Buyer’s remorse continues for the GOP/TP. In Wisconsin all 6 of the Republican State Senators are now certified for the July special recall elections. The 3 democrats have not been certified to date citing some irregularities in their name gathering process used by the GOP/TP – remember the buying signatures for booze article that broke in the beginning. Also the recall election for Governor Walker is moving ahead as well.

What do Walker, Christie, Kasich and Scott have in common (among a few others)? If the Governor Elections took place yesterday all 4 of them would now have lost, some by as much as 20+ points or more. Now that is buyer’s remorse.

Late yesterday the GOP/TP rejected their own Debt Ceiling Bill by a 318 to 97 vote. Every GOP/TP member voted no for their own Bill. Why? This was a typical repugnant trick by the right to try and trap the Democrats into a position similar to the one they trapped themselves into when they all voted for the Ryan Bill. The trap did not work. To show how repugnant and truly desperate these people are they call Wall Street and tell them they are going to vote NO for the Debt Ceiling Bill but they really do not mean it. Trying I guess to mitigate the bad news to Wall Street and the World that they are going to default on our obligations (debt). The GOP/TP is now playing Russian Roulette with America as the looser and this is the party that some want to put back into power. God help us all. This party has absolutely NO shame, morals or any measure of responsibility let alone leadership, unless you consider rule by fear and intimidation a form of leadership.

The GOP/TP is still trying to run away from the Ryan Bill [Republican repeal of Medicare and Medicaid Act of 2011]. They are now doing a “Cut and Grow” model. Ok, I guess we are similar to vegetation. First their “Cut” program called the Ryan Bill is a complete and total failure, period. This Bill was sold to the American People as a deficit reduction bill. It is NOT. Of the $4.5 Trillion Dollars on “Spending Cuts” there is also $4.2 Trillion Dollars in tax cuts to the top 2% leaving only about $300 Billion to reduce the deficit over the decade. In fact this bill in addition to repealing Medicare and Medicaid as we know it, repeals or grossly cuts over 50 Social Programs including education, Medical Research, Food and Product Safety, FEMA, CDC, etc, it ADDS $5.5 Trillion Dollars to the debt over the next decade. If this is “Fiscal Responsibility” I would hate to see their definition of “Fiscal Irresponsibility”. So 50% of their plan is already broke – NO Cuts. What about the growth? Oh they are calling that Job Creation. It is a 7 or 8 page document that only says the same thing they said during the 2010 election. There are NO specifics or a plan at all. Just the same old rhetoric asking American to believe them again. You got to be kidding right?? They even mention increasing foreign trade as a method to job creation; hello “Our President Obama” has been saying that long before the 2010 election. In fact several months ago he was called on the carpet by the right for globe hopping trying to develop a more favorable trade policy with our neighbors that would help stimulate new jobs. Remember the “Infrastructure” Bill he wanted that McConnell vowed to block or filibuster in the Senate, same with the high tech and Green Jobs. Guess who is trying to take credit for those types of jobs now?? You got it, the party of no ideas is trying to take President Obama’s ideas and calling them theirs just like they tried to do in the HCR Proposal where the GOP/TP stole 6 or 7 of the Features right out of the HCR Law already signed by President Obama and tried to claim them as their own.

The GOP/TP is totally lost and they have no ideas on how to improve this country. What they have left is the old hostage routines of times past and this is what they are counting on. Before they held tax cuts for the richest 2% as their bargaining chip, now it is going to be Medicare/Medicaid, the tax cuts again and the Debt Ceiling.

People the GOP/TP have no plans to move this country forward at all. They are going to use Medicare/Medicaid, the Tax Cuts for the Richest 2%, Subsidies to Big Oil and the Debt Ceiling as clubs to beat Americans into line and total submission to their New Ideology.

Speaking of Christie...

Then there’s this buffoon who has waged HIS war on education funding in this state while, taking the states helicopter to his son’s baseball game!

What's the matter? Can't he fit into the Governors limo anymore?

You folks keep right on believing that the GOP/TP are the party of everyday working people!

*wink wink*

Governor Christie landed in Bergen County in a state police
helicopter late Tuesday afternoon to attend his son's baseball game against St.
Joseph Regional High School in Montvale.

Christie arrived shortly before 4 p.m. to watch his son Andrew
play baseball for Delbarton School. He was driven from the helicopter about 100
yards to the field in a black car with tinted windows.

Responding to a question from Patch about the use of the
helicopter to attend the game, Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak said,
"It is a means of transportation that is occasionally used as the schedule
demands. This has historically been the case in prior administrations as well,
and we continue to be judicious in limiting its use."

NJ.com
reported that the helicopter landed just before lineup cards were exchanged
and that Christie and his wife, Mary Pat, left the game in the 5th inning.

The site also reported that the governor had no public events on
his schedule, so it was unclear where he had traveled from. The
website reported that Christie had a private meeting Tuesday night at the
governor's mansion with a group of Iowa donors who are trying to pursuade him
to run for president.

The helicopter is one of five new choppers purchased by the state police, costs
$12.5 million and can fly at 200 miles per hour, according to the NJ.com
report.

http://ridgewood.patch.com/articles/christie-lands-in-bergen-county-for-sons-baseball-game#photo-6344157

They'll continue to push the Ryan Plan, the Republicans are a group that do not admit they are wrong. If they have someone in the electric chair and find out they have the wrong person long before they pull the lever, they'll pull it anyway.

Good Morning Feisty and Navy, great posts to start the day ( which should set off a few on the right just about now.)

On having buyers remorse, nowhere is that sinking in, than here in FL. we have a Gov. a TP favorite who has a 29% approval rating in less than six months on the job, what he has done so far to education, to job growth etc. is just stunning and yet with all those cuts he can alot funds to have his name plastered all over the state's highways.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/cerabino-scotts-name-on-florida-road-signs-gives-1510168.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4de6371cc9cd79b3%2C0

You just can't make this stuff up.

As for Christie, he will never get elected to the Presidency, no matter how much the TP want him. He is nothing more than a big loudmouth and in NJ the voters are beginning to see they too made a mistake. As he said himself not too long ago, "I am not ready for the Presidency" .

" You seem to know and have experienced just about everything else?

Looks like you have a touch of the 'know-it-all-itis' youself, there, guy.

I agree with FR, forget Palin and Trump. Six Iowa activists, one a businessman, dined with Governor Christie last night in the hopes of persuading him to run for President. I think Christie will stand by his previous statements and not run in 2012--his sites are on 2016. Those six Iowa activists represent the more realistic and somewhat more moderate GOP in Iowa. Unfortunately, for the rest of the country to understand who Iowa's GOPTP caucus goers are, think Representatives Steve King and Michelle Bachmann.

Iowa's Governor Branstad is another newly elected GOP Governor who, if the election were today, would not win. Buyer's remorse and most interesting is that the other 5 state governors in the same boat with Branstad are all in swing states.

Hey, come on guys. When you put yourself out in the public eye, when you run for political office, you must expect criticism. It is fair to make judgments about intellectual capability. Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich, Michelle Bachmann, and Donald Trump among others on the right wing are clearly intellectual lightweights. That's my assessment, anyway.

However, I see criticism this morning from the left that I expect from the right. Is Chris Christie overweight? Probably. Honestly, is that an issue? Hell, no. How he runs his state, how he handles his job is the issue.

Leave the personal attacks to the right-wingers. Knocking Christie for his weight is every bit as nasty - and shallow - as knocking Obama for the color of his skin. It's just not right.

Respectfully, a correction, First Read --

Chris Christie HAD the ability to put together an "A" campaign, back when people were still buying in to what he sells. You really need to pay better attention to what goes on out here in the wilderness beyond the eastern seaboard. I sincerely doubt Christie could sell the same things now, at least not in this state, and probably not in a lot of the big states he might need to win. Michigan? Not. Ohio? Not. Florida? Not? Wisconsin? Not.

But ditto to what David just said about Christie's weight. Sarah's shrieking, on the other hand, is another thing altogether. Love those emissions, Sarah.

A great point was brought up by Rachel last night.

From Her Blog:

"On the show last night, Rachel Maddow compared the situation to the kids' pageant where contestants had been forced by an outbreak of horse herpes to ride stick ponies instead of real ones. If Mitch McConnell has to ride a stick pony now that his party has bumbled into trying to kill Medicare, then he'll force the Democrats to get a stick pony, too, by giving them a choice of saving the economy or gutting the program. Rachel:"

"Republicans are now trying to make Democrats vote to kill Medicare, just like they did, thus erasing the huge competitive advantage Democrats hope have over the Republicans now because Republicans made the egregiously stupid political mistake of voting to kill Medicare. It is a nifty, nifty, little trap."

Alwaysfaithless,

One does not need to be prescient to recognize a smug and arrogant twit. You may find the actions of this Mussolini clone less than significant I suspect many such as myself don't. Instead of exposing your ignorance with trite and half witty commentary perhaps your time would be better spent presenting informative and researched opinions in the mode of the poster whom you malign. By the way the real importance is the $1,300 per hr it costs to operate that helicopter exclusive of the State Police that come with it.

jkh

"Republicans are now trying to make Democrats vote to kill Medicare, just like they did, thus erasing the huge competitive advantage Democrats hope have over the Republicans now because Republicans made the egregiously stupid political mistake of voting to kill Medicare. It is a nifty, nifty, little trap."

Nifty, indeed. What worries me, however, is that it's a trap that just might work. I heard last night that President Obama is already talking privately with republicans about how to change Medicare. To me this would be a sell-out because the correct "moral" answer is not to change Medicare, but to go back to raising enough revenue that Medicare and Social Security can be safely preserved.

Anna Molly,

I agree. I just wish that President Obama would quit giving away the store to the Republicans. It seems like the Democrats are great at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Feisty,

Hearing some
politicians talk about taxes, one might be convinced the United States has one
of the highest tax rates in the world.

The reality is that the US does have one of the highest tax rates in the world. Doesn't matter, doesn't determine revenue.

What the willfully ignorant refuse to understand is that tax rate does not directly translate to tax revenue. The US has had tax rates ranging since WW II from 92% - 35% and REVENUE HAS NEVER EXCEEDED 19% OF GDP. Revenue has varied from 16.9% - 19% of GDP. No more than a variation of 2.1% of revenue - no matter the rate!

Federal taxes
will be 14.8 percent of the nation's economic output this year, according to a
recent estimate from the Congressional Budget Office. That's compared to a postwar
annual average rate of 18.5 percent, Bartlett notes

Well that makes Obama look much more incompetent than ever, because the lowest previous 16.9% under Truman! Obama is the worst manager of an economy ever. This the slowest, the worst recovery in modern US history. The tax rate is not the problem - 9% unemployment year after year, insane spending, highest gas prices ever, over regulation ..... all cripple revenue.

He added that the
most recent year when the federal government took less from the economy was 1950, according to the Office of Management and Budget.

THE TAX RATE IN 1950 WAS 91% - What does that tell you! It tells you that the highest rate produced the least amount of revenue.

What part of the above can liberals not understand.

Why is this so difficult for liberals - 4th graders could understand the above...... well unless their parents are liberal.

Mean while ........ Obama spends 25% of GDP.

And you guys cannot figure this out?

AM: To me this would be a sell-out because the correct "moral" answer is not to change Medicare, but to go back to raising enough revenue that Medicare and Social Security can be safely preserved.

So raising taxes is your answer. Seems to be a trend with you. Lets see, there are 193 Democrats in the House, 54 in the Senate, and a socialist in the White House. You'd think one of them would propose legislation to raise taxes, but yet, none do. So when does someone in your party step up with the intestinal fortitude to do what you ask?

So when does someone in your party step up with the intestinal fortitude to do what you ask?

Along about the twelfth of never, JoAnna. ;-)

Flawed Before…Still Flawed:

Looking at the field of candidates the smart Republicans know there isn’t even one candidate who can beat President Obama. Some past has-been GOPers won’t be able to beat Obama, but they might like to go down in history as the Republican nominee.

Let’s look at some of these old white men: Rudy Giuliani and Newt Gingrich are both flawed men with extra marital affairs.

Tim Pawlenty, Mitt Romney, Jon Huntsman, Chris Christie, and Rick Perry are all past or present governors. In addition to being boring, recent data show buyer’s remorse with each of the five candidates. In light of their recent performance, none would be reelected in their own state.

Then we have the twins: Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann. Michele knows less history and information about the Constitution than the average 10^th grader. (The same could be said about Palin.) Both potential candidates are seeking the support of the Tea Party and in my mind, there is little doubt that Sarah will send Michele back to Minnesota.

So what about Sarah Palin? Yep, she was flawed before and still is. Both Lawrence O’Donnell and Chris Matthews believe she will never be president. Lawrence doesn’t think she will run, but Chris thinks she might. Lawrence O’Donnell is trained as a lawyer, is logical, rational, and uses the fact that Palin still works for Fox News as the basis of his prediction.

Chris sees Sarah Palin as not winning the presidency, but being a spokesman for the not-so-sophisticated Republicans. (And there are a lot of them.) Usually they have two names, (like Billy Bob) and they love their guns and NASCAR races. They don’t vote their pocketbook but in some small way they want to identify with the rich bankers. They earned a “C-” in history and don’t care much that Sarah didn’t do much better. These are the people that cling to Sarah Palin.

Personally, I have the highest regard for Lawrence O’Donnell and usually agree with his assessment. But I see Sarah as likely to run a very unconventional race, avoiding mainstream media and demonstrating that “fire in her belly” when given the microphone. Traditional rules do not apply to Sarah and I still think she will run.

Anna Molly

Love those emissions, Sarah.

Oh, so that's her problem? I always thought she was just a moron.

Bev and Anna Molly:

Loving those emissions is called "snorting" and causes brain damage. Maybe Sarah needs to stop snorting those fumes while she has two neurons to connect.

I see the usual suspects continue to pretend the lowest effective tax rates since 1950 and running a deficit are somehow unrelated. Anyone with a sense of reality can see that getting our debt control will have 3 components;

1) Fiscal restraint

2) Revenue adequacy

3) A strong middle class that can pull our economy to good economic growth.

Instead the Conservative Republican plan consists of 3 different components;

1) Eliminating the entire social safety net

2) Massive tax cuts for the wealthy elites, so large that they eat up any savings in government programs

3) Destroy middle class incomes

The latest plan of Conservatives to save themselves from buyers remorse is to try to force Democrats to go along with destroying Medicare. It can't work.

Ron Indiana

Flawed Before…Still Flawed:

Then we have the twins: Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann. Michele knows less history and information about the Constitution than the average 10^th grader. (The same could be said about Palin.)

Don't forget what Sarah said about the Statue of Liberty.

This Statue of Liberty was gifted to us by foreign leaders, really as a warning to us, it was a warning to us to stay unique and to stay exceptional from other countries. Certainly not to go down the path of other countries that adopted socialist policies," Palin said to cheers from the crowd.

What???? Would some tell Sarah France gave US it and is a Socialist country

I thought Jon Stewart had the best description of Palin's bus tour... Driving Miss Crazy!

Joanna,

Asleep for the last 18 months or just watching FOX? Virtually every Democrat led by the president has called for the repeal or sunsetting of the Bush tax cuts for the top bracket. The Republicans blackmailed an extension of the Bush Tax Cuts for the top bracket in December 2010 all 42 GOP senators informed Harry Reed that they would block any and all legislation if tax breaks totaling $800,000,000,000 were not extended for those making over $250,000 that 800 billion would come in handy about now. The CBO estimates that virtually none will be returned as revenue or jobs it is simply another golden parachute for those who need it least.

jkh

Palin said to cheers from the crowd.

That is the alarming part of it!

She spoon feeds the stuck on stupid crowd!

Hi Ron,

Great.

"Chris sees Sarah Palin as not winning the presidency, but being a spokesman for the not-so-sophisticated Republicans. (And there are a lot of them.) Usually they have two names, (like Billy Bob) and they love their guns and NASCAR races. They don’t vote their pocketbook but in some small way they want to identify with the rich bankers. They earned a “C-” in history and don’t care much that Sarah didn’t do much better. These are the people that cling to Sarah Palin.

Personally, I have the highest regard for Lawrence O’Donnell and usually agree with his assessment. But I see Sarah as likely to run a very unconventional race, avoiding mainstream media and demonstrating that “fire in her belly” when given the microphone. Traditional rules do not apply to Sarah and I still think she will run."

Gov Christie will not run for president, waddle maybe, but never run!

Job 1:

Thanks for the shout out. I enjoy your work as well.

The Ryan Plan is the best plan put on the table to date, people. The lack of a plan is a sure assault on the middle class since you idiots pay the tax burden more than most (total dollars paid). Failing to do something to Medicare, Social Security, and the Military SPENDING will bring about the end of this nation.

The demise of the US is upon us not because of the Tea Party or Republicans or Democrats, but rather the inability to have an open honest blame free discussion with an adult solution. There is no solution that does not require sacrifice at all levels.

Just remember this from Mrs. Thatcher, "The problem with socialism is you eventually run out of other people's money." We are fast approaching that point.

Bob,

I am not exactly sure what figures you are looking at or how you interpet them but revenue as a function of GDP is down about 25% aggregate since 2001. In 2001 GDP was 10286.2 billion dollars and total direct revenue was 3557.94 billion dollars in 2009 GDP was 14119 billion an increase of 40% while total direct revenues were 3739.65 billion and infitesimal revenue increase. This is explicit in showing a huge increase in wealth moved upward with no revenue in return. Please explain citation usgovernmentrevenue.com

jkh

Regarding Sarah Palin's ignorant comment about the Statue of Liberty--how could someone twist what it represents so badly? On the same day that she made a mockery of this beautiful gift from one of our allies, she complains about how the MSM treats conservatives: "The mainstream media has obviously a biased agenda against common-sense conservatives. That's no secret," Palin replied. "And we just happen to represent a lot of common-sense conservatives. And they just don't like it. So they make things up." ()

Sorry, Palin. No one makes up the stupid stuff that you say. They just report it. It's probably hard for you to believe that you said something so dumb and untrue! I think your definition of what common sense is must be very different from mine (or most people's).

JoannaSmith1,

By "socialist in the White House", I assume you're referring to the President, who wants to preserve Medicare and Medicaid for future generations via restructuring and not gutting them completely turning them into vouchers that pass the cost on to seniors and tax payers at the state level.

Since Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are social programs and government run, that definitely defines socialism by most standards. Maybe the Tea Party people who are against socialism should start sending back those Social Security checks and stop getting any coverage for their medical care from Medicare or Medicaid.

Closing all the VA hospitals or at least charging market rates to our veterans would also save a lot of money. I wonder if Paul Ryan's thought of that yet. Maybe he'll suggest that in the debt ceiling negotiations.

Jim Hayes, re; 1.24,

Yes, she's aware that she's spreading inaccurate information. Someone points it out every single day, usually with citations. I'll let you decide what term applies to people who deliberately tell people things they know not to be true.

P.S.: The same applies to Bob.

P.S.S: Nice work, please keep it up.

Ron:

Maybe Sarah needs to stop snorting those fumes while she has two neurons to connect.

False premise, my friend. You're assuming she HAD two neurons to connect in the first place. Maybe her mother snorted, too.

Jim Hayes: Asleep for the last 18 months or just watching FOX? Virtually every Democrat led by the president has called for the repeal or sunsetting of the Bush tax cuts for the top bracket.

And there you go, JoAnna. Take THAT! I knew there were eagle scouts out there somewhere.

Hi Jim Hayes-375865

Good work Sir.

Bob,

On Nov 5, 2008, the day following Obama's Inauguration, ABC News headlined, "The New President will be left with an economy like no other in Modern History". Despite conditions so severe, under his leadership our economy has been growing for the last 5 quarters and millions of private sector jobs created.

All of this despite Republican obstruction; filibustering at 3 times the pace ever seen before in American history, watering down and voting down key economic recovery legislation and repeated threats of government closure/ending middle class tax cuts/not renewing unemployment benefits/defunding women's health/if they don't get their top 2% tax cuts.

Yesterday, GOP voted in treacherous violation of their country's national interests. In no possible way were their actions patriotic. Incredibly, they said 'don't worry, just joshing' to Wall Street. But their actions do matter. Our economy is still in recovery and all of their actions matter a lot.

They are threatening to crash the global financial system, damage the full faith of the United States, and do untold damage to our future credibility.

GOP hopes that Democrats will partner them in their 'Kill Medicare" plan, and relieve them of the consequences of their cold money-bags-for-brains calculations to cut seniors, children and the poor and give that $money to Corporations.

And btw I agree with Economy editor Pat Gaorofalo: "Failing to raise additional corporate tax revenue will simple shift more of the deficit reduction burden onto a middle-class already battered by the Great Recession.

Wow, The rude the crude and the abusive are all chiming in today. Im surprised you ladies (if you can call them ladies) aren't all over the Wiener (story)! Just remember Anna , because you can call people names and act like a madame in a house of ill repute (I was in the Navy for 10 years Ive been in a few) doesn't mean your telling the truth! As I said before I hope you dont expose your children to this kind of behavior, but it hard to not imagine dinner time at any of your homes with out vile exchanges of inept banter and high fives!

Louis J:

Good to see you this morning. It is true, this election cycle is shaping up from the GOP/TP as a very poorly run carnival where the side shows are all frauds, the games rigged and the food stale and bad for your health. Europe is laughing.

LouisJ

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

I say "Take Medicare Off The Table Republicans And As STAND Up For The Economy".

Don’t Go Down The Memory Hole by now Americans have see when elephants run people get trampled.

Right-Wing Media Attack Obama Over Medicare "Cuts" As They Praise Ryan Plan, Which Includes Same "Cuts"
http://mediamatters.org/research/201105270037

Republicans need to get serious about the Fall of the American Middle Class

LouisJ

It's up to each individual to determine how much they want to read into the 24/7 chatter that floods the channels. When a Republican watches FOX News and nothing else, of course that's all they know. When a Democrat refers to information about Debt Ceilings and the simple notion to raise it to continue in economic rebuilding and is criticized by someone that barely passed a math class that is merely a person that needs to denigrate someone to make them self feel a little bit bigger.

Fox is not Reporting. It is producing a Fear Factory.

According to to Tim Dickinson of Rolling Stone, "Ailes is certain that he's a top target of Al Qaeda terrorists." Inside his blast-resistant office at Fox News headquarters, Ailes keeps a monitor on his desk that allows him to view any activity outside his closed door.

Once, after observing a dark-skinned man in what Ailes perceived to be Muslim garb, he put Fox News on lockdown. "What the hell!" Ailes shouted. "This guy could be bombing me!" The suspected terrorist turned out to be a janitor. "Roger tore up the whole floor," recalls a source close to Ailes. "He has a personal paranoia about people who are Muslim – which is consistent with the ideology of his network."

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/how-roger-ailes-built-the-fox-news-fear-factory-20110525?page=11

Ditto: that Fear Factor too for the economy Fox Noose has with its strangle hold on it's ole, white clueless audience.

Disclaimer: before I'm accused of racism, I just giving the fact.

Ailes knows exactly who is watching Fox News each day, and he is adept at playing to their darkest fears in the age of Obama. The network's viewers are old, with a median age of 65: Ads cater to the immobile, the infirm and the incontinent, with appeals to join class action hip-replacement lawsuits, spots for products like Colon Flow and testimonials for the services of Liberator Medical ("Liberator gave me back the freedom I haven't had since I started using catheters"). The audience is also almost EXCLUSIVELY WHITE – only 1.38 Percent of viewers are African-American. "Roger understands audiences," says Rollins, the former Reagan consultant. "He knew how to target, which is what Fox News is all about." The typical viewer of Hannity, to take the most stark example, is a pro-business (86 percent), Christian conservative (78 percent), Tea Party-backer (75 percent) with no college degree (66 percent), who is over age 50 (65 percent), supports the NRA (73 percent), doesn't back gay rights (78 percent) and thinks government "does too much" (84 percent). "He's got a niche audience and he's programmed to it beautifully," says a former News Corp. colleague. "He feeds them exactly what they want to hear.

Louis J:

"Let’s face it the political landscape of United States of America is quickly becoming a laughing stock among the countries of the world and the media is the perpetrators of the material that is being supplied."

So true. Studies show that the FOX News viewers are mis-informed.

"Let’s face it the political landscape of United States of America is quickly becoming a laughing stock among the countries of the world and the media is the perpetrators of the material that is being supplied.

What Louis J said Yeah

The network's viewers are old, with a median age of 65: Ads cater to the immobile, the infirm and the incontinent, with appeals to join class action hip-replacement lawsuits, spots for products like Colon Flow and testimonials for the services of Liberator Medical ("Liberator gave me back the freedom I haven't had since I started using catheters"). The audience is also almost EXCLUSIVELY WHITE – only 1.38 Percent of viewers are African-American. "

Beverly_— You obviously must be describing yourself since you have so many details on the Fox network and its commercials. Have a good day and don't throw stones if you expose yourself too much! HA

Good post, Louis!

Fed Up Senior-3530222

The network's viewers are old, with a median age of 65: Ads cater to the immobile, the infirm and the incontinent, with appeals to join class action hip-replacement lawsuits, spots for products like Colon Flow and testimonials for the services of Liberator Medical ("Liberator gave me back the freedom I haven't had since I started using catheters"). The audience is also almost EXCLUSIVELY WHITE – only 1.38 Percent of viewers are African-American. "

Beverly_— You obviously must be describing yourself since you have so many details on the Fox network and its commercials. Have a good day and don't throw stones if you expose yourself too much! HA

No way. old gomer

I'm not that dumb. And I'm not tired of waiting for the President to do something. He turned the economy, got bin Laden, signed the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, eliminated fees paid to private banks to act as intermediaries in providing loans to college students; expanded Pell Grants; and make it easier for students to repay outstanding loans after graduating.

Oh and for haters, this you might like, if you believe in treating your fellow American equally.

Signed Hate Crimes Legislation Into Law

Since JOHN BOHNE-Aire took the Gravel WTF have Republicans done for the past 2&1/2 besides say "NO"?

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20008835-503544.html#ixzz1O3HA5anL

Bev___— We may never agree on much of anything... especially spending, but a good day anyway!

FUS,

Bev is not throwing stones. If you knew anything about advertising, you would know that she is telling the truth.

I have read what you've said about spending. It's impossible to balance a budget if you cut spending and revenue.

Louis J,

You've hit the nail on the head. Can you imagine what this country would look like in the eyes of the world if we didn't treat our President as bad as we do? He has turned around international relations in spite of the fact that Republicans has done and said everything they can make up to discredit him. I wouldn't be surprised if they had respect for President Obama but not the American People.

If the raising the debt ceiling was not important, why did they raise it seven times under Bush?

Unfortunately, the Republicans are willing to destroy America, in an effort to make this President look like a failure.

Bev....... Oh yes you are! in fact so much so that you cant even see it!

@LouisJ -- you have aptly described the most-of-the-time first posters on FR/FT in your third paragraph. I applaud you for such a recognition and courage to say it in public. Also, if I remember history correctly, it was actually democrats that were the leading adversaries of the Civil Rights Act like the late Robert C. Byrd.

it was actually democrats that were the leading adversaries of the Civil Rights Act like the late Robert C. Byrd.

Those were "southern" democrats (dixiecrats), Ben. Most of those same folks are republicans, today.

Ben, yes initially the GOP was the party to end slavery and supported civil rights but you conveniently ignore the rest of the story. It was democrats who, along with republicans, passed civil rights legislation and a democratic president who signed it. When LBJ signed that legislation, he said democrats had lost the south for 50 years. Well, it's been longer than 50 years and those southern dixiecrats who voted NO became republicans. The parties switched sides. While it is convenient to remember only one part of the story, credibility is lost by doing so. Robert Byrd changed and instead of criticizing him for his previous KKK involvement and anti-civil rights stances, he should be applauded for his recognition that he was wrong and his willingness to say so.

Just curious Jody but would you be so forgiving of Robert Byrd if he was a Republican? How do you feel about Storm Thurman?

Ben,

This is a rightwing subterfuge although not a lie it is also not the whole truth. In the Catholic Church it would be a sin of omission as opposed to comission. The vote on the Civil Rights Bill can be parsed in many ways regionally it was the South against and the rest of the nation for a higher percentage of Republicans in all regions voted against it. Prior to the Civil Rights Act the South voted Democratic for economic reasons but in the following three election cycles former Dixicrats defected en masse to the Republican Party solely on the issue of race and equal treatment under the law. Most of the Dixicrats in Congress retired , were defeated or defected to the GOP but more importantly from 1964 the Old Confederacy white vote changed from 70-30% DEMOCRATIC TO 70-30% REPUBLICAN. The only significant change was the development of The Southern Stategy seeded by Nixon and brought in to full bloom by Reagan and his enablers.

jkh

Very true LouisJ, and Fox News has taken it to such an extreme they've claimed that their network will supplant the state primary system in choosing the Republican nominee this cycle?

Conservatives, how do you like knowing that your leaders have so little regard for democracy and YOUR opinion that they intend to let their media network pick your nominee?

Well, it's not very far from the Republican Governor, who replaced the officials that was voted in by the residents, with people of his choosing. Seems like with Republicans in power, we are moving from democracy to dictatorship. I didn't realize that their saying there would be no compromise, meant they would now dictate.

Ben, Be careful Anna has a razor sharp tongue and the wit of a rock! And not one iota of decency!

Getting lazy there Smiff?

You're not even attempting to alter the morning talking points memo from RNC headquarters... lol

Sloppy work babe, very very sloppy! ;o)

The TeaBaggers are already costing us money: They are doing their level best to convince world bond markets that we are not a good credit risk, so we can expect to pay more interest on our debt.

Not because of our ability to pay, but because of our political unwillingness to pay, thanks to TeaBagger dogma.

What do you think all the talk about lowering the US Bond rating has been about?

Feisty:

So sad indeed. They have nothing but continued empty rhetoric and America now knows it. They can't even spin it any more.

You are aware, are you not, JoAnna, that many of the democrats who voted for the bill did so at the urging of Steny Hoyer to counter the trick being played by republicans? Just enough democrats to stay under the number needed for passage. Democrats have finally learned to play your cynical games.

AM: You are aware, are you not, JoAnna, that many of the democrats who voted for the bill did so at the urging of Steny Hoyer to counter the trick being played by republicans?

Lets be real AM, what ever the Democrats do in the House, it really doesn't matter, they are irrelevant. They just participate in the votes because they have nothing better to do, and maybe they can include some of their votes in their glossy re-election pamphlets at election time. So the Democrats can play all the silly little games they want, it really doesn't matter.

AM, Good Morning

JAS1 has never been one to let the facts muddle her message.

Yes, those GOP House folks are really smart--they just told the world the US can't and won't pay its debts. Anyone who believes that not raising the debt ceiling will mean Government will no longer be required to deficit spend and that it will have no consequences on our economy and the world is living in dreamland.

Also Smiff

It's been 147 days since John Bone-Air took the gavel and there hasn't been 1 job created. Instead they talk about abortion, drug testing people for food stamps, bashing President Obama, gays, tax cuts for the rich, a birth certificate, NPR, who is showing their private parts and blah, blah, blah

FYI: Instead Of "Talking About The Debt Limit @ the FEAR FACTORY aka FOX NEWS," THE "Top Story" Is On Trump And Palin Eating Pizz.

http://WhenAreTheJobs.com/

The Republicans Tea Party is such an embarrassment to the United States as far as playing games with the Debt Ceiling. The bigger embarrassment is that most people here don’t understand the consequences if the ceiling is not raised.

A wind up toy facing a wall gets further along than our political system.

Playing games is exactly what's happening, Job1. By approving the Ryan budget Republicans have already signaled their intent to increase the debt by $60T before finally bringing the budget into balance in the 2060s. Their lying and duplicity is obvious, as is their willingness to destroy the faith and credit of the US Treasury to expand their own power.

Look at what their playing games with the debt sealing is doing to the stock market this morning. Even though they called wall street and told them they really didn't mean it. Evidently wall street didn't believe them.

Anna (post 4.4) -Cynical games, how droll. Sure that some democrats actually can see down the road and understand consequences?

Seems that former senator Alan Simpson (you know, Obamas co-chair on the debt reduction commission) had the following to say on bloombergtv.

http://www.bloomberg.com/video/70166506/

Of course if you are a believer in that the right can do no wrong or that the left can do no wrong one won't want to listen.

Mo:

They called Wall Street in an attempt at CYA. They knew what they were doing yesterday and like the repugs they are, they do not care how much they hurt this country as long as the few get what they want. This will get worse.

Agreed, USN. This game of chicken must stop. Conservatives are behaving like spoiled children, willing to stomp their feet and spoil the party for everyone if they don't get everything they want.

The vote last night was not only about Obama's lack of any plan but more importantly was a reflection that the Democrats have no plan either. Obama wanted a clean vote on the debt ceiling... Well, he got one last night and the Congress expressed its will that raising the debt limit without substantial spending cuts is a nonstarter. This is not chicken.... It is trying to get the Democrats to acknowledge that they have to get out of their offices and try and participate in debt reduction identification. IF we can reverse the continuing debt growth by reducing our spending splurge enacted even more than the Obama Administration of the inept Democratic leadership, then we will not have to raise the debt ceiling the future. IF you reduce your expenditures below what your debt ceiling is, then you began to gain your financial stability back. Heck, we all are having to learn that in our own lives. Why can't the Democrats at least acknowledge that fact!

Joanna_— Hang in there lady.... Your posts often lend some sanity to the liberal dribble pervading these blog inputs. Some day these same liberals are going to meet reality and it is going to be a joyous day to see the comments on the blog evolve.

President GW Bush had 7 clean votes on raising the debt ceiling.

Republicans ALREADY voted to raise the debt when they passed an Ayn Rand budget that doesn't balance until the 2060s, adding over $60T in debt between now and then.

Budgets originate in the House. When will House Republicans fulfill their constitutional responsibilities?

Johnny B., Des Moines IA: President GW Bush had 7 clean votes on raising the debt ceiling.

That's because he didn't say this:

“The fact that we are here today to debate raising America's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. Leadership means that ‘the buck stops here.’ Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership . Americans deserve better. I therefore intend to oppose the effort to increase America's debt limit.” Senator Barack Obama - April/2006

Johnny B: Budgets originate in the House. When will House Republicans fulfill their constitutional responsibilities?

They did. The House passed its FY2012 budget on April 15th, 2011 on a vote of 235-193.

Still waiting for the Senate to pass their version of the FY2012 budget.

Johnny, with all your crying, do ever get dehydrated?

What crying? I just refuse to roll over to the Conservative war on the middle class.

The Republican budget was DOA from the beginning, so poisonous they rushed it through without debate and amendments in hopes the American people wouldn't notice. Passing a fantasyland budget guaranteed to appeal to no one but TP faithful isn't the same as fulfilling their responsibilities. Finding a way to keep the majority of the American people happy instead of just monied interests would be a nice start.

So Johnny, just when will the Senate vote through their version of the FY2012 budget? You sure cry a lot about the House FY2012 budget, but shed no tears for the Senate being AWOL from their duties. Seems the Senate doesn't want to go on the record for supporting their continued deficit spending of our children's futures. One wonders why that is.

Oh, and big fell'a, here's a tissue for you to dry your tears.

All this bs about not raising the debt ceiling but we heard not one word when the debt ceiling was raised SEVEN (7) times during the GW Bush administration.

Hey all republicans how can you scream about the debt when your saint Ronald Reagan increased the national debt 189%.

Au Contraire, JS1. The Senate did their job when they voted down the Republican budget. Now it's up to the House to come up with something that has at least some grasp on reality.

I find your "crying" diversion to be most entertaining, btw. It tells me ya got nothin. It is, however, the most original thing you've said in months.

Andie469 - and Clinton increased the national debt by over $1 trillion, other than you wanting to live in the past, whats your point?

In an effort to prove how weak the dollar is and how our bonds are worthless, they play games which will result in an increase in debt, while they pay lip service about being concerned. The republicans will do anything, including throwing this country and it's residents under the fast moving train, in an effort to discredit this administration.

Like JS1 said.....Lets be real AM, what ever the Democrats do in the House, it really doesn't matter, they are irrelevant. They just participate in the votes because they have nothing better to do. I am glad they are considered irrelevant. When the US becomes irrelevant due to republicans behavior, I hope they take responsibility for it and not suddenly claim bipartisanship.

This must be the republican's doctrine, since Bush said...."Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."

Hang tight RVZ555 - the med cart will be around any minute now...

The doctor may want to think about doubling your dose...

JoAnn ridiculing Governor Christie for his weight is just as bad as someone ridiculing someone for their race. It is just more acceptable in some peoples world. You obviously have never worked for a company that you had to take a Respect in the Workplace course or any class where you learned what discrimination truly is.

Christie wasn't born fat. He got that way from being unable to control his consumption of food. It demonstrates a lack of personal responsibility. If you confuse race with obesity as a similar characteristic you are a moron.

Paul if you confuse all weight with a lack of self control you are the one who is uneducated and have no compassion. The name calling is expected on this blog since.

Christie is fat, by his own dereliction from self control. If you eat nothing but carrots and cauliflower all day everyday you wouldn't be as fat as he is. All obesity comes from over eating, the laws of thermodynamics confirm it. You might be born with a condition which predisposes you to get fat if you eat the wrong things, but that is something quite different from being born of one race or another.

KSW, ridiculing people for their opinions is all this gang of about 14 know. The only way to combat them is to make more people aware of what they say and how they say it. Invite as many Independents as you know here to view this travesty! Let them read this vile attempt to slander and abuse people because they have a different opinion. Be the little thorn under the saddles (lol no pun intended) of these abusive people! I actually like Mr. Obama as a family man and a husband, I take umbrage with Mr.Reid and ms Pelosi's ideas for America and the vitriol of the people (specially the women) on this blog. But it makes a great tool for educating people. You will now see why! Let the name calling begin!

Bat sh!t Crazy Bachmann said yesterday, she's got the 'all's clear' 'go ahead' from God to run!

Apparently, Michele Bachmann is now confirming that she has received the long-awaited go-ahead from the Lord on her presidential run. Per Eric Kleefeld, she revealed that she had received His blessing in an interview with Iowa Public Television:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/31/michele-bachmann-president-2012_n_869413.html

Freaky thing is there are voters out there who will 'pull the lever' for someone who HEARS voices in their head!!!

"Bat @!$%# crazy"????? Fiesty.......really?

Oh, no doubt, Feisty. She will do well in the Iowa GOP caucus. Terry Branstad pandered the Bible-Thumper wing back into primacy to win his last election. Once Huckabee dropped out, Bachmann had a clear shot.

My point proved in the very next post!

Frank---elections have consequences and the consequence of the Republicans winning the House of Representatives is that it is their constitutional responsibility to propose all revenue-related bills-they must originate in the House. Given the lack of cooperation from the Republicans over the last 2 years and their unwillingness to compromise, why should the Democrats propose anything? The Republicans wanted to lead and they told the voters they would lead, so it is up to them to do something.

Until the GOP/TP gets off their "Obstructionist" agenda and agrees to work together instead of wanting everything their way and their way only NOTHING is going to get done and America will be ruined by the GOP/TP - That is the path we are on and the GOP/TP is pushing it to the max right out in the open for all to see now. How is that for raw arrogance??

SF: Republicans over the last 2 years and their unwillingness to compromise, why should the Democrats propose anything

Because the Democrats are still the majority in the Senate, and Obama still has 1.5 years to serve in the White House. Right now it is clear that the Democrats are part of the problem, and not part of the solution. Elections tend to clean out the garbage the Democrats are spewing, 2012 will not be good for them if they don't get onboard in fixing the uncontrolled spending that they have done for the last 2.5 years.

The following comes directly from www.outsidethebeltway.com and dead on describes what is shown every day here and other places. Time to quit don't you think?

"As much as I would like to blame politicians, the bottom line remains this: the reason that the Obama administration (and ultimately, I predict, the Congress) is unwilling to make serious attempts at dealing with the fiscal challenges facing the United States is because we, the people, would punish them all at the ballot box if they did. We don’t want our entitlements cut, we don’t want to cut defense spending, and we don’t want to raise taxes (some “we’s” want some of these things and some “we’s” want others, but there is no critical convergence of interest that will allow any of these to happen at the moment—and really, they all need to undertaken to one degree or another).

Voters needs to stop falling for assertions like cutting “waste” or foreign aid will solve these problems. Until the public (and, really, most pundits/analysts/politicians) really takes all of this seriously, all this is just so much shouting in the wind."

http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/chart-of-the-day-obamas-pointless-budget-cuts-edition/

Frank, a good beginning for the GOP would be to take Medicare off the table when trying to wrangle a deal through the debt ceiling brouha that is no place for discussions on entitlements, continuing to do so, smacks at blackmail. I am tired of the GOP tying everything they want to entitlements and helping out the working people of this country. The GOP want it all their way and it simply will lead to the destruction of the country. Yes, Medicare changes need to be considered and worked on, but not in this forum.

Surely a reasonable soul such a yourself can see this?

I am tired of the GOP tying everything they want to entitlements and helping out the working people of this country

Me too!

This game of hostage holding is growing tiresome & transparent!

Do we need reform - ABSOLUTELY however, this is NOT the time to play chicken!

Ben...that is right on the money. We've seen that pattern election after election. The party in power proposes something, the opposing party slams them and the voters throw them out. Every time someone mentions touching an entitlement, the other side says we'll save it, vote for us, and we have yet another turnover election.

GM...I agree...Medicare reform is too big to be thrown in with raising the debt ceiling. I'd like to see some cuts in spending associated with raising the debt ceiling, but Medicare reform needs to be handled by itself. So are you ready for hurricane season??

Steeler Fan...I understand what you're saying, but realistically, anything that gets through the GOP House has to get through a Dem Senate and President. All parties involved need to put out their respective plans (or what they'll accept) and negotiate.

Frank, what cuts would you like to see on the table, me, I'd like to see the DOD's funds cut back and out of Iraq altogether would be a great start, Afghanistan hopefully, shut down over a couple of years as I realize we have national security issues to consider and other aspects we are not privy to.

Yes, I'm ready for hurricane season as always keeping my fingers crossed we will dodge one. Looking at the devastation from the tornados, hurricanes dont seem so bad. Right now I would settle for some rain that we really need.

Hurricanes can contain tornados and spawn others. People who live in tornado alley should have a building code that reflects that reality.

JoAnnaSmith1

Because the Democrats are still the majority in the Senate, and Obama still has 1.5 years to serve in the White House. Right now it is clear that the Democrats are part of the problem, and not part of the solution. Elections tend to clean out the garbage the Democrats are spewing,

Joanna, instead of rambling on and on about the dems, you should be worried that the republicans, who said before the 2010 midterms that they would creat jobs, jobs and more jobs. remember the republicans control the congress, and if they could do what the dems did in the last congress and get 4 dems in the senate to support individual bills they could get things through to the president. remember Joanna HCR, Jobs bill was passed because 3 or 4 Republicans in the senate got changes they wanted and voted for it.

If the Dem's can do that why can't the Republicans do the same?

Joanna i don't post as much as i use to, I'm sitting on the side line waiting what the next move will be for the republicans, after the deals the president made with the republicans, they better understand average people see that and if republicans don't show the same compromise by going against what they want at times for the better good, and seeing Ryans plan to gut Medicaid and pass it over in tax cuts, Mitt Romney being the to me clear front runner, a guy i like, but republicans don't, Obama in 2012. and for god sake, keep Michelle, Sarah out of the primaries, they will only make a circus of the whole thing.

Jeff : the republicans, who said before the 2010 midterms that they would creat jobs, jobs and more jobs.

So Jeff, what would a "Jobs Bill" look like to you? In 2.5 years, Obama and the Democrats managed to spend $4 trillion dollars we don't have, and job creation has at best been flat. So do tell Jeff, outline for us what this new and improved, wonderful and mystical, "Jobs Bill" would look like.

The problem is that the Republicans have not to date demonstrated a willingness to compromise---it is their way or the highway. They refuse to consider any changes to the tax structure, despite the fact that "trickle-down" economis has not worked while Democrats can point to the success of the Clinton tax rates in addressing the deficit. So any proposals the Democrats might make have been deemed unacceptable by the Republicans. That is not my idea of a compromise by a party that controls one chamber. It is my idea of a petulant child.

SF: The problem is that the Republicans have not to date demonstrated a willingness to compromise---

There is nothing to compromise with. The Republican House passed a FY2012 budget, the Democratic Senate has passed nothing. The Republicans have a plan to save Medicare, the Democrats don't. The Debt Commission has recommended a tax structure that will encourage growth, the Democrats have time and time again sided with the current tax structure. The Democratic President submitted a FY2012 budget proposal in January, the Democratic controlled Senate voted 97-0 against that budget.

To compromise, you have to have something to comprise with. When are the Democrats going to propose something? Something that they all buy into?

JoAnnaSmith1

Jeff : the republicans, who said before the 2010 midterms that they would creat jobs, jobs and more jobs.

So Jeff, what would a "Jobs Bill" look like to you? In 2.5 years, Obama and the Democrats managed to spend $4 trillion dollars we don't have, and job creation has at best been flat. So do tell Jeff, outline for us what this new and improved, wonderful and mystical, "Jobs Bill" would look like.

Joanna you missed what i'm trying to say, the jobs bill we have right now, that gives tax breaks for new hires, and the republicans all but 3 or 4 did not vote for.

i wish would would answer a post by staying with what was said, i was talking about if you think the republicabns will win the whitehouse, they better start pushing there bills through that the american people all people can go with. that has not happened yet. that all i'm saying. since november 2010 the ball is in the republicans court, and if we were playing Basketball all they are doing is passing to each other and not taking a shot, and Ryans plan is a half court shot that is never made.

JoAnna, your asking the wrong person in Jeff. You need to ask the GOP/TP their the ones who promised you in 2010 that they'd create jobs. So ask them where their jobs bill is and what it looks like.

Oh I forgot that's the GOP/TP way, promise the voters everything and then expect someone else to take care of the promises for them, so they can take credit if it works and blame someone else if it doesn't.

M0-681343

JoAnna, your asking the wrong person in Jeff. You need to ask the GOP/TP their the ones who promised you in 2010 that they'd create jobs. So ask them where their jobs bill is and what it looks like.

Mo thats her style, she will post here asking the democrats in the congress for answers but they don't control it anymore, i think she is scared to ask her own GOP. why they don't have any answers and that is what scared her.

Hurricane resistant codes such as the ones used in Dade County florida and other counties have been implemented to lessen the impact of hurricane events. This is done by forcing code requirements to become redundant in their attachment (connection) details. As with both tornados and hurricanes much of the damage can be sustained from flying debris from other houses, roofs or construction elements being hurled at other structures.

However one must understand the difference in wind speed and intensity between a hurricane and a concentrated tornado in the Fujita 3, 4 or 5 scale. Some tornados can have twice the wind speed of hurricanes and therefore quadruple the wind shear forces hitting the structure.

While increased connection details and improved inspection during construction can improve conditions there is no completely effective tornado resistant design. True tornado resistant design would mean say good bye to windows, most veneer wall systems ie, brick veneer, stone or siding over wood stud construction. In college, I visited the engineering department's wind tunnel lab. They showcased a cannon that could propel a 2x4 at nearly 150 mph at various wall assemblies. The 2x4 penetrated all assemblies including a cmu wall. The only thing it didn't was the reinforced concrete assembly.

The only thing that can stand up to tornado winds that can reach over 200 mph is reinforced concrete. While it would be possible to financially implement concrete in the design of some commercial buildings there is no way to financially construct single family housing out of this material. If anything it would be wise to update code requirements on connection details, however a better solution would be to mandate underground storm shelters or a reinforced concrete safe room.

Oops, I forgot people don't want to be told what to do, where or how to live by big government.

Q: How can you tell JS1 is lying?

A: Her fingers are moving.

I wouldn't make that statement if she'd stop repeating exactly the same Conservative talking points that the rest of us debunk on a daily basis. For example;

There is nothing to compromise with. The Republican House passed a FY2012 budget, the Democratic Senate has passed nothing.

All budgetary matters originate in the House. House Republicans refused to allow debate on their budget before ramrodding it through. This IS the budget as passed by Republicans, it isn't the fault of the Senate that they wrote their budget to the whims of their goddess Ayn Rand, the L Ron Hubbard of politics.

The Republicans have a plan to save Medicare, the Democrats don't.

Turning Medicare into a voucher plan that is both inadequate to providing health care for the elderly AND a massive government subsidy to the insurance industry isn't saving it.

The Debt Commission has recommended a tax structure that will encourage growth, the Democrats have time and time again sided with the current tax structure.

The President has made multiple proposals on altering the existing tax structure, including tax incentives to small business. Senate Republicans filibustered all of them.

The Democratic President submitted a FY2012 budget proposal in January, the Democratic controlled Senate voted 97-0 against that budget.

Democrats voted against the January budget because President Obama has made numerous changes in his proposal since that time. Republicans know that but managed to bring it to a vote through parliamentary maneuver.

All of which she knows, most of which was pointed out to her yesterday. Facts don't stop her from parroting the same discredited nonsense day after day.

*OUCH* That one HAD to hurt!

Excellent work JohnB! ;o)

Johnny B., Des Moines IA: All budgetary matters originate in the House.

John, are you still whining about Nov02/2010? You are!! My, just let it go, will you?

And the House did originate the FY2012 budget John. You must have missed it, but it was in all the papers. Now it's time for the Democrats to step up, show us what they got!

Johnny B: House Republicans refused to allow debate on their budget before ramrodding it through.

Oh, John. Here is the tiniest violin, playing a sad song just for you.

Johnny B: Democrats voted against the January budget because President Obama has made numerous changes in his proposal since that time. Republicans know that but managed to bring it to a vote through parliamentary maneuver

One wonders, how do you manage to type through all your tears . . . . .

Destroying Medicare is a non starter. Deal with it, Conservatives lost this one at their own hand.

Crying? More like laughing at GOPTP self-destruction.

Johnny B., Des Moines, IA: Destroying Medicare is a non starter.

Oh, Johnny, haven't you heard? The status quo isn't good enough anymore. On its own, Medicare will fail in several years. Somethings got to change big fell'a, and the Republicans have their plan, but the Democrats seem to be getting a little timid about coming up with one of the own. Now the tears have certainly flowed from the likes of you and Democrats about the Republican plan, but yet, the Democrats have no plan at all. That won't look good around election time, at least not for the Democrats. That will be something for you to deal with Johnny, one more thing for you to stomp your little feet and hold your breath over.

Keep your head in the sand, JS1. Everyone acknowledges Medicare has long term issues that need attention. Conservatives, however, have already lost the battle;

They're not buying it. Most Americans say they don't believe Medicare has to be cut to balance the federal budget, and ditto for Social Security, a new poll shows.

The Associated Press-GfK poll suggests that arguments for overhauling the massive benefit programs to pare government debt have failed to sway the public. The debate is unlikely to be resolved before next year's elections for president and Congress.

Americans worry about the future of the retirement safety net, the poll found, and 3 out of 5 say the two programs are vital to their basic financial security as they age. That helps explain why the Republican Medicare privatization plan flopped, and why President Barack Obama's Medicare cuts to finance his health care law contributed to Democrats losing control of the House in last year's elections.

Medicare seems to be turning into the new third rail of politics.

"I'm pretty confident Medicare will be there, because there would be a rebellion among voters," said Nicholas Read, 67, a retired teacher who lives near Buffalo, N.Y. "Republicans only got a hint of that this year. They got burned. They touched the hot stove."

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_16026/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=8NxwVoOx

The only foot stamping and breath holding is being done by Conservatives who think their plan to dismantle Medicare has a chance.

JS,

Why would the Democrats need to come up with a plan? I thought you said they were irrelevant.

JS1 Keep throwing them in there! They just dont understand that they are the minority, the left will not elect the next president(lol neither will the right)......us independents will! While I dont see the ideal candidate on the republican side, I dont see myself voting for Mr Obama! Not that I haven't voted Democratic before (Carter and Clinton) I just cant side with vitriolic people like there are on this blog.

My theory is that the Republicans think they can get their Bible-Thumpers and their TeaBaggers to mate, and form a mutant hybrid that will come out to vote for them, then disappear until the next election.

Awww, offending little "alwaysfaithfull" (chuckle)? Sweetie, why don't you go on over to the NickToons post so you don't get hurt...you poor thing! LOLOL.

It seems like there are some posters who come on this vine just to criticize and complain. Alwaysfaithful must have an obsession with Feisty. She is criticized for her knowledge, name calling and anything else. I don't know what you folks would do if she ever stop posting.

I wonder what Sarah Palin and Donald Trump had for dinner?

Word on the street is, they had pizza!

It hasn't been confirmed which one ordered the anchovies...

Hi Nash--re: Christie---also sad that it may be better for him to run in 2012 than in 2016 because of the tough campaign he'll have in his own state in 2013. So he'll face a difficult re-election in his own state but this qualifies him to run for the Presidency?

Some times the games and "media catnip" can be amusing but the debt-ceiling talk is frustrating and the knee-jerk reaction against the Commerce Secretary candidate and threats to block the appointment just seems so childish when we face such important issues and challenges.

NF: How is it that all of the House Republicans supported the "Ryan Plan" which includes raising the debt ceiling, but now all of a sudden they are against raising the debt ceiling?

The Republicans are against the unconditional raising of the debt ceiling. One would hope you'd be able to comprehend that fact, but you always seem to disappoint in the truthfulness category.

As I said earlier, I hear they had the Faux-Chocolate Mousse for dessert.

JoAnna:

Huh? The Republicans are against anything that will prevent them from continuing to suck this country dry. . . via unpaid for tax cuts, non-tax paying corporations, and huge subsidies for companies that don't need it.

P.S. What do you know about "truthfulness"? lol

P.S.S. *waves to Feisty and Steeler Fan* . . . G'day ladies!;o)

It is sadder still that we are supposed to all care whether or not a Congressman is following someone on Twitter.

It is when he tells the press to go away because he won't answer the simple question as whether it is him in the photo. It is when he claims his account was hacked, a serious offense involving a congressman, when the claim appears to be a lie. Always remember Watergate. The lies and the cover-ups are what gets you in the end.

Sorry Nash now you are defending the indefensible.

NF: Huh? The Republicans are against anything that will prevent them from continuing to suck this country dry. . . via unpaid for tax cuts, non-tax paying corporations, and huge subsidies for companies that don't need it.

Unpaid for tax cuts, you mean like the Republican President Obama signed in Dec/2010? The one that extended all the Bush tax cuts plus a 33% reduction in Social Security taxes? Oh wait, Obama is a Democrat. Non-tax paying corporations like GE who lobbied the Republican Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel to eliminate them from having to pay their fair share of corporate taxes. Oh wait, Rangel is a Democrat. Total 2010 tax bill for GE - $0. Subsidies for companies that don't need it. like has been going to "Green" industries like ethanol, that are not even close to be efficient?

NF: P.S. What do you know about "truthfulness

I just pointed out your lie. Be a big girl now and own it.

Alan:

I am not defending Congressman Weiner . . . if he has done something inappropriate then he should be held accountable.

But last time I checked, all we have is a bunch of "why isn't he handling this the way we want him too" from the media . . . and I can't for the life of me figure out how whether or not he is texting pics of his weiner to chicks affects my daily life.

So yeah, Alan, I don't care about his weiner or any other congress critters.

You have a blessed day! :o)

JoAnna:

You are really, really pretty pitifiul these days, huh? You pointed out my big lie? Really? Where is it? It must be too big to see!

How does your "both sides" routine equal to a lie? Also, it would seem that green energy NEEDS to be subsidized, as it will help end our dependence on foreign oil and it is not currently making billions of dollars in profits? Isn't the idea to help industries that help us, not help industries that help themselves? Have you ever had an indpenedent thought?

You know things are bad when you cannot deny your plan sucks, you can just find other plans that suck too.

Thanks for playing.

JS1

You droll on day after tiresome day with "where the democrats plan for the budget". Please read up and get informed. The democrats have sent a clear and consistent message to the house, who by the way are the budget proposers, to include the following items:

a) eliminate the medicare ax plan and treat is separately, to which the TP/GOP have said no.

b) include defense cuts, to which the TP/GOP have said no.

c) include revenue raising increases (meaning tax increases), and again the TP/GOP say no.

d) eliminate or decrease oil subsidies, to which the TP/GOP say no.

Clearly, the dems have made proposal after proposal, and the obstructionist TP/GOP say no. And on top of that, they hold the debt ceiling hostage, threatening to destroy the entire econmy in the name of killing Medicare, keeping entitlements for corporations, keeping zero and less than zero tax rates for corporations, keeping tax rates for the wealthy at the lowest percentage since the 1950s. So, you can stop your ranting .. the democrats have proposed solutions, and the republicans, to use that disgusting Regean era mantra, keep down the path of "Just Say No".

So yeah, Alan, I don't care about his weiner or any other congress critters.

Me neither although I'm surprised I haven't seen any kosher jokes yet.

You droll on day after tiresome day with "where the democrats plan for the budget". Please read up and get informed. The democrats have sent a clear and consistent message to the house, who by the way are the budget proposers, to include the following items:

a) eliminate the medicare ax plan and treat is separately, to which the TP/GOP have said no.

b) include defense cuts, to which the TP/GOP have said no.

c) include revenue raising increases (meaning tax increases), and again the TP/GOP say no.

d) eliminate or decrease oil subsidies, to which the TP/GOP say no.

Clearly, the dems have made proposal after proposal, and the obstructionist TP/GOP say no. And on top of that, they hold the debt ceiling hostage, threatening to destroy the entire econmy in the name of killing Medicare, keeping entitlements for corporations, keeping zero and less than zero tax rates for corporations, keeping tax rates for the wealthy at the lowest percentage since the 1950s. So, you can stop your ranting .. the democrats have proposed solutions, and the republicans, to use that disgusting Regean era mantra, keep down the path of "Just Say No".

The house passed a budget resolution. It now goes to the Senate. So why doesn't the majority in the Senate bring up your points in a budget resolution, pass it and get into conference with the house?

www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/congress-clocks-in-to-clock-out/2011/05/31/AGyfIlFH_story.html

Alan,

Why can't Republicans be responsible on their own? Why do they propose this outlandish crap to start with?

Why can't Republicans be responsible on their own? Why do they propose this outlandish crap to start with?

It's called negotiating. Democrats start from the same ridiculous stance that there is nothing in the federal budget that can be cut. (Cowboy Poetry for example). At the state level they are no different as any talk of cutting education or medicade, the two biggest expenses, will turn the kids into morons and kill the poor. I think we need efficient delivery of both services because they are being paid for by hard working people. It's their money we're spending and so we should always be examining whether we are doing the best we can. Instead I see program that go into stasis and entitlement with and ever growing demand for more and more resources. Considering how much we have increased spending on education over the last 20 years, why are standards dropping? Dumber kids? Dumber teachers? What's the answer? I don't know but throwing in more money should not happen till we have the answer.

I know you think we should simply tax the rich more and I'm fine with that, but it does not make the money that you are taking from working families, money that they could use, be spent more efficiently.

So, both side stake out ridiculous starting positions but hopefully they will move towards a reasonable compromise. One thing though, I know many here support the President's "pragmatic" approach to solving these issues but if ever there was a time where he should be out front instead of "leading from the behind" this is it. I can't say I like this style of leadership.

Alan:

You might not like the President's "style", but you can't argue with the results.

P.S. I get really tired of hearing that deficits and debt doesn't matter whenever the Republicans are in power and doing whatever they want, but suddenly it is the only thing that matters when it is time to help the American people with our own money.

You lament the fall of education in this country, but the simple fact is that if something does not produce an immediate cash "profit" in our society, it is deemed a "waste of funds" by faux "conservatives" . . . until the levees break, coal mines explode, and oil rigs leak . . . then they are at the front of the line asking for governent assistance to "clean up".

The hypocrisy and naked greed is breathtaking.

I thought the "free market" could address all of our problems if the government just got out of the way? Well, the government has been brought to its knees by conservative policies, and I do not see any "corporate people" filling the gap, do you Alan?

So yeah, at the end of the day, the simple truth is that the market works for making money, and that is about it. Now, if ya'll don't mind, the rest of the country that got left holding the bag would like to rebuild, and this time, we don't plan on subsidizing ya'lls theories with our money.

Joanna

Unpaid for tax cuts, you mean like the Republican President Obama signed in Dec/2010? The one that extended all the Bush tax cuts plus a 33% reduction in Social Security taxes? Oh wait, Obama is a Democrat. Non-tax paying corporations like GE who lobbied the Republican Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel to eliminate them from having to pay their fair share of corporate taxes.

WOW, i did not realise rangle was a republican.

Joanna slow down a proof read, please. i almost called my uncle in new york to ask who the hell did a black Republican from Harlem get elected!!!!

The democrats have sent a clear and consistent message to the house, who by the way are the budget proposers, to include the following items:

The Democrats have done no such thing. Every vote they have taken on the FY2012 budget has failed to produce a majority. There is no consensus in the Senate for any budget. The Democrats in the Senate stand for nothing, they are against everything. Until they produce a bill that can pass in their chamber, they're just passing the time.

JAS1: Oh wait, Obama is a Democrat. Non-tax paying corporations like GE who lobbied the Republican Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel to eliminate them from having to pay their fair share of corporate taxes. Oh wait, Rangel is a Democrat.

Jeff: WOW, i did not realise rangle was a republican. Joanna slow down a proof read, please.

Reading comprehension is a skill Jeff. Maybe take a course on it at your local Community College.

And still waiting on what you'd like to see the Republicans put in a "Jobs Bill" Jeff.

P.S. I get really tired of hearing that deficits and debt doesn't matter whenever the Republicans are in power and doing whatever they want, but suddenly it is the only thing that matters when it is time to help the American people with our own money.

Sorry, but I am being totally consistent. I was for paying down the debt at the end of the Clinton administration and so against Alan Greenspan (who I thought was totally idiot in his assertion that institutions can be self-regulating). I was against both Bush tax cuts and the extension that was enabled by Obama. I was against the Iraq war, and the fact that there was no tax increase to pay for it, nor any call for sacrifice to the general public during it. I was for the invasion Afghanistan in 2001, but now the ship has sailed and was against the escalation in 2009. I was against the unfunded entitlement of Medicare-D, an obvious bribe to the retired at the expense of the young, just as I am against HCR as it will do nothing to achieve universal healthcare as opposed to universal health insurance. Also, the fact that 15m are put into an expanded medicade program will do very little to get people out of the emergency room (look at Massachusetts if you don't believe me). So at the end of the day I for social programs that are properly run and funded. If we can't pay for them then they'll end soon enough. If you think the Democrats are doing a great political job by ensuring that medicare will survive in its present form and that they will benefit politically in 2012 then so be it. I think that they will benefit politically but will be the party in power when the debt crisis comes crashing down.

It's easy to be consistent as both parties change their views (see Debt Ceiling Increase), whenever they are the ones in power.

Alan:

I am very happy that you personally have been consistent and thoughtful in the positions you have taken over the years. My comments are directed to the larger Republican Party, which changes positions based solely on what will make their corporate backers the most money and poll the best.

I just wish we could actually have real discussions about policy, and not faux ones about polls, personas, and pizza meetings between pinheads.

Well said at 11.15, Nash, and I'll go further. When those calamities occur Republicans are right there whining "this isn't the time to talk about such an important issue" and wait for it all to die down.

When is the time to discuss adequate flood protection if not when one of the world's greatest cities has just been destroyed by cheapness?

When is the time to discuss mine safety if not just after dozens have been killed by deregulation?

When is the time to discuss the adequacy of our drilling practice if not when entire industries are being shut down throughout the Gulf of Mexico by inadequate safety?

When is the time to discuss food safety if not when have a BILLION eggs have been recalled for being as much poison as food?

When is the time to discuss banking regulation if not when the entire WORLD economy has been destroyed by greed and lack of proper government oversight?

That's the cost of Conservatism. When is it time to face facts?

JoAnnaSmith1

JAS1: Oh wait, Obama is a Democrat. Non-tax paying corporations like GE who lobbied the Republican Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel to eliminate them from having to pay their fair share of corporate taxes. Oh wait, Rangel is a Democrat.

Jeff: WOW, i did not realise rangle was a republican. Joanna slow down a proof read, please.

Reading comprehension is a skill Jeff. Maybe take a course on it at your local Community College.

And still waiting on what you'd like to see the Republicans put in a "Jobs Bill" Jeff.

Come On Joanna you just can't take a joke when you make a mistake, how shallow are you to not laught at your self some times, i know Rangle is a democrat girl friend!!!!, come on girl lighten up, take it easy, smoke a joint, have a drink!!!!!

Great post, Journey. I would add that it is hard for many of us liberals to buy into the Republicans' zeal to fix Medicare and address the deficit when they had to much to do with creating the problems in the first place. And they continue to insist that tax rates are not part of the problem.

JTP:

There is plenty of wealth and it continues to grow by leaps and bounds;

Not at my House Journey. Food, Gas and Energy costs have cut my discretional spending to pretty much zero. See, comparably, yes, we are a wealthy country. The poverty level here would be a healthy wage in a lot of countries, but that is what has always made America exceptional. We are better than everyone else. In 235 years we have accomplished what, in centuries, most countries can only hope for.

Problem is, it is now being taken away. I don't think it's going to take 235 years to take it all away, either.

Hi WCA -

Government finance is 'uniquely American'; a hybrid system balanced between tax revenue and market finance. I applaud Vice President Biden and the congressional members from both sides of the aisle with taking-on the challenge of reaching an agreement. This should not be viewed as a compromise; but a solution.

I too, as well as, many of the people posting on this blog are deeply suffering the effects of inflation. I empathize with each and every one of these individuals; it's hurting the nation, we argue and are at each other's throats because of the pent-up anger that exists in our hearts. Politicians use this as a tool for elections. We the people are better than this, we must do better than this. Name calling and finger pointing is simply unacceptable today. We must begin working together; as one people gathered togther in unison; having a single purpose.

PSLC: The real question he should have asked is why are republicans wasting time on this crap, instead of helping the President put Americans back to work?

How would they do that, by passing the Presidents budget, the one that included $1.65 Trillion dollars in deficit spending? That budget though struggled a tad in the Senate, going down to defeat in a tight vote of 0-97.

Yeah, that's pretty much the deal in a nutshell, Patrick. A bunch of Dems offered the Speaker a way around his TeaBagger problem, but he got scared and punted.

Even the Chamber let slip that "Wall Street is in on the joke."

JC. I guess true belivers like JoeAnna, did not get the joke.

alwaysfaithfull

dangerfield - I think your really going to hate it November 2nd next year when the American Voter executes "Phase II" (Phase I was on 11/2/10) and cleans "house" in the Senate too!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

You obviously didn't understand the post you responded to, and as I find liberals and conservatives here to both be "blinded by the light", allow me to suggest a song that will explain what I meant...

Google the band Steelers Wheel...:)

Oh J. Merle...............there you go again, does it hurt to hold a grudge that long? It blinds any common sense you may have had.

Just what kind of change were you expecting, do tell.

Gingerbread.....pull your head out of your buttocks, and open your eyes and ears.

Wasn't Obama's campaign slogan; "change you can believe in"? Didn't he say that "Washington" was broken, and he was going to fix it?

So, tell me how Obama has changed, or for that matter "fixed" "Washington"?

He's just another President trying to raise the debt ceiling, without balancing the budget, or paying off what we already owe......and guess who's going to get stuck with the bill, when dinner's over and the music stops playing?

Didn't he promise to work with the Republicans, as opposed to arguing with them?

Then, when they came to The White House to negotiate the healthcare reform bill, he told them (and I'm paraphrasing here) 'we should do it my way, because I won the election.".....?

Isn't that more of the same crap we had when Bush was President? ("Deficits are our entitlement, becasue we won the election.".....Dick Cheney)

Hell, I could have gotten that garbage from ANYONE!

That's not change. That's more of the same old crap coming from someone with an alligator smile, and brand new suit.

Houston!, Weiner has a bridge in Brooklyn for sale. Give him a call.

Alan, NJ

Houston!, Weiner has a bridge in Brooklyn for sale. Give him a call.

Speaking of morons. Alan NJ is living proof that not all of them are in the news biz.

Jon Stewart has already said 'that image is not Wiener's weiner' and that is good enough for me.

Now there.

Sheila, MD

Jon Stewart has already said 'that image is not Wiener's weiner' and that is good enough for me.

But what does Oscar Meyer know and when did he know it? Inquiring minds want to know.

Houston, you have a problem!

As reported on this website, Wiener could not say with "certitiude" that the picture was NOT of him.

Hmmmmmm.