E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSThe slow start to the GOP presidential race… Reagan Foundation, NBC, and Politico reschedule debate for the fall… Obama talks more about Libya to NBC’s Brian Williams… The danger for Obama on Libya: The rebels are now on the run… Obama to discuss energy and gas prices at 11:20 am ET speech in DC… President talks up Kaine for VA SEN (translation: Kaine’s all but in the race)… Schumer’s rough start… NRCC, DCCC rake in the bucks… Pawlenty’s in OH; Gingrich is in MA; and Villaraigosa is in DC.
From NBC's Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Ali Weinberg
*** Slow start: One of the bigger political stories of 2011 -- outside of the Tucson shootings, the collective-bargaining battle in the Midwest and what's happening in the Middle East, of course -- has been the slow start to the upcoming presidential contest. Right now, just three Republicans (Cain, Pawlenty, and Roemer) have formed exploratory committees, and no one has yet to formally announce a presidential bid. By comparison, at this point in the 2008 cycle, at least 17 Democratic and Republican presidential candidates had already formed their exploratory committees or had officially declared they were running for president (as Obama did from Springfield, IL on Feb. 10, 2007). The 2012 Iowa caucuses, as of now, are set to take place 313 days from now.
*** NBC/Politico debate moves to the fall: This slow start to the GOP presidential race is the reason why the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, along with partners NBC News and Politico, today will announce that it's moving its GOP presidential debate -- originally scheduled for May -- to Sept. 14. “Although there will be a long and impressive list of Republican candidates who eventually take the field, too few have made the commitment thus far for a debate to be worthwhile in early May," said John Heubusch, the Reagan Foundation's executive director. "The Reagan Foundation’s first Republican presidential primary debate will move to the fall, allowing enough time for the full slate of candidates to participate.” The NBC/Politico debate will be moderated by NBC's Brian Williams and Politico's John F. Harris.
*** Obama talks more about Libya: NBC’s Williams yesterday sat down with President Obama to discuss the U.S. military campaign in Libya. Some highlights: The president didn’t rule out the U.S. arming the rebel opposition ("I'm not ruling it out. But I'm also not ruling it in.”). He talked about the end game ("Our expectation is that as we continue to apply steady pressure, not only militarily but also through these other means, that Khaddafy will ultimately step down."). And he repeated that because the U.S. is intervening in Libya doesn’t mean it will intervene in other Middle East countries.
*** The tide turns in Libya? The danger for Obama on Libya, however, is that the situation on the ground there is changing. When he gave his speech on Monday, there was good news: The rebel forces had the momentum. But now? The undermanned and largely untrained rebels are on the retreat. The Washington Post: "The rebels’ chaotic retreat from the town of Bin Jawwad, which they had captured from troops loyal to Khaddafy just two days earlier, reversed the momentum they had seized over the weekend and suggested that the ad hoc and lightly armed opposition force may have reached the limits of its capacity." And this raises the stakes about arming the rebels, but the hesitance is real since none of the allies are sure exactly who these folks are or who they have been connected to in the past. The president's predicament summed up by Tom Friedman this morning: "Dear Lord, please make President Obama lucky."
*** Talking energy and gas prices: At Georgetown University at 11:20 am ET, President Obama will deliver a speech on energy. Per a preview of the speech by senior administration officials, NBC’s Athena Jones reports that Obama is expected to announce a goal of reducing oil imports to the US by "about one-third" in "a little over a decade" by focusing on four main areas -- increasing domestic oil production, increasing natural gas production and use, boosting research into and production of biofuels, and raising automobile efficiency standards. The president will propose incentives to encourage more oil and gas production and when it comes to biofuels, and he will set a goal of breaking ground on at least four commercial-scale cellulosic or advanced biorefineries over the next two years. A little more on the speech from us: What might surprise some is how little he’ll say about nuclear energy, especially after what occurred in Japan. More than anything else, this speech will serve as a “I feel your pain on gas prices” address.
*** Obama talks up Kaine for VA SEN: If there was any doubt of DNC Chair Tim Kaine running for the open Senate seat in Virginia, President Obama erased it at last night’s DNC fundraiser in the Big Apple. "There has been some speculation about our DNC chair plunging back into the hurly-burly of electoral politics," Obama said, per the pool report. "I don't know if those rumors are true, but what I do know is that I cannot imagine someone who has been a better partner to me, a better friend... Should he choose to do so, he would be an outstanding senator for the commonwealth of Virginia." Folks, Obama wouldn’t be talking this way if Kaine WEREN’T going to run. He’s in… Now, who replaces him? Will the president name the first woman to run the DNC in a generation?
*** Schumer’s rough start: Sen. Chuck Schumer forgetting to hit the mute button before a conference call with reporters yesterday was just the latest example of how his tenure heading up the messaging/communications effort for the Senate Democrats has gotten off to a rough start. The bigger transgression, though: Dems are all over the map on their message when it comes to the budget stalemate. Schumer's had a hard time getting a full read on the Democratic caucus, and he's found himself backtracking a few times since the November elections when it's come to dealing with the White House. What's also not helpful to Schumer: his fraying relationship with one of his long-time close friends who sits in the Senate. Is this simply the growing pains dealing with a new portfolio? Or the result of the fact that nearly half the Democratic caucus is up for re-election in 2012, and they aren't interested in singing from anyone else's song sheet but their own?
*** Raking in the bucks: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie headlines a 7:00 pm fundraiser in DC for the National Republican Congressional Committee. The NRCC tells First Read that this annual dinner -- organized by NRCC Chair Pete Sessions, as well as GOP Reps. Upton, Kline, and Ros-Lehtinen -- has already received more than $10 million in pledges. Meanwhile, we’ve learned that DCCC Chair Steve Israel and DCCC Recruiting Chair Allyson Schwartz announced at a members’ dinner last night that they are paying their dues in full this month -- and joined Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Whip Steny Hoyer in urging their colleagues to contribute what they could for the DCCC’s end of quarter push.
*** On the trail: Tim Pawlenty addresses the Cuyahoga County Lincoln Day Celebration in Cleveland, OH at 6:30 pm, and Newt Gingrich gives a speech at Salem State College in MA at 8:00 pm.
*** And also in DC: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is in the nation’s capital to pitch “America Fast Forward,” an initiative to help accelerate transportation infrastructure projects across the country.
Countdown to continuing resolution’s expiration: 9 days
Countdown to Iowa GOP straw poll: 135 days
Countdown to Election Day 2011: 223 days
Countdown to the Iowa caucuses: 313 days
* Note: When the IA caucuses take place depends on whether other states move up
Click here to sign up for First Read emails.
Text FIRST to 622639, to sign up for First Read alerts to your mobile phone.
Check us out on Facebook and also on Twitter.
Leave a Comment:
The Republicans will slowly start to disappear once 2012 comes to quickened pace. And I will be the first in line when I arrive to my voting precinct.
Concerning the movement in the regions of the Middle East and Northern Africa, the political atmosphere is gaining ground as Libya is calling for diplomatic support as Qaddafi is being pushed out for a new type of governance that will be the template for building a unified democracy.
The Libyan revolution and the situation it posed can be likened to the same situation that was presented to President Clinton. "Kosovo, a Serbian province, is not an easy problem, but if we don't stop the conflict now, it clearly will spread and then we will not be able to stop it except at far greater cost and risk," Clinton said.
President Obama is showing the world what true practiced leadership is all about. I have no doubt that his impact on the world stage will have a ripple effect for governing in a fashion that is beneficial to nations that provide their people the opportunity for liberty.
This operation will have a domino effect throughout Northern Africa and the Middle East. And that will be what the world has been waiting for for a United Front against terrorism.
President Obama has taken the presidency to a whole other level.
No doubt that the critics of President Obama shall push for the message of confusion and discontent as he has made new ground in bridging a divide over religious intolerance from many of those that oppose integration. The whole theme of segregation has been put on display by a narrow minded portion of our great society. These displays of shutting the door on people that are different only represent the ugly side of racial intolerance and that is the last thing this country needs to evoke.
But in the face of all the nasty, bitter talking points provided by failed governors and failed entertainers; in spite of the ugly voices speaking about Mau Mau revolutions and distorted world views; in spite of the malicious assaults on those that voice reason, President Obama and his supporters have maintained a cool calm and collected attitude that things will "Change" and that is something we all believe in.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
This one will have lefty liberals howling when the Supreme Court issues its decision. Yesterday’s WSJ had an article on Supreme Court oral arguments Monday in a case challenging the constitutionality of an AZ campaign financing law. The suit was brought due to a provision that punishes candidates that don’t take public financing by awarding bonuses to those that do take it, if the self-financed candidate spends over a certain limit. They argued that this provision infringes on their right to freedom of speech. The trial court found the law unconstitutional. The Ninth Circus Court of Appeals, headquartered in San Francisco, overturned that ruling. The article states this is the first SC ruling on the subject of campaign financing since Citizens United and, from the questions asked by the Justices, the 5-4 Citizens United split has not changed at all.
BTW, the Ninth Circus is far and away the record holder of the 13 U.S. Circuit Courts for the number of cases that are overruled by the Supreme Court. This one should be entertaining because any lefty liberals who wail and complain about his being a wrong decision will have think about the fact that their beloved Barry is the first and only Presidential candidate to go back on his word to take public financing for his 2008 campaign.
I'll say it one more time, ugly voices. When people call the president other names evoking a callous hatred toward him, i.e. Barry, Obammy, Muslim or whatever "colorful" name they espouse, IMHO they have nothing but hatred for him based on him being black.
But hey, that's the society we live.
There has been a fair share of chatter lately by a certain poster regarding collapsed comments.
Not sure WHY this has become a cause of concern for them, other than there's no doubt they're involved UP to their beady Cheetos colored eyeballs!
Below are examples of how the Cowardly, sniveling, phony 1st Amendment Lovers play the game:
Louis, Joe Klein is correct. They are an embarrassment. American exceptionalism is gone in the GOP, by both the candidates and their supporters. They are hateful people, which I imagine we haven't seen the likes of since the KKK.
March 30, 2011
American Embarrassment
Posted by Joe Klein
It is always an education to watch our American writhings from overseas. It is particularly excrutiating watching the Republican Party presidential candidates who, on a daily basis, pronounce some ignorant racist or irreligious twaddle...which--amazingly enough--manages to be heard around the world. As Crowley notes below, today's example primo is Newt, who really needs to get back on his meds, worrying about his grandchildren:
"I have two grandchildren — Maggie is 11, Robert is 9," Gingrich said at Cornerstone Church here. "I am convinced that if we do not decisively win the struggle over the nature of America, by the time they're my age they will be in a secular atheist country, potentially one dominated by radical Islamists and with no understanding of what it once meant to be an American
This is my 10th presidential campaign, Lord help me. I have never before seen such a bunch of vile, desperate-to-please, shameless, embarrassing losers coagulated under a single party's banner. They are the most compelling argument I've seen against American exceptionalism. Even Tim Pawlenty, a decent governor, can't let a day go by without some bilious nonsense escaping his lizard brain. And, as Greg Sargent makes clear, Mitt Romney has wandered a long way from courage. There are those who say, cynically, if this is the dim-witted freak show the Republicans want to present in 2012, so be it. I disagree. One of them could get elected. You never know. Mick Huckabee, the front-runner if you can believe it, might have to negotiate a trade agreement, or a defense treaty, with the Indonesian President some day. Newt might have to discuss very delicate matters of national security with the President of Pakistan...
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL
There has been a fair share of chatter lately by a certain poster regarding collapsed comments.
Not sure WHY this has become a cause of concern for them, other than there’s no doubt they’re involved right up to their beady Cheetos colored eyeballs!
I find these type of people to be the epitome of cowardliness. The very notion they want to suppress free speech proves they are afraid to develop into mature intelligent adults.
If you are afraid of anyone's thoughts I would suggest rather than collapsing posts because either the truth frightens them or they disagree because they think it is erroneous, perhaps it would be more satisfying if they engage in the lively art of conversation.
I thought Conservatives would want to avoid drawing attention to the legalized bribery of the Citizens United case. Instead they're bragging about their attempt to double down by attacking the AZ law. Apparently the corrupt Conservative bloc on the Supreme Court will go to any ends necessary to protect the right of the wealthy elite to buy elections. In terms of the average American, too bad for you. Call me when you have enough money to buy my ear.
Feisty. You know your are winning when the the right wingers collapse your comments.
Hi Louis,
I agree with you 100% on your Post. With so many large numbers of Republicans and Tea Baggers believing that President Obama is not a US Citizen, and calling him Kenyan born, and with the names of Barry, Obammy along with posters at rallies with pictures of him dressed as a native with a bone through his nose, I can’t help but believe that many of them can't stand having a Black Man as President and we need to face these facts.
It has been proven over and over again that the President is a U.S. Citizen who was born in the United States. So, knowing these facts, these so called birthers and Tea Baggers are nothing more than racist.
I also want to add that they are most likely not the KKK type racist, but the type that believe that people of color should just know their place.
Right on Job1, I saw that statistic. It's utterly ridiculous and that has been my thought as well, they are not out to lynch but would not stop a lynching from happening. It's the mindset of "Boy, you better know your place." Man please, take that thought somewhere over on FAUX News with those that think likewise. SMH.
Concerning Collapsed Comments, this comment will likely be collapsed based on the simple fact the Right cannot comprehend it, nor do they wish to use their brain to attempt to. So instead of simple thought, they will collapse.
TA, Dubya? Billy Boy? Can you provide me with minorities that said this with malicious intent? Thought not.
If you want to defend this ugliness then you are likely no different. Other than that, if that's your only retort to the initial post then you have lost the focus of the discussion.
Republicans believe in free speech. I guess they believe in paid speech even more.
Morning Bev & Patrick...
The cowards collapsing my posts doesn't bother me in the least. As a matter of fact it helps drive up the vote totals! lol
The intention of my post, is to expose these cowards and the way they game the system to the rest of the First Read audience! ;o)
"But in the face of all the nasty, bitter talking points provided by failed governors and failed entertainers; in spite of the ugly voices speaking about Mau Mau revolutions and distorted world views; in spite of the malicious assaults on those that voice reason,"...Louis @ #1
So Louis, read your sentence above. With all the hateful, negative words you used here, does that make you a racist? Frankly, you and those like you who sling the word "racist" around are disgusting. The race card is used up, Louis. Find another Alinsky tactic.
Racism is still around. Believe me, I know that quite well from my personal life. But, people like you who use it to attack innocent, non-racist people, just because they disagree with you on political issues, set the cause back!
Perhaps memory fails me, but was there a Birther Movement in 2000 - 2007?
Was Dubyas' birth certificate ever posted on-line?
Collapsing is for idiots! By collapsing posts even when they are racist or derogatory is a fools errand. When you collapse a post it just shows that you are afraid of what is being said. When someone posts inflammatory rhetoric it is best to leave it up to the reader to decide if it is crap or not. Best to leave the censorship to the host of the blog.
I always read collasped posts and sometimes I even post a rebuttal or and affirmation to them.
Freedom?
Gov Scott Walker does not respect the right of the people in a sovereign country. The very notion he would defy the law of the land to exhault his bold attempt to turn the government into a business is a shame. Gov Scott Walker has begun his love affair with the law of the jungle (asphalt that is). Yes that’s right Gov. Scott Walker has begun to cannibalize.
Democracy means squat to him he cares very little about liberty too; the two principles one of the Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson decried. That’s not cool since he, a T-bagger, supposedly holds the values of the Founding to heart. Why is Gov. Scoot Walker in concert with many other Republican governors so keen to ignore and disrespect the laws of the land? It’s because these Koch suckers want a slow death to the unions and the middle class. Then Scott Walker and the band of Republican governments can begin to cannibalize the states and local governments.
Then there is Rick Santorum Who Blames Warren Court, Planned Parenthood, Birth Control, Oral Sex for Non-Existent Social Security "Crisis"
http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2011/03/29/santorum-blames-supreme-court-for-non-existent-social-security-crisis
Umm, Rick perhaps if you encouraged your republican friends and the GOP/t-Baggers in Congress to do what they claimed their mandate was, J-O-B-S, there would be more people to discourage this crisis.
Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida threatened to vote against raising the debt ceiling unless his conditions for tax and budget reforms are met, in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.
Perhaps they didn’t see this…
CNN Poll: Unfavorable view of tea party on the rise
Forty-seven percent of people questioned say they have an unfavorable view of the tea party, up four points from December and an increase of 21 points from January 2010.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/23/cnn-poll-trump-at-10-percent-in-hypothetical-gop-battle/
Oh, and on that money spent in Libya which Sarah Palin got wrong, why not complain about the jets flying over NASCAR events?
The Air Force also spends so much money on training, so fly-overs can be worked into the schedule as part of training and exercises. Regardless of if it's the Navy's Blue Angels, the Air Force's Thunderbirds or a flying wing from one of the armed forces, these operations are expensive. Still, our government has decided that a show of military force over a civilian event is a great use of our tax dollars.
http://www.examiner.com/cultural-trends-in-national/nascar-coca-cola-600-begins-with-military-jet-flyover-another-waste-of-tax-dollars
I find these type of people to be the epitome of cowardliness. The very notion they want to suppress free speech proves they are afraid to develop into mature intelligent adults.
You know your are winning when the the right wingers collapse your comments.
________________________________________________
Bev and Pat, thank you for supporting me against the lefty cowards that collapse my posts and thanks for pointing out that I am winning when the do so.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey, far be it from me to say that racism is alive and well based on the amount of vitriol which is supported by statements made by the patriarchs and matriarchs of the GOP/Republican Party.
Mau Mau, Kenyan, Obammy, Barry, Muslim... I could go on about how these terms are reference to his color but you already know that.
As I've said before, the mere fact that you defend this rhetoric instead of denounce it and only attack anyone that states the obvious and fear it being brought up only shows that you are indifferent.
Like I said, you may not participate in the lynching, but you surely would do nothing to stop it.
Do you support or denounce those on the Right that attack the president?
Watching to see what kind of dancing shoes you guys wear...
This forum loses credibility daily by the allowing the ignorant to practice ignorance.
True American-2367375
1 post in and Louis in playing the race card!.....Louis, was it racist when people called George Bush "Dubbya" or when they called Clinton "Billy Boy"?.....get over yourself, 'cause we all have.
I am really sick of you and your whole cable and your race chasing. You know perfectly well they are many people who don't like the President because he is Black. Moreover, you lie that it does exist.
You are a bunch of cowards. And you know who you are.
News from Maine: our local rightwing rag, the Portland Press Herald, announced that Governor LePage has gone on his very first vaction, to Jamaica, since taking office. Mind you, he was only inaugurated three months ago! I shudder to think what he will do when he comes back re-charged.
So far, he has directed teachers to pay more of their income towards their pensions, while reducing the amount the state pays, and passing those "savings" onto the wealthiest 1% of the state, in the form of tax cuts.
Then there is his poke-a-stick in-their eye action of removing an innoculous mural from the Labor Dept, which had been installed three years ago, because it depicts some union activity. That hasn't calmed down yet, what with lawsuits over a contract with the artist that had stipulated informing her if it was ever moved, and the fact the mural is now "in an undisclosed location."
This is what you get when the Tea Party takes over gummit. Theatrics that make Sarah Palin's home life look stable. Putting big bidness ahead of middle class workers. Drama ahead of substance. It's insane.
The utter bankruptcy of the Republoican Party gets worse every day. They have no functional leaders, they have no effective ideas to improve the nation's economy, create jobs, address very difficult global issues and try to help repair the nation's ills. Their only cause is to tear down, down, down.
Here's an example from florida. Science education is one of the nation's key needs. A great deal of that education in Florida now is provided by facilities such as Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry, or the GWiz center in Sarasota. These are private, non-profit operations that in the past enjoyed at least some aid from the state's Department of cultural Affairs.
Gov. Rick Scott, the teabagger, has chopped that agency's budget by 99% and is essentially eliminating it by folding it into some other state department.
The Tea Party folk don't believe in the future of this nation. They yearn for an idealized and never-really-existed pastoral society of bygone times. Back when "science" was epitomized by the Ptolemaic Universe and everyone knew that stars were really canddes held by angels.
True Ugly American-2367375
We know what you stand for.
Louis, I long ago learned to ignore lefty liberals hysterically screaming "racism" at every opinion they don't like. That Dem Jackass tactic is worn out and dead and their continued beating of it won't bring it back to life. It's no different than the lefty use of the term "teabagger", another worn out Jackass term. Get some new material.
Louis J. You know you're right and have hit a nerve when the conservatives play the deflection game--deflect and deny the racial undertones within their party on to those who see it and call it for what it is.
Joe in Albany
Louis, I long ago learned to ignore lefty liberals hysterically screaming "racism" at every opinion they don't like. That Dem Jackass tactic is worn out and dead and their continued beating of it won't bring it back to life. It's no different than the lefty use of the term "teabagger", another worn out Jackass term. Get some new material.
=================================================================
If that's the case you dastardly coward stop collapsing posts because have a failure to communicate.
Repost: due to the people who have a serious problem and cannot express they frustrations in a an adult fashion i.e. ignore as the liar Joe in Albany says.
Freedom?
Gov Scott Walker does not respect the right of the people in a sovereign country. The very notion he would defy the law of the land to exhault his bold attempt to turn the government into a business is a shame. Gov Scott Walker hasbegun his love affair with the law of the jungle (asphalt that is). Yes that’s right Gov. Scott Walker has begun to cannibalize.
Democracy means squat to him he cares very little about liberty too; the two principles one of the Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson decried. That’s not cool since he, a T-bagger, supposedly holds the values of the Founding to heart. Why is Gov. Scoot Walker in concert with many other Republican governors so keen to ignore and disrespect the laws of the land? It’s because these Koch suckers want a slow death to the unions and the middle class. Then Scott Walker and the band of Republican governments can begin to cannibalize the states and local governments.
Then there is Rick Santorum Who Blames Warren Court, Planned Parenthood, Birth Control, Oral Sex for Non-Existent Social Security "Crisis"
http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2011/03/29/santorum-blames-supreme-court-for-non-existent-social-security-crisis
Umm, Rick perhaps if you encouraged your republican friends and the GOP/t-Baggers in Congress to do what they claimed their mandate was, J-O-B-S, there would be more people to discourage this crisis.
Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida threatened to vote against raising the debt ceiling unless his conditions for tax and budget reforms are met, in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.
Perhaps they didn’t see this…
CNN Poll: Unfavorable view of tea party on the rise
Forty-seven percent of people questioned say they have an unfavorable view of the tea party, up four points from December and an increase of 21 points from January 2010.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/23/cnn-poll-trump-at-10-percent-in-hypothetical-gop-battle/
Oh, and on that money spent in Libya which Sarah Palin got wrong, why not complain about the jets flying over NASCAR events?
The Air Force also spends so much money on training, so fly-overs can be worked into the schedule as part of training and exercises. Regardless of if it's the Navy's Blue Angels, the Air Force's Thunderbirds or a flying wing from one of the armed forces, these operations are expensive. Still, our government has decided that a show of military force over a civilian event is a great use of our tax dollars.
http://www.examiner.com/cultural-trends-in-national/nascar-coca-cola-600-begins-with-military-jet-flyover-another-waste-of-tax-dollars
#1.17 - Wed Mar 30, 2011 9:45 AM EDT
Amy and John A, thanks for your reports on GOPTP attacks on the middle class. It's becoming more apparent that their agenda only falls into two categories; Authoritarian and redistribution of wealth to the top. It's very sad more people didn't recognize that before they gained so much power in the last election.
This racism stuff always confuses me. I thought Barack Obama called himself Barry at one point, so how is that racist?
www.newsweek.com/2008/03/22/when-barry-became-barack.html
"so how is that racist?"
___________________________________
Because everything said by someone who is not a lefty liberal is ultimately rooted on racism. Especially if it's one of those "teabaggers"!!
LMAO......... you know your winning if they collapse your posts....hahahahahahaha Really? What you should know is that your posts are collapsed because they are ignorant and very one sided. I rarely collapse any of you far left wacko's, well because I know there are way to few of you to actually make a difference. If I as an independent could find any reason to agree with you I would. Hell I voted for Mr Carter and Mr Clinton, I even kinda like Hillarys set! But you guys Fiesty, Bev, navyboy and the rest of you amuse me. I think its the attempt at be considered educated and elitist that I find amusing. Having been in the navy for 10 years as a weapons specialist I have no Idea what the hell Navy Ret could have possibly done except maybe Yeoman or Boatswains Mate!
"Squirmish"?
Well THAT didn't take long... keep collapsing & I'll keep on re-posting!
Let everyone see what how you cowards roll! lol
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL Comment collapsed by the community
There has been a fair share of chatter lately by a certain poster regarding collapsed comments.
Not sure WHY this has become a cause of concern for them, other than there's no doubt they're involved UP to their beady Cheetos colored eyeballs!
Below are examples of how the Cowardly, sniveling, phony 1st Amendment Lovers play the game:
The Republicans will slowly start to disappear once 2012 comes to quickened pace. And I will be the first in line when I arrive to my voting precinct.
Concerning the movement in the regions of the Middle East and Northern Africa, the political atmosphere is gaining ground as Libya is calling for diplomatic support as Qaddafi is being pushed out for a new type of governance that will be the template for building a unified democracy.
The Libyan revolution and the situation it posed can be likened to the same situation that was presented to President Clinton. "Kosovo, a Serbian province, is not an easy problem, but if we don't stop the conflict now, it clearly will spread and then we will not be able to stop it except at far greater cost and risk," Clinton said.
President Obama is showing the world what true practiced leadership is all about. I have no doubt that his impact on the world stage will have a ripple effect for governing in a fashion that is beneficial to nations that provide their people the opportunity for liberty.
This operation will have a domino effect throughout Northern Africa and the Middle East. And that will be what the world has been waiting for for a United Front against terrorism.
President Obama has taken the presidency to a whole other level.
No doubt that the critics of President Obama shall push for the message of confusion and discontent as he has made new ground in bridging a divide over religious intolerance from many of those that oppose integration. The whole theme of segregation has been put on display by a narrow minded portion of our great society. These displays of shutting the door on people that are different only represent the ugly side of racial intolerance and that is the last thing this country needs to evoke.
But in the face of all the nasty, bitter talking points provided by failed governors and failed entertainers; in spite of the ugly voices speaking about Mau Mau revolutions and distorted world views; in spite of the malicious assaults on those that voice reason, President Obama and his supporters have maintained a cool calm and collected attitude that things will "Change" and that is something we all believe in.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
This forum loses credibility daily by the allowing the ignorant to practice ignorance.
The collapse cowards struck again, and much sooner than usual.
This is clearly a new topic of the paid trolls, to go after the very first post of the day immediately.
After all, too many people come to FR and post intelligent remarks about things - things that don't comport with the narrow concept of the world of the rigid right wing ideologues.
Wow-
LouisJ's race-baiting comments should never be collapsed...personally, I thiink they're his best work.
Next Feisty will be screaming for Tyler to get more involved.
Wouldn't that be ironic?
The best humor is unintentional...
Here's my earlier, re-posted:
The utter bankruptcy of the Republoican Party gets worse every day. They have no functional leaders, they have no effective ideas to improve the nation's economy, create jobs, address very difficult global issues and try to help repair the nation's ills. Their only cause is to tear down, down, down.
Here's an example from florida. Science education is one of the nation's key needs. A great deal of that education in Florida now is provided by facilities such as Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry, or the GWiz center in Sarasota. These are private, non-profit operations that in the past enjoyed at least some aid from the state's Department of cultural Affairs.
Gov. Rick Scott, the teabagger, has chopped that agency's budget by 99% and is essentially eliminating it by folding it into some other state department.
The Tea Party folk don't believe in the future of this nation. They yearn for an idealized and never-really-existed pastoral society of bygone times. Back when "science" was epitomized by the Ptolemaic Universe and everyone knew that stars were really candles held by angels.
careful, dangerfield-
Our community is clearly on edge...
Mixed Bag
Wow-
LouisJ's race-baiting comments should never be collapsed...personally, I thiink they're his best work.
Next Feisty will be screaming for Tyler to get more involved.
Wouldn't that be ironic?
Just like your race baiting Geraldine Ferrora post. The woman was not even in the ground yet and your were out there like an ambulance race chasing. Shame on you.
True Ugly American-2367375
You need to look in the mirror and face the truth.
Nonsense, Bev-
I merely reminded you of something you don't want to be reminded of.
It was Keith Olbermann who issued a disgraceful "Special Comment" about Ms Ferraro...not me.
I was merely pointing out the hypocrisy involved.
Sorry if your feelings were hurt.
And Bev...are you really disagreeing with me when I say LouisJ's posts should never be collapsed?
Really?
True American-2367375
Bev....WOW...you have got some nerve telling anybody "shame on you"......
and Louis was race-baiting!....if anybody disagrees with the president, they must be racist, isn't that right Louis?
No, it doesn't. It's means you are a liar and suppress your primal fear of a Black man in the Oval Office because you can't step out of the closet.
I don't agree with everything the President does; but that does not make me a racist.
"I don't agree with everything the President does; but that does not make me a racist."
Me either.
Thanks, Bev!
Mixed Bag
"I don't agree with everything the President does; but that does not make me a racist."
Me either.
For the record, I've often said posts should stand; particularly asinine t-bagger posts
Louis J hit a conservative nerve and as usual the right does what it always does--deflect and deny the racial undertones on to those who see it and call it for what it is. The truth hurts, doesn't it conservatives? Not every conservative is a racist but they have a funny way of proving they aren't--birthers, Kenya and Mau Mau references, modern versions of "boy" in the form of Obammy and other similar terms. If conservatives wish to not be viewed as having a problem with race, perhaps they should look at what they post and change the words to tell us otherwise.
As for the collapsers, they are cowards afraid of the very "free speech" they claim to support.
Feisty,
What was interesting about the above, that there were only 3 conservatives in that thread, and 3 guys that would hardly waste time on collapsing you.
Maybe a lot of people who just read the comments - just get sick of the same crap day after day, same ole worthless drivel and hate day after day.
Funny thing is, this is a liberal site with liberals always receiving those swell green stars by a very wide margin. In fact I recall 5 out of the first 6 conservative posts being collapsed not too long ago. Of course they were not valueless, or inflammatory and were re-stored by an adult, but it supports the argument. BTW - Have you ever had one re-stored by an adult?
Anyway just something to think about.
Nice try bobby... maybe you should loosen the flag you're so tightly wrapped up in!
Pay close attention to the FACT that KevinT acknowledges he doesn't even bother to read the post and just marks it as inflammatory for the hell of it!
Here's the thread these clowns were on:
Notice the 802 comments?
Care to try again?
And to answer your question, I've had MANY restored by an 'adult' even one that was deleted!
Difference is, I don't waste my time running to Tyler begging for it to be restored, much easier to copy & paste! ;o)
Looks like your fame has spread far and wide, Feisty...
And apparently...
A lot of folks don't like what they see.
Question: Squirmish?
Answer: One of the many reasons a two bit shouldn't be using a fifty cent word with a nickel education,...
True American-2367375
So Bev.......I'm pretty sure you just called me a racist......because I don't agree with the president...see post #2.12
Actually, I see you more of an Achluophobic (fear of the dark). To you and your cohorts everything about the President and his policies is doom and gloom. I see you refusing the enlightenment of the 21st century like climate change; and the LBGT .
Yes, I think you are a bigot too; since anytime Muslim, Hispanics, gays, people of color, women, etc are mentioned you and your cohorts freak .
That should cover it!!
Not all conservatives are racist, but most racist are conservatives.
Feisty,
Like I said, who cares about some comment from a week ago by somebody named KevinT on why he flagged you on another story? What value is that, what does that have to with anything except your pathetic petulance? You proved my point. Are you too stupid to not realize that, or is it a pure personality dysfunction?
Anyway, keep dragging your little Chihuahua butt across the FR carpet, people will spray it and try to clean it up, the Chihuahua will just keep dragging. We get it, readers and visitors evidently don't.
Happy dragging Feisty.
Who cares.
cruel, bob-
Not disputable on the merits...
But undeniably cruel.
Mixed,
I started to give her a mixed" reply (I love that stuff) - something like "Feisty, you are brighter than most posters here at FR. Even on a national scale, even when compared to the famous - the young, beautiful, brillant like a Megan Kelley - you hold your own. In fact - some would even say that you are everything Megan is not. You can do better."
I am quite confident you agree that all the above are true statements.
Oh well, I went with cruel.
I was wrong - my apologies to any Chihuahuas who are regular readers of FR.
LouisJ - Rotflmao on your post 2.2, Here in Iowa votes aren't tabulated untill after the polls close.
Looks like where you are it is different. Does your polling place provide you with unlimited ballots to stuff from its opening to its close?
Yep, obama is heading to an all new level all right. He gave close air-to-ground support for the rebels attacking qaddafis home town on humanitarian grounds only to see them retreat. Guess that is why he had another 20+ tomahawk missles launched at ground targets.
Anyone know what time obama was turning over this humanitariian war to NATO today?
That comment literally had you rolling on the floor? Wow, I guess I'm more of a funny guy than some lead me to believe.
SMH.
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL Comment collapsed by the community
People who collapse are really ignorant. They obviously don't realize that these posts can be opened. There is just no cure for stupidity.
Feisty, they are using you as an excuse to do the same things, or worse, that they are accusing you of. There are a lot of Feisty wanna be on the vine.
.if anybody disagrees with the president, they must be racist, isn't that right Louis?
Typical answer, but of course not true. If you disagree, why the put down, name calling and the lies? We all disagree with each other, but using that as an excuse to use derogatory names and lies is horrible. If you notice the people who do this, can't even tell you what they are disagreeing with, or why the feel the need to harbor so much hate for one man.
Eg. Newt is a classic bigoted racist. March 7th, the President is a coward. He should get involved, go it alone, America does not need support. March 22,, The US should never take part in this. He will say and do anything as long as it is opposite of what the POTUS say or do. He will do whatever he has to do to make sure this President is hated, then blame the President for the division. There is no basis for the accusations he throws out. He just know that there are people willing to believe anything he says, because he is a white man accusing a black man. His motto "be scared of anyone who doesn't think or look exactly like you".
Keep up the fight, Fiesty!! The truth can't be silenced.
Who can blame potential Republican Presidential losers (that's not meant as an insult, it's a statement of fact at the present time unless the economy takes another dump) for taking a wait and see approach to potential '12 runs?? There's still plenty of time to decide to run and in the meantime you can see who your potential primary opponents are (and have your staff start looking for dirt on them) without hitting the campaign trail!!
from MSNBC: Private employers add 201,000 jobs
Great news Chris. I'll bet we won't see a lot of Conservatives wanting to draw attention to that. They're in charge of the House for nearly 3 months now, still haven't done anything about the economy, and clearly it's moving on without their "help." Probably just as well since the failed Conservative Republican experiment in deregulation collapsed the economy to begin with.
It is great news John B. You're right; they won't want to discuss it in any meaningful way. Since taking control they have only talked about "everything" other than jobs. Care to venture a guess as to how many trolls will attempt to take credit?
The Republicans will slowly start to disappear once 2012 comes to quickened pace. And I will be the first in line when I arrive to my voting precinct.
Concerning the movement in the regions of the Middle East and Northern Africa, the political atmosphere is gaining ground as Libya is calling for diplomatic support as Qaddafi is being pushed out for a new type of governance that will be the template for building a unified democracy.
The Libyan revolution and the situation it posed can be likened to the same situation that was presented to President Clinton. "Kosovo, a Serbian province, is not an easy problem, but if we don't stop the conflict now, it clearly will spread and then we will not be able to stop it except at far greater cost and risk," Clinton said.
President Obama is showing the world what true practiced leadership is all about. I have no doubt that his impact on the world stage will have a ripple effect for governing in a fashion that is beneficial to nations that provide their people the opportunity for liberty.
This operation will have a domino effect throughout Northern Africa and the Middle East. And that will be what the world has been waiting for for a United Front against terrorism.
President Obama has taken the presidency to a whole other level.
No doubt that the critics of President Obama shall push for the message of confusion and discontent as he has made new ground in bridging a divide over religious intolerance from many of those that oppose integration. The whole theme of segregation has been put on display by a narrow minded portion of our great society. These displays of shutting the door on people that are different only represent the ugly side of racial intolerance and that is the last thing this country needs to evoke.
But in the face of all the nasty, bitter talking points provided by failed governors and failed entertainers; in spite of the ugly voices speaking about Mau Mau revolutions and distorted world views; in spite of the malicious assaults on those that voice reason, President Obama and his supporters have maintained a cool calm and collected attitude that things will "Change" and that is something we all believe in.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
Yeah, those stupid no good thems are always trying to ignore OUR good news. That's why they have their own EVIL personal news network and we have our good news one!...
(of course we ignore theirs too...)
You can't BOTH be right, but you can both be WRONG...
Chris and John
Oh, they'll talk about it,...long enough to take credit for it. They're a bit predictable thataway.
I see they've employed a 'new' strategy of silencing those voices that they don't want to be heard. If only they could silence those voices on Faux Noise. They might actually be available for when some REAL facts and information come along.
Nah, who am I kidding? They don't NEED no stinkin' facts!
Man, calm down chief. You're just defending the racists, I understand.
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL Comment collapsed by the community
Let's see obamas last stimulas plan was in 2009 to maintain and preserve government jobs. GDP went up and then died down after the $$$ were spent.
Then came "obamacare" and financial reform acts. That must be what has added jobs this quarter.
Then came the midterm election with obama scrambling to back the republican doctrine that "business is our friend" by introducing business tax incentives
Let's not forget the payroll tax and SS tax reductions to the taxpayers so that their take home pay was more. While the tax payers got more to spend the government had to make up the loss in SS contributions.
I especially like how obama gave up on creating private sector jobs by passing the buck off to his blue-ribbon panel of business leaders to tell him what it takes to create private sector jobs.
since obama is taking a republican stance on creating jobs, let the new righty obama take the credit. I really do like obamas proposed FY 2012 budget that will cut $73 billion/yr in discretionary spending. Makes the republicans cuts seem cheap!
Naturally we can't forget about his attempts at "nation building" in N. Africa and the Middle East. Looks like he wants to follow Mao's doctrine of 'political power grows out of the barrell of a gun'
Looks like obama really does put his pants on one leg at a time. lmao!
LouisJ
The Republicans will slowly start to disappear once 2012 comes to quickened pace. And I will be the first in line when I arrive to my voting precinct.
Concerning the movement in the regions of the Middle East and Northern Africa, the political atmosphere is gaining ground as Libya is calling for diplomatic support as Qaddafi is being pushed out for a new type of governance that will be the template for building a unified democracy.
The Libyan revolution and the situation it posed can be likened to the same situation that was presented to President Clinton. "Kosovo, a Serbian province, is not an easy problem, but if we don't stop the conflict now, it clearly will spread and then we will not be able to stop it except at far greater cost and risk," Clinton said.
President Obama is showing the world what true practiced leadership is all about. I have no doubt that his impact on the world stage will have a ripple effect for governing in a fashion that is beneficial to nations that provide their people the opportunity for liberty.
This operation will have a domino effect throughout Northern Africa and the Middle East. And that will be what the world has been waiting for for a United Front against terrorism.
President Obama has taken the presidency to a whole other level.
No doubt that the critics of President Obama shall push for the message of confusion and discontent as he has made new ground in bridging a divide over religious intolerance from many of those that oppose integration. The whole theme of segregation has been put on display by a narrow minded portion of our great society. These displays of shutting the door on people that are different only represent the ugly side of racial intolerance and that is the last thing this country needs to evoke.
But in the face of all the nasty, bitter talking points provided by failed governors and failed entertainers; in spite of the ugly voices speaking about Mau Mau revolutions and distorted world views; in spite of the malicious assaults on those that voice reason, President Obama and his supporters have maintained a cool calm and collected attitude that things will "Change" and that is something we all believe in.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
No, GDP continues to increase;
http://www.ism.ws/ISMReport/content.cfm?ItemNumber=10748&navItemNumber=12949
Conservatism. Fact free all the time.
And Dems are off to an even slower start:
President Obama’s approval rating hits a new low
"Just 42 percent of those polled approve of the job Obama is doing, compared to 48 percent who disapprove"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theticket/president-obamas-approval-rating-hits-a-new-low
Still more popular than Reagan or Clinton at this point in their terms http://www.gallup.com/poll/124922/Presidential-Approval-Center.aspx and I'm sure the Tea Party would GLADLY trade numbers. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/tea-party-unpopularity-on-the-rise/2011/03/30/AFlitS3B_blog.html
Louis, Joe Klein is correct. They are an embarrassment. American exceptionalism is gone in the GOP, by both the candidates and their supporters. They are hateful people, which I imagine we haven't seen the likes of since the KKK.
March 30, 2011
American Embarrassment
Posted by Joe Klein
It is always an education to watch our American writhings from overseas. It is particularly excrutiating watching the Republican Party presidential candidates who, on a daily basis, pronounce some ignorant racist or irreligious twaddle...which--amazingly enough--manages to be heard around the world. As Crowley notes below, today's example primo is Newt, who really needs to get back on his meds, worrying about his grandchildren:
"I have two grandchildren — Maggie is 11, Robert is 9," Gingrich said at Cornerstone Church here. "I am convinced that if we do not decisively win the struggle over the nature of America, by the time they're my age they will be in a secular atheist country, potentially one dominated by radical Islamists and with no understanding of what it once meant to be an American
This is my 10th presidential campaign, Lord help me. I have never before seen such a bunch of vile, desperate-to-please, shameless, embarrassing losers coagulated under a single party's banner. They are the most compelling argument I've seen against American exceptionalism. Even Tim Pawlenty, a decent governor, can't let a day go by without some bilious nonsense escaping his lizard brain. And, as Greg Sargent makes clear, Mitt Romney has wandered a long way from courage. There are those who say, cynically, if this is the dim-witted freak show the Republicans want to present in 2012, so be it. I disagree. One of them could get elected. You never know. Mick Huckabee, the front-runner if you can believe it, might have to negotiate a trade agreement, or a defense treaty, with the Indonesian President some day. Newt might have to discuss very delicate matters of national security with the President of Pakistan...
Excellent post Pat! ....as always!
Thanks Chris. I tried to delete this double post, but it didn't work for some reason.
Thanks for sharing this post, Pat. I thought when the President was elected it was a positive sign that we had turned a corner in this country and could move ahead in relations---and maybe we have---but it also stirred up a lot of animosities that had apparently been under the surface and not expressed. Well, people aren't shy about expressing them now.
Great Post Pat. Thanks
Pat: Pleased to see you on thread 1. You have important information to share and all FR readers can see it. Have a good day and BTW, Maggie and Robert are fortunate to have such a wonderful grandma.
I totally agree, they are what is so wrong in this country. But that is also the beauty of Constitutional rights, that the more they are allowed to voice their psychotic rants and display their cultural intolerance and the internet that they mistakenly believe to be a good way to exercise these "rights" to voice bitterness, that it is an indicator of the amount of vile, shameless atrocities that are still in our society.
I don't say this toward all, but the few apples that spoil the whole bunch.
They are hateful people, which I imagine we haven't seen the likes of since the KKK....Pat
So, Pat, are you equating all Republicans to Klansmen?
Great post, Pat.
“Although there will be a long and impressive list of Republican candidates who eventually take the field, too few have made the commitment thus far for a debate to be worthwhile in early May," said John Heubusch, the Reagan Foundation's executive director. "The Reagan Foundation’s first Republican presidential primary debate will move to the fall, allowing enough time for the full slate of candidates to participate.”
Ummm, Mr Heubusch? Despite the fact that we established yesterday that the candidate field is pretty much made up of whine and cheese, that's different from fine wine and good cheese - in other words, they're not going to improve any with age. And they're not going to be any more impressive in September than they are now.
dirt: I'm comparing them to racists.
And what it sounds like coming from their mouths is some sort of Inquisition here in the 21st Century. They despise Muslims. They make me sick.
The Republicans will slowly start to disappear once 2012 comes to quickened pace. And I will be the first in line when I arrive to my voting precinct.
Concerning the movement in the regions of the Middle East and Northern Africa, the political atmosphere is gaining ground as Libya is calling for diplomatic support as Qaddafi is being pushed out for a new type of governance that will be the template for building a unified democracy.
The Libyan revolution and the situation it posed can be likened to the same situation that was presented to President Clinton. "Kosovo, a Serbian province, is not an easy problem, but if we don't stop the conflict now, it clearly will spread and then we will not be able to stop it except at far greater cost and risk," Clinton said.
President Obama is showing the world what true practiced leadership is all about. I have no doubt that his impact on the world stage will have a ripple effect for governing in a fashion that is beneficial to nations that provide their people the opportunity for liberty.
This operation will have a domino effect throughout Northern Africa and the Middle East. And that will be what the world has been waiting for for a United Front against terrorism.
President Obama has taken the presidency to a whole other level.
No doubt that the critics of President Obama shall push for the message of confusion and discontent as he has made new ground in bridging a divide over religious intolerance from many of those that oppose integration. The whole theme of segregation has been put on display by a narrow minded portion of our great society. These displays of shutting the door on people that are different only represent the ugly side of racial intolerance and that is the last thing this country needs to evoke.
But in the face of all the nasty, bitter talking points provided by failed governors and failed entertainers; in spite of the ugly voices speaking about Mau Mau revolutions and distorted world views; in spite of the malicious assaults on those that voice reason, President Obama and his supporters have maintained a cool calm and collected attitude that things will "Change" and that is something we all believe in.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
Exactly, Pat. To argue American "exceptionalism," it would help to actually BE exceptional.
I can't quit laughing every time I hear Newtie talk about his children and grandchildren and the faux concern about their future! Couldn't have been too concerned when he was off seeing what he could entice into an illicit relationship! I have always thought that Newtoid just strings the biggest words he can together so he sounds smarter than he is. The trouble is that those of us who know what the words mean make fun of him for his stupidity. The "teabaggers" aren't that bright. Great post, Pat, thanks.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
What if the other guys are united too? does anyone fall or do we all just stand around? Oh, and who exactly are "we" anyway?...
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL Comment collapsed by the community
Well THAT didn't take long... keep collapsing & I'll keep on re-posting!
Let everyone see what how you cowards roll! lol
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL Comment collapsed by the community
There has been a fair share of chatter lately by a certain poster regarding collapsed comments.
Not sure WHY this has become a cause of concern for them, other than there's no doubt they're involved UP to their beady Cheetos colored eyeballs!
Below are examples of how the Cowardly, sniveling, phony 1st Amendment Lovers play the game:
Pat, Boston, another terrific post. I keep wondering how many ordinary repubicans ask themselves what has happened to their party--it no longer even remotely resembles the party of Lincoln, T.R. Roosevelt, Eisenhower. With each day, they sink to a new low of bottom dwelling.
Oh my, RVZ555-
How long would a tax-cutting warmonger like JFK last in today's Democratic Party?
The Clintons are barely able to make living...
Sorry, but I don't smoke.
I've already explained it in the 1st and subsequent comments that you participated in collapsing. Remember the comment that was about Middle East Foreign Policy, but all you got out of it was subtlies of the Republican Party and racism.
You're a day late and a dollar short.
:^/
True American, your points have been addressed. By posters on this forum and by the President himself.
Bypassing Congress; The President phoned members of congress and in a conference call laid out his plans for Libya. They all heard it, they all had a chance to question it, they all agreed to the resolution.
Military assets into battle: This is enforcing a no-fly zone. This is not a war. This is not battle.
Provocation or imminent threat: American citizens have been targeted and killed by Libyan operatives as the President stated.
You can debate the reasonableness of these points. But those are the facts.
fieldon - I get it now, out of the 120+ tomahawk missles launched, numerous NATO air-to-air attacks and US air-to-ground attacks in advance of Libyan ground assualts no lives were lost.
Must say you do have a novel way of explaining what war and battles are. By your reasoning bush2 also did the right thing. As for...
Cool, looks like bush2 gets a pass on this as well or have you forgotten the rhetoric that saddam used as well?
Yessir, Mar 15 obama and company said that their was no support for a "no fly zone". A couple of calls to congress about on march 19 stating. "BTW - I just issued the launch commands to take out qaddafi military equipment. See ya when I return from South America"
American 2051576 -
I don't mind your opposition to Obama's course of action in Libya. However, you are rather flippant today. As you note our nation is engaged in military action, no?
As you bring up Bush, both president's got it wrong in their respective decisions. Obama on Libya and Bush on Iraq; neither posed an imminent threat to the US or our allies. The mistakes of the Bush presidency are over and beyond repair. With Obama things are still fluid. I will continue to watch with trepidation as the sabre rattlers speak about arming the rebels.
Obama said he engaged militarily for humanitarian reasons. I can't change things now that they have been set in motion. Neither can I change Bush's actions in Iraq, where first he engaged for the possibility of WMD that were not there, then for the connections with Al Queda that were not there, and finally to promote a free stable democracy that is still not there.
"True American" you are not.
The only point True is trying to make is that he thinks the President is ...."a progressive, socialist, elitist, traitor that needs to be IMPEACHED"...without any basis for those derogatory accusations (socialist, elitist, traitor) what is anyone supposed to take from his hateful rant?
and I don't care what color he is, he could be green and I'd feel the same way. Now if he was white True would would make an exception.
The Democrat party has destroyed itself to the point that they hope to win by employing a strategy of labeling Tea Party members "extreme". They have no merits to tout so they resort to labeling and rhetoric as usual, it will not save them
President Obama’s approval rating hits a new low
"Just 42 percent of those polled approve of the job Obama is doing, compared to 48 percent who disapprove"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theticket/president-obamas-approval-rating-hits-a-new-low
Maybe, Mark-
But I would argue that Iraq is currently more democratic than any of its other Arab neighbors...that's kind of what this whole "Arab Spring" thing is all about, isn't it?
Hi yellowdog, good to hear from you. Sorry that you think I am being flippant, I assure you that there is nothing flippant about war, its start, duration or end.
I am compelled to rebutt others who seem to want to try justifying actions taken with arguments such as feldon and others have presented. I can rationalize bush2's actions by saddams past actions of using WMD's, killing of oppostion sects and invasion. I can even somewhat rationalize obama in wanting to take qaddafi out. Keep in mind that I don't believe bush 1 or 2 would be critical of obamas choices, after all who really thinks that being POTUS is either simple or easy.
In the political rhetoric arena here at FR we all have the luxury of commenting on actions taken by our elected officials. If in the course of events similarities of actions taken by bush2 or obama occur, why not point them out, if not directly then by inference.
You are right that we see bush and obama differently. So what? It doesn't change the fact that we can discuss issues. Even issues that at times may involve humor or serious upholding of beliefs. Lord help us if we all start believing in the same courses of action to achieve fundamental goals.
Thanks for you input.
Meanwhile back at the ranch
In the face of yet another Government Shutdown our Legislative branch is doing just exactly what? Why doing the only thing that they seem to be capable of now a days. Figuring out who to blame. And you can bet your bottom dollar that it’s going to be anybody but themselves.
First it’s President Obama. He’s not engaged enough. He won’t send somebody up here to tell us how to do our job. President Obama was elected to be the head of the Executive Branch. The Executive Branch proposes the Legislative Branch is supposed to act on that proposal or originate their own. The Executive Branch has forwarded its proposals like them or not for action by the Legislative Branch so the President has done his Job to the best of his ability. We can argue all day about whether or not we approve of the way he does his job but at least he has done something rather than trying to figure out who’s to blame.
Since that looks like it going to be a non-starter in the grand scheme of things looks like they have decided to lay blame on the Tea Party faction of the Republican Party. The actions of several of the State Governors and Legislatures where this faction has achieved majority status points to the simple truth of their incompetence and lack of fitness to hold office. Most of the proposals and actions put forth since the new House of Representatives convened very pointedly shows that most of these folks didn’t have a clue when they were running for office and we can’t print enough money buy them one now. That’s the name of that tune like it or not. However they still represent only a minority faction within the Legislative Branch no matter what they would have you believe. Loud and severely comprehension challenged undoubtedly but still a minority. Laying blame on this Minority by the Majority of Legislators is simply an excuse.
It is time for all the men and women of good conscience within the Legislative Branch to step forward and do their job. Some from both sides of the aisle have been and continue to be engaged in the attempt only to be spiked by the two extremes. It is way past time for Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader Reed to do what is necessary for the Legislative branch to function as it was intended. Figuring out who to lay blame on is simply an excuse for nonperformance.
Two weeks from now when the Law of Unintended Consequences takes over who’s to blame is going to be the least of We the People’s concerns.
The vast Majority will return to the same concern we had three years ago. How are we going to get thru Today because without Today Tomorrow might never come.
Amen IR...truer words never written.
Great post, IR---Congress seems more concerned with defunding NPR than in addressing the looming shutdown. And let's not forget the amount of time they have spent on recess this year. Many Americans working 2 jobs would be thankful for a week's vacation in a year and they get that every month.
Well said IR. Republicans told everyone that if they ran the House they'd balance the budget while cutting taxes. They've run the house for nearly 3 months now. Where's the plan?
I posted this a couple of days ago, but I think this is germaine to what we are talking about in this thread. The House has NO INTENTION of doing ANYTHING Legislatively until after 2012 when they THINK they will capture the White House. Here are my observations:
1. The House has NO INTENTION of providing a budget for this year or next year. How can I say that? The HOUSE has spent the majority of its time going after 'reproductive rights', child labour, voting rights - everything EXCEPT generating a budget. Now thay want to blame President Obama for their inability to produce budget legislation. And YES, the President WILL sign the Contuing Resolutions to keep the Government afloat until 2012.
2. The budget 'can' will be kicked down the road because it is politically expedient to do so. The GOPers and the Tea Partyers believe that they will have a better chance of recapturing the White House if the economy is bad and debt is high. This way, then can blame President Obama for the woes of the country and continue to espouse that the President 'spends too much'.
3. We see a 'laser sharp focus' on entitlements and social issues. By going after 'entitlements', the GOP believe that they will be able to produce 'deficit reduction'. Unfortunately for the populace that votes these THESE PARTICULAR GOPers, they have NO IDEA that by NOT investing in America (and what we need infrastructure wise), we are hastening the destruction of America economically by STARVING it to death. Without Job creation (and we have not seen any indicaiton or legislation that promotes job creation), government revenues will continue to decline.
4. There is No effort given to raising Corporate revenues. In many of the cases we are seeing on a Federal and State level, many milti-national Corporations pay little or NO taxes at all. We also see the government continue to pay subsidies for ethanol and for energy (Big Oil). We do not see any attempt by the House or Tea PArtyers to go after this sort of waste and abuse.
5. The GOPers and the Tea Partyers are IGNORING the 'low hanging fruit' of eliminating the redundancies of Government. THis is by far the EASIEST thing that the GOPers and the Tea Partyers can do to reduce the deficit. They could save $100 BILLION - and get it - by doing a review of redundant agencies. The funny thing is that President Obama would go along with the GOPers and Tea Partyers and EVERYONE would be able to claim that they have 'reduced the deficit'. Funny that we have not seen this yet. I find it interesting that the GOPers and Tea Partyers are so intent to cut the 12% of the budget that everyone uses to the bone and ignore everything else.
SO, as I have described above, NO, I am not thinking that the GOPers and Tea Partyers in the House will do ANYTHING this year except make a lot of noise.
And YET we STILL pay them to do nothing.
Good message Pietro, it bears repeating.
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL Comment collapsed by the community
Well THAT didn't take long... keep collapsing & I'll keep on re-posting!
Let everyone see what how you cowards roll! lol
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL Comment collapsed by the community
There has been a fair share of chatter lately by a certain poster regarding collapsed comments.
Not sure WHY this has become a cause of concern for them, other than there's no doubt they're involved UP to their beady Cheetos colored eyeballs!
Below are examples of how the Cowardly, sniveling, phony 1st Amendment Lovers play the game:
Pietro--- And the Republicans will blame this impasse on the fact that they need to control the Senate and the Whitehouse in order to get anything done. So their slogan will be "2012 LET'S TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK" The Democratic slogan should be "DO YOU REALLY WANT A REPEAT OF GEORGE W."
Great post, IR. You, too, Pietro.
After 8 years of Cheney telling Congress what to do, I think they have forgotten how to do their jobs without being led step by step. There are adults there who do know but right now we don't hear much from them.
Boehner has time to stand before the press and express outrage that Senator Schummer has talking points--now, that's just rich when every day we hear the GOP/TPers use the same word and beat it to death--but he can't get the 2011 budget passed let alone 2012.
Tom - Agreed. From just looking at what items have been brought up for debate in the House, I can see there is NOTHING that is scheduled for job creation. I can see NOTHING that is scheduled for deficit reduction OTHER than 'Liberal' programs that the GOPers and the Tea Partyers want defunded.
I see no effort being put forth to deal with the deficit - and by that I mean REAL effort in trying to find ways to reduce the deficit and craft budget legislation, as this is their JOB.
I do see that the House members only work 2.5 weeks in a month.
With all of the really important things going on in the country, how can the House justify being 'out' one whole week a month?
Do you think that MAYBE that time should be used to actually do some WORK for a change?
I base a lot of my observations on what is actually being DONE, and not on what is being said. From what I can see in the House, there is nothing being done - except generation of a LOT of partisan NOISE.
Pietro ~
I bow before the master. ;-)
I learn from the best, and you ARE the BEST, Anna Molly.
Get a room (j/k):^p
liberals and many democrats and republicans alike are showing us all on how to effectively kick the can down the street to the next election and beyond
Discretionary spending cuts are the easiest to make by the very nature that they are discretionary. YOU KNOW, OPTIONAL, not mandated. Will people lose jobs? of course! Will our countries GDP be affected? Of course. the same argument can be made for when cuts are made in military expenditures, welfare, medicaid and medicare you know the tough stuff. Fortunately, SS is still showing a surplus, albeit in treasury IOU's.
As the republicans fight for moderate cuts, the teabaggers fight for big cuts and the obama and liberal democrats fight for little cuts. Time is mispent on what should have been "no brainer" cuts so that the legislative action could be made swiftly and then moved onto the harder issues at hand.
No cut should be viewed as inconsequential or symbolic.
Effectively, the politicians stall and argue knowing full well that the larger issue cuts will take up even more time. The can is kicked down the road on the simple and easy stuff so that time runs out on the more time consuming legislation on the tough stuff, causing the can to be further kicked down the road
all while the dumbass libs and tea partiers argue at the extremes, while dumb ass FR libs dribble on on how it is all the conservatives fault.
How many of you realize that obamas proposed budget for 2012 contains a plan for $1.1 trillion in cuts for discretionary spending of which 2/3 is in direct cuts and 1/3 in increased taxes? The republicans want $61 billion in FY 2011 cuts and obama wants $73 billion in discretionary cuts.
Last time I checked 73 was greater than 61. and obama and company are saying $61 billion in cuts are too much, it will hurt our economy.
What BS, FR libs and others are saying the economy is improving, some FED officials think that QE2 may wind down early,the FED may start increasing its borrowing rates soon and bernanke doesn't see how $61 billion in cuts will have a disastrous effect on the economy. Really, $61 billion is JUST 4 TENTHS of a PERCENT of our 2010 economy. 4 TENTHS of a PERCENT!!! But yet, obama is looking at $73 billion in cuts and FR libs cry about $61 billion in cuts.
Dream on lib girls, obstruct all you want, misdirect all you want but the American taxpayer will be the loser in this, not the politicians, not the banks and not business.　
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0214/1224289738433.html?digest=1&sms_ss=twitter&at_xt=4d5887373d3810b6,0
http://tvnz.co.nz/business-news/obama-plans-trillion-dollar-trim-4025541?ref=rss
http://schuylerthorpe.wordpress.com/2011/02/21/obama-sends-congress-3-7-trillion-dollar-budget/
http://cedartownstd.com/view/full_story/11387354/article-Obama-unveils--3-73-trillion-dollar-budget-for-2012?instance=home_news_1st_left
http://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php/usnews/politics/6124-president-obamas-weak-budget-cuts
http://dailycaller.com/2011/02/13/boehner-urges-obama-to-back-immediate-budget-cuts/
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/15/us/politics/15obama.html?_r=1
From a blog by john on answers.yahoo.com circa Feb 14, 2011...
LOL, all joking aside. Cut spending to sustainable levels before you ask me for more money. Because quite frankly, you're not spending it responsibly
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/business/2011-02/14/c_13731928.htm
Golly gee pietro you left out the libs and democrats again. Lmao!
It is refreshing to know that obama has given up on job creation by following the republican position that it is business that creates jobs and that business is our friend.
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL Comment collapsed by the community
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL Comment collapsed by the community
Well THAT didn't take long... keep collapsing & I'll keep on re-posting!
Let everyone see what how you cowards roll! lol
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL Comment collapsed by the community
There has been a fair share of chatter lately by a certain poster regarding collapsed comments.
Not sure WHY this has become a cause of concern for them, other than there's no doubt they're involved UP to their beady Cheetos colored eyeballs!
Below are examples of how the Cowardly, sniveling, phony 1st Amendment Lovers play the game:
alwaysfaithfull
All is well.......remain calm.....just because a rookie President and former community activist is at the helm with his two years Senatorial experience (this does not include the 2 years he campaigned for the Presidency)....no need to panic here....not yet......he will think of something........soon........I hope.......at least....maybe......sorta kinda..........c'mon Donald Trump......announce something will ya......i wanna see ya really piss off "Feisty Redhead" and watch her posts get closed down "by the community" even more than they are now! Ha!Ha!Ha!
#115 - Thu Mar 24, 2011 12:15 PM CDT
KevinT
Always, I do not read her posts anymore, I just click inflammatory. Gingers do not have a soul.
#5.6 - Wed Mar 30, 2011 10:24 AM EDT
_________________________________________________________
I have stated this before but since it seems we have acquired a whole new crowd of Ignorant Yahoo’s let me make it clear again. I do not do this collapsing Bull Pucky. If somebody puts something up I want to hear it even if you don’t. As long as it is not a clear violation of the COH I’m old enough to do my own censoring thank you very much. Best I can tell you folks that think that you’re somehow doing something useful by playing these kinds of silly games is to take it on down the road somewhere else.
Thank You IR!
I can always count on you to have my back! ;o)
Business would really be our friend if they paid their fair share of taxes.
You know it Red Anytime Anywhere
lmao.....looks like a liberal love fest here today!
That is better than a conservative "lynching".
beerangus - as consumers or end users of what business provides we pay most of the taxes and fees that businesses then gives to the government. After all, taxes and fees are just another cost to produce a product or service.
Tax businesses all you want, we will still pay most of the taxes they give to the government.
The other small item to remember is that business creates the revenues via wages taxed that the government requires to pay government workers wages, benefits and for funding programs. Treat businesses like shlt and see how long they stay around.
I have no problem in eliminating tax loop holes, be they for business or individuals.
What if they held a Presidential election in 2012 and no one from the Republican party came?
I plan on announcing my candidacy via Facebook one of these days. I'm figuring I'll take advantage of the current lack of candidates and garner some much needed early attention. Plus I'll take advantage of social media such as Twitter and mention the "Bronx Zoo Cobra" as a potential Cabinet member. My biggest issue will be if the press digs up any pics from South Beach. *gulp* ;-)
Honestly, I'm ok with the fact that we don't have 300 candidates advertising all over the place. We just got thru the 2010 elections...I don't see why the 2012 season needs to start quite yet.
Hope all is well Steeler Fan!
Grimey -
Not to worry. Once you said I was on the short list to be your running mate, I had those pictures taken care of. From what I've heard of the Bronx Zoo Cobra's Twitter messages, I know we can find a place for him in the administration. (Once we actually find him, that is.) I'm thinking something in Central Intelligence maybe?
P.S., Grimey -
On second thought, since I see he's up to 35,000 followers already, you might want to consider HIM as your running mate. (There is a bit of a resemblance to Dick Cheney, isn't there?)
Some of his tweets to date:
"On top of the Empire State Building! All the people look like little mice down there. Delicious little mice."
"Oh look, an apartment window someone left open just a crack. Perfect!"
"Forgot DWTS is on tonight! Someone DVR it for me. Want to watch Ralph Macchio go down for what he did to Cobra Kai Dojo."
And my personal favorite, in response to one of the best bad movies ever:
"Just FYI, I've had it with Samuel L. Jackson, too".
Grimey---you may be the only Republican I would consider voting for!
I second that Steeler Fan! As I've said before: I beleive in many republican party platforms (personal liberty, fiscal responsibility,reforming the tax code....); I just wish they did too!
for a real laugh google: republican platform 2008 find the gop.com entry. See what it states about unions.....
Grimey -- I'll cross over to vote for you in the primary. Good luck. ;-)
Ted, Mid Michigan: " for a real laugh google: republican platform 2008 find the gop.com entry. See what it states about unions....."
Hi, Ted; good to see you. I'm going to assume this is the part of the GOP platform you were referring to?
"We affirm both the right of individuals to voluntarily participate in labor organizations and bargain collectively"
I guess not everyone got the memo, huh?
steeler - Dems would still lose, did you forget the November election already?
President Obama’s approval rating hits a new low
"Just 42 percent of those polled approve of the job Obama is doing, compared to 48 percent who disapprove"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theticket/president-obamas-approval-rating-hits-a-new-low
Steeler - maybe the democrats would win the election, but how are you going to entice them and/or their businesses back to the US for them to pay taxes for your wanton spending ways?
What do you think would entice them? As soon as Bush gave them tax cuts and incentives, they left. Maybe they misunderstood and thought Bush was paying them to leave and take their jobs with them.
And we all know what happened the last time the US armed a rebel force, right?
Just take out the Libyan government and send in NATO peacekeepers to establish a transition government while the people organize the free elections that they want.
Can't do it, Grand Moff.
President Obama says this mission is humanitarian in nature...and, regime change is a no-no.
Didn't you listen to his address?
The possibility exists that if the rebels defeat Gadhafi, the rebels will just kill all Gadhafi supporters. Then what? If this happens will Obama see the need for a "humanitarian" effort to protect those civilians? All his critera will be met.
True American-2367375
1 post in and Louis in playing the race card!.....Louis, was it racist when people called George Bush "Dubbya" or when they called Clinton "Billy Boy"?.....get over yourself, 'cause we all have.
I am really sick of you and your whole cable and your race chasing. You know perfectly well they are many people who don't like the President because he is Black. No, it's not his policies haters; it's him. Moreover, you lie that it does exist.
You are a bunch of cowards. And you know who you are.
Tom Friedman is right and I share his sentiments and thoughts.
The president's predicament (In Libya) summed up by Tom Friedman this morning: "Dear Lord, please make President Obama lucky."
...Welcome to the Middle East of 2011! You want the truth about it? You can’t handle the truth. The truth is that it’s a dangerous, violent, hope-filled and potentially hugely positive or explosive mess — fraught with moral and political ambiguities. We have to build democracy in the Middle East we’ve got, not the one we want — and this is the one we’ve got.
That’s why I am proud of my president, really worried about him, and just praying that he’s lucky.
MB-
Like a dog with a bone on this one huh?...:)
Why, dangerfield...
What on earth are you talking about?
Heck, Dangerfield ... even I voted Bag Boy's comment.
He's good when he wants to be.
MB-
It would seem that this place is a little sort on levity today, no?
Anna-
MB gets the joke, one hopes you do too...
I hope Tom Friedman hopes I'M LUCKY, cause I'm thinking about solving this deficit thing by buying a couple lottery tickets, say SIXTY-ONE BILLION of 'em...
Truthfully, dangerfield...
There's just not enough appreciation for irony at First Read...I help out where I can.
Levity...?
Well, as you've noted...
There are a lot of unintentionally funny posts at First Read...
I see where ABC News sent one of its reporters in to see President Obama's Certificate of Live Birth and they said it is there! So there goes the main Republican plan. What is next?
Did FR miss the AP story, that Walker has been barred from implementing his illegel law in Wiconson?
Great news Patrick. The authoritarians continue to be upset that anyone dares stand up to them, but this time people just won't lie down like doormats;
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/wis-gop-faces-another-hurdle-in-battle-over-public-sector-unions-as-judge-issues-new-order/2011/03/30/AFh0Tk0B_story.html
I sure hope all of you Obama cheer leaders and blind followers can influence Obama to believe he can't be defeated in the next election. Best thing he can believe. This time his popularity based on all the impressive speeches will not be enough to carry him. People will wake up and realize even though social justice is a noble cause, it cannot be the only priority of a President. Obama seems to be willing to bankrupt the country if that is what it takes to implement every form of social justice he and his followers want. More and more people depending on the federal government for their well being and less and less people funding the federal government cannot go on forever. Go ahead and start the "tax" the rich crying and blame Bush. That unfortunately is the only solution some people including Obama seem to think will save us all. We really need change. For real this time around.
Tony C
blah, blah, blah....
you left out one very important ingredient for 2012...
the "right" will need a candidate - first and foremost a candidate they can stomach themselves....
good luck with that
btw - what happened to the earlier rhetoric from the right that they could run Mickey Mouse and beat Obama?
you should check and see if he is available!
Yeah, Tony, but which Republican will be able to defeat the President?
Newt?
Sarah?
T-Paw?
The 'Donald'?
Hayley?
Mitt?
If this is the BEST that the Republicans can do, then we can all look forward to President Obama until 2016.
I see you both, Pietro and b dune, do not have any thing of substance to respond. Typical, just rant and poke a stick. You do confirm what I said though.
Tony, it is a FAIR question to ask. What Republican candidate has what it takes to defeat President Obama?
It is NOT HELPING that the Republican Governors are overreaching in their states with their policies. Itis not helping that the House GOPers and Tea Partyers are overreaching by NOT concentrating on JOBS, as they whined about incessentaly for TWO YEARS.
So the question still stands - which Republican candidates have any VISION to lead this country that will be able to defeat President Obama?
And Tony, for the record, if I was 'poking a stick' as you characterize it, I would have called you a shill and a buffoon for toeing the 'company line'. Since I didn't do that, how is asking a LEGITIMATE question about candidates considered a 'rant'?
Pietro, I think your question is particularly fair in light of the fact that President Obama is STILL more popular than Reagan or Clinton at this point in their presidencies. http://www.gallup.com/poll/124922/Presidential-Approval-Center.aspx
Like every presidential election, the current office holder usually runs for a second term. The opposition candidate will emerge over time. If you support Obama, that is your choice. That does not translate to him winning or mean that there is not a candidate on the other side worthy of being President. I will say it again, Obama needs to take a lesson from Harry Truman, "the buck stops here". So far he is not showing he undersands that concept. We need a leader, not a blamer.
Tony C
I think you flatter yourself a little too much...you never posted anything of substance to start with - do a reality check.
Maybe you should take a step back and review the situation as it really is....the potential GOP candidates for POTUS have.
You keep living in your "own little world".....and start working on that sign that reads "Wait Until 2016"!
Good morning Pietro,
Seriously, you may laugh but I think that the right may have a contender if he chooses to run. Believe me I don't believe or agree or support almost anything he believes in. However, the question you posed is which GOP would have the best chance of beating the president.
I believe that the "supposed" main GOP names are made up of retreads, also rans or financial opportunists ie. Palin, Trump. I don't see a name there that could seriously hope to beat Obama in a general election. However to address your post, my suggestion is that Rand Paul would have the best chance of winning the GOP nomination and competing with Pres. Obama. Dependent on the economy and world events it could be a run for the money in a 2012 general election.
Paul has a respected political name, he is young, charasmatic, and "seems" articulate and thoughtful. Remember, I don't agree with his policies, but to the average voter presentation is everything. In addition he wouldn't have a history of votes to defend. He would surely get the Tea Party and the GOP vote. That being said, Paul will probably stay out of 2012 and run in 2016. You can count on him running in 2016.
I think Mitch Daniels or Jon Huntsman are viable candidates. Doesn't mean I think they will win as its too early.
BTW You always know Newt's position on anything...the opposite of President Obama's....whatever that me be....keeps them both guessing.
Yellowdog - Mark D - I think your pick is a fair one. However, I think that in the last line of your post, you have probably identified the strategy that will be pervasive throughout the 2012 election cycle.
I really do not see Rand Paul doing much this cycle. There is not that much excitement around him (at least I do not see it, but I could be wrong).
It is really funny that I posed this question to Tony C. and he could not answer with anything of substance (other than his disdain for life in general).
To Alan, NJ - I don't know much about Huntsman, so I will not comment. However, I do know a bit about Mitch 'The Blade' Daniels, and he has a LOT of baggage that will dog him throughout any campaign.
I could be wrong.
Alan - Agree with Pietro. I don't know a lot about Huntsman. It is early. Apparently the president is concerned enough about Huntsman to praise the ambassador for the work he has done for Obama's admin. The subtle accolades to praise him to try to diminish him in some eyes.
Newt - well I try to keep things civil so lets just say he has had more than his share of hypocritical moments.
I think Romney could defeat President Obama if the elections were held today.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/52208.html
By 2012 I think my English Mastiff known as Brutus will be able to defeat him unless he makes some serious policy adjustments.
Alan, NJ
You know I never agree with you on anything; but you get props for being funny AND honest about Newt.
Doug,
47% of registered voters say they would like to see Barack Obama reelected, while 37% say they would prefer to see a Republican candidate win the 2012 election, according to the survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press conducted March 8-14 among 1,525 adults.
http://people-press.org/report/720/
Got any recent numbers on Brutus, Doug?
I'm looking for a dark horse...er, dog.
I'm sure we agree on more than Newt being a dufus (who should go home and practice being a grandfather).
Mixed
Out of likely voters polled 100% said given the current direction of our country Brutus would defeat the President. Of course the sample is small and the poll would hardly be scientific.
Dennis.
Quinnipac. March 22-28.
Questionable sampling methods and data processing...
Nevertheless, I'm keeping my eye on Brutus, Doug.
We'll see it he emerges from the "pack". :-)
And...Pew samples all adults. Quinnipiac samples registered voters. I prefer the registered voter sample, particularly when you're asking people who they would vote for.
ITony c, I wouldn't be sure that the candidates that are running now are going to be the nominees at the republican convention.I have nothing to back that up just a funny feeling
Lisa s - you got it. Who would have thought that carter would be nominated and win in the 70's.
A lot of carter? who is carter?
Lisa,
I hope you're correct, personally, I'm hoping for a "Draft John Thune" outcome, with a Marco Rubio VP.
Tony C.
People will wake up and realize even though social justice is a noble cause, it cannot be the only priority of a President. Obama seems to be willing to bankrupt the country if that is what it takes to implement every form of social justice he and his followers want. More and more people depending on the federal government for their well being and less and less people funding the federal government cannot go on forever.
Ok, can you please answer these for me.
What form of social justice is President Obama implementing?
How should he go about funding the federal government?
Question: What do we call people who constantly flout the law?
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_9bb38eb8-5a14-11e0-a6ee-001cc4c03286.html
Answer: In most places we call them criminals. In Wisconsin, we call them Governor, the heads of the state legislature, and attorney general.
First they stripped the collective bargaining provisions out of a "budget" bill, declaring those provisions "non-fiscal," even though the entire purpose of them is supposedly to save money.
Second they ignored open meetings law by not giving even two hours' notice before voting on their newly redrafted bill.
Third, they defended their actions in the name of the Secretary of State, a Constitutional elected officer of the State, even though THEY FAILED TO CONSULT WITH HIM.
Sound familiar?
Fourth, they ignored the judge's order not to publish or implement their new law, saying that they could just tack it up on a state website, even though the person they got to tack it up didn't even agree that this was actual "publication." Then they announced that they had begun taking action to implement the bill, even though the judge's order enjoined not only publication but also implementation.
And finally, when the judge smacked them down but good, they announced their intention to ignore her again, this time arguing that the State's Department of Administration wasn't a "party" to the lawsuit. Like the DoA isn't an arm of the executive branch or something.
Now, conservatives, let me just say one thing here. If this governor thinks he can end-run checks and balances just because he wants to, then how can you possibly complain about President Obama not "consulting" with Congress over Libya?
If these are the sorts of cowboy actions YOU are willing to support, then we are not very far away from authoritarian government. Dictatorship, if you will.
But just remember that, what goes around, comes around.
Currently, President and Attorney General.
Doug, you have to understand, liberals only see an issue when someone who doesn't agree with their position commits the foul. Everyone has to respect the law except liberals. Just ask Michael Moore .
My point exactly.
Apparently, what's good for the goose is good for the gander.
I believe it was George W. Bush and Dick Cheney who first introduced the idea of the "unitary" executive.
Conservatives don't like it because it because it just came around on them.
It's called irony, Tony. Look it up.
Anna, was that some of that humor you mentioned?
Since I am always interested in what motivates people, here is a challenge. Those of you who are collapsing posts that do not violate the COH: Post on FR WHY you are doing that. Yes, that requires having the courage of your convictions. Yes, that means we know who you are. Pretty easy to hide behind a computer screen, let's see if you are brave enough to come out in the open. If you don't? We know EXACTLY the content of your character.
Of course, not. I'm a mirthless, humorless liberal, Tony. You said so.
First Read version of (really, really) MAD-Libs (and Cons) (the game)
Thanks to Tony C-2383666
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____— you have to understand, ______'s only see an issue when someone who doesn't agree with their position commits the foul. Everyone has to respect the law except ______'s Just ask _____— .
Great post Anna Molly. The authoritarian Conservatives just expected everyone to roll over, to accept whatever comes from them. They don't even understand the extent of their overreach and how badly they're hurting their own cause. Phyrric victory is beautiful to behold...standing on the outside with marshmallows in hand. Not so pleasant for the "victors", after that first, warm flush of excitement over the conquest.
Anna, that hurts. Do you ever forgive?
dangerfield either leave California or get off the drugs. Wait, that may be interconnected.
I'm taking it under advisement, Tony. ;-)
dangerfield is a New Yorker, Tony C...not a Californian.
A subtle, but important difference.
MB-
Let the kid go right for the cheap shot, especially when he didn't get the joke...I love when the mirror of satire results in hysterical blindness...
I wonder if he knows who Tony C(onigliaro) was...
Okay, everybody ease up on poor Tony C!
He's quite funny once you get past his initial abrasiveness. He has a killer wine cellar and the absolute BIGGEST bootsraps of anyone around!
Anna Molly - I was looking for your tag line today:
Wisconsin Opened for Business - Closed to Law Abiding legislation
dangerfield, my roots are in NY. via souhern Italy. No needs to "explain" to me "kid".
No needs to "explain" to me "kid".
Actually...the irony thing seems to be doing a "Houdini" on you...
I see you both, Pietro and b dune, do not have any thing of substance to respond. Typical, just rant and poke a stick. You do confirm what I said though.
Anna, was that some of that humor you mentioned?
the best humor is unintentional...
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/conigto01.shtml
I See you think you have things figured out. Good for you.
Hey "kid" I guess I don't sound like the Babe afterall.
fellow born new yorkers, hard to beat sicilian style pizza, beef on weck, buffalo wings and natural casing hot dogs.
American - actually Nathans and Sabretts are my favourites when it comes to franks. As far as pizza is concerned, the best pizza I ever had was in Bologna, Italy, and it looked and tasted like the pizza I used to get in the Bronx.
"Dear Lord, please make President Obama lucky."
This sums up the Obama Presidency. Unfortunately, the Lord has not helped President Obama out. His term has been a disaster.
The biggest disaster has been his pie-in-the-sky energy policy which we all suffer for. Especially the poor and middle class. Now he has decided that tapping our resources is the solution to rising energy cost. 20,000 oil field workers in the gulf are on unemployment benefits rather than working because of his policies. Food prices have risen 20% because of his policies.
Food prices are up because there is worldwide food shortage and stock market speculation.
Before the election, republcans had all the questions and no answers. But since they won the elections republicans have all the questions and no answers.
It is fantasy to think that the cost of energy does not drive the cost of everything. There, bold for you.
BTW. You could search and find some excellent articles concerning research done on ethanol and how it helps drive up the cost of food by contributing to that world wide shortage you mentioned.
Quip of the day. Thank you, Patrick.
Answer me this, Doug. Why is it exactly that energy prices are rising so fast? Is it because of world demand, driven by global markets? Is it because of unrest in the Middle East? Or is it possibly just greed? In the face of everything, why is it that the oil companies continue to make record profits?
Couldn't they just do the patriotic thing and take a little less margin for a change?
Isn't that just what "taxpayers" are asking public workers to do?
Why is it that oil companies are allowed to continue gouging at every opportunity, no matter how much it hurts everything? Why do we continue to subsidize this nonsense? Why don't we have a Tea Party revolt against the oil companies?
Doug,
You try to make a very complex issue the fault of one person, this President. In fact the very issue you talk about (ethanol) is much older than this administration and, in fact, dates back almost a decade.
Anna
Excellent questions. The answer would more than likely be a little of all which you pointed out. Global markets, unrest, greed. Sure. Record profits come from selling record amounts of oil at higher prices. Put those profits into perspective.
Our current energy policies hinder our ability to control those things. Half of our oil unnecessarily comes from foreign countries. Do you remember the one substantial announcement that began the downward trend when oil hit 147/barrel?
If President Obama follows thru with what is being reported in the article then I will sing his praises. Oil will begin an immediate downward trend. But to date he has not helped America as it pertains to less reliance on foreign oil.
Dennis
I don't fault Obama for everything. But it is his administration who can provide some relief thru policy. Surely you can agree with that?
As far as ethanol goes. Obama, first as a State Senator and later as U.S. Senator, pushed the ethanol issue. Not faulting him for that either. But it doesn't change the fact that using food for fuel is contributing to shortages. My point is that at the present situation we should tweak some policies.
So, your answer is that they gouge because they can? That's what I thought.
Short of regulating prices, exactly what "energy policies" would change that?
Was it President Bush's fault the price of gas sky rocketed in 2008? Of course not. We have an 18 year high in supply, demand remains steady so just why is the price going up. Middle east problems, maybe except Saudi Arabia has agreed to increase their supply to cover any shortfalls in Libya and other Arab countries. The simple truth is the biggest driver is commodities speculation, Wall Street speculators--the same greedy speculators who created the housing mortgage bubble and ultimate economic collapse.
Well, Doug, PONDER this:
If the President is willing to release some of our strategic reserves to ease the price of gasoline at the pump, don't you think that there is a REASON for that? Could it be that those reserves will be REPLACED at the current price - or less - based on what is going on in the Middle East these days?
Anna
Who is gouging? The oil companies? What percentage of profit should they make?
Jody
Commodities speculation is based on real world events. You missed my point about hindering our capability to produce oil which would help stabilize the market. Everyone knows the middle east remains in a perpetual state of instability. We should tap our resources to counter that instability.
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2011/03/12/oil-supplies-might-drop-worldwide-opec-says.html
But did you just blame the recession on commodity brokers?
I have spoken recently to an Iowa farmer who is going back to the states next week to plant. He said that they have found a way to use the corn stalks to make ethenol. This would enable them to ship out crops and use by products for fuel.
Lisa S - I hope that innovation is actually developed. America can use all the help it can getting weaned off of Foreign Oil (which we are hopelessly addicted to).
What's to debate? Corporations good, common people bad. I mean, don't all Republicans agree that if people would just stop trying to get paid a living wage and expecting to receive any services at all for the health insurance premiums they pay, this world would be a better place?
I mean seriously, the only difference I can see between the Republican candidates is the color of their ties.
P.S. I heard Tina Brown say on Morning Joe-ke this morning that no matter what, the corporations and rich are always going to win and find ways not to pay their fair share, so we should just accept that. You got that America? Quit fighting . . . the corporations are going to get what they want regardless . . . just pray for a coupon! lol
P.S.S. I find it interesting that folks in the corporate media are having to discuss the fact that most companies, including their parent companies, pay zero taxes while whining about the tax rate. I won't hold my breath that anything will come of this discussion, but hey, its nice to hear something close to reality on the news from time to time.
P.S.S. I find it interesting that folks in the corporate media are having to discuss the fact that most companies, including their parent companies, pay zero taxes while whining about the tax rate.
________
Yet they want to defund NPR.
Late Start. Hard to imagine that all those republicans whose sole goal the past two years has been to defeat President Obama in 2012, have yet to form exploratory committees. That should have been done months ago. In Iowa, prime caucus campaign season is now through early fall--this is when people get to know candidates; late fall and winter is final push time.
With the exception of about three candidates, there is a lack of seriousness in them. You have Donald Trump a normally sensible, reasonable, smart guy sounding like a clown the past couple weeks with his newly found birther-ism; standing on stage and declaring himself to be the greatest president ever. Anyone attending Iowa's own prejudiced wingnut Steve King's rally is automatically flagged to independents, moderate republicans and democrats as requiring close scrutiny if not out right ignoring.
Libya. Anyone who thought the revolutionaries in Libya would have a cake walk to Tripoli because of the No-Fly Zone is not realistic. These rebels or freedom fighters are ordinary citizens with little to no military experience; they are learning on the job. What struck me in Richard Engel's report last night was the footage of private vehicles being used to fight Gadhafi's tanks. In an odd way, I found that to be the most revealing example of determination to be free of a tyrant.
During the discussions of Libya, Al Qaeda is frequently mentioned and it is suggested they could possibly be mixed in with the rebels. No one knows much about the opposition but the thought I have is Gadhafi is a terrorist, a man who murdered thousands, a man who sponsored the blowing up of an airplane killing hundreds of innocent civilians. The possibility of terrorist infiltrators among the Libyans exists with or without this revolt. It seems too often, too many right now are spending their time discussing Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups when for the people in Libya, Syria, and other countries, they've been living under the rule of terrorist, dictator thugs for decades. I'm not convinced the opposition wants to trade one terrorist group for another and think the discussion is based on our own obsession with Al Qaeda. There is always risk when revolutions take place but it is up to the people in those countries to decide.
Trump's not interested in being president, he just knows that he can make a ton of money off the Republican base with his rhetoric.
"Hard to imagine that all those republicans whose sole goal the past two years has been to defeat President Obama in 2012, have yet to form exploratory committees."
How true! And I would add, they run down our President, our economy and our foreign policy every chance they get. They claim: HCR is a threat to freedom! Democrats are bankrupting us!
So where are their knights in shining armour? At this point in the Democratic primary season, I had already sat through God knows how many presidential debates, interviews, and forums, and been courted by Gov. Richardsen, Gov. Mark Warner, Sen. Clinton, Sen. Biden, Sen. Edwards and Sen. Dodd, all candidates with major offices in their past, lots of dough and plenty of supporters. It was Christmas for Democrats! What choices are the Republicans putting forth? Whacky and more whacky.
I think that the most likely way that Gaddafi will be brought down is a war of attrition. Sanctions have cut him off from revenue with which to buy ammunition and mercenary soldiers, so his supply of both may dwindle over time as the opposition becomes better armed and better trained. Eventually, a tipping point could be reached where the rebels start advancing on Tripoli for real, with no false starts. When that might happen, I've got no idea.
If the rebels win and then start to kill all the Gadhafi supporters, will Obama see the need for "humanitarian" action against the rebels?
True American-2367375
You're right. I have nightmares about that hair of his.
Anyone who's ever met him is scared of donald trump, but not in the way you mean...he can't hold on to a woman and he couldn't hold on to his father's money...ever seen a "Trump Village"? His father built communities, little donnie builds up his little ego and pretends that he hasn't gone bankrupt more times than my brother in law..
Trump for president!
The best humor is unintentional...
Scared of Donald Trump?
Please.
DO I really think that Donald Trump would be able to withstand the scrutiny that it takes to be President?
Not hardly. All of 'The Donald's' dirty deals will come out in the open to be debated and second-guessed. Let him EXPLAIN to the American people who a person who has defaulted on loans and have declared bankruptcy more than once why he should be trusted with the keys to the country.
This is just a show so that 'The Donald' can get some publicity.
LouisJ: "Trump's not interested in being president, he just knows that he can make a ton of money off the Republican base with his rhetoric."
a.k.a., The Sarah Palin Playbook.
Which at first I was going to say that she cribbed from P.T. Barnum's famous quote about there being a sucker born every minute, but then in googling that to check my sources, I find there's some doubt as to whether he actually ever said it.
Nevertheless, it's the title of a song in a musical that came out about him back in the 80's that I've never seen, but would think the lyrics still apply here:
"There is a sucker born every minute
Each time the second hand sweeps to the top
Like dandelions up they pop,
Their ears so big, their eyes so wide.
And though I feed ‘em bonafide baloney
With no truth in it
Why you can bet I’ll find some rube to buy my corn.
‘Cause there’s a sure-as-shooting sucker born a minute,
And I’m referrin’ to the minute you were born."
Hey, wait - did True American actually just say that President Obama was able to withstand the scrutiny it takes to be President? Does he even read his own posts?
Scared of Donald Trump? That's the best laugh all morning and wishful thinking by conservatives. Donald Trump has made a mockery of himself and that's the truth. He's not running, he's trying to pump up his reality TV ratings in the hope that NBC will give him one more run. He's an arrogant jerk. Scared,
Jody -
Isn't it interesting that in 2008 the argument against Obama was his "lack of experience". Now, in 2012, it's suddenly going to be that the guy who will by then have four years experience actually being President will be "trumped" (sorry, I couldn't resist!) by a bunch of candidates who haven't been serving in any type of political capacity for years - if ever. But what will they all be campaigning on? You guessed it - "Change".
History is just endlessly fascinating, isn't it?
Nice JoAnne. Those lyrics sum it rather nicely. This defender (TA) of all things TEA doesn't have a clue.
OK. First we were scared of Sarah Palin, now, we are scared of Donald Trump. How long will this list get? hehehe
The President "brushes" that nonsense off, not even entertain it. He is SO above AND beyond that foolishness. Yet, these clowns get on here everyday and come up with sh!t MORE rediculous than the day before. I winder how late they stay up at night "thinking up" new dumb sh!t? Good Grief!!
Thanks to Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), we now know that the Democratic leadership isn't negotiating seriously to avoid a government shutdown.
Spending for FY 2011 is projected at $3.82 trillion...$1.65 trillion of that is deficit spending. Put another way, 43 cents of every dollar spent by the federal government this fiscal year will have been borrowed.
The GOP proposal to adopt $61 billion in spending cuts amounts to less than 3.7% of the $1.65 trillion deficit for this year.
Sadly, Senator Schumer would rather play games than address the budget and debt crisis.
On Sunday. Democrat and founding chair of the Congressional Budget Committee, Alice Rivlin, stated that the United States faces the real possibility of a sovereign debt crisis...just like Greece, Spain, Portugal, or Ireland.
Are you listening yet, Mr. President?
When will you start?
Someone needs to explain to Schumer that "extreme" problems like out of control spending requires "extreme" action and solutions. He has been in lala land (Washington) too long just like most of them, democrat or republican. Ironic part is, it is going to take the tea party to save his fat salary and benefits. He is not alone, there are a whole bunch of the "free lunch" crowd that will really have someting to cry about if Obama and the free spending congress is not stopped.
Sorry Mixed Bag. This is all he's listening to.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/52208.html
Dang it, Bag Boy. When did you start to make sense? ;-)
Bag:
The GOP proposal was ridiculous. The spending cuts for Planned Parenthood and the EPA were motivated purely by the Republicans' ideological extremism. They even cut the Food and Drug Administration. The Republicans are not serious. Schumer was exactly right, and every Democrat should be talking about Republican extremism to the media, because it's true.
The budget deficit problem cannot be solved until some future time when the teabaggers are thrown out of Congress and rational people from either party take their place and start increasing taxes, which are at the lowest level they've been at for SIXTY years. Budget cuts alone will undermine the vital agencies that make the US a first-world country rather than the banana republic the Banana Republicans want it to be.
The House GOPers and Tea partyers fight for $61 BILLION by taking things away from people when they could garner $100 BILLION by doing absolutely nothing but reduce the redundancies in Government.
$100 BILLION.
Why is it that no one is even THINKING about looking at this as an alternative to trimming the budget?
Good morning, Houston-
All of the budget numbers in my post are from the Obama Administration...are you disputing them?
$61 billion represents just 3.7%, not of total spending for FY 2011...but 3.7% of deficit spending for the year.
Just offering a little perspective, Houston.
What you do with the information is your concern.
And former CBO Chair Alice Rivlin is the one suggesting that the United States may become a banana republic, Houston...apparently, you agree with her.
Will 61 billion cover the cost of the Libya "project"?
No, dangerfield...it won't.
On the other hand...
I don't see the upside of having this President...or any President, decide the issue of whether or not to deploy the U.S. military first and foremost on budgetary criteria.
Are we in disagreement?
Isn't disagreement the coin of the realm here?...:)
in answer to your question; Obviously not, but you knew that didn't you?
The thing is, all Presidents contradict their pre-election rhetoric when confronted with the harsh realities of the duties of office.
Mixed Bag:
Are you disputing the fact that the federal tax rates are the lowest in 60 years?
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2010/05/11/US-tax-burden-at-lowest-point-in-years/UPI-74091273594893/
The budget problem is not primarily a spending problem; it's a revenue problem. It won't be solved until there are more grownups in Congress who are willing to raise taxes. Repealing the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy would have brought in $70 billion a year, but the Republicans refuse to consider any tax increases unless they're hiking the taxes at the state level on the middle class and the poor to pay for corporate tax cuts as they're doing in Ohio and other teabagger-infested states.
Thanks again, Houston-
President Obama's own debt commission told him it's a spending AND revenue problem...that there's no solution without across-the-board spending cuts (including defense) and sweeping changes in tax policy.
Although President Obama has ignored the Plan to address the debt crisis offered by his debt commission, a bipartisan group of six U.S. Senators...3 Democrats, 3 Republicans, is working to craft legislation based on the commission's Plan.
At least someone is trying to lead, anyway.
The Republicans will slowly start to disappear once 2012 comes to quickened pace. And I will be the first in line when I arrive to my voting precinct.
Concerning the movement in the regions of the Middle East and Northern Africa, the political atmosphere is gaining ground as Libya is calling for diplomatic support as Qaddafi is being pushed out for a new type of governance that will be the template for building a unified democracy.
The Libyan revolution and the situation it posed can be likened to the same situation that was presented to President Clinton. "Kosovo, a Serbian province, is not an easy problem, but if we don't stop the conflict now, it clearly will spread and then we will not be able to stop it except at far greater cost and risk," Clinton said.
President Obama is showing the world what true practiced leadership is all about. I have no doubt that his impact on the world stage will have a ripple effect for governing in a fashion that is beneficial to nations that provide their people the opportunity for liberty.
This operation will have a domino effect throughout Northern Africa and the Middle East. And that will be what the world has been waiting for for a United Front against terrorism.
President Obama has taken the presidency to a whole other level.
No doubt that the critics of President Obama shall push for the message of confusion and discontent as he has made new ground in bridging a divide over religious intolerance from many of those that oppose integration. The whole theme of segregation has been put on display by a narrow minded portion of our great society. These displays of shutting the door on people that are different only represent the ugly side of racial intolerance and that is the last thing this country needs to evoke.
But in the face of all the nasty, bitter talking points provided by failed governors and failed entertainers; in spite of the ugly voices speaking about Mau Mau revolutions and distorted world views; in spite of the malicious assaults on those that voice reason, President Obama and his supporters have maintained a cool calm and collected attitude that things will "Change" and that is something we all believe in.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
This forum loses credibility daily by the allowing the ignorant to practice ignorance.
Louis,, you seem to be doing a good job of spreading ignorance. Ignorance can be cured though. So in your case it is just good old stupid that you display.
Excellent post.
So many subtle layers of platitude wrapped in the embodiment of that which you decried in your follow up reply.
Well done sir.
Louis, this forum loses credibility when contributors are allowed to use vile language and constantly denigrate anybody who disagrees with them. Maybe, posts are getting collapsed because people are tired of those tactics. There's been a lot of discussion about bullying in our society lately. Maybe, folks who are offended by repeatedly being called names, are fighting back at the bully.
I don't understand why FR allows a certain female to use the same derogatory name in every post she makes. And, now, she has a new one that's pretty disgusting and she's allowed to keep on using it. If the only way she, or anybody else, can express their disagreement is with such language, that's showing their ignorance. Sorry, Louis, but until the moderators of this site actually do their job, ignorance will prevail here because apparently the regular posters here are nothing but a bunch of school yard bullies who haven't grown up yet.
Dirt Great comment, most reasonable people can't stand the Mean Girls Club this blog has become.
"...and no one has yet to formally announce a presidential bid."
OK. I'll overlook the failtastic grammar, First Read, but I've got to point out that Fred Karger has officially declared.
I know the GOP wants to pretend he doesn't exist, but seriously -- he's at least as interesting a candidate as Cain, and I see you've managed to notice his existence.
There really is no formal rule against the split infinitive ("to formally announce"). In the 19th century, the conventional wisdom was that, because infinitives cannot be split in Latin, they cannot be split in English.
I believe children are still taught not to split infinitives, as a way to promote good writing habits. The way they are taught never to begin a sentence with "and" or "but". But (see what I did there?) these are taught to help develop and instill strong writing habits (if a bit disciplined). These "rules" can be broken, but the writer takes a risk in doing so, since breaking these rules can easily cause something of a structual mess.
If, however, you feel confident in your writing skills and feel the need to break one of the learned junior high school conventions to better get your point across, the message is usually more important than strict adherence to the rules. Like sentence fragments. (I did it again!)
And no disrespect to Fred Karger, but I don't think he is mentioned because he has as much chance of winning as Mr. "the rent is too damn high", who has also announced his candidacy. I wouild love to see an openly gay President, but the GOP is not going to support one in 2012.
Fred Who?? There are lots of goofballs that always declare for both parties.
Ah, him I know: He's the guy who used to run a pizza company and who will NOT be the second black president of the United States.
He ran it right into bankruptcy! lol
Come on Houston! - the Michael Steele thing worked out so WELL for them now didn't it?
McCain wants us to arm the rebels in Libya, Bachaman does not want us to arm the rebels. The media wants instant answers. Thank God we have an adult in the White House who can tune out the cacophony, like a wise parent tunes out the squabbling of rowdy siblings, and makes decisions on facts and not emotions.
Rick Santourm wants to fix Social Security by banning abortion.
His logic escapes me. I guess you have to be a teabagger to understand it.
That last statement sums up what the media needs to stand on, facts and not emotions especially the writer of "Obama Agenda: Retreat".
Can we get the kid who writes the headlines for "Tiger Beat"? They only have nice things to say about Justin and Bruno etc...
One has got to love politics!! I think this is what has played a large role in the downfall of the U.S. It has turned into a pissing match, slap-fest, "he said, she said," junior high school drama....it reminds me of those commercials about a certain eatery where the grown adults have baby voices....It should not be about whether an individual is right-winged, left-handed, pink, purple, brown, yellow, green, GOP, OMG, LOL, republican, democrat, independent, wiccan, pagan, christian, muslim, atheist....it should be about the individual and their ability to lead a nation back up...but that's just my opinion.
I don't get it...day after day on these boards the same people always seem to be the first to post...must be nice to be able to sit around and respond to all msnbc drivel...don't some of you have real jobs or something lese better to do than post ad naseum here..
WOWZER! This thread may win the "SNARK OF THE WEEK" award. Geez folks. Chill out will ya before some of you stroke out or something!
Ok, Grandpa would like to see some positive energy from you kids today.
Sadly, for the Grand Old Party, they are great at creating wedge issues and "politicking" and terrible leaders. They are now reaping what they have sown in the past, which is a deficit of true leadership. I find myself wondering sometimes what Lincoln or Teddy Roosevelt would think about the post Watergate GOP. But that's kind of like those little rubber WWJD bracelets. They wonder what Jesus would do and then they do the opposite.
Here's what we need to do:
1. Bring our troops home.
2. Close most of our overseas military bases.
3. Trim the Congressional budget. No franking, no boondoggle trips. Reduce staff and freeze compensation.
4. STOP THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BICKERING AND POSTURING (maybe that needs to be made #1) and start creating jobs.
5. Stop rewarding companies for sending jobs overseas. Bring those jobs home which will decrease unemployment and increase the GNP. (which will increase tax revenue without raising taxes)
6. STOP the corporate welfare. EVERYBODY needs to pay their fair share.
7. And for heaven's sake stop the whining, pissing and moaning on this thread. Call you Congressional delegation or email them that you want them to stop hitting each other in the back seat of the car and behave themselves. (Don't make me come back there) We don't need rhetoric, we need solutions.
As I understand it Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid make up 40% of our current federal budget. But you cannot simply CUT them and let the chips fall where they may. That's tantamount to sending people to the gas chambers and then telling everybody you had no choice, it had to be done.
Millions of Americans rely on Social Security as their only income. Hundreds of millions of Americans depend on Medicare and Medicaid for their health care. Slash and Burn cuts to those programs will cost LIVES and will cause a flood of people to apply for welfare and jam up the emergency rooms all over the country. There are consequences.
I remember when the City of Tulsa leveled the old "skid row" and moved the bus station to deal with the "bums" infesting those areas. What was the result? They all moved up onto the newly created main street pedestrian mall designed to revitalize downtown. It was a hoot. They lounged around main street, sleeping on the new benches and begging for money. It was a disaster.
Simply slashing these programs will have a similar and even more terrible result.
But I believe if we work together and COMPROMISE we can redesign those programs over the next decade so they are properly funded without throwing grandma out into the street.
C'mon folks, let's work together for a solution.
OK, you can go back to your name-calling, mud-slinging and blame game now. Sermon's over.
The most sensible post I have read today. Kudos!
And with a sense of humor, too! Much needed. *Don't make me come back there* made me LOL.
Great message, tone, and improvement suggestions. BRAVO!!!
Aw shucks folks, thanks.
But I'm serious. All this mud-slinging and name-calling is nothing but negative energy and it's NOT solving our problems.
We need to sit down together and work these things out. There is more than one way to skin a cat (sorry cat lovers) and you don't have to throw Grandma out into the street to do it.
C'mon folks, let's work together to solve this problem the American way, with teamwork, not dictates.
Funny, Insightful and most importantly, points of view in there that everyone can agree with.
"We can hang together, or we will surely hang seperately."
Thanks pacnwsailor. I just wish there were more people like you, Ted and Sandtrich. We could actually answer these questions and deal with these issues with the least harm to ourselves or others.
But that's the tragic flaw in humanity. Of all the creatures on this earth what sets us apart from all the others is the fact that we are the ONLY creature that is self-delusional.
Pity, we had such potential, but I'd say we're going to follow the dinosaurs down the road to extinction pretty soon.
Maybe the sentient insect life that follows us will do better.
NO need to worry who ever wins the nomination will be a instant double digit leader over the worst president in the history of our country. Plenty of time to use the right one and save money to trash the dems in the senate and the house. Then whoever wins can cut the government down to size big time. I'm thinking a rand paul would do just that as he already wants to end medicare and obama care.
You Tea Baggers are so funny.
Republicans or teabaggers will not win in 2012, they are hanging themselves right now. lol
Hi Feisty and Louis,
Please keep posting. These Tea Baggers are afraid of you guys and the truth.
Hiya Job1 - Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere, just wanted to share some of the right wingers handiwork! ;o)
Funniest part is, the tea baggers are defending censorship! Go figure! LMAO!
Yeah, like the way they defend voter rights. Not.
Still here. Just kind of busy at the moment.
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL Comment collapsed by the community
"Obama talks up Kaine for VA SEN"
Thanks and keep it up, from a grateful Virginia Republican!!
Obama and his henchmen forever think it is still November 2008.
Obama is toxic in Virginia. Recall his campaign for Creigh Deeds for Governor in 2009. And just a few months ago, Obama put his prestige on the line and campaigned in person for a single Congressman, Tom Perriello. Both lost..badly!