I sure hope not. But just in case, I still have my money firmly tucked under my mattress.

And today's little adventure on the DJIA didn't do much to convince me that I'm wrong.

True that AM. True that.

The Dems in the Super Committee have already offered the Big Deal again that includes cuts in Medicare, but once again the Teapublicans rejected it because it included REVENUE. Are the Teapublican anarchists in complete denial of polls, OWS, and majority sentiment to the point they would risk another downgrade of our credit rating?

Go ahead Teapublicans, we double dare you to threaten another shut down, just try it...

Nov. 23 deadline commands most of the attention on Capitol Hill, another important deadline looms in the near future: Nov. 18th, the day when the government runs out of money.

It's so interesting to see how Congress goes in desperation mode every time that they run out of money...

It remains me of something...let me think..Oh yeah! MOST OF US THAT LIVE FROM PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK....What a concept!...If the Republicans only knew that...

I find it interesting that you are so ready and willing to lay the fault at the feet of the Republicans. It really says a lot about where you're coming from and what your future opinions will likely be.

I'm not saying that Republicans do not deserve part of the blame, in fact I think they deserve a full of the blame for what is going on in congress, but likewise, so do the Democrats. Both Partys control one of the houses of Congress which means the only thing they are doing effectively is preventing each other from doing anything at all.

I just find it interesting that you either dont see that, or refuse to acknowledge it. Whichever it is, I don't really care, I just get tired of seeing the one side trying to blame the other.... It's like two children getting caught fighting, they both insist the other started, and they will argue their point until they are blue in the face, but in the end you dont care whose fault it is, you just want them to stop fighting and get along...

A full half*

Republicans deserve a full half the blame

Brutus -- It is about a 50/50 split in the Senate, and with record GOP/TP filibusters requiring a super majority to pass anything, it requires Blue Dog Dems and a couple of Teapublican votes--and Teapublican votes will not be cast even for their own legislation because this is the "strategery" to undermine the president and the Dems. This is hardly defined as Democrats controlling one house, and even if they did, any legislation must pass both houses.

As for the last debt ceiling debacle, Tea Party leaders like Michele Bachmann openly stated that they wanted to default. When the S&P downgrade occurred, Teabaggers cheered. No, it is you that "refuse to acknowledge" the blame lies at the feet of Teapublicans most of all.

Can we say CLEAN legislation please. Oh they love to play games with America's well being. Perhaps the ability to place policy riders in spending legislation should be placed in a time out until the children learn how to behave. ; )

@ Brutus who wrote:

I just find it interesting that you either don't see that, or refuse to acknowledge it. Whichever it is, I don't really care, I just get tired of seeing the one side trying to blame the other.

I am not sure exactly what it is that we are not seeing. Time and time again President Obama has tried and tried to negotiate with the Republicans. You are not really looking that the whole Republican party is fractured.

Since Norquist made those people signed pledges against raising taxes, the whole bunch act like a cult. Furthermore, their actions are supported by the Tea Party. Are you honestly telling me that the Tea Party is not a group of religious extremists? They are going around proclaiming "fiscal responsibility". Yet, they want to do it without having to sacrifice any of their wealth. They want to do it by cutting services to the old and disabled.

They keep making the argument that we are bankrupted, but they do not offer REAL solutions...They just say they do. To me, that is just one way of seeing things.

@Brutus--like your post. I always believed that this country has been on the tank for decades, even before Obama was born. And every politician, President, congressman, Senator, beaurcrat,czar, whatever deserves the blame. Of course, longer they have been here and the higher on the food chain, the more fault. Pelosi,Reid, McConnel, Boehner (and his objectionable toady Cantor) must go.

Thank you Patirot for making my point.

the gist of what you are saying if that the Republicans are more at fault for preventing the Democrats from doing what they want than the Democrats are for preventing the Republicans doing what they want...

Just because you dont agree with the policies of the Republican party doesn't mean that they are trying to destroy the country. That's what kills me the most, both parties swear on their mothers that the other is trying to destroy the country... Why all the extremism? Let it go man, realise that regardless of what your personal beliefs are nothing is going to get done so long as your accusing the other side of trying to destroy the country.

The political discourse in this country has devolved into who can scream the loudest that their opponent will be the end of the country... Have ever asked yourself why that is? And if you answer "The Teapublicans" I hope a book falls off a shelf and knocks some sense into you.

Only problem with that Brutus is the children are not listening to the parents. While there is ample blame to go around what you fail to underscore is the blatant obstructionism of one party for the last 3 years to filibuster their own ideas and on all matters that would benefit the country. It is for this reason I find your balanced response somewhat lopsided as it got worse when the Teapubs came into office.

Brutus CA

A full half*

Republicans deserve a full half the blame

You know that it is easy and somewhat of a cop-out to punish both kids fighting on the playground. But deep in your soul, you know that ONE is the real instigator and you can usually tell which one it is. It's the same principle in politics... yes, both sides complain about the other's behavior, but only ONE is truly egging the fight on.

Ask yourself this: Which one here has a 24/7 all-media specifically-stated strategy of making the other fail? Neither party is made of saints, but it is particularly difficult to negotiate, compromise, or even cooperate with "an enemy bent on making you fail" as their stated intention.

So guess which ONE I hold responsible?

LMarcT,

That is a fantastic point. There probably is one party who is currently out hunting and looking to pick a fight, but three years ago, it was probably a different party, and 8 years before that it wat the other, and a year from now or five years from now (whichever it is) it will be the other trying to instigate fights. It's a self perpetuating cycle that has to end.

I'm not claiming to have an answer to break the cycle, I dont think anyone can. It's so ingrained in who we are as a country. But think over time the United States will evolve beyond Republican or Democrat. I think in the coming years we're going to see more an more independents and fewer hard line party members in the country. And then, and only then will we see any change in our politcal system. Only when the two parties become irrelvant can there be any positive changes.

I guess I really didn't have any hope of changing any minds or affecting any opinions here. I just get frustrated with people fighting over who's party is more right and who's party does more wrong. Neither are 100% right at any given time, it's all about perception.

But that was a really good point, I guess what I'm trying to say is that during any admisitration, the opposition party is trying to destroy the one on power... That's just how our politics have evolved.

@Brutus--"And only when the two parties become irrelevant......."

I believe that. We only think we have partisian politics in Washington. We have so many posters that are so partisian, how can Washington be anything but. For me, I don't care if its Republican Party, Democrat Party, Independent Party, Pajama Party or Pot Party, I would just as soon hold one's feet in the fire as the other.

Brutus your response to LMarcT was the most intelligent thing I have read from you yet. It is this kind of open honesty we as a nation must embrace, or bend over and kis your hiney good bye.

Anyone that votes for any incumbent is a idiot. You don't have to cross part lines to vote anti-incumbant in the primaries. If have the incumbent jerks felt threatened or lost their jobs you would see better government. Term limits, campaign reform, and a ammendment to kill Super PAC, PACS, and first ammendment rights for non humans.

Sounds to me like the democrats are begging to keep up the spending:

“While not all policy riders are objectionable, many of those included this year are not only controversial but blatantly partisan," Hoyer wrote. "Included riders would block the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, roll back important clean air and clean water protections, and place new restrictions on women’s access to a full range of medical and health services, among others."

This is a plea by the democrats to keep up the high level of government spending. Don't they realize that it's time for the government to cut back since we now are approaching $17 trillion in debt?

I know - blame the Koch Bros... Blame the republicans... Blame anyone but the democrats.

What I want to know is when they will actually do their job and control spending instead of just throwing money at problems. These yahoos were elected to govern and to make decisions in all these areas... and they are not doing their jobs at all. You could power this country for a year for all the wasteful spending that happens by the government. I'm not talking about cutting the programs, I am talking about them not taking control and figure out ways to do things with less cost and smarter planning.

Ron, I'm going to try to take that as compliment, although that first line in mildly insulting. I'm going to choose to believe it was not inteded to be so.

So Thank you.

Just so we're clear. . .

The House passed a budget. The Senate tabled it.

Obama sent out a budget- it go voted down unanimously.

The Senate has not passed a single budget. I don't even think the Budget committee meets.

Clearly, stopgaps have become the norm since the Democrats took power- we have not had a budget since the budget of 2007.

Since you guys admit to only being interested in politics- but not 'scandals', unless, of course, they are scandals involving republicans, (we've had how many stories on Cain? A dozen?), perhaps you can tell us if this country has EVER gone this long without a congressionally approved, president signed, budget.

Or if any other president entered his last year in office without ever having signed one.

Cause, trust me, guys, next year is Obama's last.

See my post tomorrow on the flag flying in Libya tonight.

I'm sure Feisty, Beverly, Amy, Backhouse (Navy, Grandma, etc.) et. al can't wait LOL!!!!

So the letter from Hoyer basically said: "We really don't want any of the Republican riders on the bills because we won't be able to get our crappy legislation through if you do it."

hmmm... sounds like the Republicans know what they need to do- Riders Galore! If thay had only known it was that easy to stop the liberals- they would have done it years ago!

How about a new version of'clean legislation',..No special interest riders should be attached to any overall spending bill....If some senator(either party)....wants to pass a bill in his state so his son-in-law can can get a huge grant to study cow farts,let THAT go as a separate bill on it's own merits.....if it's a dumbass waste of taxpayers money,it shouldn't pass......BUT if you attach the cowfart bill to a larger bill to continue to fund the government,people who would normally see the cowfart bill as a ripoff,will agree to it just to get the important bill it's attached to passed.....How much has this kind of nepotism-type legislation cost the country since this country began???.There's got to be a mechanism in the constitution,or maybe a new amendment to eliminate this kind of abusive waste.....Nobody's hands are clean....BOTH partys have been guilty over the years.............U.S.Army Disabled Veteran

Teapublicans (per recent speech by Boehner) want to cut Social Security, though it is not contributing to deficits, and most of all though there is an IOU sitting in the trust fund box. Social Security is solvent for years to come, so there is time to strengthen it, NOT cut it.

Brutus -- I'll give ya this... The Dems are not standing up to Teapublicans as much as they should, especially in regard to trust funds like Social Security. The Dems are foolish to even allow Social Security to be a part of deficit discussions. This should not be on the table at all.

The Dems need to grow some balls and get behind the president, and do it NOW. Shame on everyone in Congress, we are watching everyone.

libertyforyou -- The "two wrongs make a right" is fallacious argumentation that does not make a case in support of Teapublicans. This is not to say we don't need to hold both Parties accountable (per my post above), but there is always a lesser of two evils, and currently Teapublicans are downright treasonous.

Steny Hoyer sends a letter to Speaker Boehner advising him not to clutter up the budget with ideological policy riders:

While not all policy riders are objectionable, many of those included this year are not only controversial but blatantly partisan," Hoyer wrote. "Included riders would block the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, roll back important clean air and clean water protections, and place new restrictions on women’s access to a full range of medical and health services, among others."

Either Minority Leader Hoyer is simply pretending to be oblivious, he knows the Republicans are trying desperately to block the implementation of ACA because it's bad for economy, and the Republicans are trying desperately to roll back EPA regulations because they are bad for the economy. These are two issues that can be deemed confrontational if not controversial between the two parties.

Sounds like Mr. Hoyer is picking the fight on the playground this time.

When tea party leaders like Bachman insist that we should default on our debt, it shows a complete lack of understanding of how our economy works. Since the Tea Party has made it clear they have no idea how our economy works, they will continue to follow their ideology. It is so much easier to follow what you believe than to try and understand how things really work.

Unless lightening strikes congress, I expect them to default Nov. 18 and to provide nothing from the super committee. After all, their only real agenda is to destroy our economy because they think voters are so stupid they will blame Obama for the actions of the tea party.

We, the people, are not as stupid as you think. Don't let the door hit you on the way out when you are all voted out next year.

Candice:

Republicans are trying desperately to roll back EPA regulations because they are bad for the economy.

I wonder how much asthma costs the economy. Any ideas? And if it's your kid, do you care about that?

TruePatriot,

You forget that there are people who voted the "TeaPublicans" in for the single purpose of stopping spending at all costs. That was the platform they ran on, and the reason they were elected.

So while you may see it as treasonous, we see it as them DOING THEOR JOB and protecting our checkbook.

No new spending without cuts to exceed the spending, no new taxes. If the Dems want legislation to pass they will abide by these rules. But they dont want anything to pass. That is the exact reason BHO attaches new taxes to each and every "Plan" he puts forth.

Someone has to be the adult and say, "We dont have the money for that" just like every family has to do in lean times. The Dems are incapable of this.

I applaud them blocking each and every one of them.

ABO 2012

dsdsherm...you are correct in that they were voted for that reason; however, imo they are taking the extreme approach and with such a divided congress, it's getting nowhere and really making matters more difficult to find solutions. There has to be some sort of compromise in order to get out of the stagnation we are in. Wisely consider and be open to options. I agree throwing money at the problem is going to solve it...but hardcore slashing also isn't the answer at this given time.

dsdsherm -- Teapublicans ran on creating jobs, but have shown little concern about jobs. They just repeat old failed BS about "trickle-down" tax cuts and deregulation for rich "job creators" -- though companies are sitting on piles of cash, and in reality are not hiring because there is no demand.

And there is no demand because there are no jobs, and wages have flat-lined over the last 30 years for the working class. Why are Teapublicans in complete denial of statistics showing huge disparity between rich and poor as has not existed since before the Great Depression?

Instead Teapublicans have focused on the same old God, gays and guns, and instead of limiting government, they want more Big Brother in our private lives. Teapublicans only use the cuts in spending as a guise for small government, which they ignore when there is a Republican in the White House -- They cut taxes during time of war, thus causing the deficits in the first place.

You are truly simple-minded if you believe, for example that ending loopholes on capital gains for the richest 1%, is protecting YOUR pocket book. Also, please read this by Alan Simpson who is a real Republican:

In an interview on The Last Wordtonight, Simpson noted that Norquist had challenged Republican Sen. Tom Coburn on a $6 billion cut on ethanol subsidies he had called “tax increases,” which incensed Simpson greatly. “Grover and his happy band of warriors are trying to call that a tax increase– that’s a damn lie and he knows it,” he told O’Donnell. “And if he can get away with that, elect him President.”

Simpson continued to question Norquist’s power throughout the segment, arguing that “he can’t kill you, he can’t burn your house, he can defeat you in reelection,” and if a public servant thought the latter was enough to obey him, they didn’t deserve the spot. He also told O’Donnell several times that “if Grover Norquist is more powerful than the President of the United States and the Congress, he should run for President,” leaving open-ended the question of why he hadn’t pursued public office.

On that note, Simpson called for an investigation. “Grover Norquist should be examined into– where does he get his money?” In times where people amass so much power, he argues, it becomes necessary to “peel all the layers of the onion.” “Anytime anyone gets this powerful,” he argued, “you want to dig in… who is he slave to?”

Alan Simpson scolded Norquist in person as well. Norquist claims Reagan is his hero. Simpson reminded Norquist that Reagan raised taxes 11 times, to Norquist's dismay. One of the main ways Reagan increased revenue was by ending tax credits, but the bottom line--as Simpson told Norquist--is Reagan knew revenue was needed to keep the country running.

Turn off FOX Noise and Hate Radio and maybe like Norquist, you could learn something too. Teapublican "starve the beast" is destructive anarchism and nothing more.

In my previous post, I meant to say "throwing money at the problem isn't going to solve it".

"Last month Boehner dismissed talk of policy riders saying they had been included in appropriations bills for years. A House GOP aide tells NBC News, “The Democrats who run Washington are trying to pick a fight on unrelated issues because they can’t face the facts: we aren’t going to get our economy moving again and create jobs until we get government spending under control.” It would seem that the republicans want to stop this country in its tracks..and is doing so. Creating jobs is NOT on their agends as needed..protecting their wealthy backers is. If the republicans get what they want...and all services of any kind to the general public or middle class or the poor, or those on social security are cut to the bone..with out tax increases....nothing will be accomplished except..put money into the pockets of the wealthy. This economy is failing..and not one politican admits they themselves have made huge mistakes..no, they blame it all on the middle class. The loss of tax revenue comes in a large part thanks to a huge loss of jobs through manufacturing that have gone to other country's thanks to congress and their trade deals. If they, congress, wants income to the treasury increased...we have to have jobs. And higher taxes.

So Obama and the Democrats continue to demonize the Republicans, but expect 'favors' from them on the Budget?

Gee, I wonder if the Democrats might be 'playing politics'?

I have a feeling Obama is going to use the veto pen this time around....just to use it and force congress to pass something that raises revenue and creates jobs.....

the republicans are in deep deep trouble next year.

Brutus - You misspoke...the Democrats do not control the Senate. They may control the agenda but in order to get anything passed they need 60 votes and the Republicans fillibuster everything. So in all fairness the Republicans actually control the Senate because they have the ultimate vote if a bill is brought to the floor or not.

Republicans just spew whatever FOX talking point the uninformed voters want to hear.

What we need is for Republicans to quit obstructing jobs legislation, and work for Americans instead of against us for a change!

Harbinger-2218646 "What we need is for Republicans to quit obstructing jobs legislation, and work for Americans instead of against us for a change!"

Like the 14 jobs bills passed by the Republican House that Harry Reid sits on in the Senate?

How about having Reid allow them to be discussed, and if needed amended, so we can actually get something passed?

But no, Harry just sits on them and won't even allow debate, because he's afraid enough Democrats will vote with the Republicans and actually pass some jobs bills, and then Obama won't be able to say 'The Republicans won't pass any jobs bills'. The reality is that they already have - about 15 of them.

Those are not jobs bills. They are abortion, planned parenthood and anti middle class bills that stand no chance of producing a single job.

Roy, you've been taken in by the Republican spin machine. As corybud points out, those are not jobs bills.

They are only props to make it look like Republicans are doing something about jobs, but when you look at the substance of those Republican bills, they have nothing to do with creating jobs.

May guess is if Teapublicans try this again, the protests will be intensified, and it will be at their front doors.

agreed

True Patriot---NAILED IT!!!

Government spending is not the real issue here

I think you are absolutely incorrect and here is why: In 1984, President Reagan charged the Grace Commission with the task of uncovering government waste and inefficiencies. They came back with over 1000 recommendations for cutting waste. In his cover letter, Peter Grace, A DEMOCRAT and now deceased wrote the following and I quote:

Resistance to additional income taxes would be even more widespread if people were aware that:

• One-third of all their taxes is consumed by waste and inefficiency in the
  Federal Government as we identified in our survey.
• Another one-third of all their taxes escapes collection from others as the
  underground economy blossoms in direct proportion to tax increases and places even more pressure on law abiding taxpayers, promoting still more underground economy-a vicious cycle that must be broken.
• With two-thirds of everyone's personal income taxes wasted or not collected, 100 percent of what is collected is absorbed solely by interest on the Federal debt and by Federal Government contributions to transfer payments.
  
• In other words, all individual income tax revenues are gone before one nickel is spent on the services which taxpayers expect from their Government.

Now not one Congress ever followed even one of the recommendations. In fact the problems multiplied exponentially until we have the spending to revenue difference of today. Even if taxes increased for everyone, the problem would not be corrected because Congress just spends more and more keeping the debt to revenue ratio lopsided.

GC Cal I agree, that there is a tremendous amount of waste and fraud that starts at the Congressional level that trickels down (or doesn't). I agree both parties have contributed to our collective demise, but would assert is OUR fault. We do need to start by eliminating all the waste, the fraud, the vanishing billions, but not stop there.

We will only race to the bottom if all we consider are cuts in spending. Where I would be of different opinion is perhaps having the wealthiest 1% pay in an equal ratio of their income (including capital gains) such as to level the playing field.

Ron you won't get an arguement from me on your post. However, 1% will not come even close to solving the problem because Congress is on spending binge before it is even collected.

But if they destroy the country what is the point of winning a Presidency?

Both parties are interested in one thing......controlling Congress and maintaining the power over us. This includes Dem, Repub, TeaParty etc. That is the only thing important to them. All the rest is BS. Same as Unions are all about taking care of their own people and the hell with anyone else.

We've spent enough time playing the blame game. 900 days without a budget should tell us all what we should expect from the mess in Congress in the days and weeks ahead. 50-50? 60-40? Who really cares? The subject should be correcting a problem, not politics as usual. We the People have the final word. Stand up and be heard. Vote, not for a party, but for the person who appears to be the best suited for the mountain climb ahead. Ultimately, we are to blame. We need to be more watchful of the game of politics and power. How hard would it be to say, no more lobbyists? How long would that vote take? Level the playing field, not only with a tax system that works but a reward system for those that create jobs. You can't hide behind the term "Job Creator" when true unemployment is somewhere between 12-18% conservatively speaking. Let's fix the problem and figure out the blame later. I'm sure 535 (cough) representatives, can multi task for a day.

GCCal - You are right except for one small but very important fact....if Republicans control everything they will destroy what's left of the middle class...taking away Social Security and Medicare, vote on and produce a Human Life Amendment to the Constitution saying all life begins at the moment of conception thus effectively outlawing all abortions, some forms of hormonal contraception, in vitro fertilization procedures, and puts women who experience an ectopic pregnancy at risk of death, repeal health care reform and replace it with NOTHING, destroy what's left of unions in this country by taking away all unions rights, restrict voting to only certain people by instituting nationwide photo ID laws, end public education and replace it with Private for profit Charter Schools, abolish the Department of Education, The Department of Environmental Protection, The Department of Transportation, institute a flat tax that benefits the rich and makes all the rest of us pay more, should I go on? I can certainly find other evil things these people intend to do when they get power.

So who is the Stalin or Hitler waiting to take the reigns of power to destroy all America stands for?

laurie

Why aren't you posting about Obama wanting to "destroy what's left of the middle class...taking away Social Security and Medicare"? After all HE IS DE-FUNDING THEM BY LOWERING THE PAYROLL TAX!!!

I think of the as the Party of Give Me Yours or the PGMY party

And Repubicans never ran deficits? Please! We have a corrupt self serving two party system. Neither party is worthy of serving our country!

Didn't say the Repubicans never run deficits. See my post #4.1

Truth is though that both Republican and Democratic sides believe in giving out freebies. All that you have to do is fit their ideals of who or whom deserves a hand out and you get paid.

Democratic party: mostly the populace and hedge their bets by catering some to business and wall street.

Republican party: mostly wall street and businesses and hedge their bets by catering some to the populace.

I challenge anyone who claims that both parties don't give handouts or run deficits.

Republicans believe in welfare too....welfare for wealthy individuals and corporations. That's where the money goes when Republicans are in power. Take from the little guy and give to the powerful and well connected.

I think you are confused. George W. was the one who gave huge tax breaks to the rich, started two wars on the credit card and the prescription drug program with no way to pay for it. I am all for cutting wasteful spending where possible but revenue has to be part of the solution and that means higher taxes for the richest who's income has risen 267% while everyone Else's income has flat lined.

Ronald Reagan became concerned when he was President. I would like to refer you to my post above, #4.1

The majority, of Americans have said they would not mind, if there were small increases, in taxes, on the wealthy.

Hell no they wouldn't, just as long as they are not included in the giving, just the receiving. We are running deficits of $1.6 trillion. Taxing the rich is not going to fix that hole. Everyone needs some skin in this game. Both sides are too easily bought.

Rick, the middle class pay for everything now....and they get very little back in return. Now the Republicans would like to squeeze the middle class more but not the people at the top. The average person sees this and is not liking what they are seeing. Everyone should share in the burden not just the middle class. The rich should pay more.

The republicans believe that this is their best chance of achieving their wet dream of dismantling all social programs that benefit middle class, elderly and disabled citizens.

Lets all go back to the days where most elderly lived in poverty and had to eat dog food to survive.

Ron in Seattle, give yourself and everyone a break, except for the Legislators we Pay with our Taxpayer dollars to Do the Job. They are pre-signing oathes to Texas Lobbyist, and throwing them in our face. That lobbyist Grover Norquist who wrote the oath, that the Republican Congress signed, OWNS their vote. So put the blame on the Congressmen and Congresswomen who Signed Off the Vote and Stopped Representing the people in their District or State or Country. They misrepresented themselves.

You are so blinded with hate you can't see who is really responsible....It is Congress, dems, repubs, ind, etc.

In truth the far left political pundits are just as crazy. Let's face it, all of these "Clowns" are out there to sell hype for a paycheck.

Furthermore, if we were instead seeing a Democratic primary to oust a Republican incumbent president we would see just as many crazies crawling out of the woodwork.

America has partisan fever and it is burning us up and making us delusional.

And these Clowns think the American People are so Stupid and Insignificant, that they can flaunt it in the face of the voter and the voter will lap it up. Vote them in again. Or they have a plan to dishevel, miscount, or discredit the American vote again.

Your right the problem is spending. But you assume that revenues have nothing to do with it.

For Gods sake don't let this be something that the supreme court has to decide on we all know how that will end. It will be against the middle class and for the upper 2%. I think the decisions of the supreme court in the future will the catalyst for civil war.

I am assuming nothing because in my opinion, we would have to increase all taxes by 50% even to break even. And that would never happen because Congress just keeps on spending and spending. Expenditures are infinite whereas revenue is extremely finite. Spending has to slow to allow tax revenues to catch up even by increasing the taxes on the wealthy and corporation as everyone seems to want. Spending has to slow down for revenues to work as they should.

GCCal don't smoke any more of the wacky tobacco in Cal its not good for you.

From one Gary to another Gary......prove me wrong rather than making snide, rude, and unintellectual comments.

It is both but it's kinda like our personal finances. Anyone that has a significant other will understand my analogy.

I make a decent living. My wife and I also have some significant debt and were barely getting by paycheck to paycheck and the creative use of credit cards. We managed to get it under control and start getting out of debt by living within our means which meant cutting wants as well as some needs. Cable was gone. I told my son that he was going to attend junior college this year instead.

My wife got a job which increased our income by over 25%. I want to keep living as we were and apply her check to debt, savings, and retirement until we are more comfortable. She wants to start living it up a bit and is starting to nickel and dime the money way not to mention some big ticket expenditures that we had denied ourself previously. So essentially she wants to use the revenue stream for more.

Kind of sounds like our current financial fiasco, doesn't it?

Total US Unfunded Liabilities are estimated at $144 trillion, roughly $1.2 million per taxpayer… I believe this is a cause for concern. The two elephants in the room are: Social Security Liability: $19 trillion. Medicare Liability: $99 trillion. Barry McGuire once sang we are on the "Eve of Destruction." At that time it was war -- now it is financial.

Philip,

Excellent analogy.

It's really so simple. It's amazing so many people - as well as the politicians - can't figure it out.

This is the problem with the Republican mind set of tax revenue. You take one year. You get an F. enough said

13.3 GCCal - For every dollar in reduced spending, thats a dollar taken out of the economy. How is revenue going to increase when you are taking cash from the economy. Deficit spending is about the only life support the economy has right now. In a recession, you must cut spending very slowly and carefully.

Ben: Do you have a source for those figures? Or did you just pull the numbers out of thin air?

Wake up and smell the real flowers.

Charlie -- The American public will always blame any one but their senator or congressman.It's always the other guy. Congress will not change its landscape in 2012 unless the Democrats lose the Senate as well.

Ben, Oregon is a very blue state with four of its five members and both Senators being Democrats. One of these Democratic congressmen was, in the electorate's opinion, not doing a good job. They didn't even wait for the next election, but forced him to resign. Which he did.

Apparently, voters in some states just pay more attention to what their member of Congress is or is not doing. Too bad this practice doesn't seem to apply to more states.

That's ok. Try to find embarrassing stories for the Republican party on Fox. If you don't like bias why do you pay attention to commercial media news?

And no, NBC is not exactly state run media.

NBC Universal was formed in May 2004 by the merger ofGeneral Electric's NBC withVivendi's Vivendi Universal Entertainment.^[4][5] GE and US cable TV operator Comcastannounced a buyout agreement for the company on December 3, 2009. Following regulatory approvals, the transaction completed on January 28, 2011. Comcast now owns 51% of NBC Universal while GE owns 49%.^[5][6][7]

Every major news station is owned by parent companies..... not exactly state run now is it?

Bob -- I noticed that too. But I bet he says "Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain" though. Even Andrew Ross Sorkin said what happened may not be criminal. Could you even imagine if this was a Republican.

Uh, Bob...Corzine isn't a politician any more...before you take a stab in the dark trying to tie him to the "Democrat" party (and a little FYI...it's the Democratic party), you might want to turn on the lights.

Jon Corzine was a typical limousine liberal progressive crony capitalist. He made a fortune on Wall Street and bought himself a Senate seat and Governorship. He was so crooked even in leftist New Jersey, they threw him out.

So he goes back to his crony capitalist ways, trading in on his insider status with the Obama Administration. "Too big to fail", he lost tens of millions. Next comes the bailout.

He is the real "1%", the crooked Obama liberal Wall Street insiders who take advantage of government "regulation".

It is so typical that NBC wont make the connection to the Democratic Party, the recipient of most Wall Street money.

MF Global this spring estimated Jon Corzine could collect about $12.1 million in severance pay, pro-rated bonus and other benefits if Corzine loses his job in connection with a takeover of MF Global, according to a proxy statement.

Any OWS outrage at this ? Any Dems attacking this crony capitalist?

Missed the show. Did Brian Williams say whether or not the Obama re-election campaign was going to return the money the Corzine bundled and contributed? Something like $600,000, if I recall.

The $12 million is severance clause explains why he was frantically looking for a buy out over the weekend.

And, your're right. Where is the outrage?

Ben: Google William Cellini.

I believe that the term "state run media" is not indicative of an actual ownership, but rather an implied ownership where certain corporate entities will pander to a given side in an argument to win favor should that side be successful in winning office and the power, and influence that go along with it. While the actual dollars and cents do not come from the government, the absolute and one sided support for anything that government says and does without critical analysis demonstrates who is controlling the actual content. It used to be called jingoism, and yellow journalism by anyone who remembers history. Politics has always been this dirty and brutal. The players have always attracted money and wealth to their side (whichever side it happens to be) The turn of the century, the industrial revolution, the rail barrons...all wielded great political clout, but you don't think that politics itself shaped where those factories and rail lines were built?

I think you may have something there, David.

I may get blasted on this point...but what happened to separation of church and state? The word GOD is religious and an endorsement no matter how they slice it. This was all added in to money, the Pledge of Allegiance, ect when we were in a fight against Communism.

I am all for free religion. I am by no means ever suggesting that any one person cannot practice their beliefs in a church, at home, in public, a store, in school, etc. But, it is not supposed to be an endorsed practice by government...which means that a school should not include that language in the Pledge of Allegiance when they are requiring all students to recite it. I find it a complete waste of money to remove that language from our money--but it really should not be on it...not that I pay any attention anyways, I never have any. I do believe that if a child wants to pray before he/she eats his/her lunch at school--they should be more than entitled without interruption. If kids want to gather and pray before playing a game at school, they should be allowed to do so--without the Public Employed Coach encouraging and coralling the kids together to pray. There are boundaries that need to be respected in order to maintain the rights that our Founders fought for.

I was disgusted to see a Confederate Flag flying in front of my neighbor's house...yet they have that right because of Freedom of Speech. That was a boundary I had to respect even if I disagreed with it. I support abortion rights; however, those who want to protest should have that right...within reason--again, Freedom of Speech. I am rambling but hope those who read this get the idea.

The bill was not to "adopt" IN GOD WE TRUST as that is already our national motto. The bill was to "re-affirm" IN GOD WE TRUST.

That was terrible grammer VV. Here, check this out: Are you a retard? Where are you getting your news, a bathroom wall? Moron...

They did Herculean work today! See post #21.

There's actually at least 7 job creating bills passed by the House sitting in Harry Reid's desk drawer.

Might as well pass "In God We Trust" resolutions while Harry putzes around.

OK Candice.

Tell me....What are these Jobs Bills and how will the decrease unemplyment?

Heres some highlights

HR872 Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act [CWA]) to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state from requiring a permit under the CWA for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under FIFRA, or the residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the application of such pesticide

HR 910 To amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from promulgating any regulation concerning, taking action relating to, or taking into consideration the emission of a greenhouse gas to address climate change, and for other purposes

H. J. Res. 37: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to marriage

HR 1230

Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct specified proposed offshore oil and gas lease sales as follows: (1) lease sale 216 in the Central Gulf of Mexico within four months after enactment of this Act; (2) lease sale 218 in the Western Gulf of Mexico within eight months after enactment of this Act; (3) lease sale 220 on the Outer Continental Shelf offshore Virginia within one year after enactment of this Act; and (4) lease sale 222 in the Central Gulf of Mexico no later than June 1, 2012.

HR1229

Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act - Title I: Amendment to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act - (Sec. 101) Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior (who currently is only authorized) to require that any lessee operating under an approved exploration plan obtain: (1) a permit before drilling any well in accordance with such plan, and (2) a new permit before drilling any well of a design significantly different from the design for which an existing permit was issued.

Sure do these impact jobs?

Yes to a very small minority of the country....so while I've seen you post this numerous times today you really do not understand and your postings of Reids failure to bring up these Republicans "Job" acts is a lie.

Kevin I totally agree with you.

However, why can't the GOP and DEM come to a COMPROMISE and add a couple of these HR's to a bill that includes the President's Jobs Bill and see if it passes. Then if again the GOP refuses the bill or doesn't pass the bill, then everyone will surely know they are TRULY against any type of jobs bill.

Robert Maxwell, Some would like to get some sleep later, tonite. Not with that Nightmare. Scary. Explanation and bringing to mind the 51, now 60 was good. Thanks.

Thanks Robert for your post. I learned something I didn't know.

There is, in effect, a standing filibuster against every bill the GOP opposes. That means there must be 60 votes for cloture, not a majority of 51. It's now applied to bills of even minor importance. Sixty votes is a high bar to clear. It prevents almost anything from being done in Congress, and it represents a radical change in our system of governance.

I knew in the House that a "suspension of rules" could be voted in by the controlling party so a simple majority could pass bills. But I wondered about the Senate. Hence, one party owns the House (Congress) by majority, passes what it wants, then sends it to the other side Senate ( Congress), who doesn't have a full majority like the House has so they are only able to "kill" it or table it. No wonder there is no compromise.

I wonder if it would be better for the American people if we voted control of one part of Congress each. Say Republicans control the House, Democrats control the Senate. Just maybe that would force them to find some middle ground and do what's right for our country. Oh well, just dreaming I guess.

I could not agree more with you.

this read my mind