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Subscribe to RSSNRCC makes it move, reserving time in 40 congressional districts… The move copies what Dems did in ’06, but it also means that the GOP will be banking on a wave to take back the House… It’s Primary Day in Washington state (where polls close at 11:00 pm ET) and Wyoming (9:00 pm ET)… Obama is in Washington state, where he raises money for Patty Murray at 3:45 pm ET and 5:35 pm ET… NBC/WSJ poll results on reducing the deficit… Emily’s List vs. Palin… And profiling IA-3.
*** The NRCC makes it move: Earlier this summer, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced it was reserving $49 million in TV airtime in 60 congressional districts across the country, 54 of which are currently held by Democrats. Now, Politico writes, the National Republican Congressional Committee is responding by reserving $22 million in TV airtime in 40 districts, 39 of which are Dem-held seats. Facing a 2-to-1 cash-on-hand disadvantage to its Dem counterpart, the NRCC is concentrating its finite resources on what it considers its top pick-up opportunities, rather than spreading it out among a larger universe of Dem-held districts. In fact, this is exactly what Rahm Emanuel’s DCCC did in 2006 -- focus on a narrow number of districts and hope that outside groups and a wave help elsewhere.
*** 'It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, man! Let me go out there and let me get one wave, just one wave before you take me in': But this also underscores the GOP’s challenge in picking up the net 39 House seats it needs to take back the House in November: Because Republicans likely aren’t going to win in all of these 40 districts, they’re banking on outside groups -- and, more importantly, a wave -- to win control of the House. That said, Republicans tell us this $22 million is only the down payment for its fall advertising blitz. By the way, per Politico, here’s the full list of the 40 districts where the NRCC plans to run its TV ads: AL-2, AR-1, CA-11, CO-4, FL-2, FL-8, FL-24, GA-8, IL-10, IL-11, IN-2, IN-8, IN-9, K-3, KY-6, MD-1, MI-1, MI-7, MS-1, NH-1, NV-3, NM-2, NY-20, NY-24, ND-AL, OH-1, OH-15, OH-16, PA-3, PA-7, PA-11, SC-5, SD-AL, TN-8, TX-17, TX-23, VA-2, VA-5, WV-1, and WI-7.
*** Another Primary Day: President Obama today takes his midsummer campaign tour to Washington state, where he hits two fundraisers for vulnerable Sen. Patty Murray (D) at 3:45 pm ET and 5:35 pm ET. And it just happens to be Primary Day in the state. (A Murray aide tells First Read that the president’s visit on Primary Day is a coincidence.) Interestingly, Washington is a Top-2 primary state, which means that the two candidates who get the most votes -- regardless of party -- advance to the general election. Because of that system, we’ll get an early gauge of Murray’s support (does she get above or below 45%?), as well as the support for the GOP field (which consists of front-runner Dino Rossi, Palin-backed Clint Didier, and Paul Akers). Polls in Washington close at 11:00 pm ET. It’s also Primary Day in Wyoming, where a crowded field of Democrats and Republicans are running to succeed term-limited Gov. Dave Freudenthal (D). The real action is on the GOP side, with state Auditor Rita Meyer (who’s backed by Palin), former U.S. Attorney Matt Mead, state Agriculture Commissioner Ron Micheli, and state House Speaker Colin Simpson (son of former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson). Polls close there at 9:00 pm ET.
*** Two more comments on the mosque story: One, Harry Reid did Democrats (and the White House) no favor when he said yesterday that the mosque shouldn’t be built near Ground Zero; by responding to his opponent, Reid now makes it harder for other Dems to avoid the topic. Two, as former Bush adviser Mark McKinnon said yesterday, how can conservatives claim being protectors of the Constitution if they are going to willingly question aspects of it, like freedom of religion or birthright citizenship?
*** Is the public unwilling to make the tough choices on the deficit? By now, most Americans know that the U.S. budget deficit has ballooned in size. Unfortunately, according to our recent NBC/WSJ poll, Americans aren’t in agreement about the tough choices to reduce it. Just 36% said the general Democratic course of action -- raising taxes on families making over $250,000, raising taxes on multinational corporations, cutting some military spending, and reducing Medicare and Medicaid payments to doctors -- is acceptable. And only 25% said the Republican course -- avoiding tax increases, relying primarily on cutting spending, and slashing Medicare, Medicaid, education, and transportation spending -- is acceptable. What’s more, 71% said they would vote against a ballot measure cutting defense, education, border-control, and environmental spending.
*** Some fixes are more popular than others: Now some individual ways to reduce the deficit are more popular than others. For instance, 74% support making Medicare a more needs-based program; 72% back increasing taxes for multinational corporations; 64% agree to slow the growth of health-provider payments; 58% want to raise the cap on taxable income for Social Security; and 55% support increasing taxes on families who make more than $250,000. On the other hand, 41% want to cut defense weapons systems; 40% support raising Medicare payroll taxes; 36% back raising the Social Security retirement age to 70; 33% want to raise the age for Medicare eligibility; 32% support enacting a new national sales tax (VAT) on consumer goods and services; only 22% support reducing spending on public education; and just 20% back increasing taxes on all Americans.
*** But when you focus on it…: Interestingly, the Wall Street Journal commissioned a focus group in Richmond, VA on ways to reduce the deficit, and its conclusion was that the public IS willing to take drastic steps to fix it. Perhaps this means that the more voters hear about this, the more willing they are to make the tough decisions. “Leonard Anderson, 56 years old, a Richmond, Va., drug-maker engineer and a Republican, said he would be willing to accept a national sales tax to raise revenues. Kimberly Moore, 46, a Richmond Democrat and bank information-technology analyst, said everyone will have to accept budget cuts. And at 67, Paul DesJardins, a Henrico, Va., Republican, said he would accept higher Medicare co-payments and deductibles.”
*** Emily’s List vs. Palin: At 10:30 am ET at the National Press Club in DC, pro-choice Emily’s List is announcing a new campaign called “Sarah Doesn’t Speak For Me,” blasting Sarah Palin and the candidates she’s endorsed this campaign cycle.
*** 75 House races to watch: IA-3: The Democratic nominee is seven-term incumbent Leonard Boswell, and the GOP nominee is state Sen. Brad Zaun. Obama got 54% of the vote in this district in ’08, and Bush beat Kerry here by just 267 votes in ’04. As of June 30, Boswell had $734,000 in the bank, while Zaun had $100,000. Bowell voted yes for the stimulus, cap-and-trade, and health care. Both Cook and Rothenberg rate it Lean Democrat.
*** More midterm news: In Illinois, “Kimberly Vertolli, the ex-wife of Illinois Senate nominee Mark Kirk -- who recently called a top Kirk consultant, Dodie McCracken, a "kind of Svengali figure in his life" -- will begin advising his campaign,” the Chicago Sun-Times writes… And in Iowa, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee will endorse 11 new candidates for office in the first-in-the-nation caucus state, Politico reports.
Countdown to WA and WY primaries
Countdown to AK, AZ, FL, and VT primaries: 7 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 77 days
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When the Christian Right is Wrong:
Two issues have surfaced that have created some discomfort for the Christian Right. Judge Vaughn Walker’s decision, using the Constitutional concept of equal protection under the law, gave an opinion that gay and lesbians do have the right to marry. For fundamental Christians, that decision runs counter to their interpretation of the Bible. To resolve this cognitive dissonance; when two conflicting positions are presented, one must be right and one must be wrong. Yep, the Constitution must be wrong.
The other issue has to do with the approval of a mosque to be built approximately two blocks of “Ground Zero”. President Obama took an Oath of Office to support the Constitution, including the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights: “Congress shall make no law respecting an established religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” And that is exactly what he did in his speech last weekend; he defended the Constitution.
This too is troubling for the Christian right. They so much want to believe that “Yahweh” is the one true God, and for them, that is a true statement. For fundamentalists there is no compromise that Yahweh and Allah could be one and the same. For those folks, I suggest that your personal God is too small because we mortals have no comprehension of the size, appearance, or thinking of God.
So what about that mosque about to be built in Lower Manhattan? Phony arguments of “appropriateness” or “insensitivity” or “President Obama is a Muslim” spread through the conservative blogosphere. Even Harry Reid now thinks the mosque should be built elsewhere.
Where the Christian right is wrong is that this country is not a theocracy. We live in a nation of secular laws. We are not going to overturn our Constitution regarding immigration, the First Amendment or the Fourteenth Amendment simply because it does not fit into a conservative narrow belief system. The conservative Christian right may wish to take back our country to fit their beliefs, but to accomplish that they will have to do it, not with guns and bullying, but by winning at the ballot box. Fortunately there are still enough rational thinking Americans who believe in the First Amendment, the separation of church and state and will not let that happen
Beginner Guide for 'Troll' Hunting:
Sometime last year I put together a beginners 'guide' for first time FR participants.
As we head into election season, I think it's a good time to update it with a tutorial on the rules of engagement with the right wing trolls:
First: Don't EVER expect to get an answer out of them – they sure like to ask a great deal of questions, but for what ever reason they refuse to answer those asked of them! It's the basic 'do as I say' right wing rule!
Second: They are NEVER satisfied with the back up and documentation you provide (even if you include Fox Noise)
Third: They ALWAYS have to have the LAST word as if somehow that's going to make them look valid & relevant instead of childish & petty.
Fourth: They have a weird propensity for throwing our 'ism's' as in Socialism – Fascism & Racism… well you get the idea…
Fifth: They like to post already debunked chain e-mails they've received from right wing organizations frequently under the theory if you say it enough it will magically come true.
Sixth: They don't have one 'ounce' of creativity and think absolutely nothing of ripping off yours!
Seventh: You will be able to pick out the paid instigators promoting the daily right wing propaganda in less than (5) minutes.
Eighth: They are fond of quoting Beck – Rush & O'Reilly as a source of news.
Ninth: For whatever reason, they CAN NOT comprehend the seperation of Church & State!
So there you have it folks… sit back with a big bowl of popcorn and enjoy playing 'whack a troll'! lol
Our country is broken and only we the people can fix it.
If we are to believe the republican mantra that they have been campaigning on namely;
Fiscal Responsibility
Creation of Jobs
Transparency in Government
Support for the Constitution of the United States
The Middle Class
Then why have the republicans virtually blocked every bill and Presidential Appointments that have anything at all to do with the above? There are hundreds of bills and appointments sitting in limbo held hostage by the republicans. Why? What is the hidden agenda that they have? These bills contain the very ideas they are campaigning on and they still vote NO and tell the American people they support the very issues they just voted NO for. This sentence make little sense let along the politics behind it
The Republicans have and are blocking bills for Job Creation, much needed medical help for 9/11 First Responders, Loan Programs for small Community Banks (less than 10B in assets) to provide much needed capital to Small Business, Disclosure Bill, Unemployment Extension Benefits, just about anything that would help the middle class (which they are trying to destroy), and lately they want to re-write the constitution repealing amendments anywhere from Free Speech/Religion to Civil Rights. Some want to go back to pre Civil Rights days, Freedom of Religion is ok for some but not for all, create special class people with limited rights. This is just wrong.
If World History has taught us anything, we are starting to see signs of a country lost. We are heading in the direction where the wealth and power will be concentration in only a few. They will then re-write the laws (constitution) because they can, there will be nobody to stop them.
We have a President that is trying to undo the damage created by two unfunded wars, deregulation of big oil, big business, wall street, you name it, two unfunded tax cuts where over 50% of the benefits went to 2% of the people, and other acts of Fiscal and Moral Irresponsibility. He has gotten virtually no help from the Republican Party that over 8 years created much of the mess we are in. They have successfully stoned walled him all along the way and now are now marking him a failure on many blogs, MSM etc.
No President can undo the damage of the previous administration without time and lots of it. Not President Obama or any president can undo 8 years of degradation in just 20 months. This is going to take longer to repair than it did to create.
America we are screwed. The Republicans are not looking out for the middle class; they are looking out for themselves and their jobs, not yours or mine. In my opinion they are for Wall Street over Main Street, Big Business over Small Business, the richest 2% over the 98%, Power and Greed over Morality and Ethics.
Ask yourself with the picture of this country so bleak today, why would we want to allow the same people that brought us to this stage do it to us again?
Now that MSNBC has linked 1st Read to thier HomePage, Real America is finding out just how much this Country is in Decline. All ya havta do is read some of the comments on Any thread, & you can gather the level of HATE that the Religous Right has brought upon our Great Country. In thier quest for Social issues to be before Economic Issues, Business's across the Spectrum, has LaughedOutLoud & taken Everyone of Us.
The Religous Right is what brought us Ronald Reagon, who in turn, Brought us 911. The Religous Right & the Sumpremes brought us George Bush/Dick Cheney, who sat on thier A$$eS & allowed 911 to happen.
The level of Thought or lack thereof is Not to be given the Power of Government to the Religous Right fanatics,because as we are witnessing, "They're all about HATE".
You Betcha!
Good to see you Feisty! Thanks for being tagging on. I couldn't stay away.
What on earth was President Obama thinking? Did his advisors actually tell him to go “Pro Ground Zero mosque” with 90 days until the midterms when Democrats are about to get sliced up like a Hibachi Steak at Benihana?
Did someone on his team point to Iran and said, “Don’t worry Mr. President, we can win with 32% of the vote, Ahmadinejad did it, so let’s go pro Ground Zero mosque today?”
Read this article which satirizes the whole mess.
VERY FUNNY stuff.
http://www.dailygoat.com/?p=2653
What was President Obama thinking? He was thinking, "Gee, we have a Constitution with a First Amendment."
Watching and actively participating in politics for decades, this is the first time I have ever seen a President attacked for defending the First Amendment rights of all Americans. The First Amendment is the bedrock of our democracy. It establishes freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to peaceably assemble and to petition the Government for redress of grievances.
Despite the words in the Constitution, here we are. The country that demands human rights for everyone in the world, the defender of freedom for all, and yet many Americans are willing to deny freedom to some within our borders because fear has again trumped our ability to reason. What freedom is the next to be thrown aside by those who want an exemption?
Our First Amendment freedoms have been turned into a political game. Fear is the "most persistent threat to freedom". The First Amendment guarantees free speech, the right to express an opinion on any subject. This is happening--nothing wrong with a good discussion.
But there is something wrong with politics and the discussion when the President of the United States is attacked for defending the Constitution, for defending the rights of every American--no exceptions for race, religion, gender--contained within that cherished document. No where did the Founding Fathers state these freedoms apply to all EXCEPT.
Mornin Ron!
Glad you decided to join us... great post (as usual)! Me? After the Hatapalooza around here yesterday... I went with something 'lighter'! ;0)
Looks like the loony-left has started to realize how badly their leaders have screwed up the country. Rather then talk about that, they want to whine about the mean old nasty Republicans who point out the facts of what failures the Democrats have been. And the Republicans have "blocked job creation bills"? Really? Which ones? The Democrats have spent trillions on so called "job creation", but more then 3 million jobs have been lost. Hmm - seems those were not "job creation" bills at all, but instead they were bailouts for federal and state government jobs, the most important jobs for the Democrats. The Democrats could not care less about the private sector jobs, uneless you are a bank exec that contributes campaign cash to the Democrats, then you got a bailout too!
So keep up the distractions loons. There is nothing that the Democrats can run on that can be termed any type of success, so now for the Democrats the elections will depend on lies, innuendo, and spin. You know, just like every other election for them.
Ron- it doesn't help when you hear people like Newt say "we didn't (or wouldn't) let the Japanese build a temple next to Perl Harbor", as though "Japanese" is a "religious institution". They constantly want to toss in extraneous and non-relevant catch phrases and ideas that keep meaningful though at bay. Another favorite is "the Mosque is OK, but Nativity sceenes on the courthouse lawn are taboo". As though the Mosque is being proposed on taxpayer-supported property vs. private property.
Listen closely- they do it all the time. And the Hannitys and Limbaughs (and most of Fox's people) are sharpend pros at it.
Republicans Block Bill to Aid Small Business
July 30, 2010, 4:25 am
Republicans Block Bill to Aid Small Business
July 30, 2010, 4:25 am
Senate Republicans on Thursday rejected a bill to aid small businesses with expanded loan programs and tax breaks, in a procedural blockade that underscored how fiercely determined the party’s leaders are to deny Democrats any further legislative accomplishments ahead of November’s midterm elections, The New York Times’s David M. Herszenhorn reported.
The measure, championed by Senator Mary L. Landrieu, Democrat of Louisiana, had the backing of some of the Republican Party’s most reliable business allies, including the United States Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business. Several Republican lawmakers also helped write it.
But Republican leaders filibustered after fighting for days with Democrats over the number of amendments they would be able to offer. A last-ditch offer by Democrats to allow three was refused by the Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
Theres more if you care to see it. So what say you, queen of denial? Are you up for some one on one today?
Ron, your comments on the Christian Right ring very true. As a Christian and a Liberal it's a constant frustration to me that these people work so hard to put both my government and my God in a straightjacket. To me it's almost a no-brainer that God will speak to us in different ways because our hearts are touched in different ways. The battle between evolution and "Creation Science" makes me shake my head because OF COURSE an all knowing, all seeing, all powerful God could set up a beautiful, self-sufficient system like evolution to carry out his plan. I don't care if the science does or doesn't provide evidence of God, it's about what's in my heart.
So if I'm going to believe that we hear the same voice leading us upward on different paths it also leads me to the American ideal of tolerance and accomodation of different beliefs. The Constitution is a wondrous document that's designed to allow us to pursue our own best interests, but lay the framework for laws to prevent that pursuit from exploiting others and debase the society through a cut throat, dog eat dog, ends justify the means approach to life. People have a bit of the predator within themselves, but we don't really do our best work unless we work cooperatively.
Therefore the vision that says we're each on our own is really a means to create a heierarchy that favors those who already have money, power, and influence. Those things give enough advantage already and for those who are smart and work hard they're welcome to enjoy that. America became great by allowing people to do that without becoming predators, though, and encouraging people to work together for mutual gain, with mutual purpose. Taking that second part makes us a population of hunters and hunted, lords and servants. Down that path lies ruin for us as a society.
Frank, what so called bill the Democrats have cooked up for [any-business] has been successful? These bills have really nice names, "Stimulus Act of 2009", "Aid to Small Businesses", you get the picture Frank, none of them worked. None of them will work. You see Frank, giving borrowed money to anyone just doesn't work. All businesses have access to large amounts of capital at record low interest rates today. And yet they are not borrowing to expand. Why Frank? Because there is no demand. You can't fake demand Frank. People have to have jobs, be making money, and feel confident they'll have their job this year and next year. That's when they will consume. But they won't consume now because they do not have the confidence.
So these give-away bills the Democrats cook up should be blocked. There is nothing in them that will create jobs or stimulate the economy. You have proof otherwise, please present it. And please don't embarrass yourself with the "Saved job" routine. That one is getting really old.
JoAnnaSmith1
I'm not going to respond to your post.
Please read and re-read ron, feisty, retired, and jody. they are not giving talking points, they are talking about our Constitution, the freedoms we take for granted, things we were taught as kids that seperate us from everybody else, our Constitution that makes americans the greatest country on earth. things out founding fathers put fourth to make us a great nation.
but what do you do, you try and taint it by giving the typical republican, its not our fault its Obama fault, forgetting before the last republican administration came in to office our economy was thriving. unemployment was below 5%, We had a surplus, we paid off massive debt from 10 years previous. american were happy,
Everything you have said is GARBAGE!!!!
Everything you always say is GARBAGE!!!!
Next time you post please don't attach it to great post that ron, fesity, retired or jody post. Post you own comment and let people respond, stand on your own 2 feet. because what you did today shows that you are beyond help.
Fiesty-speaking of answers, I am still waiting for one from the left on why outlawing Medi-Gap policies for the elderly is one of the great benefits of HCR.
Maybe you have one?
Mark Murray: yesterday, you rightly called me out for not knowing that Palin and Gingrich had spoken about the mosque controversy before Obama. Good for you.
This morning, however, I was struck by an amazing coincidence: there on the front page of my newspaper, (The Star Ledger) was an article describing the 'reporter roundtable' held yesterday by my state's Senator, Robert Menendez, who happens to be the guy in charge of stemming Democratic losses this election year. Seems Senator Menendez called reporters together to get them to warn the GOP not to politicize the mosque controversy - just a couple of hours before you posted on Rick Scott's ad.
Wow! I thought. Mark must be clairvoyant! How could he POSSIBLY know that he would run a story about republicans politicizing an issue just HOURS after the lead Democrat for elections warned republicans not to do so!
Maybe you should buy a lottery ticket.
On another note: it seems that this mosque issue came up just in time for Obama-another amazing coincidence-because Factcheck has an article on its site entitled "Obama's (Latest) Social Security Whopper. They take apart all of the misleading statements and outright lies Obama told on Saturday in his radio address-and point out that, during the campaign in 2008, he waited until just before the election to lie about republican plans. This time out, he has given folks the chance to debunk his nonsense.
Seems to me that Axelrod has lost his touch. Dems are in a very bad place right now-and Obama is not helping.
Good thing Mark's pitching in.
Ron: I am constantly amazed at how the right wing pontificates about the Founders Intent, and then squeal like pigs when a President of this country, duly sworn to uphold the Constitution, reminds us of the Establishment Clause. All of a sudden, that President is a traitor, an enemy, whatever pejoratives the "Great Unwashed" care to throw at him. If they were to be honest, which they are incapable of, they don't support the Constitution, and your definition of theocracy gets to exactly what they want to have. I have asked this question before, but I am curious...how does that make them different then the Taliban, and other religious zealots that they consider their enemies. I quoted a treaty yesterday, The Treaty with Tripoli to directly challenge those on the far right who claim that this is a Christian country. In Article 11, it specifically puts the lie to that, and says that we are in no way a Christian country, and was considered so important by JOHN ADAMS (for the Great Unwashed, he WOULD be a Founder) that he proclaimed it to Americans. That treaty with that line was passed unanimously by the Senate . People like Larry in Minot, cannot get that through their heads, and they want to take America down a slippery slope. And Feisty, well done. I cannot think of a thing to add.
Morning Jeff-1541632. Nice to hear from you.
Should I add you to my fan mail list?
You have a nice day Jeff.
Please see Point #1... about demanding answers...
Nice spanking Mark gave you yesterday - thanks for at least coming clean on your response to him... lying to us is one thing... lying to the moderators is a whole nother!
Ron Ill throw my two cents in here before I make my post....
Any Christian knows that we are to follow the laws of the land UNLESS they do one specific thing:
Go against the laws God gave us to live by.
God says that commiting homosexual acts is a sin and you must ask for forgiveness and repent of that sin (along with any other sin you commit.
Now Christ came to the earth to die horrifically on the Cross to bear the sins of all men. That we know to be 100% true. But what a lot of people forget is that Christ did not come to destroy the law that God gave the Israelites but to fulfill it -- to become the one and only sacrificial Lamb that was needed to be forgiven for all the sins we commit.
That being said one can not commit homosexual acts or support any man made legislation that allows it to happen and still be in line with God's will.
Therefore if a man made law is in contradiction with what God instructs us to do we MUST follow God's instruction.
Jeff, well said and terrific post. Thank you.
Thanks Jeff for calling out the attention whore!
Larry - please see point #9!
Traitor? I don't think anyone is calling Obama a traitor. But he certainly isn't a leader. He had a lot to say at the Ramadan dinner, but he sure backed off of it the next day saying he "won't comment on the wisdom of building a mosque at Ground Zero". What is that about? He's the President, he makes the comments of the legalities of building a mosque Ground Zero at the Ramadan dinner, but won't comment on the "wisdom" of building it there? The mans a coward. Either that or it's above his pay-grade to comment. Either way, Obama has once again voted 'Present'.
Yes, Jeff, it was time to say it. Amazing how no jo is still trying to find a way to make herself correct.
Fiesty-being unaware ids now a lie? Geez.
Still waiting for anybody on the left to explain why outlawing Medi-Gap insurance is a good thing. Even pretzel logic. Instead, it is ignored, because there is no defense.
Think all those elderly who are having it taken from them will ignore it? I don't.
Fiesty:
I saw the spanking that JoAnaS1 got and it was well deserved. You can only keep up the lies so long until somebody puts them straight. I had to laugh, this was a long time in coming.
Too funny. Don't worry Deadhead, no one will rip off your "creativity". There are only so many "LOLs" and "Gawfaas" one can copy from the likes of you. When's the last original thought you had, back 1997 perhaps? Or probably never. You're one of the biggest jokes around here and just another mindless lib without a clue. So keep posting your nonsense, and as this board becomes a more right wing site you can expect more laughter, not with you, but at you. And watch the language Dead, children may be reading.
I give you exhibit 1.19 to make Ron's point about the Christian Right and mine as well.
You have no right to dictate to me as an American or as a Christian. End of subject.
JoAnnaSmith1
JoAnna I'm sorry, i said those things.
i would like to here your opinion on the post regarding our Constitution, i want to here what you have to say about some republican and tea party leaders who, in alot of people opinion want to change our constitution, how does that make you feel ?
How do you feel about the fact our president came out to defend our Constitution, remember he said he would have preferred they build some where else, but because of our constitutional rights they can build, he was not saying he supports the decision to build there, he said they have a right under our constitution to build which he took a oath the defend.
Don't flatter yourself hon!
Remember I'm talking ABOUT you - NOT to you m'kay?
According to the large mouth a@@ - the country is on the verge of collapse thanks to President Obama!
When has poor JoAnna EVER posted anything about what she thinks should be done to help the country? Oh wait... that would mean she would have to have a thought or IDEA!
So instead this is what she spends her time & energy on! lmao!
Whatever floats your boat there toot's!
FrankH:
Nice post. JoAnnaS1 never lets the facts get in the way of her lies. The only thing she reads are the talking points of the day. She never fact checks anything, see yesterdays put down. That is just what she does. You should go to the White House web site or google how many Bill are still sitting in the Senate that have been blocked by the republicans.
I hope that you are right, Ron.
Save your whining and anger for someone that cares F. Go talk to CA, he's seems to be getting down to your level the past couple of days. Now's there is a guy whose posts you'll have a chance to understand.
Feisty: looks like you struck a nerve with poor JoAnna. She will be ruminating about that the rest of the day!
Ron--good post. What I don't understand in the lack of religious tolerance is why they are so threatened by the other religions. IF they are correct and theirs is the only true way to heaven--well, that leaves the rest of us out of it but there will be more room for them there. It is the same thing with gay marriages--how does the marriage of 2 gay people threaten my marriage?
John, Iowa...
How can you be FOR God but AGAINST one of His laws?
The Bible says that all of God's laws are perfect and for us.
I would have to call into question your faith if you are AGAINST anything that God tells you you should not do.
There is a process for changing the Constitution. If some people want to change it (I would expect you are talking about the 14 amendment and the illegals issue) then those people will have to go through that process. There is merit in their argument to the "anchor baby" issue that plagues our southern boarder states and our country. That issue should be debated, it is a high hurdle to change the Constitution but I support that debate.
The mosque at Ground Zero issue and the President defending the Constitutional right of building the mosque. No one is arguing about the legalities of the building of the mosque. What is being debated is the appropriateness of building it. In that the president stated the legal portion of it, he then avoids the appropriateness of building it there. It is really is not appropriate to build it at Ground Zero, and a strong majority of Americans agree with that position. If the President can weigh-in on the Constitutional aspect of the the mosque, he can do the same on the "wisdom" of building it at that site. He won't do that. That makes him a coward in my book.
Blows that theory.
Good morning no joe:
Interesting Fact Check piece you referenced . . . here is an excerpt:
Seems to hinge on the what the meaning of the word "leader" is . . . and just who is the "leader" of the Republican party these days? Hmmmmm.
So basically, the premise is, if a person is not officially deemed a member of the House or Senate Leadership, then their statements don't count?
Let me be the first to call BULLSH!T on that.
Anybody who is elected to represent constituents in the House or the Senate is a leader of their party by any NORMAL definition.
So to say that this "fact check" is splitting hairs is to be charitable.
I am going to let the actual words from the Republican leaders do the talking, and then folks can make up their own minds.
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Tim Walberg Supports Eliminating Social Security
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_TNap3DUr8
Walberg downplays remarks on privatizing Social Security
“ . . .In an interview with the Independence Caucus website, an organization affiliated with the tea party movement, Walberg was asked whether he would like to see Social Security privatized.
"... A seasoned campaigner like me understands that that is a buzzword that is just about as negative as a noose hanging around your neck," Walberg said. "But in talking with you, we all understand what that means. I definitely support the privatization of the so-called Social Security system."
--------------------------------------------------
More to come . . .
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100817/POLITICS03/8170335/1022/Walberg-downplays-remarks-on-privatizing-Social-Security#ixzz0wsDGz4o9
Larry, do you stone people to death for breaking God's laws? Do you eat animals with cloven hooves? The Bible is a wondrously large, complex, and nuanced volume. There is a contradictory passage or interpretation for nearly everything within. And yet it speaks to us down through the ages. Is your God really that small, that you have to question other believers?
Quayle aligns with Republican mainstream on privatizing Social Security
"Republican congressional candidate Ben Quayle (Ariz.) on Friday said he favors increasing the retirement age and shifting Social Security payments into private accounts to keep the fund from bankrupting the government.
“We would protect those who are in or near retirement today, but for people of my generation and younger, we would actually have to reform it which would be to start to gradually increase the retirement age up to 70 and allow a portion of the people to take … their Social Security and actually invest into private accounts,” the 33-year-old told CNN's John King."
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/114313-quayle-aligns-with-republican-mainstream-on-privatizing-social-security
And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death. - Exodus 21:15
And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. - Exodus 21:17
I believe in all states, putting an unruly child to death would be considered murder. So, if I'm arrested, can I just say I'm following God's law and I'll go free?
When Ron is wRong,
I can't speak for the Christian Right, but I believe they probably believe it is not an issue of whether the Bible is wrong, or the Constitution is wrong; it's probably Walker's interpretation of the Constitution that is wrong.
I can't speak for the Christian Right, but I believe they understand that nobody is arguing the Constitutional right to build the Ground Zero Mosque. It is about decency and sensitivity. America understands this, even the Americans in Nevada and that is why Obama's main mouth-piece Reid said it should be built somewhere else.
I can't speak for the Christian Right, but I do not recall hearing them speak of America being a theocracy.
I can't speak for the Christian Right, but I'm amused that liberals cannot argue the actual issues without speaking for those they oppose, sanctimoniously telling them what they think and believe, in what amounts to nothing more than a pre-adolescent attempt to marginalize them.
Don't worry Ron, they won't need their guns and bullying, "rational thinking Americans" have Obama and you guys figured out.
Bachmann: 'Wean Everybody Off' Social Security And Medicare
Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) is putting forward a very daring proposal for how to fix Social Security and Medicare, Think Progress reports: Get rid of them.
Bachmann spoke this past weekend at the right-wing Constitutional Coalition in St. Louis, Missouri, and put forth her plan. "So, what you have to do, is keep faith with the people that are already in the system, that don't have any other options, we have to keep faith with them. But basically what we have to do is wean everybody else off," said Bachmann. "And wean everybody off because we have to take those unfunded net liabilities off our bank sheet, we can't do it. So we just have to be straight with people. So basically, whoever our nominee is, is going to have to have a Glenn Beck chalkboard and explain to everybody this is the way it is."
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/02/bachmann-wean-everybody-off-social-security-and-medicare.php
One point of order Jeff. We did not pay of the debt. Clinton in fact increased the overall debt during his two terms. Clinton did eliminate the deficit and had a small surplus at the end of his second term.
Angle on private Social Security: Chile's done it
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle says the nation's Social Security system needs to be privatized, and that it was done before in the South American country of Chile.
Angle referred to Chile at the opening of a campaign office in North Las Vegas while explaining previous statements that the United States should phase out its Social Security system.
"When I said privatize, that's what I meant," she said Thursday.
"I thought we would have to go just to the private sector for a template on how this is supposed to be done," Angle said. "However, I've since been studying, and Chile has done this."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h_ebui1HuD8N6deVsyVqO77B8RHgD9HISHNO0
If the President can weigh-in on the Constitutional aspect of the the mosque, he can do the same on the "wisdom" of building it at that site. He won't do that. That makes him a coward in my book.
Joanna that is not his job, to give his personal opinion. his job is to uphold the constituton, only a coward would jump in to something that is only dividing us. i guess you want to know the president is on your side on this and he is. he said, i wish there would have been more thought in putting it there!!! More thought. His Opinion. that it.
Only a coward would raise the terror level right before a presidental election to get votes, only a coward would sent our brave boys in to a war based upon lies, and once the lie was brough out (WMD) he changes his reason and said Iraq had ties to terrorist, neither was ture. Joanna that a coward, only a coward would get us in to a unwinnable war, vietman(Johnson) and once the body bags started flowing home he choose not to run and put the tough decision off on the new persident(nixion). that is 2 examples of a coward.
Larry: Your .02 wasn't even worth a penny.
Nash-spin and twist all you like-Obama LIED.
There was and is no push to put all FICA funds into the market-there was a proposal for VOLUNTARY participation in a program that would dedicate a PORTION of an individual's funds to be put into government regulated funds.
They would, therefore, not be subject to the 'whims of the market'. Please note the term VOLUNTARY.. as in, no one would be forced to participate.
Factcheck debunked Obama's lies. Spin all you want-it's one the site for all to read.
NOJOEnobo in NJ -
where does it say in HRC that Seniors can no longer buy medigap insurance? AARP had a special section about the HCR act in their May 2010 AARP Bulletin and I quote:
"Medigap supplemental insurance": No change. You will not be required to buy a private medigap policy. If you buy medigap insurance outside of the limited time frames when full federal protections apply, insurers can still deny coverage or require you to pay higher rates because of your health and preexisting conditions."
I don't know about privatizing SS, however, I am for two principles to change it. One is that surpluses should be protected from the current administration. No longer should these funds be available as general revenues to be spent. There should be a "lockbox". Second, the system should be moved from current contributions paying for current recipients to one where current contributions are held in trust for the payee. No longer a generational transfer.
no joe,
If you can explain what in the world you are referring to in reference to medigap insurance, I would be happy to respond.
What exactly is it that you are complaining about?
Joanna = blah blah blah stupid uneducated right wing nonsense blah blah blah
You never disappoint and always fulfill the idiot section of theses blogs. If you were only smart enough to figure out that it isn't your differing opinion that is under criticism but your lack of intelligent discourse that earns you such titles.
Well, Paul, I will gladly enlighten you-
Medi-Gap insurance covers the out-of-pocket expenses that a person has before Medicare kicks in-typically, about three thousand dollars. It also covers 'overages'-that is, dollar amounts charged that are above what medicare pays.
HCR outlaws ANY POLICY that has a ceiling-ALL Medi-Gap policies have this ceiling, as they are designed to cover only what Medicare does not cover.
The AARP ad you cite is misleading-or they haven't spoken to their lawyers yet. My husband's company has had the advice of their attorneys, and they have been told that providing Medi-Gap insurance to their retirees will be outlawed in 2012. So, sure, there's no change-THIS YEAR.
Care to wonder what the response will be in 2012?
Larry,
You are so sadly delusioned by your religious zealotry, in America you MUST follow ALL the laws, no matter WHAT your religion says. If we were to follow ALL Religious Laws, like we would have to under your sad theory, then we would have polygamy, witch burnings, slavery, beheadings in the market for murder, stonings for adultry, the chopping off of hands for theft, women as chattel and so on and so on. THAT is SPECIFICALLY why there is separation of church and State, there are so many religious interpretations of the same book that to go by religion would be ludicrous. People are allowed to practice their own religions but they MUST follow the Laws of the Land as well as respect the rights of others to practice their religions or to practice no religion at all. That is what this nation is built on, Religious Freedom as long as YOU FOLLOW THE REST OF THE LAWS OF THE NATION. You have the choice of religion, you do NOT have the choice to reject any Law based on religion!!
You saying that your religion allows you to disobey our Constitution and the Laws under it puts you on par with the Taliban and Al Qaida as a religious zealot that does not respect the laws of the land, other people's rights and the fact that others do NOT believe in YOUR Brand of religion.
no joe,
The President said that many Republican leaders want to privitize social security and they do. They said it themselves.
Now if you and the good folks at Fact Check choose not to believe what they say speaking for themselves, that is just fine with me.
No spinning required . . . I posted THEIR WORDS . . . now ya'll can decide if the are "leaders" or not.
And in terms of the VOLUNTARY part? If you voluntarily put your money in the stock market and it crashes . . . this just in . . . you are STILL BROKE!
So what does VOLUNTARY have to do with it?
Privatizing is privatizing, whether its voluntary or not. What part of the word privitizing implies FORCE?
I really didn't see many facts to check in that piece . . . I saw alot of hairs being split . . . but like I said, when Republicans speak for themselves, they say they want to raise the retirement age to 70 and privitize Social Security.
But of course, those folks aren't the "official leaders" even if they are in Congress, so that doesn't count . . . they are just regular, everyday, elected, getting paid with tax dollars folks who have nothing to do with government.
Uh huh.
Paul S, NY NY:
You are correct. I get the AARP newletter. It had a really great spread on what will change and what will not under the HCR. Keep in mind that many (righties) who post here do not fact check anything. They just keep tossing up misinformation after misinformation. Remember that their goal here is to divide the American people, create a sense of fear and anger. This is exactly what they are trying to do with this misinformation. AGAIN.
I saw a post on another site that actually claimed the $250.00 check sent to those on Medicare to help close the doughnut hole came from Pharma. These people just do not have any shame at all and will type anything they want, true or false.
Nice catch Paul.
JoAnnaSmith1
One point of order Jeff. We did not pay of the debt. Clinton in fact increased the overall debt during his two terms. Clinton did eliminate the deficit and had a small surplus at the end of his second term.
JoAnna if bush had not given those tax cuts in 01 the deficets were projected to be all payed off by 2008 or 2010. A surplus is a surplus, how did clinton increase the debt, when he cut the defense buget to hell.
Boehner: 'No Idea' If GOP Will Resurrect Social Security Privatization In 2010
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/07/boehner-no-idea-if-gop-will-resurrect-social-security-privatization-in-2010.php
John Boehner: Raise Social Security Retirement Age to 70
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20009192-503544.html
Not his job? An issue of national significance, and it's not his job?
And it's not like Obama hasn't waded into a "local" issue before, or have you forgotten about the "Acted stupidly" comments of Obama regarding Professor Gates and the Cambridge police last year?
Boy, I'm glad I'm on vacation this week. The entire crew of FR lefty liberals have ALL got their panties all twisted up in knots. Even Barry is suffering the aftereffects of his Ground Zero mosque foot-in-mouth moment. Must be that summer heat frying both of the LL's two brain cells!!!!!
Jeff, during Clinton's 8 years, US debt increased by $1.65 trillion dollars. Hate to quote wiki, but I will in this case:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_debt_by_U.S._presidential_terms
Jeff, not trying to be condecending, but you're clear on the difference between the debt and the deficit, correct?
Really? All of them? Then explain why the the federal immigration laws are not enforced. Explain why the so called "Sanctuary" cities get away with ignoring the laws.
To liberals, laws are optional.
JAS1,
Actually, Federal Immigration laws ARE being followed, the Courts are swamped presently with a record number of immigration cases to the point they are asking more money to handle the case load, which the Repubs are voting NO on. I personally disagree with the sanctuary cities, I feel that the immigration laws need to be followed also. The thing is, us on the Left want the Laws to be followed, the right want the laws changed so they can make bigger profits without being responsible to their employees, the environment and the US economy and tax laws. The right uses lawyers to get around any laws that they feel that they can just to maximize profits. The Insurance Companies are just one of the many examples, dropping coverage on people that have paid their insurance premiums without fail for bogus reasons based on legalisms and loopholes.
Religion is NO excuse to disobey the Laws of this Land, and trying to change the subject to immigration is totally bogus. Consider yourself one of the Slow Moving to Mostly Dead, Paid Trolls and that you have been WHACKED many many times. We get a LOT of points off from you and your lies and distortions actually turn a lot of folks in the middle away from the Repubs and Tea Partiers.
Enjoy being WHACKED!
Sure. And the economy is just fine, the mosque isn't really at ground zero, and the deficit doesn't matter, and jobs are being created by the stimulus.
And the only thing getting whacked around here is you on the side of your thick skull.
NoJoNoBo NJ - I notice that you say it is your husbands company's lawyers "OPINION" - not fact. I''m sure every one can interpret things just the way that want to. Nothing is ever black and white, maybe black, white and grey. (Jeez if it were all clear, lawyers would be out of jobs).
If you go to the CMS Website - and look in the MSP Data Match Project Instruction booklet you will see that in fact - it is already illegal for employers to purchase directly or indirectly an individual Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policy for an employee or spouse of an employee.
From past experience it seems every insurance policy in the US sold has a maximum benefit clause. I lost my mom 3 years ago last March - she had Medicare and a Medigap. She was hospitalized for exactly 120 days (ICU) (which is what Medicare covers) and then released to a nursing home - a week later she was back in ICU..released back to the nursing home..then back to the hospital where she passed. In terms of limitations - I was fortunate that between Medicare and Medigap she/I did not have to pay anything. No letter from the medigap insurer saying she was reaching her limit. Usually - what will happen is that depending on the persons condition - the hospital may suggest hospice or long term nursing care (which is not covered by Medicare.)
And just a thought - can you imagine the uproar from insurers if Medigap policies where discontinued????
Not bad. JoWhaaaana got two out of 4 right on this one (the economy and deficit doesn't matter being the exceptions...).
DaveTag:
President Obama is doing what is right, what the constitution says, rather than pandering to the nut cases on the right. Maybe you think he should be out there trying to sell the other direction, but then, guess what, he would be maligning the constitution, which all of you so love and are such strict constructionists, that just this year you want to change the first amendment to honor only those churches you like and to have to change the 14th to pander to your other nut base of purists. We all know what the purists do to a country, don't we? I guess you have to be blond, blue eyed and belong to a fundamentalist church, be straight, and carry your guns in public to show what men you really are!
I think ya'all do protest too damn much about your freedoms, but want to take away everyone else's.
Larry, Minot, N.D.
John, Iowa...
How can you be FOR God but AGAINST one of His laws?
The Bible says that all of God's laws are perfect and for us.
I would have to call into question your faith if you are AGAINST anything that God tells you you should not do.
Hey, Larry, slow down....who and what gives you the right to call into question anyone else's beliefs or faith. Who gave you the right to speak for god. If there is a god. That is faith. If you have it great. If you believe in Jesus, do you then not believe in god? If you believe in god, do you then not believe in Jesus. If you believe in god of the Old Testament, he is a mean and terrible and vengeful god. If you believe in the god of the New Testament and in Jesus, he is a loving and forgiving god. So what do you believe in. Do you believe that the Bible was written by human beings in the time following Jesus? That based on the teachings of Christ the New Testament was written? But it was written by men. Do you believe that the Catholic Church believes it is the one true way to heaven? Or do you believe there are many paths? Do you believe that through intelligent thought, and with a lack of faith that that might engender that there are agnostics and atheists who will still go to heaven? Why? Because they are being true to what they believe. What you believe and what I believe and what the billions of other people on this planet believes is naught. We are all going to die and we will find out if there is a heaven, if there is a hell, or if we just die. You are free to believe what you choose and what you were taught. So am I. So are those of Muslim faith, the Buddhists, the Prostestants, Catholics, Holy Rolers, whatever you are, you are free to believe. You are not god, you are not Jesus and you are not chosen to carry his word and convert everyone else to your beliefs. Maybe we should all converge on little ole Larry and start our own preaching sessions of whatever it is that WE believe. We have an opportunity if we have a brain to question the teachings of these faiths that want to start holy wars, just like you do, because yours is the only way. We have an opportunity to find our own spirituality, our own religion, if we choose to do so. We do not have to believe what we were taught, we do not have to attend church to be religious, we do not have to read the bible to be spiritual. I can certainly not see anything in anything you post that would remind me of spirituality or religiousness. I read your posts and I respond to some of them, and most of them are mean-spirited parroting talking points that someone has handed to you, probably much as your religion is handed to you. Does this mean I think you are wrong in what you believe? It doesn't matter to me. If it comforts you then believe it.
Folks, let's understand something, there is NO WORDING in the First Amendment about the separation of church and state - yes, we have freedom of religion in this country, but not freedom from religion. I am a biblical literalist who is embarassed often by the intolerance of religious extemists of every creed, but the fact is that this is a Christian nation, founded by Christian men on Christian principles (the majority of the signers of the Declaration of Independence had attended seminary school). It doesn't matter to me if your voice is coming from the far right side or the far left side of the political spectrum, it is still basically an extremist view not held by the majority. You are free to disagree with my point of view, but the facts stated are indeed fact, and therefore, indisputable.
Old Fart,
Something about you just doesn't quite pass the 'sniff' test, and I quote:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Holding a majority DOES NOT MAKE it Constitutionally so. Majorities do NOT RULE our country. It helps during elections; but our Judicial Branch (used to, sic) make certain that no state creates a LAW that is unconstitutional.
The fact that some Americans make you feel icky is not grounds to treat them like second class citizens. Regardless of what your G-d tells you.
I am tired of your ignorance and the ignorance of so many on this topic. Your version of reality is eerily skewed and you should probably consider rebooting your whole 'belief' system.
Paul S. NY NY:
There is nothing to indicate Medigap plans are illegal in 2012. What is happening is some of the redundancy's in these plans is going to be covered in the traditional Medicare side, the government is no longer going to pay Insurance Companies to handle the same paper work that they do in house, this will lower costs. All Medigap plans MUST have the same benefits. If Company A has a plan and Company B has a plan they must have identical benefits. There is some ambiguity about pricing by States. Some states like FL have very high health care costs where in Vermont they are much lower. In any event, the medigap plans are not going away in 2012 and I would suggest that law firm makes sure they have malpractice insurance.
Sorry, Old Fart: You are simply wrong. Jefferson was clear about what the Establishment Clause meant in his letter to the Danbury Baptist as well as other writings. John Adams was clear about it in the Treaty with the Subjects of Tripoli that I quoted this morning. He clearly states that this is not a Christian nation. But all of the aside...the Founders wrote the rules and they could set up the Constitution anyway they wanted. If they wanted it to be a Christian nation, they simply could have said so in that document. Why didn't they?
B. Honest- Wow. I'm sure you know that "polygamy, witch burnings, slavery, beheadings in the market for murder, stonings for adultry, the chopping off of hands for theft, women as chattel and so on and so on."...are all things in active practice under Islam throughout the world, right? IN THE PRESENT DAY!!!!!!!!
CU Farley,
Exactly, that is my point, if we were to go by the rules of everybody's religion we would be doing those things here too. However, we have the Constitution to allow us to practice our religions AS LONG AS WE FOLLOW THE REST OF THE LAWS which are designed to protect us all. This means that the Constitution and the Laws come first, religion comes secondary and MAY NOT override the Constitution of The United States, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR RELIGION SAYS. The Constitution allows for ALL religions to be practiced here, or no religion at all, and by law we must give others the same respect for their religious beliefs, or non-beliefs, as they have to give yours. Anything less is UnAmerican and against what the Framers of the Constitution intended. They KNEW that there were so many religions in the World; Christianity in all of it's sects, Islam, in it's sects, Buddhism, Judaism, Shinto, Confusianism, Paganism, Hinduism, and even various African and Native American religions. They intended America to be a place where EVERYBODY could believe in whatever faith they have, equally, without one religion being preferred over any other or being constrained by one set of religious laws or another. This was an extremely radical thought for the time, extremely Liberal thinking, and is one of the great strengths of America, as they intended! That is WHY there is a strict division between Church and State, there are too many religions out there, with billions of believers each, to let any one of them rule this Nation and it's lawmaking. We are a Nation of Men and Laws and to let religions interfere makes America a much weaker place in the World. The World looks to us, in part, because of this separation, where Laws are supreme and religions, ALL Religions, take a second seat.
Mathews and Mr. Ed are both on vacation and, Wiffleball and The Mr. Ed Show are nowhere near as funny with the subs. Michael Smerconish did have an interesting point in his commentary at the end of Wiffleball: Speaking about the Ground Zero mosque, he wrapped up with “Just because you have the right to do something, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.” Amen to that.
The only thing good about The Mr. Ed Show was that they don’t have that dweeb Chris Hayes from The Nation that was on last time Mr. Ed went on vacation. The sub, Cenk Uygur, looks like a young Mr.Ed. I’m guessing Mr. Ed sired a foal with a Turkish donkey, since Cenk Uygur translates from Turkish to “Son of Mr. Ed”. He was doing a lame imitation of Mr. Ed, but, it wasn’t at all funny like Mr. Ed is. It was so pathetic, I almost felt sorry for him.
“Just because you have the right to do something, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.”
Please tell that to all the extremists from the Right Wing that are running for office.
LouisJ.
How right you are. People just do not realize that with rights comes resposibility. Like many of us have reminded the people on the right. Just becuase it is not illegal does not make it right, just becuase you can does not mean you should.
Nice post this AM.
Thanks Navy Vet.
One more thing Joe...
I just heard the Matt Lauer interview with the Righties and Dick Armey said the exact same thing you and Smerc, the other Righty said, "Just because you have the right to do something, doesn't mean it's the right thing to do."
It's at 2:55... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/38735438#38735438
Is this the new talking point?
Do you guys go to the same NRCC conventions and pick up the flyers left on the seats?
"Speaking about the Ground Zero mosque, he wrapped up with “Just because you have the right to do something, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.” Amen to that."
True in principle, but it's the application that matters. It's a fine line between expecting someone to be sensitive because there's legitimate hurt in that place and demanding that everyone perceive something as insensitive because it makes a great bullying tactic.
LouisJ-I'm assuming you had a mom and did not grow in a field.
There isn't a mother alive who has not told her child "just because you Can, does not mean you SHOULD'
It is one of the great mom talking points. Everybody uses it. Geez.
Sure thing NJ. Kind of like putting lipstick on a pig.
:^p
I see NJ has come out to play after she got over her feelings being hurt, for the world to see.
The Redness goes away in a couple days, & the Sting of a handSlap only last for about 30 seconds.
If Mark had to Confront all the Lies posted on this board from the RightWingTalibanBibleThumperTeaPartiers, he'd havta Hire about 2 Million.
Have'nt you had your bowl of POLE Toasties this morning, because i don't see the latest from 5 minutes ago.
Joanna, you're typing skills may be good, but Your Train of thought, RunOff the Tracks, along time ago.
That's not the first time Mark has had to set the pole dancer straight!
OUCH! ;0)
Fiesty-Mark made me aware of something I was unaware of-that is what a reporter is SUPPOSED to do.
Now, wouldn't it be nice if he would let us all in on the secret that his post was directed by Senator Bob Menedez? He gave the marching orders-and Mark complied.
You're killing me NoJo - with all your conspiracy theories... hey... if they help you get through the day - who am I to question them. Right?
And NoJo you were WELL aware of it - as you commented on it earlier, so sorry hon ignorance is NO defense...
Like I said... not the first time Mark has had to 'spank' ya!
August 16, 2010
Levin gets a pie in the face
Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) was pied in the face by an anti-war protester at a local appearance Monday, according to several Michigan media outlets.
The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee was speaking to the Mecosta County Democratic Party when a 23-year-old Michigan State University student began harassing him on his stance on foreign policy issues. The student, Ahlam Mohsen, was arrested after the incident at Pepper's Cafe and Deli in Big Rapids, Mich.
WZZM13-TV, a western Michigan ABC News affiliate, provided these details on the exchange between Levin and the student:
“Carl Levin is one of the most respected senators in Congress,” Mohsen said. “People tend to blame the war on Republicans, but we wanted to target Levin today to send a message that liberals and Democrats are just as implicated in the violence as the Republicans.”
Gotta love it. The lefties are once again out to destroy the Dems!
Just because you have a right to do something, does not make it right . . .hmmmmm
I personally do not care for this kind of behavior, no matter who it is directed at, Democrat or Republican. Show your displeasure in other ways.
Last night on Steven Colbert, he hadda segment on Small Government brought to America by the party of Small Government, the GOP.
Why does Real America fall for this line of Crap about small government from the GOP?
Everytime they get in Power, They Grow the government. Time & Time again, they've provern to expand the size of Government, & yet Fools across America, somehow beleive that This time, they're gonna do what they say thier gonna do.
As candidate Obama once said(or something like it), How many times doya havta hit your head against the wall to figure out that it Hurts ?
But Hey, we can always give the Top 2 % somemore Tax Breaks, i'm sure they need the $$.
The Republicans are the undisputed masters at making people vote against their own best interests, their toxic mixture of phony moral superiority, false patriotism, and John Wayneish individualism, coupled with the false promise that the commoner will be allowed to become wealthy and greedy just like them seems to be a winning combination to capture the souls and minds of the uninformed. They have helped people screw themselves out of trillions of dollars and keep them begging for more. Even though the facts clearly show that the entire Republican Party is just the mouthpiece of Corporate America and that their policies and theories are all geared to take wealth from poor to enrich the wealthy, eliminate the middle class, and let the less fortunate starve to death average people rally to their side hoping they can also become a wealthy Republican, so they too can screw some less fortunate slob out of what they have to enrich themselves without having to actually "earn" what they have. Our country is lost.
Rick, Ky.:
They (Americans) fall for it because of the way that MSM and politicians spin it. They never let facts or what these people really represent stand in the way of ratings. If they can make a story out of it, use it to push an agenda they will and the he!! with the facts and truth.
So true, republicans convince middle and low income families that low capital gain taxes, estate (death) taxes should be important to them because someday they might be rich enough to qualilfy for those low rates. Hard to believe they cannot connect the dots that those low taxes for the wealthiest 2% affects their ability to ever become one of them.
The Usual Suspects
Of all the Special Comments delivered by Keith, last night was his most important. If you haven't seen it, please do.
A great deal of red baiting went on in Hollywood after WWII. Red baiting from gossip columnists helped fuel the fire. They were more interested in ruining people’s lives than they were about the security of our country, what little they knew about it. But the propaganda and fear mongering worked.
Yesterday morning a close friend of mine @ work came to me and said he was disappointed in President Obama’s stance on the mosque. This man is as progressive and educated as anyone I have ever met in my lifetime. He was born in another country and came here as a teen and being an African American, he tends to sit in a chair shaking his head at the things that are coming out of uneducated tv hosts. He is a man who fought in Vietnam and came back to America and got an education. As much I read about the history of our country, this man never fails to open up a discussion with me about events in our country’s past that I was unaware of. He is kind, thoughtful, and an extremely intelligent man. So when he spoke about the mosque yesterday, I was really taken by surprise by his disappointment. So I asked him if he was guilty of doing what everybody else in this country was doing – blaming an entire people for September 11th. Once again as is becoming the norm lately, I walked away from him feeling very low.
As I listened to Keith’s Special Comment last night, I sat there wishing I could have articulated to my co-worker what Keith had said. I wasn’t able to say exactly what I wanted. All I could say was that President Obama was trying to clamp down the usual fear mongering rhetoric that continues to come out of people’s mouths daily. None of this is new. It’s been going on since the beginning of time here. Yet here we are in the 21st century and once again in order to get back the House and the Senate, fear mongering rears its head once again. By the same people who I would assume applauded the decision to go into Iraq to free the citizens from the tyranny of their leader.
I see Senator Reid against this mosque. I guess the propaganda is really working. People I would never believe in a million years would be against this, are against it.
Isn’t it something that the usual hateful fear mongering once again is coming from the usual white Christians? Has anyone in the media other than Keith and a few others noticed that? I hope those who saw Keith’s comments last night will take to heart what he said – SPEAK OUT against this made up BS. Every single generation has to do it. Now it’s our turn. Do it.
As was asked for Senator McCarthy - have we no shame?
"When I tell the truth, it is not for the sake of convincing those who do not know it, but for the sake of defending those that do." - William Blake
Agreed. And well thought out post.
Pat, Boston:
Keith was right on last night. The righties are finally being called out for what they are. And they do not like what they see. The assume that they can just say whatever comes into their little brains and that nobody will notice. They now want to play with the Constitution by repealing amendments, then say the support what they are trying to destroy and people are starting to wake up. Many are now running away from previous statements. Just look at Angle, Boehner and McCain. They claim "That is not what I said". then somebody plays back the tape and then it is "well that is not what i meant".
That is because Harry Reid is Weak. He's great at Comprimising, but when it comes to making a Stand, Harry aint got No backBone.
Instead of being with the President, Harry decided it was best to counter the Idiot, Sharon Angle.
I'm starting to beleive that if Harry can't put this Woman away by 20 points, he's Not desrving of being the Senate Majority Leader.
I mean, comeon, Sharon Angle!
US Navy, it's the media that is not challenging these people, as usual. What on earth has happened to journalism? The Newt Gingrich's of the world are sick people. When is someone going to come out and say it? No guts. Keith, Rachel, Eugene Robinson, and a few others will get to the heart of this matter. But everyone and everything else is unserious, ratings driven over the top emotional BS.
Mostly by the so-called men in the media. They aren't men. They're cowards. And sell-outs. Hannity, Limbaugh, Gingrich and on and on and on.
Pat: Excellent post ! Simply excellent.
Pat I don't know why more needs to be said than;
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Other than perhaps that it's passed the zoning test, the usual mark of local input into such matters. Let people use their private property in whatever means they see fit as long as it's legal.
Did KO show any of the polls that show 60-64%, depending on the poll, of Americans would prefer the mosque be built elsewhere? Are you saying that 64% of the country are "fearmongering...usual white Christians"? I don't think so; especially since 64% of the country isn't "white" and sure aren't Christian.
I'm sorry, Pat, but when you say things like this it provokes the very negative things you are writing about. People don't like to be stereotyped and categorized by somebody who doesn't even know them. If this kind of namecalling stops, then maybe can talk and really listen to each other.
Thank you all.
To Ron: I have been swamped @ work with one project after another. I have tried reaching out to you guys on my home laptop @ night but I can't seem to log on. They want my password, but I have no idea what it is. I have long long forgotten it. Any ideas how I can get back on @ home?
Pat, Boston:
You hit it right on the head. The days of the journalism appears to be fading. Too many claim they are journalists when they really are nothing more than paid pundits.
I miss the old days where a journalist just present the facts (good or bad, favorable or unfavorable) and let the American people decide. Today they are trying to tell us what to think, what to believe, how we should demand our President presents himself, etc., etc.
Hopefully people are starting to wake up to this. In my work I see more people starting to question what they hear and see from Rush, Glenn, FOX, MSNBC, and just about everything. I think tis is good, but we need a lot more of it.
Nice post and havea great day.
Pat, click on “forgot my password” and they will email it to you.
Excellent post, Pat. Keith's special comment was terrific and powerful. I only wish those who should hear his words would take the time to listen. It is a dangerous road when Americans allow fear to dismantle our Constitutional freedoms.
It is one area where former Pres Bush deserves a great deal of credit--he separated the Islamic faith from the radicals within it; how sad that "we are not at war with Islam" is the issue from which republicans choose to distance themselves.
As Keith said, America was founded by those fleeing religious persecution in the Old World. It is why the Founding Fathers clearly established the separation of Church and State by declaring this country free to practice whatever religion we choose or not.
I am with you, Pat. The whole mosque controversy is surprising to me not because of the opposition of those on the right--I don't expect them to "get" the First Amendment--but for the reactions of the liberals. I don't understand the motivations for the Muslims for wanting their mosque so close to Ground Zero--it could be an honest desire to reach out to other faiths or it could be an insensitive statement that they can do whatever they want. Or it could be something I'm not thinking of. That is the whole point of the First Amendment--they are free to exercise their religion as they see fit. It has worked for over 200 years--let's let it keep working.
Dennis, I did click on "forgot password" and they haven't emailed me it. Don't know what's going on. But I'll keep trying.
And one more time-its not a mosque but a community center with prayer rooms. Big difference. As someone pointed out yesterday, hospitals have chapels but that does not make them churches. Agreed also with all of the Special Comment.
Maybe it needs to be mentioned again what Keith said about the religion of Iraq?? We have spent all this time defending a Muslim culture but now they cannot build a community center?
Hi Pat: I was having computer problems last week. Clara or Navy knows much more than I about pass words. Great to read your voice of reason.
When Pat Buchanan says Newt Gingrich has gone too far,...well, really? Newtie MUST have gone too far. I mean just learning that Buchanan has a filter with Too Far on it was a shocker; but hearing him apply it to one of his own? Now THAT was news!
Pat, you are so right! I am constantly surprised and dismayed at how this 'chatter' becomes the new normal.
Once the Republicans have dismantled the 14th Amendment and the 1st Amendment - can we Dems finally get an Amen on the 2nd Amendment as it relates to AUTOMATIC weapons?
Good grief, if I weren't witnessing this with my own eyes, I'd say this were some kind of hysterical 'alternate' reality. And yet I pinch myself and watch the tape roll and shake my head and say WOW!
Reid's opponent has a name, it's Sharron Angle. Ms. Angle called Reid out and Reid had to betray his leader, Barack Obama. There's a Judas in every bunch I guess. Of course Angle is also against building the mosque at Ground Zero, but there is one major difference between Angle and Reid on this issue. Angle means what she says, and Reid is just lying to try and get re-elected. If this wasn't an election year for Reid, he'd be at the mosque site helping to pour concrete to build it.
Both Reid and Angle are wrong...and neither has an opinion that I value on the subject because neither of them live in New York.
If she means what she says then why did she feel it necessary to walk back her chicken story and her stance on phasing out social security?
They are politicians, they mean what they say as long as it's what we want to hear. I believe that is true for 99.9% of all politicians. Harry Reid is trying to win an election. Sharron Angle is trying to win an election. They will say whatever they need to say to win. Period.
It's amazing the stories the Libs concoct to try avoiding the subject. Ground Zero is a national treasure. It is a place where we Americans were attacked by terrorists. We all were impacted by the attack, and we Americans all own a piece of that history. Noid here dismisses Ground Zero as a local issue. How do you do that? How to you ignore the fact that we as a country were attacked by terrorists, an attack that killed thousands of innocents?
And you don't have an opinion on it because it's not in your state. Amazing.
Steven, you pinned the chicken story on the wrong person!
Oh you are totally right, my bad! Sue Lowden... whoops :D
Your argument might actually be valid but once again I guess we have to point out that they aren't building on Ground Zero.
"It's amazing the stories the Libs concoct to try avoiding the subject. Ground Zero is a national treasure. It is a place where we Americans were attacked by terrorists. We all were impacted by the attack, and we Americans all own a piece of that history. Noid here dismisses Ground Zero as a local issue. How do you do that? How to you ignore the fact that we as a country were attacked by terrorists, an attack that killed thousands of innocents?"
National treasure? I think of it as a reminder of the price you may have to pay when your country is ran by a bunch of Wealthy neo-cons that invade sovereign nations unprovoked and try to force their form of government down the throat of the World, I think of people like you Joanna and how their mindless hatred and disregard for others can be a danger to all of us, that's what I think of when I see images of ground zero.
JoAnnaSmith, you ignorant fool, you were'nt Attacked. America was attacked! You have No say whatsoever what NewYorkers decide to do with thier land. Just like other things you have no decision on.
Get over Yourself, you're a Peon like the rest of us.
Hey, JoAnna, if Ground Zero is such a "National Treasure" are you against erecting a new tower on the site?
It's a local issue because the people who propose to build the community center own the land and so long as they have complied with all NYC ordinances there's nothing anybody can ultimately do to stop them.
Are you suggesting otherwise?
JoAnna Smith
Angle means what she says, and Reid is just lying to try and get re-elected. If this wasn't an election year for Reid, he'd be at the mosque site helping to pour concrete to build it.
That's strange you can't see the Judases in the Republican "Houses Of of Horror". For instance, the stimulus hypocrite Barton( the one who apologized to BP) attending the groundbreaking for health clinic funded by stimulus.
Joe Barton said last year's economic stimulus bill a "boondoggle," and a largely wasteful and failed to produce the jobs that were promised. Oh, and don’t forget there will be $250,000 from the Department of Health and Human Services for the construction work (jobs) the clinic will receive.
BTW: Barton voted against both the stimulus bill and this spring's health care overhaul legislation.
I know you will fail to see Barton as a Judas; but he did go against his hypocritical self by having a photo opt along with the other list of the Nay sayers as such. Obviously, Barton didn't mean what he said!!
Now were seeing the masks of the ultra-left come off. The ultra-left believe the attack on the WTC and the Pentagon was our fault, America's fault. That is why people like this celebrate the building of a mosque next to Ground Zero, it's yet another shrine to rub America's nose into.
There are so many people on this site that hate America. It's clear this person is one.
Clearly you don't understand our history in the Middle East. Does the name Mohammad Mosaddegh mean anything to you? Do you know how Osama bin Laden got his start?
If you answer "no" to both questions then you clearly have no understanding of how badly we've screwed things up over there.
Try and point this out to anyone and you're simply accused of "hating America".
JoAnnaSmith1
Now were seeing the masks of the ultra-left come off. The ultra-left believe the attack on the WTC and the Pentagon was our fault, America's fault. That is why people like this celebrate the building of a mosque next to Ground Zero, it's yet another shrine to rub America's nose into.
There are so many people on this site that hate America. It's clear this person is one.
#6.12 - Tue Aug 17, 2010 9:41 AM CDT
Ultra Left? That's rich Joanna. I don't hate the country Joanna, I just don't like what years of Republican greed has turned it into, I think the country has been gutted and is nothing more than a hollow shell of what it once was, the American people got screwed and the people you rally behind did it. As for the Muslim community center being built near ground zero it does not bother me, if they decide to build it at some other location that would be fine also, I don't care, long as they abide by the law they should be allowed to do whatever they want, long as they don't build an "ultra left" community center there we'll be alright, you make me laugh Joanna, thanks.
JoAnnaSmith 1 - and do you see the republicans running to support the bill that offers aid to the first repsonders that are now fighting life threatening illnesses as a result of the "clean air" that the Christy Whitman said was ok to breathe right after 9/11? Where is your outrage at your republican representatives for not offering help to these "AMERICAN" individuals who selflessly worked the pile?
Oh - thats right - Republicans say it has to be paid for.....just like the tax breaks for the wealthy that don't have to be paid for.
Republicans run a campaign based on fear - not on progress. Richard Nixon - "I have a plan" : John McCain knows where Bin Laden is - (I am sure he's shared that with the CIA) - and by the way - everone sez Pres. Obama is not a US citizen - what would have happened if McCain were elected - born in the Panama Canal zone....would he be questioned about his citizenship?
w bush,
Well said the first time.
Joanna,
masks? You are always harping on the conspiracy theory crowd when it comes to the left attacking the right but now for you there is an "ultra left" and they wear masks while secretly hating America.
(:^D
W Bush has it right....you make us laugh. Do us a favor lay off the stupid pills today.
Yes you do. It's quite clear by your words that you are solidly in the "Blame America First" crowd. You think America is the cause of the worlds problems, not the solution. Of course a mosque built at Ground Zero doesn't bother you. For you it's just another monument the re-enforces your belief that America is a failure. I expect you to celebrate that mosque if it gets built. You, and many other of your ilk.
We need to have a national discussion about Islam, terrorism, the Middle East, oil, and America's involvement in that area of the world. Why didn't the 9/11 attackers fly into buildings in Bejing or North Korea where Muslims are truly oppressed? Because we weren't attacked over religion. We weren't attacked because terrorists hate our freedoms. We were attacked in order to draw us into a civil war between the haves and the have nots in the Middle East.
We need to have a national discussion about Islam, terrorism, the Middle East, oil, and America's involvement in that area of the world. Why didn't the 9/11 attackers fly into buildings in Bejing or North Korea where Muslims are truly oppressed? Because we weren't attacked over religion. We weren't attacked because terrorists hate our freedoms. We were attacked in order to draw us into a civil war between the haves and the have nots in the Middle East.
Q: How do you know you've won an argument against the Right?
A: They start screaming that you hate America.
JoAnnaSmith1:
Ground Zero is little more than a hole in the ground. It is NOT by any stretch of the imagination "a national treasure". How important is this "national treasure" when it remains untouched and unimproved? How important is this "national treasure" when Congress can't get together on making whole those who were injured as they tried to mitigate the human damage caused by insane terrorists?
No JoAnna, the real "national treasure" here is the United States Constitution. Our Constitution is assuredly NOT under attack by Islam extremists. It is under attack by right-wing ideologues, insane terrorists in their own right. Indeed, the attack on the WTC - while it claimed several thousand lives, including Muslims - resulted in the destruction of a mere building.
The Constitution on the other hand is the mind, the heart, and the soul of our Republic. Those who would destroy our Constitution based solely on their hideous anti-Muslim bigotry are greater enemies to this country than those who destroyed the WTC.
That is why we are warned that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. It is the reason the oath so many of us have taken includes a promise to protect the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
This is just obscene. And I suppose USS Arizona Memorial is just a rusty old ship at the bottom of some harbor, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers is just some slabs of concrete, and that Vietnam Vet Memorial is just a bunch of names on a wall.
Yeah, these things are meaningless.
Joanna = blah blah blah
I find you obscene. Your faux flag waving patriotism is sickening. Which ass will you talk out of today? The one on bottom or the one mistaken as your face. How dare you pretend to care about the people of this country! When every other post you make refers to Deadheads, worthless wealth-fare recipients, and lazy Libs while only encouraging the greedy to continue to rape and pillage our country . The very idea that you think you are the leading authority in respect sickens me. Save it. We know who you are.
JAS1,
You are mixing up National Monuments with National Treasures. Many people look at Ground Zero as a National Shame since the President at the time totally ignored the intelligence that such was DESTINED to happen, that Intelligence said that they would attempt to use airplanes to attack the US and the FACT that they had attacked the Twin Towers before and were determined to do so again!! Yes, it was a Great Tragedy, but it WAS Preventable yet Bush/Cheney either fell down on their job to protect America and Americans from attack, or as some believe, actually Allowed it to happen so they could start their wars-for-profit. THAT is the Obscenity of 911, that those people were victims of a preventale tragedy, that and the Repubs voting to deny medical benefits and assistance for the 911 Responders. You are just an inflammatory paid troll with NO real sense of decency!!
David Walker,
Your valid and germane points are lost on this one. She has her teeth sunk into a fleshy calve of outrage and no amount of logic or fact can bring her back from the bone heap. Her leaders have told her to be OUTRAGED, I say, over a mosque/community center TWO Blocks away from apparently the new SACRED ground (perhaps Jesus will rise up from that location?) and no amount ACTUAL American Patriotism is going to turn her lose from it.
Personally I appreciate your post. To this breed of clowns, the SYMBOLISM is SO much more important than the Reality of our Constitution. They don't get it, mainly because they can't SELL it. So they wrap themselves in this flag and slap their hands over their ears and yell "lalalalalalalalala, I can't hear you because I've already DECIDED that I am right!"
It would be much funnier if it wasn't true.
Paul, I completely agree with you...
i am going to go out on a limb here and say that the majority of people who are screaming about the mosque are the same people who blasted anthony weiner for his outburst over the health benefits for the rescue workers. on a different website, the two most pervasive (republican) ideas in the comments that day were these:
"don't the cops and firemen have better health insurance than everyone else? and pensions and benefits? why should the taxpayers give them more? [and more socialism blather...] People get sick and die every day."
"New Yorkers need to stop being whiny and greedy. 9/11 was a tragedy and all, but enough with the 'oh, poor us.' it was YEARS ago and they've gotten millions already."
(and the third most frequent kind of comment related to making "Weiner" jokes.)
so the medical aftermath of 9/11 is "New York's problem." but the issue of the mosque is a talking point in a Nevada election? and the Constitution is now pick-and-choose debatable?
do i believe the victims' families have a right to their discomfort? absolutely. it hits close to home, and i understand why it might be perceived as insensitive. but do i believe bigoted, dangerous fear-mongering should be entertained as an argument against religious freedom?! it baffles me that it is even a question any person should have to ask, considering it was very close to that line of thinking that made 9/11 more than just another beautiful September day in New York.
DaniNY -
Thanks for your comments - having been in NY (and working for one of the airlines that went into the Towers) it sickens me to think that only one party seems to think they are the only "true" defenders. Although NY seemed to bear most of the damage - it was first responders from all over the country that came and gave of themselves. They were not conservatives, democrats, independents or republicans. They were AMERICANS and those of many other nationalities. I currently work 5 blocks from Ground Zero - and it still hurts to walk by there. It seems that since the year after 9/11 all we can do is sit and try and point fingers at who was at fault.
We are an inclusive country which is what makes us great. If we stoop to the level of not following our Constitution, they have won and we have lost. Our freedoms and beliefs and the right to speak out in agreement or disagreement is what makes us great and feared.
Since there are a lot of Biblical references today - let me add this when Christ was on the Cross:
"Father forgive them. They know not what they do".
And in the ten commandments it says "Love thy neighbor".
Amen. i watched the towers burn. i went to the funerals of friends. i cringe whenever someone invokes 9/11 for self-serving, politicized purposes. i also cringe when self-proclaimed christians loudly and ignorantly shun all they should stand for-namely tolerance, peace, and forgiveness.
i am a born and bred New Yorker. i am a catholic. and i would rather spend time with a million peaceful muslims than any one of the small-minded so-called christians who preach an angry, hollow message of hate and myopic stupidity.
An Alternate Dimension...
The Republicans think they have a better grasp of reality. In fact, they purport only they can steer this country in the right direction. Hello, impossible, the republicans don't even have a genuine, viable candidate to run; much less a plan other than cut taxes, betrayal, devision, and corporate greed. I maintain this is a betrayal of what American principles are. So here's a NEWSFLASH for the hateful trolls posting here. President Obama is doing a fine job; better than any other president we've had in decades. He may be slipping in his polls; but, contrary to popular belief, there is no perfect president and never will be!! President Obama has delivered "the most progressive legislative” agenda over several generations .Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor said it best –“JUSTICE IS FOR SALE and it will undermine the rule of law that the courts are supposed to uphold.” Republicans have said…
“NO” to small business tax cuts”
NO” to rebuilding infrastructure
“NO” to clean energy projects
“NO” to getting rid of tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas
“All of this at the expense of the middle and poorer classes of people.
For sure, there is going to be some wrangling between the 2 parties; but rather than obstruct and work towards a more perfect union the Republican refuse to continue on a progressive path. Hint Hint: Tea Baggers, righties and other trolls the Founding Father wanted to protect the "opulent minority" from the majority. Theoretical plans have been demonstrated by the GOP but “NO” actionable bipartisan ship other than the constant NAY, NAY, and NAY!!!!.
Never in my adult life or even as a child have I seen a total subterfuge as I have seen coming from the Republicans.
Drawing that conclusion, it is fair for me say Republicans dwell in an alternate state. Why anyone would vote for this betrayal and greed Republican have done for generations is BIGGEST MYSTERY.
Well said, Beverly.
Sen Charles Grassley, in last week's newsletter from his office, declared that he supports small business and tax breaks for them. Yet he voted to block legislation that would have helped small business, they very group he claims to support. To quote GOPer Joe Wilson, "YOU LIE" Senator Grassley. Senator Grassley is a wimp, he claims to support small business yet he will not stand up to his own party and actually do so. He cowered to McConnell on the stimulus bill, on the health care bill, on financial regulatory reform, and on aid to small business. Party first, not country first.
Much discussion about the differences int he two parties. Why not more discussion on what the administration is doing about creating jobs, reducing the deficit, lowering taxes and moving this country forward?
To Beverly in Chicago, what has O bama done regarding the above? He has increase the deficit by bailing out car manufacturers, the financial services market, the union pension funds, the banks, many of who did not desire to be bailed out, increased future costs on health care while reducing services, and generally is lost on leadership.
do we really wish to be a progressive socialist society, or a capitalist system that pays taxes and hires people to build products and services?
Your elected administrator will be remembered in history of being the worst Prez since Carter.
No matter how many people come to First Read and repeat things that are not true, it will not change what is true. . . the Republican Party does not have a plan to fix the problems that they have created in our economy.
Advocating doing the very same things that got us in this position in the first place is not a plan. And until the media and the electorate just stop to take a breath and just ACKNOWLEDGE that the tax cuts DID NOT WORK and that deregulation DID NOT WORK, we cannot make any progress.
There is a founding concept in this country - checks and balances - and what we have witnessed over the past 20 years is a lack of a balance.
Doesn't mean that making a profit is bad, doesn't mean that the private sector is bad, it just means that too many loss the ability to BALANCE what was good for their bottom line with what was also good for their employess and this country.
There does not have to be an adversarial relationship between the employer and the employee or those who govern versus those being governed.
What there needs to be is balance, and honesty about what works and what doesn't.
If folks cannot make the simple acknowledgement that a for-profit health insurance industry that decides who is seen based on their bottom line instead of what is best for the patient is letting alot of good people fall through the cracks or that a corporate tax code that allows the majority of companies pay no taxes needs to be fixed, then really, it is very difficult to move forward.
I mean, if Americans can't come together around common sense items like not drilling for oil so deep that we can't control leaks, then it no longer matters who wins elections.
We the people need to give some serious thought about what type of country we want to live in, and communicate that to those who claim to represent us or run for office ourselves, not to communicate ANGER at something, but rather to LEAD the nation in the direction we think it should go.
The "win-at-all-cost" political culture in this country does not reflect the heart of this nation, only the thirst for power and control of those who are already having all their needs met.
Let's stop being pawns in a game America, what do YOU want America to look like? How are YOU going to make it ahpen
Nash; Nobody says it better! I'm standing and cheering with Feisty.
Since Miss Anita is MIA(comeback Anita), being the Southern gentleman that I am, i'll proudly hold the door Open for you Mrs. NashvileFan.
You can lay the Smackdown on Any subject that is brought to your attention.
Well Done1
Thanks for the kind words ya'll . . . means alot.
Nashville Fan any rational decent human being knows what you said is all correct, but this country is not controlled by rational decent human beings, greed rules this country and all of it's inhabitants, and the greedy powers that be would rather see each and every one of us vaporized if that is what it takes to retain their power, sounds kind of harsh but take a look around and tell me it isn't true, I believe we have passed the point of no return some time ago, steady decline in living standards for most is all I see no matter what the elections bring.
Nash-the problem is that the people HAVE spoken about the kind of country they want to live in, and Obama and the Democrats have IGNORED them.
The people spoke out against HCR; Obama and the Dems ignored them. The people spoke out against owning GM and Chrysler; Obama and the Democrats ignored them. The people spoke out against the stimulous bill; Obama and the Democrats ignored them.
Last week, we had the spectacle of a demonstration on Wall Street by a group of people who are demanding MORE than 99 weeks of unemployment. They were demonstrating, not for jobs, but for unemployment checks for those who have already had almost two years worth. Is that the kind of country you want to live in? Most people DO NOT.
Take a look under the top lines of all the polls in the last month-Obama is underwater in in job approval ratings, yes; but worse are his numbers on every issue facing this nation.
The people are speaking out against the kind of country Obama and the Democrats envision for them. The ARE thinking for themselves.
You are just unhappy about their conclusions.
no joe, no bo, nj what are the Republican plans to right the ship? I mean damn joe no offense but Republican policies is why all those people were out there trying to get unemployment benefits extended instead of working, Republican greed dismantled the entire nations manufacturing infrastructure and sent it out of the country, not because they weren't making a profit here but because they could get filthy rich elsewhere, the Republicans care nothing about this country, only the amount of wealth they can squeeze out of it, and they about have it all joe so I guess you could say they have attained their goal, now what?
Excellence in blogging!
That is right, the American people did choose the country they want with their votes in 2008. The fact that a majority of Americans did not choose the right side of politics just does not sit well with the right's view of America. They want their country back, their version of the country and their version is exclusionary. Win at all costs, it does not matter if the country fails--the right must win its country back. Back from where, though, is a question they will not answer.
w bush
No Jo means the people have spoken THIS time, not the time they showed up at the LAST election and spoke. In her alternate world the only speaking is the the sound SHE is hearing. She doesn't acknowledge noise that occurs in the forest beyond her immediate sphere of influence (currently the Faux Noise cable channel, apparently).
So, when you pretzel it all up in a njnbnj package, you can see how it makes perfect sense TO HER. The rest of America? Not so much. We do appreciate the humor and levity that she brings to us daily with her rants, however!
PS. In case you haven't figured it out, The Republicans HAVE NO PLANS. And no clothes, either, apparently.
PPS. (just for you, nj!) How is the little Princess these days? Coming up on her first birthday, if I recall?
Clara-next month, in fact. Today, she's undergoing more tests.
We had great news earlier this month: looks like major surgery is put off indefinately. The poor little thing still needs those kidney function tests monthly-but we'll take what we can get!
She's amazing, really-earlier this month, she had a renal ultrasound, and she took the stylus out of the tech's hand and ran it over her kidney herself! The poor little thing has had so many that I guess she's a baby expert! Everyone had as good chuckle over that, I can tell you.
Thanks for asking-it's one of the things I love about this community.
That is, indeed, good news! So her birthday celebration can be focused on her and not in the hospital. That is wonderful.
Okay, back to the mud pit!
You're WRONG!
(ha, I couldn't resist a quick swipe!)
NJNB,
That is really good to hear about the lil one, good to hear that the surgery is put off, that can be really traumatic fer kids like that.
We may disagree (Strongly) on political lines, but lives are precious, especially those of the young.
Best wishes to the Both of you and a hopefully very Happy B-Day for Her!!
All the best to your little one, No Joe!
AS long as people remain steadfast in their "only one side has the correct answer" mindset, we will remain in the same quagmire we've been stuck in for the last 30+ years. Pull your head out of the sand and listen to the other side. Republicans have offered ideas on how to right the ship but the ideas are blasted as wrong because they've come from republicans without any consideration to their possible merit. Democrats have similarly offered ideas that the republicans immediately dismiss because they weren't proposed by their side of the aisle. Honestly, how is that helping? Neither the ultra left nor the ultra right are the solution to anything. They are also not the majority (hard as that may be to believe reading the posts here). Time to repeat a few lessons of childhood- when your mouth is open your ears are closed. Throwing yourself on the ground kicking and screaming seldom gets you what you want in the end. One kid slices the pie, the other chooses which piece is his. Teeter totters only work when both sides are fairly equally weighted. These lessons all apply to politics as well. Honest, open dialog is the only way we're going to get things done. The politicians are a lost cause as long as they can divide us. WE need to grow up and show them that we expect and deserve better.
Suzy,
I agree with you, but I do feel the need to point out that President Obama has used Republican ideas, has met with Republicans, has praised Republicans, has negotiated in good faith with Republicans, and it has not been reciprocated.
But just as you said, ultimately it is up to US to REQUIRE our representatives to work together, or elect someone who will.
P.S. I do agree that neither political party is always right or perfect, but the current Republican Party seems to feel that it can get away with attacking while offering no (legitimate) alternative. I just don't think that is good government, and I also wonder why it is that those who are most vocal about how useless and evil government is are also the most eager to be elected to government positions.
"Republicans have offered ideas on how to right the ship but the ideas are blasted as wrong because they've come from republicans"
Examples, please? What wonderful ideas have Republicans offered that have been "blasted" just because they come from Republicans. Seriously.
Nash, I think from this side of the fence, Team Elephant gets tossed a bone for appearances but is effectively shut out of most negotiation with the current administration because there's no need for legitimate bi-partisan support. All they need to do is lean on Snowe, Specter and a couple of other RINOs and virtually everything goes through. Its the problem with a super majority- when you don't need to listen to the other side, why bother doing so?
Amy, your comment alone tells me you won't approach it with an open mind whether I do the research for you or not. Paul Ryan is a great example. Check him out.
Suzy,
I see your point, but I still don't see a whole lot of Republican ideas.
The primary problem I have with the Republicans right now, however, is the tremendous amount of misinformation they put out. Why is that necessary do you think?
I mean when we get into death panels and questioning the President's citizenship, it is just really hard for me to believe they seriously want to govern.
Same reason the democrats use misinformation... It sells to the too stupid to do the research crowd and buys them votes. Partial birth abortions being necessary to save the life of the mother is just as big a lie but sells just as hard.
And I've got lots of ideas- go ahead, ask me about 'em. Problem is I'm piss-poor and unknown as far as the political arena is concerned so no hope of getting elected and sharing them on the national level! My best hope is that enough of us outside of DC can grab hold of the few tendrils of reality, find common ground and get our elected representatives to listen to logic instead of continuing to pander for votes on the basis of political winds. I know... I'm an idealist on this one...
***Stands & Applauds***
It quite amazes me that the GOP plan appears for all the world to destroy the opposition through whatever means is necessary, then fight amongst themselves to see who survives that. That person inevitably becomes the leader. First, this damages the nation horribly. Second, who do they have that even presents as a viable candidate? Third, is this America or Lord of the Flies?
John B, for a party run by Christian conservatives whose base tends to poo-poo Darwin's theory of evolution, they sure are playing out "survival of the fittest" for all it's worth.
Thanks to you too Feisty and my neighbor Gail . . . John, you said it so succinctly . . . once everyone is "conquered" and "divided", then what?
Nobody ever seems to ask that.
FR has 3 paragraphs on the deficit and debt reduction so let’s focus on how the republican plan to create jobs affects our overall debt.
The big Republican plan to create jobs:
– The plan, titled the Economic Freedom Act of 2010, would add nearly $7 trillion in deficits over the next ten years. Coupled with their plan to renew all of the Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003, the GOP’s proposal costs a whopping $10 trillion.
– Their two solutions for paying for this spending spree — repealing TARP and the remaining stimulus funds which covers less than 5% of the total cost.
– The tax benefits of the plan overwhelmingly go to the very rich. In 2012, 61.5% of the tax benefits would go to the richest 1% of households.
– Under the plan, the average middle-class taxpayer receives a tax cut of $467. The average taxpayer in the richest one percent (with an average income of $1.4 million) receives a tax cut of $157,500.
The GOP jobs plan also includes a huge corporate tax cut. Not only are these tax cuts incredibly expensive, they also provide little “bang for the buck” in terms of job creation, according to both the Congressional Budget Office and Moody’s Economy.com.
http://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/2010/08/pdf/republican_jobs_plan.pdf
http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2010/08/03/gop-jobs-plan-analysis/
With a need to create 125,000 jobs every month to keep up with population growth so how did we do from 2001 to 2009? The math says we needed 12 million jobs but less than 3 million were created thus a net loss of 9 million jobs. And you wonder why the unemployment and underemployment numbers are so high and stubborn. Now add in the net job growth (loss) for the last 19 months and the tax cuts provided a loss of over 12 million jobs.
So, is there any evidence that the tax cuts for the top 2% of earners created any jobs over the last 9.5 years?
Just how does this help our deficit and debt woes?
Incredible, all in support of a philosophy that's been proven by time to not work.
A detail being lost in the debate over expiration of the existing tax cuts is that the Democratic plan even continues a tax advantage for the most wealthy. Extending the tax cuts for 98% of tax payers means that even the top 2% will be taxed on those rates for the first $200,000 earned by those filing single returns, $250,000 for those filing jointly. The result of that is a savings of $3300-$3700 for those people. Under the Republican plan they save $100,000 on their taxes, or almost double the median household income!
Tell me the story about how Republicans are looking out for everyone Daddy, that's a good one.
Yes John and the Republicans are claiming the President and Democrats are using the mosque issue to move away from the economy and jobs. The Republicans are more than willing to change the subject because they have no reasonable solution.
Definitely good to see other thoughtful folks making reasonable arguments about this issue. What's sad is that the Democrats have not figured out how to make an appealing emotion-based argument that will not only fire up the based, but also be attractive to independents.
Democrats' messaging sucks - it would help if they'd read the book by Drew Westin, "The Political Brain."
Dennis,
Great post. All the economic ideas from the right are either a retread of the previous agenda or a continuation of the same irresponsibility that got us into this mess anyway. It is like since they did not totally destroy this country the first time around they want another chance to see if they can get it right this time (destroying our country). I, for one, do not want to take that chance.
We have all seen where the republicans are trying to go. Simply put, they want to go back to 2000 with the same faulty Voodoo and trickle down economics that did not work for Bush or Regan, more deregulation on Wall Street, Big Business etc, even though 70% of the people want more regulations, not less, repeal HCR and Financial reform, repeal amendments in the constitution that will strip away more rights of the American People (see my previous post).
This is like sitting on a million tons of black powder with a lit flame thrower. Weall know how that will end (pardon the pun).
Well said, and republicans will deny it despite the fact it is written in their own plan.
Surprised that FR didn't have this story about News Corp giving ONE MILLION DOLLARS to the Republican Governor's Association (and ZERO dollars to the DGA):
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0810/Fox_parent_gives_1_million_to_RGA.html
It's one thing to be nakedly partisan on the TV. It's another entirely when you're giving MONEY to the politicians you're already shilling for as an ostensibly "fair and balanced" media source.
WILL THE OTHER NETWORKS FINALLY CALL THEM OUT ON THIS?
Jose-it's hard to call out other networks when your own reporters work in cahoots with a political party.
JournoList may be defunct, but it is obvious that the reporters on this site still get their marching orders from the Democratic party.
See my post above.
It's pretty hard to call out an organization that donates money right out in the open, when you operate in the shadows. The Fourth Estate is enshrined in our constitution; unfortunately, today's 'reporters' have absolutely no regard for that status.
They just want 'their side' to win.
Jose:
And they say that FOX is not the Republican Media's right arm???? Should have no doubts now.
Okay nojo - show me the money!! Where's the "million dollar" donations from the "Fourth Estate" to the Democrats that you imply? Where's the "shadow" money you speak of? Where's the evidence of these "marching orders"?
Go on and pony up some links with actual facts (not conspiracy-theory laden drivel like all this "birther" crap and what not. Go on - I'll wait.
Primary Day, and cue the excellent election music. I admit that as tired of the never-ending campaigning which starts the day after an election as I am, elections of any type are fun to watch.
The RNCC has a 2-1 DISadvantage in campaign funds. I realize that republicans have additional money being donated directly to candidates (like democrats do) and to other groups (like democrats do). But if as republicans want us to believe, they have the political wind at their backs, why is it they have such difficulty raising RNCC money?
The most probable cause is the Tea Party. Tea Party candidates like Paul, Angel, Buck are not what middle of the road Americans see as positive change; in fact, they see them as too extreme and maybe a bit toward whacko.
Mark McKinnon is a republican I like and respect as a person. He is absolutely correct in his statement. The republicans cannot claim to be defenders of the Constitution (claiming Pres Obama and dems are shredding it) when they pick and choose the parts of the Constitution they like to deny freedoms to those they fear. The President defended the Constitution and the republicans attacked him for doing so for one reason, politics--tap into the fear and anxiety of some.
The GOP is squeezing the last drop of juice they can from the horrors of 9/11. Think about it, the republicans have been using 9/11 in ads and at their Conventions to score political points since 2002. One would hope, the last drop of fear is weak.
The 9/11 fear card really is outdated!
The Republicants use it at their convenience. Voting for health benefits for the responders, well, that's something that they just can't do! Rah, rah rah.....Noun, Verb, 9/11!
Republicants should put their vote where their fear is....vote for the responders, not against them!
Chilled -
Thanks for taking up the mantle regarding first responders - I am sure the republican reprsentatives will be "rushing" to support this bill (I guess as long as Rush, Bill and Glenn say it is ok). But again if it is good for America but not the Party - then S**** America.
I posted this in another thread and have moved the bulk of it here, as well.
The amount of hate displayed yesterday on FR in reference to the "mosque" (actually community center with a prayer room at the top) to be built in NYC is stunning. Depressing. Sad. I won't revisit the issue except to say I think the ginned up crowd needs to take a deep breath and remember some precious words of our founding fathers ( We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.)
Our ancestors SHED THEIR BLOOD for the ideas represented by these words. The people who died in 9/11 (MUSLIMS INCLUDED) would be horrified that their deaths have generated so much vitriol. Look in the mirror folks...
"They came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for me and by that time no one was left to speak up."Pastor Martin Niemoller
The above quote was by Pastor Martin Niemoller , a supporter of Hitler who was imprisoned in concentration camps for not supporting the Third Reich sufficiently.
Let's all of us beware before we unchain the demons of hate in our souls.
Well said, Ginger.
Good Post, Ginger. The biggest problem that I have with all of the hate and rancor regarding the Mosque near Ground Zero is that this is a great GOP talking point. I read an article yesterday where REPUBLICAN Muslim-Americans are trying to get their party to ratchet down the rancor.
Frankly, I didn't know that there WERE Republican MUSLIM-Americans.
Notice how I capitalised MUSLIM. You know, those people who were responsible for 9/11?
So, th e question is this - if the GOPers are so ANTI-MUSLIM, and there are MUSLIM-American Republicans, would that mean that they are against THEMSELVES?
Or does this mean that the GOPers will be OK with THOSE Muslims that are Republican, but not the rest?
Look, this Mosque thing is a canard. If the City of New York didn't want that Mosque built, believe me, it would not be built. SOMEONE would have pulled the permits and told the developers to go take a hike.
The fact that this was NOT done tells me that this whole thing is a non-troversy.
I just find it AMUSING that GOPers are HATING their own constituents.
That's a great way to get elected, no?
Thanks, Pietro and Jody!
It is ironic indeed that the GOP'ers are eating their own on this--it's a small sample of how insane and unreasoning their hate is. I hope all independents, Dems, and moderate Republicans examine their consciences before they step into the voting booth and ask themselves if these TRULY are the sorts of representatives and senators they want to see in their political parties and in Congress.
There's no one to impress in the voting booth but your conscience and God--or Karma or whatever your belief system.
The calculation is that they will get 100+ new white Christians for every Muslim that leaves the GOP.
Republicans are on the wrong side of this NYC mosque issue. It's understandable people have emotions regarding Muslims building a center near Ground Zero, considering that the planes were crashed into the Twin Towers in the name of Islam, however, it doesn't take much thought to realize not all Muslims are terrorists and that our constitution protects freedom of religion. If Republicans win seats based on this issue, how will they be able to look themselves in the mirror? To deny Muslims the right to build a center in a building they own goes against the very principles this country was founded on.
Amy, Good Post. However, I would like to hear from those GOPers who think that MUSLIMS are terrorists and have them explain how they are going to deal with the MUSLIM-Americans that are REPUBLICANS.
Can we say... hypocritical?
I do not post on here very often, but I read the comments daily. Yesterday's comments regarding this whole Ground Zero Mosque brew ha ha were just frightening. I don't believe I've ever seen so much hate spewed in my entire life. I really want to believe that the majority of Americans are rational, common sense, live and let live people. I've always felt that the "far right" and "far left" are made up of a small minority of people, that the majority of Americans fall in the middle somewhere. Pat in Boston, I agree 100%, people I NEVER thought would take such a ugly stand on this issue are being very vocal. I am young enough that I was not around for other times like this in our history (McCarthyism, or the Japenese interment camps), but isn't this the most perfect example of history repeating itself and being destined to make the same mistakes over and over again.
Unbelievable 2009952
Nice post and perfect observation. You SHOULD post more often as you do have something of importance to say. The hate on this site sometimes gets so think you can smell it, and I think you are right in that it is spewing from a minority of the people, they just happen to swarm this site every now and then.
Hopefully people will wake up and see that we are in trouble as a Nation and stop the crap and realize the previous agenda is not a solution but the cause of most of the issues we are facing. Going back to that agenda makes NO sense and until people realize that, we will continue to repeat that history over and over until we self destruct.
We will all be in the same leaky life boats with bailing buckets with holes in them and pumps (probably from Haliburton) with dead batteries.
Have a great and stop by more often.
Great comment. Thank you for taking a minute to post this morning, you should do so more often. Yesterday's hate filled posts were especially ugly and also revealing. The hate is exactly what led to McCarthyism, the Japanese interment camps, the exclusion of the Chinese, the Salem witch trials. All were driven by well intentioned but fearful people.
Hi, Unbelievable - You know what frightens me even more? It's not just the hatred, but the pride these people seem to take in it. They're proud of their hatred, their prejudice, and their ignorance and somehow have the idea that these qualities are what define their patriotism and what makes them "real" Americans. They wrap themselves in the flag, the Constitution and the Bible without ever realizing that their hatefulness makes a mockery of the very values they claim to hold dear.
I'll bet all of them would claim to be supporting our troops 110%, too, but think about it - say you're over on the ground in Iraq or Afghanistan. At the same time you're trying to defeat the actual enemy - a minority of the population of those countries, and in fact people who owe no allegiance to any single country to begin with - at the same time, you're also trying to gain the confidence and support of the rest of the population and somehow convince them that democracy and freedom are the ideals they should aspire to. So as a soldier, how are you supposed to do that when your fellow Americans back home are spewing this blind hatred against anyone who happens to share the religion of a handful of lunatics? "Sorry folks, I know it sounds like America thinks you're all the scum of the earth, but we're here to help you! Honest! We're the good guys!" No wonder we seem to be fighting these wars in quicksand.
You're so right about history repeating itself. But as long as there are people like you who see what's happening, maybe it doesn't have to. Thanks for writing today.
Correlation between Israel (original Israel) and modern day America
After the days of the Judges (Samson, Gideon etc) Israel called to God and wanted to be like the rest of the countries on earth and have a human King rule over them. At first God was against this but finally allowed Israel to elect a King. They chose a man by the name of Saul. Saul was a tall attractive smooth talking man who, on the outside, had the look of a good king. But saul was anything but a good king. He could not make a decision and ruled against God's will. In fact, Saul never turned to God for guidance. He turned to other "intellegent" men to help make decisions.
America was once the greatest county on earth. The country had low (4-5%) unemployment, listened to God's call for us as a country, people took care of one another with out the gov't taking money from one person and giving it to another. Then starting in the earlier 20th centruy a change started coming about when pregressives starting getting control of the gov't. The first cog? Woodrow Wilson who installed the nation's first federal tax. Then came FDR who's new deal actually propelled us into the Great Depression. Finally America woke up (for a while) and got away from the progressives. So the Progressives repackaged their product and renamed themselves liberals (as this did not have a negative connotation).
Fast forward to the year 2007-8 America started getting jealous of the rest of the world wit hother countres "free health care" and retirement at the age of 50 (in some countries). Enter Barack Obama (this generation's King Saul) a man who was packaged as a ruler who would do everything for everyone and make the sea levels recede and end all bad things in the world (the liberals / progressives "Messiah") the man who was finally going to install progressivism into the gov't to a point where it would never be lost.
Problem is..... Obama will see the smae fate as King Saul. Shortly after naming Saul King Israel realized the mistake it had made and this time called out to God and begged Him to name their King..... that man.... King David.
In present day America the same thing is happening. People are waking up and realizing the intense mistake that was made by electing a man made president and are turning back to the TRUE King of this country.... God... and are finally starting to ask Him for wisdom and the next president elected will be by God's grace.... not by our human desire to get something for nothing.
Larry, does it ever occur to you that no one else is impressed by how you see religion? Still waiting your answer on the Founders, specifically Jefferson and your Christian county concept. (Hint: the answer is contained in a post I made this morning, I'll make this an open book quiz so it is easier for you.)
"Then came FDR who's new deal actually propelled us into the Great Depression."
HAHA! Oh! Now THAT is funny. Dude, you should check your timeline; things were already WELL depressed by the time FDR took office. If it weren't FOR the New Deal, the Great Depression would have lasted LONGER.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression#Start_of_the_Great_Depression
And WHEN was FDR sworn into office? Oh yes! 1933. Wow... so, what you're saying is, you have absolutely NO clue what you're talking about - okay, got it. We should listen to the rest of what you say, umm... why exactly?
NewDay:
I skip right over Larry the bible banging zealots comments!
Talk about 'ramming' something....
He has the right to worship & I have the right to IGNORE him!
"America was once the greatest county on earth."
Nothing like the good old days, eh?
The other day I was reading about conditions that lead to the enactment of Prohibition. In Portland, Maine, many stores had a barrel of rum outside from which you could get a drink for a few cents. It was not uncommon to see children drunk on the streets and for wives to complain that their husbands disintegrated into alcoholism due to the ready availability of cheap booze. You have to believe social conditions got pretty bad to lead to legislation completely prohibiting the sale of alcohol. I was thinking about this situation and wondering where I would have come down on this issue in those days. You ought to think this through yourself, and then decide which position is "progressive" and which is "conservative." It's an interesting experiment, to go back in time, knowing how things "turned out" and realizing which side you would have been on.
Larry, save the Preaching for Wednesday's & Sundays. Snake handler's, such as yourself have been bitten 1 too many times.
Also, I don't beleive that Homosexual stuff is in the 10 commandment's.
However, i do know "Thou Shall Not lie" is 1 ofem!
Larry, I give you credit for writing a heartfelt, thoughtful post even if I cannot agree with your interpretation and other things in it.
When FDR was elected President, WE WERE ALREADY IN THE GREAT DEPRESSION. Hoover would tell you that, too. There is no such thing as FREE health care or FREE roads or Free anything and no democrat ever stated there was. We do not elect kings, we elect presidents to four-year terms. We elected Pres Obama because the country had been in (my view) King Saul's hands for eight years--the country collapsed then, not when President Obama took office.
God does not care about politics but He does care about how we treat each other and that includes providing care for those who cannot care for themselves, feeding the hungry, shelter for the homeless. God does not take sides in politics; neither party has the right to claim they are the party of God. Many democrats are as religious as are republicans, we just believe that religion is personal and a choice.
Jody,
Excellent and very well said.
Feisty: I think you are right about Larry, he has finally jumped the shark with these postings.
On Morning Joe today, Joe stated that Democrats are going to be asked all during the recess if they agree with President Obama about the mosque issue. I want Democrats to ask all Republicans during the recess if they agree with the garbage that Newt Gingrich is spewing on Fox News about the mosque. What a pathetic loser.
How would you like to be a politican today? Only 36% of those polled say the Dem's economic plans and policies are acceptable, 25% say the Republicans plans and policies are acceptable, and a whopping 71% said they are unwilling to cut defense, medicare, education, border patrol and environmental spending, etc.
It seems what this poll is telling us is that a majority of Americans want the deficit cut and for the U.S. to reduce spending but at the same time they do not want any cuts. Few back the Dem polciies and even fewer back the Republican policies while the majority don't support either party's policies. They don't want taxes raised and the majority can't decide if the government should raise taxes on the rich.
Talk about making one's head spin. One wonders if the American people as a whole really know what it is they want to correct or improve the economic problems we face. Most likely they just don't want to be bothered with it all yet at the same time not wanting either party to make the deicisons for them.
Oh, so true CA. I squarely put the--don't tax me but don't cut anything I like either--mindset of the American people on President Ronald Reagan. Prior to his anti-government, anti-tax movement, people grumbled about taxes and government but recognized that if they wanted highways, paved streets, schools, teachers, fire and police officers, they must collectively pay for them. Conservatives prior to Reagan were about SMART government, not necessarily small government.
People generally do not want 'small government' they want an Effective Government, which the Repubs during the last admin showed America that they are incapable of governing anywhere near effectively. THIS is the Very Reason that the Dems won by landslides in '06 and '08. If the Repubs had shown actual fiscal restraint, adherence to the Constitution and all applicable laws, if they had not approved torture and followed the Geneva Convention, if they had not doubled the National Debt and played budget games by keeping the two wars (one illegal and based on outright lies) off the books and actually Funded the Medicare Part D, if they had not called EVERYONE who disagreed with their policies traitors, if they had actually put a capable candidate for President with a capable, non-inflammatory, demagoging, racist candidate up for VP then they Might have actually had a chance to win the Presidency in '08. But they didn't, they did all of those things and totally turned MOST of America off to their tone-dead hate-filled message and the Dems won by large majorities. They have not changed their tune since, in fact, heading farther and farther into the extremist Hate, Lies and Bogus Excuses, blaming Pres. Obama for their OWN actions and are further alienating those in the middle with their spiteful rhetoric.
The Repubs have only themselves to blame but are totally incapable of seeing that or are lying through their teeth in order to get back into power for power's sake and so they can continue to kill off the middle class with their borrow-and-spend ideology making sure that the top 2% can continue to prey upon the rest of us. The Repubs ONLY represent the top 2% of Those-Too-Rich-To-Fail and do not care about you or I who make less than $1 Million a year since we do not pay their lobbyists or donate millions to their campaigns through the Corporations.
The Repubs deserve to lose their seats in this upcoming Mid-Term Election just through the actions and inactions that we have seen from them, let alone the hate, lies and disingenious blame game and divisive religious and racial tactics. Vote NO against the Party of NO lest they continue the division and destruction of America that appears to be their entire aim.
PLEASE THINK FOR YOURSELVES AND PAY ATTENTION TO ALL THE FACTS, NOT THE RHETORIC, AND THEN MAKE YOUR DECISION!
As a NYer, I am offended by the people trying to speak on us NY'rs behalf regarding the Mosque. Sorry, but 9-11 happened in NYC, not Idaho, Iowa, or Ohio. Nope, it happenedin NY. NYrs are the ones who will have to walk by the WTC memorial site after 9-11-11, and perhaps pass, or probably never actually see, a nondescript building that just so happens to be a mosque and community center. It's our opinion that matters, not the PResident's, nor any Republican leader not from NY. Sorry, this is my opinion. As for my opinion on the wisdom of putting the mosque near Ground Zero, I think its foolish for this reason: if the group building it say they want to build bridges and heal wounds, well, then don't build the thing near a place that still is healing from an attack supposedly in the name of Allah. It only makes the wound worse. Also, the mosque in such a questionable place makes it a high target for hate crime violence. For their own safety, they should build it elsewhere. Ok, happy neo-cons? This coming from a Liberal white NYr.
Pat, by your reasoning, communities with high concentrations of Muslims should be able to block the construction of Jewish centers, if only for their own "protection." That's not right. It is simply unconstitutional to tell a group they cannot build at a location because they belong to the "wrong" religion.
I'm glad the President spoke out on this, if only because hearing out all sides is how we grow and evolve. This ability to argue about and discuss ANYTHING is, ultimately, the key to America's strength.
Pat - as onewho was born andraised in New York, I can empathise with your sentiment. However, both of us know that if New Yorkers did NOT want that Mosque near Ground Zero that it would NOT be built there. Since when do New Yorkers let ANYONE tell them ANYTHING? New Yorkers are KNOWN to be politically incorrect.
SO what am I saying?
I am saying, Pat, that you are getting your dander up over nothing. This is a non-troversy. You and I both know that SOMEONE's hand was greased - a LOT - for a Mosque to be built near Ground Zero. Find out whose hand was greased, and you will find out the REAL reason for all of this rancor.
Until then - you are entitled to your opinion. I frankly don't CARE where they build the stupid thing.
From the comments on First Read yesterday, I must say that I am discouraged and disappointed in what passed for discourse and discussion from both the right and the left. It was more baiting and name-calling rather than discourse and discussion.
When you really stop to think about it, the founding fathers of this country really had outstanding points-of-view and far-forward thinkers! When you think about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, they are as dynamic now as they were when they were written over two hundred years ago!
Most of the first settlers in this country came here to avoid persecution that they were subject to where they came from. Most of the persecution came from the religion that they believed. Most other countries have a state religion; if you didn't follow the beliefs of the state religion, you were considered a second-class citizen at best! That's why the founding fathers held fast against naming a state religion, and calling for a separation of church and state.
Unfortunately, now we have leaders who would like the have the Constitution and Bill of Rights be malleable like clay or play-dough. People only believe in freedom of speech when the person speaking states what they believe. If the speaker does not support their opinions and beliefs, then they call them names or tell them to shut up or even worse. We are becoming a country of group-speak rather than independent thinkers. There are even those who question the speaker's patriotism.
Whether we like or dislike the mosque being built four blocks from the WTC complex really doesn't matter. As long as they follow the building codes and do not break any laws, theey have every right to build it. Actually, it's not even a mosque; it's a cooking school and a prayer center. The point is that the First Amendment to the Constitution gives them that right. There's no popularity contest involved; it doesn't matter if we like it or not! The First Amendment gives them the right to do it! If we question their First Amendment rights, then our First Amendment rights count for nothing!
We call ourselves a Christian nation, but the comments anything but Christ-like. In New Testament, Jesus was asked the greatest commandment. His response was two-fold: Love the Lord your God with your heart, soul, and might; and love your neighbor as yourself. There's a church bulletin board that has the following sign: "The way you treat people indicates your belief of God".
They way we treat each other in this country makes it look like Osama Bin Laden won.
Great post, Julie. I didn't spend much time on FR yesterday and am glad after reading them later in the day. There seemed to be an abundance of uncivil words.
JoAnnaSmith1
So these give-away bills the Democrats cook up should be blocked. There is nothing in them that will create jobs or stimulate the economy. You have proof otherwise, please present it. And please don't embarrass yourself with the "Saved job" routine. That one is getting really old.
Give away bills? Aren't Repubs the ones always, and everyone knows its true, wanting tax cuts for businesses? And then they say no because they are limited to how many amendments they can add to a bill? And isn't that one of the big problems with Congress? Too many add ons to bills?
But good move at changing the subject. I did provide proof of Republicans blocking bills for pure political reasons.
OK First Read crew...who's idea was it to throw in the "Point Break" quote!! :-)
"I AM AN F.....B.....I......Agent." Nothing says witty dialogue like Keanu Reaves.
Interesting results from the focus groups. We gotta own up to the fact that the deficit isn't going away without some tough decisions. Unfortunately, given the current state of the economy a lot of those options look much worse. Increasing taxes in a down economy is certainly a dicey proposition. And unfortunately, cutting programs to those in need is just as bad. There really are no easy answers. Much as I hate to say it, raising the SS age may not be a bad idea given increased life expectancy. (Honestly, not something I've put a great deal of thought into).
Bottom line is that eventually, some sacrifices and tough decisions are going to have to be made. Who's the politician that's going to step forward and help us face reality?
Paul Ryan.
Frank,
I think all options should be on the table with one caveat . . . I don't think letting the Bush Tax cuts expire for the top 2% in this country represents a hardship for them or the economy.
And I think if we stop letting corporations hide and shelter their funds with overseas accounting tricks, that could be a tremendous source of revenue as well.
Also, as we face an economy that already has less jobs, I am just not sure how asking everyone to work longer is going to help.
Gettin Weary, Yet keeping Hope Alive.......
I have supported President Obama through all of the fog of Media/Rethuglican lies, slants, misleading statements, fabrications and fake news. It is amazing, what he has already done to repair the extraordinary damage former President GW Bush and his Rethuglican Party has done to this country. Even in the face of an opposition party that’s openly stated and shown through their legislative behavior and public rhetoric, they do not wish the Elected Leader of the United States of America (a country they profess to love), NO success in pulling this nation out of the economic and military mess They Caused.
Moreover, like many other Progressives and some Independents, I also was disappointed in not getting a strong “Public Option” provision included in the Healthcare Bill. I to was disenchanted that the ”Wall Street Reform Bill” did not include tougher provisions restricting gambling/derivative stock trading. I to, was disappointed that the “Stimulus Package” passed by Congress and supported by the President, was not meaningfully large enough to have the effect on the economy needed. I to, have been sadden by the fact, though the Democratic Party is the numerical majority in the Congress, they have been totally stymied by the minority Rethuglican Party. Particularly, those in the Senate, who have used the Filibuster Rule to perfection to thwart over 200 bills passed in the House of Representatives. Thanks, primarily,due to the weakness of the Senate Democratic Leadership.
All of these disappointments are borne of the simple fact, the President and the Democratic Leadership are not willing to FIGHT for the core beliefs that they profess. Their willingness to placate, compromise, nuance, and negotiate with the Rethuglican Party has brought them NOTHING. Even though they have passed monumental legislation into law, they get no political credit because their accomplishments only marginally solve the mired of problems facing this country. The Democrats have been simply nibbling at the edge of solutions, for political expediency. They know in their hearts what really needs to be done to effectively solve problems.
However, the Rethuglicans Do Not Care whether the facts are right, wrong, misguided, fabricated, or detrimental, so long has their core belief in Corporate Fascism is achieved, “By Any Means Necessary”. The problems of this country be damned. They simply get a free-pass from the Media, and increasingly the American people, for their lack of class, dishonesty and trifling ways.
Sad but true, President Obama and the Democratic Party do not have the “By Any Means Necessary” philosophy.
To the President: Mr. President, say what you mean, and mean what you say. Mr. President, be the leader we all were hoping for. Please, stop the placating and nuance. If you believe that the Muslims have a constitutional right to build a mosque two blocks from the Trade Center Site on private property they own, as you have stated, then stand boldly by your statement, don’t subsequently use nuance. If you believe a “Public Option” provision should be in the Healthcare Bill, then not only say so, but FIGHT for it, irregardless of political expediency. If you believe more Stimulus Money is needed to put Americans back to work and save the jobs of policemen, firefighters, teachers, and other vital public servants within State Governments, then Fight For It. Mr. President, stop being the nation’s first “PUNK” President.
However, I fear, the sobering reality is, the President and his fellow Democratic Party Leaders are simply a waste of air and space. Mr. President, Please, Please, Please, prove me wrong in this assessment. I, along with the majority of real Americans in this country, desperately need you to MAN-UP and succeed.
Chris I feel the same disappointment you do, I still think Obama has the ability to be a truly great leader, but some of the people who advise him are somewhat questionable, Rahm Emanuell was a mistake, Obama's inner circle concentrate of getting Obama re-elected at all costs and to the detriment of the country in my opinion, it takes a truly unique and courageous man to tell his staff that he intends to serve the nation first and look at the polls later, I still believe Obama has that kind of strength but he had best not wait much longer to show it, if the Republicans make major seat pick-ups in November I am afraid he has missed his shot at being truly great, maybe not, I guess we will see, I hope something happens between now and November to make people realize we need more Dems in Congress not fewer, and who knows we might just see that happen.
Sadly, I am forced to agree with you.
My solace? I can't IMAGINE voting for the other side! Will Rogers said it best, "I belong to no organized political party. I am a Democrat!"
this fall, you will discover independents voting anti-incumbent, and since it's the independents who control the elections, get ready for many new faces in january.
I am disappointed but not because of President Obama. I am disappointed that a few democratic senators named Nelson, Landrieu and Lincoln and throw in Joe Lieberman aided and sided with the GOP full blockade to bring down this President. It isn't a lack of leadership when one side filibusters everything with the help of a few bluedogs and the only way to get something passed is to compromise.
We can see the Left crumbling before our very eyes. They're catching on though, so that's an improvement. From millions on the Washington Mall watching Mr. Hope and Change take office, now 20 months later the Libs are seeing Obama for what he is - a waste of air and space.
We conservatives told you he was a phony. You didn't listen then, maybe you'll listen now.
CHRIS - I appreciate your sentiment, but I am not angry at President Obama at all. He is doing EXACTLY what those of us who voted him in to do. He is doing EXACTLY what he outlined in the campaign. He is doing EXACTLY what a REAL leader does to steer the ship away from rocks and icebergs.
My problem is with CONGRESS. Now, with Congress, they have abdicated their duties and are in 'self' mode. Granted, we (the American People) have not made it easy for them to do anything BUT that, but we hava chance in November to right that wrong and get RID of the incumbents that think that America is THEIR little fiefdom.
You are upset about not getting the Public Option in HCR? You should be. You have Conserva-Dems that helped block key issues. Fortunately for us, we can AMEND the current HCR to get the Public Option if it is necessary. The resident was thinking ahead of the pack when he signed that bill, no matter what the GOPers say. THEY CANNOT do ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
All of the bills that the President has signed probably COULD have been a lot stronger, but when you have a crappy hand (No Republicans and split Democrats), you do the best you can. I am constantly amazed at how this President - given the crappy hand that he was dealt - STILL comes out a winner.
I say - kick out the incumbents and replace them with people who are NOT crazy Tea Bag Party members. Replace them with people what WANT to serve THIS country (not Israel, not Pakistan, not Iraq) and do what is best for her. THEN - and only then - will you see this country shine.
With this Congress, we have gotten the best we could hope for.
Let's do better in November, shall we?
Pietro, I agree with you that the current leader of this administration has done exactly what you who have voted for him wanted him to do: bailout the financial industry when it wasn't necessary; bailout the automaker unions; bailout the two car manufacturers with a majority ownership position; create a costly healthcare program; cap & trade; numerous bailouts of labor unions at taxpayer experse; and it continues to go on. I do, however, disagree with you on the need for these programs that contributed to the defcit we presently have. Obama was not a winner - the country was a loser.
"All of the bills that the President has signed probably COULD have been a lot stronger, but when you have a crappy hand (No Republicans and split Democrats), you do the best you can. I am constantly amazed at how this President - given the crappy hand that he was dealt - STILL comes out a winner." Well, I really disagree with this statement. When one party dictates congress, does not ask the other party to contribute in discussion, and votes on bills without reading them, I don;t understand how you can critize the GOP. Nancy, Harry, Dodd, and my favorite, Barny Frank did write legislation that grew big government and increased the debt.
I do agree with your statement that it is time to throw out the incumbents and replace them with folks that believe they work for the people and not the party or their own self-serving interests. It is time to replace those in the current Spending Party, replacing them with individuals that can make the tough decisions regarding fiscal planning. And, you must agree, that if the Dems are voted out of control, they will then become the party-of-no as they were during the Bush administration.
Finally, Tea-baggers, as you refer to them, are not left-wing nuts, only people that have had enough of liberal views and direction. Is smaller government, less taxes, and better government from our elected leaders wrong? It wasn't in 1776 and it isn't today.
Liberalism, as we all know, is a mental disorder!
safecracker - thank you for your thoughtful post. I see we disagree in a few places. Here is one:
Safecracker, you are entitled to your position and opinion. However, you are NOT entitled to your version of the facts. The fact of the matter is that the GOP leadership has made a concerted effort to NOT engage this President. They have voted 'NO' on EVERY major piece of legislation; they have blocked, obstructed, obfuscated, and impeded every piece of legislation that has come before them. Foryou to say that 'When one party dictates congress, does not ask the other party to contribute in discussion, and votes on bills without reading them, I don;t understand how you can critize the GOP', I find that argument disengenuous at best.
Lest you forget, the HCR battle was where the President challenged the GOP and said 'OK, you don't like my ideas, - fine. What are YOUR ideas for the HCR that I can support?"
The Progressives do NOT like HCR because a lot of the Republican ideas were used in the bill!! What is incredulous is that they ALL voted 'NO' on the bill, even with their ideas that they SAID thay would support were included in the bill (and now the law).
I CAN critisize the GOP because they have contributed NOTHING to help us with our problems in America today. I have put out a challenge to ALL GOPers to articulate what YOUR leadership's goals are to further America. Not what YOU think, but what YOUR LEADERSHIP has laid out as their plan.
As with the HCR battle, we hear ** crickets **.
Maybe I am missing something. maybe I overlooked something. Can ANYONE who is a Republican articulate the PARTY's position on what they are going to do when in power again?
Look, the Democrats will overreach - again - just like the Reupblicans did under President Bush. Unlike the country during the Bush Administration(s), people are asking questions, wanting to know what is the plan if the keys of the country are handed back to the GOP.
From what I can see right now, I do not see that happening anytime soon, no matter how much you hate Democratic policies or Barney Frank. There HAS to be a reason to give the keys back to the GOP. The GOP has not proven they are competent - much less worthy - of the public trust at the moment.
So safecracker, what say you? Can you deny that your Republican leadership is incompetent? I mean, if they are continuing to get their butts handed to them by the big-eared 'community organiser' in the White House, why WOULD anyone give the keys back to the GOP?
One more thing, safecracker -
Actually, that is not entirely true: This iswhat I wrote:
I did NOT call Tea Bag Party Members 'Teabaggers'; I did INFER that the Tea bag Party needs to have candidates that are NOT crazy (better candidates). When the Tea bag Party has better, more rational candidates, I will retract PUBLICLY what I just wrote and listen to their platform.
For now, I stand by what I posted.
Pietro,
I can agree that the GOP has not had their policy thoughts reported by the single party media. When you do offer comments, thoughts or methodologies for improvement of government, and the current administration or party in control leadership chooses not to discuss the subject but continually closes discussion, then why continue to work with the administration. If the Spending Party had control of the House and Senate, why then did they not rubber stamp their policies? Can I articulate the GOP position? Can the media acturately also do the same? I can admit I can't, but without honest reporting neither can anyone.
Can you honestly buy into everything stated by the obama administration, his Press Secretary or the leadership in the House or Senate? I think not. I do hope, however that the President serves out his only term; I would hate to see Joe biden or nancy pelosi in charge.
and, as I am entitled to express my opinion, you too, can articulate yours. But as you stated, please be accurate in your assessment. I do believe you also may be in error. But, with a single party reporting media, it is possible the truth is not being reported accurately.
I also believe that it is time to clean house of professional legislators, either Dem or Repub, and replace them with people who understand that they do work for the people! Would I vote for a member of the opposition party? Yes, if his beliefs are based upon mine - if he is someone who believes in smaller government, a balanced budget and a more responsive government for the people.
We are a nation of greatness, or have been, and it is time to rebuild this country around a nation of laws, not a nation of advocates for specific interests. Even you great President believes in the Constitution as a negative document that needs to be changed.
Safecracker - thank you again for your thoughtful post.
I have to admit, I was not expecting a response from you. However, your response shows me that not only are people listening, but it seems that questions are being asked from both sides ofthe aisle of our elected leadership.
Do I think that President Obama has done everything right? Of course not. However, I DO see that we are definitely better off than we were 2 years ago or even 4 years ago. I am seeing that more people are engaged in TALKING about what the problems are. More people are engaged in political discourse that is a part of being an American.
We can also BOTH agree that if a person - whatever the party - has a GOOD, coherent plan devoid of 'talking points' that will help America go forward, I for one would WOULD cross the aisle and vote for that person. However, all I have been seeing from across the aisle is 'take away this, take away that'. When a political party decides to 'tinker' with the Constitution for their own purposes, then that give me pause. That tells me that the people who are SAYING that they fight for me really don't.
With all of that being said, I will be OK with us to agree to disagree. I will still challenge anyone out there who is a GOP Supporter to articulate the GOP leadership's plan for America and why should the electorate give the keys ofthe country back to the Republicans after what happened during the Bush Administration.
I do not understand why some people on the left do not want President Obama to try to get reelected.
We have limited resources. If the Democrats had wasted too much time FIGHTING trying to pass bills that were more progressive, They would not have been able to pass as many bills.
I understand that democrats have to blame someone for not being able to pass all the other bills.
The democratic senate leadership only needed to get 2 or 3 repug senators to pass all the other bills. Why was it so difficult for the democrats to get 2 or 3 repug senators to agree to vote for their bills.
Why did the senate democrats FAIL to pass those other bills??
Was President Obama the one that decided to give a lower priority to lowering the unemployment rate?
Was President Obama the one that decided to give a lower priority to the jobs issue??? Why???
reserved blocks of airtime ?? --- too bad that most people have already made up their minds and this ad campaign is wasted money. ----- and then, of course, there are more and more people each year who have given up on commercial tv.
no joe, no bo, nj
Fiesty-being unaware ids now a lie? Geez.
No, 'unaware' is one thing,...WILLFULLY IGNORANT is an altogether different thing. I think she pegged it right. Just my .02 worth.