I’m fascinated about just how low taxes must go before the Teapublicans are pacified?

Under the newest scheme introduced by Sen. Paul Ryan¸ he proposes lowering current corporate tax levels from 35% to 25% even though the corporate tax rate is the lowest it’s
been in 60 years!

We were promised that if the Bush Tax Cuts were extended, business would resume hiring because they would no longer face the uncertainty.

Well guess WHAT? We paid the ransom to the extortionists and they still haven’t released the hostages…

Even after the CBO has determined that cutting corporate taxes is not a significantly effective way to jump start job creation, the Teapublican Party has doubled down on all
or nothing!

http://www.cbo.gov/budget/budget.cfm

Envision my amazement when, I ran across this viewpoint from none other than King of the
Conservatives; Bill Kristol?

Read below and weep Teapublicans… lol

On Fox
News Sunday today, conservative commentator Bill Kristol threw cold water on
the GOP’s fixation with the corporate tax rate, saying that Republicans “are
making a mistake” because “the corporate tax rate is not killing big business
in America”:

Republicans
are making a mistake if they focus on big businesses and corporate tax rates. Corporations have a ton of cash. The
corporate tax rate is not killing big business in America.

Kristol is not right about much, but he is on the money here. Corporations are sitting on trillions in cash reserves and corporate profits have rebounded to record highs. In fact, “the Fortune 500 generated nearly $10.8 trillion in total revenues last year, up 10.5%. Total profits soared 81%.”

But none of that has translated into sustainable job growth. The only economic indicator that has been going up is CEO pay.

Republicans are not only looking to cut the corporate tax rate, but they have been pushing to open
a permanent tax loophole by switching to what’s known as a “territorial” corporate tax system, which would mean that corporations could permanently park money offshore and never pay taxes on it. The Republicans have also endorsed a misguided push to give corporations a tax windfall worth tens
of billions of dollars through a tax repatriation holiday.

http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/06/05/236797/kristol-mistake-corporate-tax/

In 2010 the average CEO’s pay rose on average 27% while the average workers grew by 2%!

Do you want to tell us again there is NO disparity between the HAVE’s & HAVE
NOT’s? Where is the shared sacrifice?

Just a week after the report that bonuses for CEOs jumped 30 percent last year comes another startling statistic that illustrates the ever-increasing
gap between rich and poor in America: overall CEO compensation increased by 27 percent in 2010, while the pay of the average worker grew only 2 percent, according to a USA Today analysis of data from GovernanceMetrics International.

Perhaps it's fitting that, as the
Columbia Journalism Review points out, the Business section of today's New York
Times reads like a "snapshot of the gilded age economy."

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=12&ved=0CDEQFjABOAo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.yahoo.com%2Fs%2Fyblog_thelookout%2F20110401%2Fts_yblog_thelookout%2Foverall-ceo-pay-rose-27-in-2010-while-pay-of-average-workers-rose-2&ei=9gzsTY7YKMn20gHsjvGNAQ&usg=AFQjCNHFVMz0jj4AAVPgll6VpuBNAolafQ

It’s unquestionably the Gilded Age of the 21^st Century!

The Fundamentalist's Dilemma:

Christian fundamentalists generally vote Republican: it seems to be an unwritten rule. Voting Republican takes precedence over other considerations. For example, President Obama has repeatedly demonstrated his Christian beliefs in prayer meetings and in his actions. John McCain seldom went to church and didn't talk about his faith, yet Christian conservatives flocked to McCain.

This weekend religious conservatives and Republican political leaders have gathered at the Faith and Freedom Conference in Washington D.C. I would expect to see conservative presidential candidates, speeches in hand, ready to talk about how deeply religious and politically conservative they are.

But to my surprise, a Christian group affiliated with Faith in Public Life held a press conference and said that the GOP's 'Ayn Rand' budget targets the poor and goes against Christian values. These religious leaders have read Ayn Rand's work and viewed her interviews. It is well documented that Rand is against God, and doesn't approve of Judeo-Christian religion. She claims, "Religion is a psychological weakness." The Faith in Public Life group denounces the GOP adherence to Rand's philosophies of anti-government and anti-religion.

It is their position that the economic mess we now find ourselves in was not caused by poor people and they should not have to pay for it. Likewise, the clergy quote the Bible by saying that a nation is judged by how we treat the poorest and most vulnerable. Both John Boehner and Paul Ryan have been called out that their cuts in the budget have disproportionally targeted the poor and are out of line with Christian teachings.

The Christian fundamentalist dilemma is whether to follow the teachings of Ayn Rand or of Jesus. Unfortunately, I suspect the vast majority will do as they have done in the past: Vote for conservatives who side with Ayn Rand.

US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired

Blaming a President for the economy without holding Congress' feet to the fire is disingenuous, given Congress' responsibilities with regard to appropriations and setting the national agenda that the President must then act upon. Yet in this current session of Congress, we've seen numerous votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act, legislate a woman's right to choose into oblivion, the repealing of Medicare and Medicaid, the defunding of agencies like NOAA, Planned Parenthood, Educational Programs, Medical Research, and the EPA just to name a few and an overall agenda that kills jobs in the public sector and the private sector at the very least.

Great post Navy

Of course, we saw it and will continue to as long as the Republicans want their top prority to the FAILURE of President Obama.

Today is "D"Day. I'd like to mention the Buffalo soilders

During World War II the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments were disbanded, and the soldiers were moved into service-oriented units, along with the entire 2nd Cavalry Division. One of the infantry regiments, the 24th Infantry Regiment, served in combat in the Pacific theater. Another was the 92nd Infantry Division, AKA the "Buffalo Division", which served in combat during the Italian Campaign in the Mediterranean theater. Another was the 93rd Infantry Division—including the 25th Infantry Regiment—which served in the Pacific theater.^[25]

Despite some official resistance and administrative barriers, black airmen were trained and played a part in the air war in Europe, gaining a reputation for skill and bravery (see Tuskegee Airmen). In early 1945, after the Battle of the Bulge, American forces in Europe experienced a shortage of combat troops. The embargo on using black soldiers in combat units was relaxed. The American Military History says:

Ron:

The Christian fundamentalist dilemma is whether to follow the teachings of Ayn Rand or of Jesus. Unfortunately, I suspect the vast majority will do as they have done in the past: Vote for conservatives who side with Ayn Rand.

I'm sure you see this one coming, Ron.

It might be a dilemma if they were truly Christians. True expediency recognizes no dilemmas.

Republicans are suffering from False Memory Syndrome which causes them to believe an event that did not happen.

Republicans See All Red and See No Black

We were in the black when GW Bush came into office until GW Bush squandered it. Now it seems everyone sees Red literally and figuratively. The criticism they posited about Minority Speaker Nancy Pelosi so proved they conflate the events of Bush's past as not real.

Following in Reagan's footsteps, George W. Bush buried the myth of Republican fiscal discipline.

Inheriting a federal budget in the black and CBO forecast for a $5.6 trillion surplus over 10 years, President George W. Bush quickly set about dismantling the progress made under Bill Clinton. Bush's $1.4 trillion tax cut in 2001, followed by a $550 billion second round in 2003, accounted for the bulk of the yawning budget deficits he produced. (It is more than a little ironic that Paul Ryan ten years ago called the tax cuts "too small" because he believed the estimated surplus Bush eviscerated would be even larger.)

Here, then, are 10 Inconvenient Truths About the Debt Ceiling:

1. Republican Leaders Agree U.S. Default Would Be a "Financial Disaster"
2. Ronald Reagan Tripled the National Debt
3. George W. Bush Doubled the National Debt
4. Republicans Voted Seven Times to Raise Debt Ceiling for President Bush
5. Federal Taxes Are Now at a 60 Year Low
6. Bush Tax Cuts Didn't Pay for Themselves or Spur "Job Creators"
7. Ryan Budget Delivers Another Tax Cut Windfall for Wealthy
8. Ryan Budget Will Require Raising Debt Ceiling - Repeatedly
9. Tax Cuts Drive the Next Decade of Debt
10. $3 Trillion Tab for Unfunded Wars Remains Unpaid

http://crooksandliars.com/jon-perr/10-inconvenient-truths-about-debt-ceiling

Remember that song “You Dropped A Bomb on Me.” by the Gap Band Well, that is what the GOP/T-Baggers are trying to do our collective memory. Don't listen to them

http://crooksandliars.com/jon-perr/10-inconvenient-truths-about-debt-ceiling

I’m fascinated about just how low taxes must go before the Teapublicans are pacified?

That depends. How low CAN they go?

I think they can go to zero, and after that we just start paying the rich directly as a rebate from every paycheck.

Obama inherited financial collapse, deficits and debt. He inherited a broken political system as well. None of this was his fault. But through his decisions, he has made everything worse. That's why his reelection would be an absolute disaster for this country. Let's count the ways:

1. Unless the Supreme Court has the good sense to wipe it out, Obamacare (and all the job killing and budget busting costs associated with it) will be here to stay.

2. Our energy policy will continue to be to cheer for countries like Brazil to drill early and often, while stifling same here. Furthermore, we're learning we might have enough natural gas that can be extracted from shale that could replace all current coal and gasoline consumption for at least 50 years. But this president would prefer to dick around with windmills instead??

3. The road to repeal of the Bush tax cuts would be wider, and we could look forward to one of the biggest tax increases in American history. That's another bigtime job killer, but don't tell that to the simpletons on the left who never saw a tax they didn't like.

4. A renewed push for cap and tax could be firm and strong – hey, the prez wouldn't have to run for reelection again, so why not take another shot at this job killer too. No matter this turkey would never pass in Congress, he'll just push EPA to make it happen through the backdoor.

5. There would be no pain of any significance administered to our entitlement programs because this president thinks that just wouldn't be right. The unfortunate consequence of that unfortunate point of view would be the continuation of these programs down the same fiscally unsustainable path they're on now. The fact of the matter is the government has no hope of being able to fulfill the promises it has made in the Medicare and Social Security programs. Unless in ten years or so we're OK with every tax dollar going to these and other entitlement programs and debt service – with nothing left over for anything else. So unless Medicare as we know it is significantly reformed, then America as we know it won't be around much longer either.

6. Jobs, jobs, jobs. Or lack thereof. The mindset that produced Keynsian "stimulus" policies (aka pork for states, cities, and unions) is a mindset that has no practical insight into how jobs are created in this country. To wit: jobs are not created by an act of Congress, nor are they created by well meaning presidents who spend indiscriminately in the hopes that some green shoots will ultimately grow. Jobs are created by a vibrant private sector that sees opportunity and moves to capitalize on that opportunity. But see #1-5 above, the the prospects for an increasingly higher tax and uber regulatory environment in which the private sector operates is so hostile that jobs are not being created at nearly the pace of previous recoveries. The question now is whether this is a temporary phenomena or a more permanent feature of our economic landscape that Obama has inadvertently crafted. A malaise many call the "new normal."

7. The "new normal." That would be sluggish economic growth in the 2% range, persistently high unemployment that becomes more structural, higher inflation, and debt and deficit problems that just won't go away. That's precisely the path we're on right now. Don't believe me? Check out the key points from the recent forum on markets and the global economy hosted by Mohamed El-Erian, the CEO of PIMCO. And it's not just the U.S. that he puts in this boat, it's the European economies as well. Yup, we're becoming more and more like the social democracies of Europe, and the reelection of Obama would just steer us even more firmly in their ruinous direction. Obama liked to wax eloquent about how Bush drove the economy into a ditch – well, our superhero prez would be finishing the job by pushing the wreck over a cliff.

That's just a short list, but it's bad enough. Peggy Noonan wrote a piece last week that included the idea that all presidents can be remembered by a single sentence associated with their names. For example, if someone were to say "He fought to hold the union together and end slavery" or "He led America through a depression and a world war" no one would need to be told that these presidents were Lincoln and FDR. Noonan ends with the thought that Obama doesn't know what his one sentence is yet -- but Republicans already do.

Four words: "He made it worse."

Bev:

Great Post and thank you for reminding that today is D-Day. I saw over the memorial weekend the movie on the "Tuskegee Airmen". It was a great story and if I remember correctly, they did not lose one airman in all their campaigns.

I find it amazing what we can do when we want to. For such a young Nation we have a stellar history of heroism and sacrifice for the good of all mankind. I hope we never lose that heritage.

Look what we are seeing now is the coming together of the GOP/TP Party’s agenda to make President Obama a failure. They have opposed virtually every bill that had anything to do with creating jobs and stimulating the economy. Over 400 Bill stalled in the Senate by the GOP last congressional cycle.

This is a well planned attack on this country from within. Come 2012 if the unemployment is still high and the economy’s growth is still sluggish the GOP/TP is going to blame President Obama even though that the truth of the matter is, it is the GOP/TP that is responsible for their failed leadership in moving this country forward. They are the ones that opposed the Job Creating Bills, they are the ones that want to repeal Medicare, Medicaid, they are the ones that want to gut education and give record tax breaks to the 2% while destroying 50 or so Social Programs that benefit the middle class and lower income. That was and is their agenda.

If we do not see a JOBS Bill or a Stimulus Bill come out from the house, that will be the proof of what I have been saying and we will see decades of economic decay and rights being stomped on by the right. It is all right in front of us and we better wake up and start really looking at who is doing what and why.

We as a country are still trying to dig our way out of the mess the previous administration created in over 8 years. They took this country to a recession that was only surpassed by the “Great Depression” and that took decades to recover fully from. President Obama is the only one trying to do something about it and nether he or any other President can turn around 8 years of failed management in just 2 years. Just does not happen that way, especially when the other party keeps throwing up road blocks along the way.

What we are seeing play out before us is all politics and the quest for power and wealth. It has nothing to do with helping this country move forward at all. Never did and never will. It is about “class welfare” and the middle class is loosing, and with their defeat goes this country.

Anna. Don't give them any ideas.

Bill. There is one reason Obama will win easily. The Ryan budget.

In an interview on CNBC Friday morning, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis emphasized the positive trend of the previous few months: "If you look back on the last four months, we've on average put (on) about 200,000 jobs each month....

If you look a little closer, most of those jobs are part time, and in the service (McDonalds) industry.

And if you look at the past 15 months, it's well over 2.1 million private-sector jobs.

At the cost of $4 trillion dollars in deficit spending, or for you math whizzes, that's $2 million spent per job.

We're on the right path. We knew all along we were going to have some bumps in the road."

Solis thinks we're on the right path? Poor thing. And she was obviously at the staff meeting last Friday, because she's repeating the same carnival barking routine as is Obama.

Check this out! Here's that scawry 'uncertainty' word again!

The party of I got mine screw you are rerunning the same old song & dance!

Too bad there are so many ‘Tiny Dancers’ out there WHO believe this nonsense!

Back in 2010, with the expiration of the Bush tax cuts closing in, Republicans were very fond of claiming that the pending expiration was creating vast amounts of “uncertainty” that was holding back the economy. “The number one reason out there why jobs aren’t being created: Uncertainty,” said House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). “The message from the election is that the uncertainty
connected with the tax rates was a primary issue,” House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) said in late November.

The tax deal that was cut in December extended all of the Bush tax cuts for two years. And even though the expiration of the current round of Bush tax cuts is not scheduled until January 2013, House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) is already reviving the uncertainty talking point, claiming that businesses aren’t hiring because the cuts might expire two years from now:

Some might find comfort in the fact that the December tax relief package prevented an immediate tax hike on job creators organized as pass-throughs who pay their taxes at the individual rate. These employers are primarily small businesses. But that relief will be fleeting as they again face higher taxes in less than two years unless Congress acts. The uncertainty surrounding their future tax rates makes it even harder for them to plan, invest and create jobs.

That the GOP preferred a two-year extension of all of the Bush tax cuts over a permanent extension of the middle-class cuts alongside permanent expiration of the high-end cuts revealed this talking point for the canard that it is. They don’t want tax certainty; they want low taxes on the rich, as the tax deal proved. But it seems like the GOP is going to have no qualms about playing the same “uncertainty” card again and again, even with the scheduled Bush tax cut expiration still a long way off.

http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/06/03/235929/talking-point-revived-republican-claims-that-2013-bush-tax-cut-expiration-is-creating-uncertainty-now/

These fear mongers play the stuck on stupid crowd like the worlds tiniest violin!

One if by land, and two if by sea,

three if it's aircraft, and millions for me.

Paul was ringing those bells, in olden times,

kinda like me, but I ring your chimes.

Paul made history on his midnight ride,

I make it up, it's whatever I decide.

For a wonderful President vote for just me -

'Cause I know the truth, you can always, "Trust me."

Hey, for Sarah, it's all about guns and freedom, hence the name of the official vacation vehicle: THE BLUNDER BUS.

From the files of "Even the blind pig gets an acorn once in a while", I call your attention to a post by Spanky - who yes, finally got something right. He suggests that if we ignore Palin, perhaps the media will stop covering this train wreck on a bus. I am firmly convinced he is right. To that end, this is the last post I will ever make about this incredible sociopath.

There comes a point when all that can be said about this woman has been said. If by now, you are unable to accept the fact that this woman is unbelievably stupid, you have to be brain dead. She is stunningly ignorant and she is pathologically unable to admit error. She is a textbook example of a sociopath.

I hope you will join me in making a pledge to never again post about this person. Ignore her, and she will go away because the dollar-and-cents boys who really run the media will see that she no longer is a profit center. Oh the irony. The mainstream/lamestream media giveth and they taketh away. A normal person cannot begin to imagine what she will do to make herself the center of attention.

She will always have her defenders. I have posted a Newsvine link posted on Saturday, June 4, 2011. A fellow viner - MWeaver - gives us this link. It is a must read. I'll leave it to you to decide which group defends Sarah the Shrieking Shrew. http://mweaver1.newsvine.com/_news/2011/06/04/6784611-11-bizarrely-wrong-beliefs-americans-have-about-themselves

Collapse away, O ye of little brainpower. Your action alters the truth not a whit.

That depends. How low CAN they [taxes] go

Why not just have taxes go to zero for everyone? That will stimulate the economy. The demand/Keynesian-siders will just love it! But where to get the revenue for the government? Why, just borrow it! Obama and the Democrat's aren't concerned about the deficit/debt, that much is obvious. Just borrow another $2 trillion a year, we can call that money "investments", and that should cover our expenses . Then watch the economy take off! Those Keynesian's will be proven right sooner or later!

Beverly in Chicago

Despite some official resistance and administrative barriers, black airmen were trained and played a part in the air war in Europe, gaining a reputation for skill and bravery (see Tuskegee Airmen). In early 1945, after the Battle of the Bulge, American forces in Europe experienced a shortage of combat troops. The embargo on using black soldiers in combat units was relaxed. The American Military History says:

Bev the Tuskegee Airmen never lost a heavy bomber while they flew escort missions months before D day, they even shot down the new jet planes the Germans introduced in the war, while watching History channel segment on Dog Fights, they noted the true bravery of the airmen over europe. Rodney Jackson a member of my church was a Tuskegee Airmen. white B17 Bomber crews were the ones who put out the request to have the Tuskegee Airmen take them to target and then back to there bases in england. the germans, tired of taking so many losses would see the red tail of there planes and would disengage rather than try to take them on.

you missed a very important general Pattons push to germany was helped by new black tank and infanrty troops. this man was a racist in many ways but was smart enough to realise that he needed troops black or white to win the war, my fiances father was in Pattons third army. his wife told me that he never talked about his service on the front lines, it was only in the months before he death he opened up to the true horror's of WW2. he told her that being in pattons army on the front lines was a death sentence. he was on the front lines watching he buddys die from september till the end of the war. Pattons Push to bastone was spearheaded by black troops. Not many people know this.

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

Usually I don't agree with Billy Kristol since he gave us "Empty Headed" Sarah Palin. This time I am in total agreement. Kristol hit the hammer on the head Republicans are killing big business in America.

GF, did you see where the"Dodo" Sarah Palin compared President Obama's economic policies to the Titanic, a ship she said will soon be “drowning in debt and in additional economic problems?

Dodo (Palin) said; "I answered candidly and I know my American history,”.

When asked about the more than 24,000 pages of records, including emails, that are set to be released by the Alaska governor’s office, Palin said the emails were not meant for public consumption and that people will “capitalize on this opportunity” and take the messages out of context.

“I don’t think there’s anything private in our family,” Palin said. “Nothing surprises me any more.”

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/05/palins-threat-for-those-who-disagree/#more-162151

I can't believe that heifer said that. LOL talk about going down. She'd better check her poll numbers. If she had just paid attention to the look on FOX NOISES's Chis Wallace during that dumb interview; she'd have a clue about how wrong she was about Paul Revere.

JoAnna:

Then watch the economy take off! Those Keynesian's will be proven right sooner or later!

Absolutely. In fact, about one day sooner than Friedman's monetarism. And then it won't matter.

Beverly:

Dodo (Palin) said; "I answered candidly and I know my American history,”.

Exactly. HER American history. The history she makes up in her head.

FEDERAL TAXES AT 60 YEAR LOW!

All you guys got the same mindless talking point from the same dumpster?

Funny that under the Bush tax cuts - tax revenues were 18.5% of GDP in 2007.

The second highest revenue in 60 years! Beat the averaged tax revenues for the last 60 years!

Obama has the exact same tax rate, but his tax revenues are 15% of GDP! The lowest in 60 years.

As we say every day - Tax rate does not translate directly with tax revenue.

Too bad Obama has no more of a clue about economics, business, what creates revenue than the terminally ignorant here at FR like Navy, Feisty and Bev.

I enjoyed David Walker's "Ode to Sarah Palin". Sheer poetry! How about adding another verse? -- That is, if you can think of some words that rhymes with "death panel."

Today, it's all about the economy and Obama's inefficiencies. Which ever party take the mantle of Leadership in 2012 will surely determine where we're headed. if GOP take the mantle of leadership, they'll do nothing different from w. bush govt. and where did that lead us.......we became broke. they'll undo vertually everything Obama administration had done. That's what they've promised not our nation but their uncompromising ideological right.

the courageous leads and not follow. the courageous is the one that will always bump head with his wards because they're truthful. truth when told, doesn't bring smiles on any faces. this is what these present republican party is offering, follow and not lead. they've offered no single, fresh ideas on how we move on as a nation in this trying period. these group will go to any length to entrench it's ideological believes even if it means sabotaging this fragile economy. yet, there' re most patriotic than anyone. infact, it's their birth right. what this congress has offered is nothing but obstructionism.

GOP, your truth challenged.

Bill, in Fairfax, VA.

Now you've done it. I loathe Peggy Noonan. "He made it worse" is exactly the kind of snarky, partisan, untrue thing she would say.

Peggy Noonan is old enough to remember unemployment was at 10.8% in the second year of Ronald Reagan's first term.

The past two years have been remarkable in the lack of scandal, disorganization and staff drama we saw during George Bush's term. President Obama has run a professional, hard working, and seriously effective administration. Only a sleazy little partisan pundit like Noonan could ignore President Obama's accomplishments.

Did I mention I loathe Peggy Noonan?

Usually I don't agree with Billy Kristol

Me either GF but even he sees the writing on the wall!

I'm to the point with Palin that, I physically cringe every time she opens that moose meat hole of hers!

JoAnnaSmith1

Why not just have taxes go to zero for everyone? That will stimulate the economy. The demand/Keynesian-siders will just love it!

Huh? No, they would not love it. You're as ignorant about Keynesian economic theory as you are everything else. Keynesianism involves increased government spending to jump start the economy, which I thought even conservatives knew. Cutting taxes to solve all problems no matter how low they are already is the Republicans' crackpot belief of how the economy works.

Obama has the exact same tax rate, but his tax revenues are 15% of GDP! The lowest in 60 years.

Obama is clueless about business and how it works. You'd think by know a man of his great intelligence would realize his policies are putting the country in more dire economic circumstances. Instead, Obama is doubling down on his failed policies. By doing do, we'll be seeing 10% unemployment by 2012, hardly a winning hand for Obama's re-election attempt, Obama and the Main Stream Media will have to tell some tall-tales to get around that little problem of theirs.

As we say every day - Tax rate does not translate directly with tax revenue.

That it doesn't. But the economic-revenge-mongers on the Left believe in wealth re-distribution (all the while Obama destroys the wealth of the country), they believe in demand side economics, they believe if their borrow-and-spend policies haven't worked, that the country should borrow-and-spend even more. Mindless dolts, those on the left.

Too bad Obama has no more of a clue about economics, business, what creates revenue than the terminally ignorant here at FR.

Truer words.

Peggy Noonan is old enough to remember unemployment was at 10.8% in the second year of Ronald Reagan's first term.

What a coincidence. That's about what unemployment will be during Obama's fourth year of his first, and last term.

Good Morning Ron Indiana

The Fundamentalist's Dilemma:

The Christian fundamentalist dilemma is whether to follow the teachings of Ayn Rand or of Jesus. Unfortunately, I suspect the vast majority will do as they have done in the past: Vote for conservatives who side with Ayn Rand.

I couldn't pose a better question. You have given them something to think about.

No matter how many votes the Christian fundamentalists pursue they still will not garner enough since Ann Ryan is the "New Jesus" for fundalmentalist; I think.

David Walker:

There comes a point when all that can be said about this woman has been said.

Oh, now, wait just a doggone minute, David. Even Scarlett O'Hara knew that "tomorrow is another day."

Great post, especially the poem; just don't expect me to follow your advice. I know what's good for me, but I try to ignore it whenever I can.

JoAnna:

That's about what unemployment will be during Obama's fourth year of his first, and last term.

Is that just your usual speculation, or do you have some inside information? Because I've said all along that this is exactly what your side WANTS to happen. Funny how it's coming to pass, isn't it?

bob-1805084

Too bad Obama has no more of a clue about economics, business, what creates revenue than the terminally ignorant here at FR like Navy, Feisty and Bev

Booby trap

terminally ignorant??? Dem some tall words. Would you care to give a medical or legal definition of your False Memory conflation.


You just Dropped A Bomb on Me.

@Fiesty - Well guess WHAT? We paid the ransom to the extortionists and they still haven't released the hostages…

Even after the CBO has determined that cutting corporate taxes is not a significantly effective way to jump start job creation...

I suspected this would be the case and spoke against this ten year failed tax policy (Bush and Obama years). The Obama tax cut extensions have failed to stimulate the economy enough. Although most liberals on this site consistantly say Obama always is three steps ahead of the Republicans he sorely was outplayed when he naively extended ALL tax cuts and bloated the deficit by $400 billion alone this year. I guess Obama should have listened to the CBO and kept to his own idea that tax cuts weren't the answer.

I may grant that big corporations with profits haven't been hiring due to corporate greed, but the big hiring force in our economy is small business. We can't force them to hire it the demand is not there. Small business is dying or treading water, they can't hire because the down economy is creating a lack of excess spending from the consumer.

More bad economic news drives less hiring and creates more unemployment which amounts to less available spending consumption which in turn churns worse economic news. This is the new normal.

JoAnnaSmith1

What a coincidence. That's about what unemployment will be during Obama's fourth year of his first, and last term.

so what your telling us is that is was ok for reagan to get reelected with unemployment at or above 9% but with obama its not, WOW Joanna that's something!!! the reason why reagan got his second term is that the country has seen its worse days and things were headed in the right direstion, like Now, if not for the flooding that stopped goods from flowing up and down the mississippi, Earthquake in japan that idoled all their factoried in north america, and 3 killer tornados that distroyed towns employers would have kept there hiring at the same pace as in April and march. but that right Joanna in your MIND Obama should have stopped all this. right.

also is cantor going to give the farmers the money to recover the crops distroyed in the floods or is he going to find cuts to off set.

Given the field of republicans candidated Joanna please tell us who will beat the presdient next year and please give us a speicific person, who you think will beat the president. inquring minds want to know!!

hey i would like your historican reaccount of the ride of paul revere, is sarah right he was warning the brits.

this day is June 6, the anniversary of D day, please give us your historical account, i know in your mind the Germans won right, your wrong on everything else.

AM: Is that just your usual speculation, or do you have some inside information? Because I've said all along that this is exactly what your side WANTS to happen. Funny how it's coming to pass, isn't it?

It's coming to pass Annie because our side is using the super top secret Cheney/Rove Weather/War/Economic machine to make it happen. We just tune it to "Economic Disaster", and that's exactly what happens. There is nothing Obama can do about it, he is totally powerless.

Last week we tuned it to “Housing Collapse”, High Unemployment”, and "Weiner’s Underwear”. The Libs are powerless against it.

Here's the bottom line. The average person could care less about the GDP and all the other number jamming going on. The American people want to see results, namely more jobs and an improving economy. Nothing else matters and people on both side can play with the numbers all they want. The only number most Americans are looking at is the unemployment number right now. That means Jobs and an improving economy.

If the GOP/TP is going to start taking a leadership role (which to date they have not) then we can expect to see a JOBS Bill in the House soon and something to stimulate the economy. Tax Cuts to the richest 2% does neither so that argument is DOA. If we do not see a JOBS Bill and/or Economic Stimulus coming from the House we will all know that the GOP/TP is nothing more than idle rhetoric once again. Remember they ran their 2010 Campaign on JOBS and the Economy. To date they have done nothing other than oppose and try to stop anything that has to do with creating jobs and stimulating he economy.

To complain about a problem is one thing, to do something about it is another and right now the American People want the do something and not the rhetoric. Deeds speak louder than words and both parties have been put on notice to stop the politics and start leading.

Let us wait and see if the GOP/TP puts some deeds where their big mouths are. I say they do not because it would not be in their political interest to help America. The GOP/TP does not care one iota about anybody other than Wall Street, Big Business and the Millionaires/Billionaires. If you are not in that group you are screwed.

Never forget how you got here. Usually around here we apply that to the disastrous impact on the American economy from 30 years of Conservative, monetarist economic principles, but it applies to politics as well.

Early on in the Obama presidency it was all about jobs, all about the economy. More recently it's been all about the federal debt. How did that happen? Easy, Conservatives were losing the conversation when it was all about the economy. They created this diversion about the debt, and have even worked very hard to create phony debt crises in the states and potentially at the federal level.

Ultimately, that failed. Inevitably, with millions still unemployed and millions more working at lower pay than before the recession the American people insist that the conversation return to the economy. I'm OK with that because that's the conversation we should have been having all along.

So we return to talking about how Conservative economic policies and deregulation created the recession. We return to talking about how unbridled greed blew an enormous bubble that badly damaged the world economy...but those who profited the most have returned to record profits. We return to pointing out how Republicans have done everything in their power to stop the things that would create stronger growth and escalate their war on the middle class. We get attention to the efforts of the GOPTP to create a vast number of NEW unemployed in order to drive down wages even more.

I'm ready for that conversation.

We can't force them to hire it the demand is not there

Don't me fooled - the demand is there. I witness it everyday...

The problem is, small business has figured out thanks to downsizing, that one person is willing to do the job of 3 people in order to keep from facing the ax themselves

From JoannaSmith: That's about what unemployment will be during Obama's fourth year of his first, and last term.

There you have it, folks, the wish of every Republican in America and the goal of every Republican Congress - to see the economy falter just so they can "win" in 2012 and replace that upstart Barack Obama.

Now, if not for the flooding that stopped goods from flowing up and down the mississippi, Earthquake in japan that idoled all their factoried in north america, and 3 killer tornados that distroyed towns employers would have kept there hiring at the same pace as in April and march

The Super Secret Cheney/Rove War/Weather/Economic machine has been busy. No other, and I will restate it, no other President has ever put up with the calamities that President Obama has had to put up with. Obama's Excuse Czar certainly has had to work overtime.

Earthquake in japan that idoled all their factoried

Who won Japan Idol this year?

Amy: There you have it, folks, the wish of every Republican in m and the goal of every Republican Congress - to see the economy falter

Well now, Obama can mess up this entire "wish" thing we've got going by implementing his policies and have the economy improve. Why doesn't he do that?

And here's Obama's predictions on what would happen with/without his "Recovery Plan" from 2009. Note "Figure 1" and how his predictions have panned out on unemployment.

Source: http://otrans.3cdn.net/45593e8ecbd339d074_l3m6bt1te.pdf

Now you've done it. I loathe Peggy Noonan

Good grief, the LAST thing I wanted to do was upset nice Miss Amy. But while you're right that Noonan could remember 10.8% unemployment under Reagan, she could also remember how it fell sharply and steadily until unemployment was 5.4% in January 1989 when Reagan left office. The comparable memories that Obama is creating don't quite measure up. So whether you care to acknowledge it or not the "he made it worse" epitaph is currently in play for this president.

Bev,

Today is "D"Day. I'd like to mention the Buffalo soilders

Out of respect for blacks that have long served and sacrificed for their country I was not going to let this pass.

But the reality is that your post is just a promotion of your own personal prejudiced agenda and has nothing to do with honoring the courage and sacrifice of American service members on D-Day.

With all due respect, were your "Buffalo Soldiers" in Normandy on June 6, 1944? Were they on Omaha? Were they on Utah? Did they drop in behind lines like the 101st?

A Company of 116th Regiment, 29th Division was there ....... and within 10 minutes of the ramps dropping - 96% of the company's 197 were dead, dying, or wounded. The little town of Bedford, Virginia (population of 3,800), had 35 of the sons step on to the beach. Twenty perished.

How about we put political agendas and bigotry aside and honor all those that served, sacrificed and died on this day in 1944 ....... including the Brits and Canadians.

Just a thought.

Mindless Dolt? Pot,meet kettle. The truth is not in you. But you know that, right?

"I pity the fool!" Trite? Maybe. Apropo? You bethca!

JoAnnaSmith1

Earthquake in japan that idoled all their factoried

Who won Japan Idol this year?

See everybody leave it up to Joanna to point out i misspelled a word and make fun of a tragedy that killed thousands of people, i should have spelled it idled. Joanna your sick!!!!

Some terrific discussions and points to which this particular morning I don't need to add anything but applause.

"Moronic" is too kind a term for Sarah Who? She probably really thinks the poem about Paul Revere is accurate, too, that Washington cut down the apple tree before he wasted a perfectly good dollar throwing it across the Delaware, and that the stork delivers babies to the cabbage patch.

Now on to more important stuff. Given that today is the anniversary of D-Day, I was going to let the comments focus on those events. But one of the posts above sort of gave permission to talk a bit about the "forgotten front" - the Allied campaign in Italy.

On this date in 1944, men from the "Blue Devils" division, the all-draftee 88th Infantry, were in Rome. They had entered the city on June 4 after racing along the mountaintops fringing the west side of the Liri Valley in a remarkable feat of arms. They actually dismantled their 105mm howitzers, loaded parts and ammunition on mules, donkeys and their own backs, and poured across the mountains to flush out German strongholds.

There's still some dispute whether the lead elements of the 88th or a British outfit that fought up through the Liri Valley were the first Allied soldiers to enter Rome as the Germans pulled out. Captain John M. "Jack" Hennessy, Jr. of Louisville, KY, was one of the artillery offers in the lead jeep from the 88th. He was a forward artillery observer from the 442nd Artillery Battalion, 88th Infantry - traveling with the soliders for whoe battles he called in a rain of steel helol.

When the invasion of Normandy took place, he was with a very large contingent of Allied soldiers received in a group audience with the Pope - to a very devout young Irish-Catholic man like Jack, that was a grand reward for the hard months of fighting he and his comrades had endured.

The 88th Infantry Division was the first all-draftee American unit to be sent to combat in WWII. Replacements kept its strength up. During the division's service from early 1944 until the German surrender in Italy on May 2, 1945, the division suffered a ghastly casualty rate of 87 per cent of the men originally landed wearing the distinctive blue cloverleaf shoulder patch. Even the original commanding general, John Brown, was sent home early, laid low by disease. Few of the original men of the 88th remained when after war's end, the division was sent to occupation and security duty in the contested port city of Trieste.

Captain Hennessy was not one of them A paid of stacked Teller mines killed young Hennessy, age 24, when his jeep drove to a spot off the road in Villa Magna, a tiny place north of Volturno, to allow troops of the 350th Regiment, 88th Infanty, to race north after soldiers of Germany's 92nd Parachute Regiment attempting to reach prepared fortifications along the Arno River. He was killed July 14, 1944.

He and many thousands of other young men rest today in a great amphitheater of the dead. The American Memorial and Cemetery on the Greve River south of Florence is imposing, beautiful, and ultimately somber.

To all who hve served, and are serving not just this nation but a troubled world these days, thanks are not enough.

Bill,

Seems like I recall that by this point in his recovery, Reagan's unemployment had dropped from 10.8% to around 7% - a drop of over 3%.

Obama's at same time in recovery?

Just went up again .1% - but a drop of 1% from the short high of 10.1%.

1/3 Reagan's performance.

Pretty pathetic, huh?

Navy Disabled: If the GOP/TP is going to start taking a leadership role (which to date they have not) then we can expect to see a JOBS Bill in the House soon and something to stimulate the economy.

Would somebody slap the words "Jobs Bill" on some legislation? The legislation could be to name some post office in Alabama, it really doesn't matter. What does matter is the the Libs see "Jobs Bill" on something, they'll believe it, just like they did with the phony "Jobs Bill", the "2009 Recovery and Reinvestment Act".

@RVZ555 above

"...dividing the nation..." Pot # 2 meet kettle number 2.

Simpleton.

Headline - "GOP/TP DESTORY AMERICAN MIDDLE CLASS"
Commentary - Middle class has been redefined as either the top 2% of "wage" earners OR corporate individuals.

John A.:

Like you, I grew up after WWII, and too many photos and films remain fixed in my memory. The view of the horrors of war has changed immeasurably. The view of the generations that have succeeded us is wholly different from our own.

D-Day IS and WAS pure carnage. Thousands of soldiers hitting the shores of France in their landing craft. I simply cannot imagine the terror in the minds of the G.I.'s as they heard hundreds upon hundreds of rounds pocking their craft - knowing that when the gate dropped, there was no longer a barrier to withering enemy fire. Their bodies would stop those rounds. Film of the bodies of young men floating are as fresh in my mind as the day I first saw them.. It is horrifying. It is terrible. It is haunting. EVERYONE should look at this.

Today, war is a very neat, clean, and surgical operation, you see. The film today's generation knows is about cross hairs on a bunker. A perfectly delivered bomb takes out the bad guys. No collateral damage. It's truly a "video game". It's such a damned good video game, we'll play it again and again and again.

Can you imagine if by some "twilight zone" moment you could stand face-to-face with all those soldiers who didn't begin to experience life and telling them, "You know what, we didn't learn a thing. Your sacrifice meant nothing."

It's not too late. We could still learn. We could stop this constant warring. There are NO winners.

JoAnna:

Last week we tuned it to “Housing Collapse”, High Unemployment”, and "Weiner’s Underwear”. The Libs are powerless against it.

Please stop making me laugh. This absolutely will never do.

At least you didn't stage any natural disasters. ;-)

David Walker,

Bingo! But the temptation is hard to resist.

The part that I find so repugnant is her willingness to lie to her children and treat them so openly like the props that they are. I am just returning from a whirlwind family vacation whereby we went to five National parks and visited with friends and family throughout the South by Southwest. Let me tell you, I didn't rent a bus, emblazon it with my 'brand' and then hold 'pressers' and give speeches at every stop along the way. Don't get me wrong, I was FEELING the Patriotic Love; but I didn't LIE to my children and tell them it was SOME OTHER AGENDA. The only way that child's family 'vacation' could have possibly been ruined was by believing she was on some kind of a vacation. The only way a child makes THAT mistake (especially at that age), is because she was lied to in the first place.

So you see, while she's out there blowing folks away with her "Baffo" (wasn't that what Wallace was calling it?) - I am calling BS on her inability to even be truthful with her family!

and YellowDog, while your point is taken,...How else do you work with extortionists and obstructionists? The stimulus SHOULD have been bigger and better targeted; but it wouldn't have passed. The Tax Cuts should have been REVOKED; but the 'filibuster' was invoked. Everything is held hostage by the party of no. Even basic appointments that have gone MONTHS unfilled. It is ridiculous to blame one person for the failings of 536 (plus the Supremes).

What a MESS!

Yellowdog-Mark D

The Obama tax cut extensions have failed to stimulate the economy enough.

Yes, but he had to include them in order to get the small number of Senate Republicans that were needed to pass the stimulus. There should have been more spending and less tax cuts.

Although most liberals on this site consistantly say Obama always is three steps ahead of the Republicans he sorely was outplayed when he naively extended ALL tax cuts and bloated the deficit by $400 billion alone this year. I guess Obama should have listened to the CBO and kept to his own idea that tax cuts weren't the answer.

Naivety had nothing to do with it. You forget there was an election in 2010 and the Republicans won big. Obama wanted the extension of the middle class tax cuts only, but the Republicans held them as a hostage that they released only when they got their tax cuts for the rich. Obama had no choice but to go along with the upper-income tax cuts if he wanted the middle class cuts. Maybe he should have just let all the Bush tax cuts expire.

Clara KCMO:

You hit the nail on the head. The motivation behind her actions is so obvious, you just can't bring yourself to believe that people can't grasp what she is REALLY doing. Last week, I recounted to Feisty the Rachel Maddow "Look of disbelief". Ms. Maddow relates relates a story and then gets that look on her face that says, "God, they just can't be this dumb." But they are.

I hope you went to the link that I posted. They are that dumb.

@Houston!

I love revisionist history. By doing nothing the Bush tax rates would have expired. At that point in the lame duck session Democrats could have passed a new tax bill with the tax rates they wanted and dared the Senate to Filibuster. It was just another example of this administration lack of testicular fortitude.

If you voted for Obama in 2008 to prove you weren't a racist,

you'd better vote for someone else in 2012 to prove you're not an idiot.

Alan's love of revisionist history is quite evident. Not even 6 months gone and he's already trying to forget just how much successful President Obama was during that session. While Republicans managed to protect a massive tax break for the wealthy elite the President walked away with an entire array of things, most of which Republicans swore would never pass;

-Continuation of middle class tax relief. This is the ONLY PIECE President Obama had to compromise on, with the GOPTP holding it hostage to make sure the rich got a giant Christmas present.

-Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

-A new START treaty, helping to advance the cause of nuclear weapons control.

-An update of regulatory powers for the Food and Drug Administration.

-Health care for 9/11 First Responders.

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2010/12/27/a-successful-lame-duck-for-obama-and-democrats

The extent to which radical Conservatives have perverted the Republican Party is obvious given how hard they're working to declare a record that strong to be "failure". In reality the only "failure" in that entire list is the ONE POLICY Conservatives couldn't live without.

@John

So, after two years of overwhelming majorities in the House and Senate he has a successful lame-duck session. If that's the standard you expect then so be it. DADT, could have been done anytime it was the administration that slow-walked it. START treaty - great, but we still have thousands of nuclear weapons so it doesn't really affect my day to day life, and this is big dial down from the days of the Cold War when any treaty with the Soviet Union was a big deal. The Health care for 9/11 responders was brought about by brilliant work from Kirsten Gillibrand, who after being nominated by Governor Patterson, has been an outstanding senator. I admit I thought she was going to be a bust but she has been one of the best senators of the last and current session.

But on the big issue of taxes, the issue on which the President campaigned, that he would raise taxes on the richest, he folded like a cheap suitcase.

Bill,

Good grief, the LAST thing I wanted to do was upset nice Miss Amy. But while you're right that Noonan could remember 10.8% unemployment under Reagan, she could also remember how it fell sharply and steadily until unemployment was 5.4% in January 1989 when Reagan left office. The comparable memories that Obama is creating don't quite measure up. So whether you care to acknowledge it or not the "he made it worse" epitaph is currently in play for this president.

Wonderful. It took Regan SIX years to reduce unemployment and he was not dealing with a depression, but Obama is failing because he could not fix all our problems, including the depression and the constant blocking by the GOP who wants him to fail, in 2 years.

JS1......

That it doesn't. But the economic-revenge-mongers on the Left believe in wealth re-distribution (all the while Obama destroys the wealth of the country), they believe in demand side economics, they believe if their borrow-and-spend policies haven't worked, that the country should borrow-and-spend even more. Mindless dolts, those on the left.

I think you are a little confused with the redistribution drivel. The only one that is happening is the GOP taking from the poor and middle to support the super wealthy. Throwing a sentence out there doesn't make it so. Just give me one instance of re-distribution from Obama, please............ Also ONLY this administration is borrowing and spending. Bush borrowed and did not spend a dime. He did it just to show that he could, along with raising the debt ceiling 7 times. Did you read the Ryan plan?

Clara,

Even basic appointments that have gone MONTHS unfilled. It is ridiculous to blame one person for the failings of 536 (plus the Supremes).

You see the Republicans is so lacking in leadership, that they don't think any other group needs any. Yet they are so quick to blame Obama for everything and take responsibility for nothing. They are only in the Block and Blame business.

Alan, NJ

I love revisionist history. By doing nothing the Bush tax rates would have expired. At that point in the lame duck session Democrats could have passed a new tax bill with the tax rates they wanted and dared the Senate to Filibuster.

And of course they would have filibustered it. But I actually agree with you. The Democrats probably should have done exactly as you say, anyway and let the Republicans take the hit for raising everyone's taxes. The Democrats blew it as they often do.

"Overwhelming majorities", that's a laugh. For ONE YEAR Democrats theoretically had a veto-proof margin, depending upon the votes of 2 independents. One of those independents is Joe Lieberman, already rejected by Democrats and with a lifetime ranking from the American Conservative Union as being one of the most conservative Democrats in the Senate. The next year the election of Tea Party darling Scott Brown eliminated even that tenuous hold on a veto proof majority.

Conservatives have worked really hard to obstruct President Obama's agenda. Why aren't they proud enough to brag about it?

Maybe they know that isn't what the American people elected them to do.

John B

It was never even close to a year. I think I added it up one time and IN SESSION it was less than seven actual Legislative weeks. Franken wasn't sworn in until after July reconvene, then Kennedy died and wasn't replaced until the end of September, then fall outage AND Thanksgiving breaks,...what a joke - Overwhelming Majorities.

Of course, I like to toss that back when Bush & Co COULD have ended Legal Abortion by the same 'theoretical' math. I wonder why they didn't do that?

That's right Clara, I forgot entirely that the sore losers held up Senator Franken's ability to join the Senate for MONTHS.

Anna Molly -- I believe Bill Maher summed it up best when he said:

Bible Spice should have been in summer school rather than on vacation! ;o)

Anna Molly

Oh, well. If Sarah Palin is for escalating our withdrawal from Afghanistan, then I guess I'm against it.

On a side note, I hear she has doubled down on Paul Revere. But in reality, Palin is just projecting what she might have done had she been in Revere's shoes --

you know molly, i was told long ago when i got in the construction industry, and that is, if you don't know the answer to a question or you are not sure, the best answer is I DO NOT KNOW!!!! If Sarah was unsure about paul Revere, people would have had more respect for her if she would have just said, I DO NOT KNOW!!!!

That's exactly how lawyers instruct their clients, Jeff.

if you don't know the answer to a question or you are not sure, the best answer is I DO NOT KNOW!!!!

Any NORMAL person might of 'googled' Paul Revere and other historic facts before invading the places where they occurred...

Then again, I said 'normal'... lol

I'm having some fun imagining the "Bachmann-Palin Guide to American History":

Chapter 1 -- In the Beginning.

"The Revolutionary War began in Concord, New Hampshire, with a bang, a clatter, and some bells. On the seventh day, after vanquishing the British at the Battle of Waterloo, Iowa, the founding fathers wrote the Second Amendment and then rested for a few minutes before abolishing slavery."

I'd like to think Sarah Palin might have really known the story of Paul Revere but can accept if she didn't. However, if I were a public figure with aspirations to national office (and a reputation, deserved or not, for not being well-informed), I would have someone brief me before each stop on my "vacation" tour so that I could speak knowledgeably. And if it truly was a family vacation, wouldn't the mom or dad have read up on the stops they were making so they could make it a learning experience for the kids? All these kids seem to learn is to deal with the media. There's a life lesson.

Jeff 154...:

Very true and smart words to live by. There is nothing wrong with saying I do not know but let me get the answer for you. I have over 20 years always instructed my salespeople and tech support people to do this. In fact it puts you in a much stronger position, especially if your answer is incorrect. People know that nobody has all the answers and my business clients appreciate that fact. In fact hey will compliment you on being honest and tell you get that information for me.

We have even directed clients in another direction because we could not provide a specific feature or service and sometimes they would say that is OK, it was not a game breaker or are you going to do that in the future. More often than not we still got the contract.

Now ifwe can only get politicians just to tell the truth and lay out the real options. The lies from both sides is destroying this country.

Anna Molly

Oh, well. If Sarah Palin is for escalating our withdrawal from Afghanistan, then I guess I'm against it.

On a side note, I hear she has doubled down on Paul Revere. But in reality, Palin is just projecting what she might have done had she been in Revere's shoes --

-- made a lot of noise and screwed everything up.

LOL too funny Anna Molly

kinda like putting cow bells on the pigs instead of the heifers.

Anna Molly, That's an hysterical rendition of the right wing take on "history." Of course they get the facts wrong, they also don't understand what the original "Tea Party" was all about. Colonial Americans didn't object to paying taxes, they objected to taxation without representation. Modern Day Tea Party are overrepresented in America laife, in my opinion, in part because they own their own propaganda machine, Fox News. If anyone is King George, in this scenerio it's Roger Ailes.

@ Amy ~ I'd say that having Michele Bachmann in Congress is an excellent example of "taxation without representation" for Minnesotans. ;-)

Beverly:

kinda like putting cow bells on the pigs instead of the heifers.

LoL Kinda like putting lipstick on a pig, too. Remember that?

From what Sarah said about Paul Revere, I get the impression that she thinks King George III was a bleeding heart liberal who wanted to take away the people's precious right to bear arms because he thought it would reduce crime in colonies, not understanding the profound truth of the slogan "Muskets don't kill people. People kill people." Maybe she thinks that King George also wanted to impose "Georgie Care" and the tyrannical the individual mandate on Americans. Hey, why not? She made up everything else about the Revere story.

ROFLMAO Houston! Much of Conservative propaganda regarding the Revolutionary War is revisionist history, after all. REAL Conservatives of the day were the Tories, loyal to King George and the British aristocracy to the end.

To all those who participated, and to their families, thank you, and Godspeed.

And thanks for the reminder.

Da Noid..

Thank you for reminding us of the sacrifices of the men who landed on those beaches, June 6, 1944.

Their actions led the way for the final victory in Europe.

Thanks for the reminder, Da Noid. What brave men they were.

DaNoid:

Ditto - I saw the "Longest Day" over the memorial weekend for about the 50th time.

My thanks to all who serve this country past and present. You shall not be forgotten.

Da Noid

The largest amphibious invasion in history occurred 67 years ago today on beaches nicknamed "Utah", "Omaha", "Gold", "Juno" and "Sword" in a place called Normandy. To all those who participated, THANK YOU!

On History channel i watched gettesburg and lee verses grant, OMG the losses the took were insane, over 4 days of fighting both sides lost 50k. lee made a big gamble be trying to invade the north and lost 1/3 of his troops doing so, it makes d day look like a minor battle.

US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired

DaNoid:

Ditto - I saw the "Longest Day" over the memorial weekend for about the 50th time.

If hitler had not taken a sleeping pill and the fog on the beaches, it could have went the other way.

but the biggest roose was having build a fake army in northern england around patton. Romel knew if the allies got a beach head the war would be over in 12 months. once the allies were ashore he wanted hitler to give up, he was killed.

Groucho,

You have 1 of the 3 right. Al-Qaeda and the Taliban are working together and had been before 9/11.

3WolvesandaMoon

Groucho,

You have 1 of the 3 right. Al-Qaeda and the Taliban are working together and had been before 9/11.

........................................................................................

Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan has not been a factor in the fighting since we invaded Iraq. We gave terrorists of all kinds a place to fight us in Iraq and they all willingly joined in. Prior to 9/11, the Taliban gave refuge to OBL, correct. Al-Qaeda is a non-factor in Afghanistan now. We are fighting the Taliban and the armies of the warlords who are trying to protect the cocaine crop.

Pretty sure I got that right.

Groucho,

Pretty sure you got this wrong. Don't know where you're getting you information from. Al-Qaeda is a huge factor and they are here (Iraq)too. I think you're confusing Poppy and Pot fields with Coco, Cocaine is not a crop. I've been dealing with this going on 10 years now. There's so much you don't know and we will leave it at that.

3WolvesandaMoon..

Pretty sure I got this right..

From ABC News..

As he justified sending 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan at a cost of $30 billion a year, President Barack Obama's description Tuesday of the al Qaeda "cancer" in that country left out one key fact: U.S. intelligence officials have concluded there are only about 100 al Qaeda fighters in the entire country.

A senior U.S. intelligence official told ABCNews.com the approximate estimate of 100 al Qaeda members left in Afghanistan reflects the conclusion of American intelligence agencies and the Defense Department. The relatively small number was part of the intelligence passed on to the White House as President Obama conducted his deliberations.

To clarify, the warlords protect their poppy crop (if that's the wrong term, sorry) from destruction. They have their own army who WILL fight anyone attempting to destroy the crop. We have been trying to pay the warlords to join us by paying the cash value of the crop. Works and doesn't work.

There's a hell of lot I don't know but I'm smart enough to know that I don't know everything.

Groucho,

When you posted your ABC story there was something wrong with it, so I looked it up, it's dated December 2009. If you honestly believe a news story almost 18 months old, then I go back to were you get you're information at? We can go around and around, you get your information from news sources, I'll get my information from "on the ground". You were in the Corp right? So why would someone that knows how the military works argue with a person that's been dealing with this for 10 years that's in the military?

Again, the people that "protect" the crop as you say are farmers. This crop funds, guess who? Al-qaeda and the Taliban. There's teams that are changing their crop like wheat, grapes, and other crops. The farmers get paid very little and they will protect it, but if you give them another crop and they make the same or more money they don't care what they grow.

3WolvesandaMoon..

I've been told that they're trying to get the "farmers" to grow pomegranate's cause of the demand and price. Any truth to that?

...military? Which branch? Ten years, so your a lifer.

The whole point, of course, was that Revere and his compatriots had to be quiet. Palin doesn't understand that word.

If you can't make a photo-op out of it, what good is it?

Groucho Marx

How can you even pretend to want to be President if you don’t know the history of the Nation or have a grasp of the principles that our founding fathers incorporated into our Constitution.

Palin and her “fans” are functional illiterates to whom truth has no meaning.

Sarah Palin and Michelle Batwoman are not pretending.

Groucho Marx

Here's the link:

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/38678_Palin_Fans_Trying_to_Edit_Wikipedia_Paul_Revere_Page

Palin Fans Trying to Edit Wikipedia Paul Revere Page

Right wing alternate history

Also see the discussion page for an entertaining exchange between Wikipedia editors and a would-be revisionist.

Like feisty asked "how low will they go". They're nothing but a bunch of Koch Suckers.

Edit Requests from Wikipedia; I found this quite entertaining.

Tomwsulcer - You should be kindly reminded that it’s not your job to debase Sarah Palin’s wiki page with (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Sarah_Palin) your version of the occurrence for political reasons. The left leaning bias on Wiki is well known, but these types attacks are over the top. Mk 71.228.77.211 (talk) 20:08, 5 June 2011 (UTC)

It's not the LA Times that's questionable as a reliable source, it's Palin herself. Even if the Times (& others) quoted her accurately, her off-hand, poorly-informed view doesn't belong here, per WP:UNDUE, and I have reverted.Hertz1888 (talk) 15:30, 5 June 2011 (UTC)

Sarah Palin is a former governor of Alaska as well as a presidential candidate of one of the two national parties in the United States. Her account of Paul Revere's famous ride has achieved national attention from most mainstream media -- LA Times, CNN, you name it. There are numerous reliable sources quoted herexact words on this subject. This article has HUGE attention (55K readers in one day) as a result. Clearly, there should be some mention given its obvious importance. And I remind people, kindly, that it's not up to us contributors to determine who is and isn't a "poorly informed view" and to try to determine truth. Rather, Wikipedia is about verifiability.--Tomwsulcer (talk) 15:37, 5 June 2011 (UTC)

Paul Revere may have rang some bells on his ride, but does any mainstream historian believe that Paul Revere had any intent to warn or scare the British in any way? I have never heard this, except from Palin. All accounts I have read say that Revere and Dawes were trying their best to avoid being noticed by the British, who would likely capture them immediately if found. --Westwind273 (talk) 15:49, 5 June 2011 (UTC)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Paul_Revere#Edit_request_from_Dajames.2C_5_June_2011

I must agree other posters here the media gives this woman way too much credit for being a dumb bunny.

If we and the media ignore Palin, she will go away...pronto.

Next Palin will tell us the Normandy invasion liberated the Germans who were captured by France.

In responses to the article, Republicans usually adhere to the Handbook for Contrarian A-holes, but they realized it was A Bridge Too Far to be against a hunt for a terrorist (named Gaddafi) and being in favor of throwing more good money after bad (Karzai corruption). So finally we are getting some real “commonsense” solutions of ending the wars.

Also, about Sanctimonious Santorum – He is mental. Moving on to Perry, please explain how he would be POTUS—would it be of the US as we know it, or of Texas after it secedes from the union? Just wondering…

To Navy and other opening posts – Excellent!

Navy - He also on Labor Day of 2010 proposed a $50 Billion Dollar infrastructure Bill. The right immediately came out in opposition to it because the Bill would have been paid for by rolling back the tax incentives to Big Oil. The GOP/TP could not have that and to date are still supporting these Tax Incentives (subsidies).

Construction is an important variable in recovery. Since the housing industry has been decimated, and our infrastructure is aging, it should be a no-brainer for Republicans to get on board with an infrastructure bill to stimulate the economy. Furthermore, as I asked JS1 the other day, if the GOP/TP is really concerned about future generations, why do you want to leave your children a crumbling infrastructure? As with health care, preventative measures will be far less expensive-- Not to mention the jobs, and the tax revenue from those jobs.

JS1 - If you look a little closer, most of those jobs are part time, and in the service (McDonalds) industry.

This is true. Now JS1 will you admit it is true that these low-paying jobs are exactly the kind of jobs the minimum-wage abolishing, union-busting, finance-reform repealing Republicans have been working very hard to create? GOP/TP "redistribution of wealth", in which profits are privatized and debt is socialized, in which CEO pay increases 30% faster than their employees, in which Warren Buffet pays less taxes than his secretary – why aren't conservatives "mad as hell" about this? I applaud the clergy who condemn Republicans for worshipping Ayn Rand while attacking the least among us.

Feisty – Thank you for the follow-up on the recycled buzzword for the GOP/TP of "uncertainty." I find it interesting that no one is debating why these small business owners are filing as individuals, or who these small business owners are, and whether tax breaks for these small business owners really creates jobs. In answer to these three assumptions – First small business owners are filing as individuals to evade the corporate tax rate and to use write-offs to show zero in income. Second these small business owners are mostly doctors, lawyers, and investment bankers, who do NOT create jobs.

bob-1805084 – You are correct that the tax rate is not the problem – It IS the tax base that is the problem. The tax base can be increased by ending tax evasion loopholes and by creating jobs. How about you write your sorry-arse Republicans congress person and ask them to get to work on it?

Compared with today's conservatives, Groucho, both Barry Goldwater and Dwight Eisenhower could exist as moderate democrats, with Eisenhower leaning slightly more to the left. And nowadays, Pat Buchanan's outrageous ideology almost seems middle-of-the-road, compared with that of Rush Limbaugh or Glenn Beck. Limbaugh would advocate blowing up his own mother if he thought it would help get rid of Barack Obama. Beck might actually do it.

When we look back, if we ever have that luxury, we will see that the polarization of this period, beginning with Reagan, was the true beginning our downfall as a nation. Everything since has just been gravy.

Don't bother warning the Fundamentalists. As e.e. cummings once said:

plato told

him:he couldn’t
believe it(jesus

told him;he
wouldn’t believe
it)lao

tsze
certainly told
him,and general
(yes

mam)
sherman;
and even
(believe it
or

not)you
told him:i told
him;we told him
(he didn’t believe it,no

sir)it took
a nipponized bit of
the old sixth

avenue
el;in the top of his head:to tell

him

And still they wouldn't hear it. They sacrifice their own sons and daughters for things that don't exist, and still they don't hear it.

Great post.

Groucho:

Very true. The GOP today is not the GOP of my father's day. Somewhere over the past several decades they morphed into something foreign. The GOP used to be the party of compromise where both sides got something they wanted. It was never I want it all or nothing. Both sides would try to get all the marbles but it almost aways ended with I got some and you got some and then they moved on to the next issue. Maybe the next issue I got a few more and so forth.

That art seems to have died sometime ago. Too bad because we need both parties to work together now to get us moving forward again. Until that happens we are in trouble and nobody will be the winner in the long run. Short term maybe, long run no way.

US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired..

we need both parties to work together now to get us moving forward again. Until that happens we are in trouble and nobody will be the winner in the long run. Short term maybe, long run no way.

...............................................................................

I loved that Grand Ole Party. It's unrecognizable to me now. Goldwater was for a flat tax, a quick end to the war in Viet Nam and later in life for Pro-Choice. His record was distorted and he was made to look the fool.

You're right, no one wins, not even in the short term. Long-term solutions for long-term problems and not the bandages we're sticking on them so they can come back and haunt us every few months, years, etc.

Groucho:

I too was a Goldwater Republican. In today's climate, Goldwater could pass for a Democrat. I left the Republican Party because it was clear to me that they are only interested in big money and big business. Not the guy on Main Street.

BTW, about a week ago you posted all the accomplishments of our President. Hope you don't mind but I copied your post for future reference. I'll give you credit if and when I use it at a future time.

Ron Indiana..

So old dude, a Goldwater man. Just 3 of us left.

Give Obama credit, not me. He deserves it.

Groucho:

Yep, I voted for him...and yep, I'm becoming an old dude like yourself. Now I'm progressive and proud of it. We both can give Obama credit for a job well done. Good to talk to you.

I left the Republican party in 1980 as I foresaw the train wreck that was coming. While it is bad at the federal level it is even worse at the state and local levels. The Christian Right never has had anything in common with the Barry Goldwater wing of the party - support for religious education, anti-gay, reproductive choice, end of life decisions (e.g. Terry Schiavo), are not the small government, fiscal sanity, strong defense that Goldwater stood for.

There are a number of speeches he made later in his life stating his objections the imposition of "morality" into policy. He supported gay rights in the military, he felt personal indiscretions by politicians (affairs, drunken actions) were not the basis for making a good representative, he defied politicians who voted for spending programs while chanting the mantra of lower taxes. Personally, I found Goldwater too conservative for me, but in the current environment he would be too liberal to be nominated again.

Groucho, easily one of the best posts of the day. While too young for Barry Goldwater I have great respect for he and those like him. They were thoughtful people of intellect. They understood the difference between Conservatism and Crazy. Being of that time you're probably well aware that prominent, respected Conservatives including Goldwater and William F Buckley publicly rebuked and disowned the crazy side of Conservatism, including the John Birch Society.

I admire their commitment to principle, their intellect, and their accomplishments. They understood that giving a home to the wingnuts not only would endanger everything they hoped to accomplish but the nation as well. Make no mistake, they valued and honored the country they loved above all else.

Given time I'm sure we'll once again have two sane political parties and balance in our political process. Thanks for speaking up to let us know the truth--you aren't leaving your party, your party left you.

You are so right, Nash---thank goodness the President doesn't listen to the pundits. And unlike his predecessor, he doesn't rubber stamp what the military or anyone else tells him to do. He does his homework, listens to all points of view and then arrives at a decision, which he then implements. He then moves on to the next task and there have been so many as we dig out from 8 years of mismanagement and bad decision-making.

Key excerpt from President Obama's Afghan strategy speech at Westpoint (bold added):

Over the last several years, the Taliban has maintained common cause with al Qaeda, as they both seek an overthrow of the Afghan government. Gradually, the Taliban has begun to control additional swaths of territory in Afghanistan, while engaging in increasingly brazen and devastating attacks of terrorism against the Pakistani people.

Now, throughout this period, our troop levels in Afghanistan remained a fraction of what they were in Iraq. When I took office, we had just over 32,000 Americans serving in Afghanistan, compared to 160,000 in Iraq at the peak of the war. Commanders in Afghanistan repeatedly asked for support to deal with the reemergence of the Taliban, but these reinforcements did not arrive. And that's why, shortly after taking office, I approved a longstanding request for more troops. After consultations with our allies, I then announced a strategy recognizing the fundamental connection between our war effort in Afghanistan and the extremist safe havens in Pakistan. I set a goal that was narrowly defined as disrupting, dismantling, and defeating al Qaeda and its extremist allies, and pledged to better coordinate our military and civilian efforts.

Since then, we've made progress on some important objectives. High-ranking al Qaeda and Taliban leaders have been killed, and we've stepped up the pressure on al Qaeda worldwide. In Pakistan, that nation's army has gone on its largest offensive in years. In Afghanistan, we and our allies prevented the Taliban from stopping a presidential election, and -- although it was marred by fraud -- that election produced a government that is consistent with Afghanistan's laws and constitution.

Yet huge challenges remain. Afghanistan is not lost, but for several years it has moved backwards. There's no imminent threat of the government being overthrown, but the Taliban has gained momentum. Al Qaeda has not reemerged in Afghanistan in the same numbers as before 9/11, but they retain their safe havens along the border. And our forces lack the full support they need to effectively train and partner with Afghan security forces and better secure the population. Our new commander in Afghanistan -- General McChrystal -- has reported that the security situation is more serious than he anticipated. In short: The status quo is not sustainable.

As cadets, you volunteered for service during this time of danger. Some of you fought in Afghanistan. Some of you will deploy there. As your Commander-in-Chief, I owe you a mission that is clearly defined, and worthy of your service. And that's why, after the Afghan voting was completed, I insisted on a thorough review of our strategy. Now, let me be clear: There has never been an option before me that called for troop deployments before 2010, so there has been no delay or denial of resources necessary for the conduct of the war during this review period. Instead, the review has allowed me to ask the hard questions, and to explore all the different options, along with my national security team, our military and civilian leadership in Afghanistan, and our key partners. And given the stakes involved, I owed the American people -- and our troops -- no less.

This review is now complete. And as Commander-in-Chief, I have determined that it is in our vital national interest to send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan. After 18 months, our troops will begin to come home. These are the resources that we need to seize the initiative, while building the Afghan capacity that can allow for a responsible transition of our forces out of Afghanistan.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-address-nation-way-forward-afghanistan-and-pakistan

NASH:

Great post and very true. Once again our President has shown his leadership. It was also reported over the weekend that the second in command has been taken out by rocket fire. So President Obama has completed the mission to bring Bin Laden to justice and has also taken out the slated #2 man as well.

It is time to bring all the troops home and start working on rebuilding this country

Do you think the reduction in Defense spending will result in infrastructure jobs for our returning veteran's?

Oh, God, I remember "cut and run, cut and run, cut and run" the sneering pejorative aimed at Democrats who wanted to bring troops home when the Republicans were in power.

Now there is a Democratic President the Republican mantra is "hmmm, maybe it's time to declare victory and go home." Kind of what Democrats had been saying while Republicans spent our treasure on two wars. Will wonders never cease?

Really, than why did the ROE change? Go a head and look up what ROE means and than ask somebody why it changed! Funny, the media never talks about it, because they don't know what it means. Groucho, you were in the corp, explain to these people what ROE means. The ROE handcuffs our Soldiers on doing their job. Soldiers are getting killed because of, and I'll be careful of what I say, if Obama would let the Generals run the war we would be home sooner than later. You could put a million troops in there, if you don't let them win there's no freaking point!!

3WolvesandaMoon..

The Rules of Engagement (ROE) have always allowed soldiers to defend themselves if attacked. That has not change and will NEVER change.

"It is time to declare victory and go home."

I don't care if it is a Tea Partier that says this due to concerns about raising deficits, or a republican/libertarian who says it who is concerned about unnecessary foreign entaglements, or a Democrat who says it only to garner points for an Obama political victory, or a liberal who says it who wants to focus money and energy on domestic issues, or a ______— who says it who wants them home.

They have done what has been asked of them. They are not peace keepers and they are not policemen and they are not security guards. They all need to come home.

Yellowdog:

Great seeing you around . . . it is time for our troops to come home . . . and they will, just like our Commander in Chief planned it 18 months ago. What I can't understand is why everyone in the media is pretending like he didn't say it, and that the political pressure is on, and so forth.

Even the headline "steeper withdrawal" is misleading, seeing as the President always said that the draw down would be based on the situation at the time of the withdrawal.

So this is all just a manufactured controversy designed to distract attention from the simple fact that the President's "dithering" produced a much better than expected result.

I would encourage everyone to read the President's entire speech linked above . . . it includes these lines:

As President, I refuse to set goals that go beyond our responsibility, our means, or our interests. And I must weigh all of the challenges that our nation faces. I don't have the luxury of committing to just one. Indeed, I'm mindful of the words of President Eisenhower, who -- in discussing our national security -- said, "Each proposal must be weighed in the light of a broader consideration: the need to maintain balance in and among national programs."

Over the past several years, we have lost that balance. We've failed to appreciate the connection between our national security and our economy. In the wake of an economic crisis, too many of our neighbors and friends are out of work and struggle to pay the bills. Too many Americans are worried about the future facing our children. Meanwhile, competition within the global economy has grown more fierce. So we can't simply afford to ignore the price of these wars.

All told, by the time I took office the cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan approached a trillion dollars. Going forward, I am committed to addressing these costs openly and honestly. Our new approach in Afghanistan is likely to cost us roughly $30 billion for the military this year, and I'll work closely with Congress to address these costs as we work to bring down our deficit.

But as we end the war in Iraq and transition to Afghan responsibility, we must rebuild our strength here at home. Our prosperity provides a foundation for our power. It pays for our military. It underwrites our diplomacy. It taps the potential of our people, and allows investment in new industry. And it will allow us to compete in this century as successfully as we did in the last. That's why our troop commitment in Afghanistan cannot be open-ended -- because the nation that I'm most interested in building is our own.

Well Groucho, this is were you're wrong. The current ROE is BS. An example, if you're getting shot at from the woodline you can not return fire. If someone comes out of that woodline WITHOUT a weapon you can not fire or roll them up. I think you been out of the game for a while. Things changed in the last few years.

Hi Nashville, always good to see you too. I hope you are right and this chapter in our history ends so we can concentrate on building up America.

3WolvesandaMoon..

The ROE in effect today and used by the USMC.

Verified as correct by active duty personnel.

As follows:

The 1999 Marine Corps Close Combat Manual (MCRP 3-02B) presents a “Continuum of Force” broken down as follows:

• Level 1: Compliant (Cooperative). The subject responds and complies to verbal commands. Close combat techniques do not apply.
• Level 2: Resistant (Passive). The subject resists verbal commands but complies immediately to any contact controls. Close combat techniques do not apply.
• Level 3: Resistant (Active). The subject initially demonstrates physical resistance. Use compliance techniques to control the situation. Level three incorporates close combat techniques to physically force a subject to comply. Techniques include: Come-along holds, Soft-handed stunning blows, Pain compliance through the use of joint manipulation and the use of pressure points.
• Level 4: Assaultive (Bodily Harm). The subject may physically attack, but does not use a weapon. Use defensive tactics to neutralize the threat. Defensive tactics include Blocks, Strikes, Kicks, Enhanced pain compliance procedures, Impact weapon blocks and blows.
• Level 5: Assaultive (Lethal Force). The subject usually has a weapon and will either kill or injure someone if he/she is not stopped immediately and brought under control. The subject must be controlled by the use of deadly force with or without a firearm.

Rules of engagement are most often decided upon by commanders and are created to carry out and fall in line with over-arching orders or goals from higher command. In order for this to be accomplished, commanders must manufacture rules of engagement that will not violate the trust of the local population, but will instead foster a relationship of respect and understanding.

Things haven't changed at all. You're just a little weak on the facts.

You can't make this stuff up, Anna Molly. I can only hope and pray that they don't target the doctors working at this clinic where they don't perform abortions.

Anna Molly

It's time Paul Ryan got off the public dole and supported his family by taking a job that doesn't offer retirement benefits or health insurance, like millions of Americans. C'mon Paul, show us how it's done!

They are already targeting women, if you go to a clinic for regular care, they will attack you for supporting abortion by using these clinics even if they don't perform abortions. They do not care about the health of anyone, they have theirs they couldn't care less about anyone else, especially women.

Frank "Grimey" Grimes, Springfield, USA..

Bribed the bus driver, screwed with the navigation system and even made her look foolish and she's still here.

She is a total and complete embarrassment to the GOP and yet she has "fans" who would vote for her. Sometimes I think a literacy test .....for both the candidate....is not a bad idea.

Frank, "Grimey"

I think it is you who have to leave the Republican Party, because Palin is highly popular with the majority of Republicans, according to opinion polls.

What's it going to take for you to wake up? Real people are Democrats.

You'd like Maine's Blue Dog Democratic representative, Mike Michaud. I hope you check him out. Ours is a big tent. http://michaud.house.gov/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Frank:

"I feel your pain", but I don't think she will go away. Her purpose in life is to make life miserable for moderate Republicans. You and I will be watching the most unconventional campaign in American history. Sarah will be around through 11/12. Bet on it.

Ron Indiana

Moderate Republicans? Do they even exist anymore? They certainly don't control their party. Have you heard a single Republican politician attack Palin? I've heard Republican pundits moan about her, but I haven't heard a single Republican candidate jab her, they way she jabbed Romney have you?

It's exactly the way they kissed up to Limbaugh, remember that?

Hi Amy:

You could be right, moderate Republicans is more line an oxymoron. The two words just don't go together. Romney is the loneliest Republican in the world. No friends that I can think of. And Huntsman is somewhat moderate. I don't think the Tea Party will endorse him either. Boring ol' Pawlenty may be the guy to watch. Who knows.

I'm on the Huntsman bandwagon right now since he most accurately reflects my views. I just believe that every time Palin opens her mouth she says something ridiculous that does NOTHING good for the GOP. Fade away and help raise money...that's the best thing she can do for the party.

There are still those of us out there that consider us moderate Republicans. In fact, I think the majority of people that consider themselves Republicans are truly moderate. The problem is that the farther right GOPers and Tea Party members have gotten more vocal of late and are garnering the attention.

I would like to know the definition of a moderate Republican at this point.

Unfortunately I only see it as getting worse as the Republican nominating process has three of its first four contests in states dominated by social conservatives. With their closed primaries, winner take all contests, and the activist base dominating the nominating process we can only imagine what will come out.

Maybe we'll see another party realignment as we saw in 1948 with the Dixiecrats, or 1912 with the Bull Moose to create a more centerist, more effective Congress. One can only hope.

And these so called Christians wont be there if any of these children need help or assistance in their future years.

Wake up America, you are being played by the biggest lot of charlatans ever heard. Can there really be so many ignorant and stupid in this country ?

Groucho, thanks for letting me know. There are few things I can think of that are sadder than this. Not only because people will end up getting hurt, while at the same time, abortions will never stop, but also because it shows how easily freedoms can be denied through intimidation.

We are becoming much more of an authoritarian dictatorship than most people realize.

Groucho:

Right on again. I have also seen pending legislation that will throw physicians and the patient in jail facing manslaughter or homicide indictments.

The Supreme Court gave women reproductive rights and the States are trying to circumvent them usually based on some religious doctrine. I have no problem with people having different opinions but I do have a very big problem when they try to jam their ideology down my throat, which is what the GOP/TP is trying to day now.

This is going to end up back in the Supreme Court where the GOP/TP fundraisers will have another crack at it.

Anna Molly

Unless those tax credits are tied to actual results of producing living wage jobs...they shouldn't be part of the conversation. No results; no tax credit.

Anna Molly:

Thanks for keeping us updated on the happenings in Wisconsin. Just wondering, is there a way to stop all Republican activity until the recall elections begin?

Unfortunately, short of blowing up the Capitol, Ron, I'd say there's no way.

This being Wisconsin, however, no one goes quietly. We even have a tent city, nick-named "Walkerville," right across from the Capitol. LoL They even have permits. Pretty soon, I imagine they'll get free pizza, too.

http://host.madison.com/news/state_and_regional/article_a45148bb-d277-533f-a182-12b191c2bdff.html

Those against Gov. Scott Walker's budget proposal are settling in for the long haul, pitching tents at Capitol Square.

WISC-TV reports ( http://bit.ly/iI82rj) Sunday that protesters are calling their tent city "Walkerville," named after the "Hooverville" shantytowns set up during the Great Depression.

Anna Molly

More from the heartland --

I saw the tent cities. I thought that was a good idea to keep an eye on those rogues and LIARS. Thanks for the update.

Journey:

Unless those tax credits are tied to actual results of producing living wage jobs...they shouldn't be part of the conversation. No results; no tax credit.

Funny you should mention that, Journey. We seem to be going in the exact opposite direction.

http://host.madison.com/news/state_and_regional/article_4cddd903-1c70-56dd-832a-cdc58e1348a1.html

The Legislature's budget committee voted to undo a 2009 law requiring construction companies to pay the prevailing wage on projects partially funded with public dollars.

The Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee voted Friday to rescind the law without debate ....

This couples neatly with the measure the Finance Committee approved last week to forbid local governments from staffing larger road and public works projects with public workers. It's very clear that the intent is not to save taxpayers money, but to destroy public sector unions and put the same money in the hands of their private sector donors and then cram down the wages of the private sector workers, meaning more profits for their corporate owners.

Pretty neat trick, eh? And hardly anyone notices while these things keep happening.

Anna Molly,

What we're seeing in Wisconsin is the wholesale implementation of the right-wing agenda. It's exactly what Palin is blathering about, and what Romney and Pawlenty have come on board with: the destruction of the government for the benefit of private business. Basically, if they have their way, we will be governed by corporations, instead of democratically elected officials.

Anna Molly -

I strongly believe that unless the Democrats take their case to the people and demand results in exchange for these tax breaks and credits the Walket dilemna will have no end. It is a reasonable argument; one that Six-pack Joe can even understand.

Anna Molly -

You think things are bad for the Republicans?

Fox 16 in Arkansas just posted a report of the 5 most evil men of all times by elementary schools children:

< hop link posts

#4 - George W Bush #5 - Dick Cheney

ROFL!!!!

patHuntingtonNY..

JAS1 is on the warpath again...spreading her lies and distortions all over. She questions Obama's business savvy,

....................................................................

Wasn't George W a businessman. Owner of the Texas Rangers, oil executive and more. That business experience sure was a plus for him, wasn't it.

And how. I am still trying to figure out how the math whiz equates 4 trillion of the debt to generating 2 million jobs. Her Palin-esque spinning of 0.0% tax rates would be applauded by Keynesian economists. She can be counted on to stick to her guns that tickle down economics is working as Corporate profits and CEO pay soars, and rather than trickling down to create jobs, they are holding on to the cash to the tune of trillions. And this is helping the economy how?

Beverly in Chicago

Another thing, very few people know much about the fierceness of the"Buffalo soilders" and seldom are they mentioned when we honor our troops; me included. That's why I brought them up today.

hey Bev, I'm from chatham on the south side, where are you from?

The 761st Tank Battalion was activated on April 1, 1942, at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, and deployed to Europe, landing at Omaha Beach in France on October 10, 1944.

The Battalion trained at Camp Hood, Texas, where they were rated superior by Second Army Commander Lt.Gen. Ben Lear. They landed on the Continent with high morale -- some said they were cocky.

Later referred to as the Black Panther Tank Battalion, the 761st was attached to the XII Corps' 26th Infantry Division, assigned to Gen. George S. Patton Jr.'s Third Army, an army already racing eastward across France, and committed to combat on Nov. 7, 1944.

As a result of their great fighting abilities they spearheaded a number of Patton's moves into enemy territory. They forced a hole in the Siegfried Line, allowing Patton's 4th Armored Division to pour through into Germany. They fought in France, Belgium, and Germany, and were among the first American forces to link up with the Soviet Army (Ukranians) at the River Steyr in Austria.

here is some Infor in the tank divisions in pattons thrid army.