Maybe today is a wonderful day to be a democrat, but I see some dire days ahead for the Obama faithful. When the republican candidate is chosen, after all the preliminaries and primaries, one person will stand head to head with the naysayer in chief.

Let's bring up some of the items that will be hammered on in the general election.

Obama's dismal failure to lead his party. For his entire term, Obama has failed to gather his troops and rally on any legislation other than Obamacare. It took majorities in all three branches to push the legislation through. If it were up for a vote today, it would be completely shot down.

First ever drop in the United States credit rating - under Obama's watchful eye - again a failure to lead

Continual bail-outs of companies loaded with union workers.

A failed stimulus package that Obama himself admits didn't stimulate

A piss poor unemployment record

An economy in shambles and no signs of a turn around yet

Record national debt and climbing by the trillions - The president is supposed to be the chief executive in charge of this country's financial well being.

Private sector businesses are not able to expand, grow, or otherwise succeed due to government regulations piled on by this administration. 40,000 NEW LAWS set to take effect in 2012.

The enormous growth of federal government burgeoning the citizens of this country with greater national debt and ever increasing intrusion into our personal lives

These are just a few of the objections of those of us on the right. The general election will be very interesting indeed to see how Obama counters these points with made up lies, straight faced misinformatoin and his hypnotic appeal to those on the left. Many in the middle will be exposed to Obama's tactics and the swing to the right will increase. It's already happening and it will have a larger effect when people start to realize more and more just how bad Obama has been.

BB,

How about putting the champagne on ice and think happy thoughts?

And to all, Happy New Year. Remember, too, NOT to drink and drive!!!! Want to everyone here (even you BB) come Monday.

Good morning Phine, they are not capable of thinking happy thoughts, not in the genes. Just vinegar and bile.

Dang Phine, you're so nice you almost make me want to become a democrat. Okay, that last parts a stretch, but you are definitely a sweetie.

This quote nicely sums up the cranky miserable opposition:

"For me, the most disturbing aspect of the Republican political culture is how it puts its unquenchable thirst for power, domination and a radical ideology above facts, reason and the truth."

AL GORE, Aug. 20, 2007

Time to start talking about serious issues, not clown issues. Let's hear Romney vs. Obama and let the adults speak please...

just vote Romney and lets move on to a better year minus the clowns

Thanks, my prince.

You know, my father once told me it is okay to disagree with people, just don't be disagreeable about it when disagreeing! Seems some folks should have met my father (right Leona & BB?)

Seriously, why be so glum on a great holiday? No presents involved. Just lots of "cheer"!

"Three days for what, a Dog & Pony show" Let's put these Clowns on the Unemployment line.

Newtisapig (great screen name by the way), trouble with Romney is that he wont challenge the Pres. on Homeland Paranoia, er, I mean Security issues, since he like Obama will embrace the Bush/Cheney playbook and continue to strip away our liberties all for some illusion of safety. On these issues, I'd like to see someone who has a chance to push Obama to the left.

Patriotic American

Or back under the big top (you know, clowns, dogs, ponies and elephants)

How about putting the champagne on ice and think happy thoughts?

Can't see it happening Phine. These people know what their party is facing in 2012.

The 2nd republikan revolution. Over without a shot being fired, and the GNOP back in the minority where it belongs. Meanwhile the OWS movement is poised to storm the GOP ramparts with torches and clubs in the spring. And me? A front seat to the whole spectacle.

Delicious.

:o)

The more l watch these Candidates, the more l am sure to re-elect Obama. They couldn't polish Obama's shoes. Obama/2012 Guaranteed.

Obama/2012 Guaranteed.

Never heard it expressed in a more succinct manner Patriotic!!

Nice. Well played.

Sorry, Right Wing Ding-a-Lings!! You WILL BE knocked back down into the hole you crawled out of in 2009. This'll be hilarious, and WHEN it happens I am going to be here to point my finger and laugh at you until I pass out.

A vote for old Ron Paul is a totally wasted vote. If he wins Iowa, that would be bad for Iowans credibility.

Honestly I can't wait for the first debate between the GOP candidate and the President. Intelligence goes a long way!!

Republican voting Straight Dem Ticket 2012.

Why: An overwhelming percentage of the Nation voted Obama for President. Everyone agreed Obama's plan was what they want for our Nation. He has not changed from that plan... it still exist. If you truly know how politics work and who's job is who's in Washington you can only blame Congress for our situation today. You are smart people... do the smart thing. Your country can not take another 4 years of a GOP President clown or a "do nothing" House and Senate. Your future and mine depends on you to truly find the truth and vote with your mind and not your party because its no longer about Republican vs. Democrat... No, its about the Middle Class vs. Survival... and without the Middle Class in America we will fall as a Nation. God Bless. Religious believes do not belong in Washington... Please remember that.

Patriotic American - Opinions are like, well you know...

Its not a wasted vote, a wasted vote is supporting some retread money grabber who lives in the world of Political Narcissism herding his loyal sheep.

Ron Paul may not be perfect but I'll take him over a Rat any day.

I have to laugh how even on the eve of a holiday, people like BB & Leona roll out of bed, head straight to the computer & start pounding out hate & falsehoods!

You know what they say about no rest for the wicked! ;o)

We know for sure Feisty. When comments calling our fellow human beings clowns, circus acts, etc come out of the mouth of the left, I suppose that's nothing but pure love. Just because clowns are mentioned, that's not associated with fun times and balloons.

Now I'm criticized for spelling out things about Obama that are completely true but yet I'm called a liar. More love, eh Feisty babe? It is my opinion that those on the left simply don't WANT to see Obama's failures... they are hoping everyone else won't notice his failures either. It is so unfortunate that being a realist has it's drawbacks to those that want to party down, because they have false impressions of who they worship. Not my problem.

I did laugh when reading that I head to the computer first thing in the morning to pound out hate and falsehoods. Hate? Since when is spelling out things that happened in the past, hate? Falsehoods? Prove any of what I said to be a falsehood. We know you won't Feisty. Unless you read it from trueprogress.com, liberalthinker.com, I'macommie.com, or any other assorted left wing rag sites, do copy&pastes, (which you never do BTW), you think everyone here actually believes your comments. I know those on the left love you for your snide remarks and patronizing (to the left) positions, you actually add nothing to this board in the form of true content. Oh well, trolls exist on every level, don't they?

Now for the real crux of what I am saying... for as much as you lefties think I am dour, sour and angry, the reality of my position is complete and total happiness. The only reason you think I spread hate is because you hate the fact that Obama is such a failure and I point it out all the time. That's rich.

phancy - you are a sweetie and I really do enjoy your input to the daily barrage of republican bashing on this board. You debate very well and even though I never say it, I do respect your position. Now here's a challenge for you. Find one other liberal that inputs on this board to say that about anyone on the right. (smile)

BB

I dropped you a line in reply. :)

Happy New Year.

Patriotic American, no vote is a wasted vote. Everyone who bothers to vote is expressing a right many have fought and died for, even if you do not like the outcome.

Kevinoffsite, the Pres. is not a rat. He's not one of my fave presidents, but there have been plenty worse. Respect goes a long way.

Brianb, I don't hate you bud. Don't spread this around, but occasionally you actually post a point I agree with. It's rare, but it happens.

Please give Gingrich the nomination.. please please please.. I want to watch Obama crush him

Thanks Chucky - It's good to know that my opinions, on occassion, do make sense. Hell, sometimes I don't even make sense to myself... I can understand why so many others disagree with my positions. (smile)

phancy - Happy New Year to you and yours!

Have to laff when GOP-ers repeat that ould line about the 'failed stimulus'.

It is acknowledged by economists in the round, that the stimulus, watered down by the Norquistians as it was, saved the US from falling from a Bush Great Recession down further into a Great Depression.

Our economy continues to grow, no thanks to Republican senators who continue to filibuster and block Jobs Bills, recently two million jobs in the President's American Jobs Act.

The non-partisan CBO reported:

"The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said Tuesday that President Obama's 2009 stimulus package continues to benefit the struggling economy.

The agency said the measure raised gross domestic product by between 0.3 and 1.9 percent in the third quarter of 2011, which ended Sept. 30. The Commerce Department said Tuesday that GDP in that quarter was only 2 percent total.

CBO said that the stimulus also lowered the unemployment rate by between 0.2 and 1.3 percentage points and increased the number of people employed by between 0.4 million and 2.4 million.

"CBO estimates that, compared with what would have occurred otherwise, [the stimulus] will raise real GDP in 2012 by between 0.1 percent and 0.8 percent and will increase the number of people employed in 2012 by between 0.2 million and 1.1 million," a Tuesday report adds.

By CBO's numbers, the $800 billion stimulus added up to 0.9 million jobs in 2009, 3.3 million jobs in 2010 and 2.6 million jobs in 2011. As the effects of the stimulus wind down, Obama has been pushing Congress to enact a $447 billion jobs bill that includes infrastructure spending and tax cuts."

http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/budget/195181-cbo-says-obama-stimulus-still-helps-economy

Happy New Year to all! Please be responsible out there tonight.

And : NewtIsAPig Can you take one day off from Ron Paul bashing? He is the only candidate that can beat Obama. I'm sorry if you can't handle the truth.

Brilliant quote from Gingerbread Mamma at #1.6.

And Happy New Year to every one of youse here! Good health to your families all.

Well done BrianB.... On the subject of the article, I stopped reading after this-

They like many of the candidates, and wish they could take the good aspects of each and make into the perfect nominee -- Romney’s business experience, Perry’s straight-talking persona, Santorum’s strong conservatism, Bachmann’s fighting spirit, and Gingrich’s intellect and grasp of history

They, refers to Iowans, in which Paul is running head to head with Romney, and this is the analysis we get from the author of this article. What crap

Undecided?

Seriously?

Who is the best malevolent, clown-like, anti-American, anti-Patriotic, anti-Intellectual, anti-Reason, anti-Knowledge, anti-Humane, anti-Middle Class, anti-Modern, etc? candidate?

How much more Kardashian, Palinesque, "reality-TV" do the 11th century, Iowan Electorate need?

I have to laugh when people quote the CBO (government run department) that puts out information that is not complete. For instance, the government reports the unemployment rate by unemployment claims only. When someone falls off the unemployment role and they haven't found a job, the government reports it as they have found a job. The reality of the unemployment rate is that it's closer to 19%.

The stimulus provided money to local government employees. That money is run out. It was a temporary fix. Those jobs were not added but were counted as added because local governments did not have to release people. In many instances, furloughs were introduced into local government jobs. Employees such as firefighters, police, local administrative personnel have been forced to take time off without pay. They didn't lose their jobs, but they are losing income. The federal government has a way of twisting facts and figures around to suit their needs. For real answers try going to the local government web pages. Cities like Montomery Alabama have been forced into furloughs.

Just the act of Obama looking for more stimulus money shows that the first stimulus was a band aid. Any subsequent stimulus packages will be exactly the same. Obama is NOT fixing problems, he's only adding to our debt. When will it end? Possibly in November 2012.

Chucky Stuart - That wasn't directed at the sitting president rather the tired list of GOP Candidates.

Kevin, my bad. I read your post wrong.

Brian,

“When someone falls off the unemployment role and they haven't found a job, the government reports
it as they have found a job.”

Not correct – They just don’t count them.

“Those jobs were not added but were counted as added because local governments did not have to release people.”

Those jobs were not counted as added they were “estimated” as jobs saved.

“They didn't lose their jobs, but they are losing income. The federal government has a way of twisting facts and figures around to suit their needs.”

That number is reflected in the BLS monthly report as “Average Hours Worked per Week” – it is not ignored as you imply.

A stimulus is never intended to be a fix it is designed to prime the pump. Reagan used stimulus to jum start the economy but two major factors are different this time. Frist this recession was much deeper. Second our manufacturing base and export business today is only one-third of what it was 30 years ago.

I suspect the issue isn't so much that Iowans are undecided, more that they are unsatisified with the options. I suspect that will be a common theme throughout 2012.

So Kevin and Chucky, Respect goes a long way as long as it is toward Democrats?

The hell with respect for Republican Presedential candidates who have been Governors, Congressman and Senators?

Nice.

This is just plain funny.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJD8pZiRIzs

@Brianb-999431

Regarding #1.1

Maybe today is a wonderful day to be a democrat, but I see some dire days ahead for the Obama faithful. When the republican candidate is chosen, after all the preliminaries and primaries, one person will stand head to head with the naysayer in chief.Let's bring up some of the items that will be hammered on in the general election.

Obama's dismal failure to lead his party. For his entire term, Obama has failed to gather his troops and rally on any legislation other than Obamacare. It took majorities in all three branches to push the legislation through. If it were up for a vote today, it would be completely shot down.

First ever drop in the United States credit rating - under Obama's watchful eye - again a failure to lead

The Repub lead House put this country's credit rating at risk, not Obama. A memory refresher;

www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/sandp-considering-first-downgrade-of-us-credit-rating/2011/08/05/gIQAqKeIxI_story.html

Continual bail-outs of companies loaded with union workers. A failed stimulus package that Obama himself admits didn't stimulate.

You talk, but don't put forth examples.

An economy in shambles and no signs of a turn around yet.

Again, You talk but don't put forth examples.

A piss poor unemployment record.

The Repub lead House has voted NO as usual for anything that would actually help an American. By the Way! Where are the jobs Mr. Boehner?

An economy in shambles and no signs of a turn around yet.

The Repub lead House has voted NO as usual for anything that would actually help change the financial status for anyone that is considered within the 99%. Where are the jobs Mr. Boehner?

Record national debt and climbing by the trillions - The president is supposed to be the chief executive in charge of this country's financial well being.

The Repub lead House has voted NO as usual for anything that would actually help change the financial status for anyone that is considered within the 99%. Where are the jobs Mr. Boehner?

Private sector businesses are not able to expand, grow, or otherwise succeed due to government regulations piled on by this administration. 40,000 NEW LAWS set to take effect in 2012.

The Obama administration or, for that matter, any presidents administration has little, if any control over what laws a state passes. The first sentence in the link below starts out with "About 40,000 state laws taking effect at the start of the new year will change rules about ......................."

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45819570/ns/us_news-life/

The enormous growth of federal government burgeoning the citizens of this country with greater national debt and ever increasing intrusion into our personal lives

Where to start, Hmmmmm! 2 unfunded wars, unfunded prescription drug plan, housing bubble burst, etc, etc........................ All under a previous, blah, blah, blah.......

These are just a few of the objections of those of us on the right. The general election will be very interesting indeed to see how Obama counters these points with made up lies, straight faced misinformatoin and his hypnotic appeal to those on the left. Many in the middle will be exposed to Obama's tactics and the swing to the right will increase. It's already happening and it will have a larger effect when people start to realize more and more just how bad Obama has been.

I can feel your pain regarding the above paragraph! You may have to revise your statement that "Many in the middle will be exposed to Obama's tactics and the swing to the right will increase." Predicting what moderates will do in the coming months is more likely to be conservative wishful thinking than an actual fact! I do envision the following;

The "Donald" (I doubt) might become an independent candidate, Ron Paul will take his failed Republican candidacy to the Libertarian ticket and other neo-cons like Gingrich that think they know whats best for this country will become non-mainsteam conservative/fringe candidates that split the conservative vote in the general election.

Democrats will be the party of solidarity and will prevail.

Insight Iowa.

You are correct that Congress has more say in what policy is than the President. From 2009 to 2011, congress passed pretty much what Obama wanted except for cap and trade. Obama likes to pat himself on his back for his accomplishment, but he had a congress that worked hand in hand with what direction he wanted to go.

That trend stopped January 2011 when Republicans took over majority in the House. Since then, Republicans pass bills to the Senate and the Senate won't even consider them. It's a stand-off for the most part. What it means is that the Republicans cannot reverse the course, and the democrats cannot add significantly more burdens to business.

The decrease in unemployment began after the first of the year, and after the Bush tax cuts were continued, growth edged up a bit this year. Translation business is still leary of the intrusive laws passed from 2009 - Jan 2011, but don't see their burdens significantly increasing with further regulation. That allows them some freedom to expand as the economy improves.

BrianB,

"Now I'm criticized for spelling out things about Obama that are completely true but yet I'm called a liar."

What you have really done is reference issues and placed your interpretation of those issues as the only way they can be looked at or explained. I'm not calling anyone a liar but I do have a problem with your apparent conceit that yours is the only true understanding. I see many things on your list that, within the very limited way they are presented, indicate a failure of the process much more than the failure of any individual.

Happy New Year everyone.

I have to laugh when people quote the CBO (government run department) that puts out information that is not complete. For instance, the government reports the unemployment rate by unemployment claims only. When someone falls off the unemployment role and they haven't found a job, the government reports it as they have found a job. The reality of the unemployment rate is that it's closer to 19%

I just have to laugh when people blame democrats and CBO for not calculating REAL unemployment figures, when it is St. Reagan the supreme conservative who started changing the rules on the unemployment calculation.

http://mondaymorningeconomist.com/cooking.html

My question is how NBC has Ron Paul as winning in their poll and MSN has him as an "also ran"?

Political agenda?

Boldface lies by MSN?

I think so!!!

Barry and the politico fears Ron so much they will lie to the world.

Hookers and Heroin for Everyone!!! Ron Paul 2012

Foreign Aid and Bailouts for EVERYONE!!! Obamney 2012

Brianb-999431

Maybe today is a wonderful day to be a democrat, but I see some dire days ahead for the Obama faithful. When the republican candidate is chosen, after all the preliminaries and primaries, one person will stand head to head with the naysayer in chief.

You see, Brianb, your single statement is the difference between the GOP and the Dems. You say "but I see some dire days ahead for the Obama faithful". You are correct. The GOP, if it wins, will impose it's stinking will on the "Obama faithful" and anyone else with a less that pure soul as gauged by that GOP.

In contrast, if the Dems win we all prosper.

...THE major difference between us.

In response to Dennis's rebuttal:

Brian,

“When someone falls off the unemployment role and they haven't found a job, the government reports
it as they have found a job.”

Not correct – They just don’t count them. You're splitting hairs Dennis. Does that unemployed person have a job? Does the government count that unemployed person? There is no distinction between a person falling off the roles remaining unemployed or as if he has found a job. In essence, the government does not keep accurate count. They treat people falling off the roles as a person that has found a job, or they would still be counted as unemployed.

“Those jobs were not added but were counted as added because local governments did not have to release people.”

Those jobs were not counted as added they were “estimated” as jobs saved. Same difference, splitting hairs on the verbage.

“They didn't lose their jobs, but they are losing income. The federal government has a way of twisting facts and figures around to suit their needs.”

That number is reflected in the BLS monthly report as “Average Hours Worked per Week” – it is not ignored as you imply. Then tell me the last time it was broadcast all over the media? If Obama sneezes, it's broadcast.

A stimulus is never intended to be a fix it is designed to prime the pump. Reagan used stimulus to jum start the economy but two major factors are different this time. Frist this recession was much deeper. Second our manufacturing base and export business today is only one-third of what it was 30 years ago.

I never said there weren't issues about the stimulus... BUT, the way Obama made it sound while making the request for the money, that it would end world starvation, put a Buick in every driveway, extend life by 200 years and a whole lot of other things that simply didn't happen.

A smart person could change his or her name to "none of the above idiots" and win Iowa

So lets see now we are to believe Mitt is the real deal even though he was defeated by a man who was ran over by GW Bush....Now he is the cats meow for most Republicans who cannot get their head out of their smelly part! Wow just wow

LMarcT - YEAH!! We've been really prospering since Obama took over! We really prospered between 09 and 11... I can't believe how much we've prospered under democrat control. It's so amazing... I now own 5 vehicles, 10 homes and 1000 chickens. Not really... My salary has fallen to 1/3 of what I made during the Bush years... try to find a job in construction management.

It's been 3 years now... are we better off now than we were 4 years ago? Not I said the horse, not I said the cow, not I said the pig.

Brian,

If you read the actual release or watch it on CNBC or Fox Business you would know that the average Hours Worked is a key part of the report.

Now for splitting hairs why is it that you word things to make them sound different than reality?

My salary has fallen to 1/3 of what I made during the Bush years... try to find a job in construction management.

I thought you said Bush was also Marxist?

Dennis - if you have been following my posts for any length of time... and I've been posting on First Read for a few years, you should be able to make one correlation... I post my opinion using absurd reasoning. I would have thought you'd figured that out by now. You are a very intelligent person.

Reality is a personal perspective. My reality may conflict with yours. It doesn't mean you are wrong and I am right, or I am wrong and you are right... it just means we see things different. If you knew me personally, you would probably find me really humorous.

Mr Anon - post a reprint of any post of mine that said Bush was a Marxist. Bush wasn't a Marxist... Obama is a Marxist.

Iowa’s choices:

Ron “Liberty & the Constitution” Paul
or
Mitt “Corporations are people too” Romney

tough choice, we the people or corporations, hmmmm

insight iowa - vote however you wish but please don't try to tell us...

voted Obama for President. Everyone agreed Obama's plan was what they want for our Nation. He has not changed from that plan... it still exist

His only plan was what he campaigned on..."hope and change", anything else came about after his inaugeration.

You may wish to think that our current state of affairs is due only to congress. Obama may also wish it so by distancing himself from washington as suggested in the article. Obama can distance himself all he wants, but it doesn't change the fact that as the head of the executive branch he still has to work with congress. To do anything else will only show the populace that he is not up to the task as all of our previous presidents have been.

Interesting that when Americans are asked if America is heading in the right direction, 70%+ respond NO. Since the main function of a POTUS is to lead the nation along a unified path how can you imply that we support his plan, a plan that he has obviously not changed?

@vwterry; I like how you think. You better believe it. Right now I have champagne burps and I'm waiting on the food to be ready in about an other hour or so. I have another bottle of champagne along with a good joint I borrowed from a friend and I'm planning on making it one heck of a night, hoping I can make it til the ball drops in New York. Now I do have another bottle of champagne and I don't want to smoke that joint til after I'm done cooking, incase I do pass out, I wish I had a little heroin, that would be the ticket right now. Well anyhow thanks for the tip and maybe next yr. I'll plan ahead a little smarter than I have this year. Yep heroin would be so much better and well as far as the whores go, this year I had enough of the women I dated and I need a break, but next yr. I just might take your advice up on that too. Well I'm interested in a women for a full time thing, but as far as the women I have been dating til her, I need to change my ways and thats why they aren't here. I'll shoot one in the toilet before I call them. Hey, Happy New Year, may it be a healthy, prosperous and just a fun loving time for you.

Brianb, You have some problems. You sound like a disgruntled repube or a tp and I don't mean toilet paper. What do you think got us here, to this point in life and government. You full blooming listener. Are you really that bafooned to be working the job you say you do and not know how we got here? Did your daddy get you this job? I know someone had to, and I don't care to know what you had to do to get this job, but you must really be bafooned to think its President Obama that did this to you. You have to be the village talk of the town, and in full bloom at all times, wake up? Do yourself and the rest of the world a favor and don't vote or think. ok, I don't mean to be picking on you, ok, but you do have to realize its not Obama. Listen to someone else than your daddy, you may get the facts straight and do the right thing one day. Hey, ok try to keep the job your daddy got you, but after that, cut all ties from him. Go for it big guy, be a man on your own. This is the time to do it.

Joe, go smoke your joint, get as high as a horse, snort, shoot or smoke your heroin. Sounds to me like you are more interested in your false highs and drug induced stupors. Right on!! Throw your fist up in the air, dance around your living room while playing a ZZ Top CD... La Grange, right? Stop worrying about what I say because you have your own thing to do... gettin high, feeling rank and movin on. Peace dude... Oh BTW, go shave would ya, you look like hell.

BrianB,

"Reality is a personal perspective. My reality may conflict with yours. It doesn't mean you are wrong and I am right, or I am wrong and you are right... it just means we see things different."

If this were truly the way you feel, then you would never make statements that can only be described as absolutes. You would also benefit from avoiding declaring what someone besides you "thinks" about a particular subject. Your last paragraph in #1.43 is a good example. You were the one who posted something to the effect that anyone who disagrees with you is calling you a liar. Can't have it both ways.

Well, BrianB, I differ from Feisty RedHead, in that I do not view these political contests as either war or sporting event, although I acknowledge that they have some elements of both. We all should be chiefly concerned with the long term health of this country, and neither party has a lock on mistaken policy decisions.

Taking some of your anti-Obama talking points, one by one:

1. Continual bail-outs of companies loaded with union workers.
2. A failed stimulus package that Obama himself admits didn't stimulate
3. A piss poor unemployment record
4. An economy in shambles and no signs of a turn around yet
5. Record national debt and climbing by the trillions - The president is supposed to be the chief executive in charge of this country's financial well being.
6. Private sector businesses are not able to expand, grow, or otherwise succeed due to government regulations piled on by this administration. 40,000 NEW LAWS set to take effect in 2012.
7. The enormous growth of federal government burgeoning the citizens of this country with greater national debt and ever increasing intrusion into our personal lives

My comments:

1. This first complaint appears chiefly aimed at the rescue of GM and Chrysler, through loans, stock purchases and some legal finagling, which allowed these two iconic companies to both recover and restructure their manner of doing business. I'll point at this action had widespread bipartisan support; even McCain supported it in Oct. of 2008. More importantly, it was the right thing to do. Today both companies have been able to return to profitabilities, and have restructured many of their union-related obligations. I don't see a down side here. The alternative, the implosion of these two companies, would have put hundreds of thousands immediately out of work. Cascading failures of related businesses would surely have thrown this nation into a true and deep depression. All this was avoided. Why was that a bad thing, BrianB?
2. I missed where Obama admitted the stimulus did not stimulate. I've heard him say that more needed to be done by way of stimulus. Point of fact economists disagree over the ultimate effect of deficit spending, both now and at other times. I remember that back in 2008 most congressmen were in favor to the stimulus package.
3. Sorry, but the rate of employment is not solely in control of the White House. There is no 'Full Employment' button in oval office, and, in case you did not notice, this period of economic stagnation is has hit most of the western world.
4. Your fourth point is just a recap of points 2 and 3, and not entirely true. Economic growth has been fitful, but upward. The year the economy collapsed was in 2007 and 2008, under Bush.
5. Again, many of the budget choices were made by a bi-partisan congress, and are the type choices generally made during serious economic down turns.
6. "40,000 NEW LAWS" you say, perhaps siting the msnbc story on "STATE LAWS" enacted for the new year (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45819570/ns/us_news-life/). This may come as a shock to you, but neither the President nor congress has any direct input on the passing of state regulations.
7. If you are speaking of Obama's Health Care Reform legislation, I have to agree with you. But beyond that, I cannot think of any major expansion of federal agencies on Obama's watch.

Obama has been a far from perfect president, but unless he suddenly trades the state of New York for some equivalently sized chunk of Siberia, he'll go down as a far better president than George Bush.

• Number of unnecessary wars started: 0
• Osama bin Laden captured and killed.
• We are now, finally, out of Iraq.
• The economy, while not recovered is no longer in the ICU.

Face it, as things stand now Obama will win an election against any of the probable candidates on the GOP side.

I hear a whole lot of griping from Republicans about the economy, unemployment, the national debt, you name it. But what I don't hear are any SOLUTIONS other than the same old same old old of cut taxes and deregulation. Well ---we tried that under George W. Bush and that's what gave us this depression. We put Republicans in charge of the house and they talked about Planned Parenthood, NPR, abortion, CFL lite bulbs and blocking tat cuts. They did NOTHING about jobs and now, when the automatic spending cuts are about to begin, they're talking about overriding some of them. The bottom line is voting for Republicans to fix this economy is like smoking to cure lung cancer.

Happy New Year everyone. May we all have a great and healthy New Year.

Obama in 2012.

Mr Anon - post a reprint of any post of mine that said Bush was a Marxist. Bush wasn't a Marxist... Obama is a Marxist.

Don't try to avoid this. I'm sure you remember our skirmish. You claimed Obama to be a Marxist, I demanded evidence, and you claimed that the bailouts were proof that Obama was Marxist. Only thing is, the bailouts were done by Bush as well.

The GOP T-Re-Tards all look like drunk Turkeys guarding the henhouse ??????????

Patriotic American - You state that like you have personal experience with it. Could it be that you are one of the drunk turkeys guarding the henhouse? Actually, comments like yours have what sort of meaning? Are you trying out for comedy central? You might want to rethink your career path.

@ Patriotic American The use of the word "retard" in a derogatory way is very offensive. I know your vocabulary is very limited but maybe you can shelve that word.

BrianB-99 wrote "..... and rally on any legislation other than Obamacare..."

• Republicans are blocking all legislation. WE THE PEOPLE are aware of that.

We are going to KICK OUT ALL REPUBLICAN-OBSTRUCTIONISTS FROM OFFICE because of that. You watch.

I vote more guns and ammo in 2012.When the crap hits the fan,you can eat your dems and repubs,and when you come to pillage for food,Happy New Years to you!

So - progressives are for larger and larger government that begins to take over and control every aspect of our lives.

BS. MSNBC posted an article yesterday stating that over 4400 new laws take effect January 1. The vast majority of those laws are enacted by the states. Most states in this nation are controlled by Republican governors and Republican legislatures. The largest expansion if federal power since LBJ happened from 2001 and 2005 when George W. Bush was preaident and Republicans ran both the House and the Senate. The party wanting to to take over and control every aspect of our lives is the Republican Party. They want to tell you what kind of birth control you can use. They want to tell you who you can marry. Some want to restrict cable TV selections. Many Republican controlled states DEMAND a special ID to vote. In Republican states like Texas, the same ID that will get you on a flight, allow yo to buy a drink, allow you to buy a gun, is not acceptable as a voting ID. You have to get a special GOVERNMENT APPROVED ID in Texas to vote. This anti big government yapping from Republicans is rhetoric only. Don't believe what they say -- believe what they do.

states like Texas, the same ID that will get you on a flight, allow yo to buy a drink, allow you to buy a gun, is not acceptable as a voting ID. You have to get a special GOVERNMENT APPROVED ID in Texas to vote.

This is incorrect, you are required to have a drivers license, military ID, personal ID, election identification certificate, US citizenship certificate, or a concealed handgun license. If you don't have any of those you can go to DPS and get an election identification certificate it is distinguishable from a drivers license or a personal ID and it will be free of charge.

Good Saturday Morning Fuzzy & Gingerbread Mamma!

Happy New Year to you and fellow Progressives

Speaking of Progressives - seems it is no longer a 4 letter word!

A new poll from the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press out yesterday shows that “progressive” is the most positively viewed political label in America, with 67 percent holding a positive view compared to just 22 percent who view the term negatively:

The poll found that the term progressive is viewed positively by a majority of all partisan groups — including 55 percent of Republicans, 68 percent of Independents, and 76 percent of Democrats.

http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/12/29/395766/poll-progressive-is-the-most-positively-viewed-political-label-in-america/

I saw that Feisty, rather warmed my heart. Finally we can all agree on something, well not all of them, but enough to keep us moving forward.

OBAMA/BIDEN 2012

Good Morning all FR fans and Happy New Year! Like you Feisty, have one bottle of champagne on ice, anothoer in the fridge for tomorrow's mimosas.

Remember, fellow Progressives, while things are looking fairly good now, we have a lot of work to do. So, everone stay strong and work hard for a positive outcome. For ourselves, our children and grandchildren and for the United States of America - ALL Americans, together.

The reason the word progressive is held in positive light is because most simpletons don't understand the meaning behind the word. They look it up in the dictionary and the actual word means something different than the progressive movement. For those of us that know what progressive's stand for there's a whole different point of view.

Progressives adopted that word because of it's positive light. It doesn't change anything about what liberals push to achieve in their leftward march.

http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2007/07/the-progressive-movement-and-the-transformation-of-american-politics

While the Progressives differed in their assessment of the problems and how to resolve them, they generally shared in common the view that government at every level must be actively involved in these reforms. The existing constitutional system was outdated and must be made into a dynamic, evolving instrument of social change, aided by scientific knowledge and the development of administrative bureaucracy.

So - progressives are for larger and larger government that begins to take over and control every aspect of our lives. To socialists and communists this is how they address problems. There is no concern over individual freedoms. It's very akin to the Borg joining the collective. Sorry, I'd rather have my individual freedom without government intervention. I believe in the Constitution the way it was written... progressives want to tear down the Constitution... and if the general population were to understand it like it is, they would never view progressive as a positive term.

BB,

I do believe the founding fathers were progressive thinking when they came up with the constitution. It is a document that is to grow - almost like a living thing - to progress.

BTW, love the Borg analogy.

Bb, count me in as one from the other side of the middle who finds many of your posts sensible and cogent, even when I find them wrong. But you really get out onto the thin part of the ice when you presume to define the thoughts and motivations of those you disagree with. Your comments have value when they take differing policy positions, but never having been a Progressive - you are totally off base defining one and equating one to Communists, Socialists, etc.

On the whole, w/ exceptions on both sides, today's board is unusually civil and of good spirit. Thanx

phancy - The founding fathers immigrated to the new world to escape the collective (Borg) of England and the tyranny that had formed. They were already learning lessons from the new world on how the government should be set up. This brings to mind the first Thanksgiving. When the pilgrims arrived, they formed a collective type of society where all the land was worked by everyone. There was no private ownership, it was communial living. This turned into an utter failure because some would work, some wouldn't. Crops weren't worked and they had very hard winters. The leaders decided to distribute the land for individual ownership and allow those owners to work the land the way they wanted to. In otherwords, they went from socialism to capatilism. The very first year they did this, there was such an abundance of food, they set aside the last Thursday of November to give thanks to God, each other and the natives. When the founding fathers wrote the Constitution, they injected the words to form the government along what they knew worked.

The progressive movement steps in in the late 18th century to try to change the Constitution to allow for more collectivism. The movement lasted about 40 years and finally gave up trying. Now the progressive movement is doing it again. It is trying to change the Constitution to collectivism. They use buzz phrases like "The Constitution is a Living Document." That has the same meaning as what you said: it is a document that is to grow. Grow, yes, not to be changed. Grow means to incorporate carefully evaluated social issues. I agree with the equal opportunity clauses until all are equal, then that needs to be erraticated from the documents. Ammendments are not to be taken lightly. Procedure is to be adhered to, not changed. If these fail, our Constitution fails. If the Constitution fails, then we are without a core government system and any despot can step in to take control.

I know you believe that progressivism is a good thing. Without knowing what the agenda is of the progressives, I can understand. To me, and a lot of other people that do understand, it's not a good thing... I don't want our government changed over to socialism, or collectivism. We will fail as a society. 360 million people will suffer greatly if our system is changed.

Brian b,

Oh, you are a romantic!

What a funny reading of colonial America as a paradise that we need to reclaim. I suggest you do a little reading of the some "founding mothers ": Anne Hutchinson and Mary Dyer for a start. Anne was banished from the Mass.Bay Colony because freedom of speech was not allowed; Mary Dyer was hanged on Boston Common for being a Quaker, no freedom of religion to be seen.

It is New Years Eve, and this liberal Democrat who lives in a state that has deep progressive roots wishes you and your family an Happy New Year. :)

Hope you still enjoy your job in Alabama? The housing market will slowly begin to recover. My wish for you is to follow your dream of owning your own business and building sturdy homes that people can call home.

Agreed Northstar - so romantic it is almost quaint, if only the interpretation weren't so full of holes.

The very first year they did this, there was such an abundance of food, they set aside the last Thursday of November to give thanks to God,

The estimated date of this first celebration was " William DeLoss Love calculates that this thanksgiving was made on Wednesday, July 30, 1623". And the claim that capitalism was born based upon the results of that harvest. Gotta love it. Ignore the Dutch and other groups that exercised capitalism in the New World prior to the efforts of the Pilgrims. I believe the is called "Palinizing" history.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_(United_States)

RedDevPS,

Yes, Palinizing is a much better term than revisionist.

Due to limitations of time and space, my rendition was well abbreviated. Of course we went through dark times... (Salem Witch Trials), slavery, etc... it wasn't perfect, but the Constitution is second to none as far as the way the government should be run.

I appreciate those anal people that are always on their guard to contest abbreviated versions... they stick their noses in just to prove they have more information than other people. Information that was not included because the nature of what was intended didn't warrant page and verse.

reading these posts one can only hope that obama is reelected and the mayans were right.

Brainb,

I did read your link from the heritage foundation. The" first in the series "was your summation of the progressive movement and the revisionist essay that followed. I total disagree with that interpretation of history.

Your posts above centered on your connecting progressives with socialism and collectivism and now the current Democratic party based on your reading of US history. Call me anal if you want, and I am sorry I "sticking my nose" into your post and Phine's reply.

Chill out and have a Happy New Year.

Re elect Hitler why don't you. Free loaders.

Northstar, calling me a romantic wasn't a cut down? Be truthful now. If you understood that my post was a very short version of historical perspective, why didn't you just leave it alone? I'm not standing here teaching history 201, but I do have a perspective of events.

I don't care if anyone posts objections to things I say... that's what this board is all about. To try to slam someone because you have deeper information to try to rebutt their comments isn't necessary unless they are completely off the reservation. Remember, it's all in the approach. We share disagreeing opinions but because someone has a different political flavor than you doesn't mean snarkiness is needed. Everyone that posts to these boards knows where I stand on issues. That doesn't make me correct all the time, but it does make me right.

BrianB, maybe we'd take you more seriously if you didn't call anyone to the left of yourself a Marxist. And when we claim you as being part of the Tea Party Movement or Republican Party, you dodge our points and make a big deal of how you are an independant, despite clearly having similar beliefs to the above-mentioned groups. Come back, bring up some facts to counter ours, and then talk. Oh, and why don't you make it clear which of the current Republicans you support, so that we don't waste time guessing?

Brianb,

I will try one more time.

Calling you a romantic in your view of history is not a snark.

The history of romanticism in culture and political thought has a long history.

I meant that you are looking for a past "paradise" or time in our shared history when liberty, freedom, the articles of the Constitution were lived purely by all. That time never really existed. It is a vision, but the harsh reality is this country has always fallen short.

The best we can do is not to take the vison for the reality , the reality of all peoples lives. Our government is always in need of reform and readjustment to the benefit of the common good. You are an independent. I am a liberal Democrat.

Obama speaks to me about the vision for America that I share. He also is right about the hard work and the political realities of Washington and the two political parties. He is running again to continue the work he began in 2009 with the Congress that exists today.

As an independent I hope you find the vision you are looking for from a candidate. And I hope you examine the realities of what that candidate can and cannot do in this political climate and global economy.

Have a nice weekend. I am done wishing you a Happy New Year.

Mr anon - quit being foolish. One need not tell you who or why we support any one candidate. It is immaterial until after a candidate is nominated in 2912.. Suffice it to say that whomever receives the republican nomination not all of their ideals will be supported by all of the people.

Brianb may have focused on the word "marxist" based on what that word means and obamas current campaign rhetoric. Perhaps you should review what marx and engel proposed. Regardless, I notice that you have no problem with the variety of adjectives . that the FR libs use in commenting on the republican candidates and conservative posters. Rather foolish on your part to give a pass for one group and not another.

BTW - to my fellow posters, may you all have a safe and posperus new year.

Mr anon - quit being foolish. One need not tell you who or why we support any one candidate. It is immaterial until after a candidate is nominated in 2912.. Suffice it to say that whomever receives the republican nomination not all of their ideals will be supported by all of the people.

This is irrelevant. I think you are aiming this post at someone else. I was focusing on party viewpoints, and Brian here had very similar viewpoints to the GOTP.

Brianb may have focused on the word "marxist" based on what that word means and obamas current campaign rhetoric. Perhaps you should review what marx and engel proposed.

What Marx and Engel actually proposed is irrelevant. Brian is using "Marxist" as a rhetoric point, and his evidence would make his definition of the term apply to quite a lot of presidents, including former President George W. Bush.

Regardless, I notice that you have no problem with the variety of adjectives . that the FR libs use in commenting on the republican candidates and conservative posters. Rather foolish on your part to give a pass for one group and not another.

If you look through my comment history you will see that I have never tried to associate myself with the other liberal posters here and several times have called them out for poor logic or personal attacks.

I second that! :o)

I want to know what our hosts will be doing at midnight tonight!!! :)

Now my year is complete, Nash stopped by on a Saturday, no less!

*cheers* to 2012

We have much work ahead of us... I am FIRED UP & READY to hit the pavement running...

PS: To our hosts - what Gingerbread Mamma said! ;o)

Aww Feisty . . . you always are spoiling me . . . thanks!

Happy New Year to you . . . it has been a pleasure going into battle with you in 2011 . . . and looking forward to bigger and better things in 2012!

You all are invited over tomorrow for brunch. Mimosas, bacon and quiche. Might even do some sweet rolls. Ya'all come!

Happy New Year Nashville fan.

phinephancy, now THAT is an offer I can't refuse . . .you know how to bring in the New Year right! :o)

Happy New Year to you as well!

Phine,

Thank you for the invitation. I am starting a little early. Just returned from brunch of mimosa, quiche etc.

Doing some last minute contributions to my favorite charities. Yes, liberals do the long form of the 1040.

Looking forward to a dinner with friends: a labor historian, a business owner, and a writer of fiction. All strong Democrats.Good converation and food.

Happy New Year to all on FR, enjoy the weekend.

I too like many of you will be fully involved in the 2012 to reelect our President for another term.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`"Happy New Year Lady's"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bill, it will be difficult to unwind the damage of our 'dear leader', but I look forward the struggle.... it will all be good!

Do you realize that we know more about the new leader and his background in North Korea than we do about our own president? .... just saying!

ABO 2012

and a very Happy New Year!

Do you guys get your tin foil hats custom made or do you make them yourselves? Just wondering.

getting rid of the Manchurian Candidate

What? Bill Clinton isn't running as a Democrat again is he Bill?

Free Market fan, if there is something about Obama you do not know, it's only because you have not bothered to read. There's this great new thingy called Google. Try it.

Chucky,

They might think that google is a left wing conspiracy! :)

Free Mkt, I know all I need to know about Obama. I know that he is wrong on literally everthing..... increasing taxes does not create jobs. Taking money away from one group and giving it to another destroys wealth, it does not create wealth, doh! The majority of the country does not want obamacare!

For a guy who taught constitutional law, why is he ignoring it as a president? Soros has obama deep in his pocket and pulls him out everytime he needs 'stimulus money'.

The country is worse off today than each of the previous 3 years!

There is nothing more I need to know about obama except if the door hits him on his ass when we finally kick him out of the White House!

Wow, I'm so grateful I got the compliment the civility of the board before Bill T showed up w/ his big 'ol beaker of uric acid.

I do hope everyone doesn't forget to take a long, hard look at whatever candidates are running for your House and Senate seats. It doesn't really matter who is elected President if sense isn't restored to Congress.

comman sence ed - quite right, since the old guard congressional members have lost sight on how to work together, keep the newest members and vote out the old schoolers.

And a Happy New Year to you to Leona. See you are in that perky, happy new year spirit!

Oh! I see the creeps are out of their hole, filling the space with lies and more lies, fueled by pure unadulterated hate.

All they have is hate, nothing else.

Oh! I see the creeps are out of their hole

Who blew the troll whistle? lol

All they have is hate, nothing else

It's what fuels them!

Without it, they would shrivel up and blow away!

Leona, this is true! Democrats in New Mexico are not at all looking to get Obama's endorsement.... they want to stay in office!

hate...It's what fuels them!

Sounds more like a liberal to me. What fuels you carrot top is an endless supply of boilermakers with snark chasers! lol

Gingerbread - that is the extent of your rebuttal? Best that you review American politics and reread the above article. Josh earnest (WH spokesman) said it and unless obama tells us josh mispoke that is also obamas position.

Interesting isn't it, that their are three branches of government that need to work together, but we now see that obama wants to go his own way. So much for how obama views the responsibilities of POTUS and the executive branch to be.

You mean (gasp) that only Progressives are getting rich. Are you telling me that the GOP pols are growing poor?!?!?! Why, why, shouldn't we declare a national crisis!

Go drink your tea, sweetie, it is getting cold.

The most wealthy counties in the US are those surrounding Washington DC.

So, the answer is yes, progressive bureaucrats on the public payroll are not only pushing their Nanny State control over our lives, they are getting rich doing so.

But what about the GOP?????? Are they going broke?????????? National emergency here. The GOP is broke, we have been wrong all along. They are saying the 1% stands for their being in poverty. Oh the horror of it all.

LEONA-

Maybe in 2012 you will make peace with your inner Democrat. We'll get you ear plugs to shield you from the Limbaugh dog whistle as you come to realize that these wealthy elites you shill for would gladly sell you and your kids for medical experiments to earn a nickel. Maybe you will shrug off the spell the teabaggies have you under.

Come to think of it it would be amusing to see you displayed in a glass case, or stuffed over a mantle by republicans.

Maybe one day you will have the integrity to shun Soc. Sec., Medicare and all the other blessings showered upon you by the DEMOCRATIC Party, but I doubt it.

Republicanism cannot flourish without people to strip of wealth and resources.

You are one of the people that republican parasites are exploiting. You seem to have the republican entitlement attitude, and the republican aversion to hard work.

Hope you get better in 2012 dear.

GOPisextinct.

The problem isn't that government is growing, it isn't. Look up the number of Federal employees today, and contrast it with the number of Federal employees 50 years ago. Despite the US population doubling, the changes in the size of the Federal government have been minimal. The real problem comes from Federal contractors - i.e., Big Business. It used to be that the reason the Federal government existed was to provide security and services to the American people. Nowadays, the reason for the existence of the Federal government is to funnel taxpayer money into the pockets of these businesses. That is why the deficit keeps on ballooning while at the same time services we receive are being cut.

The Republicans talk a good game, but they have zero interest in actually doing anything about it, since they are bought and paid for by these businesses. The Democrats, insofar as they are able try to funnel a small amount of the taxpayer money back to benefit the American people. For this, they are vilified as giving away handouts to the lazy and the shiftless in order to buy votes. You also hear terms like "communist" and "socialist" - for trying to give us back what we paid for.

This is also the reason why Ron Paul is so hated by his fellow Republicans - he would hold them to the principles of small government that they actually claim to follow.

@LEONA Your list of "insider trading." You forgot John Boehner.

Trading healthcare stocks during the 2009's healthcare debate.

hey Byron,

Does this mean you will voting for RonPaul??

You seem to make a case for small govt. That's what most Republicans in the House are legislating for......too bad their 15+ Bills are sitting on Harry Reid's desk !!!!!!!

Reid's gotta go and he should take Pelosi, Biden & Obama with him ! ( they are known as the Liberals of Oz)

gopisextinct,

Let's not forget that Republicans are tax PAYERS.

Democrats are tax SPENDERS.

Democrats need Republicans, so dont be bashing us !

LOL

P&P - see you still have trouble with reading comprehension, Care to enlighten us on what the word "some" means?

Some of the only people getting rich today are liberal govt. politicians, like Nancy Pelosi, who are guilty of "insider trading"

As usual LEONA -- you only mention Nancy Pelosi when talking about insider trading in Congress. As usual you forgot to mention Crying Speaker John Boehner and the millions he made at it and as usual you, forgot to mention that Little Boy Eric Cantor blocked a bill to outlaw insider trading on Congress. It's not just Nancy and it's not just Democrats LEONA -- your Republicans are in on it too. But -- as we all know -- you will rationalize ANYTHING done by a Republican.

Let's not forget that Republicans are tax PAYERS.

Democrats are tax SPENDERS.

Oh,....I haven't forgotten at all Leona. But to correct you: Republicans are tax EVADERS, and Democrats are tax PAYERS. Democrats work for a living. Republicans count money for a living.

Republicans increase deficits. They are masters of deficit spending, and a deficit is nothing more than a coward's way of raising taxes.

OBAMA/BIDEN 2012

Egads!!! The horror of the thought of having to govern!!! (I am impressed with the Machiavellian thinking)

Tea Party/Republicans govern? We tried that and let's review what we got. A terrorist attack on our soil. Two wars. A collapsed economy. Stagnated and shrinking wages for the lower/middle class. Massive increases in wealth for the ultra-rich. Wow, what a great country they shaped.

You know what, I'm not into conspiracy theories but you may not be that far from the truth! How else would you explain the pathetic ineptitude of the GOP field so far. The GOP folks that truly want to win are seriously scared at this point.....Obama has done no campaigning, the economy is weak (but slowly but surely getting better despite the efforts of GOP in congress...and people see it that way, as well) and Obama STILL has a significant lead over every GOP candidate. What is going to happen when the campaign gets into high gear?!

You may be right....they may have thrown in the towel already.

Rule of Nines,

I like your line of thinking. Romney's super Pac has already spent 3million in Iowa. The contributors, according tot he NYT article today, are hedge fund managers, Utah business men, and Boston financiers. And all these rich folks can only find someone like Mittens?? It is a conspiracy...

Can't wait to see the winner in Iowa! If You love your Momma Vote for Obama!!

Obana/Biden 2013 let's get it on.

cool ralph, I love my momma but sure won't vote for obama. With obama wanting to increase our debt limit by another $1.2 trillion, I am thinking that my momma will be among the last recipients of SS and medicare, but hey the FED can always crank up the presses right?

Matthew - Obama has been on a virtual campaign for re-election since the 2010 midterm elections, where ya been?

Aw, booby, let's not talk of poisoning anyone today. It's New Years Eve! Let's talk about happy things.

Bob....

I think you're wrong on this one....the general populus knows that congress is dysfunctional, when Obama states this he is only restating the obvious. When asked what PART of the congress is at fault for the dysfunction, the 'tea party' is resoundingly cited as the problem.

It is happening in many of the states across the country who elected GOP tea party governors as well....there is a tremendous sentiment of 'buyer's remorse' with these people. The general populus can see these people are great at holding up signs at rallies...but absolutely unfit to govern.

However, doesnt First Read realize the US Senate is under Democratic control?

No matter how many times the right spews this lie, it still remains a lie. The Senate is not under Democratic control, rather, the Democrats simply have a slight majority. To have control, the Democrats would have to hold a super majority, which is 60 seats, enough to beat a filibuster.

Red,

Actually, they would need at least 62. (Until the next election). We still have Leiberman and DINO Ben Nelson.

Yes, the quaint filibuster rule is holding the American people hostage. Time to elect Senators who will change this rule whatever their party affiliation.

RedDevPS,

If the senate in NOT under Democratic control then how come there are more than a dozen bills passed by the House sitting on Reid's desk that he won't even allow to be debated?

You need to wake up an see reality:

1) The House is controlled by the Republicans

2) The Senate is controlled by the Democrats

3) We the American people are being screwed because the Republicans and Democrats are controlled by special interests (i.e Corporations, Unions, PACs, etc.)

and 4) Most Americans are fools because instead of holding the feet of these corrupt, do-nothing politicans to the fire they take the spotlight off them by choosing to blindly argue the rhetoric of the two sides while nothing gets done and our country goes down the toilet

Phine,

And we don't have Leiberman. He's a sleeze ball traitor. Always has been, always will be. I'm from Ct and in the early 80's I was a lobbyist working the state government. I know, I know, but bear with me - some lobbyist, like me, were/are working for good causes. Leiberman pretended to support the legislation I was hoping to get passed (which had overwhelming public' support) right up to the day the legislation came to a vote in the senate. He walked out onto the floor and voted against it, despite his so called commitment to the issue and his constituents. At the last minute he caved to pressure from his financial supporters. We lost by one vote - his vote. It was a measure to protect animals. That's who this guy is.

Obama's first mistake was to forgive him his treason when he supported McCain and allowed him to retain his leadership role in Committee. How'd that work out for democrats - not!

The dems never had a filibuster majority because they could not rely on Leiberman. He is a traitor to his party as well as his constituents. Im glad he has decided to retire. Good ridence.

What's up with the people in Iowa? If more don't get involved in the process, they will continue to look like a scary bunch.

Sarah, the reality of iowa is that we cannot be easily classed as either a blue or red state, but we will vote for whom we best think will represent us, be they right, left or other.

Regarding voter turnout, why try denigrating us? what state has ever had a large majority of voters turn out?

A Ron Paul win in Iowa will make the Iowa Caucuses seem less relevant, and will demean the entire process. It will become a joke.

i'm a liberal democrat. Having said that, Ron Paul is the only republican I could support given his anti-war position. I whole heartedly agree with that. All of his other kind of crazy ideas is a trade off I'm willing to accept.

I agree with Sarah. The NY Times recently rolled out with this;

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/12/29/us/election-news/candidates-on-executive-power.html

After reading, I realize that Ron Paul isn't as far off the mark as I had thought.

A Ron Paul win in Iowa will make the Iowa Caucuses matter!

Melanie Oesch for President ! That would make for a Happy New Year !

Goldman Sachs employees are his biggest source of donations.

A Ron Paul win in Iowa will make the Iowa Caucuses seem less relevant, and will demean the entire process. It will become a joke.

But why are the Iowa caucuses relevant for the Dems but not for the GOP? No "snark" just questioning.

Iowa honestly doesn't represent the US very well. Not that there are not good people there, but they have one of the smallest populations per capita and yet every election are called upon to start the choice of a nominee.

And Ron Paul is not for real. He will never win a nomination.

They are relevant Phine, it's just the people who don't like the fact that Dr. Paul will more than likely take Iowa who are saying such drivel, even though I'm a Texan i take offense to the people who say iowa is irrelevant, we were stationed there and I found the people to be intelligent and very kind, it irritates the heck out of me when people say "if they let paul win they're irrelevant" "if they let paul win it shows they're stupid" and on and on.

(please excuse my typos and lack of capitalization today, because of my back problems i've now lost function in my left pinky and ring finger)

happy new year to all at FR hoping all of you have a safe and prosperous new year

They forget to mention that Ron Paul the first place poller. Well at least they weren't calling him a racist this time LOL

RP 2012

@David-1023706

In reading your post I can only surmise that you an advocate of the FED and IRS. The Fed is a privately owned bank that loans our treasury money at interest. And some how this makes sense to you?

If you have researched the Fed and the positions of Ron Paul a Doctor of Economics then I accept your conclusions as they are yours and yours alone. If not please do some homework and further understand the business cycles that the Fed creates as well as who it's benefactors are.

Ron Paul 2012

David has no idea what he is talking about, just like a lot of people here that really is going on what everyone else in their circle says. We all could do with a little more knowledge and a little less rhetoric.

"Baseless, unfounded attacks"??? Really??? Let's see ... there is Newt "I'm much more important that what I do" Gingrich, Rick "man on dog" Santorum, Michelle "criticize Medicaid as an uneeded government handout while hubby is running his clinic with Medicaid funds" Bachmann, Rick "I'm a job creator and I hate government but the jobs I've created have been with government money" Perry, Mittens "I've done so much good for the country by destroying companies and throwing people out of work" Ronmney or any of the other bozos in the clown car that is the slate of Republican Presidential Candidates. The problem with the wing nut agenda is that too many people are buying that nonsense.

Thank you Comrade Alinsky!

Laker: You just made my point none of what you just posted is true. It is all baseless.

Obama himself said if he doesn't fix things he will be a one termer. So I guess he was right.

Wasn't it Obama that said, in his infinite wisdom .... "let's put a higher tax on small business!" Whoa ... dude .. are you really that stupid?? Yes he is!!

Wasn't it Obama who has printed money like toilet paper so that the dollar has devalued for the first time in US history ... which will lead to rampant inflation? Yup .. he's the guy!!

Wasn't it Obama that has pushed the unemployment up to 9% or blown 2 million jobs in the US out of the water. Oh yeah ... he's the one!!

Wasn't it Obama at during his last campaign that flat out swore ... "I won't raise the deficit another dollar and then has grown it by 5 trillion?? Oh Barry ... it was you again!! (liar)

You want the next generation to thrive .... get rid of this completely inept person who has absolutely no leadership skills and whose 1st term has been a failure!

Justified:

all of your other rants aside, there has been no rampant inflation.

I see that tedcrawford has done his homework! Funny post!

"This next years election will be ugly. On the Democrats part. They will come out attacking the GOP nominee will baseless unfounded attacks."

Oh -- you mean baseless unfounded attacks like birth certificates or he's a Muslim or calling people Marxist or comparing them to Hitler or talking about things that don't exist like death panels???

Funny -- when conservatives try to describe Democrats they usually end up describing themselves and exactly what they do.

"There is over $800 dollars added to every car comming out of Detriot just ot cover the Health Care cost the Unions demand for workers."

When you look at total compensation, benefits, retirement, vacation time, etc, the highest paid auto workers in the world are the Germans. And don't forget -- Germany has national health care. But German CEOs and executives, while well paid, make far less than US auto executives. Unions are only part of the problem -- a small part. Sloppy management, short sighted management, greedy management is most of the cause of the problems in the US.

David: There is over $800 dollars added to every car comming out of Detriot just ot cover the Health Care cost the Unions demand for workers. Do the math that is just Health Insurance!

Unions have and continue to destroy companies. If they really wanted to help the workers, they could stop giving billions to politicians and give to their members.

dev: You are SO right! We should adopt the TeaPublican health plan: If someone gets sick let them die!

My question to you, lakerman is this, if you don't care enough about your families healthcare to provide it, just exactly why should I or anyone else? By what logic do you determine that it's someone elses responsibility?

@Dev - it sounds like you advocate no health care for autoworkers. Following that line, do you also advocate no salaries? I mean, think how cheap cars would be if workers paid the auto companies to work for them. I would be interested to know where you found the breakdown on the cost of health insurance for workers per automobile produced. I can find no such breakdowns, so a link would be appreciated.

laker: Here you go again with propaganda. Nothing you post is true.

You did NOT refute my point that we could all agree to work for $5 an hour and STILL we could not compete with an Asian peasant for factory work

You are SUPPOSED to reply that a company's loyalties belong to its major stockholders, and NOT to the current employee 'inventory", and that is just the way it is if someone is willing to work for $1 an hour Grapes of Wrath style

Red: You should join Laker in the nonsense club. All you need to get in is to make no sense. And with your post you are a sure win.

I am absolutley for everyone to get paid as much as possible. But not to the point it closes companies or need the tax payers to bail them out.

There is no way that in the US a worker will work for the same wages that an third world company would. So you make it easier on the companies to operate in the US by lowering capital gains taxation and ease up regulations and fees.

No No No they outsource to save on LABOR, and so you agree---- Grapes of Wrath it is! Just a mater of supply and demand, good old consumer based economics

It IS 1938 and if you are NOT wiling to work for the same wage as an Asian peasant you are **** out of luck. Just of of those economic things, not a damned thing anyone can do about it --especially when you STILL believe in trickle down economics

Okay David you can join Laker and Red the their club.

David:

80% of the millionaires in this country are first generation wealthy. In addition, most of the people making $1 million plus only do so for one year because they are taking some sort of investment income.

Republicans LOVE the concept of outsourcing. That's why I just can't figure out what they have against illegal immigration. Why not consider it Union Busting Outsourcing without having to move the damned factory to Mexico, thereby keeping the money local for the most part. If it makes you feel better!

@Dev - I have yet to see a Union make a decision to close a company, to outsource jobs overseas, authorize 10M+ salaries to executives, price products, and all those other 'management' things that executives do to run a company. Unions exist to protect employees from exploitation from the company board and executive staff in their quest to make and pocket a buck. If you are going to place blame for a failed company, credit the blame where it is due, squarely on the back of FAILED management/executive policies.

David, maybe you should take a Business Economics course....it may help reduce yoru ignorance.

Hey David take a look at Obama's Buddy Jeff Immelt. The CEO of GE the guy Obama named the head of his Jobs council. That just outsourced thousands of Jobs to China!

Cheney famously said that Reagan PROVED that deficits don't matter because we would GROW our way out of them via trickle down economics. 12 years later we are 15 trillion in the hole. IF the tax cuts had not been enacted, 750 billion a year MORE in tax revenues would have been collected, or 9 trillion over 12 years. Toss in another trillion wasted on Revenge Wars and our deficit would be 5 not 15 trillion

From the Washington Post:

The largest banks are larger than they were when Obama took office and are nearing the level of profits they were making before the depths of the financial crisis in 2008, according to government data.

Wall Street firms — independent companies and the securities-trading arms of banks — are doing even better. They earned more in the first 2¹/₂ years of the Obama administration than they did during the eight years of the George W. Bush administration, industry data show.

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Seems the repub claims that Obama's policies are strangling business are false. But just as troubling, it also seems that the dems claims that Obama favors Main St. over Wall St. are also false.

MOST of the Dems are from the Upper Class. You catching on yet??

Red: If you do not know of a company that has been in financial trouble that have Unions demanding larger than life benefit packages you are truly living under a rock. We just bailed out a bunch of them!

And thank god Unions don't make other management choices.

Immelt was a political move just like the extension of the Bush tax cuts. It was politically EXPEDIENT to do so.

Yes Chuck with a Trillion dollars in bailouts from the American people banks are doing better, but are you? Obama's plan to barrow from the American people to spend his way out of the economic mess has failed. More people are on food stamps and government assistance under Obama.

In fact Obama has set new records on the amount of Americans that need food stamps. Doesn't seem like much of a success to me!

Political expediency should never trump integrity. Obama should have let the Bush tax cuts expire for everyone. Seems we did alright in the 90's.

And I've always argued the Bush/Obama bailouts were a huge mistake. To separate one party from another in some sort of good guy vs. bad guy scenario is dangerous and naive.

If you do not know of a company that has been in financial trouble that have Unions demanding larger than life benefit packages you are truly living under a rock. We just bailed out a bunch of them!

By a bunch, I think you mean two, GM and Chrysler. The difference between the exaggerated 'bunch' and a couple is significant.

I do not know of a company that has been bailed out because of unreasonable Union demands. What I do know is that two auto companies willingly entered into agreements to provide benefits to workers, then did a classic bait-switch move and reneged on that agreement in an attempt to compensate for their poor and inadequate management abilities. This link provides a good scenario on why we bailed these companies out. It is easy to blame everyone else for one's failures. This is what auto executives did, they blamed the market, blamed the unions, blamed the economy, blamed congress, and the list goes on and on. Not once, did they own up to the failures of management.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2008/11/12/in-defense-of-detroit.html

Chucky Stuart - If you recall Obama wanted the Bush Tax Cuts for the millionaires to expire - however the Republicans again started their hostage playing by throwing in the Unemployment Benefits Plus if all of the Bush tax cuts expired the middle class would take a hit since some of the tax cuts would affect them

Obama time and time again tried to eliminate a portion of tax cuts on the 1% with Repubs calling them "job creators" Love Luntz's talking points - notice how the echo chamber works? Job creators, job creators, job creators

The Bush era tax cuts will all expire on Dec 31, 2012. This congress will be lame duck and will not be in any condition to extend them.This Congress will not do anything in 2012 , it is an election year.

Hate to break it to you guys, but we have bailed out DOZENS of companies...not just GM and Chrysler.

Every company that went through re-organizational bankruptcy and shed an underfunded pension plan onto ERISA has effectively received a tapayer bailout too.

The guy who said to differentiate between the Bush and Obama bailouts is pointless is the only one making any sense here! They both should have allowed the free-market process to work the problems out through the system. Instead we now have artifically propped up companies that are impacting the ones that managed to stand on their own without going bankrupt.

Doubt me? American Airlines is the most recent victim of this scenario. While all the other major airlines went bankrupt, shed themsleves of underfunded pensions and unsustainable union contracts American kept going only to find itself in an uncompetitive position.

Who's the next victim likely to be? Probably Ford. They leveraged everything to stay afloat during the meltdown and just managed to scrape through. Meanwhile GM and Chrysler got bailouts, restructured their union deals (in exchange for having the government STEAL the equity-holders stake in these companies and hand it to the unions). Now its just a matter of time before Ford finds itself in an uncompetitive position and needs to go through a Chapter 11 re-organization.

Any fool knows that the stomach cramps and diaharrea don't stop after food poisoning until all of the bad meal is out of the body. It's the same way with business and finance. Until we get all of the bad loans written down, and all of the unsustainable companies either restructured or gone we are merely prolonging the problems.

You can doubt what I say about Ford's future if you want, but when this happens remember that you heard it here first.

"Seems the repub claims that Obama's policies are strangling business are false."

BINGO!! This idea that Preaident Obama is anti business in nothing but crap. The DOW is up over 4000 points since he took office. Many companies are seeing record profits. Corporate taxes are nearing an all time lows. Domestic oil and gas production are at an all time high. New business start up are at an all time high. President Obama has signed into law more business friendly tax cuts than any president his history. This is the most pro business president in the last 100 years.

Romney and Perry are a joke, I would rather have Paul then some Mormon JackA$$ that make no sense at all and follows joke of a religion, a religion that was just founded the same way as the Muslim religion. Perry, this guy doesn't know his head from his A$$, and given the fact he is from Texas.... The neanderthal state of America... They take more pride there in maintaining their steers and cattle then they are about dealing with real world issues, like the obesity rate in Texas.... Boy oh boy, the women and men there are bigger then the damn cattle the farm.

Why is it that the Progressives always bring Race and/or Religion into the conversation? I thought we were past all of that bigotry.

So can you explain why Keynesian economics is good or can you only name call?

Brent: They don't even know what it is. You can't be that informed and be a liberal!

David: I am tired of everyone actting as if the Bush Tax Cuts only gave tax cuts to the rich! Every tax payer got a tax cut. If you don't pay taxes you may not know this, but everyone got a tax cut!

David:

This was an across the board tax cut. In fact as a percentage the upper class received less of a tax break.

Yes but the lower class didn't outsource their jobs with the tax cuts. SO WHAT if the tax cuts were for everybody. Your point is what?

Its as laughable as blaming someone getting minimum wage for not paying their OWN retirement, their OWN health care costs , their OWN education, -- and oh yeah more taxes to make thing 'fair"

I g got just ONE thing to say bout that. Have you been following the IOWA polls?? 2 weeks from now YOUR damned poll is irrelevant as well. But you seem to obsessively and compulsively follow them anyway