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President Obama traveled to Colorado Springs, CO on Friday, where devastating forest fires have displaced thousands of families, to survey the damage and praise the fire fighters and volunteers working to stop the blazes there.
Standing in front of a makeshift triage center at the city’s Fire Station Number 9, where he had just thanked a group of firefighters and officials, the president urged Americans to show solidarity with the victims of the destruction here and elsewhere in the country.
“Whether it's fires in Colorado or flooding in northern parts of Florida, when natural disasters like this hit, America comes together and we all recognize that there but for the grace of God go I. We've got to make sure we have each other's backs.”
He praised the bravery of the firefighters, noting in particular some he met who had just salvaged three homes, whose work “means the world” to the communities they’re helping.
“We can provide all the resources, we can make sure they're well-coordinated but as I just told these firefighters what we can't do is to provide them with the courage and determination and professionalism, the heart they show when they're out there battling these fires.”
The president also stressed the importance of firefighters in all communities, not just those in peril, seeming to make a subtle allusion to one of his chief jobs priorities -– preserving and hiring more state and local government employees, including firefighters.
“For folks all around country, I hope you are reminded of how important our fire departments are,” he said. “Sometimes they don't get the credit that they deserve until your house is burning down or your community is being threatened.”
“And we've got to make sure that we remember that 365 days a year,” he continued.
Shortly before he made his remarks, the president toured the Colorado Springs neighborhood of Mountain Shadows, where fires burned through a path that completely destroyed some homes while leaving adjacent houses untouched.
He passed half-melted children’s swing sets in backyards of razed homes and one charred frame of a small white Toyota sedan.
According to reporters traveling with the president, the air smelled like smoke.
He also visited a YMCA shelter housing evacuees, telling the few dozen people gathered there that he could “only imagine how humbling it is to lose a home” but that “everybody else in the country has Colorado Springs’ back.”
Obama got his first glimpse of the damage as he flew into Colorado Springs and over the still-evacuated Air Force Academy, when, aides say, he looked out and surveyed the scene. The smoke from the fires was evident to those aboard Air Force One. According to one observer, “a thin, hazy layer of gray blanked the sky as far as the eye could see.”
Before the president headed out to Colorado, he declared the High Park and Waldo Canyon fires a disaster. This move allows federal funds to be made available to state and local governments to aide in helping evacuees and fighting the fires which have been burning since early this month.
Yesterday, multiple federal agencies promised more air support and grants to help bring the fire, which has already claimed one life and left others missing, under control. This morning officials said the Waldo Canyon fire was 15 percent contained and had affected over 16,000 acres of land.
Leave a Comment:
My President visits Walter Reed, then flies to Colorado to see the damage and destruction caused by the wild fires, pledging federal support!
Where's Willard?
OMT: Chris Matthews......I loved It......President Obama dancing up to the podium....clever folks!
Out campaigning telling us we don't need firemen, teachers, or policemen. Romney belongs to the 'let em die, let em burn' crowd.
Oh yes, I forgot about that, RedDevPS.
Willard may be afraid to look firemen, policemen or teachers in the eye....guess he won't be going to Colorado!
Where is Willard?
Well, Mitt the MisFitt is putting out 'fire' in his backyard after the SCOTUS ruling.
Selfish vulture!
Yeah dear Mittsy, who's going to fight those fires when you get rid of the firemen??? Oh, that's right,you don't really give a damn do you?
Thank you President Obama, for all you do for everyone!
Obama/Biden 2012
jews and blacks have this thing
the jerk
I just heard on NBC Nightly News that many of these brave fire-fighters do NOT have health insurance for themselves or their families...
Unbelievable!
I saw the same Feisty.......
Then I thought back to the GOP blocking the Health Care coverage for the 9/11 responders, which had been languishing in Congress for years.
How anybody can support the party of NO is unfathomable to me!
And according to conservatives, why should they be allowed that luxury? They are (at least in the conservative circles) horrible, awful, lowlife public employees already living off the government teat.
To the public employee emergency responders - stay safe. To the citizens affected by the fires in the 6 western states, stay out of harms way. Hopefully those Federal funds begin flowing immediately to help you rebuild.
Nothing but a bunch of cold-hearted bastards!
They live by the "I got mine - screw YOU" philosophy!
Obama can really boost firemen's morale because the Pres. has real exprience putting out fire - such as fire started by Bush (wars and recession) and more fire by Tea Party in Congress buttressed by Boner (continued recession).
Your last 10 posts were aimed at Jews...
Are you a Judeophobia or just a garden type Anti-Semite?
Fiesty says...I just heard on NBC Nightly News that many of these brave fire-fighters do NOT have health insurance for..
Wow, imagine that ... and ... those Repugnants (republican'ts) .... opposing healthcare and stripping public employees of collective bargaining - nonetheless - support obscene illegitimate bonuses for their corporate masters... but these Republicans are vocal about such nonsense, seeming to be proud of their nonsense -
kind of like telling you ...
'I am a pig and I know it.'
Gonna call my relatives in Colorado Springs tonight. Going to see if I can coax them over to Michigan until the fires are out over there.
Sounds as if most communications remain undisrupted out there as yet.
I hope they will listen to the voice of reason!
It's heartbreaking what is happening over there!
You & they are in my thoughts & I hope you keep us posted!
Imagine what Tea Potty would argue - uh, the market is perfect, and government should back off...
How could they (pee potty) even argue that, just look at this fire and the sacrifices public employees (fire-fighters) have been making. And these Tea Potty would still send Scott Walker to Colorado to take away their collective bargaining.
What these Pee Party have wanted - is - a pigotry - government by Pigs, of Pigs, and for Pigs
Thanks Feisty!
Right now I think they need a lot of rain and a little luck.
Yet again we see the glaring hypocrisy of the rightwing...
According to the Teabagger types, the only role government has is to keep us safe. Does keeping us safe only mean spending a huge percent of our GDP on military interventions and nation-building elsewhere? Does it only mean Homeland Security in terms of our ports, airports, and borders?
Or does keeping us safe also mean firefighters and cops? How about safe roads and bridges? Maybe access to medical care?
According to GOP/TPers like Eric Cantor disaster assistance must be PAYGO, tax cuts for the rich pay for themselves, but everything else must be paid for! And Romney, he claims we don't need no stinking government, and phooey with those police, firefighters, teachers and others who provide valuable services to The People. NO, the supposed "job creators" in the 1% are all that matters, don't ya know?
Gawd, Romney and the rightwing bobble-heads who support him -- We'll see how you feel when it's YOUR home in that path of a fire, flood, or hurricane. We'll see how you feel when your state or city has to make spending cuts in some other necessary programs before assistance can be sent your way. We sure can't expect the 1% "job creators" to pitch in their fair share.
The president is a far better example. He and the Dems have your back. Throw the Teapublicans out!
Having been a career firefighter and now on my second career as a teacher, it is easy to see who I am voting for. What does the gop offer us? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! Mitt and the rest of the gop think that we are and should be "self reliant" mountain men. What would Jesus say? Honestly, these RWNJ's claim they attend church regularly, and if they do, they learn nothing about helping your fellow man. What ails this country? The gop.
The solution to keeping the price tag low on that is racial profiling. Arabs, Hispanics and suspicious looking blacks are targets.
All of you are liars and misrepresent who is not giving insurance benefits to the firefighters. You go on blowhard's one statement that does not tell the whole story -- and you know it.
The story is about federal seasonal firefighters that are working for the U.S. Forest Service -- under the control of the Obama administration that does not need Congressional approval to offer insurance. This is up to the Office of Personal Management.
You people should be ashamed. You are liars of the most despicable nature.
Bits from an article at The Denver Post:
COLORADO SPRINGS — The mayor of this beleaguered city told reporters after President Barack Obama departed on Air Force One that he was thankful for the visit and described his two-and-a-half hours with the president during the tour of the Waldo Canyon Fire damage.
Air Force One was wheels up from Colorado Springs airport at 2:42 p.m. Afterward Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach said the firefighting effort "shows the power of federal, state and local governments working together."
Bach was in the limo with Obama, Gov. John Hickenlooper and others for about 2 1/2 hours. He said the president was "very down to earth, very straightforward, smart, and wants to help."In the limo, they talked about the fire as well as the economy. Bach told the president unemployment is high here, and "our people need jobs."
"I told him we need his help to get the economy going again," Bach said. They also talked about basketball and golf, their families, and — the theme that kept coming up — the importance of community. "We can provide resources at federal level but we can't provide courage," Bach said.
Bach said the mood in the limo was somber as they drove through Mountain Shadows. Obama was "very taken by what he saw." He described the president as "very engaging." Bach said his most poignant memory of the visit will be that on several occasions Obama got out of car, came right up to engage the people and hugged them, thanking them. "I think he was very sincere in that," he said.
"It was more than a photo op for him. He clearly wanted to say to the people, the firefighters, 'this matters and the country has your back.' That means a lot."
Asked about the criticism that this was politicking, Bach brushed it off: "People are criticizing me for things too," Bach said. "Yes, it is election season, but this is a conservative county not likely to vote for him. So the fact he would come into this bastion of conservatism shows me a lot. I'm very thankful".
Congressman Doug Lamborn of Colorado's 5th Congressional District said that he was in Colorado Springs until Wednesday morning, celebrating a subdued victory in his primary race after the fire's onslaught Tuesday night. Lamborn returned to Colorado Springs on board Air Force One with the president.
"It was devastating," Lamborn said of the fire damage and the 346 homes that were burned. "I hope that any (residents) that still don't have the final word get that finalized, so at least they know." "This is a great community for showing support," Lamborn said. "It's a great state." "To know that we have national support from the President on down is reassuring also," Lamborn said.
Touring the Mountain Shadows area damaged in the fire was "heartbreaking," Lamborn said. "There is some real devastation and obviously the heat was immense," Lamborn said. "But we also some some firefighters still working on the scene." Lamborn said he and the president spoke about federal resources for the fire.
"We found out earlier that more MAFFS are coming from both the east coast and the west coast and that's tremendously encouraging," Lamborn said, referring to the Modular Airborne FireFighting System mounted in Air Force C-130's and used to drop fire retardant. "There are already tremendous resources being brought to bear," Lamborn said. "Especially if there's going to be more seasons like this, we want to make sure the resources are a priority," Lamborn said, "so the federal government can manage the lands it owns."
"I told him I appreciated his concern for Colorado Springs and for Colorado," Lamborn said of his discussions with Obama. "I gave him a heartfelt, 'Thank you,' and he made some good points in his remarks to the firefighters that they were the real heroes in protecting life and property." Lamborn drew criticism earlier this year for skipping Obama's address to Congress on the annual State of the Union.
During the tour, Obama praised first responders and firefighters during his tour Friday in Colorado Springs of the Waldo Canyon Fire. "They are genuine heroes," the president said. "We want to say thank you to all the folks involved in this. "They are putting their lives at risk to help us and to save us."
Obama said that though he considered the collaboration of local, state and federal agencies "outstanding," the destruction of the early fire season demonstrated a need for long-term planning. "When natural disasters happen like this, Americans come together," Obama said. "We all have to make sure we have each others' backs. That spirit is what you have seen here."
For Ute Riesenberg, a resident of an unincorporated area in Larkspur, the president is in a no-win situation. "I think it's good, but I think a lot of people are going to twist and turn this. Like, if he wouldn't come they would say, 'he doesn't give a damn.' By coming they'll say he's taking away resources," Riesenberg said.
"I think he's doing all he can to help people out," she added. "By coming, he shows that he cares."
In a letter to the president, Colorado's delegation noted more than 200,000 acres have burned statewide already this year, and more than $50 million has been spent on fire suppression. Hickenlooper said he was on the phone with Obama earlier this week when the president asked if he could be constructive if he came to the area. The governor told him he thought the people of Colorado would appreciate the show of the support.
Hickenlooper brushed off criticism that the visit may be a distraction, saying no firefighters will be taken away from the fire line to provide tours or security. He also said local and state leaders supported the idea. "These were Republicans down in Colorado Springs who were saying 'yes, this is what the community needs now, so the president should demonstrate the country supports them,'" Hickenlooper said.
Hickenlooper said the president was clear that he doesn't want to be asked about the race. "He wants to make the focus of this the firefighters and the people who have been displaced," he said.
Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach also said he doesn't think the fire will be a distraction.
"I really appreciate the president coming here, as I appreciated the governor coming the other night," Bach said. "I do plan to ask for cash."
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Such a tragedy this fire is.
Hey Romney - firefighters, policeman, and teachers are American people!
Obama/Biden 2012
Ben-63605 - the only liar here is you. The GOP wants nothing to do with the hardworking men and women we owe our lives to every day - the firefighters, police, teachers. They are lowly working class and can't contribute the millions to buy politicians - so they are of no importance to the GOP.
The fact that you can defend people like Romney says a lot about you - none of it good.
It is so wonderful to have a President that appreciates those whose lives are risked for others. As the congressman said, it is doubtful the conservative county in Colorado will vote for Obama but he went there anyway - because it's the right thing to do.
Amazingly, Mitt hasn't bothered to even show his face - yet he'll probably get their votes. What an ignorant buffoon and what a useless human being Mitt is.
How anyone can vote for this failure of a person is beyond me!
Obama/Biden 2012
A heartfelt thanks to the President for visiting the site of the disastrous fire. The American people are very aware that President Obama is working in their behalf, in stark contrast to the GOP and its front man, Etch-A-Sketch:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/us/general_election_romney_vs_obama-1171.html
Sailcat - Mitt hasn't a clue about caring for anyone but himself. The fires and their devastation are not on his radar screen because his possessions are not in harms way. What a miserable excuse for a man.
No seeking you are the liar -- a despicable one to boot. You people are miserable excuses for human life with no conscience about lying and about taking one issue and morphing it into something else. Go ahead and answer why the firefighters under the OPM are not covered or why this administration has not even tried to get them covered. Praise all and bow down before the almighty false god Obama. Well, I am tired of your ilk pushing this sh*t on here and other places and damn if I'll take it any more. You want a war, well the SCOTUS has assured you will get one. The reports are that the religious right and other Christian groups are going to look past the Morman background and say OMG -- Obama Must Go. He is the worst chief executive this country has ever seen.
You also know within yourself that if a candidate for president would show up at a natural disaster, you would be calling it grandstanding. You would criticize him for being in the way and causing a distraction. If you can deny that, you are lower than dog excrement.
And f&&k you for judging who I am and who I can and can not defend. Romney has done absolutely nothing wrong not illegal. You are a miserable excuse for a woman.
Ben - your hysteria today is even worse than usual. And, your lies are about the same.
If the far right wasn't so hate filled, this country could move forward. But, since you guys have vowed to block every effort this administration makes to better the country it is difficult. Your lack of integrity is only overshadowed by your total lack of civility toward this very good President. Your backing of an empty suit like Romney speaks volumes.
You'd prefer a do-nothing idiot over someone who is working FOR our country.
Surprise - no matter what the conservatives say, most will not pull the lever for a mormon. You'll see that in November. And, we'll vote out as many of the treasonous GOP as possible so we can move this country forward.
Romney has done nothing wrong or illegal - he has done NOTHING, period. He is NOTHING and will always BE NOTHING. Only an idiot would vote for this empty suit!
I'm happy you don't like me. If you did I would clearly be doing something wrong.
Obama/Biden 2012
"You people are miserable excuses for human life..."
It seems Ben is losing his tenuous grip on reality again.
Sailcat - I believe it is GONE!!!
I think you're right! It kind of makes you wonder if Ben's babysitter knows he is at the computer...
Obama is working against this country. Obama is working against all that this country was founded on. If he is truly not the anti-christ he is influenced by those who are. He is an evil man. A vicious man. An arrogant man. An ungodly man. His socialist, progressive agenda must stop. He is purposely violating the U.S. Constitution and then laughing in our faces. I once thought Obama's suit was empty but now I see it is filled with evil beyond my wildest nightmares. I see him and I see Damien.
The conservatives, tea party, religious right, republicans and independents will rally thankfully to your faux disbelief. They recognize Obama as the lying rat bastard he is and will rally around OMG -- Obama Must Go.
This is a leading Democrat who has done nothing after being lobbied on this issue of federal seasonal firefighters not having insurance. This is the compassionate voice of the people??? All his office can say is they are studying the issue. Just answer a direct question for once in your miserable liberal life. Why hasn't Udall submitted any bills to help this ghastly situation?
I just don't get the Republican antipathy towards government employees. If your roof leaks, you hire and pay someone to fix it. This is an issue affecting you personally, and you are personally willing to pay to fix it. If communities are burning or crime is devastating a community or the children need educating, communities get together and hire and pay someone to take care of it. It is an issue affecting the community and everyone chips in to pay the people who deal with it. I just don't see that there is that much difference. You might say, well I don't have kids, or my house didn't burn, so why should I have to pay? But you are still a member of the community and it is partly your responsibility to maintain and support the community you are part of. I don't understand people who are willing to pay for something that directly benefits them, but are unwilling to pay for something that only indirectly benefits them but benefits the community that they are a part of.
Transcript Newsroom:
And you—sorority girl—yeah—just in case you accidentally wander into a voting booth one day, there are some things you should know, and one of them is that there is absolutely no evidence to support the statement that we're the greatest country in the world. We're seventh in literacy, twenty-seventh in math, twenty-second in science, forty-ninth in life expectancy, 178th in infant mortality, third in median household income, number four in labor force, and number four in exports. We lead the world in only three categories: number of incarcerated citizens per capita, number of adults who believe angels are real, and defense spending, where we spend more than the next twenty-six countries combined, twenty-five of whom are allies. None of this is the fault of a 20-year-old college student, but you, nonetheless, are without a doubt, a member of the WORST-period-GENERATION-period-EVER-period, so when you ask what makes us the greatest country in the world, I don't know what you're talking about?! Yosemite?!!!
We sure used to be. We stood up for what was right! We fought for moral reasons, we passed and struck down laws for moral reasons. We waged wars on poverty, not poor people. We sacrificed, we cared about our neighbors, we put our money where our mouths were, and we never beat our chest. We built great big things, made ungodly technological advances, explored the universe, cured diseases, and cultivated the world's greatest artists and the world's greatest economy. We reached for the stars, and we acted like men. We aspired to intelligence; we didn't belittle it; it didn't make us feel inferior. We didn't identify ourselves by who we voted for in the last election, and we didn't scare so easy. And we were able to be all these things and do all these things because we were informed. By great men, men who were revered. The first step in solving any problem is recognizing there is one—America is not the greatest country in the world anymore.
**************
No more firefighters, no more police, no more public schools, no more infrastructure, no more affordable homes. Poor people aren't worth anything.
And now. No health care.
That's what the GOP has given us. Them and their clueless fake Christians. They would prefer to protect the aristocrats. The 1%, of which btw, the Christian leaders are part of.
This country was once great because people cared about each other. Now we have leaders in every red state who wouldn't give a damn if you die. That's today's Republican Party, with Romney leading the charge and a whole lot of journalists in bed with them, siding with their every kick in the gut to we the people.
Today's republicans aren't men. They're cowards. As are those fake Christians we see on tv. Every single one of them. Rick Scott down in Florida is going to fight the Supreme Court decision. The same governor who was involved in millions and millions of dollars in medicare fraud. That's right. Millions and millions of dollars. And we're going to allow this?
Health care coverage is imperative. It will save us billions of dollars and oh, by the way, save lives.
If ONE SINGLE JOURNALIST OR POLITICIAN SAYS NO TO HEALTH CARE, FIGHT BACK.
Whether it's a tax or a penalty, who cares. It is imperative that we have people covered.
More from transcript:
You're going to tell students that America's so starspangled awesome that we're the only ones in the world who have freedom? Canada has freedom, Japan has freedom, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Australia, Belgium has freedom. Two hundred seven sovereign states in the world, like 180 of them have freedom.
#######
People in those countries haven't been dumbed down, they have progressed. America? It's being bought and sold. Romney at the front of the pack.
John Cole, h/t Only Adult In The Room:
To Democrats:
For once in your lives, put aside your stupid beliefs about purity and how the public option was the bestest thing since sliced bread, accept the massive, game-changing victory you got today, and use it as a bludgeon against the troglodytes whose health care plans are modeled after Ebeneezer Scrooge. For once, focus your bloodlust on Republicans instead of the DLC/Firebaggers/ANYONE WITHOUT AN (R) AFTER THEIR NAME. I’m begging you.
For once in your lives turn a win into a win, just like the Republicans were able to do when I was a wingnut (and half the time they were able to turn a loss into a win). Don’t argue amongst yourselves about what would have been better- smash the Republicans around the head and neck with the cudgel you have been given. We’re not debating which Democratic plan would have been better, we’re debating the reality of what we have now versus the 18th century version of what Republicans would replace it with.
Again, as a former wingnut and lifelong Republican until 2006 or 2007, I am begging- treat a win like a win and use it to your advantage. The most depressing thing about becoming a Democrat after being a Republican for so many years is just watching Democrats {whine} whenever they win. Press the advantage. Please.
########
Nancy Pelosi will stand tall tomorrow morning on Meet The Press. She is one democrat who will never back down from a victory, despite what Gregory throws at her. Neither will Rev. Al.
Learn from them.
Think Progress:
Former Town Councilor Mike Malzone, the founder of the Merrimack Tea Party, said Thursday in a Facebook post reacting to the Supreme Court ruling on health care, "I hope the (5 supremes) get colon cancer."
########
He of course later apologized. But make no mistake about it. This is who the tea party is. They are worried about being burdened with taxes/penalties because they don't want to bother getting health insurance, which is a burden on all of us.
So aren't the tax cuts for the 1%, which they are silent on. These tax cuts are a huge burden on all of working and middle class families. Yet the tea party crowd prefer to let people (young and old) be ill than to pay a fine.
#######
TPM:
In the first two years after "Obamacare" was signed, Medicare reforms in the law saved seniors a total of $3.4 billion in prescription drug costs by bridging a coverage gap, according to official figures.
Over 220,000 beneficiaries have saved an average of $837 in the first three months of 2012, the Medicare agency said Monday. That's on top of $3.2 billion in savings enjoyed by some 5.1 million seniors in 2010 and 2011 thanks to the Affordable Care Act, according to the advisory on the new figures.
"The Affordable Care Act is helping millions on Medicare save billions of dollars on care and prescription drugs," top Medicare official Marilyn Tavenner said in a statement. "The Affordable Care Act gives people on Medicare the relief they need from medical costs and more resources to stay healthy."
#########
What does John Boehner, Eric Cantor, Mitt Romney, Rush Limbaugh, David Brody, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity and the rest of the GOP and their red state governors plan to do? Hope this legislation is appealed?
Okay.
What will the elderly do? What will the hospitals and care providers do? What will doctors say if it is repealed?
What about the students who are covered?
President Obama has our backs. The GOP does not. Clearly. The informed ones here on First Read have quoted Romney, who said with disdain that the president wants more firefighters, more police, more teachers.
You're damn right the president wants these things. Most normal thinking Americans do.
As stated above, these firefighters in Colorado have no health insurance. Are we going to stand for that?
Ben, get a grip! Sounds like you're having one major meltdown. If life is that bad, seek medical help, really. Proof positive that the likes of Beck, Hannity, Limbaugh the Fox spin doctors are affecting the minds of our citizens. Sad, truly sad.
On another note; damn it's hot here in SE Michigan. We need some rain in the worst way. How about you guys?
Pat Boston MA. -- Excellent post. And of the 180 sovereign states that have freedom and also have universal health care, none of their citizens are marching in the streets to protest their health care. If these other systems were so bad, surely the people would revolt.
Then the rightwing says of course they don't revolt because they like their government handouts, but it's making their countries go bankrupt. But their countries aren't going bankrupt (not due to healthcare), and in fact they have higher standards of living than the US by many measures (per Pat's post).
So which is it rightwingers? You can't make both claims and not see the fallacy in it. Someone's been lying to you, like FOX Noise/Hate Radio (e.g., Micheal Savage's pathetic lies about Justice Roberts) and the oligarchy they serve. It's time these propaganda machines grind to a halt (Cincinnati-area congresswoman Jean Schmidt might even agree -- Ha, what a video).
truthdig.com
Despite what Republicans and the tea party would like to have Americans believe, taxes, spending and the deficit are all lower than when President Obama took office.
Think Progress:
"In January 2009, before President Obama had even taken the oath of office, annual spending was set to total 24.9 percent of gross domestic product. Total spending this year, fiscal year 2012, is expected to top out at 23.4 percent of GDP.
"Here’s another interesting fact. Taxes today are lower than they were on inauguration day 2009. Back in January 2009, the CBO projected that total federal tax revenue that year would amount to 16.5 percent of GDP. This year? 15.8 percent.
"One last nugget. The deficit this year is going to be lower than what it was on the day President Obama took office. Back then, the CBO said the 2009 deficit would be 8.3 percent of GDP. This year’s deficit is expected to come in at 7.6 percent."
Another notable figure: When President Bush came into office in 2001, he inherited a $281 billion federal budget surplus from the Clinton administration. By the time Obama took over eight years later, the deficit was $1.2 trillion. An interesting fact given that conservatives love to blame Democrats—and in particular Obama—for America’s current economic problems. —TEB
One can only hope this pathetic excuse of a human being gets "lead" poisoning!
tony, it was hot here today but not quite like you guys are getting. We had such a cold rainy spring, so I'm welcoming this sunshine. On another note, on PBS I'm watching some 1960's groups and Gary Lewis was just on singing - this diamond ring doesn't shine for me anymore -
Now up - Hey There Lonely Girl. Boy did that song hit the spot for us drama queen teens!
There's a funny story about Gary Lewis (son of Jerry) & the Playboys. Gary got all of his dad's friends in the industry to help him learn the drums and other instruments. But he had no voice whatsoever. One producer said he had no business singing anything! So when he went to record, they just dubbed his voice over and over and over and over and sure enough, he ended up with quite a number of top ten hits.
It was his mother and not his dad who gave him the money to go out and become a '60's pop group. He seemed to be a really nice kid back then. And perhaps still is.
Now on - na na na na, hey hey goodbye.
How I remember singing that when pitchers were being yanked off the mound! haha
Great tunes to start the holiday. Happy 4th and let's all work to GOTV. We need to get our democracy back for the future of our kids and grandkids.
Bill Moyers, posted @ Political Carnival:
[W]hile in London, Romney will find time to attend — you guessed it — a private fundraising dinner. According to The Telegraph, “The price of invitations dwarfs the amounts paid for such fundraisers in British politics. Each guest must pay between $25,000 (£17,000) and $75,000 (£50,000) for a seat at the dinner, which will be hosted by Bob Diamond, the chief executive of Barclays.”
Bob Diamond? Why is that name familiar? Oh right, it was announced this week that Barclays would pay American and British authorities $453 million in fines as a settlement over allegations that the financial giant manipulated international interest rates, causing millions of borrowers to pay the wrong amount on their loans.
The Teapublicans are out in full force screaming about how ACA is a tax hike. Aside from the FACT that it isn't a tax hike, and certainly not on the 99%...
Rightwingers, if you get only one thing correct, make it this: Republicans always say after the fact that they could do something better AND it won't cost you anything. What they're about is not tax and spend, but just spend spend spend. And those who think they should get something but not have to pay for, who is the freeloader now?
The GOP/TP, if they have any health care plan at all is vouchers for Medicare, a mandate to buy catastrophic insurance coverage only, or the current broken system (if you get sick, hurry up and die). NONE of these sorry excuses for a plan are workable.
When American families realize they can now change jobs, move, start a business, have children -- pursue happiness because they are no longer trapped in a job for the health insurance -- You talk about freedom, well you just got a little more of it.
The Republican Party may well go the way of the Wigs if they don't clean up their act. And that scares the sh!t out of the GOP leaders and the oligarchy they are beholden to. As for the rightwing supporters, go ahead, keep tuning into FOX Noise/Hate Radio and listening to the LIES.
But it's just a matter of time when the majority of Americans will see the light.
This is what Presidents do; they go to inspect the damage first hand and to both thank those working the front lines and enourage those citizens facing such difficulties. Having lived in southern California, wild fires are one of the most frightening thing to experience. A sudden shift in the wind and your home or place of employment is in danger.
Yes Jody - they are scary. And it looks like we have one just starting in the mountains around me. It is going to be a bad fire season this year.
Hi Jody--I used to live is southern Cali and remember several times when my father was on the roof with the hose as fire was tearing down the canyon. Luckily it didn't make it to our house, but it destroyed others. Fire is one of the most frightening experiences I have ever had. Firemen are heroes--and should be to anyone who has had this kind of experience. Bravo to our President Obama for visiting the people in Colorado--and a big thank you to all of the brave firemen and jumpers working on these fires! RedDevPS--I hope they get the fire out soon--and all of the other ones! Stay safe!
Actually, Mitt is trying to light a fire under his supporters who are asking "what the hell happened this week?????"
@Feisty Redhead, killing your own babies via abortion is not compassion. If you were not busy being "educated" by government schools, which ironically, Obama does not even send his kids to, you would know that the top 10% pay over 80% of taxes. So without the tax mandate, they would be paying the bulk of the cost. Now, it will be the middle class. That makes you happy? Those who choose to go uninsured will have to pay nearly 183 a month for insurance. How about get your hands off my wallet/purse.
And as for the president being dully elected, he himself said he was a Kenyan. But I guess we are not to believe anything he says lest be called a racist. Well I happen to be a black conservative so I can call him a Kenyan. He himself had an opponent disqualified for not meeting the criteria to run. He knew he would lost since he was running against an incumbent. He also said that running up the deficit was bad prior to 2009. I guess he is special.
You democrats are so smug , like Barack yesterday, you cry live and let live but want to force people to purchase something they don't want. You let a ex-klan, Robert Byrd-W.Va., stay in your party and only death defeated him and yet want to act high and mighty. Well I am not buying it.
WTF are YOU talking about you idiot?
This thread is on people who are loosing everything in the fires & the heroic men & women who are battling them you nimrod!
Try to at least focus until your med-cart arrives!!!
Ignorant racists like you thankfully are a dying breed...
I revel in it - what's your excuse for your stupidity?
PS: Try spell check & correct your pathetic grammar! Love a proud graduate of public education... YOU dumb-ass!
Wow, luscha, I suppose you are a product of a Republican private or charter school?
Have someone explain to you the real ramifications of the Health Care Reform, because you are completely wrong about it.
Just like you are wrong about your President.
Feisty, I swear, these anti choicers have a straw missing from the bale.
It is more then that NDD - these nitwits are so driven by hate they can't see straight!
What a way to live! Wonder if luscha has any compassion for those losing their homes just now?
Clearly Luscha has a few screws loose. What a tirade. And, more with the Kenyan nonsense. When will these idiots ever learn that just spreading lie after lie doesn't make the President look bad but it makes them look like utter fools.
Luscha - go ride with Romney. You're a perfect pair!
Obama/Biden 2012
Luscha:
The bottom 90% average less than $30,000 a year, and you want them to pay more?
Besides, the reason so many don't pay fed inc tax is because of the Bush tax cuts and the HUGE disparity between the classes. The earnings for the bottom 90% have been stagnant while the earnings of the top 10% have grown by leaps and bounds. The top 10% have the means to help out but refuse. Where is their humanity? Where is their compassion? Why are they so heartless and uncaring about the plight of others? Greed is good has become the mantra of the gnop. If you are not in the top 2%, you're a fool to support the gnop.
Once again the president is being presidential while Willard is ............ Now what is ol' Willard doing? Oh yes! playing with his etch-a-sketch.
Willard is busy putting out the fire in his OWN backyard after the conservative Chief Justice Roberts decided to uphold Obamacare.
'I am a Selfish Vulture...and I know it...' as Willard sings, why putting out his backyard fire
correction:
'I am a Selfish Vulture...and I know it...' as Willard sings, WHILE putting out his backyard fire.
I think Willard should go to Colorado and tell the firemen face to face about how he plans to cut their jobs. He should also tell the good citizens of Colorado Springs to enjoy federal help while they can because if he were made president, states would have to fend for themselves........ No more federal help.
One of the firemen fighting the Colorado blaze said that they are 'seasonal', 'part-time' employees of the National Forest Service, and DO NOT have health insurance coverage!
Good Lord, how barbaric is that!...I was positively stunned!
.
So they are willing to walk into fires, to save their neighbors, but they don't have health insurance?
I bet the Republicans think that is totally justified.
newday - the GOP will see it as their choice of jobs - so why should they care. You know, much like our military is voluntary so it's their own fault their profession is dangerous.
The GOP is so out of touch with reality it is no wonder Mitt's "crowds" consist of 500 or less!
Obama/Biden 2012
President Obama is doing what Presidents do. In an election year, the non-incumbant should also show up in the area, if for no other reason than, to reassure people and tell them what he will do in such cases if he were elected. He would praise the first responders and vow federal assistance. So in this case we don't ask where's Waldo but where's Willard?
I'm thinking of the contrast between President Obama today and President Bush post-Katrina. It seems to me that National Guard troops from other states ought to be pressed into service in Colorado. That's defense spending we would all agree to.
The majority of the comments above are so ignorant it kills me! This is not a post about how ridiculous OBAMAcare is. It's a status update for those that have lost homes and loved ones. I am in Colorado Springs and would like to thank the firefighters for all their hard work. Though my home is untouched, friends have lost everything. Obama only showed up because it's an election year. I'm grateful to him for setting his arrogance aside to do that.
Then instead of a hate-filled attack - you think this might be a good time to reflect on your own good fortune & what you can do to help those who were not so lucky!
Put your Obama Derangement Syndrome on hold for a day or two & be thankful for what you have!
And what in that statement is a "status update on those who lost their homes?
Backhanded compliment for the President...nevermind. Perhaps you need medical attention for 'smoke inhalation'.
Prayers for all of you in the way of these fires. To Emergency personnel: be safe.
So what does that mean Colorado Ward: Romney didn't show up because it is an election year?
Or he doesn't see anything in it for him? And God forfend he might get sooty!
Be grateful your President came. He will move heaven and earth to provide meaningful aid.
ColoradoWard - your ignorance is overwhelming. Our President "showed up" in a county that will not vote for him - not because it's an election year - because it's the right thing to do. You look more ignorant than anyone with a post like yours. But, you're clearly Republican because logical thinking is beyond your ability. Disgusting.
Obama/Biden
Colorado ward......................how could you think like that at this time. You cant be of much help to your friends, it you can take the time to post a rant at the President.
Really???? I just wonder how much truth there is to your post. You republicans are a devious lot.
GM - amazing isn't it?
These people are so filled with hate, they cannot even take a day off....
What a fantasy World you libs live in. You are all preaching to your own Choir. Have some cojones and do the same on conservative or independent blogs.
Concern Citizen - you of all people shouldn't talk about fantasy world. Your ignorance and stupidity are shown every day and yet you continue to boast about how ignorant you are.
Have some cojones and try to actually THINK for yourself. Pretend some intelligence - maybe that will work!
Obama/Biden 2012
Obamas OUR president and i'an damn proud he is!!
I am standing with you my sister!
Yep!
Proud that Obama is president of all the people whereas Romney and his permanent tax cuts only wants to be president of the 1%.
Think about it, the billionaires can spend hundreds of millions of advertising propaganda dollars to con you to give them permanent tax cuts but we can't even ask for a small surcharge from the rich to put Americans back to work after the rich on wall street broke our country.
The republicans want to starve our poor, take care away from our wounded veterans, cut medical care from grandma and grandpa, destroy public education and social security for more tax cuts for Romney and his rich friends. It is hard to believe their base claims to be religious.
This so called religious base is willing to let the republicans destroy America for the rich just so they can win control of women's bodies and women would then have no more rights than a slave with her owners limiting her choices of birth control and abortion.
Big difference from being an actual slave after the religious republicans force women to have babies they can't afford or feed the republicans don't want to feed or take care of the babies they only want to force them to be born. The minute you are born you are on your own.
VOTE FOR AMERICA....VOTE FOR A DEMOCRAT 2012
It is telling that to you "religious republicans" is an epithet.
I find it telling that after all I said, that is all you can come up with.
"Solidarity" he urges. It has a slightly Hugo Chavez sound to it. I'm reminded of when he urged us to be more like the military, and just follow his orders.
I wish he would just urge sympathy and support, rather using the occassion to remind people to be in "solidarity" with him. Barack, just because you're up for re-election doesn't mean everything is about you and your followers.
glenn - do you know how pathetic you sound. You focus on semantics instead of the message. But, you're a good little small minded Republican! How petty - how idiotic - how Republican!
Obama/Biden 2012
When was that Glenn? I don't remember President Obama ever saying that. Got any proof, or are you just making stuff up like you guys like to do?
Glenn's not smart enough to be a true Republican. He's a teabagger that's hitched a ride on the hate train. A train that's going on a long, long journey straight to hell.
So the President travels to Colorado where he pulls the firefighters away from fighting the fire so he can get a photo op in a swing state. Wonderful move from the "it's all about me" campaigner in chief.
Yep, Campaigner in Chief welcomed the opportunity to fly out on tax payer dime to get a photo op in a swing state. Money better spent just sending them a check to pay fire fighters. Bet it cost a cool million to get him, press corp, and staff out there and back.
The President asked the locals whether he should come or not....no...it's not all about him. It's about those who have lost much and those who continue to fight the fires on our behalf. From the Governor down to the Mayor...they all wanted him to come.
Remember, the Springs will vote conservative. The President knows this and came anyway because it was the right thing to do - he is everyone's President.
Last 4 major droughts in America-the l930's, the early 1950's, 1980, and 2012 all have one thing in common.
Liberal Democrat Presidents in office! Can u name the culprits? Do you think God was displeased with the direction the American electorate was taking the country? You Betcha:)
Republichristians prayed for rain on Obama's open air acceptance speech in Denver. The weather was perfect.
The first night of the Republican convention, a hurricane in the Gulf disrupted the arrival of delegates and fouled up the evenings agenda.
How odd of God! This year God is into the weather patterns of global warming, except where Republicans live. Wonderland is just wonderful.