If you didn't know, candidates Gingrich and Santorum identify as practicing Catholics.

Note that Pope Benedict XVI is against racism in all its forms. All Popes in recent memory have been for lifting up the poor in any possible way. Meanwhile Santorum and Gingrich grossly perpetuate racial stereotypes. And from their nicely padded positions they sell their warped image of unemployed Americans choosing food stamps over a paying job, as if it were a desirable option for themselves and their families.

Pope Benedict appreciates that our planet is not just inhabited by white folks.
It is overdue time for privileged males like Gingrich and Santorum to open their eyes, expand their brains, their teenytiny hearts and embrace this BLARING global truth.

An Open Letter to Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum: "More than 40 national Catholic leaders and prominent theologians at universities across the country released a strongly worded open letter today urging "our fellow Catholics Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum to stop perpetuating ugly racial stereotypes on the campaign trail."
In the lead up to Saturday's primary in South Carolina, Newt Gingrich has frequently blasted President Obama as a "food stamp president" and implied that some African Americans are more content to collect welfare benefits than work. Rick Santorum attracted scrutiny for telling Iowa voters he doesn't want "to make black people's lives better by giving them somebody else's money."

"The open letter reminds the two presidential candidates, vying for Christian conservative voters, that U.S. Catholic bishops have called racism an "intrinsic evil" and consistently defend vital government programs such as food stamps and unemployment benefits that help struggling Americans."

The full text of the statement and signatories follow: http://www.faithinpubliclife.org/newsroom/press/catholic-leaders-challenge-gingrich-and-santorum-on-divisive-rhetoric-around-race-and-poverty/

Nothing trumps the God card, and no one knows that better than the sinner's sinner, the liar's liar, the adulterer's adulterer - Newt Gingrich. When the South Carolina hands were dealt and finally played out, Newt took the pot.

For his sins, condemning the press as elitist, even as he shamelessly uses the media platform to tout his credentials as a member of the elite, the Speaker of the House. For his sin of condemning the President of the United States for adultery even as he was engaging in identical behavior. For his sins of selling access to power even as he condemns "vulture capitalism". For his stunningly impressive and diverse array of outright, down-in-the-gutter sin, Mr. Gingrich tells us be needs but to go to God for redemption. Really?

Those of us with a serious religious background - whether Christian, Protestant Christian, or Muslim - know of an infinite and all-powerful God. We know that we cannot know the mind of God. We know the story of the Garden of Eden. Yet as the fallen creations of God, we question the why's and wherefore's of His actions or the events He sets in motion. As my personal disclaimer, I no longer believe there is a Supreme Being, and perhaps that is why I have no qualms about placing myself as the equal of Newt Gingrich.

Gingrich need not ask forgiveness from his fellow man or woman. He has not sinned against his brethren. Indeed, he is the target of the "liberal media", he is the target of vicious citizens who call attention to his feet of clay. Gingrich is a victim, a victim who lines his pockets with millions of dollars, the bane of Jesus Christ, the Son of his God. No, the warnings of Jesus Christ about avarice, greed, and camels and eyes of needles do not catch the eye of Newt. No, the true god of Gingrich is money and power. The God of the Universe is there solely for Newt's redemption. Newt says so.

Who can know the mind of an infinite Creator, an all-powerful God? Every believer knows it is a sin to bite from that apple, or pomegranate, or whatever. Thus must it fall to the non-believer to ask, "Are you freaking kidding me?"

Newt Gingrich, a man who treats God's Commandments as suggestions at most, and as minor inconveniences at least, tells us he goes to God for redemption. Would a non-believer be out of line asking, "Mr. Gingrich, do you believe you've been redeemed? You are pursuing the ultimate in power, the Presidency of the United States. You cheated on your first two wives. Even the lowest of the low - members of the House of Representatives - found you wanting in the ethics department. You don't have a beam in your eye, that's a truckload of lumber. And all you have to do is go to God and say, 'Dude, I shouldn't have that.'"?

If there truly is a God, I will not make the claim that an insignificant creature like me knows how He would react to the supplications of a Gingrich. However, as a flawed human, I would ask, "What's the deal?" Is it permissible to use the Steve Martin rationale with God, when He asks why you cheated, lied, and sold influence? Do you have only to say, "I forgot." or "It won't happen again."? Because you keep forgetting and that bad stuff keeps happening.

Here's a question for believers. Can a non-believer seek redemption for asking whether South Carolinians who voted for Newt Gingrich aren't playing a very cynical game?

A Party Divided:

Three GOP primaries completed; three different winners. What is fascinating is that in recent history, South Carolina has picked the Republican nominee. Because Gingrich out-debated Romney, South Carolinians apparently believe that smooth talking Newt Gingrich can out-debate our President and that Newt is electable: pure nonsense on both points.

Quite frankly, this is coming down to a two man race and both Mitt and Newt are incredibly flawed. In Romney's case the apple did not fall far from the tree. It was George Romney who said he was "brainwashed" and his candidacy dropped like a rock. Mitt said he likes to fire people, did not support the automobile bail-out (although his dad was once head of American Motors), hides money in off-shore bank accounts and doesn't want to release his taxes. As I commented earlier, it isn't about fraud; it's about how wealthy he really is and how little taxes he has paid. He is part of the 1% and totally clueless about the plight of the middle class; the closest he can come to identifying with the middle class is to wear a plaid shirt.

Then we have Newt whose history is well documented. Fundamental evangelical Christians are willing to overlook his marital infidelity. Conservatives are also willing to overlook the fact that he had to leave the House of Representatives due to ethics violations. Perhaps the most positive thing I can say about Newt is that he is very, very…cunning. Maybe that's not very positive.

Santorum really deserves little comment because after his very poor showing in SC, he is running for Vice-President. Ron Paul…well, I like his first name.

Back in December I predicted the GOP will have an open convention as no candidate will have the majority of delegates to claim the nomination. I still believe that will happen. Certainly the GOP is split between the conservatives and moderates. Conservatives control the leadership positions within the GOP and it's hard to imagine that they will give the nomination to Romney. Get out the popcorn as this is a fun show to watch.

Not only are the GNOP 'feasting' on their own – Chris Christie is having seconds…

Happy Chinese New Year – my fortune cookie said; Obama/Biden 2012 – If you want the rainbow, you must to put up with the rain. - D. Parton

Good Morning Feisty,

Excellent pegging Christie's remarks. Yes, Newt is an embarrassment to the GOP. If I could I'd send Gov. Krispy Kreme a ton of Chinese food to feast on. I wonder would that be enough?

Here’s some interesting info on tax rates from Friday’s WSJ that you will definitely not be reading on FR or in the NY Times. I know how much lefty liberals like to quote “non-partisan” CBO data when it supports their position. The WSJ is citing a “non-partisan” CBO study of 2007 federal tax data that shows the following federal income taxes as a share of income:

Top 1% 18.8%

81-99^th percentile 11.8%

21-80^th percentile 4.2%

Bottom 20% -5.6%*

*The bottom 20% do not pay any federal income taxes and actually make a 5.6% profit on the federal income tax system due to refundable credits.

I can already hear the lefty liberal whining about payroll taxes paid by the Bottom 20%. First, the payroll taxes are tied directly to benefits each individual will receive in their old age. They get what they pay for. Second when all federal taxes, including payroll taxex, as a share of income were studied the following were the results:

Top 1% 29.5%

81-99^th percentile 22.8%

21-80^th percentile 15.1%

Bottom 20% 4.7%

Looks like a pretty progressive tax system to me. And Saint Warren of the Left’s claim that he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary is an aberration that is not supportable when looking at aggregate data for the top 1% or even the top 20%.

And Newt will go after the liberal media because neither he nor his supporters want to know the truth.

And that's the truth.

The South Carolina primary Saturday night reminded me of the good old days in Las Vegas

LOL....TFF - You mean to tell me an Obama guzzler don't like 'em sum Viva Las Vegas???

Hey, Q for ya........what was the name of that city Obama said NOT to visit a few years ago?

This is gonna be toooo easy Feisty girly_bits

By the way, this is the first debate where, based on ACTUAL results, it's clear there's no real front-runner right now.

This has been one of the most enjoyable primary seasons in years. The 2008 primary, for the Dems, was good but it pales in comparisoin to the GOP's this year!

The bare knuckles are out and the brawl is on! You don't see this type of activity very often from the Lock Step GOP.

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

Not only are the GNOP 'feasting' on their own – Chris Christie is having seconds…

Happy Chinese New Year – my fortune cookie said; Obama/Biden 2012 – If you want the rainbow, you must to put up with the rain. - D. Parton

Excellent Feisty, Newt is an embarassnte to the GOP. I wish I could send Cristie a ton of Chinese food to thank him. Will it be enough?

Think Progress: According to a new poll, Newt Gingrich is leading the GOP field in Florida. After his decisive victory in South Carolina’s primary on Saturday, Gingrich now claims the support of 34 percent of likely GOP voters in Florida, compared with 26 percent for Mitt Romney, 13 percent for Ron Paul, and 11 percent for Rick Santorum.

*************

What in heaven's name do people see in Newt? Mitt I can understand, after all he does his own laundry like the rest of us. Although he hires people to do his yard work, which most of us don't.

Worst photo of the campaign - Mitt and the box of Tide. Other than the money photo of him with his Bain pals.

Is this Romney's last stand? Is Florida make or break for Romney? Could be. As I have watched Romney this morning, it is clear that he thinks that attack Gingrinch is the only possible response. The problem is that he sounds so artificial and frantic, not to mention frenetic when he goes on the attack, he is simply not effective.

I have long been curious where the Romney as most electable meme began? By his campaign, the media or what? He just isn't a good campaigner, and his strategy of trying to be the "last man standing" and trying to stay out of the way in debates is not getting him anywhere.

But he does have that remarkable facility to remind folks of his riches, and of how disconnected he is to the cares of Americans. Does it with frequency, and that is what is harming his candidacy.

Florida is going to be interesting. Sounds to me like a "scorched earth policy" is emanating from all campaigns. Good theater, I'll give them that, but will make it decidedly difficult to choose a candidate.

Good luck Floridians, going to be a long week.

David wrote, "I have no qualms about placing myself as the equal of Newt Gingrich."

David thanks, I certainly hope so.

We are equal = equal = equal, no matter who tells us otherwise.

Mitt and the box of Tide

Newt should pose with a bottle of SHOUT!

It would be very fitting...

The $64K question tonight is, will Brian Williams allow Newt to attack him?

PS: Anyone know why Willard refuses to talk about his time/experience as Governor of MA? lol

Going No Where Slowly

Will John Boehnor start crying after the President's State of Union?

Will Mitch McConnell Slow it (economy and the Presidnt's agenda)down again?
Let's not forget: A Timeline Of GOP Economic Sabotage
Sabotage: The Story Behind The Republican Party's "Top Political Priority" [video]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8a_msdw9VQ&feature=player_embedded

Sen. Mitch McConnell

Congressional Republicans won't admit it, but President Obama's proposed American Jobs Act is popular — with voters and economists alike.

http://politicalcorrection.org/blog/201110250003

Gingrich is a good debater but what about his flaws? He has no organization, is an insider, hasn't released his contracts with Fannie & Freddie Mac; the failed contract hit on America; most of all his hubris. So, Newt thinks slalking the President for boring Lincolcn douglass style debating is it?

Being a good debater is an NOT an absolute requirement for being president.

To all you deniers. Gringrich did use words to indicate blacks.

Newt Gingrich angrily denounced the media coverage of his comments this week that he would go to the NAACP and tell them "why African Americans should demand paychecks, not food stamps."

http://www.thegrio.com/politics/newt-gingrich-elite-national-media-distorted-food-stamp-remarks.php

Gingrich frequently derides President Obama as a “food stamp president” and recently said he would go to the NAACP and tell African Americans they should “demand paychecks and not be satisfied with food stamps.” He also said “really poor children…have no habits of working and have nobody around them who works,” and don’t know how to earn an income “unless its illegal.”

Catholic Leaders Call On Gingrich And Santorum To ‘Stop Perpetuating Ugly Racial Stereotypes’ About Poverty
Jan 20, 2012
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/01/20/408144/catholic-leaders-call-on-gingrich-and-santorum-to-stop-perpetuating-ugly-racial-stereotypes-about-poverty/

=============================================================================================

This is more proof Newt is unfit to be President which he'll soon find out; I predict. Those dog whistles may play out in the south; but It won't fly all over this land.

Again President Obama is NOT weak. Bin Laden and his operatives on the field testify to that. Newt in his prowess will sould find out the Pressident in his cool laid back manner and smile is going to make Newt the laughing stock of the world

BTW: governor chris Christie said Newt Gringring will embarbass the county. What about Classita with that Stepford Wife look really creepy out people. That picture of those two looks like an evil White House.

Those Stepford Wives certainly don't know which way to go.

http://callistagingrichpeckedoutmyeyes.com/

The right wing always has the nerve to criticize and disrespect First Lady Michelle Obama.

Callista will never be able to take the criticism our current First Lady does. I'm so glad we have a strong, classy, sophisticated, First Lady to represent US around the world.

What will we call Callista should they reach the White house? First s_______t fill in the blank.

Really looking forward to tonight's debate. Should get really nasty. Romney needs to come out swinging to try and make up for the embarrassing pasting he took in S.C.

Gingrich needs to keep the heat on. Lets hope they eat each other up.

And Ms. Gifford, a wise decision, your health is the most important part of your life. You'll be missed.

Obama in 2012.

Ron, great insight into it all. Thanks for that.

"He is part of the 1% and totally clueless about the plight of the middle class."

We're looking at candidates who inflict harm when they say that food stamps are a handout for the undeserving. SNAP is there to keep food on the table for our children, our elderly, our families, neighbors and fellow-Americans.

Feisty, Backhouse, David Walker, Ron: great way to start the week. The family values and ethics crowd in South Carolina made a mockery of their own faith. In fact, the GOP allows their candidates to mock the words of the Bible. Last time I checked, blind hatred of any person (in this case President Obama), lying and greed are sins as well.

And Ms. Gifford, a wise decision, your health is the most important part of your life. You'll be missed.

Ditto that Tom!

I don't know if you saw the thread yesterday on Gabby's retirement..?

It brought out some truly 'ugly Americans'... *shakes head*

I am too depressed to post much this morning. Still in shock at the choke job my Ravens pulled at the end of the game against the Patriots. Will post a few thoughts on the SC primary results and upcoming primary in my state of FL when I stop angrily breathing the name Billy Cundiff under my breath!

USA Today:

Gingrich claims that "more people have been put on food stamps by Barack Obama than any president in American history." He's wrong. More were added under Bush than under Obama, according to the most recent figures.

*************

Gingrich's base wants to hear lies & a see a clear division between white and black. He's delivering big time.

His base makes me ill.

The GOP really has a dilemma on their table, the two main candidates, Romney and Gingrich so deeply flawed don't offer much of a choice.

Both are liars, filled with hypocrisy with no plans to show what they can do for the country. No articulated vision, except that fueled by hate to defeat President Obama, listening to their rhetoric on the campaign is painful.

The only difference I see, is that Gingrich does anger better than Romney.

For the next week or so, we in Florida, will be subjected to all the lies, mudslinging these two deeply flawed individuals can muster. Neither one of them are likable as sincere individuals, being nasty and mean spirited is their hallmark. Quite a choice, as neither Santorum and Paul are viable to be considered.

Goodness, gracious, David Walker. That was BRILLIANT.

Happy Chinese New Year, everyone.

My fortune cookie says, "An act of kindness will warm another's soul ...."

May we all warm each other's souls today. We need good preparation for yet another soul-chilling debate tonight.

Beverly, nice one.

From your link: "Meanwhile, Republicans are pushing an economic agenda dominated by deregulation. Ignoring economists and business owners who insist federal regulations are not killing job growth, conservative lawmakers are promising to create jobs by eliminating rules that save lives."

As for your questions about Boehner and McConnell, these and more will be answered After These Messages...

GBM: could luck to you all in Florida. I imagine that it is going to get awfully tiresome awfully fast!

Sorry about your team, Frank, but looking forward to what you have to say about SC.

Utoh Sparky......now you've dont it! Making them read stuff they are not supposed to read. There's going to be some angry milk snakes this morning....scary looking but of no harm to anything.

The question about open marriage and Gingrich's reply in last debate was an absoluteley magnificent ploy. It turned the race around. I wonder who thought of it. Of course it's what the media does for a living, which is why it was so polished. Gingrich could hardly wait for the question to finish before giving his instant, perfect, reply. I can see him in his hotel room memorizing the script. Oh well, media democracy in action.

The only difference I see, is that Gingrich does anger better than Romney.

Gingerbread Mama: The base. They have been angry their entire lives. Maybe, just maybe it would be a good idea if they looked in the mirror themselves. Newt Gingrich is supposed to be their answer?

It's mind boggling. Why don't they freakin' fix themselves instead of trying to fix liberals? They hate everybody.

Backhouse Thanks ,

I think the Boner is going start crying and Mitch McConnell will start lying about why we need to stop President Obama because the RepubliCONS only get paid to *cough*"Make Obama a one term preesident" Never together working to help improve this country

Pope Benedict appreciates that our planet is not just inhabited by white folks.
It is overdue time for privileged males like Gingrich and Santorum to open their eyes, expand their brains, their teeny tiny hearts and embrace this BLARING global truth.

Isn't it great we have a Pope that tells Newt what is correct? Somehow I feel the rest of the electorate once he get out of the red states will tell him the same, exact thing.

BTW: I wonder how Newt's gigantic ego fits into that huge head Newt has and those beady eyes; oh boy, what a monstrous look.

Then there is Callastia's creepy look. Her look is actually horrifying.

http://callistagingrichpeckedoutmyeyes.com/

Jody, Iowa and other libtard sycophants who like myself praise her Friday Wrap:

My apologies for not offering my kudos on Friday for your consistently excellent summary of the week's events. Your most recent was especially stunning.

I try to read them on Friday, but I was especially busy. The lines at the welfare office were quite long and the battery on my Droid ran down. Sheesh. I had to give up my place in line to get a new one, then back in line. I guess those Internet games use a lot of power, not to mention mega, killer, and terror bites. The plan I have is quite expensive. I texted an e-mail to my Congressperson about that.

Then it was off to get food stamps. It's still worth the wait, but the exchange rate is down to fifty-cents on the dollar and it may not be long before it's not worth my time. I missed several of my favorite soap operas, and they don't let you eat bon-bons in the welfare office.

Standing in line is a bit tough on my back and my disability award isn't going up, which also figures into my calculations.

However, my Pell Grant is in and I got the class I wanted at a correspondence course offered by a Christian University. (Learned about it on a matchbook.) Anyway, the course is "Homosexual Propaganda in Public Education". This is going to be a good one.

Saturday, I didn't get to your wrap because I was playing golf. There's a discount for people with handicaps. Who knew? I had to sleep in Sunday, because of all the exertion. I shot a 76 and decided to go ahead and play the back nine, too. That'll wear you right out.

So, here it is Monday, and I'm just getting around to thanking you. Good job.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH SANTORUM?

Lots to talk about so let's get at it.

Romney lost South Carolina by a much greater margin than I would have expected. And the loss was his fault, nobody else. He blew it on the Tax return issue and his poor debate performance. But he was destined to make a weak showing because he had three strikes against him going in.

1. Moderate.

2. Mormon.

3. Yankee.

So, now the GOP has anointed an overweight, 60+, retread, reprobate to be their standard bearer? A guy who was forced to resign as Speaker of the House in disgrace over ETHIC'S VIOLATIONS. Who's on wife #3, his former mistress and who thinks that Welfare is a "black" problem? This is the guy?

I don't think so, but it points up how badly the GOP wants anyone but Mitt.

What's wrong with Santorum? Seriously.

He's not the Mormon.

He's not the Moderate.

He's not the Reprobate.

So, why is he NOT the GOP chosen one? I dunno. Somebody with a great big giant brain will have to answer that one.

Look out folks, I'm going to make two amazing predictions.

1. Mitt Romney WILL be the guy come November.

2. Chris Christie WILL be his running mate.

Why? Romney is the establishment candidate, he's got Rove, he's got the money and he's got the ground organization. If he locks up Christie as the VP it helps win over a few of the hold-outs in the GOP. But will it be enough?

Now you've got two Yankees on the ticket, one is a moderate and a Mormon. The South will not support them and they will lose.

But look at the set up. Now, Romney's had his turn and went down to defeat and Christie is the GUY for 2016. Which was the plan all along.

Take my word for it, you heard it here first, place your bets, it's Romney/Christie 2012.

The President will still win and win big. But Karl knew that way back last Spring. He's looking at 2016 and he wants to get his man (Christie) a "debut" on the national stage.

So, WHAT'S WRONG WITH RICK SANTORUM? I dunno.

Obama/Biden 2012

David: so funny! Thanks for the laugh on this stormy morning.

Feisty thanks.....well now, you are in fightin form today.

"I don't know if you saw the thread yesterday on Gabby's retirement..?"

No, I didn't. Hard to imagine ANYONE having a false word to say about Gabby. Anything you can repeat here?

Smoke some more meth david and go back to lala land. Yhr only part of catholicism newt and santorum like is the confession booth. All these jokers are Crooks out to rob America of all its values and integrity it was once fouded on. WAKE UP AMERICA! I know someone on disability and on 600 a month they can'y get food stamps because they make too much. As far as golf goes they would rather have a roof over their head night to night which is a struggle. Smoke some more meth david and type more bull.

Hi, skip: Excellent summary, but here is the question: The Romney/Gingrinch battle points up the schism between the Establishment Republicans and the fringe right wing. The Establishment is afraid of the fringe, so do they fight to save Romney, who is a bad campaigner? Or do they allow the fringe to dictate their candidate, even if it is Newt with all his warts?

I don't know, but it will be interesting watching it play out. They have a mess, that's for sure.

Buck Naked Sr

Bev, You should not worry about what is going on in DC, you should focus your time and energy to correct the financial trouble your state is in, unless you are working on DC providing a big bailout.

Look, FOX NOISE lover, at least this is what you sound like. What goes on in Washington DC affects all states and territories of the United States. Learn something!!!

Ahhh, David. That (Post #1.30) was classic! You do know, of course, that the Joe Albany's and the Bob#s and the BrianB's and the JOS's and the rest of the hooligans are going to take it at face value. They wouldn't know satire if it struck them in the forehead.

terryknight,

From the quality of your writing and lack of clarity, I'd say that you're the one who's smoking meth.

Anything you can repeat here?

Backhouse,

I would rather not (I've already showered this morning)...

Take a peek it you have the stomach, I couldn't get past the first 100 or so comments...

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/22/10211134-giffords-to-resign-from-congress-after-attending-the-state-of-the-union-this-week

PS; Not all of them were vile - but the ones that were are beyond comprehension!

How anyone in their right mind would want to wrap themselves in a phony flag & call themselves Conservative is beyond me!

newdayDAWNING...RETURNED

Is this Romney's last stand? Is Florida make or break for Romney? Could be. As I have watched Romney this morning, it is clear that he thinks that attack Gingrinch is the only possible response. The problem is that he sounds so artificial and frantic, not to mention frenetic when he goes on the attack, he is simply not effective.

If Romney is getting frantic now, wait until those tax returns drop. What I'm curious about is will Romney admit he can't show his Cayman Island business?

Romney is such a robotic LIAR and just can't connect with people.

Beverly: Good morning! I can't wait to watch Romney go immediately to "Americans are jealous and envious of the rich" when he gets feedback about those returns. You know it's coming!

Pat,

"Gingrich's base wants to hear lies & a see a clear division between white and black."

Gingrich will have to blindfold them all then, because there is every shade in between ---

Thank Goodness!

Dawn

Thanks for the shout out, good to hear from you as always. Very good question and the only answer I have is that Romney is the "establishment" candidate and the GOP establishment still has the power.

The Tea Party radicals are a vocal minority and unless the curb their rhetoric OR get a lot stronger the empire will strike back and they'll find themselves in the wood-shed.

Mitt Romney IS the current GOP establishment. Wealthy businessman with a long GOP history. He is THE poster child for the establishment, traditional, GOP. (if only he weren't a Mormon)

So, yes, Karl will have his way. Romney will be the candidate and Karl obviously has Chris Christie set up to be the running mate which will please the Tea Party folks and placate them a little bit.

That's how I"m reading the tea leaves this morning.

Have a great day.

Obama/Biden 2012

david walker - thanks for the chuckle, btw - no USDA cheese and butter handouts?

Feisty, yes I took a look.

Decided not to write anything, as you say.

You too skip. Be interesting to see if the fringe right can flex whatever muscle it has.

Greg Sargent had some comments today about how the loathsome Mitt Romney is demanding that the equally loathsome Newt Gingrich release a report on the ethics probe that led to him being driven from Congress in disgrace. Sargent noted the report was already online and provide the link to it, making Romney's ploy one of the most astoundingly dishonest tactics he's used yet in his desperate attempt to buy the White House.

Sargent pointed out something equally revolting about the so-called "serious" media. The New York Times did a story on Mitt's new sleaze ball tactic of demanding Newt release a report that's already been released. But rather than reporting the FACT that the report was already released as Greg Sargent did, the NYT treated the question as a "he-said/she-said" story and stated only that Gingrich "said all 1,300 pages of the ethics report were online." Apparently, it's too much of a bother for the over-paid stenographers at the Times to actually check facts that the average person could easily find using Google. It's no wonder that liars like Romney can get away with massive deceptions with incompetent journalism like this being so prevalent.

BTW: I'll be charitable and assume that Romney got his clock cleaned in South Carolina not because of Newt's race-baiting but because that state's economy is much worse than the national average, and Republican voters didn't appreciate Mitt's waffling on taxes, his money stashes in the Cayman Islands, and his corporate raiding at Bain and his inability to understand the $350,000 is a LOT of money to 99% of the population..

BenSnead

no one does 'attack dog' better than carrot top! Especially after a long weekend of trolling truck stops in N. Illinois for free boilermakers!

Jealous, huh, because you couldn't give my girl friend a boiler maker. Wake up!!!! The dream is over my girl friend doesn't troll truck stops. Sorry, even in your next dream you'll still never be able to buy her a boiler maker.

Poor you.

And no one does meaningless rhetoric better than Barry! Did anyone see his new TV ad? Did anyone count all the lies and half truths in the 30 second spot? I tell you the guy is a maestro with the bs!

You mean like that bull sh!t hit piece from FOX NOISE?

Fox Nation Review Of Obama Ad Riddled With Falsehoods

First of all,

The closest the Fox Nationalists get to a falsehood is the claim that PolitiFact rated Obama’s campaign promise to toughen ethics rules a “promised kept.” That’s actually true and the ad cited a January 29 posting as proof. However, PolitiFact revisited the issue two months later and [REVERSED] their decision because the administration had granted some waivers to the rules in order to seat a few appointees who did not comply completely with the new rules. But the claim in the ad was still correct as referenced.

The next item Fox raised had something to do with Solyndra. But all they wrote was that it was a company that went bankrupt. They don’t address in any respect what that has to do with anything in the Obama ad being untrue. It seems they just like to keep saying it.

Then came the Brookings Institution piece. Obama’s ad notes that the clean energy industry supports 2.7 million jobs. Brookings confirms that. Fox doesn’t dispute it. So where is the falsehood?

The second Fox Nation article linked to a column in the Washington Post that gave Obama four “Pinocchios” due to the same PolitiFact discrepancy noted above. It also provided a link to the PolitiFact page tracking Obama’s promises. The most striking thing about that is that out of 25 promises listed, only 6 were designated as broken. And even that number is suspect because some concerned matters that were out of the President’s control. For instance, they rated Obama’s promise to repeal the Bush tax cuts as “broken,’ despite the fact that it was the Republicans in congress who feverishly obstructed Obama’s efforts, and continue to do so. I think that a broken promise is when someone goes back on their word to do something. That is not the case here and it could even be said that the President kept the promise because he got the Republicans to agree to let the Bush tax cuts expire at the end of this year.

If Fox is going to accuse Obama’s campaign ad of being “riddled with falsehoods” it would be nice if they tried just a little to back up the claim

http://www.newscorpse.com/ncWP/?p=6231

===================================================================

HA HA TEE HEE:) Right Wing Nut Jobs NEVER use what little brain power they have.

Plastic never looks comfortable in its own skin, when forced to react to changing situations. Just something for Republicans to ponder before nominating Romney. You're backing a Ken doll for president.

But nominate him they will (unless something really dramatic happens at the convention - like nominating someone who never ran in a primary, which they could potentially do). Like I was saying before, the media will build up this new race dynamic coming off Romney's inability to win South Carolina. But it's most likely false drama. Gingrich can close the gap in Florida, but his lack of resources and organization will be on full display. And going forward it will become a bigger and bigger problem from here on out. If the Republicans nominate based solely on delegates won, I don't see a credible path by which anyone can stop Romney.

Damage123 - little cranky this morning are ya? Considering the posts I read from the far right after Giffords was shot many people thought it was a far righter. And, don't forget, stupid Palin did have a target put over Giffords face (as she did about many Democrats - because she is such a peaceful person).

Beverly, since Romney is only releasing one year of tax returns you can be sure they've been sanitized by now. (I'm also from Chicago! Weird weather here this year!)

I still can't believe the evangelical right wingers actually voted for Gingrich. They can't keep their ranting and ravings straight. They're the moral majority - no wait that doesn't fit now; they're for family values - sorry won't work either; they want more accountability in government - oops! ethics violations for Newt so that doesn't fly; less governmental control - except over women, gays, poor, immigrants, legal and otherwise; wait we'll figure that all out as we get closer to selecting a candidate!

Should be an interesting week seeing Mitt and Newt tear each other apart!

Obama 2012

Looks like a pretty progressive tax system to me. And Saint Warren of the Left’s claim that he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary is an aberration that is not supportable when looking at aggregate data for the top 1% or even the top 20%.

Oh, the sniveling, whining, and wailing from the right about the poor, poor rich and the burden they bear over the progressive tax rate system. They love to be a top that spins on and on out of control and post data and facts that have little relevance to the real world picture.

Does the data posted in this extreme slant view also give you the end-game data after you figure in the flat tax system of sales tax (and all other taxes). Of course not, that would defeat the post. You see, when Warren Buffet drives his 30 miles to work, he pays the same amount of tax on gasoline as the not-a-millionaire person driving the same 30 miles to work. Yet, the percentage of tax against income can be vast.

Now if we could only tax the whiner class that claims the rich are unduly taxed and already pay their fair share. The deficit would be paid for in one day.

God to South Carolina: What were you thinking?

Read more: http://www.bluenc.com/god-south-carolina-what-were-you-thinking%3F#ixzz1kIvWvMRS

Newt Gingrich??? Have you all lost your damn minds??? I was just a kid in the 90's, but even I could still see that he's the cookie cutter model for corrupt, insider, politician. It cracks me up when he gets on Romney's case about negative ads, when he's the founding father of personal attacks and demonizing your opponent. I mean really, his pandering is so freaking obvious. He uses names and says things to try and look smart, look tough, but he's playing you! I mean, how many of you even know who Saul Alinsky even was??? It sounds scary, and Eastern European, ergo socialist, and plays right into the "I'm Afraid of Obama" crowd.

The pandering and race to the right that these gentlemen have done over the past year is absolutley ridiculous and only impresses simple people, with a simple understanding of what needs to be fixed. I wouldn't vote for him, but being non-partisan for a moment, if you all really wanted to practice what you preach, about "outsiders", fiscall responsibility, and Constitutionally limited government, Ron Paul would be running away with this nomination.

Going full Jesus, doesn't work. Going full righty doesn't work. Nor does going full leftist. All we have heard out of these candidates is less taxes (already done it/doesn't work), less regulations (already done it/doesn't work), and more Jesus (will never do it because of that pesky 1st Amendment).

Meanwhile, these jokers are denying the nation the debate we really need. Trade reform, tax reform, infrastructure, education, defense, Wall St, labor unions... I've yet to hear a single one of these candidates present something that is balanced and/or doable, and might actually work.

Instead we've wasted a year demonizing anything poor, gay, or brown.

Anyone who has not read David Walker's post might want to try and find it.

I could only vote thumbs up once but if possible I would personally nominate him for the Pulitzer prize of First Thought blog postings!!

@David Walker - great wit. I also received my welfare check, after lying on a few applications to qualify, and would have joined you on the links, but I made the dreadful mistake of licking my food stamps before I got to the grocery store and got all gummed up.

I look at who the choices are for president, and then read vine comments and can only come to one conclusion....This country is doomed. No need to get excited or angry about it, just sit back and watch the collapse.

“Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.” Mark Twain

Seeking Sanity-- I believe the CROSS-HAIRS were on her district, or a pic of it....NOT Gifford's face. I could be wrong but I doubt it. You should hope I am because you would not then be guilty of the same kind of hateful, lefty BS hysteria I'm talking about. Check it out.

When it turned out to be a mentally ill fruitcake that did, the outrage died down and so did the talk about Palin's website.

Funny how you people will reflexively jump to ascribe political motives to a shooting when you know NONE of the facts (the Giffords case). Yet, when there IS A POLITICALLY MOTIVATED SHOOTING (Fort Hood), you people's reflexive, knee-jerk , defend America's enemies at all costs, side shows up and you desperately want us to believe that Hasan is "crazy."

Backhouse

Pat,

"Gingrich's base wants to hear lies & a see a clear division between white and black."

Gingrich will have to blindfold them all then, because there is every shade in between ---

Thank Goodness!

Maybe not; because they claim they don't see color. They only see white people!!!

@ Joe in Albany.

Thanks for the great post regarding taxes in the WSJ. Good research!

I am waiting for all of the liberal responses claiming those facts are incorrect and that they make $40K a year and pay 40% in taxes.

Think Progress:

The Cayman Islands are a British territory, and British MP John Cryer, a former member of the British Treasury Select Committee, told the British blog Left Foot Forward that it is “a disgrace” that corporations and investors like Romney and Bain can use them to avoid paying taxes:

“As a former member of the Treasury select committee, I think it is a disgrace that the Cayman Islands, a tax haven, can enable wealthy corporations and individuals such as Mitt Romney and others in the wealthiest 1% to avoid tax and still be cloaked in secrecy. Meanwhile all across the western world, hard-working people are seeing their living standards and take-home pay stagnate or reduced.

“It reminds me of President Kennedy’s comment in his inaugural speech, ‘pay any price, bear any burden’.

Except it’s hard-working, modestly paid majority who are bearing that burden.”

I hope Brian's first question.

Mr Speaker, I understand you believe the liberal media is out to get you. You thought a certain question at the last debate was both despicable and deplorable. You left your first wife for a younger woman while she was dying of cancer. Upon hearing your second wife may have MS, you have an affair with a yet younger woman and inform wife number 2, you are divorcing her because she does not fit your plans to be elected President. My question, can you really not understand that many Americans describe your actions as despicable, deplorable, and showing a complete lack of character?

Oh well, media democracy in action.

Hey Objective, I'm curious as to how you blame Democrats when your own party is eating it's own? I've seen some great examples of Republican deflection among posts here...yours isn't even second rate. Check the talking points...you can do better.

IR12,

You forgot to add... All while crying out for the "sanctity of marriage".

Ben, I caught part of BO's ad too, sure hope the guy didn't spend our tax dollars on that crap! Four more years of his ineptitude and our great country won't have a chance! Do you hear that sound....? It's China coming to post a notice of default on the front door of our White House!

A tax rate debate would be great if raising taxes meant we got a balanced budget, but since 100% tax rate on the rich still leaves us running deficits it's not really an answer. And since most of the arguments for raising taxes is that it will help the poor can you please from now on explain how taking more money from someone will help someone else? If we already have a system and budget we can't afford getting more revenue in taxes doesn't add any more benefits it just helps pay for the ones going broke, so again I have to ask how is it exactly taxing the rich helps the poor?

@Logic,

Two thumbs up for the Twain-ism!

Feisty...Yeah, sounds like you and Beverly know a thing or 2 about putting on the feed bag at an all you can eat buffet. I sure it shows.

NEWT since you hate the media DO NOT ATTEND TONIGHT'S DEBATE.

YOU GET FREE MEDIA COVERAGE THEN B!TCH ABOUT IT?

If Romney attacks Gingrich, he'll be wasting his time. In case he didn't notice, Gingrich won South Carolina soley on the strength of his direct attack on the elite media.....an attack, by the way, that was way overdue!

These dense Republicans don't realize that folks want to hear them go after Obama's endless list of failures, not each others.

TO: Joe in Albany who wrote:

"... I know how much lefty liberals like to quote “non-partisan” CBO data when it supports their position... The bottom 20% do not pay any federal income taxes and actually make a 5.6% profit on the federal income tax system due to refundable credits."

Why do Republicans constantly curse the poor? There is a reason why some folks are called "poor" (because they are "POOR"), and there's a reason why some are referred to as being on the "bottom" of the earnings totem pole (because they earn very low wages).

Republicans continuing to harp on poor people for not being able to contribute as much as rich people do just makes me wanna puke!

You wanna collect and extra $5 or $10 from the POOR? Well maybe you can, but all the food stamps and crumbs you can scrape up still will not be enough to pay for even half of the cost of that Republican Lie Called the War in Iraq!

Obama / Biden 2012

Logic,

We have to start with our trade agreement with China. Why do we give "Most Favored Nation" status to a country that manipulates its currency and has a 25% tax rate on anything American made? Especially when our nation taxes Chinese products at 1%. This makes it exponentially more profitable to invest in and manufacture in China, while selling to America, ergo we see Chinese growth and a booming job market over there, while we get sub-par products sold for cheap in places like Wal-Mart.

In addition, we can deregulate all you want, but without a return to sweatshops and slavery, we'll never compete in terms of ease of labor. There is zero punishment, and also zero incentive in our tax code to keep jobs here. In fact, multinational corporations use "deregulation" and China as a reason to devalue the U.S. labor market. When people are desperate for a job, condidtions don't matter as much, ergo the corporation can record bigger profits.

Let's face it, if taxes were too high, and corporations were over regulated, why would they be pulling in record profits? Why would we have this kind of income disparity? Why wouldn't we see any jobs, to go along with those profits?

I see the libretard collapsers are out in force today. Free speech has never been a favorite of socialists.... Obama must be so proud of you folks!

Damage123

Care to theorize why Palin took down the map with crosshairs as soon as the shooting happened?

Guity conscience if you ask me

George,

Isn't it free speech for us to collapse a post??? It's an expression of our dislike of what that person has to say. Telling you that you can't post something would be anti-free speech, and who has told you that you can't??? People have the opportunity to reinstate the collapsed posts and read them if they want to. Expressing how we feel about what you post is simply another way of utilizing free speech.

Free speech doesn't equal unilateral acceptance of what you have to say, or passivity in the face of something we disagree with.

Sarah, you are a bit confused! This is a blog, and supposedly a forum to debate political issues.... but in reality it is just a sounding board for the liberal agenda and God help you if you disagree with that agenda!

Same thing happened in Argentina in the 70's. A once thriving free market country was taken over by socialists... free speech was curtailed, and the country went bankrupt giving the poor free food, free housing and no jobs... Argentina has never recovered!

The same thing is happening here....! Go ahead and keep believing that blocking free speech is free speech, lol!

The stakes are higher for all American's if we don't get Obama out of office....as he asks to raise the debt ceiling again by another $1.2 trillion , on top of our $15+ trillion debt.....the U.S. ship is sinking....

I hope they don't use the phrase "The Food Stamp President" , in our children's text books..

Sam,

You'd have a point, if free speech was being blocked. As I said above... Who's stopping you from posting whatever you want? Aren't we able to reinstate them, by simply clicking on the collapsed posts?

Being guarenteed the freedom of speech, doesn't guarentee you an audience for what you have to say. Call me when the government tells you, you can't post something. Until that time you just sound paranoid with a splash of entitled.

You aren't making much sense Sarah!

American girl - you are missing the point on who pays income taxes. Obama and companies argument is that the top wage earners don't pay their "fair share" in income taxes. Yet he refuses to define fair share.

IRS data for 2009 summarizes very well by adjusted gross income (AGI) who pays what % of income taxes collected. ie the lowest AGI split at 50% (< 32k) puts their contributions at 2.25% of income taxes collected vs the top 1% contributing 36% or the top 10% contributing 70% (those with AGI over $112,000). Just what is a fair share? Who really benefits most from government entitlement programs?

http://www.ntu.org/tax-basics/who-pays-income-taxes.html

You will notice that not a single Republican here is arguing the "qualities" of Newt... not a single one. Sure, they try to change the subject by talking about taxes, or Obama, or the "poor"... but no defense of Newt, no cheers, no waving the Newt flag... nothing.

Why is that? Where are the die-hard Newt supporters?

My guess is that, deep down, they know the truth.

The truth that their party, who once used the rally cry "not politics as usual" is now voting for the poster boy of "politics as usual". They know that Newt embodies everything that is wrong with our political system. They know that he is the perfect representation of the corrupt, lying politician that they were once against.

The truth that their "family values" platform is the exact opposite of Newt. That he encompasses every immoral quality that they have preached against. He makes a mockery of their so-called "sanctity of marriage", displaying the flaws in their platform for the entire world to see.

The truth that Newt is one of the biggest hypocrites ever to walk the earth. They see his hypocrisy, they hear it, they know it... but they choose to ignore it.

The truth that they themselves, the Republican party, once kicked out Newt for ethics violations. That they were once proud to stand by the principles they now ignore. That they are now turning to a man who they once felt had no place in Washington.

The Republicans know these truths. They know that Newt has zero values. They know that Newt is the perfect representation of "politics as usual". They know that Newt is a corrupt, lying hypocrite. So they try to change the subject, to focus on their hatred of the opposition, instead of accepting the inevitable truth of their own candidate.

Everything they have preached over the last 3 years... "family values", "not politics as usual", "kick the bums out", "replace all of Washington"... all of it ignored, all of it forgotten. The Republican party has sunk to a new level of depravity, turning their back on their core principles as their hatred blocks all rational thought.

Seldom seen sam - While you are on point on what happened in Argentina in the 70's and their turn of the century hiccup Argentina is now growing. The lessons American liberals/progressive and others fail to understand is that the policies of Argentina and Greece that got them into trouble are being repeated here in the US.

While we still have the worlds largest economy and the US dollar is the worlds reserve currency only the time line is extended if fiscal policy is not changed.

Sarah,

Why do we give "Most Favored Nation" status to a country that manipulates its currency and has a 25% tax rate on anything American made

Do we not manipulate our currency? Is printing billions of dollars not contributing to the lower dollar? I'm not defending the trade agreement / or China policy, I'm just saying we play some of the same games.

while we get sub-par products sold for cheap in places like Wal-Mart.

Are you not for more affordable prices? Doesn't cheap products help the poor buy things they otherwise might not be able to afford? We do want to help the poor in this country don't we? I for one bought my son a small cheap bike to ride knowing that it is cheap but he will outgrow it in a couple of years anyway. Saved myself some money going to walmart for the bike, money that I needed for gas.

In addition, we can deregulate all you want, but without a return to sweatshops and slavery, we'll never compete in terms of ease of labor.

Well I never mentioned deregulation, but you seem to admit regulation doesn't help companies. America will not be able to keep every company from going overseas, but you do realize the more regulation and more taxes they have to pay the more beneficial it will be for them to go overseas.

Let's face it, if taxes were too high, and corporations were over regulated, why would they be pulling in record profits? Why would we have this kind of income disparity? Why wouldn't we see any jobs, to go along with those profits?

So you admit companies go overseas to increase their profits, yet then state if are taxes were to high they wouldn't be making record profits. Here is the thing about most businesses that is very important so read carefully...... they don't care what the tax rate is!!!!!!! If I were the owner of Coke and wanted to make a 40% profit every year I would work my my labor cost and my product price to try and reach that goal. If you raise my taxes, I raise my product price, and lower my labor cost. So in the end my RICH company still makes a lot of money, but the average American buying my product now has to spend more, and my work force gets less. By you going after the rich company you have inadvertently hurt only the little guys who buy or work from me. If my price increase means I sell less that just means I need to downsize my labor accordingly, again hurting the little guy, not me.

Why is that? Where are the die-hard Newt supporters?

Apparently they are in South Carolina and they rarely have computers or the ability to write on a news vine.

IndyParty - Why is it necessary to support newts lifestyle choices? The real support for any politician is whether one believes that a candidate can deliver change or agree with the choice of change to be made thru action. Rhetoric only works for the wannabees, not the incumbent.

Regardless of personal attributes or lack thereof, the real issue is who can be a uniter to get America moving forward again. As long as obama shows us he is more like a congressman than POTUS it will really be for many ABO 2012.

BTW - I have no problem with voting out any incumbent with three or more years of service in either the executive or legislative branch. Less chance of big lobbyist influence doncha know. It wouldn't be the first time I voted split bticket as well.

Apparently they are in South Carolina and they rarely have computers or the ability to write on a news vine.

And apparently they have no problem putting all of their "values" aside, and fully embracing a corrupt, lying, "politics as usual" politician.

Apparently their "values" are not as strong as they have claimed, seeing how easily they cast them aside without even a second thought. I guess hate is a powerful emotion, pushing them to ignore their core principles... how utterly pathetic.

Logic,

Do we not manipulate our currency? Is printing billions of dollars not contributing to the lower dollar? I'm not defending the trade agreement / or China policy, I'm just saying we play some of the same games

No we don't. Not in terms of trade agreements and currency manipulation. We print too much money, but that's to cover up what's occuring on Wall St, and ensure we have enough to bail them out, not to make our goods cheaper in Chinese markets.

Are you not for more affordable prices? Doesn't cheap products help the poor buy things they otherwise might not be able to afford

Cheap goods don't always equate to quality goods. Capitalism says that we have to produce better products, not cheaper products, in order to compete. Plus, inflation of prices is only an issue if we don't have living wages. Cheap, is no longer cheap, if it costs human lives. Take a look at labor standards and practices in China. They're literally killing themselves.

Well I never mentioned deregulation, but you seem to admit regulation doesn't help companies

I bring up regulations is the context of labor markets. If we can't deregulate down to where China is, than we need to come up with tax incentives/penalities for companies who take advantage of that. We should be working at increasing labor standards in China, not racing them down to the standards of the guilded age.

but you do realize the more regulation and more taxes they have to pay the more beneficial it will be for them to go overseas

Not necessarily. What if we put a 25% tax on Chinese made goods, as they do to us? What if we create tax penalities for multinational corporations that use labor or utilize offshore corporations which don't employ basic human rights? Right now, we do what makes the greatest profits for the corporation, not what makes it best for the middle class, or what creates jobs in America. When the interests of the corporations and the workers aren't aligned, we have a problem, ergo we currently have a problem.

We accomplish all this, by having a Marshall Plan type forum, before the war, which will eventually happen if we continue to ignore the income and opportunity disparity.

Less regulations and less taxes, as we've seen over the past 30 years, means more jobs... in China.

american,

You focus on the "lifestyle choice" which is only one part of the issue. Personally, I could care less what someone does in their bedroom... which is why I am not a Republican. But I do care if someone is a hypocrite.

The main issue is the corruption, the "politics as usual", the fact that Newt is the poster boy for lobbyist influence and money. I am against lobbyist influence, thus I am against everything about Newt.

I'm neither for or against tax increases! I would be fine with higher taxes if you can tell me how those higher taxes will help the economy, the poor, and me. With higher taxes will we have less jobs go overseas or more? Will higher taxes equal more jobs? Will higher taxes help the working middle class and poor? Will higher taxes cut our budget deficit by 80% or 4%? Saying that companies have record profits so they can afford it is great, but how will that extra money taken from them help?

Left is Fuzzy,

I love when people say that, but don't ask me to clarify. What doesn't make sense to you?

Logic,

I explained it. Yes, yes they will. The appropriate taxes, in the appropriate way, will penalize creating jobs in China, and incentivize creating them here, expanding the tax base, promoting Capitalism, and leading to more growth. In fact, without a raise in revenue, you can cut spending all you want, but nothing will get balanced, seeing as we can't even make our interest payments.

The more taxes we take in, the more we can rebuild our infrastructure, creating jobs. The more we can improve our educational system, creating competence and jobs. The more we can invest in research and development and alternative energy, creating jobs and ending our dependance on foreign oil, which leads to less defense spending.

If you're worried about the deficit, repealing the Bush Tax Cuts alone, which is only a percentage of what needs to get reformed, would bring our debt to GDP ratio under 50% and place it at a manageable level.

For any system of economics and government to work, it needs to be both protected and subjected to the appropriate regulations and tax codes. Right now we have a blantant misaligning of interests, and those that are profitting the most from this misalignment have been given the power to buy Washington, through SCOTUS's decisions in Valeo and Citizen's United. This means a cycle of the wealthy, buying the legislature to ensure their ease of wealth.

Logic Required, you are wrong about taxes. They are a fundamental part of any corporation's strategy. Why do you think each have so many accountant's who specialize only in reducing the amount of taxes paid. Also why do many corporations concentrate their production in Low Tax jurisdictions. For some corporations they look at the tax implications before they even look at the labor cost. If you knew how an income statement works you would know that labor cost fit in to overhead which is part of Cost of Goods sold. The labor cost is much more easily converted into the market price of the product whereas taxes are simply placed on profits.

If a company like Coke wanted to make 40% profit if they worked soley on cutting labor cost to increase that they would also have to work in the tax implication. Fore ach dollar they reduce in the labor cost they would on recieve 65 cents in profit assuming a 35 percent tax rate. If they were able to generate tax savings there is no further calculation each dollar saved is a dollar saved.

Sarah personally I disagree with you. I have come to the sad truth that raising taxes on corporations solves none of our issues, especially when there are countries out there who ask for 0% tax. There is no way for the US to compete. For this reason I think the US should eliminate ALL corporate income tax(leave payroll taxes and fees) and raise Capital gains taxes to be treated as normal income and short term gains to be taxed at even higher rates. That is just an idea I came up with, and am aware there may be flaws in it. However, I think we are in a place in this global economy where raising taxes on corporations will not help anyone.

Akeem,

Agree to disagree. I do like your idea on capital gains, though. To me, having a code that taxes capital gains at 15% is having a code that rewards "wealth" as opposed to hard work, investment or inovation.

Good job, Sarah. I enjoy your thoughtful, educated posts. You've got more patience than I do. . . .

I always appreciate the support, Jack!

"Get ready for Romney to morph into an attack dog."

Then let's put Mitt into an "air tight container" and strap him to the top of our car. We'll ride him around for twelve hours and wait to see what "brown" stuff, flows out of him.

I love animals and that includes humans. Romney cannot relate to the suffering he caused his dog nor the suffering of mankind. He is a spoiled brat who believes he is better than anyone else because he has never been without ANYTHING.

I was one of eight children, growing up in the late forties and fifties as a child, I remember being hungry and there was nothing in the refrigerator to eat. I can just hear my critics "WHY DID YOUR PARENTS HAVE SO MANY KIDS?

My Mom used to ask the same question. But that is not the point. There are children starving and without shelter in this world today. Note I said world. How can anyone watch TV and sit idlly by, while there are children so emaciated, that they are too weak to swat flies off their face. This Republican slate of candidates and all of us, need to address poverty, no matter where the location or geography.

People who profess to be Christians will have to explain to their maker, how they could have so much while the majority of people, in this world have NOTHING!

Does anyone really believe Mitt or Newt can relate, to such a crime against humanity? If it were not for fate, anyone of us could live in Africa, Haiti and yes, the United States and be hungry. It appears to me, the far right is more concerned about keeping their money in their wallets and the government at bay, but yet, yell at the top of their lungs, about their religious beliefs.

How many houses does a person need? Note I said need? How many cars? How many servants? I am prepared for the you are a "socialist" from the right. Maybe so , but I am also compassionate, caring and a humanitarian.

If either Mitt or Newt become president, our United States will be so divided, we will never become the great nation we once were. I was a nurse for over forty years. I have seen a lot of life; it's tragedies and miracles. Each of both can never be explained but most of the tragedies were man made. Most of the miracles were also because of the generosity of others.

I do not believe in any of the Republican candidates. The do not have the compassion or wisdom, to lead our nation, let alone our world. And yes, the United States was a world leader. We have always been at the forefront, of generosity and rescuing, those in need. We have to start with our own people now because, the middle and lower classes, have been ignored for so long. Even so, I believe those very same people, will always be, the first to respond, to the need of others, in a crisis.

The United States, already had the correct man in place, President Obama.

OBAMA/BIDEN 2012

Jack in Portsmouth

Ahhh, David. That (Post #1.30) was classic! You do know, of course, that the Joe Albany's and the Bob#s and the BrianB's and the JOS's and the rest of the hooligans are going to take it at face value. They wouldn't know satire if it struck them in the forehead.

________________________

Moron.

Judy,

I like your post. I truly believe that if Jesus lived today, the GOP/TP would call him a Marxist and ask to see his long form birth certificate. And this from the party that claims the high moral/religious/Christian ground???

"I like your Christ, I do not think I like your Christians." - Ghandi

Sarah / Akeem

To me, having a code that taxes capital gains at 15% is having a code that rewards "wealth" as opposed to hard work, investment or inovation.

As opposed to hard work, INVESTMENT or inovation? Isn't capital gains a tax on gains made on "investments"? If I make $1,300 and pay my taxes leaving me with $1,000 and I decide to invest that money into gold hoping the value goes up I'm taking a risk. So if my investment goes up over the next couple of years and I sell for $1,300 you would have me pay $300 in taxes again?

Capital gains taxes to be treated as normal income and short term gains to be taxed at even higher rates.

So if my investment goes up I'm taxed at income rates, and if my investment goes down I'm screwed? Or if I lose money it's like having a bad business year and I get to write off my loses? Why would I risk investing if my reward is only a portion of my winnings?

Interesting. Christ taught us to voluntarily give DIRECTLY to the poor. A Marxist teaches that we should be required to give to Ceaser so Cearser can then decide who he wants to give/redistribute our money to. Obama is a Marxist, Christ taught freedom of choice. If you don't understand the difference it is because you have been taught WHAT to think, not HOW to think.

Obama wants to destroy the 1%. He understands that the middle class can not exist if the 1% is destroyed. There was no 1% in the USSR, no 1% in precapitalist China, and NO MIDDLE CLASS in these countries either. The 1% has virtually been destroyed in Europe and now the middle class is disappearing. Obama knows this, he isn't dumb, he can see what took place in the USSR and China and what is happening now in Europe. He is counting on the fact that you can't think, that you will continue to support him even though it is clear he wants to make you poor and completely dependent on the government because you will help him destroy the 1%, the only people in this country who can create jobs and create a healthy middle class. So you just keep on drinking the cool aid, maybe you will still be able to get some once the 1% is eliminated and you are standing in line waiting for your government handout. But hey don't worry about Obama, he is one of the elite, the government bureaucrats will still be vacationing in Hawaii, while you are standing in line waiting for them to give you the crumbs from their table. If you can't see what is happening currently in Europe, and it doesn't actually cause you to THINK, then there is no hope for this country and we deserve what Obama is about to do to us.

So, the silk gloves are off?

Logic,

I meant investment in terms of investing in new markets, investing in new products, or businesses, or communities. Not investment for personal gain and personal wealth.

Investment that aligns the interest of the investor with the interest of the innovator, not simply investment for the sake of the investor.

That's cooperation between the classes, and the different players in our society.

Boyd,

Obama is neither Christ nor Satan, nor the boogieman. You ascribe him way more power than he has or even wants. He's a man, an American, and a father. That's it. Get over him. You sound paranoid.

Joe in Albany,

It took you 4 1/2 hours to figure out a response and all you could come up with was one word?

But, hell, I shouldn't complain. That's twice as fast as in the past.

Huge debate tonight at USF. Biggest question is which liberal pinhead NBC Obamunist will get sitch blapped by Newt.

PS...Giffords to resign. Good. Just another Jackass Democ Rat. Wish her well personally, but hope we never her of her again politically.

And better practicing Catholics, than a Stealth Muslim. Good to see all of you baby killers telling us about how Christ would act if he were alive today. "Whoever would harm one of these little ones, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea."

I wonder where all of this liberal sarcasm and outrage was with Obama and Fast and Furious, Solindra, etc.

Oh that's right, your poster boy can do no wrong.

Keep the blinders on Fiesty and Co.

Not that I'm a fan of any of the republican candidates, but at least have equality!

It took you 4 1/2 hours to figure out a response and all you could come up with was one word?

__________________________________________________________

Jack, unlike you and the other regular FR lefty liberals, I actually have a life besides FR whining and complaining and I was out enjoying it. And the one word, "Moron", says all that needed to be said about your post. Have a nice day and thanks for playing.

Joe in Albany,

Me, too. I've got a life besides FR.

But I wonder whether you could answer a question of curiosity--and really, it is just that, curiosity, not a wiseass question, no ulterior motives. Which Albany are you from? I've always pictured NY, but sometimes wondered whether it's Georgia. Or someplace else.

People who profess to be Christians will have to explain to their maker, how they could have so much while the majority of people, in this world have NOTHING!

That's funny, because I see so many Christians going on missions to help build schools, set up hospitals, and give clean water systems, yet all they ask is they are allowed to speak of Christ while helping in places like Africa, and Haiti. Democrat and Republican Christians together give money and send it around the world to help, the fact they take care of their family is nothing to be ashmade of.

It appears to me, the far right is more concerned about keeping their money in their wallets and the government at bay, but yet, yell at the top of their lungs, about their religious beliefs.

So you think because people on the right don't want to pay to the United States Government more in taxes they are selfish mean people? You don't think there is waste and corruption in the government? You don't think that the money that is wasted couldn't be used to help the poor? Are you for the government giving money to the arts when so many out in the world are suffering?

How many houses does a person need? Note I said need? How many cars? How many servants?

Does your question apply to Democrats as well? How many servants does Michelle have these days? How many houses does John Kerry have? How many cars are parked outside Harry Reids home or should I say homes?

I think what I dislike most about your comments is that you judge Republicans, Christians, and Mitt and Newt without much fairness. Mitt and Newt aren't my favorite people but did you know Romney lived in France doing mission work and his living conditions were pretty tough while there. He also defended two girls from being assaulted by rugby players. If you held yourself or Obama to the same standard you seem to apply to everyone else I would have more respect for you, but no, you just throw out accusations that you can't back up about people you don't know. Very Christian of you! Literally this is something Christians such as myself do very well and need to get better at, you should too.

I am a christian, and conservative and I am totally for Romney. Newt is ahead for one good reason, he voices the opinion of the millions of Americans who are so tired of the liberal media and the socialist Obama. He voices his opinion that under the Adm of Obama people would rather be lazy and live on food stamps than work for a living.

The reason I like Mitt: He did not inherit his wealth, he earned it!

He was an honor student in law and business from Harvard and his records are there to examine, unlike Obama unwilling to release his records from Harvard...what has Obama got to hide? Mitt was an honor student and he managed to pass with honors while taking both law and business at the same time.

Mitt changed his children's diapers, worked on his own "older car" himself, did not have a maid even though he could afford it. He give 10 percent to his church because he made a commitment to God.

He stayed faithful to one women and has been by her side while suffering MS and cancer, Until Newt who left his wife while she was hospitalize. Yes character matters

Vdaet

What planet do you live on?

Mitt didn't inherit his wealth? Really? Dream on.

You say "his records are there to examine, unlike Obama unwilling to release his records". Tell me when a president or president-elect has ever been asked to release his records? People can elect to release them, but it's not mandatory. This whole business about Obama not releasing his records is a meaningless distraction. What possible reason would you have for asking a man who has been the president for the past 3 years to release his college transcripts? What on earth would it prove? Use your brain for once instead of joining the mob and going, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah! He should release his records! God, what a nitwit you are!

I can't wait for tonight!! Another GOP debate/Obama Bash Fest. The entertainment value of watching these morons stomp all over their tongues with right wing demagoguery and false hope of sitting in the Oval Office is priceless. Afterward, I may even watch a bit of the Fox News Debate After Party and catch up on the most recent GOP/TP lies.

JOE in Albany,

I wonder did you actually go read the CBO report yourself. As you know, to make his point and to sensationalize issues without actually lying, the good journalist at the WSJ cherry picked the CBO report on 2007. When I saw your post, I became interested and looked for the report to take a read of it. What was not shared in the WSJ article was:

"The share of household income after transfers and federal taxes going to the highest income quintile grew from 43 percent in 1979 to 53 percent in 2007 (see Summary Figure 3). The share of after-tax household income for the 1 percent of the population with the highest income more than doubled, climbing from nearly 8 percent in 1979 to 17 percent in 2007. The population in the lowest income quintile received about 7 percent of after-tax income in 1979; by 2007, their share of after-tax income had fallen to about 5 percent. The middle three income quintiles all saw their shares of after-tax income decline by 2 to 3 percentage. "

Also, the article didn't reference what the CBO said the average income of the lower quintile was. The lowest quintile average income was $18,400 annually. So, in using your logic, you think that the guy making $17K shouldn't pay 4% of his income in taxes which yields $17,664 but 29.5% instead like the top 1% and bring home only about !3K. Guess you don't want the poor guy with the ever declining income not to eat. LOL. Also, what I didnt like about the CBO report is that it added a significant percentage for corporate taxes to come up with 29.5% assuming most of the top 1% income are capital investments.

I don't know what happened to this country. We have the lowest tax rates in history now. Guess Madison Avenue did a good job in brainwashing folk to believe their only objective should be to gather as much money as they can and buy as much crap as they can to build up their self esteem and gain feelings of self worth. No one wants to pay for the two wars that the rw supported. Then, other people's kids fighting those wars for them and not being willing to pay your fair share of taxes to pay for the wars show how selfish people have become. During WW2, taxes rates were as high as 81% for the rich with less tax loopholes and no one whinned.

Jack,

The planet is Earth.

Romney was a child of priveledge, no doubt. But he was a great student. That led to his successful career where he basically started from scratch and earned a fortune without any help from the folks.

When his father passed, Mitt gave the entire inheritence away to BYU.

Joe,

Money isn't everything, that's true. But when you grow up in the circumstances that Mitt did, and have the connections far and wide that he did, you start off on a very different footing than the guy who grew up in a family that had nothing (and had no fortune to give away, needless to say). I've lived in both worlds, and I've seen the differences.

And I think there's a lot more to it than "Mitt gave the entire inheritance (not "inheritence", as you spelled it) away to BYU." He gave some of it away, not all of it, and he was pretty well off by that time.

Well fiesty you just might win that is if Obama's DOJ can play judicial pingpong with the Tx redistricting maps long enough. Let's see we had to move the March primary to April and if they don't have the maps by the end of this month it will be moved to May. And of course all the democrats are telling DOJ "Take your time". But the presidential primary isn't the only election being effected. Municipal and county general elections are supposed to be in May but their primaries haven't been held yet. And where I live everybody. their brother and their dog and cat runs in those elections so after the primaries we have a runoff among the top two in each party. VOTER RIGHTS FOR TEXANS

Jack,

So he had connections. He still earned his own massive personal wealth. As for the inheritance, he says, and indications are, he gave it all away. I haven't seen any evidence to the contrary. If you have please share. Granted he didn't need any of it. Nonetheless, his fortune is overwhelmingly due to hard work and adult success, not birthright or gift.

All you MSPIN / Comedy Central liberals can suck it. FOX news rules all you losers.

I am terrified of a Newt Presidency. That guy's tax plan would increase the deficit DRAMATICALLY, calling for draconian cuts.

Boyd,

Look to Moscow for the city with the most Billionaires in the world - seventeen or thereabouts.

Logic,

That's funny, because I see so many Christians going on missions

The key here is, GOING ON MISSIONS. Missions, as in a mission to convert people. They aren't going just to be charitable, but to save the "heathens" from themselves. It's just easier to convert people when they're obligated to you. Jesus was charitable for charitable's sake, Christians are charitable to promote their agenda. And isn't there something in the Bible about doing charity anonymously???

Sarah,

You do know that Christ worked to convert the Gentiles, no?

Also, can you name the most charitable organization in the world? Hint: it's a Christian one.

Sarah,

Times up.

Whether you knew it or not, he did.

The Roman Catholic Church...for over 2000 years running.

Leroy Romney didn't do interviews till the SC primaries. He's like all the other tea people GOP republican candidates, when he has to talk to people he makes a fool of himself. Leroy honestly believes he is better than the rest of America.

LEROY ROMNEY. If that's a joke, I didn't get it. can you explain it to me?

Happy Chinese New Year – my fortune cookie said; Obama/Biden 2012 – If you want the rainbow, you must to put up with the rain. - D. Parton

since taking office Jan 2009 Obama POTUS stats from the treasury dept:

2009 - 1.681 Trillion (10,618,718,703,374.78 vs. 12,300,163,248,044.69)

2010 - 1.759 Trillion (12,300,163,248,044.69 vs. 14,060,136,959,466.51)

2011 - 1.17 Trillion (14,060,136,959,466.51 vs. 15,236,280,735,687.76)

Also the last 3 weeks the debt has held at 15.236 trillion due to the ceiling Obama wants to raise 1.2 Trillion. If not for the halt from April to Aug and this halt for the last 3 weeks Obama would have tied Bush's 4.88 Trillion during his 8 years in office vs Obama's 3.

We are in a flash flood not rain and we need to get to high waters and replace Obama Now. The only rainbow is to reverse this course of action and direction of our republic. Newt did lead the 1996 welfare reform act and other cost cutting measures that lead to the Clinton era debt surplus.

Obama = Epic Fail

The liberals holding on to hope that Obama wins. What book says that a republican can't win against Obama? The liberals don't write the books. For some reason liberals think Obama is unbeatable. This isn't 2008 where the lame John McCain was botching up his campaign, placing Obama over the top.

What about epic fail don't the liberals understand? Failure to lead, throwing the US under the bus, calling all Americans lazy, going around congress by using executive orders... what about these things don't the liberals get? These things piss off regular Americans. Of course to liberals, Obama can do anything he likes... they would support him through a dictatorial take over of this country.

Of course the liberals are supporting Obama... but the neat thing about it is they are only 1/3 of the voting public. The other 2/3rd's don't look favorably on Obama. Definitely not republicans and I dare say the majority of independents either.

Keep hoping liberals... I'll keep the change.

Randy, with Obama's record, which will be the overriding issue in the presidential campaign, character asassination is all they have to campaign on. I know no one here, outside of the local college occupiers, who have expressed anything other than disdain for the present Occupier of the White House. No person with even basic math skills, and in their right mind, would vote or the socialist/marxist agenda of Obama's administration. Newt, scares the hell out of the left, he can express himself without leaning on a teleprompter. Obama was elected only on his teleprompter abilities.

No person with even basic math skills, and in their right mind, would vote or the socialist/marxist agenda of Obama's administration.

Would you please post the link to the socialist/marxist agenda of Obama's administration. I have basic math skills and a right mind, and would like to read through it to ensure my vote is properly cast in the next election.

Oh, and I hope this agenda is easier to find than the Homosexual Agenda published by the right-wing religious/family value councils.

If the GOP does not select Ron Paul , It will be OBAMA in 2012.That is how scared the country is of the past GOP leaders, you see they do remember the past as history NOT to be forgotten. I know most folks are not better off today then they were in those Grand Ole Party Days of dear old Ronnie and they sure as hell do not have the faith to vote in the true lies of the (2) so called leaders of todays so called run off.If the people of this GOP really want nothing more too make sure OBAMA is a one term president, then please find a person who is worth the vote of those on the other side of the asile.

To those who are worried about OBAMA and there guns catch this, when W was in office a AK 47 rifle was selling for around $1000 bucks at the locale gun show, with OBAMA in office they are now around $450.

Can someone please explain that one to me. Silly me, i'm sure it's OBAMA'S fault, you know flooding the market in MEXICO with all those cheap guns and now they are selling them back at a loss. Stupied MEXICANS all the time. No wait it was W who GAVE them those guns so they could win the war on DRUGS. Me is stupid all the time.

You won't read about Obama's socialist/marxist agenda through any left wing source. They support the agenda. Since they work through very small bites in order to accomplish their goals, the only way to come to the full realization of their agenda is when it's too late to reverse it. Obamacare, if it was so above board, would have been implemented immediately. Why wait 3 years for it to start up? Part of the plan. Let people get used to the idea before hammering them. Then when the system starts, it's too late to reverse. The amount of socialization contained in the 4000 pages is immense. The problem is, those who support Obama haven't read the legislation on it... they trust Obama and the democrats to do the right thing. Being naive and trusting of liberal politicians defines the left. If Obamacare was so upright, why were the republicans excluded from it? Why was it approved and voted on when democrats had majorities in the house and the senate? It's because it's chalk filled with liberal/left implementations. This is the hallmark of Obama's socialist/marxist agenda.

traffic avenger - we hear these threats all the time from you Ron Paul supporters. Many of us realize how devoted you are to having Paul as president, but no matter how you slice it, dice it or make your threats, Paul will not become president. His agenda is way too radical, way to libertarian and many of his ideas do not fit within the American systems. Threatening with Obama winning will not work.

The Main Line Story line reads:

Romney to morph into an attack dog !

Haaah!

LMAOL!

Snore laughing in my seat this morning!

Kinda like a Lycan werewolf from the movies Underworld?

Celine ( Callista ), better quickly put on the black spandex suit to save her " Hubby".

Order please.

Still LOL !

The lovely, spoiled, paranoid and sissy 1% elite & management who does not have a .25C raise to give to their employees, or a vacation day, or some kind of benefit, something, You know? Just try faking it at least.

But instead, they have millions and millions to donate to Political campaigns ( Super packs), and many more actually billions hiding in safe havens in offshore accounts where they draw their living from.

That's how they are actually, well "Unemployed ", poor things!

BrianB - It is not that obama has specifically declared himself to be a marxist but as you say he takes the lead in that direction with "little bites". The sad part is that we have been having these "little bites" by politicians since the mid 60's. Obama just wants to accelerate them.

You won't read about Obama's socialist/marxist agenda through any left wing source

And yet another deflection from the question .. where is the link to the agenda, or better yet, what/where is the source to this agenda? I would almost think it is a mythical agenda, but, it has been cited so many times it must exist, someone must have seen it somewhere.

Perhaps it is a talking point, much like comparing the health care act to socialism. Talking points are like the cartoon balloons in comic strips .. thoughts with no substance. Health care under the Health Care Act no more resembles socialism than car insurance resembles socialism. Now, if it resembled Medicare, then yes, it could be argued that there is some semblance to socialism. But even that would be a stretch since hospitals and doctors are not government run.

"The liberals holding on to hope that Obama wins."

Hope?? Try reality. Obama is leading every Republican candidate and is trouncing Newt. Even Fox shows Obama leading every Republican.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/president_obama_vs_republican_candidates.html

ABO 2012!

1. At least Romney seems like an honorable man and his record doesn't scream "SLIMEBALL!"
2. Most americans will NEVER support a Sleazy Slimeball lifetime lobbying family abandoning hypoctite like Blingrich!!
3. Blingrich needs to go home to McLean, VA where he's close to Tiffanys in Tysons and lobbying on K Street

I can't vote for Obama, it doesn't matter who the republicans choose he can't be as bad as Obama.

Obama doesn't have a socialist/marxists agenda????

1. Destroy the 1% (they create the jobs, allow us to remain independent from government control, therefore the government has to confiscate their wealth, keep them from creating a job that the government doesn't ok) but of course that is not marxist or socialist.

2. Destroy the private economy (just in case he can't increase taxes sufficiently to kill the 1% outright and keep them from having money to invest, he has appointed about 32 CZARs who are creating regulations that destroy any incentive to invest any money that the government can't confiscate, this president has an excutive branch of government that has created more new regulation that all the past 3 presidents before him combined). but of course that is not marxist or socialist.

3. Destroy Social Sercurity and Medicare (the only tax decrease Obama wants is a decrease in the SS and Medicare payroll taxes, these programs are already having problems meeting their obligations so a tax decrease (which is the only form of taxes most of the people who will vote for Obama pay) will cause those programs which the elderly have actually contributed to most of their lives will be unable to pay them what was promised and they will be left holding their hands out waiting for government handouts) But of course that is not marxist or socialist.

4. Government Health care (of course everyone knows how efficient the post office runs compared to federal express or UPS so we should be very confident that the government will be able to give us an improved, well run, less expensive health care system) But of course that isn't marxist or socialist.

5. Goverment dicated private purchases (we are being told what kind of light bulbs we have to buy, what kind of cars we are going to have available to us, and what kind of energy we are allowed to purchase ) But of course that isn't marxist or socialist.

6. Unionized Government employees (we have such strict employment laws in this country that private companies and private employees no longer want or need unions, so of course Obama supports the public sector unions (and they him) after all how can the workers unite if there is no union to collect money from them and fire them up and create the upper class bureacracy that will rule once the private sector is destroyed) but of course that is not marxist or socialist.

I could continue writing this for about two days. If Obama is not a Marxist/Socialist there is no such thing, and if Europe is an example of successful socialism then WHY do I want that for this country.

Carney Asked if 'Saul Alinksky Portrait' is Hanging in the White House

The answer is yes!

http://nation.foxnews.com/jay-carney/2012/01/23/carney-asked-if-saul-alinksky-portrait-hanging-white-house

Boyd

Stop watching FOX and listening to Limbaugh. Try getting the facts.

Seems to me the liberals were quite feisty prior to the 2010 election, and that didn't turn out so well for them.

Here's the thing - it really is the economy. People are going to vote for whoever they think has the best ideas and could actually enact their agenda.

Obama has proven to be a divider, a class-warfare, and encourager of hate. I think that the middle is tired of the blame game - Obama invented "inherited" as a political idea. Well Mr Obama, guess what, we are tired of "inheriting" your massive overspending & debt, it's time for you to go.

And most of us would elect Donald Duck, as long as he can negotiate with Congress.

The only guy running who successfully worked with both parties of congress is Newt. Under his leadership, we saw record low deficits, we saw a booming jobs market, we saw what we want to see now. The President has done none of this.

Do you even know who the real Saul Alinsky is? Not the straw man set up by Glen Beck or Gingrinch, but the real man? The man that William Buckley said was "close to being an organizational genius?"

He was no communist or marxist. He hated both for the sins they committed. He taught poor people how to organize to help themselves. That, and only that.

Quit spreading lies.

Even a Republican can't negotiate with this out of their mind Republican Congress. Just the last time the Prez had to say NO to them was when they wanted to cut off unemployment benefits just before Christmas! Or tried to make him look bad on the Canada (in yours but not in our Country) Keystone pipeline by putting deliberate arbitrary deadline on it, to try to make him look bad and unreasonable and that by law, he had no choice to decline.

President Obama has done what he has had to do... and has done it well!

Now, righties what are you going to throw at him, other than your memorized laughable uniformed rhetoric from Rush Limbaugh... a Tax Cheat or a Wife Cheater????

Mrs. Plastic face said she hopes she becomes first lady, support my dirty boy Newt !!!

That's what I'm afraid of - the economy tanks and your GOP nominee just might happen to be a slimeball like Blingrich. And I don't want that thing anywhere near the presidency. It just seems eerily similar to the rise of the Fascist dictators of Europe prior to WWII....

I could continue writing this for about two days. If Obama is not a Marxist/Socialist there is no such thing, and if Europe is an example of successful socialism then WHY do I want that for this country.

@Boyd - do us all a favor and please do not continue on for two days, for all you have posted is your paranoid view of what the dancing fairies in your head (Fox News) are telling you. Some call those voices schizophrenia. Again, I am asking for link to the Obama Socialist/Marxist Agenda. Like I said, it is cited here often but I have yet to see a bona fide reference.

Ok Hubba Hubba. Now get out and get your food stamps and lucky you don't have to pay any taxes on Apr.17th

Boyd,

Gosh so many Extreme Whoppers, and all in point form.

A record - that.

Top on the morning to you Floyd!

I read over the weekend where Boehner believes it's a good idea to 'revisit' the Keystone disaster...

They NEVER learn do they? lol

What a bunch of masochists!

maybe Keystone will run through Illinois. Everyone knows they need the money, now don't ya Feisty?

now don't ya Feisty?

Get LOST - penguinboy!

Tick Tock...

Morning Betty. Still have that stalker problem I see. I personally think it's the red hair and a general joie de vive that sends some folks over the edge

how is that breaking the CoH?

Morning Feisty and IR! Trolls aren't worth the energy, right? More fun to watch the fun and games on the right.

yes I agree, let freedom of speech reign. what is he problem? It is healthy to have different views and carry on a debate.

Morning NDD!

Just caught your comment to me from yesterday about the snow - we had thunderstorms overnight and they washed away most of what we got on Friday. YAY!

Nice you got a day to relax.

Trolls aren't worth the energy, right?

Playing whack-a-troll can be a great form of exercise! ;o)

what is he problem?

The problem penguinboy is you have been BANNED repeatetly by Newsvine!

But like all card carrying right wing nitwits - you don't believe rules apply to YOU!

We have freezing rain on top of 5 inches of snow. Sitting it out this morning, though I need to get to town.

And you do have to wonder at the energy some folks expend following you around like that. They could do something like, well, get their OWN life!

Soon as you say something worthy it becomes a debate until then it's just bait.

The truth shall set you free, or not.

I see Boehner is again considering adding the Keystone XL Pipeline to the temporary payroll tax cut legislation. Seriously, the GOP gave President Obama an ultimatum and it didn't work out too well for them the first time; now they're saying they didn't mean the first ultimatum which forced a decision before the environmental impact studies, the route were complete so they want a "do over". Even the republicans and republican governors and legislators in the states affected by the pipeline have expressed opposition to the pipleline seem not to matter to Boehner and his minions. Speaker Boehner and the GOPers in Congress may think this makes President Obama look bad but the truth is, it makes the GOP look completely stupid and irresponsible.

Buck Naked, Penquinboy, I'm all for free speech but that not what you do, you stalk and that's not too bright.

Things aren't looking so good for the Republican Party.

House Speaker John Boehner on Sunday insisted that the next year will be spent on policy, not politics, but said it’s “pathetic” if President Obama tries to offer the “same old” ideas at Tuesday’s State of the Union that he’s been offering in the past three years.

Thank you John, fortunately there are many others out there also sick to death of obama's tired old rhetoric! Neither he nor his libbie minions get it....!

House Speaker John Boehner on Sunday insisted that the next year will be spent on policy, not politics

Really?

Here is what Boehner said while on home field advantage;

"The Keystone pipeline is the prime example of a shovel-ready project that has been through every approval process here in Washington," he told "Fox News Sunday." "Every option is on the table. We are going to do everything we can to try to make sure that this Keystone pipeline is, in fact, approved."

Asked by host Chris Wallace whether he would try to "link" the pipeline to extending the payroll tax holiday for an additional 10 months after it expires at the end of February, Boehner replied,"We may. But as I said, all options are on the table."

Sure stinks like politics if you ask me...

so I was banned big deal does it say you can't reregister somewhere?

Yes.

Not only does Mr. Boehner have to answer to his corporate masters on the Keystone Pipeline, he also has personal skin in the game with his investments. That is double motivation for the Speaker.

miked-332.... Boehner should learn to not speak. Considering the GOP has done nothing but obstruct for the past three years, he truly has nothing to offer anyone. I think the November elections will show how tired Americans are of the obstructionists and Boehner in particular. What a pathetic excuse for a human being. Even when President Obama puts forth programs the GOP liked, they vote them down. The GOP has become a sad excuse for a party. And, John Boehner is a sad excuse for a man.

"And, John Boehner is a sad excuse for a man"

Wow I thought he was only dressing that way the way he acts.

I'm hoping that Speaker Boehner doesn't win re-election.

Approximately 75,000 jobs were created in the oil and gas sector under the Obama Administration between 2009 to 2011, according to analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

I bet doubling our cost of gas had nothing to do with creating 75,000 more jobs

$1.81: The price of gas when Obama took office.

I guess coming from the low of the depression in March of 2009 less than 2 months into his first term and having a recovery had nothing to do with it??

That night the Dow closed at 6,547.05, its lowest close in 12 years. The value of all U.S. stocks had dropped from a peak of $22 trillion to $9 trillion, a staggering loss of wealth.

March 9, 2009: Dow Hits 12-year Low

We now know that March 9, 2009 was the Dow's rock bottom close of the Great Recession. One

according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2008 there were 3,335,630 people in Oil and Gas

So using the lowest of the low in 2009 to todays High 2.2% increase in jobs over 2-years

I guess thats better than the 4.4 trillion stick in the eye the rest of the USA got in debt.

O = Epic Fail

Interesting on how obama chose to make the XL pipeline a political issue, especially after having over three years to analyze the proposal and that numerous alternate routes were studied as well. Even nebraska was looking at another alternate route.

Sure the republicans also played politics by forcing a decision and obama once again made a quick, but thoughtless political decision by saying NO, let the Canadians refile for a new permit.

Obama made the decision that American engineering and labor were not capable of delivering an effective pipeline with minimal environmental impact. Looks like obama really thinks that America has no experience in laying pipe. Let's just kick the can down the road again, right mr president?

At least IR you understand that the pipeline is political, but I wonder if you realize that it comes from each side? After more than three years of studies with tentative approval by the obama administration in 2011 one can wonder why obama didn't let nebraska and XL pipeline find alternatives before killing the project. Make no mistake, requiring a new permit implies another three or more years for approval. Nothing like efficient government operations is there IR?

Interesting that IR wants us to also believe that it was only obama that increased oil industry jobs. Really IR, by what policy of obama were these numbers realized. I don't suppose that the numbers had more to do with a simple increase in demand now did it IR?

Obama's position of wanting to create more jobs, more exports and less American dependence in foreign oil belies his recent actions. Errrr, I mean his rhetoric as he plays to those who might supply him more votes in november than having America move forward.

Fiesty, Not a bad idea...route Keystone through Illinois and straight through Chicago. May help to revive the great economic downturn the state has due to Democratic leadership that you have. Talk about a state that shows the fruits of Democratic decision making...much like our Federal government under the watchful eye (?) of our "change and hope" leader. "They should change it to Hope for Change", either that or shut down all of the golf courses so he can spend a few days in the White House!

Dear Dr. Ron Paul,

Please, oh PLEASE run as an Independent.

Bob - such a lame argument since dear George took more time off than any President in our lifetime. But, you have to have something to whine about so Obama playing golf is what you come up with? Our state will come back from the financial problems we - and most large states - now face. However, the GOP will have a hard time rebounding from idiotcy and no leadership!

Independent Redneck - Is this the same Center for American Progress that advocates for Why Black Gay and Transgender Americans Need More Than Marriage Equality. Somehow I get the feeling they advocate more for anyone they deem needy. There's a credibility issue with this, thereby creating a credibility issue with anything they write about. Of course my response is an Alynski tactic designed to minimize the worth of your source. I hate using liberal tactics to make a point, but when one is due, all's fair in love and war.

About the pipeline... There's a simple solution. The only reason a federal permit was needed was because of the junction where it crossed the American/Canadian border. There are alternate routes being established currently where a pipeline will be built from Montana to the gulf coast. They will leave an adaptable connector to complete the pipeline during a friendly administration. The oil will flow, not from Canada but from our own soil until the Canadian section will be approved. Sorry liberals, but it seems there's more ways to skin a cat.

Seeking Sanity - Why, Obama's only played golf 90 times in 3 years. I guess that's not a record since most PGA professionals play once or twice a day. I would like to see your source on the amount of vacation time Bush took as compared to Obama. Something tells me, you may not be correct.

Get LOST - penguinboy!

Uh oh... Outed again!!!

so I was banned big deal does it say you can't reregister somewhere?

What is it about banned you don't get? It's not like being suspended. It's permanent.

to prohibit especially by legal means <ban discrimination>; also : to prohibit the use, performance, or distribution of

Sorry, but it's the rules you know.

Oh, yippee!! Bob has lotsa new numbers. But don't let those fool you, he is still the same old Bob with that freaky fetish about Obama's golf games.

American - it became a political issue because the republicans made it one. They stirred a pot that didn't need stirring and created a sticky mess for themselves.

Republicans are Wizard Apprentices needing to be rescued by a Wizard, but they can't seem to find one in their own party.

Why couldn't the oil be refined on the Great Lakes and distributed from there? Why does it have to go all the way to Texas? The pipeline was never intended to help make the US energy independent - it is only intended to make the oil available to the world wide market.

And it would only create a couple hundred US jobs - all the rest are Canadian union jobs using pipes bought from India steel mills. So tell me again - How does this benefit the people of the US?

BETTY?? Fiesty is a BETTY? No wonder she's so angry at the world. Now we have a name to attach to the angry liberal redhead...

Brianb - don't think you're even close. And, it only takes a small amount of looking to see Bush's vacation time. It was excessive and everyone knew it. And, I think a few hours on the golf course is not "vacation." It's just a few hours away from the office. Plus, he hasn't played 90 times. You just make things up as you go along don't ya? Even the President gets a few hours off each week. And, if he played 90 times in 3 years - that's less than once a week.

I thought the same thing, more like a betty boop

Not a betty at all!

blearyeyed - What is cheaper, building a pipeline to an existing refinery capable of doing the job with distribution hubs already in place with minimal environmental impact or spending a billion or more to develope a new refinery and distribution system with more environmental risks?

Somehow I think that the number of permanent jobs created by the pipeline will be greater than the few you suggest.

After more than 3 years of study (probably starting with bush2) obama and company was ready to approve the treaty with Canada to build the pipeline with Canadian and American private sectors sharing the costs of construction. Regardless of why nebraska had new concerns on the pipelines routing, obama politicised the whole affair by putting off any further analyse until 2013; thereby having obama not making the decision of jobs vs environment. IE he kicked the can down the road.

Yep the republican further politicized it and obamas fast outright denial furthered its politilization.

Since the US is a net exporter of refined petroleum why are you against obama wanting to increase American exports? Why are you against home grown refined oil from being used in US based manufacturing?

Are you sure on the souce of the pipe, and if the steel meets the required standards why should it matter? Do you really think that by whatever route chosen US pipefitters and welders will alloiw canadians to lay pipe in the US? Think that landowners won't be compensated for their land or that local economies won't receive an economic boost from construction. What about the labor required to transport the equipment and material to the job site? Seems like a lot of cash would be flowing through our economy, both short term and long.

Good point brianb, the oil still has to flow out of montana and north dakota. Libs must think that tax payer $$$ will be used in constructing the pipeline. Just heard on bloombergTV that Union Pacific is more than willing to step up to the plate to transport the crude as well. Somehow I think that a pipeline is more viable.

Brianb -

"I would like to see your source on the amount of vacation time Bush took as compared to Obama."

Let me Google that for you:

cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/17/eveningnews/main20093801.shtml

factcheck.org/2010/01/president-obamas-vacation-days/

For an exhaustive list of sites, try this link to the search results for "bush vacations vs obama vacations":

google.com/search?q=bush+vacations+vs+obama+vacations&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

"Something tells me, you may not be correct."

Hmmm, I wonder what that "something" could be? The imagination runs wild.

Well Naomi Dr. Paul could run but at the moment he couldn't vote for himself. DOJ is playing pingpong with Texas election system. They can't issue voters cards because they need to know what congressional district people live in. Minimum time between getting maps and first election in Texas 6 weeks. April doesn't even look good for the March primary.

As to why the oil can't be refined by the Great Lakes there are no refineries there. With the current EPA requirements there aren't likely to be any either. They are hitting oil up north but all the refineries are in La and Tx because they were built before the EPA put a stranglehold on building them

Buck, excellent idea! one I have been spreading in Tennesse for almost a year now - we are like South Carolina, we can vote anyway we want in the primary and again anyway we want in the general election, since the republicans have been choosing our candidates for most of my life I think a little payback in in order, Karma - nothing quite like it, payback, is a witch with a capital B.

By the way, there are so many Ron Paul signs in the Bellemeade and Brentwood areas (big money) of Nashville, you'd think the republicans only have one candidate. This indeed is going to the floor of the convention, not sure who will squeek it out, it won't be pretty, and you can bet one thing for sure and take it to the bank: Ron Paul supporters will not cave in for the general election in November and vote for anyone else - either he will run as a 3rd party candidate or they will stay home. yippiee!

The only flaw in that argument is that in 2008, when there was a Democrat primary in South Carolina Mitt Romney lost by 15 points.

“He has been working as a lobbyist, he was working as a lobbyist and selling influence around Washington," Romney added.

Funny, Gingrich rebutted this charge on Meet The Press, and David Gregory just sat there, didn't say a word, so I don't know if it's true or not. I wanted Gregory to ask: what exactly did you tell Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that was worth a million dollars to them? If you weren't "lobbying" for them, what exactly were you doing for that money?

I hoping for a Brokered Republican Convention. For every dollar they spend fighting each other means less dollars spent trashing our Great President Obama. So, root for Mitt and root for Newt.

Buck Naked Sr

The SC primary was flawed because anyone, that is any registered voter in SC could vote. Since there is no Dem primary this election cycle. Who is to say that Dems voted for Gingrich or one of the other candidates only not to vote for them against Obama or the eventual Rep nominee.

Now that would be ironic, after de facto Republican Supreme Leader Rush Limbaugh encouraged Republicans to engage in "Operation Chaos" in 2008 by voting for Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries in order to "bloody" Barack Obama. But radical teabag Republicans have shown that the one thing they're really good at is creating chaos, so I doubt they needed any help from the Democrats in South Carolina.

Amy - Maybe eating Pork Rinds and writing his view of the world.....

you do not need a big budget to trash Obama, just look at his record.

Buck - Now that's funny. You used the tactic of deflection earlier, now your using projection. Projecting Republican tactics on to Democrats. If the tactics hadn't already been overused it might be interesting.

We are, Buck. 60% growth in DOW, 22 straight months of private sector job creation, OBL dead, troups out of Iraq, millions of Americans now medically insured. Looking good... :)

sf ask yourself thiss, is it sustainable?

As long as taxes don't go up on the working poor, as long as we don't screw the proverbial pooch in favor of the wealthy elite that are buying our politicians, as long as we invest in American infrastructure instead of wasting resources catering to big oil interests, sure it is.

ok how about 14% flat tax on income or a 10% sales tax on everything purchased by everybody and we spend only what we can pay for without borrowing money. If we can't pay for it, it is not offered.

So, for those very poor just scraping by, you're proposing a 14% tax or a 10% sales tax on everything including food Therefore, they buy less because they don't have any $$ - less money for our little capitalists and CEO's. Meanwhile, the people that can pay a 25% rate get a early Christmas present - more money for their offshore accounts! I'm all for cutting spending on things we can't pay for - unfortunately the damage was done with Iraq/Afghanistan - done without being paid for, the Bush tax cuts - done without being paid for, and that nifty medicare plan - done without being paid for. Now that it's time to pay, suddenly the right is crying about overspending. How convenient.

live within your means including the federal govt

Oh, NOW you say that... *wink*

Jody -- what happened in South Carolina doesn't surprise me at all. I've found those "conservative voters", the ones preaching family values and ethics are in fact --- some of the most dishonest, hate filled, anti-American hypocrites in the nation.

Jody--When they vote Republican AT ALL, you say they are voting "against their own self interests." I've always said " how the hell do YOU know what other people's "self-interests" are? When you people say this, you are speaking of people's monetary self interests and you liberals have never understood that many people in this country care about other things too. Ex. Whether or not a candidate is in favor of killing babies. VALUES VOTERS.

So now you are trashing them for NOT voting with their values? If anything, it shows how eager many "values voters" are to stop Obama and his left-wing agenda.

Damage, sorry but South Carolina did NOT vote their values period; in fact, I question whether or not they really believe what they claim to believe because they certainly vote for anything but what the Bible teaches. You bet I question the GOP's values because I don't think today's GOP politicians and those who rally around them know what the word means. John Dean, former republican, is exactly right about today's GOP--"Conservatives without Conscience".

Damage: "values" voters, backing a politically disgraced ethically challenged Washington insider, the serial cheater in his public and private life? And you have the hilarity to say they're "values" voters because they hate the President? With friends like you, the R's don't need any more enemies...

Supposed "Evangelical" voters just told the whole world they don't really believe what they spout and are more than happy to abandon their "principals" at the drop of a hat.

GOP politics run amok? How about something about Democrat politics. . .exposed?

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120120/NEWS/120120020/Des-Moines-man-accused-of-sec-of-state-ID-theft-

There are some details missing from the article.

Seems Iowa Democrats have targeted the SoS since he won last year- trumped up charges getting dismissed, willy-nilly. Enter Zach Edwards- a former paid Obama staffer, who is now in the employ of Link Strategies- a democratic consulting form, headed by Tom Harkin's former chief of staff.

Edwards' plan was to steal the identity of the SoS- and commit various and sundry unethical acts that would then be blamed on his victim.

He got caught.

One wonders who cooked up this scheme- Nd how many others are in the pipeline.

Calling the belief in a persons right to choose favoring killing babies is absolutely sick. No one who has had an abortion has done it for fun. Women don't get pregnant just so they can go get an abortion. It's a devastating measure that is undertaken only after the woman has thought long and hard and reached the conclusion that there is no other way to deal with the situation.

You write "how the hell do YOU know what other people's "self-interests" are?"

I must ask you the same question.

Liberals here want to talk about the Republican primary while Conservatives/Republicans want to talk about...

ANYTHING ELSE

Especially those passengers on the Costa Con... er, SS Romney...

Maybe you people need to read it again. Values voters are so eager to dump Obama that they don't care if it's Newt that does it. That, or liberal's campaign over the last few decades to destroy the values and morals of the nation, has rweached deeper and further than we thought. In which case, Liberals should be happy.

Jody, my take is that SC primary voters reflected a vote for suppression of free speech. If Newt won because he took down the media, it is fair to say they prefer squelched speech. One has to wonder if they all have white coned hats hidden in their closets.

Damage123 - the only "left wing agenda" President Obama has is to be a President to ALL of the US citizens - not just a select few. He doesn't choose based on color, sexual orientation, wealth, education, etc., but realizes he was voted in to do what is best for EVERYONE! Clearly that is something the far right doesn't understand. If you don't believe in the hatred they spew, in the oil gods they worship, in the small minority they consider valuable, you can't possibly be the person they support. Sad, pathetic excuse for a political party.

No joe, no bo, nj - what a crock! Who has been telling you fairy tales? Oh, wait - probably Boehner

Who has been telling you fairy tales?

Good Morning to you Seeking Sanity!

The nut job from NJ has never met a fairy tale she couldn't resist.

She actually spent weeks weaving the Mumbai trip conspiracy even after it had been totally debunked!

Poor Donna, if only she had a shred of credibility, someone might take her somewhat seriously.

So now you are trashing them for NOT voting with their values? If anything, it shows how eager many "values voters" are to stop Obama and his left-wing agenda.

The problem that I see is that they are not interested in a candidate to lead this country in a just, moral manner. It would seem that in order to replace Obama, they would vote for Satan himself. So much for "value voters".

Gosh NJNB,

That's almost a story you got there.

Morning Feisty! Hope you had a good weekend. Credibility doesn't seem to be a requirement for the GOP - or it's supporters!

Enjoy this grey day!

Issac-2952942 - clearly you're referring to Newt's Calista. What a moronic post but clearly it is reflective of the poster!

Buck - I am on my local county election commission, we have the new law - no one here is against it, the only thing anyone is against is the fact that it was rushed through just in time for this years election (could have passed the bill and made it go into effect in 2014 to give the elderly time to get a photo id without the rush! Both parties agree on this in our meetings). Combined with redistricting and reissuing photo id's for anyone over 60, it is an expense my state did not need and a confusion most older voters don't need. My main two worries are those over 60 and the first time 18 - 20 year old voter, there are some folks in that age group who do not have a drivers license. I don't want to discourage the young voter - once they go and can't vote they may never go back, and it is not at all fair to the elderly voter - the greatest generation who sacrificed more in one day than most of us ever will in our entire lives just so you and I can actually show up and vote. Education is the key - and this little diddy just might backfire in the republicans face this time, cause we are holding town hall meetings, meetings at nursing homes and the schools nonstop.

As a former democrat operative, I use to vote the nursing homes with a notary! NOT ONE EVER voted Republican LOL

Well Buck -- it's like this. In some of those states such as Texas, a photo ID that will allow you to purchase alcohol or a gun, allow you to get on an airplane, get you into a state university, work for just about any other function in life requiring a photo ID --- will not work for voting.

This is more about voter suppression than voter fraud. Real voter fraud is not going to happen with a bunch of illegal people voting. Voter fraud is going to happen electronically. I have no problem with showing a photo ID to vote. But let's make it the same kind of ID that works for everything else --- not some special government issued ID.

We have a different issue here in Detroit. We have 17,000 more registered Democrats then there are people of voting age. And the Registrar has said there is nothing she can do about it until after the nov election. Its more than likely that most of these people have moved to the suburbs. Since almost anyone who can afford to has left Detroit. The issue is that these people could vote in thier new town and then drive the 20 mins and vote in their old town. Since most of these people can be identified I will expect to see the Union vans not only trolling the streets of down town for picks ups for a free lunch and a vote to be trolling the suburbs also.

You have to provide that source when you register. After that, you are on the voting rolls and have to sign the book to vote. If you go to vote and someone has signed your name, then you have a clear case of fraud. Otherwise, the picture id is just used to stir up the right, much like the guns and ammunition laws that always seem to get loosened, regardless of what the right say.

Say Buck, why don't you do us all a huge favor, do some research and give us a number on actual prosecuted voting fraud cases? I've done it myself, but you won't believe me so why don't you look it up for us?

The Constitution guarantees every person the right to vote; there is no mention of proving identity; it does not allow voter suppression in the form of a poll tax or the equivalent of a poll tax--requiring a government photo ID is the equivalent of a poll tax. Buying alcohol or cigarettes or writing a check is not a Constitutionally guaranteed right; it is the right of the private business to decide whether or not they require ID, their right to deny a person the item in question.

The Constitution also does not amke any mention anywhere about the right to an abortion of a baby, but you libs managed to find it in there somewhere.

So you're saying just any ole person should be allowed to walk in and vote whether they are a citizen or not? Hmmmm. I'm pretty sure if this country was being overrun by millions of English-speaking White folks who don't easily fall prey to liberal scams of grievance and victimhood, you'd be saying otherwise.

kingofhill see 6.4

not sure I agree with a special ID, a drivers license, military ID etc will work

Damage: silly, it's called the right to privaccy, and yes, I'll have to break it to you that it's covered women too for quite some time. That means you'll just have to deal with the fact that the US Supreme Court doesn't agree with your "interpretation" (libs??? oh that's just too funny...)

And where does it say "anyone" can walk in and vote? Where are you getting this nonsense that the elections are rigged for "non Americans" (who you hilariously describe as "non-white folks")...Where's your evidence of wide spread voter fraud? Were you all worked up during the bush years or do you think suddenly all those scary DARK skinned people are now casting millions of votes to cancel out yours. Yeah...more inane accusations out of thin air...

Right now, South Carolina is investigating 900 cases of DEAD people voting in the last election. It is easy if you know who the dead are. As stated by an earlier poster, once you sign up, you are on the rolls until you take yourself off (or someone else does after you are deceased). All the ones who want to vote fraudulently have to do, is know the name, where they lived (address), and what polling place to got to to vote. Do you think they look at the signature? No. Most are low paid volunteers who feel they are doing their civil duty by manning the polling place and don't ask questions.

So, the photo ID requirement is disenfranchising dead people, not the poor, elderly, and on and on. You have to have photo ID to do anything in this society. Buy a car, get utilities, bank accounts, by alcohol and cigs, purchase a gun, get a loan, and the list goes on. I can see very few instances in which anyone would not have a photo ID. Also in SC, they are OFFERING TO PICK PEOPLE UP TO TAKE THEM TO GET THE FREE ID.

Damage123:

As a matter of fact, the Constitution is silent on the issue of abortion. It does not distinguish between a viable child and a fetus. That is a straw man you and your ilk have introduced.

What the Constitution does address is the right to privacy. Virtually all of the amendments in one way or another speak clearly to that issue. It's more than a penumbra - that's just a buzz word that a justice with a sense of humor put in the decision to make your heads buzz. It's a clear-cut right and it most assuredly includes the right of any and every person to maintain and protect a confidential relationship with one's physician.

Damage123 - nowhere in the Constitution does it prohibit abortions either. You can't have it both ways but you'll certainly try won't you?

Too bad they didn't have the voter ID in place in Ohio the last time Bush was "elected." Considering 623 people were registered to vote in the county that put him over the top but over 3000 votes were counted, it might have saved the country a lot of mess!

"The Constitution also does not amke any mention anywhere about the right to an abortion "

Ya know Dmagae123 – it too bad abortion wasn’t legal back in the 40s when Newt was born. If his mother had an abortion (assuming Newt ever had a mother) the nation would be better off today.

Jody you have to be able to run the election first. DOJ has caused Texas to postpone primary once and may have to postpone again if the maps aren't approved in Washington by the 31st 9 days from now. Ron Paul can't even tell you what his congressional district is nor can I. So if my state can't run an election how do I have the right to vote?

Lacking Sanity...great idea, then we would have an even greater (if that is possible) clueless President in office than we have now!

Fancy, nicely said. I agree, Gingrich has no core except the one that will pay him the most money for doing their bidding even if what they wanted is something he now claims he doesn't support.

From what I have seen, Newt does have one single policy, Do as I say, not as I do.

Phine,

When Santorum landed in Florida did he have to show his Sovereign Military Order of Malta papers? Did he come with American cash or scudi?

Just his American Express card. (Don't leave home without it)

one question for the general election candidates:

The US defeicit is spiraling up and is at 28% of GDP. What will you as President introduce or develop or change to balance the federal deficit and spending and what is the timeline for your plan?

Buck,

Sorry, not the general election. This is the GOP primary. I want to know what the GOP candidates are going to do about the real problems we face here in Florida everyday.

Here's another question, Mr. GOP candidate: What about the protection of our ports? We have major ports in Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa. We have other cruise ports. What about their safety? And if you start trade wars, what about the jobs lost in those ports because no one is shipping goods into the country? Answer me that.

Wow.....where do you live Phine (I'm guessing around Jacksonville) I was stationed at Mayport for a few months and it was a mess. I've owned my home in Florida for 8 years now and have never had a power outage, not once. Also if you want to see bad infrastructure, come and drive from Metro Airport to my house in Detroit, without losing a tire. The previous administrations fixed roads by hiring Union contractors who use substandard hot patches that are gone in 3 hours. Its a never ending contract to run around and slam tar in holes big enough to swim in.

jolly,

I live in NE Florida. After the Francis in '04, I was without power for 8 days. Others shorter, others longer. I am a full time resident. I have seen power out after storms in other parts of the state for weeks. As for bridges, just about everywhere you go in coastal areas you have to cross a bridge. Some of these bridges are getting mighty old. Lots of roads here are still dirt/sand and wash out in an afternoon rain. Flooding of roads is a big problem (including interstates). And that standing water leads to some pretty big potholes. And I won't even start on the density of the roads due to increases in population.

protection of ports = Coast Guard.

Obtain a generator you live in Hurrican alley. I hope you are not my neighbor I reside in NE Fla.

China imports way more than we send them, cut them off and see who suffers, it ain't going to be us.

Why wouldn't have these questions already been answered by Obama??? Besides is there any answer a GOP candidate to any of your questions that would swing your vote??? You are too funny.

Exactly Ben. All the regulars on here want to ask the GOP candidates these questions yet their "hope and change hero" has not fixed or addressed any of them either. Guess they may be looking for an answer from the up and coming POTUS.

I meant China exports

Buck Naked Sr

... and after you cut off China and they call in what the US owes them and they no longer insure your sovereign debt, what then. The world is interconnected Buck and if you thought the shockwave of 2007/2008 was big, well pull that trick and everyone is going down the tubes.

we're going down the tubes now

Lord, the stupidity of some. You cut off imports, those working in the ports will lose jobs. I have a generator and I am prepared. But, it is nice to have as much warning as possible. I truly hope, Buck, you are not my neighbor. You would run down my property values.

I am asking the GOP candidates questions because it is THEIR primary, brainiacs! Didn't see the president's name on the GOP ballot.

Let me guess, Buck, Ben and Talk, you all watch Fox News, right?

Buck Naked: someone just wake you up? Guess you just didn't notice that he who must not be named by the GOP these days was the guy who started two wars, turned a huge budget surplus into a record deficit and nearly took this country to the brink of financial ruin before starting the bailouts of the financial industry. Just because you missed all that doesn't mean the rest of us just woke up when a Democrat took office to try and reverse that disaster known as the Bush presidency. You want to hope against hope for the country's demise just because you never noticed how we got here, that's your business but there's a whole lot of us who won't be joining you in that tube thing.

Phine - It's Obama's presidency at the present time. Why don't you ask him also? You have no intentions of voting for a Republican so what difference does it make what they have planned? It doesn't unless you are loading up you lib fiends for a rebuttal before you even know what O has planned for anything. That is the problem as I see it now. Obama is finally getting it. The fact that he came out with his "6 into 1" department downsizing is posturing only as are I am sure a lot of the other spewing he is going to do tomorrow night. He waited three plus years to start doing something that actually means something and that the American people wanted. It is ALL campaigning and posturing. Go back to your magic mirror and see if you can get it to shed some light for you.

Phine -- are you so politically naive that you don't know that there are democrat primaries/caucuses in the states with Obama's name on the ballot? There will be a FL democrat caucus in May. You think Obama will have the answers then????

Also, I do watch Fox news and the other news networks. As should all. I even imagine you do or else you would have no room to comment on those who do.

In Texas the primary will be for both parties on the same day if we ever get to have it. Because of the large number of candidates for elections from statewide on down we will also need runoff elections. You get a new voters card in any year with a primary because when you go to vote in a primary it is stamped with the party you voted in to prevent voting in both. So it isn't just the republican primary that is on indefinite hold. it's every election in Texas.

Hot daddy, hate to break the news but no one really believes you were a "democratic operative" or for that matter a "republican operative" either.

I am on the board of a non-profit and we get grants regularly and never and I mean never have we been asked to kick back any money to anybody.

The truth is there is a lot more money out there from the bush tax cuts. America borrows money to fund the tax cuts for the rich which adds to the deficit and one billionaire turns around and give 5 million to Newt. Yes funded by the tax cut that republicans want to make permanent.

The Koch brothers went from 7 1/2 billion worth to 50 billion worth in 10 years of bush tax cuts. Way, way more money than the stimulus. The Koch brothers have been giving millions to republicans with all their tax cut money. I don't think that a 5% kickback could even play in the same ballpark.

You and I with our tax monies are funding the republicans election bid on the QT.....duh!

hot daddy- you were no more a "democratic operative" than you are a hot daddy. Why do you think anyone would believe the lies you post? Please - do you get it? No one is buying your BS.

Love it Charlie! here is another goodie: you are so right wing conservative if you are married and engaged, not once but twice!

His daughters are a disgrace, they all but abandoned their mother, no respect for them from me, the apple does not fall far from the tree, if I was married to one of these girls I'd be on the lookout for new roommates!

Charlie; I just spewed my coffee all over myself!!!! Best post of the day so far!!!!!

Hi Charlie,

GREAT!

So true Charlie!

Newt is fundamentally unfit to be President.

Using daughters from wife #1 to prove/disapprove what went on with wife #2, while working on wife #3, is the most ridiculous defense I've ever heard....

Charlie, you hit that one out of the park! Glad I had already finished my coffee.

Too bad only the most ignorant people on the planet care about this as a tipping issue at all.

Ben-636050 - oh that's right because the moral right really isn't so moral after all. They just want to control everyone's life. And, they clearly do care about it if it is a Democrat having affairs - but Republicans are given a pass. And you don't see anything wrong with that, do you???

SS (Seems appropriate) -- Christians believe in redemption and forgiveness something the libbies who try to make a big thing about this continually overlook.

Lacking Sanity...where were you when Slick Willy was dipping his cigar in the honey pot (in the White House no less), while his wife was out of town...Ohhh that's different because he's a Democrat..What a Hypocrite!!!

so move. Mexico. Canada and England will take you. I don't think you will be missed.

Leroy: You get to steppin'!

Who the hell is Nate G? Some ignorant, Obama-supporting rapper?

Damage123: Good catch! Once again my frustration fumbled on the keyboard.... Newtie G.! Thanks for catching my foolishness. Mia Culpa!

Nate G,,,,,,,,, too F'ing funny.

Leroy: We're in absolute agreement on that.... Ha! Still laughing at myself... Ouch!

Progressive, the GOP needs to change their name from Grand Old Party to Greedy Old Fogies, their slogan to "Greed, for lack of a better word, is Good".

LOL ... I remember when you called Obama a socialist / communist / national socialist facist muslim terrorist Kenyan with a bone through his nose with every utterance ...

Now he's just a socialist ... does this come from your minimalist-mind since you found-out Palin, Beckerhead, Fatbo, insHannity & Faux noize conned you out of your money and used like a strumpet or laziness in posting or just debunkery ?

LOL.

Jug-Ears for the win . . . again! :o)

Obama/Biden 2012

Actually, I never believed or said he was a "facist muslim terrorist Kenyan with a bone through his nose." What's the matter, rough night in the bath house last night? Your name from now on is "Brokeback Poster". LOL. I kill me!

Neither one of the two, Newt or Mitt, will beat President Obama.

Call me crazy, but perhaps you should focus less on insulting the President and those that support him and focus more on the fact that your party is in such disrepair that this year the Republican nominee for President of the United States of America comes down to these 3 guys.

Choice 1. A guy thats been running for 5 years and can't close the deal with 75% of the GOP Electorate. Someone, TO BE FAIR, seems to have the ideal personal life. He's been married to the same woman for more than 40 years. His kids are bright, neither him or his family has ever seen the inside of a police station. BUT, he just got trounced in SC by a guy who's been married 3 times, can't have a monogamous relationship to save his life, and as Speaker, by his own admission, refused to work with the President to avoid a Gov't shutdown because he was pissed for getting a crappy seat on Air Force One. Politics aside, Mitt Romney has an outstanding personal life, and yet lost bad because most SC voters felt that Gingrich better reflected their values.

Choice 2. A guy who for lack of a better word is Toxic. A guy who was run out of DC by HIS OWN PARTY. The first Speaker of the House in the history of this country to be disciplined for ethics violations. No Republican in the country running for re-election wants to be in the same building as this guy.

Choice 3. The good Dr. Paul. The guy is still in the hunt for the Republican nomination. Which is astounding considering that Ron Paul is not a Republican. He may actually get enough support that the party is forced to give him a prime time speaking slot at the convention. I'm sure the RNC isn't sh*tting bricks or anything at the possiblility of Ron Paul, on national tv at the convention ranting about the establishment Republicans in front of 20,000 establishment Republicans.

So go ahead, please continue to worry about whats going on over on the Democrat side. OR maybe you should, as my mother used to say, make sure your own house is clean before you have an opinion about mine.

Your post was "Priceless"

Thanks for making me laugh.

Good morning dangerfield,

Your predictions looked pretty good from where I was sitting.

Well, the traveling show has moved to my state. With such a diverse electorate, I am sitting back and withholding predictions. Nothing has been normal here. A hated governor, a large military and senior community, high foreclosures...... Wonder how the GOP candidates will react to that to get their base to vote for them?

Good Morning Phine!

and it is one PHINE Morning!

Giants are SuperBowl bound!

Romney got crushed, caved on his taxes, and has lost a 20 point lead in Florida polls in ONE DAY! Mitt-mentum!

He can release his taxes, his college transcripts, heck he can release the HOUNDS for all it seems to matter right now and it wont stop his free-fall. When Santorum finally reads the writing on his facebook wall (Thursday? Friday?), The Romney candidacy could look like Wylie Coyote dancing on air before that fall into the Grand Canyon...

This is history in the making...

dangerfield,

From my little corner of Florida, it seems, at this moment, the only support Romney is getting is from the country club, business man GOP member. Gonna be a VERY interesting week!

Congrats to your Giants Dangerfield. An exciting game--a real nail biter.

When Santorum bows out later this week, it will be a "Perfect Storm" for Newton in Florida. Right now the only person capable of stopping Newton is...Newton. Unfortunately for him, that has often been more than enough to do the job...

You must be sitting in your two seater outhouse. Did you fall in???

phine, having had the Travelling GOP Circus in Iowa for months, you have my sympathy. Although, Romney's robo-calls in SC had a more personal touch what with the family name and all than in IA, here we heard "Hi, this is Mitt Romney again...."

Dangerfield, congrats on your Giant's win. Both games yesterday were well fought nail biters. Let's hope the Super Bowl is as entertaining.

@Dangerfield,

Off the topic of Politics, and on the Topic of the Super Bowl: Giants over Pats by a follicle, IF, the front 4 gets to Brady, and if the secondary can handle the Pats tight ends, and if "good Eli" shows up (we know what happens when he starts slinging the ball wildly).

Actually, both teams are lucky to be in it, they way the played for much of the games yesterday. (I wonder if the Republican nominee will get picked the some way--not because he is so good, but because the other guys dropped the ball?)

Forget Indy, let's have the game in Foxboro. Two cold weather teams slugging it out in winter weather. 9/10 of the country could care less about the game anyway, except for expatriate New Englanders and New Yorkers (and Pats and Giants haters). This is the battle for the Northeast--this is Boston vs. New York!

Anyway, it should be another nail-biter.....

The SuperBowl is our secular National Holiday, the single highest rated TV program of the year, and is celebrated throughout the entire 50 states, REGARDLESS of the participating teams. Superbowl parties will be held in Nome, Honolulu, and certainly My apartment, EVERYWHERE in America, so your contention that;

"9/10 of the country could care less about the game"

makes me wonder if you're new to this country, or a football fan..

Most writers, analysts and fans think the Giants played a BRILLIANT game and that Eli has been the best QB in football for the past month and a half. Both teams played well against tough competition, and both games could have gone the other way but for one play.

If you say you are off the topic of politics, you might refrain from including a tortured political analogy, lest those who reply focus on your insult rather than your football insights.

On paper the game should be close, but as they play the game on GRASS, I am not so sure about that, and anyway it is still too early to post a prediction.

@Dangerfield,

My intent was to be conversational--the 9/10 and Northeast region and cold-weather teams in Foxboro comments were a bit of hyperbole I admit. On the other hand, I have heard sports pundits remark on championships (in the past) which are like regional contests , in which many people don't have an interest. For a long time, Giants vs. Patriots was no big deal--certainly not like Yankees vs Red Sox. I believe that changed when the Giants upset the Pats in the Super Bowl and ruined the perfect season. (And the Pats have always had to deal with a local contingent of Giants fans, harking back to the time when the Pats didn't exist.) I am looking forward to the outdoor Super Bowl that will be held in NJ--and I hope the Giants get to host it.

"Tortured political analogy?" Could be.

I suppose it is my fault that you misread my intent, since there is an absence of face-to-face contact, and no tone of voice, no inflection, no timbre, etc., involved here.

Then again, perhaps you take yourself too seriously.

In any case, my apologies for distracting you from more important things--perhaps I should feel fortunate that you deigned to even respond. I will remind myself to neither comment for or against anything you post, lest we have this same misunderstanding.

Cheerio

Glad you didn't take it personally ...;-)

I didn't....

Damn, broke my vow already.

"However, I gotta say, the whole "Saul Alinsky" thing is getting a bit tired"

Why do you think Obama won't release his college transcripts. I guessing he didn't want to have everyone see the number of courses he took related to Socialism, Communism, and Marxism.

Yeah Dan . . . that must be it! Clearly that is the problem! God forbid anyone be educated and know wtf they are talking about before they speak . . . clearly you are against that sort of thing! :o)

That's funny, I'm sure that was the reason.

Here is my take Mitt . . . the times have changed on you my friend . . . back when you "earned"/"stole" all that money by raiding all those companies . . . that was the "in" thing to do

Best comment of the day Nash.

Has any other president released his college transcripts? I don't think so. Obama is the President, and will be again. Get over it.

oh ffs Dan

President Obama's college transcripts? Stay focused DunG, this is the REPUBLICAN primary season.

There is plenty yet to be released by your candidates to keep us busy for a while.

Pat I am west of Boston, where are the hole in the walls places to eat?

No sense - This is primary season period. Obama has no one running against him and therefore what would be the point in having one. I think the "opposition" to the GOP would be as vetted as the GOP. Of course there was none even in 2008 so why now, right?

And Holly - GW did.

Nash---great post, as usual. I think Santorum is hanging around and waiting for Gingrich to melt down or make a huge gaffe. He can then be there to pick up the mantle of true conservatism.

I hope that Brian Williams challenges all the candidates on the lines they are throwing around these days.

How did you like the photo of Mitt doing his laundry? Funny thing is----my thought was to wonder why on a big election day he didn't have anything better to do. But I guess maybe a photo op was his idea of a good way to spend his time.

Good morning Steeler Fan!

You know . . . I haven't seen the photo of Mitt doing his laundry . . . but I have got a house full of laundry for him if he wants to make a play for my vote! :o)

Breaking news, Nash---he uses Tide. I saw a cartoon with Mitt driving a car and strapped to the roof in a cage is a man with a label "99%. Mitt tells the kids in the car to ignore the whining---it is the sound of class envy. His tone deafness continues to amaze me.

Nashville Fan, great post!

I've said several times that Romney's problem is that people do not trust him. It doesn't matter whether we're politically right, left or center--people simply do not trust him because they do not know who he really his beyond being rich. Rich doesn't matter to most people but core values and beliefs do and those are the areas where people have no sense of who he really is.

Gingrich is a flame thrower but he always burns himself sooner or later. What he's selling is hate, anger and nothing else. The far right may eat that stuff up but no way the general electorate buy it; and no way will the general electorate allow him to side step the questions by ranting at the media. Newt NEEDS the media, biting that hand that feeds him sooner or later will bite him back. He keeps talking about 7 Lincoln-Douglas style debates. Seriously, that would bore voters to numbness in this modern age.

Geez, Dan, the college transcripts? Once again, the conservatives prove themselves to be what they are, petty, jealous, and foolish. Don't ask any other president for transcripts or birth certificates but insist that President Obama provide his. Why should President Obama release his transcripts because just like the short form and long form birth certificate, the right-wing would claim they were false because they cannot stand the idea of him being intelligent. Hey, Dan G, why don't you ask Romney, Gingrich, Santorum and Paul for their college transcripts and their birth certificates, too. It makes about as much sense.

I did see the photo of Romney doing his laundry. Trying to show Romney as an ordinary guy doing laundry was silly and not a smart photo op. Honestly, probably not very many people believe that Mitt does his own laundry.

Jody - wonder where they put the maid while the photo was taken? And, did Romney look totally clueless? I have visions of him throwing the clothes into the dishwasher.