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Subscribe to RSSThe high stakes in the 2012 election… One word that summarizes the House GOP’s first 100 days: bold… House Republicans head home to sell their votes for the Ryan budget plan… Obama hits the road this week to sell his own plan… It was a busy weekend on the early 2012 campaign trail… Bachmann and Haley attend Tea Party rally in South Carolina… And Dems have their candidate in TX SEN.
From NBC's Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Ali Weinberg
*** 2012’s high stakes: So much for the idea that the 2012 presidential election wouldn't live up to its predecessors. While 2012 won't feature the historic candidacies that 2008 did, and while we don't know yet know whether it will be as close as the ones in '00 and '04 were, there will be so much riding on it. For starters, it could decide the future of the U.S. safety net and the basic role of government (a GOP win would make passage of Paul Ryan’s budget plan much more realistic). It will determine what happens to the Bush tax cuts (an Obama win would probably end the tax cuts for the wealthy, while a Republican win would probably extend them). It could decide the fate of the health-care law (though the Supreme Court could do that next year). And it could very well determine the direction of the U.S. Supreme Court (the winner could potentially fill two or three SCOTUS vacancies). All presidential elections have plenty at stake, but this one could have more than many realize right now.
*** The battle over the size and role of government: One of us wrote that Friday’s nearly unanimous House GOP vote in favor of Ryan’s budget was a big gamble on Medicare for the Republican Party: Either the politics of Medicare have changed, or the GOP is about to walk into an electoral buzz saw. But in Sunday’s New York Times, Richard W. Stevenson framed it in an even bigger way, especially when you add the response to the GOP that President Obama gave on Wednesday. “What is under way now is the most fundamental reassessment of the size and role of government – of the balance between personal responsibility and private markets on the one hand and public responsibility and social welfare on the other -- at least since Ronald Reagan and perhaps since F.D.R.”
*** The House GOP’s first 100 days: Indeed, perhaps the best word to summarize the House’s first 100 days under GOP control is this: bold. They just didn’t take up what they campaigned in their “Pledge to America” -- vote to repeal the health-care law, cut spending for the rest of the fiscal year -- they went beyond that. They took on Medicaid, Medicare, abortion, and Planned Parenthood (all of which the “Pledge” ignored or barely mentioned). You can’t say House Republicans were timid, and they certainly were more aggressive than Democrats were during their first 100 days in congressional power in 2007. But Dems in ’07 didn’t do anything to change their glide path toward the White House in ’08. It’s an open question, however, if the House GOP’s first 100 days made the job of their party’s eventual presidential nominee more difficult. In fact, this group does not seem to care about whether they make Mitt Romney's (or Tim Pawlenty’s or Haley Barbour’s) job harder. This type of bold action in 1995 didn't help Bob Dole in 1996.
*** Selling the Ryan plan: While it probably won’t match those health-care town halls from the summer of 2009, House Republicans are going home during this two-week congressional recess to sell the budget plan they voted for on Friday. As Bloomberg News writes, "The budget fight spotlights the political risk confronting Republicans as Washington intensifies its focus on the long-term government deficits that will shape the country’s economic future and frame next year’s elections. How Republican leaders balance the expectations of Tea Party activists, who’ve pushed for cuts in popular programs including entitlements, with the need to protect vulnerable members in swing districts will define the party in the 2012 elections."
*** Selling the Obama plan: But this time, the White House isn't letting the House GOPers own the town hall stage. President Obama also hits the road this week to sell his own budget plan. He heads to Northern Virginia (on Tuesday), Facebook headquarters in Silicon Valley (on Wednesday), and Reno, NV (on Thursday). And by the way, today Obama is sitting down -- once again -- with local TV stations. Today's line-up: Denver, Raleigh, Dallas, and Indianapolis. The one of these that doesn't seem to belong on Obama's usual list of battleground affiliate interviews is Dallas. Then again, we know the demographic numbers in Texas have the Obama folks like David Plouffe and Jim Messina at least intrigued by the idea of at least trying to beef up the voter rolls in Texas and see if they can turn Texas '12 into, say, Virginia and Colorado ’04 -- two states that Kerry ended up NOT contesting but laid enough groundwork to make them competitive a cycle later.
*** Everybody’s working on the weekend… : Last week, we noted that the 2012 president campaign -- unless you’ve missed it -- is off and running. And that was certainly the case over the weekend. Among the activity: Pawlenty addressed a Tea Party rally in Iowa; Barbour was in South Carolina, where he won the Charleston County GOP straw poll and said he'd make up his mind about a presidential bid later this month; Gingrich made a stop in Georgia, where he "called for restrictions on abortion funding and requiring that students study religious references in the Declaration of Independence; Santorum played mini-golf in New Hampshire; and Trump was in Florida, where he "bragged about his intelligence and his business acumen, criticized areas of U.S. domestic and foreign policy, and again raised questions about whether the president is a U.S. citizen," the South Florida Sun-Sentinel noted. And Sarah Palin, in Wisconsin, hit a rally in support of Gov. Scott Walker.
*** Bachmann in South Carolina: And today, Michele Bachmann is in the 2012 spotlight, as she attends a Tea Party rally in Columbia, SC with Gov. Nikki Haley (R). The AP: “Monday's [tax] protest promises to give Bachmann the largest audience she has seen in South Carolina on two swings through the state. She is courting South Carolina support ahead of a decision whether to run for the GOP presidential nomination.”
*** Dems have their candidate in TX: McClatchy reports that Democrats "appear to have recruited retired Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez to run for the U.S. Senate in Texas." Sanchez is the former military commander in Iraq who "was forced out by the Abu Ghraib prison scandal" (and how the left reacts to this will be interesting). Make no mistake: Democrats are the big underdog in the race to fill the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R). But Sanchez’s candidacy, as well as Obama’s re-election, gives them a chance of picking up some of the Latino-heavy congressional seats they lost in 2010. Of course, we first need to see what happens in redistricting…
Countdown to NY-26 special election: 36 days
Countdown to Iowa GOP straw poll: 116 days
Countdown to Election Day 2011: 204 days
Countdown to the Iowa caucuses: 294 days
* Note: When the IA caucuses take place depends on whether other states move up
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On Second Thought
Republicans being promoted consistently by the Lame Stream Media... how's that hopey changey thing workin' out fer ya in the Liberal Media Republican Friends?
I can probably count war between birthers, the Donald and Huckabee, being promoted by the MSM more than the troops that are fighting for the United States of America 10:1. That's pretty sad. The media could care less (save Richard Engel) about our men and women in the Armed Services. Provide an update on that for a change. I'm certain if there is good news every once in a while, the perspective could chage on a lot of issues.
Raise the Roof… Raise the Roof
As we have adjusted to the era of 21st Century Reform we, as a people, are tasked with the responsibility to responsibly tackle the deficit that is on the horizon. When the debt ceiling is raised, the only way that it will be effective is by simultaneously managing the deficit and the debt through different measures. Whatever actions are chosen will have a worldwide impact and we need to put the misdirection and misinformation aside. If the Republicans and media continue to be "DIVISIVE" then that will impact the debate. The Republicans have veered so far to the Right that they are riding the guard rail sheering the side of the Vehicle called Medicare and Medicaid. The Republicans are attempting to derail the whole system knowing the base willing to go over the cliff with them. They have already crashed the system once before and they are willing to do it again.
Compromise is not cutting the military and leaving the rest for the greedy, compromise is looking at the whole picture and facing the reality that the people are the portion that is being cut. When you cut into the military so much, you're telling the terrorist to attack. Well Republicans, not on our watch.
Lefty liberals were OUTRAGED when GWB used signing statements to put into writing his disagreement with certain provisions of some laws passed by Congress. In fact Barry Obama explicitly denounced the “theory of George Bush that he can make laws as he is going along” by using signing statements and then flatly promised not to use any such statements when in office. See for yourself in the You Tube video at the link below.
I look forward to hearing the OUTRAGE from the FR lefty liberals about Barry’s use of signing statements. Of course, there may not be any outrage since this is just one more of the many GWB policies Barry has adopted for his own Presidency.
LMAO!!!!
http://opiniojuris.org/2009/07/01/did-anyone-oppose-signing-statements-just-koh-the-aba-and-some-guy-named-barack/
From Politico
Obama to ignore 'czar' ban
By: Robin Bravender
April 17, 2011 07:40 PM EDT
President Barack Obama is planning to ignore language in the 2011 spending package that would ban several top White House advisory posts.
House Republicans tacked on language to the contentious spending bill to cut the salaries for four so-called czars — policy advisers appointed to assist the president on health care, climate change, autos and manufacturing, and urban affairs.
But in a signing statement issued Friday, Obama said he's not obligated to comply.
"The president also has the prerogative to obtain advice that will assist him in carrying out his constitutional responsibilities, and do so not only from executive branch officials and employees outside the White House, but also from advisers within it," the statement said.
"Legislative efforts that significantly impede the president's ability to exercise his supervisory and coordinating authorities or to obtain the views of the appropriate senior advisers violate the separation of powers by undermining the president's ability to exercise his constitutional responsibilities and take care that the laws be faithfully executed. Therefore, the executive branch will construe section 2262 not to abrogate these presidential prerogatives."
There has been much back & forth with certain posters who lean to the right accusing other posters who lean to the left of playing the 'race' card!
Imagine my surprise when I came across this litle 'item' over the weekend:
Republicans seem to have a really, really narrow idea of what constitutes racism -- which is how they're able to claim that the Tea Parties aren't riddled with racism throughout.
But then little stories like this one from Orange County keep bubbling up to the surface of their fetid little Tea Party cesspool:
As always, the "sweet little old lady" who sent the mail had no idea that anyone might possibly construe the mail as racist, even though comparing black people to various kinds of apes has always been a stock feature of racist denigration in America. Why, some of her best friends are black!
When in doubt, play the 'I have black friend's card! Works like a charm every time or so they imagine!
Tell me again WHAT the point was to tie Chimpanzee's to President Obama's birth certificate?
All the repudiation in the world ain't gonna change a thing!!!
There is no doubt that this country is in trying times and our elected officials are playing games while many of us are fighting a day to day battle to put food on the table and a roof over our heads while a select few are seeing their wealth and power increase at record levels.
There is no doubt that both parties (Democrats and Republicans) share in the responsibility for the current economic mess we are in. While it is true that political ideology going all the way back to Regan has, in part, helped to created this mess, it cannot be denied that the last administration with two unfunded wars, two unfunded tax cuts and an unfunded prescription drug plan added huge deficits amounting to Trillions of dollars (much of which we are still paying for) has played a major role in our current economic demise. That is history and we as a nation must now move forward. The question we should be asking for an answer to, no demanding an answer to, is what are our politicians going to do to correct what has already been done. We have all heard the campaign speeches on how they are going to create jobs, stimulate the economy and improve education. Now we want to see the results, the time for rhetoric has passed.
The GOP/TP on Friday passed in the house the Ryan Bill which will cost us hundreds of thousands of jobs, lower revenues and stall if not derail the economy. Two major components from the GOP/TP Agenda have been exposed. Namely the ultimate destruction of Medicare and Medicaid as we know it today.
Take Medicare: Representative Paul Ryan has put forward his budget for 2012, which includes replacing the current Medicare program with essentially a voucher program that will put Medicare Care under the direct control of the Private Insurance Companies which in effect will “Privatize” Medicare.
Under Mr. Ryan’s plan, Medicare would pay a fixed amount – $8,000 a year for a beneficiary age 65 – towards the purchase of an insurance policy. The beneficiary would then have the option of buying a plan from a range of options that meet minimal standards, which are yet to be defined. The premium support payment would be age-adjusted but otherwise only rise in step with overall inflation. This means that increases in health care costs in excess of the rate of inflation would be absorbed by the beneficiary in addition to their premiums in effect at that time. Yes, this model does lower the Federal Governments exposure to escalating costs but is does not solve the problem of increasing Health Care cost. It merely shifts the burden to the elderly and retired who, in most cases, live on a very tight budget already. Medicare will be a two tiered program. One tier for those than can afford it and the other tier for those left out in the street to fend for themselves in effect destroying Medicare as we know it today.
Take Medicaid: As with Medicare, Ryan’s proposal does not address the problem, namely the rising costs of Health Care. All he is doing is shifting the burden again and then claiming problem solved. It is not solved. In Medicare he shifts the cost burden to the Elderly. On Medicaid he shifts the burden to the individual States that many, sometimes exaggerated, claim to be broke. Ryan’s plan call for Medicaid to become a “Block Grant Program”.
The Ryan plan’s changes would push tens of millions of Americans into the ranks for the uninsured and underinsured — and create another two-tier health care system in which health care is increasingly rationed by income. The plan repeals the provisions of health reform that CBO expects will extend coverage to 34 million Americans who otherwise would be uninsured.
Ryan claims that converting Medicaid to a block grant will enable states to do more with fewer resources, but the claim does not withstand scrutiny. Medicaid costs significantly less per beneficiary than private-sector care, and its costs per beneficiary have been rising more slowly than private-sector health costs. Most states already make heavy use of managed care in their Medicaid programs and already enjoying considerable flexibility under federal law. Low-income children, seniors, and people with disabilities would be hit the hardest, since they constitute the bulk of the program’s beneficiaries. Again Ryan’s plan does reduce the government’s exposure but this time shifts the costs to the States, who cannot afford it and hence just will not offer Medicaid Assistance.
While both of these do reduce the exposure to the government they do not address the problems of the programs themselves and merely shifts the burden (costs) to the individual as in the case of Medicare or to the States as in the case of Medicaid. This plan was designed to accomplish two major goals of the GOP party. To make Medicare and Medicaid insolvent thereby destroying it and to give huge tax cuts to the richest 2%. Oh did I forget to mention all the spending cuts that Ryan has for Medicare and Medicaid are going to be used to give huge tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires. Yep, that is exactly what this plan does, the redistribution of wealth and power and the destruction of Health Care for seniors, people of modest means, the middle class, the disabled etc.
Instead of this reverse Robin Hood scheme why don’t we talk about the “Redistribution of Sacrifice”, you know where everybody pays their fair share in getting the problems solved and not just one segment of the population like the current proposal defines.
Keep in mind that the above does not take into consideration the proposed spending cuts to non-military discretionary spending which accounts only for 12% of the budget – small potatoes on the larger scheme of things. If we want any chance to get out of this mess everything must be put of the table for discussion, and I mean everything. As a Nation we cannot afford any more sacred cows, period. Ryan’s Bill will also cut spending for medical research, education, national security, food and product safety and a bevy of other needed social programs that help millions every single day.
This is not a deficit/debt reduction plan by a long shot. In the first decade it will raise the deficit by several trillion dollars that we will have to borrow to pay for it. This is a plan for converting democracy into an “Oligarchy”.
Feisty:
Good morning. A pig by any other name is still a pig. Just like the GOP/TP wants to re-write History, they also want to redefine the English Language to try and hide their ideology. Kinda like calling what hey are doing now with the Budget and Debt Ceiling calling it "Fiscal Responsibility" NOT.
I don't see the racism Feisty. Not one bit. I don't even see any in the posters that comment on FR. Naw, nope, can't see it. Wait a minute... what's racism again? I take that back.
(:^/)
History Cannot Be Lost By Sanitizing It.
What’s up with Virgiana Gov. Bob McDonnell?
The narrative of Confederate History Month, well, it's already running into some controversy. In his original proclamation, McDonnell failed to mention the "s" word--then tried to say later that it was just one causes of the Civil War. His proclamation reads: "Whereas, it is important for all Virginians to reflect upon our Commonwealth's shared history, to understand the sacrifices of the Confederate leaders, soldiers and citizens during the period of the Civil War, and to recognize how our history has led to our present..."
http://www.theroot.com/views/celebrating-confederate-history-month
Did you get that? After all the abuse the slaves endured, Gov. Bob McDonnell has the gumption to embellish the sacrifices of the Confederates. He wants to re-write History, as most righties do, by denying the most abusive, sordid, exploitive, socienomic, period in the history of Blacks and America.
I liken this to Gov Scott Walker’s denying that he is blocking access to collective bargaining, transportation, healthcare and housing.
The notion that Mr. Obama – the first African American president – was not born in Hawaii is popular among Republican activists and the birthers. But to have a Republican official send out pictures of the President is really indicative of the “before the flood” –period referred to in the Bible between the Creation of the Earth.
That proves it. The GOP/t-Bagger Party is laden with some Stupid people.
Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/news/861102-barack-obama-ape-email-sparks-new-race-row#ixzz1JsfHHEt3
There is nothing courageous about eviscerating social programs; particularly, when millions are without jobs, infrastructure is failing, and people are going hungry and homeless. But, the GOP/T-Baggers think Paul Ryan is the next Gipper or Saint Paul the Apostle. Furthermore, they think liberals should offer a mea culpa for not agreeing with them.
The People’s Budget of the Congressional Progressive Caucus sounds a little Marxist to the righties. Progressive Caucus co-chairs Raúl M. Grijalva and Keith Ellison, one of 2 Muslims in Congress sent a memo to House Budget Committee Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen April 6 outlining the Caucus' top budget priorities.
http://cpc.grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=70§iontree=5,70
Of course, because The People’s Budget of the Congressional Progressive Caucus would close the deficit by raising taxes on the rich, taming health care costs (including a public option), and ending the military spending on wars and wasteful weapons systems; in contrast to Paul Ryan’s so-called “Path to Prosperity budget plan that was fashioned by the Koch brothers’ Heritage Foundation.
This except from the Heritage Foundation is so preposterous; it makes one wonder. Wait a minute, why was this article written; it’s so redundant?
[Snip]
Ryan Budget Critics Incorrectly Attack Heritage Analysis
Q: Won’t just the rich benefit from the Ryan budget plan?
A: As our analysis shows, job creation and income growth will be widely shared under the Ryan plan.
http://blog.heritage.org/2011/04/05/ryan-budget-critics-incorrectly-attack-heritage-analysis/
Wouldn’t it be nice if the media would tout that the proposal Paul Ryan followed according to the Koch brother’s Heritage Foundation is really the “Highway to Hell”? It is no different than what we’ve had since Reagan? Paul Ryan’s budget is a path way written on the backs of Middle Americans, seniors, disabled and children living in poverty.
Paul Ryan’s plan relishes and seeks to…
Dismantle Medicare and Medicaid, the EPA, and FEMA, cut Pell Grants, eliminate research and development, and deregulate "too big to fail" financial institutions.
It also intends to repeal the new law of the land, the Affordable health Care Act, immediately (none the less)
President Obama said “This is the same guy[Paul Ryan] that voted for two wars that were unpaid for, voted for the Bush tax cuts that were unpaid for, voted for the prescription drug bill that cost as much as my healthcare bill, but wasn’t paid for.”
Paul Ryan’s budget kills Medicare. You’ll get a voucher of $9,000 to $11,000 that is surely to kill one; after all coupons do have an expiration date. If you are 55 or younger this will begin by 2022. Btw, Medicare recipients over 55 won’t be discontent with their current coverage. Those seniors vote; which is a very cunning move of the Wonder Boy, Paul Ryan’s, calculations.
Bill Maher asked Michael Steele: When an elderly ill person in a nursing home runs out of their 15k voucher by this time of year under Ryan's plan, what should they do?
This is what Steele said
http://i.imgur.com/HJjBf.png
Yup, that’s right. Can you believe Steele said “We don’t know? Wow!!!!
Medicaid would become a block grant program "that gives states the flexibility to tailor their Medicaid programs to the needs of their unique populations by 2013. Now it shouldn’t take a rocket scientist such as the Rocket Man Paul Ryan’s launching this. ACTUALLY, it’s quite easy to see why the Koch Brothers spent millions of $$$ getting Republican governors elected. Since the GOP/T-Baggers have an innate well accepted aversion to government spending for entitlements, this would be a piece of cake for the GOP/T-Baggers to continue privatizing their states.
.This mammoth of a budget grants more tax breaks to the wealthiest of Americans under the guise of closing the budget gap towards reducing the deficit and will create jobs so Ryan thinks. Paul Ryan wants the Bush tax cuts for wealthy Americans set to expire to continue; whereas President Obama would let them expire. . What's more, under GW Bush we lost jobs by using this formula; therefore, it doesn’t work and is still a scam!!!
Yes!!! Yes!!! OMG, YES!!! Louis, you hit this one on the head again!!! And to be the first poster again (!)is so amazing. Truly, my friend, you must sit by the computer salivating while you constantly refresh in order to be first!!! My friend, if the pen is mightier than the sword, then you are Spartacus, Zorro, and Darth Vader all rolled into one!!!
I'm surprised that you or anyone else on this board hasn't brought up the connection between the Koch brothers, Dick Cheney, and SPECTRE!!! My God!!! How could everyone have missed this??? Don't worry, my misinformed fiends, I am dutifully researching this and will have it all for you when I get my new book, Koch Suckers, or A Blueprint to Take Over the World, is published later this year!!! Please keep this on the down-low, my friends!!! There are certain forces out there that are looking to silence me!!!
Keep fighting, my friends!!! We won't stop until Happy Meals are banned in all fiftystates and Guam (Puerto Rico can keep them for now) and until everyone is making a maximum of thirty-five thousand dollars a year!!!
Navy, you need a new talking point. The DNC seems to never learn that class warfare does not work in this country. Try something else.
Obama takes off on another campaign swing tis week- he will speak about his non- existent deficit reduction plan. This consists of a lot of words, but no real plan. Lots of words, allowing the listener to infer whatever he or she wishes, but no real plans. Obama gives new meaning to "much ado about nothing".
The stress seems to be getting to him- he has become completely delusional. Read here
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/04/18/mike_allen_obama_wh_thinks_texas_is_in_play_in_2012.html
Texas. He thinks he can take Texas.
Well, considering his energy plans, I am not surprised. Anybody who believes magic unicorns will satisfy the need for gasoline is so far gone, the only thing we can "hope" for is a "change".
Started last November. Will continue next year.
Sounds like someone need something to swoon over this morning:
I found this interesting 'morsel' this morning on Govenor Christie that's most definetly share 'worthy'!
The higher the climb, the harder the fall!
Wonder why the poll dancer omitted this poll? LMAO!
Oh, and then there's this about the ZERO's - HERO!
Now there's a THUG you can swoon over!
You BETCHA!
Good morning US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired
There is no doubt that this country is in trying times and our elected officials are playing games while many of us are fighting a day to day battle to put food on the table and a roof over our heads while a select few are seeing their wealth and power increase at record levels.
There is no doubt that both parties (Democrats and Republicans) share in the responsibility for the current economic mess we are in.
Navy
Again we are on the same page as usual. However, I think when you say both parties you don't mean the leader of the Democratic Party.
President Obama does not posess autocratic power. He has to have the consent of Congress.
Feisty:
Yep, the resident nay sayers just cannot stand the truth can they. And so you on the right know, I will post what I want when I want as long as I do not violate the CoH, this is my right just as it is yours and I will not let you try and take it away in any form. So grow up.
Good morning Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL
Oh, and then there's this about the ZERO's - HERO!
GF how many times do I have to tell you Gov Dough Boy (Chris Cristie ) thinks he's a Soprano?
"Yes, this model does lower the Federal Governments exposure to escalating costs but is does not solve the problem of increasing Health Care cost. It merely shifts the burden to the elderly"
@USNV Couldn't agree more. You now see how health care reform, that took a year, was a strategic failure. Similar to Massachusetts the proponents claimed that expanding coverage was the goal, and then they could tackle costs. Well, when you add millions to the rolls and push provider income through the roof you're going to meet resistance when you try to take it away. I never understood why you would try and add 30m to an already broken system.
Now look at the alternative. If provider costs had been attacked first then the incentive to maintain income would have been through expanded coverage. There still has not been an honest debate around how much we pay providers. Until that happens nothing will change.
I read a lot how single-payer would have lowered costs but apart from removing private insurance companies there was never any detailed analysis on how it would affect provider costs. Talk of Medicare for All now looks insane as it is Medicare for 65 year-olds that will bankrupt the federal government.
People: We are in a death roll here in this country. We need solutions that will address problems not more smoke and mirrors or bait and switch rhetoric. We cannot afford it any more, period. So far all the GOP is dong is punting and claiming they scored a touchdown. We are not buying it any longer.
I'm outraged. Feel better now?
Morning Navy & LouisJ!
Wonder why they're so cranky this morning? I mean, according to them, every things 'coming up roses' for the right wing nuts...
Hmmmm....
Did the Granny poll dancer seriously tell YOU to get a new talking point? LMAO!
@ Bev -At least Tony was easy on the eyes! *swoon*
OOPS!!!!
I look forward to the response of those FR financial geniuses that have been claiming America’s not in trouble with its deficits/debt.
S&P Affirms US AAA Rating, Cuts Outlook to Negative
Reuters
| 18 Apr 2011 | 09:26 AM ET
Ratings agency Standard & Poor's revised the U.S. rating outlook to negative from stable Monday after affirming its sovereign rating at 'AAA/A-1+' sovereign credit ratings.
"Because the U.S. has, relative to its 'AAA' peers, what we consider to be very large budget deficits and rising government indebtedness and the path to addressing these is not clear to us, we have revised our outlook on the long-term rating to negative from stable," the agency said in a statement.
The U.S. dollar fell broadly on word of the revision. Gold prices, meanwhile, hit a new record above $1,496 an ounce
President Obama does not posess autocratic power. He has to have the consent of Congress.
______________________________________
Not according to his bill signing statements. Barry believes there are certain areas where he does possess autocratic power, regardless of what Congress says. See post #1.1 above
Bev:
Yep, we are on the same page again. President Obama is the only adult in the room trying to keep the little kiddies from harming each other and stealung each others toys.
President Obama will be re-elected in 2012.
I'm outraged. Feel better now?
______________________________________
Anna Molly, table for a party of one. Your table is ready.
Has anyone noticed that President Obama's job approval poll numbers have drifted back to their pre-midterm election levels?
Last fall, before a series of post-election bipartisan agreements, most notably the extension of the Bush-era tax cuts, harshly partisan election campaigning and rhetoric by President Obama had pushed his job approval numbers downward to record lows. Actually governing in tandem with the GOP with the new 112th Congress on the way reversed that trend, if only briefly.
Now that the President is again in full campaign mode, as evidenced by Wednesday's harshly partisan address, expect his numbers to continue to drift lower.
It was interesting to watch Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner on the Sunday shows trying to clean up the mess President Obama made on Wednesday...Geithner doesn't have the luxury of such bitterly partisan language. He needs the GOP to cooperate in the vote to raise the nation's debt ceiling. President Obama certainly didn't make Geithner's job any easier, did he?
Republicans will cooperate on the debt ceiling alright, but the President has made the cost of that cooperation much higher.
Before I forget...wasn't it interesting to see Tavis Smiley pop up on "Meet The Press" yesterday?
I would have though he'd be persona-non-grata there....
no joe, no bo, nj
Navy, you need a new talking point. The DNC seems to never learn that class warfare does not work in this country. Try something else.
Obama takes off on another campaign swing tis week- he will speak about his non- existent deficit reduction plan.
Lady would you please stop lyin so early in the morning?
Class warfare is all you t-baggers have because you're stuck in the mud and cannot govern.
Right wing t-bagger/ republicans such as yourself think themselves to be the real Americans HAH, the negotiators, the statesmen, while the president is inexperienced, weak, or simply incapable of putting the keys in the ignition to drive the bus off a cliff with the Right wing t-bagger/ republicans waiting in the back of the bus to jump.
You've got birthers who think the first African American President does not deserve the Oval Office because you're not even sure if he was even born to a white lady. Trump excuse me I meant to say "Chump" is spending money in Hawaii to prove his mother is really white.
Then you've got Republicans who seem to have a really, really narrow idea of what constitutes racism. A despicable Republicans sent an e-mail why said...
“Now you know why no birth certificate,” there’s an Obama family portrait showing them as apes.
http://chipmunk-inc.tumblr.com/post/4673467208/republican-tea-partiers-just-cant-seem-to-get
looks like trump is really bothering the left...too funny.
no doubt your pictures of apes is from some liberal blog...you know like those liberals who want to lynch clarence thomas...
@USNV
Totally disagree. Like or not Rep Ryans proposal was a serious plan to reduce the deficit and debt. There has been nothing similar from the Democrats. If the President had embraced his own debt commission's plan then I would not say this. However, it is he and the Democrats that have punted because to cut government is to go against their philosophy that government can solve "all" problems. He now seems to be relying on the "gang of six" to come up with some detailed proposals, but because all proposals will cut Medicare and Medicade he has painted himself into a corner.
I believe it is this lack of leadership that is responsible for his decline in the polls.
Joe in Albany is getting closer, but close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, not in First Read.
Joe loses points, though, with tired retreads of Saturday's Politico articles on "czars" and signing statements (yawn).
Alan, NJ
@USNV
Totally disagree. Like or not Rep Ryans proposal was a serious plan to reduce the deficit and debt. There has been nothing similar from the Democrats.
As I've said so many times before, this budget plan is nothing new. It is just new phraseology with a new scam title submitted by a different Koch Brother operative. Ryan chooses to call his voucher plan "premium support". Anyhow, whatever the label this coupon is NOT a good health insurance policy for an indigent elder.
Bill Maher asked Michael Steele: When an elderly ill person in a nursing home runs out of their 15k voucher by this time of year under Ryan's plan, what should they do?
This is what Hollow Steele said Read it....
http://i.imgur.com/HJjBf.png
Yup, that's right. Can you believe Steele said "We don't know? S-t-u-u-u-u-pid HAH HAH!!!!
Alan, I agree. It is somewhat amusing to see an Obama supporter accuse the opposition of using smoke and mirrors- when a real plan, with real proposals and real numbers has been presented by the Republicans, while Obama has offered his usual- rhetoric.
I am also bemused by the fact that Obama has commissioned ANOTHER debt reduction panel- this one headed by Biden.why waste the time and money?
To Mixed Bag- I have a theory about Obama's poll numbers. I posit that, during the fall, when he hit the campaign trail, people who voted for him because they believed he was a pragmatic centrist were reminded of how badly they were snookered. I believe we are witnessing the same thing again.
Only going to get worse over the next year and a half or so.
I ALSO think there is evidence that Donald Trump's "birther" candidacy is nothing more than a democratic dirty trick. How else do you explain his donations to Harry Reid last fall? Or his statements that Pelosi was a great Speaker of the House? Something about this whole, ridiculous media campaign stinks to high heaven, in my opinion.
Seems to me that the right wing poster who comes here daily to post an anti-President Obama rant is the poster in need of a "new talking point."
Joe loses points, though, with tired retreads of Saturday's Politico articles on "czars" and signing statements (yawn).
__________________________________________________
You sound tired, maybe you should get some rest. Then come back here and reread my post paying special attention to the fact that the Politco story was from last night at 7:40 PM.
Moron.
Bag:
It was interesting watching Ryan whine about the president taking a stand against his extremist budget "plan." It was also interesting to hear Alice Rivlin on ABC trash Ryan. And it seems like only a few weeks ago that Mixed Bag was asserting that we must all heed the wisdom of Paul Ryan when even Democrat Rivlin bowed down before him. As a matter of fact, it WAS only a few weeks ago.
joe-3041821
looks like trump is really bothering the left...too funny.
no doubt your pictures of apes is from some liberal blog...you know like those liberals who want to lynch clarence thomas...
Actually, joe
No liberal needs to lynch America's favorite Uncle Tom. His wife and that Black Robe already have him in a straight jacket. HAH HAH!!!
Alan & njnb-
I'm not sure the President will endorse the recommendations of the bipartisan "Gang Of Six". In fact, the National Journal suggested that the appointment of yet another 16-member debt commission could undermine and make the job of the "Gang Of Six" more difficult than it already was.
Yet another reason that the President's address last Wednesday was a disaster...that is, a disaster in terms of making any meaningful, positive move towards an agreement to address the nation's debt crisis.
The President can and will bring his poll numbers up. He is just starting to get into campaign mode. Once the Republicans-Tea Bagger candidates start declaring that they are in, which none have officially done so far, the country will see these characters for who they are and not like what they see.
Come the 2012 election time the President wins again in another land slide.
Also, I will add that the House will most likely swing back to the Democrats, due to the Republican and Tea Baggers games they have been playing with the lives of the American People.
The only way there will be a curtailment of the ever increasing costs of Medicare and Medicaid is to take a look at the driving forces behind those costs. Private insurers do not have the ability to mandate the payment levels for various services, like the Federal government does.
As many have mentioned, giving block grants to the states, without any kind of controls, simply kicks the can down the road and allows the states to effectively eliminate the programs.
FR was correct in one part of its assessment, between now and the end of the 2012 campaign, we will decide if we are a country which is dedicated to making sure that all of our citizens have the opportunity to live, or if that priviledge will only be limited to those who can, on their own, afford it. As a nation, do we support only the wealthy, or do we support each and every individual.
If you choose the Republican method, what will you do when the poor are dead and the middle class no longer exists?
@Bev
The same thing the Federal government will do when nobody will lend to it any more? Maybe you and Bill Maher don't understand that the system is broke?
"The 2009 Social Security and Medicare Trustees Reports show the combined unfunded liability of these two programs has reached nearly $107 trillion in today's dollars! That is about seven times the size of the U.S. economy and 10 times the size of the outstanding national debt.
The unfunded liability is the difference between the benefits that have been promised to current and future retirees and what will be collected in dedicated taxes and Medicare premiums. Last year alone, this debt rose by $5 trillion. If no other reform is enacted, this funding gap can only be closed in future years by substantial tax increases, large benefit cuts or both.
Social Security versus Medicare. Politicians and the media focus on Social Security's financial health, but Medicare's future liabilities are far more ominous, at more than $89 trillion. Medicare's total unfunded liability is more than five times larger than that of Social Security. In fact, the new Medicare prescription drug benefit enacted in 2006 (Part D) alone adds some $17 trillion to the projected Medicare shortfall - an amount greater than all of Social Security's unfunded obligations.
Future Payroll Tax Burdens. Currently, a 12.4 percent payroll tax on wages funds Social Security and a 2.9 percent payroll tax funds Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). But if payroll tax rates rise to meet unfunded obligations:
Thus, more than one-third of the wages workers earn in 2054 will need to be committed to pay benefits promised under current law. That is before any bridges or highways are built and before any teachers' or police officers' salaries are paid."
www.ncpa.org/pub/ba662
Good morning, Houston-
I missed Alice Rivlin yesterday...I'll definitely check it out.
Just curious though...
Did Ms Rivlin have any comments on the possibility of a U.S. sovereign debt crisis?
Did she say "There is no debt crisis"?, as you have asserted?
Did you hear Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner assert that "There is no debt crisis" while making the rounds Sunday?
And, try to pay attention, Houston...although I've said it repeatedly here at First Read, and its very hard to get through to you, here goes, one more time:
I favor the Plan offered by the President's debt commission over the plan submitted by Rep. Ryan.
Can you hear me now?
And...at least Paul Ryan has put a plan on the table.
President Obama is offering us yet another commission.
Joe in Albany
I think there are any number of people who will be joining AM at the outrage table. I also think this presidential race will be decided by those folks who quietly vote and never make waves.
I took a poll of friends and relatives and most of them are quick to tell you who they will not vote for but are undecided on who they will vote for. (Just a tiny poll in Ohio) I keep wishing this 2012 election will NOT be decided by who has the most money to spend whether it be Democrats or Republicans.
I was also in hopes that someone would mention the Janet Napolitano reality show and bringing the National Guards home in June because all is going so well on the border.They are to be replaced by regular Border Patrol but the numbers are fewer.It is strange what different things we focus on depending on which party we are affiliated with.
That implies that at dome point Obama has left campaign mode.
One thing Obama never has got into is in "Results mode". As in good results.
All the predictions. Two years ago didn't you Libbie's predict the Republicans party to be a "Regional Party", the "Party of No", and continually used the tired old worn out derogatory and childish "Tea-bagger" reference? Now you got 23 seats to defend in the Senate next year and with a swing of just 4 of those seats to the GOP will give the Republicans control of that half of Congress. It's delusional for any one to think that Congress won't be in solid GOP control in 2013.
Additionally, we're still waiting for Obama to provide a new 2012 budget proposal, one that meets his newest set of economic goals (they change so often). Think we'll see one soon? Nah, I don't either. It's just too easy for Obama to just demagogue the Republican one, rather than do the heavy lifting of governing and coming up with his own.
Another commission is not all Obama is offering as a way to cut the deficit-
He is also peddling a lot of lies about the Republican plan
http://factcheck.org/2011/04/factchecking-obamas-budget-speech/
Seems every word of that speech was untrue- including "and" and "the" , to borrow a phrase.
I wonder why so few people caught it? Could not be deliberate blindness, could it?
On 4-6-2011, the co-chairs of the Bipartisan Policy Center's Debt Reduction Task Force, former U.S. Senator Pete Domenici and former and founding chair of the CBO, Alice Rivlin, wrote an editorial about the Ryan budget plan which appeared in The Hill.
While Domenici and Rivlin disagreed with specific elements of Ryan's plan, they also said this:
"But Chairman Ryan's budget further cracks the silence on fiscal challenges that has shrouded Washington for too long. His good-faith effort demands a serious response from others, including the president and congressional leaders from both parties."
I wonder what Mr. Domenici and Ms. Rivlin thought of the nasty tone of President Obama's response to the Ryan budget last Wednesday.
I doubt that they liked it much.
no joe: OMG, *gasp*, a politician, in a speech engaged in exageration. I looked at the fact check item you pointed out (thanks for giving the source btw.) President Obama did not, in fact, as you call it, lie about the Republican plan. The descriptions of the two plans by the President is very much just as I expected.
Expecting a politician to not have a politacal spin on how he describes his opponents activities (when opposed to them) is kind of like actually expecting to receive "fair and balanced" reporting from Bill Maher, Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck, or Rachel Maddow.
Bag:
I never made that assertion. What she did NOT say is that we are in the midst of a debt crisis as YOU have falsely asserted she did.
Chris, you must have forgotten about "chaos" joining forces with "spectre" after the nov. 2010 election. Too bad "thrush" was disbanded years ago, bet obama wishes they were back!
What?! You're not joining me, Joe? I'm SO disappointed. And I had a beautiful vintage bottle of hemlock all ready and waiting for you. Sigh.
Everyone,
Prior to raising taxes on anyone, maybe we should allow our IRS to collect all the back taxes owed by our government employees alone.
I just attended the Navy school of cut and paste:) (joking)--I cannot get links to stay on the blog. Sorry.
Including the words where the President quoted directly from the Republican plan?
In your zeal to demean the President, you failed to note that the article you referenced also mentions that several of the points are in contention. Not untrue.
Alan, NJ
@Bev
The same thing the Federal government will do when nobody will lend to it any more? Maybe you and Bill Maher don't understand that the system is broke?
"The 2009 Social Security and Medicare Trustees Reports show the combined unfunded liability of these two programs has reached nearly $107 trillion in today's dollars! That is about seven times the size of the U.S. economy and 10 times the size of the outstanding national debt.
Alan, NJ
I know a bold faced lie when I see one. SS is not broke it is funded until 2037 with a surplus. In fact it has loaned out money and is backed by US Treasury Bonds.
You are perpetrating a LIE.
WhY?
I see our FR Conservatives are once again eager to point out that President Obama is still more popular than Reagan and as popular as Clinton at this point in their presidencies. http://www.gallup.com/poll/124922/Presidential-Approval-Center.aspx
And I had a beautiful vintage bottle of hemlock all ready and waiting for you. Sigh.
________________________________________________
AM: Gee, wanting to kill me because I have different points of view on issues than you doesn't seen very "progressive".
Who did it lend the money to Bev? The same entity that is currently $1.5T in the hole. So, if as happening now, SS requires the money back it just add to the same deficit. The surplus you claim has the same assets as the US Federal government. Future taxes. But now those taxes are being swallowed up by interest payments. Do you really get why this is not a political issue? The Federal government is out of money. If it can't borrow more then everything it does stops. So yes, SS is solvent for as long as the Federal Government, but if it goes under it doesn't really matter that SS is technically solvent until 2037 because the borrower can't pay the cash back.
Please tell me you understand this.
'There is no debt "crisis".'
You DID say it, Houston...on Mon Apr 11, 2011 at 9:50 AM EDT, in response to one of my comments.
You are so quick to accuse others of lying, but I'll simply say that in this instance you're either mistaken, or that you honestly have no idea what you've said...probably because you're so emotional and angry most of the time.
But, you did say it, Houston.
You did.
So yes, SS is solvent for as long as the Federal Government, but if it goes under it doesn't really matter that SS is technically solvent until 2037 because the borrower can't pay the cash back.
________________________________________________________
The problem is worse than anyone expected. SS is currently taking in less than it is paying out and is already looking to the Treasury Dept to pay cash back on all that debt the "Trust fund" is holding so it can write those monthly benefit checks. From the NY Times:
March 24, 2010
Social Security to See Payout Exceed Pay-In This Year
By MARY WILLIAMS WALSH
The bursting of the real estate bubble and the ensuing recession have hurt jobs, home prices and now Social Security.
This year, the system will pay out more in benefits than it receives in payroll taxes, an important threshold it was not expected to cross until at least 2016, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
If Republicans interfere with Food Stamps, it will definitely be a HIGH STEAKS race...
Fiesty, the liberals endless support for the racist Planned Parenthood is what is baffling. Margaret Sanger, the founder of PP, began her organization with a steeply racial motive, to prevent Blacks from having more kids.
So what happens after 2037? I am due to collect it around 2041, God willing I make it that far. I have already paid into it for 17 years. This is why even in the rosiest of estimates regarding SS, I am in favor of gutting it and mandating Americans to put their 6.2% into their own fund with employer matching. I would be happy to forfeit everything I paid into til now so that my money will remain my money and be there for my family. SS offers no such assurances, even in the rosiest of outlooks. Bush had the right idea.
Sending the poor dumpster diving for their next meal is hilarious Louis. I guess I just lost my sense of humor considering Obama really did cut $12 Billion from the Food Stamp program in order to fund a raise for his biggest campaign supporters, the Teacher's Union.
Some Democrats who supported the overall legislation expressed misgivings about the budget offsets, including a nearly $12 billion cut to the food stamp program, chosen to help cover the cost.
"At a time when we have seen the demand for food assistance skyrocket, we have chosen to pilfer $12 billion from the food stamp program," Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., said during the debate. "When so many families are struggling, … cutting food assistance is unconscionable. The bill before us today shamefully pits these priorities against each other."
Bag:
I never asserted that Rivlin had stated there was no debt crisis, which is what your poorly constructed sentence implied. Try writing more clearly rather than trying to avoid the issue. What I asserted was that Rivlin said a debt crisis was "possible" because that's what she said. She has never said to my knowledge that there is a debt crisis at the present time. And yeah, I said there is no debt crisis because there isn't one yet, as much as you might hope there is.
Understood, Houston-
I very much doubt that Alice Rivlin would agree that there's no debt crisis.
Ms. Rivlin's comments were with reference to a "sovereign" debt crisis in the United States...similar to what Greece or Ireland are experiencing. (Moody's has just downgraded Irish government bonds to junk status.)
Apparently our disagreement stems from what exactly constitutes a "debt crisis". I would argue that having to borrow more than 40 cents of every dollar spent in the current fiscal year, while moving towards a doubling of the more than $14 trillion in debt the U.S. already has (along with debt service payments approaching $1 trillion yearly) within 10 years means that the crisis is already underway.
Alice Rivlin says the path we're on at present leads to a "sovereign" debt crisis...just like Greece or Ireland.
Although, Houston...
Don't expect the EU to bail us out if that happens.
Let me know when you think the actual crisis has started...I'm guessing that by then, it'll be far too late to stop it, Houston.
Just one more thing...don't worry about efforts to prevent a sovereign debt crisis sabotaging the economic recovery.
Gasoline prices will probably do that.
Bag
Bag, you're a double hypocrite. Your obsessive hatred of Obama is obvious in most everything you post, so don't go around accusing other people of being angry and emotional. Now you're in a snit because Rivlin's trashing of Ryan's so-called plan makes you look foolish after you pointed her out as virtually the last word in fiscal responsibility. And of course, you always whine about ad hominem attacks even though you make them routinely. Care to try for three?
Bag:
You're misquoting her. What she actually said was: "We could definitely have what's called a sovereign debt crisis." Note the word "could." Also note the word "leads." Driving on a road that leads to a washed out bridge doesn't mean you fall into the ravine, unless you try to drive over the bridge.
It's amazing that you don't understand by now the difference between a potential crisis and one happening in the present.
Houston-
You accusing anyone of "obsessive hatred" is astonishingly ironic.
Have you absolutely no self-awareness?
None whatsoever?
Everything I've said about President Obama at First Read is a matter of record.
Produce examples of hate speech from me towards the President.
Think you're up to it, Houston?
I don't think you are.
Go for it.
I'll easily...repeat, easily rebut you using the same record.
Now...
What about the hateful things you've said, Houston...?
From Alice Rivlin, founding chair of the CBO:
"We could definitely have what's called a sovereign debt crisis."
And;
"We used to think that only happened to small countries on other continents, but it could happen to us as well."
Dang...
Hmmm...
What's Rivlin trying to tell us...?
Oh...I know.
There's no sovereign debt crisis.
Yet.
So...there's no debt crisis!
Right?
AZchzhd
by your own twisted rush limbaugh logic - are you seriously saying that the reason for something being founded is identical in motive today as it was THEN?
By THAT twisted logic America CAN NEVER be a PERFECT union because we have the stain of slavery on our hands and consciences.
PS. I know this doesn't fit with your narrative,...but Byrd apologized for his appalling stance. I guess only in Republican world are people born perfect and then proceed through life never making mistakes? Let me know how THAT will win elections and improve the situation in the United States.
It's true what they say, some lack the imagination or creativity it takes to move past grievances, while others double down and use them as an excuse for their own misbehavior for the rest of their lives. Interesting how you're still stuck on the OLD SCHOOL what happened instead of the New School - What IS.
Clara...then why dont you liberals forgive the former House Speaker Gingrich for his marital transgressions? Does the understanding that people can change only resonate with liberals and not apply to conservatives? The liberals wildly complain about conservative transgressions as well, so you should take the Democrats off the pedestal you put them on because they dont deserve to be there anymore than the Republicans.
PS only liberals quote conservative talking heads like as if we sit there and listen to every word they say as gospel. You guys are the one giving them more publicity than they deserve. They dont even need to advertise themselves because liberals everywhere complain about them and quote them on the daily basis, which effectively means they must be saying the right stuff! I dont give a hoot what Beck, Hannity and Limbaugh say, nor do I care what Oblermann, Maddow, and Matthews say. I think for myself and do not sit in front of a TV every night worrying about what talking heads only in it for ratings will say. But you liberals must!
Maybe not from YOUR point of view. But it sounds like "progress" to me. ;-)
Azchzhd
Seems to me like when Newt is serious about forgiveness, he'll ask for it, instead of telling people his indiscretions were due to an overinflated sense of 'patriotism'.
but that's just where I call 'em here from the cheap seats.
Clara...you are right about Newt's silly "I cheated because I am patriotic" line. I cant defend that one lol
AZchzhd
Glad you see the humor. And apparently The Donald was a raging, self proclaimed Socialist; before he is now 'agin' it'.
What can I say, on so many levels they are all just tools in the shed, looking for the next election. I just prefer the smart ones who make fewer gaffes. Note I didn't so NO gaffes. While I am way left of where President Obama is governing - I am more comforted that he grasps the issues and is thoughtfully approaching solutions. Not shooting first and investigating later,...which seemed to define the previous Cowboy and his brand of 'diplomacy'.
I have issues with Trump as well. But I do agree a debate between those two might be wildly entertaining.
I am way right of where most Republicans govern to the point that I fall in libertarian territory. I believe in a defined role of government as descibed in the Constitution. Regulating interstate commerce, military, and protecting states rights is about all the Federal Government is good for. The rest is predominantly for the states to dictate.
But like most libertarians, we are a largely independent bunch removed from the GOP. And we agree with the liberals that defense and military should be just as much on the chopping block as conservatives feel about Obamacare. I admire the Rand Paul's and the Dennis Kucinich's of Congress who do not accept lobbyist and corporate money.
What I give the previous cowboy credit for is he never submitted to the UN.
And for the record, 44% of all Democrats in Congress were for the Iraq war before they were against it. It wasnt as one sided as liberals would like you to believe.
Well, the 'run up' to the war was pretty overstated AND as many Dems have since stated - authorizing the use of force was never meant to override efforts in diplomacy.
I grew up in a highly dysfunctional Republican household and I assure you, my recovery has steered me toward more LIBERAL views than I would have ever thought possible. If it hadn't been for the 'social' contract, I'd be perpetuating the White Trash myth. Thanks to Pell Grants and other social safety nets I got an excellent education and was able to meet and marry a very educated guy. I assure you I contribute FAR more to society through the hand up method than any of the societal fears of welfare queens.
I guess it is easier to demonize those who use social services than to realize just how many people benefit from these opportunities and then have the resources to pay society back hundreds of times over.
Oh well,...I can't get on board with the simple idea that LESS government for 300+ Million citizens makes sense. Until every American has quality healthcare and enough food to not be hungry so they can excel in school - well THAT is what drives me. And I am sure for MOST people their own life experiences tend to drive their own political beliefs - until they let Religion dictate their own values,...but that's a topic for another day.
If you had any questions on what “Privatizing” Health Care would mean to you and your family read the following story from: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42613298/ns/nightly_news/
This is what can happen if we allow outside influence into Medicare and Medicaid. Does anybody remember AZ and the two people that died because Health Care was denied them or the hundreds of thousands tossed off Medicaid by the Queen of Mean? This is where we are headed if not careful.
An excerpt from this report.
“I gotta tell you Kathy, I can’t keep living like this,” said Michael Fields, 46, who was experiencing tightness in his chest, numbness in an arm and light-headedness as he begged the voice at the other end of the line for help. “It’s been going on for weeks. I don’t know what else to do. I mean you know, I’m trapped here.”
“Alright, let me put you back on hold,” came the reply.
Fields, who lives with his wife and son in Elkton, Md., was not speaking with a 911 operator. He was calling a representative from his insurance provider, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of Delaware, and he was about to find out that for the third time he was being denied a crucial test to determine if he had coronary artery disease — a nuclear cardiac stress test.
A Senate investigation released Friday found a pattern of inappropriate denials for tests like the one Fields’ doctors say he should have received from the start.
The investigation looked at 1,600 cases over a six-month period from 2009 to 2010 involving requests for nuclear cardiac stress tests in the state of Delaware. All of the cases studied were handled by MedSolutions, a company that screens test requests in the state for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Delaware and other insurers.
According to the report, “10 to 15 (percent) of requested tests appear to have been denied inappropriately. MedSolutions and the Delaware insurers denied a significant number of medically necessary nuclear stress tests.”
“It is a huge number,” Sen. John D. Rockefeller, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee told NBC News. “I don't care if it is 5 to 2 percent, it is a huge percent. It follows a pattern that never stops with health insurance companies. It is always the bottom line. The more they say no, the more money they make.”
Allowing “Private Insurance Companies” to control Medicare not only will increase costs to the point that many will not even be able to afford it, but the hidden costs in reduced benefits will open the doors to the funeral home. This report shows only one example of how the Private Insurance Companies are all about the bottom line, making money for their shareholders and not providing the appropriate care to those paying the premiums.
“MedSolutions claims on its website that it can deliver insurers savings of 25 to 30 percent, stating that it “rewards the clinically accurate providers while protecting patients from unnecessary utilization and associated risks.” But, according to a report from the Delaware Insurance Commission, the company had a financial incentive to deny tests. The report says a provision of MedSolutions’ contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware required it to return 10 percent of its administrative fee if the annual costs associated with the services it managed did not fall by 20 percent”.
This will be an every day story if The GOP/TP has their way in destroying Medicare and Medicaid by “Privatization”, so called Vouchers or Block Grants or whatever other means they can find to take away your Health Care when you will need it the most. Only those with the necessary funds will be able to purchase quality Health Care and the rest of us, well I hear we can get a group rate on coffins.
Louis J, Feisty, US Navy, Beverly. Great way to start the week.
Privatization of medicare and medicaid added to the GOP's plan to repeal Health Care Reform would mean that even if seniors get a voucher, the insurance companies will cancel their policies when they become seriously ill. We know the elderly, the disabled are the most likely to have serious health problems. The GOP would essentially be "killing grandma", real "death panels" not the fictitious ones they created during the HCR debate.
Jody:
Very true. The destruction of Medicare and Medicaid have long been on the GOP targets list. They are trying to use the current economic problems to cloak their arguments as "Fiscal Responsibility" and their solutions are iverything but that. There is very little Fiscal Responsibility in Ryan's Bill, just more smoke and mirrors.
Where is the discussion on the "Shared Distribution of Sacrifice"?
Where are the plans for creating JOBS, stimulating the economy or improving education? They beat us over the heads with this rhetoric during the last election and to date have none nothing. Except of course to dig the hole deeper and trying to push the car back in hoping it will not be able to come out this time around.
What a plan.
as compared to obama giving the old useless eaters a pain pill? get a clue, the government death panels are very real...as obama illustrated.
Thank you US Navy for posting this!!
The media is so excited to report every tweet from the twerps running for President, but what the public needs to hear is stories like this. THIS is what the fight is all about, not where the President was born or Sarah Palin's fashion sense, THESE are the issues that effect us all.
Jody, Iowa
Louis J, Feisty, US Navy, Beverly. Great way to start the week.
Privatization of medicare and medicaid added to the GOP's plan to repeal Health Care Reform would mean that even if seniors get a voucher, the insurance companies will cancel their policies when they become seriously ill. We know the elderly, the disabled are the most likely to have serious health problems. The GOP would essentially be "killing grandma", real "death panels" not the fictitious ones they created during the HCR debate.
Thank you Jody,
Why is it so difficult for the righties to see it?
Amy B.
Morning. I agree. There is nothing new from the right. Just the same old same old that did not work before. If nothing else they are persistent.
I say let them step on third rail of politics! Wasn't that interesting that the GOTP used the "Keep Government out of my Medicare" crowd to take over the House and now they are throwing them under the bus! Now that's Classic GOTP! Oh, the irony! The funny part is those people will probably vote for them again! Classic!
devie:
How true. "Do as I say not as I do, more for me and less for you". This is the GOP/TP slogan they sing every morning when they get up.
That is because the lefties wear blinders...they see only what they are told to see. The right sees clearly that the democrats are taking the country down a path of economic destruction.
John, Tucson, AZ
That is because the lefties wear blinders...they see only what they are told to see. The right sees clearly that the democrats are taking the country down a path of economic destruction.
Surprise, I saw the signs when Georgie Boy had two unfunded wars , lose jobs in his error, and drained this country dry with unpaid wars and tax cuts for the rich.
I see signs of a fragile recovery and lame @aa righties who don't know how to add, subtract, multiply or divide trying to destroy this country because they are greedy , manipulative bas-t@rds. You don't. Polls, CBO, Reagan budget manger and McCain 's all agree with it too.
If Things are oh oh oh oh so Wonderful were are the Jobs you righty leaders promised?
Case closed. You can't see it.
Thank You, Navy for posting:
If you had any questions on what “Privatizing” Health Care would mean to you and your family read the following story from:
I wish I had the rose colored glasses that the FR libs have.
SS as envisioned by FDR was meant to only be a supplement for meeting old age monetary needs.
Was medicare or medicaid ever envisioned as anything but to supplement healthcare for our elders and disabled?
Listening to FR libs, I guess we should change the medicare and medicaid charters to read that the programs will meet every senior and every disabled person with 100% coverage, all at the cost to the upper 2% here in America. How noble of them, they whine and the upper 2% pay. Whatever happened to the concept that "all men are created equal"?
Conservatives understand that regardless of any pain or suffering by anyone that death and taxes are absolute and unavoidable. Yet many libs think that if we throw enough other peoples money at our problems everything will be rosy. Sorry folks, human individuality and exceptionalism will always mean that some will always have more than others, but that all have equal opportunity, opportunity based on abilitiy.
I think back to the late 1800's of such men like Carnigie and others who used their wealth to give back to their communities. I look back to the 1900's at people like the McFarlands in Ames, Ia who used their wealth and medical abilities to create a first rate clinic in Ames and surrounding communities. I look to the Gates foundation and the work they do to eliminate polio around the world.
I think of Dr King who inspired many to believe that what and who they were mattered (regardless of race) and that a difference could be made. I think of JFK's inaugural address. It was never about "us vs them", conservatives vs libs as some FR libs are dumb enough to believe. It was about people working to improve the human race in any way they could..
None of these individuals were compelled by government money to achieve their objectives. They gave because they wanted to and they gave of what they had, not because government funding was available or not.
At approximately 9 AM ET the S&P rating firm gave a negative economic outlook to the US and a 1 in 3 chance that the US could lose its AAA rating within the next 2 years. Seems that they question the ability of our current political atmosphere to create any type of medium and long term plan to address our debt within the next two years.
In an interview to BloombergTV, David Beers was asked if either plan was favored by S&P rating service, other than alluding to the time limit obama wants to impose, he simply stated that S&P considered $4 trillion in cuts as a good faith starting point, but not enough over the long term.
Given obamas only giving lip service to bipartisanship is it any wonder that the house was taken aback by obamas attack on ryans budget plan and of his "open mike" miscues later in the week? Obamas eyes are only focused on a 2012 re-election.
american-2051576
Well, you are being honest with your message. Died seniors Died.
Under the voucher program for private insurance for seniors, most seniors will not be able to keep the coverage due to pre-existing conditions and maxing the caps for care. Anyone with a severely handicapped child will no longer have access to care. So, what are seniors supposed to do? Without Social Security and Medicare, they will all be forced to go on Welfare and medicaid and the states will be forced to pay. It is a no win solution. But of course, I guess the easiest way for the repugs and teabaggers to deal with their problem of the elderly sector of this country is just to let them die. Alot of us worked hard all of our lives and our savings went to tide us over while we were unemployed and there is nothing left. I hope the families of the elderly that die due to a lack of medical care sue the tea party and republicans for everything they can get.
THE
GOVERNMENT
WANTS
TO
DESTROY
YOU!!!!
That's the message the Republicans continuously provide to their base. I watched a show called "Gun Fight" last week thinking I was tuning into a western that I had never seen and saw that it was a critical film on the Gun Debate. When I saw a lot of these NRA messages, this is what I got from it. THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO DESTROY YOU... so buy all your guns and get ready for war. It's sad that so many Boogey Men rule the lives of the Right Wing. SMH.
I've realized that the older Republican base is a lost cause and that the message is embedded so far into their subconscience that they are the way they are, but the next generation needs to find some kind of reasoning and get away from this paranoia that has imprisoned their parents. I'm certain people like Meghan McCain will have an impact on the movement that involves the Republican youth that is more receptive to being about the people and not the poison.
But, Louis, that same group will not hesitate to go to the Federal government with their hand out for money at the first opportunity. Witness Perry (we are going to secede) Governor of Texas. He wants a Federal Disaster declaration to get money for Texas. You can't have this both ways folks, you either hate the government and don't want to touch the nasty money they have...or you are LIARS and GRIFTERS. Which is it?
Lousi J:
I agree and could not say it better. The GOP party is he!! bent on trying to roll back the gains that President Obama has made in spite of them. They are not interested in real and meaningful Spending Cuts. All they are doing is redistributing to costs either to the individuals that cannot afford it or the States that are already strapped, as they claim everyday but still hand out tax cuts to corporations and the richest 2%.
This has to stop by both parties that are doing it. We need real solutions to real problems. Until they address those we cannot accept anything they say as serious.
Thoughts and prayers to the families of those who lost their lives and for the many whose homes and businesses were devasted by the horrific storms this past weekend.
That said, how many of this anti-government republican governors will be asking for federal money to help them rebuild. Don't get me wrong, they need help. I believe in Government and it is these kinds of events that prove why "starving the beast" is stupid.
newdayDawning10== Speaking of Governor Perry, I see Texas has deficit of 27 to 28 billion dollars, I thought Republican/Tea Party people knew how to manage their money. I guess that statement was not meant to be factual. I also saw where Perry has declared the fire area in Texas a disaster area and please Federal Government send money fast. So hypocritical.
Seattle Sue:
Touche' Nice point and solid post to start the week.
what gains has president obama made? oh yeah the gain in the unemployment rate and the gain in gas prices...heckuva job barry!!!
Indeed, thoughts and prayers to those who lost their lives and property due to the storms this past weekend!
...but surely, the Governors will not be asking for any of the evil over-reaching Federal Governments' help!
I vote that those Governors are grifters!
I have to agree. Perry here in Texas is always quick with the hand out to DC. It happened all the way through W's reign too. The GOP/TP are the first to bark OUCH when the cut/or disaster is on them (GOv'mnt's job is to come to their rescue doncha know) but let the little people take the brunt of cuts (Made necessary by THE GREAT RECESSION as the GOP/TP would have us believe) and they are perfectly okay with that! Just so they keep their tax breaks and loop holes. Which will create jobs. They Promise this time. NOT!
newdayDAWNING10
But, Louis, that same group will not hesitate to go to the Federal government with their hand out for money at the first opportunity. Witness Perry (we are going to secede) Governor of Texas. He wants a Federal Disaster declaration to get money for Texas
Worst, the Rocket Man Paul Ryan, the new shinning star, in the GOP/ T-BAGGER PARTY just launched in his budget the dismantling of FEMA.
You can't have this both ways folks, you either hate the government and don't want to touch the nasty money they have...or you are LIARS and GRIFTERS. Which is it?
All of the above and fools
Isn't the truth, Seattle Sue, I'd laugh if it were not so serious.
Beverly: how do you suppose the right wing leadership does what it does without laughing hysterically that there are those that take them seriously?
They get guys like John Boehner to stand in front crying like a baby, shielding the guys in the back that are snickering and laughing uncontrollably. Like a bunch of school age children I tell ya! HAHAHAHA!!! SMH.
Giggidy
Interesting, Jody, I had the same thought this morning. People tend to forget all of the advantages of a government that is willing and able to help them when they cannot help themselves.
I'll speak to one of the article's points. If the Democrats are able to get General Ricardo Sanchez to run for Senate, it may make things interesting in Texas. Many Repubs in Texas are angered that Sen. Hutchinson was as amiable and bipartisan as she was during her tenure. It is well known that every tom, dick and harry will run to replace Hutchinson from the far right spectrum. If a tea party candidate wins the nomination preaching more and deeper cuts and extreme rhetoric, Sanchez may actually have a chance. Regarding the state situation many people are highly displeased with the state Republicans wrecking the state services and education system. I think Texans will take pause to give a Tea Party republican the US Senate reins.
A political good move for the democrats, a known military general with conservative traits could bring together the parts needed to form a winning coalition ala Jim Webb in Virginia. With a draw from Latinos for Sanchez, and a better economic outcome that other folks could attribute to Obama in 2012, Texas could become into play.
However, I for one will not be happy to support someone who although cleared of wrongdoing at Abu Gharib was overseeing Army operations in Iraq during that time frame.
Yellowdog Interesting take on Sanchez, I agree and if the GOP were smart, they would dump the same tired politicians and try and get General Petraeus to run for President. His resume is impressive and he is a leader. On Geithner making the rounds Sunday I really find it laughable when he talks about going after those who don't pay their taxes, considering all those high profile politicians who don't pay taxes including him. I think any politician caught not paying taxes should be made to resign and have someone from the opposing party get his seat. That would cause a stir. HAHA.
On another note I heard about a new GAO report that states we made a $286 overpayment to the UN. Personally why are we giving them anything, we do most of the heavy lifting in that organization. Same report $125 billion in improper payments were made, theres a nice chunk to cut from the budget and we should look in to why those improper payments were made.
 Hope everyone had a good weekend.
I just have one question:
How come when Republicans put forth a "plan" with numbers that don't add up, completely based in an alternate reality, the media pretends like it's legit?
Just askin'.
Â
I have a question also Nash - WTF is Congress doing on another 2 week recess?
Good to see you GF! *hugs*
Another good question Feisty . . . and thanks for the hug! :o)
Good question. I've come to the conclusion that too many in the media itself have been "dumbed down" right along with too many voters.
Hi Nash---hope you didn't have bad weather over the weekend. I think the media treats the Republicans and their "plans" (remember the budget last year?) seriously because it is positive reinforcement for them----maybe if we pretend these really are plans and encourage them to keep doing them, one day they will actually come up with a plan that makes sense. That way their feelings aren't hurt.
Nash: Great question. Mostly the numbers they used came from the Heritage Foundation and have been disputed already, like the 2.8% unemployment and they just do not add up. Krugman, Stockman, CBPP and CEPR all have articles on how bogus the numbers are. These are the same guys that projected President Bush would create record jobs and a record economy. He did , but he went the wrong way with his records.
fisty I have a hug for you, will give me a reach around?
Now we know why penguins can not fly!
Man, I usually don't bother with you Penguin, but you obviously spend wayyyy too much time watching raunchy videos on the internet. I'm sure NAMBLA is in your video queue somewhere. SMH. Grab your guns, the Government is watching you.
I rarely flag posts but ....penquin deserves to be deleted, not just collapsed.
Nashville_fan
Hope everyone had a good weekend.
Please forgive me HAPPY B-LATED BIRTHDAY
I just have one question:
How come when Republicans put forth a "plan" with numbers that don't add up, completely based in an alternate reality, the media pretends like it's legit?
Just askin'.
President Obama said “This is the same guy[Paul Ryan] that voted for two wars that were unpaid for, voted for the Bush tax cuts that were unpaid for, voted for the prescription drug bill that cost as much as my healthcare bill, but wasn’t paid for.”
My Answer: As I’ve said so many times before, this budget plan is nothing new. It is just new phraseology with a new scam title submitted by a different Koch Brother operative.
I love the President Obama flushed out Paul Ryan's numbers. Yes, I agree Paul Ryan is Stupid and thinks he can nickel and dime the Master.
Ahhhh, thanks Bev! :o)
P.S. Forgot to wave to Steeler Fan . . . thanks to everyone for their comments this morning!
If you stop walking around with your pants around your ankles asking for a reach around, people will stop calling you the "penguin".
Bev
I love the President Obama flushed out Paul Ryan's numbers. Yes, I agree Paul Ryan is Stupid and thinks he can nickel and dime the Master.
nickel and dime the Master? Are you implying we are all slaves to the masta, Obama? Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black!
Ahhhh! Another week of fun and games. Morning all.Â
Morning, California, Tom.
Top of the Morning to ya Tom! ;o)
Tom:
Morning, trust you had a great weekend and nice to see ya.
Thought and prayers go out to all the people in North Carolina and elsewhere who have been affected by the recent severe weather. Partisanship fades -- or should -- in the face of such a tragedy, and hopefully is replaced by shared compassion for the victims and their families, and for those who have lost everything. To face such things together is why we are a nation, and not a group of nation states.
We should remember this every day, and not merely when there is a tragedy.
Anna Molly Thank You for bringing a thought along these lines for all of us this morning. I lived in and worked in North Carolina for many years and would like to add the Prayers and Condolences of my friends and neighbors up in the mountains of Va. and W.Va. to your poignant words. As we also do for our friends in the several other Southeastern states where tragedy struck so suddenly this weekend.
Absolutely. The devastation was hard to see. Prayers to all affected.
Let's just come out and agree what we are trying to accomplish. The Obama leftist led by Pelosi and Reid are after one thing, socialism in America. Reid and Pelosi want to adopt European socialism in the United States as fast as they can. Why, so it will go down in the annals of history that the administration led by Pelosi and Reid adopted socialism in the United States leading to the destruction of the greatest country we have known. This is all about their ego.
What have we seen in many of the socialistic countries in Europe? Many after adopting socialism slide into a period of zero growth in their economies due to? Many people just stop working and live off of the government because it doesn't pay to work any more. Look at Sweden. The workers in their country making minimum wages quit working since the benefits provided to the non-working people were equivalent to their benefits.
We can spend hours on end justifying our tax rates and the ability to find a job and it just doesn't matter. Most humans will simply stay on assistance and feed off of the government if they can make a living doing it.
What we do not have in the United States is a willingness to disregard the poor. We have welfare to provide the poor assistance. We continue to provide the poor with greater and greater benefits each year. Now we are paying for cell phones, housing, food, medical care, etc. We are not educating the poor adequately. We blame the system and say we need more tax dollars. We need the rich to pay and pay. We are masking the real social issue. The want of the wealthy, democratic leaders to raise the social standing of those not qualified to grow in a technical society.
To function and work in today's climate requires a person to have a higher level of education than any time before. We are dependent on the daily use of the computer. It is no longer a business tool, but has become a necessity to very existance of our being. If you are looking to improve your standard of living you have to have computer skills.
You cannot communicate without computer skills due to the use of email. You don't tune up cars today as we did 15 years ago. To work on a car you need to plug in the computer module to determine what is occurring with the engine. We are rapidly progressing toward a society that transmits banking forms, tax forms, advertisements, etc. via a computer or phone. No paper involved.
Yet, we often fail to properly teach basic skills to our students. And we wonder why the aptitude of our society fails to grow. We place more value in maintaining a standard of living by agreeing to free trade agreements than we place on maintaining the ability of our people to have pride and freedom associated with a job.
Think about it. We see more value in having someone make that cheap product for us than providing a person a job and a place to go to every day. We see more value in keeping the nugget at a low price than we value providing a job to a person. Oh ya, I forgot. We are going to take all of those people who made those nuggets and re-educate them to make the computers and software to support the computers. How is this working out for us?
-
The "Gross Odd People" (GOP), and the "Really Not Competent"(RNC), have no poltical stakes at all! The stakes have been high for them for the last two years, and thier stakes are higher now since they followed like "Zombies" for the "Richie Rich Ryan" economic budget plan. Then the "Hodlums On The Hill" decided to vote a big YES for this "Economics of Evil" budget plan. The stakes for the GOP/RNC just get higher. Now not to be out done. They tried to put two brain cells together, and tied up the budget to cultural/social issues. Namely the Planned Parenthood Programs, which they got all their economic facts wrong. Again! Are the economic stakes getting higher for the GOP?? The clear answer is YES! Are the poltical stakes getting higher for the Gop?? Simply YES they are! Are the social and cultural stakes getting higher for the GOP?? When they ignorantly tie it to economic issues, and then get their facts wrong. Yes they definately have very high poltical stakes. The GOP/RNC could drive the poltical, economic, and social stakes even higher. Put "Bitchy Bachmann" on the same stage with the President. I wonder how high the political stakes would get then?? Now that would be entertainment America!
so why do you want to give money to an organization, planned parenthood, that accepts donations to kill black babies? oh wait you're a regressive progressive...like margaret sanger, whom hillary is 'in awe of'
I see the token "racist" is up and about this morning.
Why do you need the word "black"? Why not yellow or green or purple?
It is people like this that are dragging this country down.
We do not need racist remarks. Just make your point and leave the racism out of it.
because when the offer was made to planned parenthood they said black babies....and of course planned parenthood eager accepted the donations.
oh please racist remarks? but you have no problem with planned parenthood taking donations to kill black babies??
so try answering the question, how can you libs support an organization that does that? you won't answer.
you're a joke.
US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired
I see the token "racist" is up and about this morning. - Are you referring to Feisty or Bev?
Can you also have your minions: LouisJ, Feisty and Bev to agree with this statement of yours Navy? I see much of it from their posts, but I don't see you complain about their brand of comments. Why? Are there two different standards for consideration?
Thank you. And what is it exactly that you are???
I do not support racism in any form no matter who says it. I have stated this before. There is no place for it on this board. It lends nothing to the conversation and only demonstrates a lack of tolereance of others.
someone who makes you look foolish regularly...not that its very difficult
accusing me of racism is a total and complete lie. you should be ashamed and if you were any sort of man you would apologize. but you won't. you have no honor.
there is nothing racist about what I said. and all of your lies won't change that.
so I take it you want to cut funding to planned parenthood for their racism, right? of course you don't you hypocrite.
Tisk tisk tisk. I stand by my post and if you cannot take the heat then change your posts. In fact your childish little rants make you look foolish not I and pretty much makes you irrelevant as well.
Nice try though, thank you for playing.
as far as looking foolish...oh please your smear job has failed. I've exposed you as a gutless little weasel who makes baseless charges and is unable to back them up. I've also exposed you as a hypocrite who baselessly charges political opponents as racist, yet supports liberal racism
thanks for playing.
It’s funny that the Tea bagger party and the birthers came along at the same time we the people of the United States elected our first black President. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see through this racist movement against the President.
The birthers and tea baggers rant and rage that the President is a low life un-American. Their talking points are he is black Kenyan Mau Mau revolution supporter, who stole the 2008 election with the help of acorn. Not to mention a socialist who hates America. Then there is the plan hatched back in 1960 to plant him in the United States as a false citizen so he could destroy America.
Oh sure you will hear some of them say that they have a black friend. However, they look at this so called black friend as inferior to them. Well, they need to look at themselves in the mirror and ask themselves what they represent and believe.
The bottom line is, we have a person of color as President and he will not be the last. So, you have better face that fact and STOP the hate. This country is the United States of America in the year 2011, and not 1950.
you mean people like SHEETS BYRD..or hairy 'n eg ro dialect' reid, or joe 'clean and articulate' biden?
the only hatred I see is from you liberals who want to lynch clarence thomas...I'm sure you're outraged about that...just like you're outraged about planned parenthood taking donations in order to kill black babies, right?
Fact checks are great. You should use them.
the truth is great...you should try it...but then you wouldn't be a democrat...here fact check this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7ze5Xq4xXY
were you there? oh let me guess...they're friends of yours!
I would appreciate it if you would kindly explain how offering family-planning services, including abortion, to women qualifies as "liberal racism." Women of all colors voluntarily take advantage of those services. No one makes them do it. One might argue instead, and quite convincingly, I think, that denying those same services by failing to fund Planned Parenthood has an obvious racist -- not to mention sexist -- tinge to it, if one accepts the proposition that it is mostly lower-income women who need to use PP because they can't afford the same services through private insurance.
Since your position is completely illogical, I'm forced to conclude that you can't be serious, and that you are nothing but a plant here. And I don't mean "potted plant" because that would be an insult to potted plants everywhere.
Now begone. Vileness such as this has no power here.
p.s. to Joe --
If one believed Anita Hill and disbelieved Clarence Thomas, as I most assuredly did, what kind of racist would that make me?
Would that be the kind that also reveres Thurgood Marshall, the chief litigator for the plaintiff in Brown v. Board, and distinguished member of the United States Surpreme Court?
Exactly. That's me.
Anna: accepting donations to kill black babies qualifies as racist don't you think? and yet liberals still support it. have you ever read about margaret sanger? the 'n e gro project' of hers? and why are almost 40% of planned parenthood abortions black babies?
anna: lets see you denounce planned parenthood then...or that group of liberals who called for the lynching of clarence thomas....or are you just a typical liberal hypocrite?
oh and I'm sure you revere clarence thomas in the same manner, right?? right?? sure you do...
So Job1, having a White Mother and a Black Father is the "New African American"? Maybe we should have trades like an episode of Chappelle. "The African community will trade Condi Rice for Tiger Woods"
"The birthers and tea baggers rant and rage that the President is a low life un-American."-Who said that or did you fact check that too?
Not at all, but then again, I don't revere Samuel Alito, John Roberts, or Antonin Scalia, either.
As a fellow attorney, I do think that Justice Thomas could use some ethical training in recognizing and avoiding conflicts of interest.
That doesn't make me racist. It just makes me discerning. Look it up.
Believe it or not, joe, there are other points of view besides yours. But I won't call you stupid. Potted plants do that.
Safe & Joe - you two are the only ones I recognize on here today that aren't part of the group of liberal loons that I have been ignoring for months. You know who the 7 or 8 are. They post 0bummer talking points and then congratulate each other on what a great post it was. Thank goodness for the Ignore button that collapses their stupid comments.
I find it interesting that as an attorny you couldn't answer the question about planned parenthood...or that group of LIBERAL protestors who were calling for the lynching lf clarence thomas....
just more liberal hypocrisy.
BB: LOL it is amusing watching them avoid uncomfortable questions..
of the course the liberals aren't outraged by liberal racism, instead they make up stories about conservative racism.
Joe - according to them I am a racist, bigot, homophobe, Tea Partier, GOP, Libertarian, right wing nut job and every other nasty name you can call those who don't agree with 0bama.
What they don't also realize is that I am a small biz person who employs 62 people - down from 75 when 0bummer came in. Not gonna hire replacements until 0bummer is gone. If 0bamacare stays the law of the land I am shutting down the practice and working a few days a month on the gray mkt for cash and living at my mtn home. I am 53 and didn't go to 15 years of college and residency to have the govt running my business.
BB: I have heard much the same from my doctor...he's going to retire rather than deal with the nightmare known as obamacare...and then the nurses he's hired and office people are out of luck.
obama wants nationalized health care to control people, not to care for people.
of course the libs who call you those names cannot rationally argue with you...but then if they were rational, they wouldn't be democrats.
Not being a lawyer I'm not sure what amounts to a conflict of intrest in Judge Thomas' book regarding his wife's pursuits and his rulings. However, I do know that the man lacks simple compassion and in the case below at least did not uphold justice.
Clarence Thomas writes one of the meanest Supreme Court decisions ever.
By Dahlia LithwickPosted Friday, April 1, 2011, at 7:43 PM ET
In 1985, John Thompson was convicted of murder in Louisiana. Having already been convicted in a separate armed robbery case, he opted not to testify on his own behalf in his murder trial. He was sentenced to death and spent 18 years in prison—14 of them isolated on death row—and watched as seven executions were planned for him. Several weeks before an execution scheduled for May 1999, Thompson's private investigators learned that prosecutors had failed to turn over evidence that would have cleared him at his robbery trial. This evidence included the fact that the main informant against him had received a reward from the victim's family, that the eyewitness identification done at the time described someone who looked nothing like him, and that a blood sample taken from the crime scene did not match Thompson's blood type.
____________________
A jury awarded Thompson $14 million for this civil rights violation, one for every year he spent wrongfully incarcerated. The district court judge added another $1 million in attorneys' fees. A panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the verdict. An equally divided 5th Circuit, sitting en banc, affirmed again.
But this week, writing on behalf of the five conservatives on the Supreme Court and in his first majority opinion of the term, Justice Clarence Thomas tossed out the verdict, finding that the district attorney can't be responsible for the single act of a lone prosecutor. The Thomas opinion is an extraordinary piece of workmanship, matched only by Justice Antonin Scalia's concurring opinion, in which he takes a few extra whacks at Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's dissent. (Ginsburg was so bothered by the majority decision that she read her dissent from the bench for the first time this term.) Both Thomas and Scalia have produced what can only be described as a master class in human apathy. Their disregard for the facts of Thompson's thrashed life and near-death emerges as a moral flat line.
________________
A naarly executed man who served fourteen years in jail did not in Thomas' opinion deserve restitutionary funds for his wrongful conviction and lost years of his life. In reading the article it states that the prosecution knowingly witheld evidence to show the defendant was innocent. Even after this terrible secret was made known years later, Thomas overlooked it as a minor error.
Anna Molly Because you believe Anita Hill does not make you a racist it just makes you brain dead. I find it hard to believe her considering how many times Clarence Thomas went before the judiciary for federal appeals court and others yet not one word from her. Also when he moved from one place she went with him, and she is supposedly a strong, independent woman, I wouldn't believe I am a victim rant. In fact everytime she came to town she would call on Thomas to talk or have lunch. The only time she came forward was the Supreme Court Hearings and not voluntary but had to asked by democrats. All immaterial since the statute of limitations ran out on her baseless charges, no real evidence to substantiate her side of the story or his. as I recall she only got mad when Judge Thomas referred to his upcoming marriage to his wife (white). Could it be that Anita Hill was angry because he was not interested in her but a white lady, wouldn't that make Hill a racist? No one knows what really happened but those 2. A he said she said.
Goodness gracious. This is especially perplexing considering that the Court just voted earlier this year to uphold the "cat's paw" theory of discrimination/retaliation, where an adverse employment decision made by a supervisor, acting totally without bias, but influenced by a subordinate employee who IS biased, will still result in liability for the employer.
They just contradicted themselves. Surprise, surprise.
@ Richard -- a few points in response.
First of all, the issue was NOT whether Anita Hill is a racist. The issue was whether I am. The first trick of someone who doesn't have an answer or doesn't want to talk about the subject is to change the subject.
Second, if you knew anything at all about this topic, you would know that it is quite common for women to keep silent about sexual abuse and harassment, and also to follow their abusers around. Sometimes they call that co-dependency. The fact that Hill did not initially come forward is evidence of nothing. If you watched 60 Minutes last night, you might have learned that much at least, even if you don't seem to know much else. Women frequently do not come forward because they are ashamed and also afraid for their careers, and sometimes even for their lives. The sad, but hard, cold fact is that retaliation happens. Abusers often use the fact that their victims are smitten with them, or at least afraid of them, to do the most unspeakable things, so the fact that she followed him from place to place only means she followed him from place to place, not any more than that.
As for not believing the "I am a victim" rant, that sounds suspiciously like you've been in this position before. Victims happen, too. People who say "get over it" are usually the people who did "it" in the first place.
As for it being "he said, she said," that doesn't mean it didn't happen. That's often the case in sexual harassment cases, and especially in rape, for example. Although last night's 60 Minutes made me dubious about this, most of the time, harassment and rape do not occur in front of witnesses. That's the whole point, isn't it?
Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you. I believe Mel Gibson did that movie. It was called "Conspiracy Theory."
Anna Molly-- Sorry missed 60 minutes my daughter and 17 month old grandson were visiting and I was having way to good a time with them to watch tv. Second Sorry again in my first sentence I clearly said you were not a racist just brain dead. The second sorry was for the brain dead remark, I was texting my brother about something and that was meant for him, again sorry. I also agree with your remarks however there was no evidence that he was guilty either. In fact from what I remember most of those interviewed said that Hill and Thomas got along well and that she pursued him. Hills calls to Thomas stopped when he told her he was getting married and I asked if this was a motive for testifying against him and her possibly being racist because Thomas's wife was white. I did not say she was but could she have been.
Don't think I'd describe the GOP'S first 100 day's in the House as BOLD. Seems to me BATSH!T CRAZY gets a whole lot closer to the mark.
Something tells me, we AIN'T seen NOTHING yet! ;o)
Hope you and the RHex-ST are safe and sound! That goes for all who were in the path of those killer storms.
Lots of nasty weather this weekend!
I suppose it has nothing to do with climate change though...
*popcorn*?
Well said, IR. About the time you think the GOPTP can't get any more batty, they somehow do it anyway.
Wait, we have not seen anything yet. It will get worse.
Thanks for the good thoughts Red. Other than watching the Hill threaten to wash down into the Bottom we had a much less eventful Weekend than most others around.
I guess you could call the actions of the Republican Maine state legislature and governor in their first 100 days bold, if you consider putting up a sign, manufactured in the Texas, on the Maine turnpike announcing "Maine's Open for Business!" bold.
Then there were the 31 bold proposals to weaken environmental laws, including one to allow building on sand dunes, which passed, (who asked for that particular ordinance and how does it create jobs?)
There was also the bold move to require public workers, who currently retire on $19,000 a year, to pay more for their benefits, while the state pays less, and passing that "savings" on to the wealthiest Mainers in the form of $2,700 a year tax cuts.
Republicans are bold alright. They are brazenly transferring the wealth of the country to the wealthiest and giving their corporate partners whatever they want, even to the detriment of our environment.
how do we transfer wealth to the wealthy again? please explain in detail.
joe,
Here is a link to CNN/Money that explains it better than I can:
http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/16/news/economy/middle_class/index.htm
and how does the growth of income of rich people prove that we are tranferring wealth to them? just because a group, a rather small group at that, incomes go up over times doesn't mean that money is being transferred to them by the government or anyone else.....ever think they just earned it?
joe,
While the average income wage has remained flat, average chief executive pay has risen from $2.82 million to $11.8 million.
joe,
http://www.cnn.com/2011/BUSINESS/04/03/gulf.spill.bonuses/index.html?hpt=T1
amy: you may not like that, but there are always some who do better than others...but that does not mean *we* are transferring wealth to someone....apparently they are earning it.
I don't see anything about taxpayer money being used to pay his salary...
Dear friends, of all the people who post on FR, joe has to be the biggest case of STTS, with the possible exception of safecracker. I wouldn't waste my time.
joe spends too much time watching FOX and listening to Hannity and Limbaugh. He's not objective.
whats funny is you two libs cannot dispute anything I have said. no surprise...it would require an ability to think for yourself....
Not that joe cares, his mind is already made up, but it doesn't even take that much detail to explain it.
Since 1992 the ACTUAL average tax rate paid by the 400 richest Americans fell by 9 percentage points.
In the same period the average tax rate paid by all taxpayers decreased by 0.6 percentage points.
Here's how that works; Conservatives promise to reduce taxes. They give a happy meal to the average American and a new luxury car to the rich. Then they repeat the cycle, starting with a tortured cry that "we already pay enough in taxes!" Sure, WE do, but the rich have seen their actual support for the society that makes their wealth possible decline dramatically.
It's time to stop being taken in by the flimflam artists of the Republican Party.
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20110418/WIRE/104181030/1036?Title=Super-rich-paying-far-less-in-taxes
amy, executive pay is established by the board of directors for publicly traded companies. The board of directors are elected by shareholders. You do not like what an executive is being paid, buy stock in that company and vote directors into office who will pay executives what you want them to be paid.
I am literally sitting here editing our Proxy statement for SEC filing and here is an interesting tidbit:
Effective February 4, 2008, the SEC adopted amendments to SEC rules expanding the number of companies that qualify for the SEC's scaled disclosure reqmt's for smaller reporting companies. The amendments were intended to benefit investors by allowing smaller reporting companies to tailor their disclosure to reduce costs. Because (sic my) company qualifies as a 'smaller reporting company' under the amended rules, the Company is providing streamlined disclosure in this proxy stmt in accordance with the amended rules. Under the scaled disclosure obligations, (sic my) company is NOT required to provide, among other things, Compensation Discussion and Analysis and certain other tabular and narrative disclosures relating to executive compensation. In addition, as a smaller reporting company, (sic my) Company is not currently required to conduct "say-on-pay" or "say-on-frequency" advisory votes pursuant to recently adopted SEC Rule 14a-21.
Practically, how it works for (sic my) company is that a board member leaves and another is appointed to take his place (so far only men - go figure) and then the confirmation of that appointment is tabled until the Annual Meeting. There has YET to be an actual 'election' of non appointed candidates and all proxy votes are "you affirm this appointment UNLESS you submit your ballot". So you can see in the 'real' world,...it doesn't really work the way people thinks it works.
But hey,...it sure sounded like you knew what the hell you were talking about. Oh and more than HALF of all publicly traded companies qualify as Small.
"How Republican leaders balance the expectations of Tea Party activists, who’ve pushed for cuts in popular programs including entitlements, with the need to protect vulnerable members in swing districts will define the party in the 2012 elections."
Republican campaign plan; get endorsements now, think later! Regret later still?
Auntie:
Agreed, but people are starting to notice that there is something rotten in Denmark and they are holding their collective noses.
 thats why obama and the democrats are doing everything they can to collapse the system before 2012
To listen to the Tea Partiers and their twin the Republicans, all the economic ills of the country began on January 20, 2009 when the Kenyan, Keynesian, Indonesian Muslim, Socialist, Marxist, Communist, et al moved into the White House.
Now if we can just get him to move out all will be right with the world and the debt and deficit will be taken care of with Paul Ryan’s nifty Budget Plan.
Oh Goody!!
hoax and chains
FR:
No. The best word to some up the first 100 days is NUTS. Next we'll be hearing First Read people swoon over how "bold" Donald Trump is for mainstreaming the birther conspiracy theories.
Now The Donald is claiming President Obama didn't author his first book--guess the birther stuff became boring for him.
You wanna know what I think it NUTS? I think it's nuts that we are barely 100 days into the current congress and we're already laser sighted in on 2012 (crap, was I not supposed to use a gun reference, I'm confused these days on who can and who can't. I think I can't. But I did. Oh well). I am so sick of the focus CONSTANTLY being on reelection. How on earth do we get anything done when everyone is too afraid to act in April of 2011 because of what it might mean in the election results come November of 2012? That's INSANE
Jody,
The claim that Obama wasn't the author of his own book is a hateful old tea bagger lie that's been floating around for a long time. I guess it's not surprising Trump has added it to his clown act.
Richard W. Stevenson: "What is under way now is the most fundamental reassessment of the size and role of government – of the balance between personal responsibility and private markets on the one hand and public responsibility and social welfare on the other -- at least since Ronald Reagan and perhaps since F.D.R."
That's exactly it. This is a legitimate really big issue and the debate on it is long overdue. But that's not how the left sees it. They prefer the class warfare demagoguery that obscures the fiscal calamity we're heading towards in favor of the crocodile tears over the loss of the goodies from their beneloved welfare state.
That's just the approach that has prevented previous generations of politicians from addressing this issue and instead kicked the can down the road. Well, that road leads to a dead end -- and we're just about there now. So thank goodness for Republican LEADERSHIP.
What's wrong with class warfare? The wealthy and the corporations and the country club Repuke right wingers are assaulting what's left of the middle class. OF COURSE IT'S CLASS WARFARE! And I think we can take 'em if we hang together. This is nothing less than taking our government back from the British masters 220 years ago.
If you Repukes call disenfranchising old people and poor people who should be left to suffer and die in the name of the dollar, I think America is FAR better off with out your "leadership."
you mean like obama wanting to give the old people a pain pill?
I agree Bill. It's actually refreshing to see at least SOME inkling that some of the folks in DC have realized that there are more important things at hand than their own reelection. And the interesting thing is, I think there might be a good chance the votes that many claim will cost them their seats might just be the very votes that get them reelected. Doing what's right isn't always what's popular initially but doing what we've been doing hasn't worked so it's time for change. Maybe Ryan's budget isn't the best course by itself but at least it's a place to start- the longer we wait to correct our course, the more those corrections are going to hurt. Have an open, honest discussion about the budget points and work together to find a solution that's best for ALL American people, not just the ones most likely to vote you back into your comfy little office.
What's wtrong with class warfare? Consider this:
"Because the U.S. has, relative to its 'AAA' peers, what we consider to be very large budget deficits and rising government indebtedness and the path to addressing these is not clear to us, we have revised our outlook on the long-term rating to negative from stable."
So said Standard and Poor's this morning. And the stock market tumbled. Because our continued inability to address our fiscal problems -- driven in large part by the class warfare you espouse -- is pushing us closer and closer to calamity.
But instead of coming to a meeting of responsible minds in this matter, you and folks of your ilk frame the issue in the bogus terms of throwing granny under the bus. When in fact, it's all of us who are on a path towards getting thrown under a bus.
Don't quit your day job, pal.
When I read some of these posts I think the posters are delusional. We are going to run a deficit in excess of $1.4 trillion this year. The total income of everyone in this country who earns over $100,000 is slightly more than that. Is your solution, then, to take all of the income of everyone who earns more than $100,000? Will that satisfy you?
To pretend that we aren't spending more than we can afford is wishful thinking at best and irresponsible at worst. I'm tired of reading that this is Reagan's fault, or Bush's fault. I don't care whose fault it is. We have to fix the problem. I'll give Obama a pass also. Frankly, it doesn't make a damn bit of difference who caused the problem. We have to fix it. When the sum total of all income of earners who make more than $100,000 per year is about equal to the yearly deficit I'd say we have a problem, wouldn't you?
If you don't believe the statistics then do some research on the IRS website. If you think we can solve the problem "if only the rich were to pay their fair share" without addressing the fact that we continue to expect ever increasing benefits then there is no hope. Until Congress decides that it is going to fix our spending problem then there will continue to be this stupid debate about who can afford to pay more. At the rate Congress is spending money it won't be long before everyone would have to pay 100% of his or her income to feed the beast.
There are 435 billionaire's in this country and 2.4 million - millionaires. When you add all their wealth together it equals roughly $7+ trillion - down from $8 trillion in 2005. If you confiscate all their wealth you still only pay down half the US debt.
Mickey - we CAN do something about the deficit. We should start by making government SMARTER. Eliminate the redundancies that exist in governmental agencies. According to the CBO, we should be able to get at least $200 BILLION from just streamlining how Government does business.
Me, personally, I would get rid of the Department of Homeland Security and the TSA. Let the airlines defend their own damn planes, and if there is a hijacking, guess which airline goes out of business?
Next, we need to eliminate the waste that we havei n the Defense budget. From what Sec. Gates is saying, they could lose $200 BILLION and still be able to operate as they have been.
After that, let's make sure that our REVENUES are bolstered. The IRS should go after those companies that owe on their mineral rights, and that is about $1 BILLION there.
You see, without even trying, I was able to identify $401 BILLION that we could be using to pare down our deficits, and I haven't even started on how we need to bolster our REVENUES through taxes. Corporate Taxes collected is too LOW - $800 BILLION in corporate tax is what we have collected in 2010 (source: wikipedia). That figure should be at LEAST $1.5 TRILLION. It is funny how no one is saying much about that.
If we can clean up the waste and graft in our budget(s), coupled with increased REVENUES and streamlined governmental agencies, we COULD very EASILY not only balance the budget, but start paring down the deficit.
Notice I did not mention or touch Medicare or Social Security.
No doubt that Medicare needs some streamlining (get rid of Medicare Part D and all of the 'Medicare Advantage' companies that are costing the program money). We need to lift the salary cap for Social Security from the $106,000 it is now to $10 MILLION and re-fund the monies used for other nefarious purposes.
We also need to clean up the tax code so that EVERYONE gets to pay their fair share, and not 'shelter' income off-shore and pay nothing.
Yes, it seems easy in this post to outline all of these things, but is there the political will for these items to be at least explored?
I guess time will tell.
I agree. Everyone needs to pay a fair share. Since about 47% of the population now pays no income tax, how is that going to happen? Raise the Social Security limit to $10 milion? Great, and what would those people collect when they retire, $3,000 a month? You can't be serious. You would ask someone to contribute about $680,000 (with a match from his employer...or himself if self-employed) and give that person $3,000 a month in retirement? That's a fair share? Wow.
Pietro - You're the only other poster I know who also says get rid of Homeland Security and TSA. I go further, close 1/3 of all military bases in foreign countries. You're right, we need smarter government.
Joe - the reason the rich got richer is because they don't pay taxes, they are able to shelter their taxes whereas a worker can't. So now you're going to tell me that's because workers aren't smart enough to start their own business so they can avoid taxation.
summer: then why do the rich pay most of the taxes in this country, in excess of their adjusged gross income?
don't worry, I know you can't answer....
Pietro are you aware that the newest GAO report says that the U.S. overpayed the U.N. by $286 million and improper payments in our gov't of $125 billion there is some more easily cut from the budget.
richard and summertime - I agree. There is MUCH that we can streamline and cut from the budget that is just waste and graft. Again, in my little scenario, I was able to come up with $400 BILLION in cuts without breaking a sweat. And yes, I believe the the Department of Homeland Security is a GIGANTIC waste of money and everyone's time. I am more surprised that people will just 'take it' when the TSA tramples on EVERYONE's rights when they are flying. I guesss those guys living in the caves of Afghanistan REALLY scared the underwear off of 'big bad America'.
But I digress. Again.
If we (you and I) can identify $400-600 BILLION in cuts, then what in the Sam Hill was the Tea Party doing squabbling over $38 BILLION (which ended up being $352 MILLION) in cuts?
Who is pulling whose string here? Shutting down the Government? Why?
With all of the money being lost (almost $4 BILLION was 'lost' in Afghanistan, and $2 BILLION 'disappeared' in Iraq after the invasion), those billions add up. Seems to me that the 'saviors' of the budget - the Tea Partyers - were just making noise - AGAIN - and NOTHING has been done in Congress.
But YET we STILL pay them - handsomely.
If we are going to be serious about deficit reduction and the budget, then let's be serious about it and quit farting around with STUPID squabbles.
The Reteas have decided that the 1700's is the year they want to live in, two classes, the wealthy and everyone else, you see this is why the GOP doesn't believe in education, except for thos private schools for the uber wealthy, because they preach to a bunch of uneducated idiots who believe all the hogwash about not taxing the wealthy because they create jobs, even though that notion has been misproven time and again. When you can get a group of stupid people to follow you off a cliff hey why the hell not! As far as the safety net goes, the baggers are to dumb to realize they are voting against their families and their own interests!
you mean like obama believes in education by sending his kids to private school? do as they say not as they do.
as far as stupid people...you democrats take the cake...you're easily led and uneducated....and we're sick of paying for your benefits...get a job.
Nice job of parroting Joe. Really. You've mastered it.
(Talk about badly educated.....................)
Some never have anything to say of value other than calling people names.
No new ideas and the ones they do have darn near bankrupted this country, so they resort to name calling.
USN: as far as bankrupting the country...get a clue, since BELA PELOSI became speaker we've added 5 TRILLION to the debt...since obama, 3 TRILLION...
but of course you democrats consider that 'investing' right.
and your solution? SPEND MORE!!! oh yeah it works SO well...until the bills come due
Huey: so why you libs say you support public education and then send your kids to private school?? hmmmmm?? hypocrisy much?
US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired
You are including LouisJ, Bev and Feisty as participants in this grouping, aren't you Navy?
NOPE, just people like you that do not want to be part of the solution but instead insist on being the problem.
your 'solution' is the problem...the same old failed socialist policies that gave us places like detroit...that liberal field of dreams.
So how is it that the party who generally believes everyone has the ability to do for themselves is considered the promoter of class warfare while the party that says you can't survive without us is the one that is in it for the little guy?
For the most part, I think our class warfare is between the "government" class and everyone else- ever notice all the laws that they create for us but exempt themselves from? And they've somehow managed to spin it so that we think we're fighting each other. For the most part, if we set aside the rhetoric and actually listen to one another, I think the majority of us want the same things for ourselves and our nation but the powers that be have convinced you that can't happen if the other side gets their way. And you'll notice I've not named one party or the other as the bully or the victim- both republicans and democrats are guilty of the same shenanigans.
The Republicans claimed that the economic recovery has been slow not because it was the worst recession since the Great Depression, but because businesses lived in fear that Obama would raise their taxes, causing "uncertainty" in the markets. Well, the markets are going to be more than uncertain if the Republicans decide to play a game of chicken with raising the debt ceiling by refusing to pass it without adding a lot of riders to it in order to reverse the New Deal. If the financial markets decide that the US is about to become a deadbeat nation that doesn't pay its bills because crazy extremists have taken over the government, there is going to be a major panic in the global markets. Everyone's 401Ks are going to be back in the dumpster right where Bush left them in 2008.
You got that right, Houston.
I believe Wall Street will be having a conversation with the GOP/TP telling them they'd better do as they're told and increase the debt ceiling or risk not getting any campaign money. The GOP/TP will make a lot of noise, demand cuts to the budget and then the GOP will do as Wall Street tells them but the TP will risk default. We'll watch a repeat of the 2011 budget vote and of Boehner losing the TP but sensible republicans and democrats doing what it necessary.
@Navy,
US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired
You are including LouisJ, Bev and Feisty as participants in this grouping, aren't you Navy?
NOPE, just people like you that do not want to be part of the solution but instead insist on being the problem.
Now there is an interesting comment Chief. I am in fact, being part of the solution off-line. On-line there isn't reason to dicuss issues without having the progressive attacking. My solution on issues is to work strongly in my community and region to see that Obama doesn't have the opportunity to serve another term.
Now you may differ with my opinion, and that is your right.
The Repukes have finally reached a level of arrogance in which they can stab themselves in their own back. Last year they told us they had to get rid of Obamacare because the Democrats were going to destroy Medicare.
HUH?
Huey:
That gets a star - Congrats.
Huey,
Loving your work here today. Here's one take on it:
Me thinks they PROJECT too much,...
Two Grumps
1. I keep hearing republican politicians saying that our corporate taxes are to high to be competitive. But many companies like GE for example paid no taxes. How is zero taxes to high? Please explain.
2. The president loans taxpayer money to GM and that is called Socialism by many republicans. Paul Ryan wants to give taxpayer money to the insurance companies and the same people call that privatization. Please explain.
Forest G.
Just more smoke and mirrors from the right. They have no real solutions to the problems we are facing and they know it. So they just stick their heads in the sand and hope it will all go away. Instead of being part of the solution they continue to be the problem.
GE paid no taxes, zip, zero, nada, fan prices should be falling dramatically!
GE cut a deal with Charlie Rangel, at the time the head of the House Ways and Means committee. The deal gave GE very favorable tax treatment. Charlie got a $30 million gift from GE to spend in his district in NY. Since that time GE's CEO Jeffrey Immelt has been appointed to numerous Presidential committees and boards. Somehow, from all of this, people are surprised to hear GE pays no American taxes. What it does show for Immelt is that it pays to have friends in high places, and it really doesn't cost too much to buy off politicians.
Source: http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheat-sheet/item/ge-pays-no-taxes/irs/#
In 2007, the latest full year of IRS data, the 400 richest Americans paid an average 17% federal tax rate, down from 26% in 1992. Over the same period, the average for all taxpayers in 2007, was 9.3% down from 9.9% in 1992. Let's see, no matter how you slice it, the richest received the greatest benefit of the tax cuts--9% compared to 0.6% decrease. Let's see, two unfunded wars, unfunded Rx program for seniors, unfunded tax cuts mostly for the rich, throw in a near Depression requiring Government spending to avoid total collapse, and we wonder why the deficit and debt are so huge.
Conservative posters today are determined to deflect the fact that GE plus MANY OTHER large corporations paid ZERO taxes (who do it legally because of all the tax loopholes) on to the White House because GE's CEO is an advisor. It would not have mattered which business person the WH chose, conservatives would spin it negatively--guess they didn't mind VP Cheney's Halliburton ties and Cheney was in a position to do what he pleased (no bid contracts to his buddies) while GE's CEO can merely advise.
So, just to be clear, Obama giving money to the insurance companies is good but Paul Ryan doing so is bad?
Who do you think pay's the other 1/2 of an employees Unemployment Tax, Social Secirity Tax, Medicare Tax? Quit buying into the notion that big corporations don't pay taxes. I'd also like it if I didnt get re-taxed on my GE dividends. I'm getting double dipped on alot of my stock holdings......
Are the oil companies jacking prices because their taxes are to high, 27 billion profit in the first quarter, for just one oil company, is not enough? Lets see no taxes, profits through the roof and gas prices still rising, hooray for the job creators!
Facts from the United States Government
In Trillion
2000-7081 President Cliton last year in office
2001-7324 President Bush first year in office
2002-7880
2003-8573
2004-9331
2005-9990
2006-10655
2007-11360
2008-12537 President Bush last year in office. (Total under Bush 5 trillion 456 billion)
2009-14539 President Obama First year in office
The 2010 projected National Total debt made in 2009 was 16173 Almost 2 trillion lower than projected.
Currently, the total National Total debt is at 14221
trillion- Remember all spending is signed into law by the President in charge.
Under Bush the debt grew 5456 5 trillion 456 billion (8 years in office)
Under Obama the debt grew 1684 1 trillion 684 billion (2 years 3 months)
Lower the tax rate; get rid of deductions and exemptions; let everybody pay. Exempt some level of income ($40,000?) and have a flat tax on the rest. Give corporations a 25% tax rate and limit what they can deduct. Our politicians love to give us exemptions and tax credits to buy our votes...and we're dumb enough to fall for it. Did you know that Congress granted a tax credit for electric cars, and that includes street-legal golf carts? (I know that your first reaction is to damn the Republicans, but it happened with a fully Democratic Congress.) Are you going to tell me that isn't stupidity?
C'mon, wake up! The problem isn't that we're not taxed enough. The difference between Congress and drunken sailors is that the sailors quit spending when they run out of money.
job your facts are wrong...obama has added over 3 TRILLION to the deficit in his first 2 years.
5 trillion has been added since bela pelosi became speaker.
Careful what you say about spending here Mickey. Most people beleive the politicians just need more money ie taxes. You are right though, the olny way for the Government to stop spending is for us the tax payers to stop funding......
ahh, it was only a matter of time before the rightwing got their talking points out that PAYROLL taxes are now the equivalent of a Corporation paying their FAIR share.
What could POSSIBLY go wrong with THIS line of 'reasoning'?
In obamas state of the union address he said that he would only consider tax cuts that were revenue neutral. Huh! looks like we were lied to again by obama. Ryans proposed tax cuts for the so called rich down to 25% was made possible by eliminating many tax loopholes and thereby maintaining "neutral" revenue.
Guess obamas definition of neutral isn't the same as no change. Interesting that obama in his campaign speech last week that not only did he want to eliminate tax loopholes for small business and others and then he wants to raise rates as well..
With the top 10% of wage earners contributing just under 70% of private taxes collected (per IRS data) how much more can we expect our small businesses and others to pay before closing shop or going elswhere?
I have no problem in raising taxes, but let's have tax code reform first, reform accross the board.
Might those be the same payroll taxes that the Right also claims as compensation when making a case that union employees are overpaid, Clara?
Typical Conservatives, wanting to have it whichever way justifies their current storyline.
AND they are fully deductible in arriving at taxable income,...so very priceless.
They don't need to change their practices. They just need to change their NARRATIVE. It's hard to like anything about them; but damn they do a 'good' job controlling and framing their offensive 'message'. Once they've wrapped it in the flag and the bible, their sheep will fall in line.
ooooh start talking about over taxing and over spending and the Grass Hoppers get noisy! Sorry I think the Ants are growing deaf to your pleas. Maybe it's time you started living with in your means....
Clara I find it offensive that I pay $7200 in Property Tax, $9678 Fed Tax, $5648 SS Tax, $1320 Medicare Tax, $3318 in State Taxes and 6% in Sales Tax olny to find out that isnt enough. Each one of these programs is in the hole. I'm especially offended today because I just dropped my Fed Tax form in the mail with a $1429 check at the bankrupt post office... Today isnt the day to tell me about more taxes...
Please answer the questions, how is zero paid in taxes too high to be competitive. How did socialism suddenly become privatization.
Job - please tell me you had your 5 year old typing those numbers in on the deficit figures - otherwise you have got some serious problems with reality.
Happy Patriots' Dat to all my friends in Massachusetts. Today we remember the first shots of the American Revolution being fired in Concord, NH.
...right, Representative Bachmann?
Bachmann shot herself on the foot, and the shot was heard around the world.
Not nearly as bad as 0bummer saying he had campaigned in all 57 states!!!! He didn't even make it to all 50!
BB3 He was referring to the 57 Muslim states.
Good point Richard - I am not up on how many Muslim states he visited. The liberals look stupid bashing Bachmann on the Concord thing. The 2 Concord's are in adjacent states and not that far from each other. Not nearly as bad as 57 states when he didn't make it to states like Okla. that he knew would never vote for him.
3 quick thoughts on all this:
-Health care-the one common denominator with Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid
-Would it not be interesting to have a program with only Lobbyists telling us what exactly they do, how they do it and who they represent?
-Going to be interesting to see how history judges our American citizens on how the first US Black President was treated
Good points, Cathy from the Ozarks. History won't paint a pretty picture of conservative behavior regarding treatment of its seniors, the poor, elderly, disabled and the first black President.
The history books in Texas will say what the Texas state school board tells them to say.
Liberals had better find someone to run in 2012. They fooled America once by running a bozo with a funny name. It won't play in 2012!
I wonder why the governor of NC called the "bozo with the funny name" to beg for help following this weekends devasting tornados.
Is there a toll free number to the Tea Party headquarters? could it be 1-800-TEAPARTY?
Or maybe those poor souls could give The Donald a call at 1-800-TRUMP and if that doesn't work call Palin at 1-800-Sarah.
Afterall, who needs the Federal Government?
you mean like when obama personally rescued all those victims of an ice storm in kentucky? right.
Personally, I'm rather looking forward to the new book coming out from one of Palin's staffers. Should be interesting.
And you're serious, right? Because onservatives will have candidate who doesn't represent the mutant population?
The right trots out immoral, ignorant, hypocritical, manipulative, valueless candidates for office and then whines when they publicly self-destruct.
Geesh. Maybe if their own back-room Swift-boaters, scam artists, and propagandists spent a bit more time finding an actual human being to represent their interests they wouldn't face the relentless embarrassment.
Now, where they would find such a person is hard to figure. They eat their own, forcing inane litmus tests on fraudulent religious values, bogus patriotism and imaginary populism, But, hey, I'm just saying.
And their answer to every problem is . . . give the wealthy a tax cut while taking away every safety net for the poor, the sick, the elderly. Gotta love their idea of what America ought to look like.
And you think President Obama is unqualified? Seriously?
No more funny names, we want funny hair now, Donald Trump for President.
Hopefully the liberals will get lucky and Hillary will jump in the race to save the party. She is 10 times better than 0blamer.
FR--It's not 'president election', it's 'presidential election'. Also, it's fascinating to see how right-wing whites continue to vote against their own economic interests. The only rationale I can think of to explain this phenomenon is racial identification and fear.
It's pretty clear demographically that white influence will continue to shrink in the face of increasing Latino populations across the country. What Obama's presidency represents to them--viscerally I would add--is the sense that 'their' era is nearly over. And so they will grasp tightly to anti-government ideas since the federal government is more brown, black, yellow (and female) than ever.
The x factor in all this relates to multinational corporations and mega-banks. It's hard to say how lower middle class whites will react to their obvious over-reach of late. It can span the spectrum from 'I don't care about the envirnoment as long as I got a job' to 'I'm sick and tired of CEO's and their minions sopping up all the opportunities and wealth.'
Obama will win in 2012, but this will not reduce the vitriol of those who react viscerally to racial identification as the most important factor to their sense of well-being.
why don't you explain how we vote against our economic interests?
explain how huge deficit spending on ponzi schemes is in our economic interest.
Fancy That. Well said. joe just proved by his comment that conservatives vote against their own economic interests--ponzi scheme? Ponzi sheme is the latest GOP/TP talking point from Grover Nordquist, Karl Rove, FOX and friends.
uh yeah sure jody....again proving democrats are easily led and unedcated.
ponzi scheme....ie pyramid scheme its what SS and medicare are...where larger group of workers supports a smaller group of retired people....the pyramid is tipping...they always fail....then what are you going to do?
oh if a private company tried to set up medicare or social security those involved would be jailed.
try something else besides mindless talking points jody, if you can.
0bummer won't come close to winning in 2012 - he will win 12 or 13 states plus DC. The liberal loons on here don't have a clue how Red states like OH, PA, NJ, VA, NC and FL have become. 0blamer can't win without them. Forget the South and Midwest except for IL and Michigan 0bummer.
What the conservatives have done is genius. The republicans (Ryan) advance a plan that is so far out there, that everyone reacts in horror, at the prospect of the safety net being shredded. Then their friends in the MSM line up conservative democrats to denounce the extreme measures, but agreeingwith the pundits that something needs to be done, and almost everyone gives a sigh of relief, not thinking much about what the "something" is going to be. Gird up your loins folks, we are in a war for the heart and soul of America. We are on the verge of losing what makes this country great, a real middle class.
Very interesting that the outcry from the left is that everybody needs to pay their fair share of federal income tax. More than likely most people if not all would agree. I wonder if those who do not currently pay federal income tax would agree to help fund the federal government even in a small way with the rest of us. What the left really means when they say everybody should pay their fair share is that the 55% of those who actually pay federal income tax should fund the entire burden in Washington. Obama continues to talk about shared sacriface. Lets be fair either everybody kicks in some federal income tax or the programs are scaled back. Raise the tax rate and make the cuts to the federal programs. Thats fair if the 45% are not required to kick in a fair share so to speak. Even Castro in Cuba now admits that generous subsidies are an impediment to people working for a living.
It isn't a subsidy if, as in social security and medicare, WE each are contributing with every paycheck we earn. A subsidy is a tax break for big oil put in place in the 1960's to subsidize the faltering US oil industry because oil was more plentiful and cheaper to buy from the middle east. That's a subsidy. The money we each contribute weekly toward our own pension and health "safety net" is money we are entitled to. In addition, seniors pay a month premium for their "medicare" benefit.
letting people keep more of THEIR OWN MONEY isn't a subsidy...try econ 101 instead of marx 101
you're not entitled to anything...that money is given to old people...its not yours...get a clue.
Joe - somebody IS keeping our money. American GDP and corporate profits are ABOVE where they were at the start of the recession. But the WAGES taken home by 90% of Americans are DOWN.
GIVE US BACK OUR MONEY and then let's talk about the safety net.
Corporate profits have recovered, but job market still depressed
15 Mind-Blowing Facts About Wealth And Inequality In America
Share of income
raf: the only people taking your money is the government. companies don't take your money. you don't have to buy things from companies, you have to pay taxes.
And, Tony, that drivel about "only the rich pay taxes" only holds water if you define "taxes" SOLELY as income tax. 36% of federal tax revenues are from PAYROLL taxes, which only workers making up to $106,300 a year pay.
And that piece of the pie has gotten bigger every year. Meanwhile, CORPORATE tax revenues have fallen to their lowest percentage of GDP in history - 12%.
Share of federal tax revenue
The Numbers: What are the federal government's sources of revenue?
So before you go taking away food stamps and Earned Income Tax Credits, I suggest you go ask your corporate buddies to pay their fair share.
From Senator Bernie Sanders, (I, VT)
1) Exxon Mobil made $19 billion in profits in 2009. Exxon not only paid no federal income taxes, it actually received a $156 million rebate from the IRS, according to its SEC filings.
2) Bank of America received a $1.9 billion tax refund from the IRS last year, although it made $4.4 billion in profits and received a bailout from the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department of nearly $1 trillion.
3) Over the past five years, while General Electric made $26 billion in profits in the United States, it received a $4.1 billion refund from the IRS.
4) Chevron received a $19 million refund from the IRS last year after it made $10 billion in profits in 2009.
5) Boeing, which received a $30 billion contract from the Pentagon to build 179 airborne tankers, got a $124 million refund from the IRS last year.
6) Valero Energy, the 25th largest company in America with $68 billion in sales last year received a $157 million tax refund check from the IRS and, over the past three years, it received a $134 million tax break from the oil and gas manufacturing tax deduction.
7) Goldman Sachs in 2008 only paid 1.1 percent of its income in taxes even though it earned a profit of $2.3 billion and received an almost $800 billion from the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury Department.
8) Citigroup last year made more than $4 billion in profits but paid no federal income taxes. It received a $2.5 trillion bailout from the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury.
9) ConocoPhillips, the fifth largest oil company in the United States, made $16 billion in profits from 2007 through 2009, but received $451 million in tax breaks through the oil and gas manufacturing deduction.
10) Over the past five years, Carnival Cruise Lines made more than $11 billion in profits, but its federal income tax rate during those years was just 1.1 percent.
SS taxes were supposed to holy and sacrosanct only used for SS...right.
I don't blame those companies for trying to avoid taxes, don't you take every deduction?
Hooks, crooks, pirates, and thieves ALL are rotten I believe!
But i tell you the old gop, birthers, & tea party, & australian run fox news plan of distracting the voters is working. I saw a picture of a family of chimps put out the the gop. I tell you at first i thought the picture was about the hispanics who i know they are after. I tell you the gop hold nothing back. They bash the gays and just about all religions except theirs too. Especially the muslims. They are the party of bashing.
And it is working. Look at the donald. He is the current leader of the gop & a birther. He as an investigative team looking for obama's birth certificate but he never told them to look the term up in any dictionary because if they did, they would find the definition
'noun. an official form recording the birth of a baby and containing pertinent data, as name, sex, date, place, and parents.'
They would find that hawaii's certificate of live birth is a birth certificate as defined by the dictionary and that they could return and be required to leave the beaches of waikiki. And the dictionary makes no mention for the official document to have a doctor or hospital or nurses on the staff identified as the donald claims is required.
But the investigators have given the donald a solid lead. He has got what it takes to lead his party and the country. But i warn you. Just about everything is on the internet available to everybody in the world nowadays. And they throw shoes at people when they go to the middle east.