This 'pay-per-view' is nothing more than an admission of guilt.

So, thanks for answering my question, Mr. Ryan, and for free.

Who does this disenfranchise the most?

SENIOR CITIZENS on fixed income...

It's PATHETIC!

Like I said earlier this morning, anything for a buck with these greedy bastards!

Obama wants $35,000.00 a plate, $10,000.00 a pic ..... raffles dinners .....

and you are complaining about 15 bucks?

Children say the darnest things, huh Art?

With the 'voyeur' question still hanging over his head, Ryan isn't going to run.

It's a pity, because I think all the Republican "big wigs" should be out there talking about what Republican policies look like in practice - not just the idea of "we'll get government out of your lives" but the reality of " we'll give an 80 year old woman a voucher to go find a health insurance policy she can afford, and if she can't, that's her problem."

JAS1 - I suppose you're going to tell me that GWB camped out under the stars when he went trolling around the country trying to convince us all that it would be a good thing to let Wall Street get their greedy hands on our Social Security? Your comments are petty to say the least.

Bob Numbers -

Are you seriously trying to compare fundraisers to town halls for constituents? All politicians hold fundraisers, and I have a choice as to whether or not I want to shell out that kind of money to attend. (Guess what? I don't). But to charge your constituents money to get an answer to a question (so you can discourage the ones you may not want to answer) is unconscionable. And absolutely discriminates against those who can't afford to pay.

At least Ryan's "only" charging 15 bucks. Apparently Ben Quayle thinks his services are worth $35 a pop.

If for once they actually answer the question instead of turning to their talking point that answers actually nothing the question is about, it might be worth paying the $$$.

The way it is now, all you hear about is job killing something or other (fill in the blank crap) and the actual question get side stepped.

Amy B. Portland, ME

" should be out there talking about what Republican policies look like in practice - not just the idea of "we'll get government out of your lives"

Hell no......if they do that, they'll lose their patent to numskulls. Let the morons who fall for their lies figure that out.

Hey, if Grandma's pissed off then Ryan should at least be able to make a few bucks off of it.

At this point (look at the Gallop polls) a Palin/ Ryan ticket would trounce Obama WHAT does it matter how much $$$ Obama takes in when many states will not place him on the ballot in 2012 unless he first proves himself a "natural born citizen" ALL but the far left democrats seem relieved by this prospect assuming they can convince Hilary to run instead?

What does it matter how much $$$ Obama takes in when many states will not place him on the ballot in 2012 unless he first proves himself a "natural born citizen?"

Slither back to your birther bunker willk ya?

I'm sick & tired of sweeping your crap off my porch!

What does it matter how much $$$ Obama takes in when many states will not place him on the ballot in 2012 unless he first proves himself a "natural born citizen?"

2008 called...they want you to give Orly Taitz her argument back.

He charges his constituants to met him, he wants to dismantle SS and Medicare. Hmmmm, Tea Baggers love him everyone else not so much.

"At this point (look at the Gallop polls) a Palin/ Ryan ticket would trounce Obama"

Oh please, please, PRETTY PLEASE show us the link to that one!

Oh, wait - you said the "Gallop" poll. I mistakenly Googled "Gallup". My bad.

Giddiup!

laurie already posted some of this in another thread, but it deserves to be said again ("You Have To Keep Repeating Things To Catapult The Propaganda". - George W. Bush)

Watching Perry doing his stump dump creeps me out the same way the banjo does in "Deliverance." Maybe it's the way he puts his leg up on the bale of hay, obviously uncomfortable but trying to make for a great photo op. A professional politician who thinks he's too big (or sexy) for his boots.

…Perry calls his economic track record in Texas a model for the country, arguing that low taxes, little regulation and tough lawsuit restrictions help create jobs and attract business. Texas has fared better than most states during the Great Recession, though it has the highest rate of uninsured residents and among the poorest populations in the country.

…Democrats will highlight what they say are Perry's extreme right-wing beliefs, such as opposing the national income tax and the direct election of U.S. senators. States' rights is one of Perry's biggest issues, and he has said individual legislatures should decide matters such as gay marriage and the legalization of marijuana. Those stances could draw conservative opposition — unlike his well-known love of guns.

While Perry looks good on television and gives fiery speeches, he is less disciplined in one-on-one encounters where he has made comments like the one about secession. He also did not fare well during the one debate he agreed to in his 2010 gubernatorial race, appearing awkward while repeating talking points rather than engaging the other candidates.

All that voters need to do is read FED UP! by Rick Perry. It shows his true, very radical positions. For example, he refers to Social Security as "violently tossing aside any respect for our founding principles." (page 48). Almost everything is unconstitutional--any regulation from banks to consumer protection to civil rights to education policy to the environment to labor laws. He believes climate change is a hoax, and ending slavery was federal government over-reach.

Speaking to reporters tonight following an event in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Texas Governor Rick Perry appeared to question President Obama's patriotism. Yes, he made reference to the "black cloud" hanging over us. He keeps pulling out the old dog whistle, like he thinks progressives don't know conservative code by now?

In Perry's website ad he claims the credit rating downgrade was due to President Obama's spending—Wow, just wow.

A Standard & Poor's director said for the first time Thursday that one reason the United States lost its triple-A credit rating was that several lawmakers expressed skepticism about the serious consequences of a credit default — a position put forth by some Republicans.

Joydeep Mukherji said the stability and effectiveness of American political institutions were undermined by the fact that "people in the political arena were even talking about a potential default," Mukherji said.

"That a country even has such voices, albeit a minority is something notable," he added. "This kind of rhetoric is not common amongst AAA sovereigns."

It's hard to believe there's support for "Bush without a Brain or Ethics," but the most right-wing one around. I say he could well be even farther to the right of Michele Bachmann -- who'd of thunk it -- Even Michele Bachmann hasn't held a prayer meeting with the International Coalition of Apostles!

Not only is S&P starting to clarify who caused the downgrade, President Obama needs to stop refering to "congress" as if both Parties are equally to blame as well. It is the Teabaggers in particular, lead by batsh!t Bachmann who vowed not to raise the debt ceiling under any circumstances, saying a default would not cause calamity. David walker talks about the perpetuation of lies. It would be even worse if the liars are not called out.

The "fee" to speak to constituents is fundamentally wrong. Sorry Bob bogus argument.... : )

TruePatriot-445959

Great job. Keep posting and keep exposing their ineptitude.

You Tea Baggers are so funny, in you comments, coming out of la la land. Come on Ryan and Palin, please run, because there is plenty of room aboard the Republican/Tea Bagger crazy train.

Also, that commit that Ryan/Palin could even beat President Obama, is the funniest and craziest, I've heard all week.

More proof that the Baggers are dumbing down America.

At least Ryan's "only" charging 15 bucks. Apparently Ben Quayle thinks his services are worth $35 a pop.

Ironic huh? In these times when we need to tighten our belts and implement "starve the beast" austerity... Oh wait, that's right, it's the working class that must always pay up. The rich? Not so much. They don't bother with town halls. They will fly the candidates to Aspen, Colorado to obtain assurances before writing a big check.

The dismantling of our constitutional democracy continues...

I raise a point here.

How on Earth did the US re-elect Bush? Because all the Democrats had was an awkward John Kerry.

How on Earth will Obama get reelected? Because all the Republicans have are radical extremists.

The speculation on what the GOP/TP ticket will be is interesting like Perry/Bachmann -- This makes no sense putting two out-of-the-mainstream social conservatives together. Ryan/Bachmann is more interesting, because then you could have maximum crazy by combining the fiscal with religious zealotry together. Oh please, let it be so!

Let's start a contest for the campaign slogan. I'll start: "Pray the Medicare away." Come on, I know you can do better than that! (Can you tell the Republican primary bores me?)

"Watching Perry doing his stump dump creeps me out the same way the banjo does in "Deliverance." Maybe it's the way he puts his leg up on the bale of hay, ..."

You may be creeped out by the leg up thing but Obama was copy catting Perry... Liberals only like things politicians do when Obama does it too. Catch up with the facts. You Libs are NOT allowed to dislike something Perry does IF OBAMA is doing it too. haha

Perry wears the same belt Bush used to wear. Is that still in fashion? In Texas I suppose. He could at least try to be original!

So, Smiffy...

What are your thoughts of GOP/Tea Party candidates charging what amounts to nothing more than an access fee to their town hall circle jerks?

Perry wears the same belt Bush used to wear

Gross!

Does it have his name stamped on the back of it? lol

He does have a flashy BIG ring going on...

After the way the citizens in Wisconsin treated the Monster and enemy of the elderly and disabled, Paul Ryan, one would wonder why he is even thinking of running for another term in the Congress? They really shouted him down and heckled paul ryan the monster, up there in Wisconsin.

Why in the world does this Monster and Grandma hater think he can even become President? His approval numbers are in the tank as it is.

The Monster Paul Ryan can do everyone a favor and resign from his congressional seat NOW!!!

Bob,

You are a moron. These are town hall meetings not fund raisers for his campaign. He is an elected official from a district in a state. It should be open to everyone not just those who enjoy paying to listen to right wing rhetoric.

Jeff - Don't be so quick to diss Kerry. Diebold's voting machines in Ohio were rigged. Just like the election in 2000, the GOP stole it. That's what they do best. Steal.

Here in Palm Beach county, in Riveria Beach where it's like 90% minority, the vote went for Buchannan because of the butterfly ballot that LaPore our old elections person designed.

I hear the Koch brothers are taking real good care of her yet nothing ever gets reported.

Feisty, how is it that you are nearly always the first poster? I have a hard time respecting what appears to be an inside job. All I can deduce is that you must work for MSNBC.

All I can deduce is that you must work for MSNBC.

Why did you have to let the cat out of the bag?

Now YOU went & did it! lol

The( tea bagger's) have F up the USA ,AND THE Republicans ARE RIDEING A HAY TRAIN THAT IS OFF THE TRACKS. WE WILL OVERCOME THIS .DONT BUY THE LIES FROM THE TEA BAGGERS. ITS All About F ing OBAMA "I stand with the PRESIDENT we must work together . f f f f the teabaggers.

What I'd like to know is why don't the corn-servatudes, teabaggers or republicant's on this article aren't spewing their faux outrage in regards to the picture of Rep."Wild Eyed" Ryan(see above)? Guess they are all exhausted from the their self-inflicted wedgie tantrum over Michelle "BA& SH*T" Bachmann's wild eyed cover photo on News Week. Maybe they just are starting to notice all their can-dud-dates photo that way and are resigned to those wild eyed stares.

There is only one way the Republicans can lose the next presidential election ...

nominate a candidate.

For now the Republicans are competitive.

BrianP Those butterfly ballots used in the 2000 Presidential election were also used in Georgia a little later with disney characters and the little kids seemed to get it right. Get over the 2000 election, you may get a chance next year. The way Al Gore is talking he may decide to run.

bob-1805084

Like I said earlier this morning, anything for a buck with these greedy bastards!

Obama wants $35,000.00 a plate, $10,000.00 a pic ..... raffles dinners .....

and you are complaining about 15 bucks?

Children say the darnest things, huh Art!

#1.3 - Tue Aug 16, 2011 1:14 PM EDT

Bob, the Obama staff states that Obama is holding fund-raising events.

Unfortunately, most presidential fund-raising events are not cheap.

However, "Town Hall meetings" are suppose to give the local peoplea forum to meet with their local elected officials - and to give our citizenry the opportunity to ask their "representatives" questions about issues that concern them as citizens.

Ryan is charging people $15.00 to have access to his Town Hall meetings.

Every citizen (especially our seniors and the poor) cannot afford the $15.00 that Ryan is charging.

I am sure that Ryan is quite comfortable with making it difficult for the citizens that he is trying to hurt, through his proposed brutal budget cuts, to meet with him and ASK HIM questions and hold him accountable for his callous political positions.

Town Hall meetings are the people's chance to ask their elected official questions - and these community meetings should be free.

i would just like to know where is governor perry's white sheet i think it's all he needs to round out his wardrobe!!!!!!

Why not go all the way to the last logical step then and charge people to vote. Hell if an elected offical can prevent the riff raff from even hearing his plans without the cost of admission, then go all the way keep the riff raff from voting if they don't have the price of admission. This country has done that before, sounds like some might like to do it again.

A fee for town halls just wrong. My worthless Rep. Greg Walden will not show his face fee or not. Seems the Rethugs only want to invite their own kind to meetings anyway.

Oh, let Eddie Munster come out and play!!

Plain and simple, the Tea Party(s) don't want to receive the same treatment they gave. And what ever happened to free and open access to your reps? Guess you'll have to rewrite that part of the Constitution.

And then that head nutcase in Iowa pushing Obama on Biden's "gaff", which in laymen terms means TELLING THE TRUTH. So once again, good old Joe lets the truth slip out. Hay baggers! Joe was only stating what everybody else was thinking/saying... Extortion IS a terrorist act, and what you did WAS extortion. Therefor, you ARE terrorists. Actually, I see you as religious extremist terrorists. Move to Iran where you will fit in better.

Could it be that the shooting of Rep. Giffords has given pause to the elected officials of the Teapublican Party. Stirring the pot to get the mentally unbalanced of either side could incur the same treatment metered out to one or more of them. Its a teaching moment to both sides, that negativity could unleash the dark forces that neither side can control nor imagine. If we can't expect civility and rational discourse from our leaders then surely we all shall reap the whirlwind of chaos.

Amused 1.41

Here in Tucson the local NBC affiliate KVOA is the only usable local news blog. Up until the day of the shooting it was ruled (and moderated) by RWNC's and baggers, roughly 40 or so of them. Any outsiders were immediately disappeared. Normal people were savaged if they called them on their vile antics.

The day of the shooting, all but six scattered like cockroaches. The remaining were constantly chanting "Lefty Laughner", trying to convince themselves and others that Laughner wasn't one of them.

KVOA finally switched to using Facebook for their blog section, and now all of the roaches have disappeared. Seems they couldn't stand the daylight.

Sane - Couldn't agree with you more. Its the same way with most Conservatives/Republicans that I know personally, when the subject changes to race these people will show their true colors and racist beliefs if they feel they will not be called out for being the bigots that they are. And laughably many of them think they are Christians. IMHO, Christ wouldn't recognize any of them and what he preached. Vile and self absorbed money grubbers for the most part.

Obama wants $35,000.00 a plate, $10,000.00 a pic ..... raffles dinners .....

LOL!

Can you direct me to when town hall meetings became fundraisers?

Somehow I missed it...

You are aware of the difference?

Right?

You weren't aware of the quote words I referenced - that I responded to?

Your operative words were greedy bastards.

If you are incapable of following a simple comment, if you are this stupid, it is little wonder why you are reduced to eating pigeons on Thanksgiving, huh?

Hey Bob, No Feisty is not that stupid but I can't say the same thing for you. Your comments were meant just as they were taken and I too saw the disconnect. So careful when you call names.....sometimes they bounce pretty hard off that mirror.

It's okay laurie - I've come to think of booby as First Read's very own Roomba!

Little guy keeps looking for the corner in a round room!

Who's zoomin who now booby?

Feisty - Love it and soooo true!!

Hey laurie darling,

I asked if Feisty was this stupid.

Funny that you rushed (kinda like an adult rushing to help a defenseless child) to defend her ...... "No Feisty is not that stupid.. .."

Thanks for the chuckle

btw - your inclination is obviously more than well founded.

Bob - Get a grip....just the facts please....leave your name calling for someone who cares....it's easy to name call to try to render an opponent irrelevant but the tactic is transparent, ill conceived and ineffective. If you don't have anything constructive to add to the debate then get off the vine.....Oh..I forgot....DARLING.

Bob is worried that darn boy is going to get re-elected.

Job1 - Poor Bob...."It's a hard rain gonna fall...."

laurie darling,

Who did I call a name?

"greedy bastards" were Feisty's words.

Let me help ........

Feisty - Get a grip....just the facts please....leave your name calling for someone who cares....it's easy to name call to try to render an opponent irrelevant but the tactic is transparent, ill conceived and ineffective. If you don't have anything constructive to add to the debate then get off the vine.....

I couldn't have said it any better. (I left off the DARLING part - she ain't)

If you don't have anything constructive to add to the debate then get off the vine.....

Not a chance darling! lol

You of ALL people should not be lecturing someone about name calling!

It would render you... hypocritical perhaps?

I'm sorry - did you take over as moderator? Who KNEW!

What's the matter BOB.....no original thoughts rolling around up there? Or are you from the "I know you are but what am I?" crowd? Again, all I see from you is insults and I suspect it's because you can't compete on the facts and you stink as a debator. If you have a credible argument....people will listen and respect you but hurling pejoratives is for amateurs and if that shoes fits...well.....

laurie,

Again, all I see from you is insults and I suspect it's because you can't compete on the facts and you stink as a debator.

Actually you responded to me earlier today, I responded to your inane comments and you had no reply.

That thread probably had over 2,000 words of my comments and you couldn't find anything to refute?

Who stinks as a "debator" or debater?

hurling pejoratives is for amateurs and if that shoes fits...well.....

Why are you talking about Feisty again?

OK ..... yea I'm mocking you, I'm playing with you ....... If you don't want to be mocked - don't say hypocritical stuff that is so easy to flip on you.

Have a good evening laurie.

Well I guess the next great idea from the the Repukes will be reinstating the Poll Tax. They do have a 5-4 majority on the SC. Just saying. Obama "four more Years" 2012!

hey bobby boy get a life dork

You know, vie been reading this all morning, and I just googled it.

Turns out to be spin.

Ryan is speaking at a ROTARY Club meeting, at their invitation. The ROTARY Club is charging their usual $15 fee to cover LUNCH.

You do realize that there is spin, and then there are downright lies, do you not?

Ryan does not get one dime- the Rotary does. Considering it's the lunch fee, they probably don't get much, either.

So, this is how you prop a failed president- by lying about everyone else? It's disgraceful.

You know, vie been reading this all morning, and I just googled it.

Nice try NJNB!

Then why didn't you post one of your customary links?

You know the ones that prove your full of it?

Especially since it was your bible; Politico who is reporting this?

Good Grief - you're growing more pitiful with each passing day!

For those interested here's the link NJNB conveniently didn't attach;

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/61454.html

You just can't beat the entertainment provided by the Liberals. Obama rakes in $35,000 a seat at his birthday party bash, and the Liberals are nowhere to be found. Someone charges $15 pay for the meal where Paul Ryan is going to speak, the Liberals lose the function of a major sphincter muscle.

Source: http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Events/EventDetails.aspx?accountid=7760&eid=157263&tid=1

Same with the Republican Lawyers Association. They're charging to pay for the lunch!

Source: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111486582227568

Liberals, food isn't free. so you were told wrong by your overlords.

Feisty

Thanks for the link, that was a good story. Ryan gets criticized by his constituents so to avoid hearing their disapproval in person make em pay or turn them away! I guess when they get back to Washington and they do interviews and say "This is what America wants" they are completely full of BS because they have no idea what America wants or needs unless it was someone dumbass enough to actually pay them.

What happened to open access to government?

Why doesn't Ryan do a free town hall meeting? Is he scared?

Well Feisty, in all honesty the FR article did say that the event planners were charging the fee, but NJNB, that just shows how things can be taken out of context by both sides. Or do you admit to lying when you only go by perceptions?

Feisty, you know you can be, well, feisty, without always being nasty, right?

Here's a link to the Rotary's own website. http://www.whitnallparkrotary.org/

What's wrong with them charging a fee to cover the lunch being provided during their weekly meeting, especially when said event is opened up to the public? Seems rather reasonable to me.

What's wrong with them charging a fee to cover the lunch being provided during their weekly meeting,

What's wrong with them doing it for FREE like they used to?

What are they so afraid of?

Pissed off senior citizens is never a pretty site.. lol

Da Noid: Why doesn't Ryan do a free town hall meeting? Is he scared?

Ryan's is scheduled to meet with his constituents over the next 6 weeks, and it appears he's willing to meet over 30 times.

http://paulryan.house.gov/Contact/MOSchedule.htm

A fund raiser is a declared fund raiser, where every one running for office have guess pay. Its has been done that way for years.

However, a town hall where the people can come and ask questions is for free. It's the same as a stump speech. Free.

In Ryan's case, he doesn't want to get beat up again, so he is having a town hall where people pay and it reduces his chance of getting beat up.

Very simple to understand you would think. But, in this case you need to explain very carefully to the Tea Baggers.

Ryan's is scheduled to meet with his constituents, and it looks like he's willing to meet over 30 times.

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

We will be waiting.

Why doesn't Ryan do a free town hall meeting? Is he scared?

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

You betca.

Suzy, there's nothing wrong with it at all, I've personally gone to CPE functions that had the same deal. The point is how it can be perceived by the general public. It takes valuable time from a law makes day to explain something so simple to his constituents.. This occurs on both sides of the aisle. And for those of us interested in politics it can be amusing to see the other side squirm, lol.

Suzy: What's wrong with them charging a fee to cover the lunch being provided during their weekly meeting

Liberals think everything should be given to them. They don't understand that food costs money. You should see the confused looks on their faces when they're in a grocery store.

Job1: We will be waiting

Try to be intelligent. I know, steep hill to climb.

NJNB -- I guess the question to ask is he meeting with his constituents other than the paid event at Rotary? For that matter do they all (Congress) meet with constituents in August or just a few that want to engage? I'll research it later.

If it's a Rotary meeting, call it that. If it's a pay-for-a-plate luncheon, then call it that.

If it's a town hall meeting, it is implied that it is a question-and-answer session, and that it's for free. Reference all of the other town hall meetings. Since when was lunch served in a town hall?

To call it a town hall meeting and charge for it, regardless of what you are charging for, is disingenuous.

JoAnnaSmith1

You are a mean spirited person. For once I would like you to tell me your ideas to fix the problems we face instead of attacking liberals and President Obama. I get it, you dislike the president. Just about everyone of your posts shows that dislike for liberals and the president.

The fact that you defend one side or the other is proof that you are part of the problem. Neither party has the answers. That is why they need to work together on plans. You can have all the Republicans and conservatives in office you want and it will not fix the problems. The problem is each party only cares about the people that vote for them and could care less about the other group which you and Feisty cleary show in your posts. You believe your group is right and the other is wrong. There is nothing wrong with being a conservative or a liberal as long as you don't look at the other group as your enemy.

Compromise between the groups is the ONLY way to fix the problem. People complain that Congress is not doing what the American people want and they can't work together. Read most of the posts on these vines from each group and how they dislike each other so much. I say Congress is doing exactly what Americans want. If we can't be civil to each other here why would Congress (who are elected by you same people) be civil there.

P.S. I am not liberal in case you were wondering. I can accept ideas from both groups. That is what makes being and independent the ideal voter.

fielden: If it's a Rotary meeting, call it that

Whitenall Park Rotary Club Hosts Congressman Paul Ryan at a Luncheon

Source: http://greendale.patch.com/articles/whitnall-park-rotary-club-hosts-congressman-paul-ryan-at-a-luncheon

fielden: If it's a pay-for-a-plate luncheon, then call it that.

Cost is $15 per person for the two-entrée family-style meal. There will be no registrations taken at the door, and seating is limited.

Source: http://greendale.patch.com/articles/whitnall-park-rotary-club-hosts-congressman-paul-ryan-at-a-luncheon

Independant4Ever: JoAnnaSmith1 - You are a mean spirited person. For once I would like you to tell me your ideas to fix the problems we face instead of attacking liberals and President Obama.

Put into law the Presidents Debt Commission report from 2010.

Independant4Ever: That is what makes being and independent the ideal voter.

Independents are the most useless wishy-washy people in the world. They flip a coin when they get in the voting booth. Give me a Liberal any day over an Independent.

Fielden, Ryan did not call it a town hall- the media did.

And Joanne was kind enough to post the link to the schedule of regular constituent meetings.

This whole thing was trumped up by the media to make Ryan look bad.

Guess they never heard of the google.

Wow, what fear about Paul Ryan!

Come to Wisconsin; he does open and free town halls ALL THE TIME.

JAS1: Thank you for proving my statement of mean spirited. It is funny that you call it wishy-washy. I call it being level headed and weighing all options before making a decision. Because an independent isn't stuck following one party's ideas is what makes us so important in elections. We are the only group that doesn't follow a specific set of beliefs because we understand that both parties are to blame but both parties will have to be the ones to fix it. One or the other will not do it on their own. Each party's "my way or the highway" is what is ruining our government. Repubs look out for Repubs, Dems look out for Dems, meanwhile nothing gets changed or fixed. This two party system has shown time and time again it is antiquated.

Ryan's is scheduled to meet with his constituents over the next 6 weeks, and it appears he's willing to meet over 30 times.

Will the Congressman personally be meeting with constituents or will he merely be sending his staff? I doubt it...as suggested by his own web site...

"A representative from my office is available to meet with area residents at each scheduled stop."

"A representative from my office is available to meet with area residents at each scheduled stop."

Touch Down Da Noid! lol

Well I4Ever, you seem good at pointing fingers, too bad you don't have a clue about what to do about it. First you think this, next you think that, and you somehow think you're a superior person for doing so. What's your plan? You know, other than saying others should figure out a plan and "work together" and "be fair", and "be balanced".

This two party system has shown time and time again it is antiquated.

We'll let you muse about a better system. And while you're doing that, the rest of us will live in the real world.

Indy's - Totally Useless

DN: Will the Congressman personally be meeting with constituents or will he merely be sending his staff? I doubt it...as suggested by his own web site

The House is back in session on September 6th. I would imagine that for some of those dates Mr. Ryan would be in Washington DC.

But Noid, why don't you go to all the Ryan meetings in Wisconsin? Report back your findings.

Independent: I totally Agree with you.

Paul Ryan's poll numbers are falling due to him wanting to destroy Medicare and medicaid. The people will not forgive the Monster paul ryan.

The House is back in session on September 6th. I would imagine that for some of those dates Mr. Ryan would be in Washington DC.

Well, gee, Smiffy, that's a whole lot different than your original claim...

Ryan's is scheduled to meet with his constituents over the next 6 weeks, and it appears he's willing to meet over 30 times.

JAS1: Look at the state of our government. Damn right I am going to point fingers. Democrats, Republicans, Liberals, and Conservatives have divided it to the point that nothing will get done. I never said that I was superior than you. However I would say that being able to draw from both party's ideas to come to a solution would be superior thinking.

My plan would be:

1-Let the Bush/Obama tax cuts expire

2-Close all corporate tax loopholes

3-End all oil, green energy, and farm subsidies

4-End both wars and cut military spending by a minimum of 33%

5-Reform Medicare, Medicaid, and SS to become self sufficient

6-Look at every program line by line looking for areas to cut waist, fraud, and costs

7-Get the top executives in the medical/insurance field together to figure out how to get costs down

8-Last I would work to begin pulling powers away from the Federal Government and get it into the hands of the States where a lot of it belongs, also where voters are closer to it and can actually make an impact on laws

These are some off the top of my head but as you can see some are Democratic ideas and some are republican ideas. I don't understand why this would not be a better way for our government to work than what it does today.

Noiders: that's a whole lot different than your original claim

So what will make you happy Noid (who are we kidding, nothing will make you happy), Ryan showing up at 10? 20? 25 of these meetings?

Have you bought a ticket toRyan's Rotary lunch yet? Tickets are $15. It includes lunch.

Thank you Magnum.

I do believe I owe JAS1 an apology for calling her mean spirited. I don't really know you and that is not right of me to jump to that conclusion.

I just see the animosity and hatred from the Lefts to the Rights and Rights to the Lefts. If you didn't know any better people reading these posts could assume some of you are Congressmen. There is so much division on here about every single topic that has to do with politics that I can't imagine our government being different since most people on here vote them in.

Independant4 ever

Like your ideas but it is 3 wars, you forgot Libya. Besides our own costs, we also pay 75% of NATO's costs. As far as closing loopholes, that should have been done years ago but no politician wants to cut the hand that feeds them. Reform medicare and ss, job creation would go a long way to solving that problem as everyone pays into the programs.

now richard try and get these idiots to see the real problem dumb and blind what a combo huh! and ryan can say the rotary club is charging the $15.00 spin it anyway you want its still just another GOP/TP ploy to slip on by til they get back to DC where they can continue to avoid the questions and continue to say no, and thats what the american people want. scumbags and thats a nice word to use for their kind. i thought i`d seen it all with all the states BS, now i really do beleave that they think that we are that f@#@ing dumb and that we won`t make them pay for what they have done to this country. we gave them the job to be our voices and now they want to charge us to ask a f#@#ng question not i my life time. i`m so feed up with the balls of these low life scumbags.

alboyano not sure what you mean about avoiding questions. If you are referring to Congressman Ryan, I believe that it was a rotary luncheon and having attended a few in my hometown as well as realtor luncheons, each charge a fee for the lunch. The guest speaker's lunch is paid for and usually they have a q & a after if there is time. If people are complaining about that then they are really reaching for something. As a conservative, we have had democrat politicians come to speak ( reside in California) and they answer questions if there is time. Sometimes there isn't time and they cannot answer, I wouldn't call it dodging questions. However, President Obama was asked about Vice-President Biden's terrorist comment and Janet Napolitano's reference to returning servicemen and women as possible terrorists and he denied either said them. I would say that he dodged the question considering that he did the, "well things have been said about me excuse." Would you say that the President dodged answering the question?

By the way both parties believe that their vision is the best way to go forward, it is why the people vote for which way they think is best.

richard-1957365 You may be correct. BUT, would anyone other than a rabid CONSERVATIVE, more aptly named TEA PARTY WINGNUT want to pay $15 for a $5 lunch? If you know there is only a SLIGHT chance you will get to ask a question, and more importantly get a REAL answer, instead of reciting a TALKING POINT? TEA/PUBLICANS all have the same script memorized. They may change a word here or there, but it always the same. Grandma and Grandpa aren't paying enough in taxes from their paltry $800-$1500 a month. What the people of Ryan's ilk want to do is DECREASE what they get over the next 10-30 years, while the numbskulls in Washington, vote THEMSELVES an INCREASE in pay. Some of those CHINCY $174,000 a year lawmakers, sponge off the taxpayer by LIVING in THEIR OFFICE, instead of getting an apartment, UNLESS it is in $800 a month C Street. Ryan and those of his ilk learned from the last recess, that townhalls aren't the friendliest place to be, unless it is by INVITATION only. They don't want to answer questions about destroying the poor and lower middle class while enriching the millionaires, multi-millionaires, and of course the muilti-bilionaires.

Thanks Richard.

I don't count Libya a war because there has been no go from Congress but still needs to be ended. I think the Big 3 are going to have to be reformed whether or not we get people back to work. I believe the biggest issue (other than the government taking the money out of them to use for other projects) will be the rising health care costs. Putting people to work will add more revenue but if costs continue to sky rocket every year it won't matter how much money you put in.

Forgot to add Campaign Finance reform on the list. That has to be tackled right away too. End corporations being call a person and get control back to the people so that we have Congressmen who don't have to worry about biting the hand that feeds (elects) them.

Oops. I meant to to say teacher pay is higher in urban areas than it is in rural areas. I figured that out a while ago, based on numbers that bob provided for me.

So he'll have no dispute with that, I'm sure.

What bob are you talking about?

I never said anything about Texas or Wisconsin and certainly have no idea about "bob's probable source."

If it is me, put up my quote.

Well, AM, I agree that both corporations AND unions are, as you say, people, because they are made up of people. The difference between us seems to be that I recognize that taxpayers are, also, people.

Unlike in corporations, when public unions negotiate with politicians, the people paying the bills- that is, the taxpayers- do not have a seat at the table.

Now, one could argue that the taxpayers have recourse at the ballot box. The thing is, the unions and the liberals who support the unions don't accept that. When the taxpayers vote their displeasure, liberals, with union aid, seek do-over elections- costing the taxpayers even more money.

On the topic of performance of Wisconsin schools vs, Texas schools- you've done a nice job of highlighting race. Care to compare the numbers of non- native English speakers in each state? Cause, see, I'm thinking Texas has a lot more children who enter school without that basic skill than, say, Wisconsin. Or Minnesota, for that matter.

So sorry, bob. Someone sent me that and attributed it to you, I assumed from this morning. I should have double-checked to make sure.

I apologize, but my analysis of the article still stands. And frankly, it was an easy mistake to make. You have no love for unions, as I well know. And a whole lot of hate for anyone who doesn't think the way you do.

no joe:

On the topic of performance of Wisconsin schools vs, Texas schools- you've done a nice job of highlighting race. Care to compare the numbers of non- native English speakers in each state? Cause, see, I'm thinking Texas has a lot more children who enter school without that basic skill than, say, Wisconsin. Or Minnesota, for that matter.

I have no statistics handy, and neither do you, but I suspect we have our share, mostly migrant workers -- this, too, is a largely agricultural state -- and also a very large Hmong population of refugees from Vietnam scattered throughout the state.

Minnesota, on the other hand, has very large populations of Middle Eastern and Asian immigrants, and I'm sure it has its own share of migrant farmworkers.

So never mind, no joe. Go buy a vowel.

Unlike in corporations, when public unions negotiate with politicians, the people paying the bills- that is, the taxpayers- do not have a seat at the table.

What on earth are you talking about? Do you think unions just go to a table for one and set their own wages? What do you think your elected representatives are? If you don't like the way they negotiate, then change them ... at the ballot box.

How ignorant you sound.

You didn't read the rest of my response. I addressed the voters having redress.

And the liberal / union response when things don't go their way.

Tsk,tsk, counselor.

Like a corporation is a person, a union is people, too. Crushing unions is crushing people who are just trying to have a voice, just like corporations. You should be against that, bob, if you were truly a man of principle.

AM, You are on fire today! Great post.

I plead a jello-induced haze, no joe. So sorry.

The problem with conservatives is that they don't really want a level playing field. They secretly believe -- as John Boehner has in fact stated -- that they wouldn't stand up on a level playing field against big bad librarians.

Instead, they only want a tilted playing field, where they always win, and librarians, teachers, and all public workers, are forever confined to no more than they started with, in real dollar terms.

That's the conservative way of how you run a government like a corporation -- like Texas, for example.

As JoAnna seems to believe, those minimum wage dirt jobs that Rick Perry creates are better than nothing, and you'd better not complain, or we'll ship them overseas, you hear?

Problem is no joe, that only works for so long, and with our economy at a dead stop while we destroy everything in sight, it doesn't appear to be working anymore, does it?

@ devie ~ Thank you, devie, for the kind words, as always.

Anna,

Yea, I have no love for unions.

I've had plenty of run-ins with unions, the worst one ....... I wasn't the one who left in an ambulance, so no hard feelings..... the jobs always got done.

Basically I believe in freedom ....... I'm a pro-choice kinda guy. If you are a teacher or anything else, you should have a choice if you want to belong to a union.

Liberals are pro-choice too - you have a choice if you are pro-union and want to join, otherwise not so much.

Liberals are so funny with little word games, huh?

AM: I plead a jello-induced haze

You get hazy on jello? What's Cream of Wheat do for you, besides make you regular?

AM: As JoAnna seems to believe, those minimum wage dirt jobs that Rick Perry creates are better than nothing, and you'd better not complain, or we'll ship them overseas, you hear?

Lets compare how bad those jobs in Texas are with, say, oh, lets pick Wisconsin.

Unemployment in Texas 8.2%. Unemployment in Wisconsin 7.6% (much improved since Walker took over)

Mean Hourly Wage Texas - $15.14 Mean Hourly Wage Wisconsin- $15.78

Median Hourly Wage Texas - $20.30 Median Hourly Wage Wisconsin - $19.70

Mean Annual Pay Texas - $42,220 Mean Annual Pay Wisconsin- $40,980

Nice job Governor Perry. You've made your state an attractive place for companies to invest in their futures.

Source: www.bls.gov

The problem with conservatives is that they don't really want a level playing field.

Honestly, I think conservatives want a level playing field more so than liberals do. You can twist and turn it any way you want but the reality is that it's liberal policies that tilt the playing field to give the advantage to whomever they deem worthy in a given situation- skill & ability matter less than skin color or gender, for instance. You want equal outcome regardless of effort. I want the opportunity to succeed or fail on my own merits.

AS for the drivel about teacher compensation equating successful students- honestly? Milwaukee public school teachers receive approximately 25% more in total compensation (wages & benefits) than the state's average, yet they consistently rate among the worst NATIONALLY in terms of success. How much money a teacher makes doesn't matter a hill of beans compared to how involved parents & educators are in combining efforts to turn out successful students.

And just so you can't pitch a fit about sources:

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/wisconsin-teachers-earned-average-75-587

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703408604576164290717724956.html

AM: Like a corporation is a person, a union is people, too.

Yes! Thank you Jody!

NJ: Unlike in corporations, when public unions negotiate with politicians, the people paying the bills- that is, the taxpayers- do not have a seat at the table.

How many seats at the table were available at the "corporation" that just gave Romney a bunch of money?

So, bob -- are you saying this is NOT you? On the Perry Criticism/Romney Blows a Kiss Thread. It sure as shootin' is some "bob" with numbers after his name.

Texas education vs the overpaid unionized spoiled liberal education system in Wisconsin.

Texas wins!

To recap: white students in Texas perform better than white students in Wisconsin, black students in Texas perform better than black students in Wisconsin, Hispanic students in Texas perform better than Hispanic students in Wisconsin. In 18 separate ethnicity-controlled comparisons, the only one where Wisconsin students performed better than their peers in Texas was 4th grade science for Hispanic students (statistically insignificant), and this was reversed by 8th grade. Further, Texas students exceeded the national average for their ethnic cohort in all 18 comparisons; Wisconsinites were below the national average in 8, above average in 8.

Perhaps the most striking thing in these numbers is the within-state gap between white and minority students. Not only did white Texas students outperform white Wisconsin students, the gap between white students and minority students in Texas was much less than the gap between white and minority students in Wisconsin. In other words, students are better off in Texas schools than in Wisconsin schools - especially minority students.

Conclusion: instead of chanting slogans in Madison, maybe it's time for Wisconsin teachers to take refresher lessons from their non-union counterparts in the Lone Star State.

3!
#15 - Mon Aug 15, 2011 8:03 PM CDT

If you don't like the way they negotiate, then change them ... at the ballot box.
................................................................................

Watch today's WI election results - Guess the people of WI have already spoken last year, last week AGAIN, and tonight we will yet AGAIN at 9pm ET we'll put an exclamation point behind it. so zip it. Shuuuush!!!!!!!

Suzy -- do try to keep up. I specifically removed Milwaukee from the mix because Texas has no comparitor.

But come to that, I'd want to get paid a lot to work in Milwaukee, too. Impoverished students with no support from their often undereducated families with no jobs and no prospects in view. Give them guns and drugs, and see what you get, Suzy.

Who do you think you will find to work those jobs under the changes in the law?

I don't want equal outcome regardless of effort. But if union members vote that THEY want that, for whatever trade-offs they can get, who on earth are you to say they can't, Suzy? The employment relationship is, by definition, a contract. Unions ARE people, Suzy. And public unions, in particular, are run democratically. Your ignorance slip is showing. It's easy to see that you've bought the kool-aid and have no experience of your own with how unions work.

I pity you. You are such a tool that you believe that you will ever have a "level playing field" unless you are extraordinarily talented and, some of the time only if you also have great legs into the mix. Otherwise, you are at the hands of your corporate masters, whatever you may think.

And maybe you think that's how you'll thrive, but in the end, you wind up being used. I am working with an bright, articulate, attractive young woman right now who is in that same position. As I said, I pity you and hope you don't wind up being used like she has been.

Nope.

That's Bob - 1881910.

The easiest way to distinguish is capital B vs. little b.

Maybe I should change it, huh?

How do you like ....... Molly Bob?

Suzy,

Great comments ....... and you even got a libbie to play the "pity" / sanctimony card.

That's when you know you got them - kudos again.

Anna Molly, can you ever respond to someone who sits on the other side of the political spectrum without being a condescending narcissist? I'm guessing no, but somehow I keep holding out hope just the same.

You can't remove Milwaukee from the mix when you make a statement that says the more you pay a teacher, the better end product they turn out. Its sort of like saying Obama has a 100% success rating when you remove republicans from the polling data. Doesn't work. Compensation does not make a good teacher. Compensation may help keep a good teacher but more often than not union contracts mean it doesn't matter as long as you've been there longer than someone else.

Who do I think is going to take the jobs in Milwaukee now that the law has changed? Hopefully people like the young educator of the year award recipient who lost her MPS job because her union "brothers & sisters" said it was more important that they get coverage for Viagra in their tax-payer funded health insurance than keep all of their fellow teachers employed.

And thanks for validating my statement regarding the level playing field. If I'm a tool for thinking I can survive out here in the big bad world without team democrat's support to level the field, well, honestly, I'm OK with that. I'd much rather live in a world where people are raised to believe that they can succeed at anything they apply themselves toward. Too depressing to spend time in your "You can only get there with the help of government" view, thank you.

This Bob, 1887, I got Anny Molly all riled up, about Texas vs Wisconsin education.

(Since I am from Massachusetts and live now in Virginia, I am obviously an expert. )

But she didnt debunk it very well, now did she?

Molly worships at the altar of Big Government and Big Labor. Like most moonbats, the check comes from the Nanny State, so it must be defended at all costs..beats working for a living.

Hey Bob,

I got Anny Molly all riled up, about Texas vs Wisconsin education.

Noticed - good job.

But she didnt debunk it very well, now did she?

Never does.

Keep up the good work.

Anna Molly, can you ever respond to someone who sits on the other side of the political spectrum without being a condescending narcissist?

Suzy I have had my run-ins with Anna Molly and I would not say she is a condescending narcissist, you may not like her point of view but I find her to be honest and passionate about her opinions. I have also seen her come down on liberal politicians on occasion. debating her is interesting to say the least, and has actually caused me to review some of my own. By the way Anna the 9th district appears to be 3 to 1 democrat (Weiner's district) according to one report and Andie (#) says she is from the area and it is predominately democrat in her area.

Suzy you want a condescending narcissist try the bathtub admiral usnr-d.

Too depressing to spend time in your "You can only get there with the help of government" view, thank you.

Too funny, Suzy. For many years I have worked as a lawyer in the private sector and paid my own health insurance and retirement. I put myself through college and law school and have never taken a dime of government money for anything, except my honest days of work as a teacher.
Accusing me of narcissism just reveals where you're coming from. I think about others. You think about Suzy.
Teachers negotiate their contracts, and if teachers didn't want the seniority system the way it is, all they have to do is bargain to change it. Capiche? It's not up to you what they would like to be. That's just authoritarianism, and I can see right now that you're not qualified to be an "authority" when you can't figure out why Milwaukee doesn't belong in a valid comparison with Texas schools, except that even when you add in Milwaukee's ACT scores, which every junior takes, Wisconsin STILL outscores Texas by a mile. Tell me all about that, Suzy. Why is that?
If compensation doesn't make good teachers, then tell me why the richest school districts have the highest paid teachers -- other than Milwaukee, where it's combat pay? You can look that up and everything.
Are those rich folks just stupid, or what?
.
Thank you, richard. That was very kind of you to say.
I'll concede the NY 9th and take it up with whatever rummy on MSNBC said otherwise. Thanks for the correction.

Anna Molly thats puting the idiot bob in his place thank you, it makes me sick being a union man myself to hear the BS that spews out of the mouths of these idiots about the unions. if it wasn`t for us, those dumbasses would still be making $5.00 an hr. and working 10 hrs a day 6 days a week with no overtime and no safety rules. and if we let the GOP/TP continue their agenda, all these idiots and sad to say us to will see just how much the unions did for the working class in this country. but who cares if the idiots get it or not we know that we can`t let that happen period.

vanevenh:

Guess the people of WI have already spoken last year, last week AGAIN, and tonight we will yet AGAIN at 9pm ET we'll put an exclamation point behind it. so zip it. Shuuuush!!!!!!!

Oh, so sorry. I hope you won't mind if I don't. Seems that didn't work out quite the way you thought, did it?

@ alboyano: Exactly so. At some point, they will look around and wonder how it all fell apart. And some conservative commentator will tell them it's all the fault of liberals, and off we'll go again.

Anna Molly, I accuse you of narcissism because you typically cannot debate someone without resorting to personal attacks against your opponent. On many occasions I've found the basis for your statements intriguing and worthy of further conversation but your method of using insults & condescension to belittle the other side while somehow making yourself seem more important is the very definition of narcissism. Stick to the point without the personal attacks and you'd be a fun sparring partner.

Now to the point. You're conveniently limiting your definition of "government help" to money. I never said a level playing field had anything to do with monetary handouts. In your first response you effectively indicated that the only way most of us can succeed is through government intervention- equal opportunity hiring, quotas relative to gender or race, etc. That you cannot get ahead on your own merits. THIS is the table leveling I'm talking about. I don't want or need anyone to say an employer should hire me because I'm a particular race, gender or age bracket. I want to be hired because I'm qualified for the job. I want the same opportunity as anyone else to prove my qualifications and I'm willing to accept whatever comes with that if it turns out I'm not or that I can't effectively do the job. I think this is where most conservative leaning people fall- we want equal opportunity, not equal outcome. Your side tends to put the emphasis more heavily on outcome. Neither side is right or wrong, just different in our approach

Yes, I get that unions can "just vote out seniority" if they don't like it. What you don't want to acknowledge is it's rarely that simple. Those who benefit the most from it far out number those who get screwed by it. Yes, it's a benefit of long term union membership, but who wins? Do you really believe that the students in the classroom are getting the best teachers we can provide for them when the person deemed best in the state by her peers loses her job in a round of layoffs for the ONLY reason that she lacks seniority? I can't. I don't believe that collective bargaining produces a best quality workforce when it comes to education because it tends to favor factors other than classroom success. To me, class room success is the only criteria that should matter if we want to be competitive with the rest of the world.

I've not taken any issue with your arguments in the quality of education in Wisconsin vs Texas. Frankly I don't care. I restricted my comments only to your assertion that spending equates success in education. Perhaps the issue here is that I took your statement out of context since you are quite insistent that you're speaking only on the difference in the education systems in these two states? Perhaps in this context your argument holds water, I don't know as I've not studied the 2 myself. As a general statement, however, to say that spending equates success is bogus. Our country as a whole is evidence of this. We've spent years throwing money at education only to see success rates decline.

I`d support a hanging.

OMG - Don't let the cat out of the bag and tell Republicans that. They'll run screaming through the streets tearing their hair out as they go!!!

Thank you, Amy. I haven't been too far away, but apparently, according to some who might know, I've been in a haze.

Who knew? LoL ;-)

IF ONLY we could CRUSH those people (OOPS, I mean Coporations) who sell their stock on Wall Street and SHIP AMERICAN JOBS overseas, to increase the pay of their executives and their investors.

hard working citizens. Madison From NY. I didn't know that millionaires, multi-millionaires, billionaires and Multi-billionaires were hard working citizens. Those people they call peons are the hard working people. Isn't it nice to get 130 times what your average employee makes, simply pushing papers and figuring out the best place to put your over paid salary, so you can wind up with ZERO TAX LIABILITY, while your peon IS paying local, state and federal taxes?

Has anybody noticed the "wild eyed" look in all of the GOP candidates? Ryan knows that he dosen't stand a chance. Did anyone see the confrontation he faced in his home State after he presented his horrible bill? I predict that Perry will flame out just like Trump. He does not have the intellectual capacity to be President, he owes his Governorship to Karl Rove. Bachmann is worse and Paul's ideas are to take America back to last century.

And what's so great about the Democrats plan- bust your butt paying in for 50 years to support the baby boomers but screw you because we'll bleed the system completely dry and there will be NOTHING for anyone after us?

I don't want anyone to lose their benefits, least of all current recipients who have nothing else to fall back on, but what is so wrong about saying hey, lets fix things now so that there's a fund for all who pay into it? Ryan's plan may well blow chunks, I'll give you that, but much like Bush's plan to partially privatize Social Security, at least it was SOMETHING. Thus far the republicans are the only ones acknowledging the elephant in the room. The system cannot continue as is in perpetuity so lets come up with a plan to fix it now rather than waiting until generations of us who've paid in as much or more than you have can also get some return on the promise we've been given by these safety net programs. Get your team on board. Start putting some ideas out there. No one person is going to come up with the be all and end all solution to long term solvency so lets throw a whole lot of 'em at the wall and see what combination sticks!

You know what would help?

1) Getting rid of W's tax breaks, which have cost this country some 2 and 1/2 trillion dollars in lost revenue.

2) Get rid of the Social Security Wage Base (In 2010 it was $106,800) concept and just have people pay into Social Security all year. People making $106,800 a year can afford to keep on having SS taken out. There does not need to be an income cap. I bet Warren Buffett only ever has to have Social Security taken out on January 1st!

3 ) Change the Medicare drug benefit law. Right now, by law, Medicare cannot negotiate with drug companies for cheaper costs. That is just nuts, and it is costing the US a bundle, just so drug companies can continue making huge profits.

Republicans as well as Democrats have been taking it from both ends for years. You pay into it every week of the year through your FICA TAX, unless of course, you make more than $109,000 a year. While the politicians are stealing it as soon as the Government has it in their hot little hands, for unfunded wars, unfunded taxcuts, unfunded mandates, earmarks. Then they go on the stump and tell everyone Social Security is broke. Open up that filing cabinet which has the IOU'S and audit how many of those IOU'S have CONGRESS on them!!!!!

Do you really believe that with a 14 trillion dollar national debt and deficit spending every fiscal year that just adds to the debt load which is now at 100% of GDP that these programs can continue forever without reform? It is really something that instead of understanding what Ryan proposed, that you just repeat what the Democrats want you to believe. These programs will not continue if this nation has a financial collapse.

Reform is one thing. Dismantling Medicare is something else, which is what Ryan wants to do. Basically, the government would give everybody over 67 $8000 to go jump off a cliff. Unless you think that insurers would just be lining up to insure elderly people. (Hint: they are not).

Since the elderly would not be able to get health insurance, they would have to go be treated at the ER, or just die. Who do you think will foot the bills that they can't pay? That's right -- the taxpayers. Only we will pay much more than we would have under Medicare, since it is more expensive to treat someone in an ER than in a Doctor's office.

We'd end up spending more under the Ryan plan than we would if we just fixed Medicare by, for instance, fixing the unfunded drug benefit. Who voted that in, anyway? Oh, that's right -- it was the Republicans. Including your cost-cutting friend Ryan, handing a nice gift to the drug companies. Guess he's only worried about cutting costs that affect the poor and elderly, not the rich. His plan leaves the Bush tax cuts in place. Because God forbid the rich pay anymore in taxes. Better to throw all the nation's seniors under a bus.

Tony C-2383666 Even with all the money CONGRESS has stolen from the Social Security TRUST FUND, paid for by WORKING AMERICANS all their lives, it is the ONLY Government fund with a current SURPLUS. Social Sewcurity Trust Fund has NOTHING to do with the Government DEFICIT, EXCEPT that CONGRESS OWES IT ALOT OF MONEY.

The only reason the right-wing wingnuts are trying to get any of the wingbut Republicans to run is because Romney and Huntsman are NOT one of them. They are both Mormons. Huntsman isn't their man because he is to mainstreeam. Romney isn't one of us because he thinks Corporations are people. The employees are people, the Corporation itself is not a person. Where possible, unlike their employees, Corporations don't have a TAX LIABILITY. If they did, their lawyers and their accountants would be fired for ineptness.

worse president. Obviously you are still in your coma that you have been in since January 20, 2000.

Yes on the richest, the richest should pay a fair tax. Anyone who actually cares about the debt knows we need both cuts and new revenue.

To think like a republican you must be rich or one of their suckers who defend the rich.

To think like a democrat you must be retarded. I don't know g novak. I recall a current budget surplus in 2000 before January 20, 2000. Seems the retarded Republicans had a CURRENT BUDGET DEFICIT from January 2001 onward, that continues today. As you know with your credit card, as you keep adding to it, and paying the minimun payment or not paying it, your balance keeps INCREASING. So alot of the current deficit is from all those RECONCILIATION SPENDING bills passed between 2000 and 2006. Some of those expenses have INCREASED because REPUBLICANS want to keep fighting those REGIME CHANGE WARS. Remember, 12 of the 16 hijackers were SAUDI's, the other four were ALGERIAN. Did either of those two countries see shock and awe? Didn't think so. In fact, I think the home of those 12 hijackers is receiving multiple Billions of dollars from the USA and MODERN military equipment from the U. S. Government. Lest we forget those dictators in PAKISTAN that are still getting Billions from those of us who do pay taxes. Where was Bin Laden at? a mile from a PAKISTANI MILITARY facility for YEARS!!!!! Still our money goes to them.

You are right the checks won't go out eventually because we need more revenue coming in and more jobs being created here. There is no way pensions, defense, education, healthcare that the country pays for those without insurance, and other gov expenses not mentioned is going to be cut. The GOP wants to blame everything on welfare recipients but if they would only check they would see that is only a fraction and right Perry is blaming Obama for spending and printing money. That is a disgusting lie. Who spent money to create a 1.3 trillion defict BEFORE HE GOT THERE?

I like Perry he tells it like it is the truth

Tony C-2383666 Why don't you ask companies this question, "Why are you only looking to hire people that are ALREADY WORKING, instead of any of the well educated and experienced workers who are unemployed because their company downsized and sent their jobs overseas?"

Good gawd ktlin, please try to read up and see what is really being discussed instead of listening to the spin doctors spoon feed you! Stop blindly following the liberal pied pipers and see what they are doing? (Failing!)

good gawd crystal, please try to use your intellilent to say what you believe instead of being a troll and attacking because you didn't like what ktlin said.

Charlie Speaking of crazies Al Gore sounds like he is going to make a run for the presidency, maybe he can get john edwards as a running mate.

So Richard --- exactly what are you smoking???