Groucho - come on man, you can do way better than that in your attacks. How about him being pudgy? Something about his looks? Maybe the way he walks. You are giving the liberals a bad name with a misused and overstated comment like he wants to secede. Because Texas can secede doesn't mean it ever will. Even if he did state it, you liberals will take the meaning of what he said all wrong, just to make a really innane, unfactual point... pretty much like you just did, eh?

Maybe Perry just doesn't fall for Obama like you liberals do. It doesn't take much to see right through Obama... er... for those of us that CAN see through him. All the rest have something wrong with their vision.

So, on April 15, 2009, Perry did not say that at some point Texans might get so fed up with Washington that they might want to consider seceding from the union? Seems like all the papers reported it that way including the ones from Texas.

I'm betting it's a factual statement cause he had to back peddle as fast as he could in the days that followed saying he didn't really mean it.

When Texas joined the United States, the Federal Government granted Texas certain rights and privileges not granted to the other states including the right to have a navy, the right to divide into as many as five states, and the right to secede. Whenever the Federal Government makes a major mess of things like it is doing now, Texans like to threaten to secede or divide into five states to get eight more senators. The fact is that Texans, including Rick Perry, are Americans who believe in the Union and wish to remain part of it.

Geo Smith

When Texas entered the union in 1845 it was with the understanding it could pull out. However, according to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Texas negotiated the power to divide into four additional states at some point if it wanted to but not the right to secede.

Texas did secede in 1861, but the North's victory in the Civil War put an end to that.

A lot of folks, not just in Texas, have thoughts about seceding the last few years. I guarantee that talk will stop when BO becomes a one term President!

Not sure who will step up to the plate in 2012, but a lot of contenders have more business and political experience than the incumbant... Perry included! I'd like to see him throw his hat in.....

Groucho

You misread (and they typed it in a deceptive manner on the website) what the true number of states Texas can divide into... it is FIVE. I will quote from the ACTUAL document that Texas was annexed into the Union under, "Third -- New States of convenient size not exceeding four in number, IN ADDITION TO SAID STATE OF TEXAS and having sufficient population, may, hereafter by the consent of said State, be formed out of the territory thereof, which shall be entitled to admission under the provisions of the Federal Constitution"

Not exceeding four, plus the said state of Texas. Four plus one is FIVE. So, Texas could divide into FOUR OTHER STATES, PLUS TEXAS. So it would be the states of Xanzabar, Skittledeedoo, Clyde, Rufus, and Texas, as an example.

Next time you go cherry picking for facts, research them a little more fully.

OranT,

First, I was responding to Geo Smith's comment.

Second, lets correct this..

Texas negotiated the power to divide into % additional states at some point if it wanted to but not the right to secede.

Texas did secede in 1861, but the North's victory in the Civil War put an end to that.

I love it. "He boasted." If he were a liberal selling us down the river, it would be "Boldly".

He talked to a friendly audience. If it were Obama, it would be someone swooned in the crowd. It would be written as if Perry were Messianic.

Perry is right. It's time to abandon the leftist press.

Nero Played The Fiddle While Rome Burned. Our Leaders Play Golf While Americans Starve. If you have had enough of this gather at the Federal Court Houses on 6-25-11 and join other Americans to demand change. Demand not another American will starve, go homeless, go without medical care while the leaders send billions to other countries. Demand our Jobs be brought back. Demand the end to senseless and costly wars to protect others while Americans live in danger. Demand our Borders be protected, demand our immigration laws be enforced.

Gather at the Federal Court Houses on 6-25-11 and show these Politicians we are through with lies and excuses while people suffer here at home. Mr.Obama is big on Social Change through Social Media in other Nations let's show him it can work here as well. On 6-25-11 Americans will either take their country back or we will find out it is already lost and there is no hope. Have you had enough of the insanity?

ummmm.... every state has the right to secede, it is right there in the Constitution. You folks need to get away from this idea of the Federal Government "granting" rights to states and individuals. The Federal Government does no such thing! The States created the Federal Government, not the other way around. The Constitution limits the Federal Government, not individuals nor states. Your natural rights are endowed by the creator, not some pencil pushers ruling over you in Washington. They work for YOU!

So, if you think that way (and that's not a logical way of thinking) he can't count on your vote. Big deal. I doubt if he could say anything that could change your mind. (I doubt if you are so hard on the Tucson-area Democrats who want to split from Arizona and form another state.)

Secession talk is the MOST patriotic thinking possible. It states that you believe in the CONCEPT of the USA SO MUCH that you'd be willing to leave it the USA walks away from it's own principles of human liberty and freedom, which it has been in the process of doing since the 30's.

A Euro-style US, with oppressive regulation and repressive taxation, is nothing any clear thinker would be proud to be part of.

I think you are right but wrong the Federal Government needs to learn the lesson you said.

southern - More government business probably got done during this golf match than the past couple of months.

Interesting that you want to promote more funding for social aid, but who will loan the US the money?

Troop withdrawals are one thing, but any savings may be minimal to apply to your social agenda. Supposed savings (cuts) to medicare to fund obamacare seems to be fleeting at best.

Ed Barbour, while I agree with your general comment, you do not go far enough.

There is ANOTHER "convention" taking place right now- for liberals. Want to know why it is not even being covered by this site? Watch this

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/06/17/wh_communications_director_pfeiffer_gets_hammered_at_liberal_convention.html

So, no, it is not that it is not in a really cool location like NoLo. It's that even the liberals have turned on Obama.

I'm thinking that the mother in law is going to vote for his opponent. No matter WHO it is.

Charles Diaz:

ummmm.... every state has the right to secede, it is right there in the Constitution.

Really? Tell me where. You must be a GENIUS. Nobody else knows about this.

There is NO right to secede in the Constitution. And those "Constitutional Experts" on this board who say there is have proven they know NOTHING about the Constitution.

You may think secession is a great idea. So did the southern states in 1860, and we all know how THAT turned out.

But don't tell people "it's right there in the Constitution." It's not, and either you're a liar or ignorant for saying that it is.

No Jo, I think its sweet of you to post a link that shows Independents reading this blog how middle of the road President Obama actually is. Especially, when the Republican strategy has been to paint him as "other." Hey, everybody, President Obama's position has been to support civil unions, not actual marriage. But he is listening to the country and evolving along with it.

Thanks, No Jo!

The fact is that no one from the South was ever tried for treason, not even Jefferson Davis. The North was afraid that if they did then they would lose in court what they had won on the battlefield.

Oh, Amy.

I really do find you sweet. You NEVER engage in personal attacks- nor do you spew vitriol. I appreciate that.

But, Amy, you have the problem a lot of liberals have- you accept things that fit your worldview uncritically. It leads to a lot of mistakes, and you get taken in very easily.

Here is one example

http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article/575731/201106171909/Political-Left-Holds-Tight-To-Fiction-It-Agrees-With.htm

I suppose there are some on the right who do the same, but not many. Look at Bush's ratings at ten end of his presidency. He was below his base, which, given the economic, spending, and foreign policy failures of the Obama administration, should also be true of Obama.

That it is not is disconcerting, to say the least.

On the other hand, the fundraising is not going so well.

No Joe is so worried about President Obama's fund raising. Or is it just another of No Joe's made up stories (aka lies). I bet on the lies. Please tell us how you know so much about President Obama's fund raising No Joe. The media doesn't even know. Oh Fox News (aka republican propaganda machine) told you. Enough said.

@David

"The fact is that no one from the South was ever tried for treason, not even Jefferson Davis. The North was afraid that if they did then they would lose in court what they had won on the battlefield."

I disagree, nobody was tried in court because the decision was made that for the good of the union the war was over and it would not aid the process of healing, and in fact fuel more problems if southern leaders were taken to court and possibly punished. It was never about losing in court. The war was over and the wise decision was made to try and start bringing the nation back together, and not further antagonize, punish, or demoralize the south or the north for that matter. It was a wise decision, can you imagine if any southerner or northerner was tried for war crimes or hanged for treason having that reenacted every weekend.

Geo Smith

........ right to secede. Whenever the Federal Government makes a major mess of things like it is doing now.........

The mess we have now was created by George Bush and the republican party. It never ceases to amaze me that republicans consistantly tell bald faced lies and expect rational people to listen to them.

If republicans are given the chance they will undoubtedly drive us into the Third Republican Depression. Every time republican economic polices have been implemented they have caused a recession. And republicans are also the consistant reckless deficit spenders.

Since 1978 Democrats have increased spending by 9.9%
while at the same time increasing the deficit by 4.2%
and increasing the GDP by 12.6%

Since 1978republicans have increased spending by 12.1%
while at the same time increasing the deficit by 36.4%
and increasing the GDP by 10.7%

Only a four year old and a republican would believe the nonsense these teaPublicans spew.

I discussed those policies with a four year old and she was very skeptical, I don't think she was convinced. But we did enjoy our little tea party. Come to think of it even the stuffed animals that attended seemed skeptical.

David, a clear non understanding of US history. The major reason non were tried for treason is because the US in Johnson the US had a Southern President who stayed with the North during the Civil War. Lincoln and Grant also were dead set against prosecuting any of the southern generals and officials.

What the LAW requires and what elected officials choose to do should not be different or differing things, based upon a small number of agreements between those in positions of authority and responsibility. They are obligated to enforce the laws or issue pardons, not instead, to choose to be derelict in their duties.

to johndevine,

Are you linking the deficit numbers to the president at the time? You do realize that congress controls spending, correct? If you attribute your numbers correctly - who controls congress, your numbers should be flip-flopped. Since 1978 there has been a fairly even split in Dem control and rep control of congress. Dem controlled congress have added almost twice as much to the debt as Republican controlled. $4.2 trillion Dem vs $2.4 Repub.

Sorry to tell you this, but no matter how you slice it, the economy does better when republicans controll congress. Democrats are just bad for business.

John Devine and Forrest Gump:

By the war's end, Confederate President, Jefferson Davis was captured and held prisoner in Fortress Monroe (22 May, 1865) for two years by the United States Government. Though indicted on charges of Treason, no trial was ever held, though it was understood that he would be tried as a traitor and executed.

The only problem was that the attorneys recommended by the Government all agreed that the trial would be lost because there was no evidence of Treason.

Rather than admit that the charges of Treason were unfounded and thereby admitting that the U.S. was wrong in waging war against the South, Jefferson Davis was freed on May 13, 1867. His release came after a finding by the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Salmon P. Chase, that there was nothing in the U.S. Constitution that prohibited the secession of states. If secession was not illegal, neither Davis nor any other Confederate leaders could be guilty of treason.

If Jefferson Davis, the Commander in Chief of the Confederate Forces and President of the Confederate States of America could not be tried for Treason due to lack of evidence, then why are charges that the Confederates were traitors to their country still being used today? (For more information see James Ronald & Walter Donald Kennedy's book "Was Jefferson Davis Right" by Pelican Press)

Something to think about for those of you who like to point the finger in terms of our national Debt. If you can't hear this then you might as well stop breathing.

-----------------------------------------

'Reagan proved deficits don't matter," Dick Cheney told Paul O'Neill during a
Cabinet meeting. "We won the (2002) midterms. This is our due."

No one is disputing the words of the former Treasury secretary in the new
book, "The Price of Loyalty." Since Cheney had been responsible for bringing the
"straight shooter" O'Neill into the Bush administration, we can take O'Neill's
words for the truth.

Cheney's remarks bring this question to mind: What kind of a government is
this? The idea that it is the Bush administration's "due" to run deficits and
leave the bills for future taxpayers is a startling one. Governments run
deficits, but it is the rare one that believes they are its right.

----------------------

These deficits were run in a stable economy. GOP now crucifies Obama for debt when it debt is necessary and perpetuates the lie that spending goes against job creation... something that is agreed upon by the vast majority of economists.

I really don't know how you people look at yourselves.

And before you start on about Congress this and budget that, read and learn more, please.

Thanks.

These deficits were run in a stable economy. GOP now crucifies Obama for debt when it debt is necessary and perpetuates the lie that spending goes against job creation... something that is agreed upon by the vast majority of economists.

Exactly! They either cannot grasp this, or they're not acknowleging it because they want to mislead people into thinking the Obama administration is being reckless, as they do with everything.

If Obama had not spent funds to stimulate the economy, we would have been in a deep depression, creating far more debt.

It has to be frustrating to Obama - he handles so many things beautifully, carefully considering the options. He devises a well-thought-out plan of action, and successfully implements the mission, only to have people turn the tables around and unjustifiably blame him somehow for "mistakes".

newday - which republican candidate are you going to vote for in the primaries?

Who cares what Carrot Top in drag says. She's not allowed to vote in the republican primaries so it really doesn't matter what the liberal fringe says about any republican canidate. All they can do is stand on the sidelines and throw stones.

The republicans will make their choice. When that happens it will be done without any of your input.

uh-oh....Somebody let Feisty out.

instead of the steady 24/7 Obama bashing...

Not bashing, just the brutal truth. Take a chill-pill girl.

WHY don’t you tell us what candidate has a chance to beat him and 2012 & why

What candidate is now being decided.....WHY?

Enough of this President. There is no end to the damage he's doing on every single front.

Enough too of his scape-goating a dismal Presidency of failure to men and incidents of long ago.

It's a good thing for the United States that EVERY President hasn't done the 'excuse making' and 'buck-passing' of this man and his supporters. We don't need a President that 'cherry-picks' his assignments.

Time to go Mr. Obama....bye-bye

ThinkProgress! ROFLMFAO!!!!! The bastion of liberal/progressive opinion. Using ThinkProgress would be like me using NewsMax for a source! ROFL - Silly liberals!

Well brianb, you want to know which candidate has a chance of beating Obama in 2012 and why? Here's your answer *LION ROARING* ANYONE IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY THAT WINS THE NOMINATION!!!!!! That's who. Here's why. THE ECONOMY STUPID!!!! FOREIN AFFAIRS!!!! COST OF GAS AND ENERGY!!!! COST OF EVERYTHING!!!! UNEMPLOYMENT!!!!!!! THREE WARS THAT HE'S FIGHTING AND FUNDING!!!! GITMO STILL OPEN!!!!! NSA AND THEIR UNCONSTITUTIONAL SERCHES AT AIRPORTS!!!! I could go on and on and on like the energizer bunny, but what would be the point. I don't need to. You know I'm right about all that I've already mentioned, and you know he'll be beaten as bad or worse that James Earl Carter was in 1980. If you're not old enough to know the butt whupping Carter took in 1980 look it up and see how many states he won. Obamas economy is fast becoming worse than Carters was and the repercussions shall reverberate throughout our great nation and he shall be shaken off the pedestal he's put himself on and a real leader will be taking his place. Praise the Lord!

Obama sets the stage... Conservatives comment... somehow this is considered bashing? Only in liberalland. Liberals unleash their words against all and everything conservative, produce some of the most intense verbal insults, get angry, but yet the conservatives do all the bashing. Liberal land is alive and well these days.

Hey Feistey Redhead Roselle, IL - Thanks for that post. Previously I hadn't really paid attention to Perry, but after reading your comments I just may support the guy.

Particularly since you mention that he wants to get rid of the federal income tax (progressive income tax is totally immoral and unsupportable by any reasonable person), allow states to drop out of Social Security and Medicaid (two bankrupt ponzi schemes that need to be replaced) and is willing to say that states should consider seceding if sc*ms*cking "liberals" in Washington keep foisting illiberal and authoritarian laws and regulations on them.

But the kicker was including the link to thinkprogress.org. If those guys don't like him then he must be doing something right.

You so-called "conservatives" proved during Bush's administration that you are ONLY socially conservative, NOT fiscally. You have to stick your noses in everybody's personal lives, but when it comes to money you have plenty to spend, and when it comes to soldiers you are only too glad to shed their lives by the thousands. How can you spend so much money and then demand to lower taxes? Do you know how to balance your own check book?

All you ever do is whine about Obama, but your senators and house members try to block every positive thing he has done. Rick Perry has plenty of tax money to spend on his rent-a-mansion to the tune of $120,000 a year, and his super highway, which is typical of the conservative right. When the Democrats wanted to leave Afg. and Iraq, you whined "cut and run", but now you want to be instantly out of the Bush mire without making sure we do so responsibly. Anyone with military experience knows that you have to disengage strategically and over time.

You obviously admire Obama, because you think he has the capability to instantly turn the economy around after it took you 8 years to screw it up. You blame him for the gas prices even though the same increase happened when Bush was in office, which you conveniently forget. Gee, have you noticed that the big oil companies are enjoying record breaking profits when actual demand is down? Oops, forgot, they provide big $ to your party, so that is OK.

It would really be nice if you guys would, for once, face reality, stop whining, and stop blaming Obama for Bush's screw-ups and your party's inability to man up. You are right about Libya; we should never have stuck our noses into it. Of course Gadaffi should be on the same hit list that Bin Laden was on because of the Lockerbie bombing and the club bombings in Germany that killed our soldiers.

It will be interesting to watch your presidential primaries progress. Of course, you voted Bush into office so it is obvious that ANYONE is possible.

Obama won in 2008 with nothing but smoke and mirrors... 3 years later the smoke has left a film of crud over the country and we've had enough bad luck with the broken mirrors and promises.... there's plenty of time left for the Republicans to narrow the field down to someone more experienced and with less rhetoric that will be able to change the direction the country is headed. Americans are desperate for change!

I just read that the costs for Obamacare have increased another $400,000,000! That would be laughable if it weren't so very sad!

Eliminating obamacare has to be one of the first steps to reverse America's decline!

I too am willing to listen to Perry's ideas, but don't think he'll throw his hat in the race just yet.

On what basis could Obama ask to repeat? Can someone answer that question? He can't defend his current record... so what could he say? Will he pretend to be a centrist again up until the election? Will that work? Will Acorn come back and get voters like Mickey Mouse and Goofy to vote for him multiple times? If I were a liberal these days I'd be worried.... the days on the gravy train may be over!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL..

Is there anything you post that is not a cut and paste from Think Progress or some other site? Aside from name calling and ridicule do you have any original thoughts?

crickets?

Nero Played The Fiddle While Rome Burned. Our Leaders Play Golf While Americans Starve. If you have had enough of this gather at the Federal Court Houses on 6-25-11 and join other Americans to demand change. Demand not another American will starve, go homeless, go without medical care while the leaders send billions to other countries. Demand our Jobs be brought back. Demand the end to senseless and costly wars to protect others while Americans live in danger. Demand our Borders be protected, demand our immigration laws be enforced.

Gather at the Federal Court Houses on 6-25-11 and show these Politicians we are through with lies and excuses while people suffer here at home. Mr.Obama is big on Social Change through Social Media in other Nations let's show him it can work here as well. On 6-25-11 Americans will either take their country back or we will find out it is already lost and there is no hope. Have you had enough of the insanity?

I might rethink the use of ThinkProgress as a source against the liberals. Check out these headlines taken on Monday morning 1:19 AM from the liberal bastion:

The $113 Billion Hole: Ten Things America Gave Up This Year To Pay For The War In Afghanistan

By Zaid Jilani posted from ThinkProgress Security on Jun 18, 2011 at 7:45 pm

It appears as though ThinkProgress has something against Obama for spending $113 Billion on the war in Afghanistan.... how interesting. Even the liberals are speaking out against the policy of Obama and the war. It's about time!!!

The article states:

Yet the war is affecting more than just Western soldiers and their families and Afghan citizens. It has become a costly drain on our nation’s treasury; the money that is being spent on the war represents resources that are being drained away from important domestic priorities in a nation with sky-high unemployment and crumbling infrastructure.

My. my. my!!! The liberal source is not happy with Obama at this point!

Thanks for the source Carrot top! Sorry it works against your love for Obama, but dems da breaks!

In comparison to other states, has perry created more jobs?

You can read all of the ‘dirty’ details at: http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/06/10/241830/top-10-thing-texas-gov-rick-perry/

I think you meant "dirty" lies or misconstrued points. thinkprogress is a running joke who only wacky liberals living in the echo chamber pay attention to.

No american he has not- businesses that have moved into our state have created more jobs and Texas is doing well in SPITE of Perry not because of him.

I sit in wonderment that so many people like this douche bag, for the life of me I still cannot figure out how he keeps getting elected, I don't know ONE person who voted for him.

I'll stick with Ron Paul thanks.

ed - you've made your choice for republican candidates? Who do you plan on supporting?

The way the field is shaping up I'll be playing a game of RPS - best two out of three, with tiered brackets.

Alright - since you are into the whole political thing... who would be your dream republican candidate? Mine hasn't emerged and is unlikely he won't.

Ron Paul is an Honoarable Man

The real Groucho Marx is turning in his grave!

Hear Hear Southern Democrat!

Ron Paul 2012!

This guy is just plain creepy. God, he acts just like George Bush. Deer in the headlights buffoon.

We had one primate in the White house. We don't need another one.

Jesus freakin' Christ! Haven't we learned ANYTHING since George Bush crippled us all with 2 unnecessary wars, a trashed economy and a sense of regulatory recklessness that produced, well. . . recklessness?

Now, see if you can read my lips: NO NEW TEXANS!

Obviously you don't live in Texas. That, or you're a recent transplant. Or a twerp.

Since Ed and MrContrary really don't have much of a say in the republican primaries, their points are obviously based upon liberal theology. It's funny reading liberals posting about those who they have no sayso in electing. All they can do is criticise... Unlike me, who CAN comment on how terrible Obama is as a POTUS. The circus is only beginning. Can't wait for all the rings to fill up... it's going to be fun watching how badly the liberals get as November 2012 approaches... and how bad things are going to get for Obama.

Brianb: It's cute that you assume merely because someone has a vehement dislike for a GOP candidate they're somehow liberal.

ed, do you follow what happens on FR much? It's very rare that a crossover political ideology occurs here. Not many conservatives reject Perry as a potential. There's more dislike for candidates like Romney, Guliani and Newt than the others from the conservatives here.

Didn't we recently have a former GOP Governor from TX who was President? How did that work out?

Oh yeah.

2 wars, both off budget and unfunded.

WMD? Nope.

"Bring 'em on!"

He let the oil companies write the energy policy.

Gave us AG Alberto Gonzalez, who politicized the DOJ and hired incompetent cronies.

Katrina...enough said.

Gave German Chancellor Merkel a back rub.

Recession.

Bailouts.

Debt.

Gloom.

Rick Perry? I don't think we're ready for another GOP Governor from Texas.

One person isn't Texas biwheeler. Seems you are happy with the current idiot in chief that bows to Saudi Princes, communist dictators, socialist dictators and is doing his level best to destroy this nation. Also the same idiot is involving us in more military conflicts, not pulling out of Iraq or Afghanistan.... hypocracy much?

Brian:

Not ecstatic, but yes, happy.

I guess you see the issues as Obama's performance instead of Perry's qualifications. Probably a good move on your part. I wouldn't want to defend his performance (in a largely symbolic governor position) either.

Brianb, I don't know where you live, but many of Perry's policies have hurt the average Texan. We are in the bottom 5 states as far as the quality of education, and now, the legislature has gutted funding for public education--this crisis was predicted when Perry shepherded the passage of property-tax cuts in 2006. (Property taxes are the main source of funding for school districts here.) Teachers & staff are getting laid off, and our classrooms will be more crowded than ever. Some cities will, ironically, have to raise taxes in order to cope with the loss of state funding.

Just this week Perry vetoed a bill (from the Republican-controlled legislature) that would have outlawed texting while driving because he felt that it infringed on people's rights too much. Hello? When you are driving a car, you do not have the right to drive distracted, the right to put others' lives in avoidable danger.

By the way, we get that you can't stand Obama. But how does that qualify Perry to be President?

P.S. I'd like an apology from Rick Perry for gutting support for public education even while revenues from sales taxes and income from oil profits in Texas have soared this year. I'd like an apology from him for making us Texans look stupid with his cowboy swagger and "Let's secede from the rest of America!" rhetoric. I'd really like an apology for his allowing the poorest counties in Texas to get even poorer. His call to prayer seems hollow, hypocritical, and insincere. But I am praying. Fervently. That he does NOT get in the race because we cannot afford someone like Bush II in the WH again. Can't the GOP do better than this? Really?

Miss Ann Richards do you?

Nero Played The Fiddle While Rome Burned. Our Leaders Play Golf While Americans Starve. If you have had enough of this gather at the Federal Court Houses on 6-25-11 and join other Americans to demand change. Demand not another American will starve, go homeless, go without medical care while the leaders send billions to other countries. Demand our Jobs be brought back. Demand the end to senseless and costly wars to protect others while Americans live in danger. Demand our Borders be protected, demand our immigration laws be enforced.

Gather at the Federal Court Houses on 6-25-11 and show these Politicians we are through with lies and excuses while people suffer here at home. Mr.Obama is big on Social Change through Social Media in other Nations let's show him it can work here as well. On 6-25-11 Americans will either take their country back or we will find out it is already lost and there is no hope. Have you had enough of the insanity?

And you live in what sheltered, wealthy school district, Chris? I don't know where you have been lately, but the Texas legislature has made drastic cuts to the budget for education, forcing districts to lay off teachers and staff. Dallas ISD alone has been facing the loss of over 3,000 employees. That's not good for the employees, their communities, and most of all, the students. A simple Google search of this topic will allow you to get up to speed on this issue.

biwheeler - under perry, what has job growth been in texas compared to other states?

Gee, bethie, reading your post caused me to wonder-

How many times has Perry been elected governor of Texas? Kind of looks like you MIGHT be in the minority in terms of opinion of his performance.

Cause, I'm pretty sure I read that he just got re elected. To a third term.

american:

Gee...I thought you guys were the ones who say "government can't create jobs."

Guess government can't create jobs. Except for Rick Perry, who, if he is office when a job is created is an exception, right?

Its called "creating an atmosphere" where businesses feel welcome, biwheeler. See, Illinois is not doing that- they are driving businesses out of state.

California is an even more glaring example of how to destroy a job base.

Texas seems to have perfected the art of attracting businesses to that state. Maybe the people in the federal government could learn something.

No Joe:

Nope. Can't have it both ways. Either government can create jobs, or it can't. You guys hung it on Obama. Stimulus always fails because "government can't create jobs."

Perry gets no credit for job creation in Texas because Obama gets no credit for job creation. Your meme.

Try again.

bethie

You really are the bedwetter type. Responsible people know better than to try to text while driving. Having a law against it will not deter anyone from doing it. Cuts to education were necessary in light of the current fiscal condition. My assumption is that you are not a property owner or you wouldn't be complaining about the minuscule tax cut we received in '06. Want to help out education? You can donate to the fund. Or buy more lottery tickets.

bilweeler

Govt can create the atmosphere for jobs. Which Perry has made attractive for business. Caterpillar just announced they are expanding the size of a new facility being built in the Houston area. Instead of the 500 good paying jobs it will bring, there will be 600. Texas is adding jobs at a rate which far surpasses the rest of the nation.

Biwheeler, refusing to accept the truth does not negate the truth.

Obama does not know the first thing about how jobs are created- nor does he understand how they are destroyed. Just this week, in an interview with Ann Curry, he blamed ATM Machines for high unemployment.

It is hard to believe that anyone holding ANY elective office could possibly be that clueless- but there he is, and this site- little bother of the network that aired the interview- ignores it.

Kind of like you ignore the facts when they are inconvenient.

No Joe:

I'm not refusing to accept the truth. I'm refusing to accept the hypocrisy. E.g. Obama can't create jobs, but Perry can. You guys just make this stuff up as you go.

I would gladly give Perry credit for creating jobs if you just tell me that, actually, government can create jobs. Until then, this discussion is over.

Doug, are you calling the Republican-led legislature in TX "bedwetters" because THEY passed such a bill? It would be great if everyone were responsible when they drove, but perhaps having a law against it would make people think twice and cut down on the number of accidents, injuries, deaths caused by distracted driving (one of the principal culprits is texting while driving).

Also, I really hate how the conservatives on here ASSume that I don't own property (have almost paid off my house of 20 years), don't work (have worked since I was a teenager--30years--and paid my way through grad school) and don't understand how budgets work ("cuts to education were necessary due to the current fiscal situation"). In fact, you have no idea how our school funding works or how mistakes were made along the way, creating this crisis. I have lived here for over 20 years and watched the politics of two Republican governors. It's very frustrating on the educational front. Part of our problem in Texas is the huge disparity between wealthy districts and very poor ones. We don't have a state income tax at all to help pay for some of the costs of education, health services, etc.

No Jo--yes, Perry got re-elected AGAIN. Texas is a very red state. As I watch neighbors lose their teaching jobs and their children have a tough time getting the classes/schedule they need to graduate, I wonder if they have any "buyer's remorse". LOTS of us voted against Perry, but we're outnumbered. Very astute observation on your part.

biwheeler - you fail to understand what private sector job creation is about. First it is about having a product that has a demand for it, and then it is being able to produce that product at a cost that is acceptable to the end user.

Taxes and regulatory fees all enter into the final cost of the product as does labor costs.

Ever wonder why their is so much competition between states and cities to draw business to their area. They offer tax breaks, utility breaks, etc for them to relocate. The increased tax base, revenues and trickle down local dollar economics more than offsets any 5-10 year corporate tax revenue they may lose.

Regardless, you didn't answer the question, what ranking does texas have in creating employment (jobs) in comparison to other states?

The median wage in Texas is $11.20 an hour. The median wage in the rest of the country is $12:40 an hour. A Republican dream come true: a few millionaires and a whole lotta people working for lower than average wages.

I think Amy said it very nicely - "a whole lotta people working.."

Too bad so few are working in states other than Texas.

The real question, given the entitlement society we have now created, is $11.20 per hour better or worse than 99 months of unemployment?

It appears that Amy would turn down a job for $$1.20 per hour, a difference of less than $10 per day.

At $11.20 an hour for 40 hours if you work all 52 weeks of the year your gross income would be $23,300 a year. That is pitiful, I made more than that in 1978 working as a grocery clerk for Kroger. A husband and wife both working a median job in Texas if they never took a day off would gross $46,600 dollars. How are people supposed to raise a family on that kind of money, unless the cost of living is way cheaper than just about anywhere else. How do you feed clothe and educate a couple of kids make a house payment, utilities, insurance, and everything else, plus pay your own health insurance, oh and be responsible put some money in your retirement fund, when two people working full bore gross $46,600. What happens if one gets sick or injured and they are down to 23,000. You say a lot of people are working, but are they really making a living. This is what right to work for less and less laws do for you? This is why people in Texas don't want unions so the average Texan can work 40 hours a week for 52 weeks and gross $23,300? Let me take a guess on top of being in favor of businesses not paying decent wages Gov. Perry does not feel they should be required to pay a fair and decent amount of taxes either. If you want people to be able to live the American Dream, to be able to drive a good economy in which the big and small businessman can survive, raise a family with happy, healthy, educated kids, who have bright futures in front of them, supported with solid family values, then you must allow them to make a few bucks with which to do all that. Is it about working for the sake of working, is it about nobody owes you any more than what the next desperate person is willing to work for or is it about making a living? If I could do it I would give Texans a pay increase, they won't waste it, they will spend it wisely, and in doing so their economy and Texas family values will be strengthened. The pay increase would not cause a company like Caterpillar to fold, but they might move to any state that promised them lower wages and lower taxes.

The real question, given the entitlement society we have now created, is $11.20 per hour better or worse than 99 months of unemployment?

Worse. By the time you have factored in the cost of child care, gas, lunches, quality time NOT spent with your kid, then you are making about $7.50 - $8.00 / hour.

Unemployment under those circumstances might not be near bad. My wife is working $12 / hour in Ann Arbor for the City. They intend to work her for 10 months, and then lay her off for 2 months to avoid paying benefits, pension, medical and the minimum wage of $13.50 / hour. My wife is going to finish her Master's degree in a few months at EMU, but she can't get decent job offers now.

It is the new normal now. Corporations are getting away with murder and laughing all the way to the bank.

I'm "entitled" if I pay for it. So are you.

Unions are the only bulwark against employer abuse, and they are a source of workplace Democracy. I feel bad for your family that you are not a member of one, son.

I 1978 I worked as a full time union retail clerk in a Kroger grocery store and made $26,000 and had medical benefits, and 2 weeks paid vacation, I only stayed in that industry for two years which was certainly not enough to qualify for any kind of pension benefits. I left because I wanted to get into something that paid better and required more skill because I suddenly found myself married and starting a family and in 1978 $26,000 was not going to be enough money.

american-2051576

biwheeler - under perry, what has job growth been in texas compared to other states?

Texas is leading the nation american.

While the rest of the nation fell behind, Texas continued to make strides in private sector job growth during the past 10 years.

Figures released by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics showed Texas leading the nation with 724,300 more net private sector jobs in December 2009 compared with one decade ago.

Of the top 10 largest states ranked by civilian labor force, only Texas and Florida had positive job growth over the 10 year period.

bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/01/25/daily19.html

texasahead.org/economy/outlook.html

Forrest, our cost of living for the most part isn't that high here, for example my brother and I have almost the exact same houses the difference is he lives in California, he pays 1600.00 a month I pay 790.00

My guess is that you have a better than median income because at 11.20 per hour a $790 a month house payment is 44% of monthly gross income after taxes it would be over 50% of monthly income.

actually I make 0.00 per hour since I don't work. My husband is the sole income and we do just fine.

Holy crap Marv. I think I need to go vomit.

Got to admit Humbert;

When you are right you are right. Guess they have to do this stuff to counterbalance the bias coming from the right.

It's fairly common to pray to God for relief in the face war, drought, famine and personal anguish.

Gov Perry has the solutions for our economic problems, he was simply asking for God's help to ease the drought. That seemed to be the only way out, we have no control over either the climate nor local weather patterns.

Personally, I pray to God to spare us from Republican politicians.

Amy B,

Apparently God made his decision. He gave us a sign of things to come when He delivered the US House of Representatives to the Republicans back in November.

Yeah, and after the Republicans failed to do anything about job creation after they won the House majority, boy is He mad.

Marv, Be very careful about a statement that you personally know God's decision for a country. People who make these claims have been called either crazy , prophet, mystic or saint. If you belong to an organized religion, I would talk to your pastor, priest etc. If not, I would talk to a therapist. In the meantime, M. Bachmann has only stated that God has told her that her recent election for Congress was do to God's focusing "like a laser beam on her candidacy."

If God is really actively in charge of our elections then we can wrap this up quickly.

Chris = potty mouth

TXChristopher

When you can't make a logical arguments you resort to personal attacks. You're not helping your cause. Most Independents are wising up to the bullying tactics of the right-wing and they are not impressed by comments such as yours.

and yet amy you now expect the republicans to lead. Wasn't that why obama became potus, to lead?

Bullying tactics?? When you start applying your "righteous indignation" to some of your fellow liberal posters as well maybe you will have made a point yourself.

Marv7: Did you ever think that maybe the drought was sent to Texas to show Gov. Perry to look at his policies that hurt other human beings and to stop their evil ways? The Gov. Perry is supposed to be a man of God yet his policies hurt the creation of God (People are God's creation) so look at the drought as a sign from God and change your ways...Calling GOD, GOD help me and not doing his will doesn't help..ALL HIS WILL not just SOME.

President Obama is leading. And Republicans have conducted smear campaigns, dirty trick schemes and generally been unhelpful since he took over the mess left by the worst President in US history.

PS the Republican Party should apologize to America for inflicting the Palin/Trump/Gingrich triumverate of the most un-serious Presidential "candidates" slash hustlers we have ever seen. When did campaigning for President become a for-profit enterprise? The Republican Party seems to want to privatize everything it sees, including turning the pursuit of the highest office in the land into a reality show.

They claim government is broken, then run joke candidates for the highest offices in the nation , then get nasty with you when you laugh and play along with their jokes.

Talking to God directly "praying" is one thing, claiming God gave you a direct answer is another.

I can barely get a human on the phone when I need help, but you expect me to believe God picked right up and talked it over with Michele Bachmann. At the very least I would expect something like: "for God the Father press one, for the Holy Spirit press two, for God the Son press......................" and that is just the Christian automated receptionist, if your call goes to the wrong religions automated receptionist it really gets confusing.

being a receptionist myself, your vision sounds highly plausible. If God is like my boss, and I tried to transfer the call, he'd probably say "Bachmann? Tell her I'm dead."

THe government is not broken?

Don't we have the same from of government we have had for over 200 years? What broke all of a sudden?

Meanwhile: if you are praying for the lotto numbers press 112, if you are praying for a good test grade press 113, if you are praying that your wife won't find out press 114, if you are praying that your husband won't find out press 115, if you are praying for a job your call will be re-directed to John Boehner, if you are praying for God to focus like a laser beam on your presidential campaign press 116, ah finally there it is.

Herman Cain would make an excellent President, Vice President, or almost any cabinet secretary, especially one dealing with the economic health of the country. Rick Perry is probably a better politician because he has years of experience helping to make Texas's economy the best of any state in the union, at least when it comes to jobs. On the other hand you couldn't find a better manager than Herman Cain. We should use both of them to help clean up the mess Obama has made of the economy.

Perry/Bachmann - 2012 ... Not because I'm a Texan but because we need someone w/fire in the belly! It's time to start screaming over the Liberal MSM & Democrat politicians and pundits.

We can only hope the GOP nominates a ticket like Perry/Bachman. That should quickly guarantee 4 more years...as the other Texan once said...."Bring 'em on..."

TXChristopher: You can say all you want that the Democrats controlled the House and Senate and wrote bills that spent the $$$ but it was George Bush as President that "SIGNED THE CHECK" that is he "DID NOT" veto not one BILL.

I'm a Texan too. You OBVIOUSLY are in the minority. Did you not pay attention to the recent election, or, can you just not get over the fact that Democrat Bill White lost?

I guess insanity (see their revisionist history class textbooks) and lack of compassion must be the predominant factor in Texas politics. Look on the bright side - with the shrub back in the state, you CAN call it "Texas" again instead of just "Tex" after all, the ASS came back from Washington.

That's an old joke, canary-in-the-coal-mine, but it was made years ago in reference to someone who actually deserved it, LBJ. For those who remember, you appear unoriginal as well as inaccurate.

Geo it's still funny

immaterial - the shrub did more to destroy the US credibility and CREDIT than ANY other president. In the ranking of the 44 he is "most rank" and number 44 (bottom of the barrel). I wasn't exactly thrilled with the prior president from Texas either - he cost me some time out of my life with his VIETNAM fiasco.

It fit's BOTH OF THEM QUITE WELL (moreover, PERRY - utter @!$%# that he is - would be merely another stone in the Texas wall of INFAMY!)

the politicians are as blue as Massachusetts when it comes to spending.

TexanToo-3627245,

In light of the $12 trillion deficit the repub administrations handed Obama when he came into office,....maybe you need to redefine and re-evaluate which is the party of big spenders.

Seriously. Really.

As you yourself have correctly pointed out,...the Texas state budget didn't get to where it is today with ANY help WHATSOEVER from Democrats.

Time to redefine your reality, and think about who the real profligate spenders are.

Chris--you are looking in the mirror when you write: "Greg in Detroit doesn't research he just spouts off his ignorance because he doesn't understand. . ." but you choose not to understand the problem with Texas' budgetary issues because you are blinded by your conservative ideology.

Rainy Day fund? Oh, that money that Perry has staunchly refused to dip into until pressured to finally give up a little bit. Hey Perry, it's a rainy day in Texas! Quit sitting on the emergency money while districts drown! His policies helped bring about this year's shortfall by cutting property taxes several years ago.

Perry has been governor since 2000--he owns the problems he's created with our educational system.

The defining characteristic of the Republican Party is they refuse to take responsibilty for the outcome of their policies. They told us in 2000 that tax cuts would grow the economy, but over a decade of reduced revenues resulted in the opposite.

What do the Republicans have to say about the failure of tax cuts to grow the economy? Blame it on Democrats in the House...why? for not doing enough to stop Republican policies?

AMY: They have been saying Tax Cuts would grow the economy since "RONALD REAGAN"S TRICKLE DOWN" it hasn't worked, they just want to keep taking away our rights, now they want to take away SOCIAL SECURITY and MEDICARE, after working and paying for 40 years, they want to with the stroke of a pen abolish it..I hesitate to say what that equates in my mind..what would you call it, if you were saving in a bank account for 30-40 years a little at a time, and one day you went to the bank and found the doors shut, and a sign taped to the glass saying..sorry, this bank is out of business, what would be your first impression?

Im re- doing a bathroom in my house- new everything. The room gets gutted to the studs and redone. I have a budget of $15,000. Hired a contractor, went out to look at materials.

Picked out Italian marble for walls and floor. Top of the line jacuzzi tub, hand held shower, rain shower head. Oh, yeah, mahogany vanity with really beautiful granite counter and artisan sink. Naturally, the faucet set had to fit in with all that opulence.

Total? $35,000. Looks like I have a $20,000 deficit.

Looks like I will have to scale back to reality.

Why am I telling you this? It is the explanation for the Texas "budget deficit".

In other words, "wanting" ain't "getting".

Texas Chris:

Have you calmed down by now? Good. Below is a link that you may find will give you a more balanced perspective on Ricky Perry. You can use a political schoolin' up as much as you need a grammar makeover, but that's later. This was posted by my friend, Feisty Redhead in Roselle, Illinois:

You can read all of the ‘dirty’ details at: http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/06/10/241830/top-10-thing-texas-gov-rick-perry/

Your Texas area is indeed an economic hotspot! Why there is an article in our own Detroit Free Press just this morning talking about the Dallas/Fort Worth area's #1 jobs rating. The jobs come at a price though. No state income tax means everything,....I mean everything, is taxed an extra 6 - 8%, which you pay no matter if you buy a Mercedes or a pack of gum. And that's EVERY DAY!! Unionization is not allowed in Texas. Your state is the most polluted in the country,....congratulations,....you win, or do you? Nobody has health care in Texas.

I myself left Dallas for home in January 1986. I lived there from 1984 - 1986 and was involved in the oil industry. I lived near the Garland - Dallas area.

We don't hear Texans crowing much about the state of the Texas economy in 1986, but I remember. People were abandoning their homes down in Houston and Dallas. Huge subs were left unfinished. Unemployment rampant. Pretty much what described the Michigan economy just a few years ago.

Since the year 2000 NAFTA policy (signed by Clinton) allowed the destruction of the manufacturing economy in Michigan wholesale. Between 2000-2010 Michigan lost over 400,000 jobs due to offshoring / NAFTA. Pretty hard to shine when your own President steps out of the way while jobs leave the nation. Clinton enforced NAFTA's labor/environmental provisions,...Bush,....not so much. Lemme' see if I can remember which state Bush came from,......hmmmm.

Got another link for you: http://zfacts.com/p/318.html.

This shows you who is really at fault. No matter what,...the budget is ultimately up to the signature of ONE man, and in the case of this deficit,.... that man was historically republican. You own the deficits kid. Face it.

Thanks for the backup Amy and Bethie.

If I take a hatchet and cut off Texas Chris's right hand at the wrist,....I'll still be responsible for that act next week. It does not magically and conveniently become someone else's fault just because I want it to.

1. Bush/Clinton and the republic party destroyed this country's economy.
2. America is still reeling from their doing so.
3. It is still their fault, and their economy,...and yes,.....George Washington is still dead.

That's just the way it is. Now live with it and get out of the way while we fix this repubs!

And BTW repubs: If you bother to check back next week,....George Washington will still be dead,.....promise.

Texas Chris,.....$27 billion!!!!? HOLY SAM HOUSTON BOY!!!!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/16/texas-economic-miracle-be_n_836885.html?

Hey Greg - how were the Fruit Loops this morning? ;o)

Hey Greg - how were the Fruit Loops this morning? ;o)

Hi Feisty!! Didn't get Froot Loops, but I did get a 3-egg, ham, asparagus, garlic and onion omelet. I had English muffins with blackberry jam, and some real blackberries with it. Yummm! My little son helped scramble the eggs cause he wants to show me what a grownup he is. He also popped down the muffins in the toaster.

Thanks for askin' hon! xo :o]

Dad's day is going really good so far. May go for a bike ride in the Nature Reserve later with a picnic lunch, or hit Greenfield Village and stroll about like it was 200 years ago, get a ride in a Model T. May fix myself some vegetarian quinoa sushi later today for dinner, or swim some laps for an hour.

Howze by U? Is Dad still handy? Can you call and wish him a happy D-Day?

"Amy B is too stupid to understand that being in control of only the house of representatives is akin to being a back seat driver. You aren't in control of @!$%# back there with the President driving and the senate front seat passenger"

"It does not matter who the president is, CONGRESS controls spending, which too many idiots in this country do not seem to understand."( -from Christopher Texas comment 10.7 above)

Well, well, well now!!! Our little friend the TXChristopher seems fearsome confused to me!! How bout it boy? Both of these statements are attributable to you. I didn't think anybody could be ignorant enough to contradict themself like this!! BWAHAHAHA!! So which one is it Chrissy? You gonna' make a stand boy, or you gonna' run under the porch and hide from Amy and Bethie again?

Well how bout' it boy? You gonna do something about it,...or you just gonna' stand there and bleed?

Can you call and wish him a happy D-Day?

Sounds like a very special little boy you have! Dad's no longer with me but did call & sent my love to my Step-Dad!

Enjoy the rest of your day! ;o)

Awesome Feisty!

Hope your Dad's day went well too.

Thanks, Greg!

At least Feisty has stopped talking about NoJo's husband and family members.

That was so unfortunate. It really makes me think Feisty is unbalanced. I hope Feisty is not married.

I also NoJo doesn't say anything else to set Feisty off.

Amy B. Portland, ME

Thanks, Greg!

No prob Amy! BTW: I spent some of the best weeks of my life in your state when I attended Boston University in the summer of 82'. We went up to Maine for a 6 week geology field trip.

Started out at Popham Beach, Maine, then spent a couple weeks in Millinocket and stayed at Moosehead Lake. Went to Rangeley, Maine and went across into Quebec. Climbed Mt. Katahdin. Also stayed in Baxter State Park.

Fabulously beautiful state!! Nice folks. Friendly moose,and psycho lumber truck drivers.

I would hate to see your newly-elected republican tyrants mess it all up.

What the hell happened? I thought Mainers had more sense.

RS, your "fear and loathing" phrase brought back memories. Really miss Hunter Thompson and what he would do in this political cycle. What we really need now is" gonzo journalism". We certainly have Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trial and we have only had one debate, a straw poll, and a couple religious right sponsored conferences.

Droddyc, I have paid into Social Security for over 30 years of work and also being self employed, paying FICA for my employees having to match their funds. I am a democarte and have supported Obama in the last Presidential election. I had to give my business up due to health reason,for which I am on social security disability and have medicare also. When I had my business I did not have to worry about the way of the economy was going. I made enough money to pay my own way. Mortgage, utilities, medical insurance, car insurance, car payments, phone bills, etc. I went from a $70,000 a year income down to a $1547.00 per month from social security plus taken out of that is $90 per month for medicare. Not only that I have to also get secondary medical insurance to cover what medicare does not cover. My medications are over $250.00 per month after my discount. That leaves me very little to live on. Luckily my wife is a retired Federal Employee and has a $2300.00 income from her retirement and $230.00 a month for Social Security from when she worked in private enterprise.

We still have the same amount of expenses as before and have found it very difficult to live off of what we have. We have wyped out our savings account just to keep up with expenses.

Due to the housing market our home was appraised at $365,000 dollars 4 years ago and we pay property taxes also. Now my home is only worth $215,000 dollars on the market today. I feel I am in a catch 22 position, damn if I do or damn if I don't.

I do not know the future of Obama's re-election or if the republicans get into office. Obama wants to change the healthcare reform and just this past week AARP is backing congress to abolish Social Security. If these policies go into affect, my wife and I may as well go to Washington, DC and live in either a crate or in a shelter and going to eat at soup kitchens.

I guess the point I am trying to make, is that first of all Obama took over George W. Bush's mess and has not been able to fix it due to congress. We are also in 3 wars at present that are costing us trillions of dollars, when I have not myself or my wife have gotten an increase in our retirement for the past 2 years. I do not know which party can make take away the mess we are in now. We can hardly pay for our national debt. Are the Republican's Party going to help the elderly as myself or are the democrates as they are called the Liberals going to support our needs. I am not looking to be rich, just to keep my head above water. I hear alot of promises from both parties and cannot believe either one at this time. I am very concerned about Obama being re-elected. I hear that Perry and Mitchell would be good together. I do not know who to vote for at this time because a lot of false promises are being made that politician cannot back up on. Both sides lie like hell to get the election. The unemployment in this country is now 9.1%, bring back industry to the United States and create more jobs for the American workers who lost to overseas corporations to get cheaper labor. Go to the store and look at the products that are made here, just about none.

First I say bring our troops home from Iraq, we have gotten rid of Sadam, stop sending funds to Pakstain they are only draining us dry. Get out of Libiya and get out of Afganistain. The Russian could not defeat them, what makes it so sure we can.

Now Obama want to talk about peace with the Taliban, does he actually knows what he is doing and is forgetting about Israel. His peace negotations between Palistine and Israel will not happen, since he told Israel to give up the Gaza strip and now Egypt opened up it's boarders to Palistine. I really wonder if Obama is the right choice for our country. I would hate to change parties at this time but I have to lookout who is going to help the poor and middle class citizens.

Can anyone from the Democrates, Republicans or the Tea Party actually tell us the truth about what they plan to do without lying. I do not know if we can have Obama serve another term, sorry Democrates. Thank you for listening.

B Blum, I hear your frustration, I believe the President does too. The last ten years of my mother's life, we went through all her savings taking care of her, and had to let her house go into forclosure, after she died, because we couldn't sell it for what it was worth. My parents had pensions, and Social Security and a nest egg. I have no idea how I will pay for my healthcare when I retire. I barely support myself now.
I absoultely will support President Obama. I am 52 years old and I consider Obama to be the best President in my life time. The Republicans took over the House in 2010 and haven't done anything constructive with their regained power, except play party politics.

52 years old, little savings. Sounds like "Hope and Change" is your best chance. That is a pity At east you have medicare. For now.

B.Blum: As much as you are hesitant about Obama, I can assure you, well I can practically guarantee to you, that the Republican/Tea Party would "NEVER" help anyone of us who are poor or middle class, I feel very assured in that, they would "NEVER" care about our financial situation and do anything to help us, so, I would stick to the evil I know of, at least you know what the Democrats stand for, you and I, would at least get some help.

@B Blum Sir, the republicans are all about government can't work, smaller government, they want to privatize everything you have paid into all your life, exactly the things you will need, health care and SS. Private companies are about profits, that's why they exist and republicans are not bashful about telling you that private business should squeeze out every nickel of profit the free market makes possible. These companies are not into keeping promises they did not make, they are not in the business of making sure you you get decent health care in your old age, they are in the insurance business and are interested in making money by charging more than they spend for health care. The republicans have openly said they have no interest in maintaining the programs you paid for and were depending on. They want to privatize both SS and Medicare and everything else they can, that is the philosophy less and less government. In my opinion voting democratic is your best chance of seeing the obligations (not entitlement, you paid for medicare and SS) this country has to you fulfilled in the manner the US government promised they would. Good luck B Blum you seem to be a wise and honest person.

Nero Played The Fiddle While Rome Burned. Our Leaders Play Golf While Americans Starve. If you have had enough of this gather at the Federal Court Houses on 6-25-11 and join other Americans to demand change. Demand not another American will starve, go homeless, go without medical care while the leaders send billions to other countries. Demand our Jobs be brought back. Demand the end to senseless and costly wars to protect others while Americans live in danger. Demand our Borders be protected, demand our immigration laws be enforced.

Gather at the Federal Court Houses on 6-25-11 and show these Politicians we are through with lies and excuses while people suffer here at home. Mr.Obama is big on Social Change through Social Media in other Nations let's show him it can work here as well. On 6-25-11 Americans will either take their country back or we will find out it is already lost and there is no hope. Have you had enough of the insanity?

canary,

I would suggest you stock up on Lithium & Thorazine prior to Nov 2012 ;)

Perry/Bachmann 2012!!

-or-

Perry/Rubio 2012!!

Perry/Backman has a probability of election to POTUS as a SNOWBALL in the mythical HELL. I mean we REALLY NEED a 3rd Texan. I'll give LBJ credit for being the consummate POLITICIAN, but PERRY leaves me with a bad taste even before he "attempts" (with his unlikely futile "attempt", I might add) to RUN for POTUS. He might be big SH!T in the GOP in TEXAS, but in the rest of the country he would be a BAD REMINDER OF SHRUB. One cannot campaign on a "cut everything" policy. We'll see how well RYAN does next time.

Get used to it - Obama will probably be re-elected unless the economy turns COMPLETELY south. Fool me twice shame on me, fool me 3 times? Another Texan? ROFLMFAO!!

Mitt's problem is that he's a mormon (and essentially unacceptable to the rightwingnut religionazis of the "christian RIGHT".) Other than that, if elected, he would probably gravitate to the center. Remember - once elected, the President can essentially tell the PARTY establishment to kiss his gluteus maximus (depending on congressional make-up, of course).

Didn't you see pictures of the astronaut carrying the American Flag and sticking it on the surface of the planet mars, what's so comical about that, that is what they wanted us to believe.

Skippy: Perry is "an in-your-face conservative". You know what? We had that with G.W.B. Most of us have had enough of that attitude. America would take 10 steps backwards in the eyes of the world if we chose someone like Perry as President. But maybe you don't care what others in this globalized society think even though our economies are interdependent.

So far, I haven't seen anyone who would tempt me to vote for the candidate from the "evil right". Romney has a lot of potential, as does Huntsman, but these guys probably aren't rude enough for you.

Skippy:

As I've so often been reminded by my red state friends, this is a "center right" country. Frankly, I've come to believe they probably right.

Which makes all the GOP FAR FAR EXTREME OFF THE CHART candidates unelectable. Bring on Perry, Bachman, Palin, Cain, or any of those guys/gals you want. Your chances will disappear overnight.

But I'm not complaining...just saying.

Skippy:

I'm sure you're including those "publicists" over at Fox News, right? I forget...does the Republican party own Fox News...or is it the other way around?

Phantom rear-ender? You've got to practice your draw son. In Missouri we call that moving targets. As for your problem at the hospital. Go on E-Bay and get you a $10 black ball cap that says ICE or CBP, and wear that to the hospital... Amazing how fast a waiting room can clear out. It's pretty good at clearing out tables at Mexican restaurants too! (Of course, you might not have anyone left to wait on you or cook your meal.)

Showmerancher, you made me laugh out loud! Thank you! I love how people want to fuss about immigrants but have NO clue how much they depend on them. I think Ralph might just go hungry since there wouldn't be anyone to pick the food, slaughter the meat, or cook it for him. LOL

Wrong Bethie -There are PLENTY of legal workers and green card holders in the state to do the jobs. We are not talking about immigrants but illegal immigrants. There IS a difference! I don't know what part of the state you're in but it is most likely one of the sanctuary cities where only the illegals congregate with impunity and keep those that are legal away from the jobs they could do. I won't starve. Unlike yourself I can and do work when needed without government assistance. When I have tasks that require more than I can do by myself I only hire the legal worker. What a concept. Most likely way over your head though....

OK, Ralphie--I'll take the bait. Your point would've been a lot stronger without the personal attack ("unlike yourself I can and do work when needed without government assistance"). First of all, though I have been gainfully employed since I was a teenager (about 30 years now), I really don't see how my employment record has anything to do with the issue of illegal immigration. I'll still engage with you, though, because you obviously missed my point. We can't just kick out the 12 million or so illegal immigrants in one fell swoop--our economy couldn't support it, and no one has the political will to do it. Bush did basically nothing about it for 8 years, but you want Obama to fix it in two. It's obviously a thorny problem that is going to take several approaches to fix, like better law enforcement of the current policies, better border security, etc. There is going to have to be some kind of gradual phasing in of stricter adherence to our laws, giving amnesty to SOME, such as those who were brought here through no choice of their own and have grown up here.

You mention that these illegals are keeping jobs away from immigrants who are here legally--what jobs are you talking about? I know many legal immigrants--many of them are educated, own their own businesses, pay taxes, and contribute to society in positive ways. Some of them are doing jobs that most of us don't want to do, like cleaning toilets and picking vegetables. And many of these jobs are done by those who are not here legally. I was joking above about you going hungry--I guess I hit a nerve--but we really have become dependent on these migrant laborers, who keep our prices low and our supermarkets full.

Chris, I did NOT say I "wanted" to keep illegals here--please read my post again. I said that it would be difficult to remove all of them at once and probably impossible. Some need to stay because our economy is dependent on them. If we don't like that, we need to make some changes in how our food is harvested, meat is prepared, etc. What do you say about businesses who hire these illegal workers? How do we control that?

You are right about Bush--he obviously took some steps in the right direction. It just obviously wasn't enough. This problem, I will concede, started before he came into office and continues today. Yet some people think Obama should have solved it by now. Yes, I am pretty liberal when it comes to immigration, the environment, and education. I lean to the center or even to the right on other issues such as marriage. I enjoy political discussions with people who can do so without denigrating the other contributors. It's hard when it comes to politics--but it is possible. Texas is a great place to live and raise a family--otherwise, I would have moved long ago. I love my town, my neighbors, etc. I do not have to support all of my governor's policies! (or former president's)

Maybe if your Governor would encourage clinics that would unclog the emergency rooms at the hospitals, that is what the big hospitals do here in NYC, they have a clinic attached to the hospital, where anyone can go for regular check ups and the hospitals are left to handle real emergencies, these clinics take patients on a sliding scale depending on your income..without or without insurance..so Texas maybe need a little creative thinking.

TX Chris:

#25.5 You are right. Your link shows GWB did try to make changes to immigration policy. Of course, he was defeated by his own party, but he tried.

From your link (http://www.ontheissues.org/celeb/George_W__Bush_Immigration.htm) to GWB's immigration accomplishments:

"We're also a nation of immigrants, and we must uphold that tradition, which has strengthened our country in so many ways."

"we cannot fully secure the border unless we take pressure off the border--and that requires a temporary worker program. We should establish a legal and orderly path for foreign workers to enter our country to work on a temporary basis."

"And we must have a rational, humane guest-worker program that rejects amnesty, allows temporary jobs for people who seek them legally and reduces smuggling and crime at the border. "

"Remember also that Bush reversed the Republican Party's support for English-only public education and stopped cuts in school funding for the children of illegal immigrants."

"It is time for an immigration policy that permits temporary guest workers to fill jobs Americans will not take,"

"The program that would bestow temporary legal status for at least 6 years on 8 million undocumented immigrants, as long as they keep their jobs. But it would not automatically put them on a path to obtaining citizenship or even permanent resident status."

"Immigration is not a problem to be solved, it is the sign of a successful nation. New Americans are to be welcomed as neighbors and not to be feared as strangers."

Tell the truth, though. Does any GOP candidate support ANY of these statements? One candidate? One statement? I think not.

What you call Bush's best on immigration is now heresy in the GOP. No GOP candidate would support any of these statements. I'm not feeling nostalgic about Bush, but he was considerably more reasonable than the current crop of crazies who want the GOP nomination.