Honestly, I think a lot of Republicans want to back this treaty, just as they want to pass healthcare for the 9/11 first responders.

It seems that even Republican senators are getting tired of the Party of No tactics. Here's hoping, because we have some problems that we really do need to deal with.

Wow, what a totally different perspective from mine. I think after the mid-term elections Obama decided he no longer could shut the Republicans outs. Now he wants to compromise because he knows if he doesn't he is one and done! Our government was set up to be a compromise or a balance of power and this protects us against any extreme left or right politicians. Presdient Obama needs to quit trying to be Mr. Historic and just be a leader.

these damn liberals want to leave us with no military! And NO ECONOMY! The US needs BIG nukes...and private companies need the contracts to build em!

Good ! This shouldn't have been an issue in the first place. I like compromises, I think finally we'll get some solutions. Both sides will probably grumble, but we won't have "block and stall".

Now pass the first responder bill, it's paid for, it's been through committee (in the house).....

The "shutting out" was all on the part of the Repubs, the party of no. This treaty has been "on the table" for 8 months, contrary to Mr. McConnells grandstanding the other day. The Healthcare bill, Wall Street Reform, and other bills have all been changed at the demand of a bunch of Repubs who have all but held their breath and stomped their feet to get their way. And now McConnell is crowing about how much more they will demand once they come into power in the House? President Obama has tried to work with the Repubs since the start of his administration. The only things they are interested in is makeing sure he is not reelected and pading their own pockets with tax cuts and incentives.

The conservatives handed the republicans a huge victory in Nov, of this year.

They were campaigning on repealing the insurance farce, cutting spending and opposing Obama.

The republicans in the mentioned in this article have already broken two of those campaign promises.

This legislation, will be three in 6 weeks.

Snowe, Collins, Brown, Lugar, Corker.

Start looking for work. Apparently the RINOS, didn't get the message when we removed a large number of incumbents in the primaries, this year.

I promise you, you will get the message in the primaries, in 2012.

Yeah, Yeah.....

The President has been bi-partisan all along. It was the southern senators who refused to be led by a black man who drove the negative discourse. What has happened now is enough republican senators have realized that their "no": campaign has been detremental to the country and to their party. They have to dddget some of the things they stalled all yeard done. They are not going to win the presidency in 2012 no matter who they nominate and there is going to be turmoil in their party because as opposed to acting responsibly and accepting the president's mandate for change the normal washington politics, they dragged out all the nuts they could find at the bottom of the barrel to enforce the "No" policy just to try and make a black man fail.

Big props to President Obama as the leader and historic figure the Nobel Committe saw him to be.

LOL

Poor little McConnell, the appalled turtle, will have to go blubber to himself. All the faux-angst for naught.

Thats right John you can take it to the bank; they are a done deal, as well as any dem.s who back this reduction in Americas saftey bill-russians cant be trusted, and they are more trustworthy than obama! Just another wasted bill that will need to be repeeled after the first of the year!

The ratification of START is a good thing.

For both Russia and the U.S., START can be achieved at less-than-zero cost. Both countries have obsolete weapons in their inventory. Over a period of time radiation weakens metals and age itself contributes to a weapon's increasing deterioration. These weapons are routinely taken apart, creating a significant amount of high-level radioactive materials that must be disposed of (since it is compact, this is not a huge problem.) The fissile material and certain rare-earth metals are recycled into new weapons.

So, START can be accomplished through attrition. This means that the weapons are decommissioned and the fissile material is diverted into fuel rods. This means that START has virtually no cost and that once the fissile material is diverted into civilian energy use, it can be easily monitored by civilian agencies that already exist for this purpose along with military inspectors who can concentrate on the areas that a civilian inspection agency might not be concerned with. This is especially a concern in Russia where their budget is stretched thin and there are sometimes indications that weapons and fissile material are not well-secured within the military system. START will help ease this situation somewhat and will result in fewer weapons and less fissile material that needed to be guarded from terrorists.

This poses a less-than-zero risk to American security. Until the number of weapons falls to less than 200 each for Russia and the U.S., there is no degradation to any nuclear deterrent posture. Four hundred American and Russian weapons, along with British, French, Israeli, Chinese, and North Korean weapons are more than enough to destroy most life on the surface of the planet.

This has never been a partisan issue. SALT and START have long been bipartisan and seen pretty much equally important to both Republicans and Democrats.

I was particularly dismayed, however, that the GOP came to the brink of "tinkering" with the treaty prior to ratification. As the politicians well knew, such tinkering would have meant that the treaty would have to be renegotiated, a process that would take 3-4 years. This would have sent a clear signal to Russia that START was worthless and only a political tool to Americans.

wmoore, where do you come up with that stuff?

The guy sucks

Wake up and stop bickering like old women. Even though perhaps they should, the American people don't give a tinker's damn about this issue one way or the other. It politically doesn't count for or against anybody.

Would you naysayers please go back to your respective cess pits or gravitate over to Fox where rabid partisanship is the norm? Let normal sane people engage in dialog and exchange regarding the country's long-term economic and national safety goals. You are just pissed off that Obama got another win and that your prediction of his Waterloo have fallen flat. You'd put this country in peril to get your nonsensical, idiotic, pre-school tea bagger agenda pushed down the throat of every American. Well, boo, f**kin' hoo! Several of you even have the nerve to stupidly suggest that we need "BIG nukes"? Who the hell is going to be around to push the second or third or fourth big nuke? And we wonder why we rank nowhere near the top in education. There are developing third world countries that are already cleaning our clocks and some of you lames have contributed to that downward spiral with your perilously low IQ. Just go away!

wmoore - Our President only became bi-partisan after he was forced to by the November elections. Don't fool yourself by thinking otherwise.....

stratovani

these damn liberals want to leave us with no military! And NO ECONOMY! The US needs BIG nukes...and private companies need the contracts to build em!

START is a political win for this White House, a defining moment for the Obama administration's foreign policy and the world.

For you stratovani, I think you should invest in the common artwork of basket weaving. It that kind of sh!t people like what you and Fox do. You want America to go to hell in a hand basket just so you people can say this President failed.

O Lord, Mitch McConnell's leadership skills have faltered ? I hope he doesn't start crying. He just might though. This truly is gonna be a heart breaker for Mitch.

Chris,

nice thought, but the material in nuclear weapons is less often used in fission reactors due to its inefficiency as a fission material. We are no where near a viable fusion reactor. The result is just a bunch of material, in high concentrations, with no good use

"these damn liberals want to leave us with no military! And NO ECONOMY! The US needs BIG nukes...and private companies need the contracts to build em!"

Stratovani, please tell me your joking? The United States has the biggest military - bigger then the next 10 largest militaries on the planet (including China) combined! There are already so many nukes in the combined arsenals of our two prospective countries there is probably one out there with your name on it.

The last couple of weeks of this lame duck has a dirty smell of back room politics. Makes me wonder if there is some dirt being swept under the rug. If not something has greased the wheel. Obama must have the key to the closet with the skeletons.

Of course it was the windbagging of the right that didn't want this treaty. Fear not, there will be windbagging from the left about something in the future. Only the extremists of either side would not ratify this treaty. It is a good litmus test to see who is a thinking conservative or liberal, and who probably belongs locked up in a cage at your local veterinarian.

Health Care Legislation, Historic… International Pact to reduce Nuclear Arms, History… Iraq War Exit, History… Afghanistan Withdrawal, Pending… DADT, Repealed… UI Extension, Needed… Economic Stability, Improving… Restrained Financial Institution Abuses, Done

President Obama’s Domestic accomplishments regarding the economy and healthcare system are a testament to what a tried and true leader he is. His Foreign Policy is one of the most active and sought after templates that other world leaders know he is a man of his word and that worldwide support is a necessity to stem any destructive nations from developing nuclear arsenals and to address worldwide poverty and hunger.

With all the resentment and animosity that occurs in this country on a daily basis, with all the opposition to fairness and equality that resound from the oppressive voices of Hate Mongers and Juvenile attitudes of the Arrogant and Ignorant, I am glad President Obama represents the United States of America.

With a cool head and a collective thought, this man has orchestrated more legislation in his first two years than any other President. And this was all accomplished in an atmosphere of hostility and malice from all sides for I am reminded from the 2 Corinthians, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

President Obama has defeated the Warlords of Capitol Hill and with his victories, America will know recovery and reinvestment. President Obama’s supporters will not turn their backs on him. We stand United. So either you are for America or you are against, stand up for something good.

Victory Lap!!! Man that left me tired. SMH.

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

@ Chris: nice post. It covers the bases and makes the points. Some issues cross not just national and philosophical boundaries- but those between species. I was astonished to see elephants and donkeys coming together, even on something so obvious as averting planetary death.

Hey what do you know.....you can teach old dogs new tricks. While the world multi tasks expecting the Senators to do more then one thing a year is expecting too much. Bravo Obama while I do not agree with your "peddling Bush's wars" I do appreciate you teaching the GOP they can pick their nose and sign a paper at the same time. This from a former GOP supporter.

Louis, have you been in the punch bowl today? I mean I supporty the president and all, but?

Start looking for work. Apparently the RINOS, didn't get the message when we removed a large number of incumbents in the primaries, this year.

I promise you, you will get the message in the primaries, in 2012.

And I promise you that whoever you elect, when they go to Washington, will keep working with Obama.

President "do nothing"? Are you serious? Have you just been listening to Fox instead of paying attention?

1. Passed TARP saves small business by allowing the banks to lend. All but 100 billion will be repaid.

2. Passed stimulus creating about 2.8 million jobs.

3. Passed bailouts for Chrysler and GM which may turn the people a profit in the end AND saved 2 million jobs in manufacturing.

4. Passed comprehensive health-care.

5. Passed Banking & Wall Street reform

6. Negotiated START with Russia.

7. Passed Don't ask Don't Tell.

8. Passed 13 month extension of unemployment

9. Passed payroll stimulus

10. Passed renewal of Bush Tax Cuts

Yeah, he's been a real slacker in his first two years. <eyeroll>. I'm not a huge fan of this President, but even I have to admit he is getting things accomplished.

To all of those who still insist upon living in the bygone era of the Cold War, I have to ask: Why? Is it the idea of a war, or, is it somebody to blame for all of our problems. The Soviet Union has died and now these Cold War advocates would have us take the same financially dangerous risks that collapsed that Union. Are you still trying to collapse the Union of states that make up the USA also? I don't get it (and, I doubt that I would ever get an honest reply).

Wow, I didn't know there were folks out there who believe the propaganda. Louis and C McCoy, wow! It scares me to think you believe what you posted. Considering the real world is nothing like your posts, most will see through the talking points. The others, well, we need to keep those folks away from power tools.

Willowbrook,

At least Obama learned from the midtemrs. McConnell and his crew still won't work with the Dems because they fear it will help him get re-elected in 2012. Nevermind what is in the best interest of national safety or morally right for 911 first responders. McConnell is coming close to looking a lot like McCain, A Tea Party puppet saying what he thinks will keep his out of touch butt in the Senate.

All of the bi-partisan finger pointing in the above posts is what has been wrong with this country for a long time and both parties unfortunately have fed off of it. Perhaps both parties are finally getting the message that they need to start working together for the benefit of this country (something they have greatly failed to do in the past) or we will become a third rate nation sooner than anyone thinks. To offenders on both sides, STFU and try to take positive actions vs. negative ones by trying to be objective, reason with and build consensus vs. all the hating, insulting and undermining. This is not high school with the red vs. the blue team, so stop acting that way and grow up!

Well grumpy jon, as far as I can tell Conservatism doesn't work without an enemy. Anarchists, Bolsheviks, Communist sympathizers, Terrorists, Liberals. Throughout the history of the movement there's ALWAYS an enemy to focus on, and there's always an element of that enemy working undercover within the USA to bring it down.

After all, we've always been at war with Eastasia.

Louis, You are walking round with some serious blinders on. Wow!

The president getting things is the part that's killing the right. In their ignorance and unAmerican actions they have chosen to try and bring this country to its knees, just so they can get more power. Well guess what? This lame duck session has proven to be a resounding triumph for the president!!! McConnell and Boehner had better get their tissues ready because the country will continue to move forward in spite of them and those who support them. Bravo Mr. President!!!

"All these dumb a s s libs lets just give all our nukes to North Korea since they want some so bad, then the world would just love us......"

Stealth-2349266, You don't know what is in this treaty - do you? You haven't a clue! No concept beyond what you can garner from a Glen Beck chalkboard rant. No understanding of all the provisions for securing nuclear stockpiles so there are no loose nukes or fissionable material to used by third parties. That we will have unfettered access to all their ICBM systems. Nothing! You can't wrap your little provincial mediocre mind around this - can you? Did you know every living Secretary of State of every Republican Administration including the first Bush has green lighted this treaty. And your default to name calling is the ever predictable retreat of the ignorant and those lacking native intelligence! The only less then bright person in this discourse between adult is you my friend.

Hey Main!!! Running victory laps... running victory laps.

Actually, the President doesn't vote in either the house or the senate. So he has "passed" nothing. He proposes, he supports, he argues, he even attempts to intimidate. But he doesn't vote.

If the Republicans have ok'd this treaty, then I am confident that it has enough merit on it's own to warrant passing. Otherwise the Republicans, in their wisdom, would have squashed it. I'm happy with that.

C Mcoy

So all Obama did was spend money increasing the national dept by 5 Trillion Dollars. Great Job!

He sucks.

just how much effect will this have on world safety. it does nothing with N Korea, China, Iran, Pakistan, Israel, or any other little mud hole who could buy nukes from the above mentioned. all it does is decrease our defences from those who are more than willing to use nukes.

Ike, they don't approve the 911 bill because of the pork attached to it. The pork is the problem. Put a bill in that takes care of ONLY the 911 issue and I bet it will pass.

Yeah, a nuclear treaty with the Soviet Union at this time makes about as much sense as repealing DADT. The Soviets, of course, are supplying Iran and other avowed enemies of the U.S. with weapons. Foolish people. Can't you see we are throwing our national security to the dogs? Unfortunately, most brainwashed, politically correct Americans haven't taken the time to think though the ramifications of signing such a treaty with a country that has historically proven to be an unreliable ally. This shouldn't surprise me I suppose since most of our universities and public schools have become little more than training centers for the next generation of cultural Marxists. Lenin would be proud of so many "useful idiots" serving the cause here in the U.S. But before you celebrate too much, at least take the time to ask yourself, "where in the world has socialism/communism ever worked in favor of those who help to establish it in place of their existing form of government? Where are the masses of people who have been helped when this devilish ideology is implemented? We can point to the forced famines in both the Soviet Union as well as in communist China as proof positive that socialism and communism are miserable failures wherever they exist. How many Cubans living here in America are risking life and limb trying to cross back to Cuba on flimsy, makeshift boats? Why do Cuban boat people continue to try to flee to the U.S. at great peril if communism is so wonderful. I doubt if most liberals will read this or even be able to "connect the dots" when we are living under a godless form of government and the freedoms we now enjoy are just a painful memory. They'll probably think America fell because we weren't open minded and tolerant enough with our arch enemies!

Willowbrook,

Ike, they don't approve the 911 bill because of the pork attached to it.

The 9/11 bill is now a stand-alone bill with absolutely nothing attached to it. So pork isn't the problem. What are Republicans objecting to now?

The fact that, as a stand-alond - it's never been through a committee. Really.

It's like I said many times in the run up to the 2010 elections: The repubs may win, but that just gives them enough rope to finally hang themselves if they don't change. Some of the repubs have obviously understood the implications of just saying no as a matter of policy. It may help them in the short term to gain a little power back, but once they have that power they had better use it to do something more constructive than try to take down the President at every turn. McConnell is still trying to do just that and Americans are starting to notice that he has no plan beyond being a partisan prick. The repubs who voted for this necessary and obvious treaty have demonstrated leadership and faith in country over party. They have also had a realization that compromise and cooperation are needed and wanted by most Americans. The rest who still oppose, well they are just too busy tying their own political nooses to care.

Repubs sharing power in Congress means that the GOP mentality of the last several years has just become a dinosaur. Any congressman who doesn't realize it is a dinosaur also. It simply doesn't matter who is in charge, if they all put country ahead of party we all win. If not, we all lose. I just hope this spirit of cooperation doesn't die on arrival of the new Congress. The ball is in McConnell and Boehner's court and that means they actually have to take responsibility. I'm not holding my breath.

Willowbrook,

I believe they have put the 9/11 first responder bill all by itself and paid for it. No pork, no adding to our deficit.

A Thinkingman you are not!

How does renewing a decades old treaty with Russia amount to support for communism? I guess I need a blackboard to figure it out! LMFAO!

The treaty enables us to put inspectors into their facilities to verify their arms. Without this ability we actually have no idea what they are doing. If they are giving weapons to Iran, which is in nobody's interest, we currently have no way of knowing that. This treaty would end our current ignorance and act as a basis of trust between both countries. Under this treaty they COULD NOT supply nuclear arms to Iran without our knowledge. All Russia seeks is a balance of power with us. Without their ability to verify OUR stockpiles, they assume the worst. Without that ability they have a reason to build more and bigger nukes - and they will as a means to balance a perceived threat from the USA.

WTF does this have to do with communism or our supposedly "Marxist" schools? If you went to school at all, the necessity and importance of this treaty would be obvious.

To remind all the morons out there what our previous president did: 69 vacation days the first year in office, 1,020 vacation days during his presidency (more days than the entire time Kennedy was president). So explain what Bush is if you really think Obama has been slacking?

He is from Beckinstand which is the home of the godless government. People from Beckinstand have a better grip on reality than the rest of us. They can see things we do not.

"Thinkingman777" Actually your moniker should be Rumple Stillt Skins. Have you been asleep for the past 20 years? The Soviet Union has departed and Russia remains. The rest of the "evil empire" has reformed into independent countries just as Texas is want to do, however their nukes remain scattered around the vast continent of Asia. The label commie no longer carries the passionate fear ginned up by the right wing before you took your long nap. Welcome to the 21st century.

PS. Why were comments 1.2 and 1.3 and others collapsed by the "community?" They appear to be normal right wing blathering and inoffensive to most commentators.

I've been watching the START debates on TV and am very worried that they will indeed approve this. Dems can't seem to give any real reasons to ratify the treaty except it's the 'right thing to do to support the president'. There are many very serious problems with the agreement that give Russia many advantages with nothing for the U.S.

The treaty needs to be adjusted so the U.S. isn't getting the bad end of the deal. For example, we absolutely need to have the right to develop preemptive missile systems which Russia states that they refuse to agree to.

Makes one wonder if there is any real thinking going in in the Senate that they're even considering this treaty!

If some senators thought the treaty was too heavilly stacked on Russia's side, why are the dems so hell bent on forcing the issue? Is it an ego thing or are they actually on Russia's side, like they were before the collapse of the Soviet Union? Are they hoping Putin will bring communism back to Russia, then the dems will have an anti-American ally there? Hmmm!

It sounds like certain Leftists (like Louis J.) are so busy wanting to be Obama's Monica Lewinsky that they don't have time to read things like the START (and finish) Treaty or the health Scare offense or any of the other ANTI-AMERICAN programs that have been shoved down America's throat by the current regine.

The "Republicans" that have agreed to turn America over to Communism have never been true Republicans anyway. All you idiots who thought Scott Brown was a victory for the right shot down those of use who called him a RINO. I'm surprised Lindsey Graham has actually opposed START. I didn't even need to read the list of names to know which whores were selling their party and our country out to know who they were.

I know this comment will get collapsed. You same Leftist freaks who are crying "Freedom of Speech" for the pedophile author will insist that I be silenced. I already read START months ago. It favors Russia completely. On the night of November 4, 2008 Vladmir Putin referred to Obama as Russia's dog. He said if Obama thought Russia would meet him in the middle he was wrong. He called it correctly when he said Obama would come to him. I'm sorry to say that even on election night Putin knew what a POS America had elected.

Between repealing DADT and this farce of a treaty, it is obvious Obama has zero desire for America to have the necessary military to survive. Fortunately this all plays into the biblical prophesies so I'm not really worried. Our true leader is still in control.

You can shut me down now.

Fred,

No one need to shut you down. They usually ignore blithering idiots.

It's really ok for you to come out of the closet now.

Fred for congress: I don't think yousshould be shut down. I just think you do not have education of any sorts. But, you do have the right to keep on talking. I really do not think that the liberals are the ones always yelling "Freedom of speech". And as to the pedophile author you mentioned, even tho not the topic here, I hope he will be gone soon.

More than a little odd that 95% of the "collapsed" messages were critical of Obama, the dems in Congress and the dem party...so much for "open and transparent" as well as the value of others points of view. That's the liberal style, which is only if it spoken in elitist, know it all, put-down terms and supports the socialist ethics they are shoving down our throats. But, they have forgotten the lessons of November, and the relevancy of the current polls.

So, before this message gets collapsed...THINK ABOUT IT.

wmoore - Our President only became bi-partisan after he was forced to by the November elections. Don't fool yourself by thinking otherwise.....

Willow-

Except that Obama has been for Start for over a Year, way before the elections, so your assertion is a lie

Obama has reached across the aisle time and again, including Bush advisers in his administration, staying the course in Afghanistan, and now allowing Republicans to get pretty much all they wanted in regard to extension of the Bush tax cuts. Those who think Obama is too far to the left are right-wing fascists and white supremacists.

In regard to the START treaty, and McConnell's comments about being "jammed" (sounds perverted), unlike Bush's tax cuts which were passed with reconciliation (2003 requiring Cheney's vote to break the tie), the ratification "requires approval by two-thirds of the senators present." Like the passage of the health care bill via a filibuster-proof super majority, it is complete chicken crap to claim something is being forced upon Republicans or the "American people" under these circumstances.

It's called "democracy," like Republicans know what that means anymore than "compromise" or other words. I wonder when the Republican leadership will realize how worn out and stupid these sound bites are.

This is pure baloney. He only started talking to Republicans at all after the election. He even laughed att hem about how he won the election, so he's making the decisions.

Hey Fletch, which closet is that?

Is it the Conservative closet? I came out before Ronald Reagan was elected.

Is it the heterosexual closet? I am married to and love dearly, a woman whose inner and outer beauty you could only wish for. I love our 6 children just as much.

Is it the Christian closet? I proudly proclaim myself to be a Christian.

Is it the education closet? I read what was available of the "START" Treaty when it first came out. Can you tell me 3 points of the treaty?

Outside of spoon-fed propaganda, can you tell us anything at all that is contained in the health scare bill that was just determined to be unconstitutional?

I sure would like you to tell me which closet you were talking about so we know just what type of bigot you are deep inside. Get back to me when you can respond properly; I have plenty of time.

Nicely said, Fred.

The bigot, homophobe, freak closet. What you are accusing others of. You are no christian or whatever else you think if you profess to be, others will think better of you.

It sounds like certain Leftists (like Louis J.) are so busy wanting to be Obama's Monica Lewinsky.

I know this comment will get collapsed. You same Leftist freaks who are crying "Freedom of Speech" for the pedophile author will insist that I be silenced.

Oops, somehow I totally missed 1.59, in which Fred tells us what he REALLY thinks. My bad. Fletch is on target.

Hamletrules;

First, Merry Christmas to you and your family. It does look like that START may very well move ahead and that is good. I am tired of the republican rhetoric that President Obama is jamming this down their throats. This treaty has been on the table for a long time now. Funny how the republicans forget all the meetings and forums they attended. Same with the DADT and 9/11 First Responders Bill. It is the republicans with their "obstructionist" agenda that is draggingthese out, trying everything they can to deny our President getting something done. Repugnant at best, but that is their agenda.

President Obama is going to go down in history as a President that changed this country for the better. Health Care Reform, Financial Reform, and perhaps the most important Civil Rights legislation in 50 years. And, he has only been in office 2 years. What did Bush give us in 8?? Financial Collapse, unfunded wars, reduced regulations for Wall Street and Big Business.

You are going out on a limb, there, USNDV-Ret, mentioning the epic failure of you-know-who, but yea and verrily, you speak the truth! For this, we applaud you!

Navy Ret;

So happy to see it was you who responded, usually its some neocon trying to defend something, anyway

"Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Cool Lunar Eclipse but miss it" to you and your family and LTjg Go Navy. Your Post said it all again nice job, Have a good one

PS The Navy Rules, Army 9 in a Row Boy's way to play!

It was the right thing to do. 'Bout time.

Whole heartedly agree the START Treaty is the right thing to do. But Obama will not go down as a great president. He is only history worthy because he is the first half black President. His "most important civil rights bill in 50 years" will not pass and should not pass. It is illegal, it is unconstitutional and it is down right wrong to suggest that our economy in the shape it is in should be supporting illegal aliens. This will be one more step to the financial ruin of our country. Glad to see you support that!

I guess it's news now when several Republicans vote to pass a bill?

HamletRules;

My LtJG called me from San Diego and we watch the last quarter of the game togther even though 2500 miles away. Your posts by the way are always on target. You get negative feedback because they are true and some people just can't stand the truth. Let us all remember our troops this holiday season and wish them safe and home soon. You have a great one as well.

Hey Bobthebuilder,

I could be wrong, but I think the civil rights bill most are talking about is DADT. The Dream Act was not passed to my knowledge.

bobthebuilder, your words "half black president" speak volumes about you. Those three words overshadow anything else you say, and make you sound ignorant and racist. You continue to demonstrate your lack of understanding with your words against Health Care Reform. Taxpayers pay for anyone who receives health care and does not have health insurance, one way or another. Asking everyone to participate financially in their own health care takes some of the burden off those of us who have been paying all the bills for the uninsured. Unless you LIKE paying for everyone who does not have health care insurance, I would think you would support the mandate. It is not unconstitutional - those who are saying it is are the ones who benefit financially from the "old" system whereby the insurance companies made the rules. And then every rightie who is afraid of social reform repeats the call like a parrot - repeat the words, without understanding the source or what the words mean.

How is it a lie? The fact that they sat on all these bills until the lame duck season is very unsettling. Because of politics they put the American people on hold.

I would not be giving anyone from either side any props. Its just shameful!

His "most important civil rights bill in 50 years" will not pass and should not pass. It is illegal, it is unconstitutional and it is down right wrong to suggest that our economy in the shape it is in should be supporting illegal aliens. This will be one more step to the financial ruin of our country.

How can stopping discrimination be illegal? Hello? Who said anything about supporting illegal aliens? Hello? If our country faces financial ruin, Obama has probably done the least harm to our country of any president in modern history, with the exception of Bill Clinton. True there are huges deficits, but he is not the one that caused us to be in all this debt. You can thank our previous president for a lion's share of that!

I agree wholeheartedly,

Obama is going to go down in history. In 2012, he will be history. Maybe to be titled: The Grand Socialist Experiment That Wasn't.

You are going out on a limb, there, USNDV-Ret, mentioning the epic failure of you-know-who

George Bush is Voldemort? LOL! Anyhow, that's a strong statment USNDV-Ret regarding Change. Those were some epic changes Obama resided over. America has a funny way of balancing itself. We think Democracy is broken and then we are surprised by the balance and progress that our society makes with a vote. Epic indeed! Happy new years all!

Face it, the GOP just wants another cold war. They are nothing without an enemy so they create wars and other boogie men to support there miliraty-industrial cartels like Hallibuton and Blackwater.

I think its funny that calling a spade a spade is being racist. It isn't racist when Obama is referred to as the first black president but I speak the truth and say he isn't black but half black and I am a racist. And being one of the few people who have actually crossed the race line and have a mixed race child, I find your assertion laughable. I teach my child that he is not white and he is not Korean, but he is an American. I do not put my value on the color of the man's skin as some do. I was simply pointing out the truth.

I was in the military and served with several people who were gay, I had never had any problem with any of them. If the civil rights movement you were referring to was the repeal of DADT, then I apologize for my statements to you. I assumed (and yes I know what you get) you were referring to the Dream Act.

Yes I am a Republican and yes I am a conservative on most things. I, however, do not support McConnell (I am from KY) and his tactics of opposing everything Obama does just to oppose him. Above all else I am an American and want what is best for this country. I do not oppose Obama simply because he is a Democrat or a Socialist, I oppose hime because he is going away from what this country is built on.

Many parts of the Health Care Reform are ok and I would support those parts. The clause requiring everybody to get and maintain insurance is unconstitutional, there is no way around that. The government does not and never has had the right to tell you have to purchase and maintain something you do not want. Everyday our government grows bigger and bigger, telling us more and more what we can and can not do. This country was built on the principle that all men have rights and unless you infringe on those the rights then the government cannot and should not tell you you cannot or have to do something.

Thank You!

Hey at least the killer omnibus spending bill didn't make it. That bus was too heavy with all those borrowed bags of gold it was carrying into their pockets.

Watt: how many bills, including this one, have been held up by procedural tricks because the party of no wants to defeat Obama? The START treaty has been on the table for 8 months. It is a continuation of a bill that was first first passed by Ronald Reagan. The Repubs instistance that this is being "rammed through" is just not factual.

I do agree with you and over 50% of the American public: Obamacare should be strengthened and gives too much to the insurance companies. The Public Option should have been part of the bill but, if you will remember, the Repubs were whining about socialism and government takeover of healthcare (which has been named the biggest political lie of the year). The Repubs were simply acting as the lapdogs of Pharma, Health Insurance and other special interests and gave us a bill that was far less than it should have been.

Lakerman, last I heard 420 bills passed the House without ever coming to a vote in the Senate. With bills recently past it might be slightly below that now, I'm not sure.

LAKERMAN------- You don't want to get in tt procedural tricks when Obama is involved, I don't ever remmeber a president as direct about giving the amercian electotarte and doing thins his way.

Watt: The fact that jobs and the economy weren't the first priorities tells me all I need to know about Obama and his agenda...

Then you know nothing.

The economy WAS the first priority. Remember the banking crisis? The Auto Companies? Even health care was, in part, to stem the increasing cost of health care. And Obama had to fight the Republicans every step of the way.

What were they doing for the last 2 years? Democrats were butting thier heads against the Republican propaganda engine - which robbed the clear thinking Republicans of any clear thinking. We spent too much time in BS instead of acting professionally and doing the business of congress. There are faults on both sides but the biggest fault was when our elected officials got distracted instead of doing thier jobs.

Fuk the first responder bill, that just gives them the power to name thier own wages and bankrupt every state. Plus the states and cities won't be able to get rid of an employee who needs to be fired. No control at all, just like the unions only worse!!!!!!!!!!!!

What happedned to getting rid of obamacare, another lie now from the gop. Can't trust either party. Time to vote for the independents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Guess the dems are the worst out of the 3 then the repubs, time for the independents

Thanks for the info, John B.!

Tim - maybe if we had "obama care" there would be no first responder bill. Ever thought of that? These guys deserve better than "Fuk the first resonder bill". You should be ashamed.

Can anyone out there that opposes this tell me why we need enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world 5 times. At any one time we have 1600 missles ready to go with many from subs stationed all over the world. Anything more than that is a waste of money. The less nuclear weapons the Russians have the less chance one or two will fall into the hands of some group that will use them.

Ummm, you forgot about the Repubs filibusters. The number of fillibusters doubled since 2007. 2009/2010 saw a record numbetr of filibusters, breaking the record from 2007/2008.

fielden -

Yes the economy was his first priority -- KILLING the US economy.

Jim -

A threatened filibuster is not a filibuster except to the liberals that are looking for any excuse to justify and rationalize Reid's failures an the majority 'leader'. All it shows is that Reid doesn't have the chutzpah to even schedule a debate to get the job done.

The thing is, in many cases he didn't even have the votes in his own party to pass his progressive legislation.

How is this a bad thing if it keeps them from wasting even more money?

Tammy be real, look at the numbers the economy was dead when he arrived. It was killed by a BIG bubble blown up by GW.

Tammy 311...;

Go take your meds and have a nap.

Tim: The elected republicans don't have seated power until after the first of the year; that is the reason for trying to delay this joke until then!

Tim, I like the Independents, too, especially Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. He ran as a Progressive way back in the day when he was Mayor of Burlington, Vt. A self-described Socialist, yeah, I like Bernie's brand of Independent. The country definately needs more Independents like Sanders.

Obamacare? Death panels? Government 'takeover' of healthcare?

ALL LIES. Lies. Lies. Lies. Plain and simple.

Thank God for outfits like Politifact. We need these folks to counter the wholesale broadcast of stupidity FOX Newz spews daily.

It turns out "The LIE of the Year" goes to: GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER OF HEALTHCARE!

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2010/dec/16/lie-year-government-takeover-health-care/

It is amazing how many Republicans and phony tea baggers repeat this phrase endlessly, as if to make it true somehow. So they can hate what isn't real. Er. . .uh. . .

One of the best solutions we can bring to our battered economy is to revisit the ADULT VERSION of a REAL health care debate. This time without all the lying, BS and phoney Chuck Grassley style "Pull the plug on grandma" crap. Talk about real "end-of-life" care, not some conjured-up death panel phrase.

Healthcare is what WE make it. People who use terms like Obamacare are only demonstrating their ignorance to the rest of us who know better. Republicans who try to repeal it in 2011 will learn another lesson like todays Start treaty lesson. American is now growing again, and we will continue to move forward with Obama at the helm. This cannot be stopped.

Wise-up fer cryin' out loud. It's nearly 2011, not 1953. Those days ain't comin' back. Thankfully.

This treaty is great, unless of course your job is to build nuclear weapons, and then I would say to you: go get a real job, one that actually constructs something positive, not something made for pure destruction.

Um...how is getting 67 votes to ratify (10 or more GOP) 'ramming it down'. You GOPers are looking for any justification for not having solutions and denying any Obama victories because for political reasons. Im loving that these bills are getting passed, now instead oif delaying and debating them to death, the GOP will actually have to come up with solutions for unsolved jobs and debt isues. Still no budget, DEbt Reduction or Jobs plan from the GOP. Where are they?

SCore another one for Obama, getting around the stale pale GOP leadership.

Feisty..

Probably not as many times as you've heard... the party of "NO" out of the left wing loonies!

lol!

Looks like the Republicans can't "block and stall" anymore. Welcome to the era of compromise.

That reminds me, did Reid ever get that online poker bill he was bought off to get?

Except for the fact that the party of NO is very accurate. Over 400 Bills being heldhostage by the republicans in the Senate. Stalling tactics on START, 9/11 First Responders Bill and DADT, bills that have been around for quite awhile (that also have majority support by the American People) that have had many meetings and forums that the republicans seem to forget they attended. Same old "Obstructionism" from the right and then blaming everybody else. Just like the defense lawyer that claims his client is not guilty of shooting the victim. It was the victim's fault for standing in front of the bullet. Same mentality here.

Feisty- I predict Eleventy-five, or- one less than the number of hits of speed 'foundya' takes today before getting on his keyboard.

We "The Navy"now have Rail Gun technology Navy Ret Rules!

the party of "NO" out of the left wing loonies!

That would be the party of 'HELL NO'! lol

FEISTY--------- Do you-------ever--------- say anything when you post?

keep your day job,you willnever make it, as a stand up, comedian.

Just another libbie with delusions of grandeur.

ERIC--------- Temporarily, we knew it would take 4 years to get rid of all of th RINOS and del lite.

The five mentioned in thi articles are all up for relection this year.

You might want to drop them a thank you note, they will be gone, shortly.

FEISTY--------- Do you-------ever--------- say anything when you post?

This coming from the Prince of RAMMAN & JAMMAM! lmao

FEISTY--------- Do you-------ever--------- say anything when you post?

John, do you?

Mr. Bohner, where are the jobs?

My guess is well over 200 times

Actually, after stopping that horrible DREAM act, and then postponing for further study that bloated, pork laden, omnibus SPENDING bill. I would say that the Republicans are really the party of "know". As in they know what is best for America. Can't wait till the rest of the Republican heros take their rightful seats in congress.

Merry Christmas Feisty. (or, Happy Holidays)

Can't wait till the rest of the Republican heros take their rightful seats in congress.

Well look at that Edward we agree on something again... I can't wait until the Republicans zeros are seated either!

The civil war amongst the rankin file righties and the tea baggers will be MOST entertaining! Of course the country will suffer in the process but... screw em... right?

And a Merry Christmas to you as well! Or if you prefer Happy Holiday... ;0)

Republican heros? LMFAO!!!!!

Yeah, Edward, I imagine you do look up to Rand Paul, he's not afraid to stand up for the oppressed white folk against the facist policies of legislation like the civil rights act.

Bought by and pandering to wealthy elitists = heros? Wow dude, you need to lay off the Fox news propoganda!

Just another libbie with delusions of grandeur.

lol..just another Republican schmuck without a legislative accomplishment

Got legislation?

You know, I don't think that has as much to do with term limits as controlling campaign financing. If campaign financing was 100% public, then first they could be held to civilized advertising standards, they have the internet for for website, blog and fundraising! Is the public really served by billions of dollars spent on smear tv, flyer, and mail advertising?

With term limits, all you guarantee is ignorant politicians being bought and paid for by lifetime experienced special interest groups. They become identical to contracted actors on a stage, pretending to do what they're paid to pretend to do.

The reason our politicians are bought and paid for is because we demand that they be bought and paid for. It's the taxpayer/voters fault, not the politicians.

I agree with rrobeson.

AV--------- This is as good as it gets,with government.

Gridlock would be better, the best you can hope for especially with a quasi socilaaist administration, is hat you keep them from doing anything.

That only frightens liberals/dems and other quasis .

Conservatives are not afraid to make decisions for them selves and don't expect the government to take care of them.

You think you have no control over Congress now, just watch what happens when EVERY session is a lame duck session, which is what you'll get with mandatory term limits.

Lol, a liberal calling some one else an idiot.

Right on Bill. McConnell says his NUMBER ONE JOB in the next 2 years is to make Obama a one term president. To me its not important at the moment and Im not a big Obama supporter. Will decide that in 2012. But I thought McConnells number one job was to be a Senator with an open mind. Seems the open mind is empty when it comes to the job he was elected to do.

guy -

I think the democrats and liberal progressives have already handed the presidency over to someone else in the next presidential election. They are the ones who burned all of their bridges behind themselves. Now they have to rebuild them - something that must really stick in their craw.

William;

True, we saw a good example of that this week when 8 (eight) republicans put their country first and politics second in voting through the DADT. Looks like 9 republicans are now on board with the START treaty. Maybe, but I am not going to hold my breath 2011 is a different animal, they all (both parties) will learn something from theis so called "Lame DucK" congress.

Tammy, what bridges have the democrats burned? The words coming from Republican obstructionists are becoming silly even to the most hardcore Republicans. We haven't had time to review START? It has been in the Senate for 8 months or so. Not enough information to repeal DADT? Report after report, review after review, q&a with military leaders - when is enough, enough? The words "rammed", "crammed", and "jammed" "down the throats of the American people" have gotten really old and no longer hold any meaning. The little boys have cried "wolf" enough times that fewer and fewer people are listening. McConnell, McCain, Kyl, Hatch, and the other Senators with limited vocabulary and promises made to interests other than the what is best for the country are losing their audience and their credibility among thinking Republicans. Finally!

I have my answer(s)

Expato8,

You know that current joke in Washington?? What do you call a bi-partison congressman? A former member.

Oh good, now I don't have to go back to duck-and-cover drills like the old days.

START is a dinosaur, who cares. Now a meaningful treaty with Korea or Iran or China, I'd care about. But with those governments, anything on paper is only useful for uh, the privy.

Obama is taking care of business in his own pragmatic, careful and deliberative manner which he has exercised right along, during his primary campaign and his first two years in office. This man knows what he is doing. You may not like his style, but he is on the right track and after only two years in office, he has accomplished quite alot. Another 6 years to go!!!

William,

The next two years are going to be trying at best. To my knowledge I do not remember McConnell or Boehner changing their postion on President Obama to opposse him at all costs. I do not have a problem with compromise as long as it is equal and fair. I do have a problem when one side is trying to extort the other side just for political capital that does not move this country forward. That is not compromise. You and your family have a Merry Christmas and be safe.

rrobeson, I'm going to connect the dots for you. The Start Treaty was one of the reasons that Obama got Russian cooperation on Iranian economic sanctions. These sanctions have started to have major effects on

Iran. But then again maybe we should just drop the big one on them. right?

WELL SAID!

How about the republican/tea party stop saying NO and help.

How about you get a job?

What have you repugs done to better this country in the past 10 years? Absolutely nothing but bitch and moan.

I have a job, how bout you????

SFI-------- Dopn't get accustomed to having those around, they are up for election in 2012, they won't even make it out of the primaries.

Ok kroni3us, what are your specific objections to the treaty? Please cite the section of the bill, its specific provison and why its a bad deal...Ready?...Go!

If you cant answer, then you are just a common Obama hater without facts

Daryl- Don't waste your time replying to individuals who merely regurgitate fox news propaganda. They are mindless zombies. Happy Holidays!

That's it, you only defense of Obama is, " Bush did it"?

You libbies really need to hold a giant convocation divide the planet up into grids, search the world over, surely, somewhere there is a fact, you can use to defend Obama with.

"Bush did it" and "you're a racist" are worn so thin they are more transparent the then the policies of the inept liar in the white house.

I don't watch FOX news and I don't belong to any party or group. I am first and foremost a United States citizen. I don't care who did what when the point is right now this country can't afford our President or any government person wasting our tax dollars. Michelle should have waited and they would have only used one plane. This way of life they are living is soooo wrong!

If you're talking about who broke the country, Bush did do it. Broke the economy, broke the military, broke everything he touched. Making fun of the people who point it out won't change that.

It has nothing to do with the past, just the here and now! As a taxpayer quit wasting my money. And one more point: it was the Banks and Wall Street that took this country down.

Actually, you can lay much at the feet of Barney Frank and Chris Dodd who swore that Fannie and Freddie were doing fine. How many times did Bush try to rein them in, only to be ignored by the democrats in Congress?

Fannie and Freddie are still on life support, when they should be allowed to go bankrupt.

Let's get it over with so that the country can actually recover. The band-aids aren't working.

John1000006

"That's it, you only defense of Obama is, " Bush did it"?"

You need to drop in more often. Yesterday, someone (Pat?) posted a list of 90-some things Bush did NOT do. (but that Obama DID)

Those who have nothing constructive to add to a conversation should just shut the hell up!!!

Jimmy PX: Do ANY of you know what is in the Start Treaty ????

YOU obviously don't...

I agree but you know this Government is well known for breaking treaties, the Native Americans is a good example.

We've also done a smashing job upholding our end of the UN Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Do you? I guess not since each country will reduce its nukes from 2200 to 1500---not really a 50% decrease. And we will be able to track their nukes so that Al Queda or Iran or N Korea does not get their hands on them.

The Cold War is over, jimmy. It has been for about 20 years. Come out of your bomb shelter. It took less time than that for the West to trust the Axis again after World War II, and we actually HAD an active conflict with them, unlike with the Soviet Union, which is, incidentally, no longer a governing body.

Uh huh, and what exactly, do you theink the pu##y in the white house will do if they did.

He has already demostarted that he is even afarod to blow hisnose, hard.

I refer you to Iran and North Korea, he has certainly terrified them.

The Russians need a handicap in this game... Half of theirs won't work or will be missing the fissionable material in the warhead.

Hey John

Activate your spell check... Please.

Tired -

Have they ever found all of the missing fissionables from the first START treaty? I know at one point they found a couple of pounds in someone's freezer.

On-Site Inspections. New START allows up to 18 on-site inspections per year, including direct monitoring of Russian nuclear warheads, something no treaty has allowed before.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee concluded in its Oct. 1 report that "the New START Treaty is effectively verifiable."

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said Nov. 16: "I think the earlier, the sooner, the better. You know, my thing is, from an intelligence perspective only, are we better off with it or without it? We're better off with it."

Source

or you could wonder what Mitch was holding over everybody to make them keep saying no all the time.

33662728-Mitch was trying to remind them how they got where they are, and how quickly they will be gone when they vote for this bill; its not just politics anymore!

It's been before the Senate since April. There have been a dozen committee meetings on it. It isn't like it suddenly appeared on the Senate docket this morning.

No use responding to the hystericals Spotts. It's pretty clean not a one of them have any clue as to what they are talking about. As usual. Makes you wonder where all these "concerned citizens" have been for the past 8 months while this bill was being discussed to death. Hiding under their beds trembling in fear is my guess.

Every living past Secretary of State and the Joint Chiefs of Staff all support this treaty, but what do they know.

The whole concept of a lame duck session is flawed. On Nov. 3rd, the sitting Congress should go into recess and be re-convened with the new members. People who have been voted out of office should have no further say in a lame Congress.

So, you're saying that congress should shut down and nothing get done for 2 months? Moron!

I agree with Denver Yo. On Nov 2, the people have spoken. So why would you keep them in for two months and allow them to pass these bills. The reason they were voted out is because the people did not want them to represent them. I know with most employers when you let someone go, they usually walk you out the same day to minimize any damage they might do. I believe this should have happen here as well.

Shellie-657180....Hey !!....STOP WITH THE NAME CALLING ( or I'll have to call you a JERKETTE !!!) ....They got Fired on Nov. 2nd......would you let a bunch of people who you just fired keep working for you for 2 months ??......I don't think the fired Congresspeople have any love for the constituents that just gave them the boot.....AND.....if the Speaker and the Majority Leader actually did their jobs and worked for the first 10 months of the year.....

How bout this.....We move Election Day to the first Tuesday in December.....that gives the losers a month to get out and the winners a month to move in. The only reason there was a 2 month delay between election day and swearing in was because sometimes it took a month or so Just to travel to Washington.....nobody is arriving on horseback any more.

Mike,

“The only reason there was a 2 month delay between election day and swearing in was because sometimes it took a month or so Just to travel to Washington.....nobody is arriving on horseback any more.”

Sorry Mike but in those days the turnover of power was in April – 6 months of the “lame duck” Congress.

Also most of what you are complaining about is the Senate which remains in Democratic control and only a few seats were turned over and 3 of the new Senators are already serving as of a couple weeks ago.

I really like the support so many of you give our President. He needs all the support and kindness he can get. He will especially need all of you while he collects his 99 weeks of unemployment starting in 23 months.

Those Repubs who voted for this junk bill, are Rinos, we'll catch up with them in 2012, but for the Dems who are on their way out after the first, that voted for it, are only thumbing their noses at us who put them on the unemployment line, and just like AmericanCitizen said, BO's unemployment starts in 23 months, we'll render him sterile in the meantime.

Yes. true congratulations are certainly in order. This 'lame duck' session was more productive that the entire eight years Bush had.

Let's face it, doing NOTHING would have looked better than eight years of global damage under George Bush.

Instead, Obama is showing leadership. I love they way this drives repugs crazy too. Rush Limbaugh and the Fox network, including Glenn Beck are 'conjuring up' spooky conspiracy theories in a desparate attempt at derailing Obama, but he keeps on moving somehow. Calls for gridlock will come, and fail. And there will be COUNTLESS calls for multiple 'investigations' of Obama, his wife, etc. - just like with Bill and Hillary and Ken Starr hounding them for eight years for nothing.

America has no tolerance for 'gridlock' now. If that's all the repugs can bring, bring it. You will fail.

Agreed. It is a good day, Indeed.