Jobs, abortion- whatever. You know- he 'misspoke'. They do sound alike, right?

The #1 job of the elected representatives is to budget the various departments needed to run the government. Something the democrats somehow forgot to do last year.

The house has passed a budget, but the senate floundering under Harry Reid's leadership cannot get the job done.

The house will again send a continuing resolution stop gap to help poor inept Harry out again.

I don't have a problem with the shut down. My problem is back paying the people who got a vacation from work. If they get laid off--they don't get paid like the rest of Americans. Save a little of the budget, but still won't get us that $1.65 trillion we are overspending.

What about those of us who have to continue working without the pay??? How many of you "non-federal" workers are willing to do that? My job would still need to be done because the military and civilian patients in this military hospital can't take care of themselves. The wounded warriors, they still need to be treated, whether we get paid or not.

I agree that those who are put on "furlough" shouldn't get a paid vacation, but those of us who are still working shouldn't have to do it for free. Get the D*** budget done and let us move on. This should have been done PRIOR to Oct 1, 2010.

"Repugs always thumb their nose at the president. Turns out it would have saved time and money to do it his way."

___________________________________________________________

Moron.

This budget for FY 2010-11, beginning 10/01/10, was the responsibility of the last Congress CONTROLLED BY OVERWHELMING DEMOCRAT MAJORITIES.

The lazy, incompenent, irresponsible Dems under Pelosi/Reid just decided to kick the can down the road. Stop whining about the Republican's cleaning up the mess they inherited from the Dems. It makes you look stupid Bryan.

"Where are the J O B S you promised Weeper Boehner?"

________________________________________

You couldn't make this stuff up if you tried!!!

For two years the lefty liberal Dems wasted the country's time and money doing everything except jobs and now that the voters have tossed them out, it's ALL about jobs.

Morons.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Once the Democrats finally take a look at the check book and realize we are broke and deep in dept and need to make cuts, maybe we can get a budget that makes sense instead of kicking he can down the road or punting to the house to make all the hard decisions. The tiers of the Government are the POTUS, Senate then House, why are they leaving it up to the House to make the hard budget decisions. I mean obviously the President isn't ready to make any choices, but why can't the Senate make more changes than 6 billion. That is like taking a house hold that spends $100,000.00 a year, but makes $60,000.00 and cutting out only $200.00 out of your spending to try and balance the budget. How long can a family do that till they file bankruptcy? I know the republican measure is only equivalent to a little over $2000.00, but at least it is more than a couple dinners out!

Here it is in black & white - {well, orange & green & blue actually}.

Talk about class warfare. Here it is for all to see:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/03/11/955300/-Class-warfare,-illustrated

Whats the matter Feisty, can't find one of Obama's 3-4 million economic stimulas package jobs?

Joe.

Your calling another poster a moron is ironic.

The GOP spent the last two years talking falsely about the democratic "job killing" policies in the face of all the economic analysis that showed the opposite.

Now that they hold the House, one of the first things they do is pass a symbolic, politically motivated CR that has been found by two independent, non-partisan analysis to actually "kill jobs."

Oh, the irony......of stupid.

TA : Feisty....don't you ever get tired of hateful, nasty, vile, rhetoric spewing?

Just take a walk down this thread alone. The Liberals are off the rails (Their high-speed-rails!), their anger is reduced to nothing but personal attacks. It is a hoot to watch! They are really suffering. For so long they thought they were right, but this Wisconsin drama has crushed them.

JoAnnaSmith1

No drama Obama, that's what I like about the guy, and what most voters are looking for in a public official. The three ring circus in Wisconsin was the result of a Republican Party overreaching, refusing to negotiate in good faith and refusing to compromise with public workers. To me, a crisis of the size in Wisconsin is a sign of a bad governor and a dysfunctional legislature. Republicans have made an enemy of the very people America depends on and created chaos in a country that values civility and the rule of law. Guess what, those people you targeted, they know how to organize, and they vote.

Hey Amy - There's no sense in engaging JoAnna. She's factually challenged in many areas and not open to engaging in constructive dialogue. I think she's living off a trust fund or something. That's the only reason I can think of for her to be so far removed from the reality of real American's lives.

Amy, it's become "No Pulse Obama". Someone should put a mirror under his nose just to see if it fogs up. The man is AWOL on nearly everything! To his credit, he did show up yesterday, and used his bully pulpit, to talk about, . . . . ., bullying.

Republicant

How is this the republicans fault

We have a two party system

One now holds the house and the other holds the senate

neither can come to an agreement, but it is the others fault..

Why? because they are republican? and you are a dem? Just like the playground, it is shameful to see all of you fight like this.. Do you all not understand that we are all in this Country together? You fail, we fail, the republicans fail you fail... Our Country owes China, they hold half our debt... What is the problem here? You would rather fight over cuts for an art museum and let the country fall, rather than work together and stop the out of control government (That is all of them a$$ hole, not just one group). If I would have run my house hold like this, I would be one of the idiots laughing as I cash a government check... not realizing that I am destroying my country by taking money that doesn't even exist yet...

And once again... GOVERNMENT DOESN"T CREATE JOBS!!!!! unless they create a government entitlement plan as they continue to do...

Wake up people

Stop voting for people that has a "VISION" of what our country should be like.. Our Vision was determined when we fought to free ourselves from a Dictatorship, signed the declaration of independence and Created the Constitution... You may not like that you Democrats but if it were not for the men that fought and signed our Constitution, you would not be here.... Think about that Republicant

TA, just where else are they supposed to find a job in the worst economy since the great depression? Surely from all those corporations that are hiring after the tax breaks they received. Oh wait...never-mind, they aren't hiring after all. So i suppose the alternative is better in your opinion - lay them off and they can collect unemployment? Only question that remains - who will do their work when they're gone?

For two years the lefty liberal Dems wasted the country's time and money doing everything except jobs and now that the voters have tossed them out, it's ALL about jobs.

The Republicans campaigned and swept into office on a promise to create jobs. We are simply asking why they are not keeping their promises.

Perhaps the Republicans are realizing what the Democrats have been up against. Perhaps they are realizing that it isn't as easy as they thought. Perhaps they lied about their intentions...

To Smiff and others that want Obama to 'get out there' on the Wisconsin deal- forget it. He doesn't NEED to, and you know it. Nice try at pushing the Repub agenda, though.

yeah,

laurie-480643

I'm letting JoannaSmith1 wind me up, and I shouldn't, but at least it gives me the chance to reiterate in public that the Republican Party doesn't care about the middle class, civility, bi-partisanship, public workers, the truth or creating jobs. (How many jobs would be lost if the Republican budget passes? What was it, like 700,000?)

chargers3274

How is this the republicans fault?

By your own words this is basically a two party system. That means COMPROMISE is the operative word when one party refuses to COMPROMISE then they take the blame for a shutdown. You cant always get what you want. to get along with your neighbors you have to compromise. I hope there's no ambiguity in what I'm trying to say COMPROMISE understanding that their is merit someone else argument.

When the republicans fail at the art of Compromise they fail at governing.

JoAnna:

For so long they thought they were right, but this Wisconsin drama has crushed them.

So, "might makes right" now? I don't think so.

What, are we bored this afternoon, and looking to do a little baiting?

Well, then, just for you -- it's not quite over yet. You, see, in Wisconsin we have these little hurdles called the "law" to get over:

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_ed8497da-4c1a-11e0-8669-001cc4c03286.html

Secretary of State Doug La Follette said he won’t publish the collective bargaining law passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Scott Walker until March 25, the latest day he can do so under law.

He said the delay on the law, signed by Walker on Friday, is needed to allow a legal challenge to the law to move through the courts.

Laws don’t take effect until one day after they are published with the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and County Board Chairman Scott McDonell sued Friday to prevent La Follette from publishing the measure. They say the votes leading to the law’s passage were illegal and they want the bill declared unconstitutional.

Dane County Circuit Judge Amy Smith declined to issue a restraining order to prevent La Follette from publishing the law. But she scheduled a hearing for Wednesday.

And here's a special little treat: Why do you think republican legislators believe they need to be afraid of the people who elected them? Could it possibly be because they know they're doing something other than what they promised to do?

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/video/vmix_2506bc46-4b68-11e0-acbe-001cc4c03286.html

True Am.

Look up strawman.

Thanks.

I have some questions for the superior rightwing brain trust here: The justification given for stripping the collective bargaining provision out of Walker's original "budget repair bill" and passing it separately was that it had no "fiscal impact," and no quorum was needed for passage. Well, then, If it has no fiscal impact, then why did the governor just rescind the 1,500 layoff notices he sent out?

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_cef20214-4bff-11e0-b67d-001cc4c03286.html

Also on Friday the governor rescinded his order to issue layoff notices, which threatened the jobs of about 1,500 state workers. He repeatedly said that if his bill did not pass, he would be forced to lay off workers to make up the money.

What money? Does this bill have fiscal impact, meaning that it was improperly passed, or doesn't it?

And if it doesn't, then why was it needed?

I notice some selective memory in some of these comments. Those who say the Dems didn't even bother to pass a budget in 2011? The House passed the budget proposed by the President. The Senate did not vote on it because nothing in the Senate got voted on unless it had 60 votes, and there weren't 60 votes for it.

As for punting to the House to make all the hard decisions, one of the Constitutional functions of the House is to make decisions and write the legislation on budget matters. Then it goes to the Senate to be refined, and then back to the House to be passed. I really think they should reinstate the teaching of Civics and Government in high schools. The lack of understanding of how the government was set up to work is appalling, even among some elected officials.

chargers.

Do you have an explaination for why the GOP would propose symbolic, politically motivated cuts that will do NOTHING to solve our debt problem, but have been found to hurt the economy?

Or were you, like many other sheep, just so upset that the drivel you were fed just doesn't fit with reality?

Yep. Judging by your projection filled post that does not address the above fact, looks like I hit the nail on the head.

True Am.

Pointing out the amount of goverment employees is not saying anything. All you are doing is pointing out the amount of government employees.

Furthermore, how is that a logical response to my post pointing out the GOP spend the last two years railing against economic policies every economic analysis said was working, and then the first thing they do when they get in power is to put forth policies that economic analysis shows will hurt the economy?

Your belief that streamlining the government and having more people on unemployment will magically make the economy better is the result of a projection based ideological reality that is bellowing around the conservative game of telephone.

In short, your post was a strawman because the amount of government workers has nothing to do with the fact the house CR has been found to hurt the economy, or the fact the GOP spent two years falsly claiming the Democratic policies were.

True American:

That 2.15 million people you were referring to that work for the government, that ALL forms of government, including state and the enlisted military. And FYI they ALL pay federal taxes, state taxes, SS taxes, medicare taxes, not to mention they pay 50% of their medical benefits and only get 5% for their retirement plan. If they want more, they (the federal emplyees) have to pay more, not the government and not your taxes. And again it's ALL THEIR TAXES AS WELL!!!

Heartlight -

Everything I've found differs with your take of the budget for FY 2011. The House also declined to act on Obama's proposed budget as well. I've attached 2 of the links that provide a little more information than the others as most of the others only refer to Congress, not the individual houses that make up Congress.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0410/35647.html

http://www.concordcoalition.org/tabulation/congressional-leaders-make-it-official-no-budget-resolution-fy-2011

So it looks like your claim is just a talking point - and an erroneous one at that.

naynay

Where do the dollars come from that go to the paychecks of the government employees? It makes me think that my tax dollars are taxed again and again. THEIR TAXES ARE MY TAXES. So the measly 50% of their money that they pay for their medical benefits is our money. Since it is our money I think they should pay 100%. We would get more bang for our buck, don't you think?

Sorry JH. That is a flase argument.

That is the same argument as saying, after you are paid by a private sector employer, that money is still theirs, and they can dictate how you spend it. It doesn't hold water. Once they are paid, it is THEIR MONEY. We paid them, they pay taxes on it just like you and I do, effectively paying a portion of their own salary back to the government. If their empolyer offers to pay 50% of their benefits, then that is what their employer offers. I know a lot of employers that pay even better then that.

If you don't like the deal they got, get better governement negotiators the next time their contract is up, don't blame the worker for negotiating well.

"We can’t keep running the government based on two-week extensions," Obama said during a news conference. "That’s irresponsible."

Yeah, almost as irresponsible as the Democrats not passing a budget for fiscal year 2011 (that began on October 1, 2010), even though they had 9+ months to do so when they were in charge of everything.

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

Do you really think that the Republicans, by themselves, can pass anything, whether it be jobs or whatever? Remember Harry Reid controls the Senate, and he has already announced some of the bills passed in the House DOA (Dead on Arrival).

another extension because liberal dumbasses didn't finish what they were supposed to do last October...you know, the basic task of a budget...liberal dumbasses got us here and are too stupid to know it...all we can hope to do is hold down their stupidity until the next round gets rid of some more the crime sydicate

speaking of the stupidty of comments like "wheres the jobs...whiny"

where all of the "shovel ready jobs" that our king and his crime syndicate said they were paying for with our trillion dollars?..oh ya, the dumbass had to admit that those jobs never existed!...and how come the unemployment rate is above 8% ?...and how come Gitmo is still open?...and how come the healthcare reform scam and ponzi scheme was constructed in a less than "transparent" fashion?...because the dumbass lied...and all the fiesty libbie Jethros drank the bath water and have been running around like little worker bees...quite amusing really, thanks for the laughs

Do you really think that the Republicans, by themselves, can pass anything, whether it be jobs or whatever?

Of course I do Roy, after all,it's what the Republicans PROMISED the voters if they were elected!

We all know they would never renig on a campaign promise right?

Not to worry though - they won't be fooled again in 2012! ;o)

Feisty, The republican platform was not just about jobs. From where I sit they have made a good start in meeting their stated agenda.

Now since you love talking about jobs - Where are those "shovel ready" stimulus package jobs? What happened to the "Summer of Recovery"?

Feisty, The republican platform was not just about jobs

Au Contraire there hon - ALL we heard out of Weeper Boehner for 6 months leading up to the election was: WHERE ARE THE J O B S President Obama?

You are entitled to your opinion, however, you are NOT entitled to re-write history!

The American people were 'snookered' and it's NOT going to happen again... they WON'T be fooled again... trust me...

Dems failed miserably, there's no legitimate dispute about it.

Congress failed to do its job

"President Obama first proposed a budget for fiscal year 2011 on Feb. 1, 2010. That was 404 days ago.

Here's what Congress did manage to do: The House produced two of 12 appropriations bills. The Senate has not voted on a single one. Lawmakers couldn't even agree on their own legislative budget.

And those two House votes? They happened way back in July, when Democrats had huge majorities in the House and Senate, with Obama in the White House.

Why Democrats failed to take more action when they had the chance remains somewhat of a mystery.

"Certainly the White House didn't make the budget a priority," Zelizer said. "And there are divisions in the Democratic Party, and especially in the Senate, that are significant. Not everyone is on the same page."

In the absence of a full-year budget, lawmakers have instead passed five short-term spending bills called "continuing resolutions." Designed to bridge short-term gaps in appropriations, Congress has approved one after another to keep the government running. Average length: 34 days

That forces federal agencies into a head snapping game of stop-and-go. Hiring is delayed, work is repeated, and agencies struggle to implement new legislation. Uncertainty is king, with agencies left to guess what their funding level for the year might be.

Republicans want 10 times the budget cuts the White House wants. Last week, the Obama delegated Vice President Joe Biden to meet with the House and Senate leadership. No deal emerged, and Biden has since decamped to Europe."

http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/11/news/economy/budget_crisis_congress/?cnn=yes

Feisty - You obviously were the one 'snookered', because you think the the Stimulus Package engineered by the 3 stooges was a success and that there actually was a 2010 "Summer of Recovery". You probably also believed in Mr Obama's promise of "change we can believe in" and still can't admit that all you got was "more business as usual in Washington".

Speaking of broken promises and not rewriting history - let's not forget that your president has turned breaking campaign promises into an art form.

Cowboy Poetry. Today's, tomorrow's and yesterday's "buzz word" from one of the blog's finest.

Next up : "assault" by the unions.

JS1, i've asked for clarification on this but do'nt get ANY response from your side, so here goes:

When are these Elected Officials gonna comeout & say that thier Rolling back thier Pay increase to 2008 levels(I think thats the current Talking Point). Also, when are Elected officials gonna Start saying that they also will Start paying into thier Own retirement plans & Healthcare, since TaxPayers are footing That bill also?

I've yet to Hear this mentioned from either side, so where is the Outrage on this aspect of America's Budget Problems!

JoAnn.

Still repeating the cut mantra.

Still ignoring the fact that you blindly support symbolic, ideological cuts to the CR that will do nothing to address the long term debt problem, but have been found to hurt the economy.

And yea, yea, I know, we have to start somewhere.......so why not start with the one part of the budget that will have the least impact on bringing down the debt, and the most impact on bringing down the economy.

Right wing projection based logic. Wow.

DBO, Don't forget draconian and robber barons. Those worked pretty well don't you think?

'cants: And yea, yea, I know, we have to start somewhere.......so why not start with the one part of the budget that will have the least impact

Don't tell me, tell Harry. He's trying to write a bill that will pass his chamber, and so far, no luck. I'm sure he'll be happy to listen to you because he certainly can't figure it out himself. Give him call. Tell him I said hi.

Rick, KY: so where is the Outrage on this aspect of America's Budget Problems!

It would be great symbolism Rick, but it would not make much on an impact on the deficit. I guess we on the Right are thinking more globally, you know bigger picture kind of stuff, we'll let you Libs play small ball. But heck, call Harry up and give him some of your ideas! Harry is looking more desperate by the day, I'm sure he'll listen!

JoAnn.

Please look up the definition of satire.

Thanks.

Defeated!

That's the new liberal buzz word.

Once again JS1 You don't answer the question!

What does a Womens Reproductive system & Pell Grants havta do with the Global economy, because thats about All the GOP can comeup with to make cuts from!

If You can't answer, then don't even reply to the 1st question.

Delusional.

Nothing new about that conservative buzz word.

Rick in Kentucky,

When are these Elected Officials gonna comeout & say that thier Rolling back thier Pay increase to 2008 levels(I think thats the current Talking Point). Also, when are Elected officials gonna Start saying that they also will Start paying into thier Own retirement plans & Healthcare, since TaxPayers are footing That bill also?

I am gonna agree with you on this one. We don't hear either side talking about reducing their salaries and benefits. If it is good enough for the public servants in states to pay part of their pensions and healthcare--shouldn't the federal leaders have to do the same. ON BOTH SIDES. I am sure most of them make more than enough money on the side to cut their salaries.

Actually, what is the Republican Congress doing for the people? Answer: Nothing but trying to hurt the President and the middle class.

JoAnna Smith - No... what you on the right are thinking about are all the ways you can destroy the middle class by blaming them for this economic disaster. Unfortunately, the true ones to blame are the likes of the Koch Brothers in Texas or where ever they are from. Their misplaced greed and corruption and their ability to buy off all our politicians so that we are left with those crazies in the House wanting to cut everything in sight, has now come to light. As usual the right and the Republicans have overplayed their hand and have woken up the middle class to the sucker punch that was delivered to them in November. The reason this country is in the trouble it's in is because for too many decades too many on the right have successfully reduced taxes on the most wealthy and corporations to unacceptable levels. This was deliberate and systematic but now it is ending. You and people who think like you have been outed and you'll lose big time in 2012. Just try reducing or changing Social Security and Medicare....go ahead. Republicans will be so gone so fast their behinds will be in front of them.

Job1: Actually, what is the Republican Congress doing for the people?

Stopping the wealth transfer from our children's future to pay for our mores of today.

What makes you feel entitled to the money we're spending today that the future generations will have to pay for tomorrow? Other than the fact that you're a Liberal and even though you didn't earn it, you somehow you think it's your money.

JAS1, i don't want to hear from you or any other republicant that you are thinking big picture. You simply are not. Cuts are not the solution. We have a REVENUE problem. we give away revenue to those that need it the least. That is not big picture thinking. Not even close.

It would have been nice if the GOP Senators last fall had not repeatedly asked for more time to study the 2011 budget and it also would have been nice if the GOP Senators had not then threatened to filibuster and otherwise obstruct the people's business. It was not democrats who failed to pass the budget, it was the GOP that intended to amend, obstruct, deny the budget process until the lame duck session was over because they did NOT want to vote on START, DADT, the 9/11 responder bill, etc. Since they were so determined to continue their petty and childish behavior, Senator Reid said fine, we'll just do a CR until you folks decide to come earn your paychecks instead of blocking everything.

That's okay conservatives, just keep spinning.

laurie: JoAnna Smith - No... what you on the right are thinking about are all the ways you can destroy the middle class by blaming them for this economic disaster. Unfortunately, the true ones to blame are the likes of the Koch Brothers

No one is blaming anyone laurie, only asking union members to pay their fair-share for their benefits and their pension. You're not against everyone paying their fair-share, now are you?

And save the Liberal boilerplate nonsense about the "Koch brothers this, the Koch brothers" for someone else. You Libs need your villains, and you'll make them up, else how would you be able to maintain your constant state of rage?

JoAnna - I've earned every last penny of the Social Security and Medicare that was promised to me. As far as I'm concerned I paid for an insurance policy that pays me when I get old. So yes it is my money and every other Americans' that paid into it. Those chaletons in the House better remember that when they try to reduce and destroy these benefits for the American people just to give tax cuts to the richest among us.

BB 62, thanx for your reply. As evidenced by the lack of response to my Inquiry, a lotta folks are'nt that concerned on the aspect of Elected officials on both the State & Federal levels, have on the respective Budgets.

I don't know exactly what they get when retireing(Only the President do i know), or How long 1 hasta serve to be eligible(State-Federal), but someone needs to do an expose of the Cost associated with this!

I know this bunch here at 1st read(ChuckyT-Mark-Domenico,etc) won't do such a thing, they're trying to Carry the WaterBucket's for RightWing Crazies right now.

Good example was giveing Rick Santorum a seat on TV this morning to Spew somemore craziness, like Dog on man marriage.

I mean, Good Lord! What chance does this man have even tho some provide a platform for him?

Bryan and republicant:

It looks like you two are having fun in the "pit". Keep up the good work.

Jody, Iowa: It would have been nice if the GOP Senators last fall had not repeatedly asked for more time to study the 2011 budget and it also would have been nice if the GOP Senators had not then threatened to filibuster and otherwise obstruct the people's business. It was not democrats who failed to pass the budget, it was the GOP that intended to amend, obstruct, deny the budget process until the lame duck session was over because they did NOT want to vote on START, DADT, the 9/11 responder bill, etc. Since they were so determined to continue their petty and childish behavior, Senator Reid said fine, we'll just do a CR until you folks decide to come earn your paychecks instead of blocking everything.

Pity party for one, you're table is ready. Our special today is Wisconsin crow, served cold. Do enjoy your lunch.

JoAnna - It's not just the Koch Brothers...there's many others as well. It's just that they've been exposed and you know it. They are buying off the Republicans and you know it. Don't try to deny and obscure the truth. The reason public sector workers have very good benefits is because their pay is lower than would be in the private sector for the same experience and education level. Many people who work in the public sector do so for the benefits not the pay. You again are going after the wrong people. Instead of the greed at the top which brought this country to it's knees you are choosing to attack average middle class working Americans. That is why you are un-American.

JoAnnaSmith1

Great job Mr. Speaker! You, and Governors like Scott Walker of Wisconsin, certainly know how to protect the taxpayer from being assaulted by the Unions, Liberals, and the Democrats.

New from the Budget cut front,

By MATTHEW DALY
The Associated Press
updated 1 hour 25 minutes ago 2011-03-11T18:32:45

WASHINGTON — A spending plan approved by the House would slash funding for a tsunami warning center that issued an alarm after the devastating earthquake in Japan.

The plan approved by the GOP-controlled House last month would trigger deep cuts for the National Weather Service, including the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii.

Joanna, I mean Sarah, I mean Joanna, your right Great Job Mr Speaker, just think if this earthquake that just hit Japan had only happened next year after all those wasteful cuts you keep preaching on Fox would have prevented Hawaii from being alerted from the Tsunami they had this morning.

Your Right Sarah, I mean Joanna I mean who ever you really are.

The 400 wealthiest individuals in America, as listed by Forbes Magazine, hold more in assets than 155 million U.S. taxpayers COMBINED. But, the Republicans keep cutting taxes for the richest, pensions for public school teachers, and funds for public broadcasting..

Thanks to Clotho for the link:

http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2011/mar/10/michael-moore/michael-moore-says-400-americans-have-more-wealth-/

Thanks Ron. Exposing right wing ideology for what it really is - a destructive force to be reckoned with. And with schmoes like JAS1 giving me the ammunition i need it is all too easy. Where is Spanky when you need a good argument?

JoAnna Smith - Conservative boilerplate drivel is ten times worse because it's ill informed and dangerous to democracy as evidenced by the spectacle of Republicans in Wisconsin trampling on the middle class.

Bryan E., PA-

Lest you forget...

The "big picture" is the Obama Administration's 10-year forecast that $13 trillion in new debt will be added (on top of the current $14 trillion), and that debt interest payments will reach nearly $1 trillion annually.

Not a pretty "picture", is it Bryan?

Can you think of a more "destructive force" than $27 trillion in U.S. debt, and payments of nearly $1 trillion a year to service that debt?

Who will suffer the consequences, Bryan?

The wealthy?

You're simply not to be taken seriously, Bryan.

MB: Not a pretty "picture",

MB, I admire your diligence in your attempt to educate the Left on just how destructive the deficit spending by the federal government is, both in the short term, and the long term. The poorest among us will be the ones hurt the most and first. The ones that feel entitled to their SS and their Medicare will also be harmed. Those two programs are both over-promised and under-funded. We just saw the unions in Wisconsin be told the truth, that the money just wasn't there to support the agreements they had between the workers and the state. That act is being replayed in other states, and soon for the federal government.

The Left's answer to this is to blame, blame the Koch brothers, blame Bush, blame the rich, blame the corporations. It's a wasted effort. The fact remains, the government has over-promised benefits and entitlements for the people that paid a considerable amount of taxes for those benefits. The government has also mis-managed those funds. People are not going to be happy when they lose those benefits, because the money just won't be there for them because it will have to go to pay for the interest on the massive federal debt.

Jeff-1541632

JoAnnaSmith1

New from the Budget cut front,

By MATTHEW DALY
The Associated Press
updated 1 hour 25 minutes ago 2011-03-11T18:32:45

WASHINGTON — A spending plan approved by the House would slash funding for a tsunami warning center that issued an alarm after the devastating earthquake in Japan.

The plan approved by the GOP-controlled House last month would trigger deep cuts for the National Weather Service, including the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii.

You know Jeff

Sarah, opps I mean Joanna or who ever she really is; wants, like most righties want, America to falter to doom so they can really blame President Obama.

MB & JS1, I guess we can Start with the latest Unfunded mandates, including Medicare Part D(6 Trillion, no way to pay for it) & we can always take the Iraq War & Afghanistan War off the books again, since that worked for yall when Bush/Cheney did it. We can also do away with the Dept. of Homeland Security(who knows what that Cost) & let Airlines provide thier OWN Security(Free market principals & all) & the ones that can't provide That Security will be allowed to fail.

The FBI & other agencys can go back to DOING thier JOB, so that we can do away with the NEI!

Theirs lotsa things that can be done to curtail our expenses, but I'm guessing thiers Only a Few Women's Vagina's that are Ringed with Gold, so we'll havta find other things to Cut:

And it does'nt start or end with Education, WIC, Headstart, etc.

But please do keep Blowing Smoke!

JoannaSmith1-

I won't stop posting the Obama Administration's own numbers, JoAnna.

They're more convincing than any argument I could ever hope to make.

And the progressive/liberals here at First Read have proven themselves completely incapable of rationalizing or rebutting them.

Rick, I support the path to fiscal sanity as defined by President Obama's Debt Commission report.

Source: http://www.fiscalcommission.gov/

It's not clear what you support.

"It was not democrats who failed to pass the budget,it was the GOP that blah, blah, blah.... "

___________________________________________

Grow up, Jody. Then maybe you will outgrow your fairy tale world. NOTHING prevented the Dem House under Pelosi from passing a budget except the Dems own unwillingness to do so.

MB: And the progressive/liberals here at First Read have proven themselves completely incapable of rationalizing or rebutting them.

Well, except for attacking the messenger.

Obama said he would "call the bluff" of the ones that were making the debt/deficit a political issue. If his idea of calling that bluff was submitting a 2012 budget with $1.65 TRILLION in deficit spending, it's obvious Obama needs to learn a thing or two about calling people's bluff.

JoAnnaSmith1

It' warms my heart to see the Republican Party defending the wealthiest 400 individuals in the US to hold more assests than half of the country combined. It warms my heart to see the Republican Party defending the Koch Brothers, the secretive right-wing family currently funding efforts to spread misinformation to contradict global warming science, in an effort to preserve their right to pollute.

Be sure to keep that heart of yours warm Amy, because ObamaCare isn't coming to Maine anytime soon. Your state is the first entire state to get waived out of ObamaCare! Something to be proud of. I think the Koch brothers had something to do with it.

Hey Joanna, I mean Sarah, I mean who ever!!!!

whats next, cut the national weather centers tornado warning centers, i know you can Russia from your home, but can you see a tornado at night.
i know those pesky sirens make just too much noise!!!!

But your Joanna, I mean Sarah, i mean, i mean Joanna Palin!!!!

Rick,Ky

"Once again JS1 You don't answer the question!"

Ya big silly, Rick- paid posters don't "answer the queston".

If the Republicans are so serious about cutting the deficit, why are they nickel and dime-ing us?

Abortion rights? Planned Parenthood? the NEA? The EPA? Pell Grants? Cowboy poetry? Those are small potatoes.

Why are you so against going after the big stuff? Corporate tax breaks, oil subsidies, defense, banks, insurance. That's where the real money is. Why not go after that? Perhaps you're not as serious as you claim. Perhaps that's not what this is about after all?

JS1

Perhaps you could take some history and civics classes at your local community college. The classes aren’t that expensive and they could help open your eyes to the world around you.

As it stands you do show a lack of knowledge on what is going on in government as far as factual events.

Please remember that using FOX news as a true news source has been proven by studies to fill peoples minds with so much incorrect information as far as government is concerned.

Ya big silly, Rick- paid posters don't "answer the queston".

Business must be bad - she's putting in some serious O/T!

Feisty

Ya big silly, Rick- paid posters don't "answer the queston".

Business must be bad - she's putting in some serious O/T!

You know what else the Koch suckers get paid to do for propaganda? They get paid to go in wikipedia to change history and link you to the Koch brothers propaganda.

Opposition also comes from think tanks such as the Cato Institute and the Competitive Enterprise Institute. The Goldwater Institute and Americans for Tax Reform have also suggested that this principle may violate the First Amendment.

Formation of policy stance could work somewhat like the letters to the court law students were encouraged to write in IP-cases, that lead to the extension of copyright. In the U.S. Involvement of students might lead to a written body of knowledge on the legal and polical aspects, that can help to get a shared sense of urgency (as alternative for consensus) within the Wikimedia community.

http://strategy.wikimedia.org/wiki/Task_force/Recommendations/Advocacy

Good to see you Bev - I was worried about you this morning! *hugs*

I very seldom use wikipedia for that very reason - it's fine for generalized information.

Over all though, I don't trust it!

Do me a favot GF - put little stevie on ignore will ya? He's not worthy of your time or energy! He sucks people into a pissing match and takes valuable time away from you staying on message!

PS: See you over at the Dew Drop Inn!

Bryan -

Even if the federal government took every penny that everyone making more than $250,000 makes, it wouldn't help the SPENDING problem that Congress has.

Historically, cuts in tax rates have resulted in increases in revenue, unlike what liberals claim. The thing is, the tax rates weren't lowered, they were merely kept the same for an additional two years instead of being allowed to increase to the Clinton era levels; thus there are no additional monies to be used by businesses to hire, although they will at least be able to keep the employees they currently have more easily for the next couple of years.

Realistically, it's going to take a combination of some serious cuts across ALL spending - including DOD, entitlements, and everything else - and tax revenue increases to get the debt cut down. But first, I want to see some serious spending cuts - and I mean more than just a measley $100 billion or two. At least get spending down to 2008 levels and trashcan Obamacare before considering raising revenues.

The reason I say to trashcan Obamacare is that we cannot afford the entitlements we currently have and certainly can't afford that moneypit. It is not a 'bargain' when we would have to borrow the money to fund it in the first place - the interest alone would eat up any 'savings' from the program.

As for revenues - the best way is to get employment levels back up; more people working = more income taxes paid in. Other ways would be to get rid of the earned income credit (everyone should have skin in the game if possible and no one should get back more in refund than what they paid in initially), mortgage interest credit, tax capital gains as income, possibly raise tariffs on imported goods (although this will raise the costs of goods). There are a number of ways to do it, but I doubt that increasing tax rates would have the effect that liberals desire.

However, first things first ---

CUT SPENDING TO THE BONE!!! If it's not in the Constitution, we don't need it in the federal government and it can be cut.

Dems failed miserably, there's no legitimate dispute about it.

Congress failed to do its job

"President Obama first proposed a budget for fiscal year 2011 on Feb. 1, 2010. That was 404 days ago.

Here's what Congress did manage to do: The House produced two of 12 appropriations bills. The Senate has not voted on a single one. Lawmakers couldn't even agree on their own legislative budget.

And those two House votes? They happened way back in July, when Democrats had huge majorities in the House and Senate, with Obama in the White House.

Why Democrats failed to take more action when they had the chance remains somewhat of a mystery.

"Certainly the White House didn't make the budget a priority," Zelizer said. "And there are divisions in the Democratic Party, and especially in the Senate, that are significant. Not everyone is on the same page."

In the absence of a full-year budget, lawmakers have instead passed five short-term spending bills called "continuing resolutions." Designed to bridge short-term gaps in appropriations, Congress has approved one after another to keep the government running. Average length: 34 days

That forces federal agencies into a head snapping game of stop-and-go. Hiring is delayed, work is repeated, and agencies struggle to implement new legislation. Uncertainty is king, with agencies left to guess what their funding level for the year might be.

Republicans want 10 times the budget cuts the White House wants. Last week, the Obama delegated Vice President Joe Biden to meet with the House and Senate leadership. No deal emerged, and Biden has since decamped to Europe."

http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/11/news/economy/budget_crisis_congress/?cnn=yes

President Barack Obama said Friday that he is open to "one more" stopgap measure to avert a shutdown, but he called on congressional leaders to "compromise on prudent cuts" and agree on a long-term budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year.

• "....he [Mr. Obama] is open to "one more" stopgap measure....": CHECK
• "....he [Mr. Obama] called on congressional leaders to "compromise on prudent cuts"....": CHECK
• "....agree on a long-term budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year.": CHECK

Mr Obama....take a deeeeep breath and look in the mirror. You had a DEMOCRATIC controlled House and Senate LAST YEAR.....so what happened to YOUR BUDGET and what caused our Congressional Representatives to continue bickering about a CONTINUING RESOLUTION to keep the government running ??

Oh, you forgot...you, and your cohorts, were working "behind closed doors" making deals on your unconstitutional Mandated Universal Health Care Reform legislation for NINE MONTHS and completely forgot about the minor issue of a BUDGET.

Now that was IRRESPONSIBLE !!!

Now you want everyone to agree on YOUR CR terms. What a joke !!!

you are aware that obama campaigned on health care reform?...Man you righties are gonna get crushed next year I don't know a single independent or swing voter that will vote for any repub. candidate. Ann Coulter the ice queen said it her self if christie doesn't run repubs are going to lose again.

andrae -

Obamacare is NOT health CARE reform - it is health INSURANCE reform.

It does absolutely nothing to address the real problems with health care delivery like the shortage of health care professionals, the high cost of pharmaceuticals (they got a very sweet deal from Obama), the high cost of equipment (why does a MRI cost hundreds of thousands), the profits that for-profit hospitals make, defensive medicine, and the list goes on.

Until the causes of the high cost of health care are addressed, costs will continue to increase.

Bob: Your party of Big Government has offered NADA,

Yeah Harry. Pass a bill pal.

Prudent cuts mean avoiding symbolic, politically motiveated cuts that will hurt the economy.

Seriously, is their any current right wing position that does not rely on obfuscation and projection?

"Happy Trails to you................ Until we meet again.............."

How much can i charge for that.........

PIM.

"Well I feel we should all smile more."

Perhaps that is why most of the current positions from the right are so laughable.

JoAnna Smith - You are un-American and you comments prove it.

Bob-1887910

"but he called on congressional leaders to "compromise on prudent cuts" and agree on a long-term budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year.."

Then compromise, Mr President. Your party of Big Government has offered NADA, nothing....

To the libs, 'prudent cuts', mean no cuts ...not even NPR, PBS or cowboy poets...

Bob
President Obama is doing something very similar to Robert Flack and the Fugess sing

Killing Them (Re-thug-li-Con/T-bagger, ) Softly

I heard he sang a good song, I heard he had a style,
And so I came to see him and listen for a while.
And there he was this young boy, stranger to my eyes


He sang as if he knew me in all my dark despair
And then he looked right through me as if I wasn't there
But he was there, this stranger, singing clear and loud

Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YAEWrnOtrY


Yes, Bob

My President has swagger and he has done more since FDR. I know this kills you lying , Re-thug-li-Con/T-bagger, polti-tricksters because when President Obama has done something libbes don't call him a liar. In fact, we CAN back that up with real honest to goodness, actual facts.


THE LAST TIME ANY PRESIDENT DID THIS MUCH IN OFFICE, BOOZE WAS ILLEGAL AND FDR WAS IN OFFICE



http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_06/024482.php



Poltifact smacks down your delusion, rightie, lies about economic growth and that the
111th Congress spent more in two years than the first 100 congresses combined

http://www.developerdig.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2011/jan/05/kevin-mccarthy/kevin-mccarthy-says-111th-congress-spent-more-mone/

111th Congress Was Most Productive Session Since ‘At Least’ The 1960s

http://thinkprogress.org/2010/12/23/111-congress-achievement/



when President Obama tries to get something done maybe you oughta look at what the Re-thug-li-Con/T-bagger Party has done besides destroy democracy, send jobs away, and give tax breaks to the rich.


By the way speaking of "NADA"where are the jobs or jobs bill?


Republicans assumed control of the House of Representatives without proposing a single jobs-related bill. It’s all about “when” the GOP promises come to fruition; right



It's been 65 days, 13 hours, 45 mintues, x seconds and still no jobs or jobs bill; just union busting. Shame Shame Shame Shame Shame Shame Shame!!!
http://whenarethejobs.com/

... just union busting.

So true Beverly. So true.

PIM.

What is a "Repulicant"? Where's the "B" dude?

RepuBliCANTS just seemed redudant.

Were you trying to use a big word like "reduNdant"??

Pat, Boston, MA

... just union busting.

So true Beverly. So true.

Pat

Besides the tax cuts, I don't know of a single yes vote the majority of republiCANTS put on their do list.

@ fIESTY

Beverly, you have said nothing but the kindest of things to me for many many years. You have so many dear dear friends here. Do not go anywhere. It never once occurred to me that you hate white people. And that's because it's not true.

Good Morning Pat!

Not sure what this is about? I will chime in and say Beverly GF, you better not go anywhere!

I agree 100% with Pat!

I'm not. I really was mad and tried of beating my head against the wall with this Steve idiot. it's Steve keeps calling me a racist evert time I refuse to allow him denigrate my President, me and other Black people. It would have been okay, but he went so far as to say ...

Steve-505729

Bev it is you that is the RACIST you hate White people and EVEN THE HOST here at FR know you are.

#1.58 - Thu Mar 10, 2011 10:55 PM EST

I replied by challenging Steve...

I demand whatever correspondence the host have shared with you stating I hate white people. You do know if you cannot produce this evidence you have slandered the hosts?

If that's that case, as you say, I will not spend any more time on a duplicitous web site. I know that is what you want you separatist bigot. But, guess what? It ain't gonna happen because I don't believe you can produce any thing remotely to your claim; you RACIST LIAR.

Not only are you a lying racist but you have the mind of small child. All this back and forth calling me a liar and racist proves it.

Grow up!!!

#1.60 - Fri Mar 11, 2011 12:36 AM EST

Also, Steve if you have evidence from anyone else that the hosts may have communicated "I hate White people" I would like that proof too. Again it's not happening, I don't believe, because you are a LIAR!!

#1.61 - Fri Mar 11, 2011 12:53 AM EST

Steve-505729

Bev, Whether they Admit it on this Thread or not is here nor there. Most people that come here see your RACIST RANTS. The hosts have even Seen them They know it to be the Truth. I dont have to provide anything that resembles anything you Desire. .

#1.62 - Fri Mar 11, 2011 12:55 AM EST

For the record I love diversity , most definitely that includes White people how are not mean to me.

True American-2367375

Bev, there are other sources of information in the world besides thinkprogress...I promise! It doesn't have to be Fox, as I know you Hate, Hate, Hate, them, but really, ......we just can't begin to take anything you say seriously when you just regurgitate the far-left platform.... thinkAmerica,..,branch out and then maybe people would stop identifing you as racist

Forget you frauds tagging me racist. How 'bout this I hate the delusional thinking you nut jobs posses. I guess it's in your DNA. Either that or you are pathological liars.

Yo know the President was born in the USA and has prevented a depression.

You also know he is very bright a perfect gentleman, husband, father, and a better President than George Bush; plus a great American.

I completely Stand my by Comment that you are a RACIST BIGGOTED Human BEV..

YOU will not intimadate me with your Snipets of what i said; Why dont you post everything i said instead of taking things out of Context. BEV i could careless whether or not you like me I dont like you . I dont like RACIST BIGGOTED people and you are one. THIS BROWN PERSON will not stand By and watch you on a Daily Basis .. Talk about the "PALE STALE AND MALE" crowd REPUBLICANS are just MAD because a "BLACK MAN is in the WHITE HOUSE" you and your pathetic TWISTED SISTAH Nasty REDHEAD think you can bully me with your Racist Bullcrap. I wont back down from what i say. I am not scared of you. I cannot be Silenced by your throwing around the RACE card everytime someone Disagrees with you and your PROGRESSIVE hate Mongering friends. THIS BROWN MAN WILL STAND UP TO YOU

And Ladies and Gentlemen

For the Record we can see who Brought it up today. . BEV she claims to be tired of it. but she had to bring her HATRED to this Board. I was Willing to let it go. but NO. BEV so felt the need to Bring it here.

I AM NOT SCARED Nor will i be Intimidated by her or anyone else...

Beverly in Chicago

bev this morning i identified Joanna,

Well i have figured out Steve, he is rush, Newt Limbaugh. a half cheater, half blow hole!!!

Jeff-1541632

bev this morning i identified Joanna,

Well i have figured out Steve, he is rush, Newt Limbaugh. a half cheater, half blow hole!!!

Jeff I saw that this morning.

Wow that is quite a mixture. I 'll bet there's a little Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck in him too.

Still with all them in him he is still a child in a man's body!!!

Bev.

Oh thats the best you got Keep going with what you consider Insults. You are nothing but a RACIST.

Bev - Yo know the President was born in the USA and has prevented a depression

IDK - When I think about Obama being president I become quite depressed.

Steve -

I wonder if Bev, Feisty, and a few other of the hate-mongers treat their significant other the way they treat the posters here who disagree with them. From my experience, writing gives a glimpse into the inner 'soul' (for want of a better word). I actually pity their narrow-mindedness and hate-filled, envious lives. I can't help but wonder if they grew up in a loving home because they seem to know so little about love.

Tammy,

all one has to do is look at who they compared me too. They coudn't come up with anyone but WHITE PEOPLE. WHITE PEOPLE THEY HATE. They call me a RACIST then compare me to the WHITE PEOPLE they Call Racists everyday. These Lowlifes hate White people and they think i am Scared to stand up to them or they think they are going to Intimidate me.

I got serious News for them I will call them on it everyday.

Steve -

I have a tendency to try to do so as well.

CNN showed a heavy-lift transport plane leaving Madison Wisconsin. Looks like Liberal brain trust Michael Moore has given up and left for home.

The local Madison area McDonalds and Burger Kings would like to thank Mr. Moore for his help in increasing their revenue stream.

Partly because they will no longer server the governor and the republican legislators. Right Joanna?

Joanna talks of common sense but has none. How rich.

Joanna, thinly disguised name-calling is still name-calling...

JoAnnaSmith1

CNN showed a heavy-lift transport plane leaving Madison Wisconsin. Looks like Liberal brain trust Michael Moore has given up and left for home.

HA HA very funny JoAnna

The person you speak of, Michael Moore has NOT given up; neither have the people of Wisconsin and the nation. Just wait, a heavy-lift transport will be bringing in those recall petitions which will be heavier than any human being.

I bet that'll kill you. That will be one time I'll die laughing at your snide remarks then.

The local Madison area McDonalds and Burger Kings would like to thank Mr. Moore for his help in increasing their revenue stream.

The corporate thugs, Wall Street, and bankstas will thank you for support and helping them with their grab and tax cuts.

PIM.

The comedy team would only sell to conservatives who are willfully oblivious to reality, cannot support the parroted projections that makes up their spoon fed point of view, and so either have to laugh mockingly, or get angry to express the pent up emotional response that comes when their cognative dissonance hits a brick wall.

And the amount of them that laugh is far less then those who get angry. It just wouldn't be profitable.

But thanks for the idea.

See. Liberals CAN have manners when they want.

They sure are angry today though. They've had yet another very bad week. And the bad weeks are starting to add up for them.

They sure are angry today though.

How many times do I have to tell you JoAnna darling, we are NOT angry - we're energized!

Then again, you being a righty, I can understand you wouldn't know anything about energy! lol

Fired up and READY to go!

PIM - So is a pack of rabid ferrets.

Excellent!

JoAnna - It's not anger you are experiencing, it's resolve and a sense of energy at the momentum on our side. You are seeing just the beginning of a movement. There are more of us then there are of you.

A pack of rabid ferrets is more informed...

And more civil.

How cute - the gang's all here... ;o)

Where's bad chewowa er... I mean dangerfield?

Maybe they have a secret treehouse they go to and lay out their cute talking points? Who knows?

Hey- speaking of rabid ferrets, anyone heard from Palin on this deal yet? (as if it would matter....)

drive-by-observer

Maybe they have a secret treehouse they go to and lay out their cute talking points? Who knows?

Hey- speaking of rabid ferrets, anyone heard from Palin on this deal yet? (as if it would matter....)

Her dumb@aa was on Hannity last night; clueless as ever trying explain what a shutdown of the federal government would mean. She said...

t’s amazing that the budget gurus there in D.C. aren’t telling the public what actually happens if some delayed programs are going to be a result or if some bills don’t necessarily get paid as quickly as they would get paid… That’s a question that certainly a lot of us would like to know, what does this really entail, this quote, unquote government shutdown.

http://dailynewspulse.com/how-deep-will-cuts-go-to-stop-the-government-shutdown/229795/

In other words she answered a question with a question. God help us should become President. No wonder they gave her the Dodo Award.

Even Papa Bear Bildo (bill O' Reilly) gets upset with her cluelessness.

But will you get over it?

Dems failed miserably, there's no legitimate dispute about it.

Congress failed to do its job

"President Obama first proposed a budget for fiscal year 2011 on Feb. 1, 2010. That was 404 days ago.

Here's what Congress did manage to do: The House produced two of 12 appropriations bills. The Senate has not voted on a single one. Lawmakers couldn't even agree on their own legislative budget.

And those two House votes? They happened way back in July, when Democrats had huge majorities in the House and Senate, with Obama in the White House.

Why Democrats failed to take more action when they had the chance remains somewhat of a mystery.

"Certainly the White House didn't make the budget a priority," Zelizer said. "And there are divisions in the Democratic Party, and especially in the Senate, that are significant. Not everyone is on the same page."

In the absence of a full-year budget, lawmakers have instead passed five short-term spending bills called "continuing resolutions." Designed to bridge short-term gaps in appropriations, Congress has approved one after another to keep the government running. Average length: 34 days

That forces federal agencies into a head snapping game of stop-and-go. Hiring is delayed, work is repeated, and agencies struggle to implement new legislation. Uncertainty is king, with agencies left to guess what their funding level for the year might be.

Republicans want 10 times the budget cuts the White House wants. Last week, the Obama delegated Vice President Joe Biden to meet with the House and Senate leadership. No deal emerged, and Biden has since decamped to Europe."

http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/11/news/economy/budget_crisis_congress/?cnn=yes

Trust me...

Paul is many things.

Funny isn't one of them.

At least...

Not intentionally funny.

Republicans are puppets for the corporations. Example: Our Republican Governor presented 39 proposals for "reducing regulations," including a repeal on the ban of BPA in children's sippy cups, and every page of the proposal the Governor submitted had the mark of the the company who lobbys for the Toy industry and chemical companies. http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/02/24/politics/critics-question-source-of-lepages-opposition-to-bpa-restrictions/#

The administration’s argument that a BPA ban should be backed by “consensus science” hasn’t diminished criticism that LePage’s more controversial reform proposals were advanced by chemical corporations with no business interests in Maine.

That suspicion was reinforced after an investigative story by journalist Colin Woodard and a report by the Maine Public Broadcasting Network. Both stories highlighted an eight-digit tracking number on LePage’s reform proposal that matched the document signature used by Preti, Flaherty, Beliveau and Pachios, a lobbying firm with considerable influence in the State House.

Ann Robinson, who leads the firm’s lobbying group, was a lead member of the governor’s transition team. Demeritt recently confirmed that she took the lead in drafting the reform package.

Lobbyist disclosure documents with the Maine ethics commission show Robinson lobbied for several corporations that stand to benefit from LePage’s regulation rollbacks, including the Toy Industry Association of America, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association and Merck. Robinson worked for PhRMA and Merck when the corporations tried to defeat the Kid-Safe Products Act in 2008

Wait...let's reopen the case ever so briefly...

Obama (Democrat) national deficit after 2 years in office........$14.2 Trillion.

Now you can close the case.

John Tucson Ariz,

Let's repoen the case ever so truthfully;

Bush2 had tallied up a $5 trillion deficit upon his exit from the White House.....but before he left; he negotiated an $81 billion bailout as our economy approached a Depression......

A President's performance regarding economic accomplishments is determined upon their exit from the White House because their policies have had enough time to be implemented and the results noted. It isn't determined after 2 years.

If you know math...it can easily be determined Obama hasn't been in office for 8 years yet.........and he will be in office for 8 years.....so stock up on your kleenex supply, Arizona boy....

Now you can close the case......in denial.........

John - Only have the story told there. You forgot that President Obama had to save the country from the economic devastation of the Bush Administration and that's why that number is large. It's so easy to distort the truth when you can leave facts on the table.

Tony. Bush 43's debt ended up around $11 trillion.

Please Insult Me - I stand corrected but I think my point was clear.

PIM - Agreed....Are you the overseer of this board or the troll at the end of the bridge?

PIM-

First Read isn't normally a haven for any sort of logic at all.

Occasionally some does sneak in.

Then...it's immediately rejected by the First Read immune system.

"You're convinced that only your political views are correct"

Maybe because their views are backed up by facts and your views are backed up by FOX misinformation.

PIM - You are wrong... I am not an ideologue. I can be persuaded by a very good argument. I am open to a debate on the facts and I am willing to admit when I am wrong. To date no one has had a good argument that has persuaded me away from my opinions.

Amy B.-

The addition of $13 trillion in new debt (resulting in a near-doubling of the current $14 trillion number), and debt service payments approaching $1 trillion annually may in fact be "misinformation"...

But...

The source isn't Fox News...it's the Obama Administration.

Hey, speaking of funny- can anyone tell me if collective bargaining IS or IS NOT a financial issue in Wisconsin's budget?

drive-by-observer

"Hey, speaking of funny- can anyone tell me if collective bargaining IS or IS NOT a financial issue in Wisconsin's budget?"

look, Goddamnit- I'm going to keep aksing this over and over, just like 'where are the jobs", until someone offers up a good answer. Smiff? TrueAmerican?? Please Insult me???

"And what are my views, sweetheart? Please enlighten me."

Only too happy to enlighten you. I scrolled through your past comments (pages and pages of snark) till I found one actual viewpoint: You claim that the budget surplus Cinton left was all projection.

When Bush JR took office he inherited a budget with a $236 million surplus. That is a fact. And, it's true the CBO predicted surpluses through the Bush's first terms, but this was not to be. Bush erased the surpluses through tax cuts for the wealthiest, two wars and passage of Medicare Part D.

It's also true that Clinton worked with a Republican Congress for six of his years in office, however, it is generally agreed that his first budget, passed with a Democratic Congress, set the stage for the the four budget surpluses we saw during the Clinton era, even though Republican Rep. Newt Gingrich predicted: "The tax increase will kill jobs and lead to a recession, and the recession will force people off of work and onto unemployment and will actually increase the deficit." Ahh, that "jobs killing budget" meme again, but Clinton's lead to prosperity.

http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/were_clintons_policies_responsible_for_the_1990s.html

Tommy, Didn't you hear? Using Obama's saved or created calculator, Republicans have saved or created 500,000 a month since taking over the House. We are allowed to count jobs the way Obama did right? And just wait until the summer of recovery starts and all of the shovel ready jobs kick in. Thanks for bringing it up though. It just proves that Obama's plan for creating jobs was a failure. Flea bagger asking where are the jobs=proof that Obama failed to create them.

Rocco,

Name a sigle peice of legislation in the 112th Congress that has anything to do with jobs or job creation? Can ya do that Rocco? I'll be here til 5PM EST. Hope this isn't to onerous a task for you buddy.

Rocco ain't heard- everybody likes a little ass, no body likes a smart-ass.

Well Bryan, it has been two months and the are trying to get the budget passed that was supposed to be passed by the last congress. Any bill they do pass will be labeled by the left as a give away to the rich corporations while any bill providing same by Obama or the dems will be called a jobs creation bill. I think you may have heard Boehner say it more than once but is is time to get the government out of the way so I don't expect anything called a job creation bill any time soon. You will more than likely see bills to get government off the private sectors back. 800 billion stimulus to create jobs has already failed. Every bill the dems passed as a job creation bill has failed. More of the same is not the answer.

Bryan

I guess you ended Rocco's day

NewMathius - 18. You must mean the Republican re-distribution scheme and class warfare of trying to redistribute the wealth of the American middle class up to the corporations and the wealthy in the form unrelentless tax cuts to them.

While I agree with some of this list, there's some I cannot support no matter what. In other words, let's drill for oil in Yellowstone or Yosemite or the Grand Canyon--why not, who cares if it destroys them. Teddy Roosevelt would not be happy.

I was willing to do a give and take with you on the pros and cons of some of the items in your list with an open mind. However, any credibility you could have had with me was destroyed by #15.

I figured it wasn't worth it.

This from someone who starts his post using LOL. I don't think so.

You "don't think", Bryan?

Too harsh.

You simply don't think critically.

You'll improve with practice.

Perhaps then MB i should put this differently. I disagree with the original posters opinion. And as far as critical thinking, calling someone a moron or any other derogatory comment does not count. Thanks for sharing.

YD: [Obama] "We are not going to solve the budget issues by cutting head start or shutting down PBS..."

The President said this last summer at the G-20 summit in Canada:

And we have set up this fiscal commission who will provide reports starting in November -- and one of the encouraging things, although there was resistance, ironically, on the part of some of the Republicans who originally had been co-sponsors of legislation to create the fiscal commission and they, in fact, ended up voting against it -- what’s been encouraging, based on what I’m hearing both from Democrats and Republicans, is that there’s been a serious conversation there. People are looking at a whole spectrum of issues to get at what is basically a structural deficit that preceded this financial crisis.

Even if -- the financial crisis made it much worse, but even if we had not gone through this financial crisis, we’d still have to be dealing with these long-term deficit problems. They have to do with Medicaid; they have to do with Medicare; they have to do with Social Security. They have to do with a series of structural problems that are not unique to America. Some of it has to do with an aging population. And we’ve got to look at a tax system that is messy and unfair in a whole range of ways.

I’m doing it because I said I was going to do it. And I think it’s the right thing to do. And people should learn that lesson about me, because next year when I start presenting some very difficult choices to the country, I hope some of these folks who are hollering about deficits and debt step up, because I’m calling their bluff. And we’ll see how much of that -- how much of the political arguments they're making right now are real, and how much of it was just politics

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-obama-g-20-press-conference-toronto-canada

So, what exactly is this bluff you're calling Obama? Where is your plan? The only plan you produced was a 2012 budget with $1.65 TRILLION in deficit spending. You've ignored your Debt Commission, you've demonized anything the Republicans are trying to do, and you spend it like you own it. Quit being a clown Obama and at least try to lead on something, anything.

Demonized. From your lips to God knows where JAS1. You're a fool and the only number you know aparently is 1.65. Broken record.

JoAnna - Read up on your Constitution. It's not the President's job to come up with a budget. It's the responsibility of the House. Get your facts straight before you go off half cocked.

laurie: It's not the President's job to come up with a budget.

Yes it is. See Budget and Accounting Act of 1921.

JoAnna Smith - Read your Constitution. All spending and budgets must be initiated in the House. The President might be able to suggest but it's the responsibility of the House of Reps to come up with the budget. Sorry dearie.

laurie - if you want to remain ignorant of the process, that's your problem.

JoAnna Smith - There's no arguing with the unreasonable. You can believe what you want.

JoAnna,

We've talked about this before. Yes Obama made this quote and the Fiscal Commission came out with their report. Obama was not the only one to disagree with the final report. Only 11 of 18 commissioners accepted the final draft both those on the GOP and Dem side private and elected figures had issues with it.

Their recommendations:
-- Social Security: smaller cost of living benefits, a gradual increase in retirement age, higher payroll taxes for upper-income Americans.
-- Dramatic tax reform: to broaden the base and wiping out or scaling back most tax breaks, including reducing the mortgage deduction
-- Significant spending cuts in almost all functions of government.

Obama talking about the reason for deficits - "They have to do with Medicaid; they have to do with Medicare; they have to do with Social Security. They have to do with a series of structural problems that are not unique to America. Some of it has to do with an aging population. And we've got to look at a tax system that is messy and unfair in a whole range of ways."

JoAnna - I don't mind you questioning Obama on his lack of cuts that would suit your liking, but please can you admit that if we are serious about the deficit it is going to be a multi pronged approach. It can't all be done by curbing spending, not possible.

The Tax codes have to be changed. Taxes will have to increase, some spending will have to be cut. Remember the $1.65 trillion dollar deficit includes the what $700 to $800 billion dollars for the tax cut extensions. If I remember you applauded the tax cut extensions. I was one of the few liberals, on this site at least, that wanted all tax cut extensions to end. I believed then as I do now that they are nonsustainable and have negligible effects on hiring.

YD: JoAnna - I don't mind you questioning Obama on his lack of cuts that would suit your liking, but please can you admit that if we are serious about the deficit it is going to be a multi pronged approach. It can't all be done by curbing spending, not possible

Absolutely I support both cuts and increased tax revenues. I support the President's Debt Commission report, and that report includes both cuts and increased taxes. As much as I dislike Senator Schumer (D-NY), at least in the last couple of days he's also stated that tax revenues will need to be increased and those too should be on the table for discussion. But please Chuck, don't increase taxes and increase spending too. You need to build a level of trust that all tax increases will go to deficit reduction.

Leadership on both sides is needed on this issue. To start, the President needs to have a more serious attempt at the 2012 budget. The House and the Senate also need to work together on both cuts and tax increases. Reasonable goals need to be laid out and implement. The message of why the cuts/taxes are necessary will need to be communicate by all the leaders in Washington. And it better be a unified method free from political attacks, on both sides.

One thing is for sure. It won't be easy.

YD, looking at your short list:

Social Security:... higher payroll taxes for upper-income Americans. The Republicans have steadfastly refused.

Dramatic tax reform: to broaden the base and wiping out or scaling back most tax breaks... The Republicans have steadfastly refused.

Significant spending cuts in almost all functions of government. Here, there is some negotiating room, but it appears the Republicans only want to significantly cut things like education, women's rights, environmental regulations, while leaving defense and corporate subsidies untouched.

JAS1 - Absolutely I support both cuts and increased tax revenues.

Fielden, it will be tough as JoAnna says, but if she can admit increased taxes need to be included that is progress.

Have a good weekend, both of you.

I'm Fed up with the feds. They have taxed us to death. It's about time to make the multi Billion dollars a year oil companies to pay for sticking it to us. Most peoples wages were the same back in the 80's but yet everything cost triple. Think about it you can't flush a toilet without 4 different taxes. Everything my government promised me they have taken away. "Nam Vet" Now waiting for the slam of someone who don't know what it feels like to be homeless.

Thanks Jody for this. The GOP are in over their heads. They're targeting the easy targets - - the young, the old, the children, the ill, the poor, the arts, education. In other words, they're targeting everyone, except the rich.

And then there is this from Think Progress:

Over two weeks after receiving a request from One Wisconsin Now, Walker’s administration has refused to release details of its contacts with lobbyists from Koch Industries, run by billionaire arch-conservatives Charles and David Koch. The group requested “all email and written communications between Koch Industries’ lead Wisconsin lobbyist and the office of Gov. Scott Walker and the Department of Administration,” but has not yet received the information.

Pat,

They must be having a hard time reconstructing a false paper trail to throw us off. I can't believe for a second that Governor Walker would be intentionally withholding this information. :)

Thanks for the update, Jody. This sounds like leadership to me-----telling the people responsible for passing the budget what he will support, what he doesn't support and asking them to stick to the business at hand and leave the social issues for the proper forum.

Pat, Boston, MA

And then there is this from Think Progress:

Over two weeks after receiving a request from One Wisconsin Now, Walker’s administration has refused to release details of its contacts with lobbyists from Koch Industries, run by billionaire arch-conservatives Charles and David Koch. The group requested “all email and written communications between Koch Industries’ lead Wisconsin lobbyist and the office of Gov. Scott Walker and the Department of Administration,” but has not yet received the information.

I saw that this morning over at think progress and thought it was LOL funny.

Now who is the coward? I'd say little Gov. Snot Walker.

It is not Congress' duty to create jobs. It is their duty to enable jobs to be created by private industry by ensuring that taxation and regulation is not so onerous as to prevent job growth. This is the primary reason that Obamacare must be repealed or declared unconstitutional - IT'S A JOB KILLER!

Regulating carbon IS A JOB KILLER!

Increasing taxes on mom and pop businesses IS A JOB KILLER!

All of these things increase operating expenses for small business to a point where they will not be able to create or even keep the jobs they have.

So, yes, the House of Representatives is working on job creation by preventing the federal government from becoming even more invasive into the everyday workings of business. They passed the repeal of Obamacare in the house, so they have written and passed legislation to promote job growth. It's just too bad that liberal progressives can't see the truth in front of themselves but instead believe the liberal propaganda machine. Why else do you think so many waivers have needed to be granted to side-step Obamacare? Most of them based on the fact that implementing Obamacare will cause jobs to be lost.

They had plenty of time to work on the budget.

MrC -

Why didn't the democrats pass a budget when they were supposed to? The FY2011 budget was the responsibility of Pelosi and her democrat-controlled House, but they sloughed off and didn't do their jobs.

Yet you blame the republicans?

Just how blinded by ideology can you be?

Personally, I feel that every 2-week stopgap needs to double the cuts presented in the previous stopgap bill. The republicans are going to have to ride herd on the democrats to even get them to dome to the negotiating table.

It seems the taxpayers are going to have to 'spank' them again in 2012 - if we don't do so before by forcing recalls of recalcitrant senators.

EXACTLY laurie,

Which begs the question, when are the existing unions going to SUE state governments for UNDERFUNDING their EARNED benefits?

Not to mention the current BREACH on existing contracts in WI?

There is NO Balanced Budget without both an INCREASE in Tax and a CUT in spending. Until both sides broker 'in good faith' - there will never be a compromise. In fact, I am pretty sure Faux News ripped that word from the Republican Play book.

I love your posting style, laurie, welcome aboard!

yea shut down the fbi, cia, military, police officers, DOT, medicaid, medicare, and social security payments you would sh*t yourself...and it would be the end of the repubs for quite a while remember when gingrich thought it was a good idea....boy was he wrong...if federal government shuts down all of your states subsidies go away to you would sh*t geriatric diaper even more often than you probably do now

this isn't a dating service, totas

Thetotas - Why do you want to know? Would it make a difference? Let's just say old enough to have been around when Americans lost confidence in our politicians....let's say around the time of Nixon. My political awakening came around that time....too many of my friends brothers were going off to die in Vietnam....Dylan and Young and Taylor songs inspired my thinking of the social compact of our country.

Thanks Tom and Clara for the shout out. Glad to post here.

They lie because that is what they are paid to do: RE-peat-this-lie-to-the-PUBLIC-ans.

These casts of characters on the right have one mission and one mission only. They just want to take down the President at any cost. It's pretty sad, that they say anything even though they know it’s a lie and do anything such as union busting to get their way.

If I was one of them I would be so ashamed of myself. I can't believe how the blind sheep follow them.

job1 - if I were you I would be very ashamed

Job1 -

Obama is doing a very good job of taking himself down - with Reid and Pelosi helping him along the way.

I don't think the conservatives need to worry about 'taking Obama down' at all. We just have to worry about the pile of additional debt he and his cronies have added to the burden of future generations so that those who will not help themselves can continue to buy their big screen TVs and x-boxes.