E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSOne week until the Michigan (and Arizona) primary… The most important seven days of Romney’s political life?... Is Romney’s campaign cash drying up? (Check out that burn rate.)… Super PAC fundraising eclipses campaign fundraising on the GOP side, but that isn’t true on the Dem side… Adelson: “I might give $10 million or $100 million to Gingrich”… Santorum increasingly throwing rhetorical red meat… Politics of the pump… Obama to tout payroll tax-cut extension… And Obama camp says Romney, Santorum will increase the deficit.
Adam Eschbach / AP
Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, pauses for a moment during a rally in Boise, Idaho at Guerdon Enterprises Friday, Feb. 17, 2012.
*** One week out: The next seven days until Michigan's primary may very well be the most important of Mitt Romney's political life. They could determine if he becomes the GOP nominee; if he does not; and if we might enter -- as we've described it before -- the political equivalent of Thunderdome, with either a "brokered" or "contested" convention in August. All of these things are on the line for Romney next Tuesday. And in between, he will have two big opportunities to right his campaign’s ship: 1) Wednesday night’s debate in Arizona and 2) Friday’s economic speech in Detroit.
*** Campaign cash drying up? For Romney, what’s also at stake at next week’s Michigan primary is whether or not his campaign funds begin to dry up. Yesterday, the Romney campaign reported raising $6.5 million in primary funds for the month of January. Yet more importantly, its burn rate was more than 287% (spending $18 million-plus last month, versus raising $6.5 million), and it now has $7.7 million in the bank (compared with President Obama’s nearly $76 million). This begs the question: When will we start seeing Romney writing checks to his campaign, like we saw in 2007-2008? In fact, has he already written the check? (We won’t know that until March 20, the next reporting period.) Here are the other fundraising hauls for January: Gingrich $5.6 million ($1.8 cash on hand), Paul $4.5 million ($1.6 cash on hand), and Santorum $4.5 million (nearly $280k cash on hand). And on Friday, we found out Obama raked in $11.9 million in January, with the DNC and other committees bringing in an additional $17.2 million.
*** It’s a bird, it’s plane, it’s the Super PACs! But to demonstrate the power of the Super PACs and their influence on the GOP race so far, the January fundraising for these Super PACs eclipsed what the actual Republicans raised. “The Super PAC backing Mr. Romney, Restore Our Future, raised $6.6 million in January and spent close to $14 million, much of it on advertisements battering Mr. Gingrich in Iowa and Florida,” the New York Times writes. “A Super PAC backing Mr. Gingrich raised much more that month — almost $11 million… The super PAC backing Mr. Santorum, the Red White and Blue Fund, raised about $2 million in January, much of it from Foster S. Friess.” It’s worth noting that a Michigan loss for Romney also probably dries up much of this Super PAC money, too. What about the pro-Obama Super PAC, Priorities USA Action? According to NBC’s Carrie Dann, the organization raised just $58,815 in January, which probably explains why Team Obama made its reversal on Super PACs…
*** Adelson: “I might give $10 million or $100 million to Gingrich”: Don’t miss these remarks from Gingrich’s top Super PAC benefactor, Sheldon Adelson: “I might give $10 million or $100 million to Gingrich,” he told Forbes magazine. “I’m against very wealthy people attempting to or influencing elections. But as long as it’s doable I’m going to do it. Because I know that guys like Soros have been doing it for years, if not decades. And they stay below the radar by creating a network of corporations to funnel their money. I have my own philosophy and I’m not ashamed of it. I gave the money because there is no other legal way to do it.” And also don’t miss what the Wall Street Journal reported last week -- Adelson is willing to use his money to go after Santorum. (Adelson apparently is uncomfortable with some Santorum’s more conservative social policy positions.) According to the January fundraising report, Adelson and his wife gave a combined $10 million to the pro-Gingrich Super PAC Winning Our Future. Wow.
*** Lots of red meat for the base: Just like the other former surging Romney alternatives before him -- Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich -- Santorum has been tossing around A LOT of rhetorical red meat lately. The theology comment. The criticism of some free pre-natal screenings. The allusion to Hitler. He even made a Rev. Wright reference on Fox last night (as well as last week). The Santorum of Iowa (nice guy trying to show he’s more than just a conservative bomb-thrower) has morphed back into the rhetorical bomb-thrower? Is this what the base wants? As we’ve written about before, there is a chunk of the Republican base that wants someone to talk tougher on the president; at least tougher than Romney talks.
*** On the trail: Romney stumps in Michigan (and so does his wife) before heading to tomorrow’s debate in Arizona… Santorum holds two events in Phoenix, AZ, including a rally at 7:30 pm ET… And Gingrich remains in Oklahoma…
Several states are expected to see the price at the pump top $5 a gallon by this summer. CNBC's Jim Cramer weighs in on what's causing the increase.
*** Politics of the pump: After previously facing the financial industry’s collapse, the BP spill, the European debt crisis, the Japanese tsunami, and the Arab Spring, here’s the latest external event -- largely outside the White House’s control -- that could impact the U.S. economy: another round of high gas prices. “Just as the recovery is finally looking real, surging fuel prices are once again looming as a major threat to the financial health of U.S. consumers and the broader economy,” the Los Angeles Times says. The politics of gas prices are always dangerous. After all, this is something that almost every American consumer sees, and every news organization (local or national) is ready to cover it (and usually LEAD their broadcasts with it). The one silver lining for the Obama administration: Given that gas prices were at highs just last summer, were consumers already pricing this in their budgets? That said, NBC’s Ali Weinberg notes that the Obama White House pushed several news items yesterday (like a Houston Chronicle story on increased oil production) to deflect charges from Republicans that the administration is to blame for the higher gas prices. The White House moves yesterday also indicate how nervous they are about the politics of the pump story.
*** Obama to tout payroll tax cut extension: And don’t be surprised if you hear President Obama mentioning that the payroll tax-cut extension, which Congress passed on Friday, will get consumers with rising gas prices. At 11:35 am, Obama and Vice President Biden hold an event at the White House, where they will tout the passage of the legislation. “The president,” the White House says, “will be joined by Americans who have shared their stories on WhiteHouse.gov and Twitter about what $40 a paycheck means to them. Because of this bipartisan action, the typical American family will still see an extra $40 in every paycheck.” The White House adds that the actual legislation will be signed into law later this week.
*** Obama camp says Romney, Santorum will increase the deficit: By the way, the Obama campaign is out with this memo from Policy Director James Kvaal: “Gov. Mitt Romney and Senator Rick Santorum claim they will champion spending cuts deep enough to cut taxes and balance the budget. In fact, they have both proposed irresponsible and reckless tax plans that would drive up the deficit by trillions of dollars, while their claims to balance the budget through spending cuts are completely unrealistic. Romney’s plan would increase the deficit by at least $175 billion a year.”
Countdown to Arizona and Michigan primaries: 7 days
Countdown to Super Tuesday: 14 days
Countdown to Election Day: 259 days
Text FIRST to 622639, to sign up for First Read alerts to your mobile phone.
Check us out on Facebook and also on Twitter. Follow us @chucktodd, @mmurraypolitics, @DomenicoNBC, @brookebrower
Click here to sign up for First Read emails.
Leave a Comment:
Welcome to the conservative agenda regarding women circa 2012.
Here is example #2012 why we can NEVER allow the GNOP any type of power in this country;
If this appalling bill isn't offensive enough – damn that 'librul' media like CNN for defending it;
What part of VOLUNTARY do these Neanderthals NOT UNDERSTAND???
Ladies listen up… spread the word & FIGHT!
Fight for your own rights… right for your daughters rights… fight for your granddaughters rights… fight for you sisters rights!!!
When did we relinquish OUR rights to the pale, male & stale party?
Why are we being forced to go to battle AGAIN for the reproductive freedoms we were legally afforded thanks to those who already plowed that field?
I have a great idea…
How about we introduce a bill forcing all right wing a$$holes to undergo a mandatory colonoscopy to see if we can locate evidence of a brain?
GAS SPECULATION IS PUSHING UP GAS PRICES. BUT NO GOP OUTCRY. Why not?
Last week "House Republicans passed a bill to expand offshore drilling and force the White House to issue a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline."
In true style, R. Speaker John Boehner is encouraging GOP to cash in on potential voter anger on gas prices.
Three reasons for rising oil prices: 1) Iran cutting oil exports to Britain and France 2) increased oil consumption because hopes are up for a global economic recovery. As a consequence: 3) hedge funders and others betting that oil prices will rise.
"Speculators have pushed crude oil to $105.28 per barrel, up 35 percent since September. Brent crude, Europe's benchmark, is now $120.37 a barrel – also worrisome because many East Coast refineries use imported oil."
Why no Republican outcry against speculators that drive up oil prices? Reich: "Could that have anything to do with the fact that hedge funds and money managers are bankrolling the GOP as never before?"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-reich/price-of-oil_b_1290409.html
Religion and Politics:
It used to be that people would shy away from talking about religion and politics as there was a high likelihood of saying something that would be offensive. In this politically charged environment there are no rules of civility and politicians say whatever comes to mind regarding religion, gays, contraception, immigration and women's rights.
Someone did a little research and found that in a speech at Ave Maria University in 2008 Santorum said that "mainline Protestants in this country…is in shambles, it's gone from the world of Christianity." That is roughly estimated to be about 45 million Americans, both Republicans and Democrats. So how does Santorum plan to win the GOP nomination while offending so many Americans? The harsh truth is that the 'Anybody but Romney' group doesn't seem to care; they support Santorum regardless of what he says.
At first blush one might think that Romney could attack Santorum on this point, but Romney has his own religious issues. His Mormon faith continues to baptize posthumously people of other faiths without gaining the consent of the family. That practice has no biblical foundation and quite frankly is very presumptive.
Romney was asked about this practice and he responded by saying that he no longer participates in these rituals. That answer begs the question of whether he supports the tenet. To say that he agrees with this Mormon principle will infuriate the electorate and to say that he disagrees with the belief puts him in opposition to his church.
I've gotta wonder how he would answer that question?
What happened to FR First Thoughts yesterday?
Did lib world mourning the death of Whitney Houston go into anaphylactic shock when they tuned into the Whitney’s funeral and were exposed to 5 hours of Christianity?
Simple fact – Snowball’s Chance in Hell
A little over 3 years ago, the great Obama administration projected that if we gave Obama almost a trillion dollars, unemployment would not go above 8%.
After 3 years ….. After overspending of almost now $5 trillion …. UNEMPLOYMENT IS STILL ABOVE 8%.
Three straight years and not one single month below 8%.
From Investor’s Business Daily / The CBO report: “The share of unemployed people looking for work for more than six months – referred to as the long-term unemployed - topped 40% in December 2009 for the first time since 1948, when such data began to be collected; it has remained above that level ever since.” (For Feisty and friends – December 2009 is almost a year into the Obama administration – that means almost a year after Bush left office.)
This is the worst long-term high unemployment since the Great Depression. (Even worse than 1981 recession when unemployment topped at 10.8%.)
Worse yet, Obama’s own CBO PROJECTS UNEMPLOYMENT TO STAY ABOVE 8% THROUGH 2014!
When you consider that the big government, “progressive”, big spending policies of FDR never got the unemployment in single digits until WW II intervened are the same insanity being applied by Obama ….
Combined with the fact the real number of unemployed is 10%-15%, the coming loss of millions of jobs in the coal and other industries, the crippling effect on the economy of “skyrocketing” energy prices as Obama has planned, the crippling effect $5.00 + gasoline for consumers, the full effect of new regulations kicking in after the elections, the full effect of Obamacare kicking in after the elections ….. and unless there is another big war ala FDR / WW II ….
It is a snowball’s chance in hell Obama will ever get actual unemployment below 8%.
Your choice America …. Get used to 8%-10% unemployment, or get a new President in November.
That simple.
(sound of phone dialing. . . Riiiing-Riiiing. . . a woman answers)
Smiff: Hello.
JiP: Hey, Smiffy, how are you doing?
Smiff: Who’s this?
JiP: Jack in Portsmouth.
Smiff: . . . . . .
JiP: Smiff?
Smiff: Nobody’s home.
JiP: I know that. Listen, I’m calling to explain what David Walker was trying to tell you on Friday. When you attribute speech to a public figure and put quotation marks around the words, it means the person spoke precisely those words. If you can’t provide the source of the quote, you leave yourself open to accusations of lying.
Smiff: Damage said I could do it that way! (loud protestations in the background). Well, maybe it was no jo who told me— (a second voice protests). Well, I don’t remember! It could have been. . . (she begins naming others and soon a cacophony of squawks and cries and curses rise up. . . followed by the sound of four or five people rushing into the room to restore order. . . behind them an authoritative male snaps, “You! Go down to the dispensary and get their meds!” . . . his footfalls grow louder as he approaches the telephone and takes it from Smiff and speaks gruffly.) Dr. Fairfax here!
JiP: Bill . . ? Is this Bill Fairfax?
Dr. F: (haughty) I prefer Dr. Fairfax. Who’s this? (cups his hand over the receiver and barks to his staff, “Somebody find Buck’s clothes! And stop him from using the daybed as a trampoline! It’s . . . unsightly. . !” comes back on the line) How can I help you?
JiP: I didn’t mean to cause a ruckus. I was just trying to explain the proper use of quotation marks to Smiff.
Dr. F: Aha! I’ve been working with them on that, but they’re slow to catch on. So you follow our posts! Good. Albany Joe’s and WCA’s work seems to be getting better, don’t you think?
JiP: Uhh. . . not that I can tell. Maybe if they put aside the Right Wing rants. . .
Dr. F: I wish! But that would be too much like work for this group. None of the guests here are thinkers. If you try to constrain them with facts or logic they go a little. . . I was going to say “berserk”, but. . .
JiP: A little fresh air might do them good.
Dr. F: Oh, it does! In fact Damage has a paper route. He pulls in eight, ten bucks a week. But there’s a down side. You might have seen his post last Thursday? The one where he said that whenever he sees a SUV with an Obama sticker he tries to run it off the road? Good luck running a SUV off the road with a bicycle! He comes in pretty banged up at times.
JiP: Hence the nickname.
Dr. F: Exactly! Well, there are other reasons, too. Now, you take Smiff or no jo—
JiP: I’d rather not.
Dr. F: I didn’t mean— (chuckles) I get it.
JiP: Is BrianB one of your “guests”?
Dr. F: (resigned) Yep. Did you see his posts last Thursday in the “Santorum Backer” piece? He was on one of his homophobic rants, fixated on men’s and women’s “parts”. At first we let him go. But when he became obsessed with the idea that people might start marrying their pets we yanked him out of the computer room. The next thing we know he’s striding up and down the dayroom shouting “Only men’s and women’s parts go together! Anything else is unnatural! The purpose is to make babies!” and all the while he’s molding his hands together or contorting them outward, yelling “Hairy chests don’t go with hairy chests! Boobs pressing against boobs is redundant! Two people with the same parts down below don’t FIT together!” By this time Smiff and Buck and the others were cowering in the corners. We had to tranquilize the whole lot of ’em.
JiP: I can imagine. By the way, do you accept Medicaid and Medicare there?
Dr. F: Of course! With their incomes they’d never— Wait a second. Who is this again?
JiP: It’s Jack in Portsmouth, Bill.
Dr. F: (click!)
(My thanks to D.W. for the paper route inspiration.)
Some years ago, my wife returned from a trip to the grocery store, quite upset. She and her shopping cart had been hit by a number of extremely rude shoppers who couldn't be bothered to share the aisles. They simply ran over her. Bullies! Too important to say so much as, "I'm sorry."
It turns out this was a rather common occurrence for her, but not for me. This didn't happen when we shopped together. It didn't happen when I shopped alone, and I've been in cart crashes. Many were clearly my fault. Yet, invariably the other person is apologetic. They're sorry. They weren't paying attention.
It wasn't always like that. Once, I was a smallish person like my wife, a target for people I now recognize as bullies, as cowards, as gutless. By the time I left the service, I was six-foot-something, 200-something pounds. The bullies vanished.
They don't intimidate me today, but they are out there. Television and radio magnify them. They have mastered The Big Lie. They have brought out their holy books and religious leaders. They buy legislators. And they have learned the rules of victimhood. They are not bullies, they are victims.
Here in Kansas - the Heartland of Hypocrisy - Governor Brownback, Silver Spoon Sam demanded an apology from a teen-aged girl for her evil words, "Just made mean comments at gov. brownback and told him he sucked, in person (hash)heblowsalot." Actually, she said no such thing, but Brownback's staff demanded an apology for that tweet.
Brownback as victim? This is the guy who tried to close up Kansas' three abortion clinics. This is the guy who is leading the charge to pass laws designed to keep Democratic voters from the polls. Brownback believes if a teen-aged girl is raped and winds up pregnant she should carry the fetus to term. That blows!
That reminder of rape is what Rick Santorum calls a "gift". This bully thumps on a 2,000-year-old book, based on the oral history of Jews who were ignorant of science, and has been edited, redacted, translated, and revised countless times. That is his basis for telling us how and why we should have sex. This is how he knows the truth and others do not. What could possibly be smarter than giving this bully the button that launches worldwide nuclear destruction? Sure. Give a bully the biggest gun on the planet.
In Virginia, Governor Robert McDonnell has said he will sign legislation that will FORCE a woman who seeks an abortion to have a probe inserted in her body, against her wishes. McDonnell doesn't write this legislation. It takes a majority of legislators to present this insanity for his signature, and they do so, and in the name of god.
They are planning to legalize what is currently a crime in every single state in the union. Imagine someone shoving a probe in your wife's, your daughter's, your mother's, your sister's vagina against her wishes. Would you not be enraged? Would you not physically attack such a person?
Bullies prey on weakness, because they are cowards. History has a contempt-laden memory of cowards. We are cowards if we choose to grovel at the feet of those who pretend to cherish liberty, even as they work to crush it. Who speak of religious freedom, as they seek to impose their religion on others.
"Don't tread on me." "Freedom is not free." "...liberty and justice for all." It all sounds so high-minded, so American, so patriotic.
Let these bullies continue in their evil ways, and that's just empty rhetoric, hollow words that will be nothing more than a sad reminder of what we once were. It's time to stand up and fight. It is time to show our courage.
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the strength to do what is right in the face of it."
Feisty
What part of VOLUNTARY do these Neanderthals NOT UNDERSTAND???
Ladies listen up… spread the word & FIGHT!
Fight for your own rights… right for your daughters rights… fight for your granddaughters rights… fight for you sisters rights!!!
Exactly, we need to contact our Congresspeople
In the mean time...
Now it's time for Rick's exam
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRfx3o9iUT0-2qgFhnOvU9L6MX8pDnICSgr9sXukEqbNYKmXWbSHA8ZW-U38g
Feisty, Great.
Sorry for the brutal language folks, but some would call it 'State Rape".
One VA lawmaker on the transvaginal ultrasound couldn't see the problem, because in his words a woman already consented to being:
“vaginally penetrated when they got pregnant.”
The slow-bama recovery in the US is the “good news” in the world economic picture??
How pathetic is that??
Especially if we are looking at $4.00-5.00 a gallon for gas in the next couple of months. The only “good news” I see is that my Vanguard Energy fund posted increases of 20-25 times my extra monthly cost to fill the gas tank the last time gas went above $4.00 a gallon in 2008. Of course, the other good news is that Barry will get the blame for gas prices spiking right before the election. His bending America over to please the radical environmentalist wing of the Dem party on the Keystone pipeline may just come back to bite him in the a$$.
LMAO!!!!
Recession Looms as Growth Slows in Developed Countries
Posted By: Catherine Boyle | Staff Writer, CNBC.com
CNBC.com
| 20 Feb 2012 | 08:49 AM ET
Economic growth in developed economies almost ground to a halt in the last three months of 2011, with the U.S. driving what growth there was, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Gross domestic product (GDP) in the 34 economies in the OECD, including the U.S., Germany, Japan and the UK, grew by just 0.1 percent in the last quarter from the previous one. It rose 1.3 percent from the same time a year earlier – the slowest rate of growth in two years.
A resurgence in the U.S. economy, which grew by 0.7 percent, helped keep GDP positive in developed economies.
Embattled Italy, which became the largest euro zone country yet to bring in a new technocratic government in an effort to solve its economic problems, suffered the biggest contraction in growth, with a 0.7 percent fall.
The euro zone’s economy shrank by 0.3 percent during the same period, which many economists believe signals the start of a recession.
Japan’s GDP declined by 0.6 percent over the three month-period.
Central banks including the European Central Bank, the Bank of Japan and the Federal Reserve have tried to avert a so-called double-dip recession by injecting more liquidity into their banking systems in recent months.
feisty, are you also denny crane? He has the same avatar as you how original or is he your husband?
Feisty, Backhouse, Ron--way to start the week.
Little "b"ob lotsanumbers, as you well know, it was a holiday; you know President's Day? The free market stores had a whole bunch of President's Day sales.
AND FOR THE RECORD:
Despite GOP/Boehner spin, U.S. oil production is at an 8-year high.
First of all Bob if you'd get your head out of the tea people GOP koch republicans behind you'd realize yesterday was President's day. But of course with the clowns you have running for President we can understand you not knowing that.
Second of all Bob, the 8% crap you keep touting has been debunked several times, and unemployment is down to 8.3% so your old tired worn out lies aren't having any effect on normal citizens.
As we see with our first poster today, the Liberals want to talk about everything but the economy. Rights this, rights that, anything to raise a distraction to the terrible economy. The Libs think if they can make the election about social issues, they might have a chance to win. Not too many people though care about social issues when they struggle to put food on the table. Obama and the Democrats have done an awful job for middle America. Obama and the Democrats claim the mantle as the fighters for the American middle-class, the poor, the disabled, the minorities, yet their policies have failed each and everyone of those constituencies.
You can see the rage in the hardcore Libs. They're scared. They're scared their gravy train is coming to end and they may actually have to fend for themselves and not depend on the government to take care of them.
So the fiscal year total for interest payments on the debt for 2012 is around 170B
http://www.treasurydirect.gov/govt/reports/ir/ir_expense.htm
Now can someone explain to me how we can ever pay the debt down? We are spending $1T+ more than we take in every year. If we go back to the Clinton rates on the richest (those earning 250K+) not millionaires we net around 70B a year. That's roughly 5% increase (re Lawrence O'Donnell little lean forward piece). If we up it to 15%, a top federal rate of 60% that would net around 200B a year. At that point we can make the payments on the debt, but we would still be borrowing $1T+ just to keep the federal government going. This does not include the fact that Medicare recipients are going to triple in the next 20 years.
Bowles-Simpson anyone?
Can someone please start showing some leadership?
Bev - Backhouse & Jody,
THANKS! You have to excuse me but, this bull@!$%# going on in VA has me seeing RED!
NO 'pun' intended!
Jack,
ROTFLMFAO - you should submit that to SNL!
*popcorn*?
Illinois sure could use the pipeline right down the middle of the state to produce jobs and maybe make a dollar or two to help with the deficit. what you say?
who is smiff?
So, Rick Santorum believes Mankind holds dominion over the Earth.
You mean that’s why no man has perished at the hands of Mother Earth in
A flood?
A volcano?
A hurricane?
An Earthquake?
A tornado?
An extreme hot spell?
An extreme cold spell?
An avalanche
A naturally started wild fire?
A lightning strike?
A famine?
A rock slide?
A Tsunami?
A drought?
Gee, I guess anyone that would believe that would also subscribe to the notion that whichever tribe of mankind believes in the ‘right’ God, holds dominion over all the other tribes of mankind, too.
And you thought Ahmadinijhad was dangerous?
And Newt thinks Obama is the ‘most dangerous president ever’?
Really, people?
As we see with Sniff, she has zero objections to being vaginally penetrated against her will...
LMAO!
The libs want to make the election about social issues? You really need to either crawl out from under your rock more or have your medication increased...
PS: I can smell the stench of your fear all the way over here! Spray yourself down with some Axe & be happy Sniffy!
Hmm...maybe you should check your calendar. I think there was some kind of holiday yesterday.
Hey, where's my buddy "Damage123"? Apparently he thought it was only the political left that was paying too much attention to Whitney Houston ("a drug addict" was his words)...but Chris Christie ordered flags in Jersey at half-staff and Rupert's purveyors of "Fair and Balanced" decided to show the whole service.
Fascinating.
Backhouse
Sorry for the brutal language folks, but some would call it 'State Rape".
One VA lawmaker on the transvaginal ultrasound couldn't see the problem, because in his words a woman already consented to being:
“vaginally penetrated when they got pregnant.”
Backhouse
What's more brutal is the hypocrisy of these denizens. They are the one always sitting around talking about government intrusion.
Perhaps they should take this advice
http://www.jillstanek.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/imagesizer-e1329495903934.jpg
I've got no time to linger today but wanted to give MAD Props out to Willie Geist for his expose on
THE 'reverend' Franklin Graham this morning. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Willie, for exposing him for the bigoted ASS he is.
The fact that the man claims he can tell Santorum is a Christian but he can't tell if President Obama is one IS the hypocrisy. And Mike, Good On You for the little dig about we could go on with his line of 'reasoning' until Sunday,...I was LMFAO at the 'good' reverend, INDEED!
Wow, simply WOW! Can't link to youtube from work; but I am sure it is on the morning joe website. MUST see tv! (although I listened to it on the XM on my way to the gym).
Okay, Soldier On, fellow Dems,...the circus is coming live to a town near you,...and it probably is holding a cross and perhaps some sheets. Or maybe that's just a warm throw? It's so hard to tell with radio. LOL
PS. I always get such a warm fuzzy when the REAL Christians call out the rest. It's so, dare I say, Pious of them?
Jack in Portsmouth: LoL! Very clever.
I see no way on earth that Santorum will be the nominee. After all he has said in the last week, I'm sure by the time next Tuesday arrives, he will not win anything. He's a nut case.
Most people in this country are interested in how President Obama governs, not the Pope. Most people in this country aren't interested in the practices of some old guy living in Rome. Most people only care about how our American born President feels and thinks and governs.
You would have thought Santorum would know this. Following the dictates of a German born Pope here in America? Sorry, but that's unAmerican and most people know that.
Santorum is toast.
Jack,
You are inspired today.
Thank you for this great background scene for all of our FR posters.:)
That is the answer, but no politician in DC has the courage to implement it, and that includes both Democrats and Republicans. The social safety net is ripping at the seams, and everyone in Congress and the President stands around talking about contraceptives and Solyndra. They have no clue. What will happen is these social programs like SS and Medicare will fail when our creditors say they're not funding your deficits anymore. When that happens, the rates on the Treasury bonds will be increased to bring in fresh money to pay for these programs. That of course will raise the amount we pay for interest on the debt from $170 billion to $340 if the interest rates double. Not a good way to run a government.
Obama 2012 - "Do you believe the bad economy or do you believe me?"
Jack, Portsmouth, terrific post. Had to put the coffee cup down reading that; thanks for the laugh.
David Walker, excellent post.
dammit, that was MIKA that made the funny,... (not Mike, as in Barnacle).
And if you're wondering who will pay for these benefits it will be the next 3 or 4 generations.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/us/even-critics-of-safety-net-increasingly-depend-on-it.html?pagewanted=all
Obama, just like his predecessors, is simply hoping to be out of office before the @!$%# hits the fan.
Bob lotsa numbers;
"Your choice America …. Get used to 8%-10% unemployment, or get a new President in November.
That simple"
At which point, you can get used to 12-15% unemployment.
Good morning Feisty,
GREAT POST!
I thought axe was for men? does sniff have a vagina or is sniff a male?
jobone what about the freedom in the 2nd amendment?
Jack: still laughing! Brilliant piece of satire! Should stir up the hornet's nest!
But Pat, candidate Obama stated in 2008 that he believes that marriage is between a man and woman. Why does he get a free pass on this statement? Is it because we all know he does not believe it and was simply saying it to get elected? His DOJ does not defend the "Defense of Marriage: act. So what is he?
a) A politician that will say anything to get elected
b) A flip-flopper (although he hasn't came and supported gay marriage yet)
c) A hypocrite who says one thing but does another?
BTW, I'm all for gay marriage. I am simply point out that the President is getting a free pass on his inconsistencies.
Who's Your Daddy?
Santourm thinks he is the "Holy Father".
Santorum mettle is not reassuring. Santorum is so Super Excited!!! That's because Sanatorium is a walking freak.'
Read this Sanatorium
http://www.jillstanek.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/imagesizer-e1329495903934.jpg
Recent Fox News Lies:
President Obama is the reason oil prices are going up
The Fox Effect And Planned Parenthood
http://mediamatters.org/
Dick Morris Conspiracy Theory: Economic Data Are "Completely Phony" And "Propaganda," Declares "There Ain't No Recovery"
http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/201202200005
Fox Hosts "Conservative Comedian" To Claim Obama Is "Faking" Being Christian
The Republicans are looking for Ronald Reagan to come back.
Love, Love, Love, it!
Can't you just see Reagan saying here I go again? Boo!
RepubliCONS are whacky!!!
No current candidate will ever make this video...
http://www.iamproudtobeamerican.com/Morphing-Presidents-From-1-to-44.htm
Koch funded climate study, intended to prove climate scientists distort data, instead proves global warming is happening
April 1, 2011 -
http://voicesweb.org/koch-funded-climate-study-intended-prove-climate-scientists-distort-data-instead-proves-global-warmi
And then they took off from their jobs, stood in silent witness, hundreds of women and thoughtful, supportive men.
They stood in protest, reminding Virginia lawmakers that women will not be suppressed, they will not allow the neanderthals to make decisions for them and their families.
And the lawmakers were very afraid.....
Santorum scares me. The more I see of this man the more I feel he's not playing with a full deck. His opinions on birth control, education and a woman's "place" in marriage and in Society are frightening.
This man wants to take us back to the 1700's, where there was only two classes of people, the Rich and the Poor. And only the Rich were allowed higher education. Log Cabin education, just enough to read and write, were good enough for the Poor. Sixth grade?
What's next? A return to Slavery? I think that would fit right into Santorum's agenda. I can't imagine anyone, especially a Woman, voting for this wacko. Beware of false prophets.
Obama in 2012.
David Walker, we get it.
You hate God and Religion and anyone who believes in them.
Give it a rest and spend the day re-reading some of your past posts or Obama's speeches.
We know you have saved them all.
Backhoser,
Yea, the repubs are actually trying to do something that will actually bring prices down so the economy can recover and to ameliorate the suffering of millions of Americans who are now at the poverty level due to Obama.
Obama deserves punishment for wanton disregard of the American people and their welfare.
Yea who could have guessed there would ever, ever in our lifetimes be trouble in the MidEast that would effect oil prices; or that the economy might trickle up a point or two; or speculators would bet oil prices would go up when Obama has crippled the energy industry.
And you want people with an IQ above 40 to fall for that crap?
I believe if you look at the proper number (U6) all of the unemployed you will see its at around 15% Of course if you want to use the amended (U3) numbers feel free. That still is not a good number. I dont see anyone fearing anything, even if Mr. Obama gets re-elected Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Reid will and should have the Minority seats in Congress. Im good with that.
Exactly my point Moonbase. The Republican candidates are being called out on their inconsistencies. Why is the President being ignored?
newdayDawning. I thought the video of the thousand women and men, lining the walkway protesting in silence as the legislators walked into the building was powerful! The silence said more to those legislators than shouts ever could have. Republicans speak of small government but legislate "big, intrusive" government into bedrooms and doctors' offices across the country. The GOP speaks of the first amendment and freedom yet legislates policies that remove first amendment freedoms and replaces it with their specific version of what religion and freedom must reflect.
The difference is that Santorum says marriage should be between a man and a woman and wishes to force that personal belief on all. Obama does not.
I missed that - does anyone know where I can find it?
His personal belief also coincides with federal law in this case. His personal belief is being scrutinized. Why is the President not being held to the same standard for his personal belief that marriage is between a man and a woman?
And on flip-flopping, his Administration SIMULTANEOUSLY holds the view that the fine for not having insurance under Obamacare is, and is not a tax. His OMB director claims it is not a tax, but in Federal Court his DOJ argues it is a tax. That's not flip-flopping, that is straight out of the pages of 1984.
I think denny crane has the link
What exactly has Santorum stated that he would do, if elected President, "to force his personal belief on all?"
Any quotes?
How does Santorum's "belief" about the definition conflict with US law, the Constitution, the majority of Americans?
Is really trying to change the game, or are his views the widely held belief of most societies for thousands of years?
Or is it just media focus to marginalize his candidacy, to divert attention away from Obama's atrocious record as JoAnnaSmith stated?
We're about to find out. But it won't matter what they want in the end because the Republican base is too small in numbers to win an election for anyone. It looks now like their role is to lose this election for the GOP.
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
Moonbase,
try Charlottesville, no conservative idiots here!
Jack in Portsmouth!
VERY FUNNY! You nailed them...
Ron India
Mormons do this so that they can add the names of the deceased to their "Book of Life" which is how they count how many members strong they are. As far as Santoriums remarks on Protestants, I would like to see the research vfor myself. Santorium is not imposing any of his beliefs on anyone. Any tax benefits to being married is so long gone that it is now a penalty to be married. The only benefit I can see is in the health insurance issue.
As far as religion goes, I think that GREEDRICH drops his $ in the offering plate because it is tax deductable. Mittens may say he is a Christian but he is not. No Mormon is. They do not believe in the Holy Trinity,the very foundarion of Christiananity. Romney lies every time he opens up his mouth. The people in Mass hate em, now Mich hates him, anyone who makes less than $50,000 a year should hate him. His tax proposals will raise income tax by 66% on those of us making less than $50G a year. He admitted that he is not the least bit worried about poor people, he thinks the working poor have a MAGIC safety net!!!
Santorium has kept his cool has not engaged in negative campaigning, and pretty much cuts to the chase when presenting his agenda. I am a demoncrat, but he is one reflubican I will vote for!
"Two men enter.....one man leaves".
for Ron
Submitted by Kyle Mantyla on Thu, 02/16/2012 - 4:12pm
Back in 2008, Rick Santorum traveled to Ave Maria University in Florida to deliver an address to students attending the Catholic university founded by Domino's Pizza founder Tom Monaghan which he moved from Michigan as part of his effort to build his own personal theocracy in Naples.
Santorum told the students at Ave Maria how lucky they were to be living in a time when God's Army is more needed than ever because all of the major institutions in society were under attack by Satan.
The audio of Santorum's remarks is still posted on the Ave Maria website and the bulk of his speech was dedicated to explaining how God had used him, his political career, and even the death of his son Gabriel in the fight to outlaw abortion in America.
But Santorum began his remarks by explaining to the students in attendance how every institution in America has been destroyed by Satan; from academia to politics with even the church having fallen under His sway - not the Catholic church, of course, but "mainline Protestantism" which is in such "shambles" that it is not even Christian any longer:
@Clara KCMO,
That was ENLIGHTENING, wasn't it? Franklin Graham showed true hypocrisy in it's finest!
Alan,
I get your criticisms of the president and many of them are well-founded. However most of your qualms with the president are even further evidenced by his opponents. You seem very eager to have him out of the White House what I wonder are you as eager about his replacement?
I have seen many people, some of my friends even, who have taken an attitude twoards "he has had his chance might as well give someone else a shot". I personally see danger in this. Some of the candidates policies they wish to enact firghten me. If not Santorum religious ideals, its Rommney's tax policies. I have seen you many times speak about how we need to balance the budget which I agree. You have said many times taht you dont like revenue increases as that spending decreases are a better approach to the problem. What I dont understand is why anyone would back revenue decreases?
Wow ! .....that sounds a lot like a concession jollyoldsoul1....
Rest assured, we (democrats) are taking NOTHING for granted. And.....we consider it essential to regain the house and many governor chairs.
The consequence of austerity is that it has a negative effect on growth.
Gas prices rise as a result of unease over Iran's reaction to the latest sanctions put on them.
What do these statement's have in common? The information was gleaned from articles in the WSJ.
Bob would have you believe that those conservatives at the WSJ have low IQ's I guess.
Ian, ain't going to happen
Given the choice of the 5 possible candidates for President I choose none of the above right now. I am for revenue increases but only after real cuts in spending (not cuts in growth or cuts that will take place in a future administration). Where I feel the current Administration missed the boat is that in healthcare they did not go after providers, because that is where the real costs are. There are also opportunities they missed in comprehensive tax reform, both individual and corporate. In all seriousness I thought the previous Administration was the worst ever, and IMO this one is not much better.
- 1T on stimulus and nobody can name one lasting structure, bridge, dam or even highway.
- Healthcare Insurance reform instead of Healthcare Reform.
- Crony capitalism that rivals the Bush Administration.
So, no I don't think this Administration merits a second term but you are right the alternatives are not very attractive.
Historical Gas Price Chart - Default is one month. Select 4 years or greater to see the long term trend in gas prices. In 2008 the price of gas dramatically went down. Any guess as to what event caused that to occur?
For the first time [2011], the top export of the United States, the world's biggest gas guzzler, is — wait for it — fuel - Wall Street Journal. Even if the oil companies increased oil extraction, it would have no affect on the price of gas in the US. The supply of gas is already meeting demand or else the oil companies are exporting the gas without demand being met and causing the price of gas to increase. If that is the case, then how would this be resolved? A non-free market approach and prevent the exporting of gas?
Some of the current run up in gas price is due to the economy recovering, but a large part of it is due to tensions with Iran. The oil industry and speculators want two bites of the apple. They are running up prices now on the possibility of an oil interruption. If there is an actual interruption, then there will be an additional increase in price. It is ridiculous that the price is allowed to rise now based on a hypothetical. If the price of gas is allowed to rise now then it shouldn't be allowed to increase in the future as the oil interruption would already be priced into the market. Any additional increase either indicates the market didn't fully realize the interruption or there are opportunists taking advantage of a situation regardless of market factors.
I trust the government more then I do big oil not to take advantage of the market. The sole interest of a private corporation is to make more money, it is not the satisfaction of their customer.
Jack's post is pretty darn funny! ; )
JAS1's post #1.15 pretending she cares for those who struggle.....that's verrrrrry funny!
@Bob-1805084
Many things determine the price of oil/gas. Speculating has a lot to do with it.
The fact: More oil is being produced under President Obama's administration than at the end of President Bush's administration. You can check with the consumer energy report.
Now after saying that....How many permanent jobs were lost because of oil drilling? Look at the figures from the BP Gulf of Mexico disaster. USA Today shows millions of dollars were lost to businesses. How many permanent jobs will XL pipeline bring? A few thousand. But if a mistake is made...people's water will be polluted.
Facts are facts. The risks aren't worth building for the XL pipeline. At least not without proper study and not some hush money rush job.
Yes, the trouble in other countries have some say in the prices of gas, but if the Republicans running for office now are put in office...most want a war. War will increase the prices even more than they are now.
Our economy is growing and improving. We don't need it to stop and go back the other way.
@JoAnnaSmith1 - You should really try to get a job at a comedy club. You are very funny.
Buck Naked Sr
Illinois sure could use the pipeline right down the middle of the state to produce jobs and maybe make a dollar or two to help with the deficit. what you say?
Fracking is for you,huh? So Frack you! May your tonsils set afire and burn eternally.
Koch brothers benefit from the Keystone XL pipelin ...
Deep Involvement in Oil Sands Trade
The controversy over the Kochs and the pipeline was sparked by an InsideClimate News report from February. That analysis, also published on Reuters.com and later cited by various news organizations, found that Flint Hills is deeply involved in the Canada-Alberta oil sands trade and is well positioned to benefit if more heavy crude is exported to the United States.
The Koch brothers own nearly all of Wichita, Kan.-based Koch Industries, the second-largest private company in the United States. The energy and manufacturing conglomerate earns an estimated $100 billion in annual revenue from its network of subsidiaries—a mix of oil, gas, pipeline, chemical, fertilizer and paper and pulp companies. In addition to its Canadian operation, Koch's Flint Hills subsidiary operates oil refineries in Alaska, Texas and Minnesota as well as a dozen fuel terminals in the Midwest and Texas
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/oct/05/koch-keystone-xl-pipeline
The crude oil supply group of Flint Hills Resources Canada, LP builds upon 40 years of Koch
companies’ experience in Canada. The group combines a substantial physical market presence,
advanced risk management expertise and superior financial strength to create value for its customers.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Flint Hills Resources
http://www.fhr.com/upload/FHRCanadaFacts.pdf
Key Facts on Keystone XL
Energy Security: Tar Sand will not Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil
http://www.tarsandsaction.org/spread-the-word/key-facts-keystone-xl/
The Koch brothers have previously denied any financial gain from the pipeline – but according to papers filed with the Canadian Government – a subsidiary of Koch Industries does stand to gain quite a lot from that oil flowing into the United States.
http://www.thomhartmann.com/forum/2012/01/will-koch-brothers-benefit-keystone-xl-pipeline
Koch funded climate study, intended to prove climate scientists distort data, instead proves global warming is happening
http://voicesweb.org/koch-funded-climate-study-intended-prove-climate-scientists-distort-data-instead-proves-global-warmi
who is smiff?
LOOK here is JoAnna Smith1 aka smiff1 or sniff1 incognito
http://www.thegoodfoodguide.co.uk/media/inspector.jpg
Jack in Portsmouth,
That is one of the funniest write ups I have ever read! Very Nice!
Oil companies demand that your $ 40.00 a week tax savings go straight to the gas pumps,
How dare you save some money on your paychecks!
And our Government quietly collects more taxes on higher gasoline prices.
Remember, 10% tax on 1.00 Gal is only 0.10C/gal, but, if gas is $4.00/Gal, then the Federal Part of the gasoline Tax is a whooping 0.40C/Gal, and this is just the Federal part of the Tax, add another 0.13-0.15C/Gal for the State Tax, and anyone can get a clear picture.
Neither Romney, nor Obama will do anything about it, why, because they both beg for money to the Special Interests, that's why!
The game is rigged, wake-up people, really!
@Deborah S
What are your energy alternatives? The German government just announced the end to subsidies for green energy because it is not cost efficient and they have realized that there is no way it can reduce fossil fuels in any meaningful way. Easter Europe just suffered the coldest winter in years, where demand for Russian gas exceeded supply. As a result 100 have died. The green energy industry cannot meet these energy demands. Supporters of this Administration claim their decisions are science based. Well science proves that the energy produce by a photo volt cannot match the energy produced by coal or oil. So, until it can what are our alternatives? Do we continue to expand coal, oil and gas production until green sources can match the energy output, or do we restrict further fossil fuel production and hope we don't suffer an adverse weather event that requires high energy production, until green energy is ready for prime time?
dang, Bev someone has to profit from taking risks. If you want to make the money off the pipeline fine go ahead this is America, who is stopping you?
Blah, blah, blah.
Maybe the US government should send a bill to the oil industry for protecting the oil infrastructure or to clean up their toxic waste sites. The fines don't pay for the clean up and somebody has to pay the bill. Lets only look at the obvious prices and not think about unrealized costs that are paid for indirectly through taxes.
Backhouse
Let's see Navy, when the Bush was around and gas hit the $2 mark, the crying liberals were all over the media blaming him for this. So, why are you and your crazy tribe not out doing the same today? Could it be due to having a Democrat/Progressive President in charge of energy policies?
Everyone notice that the Republicans here are trying desperately to change the subject away from the pure evil, disgusting, religious-extremist, Christian Taliban Santorum?
In fact, they are so desperate to change the subject that they bring up the economy, and spending, to push their anti-Obama message. One problem...
So the Republicans "answer" to our spending problem is to elect someone that spends 287% more than they take in. They believe we have a spending problem in our government, so they want to elect someone that is doing the EXACT SAME THING.
Come on, Republicans... I need a laugh today. Tell me again how YOUR GUY will change anything. Tell me again how YOUR GUY will fix our spending problem. Come on, show us your comedy routine.
joe,
Federal gasoline tax is 18.4 cents per gallon and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel.
It is not a percentage.
winemaker,
Gas prices under Bush reached a national average record high of $4.11 – still the record!!
Rick Santorum, JoAnna, Nojo, bob 1805084, etc., have all proved the old saying "it is better to stay quiet and appear a fool than to open one's mouth and erase all doubt." That anyone is even still showing up to hear Santorum is a sad comment on the intelligence of those attending. The far righters that want to take this country backward scream at the top of their lungs that they stand for what the majority of Americans believe. In what universe???? I haven't heard such garbage since I was a little girl! Then they try to make it seem that Obama is responsible for their stupidity. Really???
Alan, NJ.........
You said:
See the interactive map (for the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) here-> https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/rap/
The information is available for all who actually DESIRE to seek the truth. It can be excusable to be ignorant. It is inexcusable to be willfully ignorant.
You also said:
Surely you realize we obtained the best and most health care reform possible given the TREMENDOUS resistance from the GOPeaParty. It was not all or exactly what we (democrats) desired. But, it was FAR BETTER than the NOTHING your party has protected for decades. We hope to improve upon this as it is a work in progress. Americans of all economic and social strata, in order to have life and pursuit of happiness, deserve basic health care. We (democrats) disagree with your idea that health care should be rationed (particularly for children) according to ability to pay. Eventually, justice and common sense will prevail as it always has despite momentary setbacks. America will have the health care system it needs and deserves and it will be available for EVERYONE.
Buck Naked Sr and others........
Are you aware that this (Keystone) pipeline is proposed to be routed by taking the PRIVATE property (via eminent domain) of American citizens who DO NOT want to sell (or lease) their property for that purpose?
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/18/us/transcanada-in-eminent-domain-fight-over-pipeline.html?pagewanted=all
Aren't you folks all about "PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS". Apparently, that is NOT the case when your politics are threatened.
BTW----what do you call those who suck up to the Koch brothers ?
joe reyna......
(Of course) Democrats have known this for a long, long, time.
But, what is your proposal to fix this rigged game? We (democrats) know we have some among us who kowtow to corporate interests. We do our best to weed them out.
We also know we are far from perfect. But, look at the other side. It is hard to find a GOP politician that is NOT beholding to $pecial intere$t$.
For better or for worse, we have a two party system. Democrats work from within to steer our party toward the interests of our great American middle class. But, we also do not forget the poor and disadvantaged.
We are trying to lead this country in a just and wise direction. Look back over the past century. We have made tremendous progress. But, we freely admit, we have a long way to go.
We sincerely hope the Tea Party folk will realize they will NEVER take control of the GOP from the wealthy elite. Romney is stark evidence of this. They should join democrats and fight with us where we agree and against us where we don't.
Tea Party folk have much more in common with us (democrats) than the Tea Party folk have in common with the wealthy elite. Still, there is one thing we do not share with Tea Party folk: the delusion that the GOP will EVER represent any other than the wealthy elite. All that appears to be that is merely pretense and subterfuge.
More Biased coverage from the mainstream news, I hope most of the people just come here to see what 50% of the US population is spoon fed or to laugh at the propagandist "news". Some of the posters I even wonder if they get paid to post here... only one candidate who can change this nation for the better and protect your rights, Ron Paul.
Ian - I'm amazed that people are still crying foul about the pipeline since GOP governors - whose states it was to run through - did not want it approved. But, I'm sure that's Obama's fault.
Dennis, Columbus, Ohio
joe,
Federal gasoline tax is 18.4 cents per gallon and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel.
It is not a percentage.
winemaker,
No Dennis, the record was broken within the last day or two. Read the Washington Post and NY Times articles that outline the high costs there. So why are not you and the tribe ranting about the high gas prices from the Obama administration that you cried about during the Bush era?
Your source is wrong -- The national average hit $3.523 a gallon, the Energy Department said Monday.
http://www.sentinelsource.com/news/national_world/how-bad-will-gasoline-prices-get/article_4d41f52f-446c-5d26-8139-e64a1a41f610.html
winemaker,
What they are reporting is that the cirrent gas price is a record for this time of year - not an all-time high.
When will they ask Romney the real questions?
Like:
1."Mr. Romney, explain to everybody how placing your money into shelters overseas so you can get away with paying less then 14 percent in annual taxes is helping Americans?"
2."Mr. Romney, do you send the bulk of your money overseas because you value the trade of other countries over America's, or did you send your money over there so you didn't have to pay as much in taxes as everybody else does?"
3."Mr. Romney, you like to say that you pay what you owe in taxes and not a dollar more. What if the vast majority of America thinks you should pay a lot more? Do you agree with the majority of American people and pay more taxes or tell them you don't care and don't want their votes anyways?"
4. "Mr. Romney, do you think all Americans should pay less then 14 percent of their annual incomes to taxes, like you do, even though that would plunge this great nation into third-world status almost immediately by not being able to even pay our debt?
5. "Mr. Romney only the rich could take advantage of loopholes you have used to insure you pay a smaller portion or your income to taxes then many Americans earning a great deal less then you do. Should that be how America's tax code works? Should rich people, like yourself, pay smaller percent of your income to taxes when people like our military, cops, social workers, firefighters have to pay a great deal more?
beachbum12 - you can't since it's true. Since McCain claimed we had no economic problems I think it's pretty safe to say he would have destroyed what was left of the economy after Bush ravaged it!
Ah yes, another Romney article and the crazy libs r us gathers like flies on dung.
So typical. Another poster last week compared it to a "circle jerk". I find the description apt, the way they all come to the same thread, agree with each other, then congratulate on another on how insightful and clever they are.
Lolololololols.
Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not here to stick up for Santorum. The man is indefensible. So is The Grinch.
The fact is, neither Grinch nor Santorum can possibly win. They are just being propped up by the mainstream media and the big money so they can continue to marginalize Ron Paul.
I'm a liberal, believe it or not, but Obama fails by any OBJECTIVE measure.
Ron Paul wants to end the nonstop wars and bring the troops home right away.
Ron Paul wants to repeal the patriot act and the NDAA.
Ron Paul wants to stop the fiscal madness in DC.
Ron Paul wants to end the Police State we are evolving into.
These are all goals that many other liberals share with me.
No TRUE liberal can support a man who extended and expanded the patriot act, and signed into law the NDAA.
No TRUE liberal would give Obama a pass for his newfound love of Superpacs. (Actually, he pulled the same crap in 2008). And his lack of action to adress the issue.
Did you know Ron Paul proposed legislation in 2006 that would have prevented the citizens united decision? True story bro.
The legislation he proposed was very simple to follow.
Let's look at HJ Res78.
"
`Section 1. Nothing in this Constitution shall prohibit Congress and the States from imposing content-neutral regulations and restrictions on the expenditure of funds for political activity by any corporation, limited liability company, or other corporate entity, including but not limited to contributions in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate for public office.
`Section 2. Nothing contained in this Article shall be construed to abridge the freedom of the press.'.
He saw it coming people. Just as he has been proven correct on many other issues.
Liberals for Ron Paul 2012
No more dead soldiers to protect corporate interests.
And the pivot boy just checked in...
SWEET!
*tissue*?
Yet here you are... lmao!
Ah Feisty.
Your blind and rabid party loyalty is exceeded only by your remarkably consistent lack of anything substantive to say.
Sad, really.
Well, you guys enjoy playing here in your little sandbox. There's a great big world out there though.
Obama loves superpacs now and wants to lower corporate taxes for the corporations that give money to superpacs.
Can't you see what he is? Really?
I think deep down you know. Deep down, you're finding it harder and harder to rationalize Obama's actions. Deep down you see him, a little more each day, as his actions reveal what he really is, WHO he really is.
Maybe when he stands under the Bank of America logo at Bank of America stadium, when his adoring legions of lobbyists gaze down from thier million dollars donation each luxury boxes, maybe then you will start to understand.
Sadly, I fear not.
Alil Common Sense said above:
Alil Common Sense previously commented:
Alil Common Sense frequently claims to be a democrat.....and/or a liberal....and/or a "Hillary" supporter. Yet, Alil Common Sense spews nothing except venom for President Obama and routinely attacks democrats and liberals.
What could possibly explain this inconsistency?
That was easy.
Alil Common Sense claims to "work at night". This provides an alibis for Alil Common Sense's prolific commentary.
Alil Common Sense works in the dark for sure. A little reading will shine a light on Alil Common Sense's agenda. It's not liberal. It's not democrat. It's not pro-Hillary. It isn't even pro-Ron Paul. Just click here-> Alil Common Sense
Alil Common Sense is an Obama/democrat hater using Karl Rove tactics 101. The only remaining question is whether Alil Common Sense is a paid GOPeaParty blogger. Would anyone care to add anything?
Suggestion: Ignore Alil Common Sense's comments except to note they constitute astroturfing by a Karl Rove bot.
Ian I worked on Hilary's campaign, I'm a Union member, and I marched with Occupy twice in Boston and once in NY. And I do in fact work 4pm-midnight, although I fail to see how that is in any way relevant. Obama and Howard Dean, then head of the DNC, conspired with the big money to rob Hilary of that years democratic nomination by playing games with the votes from Michigan and Florida, ensuring a narrow victory for Obama at the covention. And I think we all know she would have won.
If Hilary were running, I would support her again, but she won't.
Other than the fact that I do hate Obama's failure to be a decent President, everything else you wrote is a bunch of nonsense.
I notice you have nothing substantive to say in response to my statements.
Isn't that a little Rovian of you, when the message is sound, attemt to discredit the writer?
Lols at you. Using Rovian tactics yourself while attempting to lay the blame for this tactic on me.
And besides Obama, can you show me where I spent any time attacking any other democrat? Oh wait, I also call out Harry Reid for hijacking the legislative process by tabling everything, rather than revising them and sending them back to the house, like it should be done, like it used to be done.
And every single Representative and Senator from both parties who voted in favor of extending the patriot act and for the NDAA should be impeached for violating thier oath of office, when they swore to uphold The Constitution. And The President as well, for signing that monstously evil law.
No true liberal could support Obama based on Obama's own actions. Period.
This year I'm supporting Ron Paul.
Obama is just Bush on steroids, and I hated Bush.
But hey Ian, you believe what you want, despite the facts. That is your choice.
PS Ian - The tipping point for me, and what put me squaerly into the Ron Paul camp was when Obama signed NDAA. That was just 6 weeks ago. Before that I was looking for any decent alternative to Obama, and had been planning to write in Hilary. Just as I did in 2008.
Alil Common Sense said:
But, here's his sarcastic defense of Bush in an earlier comment:
Alil Common Sense can run but can't hide. The extensive comment history speaks for itself and is here-> Alil Common Sense for all to see. A Karl Rove puppet......and not a particularly clever one.
Ah yes, Ian.
I see you are still using your Karl Rove playbook.
You still have not adressed anything in my posts, despite having responded twice.
All you can do is try to attack the messenger. And still you try to paint me as the one using rovian tactics, while in reality it is you.
You're just sad, really.
I am not running, or hiding. I'm glad you posted a link to my page. I urge all visitors to read the article about how Obama's policies have affected me personally. It's a bit wordy, but worth the read, I think. I hope you like it.
As far as me sarcastically mocking the way so many people are still trying to blame Bush, well, I make no apologies for that. It's ludicrous at this point, which was my point in the quote you posted.
Now that we have that out of the way, Ian...
Do you have anything to say about my post at 1.89 (to which you first responded), or at 1.92?
You know, other than your personal theories about my personal life or whatever?
You have anything of substance to add to the conversation, Ian?
Yeah.... That's what I thought.
Alil Common Sense said:
If you mean something other than: you are a petty shill.....not really.
Oh, wait.....there is one thing: You claim your hatred for Barack Obama grew from his alleged mistreatment of Mrs. Clinton during the 2008 primary campaign. Yet, Mrs. Clinton accepted a high position in the Obama administration and, now, strongly defends President Obama. Perhaps you should follow the example of your heroine. Of course, that rationale is merely your CLAIM.
It is more likely that your disdain for President Obama is more "visceral".
You must be an Idiot. I did NOT say that.
Get some reading comprehension.
Way to respond 5 days later. Big stones you got there, lols.
If I hadn't been looking for an old citation I used, I would have never even seen this.
Rick Santorum, the Other White-meat Tossing GOP Candidate. Over the weekend, Rick Santorum continued his particular brand of campaigning. His subtle fear and hate mongering while wearing a sweater vest and sounding the perfect notes that he is like folks in the crowd; he is just an ordinary guy with working-class roots, of coal-miner stalk, steeped in religious values and who wants to be president.
Santorum discussed World War II and Hitler describing how some thought Hitler was a "nice guy", and that the United States ignored the rumors of his evil doings. To those listening and to those who read or heard the comments later, it was obvious that Santorum's discussion had only one purpose--a subtle comparison of President Obama to Hitler and Nazism. Why else would Santorum be discussing Hitler in a 2012 GOP presidential campaign if he did not intend for his audience to connect his imaginery dots? When questioned, Rick said he wasn't comparing President Obama to Hitler, he had used those words a hundred times. No doubt that is true but in the 100 times previously, Santorum was not leading the GOP in the national polls and his speeches went largely unreported and his comments unchallenged.
Rick Santorum said regarding President Obama: "It's not about you. It's not about quality of life. It's not about your job. It's about some phony ideal, some phony theology. Oh, not a theology based on the Bible, a different theology but no less a theology." When questioned later, Santorum said he wasn't questioning President Obama's faith but his "environmental" policies. Sure, Mr. Santorum except that no one buys it. Rick Santorum is not as dumb as many of his former, fellow senators said and doe realize that "theology" is not interchangeable with "ideology"--his words were intentional. He did not "misspeak", he was not discussing "environmental policies"; he was purposely questioning President Obama's faith by tossing Santorum-style "white-meat" to those eager and willing to catch it.
Santorum declared that under "ObamaCare", insurance companies must include pre-natal testing for free and that leads to more abortions. It does not matter to Rick that insurance companies have provided pre-natal care in their plans for a few decades. It does not matter to Rick that providing pre-natal care has resulted in healthier babies and healthier mothers. To him, what matters is abortion, not the health of the unborn baby or the mother.
Santorum's press secretary, Alice Stewart, called MSNBC, Andrea Mitchell, to say she "misspoke" when she said "radical Islamic policies" regarding President Obama; she meant to say "environmental". Sorry, Ms. Stewart, the words "Islamic" and "environmental" are no more interchangeable than "theology" and "ideology". Perhaps Ms. Stewart did not intend to insert "Islamic" at that moment but it was obvious that she and the Santorum campaign have discussed President Obama policies in connection with "radical Islamic" enough times that confusing the two was easy and normal. Otherwise, no such "misspoke" apology would be necessary.
While Rick Santorum wears sounds the right religious notes, speaks of his coal-miner roots, appears the perfect picture of the all-American, ordinary guy surrounded by his family, he is nothing but a dog whistle blower; a Christian who dismisses those whose faith is counter to his own, who would impose his faith on everyone else. It is his "theology" that is radical and "phony", his policies that are extremist and dangerous. Those who think him a harmless, "nice guy" in a sweater vest need to take a closer look and think again.
Jody,
Your summary of Santourm is spot on.
He is running around the country speaking at the most conservative religious college audiences blowing the dog whistle to the delight of his followers: Ave Maria, Steubenville, Oral Roberts , all extreme religious colleges.
They love his anti history, anti science, anti public education, and anti womens rights agenda.
Great post, Jody. I have already apologized as a Pennsylvanian for this guy----I promise we are not all like that--witness his defeat by 18 points in 2006.
I find it appalling that the media does not do more to challenge this cycle of outrageous statments followed by lame walk-backs.
Great posts, Feisty, Backhouse, Ron, Jody and the opposition resorts to name calling and deflections, great 'examples' of home school advantage. The depth of ignorance exhibited so far by those on the right is unbelievable.
Great posts, Feisty, Backhouse, Ron, Jody and the opposition resorts to name calling and deflections, great 'examples' of home school advantage. The depth of ignorance exhibited so far by those on the right is unbelievable.
could you say it again?
Im no Santorum fan.
That said, Obama has been forcing his "vision" on this country- whether that is characterized as a religious vision, or mere narcissistic belief that he knows best, is not important.
What is important is that Obama, with total disdain for proof to the contrary, is committed to remaking this nation in the image of failed social democracies in Europe.
Seems he has a lot of followers, also immune from truth.
Take a gander at Greece- the Dow seems to be reacting favorably to this second bail-out. Funny, that. The European markets seem to know better- the best case scenario in Greece is that it's debt will exceed 160% of its GDP. That, of course,presumes that, having gotten the cash, and having shafted its debtors out of 53% of the amount they are owed, the government will not rescind the austerity measures it enacted to qualify for the second bail out.
Put that in the context of Obama's outrageous budget proposal. Anyone with an ounce of common sense can realize that it is better NOT to give things to people with borrowed money in the first place, rather than try to take them away in a vain attempt to rein in spending. Not Obama. He wants to continue the trend of making more and more people dependent on the government- and seems completely incapable of learning that uncontrolled spending is, to put it mildly, not a good idea.
Some of the deficit problem is caused by retracted revenues, owing to the fact that he is still negative two million jobs since he took office. So, what is he doing about it? Well, besides giving billions of taxpayer borrowed dollars to his donors, he keeps good, shovel ready, jobs from being created by hampering the real energy sector from expanding. Speaking of energy, have you bought gas lately? See, the ONLY way prices will come down is with an increase in supply. What we are dealing with today is cost push inflation- and it is making its way through the economy, most seriously in gas and food.
The cost of iPads may be deflating the numbers- but they cannot be eaten. Families notice the increased cost of food, and the increased cost of gas- so, telling them there is low inflation? Sounds like a lie.
Let's look at some of the spending Obama proposes, shall we? In his budget, there is an $800 million line item for aid to Egypt. Egypt, where 19 Americans, including the son of one of Obama's cabinet secretaries, are being held for trial. Their crimes? Helping the democratic movement. Seems the Muslim Brotherhood was very happy to use these people to achieve their ends- only to punish them when they had achieved those ends.
Would have been a lot better for the world at large if Obama had simply heeded the warning he was given in January 2010, and shipped corn, grain, and soy from our reserves to the region.
By the way, Libya is also a mess. And alQueda is behind the rebel forces in Syria. Is there anything at all Obama can't make worse than it was when he took office?
I haven't seen any evidence.
As to your conflating pre-natal "care" with pre-natal "testing"- Santorum is right. Pre-natal testing is used most often to abort a child who is not perfect- as if such is even possible. That you agree that you and others are competent to decide who should live and who should die is beyond my comprehension. I will, however, say this- if your hubris leads you to conclude that you are the final arbiter of those decisions, be my guest. Just don't expect me to pay for it.
I say again- I am no Santorum fan- that said, I am certainly no fan of the elitist liberals who believe, contrary to all proof, that they know best for individuals and the country. The proof of your failures is all around you- you refuse to recognize them. that does not render them moot.
no jo,
We finally agree on one thing.
I am no fan of Santourm either.
Jody - hope you don't mind if I post this again under your porch. All should be aware of the Santorum agenda.
The 21st Century American Inquisition
An Inquisition is a movement by a Church to expunge heresy. From the perspective of our modern era, these movements were almost always Catholic and were conducted throughout history against heretical Catholics, non-Catholic Christians, and non-Christian religions such as Jews and Muslims. Penalties ranged from a slap on the hand, to torture and/or imprisonment, and in severe cases, murder and genocide. The experts tell us the last formal inquisition ended in the 19th century.
Flash forward to the 21st century, a modern era seemingly above those antiquated, backward, and abhorrent inquisitional ages. Yet we clearly have an emergence of a movement to expunge heresy. And true to history, it has been started by the Catholic Church, with Rick Santorum playing the role of Grand Inquisitor, featuring President Obama as the Grand Heretic, with the American public cast as the heretical extras. The movement may not be formalized (Pope approved), but in a uniquely American way, is being expanded to include all religious factions. Welcome to the 21st Century American Inquisition.
Just this weekend, the Grand Inquisitor jumped atop his stump and fabricated lies insinuating President Obama advocates aborting the disabled, and proclaimed Obama’s theology is phony and non-biblical. The Catholic Church claims insurance coverage covering contraception is somehow against their religion. These are just a few examples of the War on Heretics waged by the Catholic Church.
Formal tribunals have not been implemented, yet modern day tools are being manipulated to vilify the heretics. Media outlets, military institutions, charity foundations, and most disturbingly, the U.S. political systems at both the state and federal levels are the tools being used to sway public opinion into acceptance of these Catholic doctrines, and more disturbingly, enactment of laws to support them. If the Grand Inquisitor is successful, abortion and unnatural contraception will be outlawed, life will begin at conception, gay friendly legislation overturned, religious institutions will be exempt from any law they choose not to follow. And much like the Inquisitions of old, our secular government will be utilized to incarcerate the majority of the American public failing to live by these new dogmatic laws.
It is time to stand up to these religious institutions, whether they be Catholic, Mormon, Protestant, Evangelical; Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddha. Our Constitution allows the freedom to practice any and all of these faiths. But more importantly, the Constitution grants us protection from the coercion of our government to fit any single brand of theocracy.
I know there are conservatives posting to this board. Ignore the liberals for a moment... they are all involved in a political operation called pump and dump, even if they don't know it, or even know what that is.
During this primary cycle, how many of the candidates have surged to the top only to have fallen back in the polls? It happened first to Bachman... she was on top and then cut down to shreds. Then it happened to Cain... he was surging to the top and then what happened? He was completely knocked out of the race. Perry.... never really surged but he was knocked out early because he was a threat to the Obama campaign. Huntsman never really gained any momentum, but he dropped as well.
Now lets take a look at the remaining 4. Who among them hasn't risen to the top? Paul. The other three have been pumped up to the top and then knocked back down. What does this do to the republicans and the republican candidates? It weakens them completely.
A tie goes to the incumbent. This is classic Washington politics and it's being done right before our very eyes.
I recommend reading this article for every conservative blogger on FR. You will see what the Obama campaign is doing to the republican candidates and it's causing chaos among the republican and independent voters that aren't aware it's occuring:
http://theulstermanreport.com/2012/02/20/white-house-insider-pump-and-dump/
RedDev - blah blah blah blah blah!!! Classic pump and dump campaign tactic. That's all it is... and it's sponsored by the Obama administration and you are a dupe.
No Jo - While I may not agree with the other thoughts you posted about at least you bring relative comments and criticisms from a GOP perspective. However, you lost your rational criticism when you turned to social issues.
As to your conflating pre-natal "care" with pre-natal "testing"- Santorum is right. Pre-natal testing is used most often to abort a child who is not perfect- as if such is even possible. That you agree that you and others are competent to decide who should live and who should die is beyond my comprehension.
No Jo, your argument does not consider that the pre natal testing can forecast potential problems during birth and allow for medical staff to prepare for a possibly difficult labor.
More importantly, the pre natal testing doesn't obligate the mother to abort or doesn't obligate the mother to have the baby. It gives her additional information so she can use it to make a CHOICE. You may not be willing to help pay for that, but I am. As a liberal, I think it is fair.
RedDevPS, nope, don't mind at all.
Brianb, LoL, that's hysterical. Now GOPers are blaming President Obama for the demise of their own presidential candidates; guess blaming him for Bush 43's failures economically and militarily isn't enough. Rick Perry imploded all by his lonesome just as did all the other GOP candidates who were supposed to be the GOP's Knight in Shining Armor. The Obama campaign did not have to do a thing, except mention Romney in passing--the GOPers did the rest themselves. Romney viciously attacked Gingrich in Iowa, Gingrich viciously attacked Romney in South Carolina. Cain couldn't keep his hands off women other than his wife, Perry couldn't even remember what he supported let alone what he was against. Bachmann was never viable. All the GOPers attacked Ron Paul.
Prenatal care and prenatal testing ARE one and the same. Prenatal testing is done under the heading of prenatal care, and infants do better throughout their first year when early monitoring happens.
I raised a child with a serious developmental delay. I know the cost, the stress on the family that is involved in raising that child. You must have early intervention with professionals, educators, physical therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers (the list is endless) to help that child achieve a decent quality of life. The earlier the diagnosis, the more likely that intervention happens.
You want parents to make a decision to raise a child with a disability? Then you make DAMN sure that the necessary safety nets are in place to provide the necessary services.
As usual, no jo blathers on about that which she knows nothing. But I suppose when nothing is all you know, there is no other choice.
Jody - You are not aware of the tactic. You are a part of it though. You fall in line with what the media tells you and Obama owns the media. The only alternative to the mainstream is conservative talk radio and a portion of Fox. Even Fox isn't as conservative as the liberals on this board will overstate.
You can laugh at it all you like but pump and dump is exactly what is happening right now... as the 3 republican candidates bob to the top and drop like a rock... it's being manipulated through the media and since Obama controls it... he is loving it. If you think this is a new tactic, then you must be very young.
The infighting among the republican candidates is normal... just as it is among democrat candidates when they are in primary season. The media blows it up and produces news stories from what they are doing... the pump and dump tactic is being directed by Obama's campaign through the media. And you are falling for it too.
Let me ask you something Jody... since you seem to think you are on top of the political scene. When was contraceptives first brought up? How long ago and who was it directed at? Who was the debate moderator? Think about it and get back to me.
Santorum the" Vatican candidate" is trying to set up a theocracy. Once again the GOP is out of touch with 88% of the people of the USA ..His cult beliefs and his " ANTI AMERICAN statements" are a dividing wedge. And will divide the people of the USA not unite them !
Brian:
You have taken conspiracy theories to a whole new level.
Could it not be as simple as a sad, lack-lustre group of candidates? There are some very good potential candidates in the GOP but they are way to smart to expend their political capital in 2012. They will wait for 2016.
You are right about Obama being super smart but to think he made Perry forget departments; Cain come up with a nonesensical tax plan; Gingrich colonize the moon; Romney discuss the height of trees in Michigan and Bachmann be - Bachmann, is stretching conspiracy theories to an extreme.
BrianB- Your post confirms your tinfoil-hat status. Yes some moderator decided to pass some bills in Virginia. Quack!
A good conservative lives in the realm of fear; fear of gays, fear of black presidents, fear of women, fear of Hispanics, fear of Europe, fear of socialist policies. Every night before they go to bed, they check out the Ulsterman report to see if any new boogeymen have cropped up and are hiding under their bed.
Certain gay hating,woman hating posters would have us believe there is a massive conspiracy to rule the airwaves and dictate media content. Santorum believes this conspiracy - why he blamed the liberal media on his inability to differentiate between theology and ideology and his inability to differentiate between Invironmental terrorists and Islamic terrorists. Where do they get this information? Why the Ulsterman report of course. As Ulsterman says, God says, and therefore, it must be.
Read more on the Ulsterman report.
http://thedisbrimstonedailypitchfork.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/the-daily-doggerel-the-ulsterman-report-continues-to-fan-the-flames-of-conservative-fear/
inept Leadership; A Nation disillusioned with jack-asses & pachyderms !!!,,,...
Brian, we do not vote in your caucuses and primaries. The conservative push for voter identification ensures that. We also do not attend your debates, and we do not send money to your candidates.
You on the right have only yourselves to blame for the circus that is the Republican nominating process.
Live with it.
No joe, no bo, nj:
Similar to how GW/ Cheney/ and the GOP forced their twisted vision on all of us from 2001 to 2008? Eight years of absolute hell. How'd that work out for you?
Anyone that seriously thought Santorum had a chance was deluding themselves. Romney doesn't need to attack him, listening to Santorum talk makes me hate him.
I think it will come down to Romney and Obama, and from there who wins will depend on the economy at the time. Although it is looking more promising for Obama with continued recovery.
I’m a Christian. I would say, for the sake of the argument, that I’m a Baptist (one of the “warring” sects of Christianity…like Methodist or Catholic or Lutheran or Presbyterian or even Mormon…which surprisingly isn’t all that much unlike those backward sheepherding Iraqis, with their Sunni and Shiite Muslim warring that’s been going on for centuries)…
…whenever I hear elected officials of any religious belief section off portions of our populace in public forums, particularly under the pretense of defending or promoting Christianity, I become that much more ashamed of those would claim to follow Christ, but don’t seem to really know anything about Him at all.
Except what they’ve been told about him by a pastor or preacher on Sunday.
Here’s something I came across reading through my Bible’s devotionals. Nothing explains not simply why I believe as I do, but what that belief compels and encourages me to do and the manner in which I must do those things, as the following passage does….
“Faith as Precious as Ours”
Thomas and Cynthia Hale, a surgeon and pediatrician respectively, moved their family to Nepal in 1970 with the understanding that they would not be allowed to “proselytize” the Nepoli people.
Some may ask why we have come to Nepal if not to “proselytize” or “Christianize” the country. Our reason for coming, besides the fact that God has called us here, is to communicate the love of God to the Nepoli people through our service and through our lives. We have come because God has given us a love for the people, especially for those suffering in body and spirit. This love does not arise from ourselves – it is a gift purely from God. Out of that love has grown a desire to introduce others to the person who has meant more to us than any other: Jesus Christ. To neglect sharing with our Nepoli friends the joy of knowing him would make a pretense of our friendship. To withhold from them this greatest gift would be to no longer love them. And so it is not our religion that we desire to introduce to them but Jesus himself. There is no pressure, no enticement, no ulterior motive, and no effort to undermine the many wonderful aspects of their own culture, which we not only admire but from which we have learned and profited. Rather we seek to work among the Nepalis as friends and equals, contributing our professional skills where needed and involving ourselves as much as possible in their national aspirations. During the course of all this, it is perfectly natural for us to share with them, as occasions arise, our hearts’ deepest feelings. They can take Christ or leave him; we shall serve them regardless.
If Rick Santorum says he’s a Christian, then he’s a Christian.
It’s really too bad that it’s not really what you say but what you do that tells the tale…
Brianb- I respect our political differences. However, even you cannot believe it is Mr. Obama's fault that Mr. Perry could not remember the 3 top federal agencies to be eliminated or seemed a bit impaired in his comeback speech one evening. These led to HIS own demise. Mrs. Bachman made gaffe after gaffe to raise questions about her readiness to be Potus. HER own doing. Mr. Gingrich's "family values" of divorces, adultery, & political ethics violations which cost him his job. HIS own doing. Mr. Cain, misquoting foreign policy, and numerous female harassment allegations. HIS own doing. Mr. Romney being Mormon, which is NOT endeared by conservative evangelicals and his inability to reach his own party base. HIS own doing. Mr. Santorum filtering EVERY political and social issue through his extreme Religious Abortion lens which is even alienating women of his own party. HIS own doing. Paul, well he is certainly his own man, no fault of Mr. Obama.
Again, each of these candidates have done /said these things ON THEIR OWN...which has led DIRECTLY to their Rise / Falls & candidacy struggles. Frankly, Mr. Obama has NOT had to do anything. These candidates have done a very good job of discrediting and damaging themselves. A reasonable Republican could see this (not that they are happy about it) but it is obvious. Placing blame on Mr. Obama for each of their own damaging shortcomings continues to discredit GOP crediblity.
"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.” -Napoleon
Felden - While the left doesn't vote for the republican candidates during the primaries, the left controls the media. What does it say to a republican when he is bombarded by negative news reporting on a daily basis by the media that can't stand republicans in the first place? It produces a chaotic sense of disenchantment about the republican candidates. The media is now telling everyone that Santorum wants a theocracy and will impose his religious viewpoints all over this country. They used to say that about Mitt, but for some reason that's been forgotten now that they have Bain Capital to chew on.
The media is looking to find everything negative about a rising candidate then publishes it. Funny how you NEVER hear negative reporting on Obama... and for any of you that actually has a brain, have you ever wondered why? It's not as if Obama is this knight in shining armor and hasn't done anything to harm this country during his first term... to the liberals all is golden when it comes to Obama... and they wouldn't change their vote even if something catastrophic did emerge about Obama. Hell, you'd vote for him if he were found in a brothel, surrounded by 10 women all naked and chanting satanic verse.
Arguing must be a lot easier when you make stuff up. It was around 160% before this deal. This will get it to around 120%. Still not a good number, but not a made up number either.
Paris - All political candidates are placed under the microscope. All, except Obama. Obama made many gaffes and each and every one of them were totally ignored by the media. Obama makes gaffes all the time but they are never spoken about. You can deride every republican candidate for a series of faults, and gaffes and just about anything you like, but when compared to Obama offering up some choice mis-speaks and mistakes, the playing field is even... unless you are a liberal and Obama is omitted completely from any sort of criticism.
Marco, as a Christian, I agree "actions speak louder than words"....and "they will know we are Christian by our love".
I respect Mr. Santorum's convictions and personal choices. Unfortunately , he has certainly crossed the line when he presumes to be God and judges another's Christianity thru the biased lens of politics and policies. This is NOT representative of the Christian faith he says he honors. Imo, he has muddied his Christianity by his political rhetoric and judgmental positions... not to mention the hypocrisy of many of these "policies" he protests have been in place and supported by Republicans for years. NOT very Christ-like.
brianb,
you keep trying the liberal media crap, that's FAUX talk! Sanatorium himself tried that route on CNN a few days ago, claiming no one questioned Sen Obama about the Rev Wright crap. Then we got to see how many times, Obama was HOUNDED about Rev Wright, so, give it up!
Brianb - Obviously no one is perfect. I personally don't like all of the negativity and don't think it is fruitful on either side to demean, slander and put a microscope on every word, action or acquaintance every made by each of these candidates. My perspective is broader than domestic American politics and I personally believe we damage our leader on the international stage when we show so much disrespect and hate domestically. I felt this way about how GW Bush was treated as well (gasp), though I did not vote for him and did not agree with many of his decisions. I still believe that there is a level of respect to be shown the Office of Presidency that should transcend partisan politics.
On that note, I don't believe Mr. Obama has had an "easy" road not had to endure his share of fire. The whole Birth certificate circus was/is a travesty, the rejection of his Christian profession of faith, Muslim and Hitler labels, no other Potus has had to prove his very American-ship and attacked in this manner. I personally believe much of it is racially motivated as the first African American Potus. I believe he, his wife and daughters have endured things that many of us cannot imagine and they do not share for the sake of moving our country forward and not looking backward. And please don't label be as racist, I am not playing a "race card", this is jmho.
Anyway, bottom line I believe each potus, each candidate receives their "fair" share of drama driven by both media and opposing party....and most of it is hard to stomach (to me) which is why I don't watch or listen to political news or radio shows much.
Paris,
Good Post! As I recall the Dixie Chicks, were pretty much Blacklisted because they voiced disapproval of the war! I, too, did not vote for Bush, or approve of his policies, but defended him on many occasions. My family and many friends live in Canada, and they thought Bush was HORRIBLE, but I defended his choices, because he was the president of our United States. I don't understand how so many people can be so racist and hateful. I think Obama's biggest failure was trying to bring the country together, and work with the opposition party, when they were so steadfast in their stance against him!
Sadly, people are easily manipulated by what they hear on t.v. and radio, and they are being "scared" into compliance by the far right crazies...
No Joe,
I agree with you in that we don't want to model ourselves after Greece for obvious reasons. However, the WAY in which we model our country's economic recovery plan is where we split off. Greece decided, at the beginning of their recession, to cut the crap out of spending which sent their economy into a (as my brother likes to call it) death spiral.
They didn't have any money circulating in their economy because people were scared to death to spend their money except on what they really didn't have a choice. No one bought new cars (unnecessary) no one bought new homes (unnecessary) no one bought new clothes. When this happens the economy suffers, you see. The economy is based on money circulating. Putting money into the economy would help. Taking money out and sitting on it like rich people do doesn't help the economy, it kills it.
That being said, Obama saved us from a fate much like Greece (but not because our economy is much too large to crash like theirs) through his stimulus package which would have been bigger and helped more (job creation that everyone is complaining about would have been much better off if he'd had his way) if the republicans weren't hard set to do exactly what Greece did and is now suffering for having done. NOW they're having to cut into people's livelyhoods because they are totally out of money. It's too late.
It's not too late for America. Put money into the hands of people who will turn right around and spend it and the economy will soar, jobs will be created because there is more demand for products so more people will be needed to provide it. If we keep cutting this funding and giving more money (tax breaks) to the wealthy we'll be in a "death spiral" soon too. Put the economy BACK into Conservatives greedy little fingers again? I don't think so.
By the way, most liberals hate the idea of increased production in oil here in America and Obama's done it by 8%. He's not as far to the left as all the conservatives would like to claim that he is. Is it because of his name? Is it the color of his skin? What is it? He's come to the middle so many times on so many issues but as soon as he does it everyone claims that it's a liberal idea. WTF?!
Brianb-999431 - I'm trying to find out what world you live in where you believe that President Obama has been given a pass by the "liberal" media? What utter stupidity! He has been picked apart by factions in the media - every gaffe blown up. But, you have a problem when Santorum, Romney, etc., are all quoted correctly???? Grow up and join the big kids!
I'd like to share a few excerpts from an essay written for the Daily KOS called "A Voice from the 1%"
SSanity - that will never happen. The BB feels an intense need to be victimized. Notice the utter failure to see the fallacies in the candidates that were clearly pointed out by Paris. Yet BB still blames any/everyone else. Santorum has the same victimization syndrome. He also blames the liberal media.
RedDevPS - yep! it's what you do when you've got no game!
Paris and Jo-an,
Very nice! I agree, except Jo-an, I believe that he did what every good president should do by reaching out to the opposition party and in doing so he's endeared himself to me further. I know many others probably share my warm feelings for him for this reason. He's shown the American people who he is and what he's willing to do for them. I used to be conservative until I grew my own brain and stopped listening to my parents. Parents are right about a lot of things but mine were not right about politics and their belief system. They used no logic in how they determined the policies they were for or against. They would simply listen to the republican think machine and decide how they would justify that view point to themselves.
Example: (Though I don't know how they justified it to themselves) They railed against and berated any type of welfare (like all good conservatives) when things got really tough for them, however, they collected some... for a few years. They still didn't like it, that view point never changed, but they continued to collect it. I don't know what you call that but I call it hypocracy... just like all good conservatives.
Mostly white people collect "welfare" and I'd be willing to wager that many of them are conservative white people.
My sister collects some as well and has done so for years. I finally got up the courage to call her out on it the other day and she playfully called me a bad name. She knew I was right. She knew that she and her family couldn't survive without help from the government and it pissed her off a little but she couldn't deny it. These are conservatives who believe one thing and do something different. How do they justify these things to themselves? I don't understand it. "It's only for a little while"? It's only supposed to be for a little while but you've collected it for years. She complains about the rigorous process she has to undergo to receive her food stamps. She wishes there was drug testing but they do drugs.
I don't get where the disconnnect is in these people and I see it in so many (almost all) conservatives. They don't see things as a whole. They break up problems as if they won't intersect with anything else. They decide how they feel about an issue disconnected from reality or anyone else and they are unmovable. I don't understand it.
MGates73:
-Same here. The Republican party of the past is NOTHING like this "feed the wealthy" bunch of corporate sponsored wackos we have today.
Well said!
MGates - glad to see your thinking cap on. For many conservatives, it seems almost like variation of a bad case of Stockholm Syndrome .. they support policies and vote for candidates that cause them the most harm. Go figure!!
MGates73,
Good post, AND you are CORRECT, I shouldn't have called "that" a failure, I just hate seeing him take a beating for it...I live in SW Florida, and I know several people that "get by" with help from the government, food stamps for single mother of 3, etc. AND they are Republican TOO. It does seem ingrained in them, almost.
I keep on saying,
Unless you are one of the 1%
Voting Republican,
is like a chicken
voting for Colonel Saunders!
OBAMA 2012
Brianb - "pump and dump" huh? Sounds like a sound bite. And you know this because theultermanreport tells you so?
“You will see what the Obama campaign is doing to the republican candidates and it's causing chaos among the republican and independent voters that aren't aware it's occurring”
The Republicans don’t need Obama’s help to make them look like fools, they are doing just fine on their own. Is Obama making them talk about religion like crazy zealots? No. Is Obama making them formulate asinine economic plans? No. Is Obama making them slam each other and name-call like petulant children? No.
And infighting amongst candidates is normal, to an extent - but the level this campaign has risen to goes beyond what anyone would define as "normal."
Asimplicity1 - thank you for sharing that Daily KOS essay again - the entire essay is extremely well-written and makes excellent points, but I took out those main points only when I posted that a week or so ago, and it's still a long excerpt. :) It's quite refreshing to get that point of view, don't you think? And yet conservative still think that what the media and the Republicans tell them is the Word.
MGates, Paris, Jo-An, RedDev, thank you for your posts' points of view as well, it is so refreshing to hear such articulate and intelligent thoughts, after reading the posts of BrianB and his ilk! :)
and Marc00 - thank you for what I would consider a real Christian point of view. I'm not Christian or religious at all myself, but the "good Christians" I have known have never needed to make a point of how "good" they are nor have they even needed to make a point of their religious beliefs, period. They are simply good people, generous, loving and kind. If you get that from your faith or other means doesn't matter to me, nor should it matter to people of any faith. It is sad when a message of love and acceptance gets perverted into a message of hate and judgment.
JLS:
:) Life is GOOD!
This is for all you animal lovers out there. I was going to vote for Mitt Romney but just found out that he put his dog in a dog carrier and strapped it to the roof of his car and drove 12 hours to his vacation destination. I verfied it on Snopes. I would call this animal abuse. I will NOT be voting for this heartless man and I pray that he does not get elected. God Bless America...we need it!
Thanks so much everyone! *blush*
I've been an admirer for a while now and suddenly I guess I've found my voice.
Jo-an, I actually suspected that's how you felt and it was just a turn of phrase you were using but it really is one of the things I love so much about that man!
Vicky, I am totally disgusted to hear about that. My husband apparently knew about it and didn't tell me because I already dislike that feckless individual. He also tells me that the dog had an accident (as we all would under similar circumstances) on himself during the trip. Romney pulled over, washed the dog, and put him back in the carrier atop his vehicle! The poor animal should be taken away! I'm upset!
MGates,
Welcome! We're glad you found your voice! Jo-An, you too!
Mitt is killing his own chances through a series of gaffes and through his complete inability to connect with people -- real people, especially conservative voters. He has the money, the establishment support, the lifelong ambition to be president -- it's all working in his favor. And yet Rick Santorum has somehow barged on stage and seized the mantle of true conservative champion. . The implosion of the GOP -- thanks to unfettered civil war sparked by the Tea Party -- has left them with no viable candidates to compete with the President if the economy remains on track for recovery. http://www.sunstateactivist.org
Yeah, yeah, yeah....
No one really cares. It is all academic anyway come November.
Sanatarium will kill his own chances quickly. Romney might have a chance to go up against Obama if someone duct tapes his mouth shut for the next few weeks.
All these candidates are in truth a very "somber comedy". Republicanism has in fact, (with the exceptions of Lincoln, Eisenhower and Theodore Roosevelt administrations), always been a bedlamized requiem, hovering among the life of our Democratic Republic with the intention of killing it. Cannot have a democratic republic when its governance insists on, and establishes both legislative and institutionalized inequality upon those it governs and purports to serve, as is central to republican political dogma. Question now facing the electorate; are we again willing to suffer the diminishment of the worlds first and greatest power, which derives that power from its people, by relinquishing our rights of that power to a governing body intent on using it to that bodies discretionary distribution. I hope the majority of us have better sense.
feisty while you are fighting for your reproductive rights also fight for your decedents financial well being and get the unsustainable spending under control. Remember when you go knockin go packing. Go to your neighborhood shooting range and get well acquainted with the firearm of your choice, utilize your 2nd amendment rights.
Buck Naked, that post made absolutely no sense. Are you getting all your tea people GOP Koch republicans old worn out talking points mixed up this morning? Or are you like Bush II, Romney and Santorm and can't put a single sentence together? Inquisitive minds want to know.
Buck Naked Sr.===Well we know that you can't carry a concealed weapon.
I am a registered DEM, I know you all don't believe that a DEM can be conservative, but I am a life long registered DEM in the sunshine state and yes the statement makes since. I am informing feisty before hse goes door to door in Chicago, she should arm herself, but be proficient in handling and firing the weapon of her choice.
One option to help stop the state rape of Women in Northern Virginia, who seek an abortion is to go into the state of Maryland or Washington DC which borders Virginia.
Buck Naked Sr: Can you please post something that makes sense and stop hounding people who base their opinions on real facts and knowledge, or is it against your religion to say something with some intellect that is not off of the wall?
Buck - you've used that pathetic nonsense about Chicago every post. Get over it! Many of us live here and love it. We're not afraid to knock on our neighbors doors without packin! Get a life - please. Your comments are just embarrassing for you!
Mr Santorum has had the headlines in the past few days as Jody has listed and commented on above. But he has been at it for a while the following show more of this guy's twisted thinking:
In January the following statements from Rick Santorum during his time Iowa prior to their caucus
Think Progress
By Igor Volsky on Jan 4, 2012
Rick Santorum’s surprising second-place finish in Iowa comes after months of dogged campaigning throughout the state’s 99 counties and more than 350 town halls. ThinkProgress tracked the former Pennsylvania senator throughout this period and has compiled a list of his top 10 most outrageous claims:
1) ANNUL ALL SAME-SEX MARRIAGES: Arguing that gay relationships “destabilize” society, Santorum wouldn’t offer any legal protections to gay relationships and has pledged to annul all same-sex marriages if elected president. During his 99-country tour of Iowa, Santorum frequently compared same-sex relationships to inanimate objects like trees, basketballs, beer, and paper towels and even tried to blame the economic crisis on gay people. As Santorum explained back in August, religious people have a constitutional right to discriminate against gays: “We have a right the Constitution of religious liberty but now the courts have created a super-right that’s above a right that’s actually in the Constitution, and that’s of sexual liberty. And I think that’s a wrong, that’s a destructive element.”
2) ‘I’M FOR INCOME INEQUALITY’: “They talk about income inequality. I’m for income inequality,” Santorum said during an event in Pella, Iowa in December. “I think some people should make more than other people, because some people work harder and have better ideas and take more risk, and they should be rewarded for it. I have no problem with income inequality.”
3) CONTRACEPTION IS ‘A LICENSE TO DO THINGS’: Santorum has pledged to repeal all federal funding for contraception and allow the states to outlaw birth control, insisting that “it’s a license to do things in a sexual realm that is counter to how things are supposed to be.”
4) GAY SOLDIERS ‘CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN CLOSE QUARTERS’: During an appearance on Fox News Sunday in October, Santorum defended his support for Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell by arguing that gay soldiers would disrupt the military because “they’re in close quarters, they live with people, they obviously shower with people.” He also suggested that “there are people who were gay and lived the gay lifestyle and aren’t anymore.”
5) OBAMA SHOULD OPPOSE ABORTION BECAUSE HE’S BLACK: During an appearance on Christian television in January, Santorum said he was surprised that President Obama didn’t know when life began — given his skin color. “I find it almost remarkable for a black man to say ‘now we are going to decide who are people and who are not people,” he explained.
6) WE DON’T NEED FOOD STAMPS BECAUSE OBESITY RATES ARE SO HIGH: Speaking in Le Mars, Iowa in December, Santorum promised to significantly reduce federal funding for food stamps, arguing that the nation’s increasing obesity rates render the program unnecessary.
7) ABORTION EXCEPTIONS TO PROTECT WOMEN’S HEALTH ARE ‘PHONY’: While discussing his track record as a champion of the partial birth abortion ban in June, Santorum dismissed exceptions other senators wanted to carve out to protect the life and health of mothers, calling such exceptions “phony.” “They wanted a health exception, which of course is a phony exception which would make the ban ineffective,” he said.
8) HEALTH REFORM WILL KILL MY CHILD: Santorum, who claims that Obamacare motivated him to run for president, told reporters in April that his daughter Bella — who was born with a genetic abnormality — wouldn’t survive in a country with “socialized medicine.” “Children like Bella are not given the treatment that other children are given.”
9) UNINSURED AMERICANS SHOULD SPEND LESS ON CELL-PHONE BILLS: During a meeting with the editorial board of the Des Moines Register in August, Santorum said that people who can’t afford health care should stop whining about the high costs of medical treatments and medications and spend less on non essentials. Answering a question about the uninsured, Santorum explained that health care, like a car, is a luxury resource that is rationed by society and recalled the story of a woman who said she was spending $200 a month on life-saving prescriptions. Santorum told her to stop complaining and instead lower her cable and cell phone bills.
10) INSURERS SHOULD DISCRIMINATE AGAINST PEOPLE WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS: Santorum sounded like a representative from the health insurance industry when he addressed a small group of high school students in Merrimack, New Hampshire in December. The former Pennsylvania senator not only defended insurers for denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, he also argued that individuals who are sick should pay higher premiums because they cost more money to insure.
Then he got a little more attention and this is what we are hearing:
He is against Prenatal Testing as its used to cull the disabled in increasing abortions
Call for the end of Public Education, says parents should home school their children
The whole concept of sexual liberation, sexual freedom has had its downsides and certainly birth control is part of that with a dramatic increase in sexually transmitted diseases, dramatic increase in out of wed-lock -- out of wed-lock births, dramatic increase in the number of abortions. I mean you know this is -- this is not just -- you know not been just well everything is just fine and I -- that's a -- that's a commentary that I again is not something that is completely out of the mainstream. The bottom line is there are consequences to the sexual revolution that we are living with in America today.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/oreilly/2012/02/19/bill-oreilly-rick-santorum-enters-american-bedrooms#ixzz1myk6vX71
post your body paint art from mardi gras please.
Good morning Gingerbread Mamma,
A Great post on your part, with facts!
I used to say Rick Perry was the most dangerous person running for President. Now I see that Rick Santorum has taken that distinction. However, now it looks like Santorum is the most dangerous man in the world.
I used to say that Michelle Bachman was the most dangerous.......
I used to say that Rick Perry was the most dangerous.......
I used to say that Newt Gingrich was the most dangerous.......
I used to say that Ron Paul was the most dangerous.......
I used to say that Rick Santorum was the most dangerous.......
Whos left........Oh yea Mitt Romney......he is furly dangerous man!
All of the above are crazy. Mitt is just trying to act crazy in oder to get the votes of the crazy radical right.
Gingerbread Mamma, terrific list of some of Santorum's outrageous comments. He really is a radical; my Mom's description seems perfect, "he's nuts".
I heard an analyst the other day asking where the moderate republicans are in this GOP presidential primary process--it's as if they have allowed the far right extremists to take over their party while they sit back and watch. There are moderate republicans yet they are not showing up at the primaries and caucuses.
@ Job1,
Mitt does anything he can! LOL!
Mitt needs to stop playing the crazy card or he will lose the middle completely and won't have a chance no matter how the economy is during the election.
Both of my fundamentalist Christian parents are appalled at Santorum. Then again they both believe the constitution should be how law is made and religion should remain a personal choice.
I feel a little bad for the Rombot 6000. After all, it is quite a scientific feat of robotic design because it looks somewhat realistic if you compare it to a human. If it loses Michigan, it may be a good time to take it offline and rewire some of it's circuits and do some basic reprogramming.
lol
Good job democrats! You got it all figured out!!!!! Good work guys! Way to collaborate and figure out whats wrong with the country now adays. Where would we be without you? Well for start, we probably wouldnt be 15 trillion dollars in debt. We would have a legitimate budget plan outlined that does not simply consist of tax more!!!! We would stop giving hand outs and bleeding out money such as the 100 billion dollars that goes to the people who do not even pay taxes in the first place. We wouldnt be paying our way out of a high unemployment rate either.
DEMOCRATS......you will one day bring this great country to its knees by exhausting itself of its riches. Future generations will look back at the filth and disgust you have brought upon this country and realize exactly why Democracies will never work. The lazy will eventually figure out they can vote to get whatever they want handed to them.
Umm, corky,
most of that 15 trillion (projected) occurred under Republican governship,...keep it real.
Corky,
You are hilarious! We have a president that is turning the country around, and you see doom and gloom...spare me...
Wow, most of that isn't even worthy of comment, it is so ridiculous....Regarding #10 on that list.....so by that logic, since I go to the doctor exactly ONE time a year (for my annual exam/pap), theoretically I should pay a lower premium right? Cuz I'm not sick, and hardly use my insurance. Now I'm pregnant, and I'm looking at $1700 out of pocket on top of my $500 deductible JUST FOR the doctor, not including the hospital charges that will come later after delivery. So doesn't that mean that I've already more than paid for that? Apparently I'm paying for some sicker person's medical care! LOL!
Now I will depart from the topic a little and get on my soapbox for a minute: Alan NJ made the point earlier that we need healthcare reform, not just health insurance reform, and I agree, to an extent. Before insurers/HMOs, doctors could do whatever procedures they wanted, whether necessary or not, and people paid way too much for treatment. So HMOs were supposed to stop that, and instead have become their own money-chewing business. "First do no harm" should not mean "first, show me the money." However, that being said, you'd have to do way more than reform healthcare. Doctors these days are laboring under ridiculous college debts, prompting them to charge people through the nose for the privilege of their time and "expertise." And the "higher education" in this country has become far too enamored of itself. Professors are too busy trying to get published to teach, usually their TAs handle the lectures, and they get paid far too much in my opinion because of this high-brow concept of "higher" education. I had teachers in high school making 1/4 of a professor's salary that taught far more effectively than any professor I encountered in my one abbreviated year of state college. Teachers are living in poverty, while college professors sit on their high horses earning their "tenure" and not bothering to teach the students who pay massive amounts to try and earn a college degree. We need to start at the beginning and reform "higher education" also.
Anyways, sorry about that, just couldn't help myself.
Lord have mercy, JLS,
Rambling gets you nowhere,,,,
I don't even know where you start?
Please, short, and sweet...
I think you may have a point, Universal Healthcare?? Yup!!
"Phony Theology"?
Wow...and I thought we were going to be electing a President, not "Christian Of The Year".
Stuff it, Santorum! We're sick of your efforts to tar the President as "Not One Of Us"!
To the rest of his supporters, may I remind you we've had a President who was "One Of Us"...and Bush 43 was a train wreck!
Some people think he's really running for Pope, not president. All genuflect to Pope Sanctum Santorum the First!
these tea people GOP Koch republican candidates just can't help themselves. They just keep making stupid statements, and then stumble all over themselves trying to explain what they meant.
Adelson could wind up giving Gingrich 9 figures? Talk about being bullish on b@llsh%t!!
wow! it is like the circus with a bunch of rich clowns putting on a juggling show. the GOP is all done for this election they gave it their best and still came up short. maybe a high wire act would help, but no net because let them fall hard into the reality that Obama has and will win the election . it will be Obama reelected 2012 he will be riding that elephant right into the white house to the amazement of all. so get your signs and banners ready to praise the greatest leader of the free world.
I consider myself an indy because I've voted for both parties, at some point. But I agree with you whole-heartily about the GOP this cycle. It would be more challenging for Obama, and better for the people if someone (anyone) in the GOP would come up with some real changes. But all they ever say is that they'd do the opposite of Obama; undo whatever he started. That's not a real answer to our future. That's just complaining about the current situation and blaming everything on one person. That talk just wont go that far...neither in the Repub base currently, as well as in the general election.
Obama's not perfect, but I'd hate to see the economy and America move BACKWARD, with the current repub crap being thrown out there. I expected repub's had a chance with their 2010 overwhelming wins....but we haven't seen anything (positive) from that group, yet.
Mitt, Newt and Rick...if you really want votes....say something real, and stop just blaming Obama. Otherwise....well, I guess I'll see you guys as faux snooze talkies, pretty soon.
Anything positive sits on Mr. Reids Desk.....or under it. And who knows who's reading them under his desk!
jolly,
You KNOW ALL those "jobs bills" say the SAME THING...
cut taxes (on the "job creators")
and DEREGULATE....
Nothing worth reading!
That's what got us into this mess to begin with!
Jo-An
What about President Obama's Budget?
Of course it won't be passed, but, again, it has been submitted. Obama included "defense spending" in his (unlike Bush)
Oh No Mr. Bill, What's "Mitt The Morpher" going to do? Hope the GOP establishment gets the point. No more moderate LOSERS like McCain and Romney. Say Good-Bye Mitt-ster.
What are the republican plans to; keep gas afordable to AMERICAN WORKERS, stop the FORCEFUL PENETRATION OF UNWILLING WOMEN, and GIVE THE AMERICAN WOMEN the CHOICE TO BECOME PREGANT OR NOT!!!!!!
Funny, they seem to have FORGOTTEN THOSE PROMISES!
.
The Republicans are actually right in blaming President Obama for higher gas prices. But he's not to blame for the reason they say he is to blame. The Republicans' accusation that the rise in gas prices is due to Obama's "overreach" and too much regulation of the petroleum industry are just crap. What does make Obama in part responsible for rising gas prices is obvious to anyone not blinded by Obama Derangement Syndrome: It's his successful push for ever-tougher sanctions against Iran for their alleged program to develop nuclear weapons. In retaliation, first came the threats from Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz through which much of the world's oil supply is shipped, and throw the world's economy into chaos. More seriously, Iran has stopped supplying oil to Britain and France. Cutting off a large part of the oil supply to two major industrial nations is the reason for the sudden rise in gas prices. Period.
If Obama wanted to play crass political games, he could back off the sanctions of Iran, and the gas prices would start declining and the threat to the economy would recede. Of course, to Republicans' their game is heads they win, tails Obama loses, so they'd just stop attacking him over the price of gas and start attacking him for "appeasing" Iran. But the public cares a heck of a lot more about the price of gas than it cares about whether Iran is working on building atomic bombs, so Obama would come out ahead politically. Unfortunately for Obama, he seems to be burdened by a belief that he should put the well-being of the country over short-term political gains. Few Repu7blicans share that character defect.
While some of what you say is true about the sanctions impacting Iran, I'm also inclined to think a great deal of the oil price rise is a result of the "bomb Iran" talk coming from Israel and then Iran's countering threats to everyone else. I'm also inclined to think that Iran purposely is talking tough to drive their own oil prices up before sanctions get worse. Tough talk tends to make people nervous and speculators willingly oblige by bidding up the price.
Perhaps you are correct. But what would the Republican policy be? It certainly wouldn't be to allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. They would probably go for an air strike, or even an invasion of Iran. And if you think gas prices are going up now, that would be nothing compared to what would/will happen if we were to take a military action against such a heavy oil/producing state such as Iran.
Mr. Obama has said all along that he didn't have an issue with the price of gas going up. But now that it may go higher at a critical time, we may see some effort to keep it from blowing up into a campaign issue. I think the idea is to make gas so costly that alternative modes of transportation become viable. Enter the Chevy Volt, The dipping dots of automobiles. Here in Detroit I can tell you I have observed 4 of these Volts. All sitting outside our design center plugged in the charging. We get every kind of Auto/truck that we manufacture parts for to drive and test. They all are out most of the day. The lonely Volts sit there, So if the design engineers wont drive them or buy them who will? Your Gov. thats who, Im sure people in DC are seeing a lot of them on the streets.
Jody
I agree. I've been wondering how an Israeli attack on Iran would play out politically here. The price of gasoline would sky rocket as the Middle East became engulfed in a new conflagration that could even be much worse than Bush's Iraq debacle. Would voters be so stupid as to miss the cause-effect relation between a new war started by Israel and what they pay at the pump and believe the Republican's predictable attempts to blame Obama?
Houston and Jody,
Israel needs to stand down and stop their muscle flexing. Obama needs to privately, pull Netanyahu aside and explain to him the dire consequences his saber rattling can have. It would be far worse than Iraq. It could be a multi state, all encompassing, regional war that could easily spread.
I wonder how UK and France will respond? I don't have the answers and pray that Obama/Clinton can talk some sense into cooler heads.
The Bush "Premptive strike" doctrine must never be used again!
pro-Obama Super PAC, Priorities USA Action? According to NBC’s Carrie Dann, the organization raised just $58,815 in January...
Been away awhile and have a few questions.
On Superpacs was the reversal of Obama's principles worth it? For 58K I would say not.
Will the regulars give credit to the GOP for allowing their "precious, all important" most important tax cut in history be extended? LOL. Also, when did democrats become so short sighted to start believing that weakening Social Security was a good thing?
More tax cut questions, how does the administration think that they can balance the budget by taxing only the super rich? Don't they believe that all people should be part of a shared sacrifice? Clinton era rates anyone?
How come the progressives who cried and stomped their feet for action in Libya, look away from the actual massacre in Syria? Perhaps looking for hints from Obama on what type of opinion they should have? My two cents, tragically it is not in our interests to get involved. Sorry.
More importantly, what does Obama say to reign in Netanyahu with Israel's blustering and unnecessary brinkmanship in pushing a conflict with Iran? IMO, we need to get invovled before we are reacting to a nightmare scenario.
Politically - Ok, I'll ask it, why do the GOP keep trying to limit choice? How do the birth control and religious fights help the economy?
It was 58K BEFORE he gave the OK. And it was not a "reversal" of anything. He never pledged to NOT use super PACs. How many times does it have to be pointed out that Obama's disapproval of the radical changes to the rules of the game imposed by the Supreme Court's abominable Citizens United decision does not mean he is obligated to unilaterally disarm, any more than Ronald Reagan's desire to end nuclear weapons meant that he was abandoning any "principle" by not unilaterally destroying all of America's nuclear weapons.
Per FT - Obama raked in $11.9 million in January, with the DNC and other committees bringing in an additional $17.2 million.
Houston - Obama apparently doesn't need the super pac he brought in more than $30 million in January. He doesn't need to unilaterally disarm. People would have contributed to his super pac even without him hawking it.
I know that Obama, believes in principle, that super pacs are wrong and that contributions should have limits.
A Superpac might help him get to a billion dollars but standing by his principles is priceless.
For the reasons I stated, I don't see it as a matter of principle. Politicians with that much principle are more often derided as losers than admired for suicidal adherence to what other people say is "principle." Anyone who knows a bit about the history of president knows that no president before Obama ever lived up to such a standard of purity. Maybe some people who lost presidential campaigns were that pure, though.
This article pretty much says it all:
before you go mittens, better put on some fresh majic underwear!
We are another state closer to getting abetter leader in the White House. I think most people would agree when you promote a sense of entitlement the way Obama has since 2008 you end up with a population of under achievers. The front page of the Des Moines Regsiter said the top 3 Republican candidates are leading Obama in the polls. That is great news for the future of America.
He is not a leader that is for sure. Clinton had to work Congress to get his budget passed. I know he doesn't try, I also think he doesn't care. He leads by a great example, like his father who high tailed it away from his wacko mom.
UAW Pleeeeease and Buck Naked - if you had anyone with leadership qualities in the GOP you could make comments deriding President Obama. However, you don't and President Obama has done a good job, reversing the devastation that Bush left. You have nothing to go against him with. Santorum nor Mitts has a brain between the two of them.
If you think that Romney has no brain or leadership skills then you are not being intellectually honest. You don't get multiple degrees from Harvard and run multi-million dollar companies without those qualities. I can understand if you disagree with his policies, don't like his ideology, even think he looks funny; but, to suggest that he is not intelligent is absurd.
Come on SS. Everyone knows the real cause for the collapsed economy was the Liberal idea that everyone should get a mortgage. Bush wanted a seoerate panel to over see Fannie and Freddie in 2003 that the democrats deemed "unneccesary". I think Ben Franklin said it best a population based on entitlements is sure to produce a large number of under achievers. Obama has done a great job expanding entitlements. Now we need a better leader who can roll back things like Obamacare and Dodd/Frank....
JC - if Romney was intelligent he would not be changing his stance every whistlestop he makes. He would actually have something to say and he wouldn't have to lie with every word out of his mouth. My guess is his degrees were all bought and paid for. He certainly doesn't show any intelligence. And, he lacks the integrity of a snake.
Bush and his father all the way back to Regan pushed for home ownership. It was a bipartisan mistake but the final blow to our economy was two unfunded and unfounded wars just to help Bush and Cheney's buddies.
We have good leadership in President Obama. We cannot stand another Republican who is willing to sell the country for his cronies.
SS -
"Obama leadership" is an oxymoron. Sitting on the sidelines is not leadership. Letting Congress come up with legislation rather than submitting it is not leadership.
If you choose to believe that Romney has no intelligence, that's up to you. Fortunately, anyone who looks at the facts with an open mind can see quite plainly that he is quite intelligent. As I said, people do not build and run multi-million dollar companies without having a good mind.
People change their minds all the time. Positions evolve over time. New information comes to light. New circumstances influence thinking. For example, President Obama has said how bad super-PAC's are, but now he has changed his position.
Perhaps. But, when Bush tried to get Congress to address the problem it certainly was partisan resistance that kept it from happening and avoiding the subsequent results.
Umm, JC
seed money from a loaded parent doesn't hurt in the startup venture, now does it?
And now McFlipper's positions are 'evolution of thought'? How CONVENIENT for him. Pssst,...he doesn't believe in evolution,...and yet, he's damn near erudite? sorry, not buying what you've packaged for resale today. Thanks, anyway.
Seed money from a loaded parent would be quite helpful, I'm sure. But, since that isn't the case, it's a rather pointless statement on your part. Romney and his two business partners raised the money for Bain Capital, part of which came from Bill Bain, the owner of Bain & Company (which Romney ended up having to save in 1990).
" the Obama White House pushed several news items yesterday (like a Houston Chronicle story on increased oil production) to deflect charges from Republicans that the administration is to blame for the higher gas prices"
And the state run media , especially NBC News, immediately pushed the talking points, being the good poodles that they are...
Bob in Virginia-5210392
Facts are more than just talking points, which are mainly just lies repeated endlessly. But of course, you don't like facts being reported because facts have a liberal bias.
Funny how during the Bush era, the republicans told us the president couldn't ever have any effect on Gas prices (of course they also told us that if you disagree with the president, you hate America and may as well join alQueda. So I guess all this just means republicans hate America and love terrorists.)
It looks like, thanks to the poor leadership of Gov.McDonnell and the likely election of one of our greatest governors, Tim Kaine, to the US Senate, Obama has a good chance of winning Virginia once again! I know he will be getting my vote! Another thing that's helping the Democrats in VA is the VA GOP suggesting all women seeking abortions should be raped by the state. Republicans keep shooting themselves in the foot, and I keep laughing!
You think Bob would make a good vp huh? Well if Santorum is the candidate, the two would mesh well as neither believe women should have any rights.
Well said, Houston and Virginia Democrat!
If Governor McDonnell signs those GOP legislative bills, he can kiss his hopes of ever being VP goodbye; Romney isn't going to pick him and if Santorum does, talk about a losing ticket. With McDonnell's signature, he will effectively remove himself from viable presidential candidates in 2016 as well.
If Santorun gets the ticket to run for the Republicans, Virginia will stay blue. Remember Northern Virginia is more progressive and those folks will ever vote for Santorum.
One option to help stop the state rape of for Women in Northern Virginia, who seek an abortion is to go into the state of Maryland, or Washington DC which borders Virginia.
Northern VA isn't the only progressive region, though it does host almost 2 million Virginians. There's the city of Richmond, Charlottesville and the entire Tidewater area (VA Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, ect...) which is just as heavily populated with progressives as NOVA.
Remember, the president didn't just barely win Virginia in 2008, he won by 6%, which in political terms is huge!
We also hold the VA Senate.
Thanks Vinginia Democrat. Good information.
umm---Virginia Democrat---how is it that the state senate is split 20-20 with a Republican Lt. Gov serving as the tie breaker---does that equal being that the dems hold the VA senate??? Bit hard to come up with that math, isn't it??
Just love how we always get half the story from MSNBC.
First, President Obama can go ahead and *tout* the extended *payroll tax cut* that is actually a social security contribution cut. I know. I make payroll and have adjusted a few weeks here, eight more weeks there and now I get to keep it for a year. This is YOUR SS money. No two ways around that. If you don't get it I feel sorry for you.
Second, this go around it isn't paid for. So, the SS pool as whole drys up just a little bit faster.
Finally, down the road when your SS benefits are figured out ( yes they promised I know) , please don't go crying about the fact your check isn't what you *thought* it was going to be. Because you are an IDIOT to believe any promise on paper from anyone let alone the government.
Me, I have IRA's. Always have.
AND FRH, good luck with your vagina dear. You fail to understand that the *legislators in VA. were elected by the people* and offended vaginas can move out of the state and into yours. Now I'll go puke.
.
Quit your whining about liberal media bias. It has been well reported by MSNBC and every other media outlet that the Republicans abandoned their pretended principled stand against deficit spending and agreed to the payroll tax cuts without offset spending cuts or revenue increases.

Yes and why? Because President Obama is aloud to go out and distort the facts about what the CUT REALLY IS and claim Republicans don't want to help the middle class when in fact the middle class will be losing it's azz on social security benefits in the end LONG AFTER HE IS GONE. And MSNBC will not CORRECTLY tell it's own readers the truth either.
The republicans disarmed that arugment pronto.
3rd Party,
All this does is to move up the time that SS must be fixed. It does not mean that benefits will be cut.
There are dozens of ways to fix SS so that it will be solvent for at least another 50 years before another adjustment is necessary.
When you get your yearly SS report stating your total contributions it will reflect your payroll stub exactly. It isn't fixed yet and I doubt it ever will be. You are talking about a carrot on a stick. I am talking apples.
Remember government is a *I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today* enterprise. Experts at spending today and *fixin it * later to the tune of $16,000,000,000,000.00 dollars debt and a trillion more this year.
Dennis - the problem is that nobody is ever willing to actually do what it will take to fix it.
I believe there are a few willing to make the tough decision and at some point it will become a must.
One reason to delay the “fix” is it isn’t needed for at least another 15-20 years. Every politician knows that after they come to a resolution, pass it and the President signs it that their not likely to be reelected. For our politicians it is a no win issue. Like immigration don’t expect any President to take it on in his/her first term.
Like many conservatives, I feel bad for Romney. In 2008, I would have taken Romney over McCain in a heart beat. But this election, conservatives see an opening due to the vulnerability of Barack Hussein Obama. That's why you see so many conservative candidates gunning for the nomination. In the end, whomever gets the nomination will have my vote, a Republican vote the first time in over twenty years.
I know how you feel. Drink scotch before you go. It helps to hold the nose too I hear.
lmao...... gotta love the Vagina comments. Did anyone else see the Savannah Guthrie choke and stammer yesterday over the word penis? Poor girl probably never saw one before. Now we know some of the ladies on here have no issue with those things!
The vine is always good for a laugh and I never give up until I get at least three hateful Troll remarks from LT.
Makes my day because he is on ignore and he knows it but he can't resist. He's one of those *gotta have the last word* types.
Road Warrior - how sad that you're willing to sell the country just to elect a Republican, knowing full well you have no one of any quality running and that we have a good President right now. Pathetic!
I am a female agnostic, and it might surprise you that I have many conservative notions. I have voted Republican many times for president. I gotta tell you after the last 6 months there is no way on this green earth I would ever vote for any of these guys over Obama, even though I was looking towards Romney or Newt in the hopes that we could possibly turn the economy around. A person like me would have to be insane to vote for Santorum- he has made himself to be extremely dangerous to a middle of the road average tolerant woman. You Republicans have forgotten that half the people in this country are women.
Ron Indiana said that the LDS practice of baptisms for those that had passed away "has no biblical foundation." The apostle Paul included in 1 Corinthians 15:29 "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" That would show that the practice was used over 1800 years before the Mormon Church even existed.
Ron Indiana also said that Mitt had spoken against this gospel principle. Notice Ron does not give us the reference to this quote. Never happened is the why. Your agenda Ron is what again? The Apostle Paul was showing some sarcasm as he spoke to the people of Corinth. These people had stopped believing in the ressurection, so Paul was saying to them " Why are you baptising for the dead if you now believe there is no after life or ressurection? " Plainly the principle was being practiced at the time of Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believe in the restoration of all things from the original Church of Jesus Christ. I listen to CNN and FOX and watch how they just use the word Mormon, Mormon Church,Church of the Latter-Day Saints, etc. I emailed them and all of the sudden Anderson Cooper out of now where called the Church by it's correct name. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. I almost fell off of my chair. It's almost like the liberal press has a hard time mouthing the words Jesus Christ on the air anymore. Most of you here don't even know who the actual person Mormon was. He lived around 400 AD. on this continent. He is one of many prophets who recorded writings which are contained in the Book of Mormon which he helped abridge all of the ancient records from Prophets that had come before him on this side of the world. Trivia for the day. The Book of Mormon actually begins in the year 600 BC in Jerusalem.
I just love how MSNBC's discussion of Super PACs always is centered on Conservative PACs and fails to point out that Obama has raised as much as all Republican candidates combined. No liberal bias there at all!
Well Bill it depends on of what money you speak. President Obama has raised roughly 76 million. 54 million of that in New York City, on Wall Street from bankers and brokers.
However, his PAC only raised around 56K in January with one contribution at 50K. Hell lemme find a link for the doubting toms.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/21/usa-campaign-obama-superpac-idUSL2E8DL09T20120221
Shuuuush Bill, You can't say that out loud on this vine. Your going to get collapsed......
"54 million from wall street bankers."
You are getting bolder with your lies.
It's on his website douche
LMAO.....Dont you love it when leuyboy jumps on his tongue.
Bill-2910238
You're right. No liberal bias there, because it has been reported. It's also been reported that the major share of the money has come from small donors contributing less than $250, not like the donors to the Republican candidates, who are mostly a handful of whacked-out billionaires who want to buy the presidency.
Houston, they are Republicans. They think they can have it both ways...
Houston - and don't forget that the US Chamber - which supports the far right PACs - has been challenged about the input of funds from Saudi's. Of couse, they just avoid talking about that.
Willard Romney "turned around" the Olympics with a federal bailout. LOL.
The Salt Lake City Olympics also did something else after being turned around. It made a profit which is rare.
http://www.deseretnews.com/user/comments/865550438/Mitt-Romney-relishes-Olympic-anniversary-as-opponents-attempt-to-make-his-role-as-Games-head.html
Plus he wasn't a politician at time ....just a mere businessman. And as a businessman and in charge of making the Olympics successful it was his job to find funding where ever he could.
Only a twisted conservative would suggest that the purpose of the Olympics is to turn a profit.
It takes profits to cut your welfare check pal. Think about that.
3rd Party, did they repay the American taxpayers the bailout money they gave Salt Lake City with that profit?
The money was offered like a grant. The people (business) created jobs and made money paid some taxes.
Tell me Jody, how any of that was just bad for the country? Or please explain how letting the Olympics get canceled would have been a better decision. Gee why do I feel like I teaching third grade?
3rdpartyadvocate
How much was the profit AFTER you subtract what the taxpayers contributed?
Houston, we have to be quiet .. 3rd Party is teaching 3rd graders 3rd world sentence structure and can't afford the distraction of subtraction.
3rhpartyadvocate is busy waiting by the mailbox for that welfare check.
Yeah after I cash that welfare check I'll go to jail for fraud since I am a business owner.
Good for you.
I attended the Winter Games in 2002. The security that we had to go through makes our current TSA a cake walk. The national guard was everywhere and we had to show up to our events way, way early to get into security lines for screening. This added cost of providing this type of security shortly after 9/11 was necessary to the games. How could you anticipate those measures needed in any pre-budget planning beyond what had already been set aside for the regular needed security? The Games were wonderful and the venues continue to be used in putting on winter major events hosting national and world championships. The games contine to give back to the State of Utah, the Country and the World. Critics of these games need to view them from the view of a mountain top. I did.
jackson - it would require fundamental intellectual honesty to look at things for what they are rather than toeing the party line and parroting arguments based on ideology.
Road warrier. Why do you "racists' insist on calloing the PRESIDENT by his three names? Trying to stir up some proverbial S---? Try for some repsect for any elected official. You might actually like it
Well George Walker Bush. How rude.
"turned around" with a federal bailout. Anyone can make a profit if they are backed up with $ billions of tax payer's money.
You mean like how Obama threw thoudsands of elderly off their GM pensions and healthcare plans, closed GM factories and dealerships in Red states and counties? Then gave them TARP BAILOUT. Then let them borrow from Government slush fund to payback TARP. LOL WOW
At least the Olympics didn't go belly up and bust and embarass this country and let down all those athletes. Plus it did make a profit, created jobs and so on so good for the country and money well spent IMHO.
3rd Party, TARP was George Walker Bush's baby. VP Cheney urged helping the auto industry.
34dpartyadvocate - President Obama never closed GM factories and dealerships. That was done by GM according to their rebuilding plans. President Obama NEVER picked and chose which dealerships were to stay open or which were to close. That was done according to GM management and based on which were the most likely to succeed. As a businessman, surely you understand the premise.
And, GM most certainly did not go belly up but has completely turned around. How quickly you forget facts!
"Romney’s plan would increase the deficit by at least $175 billion a year.”
^ True and Romney supporters can't refute it and don't care. The GOP created the deficits with there tax cuts for the rich. They use them to attack Social Security and Medicare. For all their hypocritical noise, they don't really oppose deficits anymore than they believe in religious freedom.
GOP lackeys are sore loser hypocrites. Obama will crush them again, in November.
Sigh, SOME people are so egotistical and obtuse they don't have a clue. Mitt has shot at least 5 rival suitors in the back and still the GOP disses Mitt and picks another. I guess they will have beat the damned stalker over the head with a 2x4 to get it to sink in