a (pick one) republican, conservative, fox tv watcher. You would OBVIOUSLY be shocked at the growing number of democrats who voted for the president who regret their choice. So you can call me whatever you want, hell I'm gonna call you whatever i want (right pom-pom boy?) but what should worry the hell out of you is that I am NOT a repub, a cons or someone who wastes time watching any of the talking heads. Notice that now that I am living free in fannie's head she will love any insult tossed my way.

What do you find adult in your asinine post?

dangerfield,

Clearly you care about something because you are here . . . what I am having a difficult time assertaining is . . . what is the message you are trying to impart?

You don't like the President.

Message received.

Anything else you want us to know?

Because if you are here to just complain, that job has been filled by no joe! :P

OMG, dangerfield-

I thought I enjoyed poking the metaphorical stick into the First Read anthole...

I'm tempted to simply sit back, and watch the show.

Nah...

Thank you for the kind words...

You're here to applaud EVERYTHING the administration says and does, and I bet you did nothing but complain about the last rotten, incompetent, corrupt administration, right? So what's your question again, something about the shoe and the other foot? I hated Bush/Cheney/rummy etc.

My displeasure IS my way of showing my concern, just as your hero-worshiping, uncritical cheerleading is for you. We understand each other now? Lifelong democrat, voted for the president, can't believe what an incredible disappointment he has been thusfar.

dangerfield,

You complain about my "uncritical cheerleading", however criticism without solutions requires very little talent.

What is it that you feel the President should be doing that he is not?

It is far easier to tear down something others build than to build yourself.

President Obama is attempting to build something. It's not always pretty, but it's progress.

Within the confines of democracy, I think he is doing one hell of a job.

And I make no apologies for that nor need your permission to feel that way.

I am not trying to convince you of anything, just trying to glean if you are someone worth the energy I am investing.

So far, the jury is still out on that.

Does it require much talent to be a sycophant? I am a critic which takes a little more thought than being a cheerleading rubber-stamp. As tomy being somehow obligated to have solutions for our problems; Not being president, it really isn't my job it's his and I am among the more than half of Americans, of all political persuasions who think he's doing a lousy one so far. Didn't the Bushies say the same silly thing when he was criticized for being such an incompetent waste?

Whatever you say oh wise and all knowing dangerfield!

Thank you for showing me the error of my ways . . . and for admitting that you have no solutions and just like to hear yourself talk!

lol

Not really. Critiquing requires you to put as much thought into how to fix something as identifying the problem. Unadulterated whining takes nothing more than the capacity to complain. You've demonstrated that in spades. Offer an alternative solution to any one of the problems you list and you might move up into the realm of critic. Until then, all you qualify for is the title of slightly eloquent whiner.

DF:

I wasn't speaking to an adult, when addressing you - therefore I didn't attempt to be adult like,...see how that works?

And to the rest,...I guess NoJo finally hired her lapdog to come talk about the bumper sticker he's been trying to remove since the election. Buyer's Remorse and all that.

Me thinks DF has some unreasonable expectations and would no doubt bitch if hung with new rope. But as a paid 'psychofant' for nojo, I guess I have some pretty LOW expectations myself. And I'm not even remotely disappointed.

Well, at least you wouldn't stoop to personal insult...it just mystifies and scares some here to deal with any dissent, and being fearful, of average intelligence and obviously threatened by questions Ideas and thoughts from someone who isn't a republican, conservative, fox news (that's pretty much the attack rant I have seen thusfar) devotee, there is little else in your arsenal.

While it might be comforting to believe that anyone who doesn't share your views is WRONG and EVIL (Let's boycott Keith, he was mean to the president!haha) even if they actually voted for the same guy you did, the fact remains that I represent not some republican person I don't even know, but many DEMOCRATS who are mortally disappointed by the lackluster performance of this president.

The pretzel logic of Bush followers was no different than the equally deluded Obama followers and I am no fan either president or their misguided fans. I hope that wasn't too "adult" a response, though as president Clinton, someone who knew how to get things done said, "a rising tide lifts all boats", maybe I will encourage some to raise their game.

I thought your buddy Mixed Nuts had the lock on 'dissent'!

Confirms my suspicions that the 'war room' in up and running again somewhere in Ohio with one or two people using multiple monikers!

dangerfield

Hey Pom-pom boy, you must be taking the same combo of meds as your buddy Fannie. Yeah, the world is such a better place now than it was...when? If you had a brain in your head or a subscription to something other than Cat Fancy you'd know that Putin's the real power in russia and that's why he sends his errand boy here. Meddy couldn't say hello without Putin's hand up his ass moving his mouth. Your understanding of geopolitics is about pre-school level.

PRICELESS!

I see NEITHER of us would stoop to a personal insult,...If raising the game was your intent, you sure have a funny way of showing it. So, I guess if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

And, narcissistic would be a great way to sum up your opinion of yourself. I can handle plenty of intelligence and dissent - I see neither coming from you. I never said you were WRONG, just childish - and I do appreciate how you've managed to underscore that point. Thank you.

Oh, and Feisty,...ding ding ding - I think you've called it perfectly!

Feisty, my love...anyone can do it!

Clara too!

Dissent is the people's franchise in a democracy!

Even you, theoretically, could buy into some dissent where the Obama Administration is concerned...I mean, if you wanted to.

Again, only theoretically, Feisty...

Mixed Nuts.... I stand by my original observation...

You can fool some of the people some of the time... Me? eh... not so much! We go too far back ;0)

From everything I've read and heard, the Wall Street reform bill actually got tougher as time passed. This is highly unusual. Could it be even tougher, probably. Haven't heard whether the Voelker Rule was added--hope so.

Yes Jody, the Volker Rule was included. The bill is weaker than it Should be, but a LOT better than the NOthing that the Repubs were trying to effect. It seems that Public Opinion on this really made a difference as so many of the politicians seem to like holding on to their jobs and this bill was seen, by the public, as a NEEDED set of laws, the politicians really did not have much choice in the matter if they want to have any chance at retaining their seats!

Dan,

Don't confuse your inablilty to follow with the President not being able to lead.

Let's not forget the valuable public service spot by Secretary Of Labor Hilda Solis urging illegal aliens to exercise their rights as...hmmm.

Illegal aliens?

Tone-deaf...completely politically tone-deaf.

No wonder we're seeing the kind of poll numbers Chuck and Mark talked about.

So...it's time for the lawsuit against Arizona, eh?

Really, Nash, you have been hitting them out of the park this week.

If only you naysayers realized how silly you "read". Still playing the same old song only the record's broken.

Thanks for the kind words newday . . . however, dangerfield does not like us to say nice things about each other.

He thinks human kindness is a sign of weakness.

(Or perhaps he needs the very thing he so despises? Hmmmmmm.)

Doesn't take much to live rent-free in fanny's head...

dangerfield,

You even have a pet name for me and everything . . . I mean I really am flattered!

ROTFLMAO!

Well I think you've run your whole play book now...didn't even make it to lunchtime...

Dan, just thought you should know:

http://trueslant.com/marceloballve/2010/03/08/immigration-reform-advocates-blast-obama-on-enforcement-policies/

I know it doesn't fit into your little narrative; but apparently it's true. Now if they would just start fining the employers,...we could start rebuilding our treasury. or something like that.

3500 acres in AZ are not open to US citizens now because "it's too dangerour" due to the drug smuggling and violence.

Police in Nogales, , have been told to carry their weapons even when off-duty due to threats by drug cartel following a recent drug bust.

In D.C., the head of Labor wants illegals to make complaints if they aren't being paid "fair wages". The head of DHS says at the same time, they're going to start going after employers for employing illegals. Do these people ever talk? One of them needs to fired because Obama said of McChrystal everybody has to be on t he same page.

And, with all this going on, the Administration is going to sue AZ for trying to protect themselves since the federal government won't do their job (and, that's on BOTH sides of the aisle). Think of how much will be spent on that lawsuit so the Administration can say "we don't have to follow the law". Think of how much border protection could be paid for with that lawsuit money.

Saw a state senator from CA on TV last night. He said the very words that Kyl said Obama told him. They aren't going to first secure the border because that would lessen the sense of emergency for "comprehensive reform" (code word: amnesty). so, thank you, Obama for playing politics while people are being killed, their property destroyed. Why doesn't the Administration move all their families down on the border? Then, we'll see how fast something would be done about it.

nojo,

Glad to hear that you and your hubby have purchased a beautiful home together to share your golden years. . . it sounds lovely. Maybe a change of scenery will brighten your outlook on life!

Regardless of policy agreements or differences, you must admit that you can be a little overboard with your dire predictions.

What you call being an "Obamaphile" I call supporting the President of the United States and not always assigning him the worst possilbe motives based on nothing more than a poll of 800 people that I don't know and left over resentment from an election that is over and done with now.

NoJo...where in the Keys did you get a house? I love it down there. Wife and I are heading to Islamorada in a couple of months.

Cool! Another all knowing, old school, azzhole has moved to the south now...Like we need more of those. It's common knowledge around here that the majority of you retirement snow birds treat the locals like they are unwashed masses when you're here.

I bought a house for the first time a year ago but I'm sure you will feel I'm part of the problem since I got 8 grand of tax payer dollars as a first time buyer. If it's any comfort I did use my veteran's home loan to make the purchase. I did after all earn that with time in service...Or maybe that is another give away you dispute...

I'll fix it up and sell it if possible in another year very likely.

BTW, what is an Obamaphile? Would that indicate you are a Bushophile?

no joe-

I'm just desperately hoping the economy can avoid a double-dip recession, in spite of the present leadership.

The economic news from May was grim in jobs, retail sales, and the worst new-home sales number since measurement was started in 1963.

With last year's economic stimulus, and fed lending rates near zero, the recession-fighting toolbox is nearly empty.

Setting aside the politics for a moment, there needs to be real signs of economic recovery, and soon.

Rest assured, njnbnj, I will NEVER 'jump on you,...' for your delusions of correctness where President Obama is concerned.

My husband and I live in our 'forever' home and our children are in private school,...so the 2nd home will have to wait another 10 or so years. But we DO take vacations - at least ONE National Monument or Place of Historic interest a year. Next week, the Black Hills. We are going to camp in a Lakota Indian Tipi. My kids are thrilled and I am ready for a much deserved break from the norm!

Grimey-Key West, of course. Old Town.

Mixed Bag-you are absolutely right, but this is one thing that the citizens of this country can actually DO something about, without waiting for the government.

We have,to a large extent, a consumer driven economy. For some time, Obama and the media were feeding this 'new frugality' with absolutely no idea that they were taking a bad situation, and making it far worse. The theory of 'rational expectations' won a Nobel for econ for a reason-it holds that people do the wrong thing for the right reason. So, when the economy is bad, those with jobs, fearing their loss, begin to save, rather than spend. Conversely, in inflationary times, people spend today, rationalizing that the price will be higher tomorrow. In recessionary times, all that saving may be a good strategy for one individual, but it further strictures the economy, leading to more job loss. In the second, the individual may save a few dollars by buying, but is further fueling inflation, thus actually driving up prices. So, what is the answer?

If you have plans to buy a car, a house, etc., now is the time to do it. Buy shoes, a new lawnmower; heck, if it's all you can afford, a pack of gum.

No, don't drive up your debt to astronomical heights-but put that disposable income to work. The job you save may be your own.

NJNB,

Does donating money & time to food banks - earthquake victims World Wildlife Fund count?

Btw: I also do MORE than my part to stimulate my local economy in the form of some serious retail therapy! l

The anti-Obamanites might instead try answering what republicans did for the country? You only need to look back to Bush and Cheney but they'll never be willing to tell the truth or acknowledge the failures. It is just easier to blame someone they can't stand and try to justify that belief with a lot platitudes.

I support President Obama, know he is the intelligent LEADER we need, and know this country will be greater for it.

NJ, that place in the Keys sounds wonderful. Good luck.

I had the good fortune to sell my home in San Diego, take the equity and pay cash for a very nice but modest home here with a huge yard to turn into a flower-filled refuge. I enjoy it so much. My wish would be to buy a small cabin on the Mississippi.

No joe, Hope you don't get too upset when the BP oil and dead marine life and birds start washing up on your beach and your property value plummets. I am sure that is all you care about anyway.

Congratulations on your house, NJ.

The only real solution to the economic situation is time. The private sector must solve this problem, but unfortunately during the period of time when they had the opportunity to drive growth and hire people, thereby sending the pendulum back the other way, they chose the make large profits through increased 'productivity,' ie, increasing the workloads of the people they didn't happen to lay off during the mass panics of late 2008 - mid 2009. So in the manner of capitalists and corporations, they favored the short term at the expense of the long term. Now that window of opportunity has closed. There is nothing left priming the pump. Because they refused to hire, there was no improvement in the mood of the country and the same people who were broke before and could not buy their products are still broke and will not be able to buy their products.

But at least they had a couple of good quarters, right?

Of course, the right wing will never buy into this analysis. They will believe that the corporations' shortsightedness was 'smart business practice' and temporarily reward the behavior with slight upticks in stock prices - that is until the corporation pays the price for it with massive losses fueled by the fact that America is full of unemployed people and people making $15 less an hour than they used to make, so no one can afford to buy anything.

Will there ever come a time when the right wing holds the private marketplace as accountable for its total failure to accomplish its purpose in society as it does the government for its, (admittedly lame), attempts to help in times of crisis?

Probably not.

Great post Michael! What a shame that those that might actually benefit from posts like this are too busy staring at a chalk board to even notice...

Clara-I hear you, and, believe me, besides benefitting you, your husband, and children, the people who run the hotels, restaurants, and shops will also benefit from your vacations!

Michael claims to know so much, but does not understand how businesses work. More people like Clara-and Fiesty with her 'retail therapy' will create so much demand for goods that companies LOSE money by not hiring-that is when they hire.

Frank, when you are in Islamorado, don't forget to eat lunch at both the Loralei, and the Morada Bay. Great food, great atmosphere-Keys at its best. Enjoy!!

Oh, and M.Fisher? you are 100 wrong about my feelings about your utilizing the tax cut when buying your home. I thought that was one of the only stimulous ideas Obama had that were any good. My proposal, in fact, was to allow all closing costs to be written off as tax credits. For everybody, not just first time buyers, and not just for principal residences. It did not stop me from buying, however.

Homebuying has a huge multiplier- because of all the durables the new homeowner needs in addition to the home. So, congratulations on your purchase, and your plans to improve, sell, and move up.

We'll make a republican out of you yet.

No Jo...What's up with the ginormous font? Are you SHOUTING or something?

Sounds like a good idea to me Lyn!

I believe this would be a positive step. Unfortunately, it would just mean that those that vociferously disagree with you will vote negative no matter what is posted.

I like it but couldn’t it have the inverse effect and encourage them even more because they can see they got some attention??

Consider it a badge of courage. From what I've seen there's too much, "great post" and "I completely agree with so-and-so" here already...

dangerfield,

What is your issue with positivity?

lol

Or should I say "Great post dangerfield - you rock!"

But dangerfield-

Just view First Read as stimulus for the pom-pom industry.

MB, that's a funny one! (or should I say Pat in Ohio?)

Ouch Clara! :0)))

Unfortunately, it would just mean that those that vociferously disagree with you will vote negative no matter what is posted.

Wow! Sounds like the republicans vs the president! Hahaa!

You can say that Clara, but you probably shouldn't.

I have no idea whatsoever who "Pat in Ohio" is...

But, I'm taking a wild guess that I'd like Pat.

Wouldn't I, Clara?

If Feisty has issues...Pat MUST be OK.

I initially was going to say balls and boobs, but thought better of it. Have a great weekend.

I don't mind having bigger 'balls' than most of the emasculated republican men,...actually - i'm quite proud of the fact!

You better not have them, Anna Molly...

Not small people anymore - now it's HOBO!

Off the meds again Sierra? Shame, you might want to consider changing doctors or sites, we dont agree with you. Take a deep breath and exhale s-l-o-w-l-y until you get to the doctor.

You seem to be one of the people who ISN'T on meds here...

Nothing is wrong with President Obama. He is doing an excellent job!

MSierra, I don’t recall presidents calling out the opposition party very often. That is why they have spokespersons and Party leaders.

I think the President needs to replace several members of his team but he needs to remain above the fray as much as possible.

MSierra-

Looks like you've been outed as only being 90+% in-the-tank for Obama.

Sorry...not good enough.

You've got to get that number up if you expect acceptance here at First Read.

Not true Mixed Bag . . . you seem to fit right in.

Nashville-

There's tolerance...and then there's acceptance.

I get some of the first...and I don't expect the latter.

I'm not complaining...at least, not about that, anyway.

It happened late last night. For another thing, Pres Obama was a little busy meeting with Medvedev yesterday. He cannot baby sit Congress--they're grown ups, they should be able to speak for themselves and do so by making a lot of noise. We'll hear from him.

Sierra, I've often wondered the same thing about the dem's in DC. Why don't they raise more hell when the pub's do stupid things that are clearly for big business or strictly to do harm to the president. I LIKE to think that the Dem's will start to raise some hell before elections but...Who knows. The Dem's can't seem to get it together and be a team. The pub's are fine with teamwork but only work for greedy corporations... What can ya do..??

Houston,

Maybe Allblow will put some of the newly homeless up at her 'summer' home (I hear Key West is lovely this time of year) after all she said it's empty!

It's appalling what cold hearted bastards the party of stale male & pale are!

Houston!

Sen. Stabinow is right: The Republicans blocked the unemployment benefits in order to stop the recovery,

What recovery? You did see the revised growth percentage for the first quarter, correct? It was an anemic 2.7%. That followed a growth 5.7% for the last quarter of 2009. This is an economy that is slamming on the brakes, even with the trillions of dollars of deficit spending Obama and his Democrats have pumped into the economy.

You see Houston!, Obama and his henchmen can't keep borrowing money to put into the economy and continue to see it fail like it has. The people of the country see that the "recovery" is stalled, and it really never even got started. Everyday there are more and more talks of a double-dip recession. I know, I know, "It's Bush's fault". Well, less and less people are buying that bs.

You wonder where politicians like Stabenow come up with garbage they say, and you wonder who elected a moron like her, then you see she's from the bluest of Blue States Michigan, and you have your answer.

One word, Houston: PAYGO.

And, you do realize that unemployment benefits are up to 99 weeks, right? You've got to be able to find SOMETHING in that amount of time.

That is not how we spend our days..."in the merry old land of oz" where a lot of these guys seem to live.

JoAnnaSmith-

I don't think you're going to see a Democrat in the Michigan governor's mansion after January of next year...they've likely had enough there as well.

JoAnna ~ You'd have to know what the numbers were for the last quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009 in order to make a judgment about whether 2.7 percent growth in the first quarter of 2010 is "anemic" compared with 5.7 percent growth in the last quarter of 2009. As I recall it, in the last quarter of 2008, during which the economy almost melted completely down, there was no where to go but up.

no joe ~ do you have any idea how much U/I benefits amount to? If that's all you had, you'd be looking like crazy for a job. In some states they're as low as $250 a week. YOU try to live on that. People are losing their homes, no joe. They're not doing that for fun. Besides, the bill was almost paid for -- much more paid for that any appropriations bill relating to the wars. I haven't heard you saying "PAYGO" about the wars.

I had to give you the green star on this one Houston!

All the Republicans can do at this point is 'play' politics. they don't know how to govern. All they have left are their bullhorns and their bad attitudes because President Obama is shoving bills so far down their throat they fear they will be shut up.

What is that line from American President, "Bob's (sic, Republicans) problem isn't that he (they) doesn't get it. Bob's (their) problem is that he (they) can't sell it! We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them. And whatever your particular problem is, I promise you, Bob Rumson is not the least bit interested in solving it. He is interested in two things and two things only: making you afraid of it and telling you who's to blame for it. That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you win elections. You gather a group of middle-aged, middle-class, middle-income voters who remember with longing an easier time, and you talk to them about family and American values and character..."

Any of this ringing a bell? It is SOP for the GNOP,...and we're on to them. And they can't stand that there is a glaring white light on all of their tactics and escapades. They scurry like the roaches they are when someone slaps them with a fact or a reality. They (much like organized religion) know that once education or information is out of the bag - they will lose their 'dominion' over the masses they have kept in the dark and fed their BS to. so predictable!

Anna Molly-

Wouldn't you also want to consider the amount of stimulus money that's been poured into the economy, plus a fed funds lending rate set at roughly zero for months on end, when evaluating the relative merits of a 2.7% growth rate in the first quarter?

And, don't hit me for asking...

It would have been very nice if those screaming PAYGO now would have done so when the Bushies passed their sweeping tax cuts for the Uberwealthy, the "Off Budget" wars and all of the obscene, no-bid contracts given to the buddies of the Admin then. BUSH is the one that balloned the defecit to ungodly proportions and all the Dopes of Nope can do is continue to say NO: No Help for the needy, No health care for the poor, No unemployment benefits for those put out of work by their OWN hands, No strengthening the regulations concerning ANY of the Big Business that have raped our Nation dry, and NO cooperation with the present Admin. If NO is all they can say, then NO is what they will hear when the voters decide in November whether to reelect or elevate them to office. I foresee an unfilibusterable majority coming to the Dems this November, and then the Dopes of Nope will get NO sympathy, NO say in what goes to vote in Congress and NO ability to filibuster or otherwise obstruct the proper proceedings of Government. AND, if they try (as Angle has plainly stated) a 2nd Amendment Solution, then they will be up on charges of Treason on top of it all.

Just Say NO to Republican Involvement in Government: it is worse than any other drug problem facing America!

No problem! Let the homeless move in with bo blow nj. I hear she and her wealthy hubby just bought a big new house in the keys. Problem solved!

Aw come on B.Honest! Be honest! Nobody besides the anti-bush, nazi lovin', socialists gave a sh1t when Bush was spending us into a financial nightmare... Get with the program, man...It's only when a liberal president spends that spending is "THE END OF THE WORLD!!"

LOL M. Fisher, Sadly enough that is so terribly true!

I never thought about it until now, but I think I would much prefer "Tax and Spend" over "Bomb and Spend". At least when you tax, you can afford to spend and actually have something to show for it...

If the economy implodes and nobody has a job, how are the top 3% going to extract their pound of flesh?

Besides, we know that the GOBP will fight to the death ANY attempt to provide assistance/support to anyone that works for a living. They are too busy trying to line up support for a major reduction of the estate tax. They cannot afford to help those that are out of work due to no fault of their own (the Hobos) but they can definitely find the money for a trillion dollar plus reduction in estate tax revenue. I mean, how can the GOBP be expected to enable the hobos to sit around the house doing drugs when the GOBP realize that the only way to solve the REAL problems America is facing right now is to throw another multi-trillion dollar giveaway to the wealthiest 0.03% of all Americans. We all know how much of THEIR wealth trickles down right?

Now, I want to hear all you Obama haters out there tell me that YOU will benefit from this. Then I want to hear you justify how the GOBP can spend over a trillion on people that are NOT suffering in this economy (Having to delay purchase of your SECOND home is not suffering). Then explain to me how you can ignore literally millions of families struggling to put food on the table because the GOBP saw fit to bestow juicy tax breaks to corporations that took OUR jobs and shipped them anywhere but here?

I knew you people had no conscience for many years now. I just had no idea just how much disdain you had for your fellow Americans or just how far you would all go to support your precious conglomerate multi-billion dollar corporations. If any of you were actually benefiting from any of these policies, I would respect your positions a lot more (and ask for a large loan!). Since I know that none of you fit that criteria (no matter HOW well off ANY of you are, I seriously doubt any of you are worth more than a billion dollars), I have to wonder what it is that any of you get from being such supporters of the GOBP and their priorities for this nation. Do you get paid? Do you get off on having others agree with your marginalized opinions? Do you feel strength in numbers (which would explain why FOX goes so far out of their way to inflate attendance figures at Tea Party rallies for instance) and somehow feel that, since there are others that share your extreme opinions, you might actually really be right? It is mind boggling to me that so many otherwise intelligent people would be willing to voluntarily suspend all cogent thought or formation of an independent thought as long as certain media outlets continue to play to this extreme opinion and mind set. Woe to us all...

Jody, Iowa

Feisty R, Ron, Indie Redneck. The first three posts stir the passions on three different subjects.

Unemployment benefits. Last night the republicans again blocked the cloture vote on legislation which included extending unemployment benefits to people who desperately need it to survive because it would add .00043% to the national debt.

If it is so little money, then why didn't the Democrats just cut 0.00043% from some other area of their spending? And just what did ever happen to PayGo?

Unemployment benefits, stimulating the economy and BP's oil disaster are NOT about politics--they are about people's lives. Shame on republicans and shame on those who think it is just fine.

What ever happened to those 4 million jobs that were to be created by Obama's Stimulus bill? You know, jobs that would have prevented this chronic unemployment problem created by Obama?

JoAnna, they did. Most of the bill IS PAID for, the .00043% was the remaining amount. The GOP did not offer any further cut ideas, they just said NO. What would you propose be cut? A road, a bridge, veteran's benefits, money for the military, defense, education, anti-terrorist agencies?

I have an idea, cut the GOPers salaries for everytime they vote against helping people. Take away their paycheck and let them live on unemployment.

One more thing JoAnna, the chronic job losses were not caused by President Obama, they started long before he took office. Never mind, there is no point in carrying on a conversation with you.

Never mind, there is no point in carrying on a conversation with you

_______________

Now you're catching on Jody! :0)

Thomas Edison – The Wright Brothers – Alexander Graham Bell – Henry Ford etc...would never make it or achieve anything in the future America that Obama and his groupies envision.

Yeah, that's why "socialist" Obama is privatizing the development of rockets for the space program, a task that the Big Government agency NASA used to handle. I wonder how that Falcon 9 managed to get off the ground successfully, what with our "socialist" president out to destroy private enterprise and all.

CU: Where were you when Bush and his cronies gave trillions in tax cuts to the wealthy and didn't pay for it? How about those two wars that cost trillions, weren't paid for and oh yeah, were deliberately excluded from the annual budget. How about Medicare Advantage, you know, Medicare for the wealthy, trillions and not paid for.

Talk about socialism. All of you that talk about socialism. Do you send your kids to public school? Why should I have to pay for education for kids people CHOOSE to have. That is socialism my friend. You want to use the library; all roads and bridges; visit a national monument or museum in DC; take your kids to a park; be protected and defended by a military, police or firefighter, etc. etc. etc. then you are a willing pariticpant in socialism.

You are hoodwinked, played, being made a fool of.

Then don't freaking listen! Do something! Get up off your ass and help instead of carping at people who have really good jobs in the media who you can ignore. You CHOOSE to listen to the "hate talkers" most of us are too busy to bother.

"Get up off your ass and help instead of carping at people who have really good jobs in the media who you can ignore."

And what are you doing wasting your time sitting on your a$$ typing drivel to this message board?

Houston!,

dangerfield here likes attention . . . and he knows like, EVERYTHING! lol

From the looks of thing Dangerfield could give AllBlow a run for her money! lol

Houston!

If the tropical storm brewing in the Atlantic turns into a hurricane and moves north, the rightwing radio hate talkers will probably blame the president for letting the hurricane reach the Gulf Coast. Then David Gregory and Tweety Matthews & friends will pick up the chant and opine that Obama "owns" this hurricane

Wow. Aren't Gregory, Matthews, Maddow, and Olbermann best friends with you lefties? These knuckle-draggers spoon feed you libs just the things you want to hear, but now it looks like there is dissention in the ranks! And are you lefties still accusing Bush and Cheney of blowing up the dikes in New Orleans during Katrina? Or have your worked though those delusions with your shrinks?

Make an effort to keep up, JoAnna-

They aren't at all happy with the usual suspects at MSNBC now that we see tentative, around the edges, baby steps towards actual critical coverage of the incompetence of the Obama Administration.

Their alarm is justified...

If it's happening at MSNBC...imagine what real journalists might be saying.

Houston:

Because the media is so ratings driven they are appear to suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder the way they lurch from one subject to another, hyperventilating and all.

No matter what the National Weather Service names the storm the media will call it "Hurricane Obama"!

Jon Stewart also did a great job of telling President Obama that his own behind should be the first to receive a good kick.