The Buffet Rule:

25 years ago, President Ronald Reagan said a millionaire paying lower taxes than a bus driver was allowing the "truly wealthy to avoid paying their fair share." Reagan said such loopholes were "Crazy".

Today President Obama is saying exactly the same thing, only now Republicans are scrambling to find a loophole in the argument.

Paul Ryan (R-WI) & Co. are trying to paint the Buffet Rule as "class warfare" and not "leadership".

Then logically they are also accusing President Reagan of poor leadership and class warfare.
Poor Gipper. And not here to defend himself against his own party.

http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/10/03/333912/reagan-tax-loopholes-crazy/

Blah Blah Blah Chrtistie.

The President has a Class A scandal on his hands with Fast and Furious. Holder is toast.

Turns out he knew 10 months prior to his testimony of "I just became aware a few weeks ago"

What's the penalty for lying to Congress?

Of course this will have no bearing on the elections according to First Read, as evidenced by their incredible lack of interest.

Holder will be gone in a week.

Ron, Indiana: Associated with his weight are a number of high risk factors that lead to heart disease and stroke.

I see the waist-ists are out in force.

Ever talk about the risks of smoking when our current President was running Ronnie?

The President has a Class A scandal on his hands with Fast and Furious. Holder is toast.

_______________________________________________

Don't forget the solar Chu Chu train and Solyndragate.

And this Friday's jobs report isn't likely to be real comforting news about the Slow-bama recovery.

Kudos to ESPN for yanking Hank Williams off Monday Night Football!

Here are a few of his imflammatory statements;

The country singing star and voice of the Monday Night Football theme song, Williams appeared on "Fox and Friends" this morning to talk politics via satellite hookup. He got right into it, telling the hosts that he didn't like any of the candidates in the GOP primary for President, and that John Boehner's golf game with Barack Obama was a major mistake.

"That would be like Hitler playing golf with Netanyahu. Not hardly. In the shape this country is in?"

When Brian Kilmeade said that he didn't understand the analogy, Williams was non-plussed. "I'm glad you don't brother, because a lot of people do. They're the enemy... Obama! And Biden! Are you kidding? The Three Stooges."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/03/hank-williams-compares-obama-to-hitler_n_992513.html

You know Hank crossed the line when even the hosts of Fox & Freaks were uncomfortable with his derogatory rhetoric!

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., say President Obama is using "class warfare," by asking the wealthy to pay their fair share. But President Reagan also went after loopholes when he pushed for tax reform.
Here is Reagan from his speech in 1985:

"We're going to close the unproductive tax loopholes that allow some of the truly wealthy to avoid paying their fair share.
In theory, some of those loopholes were understandable, but in practice they sometimes made it possible for millionaires to pay nothing, while a bus driver was paying ten percent of his salary, and that's crazy ...
Do you think the millionaire ought to pay more in taxes than the bus driver or less?"

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2011/10/obama-backers-reagan-hated-loopholes-too/1

While America Slept

It is with sadness that I read about the corruption of first Rupert Murdoch, and now the Koch Brothers. How unfortunate that with the hundreds of thousands of so-called journalists in this country, no one thought to look into both the Koch Bros. and Mudoch more closely until now.

We see these “journalists” on tv day after day after day. Where have they been with these important stories?

Koch Brothers. Rupert Murdoch. This crap they have been pulling has been going on for years and years. And finally someone exposes them.

What took so long?

President Obama “isn’t progressive enough” is all we have been hearing for two and a half years on tv. President Obama isn’t dictatorial enough. President Obama isn’t cowboy enough.

Where is the journalism in America?

I have an idea.

Why don’t journalists report on what the GOP isn’t doing to battle our economy. There are plenty of stories out there. After all, the GOP isn’t be quiet about it.

They don’t want to help the American people. It’s that simple.

Wake up.

Every day, we get some great posts to begin First Thoughts with. Well thought out, factual stuff. May I suggest, Feisty, Indiana Ron, Backhouse, Bev, John B, IR, David Walker, Navy, and many, many more of you- if you haven’t already done so- register on Fox Forums and post a copy of your contributions there each morning, too. It seems when so many right leaning folks swarm a left-leaning blog like this one, it would only be the ‘fair-and-balanced’ thing to do.

Just a suggestion.

And keep up the great work!

Of the 9 cities going broke, 3 of the cities are in New Jersey.

Why doesn't Christie freakin' govern and do something about his own state?

We don't need a man like Christie as President. We already have enough loud mouth Republican bullies in Congress now. Christie will just add one more wannabe to the Circus. But what the he!!, let him run, everyone else is.

Obama in 2012.

We don't need a man like Christie as President. We already have enough loud mouth Republican bullies in Congress now. Christie will just add one more wannabe to the Circus. But what the he!!, let him run, everyone else is.

Obama in 2012.

"There's only ONE explanation for a loss" today in the West Virginia special election for governor.

I suspect that if the Republican wins, First Readers will struggle mightily to find more than "ONE explanation" for the outcome.

That said, Chuckie T's exactly right...there would be only one explanation.

Hard to undo what Corzine did overnight. That has to be true if you believe those words out of this failed president's mouth about the previous administration.

Great posts Ron, Feisty, and Backhouse. A great majority of Americans FAVOR the Buffett rule, yet another reason to write it into law. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20114988-503544.html

Which is why the approval rating for Congress is at a NEW historic low, knocking on the door of single digits. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20114992-503544.html?tag=cbsnewsLeadStoriesAreaMain

Meanwhile getting away from BoA sounds like great advice. I did it quite some time ago, and the branch manager was quite unhappy with my reasoning. Moving your money to a locally-owned bank or credit reason is a great cure for "too big to fail." I see FR Conservatives, usually on the wrong side of every issue, even favor "too big to fail."

President Ronald Reagan in 1985:

""We're going to close the unproductive tax loopholes that have allowed some of the truly wealthy to avoid paying their fair share. In theory, some of those loopholes were understandable, but in practice they sometimes made it possible for millionaires to pay nothing, while a bus driver was paying 10 percent of his salary, and that's crazy. It's time we stopped it."

That was the president, making the case for why our tax code—riddled with unfair breaks, loopholes, and subsidies that disproportionately benefit the wealthy—requires fundamental reform that ensures the wealthy pay their fair share."

That was President Reagan, that is.

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/09/reagan_buffett_rule.html

Limp wrist?

Implying I am gay is your way of insulting me?

What do you have against gays?

Nice to see your true colors.

** Obama’s day: Speaking of Obama, he travels to Dallas, TX, where he hits two fundraisers and then delivers remarks on his jobs bill.

Has Obama found anyone to co-sponsor his so-called "jobs bill" in either House of Congress? Senator Dick Durbin says there are clearly not enough votes to pass Obama's bill in the Senate, the solid majority for the Democrats Senate. And we know the bill is DOA in the House. So what is Obama going to do about those facts? He doesn't seem to be bothered that the Congress has rejected his plan, and he continues to waste his time and the country's time with his phony speeches. This is leadership? It's more like campaigning.

FR: After that, he heads to St. Louis, where he holds two more fundraising events. By the way, it’s really quite remarkable that the president is doing ONLY fundraising in Missouri;

At least he has four fundraisers today. Obama is good at those things. Any corporations giving him money? The Occupy Wall Street crowd will be so disappointed if Obama is taking corporate money.

First of all, Chris Christie is NOT running for president. Why does the media continually insist on raising this false issue? To detract from "that-which-must-not-be-mentioned"-

Obama's failures- and they are legion.

How can an entire article reference the new ABC/WaPo poll, and neglect to mention Obama's approval rating therein?

He's upside down by 12 points, 42 approve, 54dissaprove.

A wide majority do not expect him to be reelected. The only time these sentiments were wrong were in 1992- when the glow of victory after the first Gulf War had people believing that GHW Bush was unbeatable. He was, actually- it was the nut from Texas, with whom the media was besotted, that split the vote three ways- thus, Bill Clinton won with a plurality of the vote.

I remind the Obama cult members that, time after time, the third party candidate hurts the incumbent, not the challenger.

Carry on, media. No one is buying the Hope for Change thing this time- at least, not the way you are selling it. They hope for change, okay. In fact, they are pretty determined to bring about change THEY can believe in- which means booting Obama and the rest of his inept, corrupt administration out of the White house.

Obama shelved in 2012.

Joe in Albany -- SINCE WHEN did the banks need an excuse to raise fees? Smart people took their money to credit unions years and years ago. Thanks for the laugh this morning....

If Christie doesn't run, RIP GOP!

Hard to undo what Corzine did overnight. That has to be true if you believe those words out of this failed president's mouth about the previous administration.

Ever hear Christie whine about that he inherited from the previous administration (Corzine)? Nope. Never. He just gets to work and incrementally changes things for the better in New Jersey. Imagine that, a conservative Republican won in The Democrat Machine state of New Jersey. How fed up the people of New Jersey must have been to have that happen, and then they get a gem like Christie to clean up the corruption.

One problem New Jersey. The country needs Christie now. He'll have a lot to clean up when he wins Obama's job. At least Christie won't complain and whine about what he inherited from the previous administration.

Wouldn't that be something if Christie won Obama's Illinois? Those people must be fed up with their leadership as much as the people in New Jersey were with Corzine. It would be a landslide election for Chris, and Illinois would at least be in play for him.

Feisty - What I'm implying is, you wrist is limp due to all the jerking off you do on First Read

Wow. Just Wow..

Wonder if I made that comment how long I would be suspended for, let alone preceding it with a SPAM post.

Nice to know I got under your skin so early this morning Feisty. Now try to relax and get back to making fun of Christie's weight.

And save the "don't flatter yourself" response. You've been back tracking since your first post.

When digging yourself a hole, it is best to put down the shovel.

Christie would be a fool to run. Given the Republican penchant for uninformed decisions, if Christie is nominated, he will be left twisting in the wind, when the rabid extremists discover Christie actually makes decisions, many of which are centrist and very reasonable.

If Christie waits for 2016, which I believe he will, he will have time to bring his weight under control. A very visual commitment to his health will be an enormous asset. It's hard to bad-mouth someone who can actually demonstrate resolve. He will have a chance to polish his image to the extent that he may seem firm, rather than coming off as a bully.

He will have an opportunity to demonstrate a proven record of success in New Jersey, as opposed to looking like a two-year wonder - and quitter - a la Palin.

I think he will wait.

Nice to know I got under your skin so early this morning Feisty

You SO funny! lol

You're the one that's trolling ME! lmao

And save the "don't flatter yourself" response.

So don't flatter yourself, sweet cheeks!

When digging yourself a hole, it is best to put down the shovel.

You would know, seeing how you spend an inordinate amount of time in one! ;o)

SINCE WHEN did the banks need an excuse to raise fees?

_______________________________________

That's a question for "Dick" Durbin. He's the one whining about it.

BTW, I've been with my bank for 25+ years and never paid any checking account fees, debit card fees and have no minimum balance requirements and earn a little bit of interest also. And there are branches all over town, so it's convenient, too.

Durbin's problem is that his name is on the bill that led directly to these fees. This is not the only fall-out from that ill-conceived bill- swipe fees for debit cards are going up- hurting small businesses.

Unintended consequences are like reality- they bite. And leave scars.

Changing banks for your savings and checking accounts will have no impact on the banks. The funds you have on deposit represent a debt the bank owes you. The banks count as assets funds owed them- loans. Only if a large number of people move their mortgages, car loans, and business loans, will the bank feel any pain. Somehow, I do not see that happening- especially since most people are totally ignorant of what constitutes a banks' assets.

Isn't it strange- everything the democrats do to "help the little people" blows up in the little peoples faces?

This is about as sadly ironic as it gets.

On the Democratic side, we have the self-admitted "billion-dollar underdog" whose approval ratings are in the tank, and for whom consumer confidence is not likely to recover enough before the 2012 election.

At first blush, therefore, it appears to be easy pickings for the Republicans.

On the Republican side, however, there are no viable candidates. Chris Christie is just one more in the long line of fading one-shot wonders. If he runs, he is likely to bully himself to death. Even putting the weight issue aside, no thinking person would put this hothead in charge of the entire federal government, and certainly not foreign policy.

So, it looks to me like we are back to Mitt Romney, whom few Republicans appear to like enough to commit resources for the long haul.

Can it really be that Republicans are so incapable of producing an acceptable candidate that the billion-dollar underdog will win by default, even with the economy still in the tank?

And does this give Democrats hope that, if they REALLY put their minds to it, they can win back the House as well? If Howard Dean were still Chairman of the Democratic party, I would definitely say yes. Even now, I think there's a reasonable shot.

The whole thing is enough to make this very partisan political junkie giggle.

Feisty,

To reach Obama's goal of raising ONE BILLION for his re-election, Obama has to average raising $685,000 everyday, 7 days a week - his whole 4 years.

Meanwhile the fat cats on Wall Street continue to sip their Champaign while laughing at the other 99% of us!

Meanwhile, Obama and the fat cats continue sip their champaign at $35,000 a plate dinners and laugh at the clueless morons that actually fall for the class warfare drivel.

It is sad and pathetic, but in a sick way - it is funny.

Our current tax rates are the LOWEST they’ve been in 50 years – YOU do the math!

No they're not, they were down from 70% to 28% under Reagan and held at 31% for a few years in the 90's.

Talk about the low information guys, what do you call someone that is repeatedly corrected with empirical indisputable facts other than a useless idiot or tool?

What do call a President of the United States that wantonly lies?

Wow......Fiesty could you be anymore rude. Honestly I dont how you can call your self a caring liberal. Because your nothing more than a abusive nasty human. I know you dont care, but hell has a special place for people like you and eunuch's that follow your every word. And it was great to sit in the Comcast suite and watch my Detroit Tigers take the NY Yankees out.

I know you dont care,

WOW!

First post out of you that's factual...

PS: Make sure you capture my comments on your 'screen shot's & keep your neighbors from biting the hand that feeds them! lmao!!!

Can it really be that Republicans are so incapable of producing an acceptable candidate that the billion-dollar underdog will win by default, even with the economy still in the tank?

_____________________________________________

AM: There is a certain "be careful what you ask for" aspect to that scenario. A second Barry term would be tragic for the country, but, there would be some poetic justice by forcing him to deal with the mess he has made of the Slow-bama recovery and the huge bills that will start to come due as his HCR ClunkerCare becomes a nightmarish reality (which will happen regardless of what the SC does on its constitutionality).

I'm looking forward to him spinning how he "inhereted" all these problems from the 2009-2012 administration.

P.S. -- This is the same Malik Shabazz who raps this disgusting tune. Yeah, I'd want him in my home or on my stage -- NOT!!!

http://www.mrctv.org/2010/07/new-black-panthers-rap-song-displays-hatred-for-crackers-mentions-bin-laden-again

New Black Panthers Party Rap Song Displays Hatred For "Crackers", Mentions Bin Laden...Again.

Joe Schoffstall

Thursday, July 22, 2010 - 12:26pm

Verum Serum stumbled upon two rap songs made by none other than the National Chairman of the New Black Panthers Party, Malik Shabazz, reinforcing his core beliefs with his full-fledged racism wildly on display. Verum Serum writes:

Fox News asked NBPP Chairman Malik Shabazz for comment on King Shabazz’ song and his response was “that his music is art, and not to be taken as literal political speech or a New Black Panther organizational statement."

Hmm. Art indeed. You can tell within 15 seconds of the song "Amerikkka's Most Hated" that it stands right alongside the likes of Beethoven and Mozart-- and instant classic. All vulgarity aside, its almost laughable. The following video shows Megyn Kelly asking Shabazz if he ever used the word "crackers." He responded "it's possible." Well sure enough, it's in the song-- plus, much,much more. CAUTION: The song contains pretty vulgar language, as do excerpts of the lyrics underneath.

Pat, Boston:

I believe your criticism of journalists is unfair. First, information about the Koch brothers has been around for some time. John A. has been pushing two books, and I join him in his efforts to urge readers to get two of Thomas Frank's excellent books, The Wrecking Crew and What's the Matter with Kansas. There is some stunning information in those books. More than enough to find sufficient reason to NEVER vote Republican until they purge the reactionary extremists from their ranks.

The Koch's, Norquist's, Abramoff's, Gramm's, DeLay's, Gingrich's, Boehner's, McConell's and their ilk are flatly dangerous. What is truly surprising is that the information is there. It's not always easy to find, but it's there.

The reason it's so difficult to find information is because we are engaged in warfare. The right-wing crazies are quite right when they speak of class warfare. The incredible irony is that they are the ones who have been promoting this warfare for decades. Warfare analogies are most appropriate in this regard. You know the adage: The first casualty of war is truth. So it is with this war.

How the lie that the left controls the media continues to survive has to rank as one of the greatest mysteries of all time. The media, in the main, are controlled by corporate America. For all the blather about the leftist tendencies of MSNBC, only a fool believes the owner(s) will continue to tack to port if they lose money. Corporations are in business for one reason only - to make money. The folks at the top of the corporate world determine the content of news and they are not going to hurt their advertisers - corporate America. Thus does the right wing control the media.

We cannot count on a single media outlet - print, broadcast, or otherwise - to bring us the truth. Back in the day, I used to complain that "Investigative Journalist" was a redundant term. All reporters must investigate. Many don't. Many do a poor job. Much of the fourth estate has been co-opted into the fifth column. The responsibility to find the truth is on you. YOU must investigate. You must be the journalist. That's just the way it is.

bob 180:

No they're not, they were down from 70% to 28% under Reagan and held at 31% for a few years in the 90's.

Well, that's not completely true.

http://www.taxfoundation.org/files/fed_individual_rate_history_nominal&adjusted-20110909.pdf

For only one year of the Reagan administration -- 1981 -- was the marginal rate at 70 percent. Most of the Reagan era saw the top marginal rate at 50 percent. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 lowered the top marginal rate from 50 percent to 38.5 percent, and then to 28 percent, and then back to 31 percent, where it held until 1993. Of course, the last few years of Reagan's administration and Bush 41's administration saw a recession caused primarily by the S&L bailout. The cut in tax rates during a period of economic bailouts probably didn't help. This entire failed policy scheme allowed Bill Clinton to be elected on the slogan, "It's the economy, stupid."

After the tax rate did return to 39 percent in 1993, we had the Clinton growth years. Bush's tax reform bill dropped the marginal rate to 35 percent in 2003, where it remains today.

We all know what has happened since then.

How weird is it the Republican nominee will likely be an east coast elitist? Isn't there a "Kerry-rule" in pundit-land? Voters need to identify with a candidate before they will support them.

AM: On the Republican side, however, there are no viable candidates. Chris Christie is just one more in the long line of fading one-shot wonders. If he runs, he is likely to bully himself to death. Even putting the weight issue aside, no thinking person would put this hothead in charge of the entire federal government, and certainly not foreign policy.

Viable? There are plenty of viable candidates on the GOP side. Or are they only viable if YOU like them?

And knock off the weight issue with Christie. You leftists weren't concerned about Obama's smoking, so why all of sudden are you worried about Christies's weight, other than the fact it's one more superficial thing for you to complain about?

And "No thinking person". Oh, so if someone favors Christie, they're not a "thinking person". Your bigotry knows no bounds.

AM: Can it really be that Republicans are so incapable of producing an acceptable candidate that the billion-dollar underdog will win by default, even with the economy still in the tank?

The GOP will never be acceptable to you AM. But the good news is that every day that passes, there are less of "you" to worry about.

Yeah, doesn't smoking lead to COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- asthma, bronchitis, etc.), cancer, strokes, lung disease, fertility problems (that might be a good thing in his case), heart attack and not to mention what the second hand smoke does to others. And since his wife is Christie-like wouldn't he suffer from depression and suicidal tendencies if she up and died????

Christie definitely CANNOT run, but he should WADDLE! Waddle to the nearest fat farm!

Anna Molly-

We're still about a year out (and that's a long time), but there have been a number of articles...from the National Journal, Politico, and others...suggesting that after the two most recent House special elections, Democrats' prospects of regaining control of that chamber are a longshot that's fading. The Senate looks even worse, with Democrats needing to defend 23 seats, the GOP only 10.

Are you aware of any respected political handicappers holding a contrary view?

Albany Joe:

I'm looking forward to him spinning how he "inhereted" all these problems from the 2009-2012 administration.

LoL That's your best line EVER.

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

A quick codicil to my earlier post. The tax rates rose under Bush 41 from 28 percent to 31 percent, causing Bush 41 to break his promise of "no new taxes." The rise in taxes was, of course, necessitated by the Gulf War and the S&L bailout.

Even Bush 41 knew that you can't starve your way out of a recession.

Bag Boy:

Are you aware of any respected political handicappers holding a contrary view?

No, and what difference does that make? The so-called "respected political handicappers" aren't right any more often than I am.

For heaven's sake, let a girl live in her fantasy world if she wants to. ;-)

Public Policy Poll shows that 73% of Americans agree with the Warren Buffet Rule.
The poll also shows that 66% of Republicans agree with the Warren Buffet Rule.

PASS THE AMERICAN JOBS ACT!
Write the Buffet rule into law!

If Christie doesn't run they won't have to add extra support beams to the debate stage.

Can't until a House Democrat sponsors the bill and Reid puts it up for a vote. There are many Democrats that have come out against it.

NJNB -- I think most people know who holds their mortgage....problem is some banks don't know where the titles are to the loans they hold. You know after all that bundling and selling it seems they made of mess of the paper work. BTW.... Some of us just prefer using a local credit union. They know me and my family but more importantly they have better rates and lower fees. (At least mine does.)

Bank of America should be taxed $6 on every one of those $5 fees, institutions with Bank of America's mentality should be removed from our economy entirely by whatever means necessary, and their management team should be drug into the street for a public flogging to discourage like behavior. Participation in our economy should be a privilege not a right.

Drive By - that is the best idea you have ever had. Fiesty, Navy, Amy, and yourself ought to head on over to Fox and post away.

If nothing else you will have to see the stories they post and see that First Read omits so much information, and entire newsworthy events.

For instance nothing here about Solyndra or FourSquared. Nothing much about Gun Runner.

WCA - Holder has now been shown to have perjured himself. He got memo on Gun Runner 10 months ago. And just imagine what the White House Aide currently sent off to Iraq will have to testify about. Oh My!

Oh and Drive By - Obama now admits the economy is worse off than 4 years ago.

THis is the exact opposite of the primary assertion you have been making here for the last 2 years. How does it feel to be "refudiated" by you own guy?

How do we apply Obama's statements in that regard to that lovely list you produced Friday about your life and how nothing's changed?

Man, seems you are in fact the "Me Firster" around here.

Backhouse - you should give up the Buffett rule stuff. Everyone, including Obama and Buffett have. You just look silly and un-informed. But then again, it is a tax issue, and you are a libbie who has never read the code.

I wonder if Navy ever read the code, eh Backhouse?

w bush - wow brother you really are that clueless.

You libbies just have no understanding of the way this all works.

You impose a fee/tax on BOA and they will pass it right through to you.

w bush - blame Durbin, he as clueless as you you.

How sad and embarrassing for him. And you.

Ray -- A lot of Republicans, Democrats, Business, and most importantly Americans support the infrastructure part of that Jobs bill. Remember that. Or are you anti-jobs anti business and unwilling to see Americans put to work?

Joe Albany

Looks like Senate Dem Banking Central Planning Committee Chairman, “Dick” Durbin’s plan to institute government price controls on debit card transaction fees is backfiring. Instead of the intention of govt price fixing reducing costs, it is simply shifting those costs to another form.

Looks like more wingnut spin. What the financial reform has done is decreased the HIDDEN costs to consumers that companies get by charging exorbitant fees to merchants for the use of debit cards. So BoA is being forced to charge consumers up front where people can see them and decide for themselves whether the charges are worth having a BoA debit card. Isn't that how the free market is supposed to work?

If Governor Christie doesn't run, then Tom Tancredo, (former Republican more recently of the American Constitution Party) is always available, as after all, Tom got 2nd-place in the 2010 Colorado Governor's race and the official Colorado Republican candidate only got 11% of the vote.

Back on point here, people.....

What happens if Christie doesn't run? Let's see. Maybe Tino Fiumara won't be appointed Attorney General?

I swear. What happened to journalism? Why isn't every article about this guy annotated with his ties to organized crime? Why don't you hacks write "Mafia-connected New Jersey Governor Chris Christie?"

lol, Anna Molly-

I've got a pretty good feel for the track records of people like Charlie Cook, Stu Rothenberg, Larry Sabato, and Nate Silver.

You I'm not sure about.

If you get it right as often as they do, you're certainly better at it than I am.

no jo, sorry to burst your tea bubble but the combined averages of ABC/Wash Post, Gallup, Rasmussen, CBS, Fox, CNN & McClatchy/Marist polls taken between 9/13 and 10/02 show Obama at -8, not -12. The combined averages also show Congress approval at -69.3. And if that doesn't make you feel bad enough, those combined averages also show, and have shown for quite some time, Obama ahead of every one of the GOP/TP contenders. In fact, he's further ahead of Bachmann than he is Palin and Palin isn't even running (yet)! If you don't believe me, see for yourself at realclearpolitics.com.

What the financial reform has done is decreased the HIDDEN costs to consumers that companies get by charging exorbitant fees to merchants for the use of debit cards. So BoA is being forced to charge consumers up front where people can see them and decide for themselves whether the charges are worth having a BoA debit card. Isn't that how the free market is supposed to work?

____________________________________________________

Houston: So, your position is that the Dem Banking Central Planning Committee plan is working as intended??

Then why is the Illinois "Dick" jumping up and down screaming it's "outrageous" and demanding BOA justify its fee??

BagBoy:

If you get it right as often as they do, you're certainly better at it than I am.

LoL

Hardly, but that's a tough one to disprove, no? ;-)

Joe in Albany -- Who do you think was crying the loudest when it came to fees banks were charging? Small business. They complained and complained and had a voice at the table.

Psst libbies - Obama has come out and admitted things are worse now. Did he get his stimulus? His health care?

Dodd Frank? You bet, but things are worse.

Landslide.

Or maybe you have forgotten, n your zeal to support him, how far he has fallen? Gosh seems like just yesterday his approval was in the high 60% range.

Ah, but then his policies started to kick in.

But when your got a crack team like Pelosi, Durbin and Frank.

So it's been almost an entire month since his JObs Bill Speech. Where is that bill? Why not a single co-sponsor? Why no votes or even a vote schedule?

Why has he given up on the Bufett rule?

Yeah, he really does seem to have us right where he wants us.

Joe - so which of our libbie friends is more clueless about financial reform - Houston or w bush?

How funny that Durbin asks a private company to justify a fee, a fee that all saw coming as a result of his dumbass bill.

Well, everyone except Dick "Big Brain" Durbin. Frank,Durbin, Dodd. Fantastic.

Joe in Albany

So, you position is that the "plan is working"??

What do you have against the free market system? Don't you think people ought to know what they're paying rather than having corporations taking their money out of their back pocket?

Then why is the "Dick" jumping up and down screaming it's "outrageous" and demanding BOA justify its fee??

Because maybe the fee actually is outrageous? If it is, then people will take their business elsewhere, like to credit unions.

Anna Molly,

Well, that's not completely true.

Yea, it is true.

The top marginal tax rates had been in the 70's since 1964 and was at 70% in 1980. Reagan took it down to 69.13% in 1981 to 50% in 1982 to 38.5% in 1987 to 28% in 1988. It went up 31% in 1990 and stayed there until 1993.

What I said was absolutely true.

Why do you try to marginalize the truth to cover what you acknowledge was a obvious lie by Fiesty about the current rate of 35% being the lowest in the last 50 years?

BTW -

After the tax rate did return to 39 percent in 1993, we had the Clinton growth years.

Clinton dropped the capital gains tax rate from 29.19% to 21.19% - that was the "Clinton growth years."

Bush's tax reform bill dropped the marginal rate to 35 percent in 2003, where it remains today.

Yet you fail to mention that after Bush's tax cut, revenue was greater in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 than Clinton's top year of 2000.

We all know what has happened since then.

Bush's revenue was 18.5% of GDP in 2007. With the EXACT SAME TAX RATE, Obama's revenus is 15% or less of GDP.

Yea we know what happened ..... we elected an idiot ideologue who doesn't have a clue about economics.

Joe, Dumb comment about B of A!! This is what "caveat emptor" is all about, and what any sensible customer of any kind of business should do! If the service is bad, if the product is too expensive, you vote with your feet and take your business elsewhere. Even a "lefty liberal Dem" like myself knows that! So you are saying we should all just let ourselves be ripped off by the biggest criminal bank in the nation?!

Psst ... Spanky ....

Do try not to revel too much in despair.

It's always darkest just before dawn.

Sunshine and hope are the better answer.

White Collar Auto

Maybe Feisty should have written that she thought you were just a wanker. On the available evidence something like that fits. Do you have hairy palms, too?

President Reagan asked the American people in 1985: "Do you think the millionaire ought to pay more in taxes than the bus driver or less?" Big corporations manage to finaigle paying Zero-0 taxes due to loopholes and get-arounds available only to the very affluent.

By now it is overwhelmingly understood that we need those revenues to go into the pot and stop this farce that is our US recovery, now and future, for the never-satisfied super-rich.

Public Policy Poll shows that 73% of Americans agree with the Warren Buffet Rule.
The poll also shows that 66% of Republicans agree with the Warren Buffet Rule.

PASS THE AMERICAN JOBS ACT!
Write the Buffet rule into law!

Allie, dear- read the post. I reference the ABC/WaPo poll. Came out today, was referenced extensively in this post- one tiny little detail was omitted by the authors.

You obviously do not read well for comprehension. See, Obama is statistically tied with Romney, Perry, and Christie- and Christie is not even running.

Why bring up Palin, is is not running, or Bachman, who has the same odds as my cat of getting the republican nomination? For the record, Toby is not running, either. Neither is his sister.

Aa to congressional approval- big whoop. The question is never broken down- that is, do you approve of the House passing "x" bill? Do you approve of the Senate tabling "x" bill? Therefore, no one actually knows what is meant by congressional approval/disapproval. Moreover, very few people follow the issues closely enough to know the details of what is done- so how on earth can people approve or disapprove?

All of this is to say that you should not get so worked up over congressional approval numbers. The republicans are going to keep control of the House, take the Senate- and win the White House.

At this point, it does not look like the wife and the mother in law are going to be voting to reelect Obama.

By the way, it’s really quite remarkable that the president is doing ONLY fundraising in Missouri; not a single public event in a “competitive” state (though, Team Obama knows Missouri is a state that probably can’t win, see 2008).

So evidently Missouri isn't worth his time. Oh, he'll take all the money he can get, but to actually make an appearance as the President is something he doesn't have the inclination to do.

Three years and still waiting for a leader............

As Dick Durbin also told people regarding the B of A fees, shop around, take your money somewhere else. He's right. There are many community banks and credit unions that do not "milk" their customers for every transaction they make. It's our money those banks are using to loan and make money, it is disgusting that they charge their customers for accessing their own money. I have no problem with fees on transactions that are not by their own customers but charging to access one's own money is a step too far.

I wish you were right and it will get better.

Sadly, no chance - not for a long while.

Greece, Italy, Europe. Plus there are over 20 cities, most east of the Miss. that are totally screwed.

So what's this crap about the Wall Street hippies demanding a "Living wage" for all, whether working or not? Oh and I love the wipe away all debt.

Brilliant.

On Drive by Observer's post --much above --regarding posting to Fox sites,-- a good idea in the main but,

A few observations of my own. The first --- having visited that site and noted the caliber of the comments therein -- my liberal friends here, posting there, would be like Shakespeare prose in a comic book---standout work that would be lost on most of the regular folks there --in my view. Second-- the yellow journalism throughout the main page doesn't lend itself well to intelligent opinion. Thoughtful fact based writing countering the cherry picked half truths offered there would not be welcome, it seems. Post an intelligent rebuttal and you will find you have been censored (gotta keep the flame going, right?)

And the format is just damned awkward.

I would venture though-- that it is hard to get suspended or expelled. Afterall, what would the Code of Conduct look like, if one even exists?

Sorry for the deviation.

Participation in our economy should be a privilege not a right.

Does this include the privilege to be mandated to buy private health insurance? The old politburo of the Soviet Union would be proud of the propaganda you're producing. I am so glad I have the privilege of paying my taxes and participating in this workers paradise.

Joe - so which of our libbie friends is more clueless about financial reform - Houston or w bush?

_________________________________________________

Spanky: I consider all of the FR lefty liberals to be equally "special" on the subject of financial issues.

Govt issue. Baloney on the leader nonsense; just because you think it does not make it true. As for campaigning in Missouri, it's a long time until November 2012.

Walks - come on, just say it you are afraid.

But sure we know - all conservative are just dumb.

And First Read has a super strict COH, or have you not read anything by the old gal?

So Walks - would you say FIrst reads failure to cover Solyndra or Gun Runner is top notch reporting? Censorship?

You are funny. Scared, but funny.

So Jody - read any good IRC today? Ever? What's the haps re: the Buffett tax?

"Hiya kids, hiya, hiya." Froggy

Another day, another news cycle and already most of the world has forgotten about those Hitler Youths, the Koch Brothers and their evil sidekick Rupert Murdoch and FOX.

"Lord, what fools these mortals be."

I am appalled that these three, evil, evil, men are apparently going to laugh in the face of justice and walk away with their fortunes, reputations, and back-sides intact.

While most of you continue your petty mud-slinging and name-calling, these three are going to be shaping the world to come. The French and the Russians staged violent revolutions over MORE people with LESS influence and power than just these three individuals.

Where is the outrage? Where are the calls for Congressional investigations, FBI investigations, hell, I'll even take a DATELINE investigation at this point?

This is why we have the government we have. Our attention span is irresponsibly shot. We've already been distracted by the smoke, mirrors and the bright shiny object the magician is waving in front of our faces. Next we'll all be clucking like chickens just before the brother's Grimm and their evil henchman wring our necks and toss us in the pot.

Maybe it is time to take to the streets. To quote one of my favorite movies, "A riot is a terrible thing, and I think it's just about time we had one."

Read Feisty's first post of the day. Remember that the Koch Brothers probably make up a significant portion of that elite 1% all by themselves and Rupert Murdoch is right there with them. HELL, I won't be at all surprised if we dissected that 1% and found that it was MOSTLY the Koch's and Murdoch.

GET OUTRAGED PEOPLE! Demand some action. Geez, what have we got to do to get some action?

As for Christie, he's a sideshow. Get the Koch's and Murdoch and we won't have to worry about the rest of the clowns in the GOP/TP/LDS.

As I've said before, Perry, Bachman, Huntsman, Gingrich, Paul, they are all done, stick a fork in them. Romney will be the nominee and either Cain or Pawlenty will be his running mate. Now let's get back to business and do something about the Koch's and Rupert Murdoch!

C'mon folks, FOCUS! Or else kiss this country goodbye.

"Plunk your magic twanger froggy."

America Held Hostage by the Kochs, Murdoch and the GOP/TP/LDS, day 277

Obama/Biden 2012

Joe in Albany

Joe - so which of our libbie friends is more clueless about financial reform - Houston or w bush?

I think you kookie connies are pretty clueless, too. You don't even know enough to answer a couple simple questions on the subject.

Spanky-

Joe - so which of our libbie friends is more clueless about financial reform - Houston or w bush?

How funny that Durbin asks a private company to justify a fee, a fee that all saw coming as a result of his dumbass bill.

Some of us are smart enough to avoid BoA and its dumbass fees. Are you? Or are you stupid enough to prefer that corporations like BoA pick your pocket with hidden fees, as long as you don't know they're doing it so it's OK with you?

Can the moderators DELETE the comments made by Feisty Dimbulb about people's sexuality and/or masturbation. This thread with her comments is frankly sickening.

There is a reason I lurk here and rarely post, add that to the list. And for a "progressive" to frequently make anti-gay and anti-semitic slur THEY DESERVE TO BE BANNED or at least suspended. And of course it betrays what "progressives" are supposed to be about.

So don't complain about the gay soldier during the debate WHEN YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM.

But I guess that "special friend Mark CTO of Newsvine" will make sure that getting banned or suspended won't happen.

Spanky:

So Walks - would you say FIrst reads failure to cover Solyndra or Gun Runner is top notch reporting? Censorship?

More whining about liberal bias that doesn't exist. See #18 below for some actual FACTS, although a fact to a rightwinger seems to have the same effect as a crucifix on a vampire.

Spanky:

So what's this crap about the Wall Street hippies demanding a "Living wage" for all, whether working or not? Oh and I love the wipe away all debt.

Brilliant.

Assuming this was for me, my question is, what's wrong with a "living wage," at least for those who ARE working?

Since minimum wage is only $7.25 an hour, it translates over a 2,080 hour work year into $15,080 per year, out of which conservatives believe people should pay their housing costs, food, clothing, transportation, AND their own health care.

Who can reasonably live -- or live reasonably -- on that? It's no surprise that many people -- 50 million at last count -- are unable to afford insurance, or that Texas, which has the highest percentage of minimum wage workers, also has the highest percentage of uninsured residents.

And all of this, of course, at a time when jobs have flooded overseas, corporate profits have skyrocketed, and the income gap has grown exponentially.

Is it any wonder people are outraged?

As for wiping away all debt, I'm not necessarily in favor of that. I have worked hard and sacrificed at times to live debt-free, even when putting my daughter through college, and I believe in personal responsibility. But there are cases, such as where a person has become unemployed through no fault of their own, and cannot renegotiate with their lenders ...

http://money.cnn.com/2011/10/03/news/economy/mortgage_unemployed/index.htm?iid=HP_River

... where there ought to be some kind of help available. Ironically, as the linked article suggests, government "regulations" are keeping many from qualifying for relief assistance so they can keep their homes until things turn around.

Relax regulations for the wealthy corporations, and tighten the thumbscrews on already strapped individuals, like Bank of America is now threatening to do. That's the conservative mantra, apparently.

Something is truly wrong with this picture, Spanky.

Joe,

Looks like Senate Dem Banking Central Planning Committee Chairman, “Dick” Durbin’s plan to institute government price controls on debit card transaction fees is backfiring. Instead of the intention of govt price fixing reducing costs, it is simply shifting those costs to another form.

Yes B of A did. Bank of America has been at this type of scandalous (much worse in many cases) behavior for years. Long before they became national bank. B of A sucked when it was a California based bank and still does.

Angry about Bank of America’s new $5 monthly fee for using your debit card?

Dick Durbin has some advice for you: Take your money elsewhere.

“Bank of America customers, vote with your feet,” the Senate majority whip said in a floor speech Monday. “Get the heck out of that bank. Find yourself a bank or credit union that won’t gouge you for $5 a month and still will give you a debit card that you can use every single day.

“What Bank of America has done is an outrage,” he added.

Outrageous indeed. Typical banking ploy charge your "customers" to use their money.

Other banks are likely to follow Bank of America’s lead, which means it would be difficult for customers to merely switch banks.

If we allow it. Bank of America is seeing what we will tolerate.

As if America needed more proof that lefty liberal Dems are financial/business morons...

Whose the moron Joe? Look no farther than your own mirror. You are the typical right wing dittobot always buying the right wing rhetoric. Those banks, businesses and "Conservative" politicians, you can trust them Joe, they always have our backs.

"What a Maroon" Bugs Bunny

Jody,

Yes, thats MY opinion. You can agree or disagree all you like. In my opinion there were three people who would have made a better President 3 years ago. McCain, Clinton and Dodd. (note that two of them are democrats) I want a President that LEADS, not campaigns. For all of the faults that Bush had (yes, there were many) he didnt pander for votes. He didnt change his speech patterns and accent depending on the demographics of his audience. President Clinton didnt pander for votes. Bush 1 and Reagan didnt pander while in office. They LED. That's what I want....and yes, that's my opinion.

NEWS FLASH! CHRISTIE WILL NOT RUN!

Told ya so, told ya so, told ya so.

Now can we PLEASE do something about the Koch Brothers and Rupert "hack and slash" Murdoch?

Obama/Biden 2012

The only thing substantive that will happen as a result of Christie not running is the fat jokes will stop. Christie is not ready. He said so himself. Getting in now would throw the chaotic republican primary into chaos squared. Right now every republican candidate has some baggage or negatives. They are struggling to present themselves as someone who can do a better job than Obama on the economy, when the reality is that no one could do a better job. The economy is in a mess for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is global impact. Traditional ways of controlling the economy will no loinger work Creative interventions will have to be designed that will perk up the markets in the US. Businesses will have to bring work back to the US, unions will have to make some concessions, inflation will have to be controlled and we will have to acknowledge that we will have the largest group of retired citizens in the history of the country. I am convinced that the POTUS cannot solve the economic crisis that grips us now. Republican hubris wants to believe that because we are the greatest country on earth all we have to do is reduce corporate taxes and unleash business to go on a job creation spree.

Newsflash-corporations are not in business to create jobs. They are in business to make money and create shareholder value.Government interventioin will be required if we are toget these organizations to keep jobs in this country. THis is probably best accomplished by significant tax credits. Then, the government and business should meet to determine how we can get manufacturing back. We need to look at everything that we import and figure out ways to make it here and export it. Joint ventures between government and business would make perfect sense in this situation. The govenrment should not need a war to work in close alignment with business. Although we are in an economic war.

IR and Backhouse, You are both correct. This do nothing Republican Congress would find R.Reagen too liberal!!

Watched the R. Maddow show with clips of Reagan saying the same thing as Obama about raising taxes.

And to think Iowa causes are only 90 days away... and the GOP are still looking for a new flavor for the party of NO.

Till then you’re just standing on the tracks of the Freight Train to the Future.

Train to the future??

These obstructionists want to take us back to the days of the pony express... lol

All aboard the last train to Beckistan! WHOO WHOO!

@IR

I know where to find Greg Sargents' blogs/columns if I want to read them. Exactly what is the point of doing a cut and paste of an opinion piece?

Thanks for sharing this article, IR. I can understand if Cantor doesn't agree with the President's approach but his unwillingness to propose anything of his own or to compromise on what the President has proposed says to me he wants more for the President to fail than for the country to succeed.

The future for America according to these TEAPUBS is a "Flat Earth Society again.

Christie is not the answer. Joining the 21st Century and eliminating "god" from Politics. and, never signing "outside" pledges and taxing the RICH more and, bringing JOBS back to American soil is the answer.

They're not there yet and, Chris Christie will not get them there.

Just to piss you off Alan. Glad to see I succeeded.

Christie, one more loud mouth bully wannabe running for President. Don't we already have enough Republican clowns running now? But, what the hell, why not, let him become the next White hope for the Repugs.

Obama in 2012.

Exactly what is the point of doing a cut and paste of an opinion piece?

I don't know Alan - why don't you ask the idiot from Albany & Ray lots of numbers above...

You claim to be a moderate... lol

@IR

...my mouse moves me swiftly past ...

You claim to be a moderate... lol

No, I claim to be an independent. BTW, not that I read Joe's posts, apart from his actual opinion, he usually cuts/pastes a news report not an opinion.

No, I claim to be an independent.

Thank you for finally admitting independents are anything but moderate! ;o)

PS: Your lack of response on Ray hasn't gone unnoticed.

It is very obvious that what I pasted were not "opinion" pieces -- They were news articles. I try not to respond to liars and those trying to misrepresent postings but in this case I'll make an exception.

Hank Williams Jr. is a GREAT AMERICAN!!!!!!

Well said, IR.

In 1985, the GOP hero, President Ronald Reagan addressed the nation on tax reform. Reagan succeeded in reforming the tax code but in the subsequent years the loopholes, exemptions, preferential treatment have found their way back into the tax code through the successful efforts of lobbyists and big corporate interests who buy it with campaign contributions to both parties. The tax code again needs an overhaul. Here's just a small portion of what Reagan said in his address.

"Respectfully, I want to talk about taxes, about what we must do as a nation this year to transform a system that's become an endless source of confusion and resentment into one that is clear, simple, and fair for all--a tax code that no longer runs roughshod over Main Street but ensures your families and firms incentives and rewards for hard work and risk-taking in an American future of strong economic growth. ....radically change a system that still causes some to invest their money, not to make a better mousetrap but simply to avoid a tax trap. ....Under our new tax proposal the oil and gas industry will be asked to pick up a larger share of the national tax burden. The old oil depletion allowance will be dropped from the tax code except for wells producing less than 10 barrels a day. By eliminating this special preference, we'll go a long way toward ensuring that those who earn their wealth in the oil industry will be subject to the same taxes as the rest of us....."

While some of what Reagan proposed and signed into law led to this country's current problem, he deserves credit for getting the tax code overhauled and special interest loopholes out of the sytem....until Congress slowly put them back and presidents signed them into law.

If the GOP claims that fairness in the tax code is "class warfare", then Ronald Reagan was not a leader according to the current crop of republicans who make that claim against President Obama. Class warfare GOPTP style is as much a myth as is Ronald Reagan's GOP modern day version of his legacy. We have had 30 years of class warfare against the 99% who are not wealthy.

If the GOP claims that fairness in the tax code is "class warfare", then Ronald Reagan was not a leader according to the current crop of republicans who make that claim against President Obama.

But Jody the Republicans are proposing tax reform. Just not the diffuse principal of the Buffet rule. They actually have specific proposals. Now if you want to debate them against whatever the Democrats are proposing (the Peoples Budget?) let me know.

www.roadmap.republicans.budget.house.gov/Issues/Issue/?IssueID=8514

Regardless of how the Republicans on this site portray them as the next best thing for America. Which hasn't worked in 30 years and we have proof of it. The majority of people in America know the republicans support the rich. That's a false start in itself if you want to get the majority vote for the republicans. You would have to convince 98% of the voting block that the conservative way is the best way, which is give more money to the rich and everything would be ok.

If the republicans on this site is not convinced see the marches across the country for job, equality, better healthcare, the rich paying their fair share of taxes and on and on. Those are not conservative views. Those are everyone views.

You really don't get it, do you?

At the time Reagan revamped the tax code- which resulted in higher taxes for some- the economy was growing at breakneck speed, in danger of overheating and reigniting inflation. The reason for this tax overhaul was twofold-

To slow the economy down to a sustainable level of growth, which did happen;

To use the excess funds to reduce the debt- which did not happen.

Reagan was infuriated that this second part was not done, and angry that he had signed the legislation without a legal enforcement clause.

GHW Bush made the same mistake.

Turns out that congress cannot be trusted to actually use finds to pay down debt. Obama has NEVER truly sought to do so- and no one in his or her right mind thinks that he will. The next president will have to do something about the debt- with legislation that is enforceable.

When that is enacted, when the GAO report that outlines two hundred billion in redundant programs is used to cut that two hundred billion a year in spending, when the billions in uncommitted funds sitting in multiple departments are used to buy back T-Bills and Bonds, when all Federal departments are cut back to 2006 spending levels- including both the number of employees and the salary inflation for which Obama is responsible- then, and only then, can we talk about taxes.

I won't hold my breath.

There are some amongst us who call themselves Independents and yet have very conservative views and opinions, I call them wolves in sheep's clothing. Honestly could there be a more oxymoronic position.

Then we have people like Ray, who posts links from gossipy rag sources as to what Andrew Breitbart has to say, as he tries to link our President to two black panthers, I guess he connects them because all three are black. Wow, shallow thinking there.

And Ray thinks that washed up hasbeen, who really never was a bright light, Hank Williams, Jr., is terrific, that sure tells me a lot about you Ray. ESPN weren't really thrilled about him though. Tell me something why does he always wear dark glasses? makes him more creepy.

Ray takes deep breathes.....it is a long way to next Novemeber.

Alan - I really think that many here never visit other sites and are unaware of what's out there. Plus it must make Redneck and others feel smart, like they are responsible for their cut and paste jobs.

WCA got it right above - these cut and pastes are nothing but spam and ads. If we wanted to read Think Progress or whatever, we'd go there.

Let them go. Good news is this crap usually only happens in the morning around here. Redneck and Navy don't seem to come out in the afternoon.

THank goodness.

Alan, one can only assume that you make at least $1 million per year otherwise your stance against the Buffett rule which raises taxes a small percentage on millionaires makes no sense. Reagan proposed reducing capital gains taxes to something around 18% but later raised that rate to 28% because as he put it, capital gains should at least be taxed at the same rate as most incomes; Reagan has the good sense to realize that the mounting deficit and debt was a problem. Hedge fund managers often earn millions and billions every year yet because that income is in investments, they only pay 15% tax. Managing hedge funds is their job, it should be taxed at least at 28% as income.

GBM, from what I have read, most independents are former republicans who lean conservative but they do not like the social issue and religious aspects of the GOP.

Hank Williams, Jr. has more problems that just his mouth. His music may provide entertainment and he has talent, that does not mean he is the brightest bulb; his comments were disgusting, disrespectful and mad absolutely no sense. When FOX objects, he crossed the line.

There are some amongst us who call themselves Independents and yet have very conservative views and opinions, I call them wolves in sheep's clothing. Honestly could there be a more oxymoronic position.

Why?

Blindly following one party or another in my mind is hypocritical. Look at the debt ceiling fight. This time the Republicans were against it. Go back four years and Barack Obama was making the case against raising the debt limit.

My biggest disappointment in the current administration is that they extended the Bush tax rates.

I support Ron Paul's position on bringing the troops home.

I support Barack Obama's position on gays in the military.

I am for social programs that are sustainable and can be paid for. Unfortunately right now I believe that because of the Baby Boomers, and the change in age demographics, we are going to have to cut entitlements AND raise taxes. The reason I call myself an independent is because neither party encompass the majority of my positions.

What anyone earns is only the business of the earner. Their earnings are their own- not yours.

The ugliness of the envy and covetousness of the liberals is on display on this site everyday, for everyone to read. It is truly appalling- yet you seem to proud of it.

Thank the lord there are so few of you. We see, in this country, what happens when one of you gets the keys to the country.

Everyone suffers.

Oh please Jody, please explain your assertion.

Jody - you admit to never having read the tax code, so why do you continue to talk about taxes?

How about this Jody - I have a client that is a millionaire and has $3.8 million in tax free muni bonds. The aggregate rate of all the bonds is 4.9%.

How much taxes will he pay, and what on god's green earth would your stupid Buffett rule do to that tax rate?

See Jody - you have no clue about tax. rates, or more importantly tax planning. Yet here you are talking about itike you actually know something.

Why?

Alan, one can only assume that you make at least $1 million per year otherwise your stance against the Buffett rule which raises taxes a small percentage on millionaires makes no sense.

I wish. However, I am neither for nor against it as the Administration has never specified exactly what it is. They have stated a principal where by a person making $1M per year (wages, dividends, capital gains?) should pay a higher effective rate than a middle class earner. Well the WaPo, I posted the site yesterday, shows that this is already true for the top 1%, and would be true for the top 400 earners in the country if they changed the rate that Hedge Fund Managers were taxed (currently 15% because their income is categorized as carried interest). So, what exactly is the Administration trying to achieve here? It seems that a simple redefinition of Hedge Fund Managers earnings would achieve their principal. If so, why are they making such a fuss over it except to create a straw man political argument (and yes they are indulging in class warfare).

All aboard the last train to Beckistan! WHOO WHOO! Her Whoo Whoo is showing.....Bleck!

Let them go. Good news is this crap usually only happens in the morning around here. Redneck and Navy don't seem to come out in the afternoon.

Unfortunately I don't live in the Pacific Timezone.

Did you see the latest from San Francisco? Now you have to display a poster on the dangers of cell phone radiation. This is without scientific studies backing the claim that cell phones may cause brain cancer. What happened to the party of reason and facts?

How about this Jody - I have a client that is a millionaire and has $3.8 million in tax free muni bonds. The aggregate rate of all the bonds is 4.9%.

If they are California State Bonds I would question his risk exposure. That's not enough in interest.

Spanks Don't come out in the afternoon much because it generally degenerates into you discussing your condo in LA Jolla or you and Mrs Spanks love life or some such. I prefer to spend my time more wisely. Such as going to the other sites as you have mentioned to broaden my horizons. You really ought to try it sometime.

Risk?

Is that important? Should we consider that in any discussion about tax rates?

Huh - Jody, I don't suppose you care to comment?

Yeah, I kinda thought you wouldn't have anything on that. Rock on Jody, you tax wiz you.

Uh, Redneck - a condo in La Jolla? I hope you pay closer attention to those other sites you visit.

So tell us Redneck - why do you think us all so dumb, or unable to do what you can do? Why must you cut and paste? Are we not equally capable of going to other sites as you?

Stop with the cut and paste. Use you own brain and discuss what you have read, in your own words. Think of it as an working out your brain. Fiesty and Bev. do it cause they have no independent thought.

Or should we call you THinkProgress Redneck?

Spanky, I DO visit other sites. And I find them wanting. I prefer not to have my news sanitized, cherry picked, censored, ridiculed.

If you and Alan and WCA and Ray are so unhappy here, why are you here? Why not leave?

Spanks I plead guilty to not paying enough attention to you to realize whether I made a mistake with the Condo. As far as the rest of it goes you can call me anything you want just so long as it's not late to dinner.

President Obama said; this is not class warfare it’s basic math!

Here are five little known facts about the ‘haves’;

1.The Top 1 Percent Of Americans Owns 40 Percent Of The Nation’s Wealth - As
Stiglitz notes, this disparity is much worse than it was in the past, as just 25 years ago the top 1 percent owned 33 percent of national wealth.

2. The Top 1 Percent Of Americans Take Home 24 Percent Of National Income

3. The Top 1 Percent Of Americans Own Half Of The Country’s Stocks, Bonds, And Mutual Funds:

4. The Top 1 Percent Of Americans Have Only 5 Percent Of The Nation’s
Personal Debt:

5. The Top 1 Percent Are Taking In More Of The Nation’s Income Than
At Any Other Time Since The 1920s:

For an excellent resource about how much income Americans at these different income levels have, see the Tax Policy Center. The top one percent of Americans have an average income of $1.5 million.

Read the entire story :

http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/10/03/334156/top-five-wealthiest-one-percent/

Our current tax rates are the LOWEST they’ve been in 50 years – YOU do the math!

Meanwhile the fat cats on Wall Street continue to sip their Champaign while laughing at the other 99% of us!

Something has to give & it’s not the 99% - they’ve already given everything they have included their jobs, savings & homes…

Are you a 99%?

If so, check out what happening in your city and say ENOUGH!

Clearly, Spanky, if they are posting stuff from other sites, they are visiting other sites.

Looks like the word police are out again, trying to dictate what information is and is not appropriate to share with FR readers. I'm sorry if it offends some that there are those of us who believe it's important to not only share our opinions, but to share WHY we have the opinions we have.

No, I need to correct that. I'm NOT sorry I share the background information that brought me to my point of view, I'm PROUD that I do so. Unlike some I find it useful to validate my opinion in that way, and I KNOW it's more persuasive than the "says you" approach. I'm PROUD that I base my opinions in fact and experience instead of blind adherence to an ideological position or the parroting of people who hold that blind adherence and tell me what to think.

I'm GLAD IR is here EVERY DAY contributing to the discussion in that same way. His opinion holds extra sway BECAUSE he doesn't just blindly take a position but demonstrates how that position has a basis in reality. I hope he'll be here for a long time contributing in that fashion. If you don't like it don't read it.

It's that simple.

Great job, Dummy D.

He has a track record of being able to a pass legislation with a Democratic house and Senate.

He has a track record of introducing fiscally responsible budgets that protect workers pensions in the long run.

He has a track record of ending projects that would cost taxpayers billions.

He has a track record of balancing environmental concerns with economic realities.

I would hope that if he is elected he would be able to reform the tax code and remove loopholes. I would hope that he would put medicare and SS on a fiscally responsible footing (because medicare will have to be cut and will still require more funding). Most of all I hope he will level with the country that raising taxes on the rich (a little) will not save SS, medicare and reduce the deficit.

Maybe he's just potentially a better chief executive than the current choices, including the current incumbent.

Good morning Alan . . . for your sake, I hope Governor Christie runs . . . nice to see you for someone instead of just taking pot shots at our President! :o)

What does it say, Nash, that no one ever calls these people out----the Fox people interviewing Williams were "uncomfortable". Eight candidates stand silent on stage while a gay serviceman is booed. Profiles in courage.

So true Steeler Fan, it seems that we have been exposed to so much garbage that folks have now become comfortable with the stench.

Sad.

What does it say, Nash, that no one ever calls these people out----the Fox people interviewing Williams were "uncomfortable".

Didn't see the Williams comments until this morning. Mike Barnacle was right. The 'A' on his hat was for A..hole. His comments were despicable, derogatory and insulting (as was his ridiculous apology).

Just wanted to add my 2 cents.

You're framing the discussion incorrectly, Nash.

For most voters in November 2012, it'll simply be about deciding whether or not to continue down the path the nation has followed since January 20, 2009.

Voters had their first opportunity to consider altering that course in the 2010 midterms. There's really no disputing the message the electorate sent in that election, is there?

52 incumbent House Democrats defeated; just 2 GOP incumbent House members (both freshmen) lost their seats. The GOP gained 6 U.S. Senate seats, including President Obama's former Illinois seat. That's a relatively unambiguous outcome for a midterm election, wouldn't you say, Nash?

The 2012 presidential election will be between President Obama and an alternative. If voters are pleased with his record, he'll be reelected. If not, he won't. It's that simple.

PS-What does it say about our society that we hold a washed up country singer to a higher level of discourse than a professor of political science at Tulane University?

Count me as one disgusted by Williams' comments. When will people realize that trivializing genocide is beneath contempt?

Mixed Bag:

My preferred "frame" for any issue is reality, not election and poll results. Who won an election does not actually solve any problems, as the midterm elections so eloquently demonstrated. Reality dictates that folks would need to present plans to address problems, not just talking points and red meat for their political benefactors.

If Christie had not been forced to work with the democratic state legislators, what would he have done differently? Just as Iowa's GOP Governor Branstad was forced to compromise, he was unable to enact much of the GOP platform. From what I have read and heard, Christie is a louder version of Scott Walker and John Kasich. The very fact that Christie had an opposition party state legislator is what has made him more acceptable to moderates and independents. Elect him, elect a GOPTP House and Senate and it will be George W. Bush all over again in some measure or another. Christie is not a moderate.

Election results are reality, Nash.

Every incumbent sent packing by his constituents knows the truth of that.

Christie like all of the Republican candidates seem to be well versed on how to eliminate jobs, but none have any credible ideas on how to create jobs, and no tax cuts for the rich, trickle down, and outsourcing are not credible, history proves those experiments failed, and they will fail again.

Alan---thanks for your comments about the whole Williams thing.

Jody-- He could be lost for any future run for the White House.

Sounds like he should run. It really makes the Republicans look desperate.

Amy---I always liked Fleetwood Mac. My era.

Here's what they left out of the article, Amy

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/10/majority-expects-obama-to-lose-re-election/

Oh, and his approval ratings- he's upside down by 12 points- in a poll that was comprised of 32% democrats, 25% republicans, and the rest independent voters.

Independents, as you may recall, usually lean to one party or the other. The lean was not identified.

Still, while a relatively tepid number of democrats still stubbornly insist Obama will win reelection, the vast majority of republicans, as well as a healthy majority of independents, see him defeated.

Things will get worse- there will have to be a special prosecutor appointed to look into Fast and Furious- no one reasonably expects Holder to do a thorugh investigation of himself- and that will lead, inevitably, to a special prosecutor looking into the Dollars-to-Donors programs. You've heard of them- Tesla, Fisker, Evergreen, Solyndra, LightSquared, to name just a few.

Obama shelved in 2012- if not sooner.

no joe, not true. I already told you that in post #1.60. There is more than one poll, or didn't you know that? Or do you only pick the poll that most favors your point of view?

Allie,

if Rasmussen says it,...it's her BIBLE,...she accepts NO other source for polling. She earned the nickname Poll Dancer for a reason.

She loves to spin on them. Sadly, she hasn't been tipped in over three years; but she shows up for work everyday.

Allie, dear- do try to keep up. The topic of this article was the ABC Washington Post poll that came out today.

I am well aware of the average of all the polls is negative 8- not exactly anything to cheer about.

Do you remember algebra? If so, plot these polls on a graph and take the slopes.

The trend is not good for Obama. In fact, it mirrors last fall- the more campaigning Obama did, the lower his approval went.

I don't think the mother in law will be voting to reelect him. The wife looks like an open question, too.

Clara, reading comprehension is obviously not your strong suit, either.

The reference was to the ABC/WaPo poll- not Rasmussen daily tracking.

I actually don't pay that much attention to daily tracking pills- until the end of the month. Oh, and when there is a major event or speech. They tend to tell the story of how people resound to those things pretty reliably.

There are two, by the way- Rasmussen and Gallup. Their numbers may be different, due to the fact that one polls likely voters, the other, adults- but the slopes are always the same.

Negative.

@Dee Rational clear minded people appreciate someone who tell it like it is rather than a pretty speech with no action.

ksw

Rational clear-minded people know that President Obama has accomplished numerous things (and please, don't ask me to list them, since they ARE numerous) and that it could've been more had not the obstructionists been there at EVERY turn. You don't want him to make speeches? Is that your gripe? Make no mistake, he WILL win next year. The neocons and teapartiers are just like Christie---a flash in the pan.

So ksw62118, being insulted is acceptable as long as he tells it like it is? That may sell in NJ but it isn't likely to sell nationwide. There are better ways of straight talk, ways that do not include crude, rude and nasty. John McCain was known for his straight talk but he was never dismissive or rude to constituents who asked questions he didn't like. I may not agree with McCain on many things but I did appreciate his respectful ways when disagreeing.

DEE, so true. At least the TP is losing some of it's flash. It's approval rating and it's membership is dropping.

LOL Herman Cain has done quite well and is a little bit like Chris Christie in his ability to tell it like it is. Neither of these two men sugar coat or evade. When asked a question - they answer.

As for the Tea Party losing some if it's "flash" I guess you all forgot about the 2010 elections, the FAILED WI recall elections, the SPECIAL Election in NY that was won by a Republican, and ANOTHER speical election in Nevada that was also won by a Rep with Tea Party backing.

But if this is "losing it's flash" someone ought to tell Obama he's be out of wattage for flash. And has been for a long time.

Not much, everyday people are of no concern inside the beltway.

when in this world the headlines read
of those whose hearts are filled with greed
who rob and steal from those who need
to right this wrong with blinding speed
goes Underdog! Underdog! Underdog! Underdog!

Glad to see you're getting the mesage Rob! Obama is a warrior for the middle class and the Republicans represent the interests of the top 1%.

If Obama is a warrior for the middle class, why is he using tax dollars to payback his big dollar donors tenfold for their "investment" in his campaign?

If a republican president had this "Dollars to Donors" program, he'd have been forced out of office already.

Obama is a warrior to the middle class, all right- he plunders our treasure to give to his cohorts. Then laughs at idiots who still buy his rhetoric.

The middle class is going to get a new commander- with a better battle plan.

HEY MODERATORS
Do you think you can start collapsing the comments with the GAY SLURS, MORE GAY SLURS and blatant ANTI SEMITISM?

Thanks

I thought he was referring to nojo,...

Yeah nice backtracking for your friend Clara. Lay down with dogs, you get the fleas.

It's not funny, not even close not for the people who are part of a party that is supposed to support gay rights and equal protection.

It is frankly DISGUSTING. But thanks for showing your true colors. There must a a void in liberals hearts. That's why cyber bullying and gay bashing are ok, but disagreeing with the president makes you a hater or a racist.

The next time someone ANYONE here makes a comment about people's sexuality I will remind you of Jaime Rodemeyer who killed himself two weeks ago.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

marshal, they definitely are obsessed with hate of any democrat and all things progressive. Makes you wonder what King Grover Nordquist thinks of Occupy Wall Street. Probably makes him a bit nervous.

They make me nervous, they remind me of the nasty vile vitriolic people who protested on my return from SEA. Rubber bullets and teargas.

Lol the party of hate?
You do own a history book right? So you do understand that MLK was a CONSERVATIVE? And that the DEMOCRATS SUPPORTED slavery and Jim Crow laws.

Party of hate? Party of bigotry? That would be the current construction of the Democrat party.

Too bad that Obama cult undid all the good Bill Clinton did.

most people with functioning brains do not listen to Rush. Most fiscal conservatives are turned off by social conservatives and Rush is one.

@constitutionisburning,

They can't and if they did it would be one sided in President Obama's overwhelming favor.

In the debates they are going to ask the question; what have you accomplished/ The list would be so long for President Obama that the two hour debate would be over by the time he is finished.

His record is incredible compared to any other president in history period. That is a fact even if the republicans hate his guts.

Check Cain, Perry and Romney websites. All are showing their credentials.

Obama has NOT accomplished anything other than a 10% unemployment rate, failed stimulus, and an HCR bill most people do not want.

People are STILL waiting for that "laser like focus on jobs". But by the time 12 comes around the "laser like focus" will be on HIS job and getting him out of it.

I don't know where you're from, but it sure isn't New Jersey.

Both Christie and his wife are pro life.

Christie is a former federal persecutor- he is for upholding the Constitution- that includes the Second Amendment.

He's no closet liberal. What he is not is a cartoon cutout of a politician.

Do I disagree with him on some issues? Of course. I disagree with my husband on some issues, as well.

So, Christie and I are at odds over in state tuition to children brought here illegally by their parents. I'm for it, he's against it.

So what?

But, closet liberal! You have no clue what you are talking about.

CT Born- your own state is run by democrats- big deficits. You must be a low educated moron.

John I keep feeling it will be Perry, they will forgive his sins because he is the religious right saviour. All the candidates are trying to out right each other. While Romney is the sanest, I don't see sanity in the republican tea party any more.

Christie is not the generic candidate they are looking for? That perfect person does not exist. I think Christie is way too liberal and doesn't bow to the tea party. It will be fun to watch the tea party shred him if he makes the mistake of jumping in.

@Houston!,

Bush signed the loan first. President Obama approved 95 million Bush approved 330 million. So they went bused. Everything isn't always successful, just take a look at yourself. LMAO

@Houston!,

People care more about JOBS, not personal baggage or personal issues.

Trying to stick the President with issues won't work especially if the topic is about JOBS, JOBS, JOBS.

The American people can not an will not be fooled no longer. GET THE JOBS, JOBS, JOBS.

Actually Solution if you would actually look the Bush administration denied the loan because it was to risky. Obama administration pushed the loan through. Just like the Avenal Solar Farm Loan. And the recent 100 million speed rail loan the congress denied and the Democrats in the Senate appropiated. Even though the project is now at 116 Billion and most likely will never happen, and a certain Democrat husband is invested in.

Solutions539

Bush signed the loan first. President Obama approved 95 million Bush approved 330 million. So they went bused. Everything isn't always successful, just take a look at yourself. LMAO

Um, I agree with you about Bush and Obama. I thought I made that clear. So why are you jumping all over me?

Jake:

Actually Solution if you would actually look the Bush administration denied the loan because it was to risky.

No they didn't. You need to get better sources of information than Fox News and Andrew Breitbart.

OK Washington Post, Politico, Abc News, Chicago Times Tribune.

How's that for sources?

Steve-730362

I don't want him to flash at all . . . yuk! That would just put GROSS into the GOP.

Well behaved women seldom make history --- Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Some of us even consider the term condescending. When men are assertive they are called leaders, have balls, etc.

But women,...nah, they can't be too strong or they are bitches. I'd much rather be a woman who speaks my mind than one who has your approval, Mr. Marine.

And thanks for your service so I can do just that!

All women have balls-they're just higher up! ( * )( * ) ;-)

The stimulous has in fact worked, but not as hoped it might. The depth and breadth of the bush idiot neocon-GOP train wreck was double what was thought to be.... and, to add some specifics, the stimulous, in fact, made for more jobs than the bush-idiot's ENTIRE adminstration created in all 8 years combined!!

And, a full blown depression was avoided, but, no thanks to the GOP CORPORATE-OWNED hacks who have worked since before day one of President Obama's administration top OBSTRUCT, SUBVERT, BLOCK AND EVENR REVERSE THE RECOVERY!

The GOP's only stated objective is to make President Obama a one-term President....

But, I'll ask boehner and israelite eric cantor one question... "where are the jobs"??

The GOP has not ever had any intention to help the recovery along, because this would be a feather in President Obama's hart, and the GOP can;t have tjhat, ooooph no!!!

The GOP is nothing more than a wall-street owned and eltist managed CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE, and only a damn fool or a coprporate crook would vote for any of them.

None of your derogetory comments and name-calling will change the economic facts. The Obama "talking" points won't make a difference either. I get a kick out the GOP/Wall Street misinformation. Obama was supported by Wall Street and wealthy bankers by a 3 to 1 margin with donations when he was elected. The majority of the wealthy wall street and banker types in NYC are very liberal. This time around due to Obama's obvious anti free enterprise and derogetory comments concerning wealth creation may change their contributions and their vote. I hope your obvious prejudice views are shared by more Obama supportes as it will only serve to point up why Obama is wrong for this nation.

You provided just the response one would expect from a far left liberal, just derogetory comments and name-calling, with no real civil counter position.

Tony

Only the TRULY incompetent can take THIS long to 'sort'. Perhaps if you all could run on your record of effectiveness,...it wouldn't take so long?

Sorry, you set this one up.

Clara, you lost me on that one. This is a healthy process for either party. It will take place right up and including the first primary elections. What "effectiveness" record did Obama run on the first time around? Please refresh my memory.

No need to be sorry. I am glad to see the candidates and understand their views. It is healthy.