Welcome back Mark,

"MYTH" Romney stands no chance of winning a debate with our President.

In Fact

The debates will be very painful for RobMe!

In Fact, MYTH is an empty gift box. The undecided will see "MYTH" as such and give our President a near landslide.

FIRED UP

4 MORE YEARS

Obama/Biden 2012

The Democratic convention was chockful of insightful and inspiring speakers - culminating in Bill Clinton and Barack Obama's addresses, which were nothing less than brilliant.

My God, Michelle Obama was inspiring.

The Republican convention, in contrast, was disjointed and, well, odd. Not Clint, I actually kind of liked his performance, but Chris Christie's speech, which barely mentioned Romney, and Ann Romney's speech demanding we see him as loveable, those were not inspiring speeches (I liked her dress, however.)

I think my favorite summation of the convention (and I can't remember the source) is that Michelle laid out the floor, Bill put up the walls, and the President put the roof on the house of Democrat!

yet the outlook is still gloomy. Why are O's numbers not through the roof?

Looks like my FT post # 1.8 about the S&P 500 index being up 14.3% YTD and my statement:

Someone with $100,000 in their taxable investment account would have earned $14,300 in an S&P 500 mutual fund.

Someone with $1,000,000 in their taxable investment account would have earned $143,000 in an S&P 500 mutual fund.

Someone with $10,000,000 in their taxable investment account would have earned $1,430,000 in an S&P 500 mutual fund.

All of them took the same risks and got the same proportionate rewards.

Yet lefty liberals would be angry about the second two people and want to punish their success with higher taxes citing “fairness”, when it’s actually envy and class warfare.

BTW, CNBC is reporting that France’s richest citizen, Bernard Arnault, has applied for Belgian citizenship to escape the new Socialist President Hollande’s threats to raise income taxes to 75% (a number that would send FR lefty liberals into orgasmic ecstasy). Hmmm…. Do lefty liberals think the rich would just sit there and take it in the a$$??

… elicited the expected angry lefty liberal responses. Even my favorite FR lefty liberal, Anna Molly (sorry if this gets you in trouble with the libsrus nuthouse), dated herself with a reference to the old ‘60’s hippie drug-addled thought that the US military should be required to hold “bake-sales for bombers” to fund its budget.

Quite a few of the FR lefty liberal responses suggested I move to some other country. Maybe, if the cost of staying in the US gets prohibitive. Do any of the lefty liberals understand that the US is competing for EVERYTHING, including capital investments, in a global economy?? And with the, (as Barry rightly claims) Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency created Internet, capital can move ANYWHERE IT PLEASES.

FR lefty liberals: You piss off owners of capital for investment in the US at your own peril.

LMFAO@U!!!!!!!!!!!

FR lefty liberals: You piss off owners of capital for investment in the US at your own peril.

but it's Bush's fault

Quite a few of the FR lefty liberal responses suggested I move to some other country.

Because they want to see it fundamentally changed to something other than a democratic republic

dated herself with a reference to the old ‘60’s hippie drug-addled thought that the US military should be required to hold “bake-sales for bombers” to fund its budget

ancient history?

Feisty - do you think Romney will want Anne standing by him in the debates as he had her with the David Gregory interview. What does she do exactly - pass him notes?

The debates are definitely going to be interesting! I see a HUGE bump for Obama after the first one!

ZMan - the constant lie from the right that anyone who doesn't agree with them hates successful people is just that - a LIE. Many of us are successful. What we hate is the right wanting to destroy the middle class; wanting to look into everyone's bedroom; wanting to control women; lacking integrity in their own politicians (no tax returns for Mitts - it's his right); etc.

Obama/Biden 2012

The debates are definitely going to be interesting! I see a HUGE bump for Obama after the first one!

just like the projected 'Huge' bump after the DNC? how unexpected

Joe -- I would say the "capitalists" who went on strike risk pissing off the consumer.

Just like a "capitalist" consumers can sit on their money as well.

What about those greedy teachers in Chicago? They are on strike because they want more money. The highest paid teachers in the country and they are on strike. Imagine the indignation of Rham Immanuel to have his beloved democrats wanting more... While people are still losing homes and in a country with 8.1% unemployment and the teacher's union calls for a strike. Damn the children... teachers want more. Well how quaint, democrats against democrats for more money...

They are on strike because they want more money

Go read up on what they are negotiating and get back to us... you look just plain stupid at this point!

Not that it's anything new!

FR lefty liberals: You piss off owners of capital for investment in the US at your own peril.

Do you actually believe your crap was pertinent the first time you posted it, you had to drag it from thread to thread!

Sad when you have nothing left, other than re-runs! lol

Get over yourself, trust us, we have!

Brianb - now you want to talk about teachers in Chicago? And, that has what to do with the topic of where the Presidential race stands???

Feisty - I love how people from outside always want to put in their two cents worth on what is happening in Chicago. They truly show they know nothing and are proud to shout it at the top of their lungs!

CA - as usual your post makes absolutely no sense but we expect nothing better from you!

Obama/Biden 2012

Dumbfux queen said: Go read up on what they are negotiating and get back to us... you look just plain stupid at this point!

I have read up on it. They want a 16% raise in pay. Now who looks stupid? Although you looking stupid on a regular basis is nothing new.

So you never elaborated the other day to let us know if in your attempt to attract a date if you've ever been jabbed in the nose. After the guy you started kissing on found your johnson... realized what you were and decked you. You have to let the board know if that ever happened to you. You can't keep avoiding the topic...

What do striking teachers in Chicago have to do with the presidential election? Oh, I don't know... maybe because Obama is from Chicago... well, after he was from Hawaii and before that, Indonesia, and before that... Kenya, but I digress... Why hasn't Obama made the offer to go and negotiate for the teachers union? He bought out GM union workers... You'd have to figure his hands have to get involved and maybe he can buy them out too... he's going to need all the voters he can muster in order to win.

Feisty - I love how people from outside always want to put in their two cents worth on what is happening in Chicago

Seeking,

It's kind of funny in a weird way!

I have read up on it.

Dear Unemployed Government sucking parasite,

Very good!

Now what else is on the bargaining table! Come on little BB dazzle us with your brilliance!

If you can't take care of your own kids, there has to be something you can excel at?

Be a man and return those evil unemployment checks back to the gubment instead of signing them!

Although you looking stupid on a regular basis is nothing new.

Geez, your kids are going to be really messed up. Of course having an unemployed sociopath as a father really sets a high handicap.

of course it doesnt but you look for insight from sheppard DumFux.

And you think adding a constant to an exponential equation doesn't result in bigger values...

CA & Brianb - yes it is newsworthy but has nothing to do with the Presidential race.

Brianb - yes, they want 16% over 4 years - makes a little more sense when you post ALL the facts, right. Plus that is not all they want. They want smaller classrooms; the ability to help week out teachers who don't do a good job; better classrooms; etc. You clearly don't know much about the situation but want to chime in.

CA - I don't look to Feisty for insight - just to acknowledge what she and I know - that those of you outside of Chicago love to post on subjects you know nothing about. Well, actually, that includes many of your posts - not just those about Chicago!

Obama/Biden 2012

CA - you can get a lot from the internet - but not everything. Living in Chicago - or at least the vicinity - gives you a completely different perspective. Plus, we don't cherry pick the facts like Brianb - the 16% increase - and not know the details. But, go ahead, you just continue to look foolish!

Obama/Biden 2012

Joe in Albany-- It's called a Progressive Tax Code. What that means is that higher income earners pay higher rates of tax on their gains. It is not Socialism, it is called common sense if you care for a society where hard work and upward mobility is rewarded.

What we have now is the person making the largest amounts of income are able to shelter more income from tax and pay a lower rate than a middle income worker. And yes, I know the difference between earned income and investment income.

Here would be a Romney Presidency-- Say he gives everyone a 5% tax cut on their marginal rates. This would give the person making $500k/yr. an extra $25k in the bank. The person making $50k/yr. would get an extra $2500. But then Romney proposes to 'plug loopholes' (like the mortgage interest deduction). The wealthiest of us only have mortgages out of the tax benefit of borrowing and not out of necessity. The majority of the middle class doesn't have the cash cushion to just payoff the mortgage, so they are stuck paying non-deductible interest and that $2500 tax benefit gets eaten up by a much larger tax bill. So the rich get richer and the middle class continues to slide to the lower class.

Sound fair to you Joe?

Living in Chicago

better off in Iraq.

gives you a completely different perspective.

perhaps a different atmosphere but I doubt that changes facts? You think Chi town will go red LOL? you think banning guns will decrease violent crime with guns (check the stats). I'm not defending Brian just putting you in your place.

Auger --

again another shlt libtard crossing the line. Is a lack of courage and integrity a genetic defect?

Of course. But generation skipping, as in the case of the Romney family.

It's good to know that I have renamed you appropriately. Absolutely a power tool, if ever there was.

better off in Iraq.

That's where you end up when you fall off Angmar's high horse.

Tell you what. Let's meet there and compare notes. If I don't show up, feel free to start without me.

Dumbfux queen said: Be a man and return those evil unemployment checks back to the gubment instead of signing them!

Again, your stupidity grows like a vine. The government doesn't provide the funding for unemployment checks. Do your friggen research for once in your life. The government distributes them but the funding comes from another source.

I notice you keep on avoiding the sock in the nose topic... What, are you embarrassed of how many times you've been whipped?

Hate to disagree with my fellow democrats but the the Chicago teachers strike may have an impact on Presidential politics. You see the public perception of teachers ain't that great. In Chicago:

1. Their avg salary is 72K per year.

2. They have a great retirement package mostly funded by taxpayers.

3. They have very good medical coverage.

4. And working conditions aren't that bad.

Compared to the average Joe, I would say their salary, benefits package and retirement plan far outstips those of us in the private sector.

Lastly and most important: The people of Chicago can't afford it.

Let me put it this way...A top machinist who operates a CNC machine earns about 50K per year plus benefits in a non-union shop. Get the picture now guys. Tim for public employees to set an example and share the burden.

Albany --

FR lefty liberals: You piss off owners of capital for investment in the US at your own peril.

Yeah, that's what the new Queen of Australia is saying, too. Here's what the Australian government is saying --

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=24506&icid=1&d_str=

The comments drew criticism from Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
"It's not the Australian way to toss people $2, to toss them a gold coin, and then ask them to work for a day,'' she said.
"We support proper Australian wages and decent working conditions.''
Rinehart has been attacked by Treasurer Wayne Swan for her ''self-interested'' campaigns against the government's taxes on mining profits and pollution, and in the video she hit back at what she called ``class warfare''.
"Our federal and state governments must know that now, more than ever, we must lift our international competitiveness just to stay as well-off as we are,'' she said.
"And with state and federal debts, we must get realistic not just promote class warfare. Indeed, if we competed at the Olympic Games as sluggishly as we compete economically there would be an outcry.''

Seems to be a theme going here. At $2 an hour.

Even my favorite FR lefty liberal, Anna Molly (sorry if this gets you in trouble with the libsrus nuthouse), ...

Why, THANK you, Joe. But I think I can handle the humiliation. By the way, the feeling is mutual.

Tag, you're it.

... dated herself with a reference to the old '60's hippie drug-addled thought that the US military should be required to hold "bake-sales for bombers" to fund its budget.

Well, dating myself seems to be my best option these days, but if it's so dated then tell me why whenever I go to vote at the local elementary school I end up with a plate full of brownies to take to work?

The serious point is that, if you think your taxes shouldn't go for social programs, then I think mine shouldn't go for bombers or outfitting 100,000 new soldiers in shiny new Halliburton suits for no good reason other than so Dick Cheney can make a buck. Who do you think you are to dictate for the rest of us how OUR money will be spent?

So, as I said before, if you want bombers, if you want another war, if you want more American soldiers to die, then you pay for it, and stop telling me that I have to do it.

If you want a new airport so that companies you have invested in can take off and land their cargo planes, then you pay for it, and stop telling me that I have to do it.

If you want engineers trained to develop the technology to compete in global markets, then you pay for it, and I'll help pay for that, too.

But stop whining about it.

Obama is counting on the Tea Party switching and voting for him.

Just a note, I mentioned the Chicago strike in First thoughts and didn't get a response. Good to see that the topic has come up here.

I never would want to say or admit to defending Brian B's perspective, therefore I will say I agree with Torpedo you. To people outside of Chicago it is perplexing to see that the teacher's can't accept the limited concessions that they were given.

I also mentioned that it would be related to national politics and make the democrats and Obama look bad. Reason, because in a bad economic situation, where people do not have jobs it seems that the union and its teachers are fighting for dollars at the expense of the children. Yes I know their struggle is more than increased salaries, it is about the constant attack from the right to weaken unions and collective bargaining and a fight to maintain low class sizes.

but...I knew that the right would use it to claim that teachers are "lazy, selfish, union thugs." Folks like Brian B proved me right, see above.

On a larger scale outside of the realms of the purely partisan, don't you think neighboring rust belt states and their populations will look badly toward unions and by default democrats? This may had been a fight to make in the summer but not after Labor day with school in session - or in fact not in session. It is about perception. I am not from Chicago and don't claim to know its dynamics. I am a Liberal but even I can see that the perception is bad.

Joe in Albany-- It's called a Progressive Tax Code. What that means is that higher income earners pay higher rates of tax on their gains. It is not Socialism, it is called common sense if you care for a society where hard work and upward mobility is rewarded.

_____________________________

Lumpy, how are Wally and the Beav and that bastard Eddie Haskel??

If it's "common sense" that working hard and moving upward were to be "rewarded", why does your "progressive tax code" "reward" me by taking more and more of the my hard earned money for "working hard and moving upward"??

It's punishment for being successful in order to redistribute the results of my hard work to the lazy slackers in society, like the 47% of people that pay NO income tax.

CA - no, living in Iraq is not and never will be better. I live in a GREAT town. Do we have our problems, yep. There isn't a large city anywhere that doesn't. The thing is, we're working on making it better.

TorpedoYou - the average Teacher's salary is not $72,000. That salary is for teachers with at least 10 years tenure. Not even close to the average.

And, sorry, we'll disagree on the classroom situation. Having more than 25 students in a classroom without an assistant is not optimal. And, having a class with no air conditioning when the room gets above 90 degrees is hardly great conditions.

I don't agree with all their demands. And, I believe they should be working while the last few items are ironed out on their contracts. But, some of their grievances are fair.

Obama/Biden 2012

I notice you keep on avoiding the sock in the nose topic... What, are you embarrassed of how many times you've been whipped?

Sorry little buddy... this is YOUR bizarre fantasy... not mine!

You can't drag me down that rabbit hole! lol

Therefore, no answer is required!

For the record, I have never said I supported the teachers strike.

All I asked what that those who know NOTHING of which they speak, educate themselves prior to spouting off their usual BS!

But generation skipping, as in the case of the Romney family.

I'm not sure what that means but I am going to say probably military service? So what branch was O in again? Look Molly you want to change how the military is then push for conscripting all conservatives until then quit with the pontificating. Snap On.

So, as I said before, if you want bombers, if you want another war, if you want more American soldiers to die, then you pay for it, and stop telling me that I have to do it.

well tell it to Obama in Afghan, why can't he get us out of there? BTW, you may not like paying for it when it comes to boots on the ground and wars but technically the Constitution says you pay for it. Blame Congress (and the presidentS) not just Republicans. Oh well I bet the AM of the 60's albeit ancient history was more fun.

The government distributes them but the funding comes from another source

What source would that be???

OH... brilliant one? lol

Albany --

It's punishment for being successful in order to redistribute the results of my hard work

Excuse me?! Your "hard work" seems to consist mostly of sitting at your computer, reading today's trading information, and clicking a few computer icons. Or maybe you do it on your smart phone or your tablet while sitting on your deck admiring the nearby mountains and sipping a Sam Adams.

Oh. And once in a while flipping the salmon.

What about that "hard work," exactly, is there to admire, and why should your work be rewarded more, on a proportionate level, than the guy who drives the delivery truck or makes the widgets, or pushes the paper around at the companies from whose success you make your money.

Without them working hard, too, Joe, your money makes absolutely nothing.

And, by the way, if it's such hard work, then why aren't you paying the EARNED income rate on it, like other "workers" in your tax bracket who actually go to the office now and then?

LoL You've just made the case for RAISING your rate, Joe.

How you say it? LMFAO@U?

Brian..Explain the difference between working and investing?

I guess you believe that construction workers, lineman, plumbers, electricians, machinists, factory workers, etc. who bust their asses through physical labor and hence have more medical issues down the road should carry the tax burden. You know those people who provide the infrastructure that make it possible for you to communicate, enjoy clean air, water, and safe highways, autos, and aircraft second to none.

Paper pushers in the investment banking sector of the economy need more money. I completely understand your position.

Remember brian. "Capital cannot exist without LABOR!" (Teddy Roosevelt)

no, living in Iraq is not and never will be better.

Something tells me you've never been to the less than desirable areas of chicago. You think if it were all pixie dust and unicorn piss Chicago wouldnt have the Reputation it does.

Hey AM what is hard work? Labor? Lawyerin? While you're at it define fair share. Funny you just got done touting Engineering and higher Education.

Why, THANK you, Joe. But I think I can handle the humiliation. By the way, the feeling is mutual.

_________________________________________

AM: "honor" is not spelled "humiliation". Geez, I thought lawyers were supposed to be experts in using words to communicate.

Well, dating myself seems to be my best option these days, but if it's so dated then tell me why whenever I go to vote at the local elementary school I end up with a plate full of brownies to take to work?

I ALWAYS buy the brownies, Girl Scout cookies, candy, and other goodies that are offered for sale at the "country club" (LOL!!!). I view it as a form of early training in capitalism for kids, IF the parents explain it to them correctly: It's not mommy and daddy doing your job for you, it's getting your network selling for you, and you will have developed a sales force that will do more sales than you ever could do alone.

Free market capitalism: It's the worst economic system, except for all the others.

Yellowdog - As much as you and the other liberals on this board wouldn't recognize it, I am a former high school teacher. I would normally be empathetic with the teachers but not in this instance. Chicago teachers have among the highest salaries in the nation. For them to demand more in this economic climate is rather opportunistic to say the least. Considering that Chicago is extremely blue, it sort of shoots down a lot of the liberal talking points about how the right is constantly after the bucks. Politically speaking it doesn't look good for team blue...

I hate to admit it, but that fact alone tickles me. I'm always finding pockets of double standards and hypocracy in the blue field. This is just another one in a long list.

Dumbfux - you are already down the rabbithole. I'm only pointing it out to everyone on these boards who you are. You can't hide your flamboyance and you'll avoid the issue because you hide the real you... but I know. Why else would you be so angry all the time? People who are consistently angry have a reason and your reason was firmly pointed out to me by you. Keep on denying it and your anger will keep on growing. I know you hate the person you've become... it shows in all your posts.

Auger --

I'm not sure what that means

It means that Mitt Romney is between generations of courage and integrity.

Look Molly you want to change how the military is then push for conscripting all conservatives until then quit with the pontificating.

Yeah, I want to. Tell you what. Sign me up for conscripting all conservatives. Let them put their big bodies where their bigger mouths are.

Snap On.

In your dreams, Handyman.

Blame Congress (and the presidentS) not just Republicans.

I got no problem with that. But which candidate do you trust more to get us out of Afghanistan and keep out of Iran?

Oh well I bet the AM of the 60's albeit ancient history was more fun.

Yeah, well, maybe. She knew something about cake, anyway.

CA...So now you are blaming O for not getting us out of The AFG? Go figure...We are there because of commitments made by another administration and O has made a commitment to get us out period. I have no problem with that since one of my own just recently returned from FOB Lagman.

Here is a little factoid for ya bud. In 2008 The Navy had only 8 medical Billets devoted to the treatment of PTSD. Now thru the direct action of O there a over a thousand.

Remember when families were buying personal body armor for our soldiers and marines back in 2004 because the poltroons in your party shorted em? Remember?

On another note..Did you make 3rd shirt? That means you must have passed MCI course 8016A. Just askin!

Semper Fi dude!

Why else would you be so angry all the time?

I know you hate the person you've become... it shows in all your posts.

Jaysus!

Now we have little BB assuming the position of FR's very own Miss. Cleo!

Good luck with THAT! lmao

Bonus points for the weak deflection, when you are unable to answer simple questions asked of you!

Get off FR... go find a J-O-B and take care of your family, so I don't have to!

Dumbfux - you are already down the rabbithole.

Sorry pal, contrary to what those voices in your head are telling you, you have NO control over me!

Dumbfux queen said: What source would that be???

Look it up Dumbfux. Or do you have to have everything done for you?

What about that "hard work," exactly, is there to admire, and why should your work be rewarded more, on a proportionate level, than the guy who drives the delivery truck or makes the widgets, or pushes the paper around at the companies from whose success you make your money.

____________________________________________

AM: I'm going to presume you know about the Econ 101 law of supply and demand. There are millions and millions of people that can drive a truck, make widgets or shuffle paper. They command a certain economic value in a rational, normally functioning economy. And that value is less than the far lower number of people with specialized skills and knowledge, for example, lawyers, that command a higher value in a rational, normally functioning economy.

Supply and demand, it's as simple as that, AM.

Or do you have to have everything done for you?

If you wouldn't mind... You do have plenty of time on your hands!

We would greatly appreciate you being able to provide an answer for a refreshing change of pace!

Come on BB... are you up for it? lmao!

CA - Chicago has a mixed reputation - most of it good. If you look at any large city it will be the same. There are good and bad aspects in all large cities. You choose to focus on the bad while most of us choose to work to improve all of the city.

But, you choose to post your hatred and focus on the bad. Why doesn't that surprise me?

Obama/Biden 2012

BrianB is off his meds today.

Yeah, I want to. Tell you what. Sign me up for conscripting all conservatives. Let them put their big bodies where their bigger mouths are.

Yeah cuz they're all libby democrats. Sure AM pure Gold LOL

So now you are blaming O for not getting us out of The AFG? Go figure...We are there because of commitments made by another administration and O has made a commitment to get us out period

so what's stopping him again from that historical shlthole

Remember when families were buying personal body armor for our soldiers and marines back in 2004 because the poltroons in your party shorted em? Remember?

kinda sucked when i lost a friend in Falleujah but they volunteered and well the blame goes all around to every swinging dlck in our represantive gov.

On another note..Did you make 3rd shirt? That means you must have passed MCI course 8016A. Just askin!

I'm sure you were there MAC V SOG LOL. Probably hand to hand with your typewriter in the AZ territory in Vietnam. Listen supply dude I'm not getting into a pissing match who was the better Jarhead or what military tactics were learned. I applaud the fact te you watch FMJ a few times but I did 4 wish i would have done more. so while your sons swear allegiance to Obama, I swore mine to defend the Constitution and against enemies foreign and domestic.

But, you choose to post your hatred and focus on the bad.

wow you are the pot and kettle. I doubt you'll see the irony of that statement

Albany --

And that value is less than the far lower number of people with specialized skills and knowledge, say lawyers, that command a higher value in a rational, normally functioning economy.

Supply and demand of button-pushing investors? Seriously?

You mean like the highly skilled traders who thought up those brilliant schemes that brought down Wall Street and are positioning to do it again once Romney gets into office?

You think they're not a dime a dozen?

Then how come so many got laid off when the crash came?

Please.

Tell you what, Joe. Maybe I could hire you to manage my investments, and then I guess I'd be on Easy Street, too.

AM: "honor" is not spelled "humiliation".

I wasn't referring to you, or even me. I am honored, I assure you. I was referring to my liberal friends. They no doubt don't view your professed admiration for me as much of a compliment. I suppose I can live with that, as long as you love me, Joe.

LoL

p.s. In my experience, Paul Samuelson was Econ 101.

Dumbfux said:

Get off FR... go find a J-O-B and take care of your family, so I don't have to!

Dumbfux - you are already down the rabbithole.

Sorry pal, contrary to what those voices in your head are telling you, you have NO control over me!

But those voices eminate from you through your posts. So you are now calling yourself an illusion? Make up your mind would you... I guess it all boils down to your fettishes and desire to be a woman... Why don't you just go and have the surgery... I hear it's a lot easier to make a man into a woman than the reverse... It will save all those punches in the nose.

I wouldn't want any control over you... somehow I feel ill just thinking about it. You sure want control over everyone else though... telling people to get off FR like you own the place... Newsflash Dumbfux - You own nothing, NOTHING! Just another typical liberal always trying to tell everyone else what they can do and can't do... Stick it up your @$$..... Ouuuuhhh but you like that, don't you?

Brianb I guess we both agree that the optics are bad. Although I see why they are doing it you see only one part of the equation. Also, hypocrisy is not limited to one political party or to one side of the posters here.

I agree with you on very little Brianb but agree that the deletion of first posts is crazy. #1 was deleted on First thoughts took out a hundred plus other ones including my original post about the teacher strike.

Also, was not aware you are looking for work? Good luck in that regard.

For the others it is hypocritical to understand that people are losing their jobs through no fault of their own and then lambast someone who you don't agree with like Brianb for being in circumstance through no fault of their own.

edit

Really, Brianb you go there in #1.58 and here I was defending you perhaps you need to practice a bit more what you preach.

Come on BB... are you up for it? lmao!

Well... I see iI got my answer! lol

BrianB is off his meds today.

Someone pass BB his Thorazine - he's gone full blown bat @!$%# psycho!

For the others it is hypocritical to understand that people are losing their jobs through no fault of their own and then lambast someone who you don't agree with like Brianb for being in circumstance through no fault of their own

Judging from his anger management issues, how do you know he lost his job through no fault of his own?

I wouldn't hire him on a bet!

Someone actively looking for work is not going to find it spending every day on First Read!

Sorry, I have no sympathy for a bigoted, misogynistic, homophone who trolls rather than supporting the kids he brought into this world!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

Not only did Democrats get a bump coming out of Charlotte, more importantly liberals got hefty does of enthusiasm...

LOL, I hate to do this, but the word is dose and not does. I really don't care but since you Liberals are so picky and so smart, I just want it to make a point that we are all human. Since you have me on ignore, I'm sure you will have your subjects go after me.

Xabre - go ahead and make my day.

SinkingSanitation - have fun now, soon it will be Romney on top. Actually there will be news this Friday.

I do have to say that the Dems had a better Convention, but I don't vote for conventions.

Romney\Ryan 2012

Supply and demand of button-pushing investors? Seriously?

Tell you what, Joe. Maybe I could hire you to manage my investments, and then I guess I'd be on Easy Street, too.

________________________________

AM: I make most of my income by personally managing my investment assets. I have spent, er.... um, "invested", a significant amount of time and effort, and trial and error, educating myself about how to be successful doing it. It's not "Easy Street" to put St. Warren of the Left's advice into practice: "Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful", AKA "Buy low, Sell high". Continuing buying into the declining stock market of 2008-09 sucked at the time, but, it now has paid off big-time. Believe me, it's not "button-pushing".

BTW, I am not available for hire. One of the first lessons I learned in investing is that if those people "available for hire" really knew what they were doing, they certainly woulnd't be telling me about it for a commission on my trades.

Yellowdog said: Also, was not aware you are looking for work? Good luck in that regard.

Thanks for your well wishes, but I finally found a job. I start sometime this week. I just hope it lasts.

Don't concern yourself over what Feisty and I go through... we've had this ongoing one upmanship feud going on for a while now. It's totally harmless. I don't take her serious and I know she doesn't take me serious... or we would have quit a long time ago. The whole thing is a diversion. We beat up on each other, but every once and a while we take a break from it.

I'm glad you don't agree with me on much. That's what makes this board interestiing... we all have different opinions and different ideologies. If it were any other way, you and I would become bored with this and we'd find something more interesting to do with our time. I only wish it would be more civil. I fall prey to it as much as anyone else does, but I try to contain as much of the name calling as I can... I only wish others would try to reserve the adjectives. I can't call anyone out on it because I do it myself... but less would be better.

Differing opinions is what makes the world go round...

but I finally found a job. I start sometime this week.

Congrats to you!

I mean that sincerely! ☺

I hope it is something you enjoy & turns out to be long-term employment!

Feisty - Alright, I'll pull back and I don't care if you do or not. You should realize by now it's all bravado on both sides...

The unemployment is paid by the employers in the form of a tax. This is why it's so critical for you to list out all your former employers so the funds they pay the individual is drawn from the correct employer. The government only pays if the employer has gone out of business and they can't draw any more tax from them, but more times than not, the tax is not applied to unemployment... because when someone quits a job, they don't qualify for unemployment.

Just for the record, I have been able to draw unemployment because I was layed off because the project I was working on was finished. I stayed until the last day and didn't quit.

Feisty and Brian sitting in a tree K I S S I NG.....First comes love, than comes...

NOOOO you cant make up...The slap down Feisty delivers is to good to stop

Fiesty said:

Congrats to you!

I mean that sincerely! ☺

I hope it is something you enjoy & turns out to be long-term employment!

I'll be remodelling banks. Some of it will be evening work, which I don't mind... There's 67 of them in front of me so I hope it lasts a while. Each one will take about 2-3 weeks so it will be fast paced and that I do like. I'll be working from home instead of having to work out of New Orleans... and that is much welcomed. Thanks Betty.

screeeeeming lib... I know you are in Betty's corner and would defend her to the death... so I will politely disregard the one sidedness.

NBC, CBS, ABC and MSNBC polls have been oversampling Democratic voters and minimizing weighted averages of Republican voters. It doesn’t matter because here is the thing, no matter how one cooks the numbers, Romney is well within a comfortable striking range and there are still 55 days before the elections! And unless the media has learned how to make about ten great big white elephants disappear in front of a national electorate, there are still 23 million unemployed Americans in the U.S., we still have a $16 trillion national debt, a $1.3 trillion budget deficit, a Medicare system headed for insolvency, an economy headed for a fiscal cliff in January, a foreign policy that has imploded and gone up in smoke all over the world to the point that our enemies no longer fear us and our enemies no longer trust us. No matter how much the media attempts to distract or divert public attention away from the Obama record and no matter how many excuses Obama makes, no matter how many fingers Obama points at the dismal economy he inherited, the Bush Administration, at Congress, at two guys that made an offensive movie about the prophet Mohamed, at the end of the day, not even the press nor a misguided liberal media will be capable of running block for the president. There are still three debates and the history of Reagan defeating Jimmy Carter and Clinton defeating George Bush Sr. when the primary issue was a bad U.S. economy, demonstrates the overall collective wisdom of the American people.

• Romney/Ryan 2012!!! Leadership for a Change!!!

So, Bob -- remind me one more time what Mitt Romney has proposed to do that would create jobs.

What? You mean he hasn't proposed anything yet?

Seriously. And why would be surprised?

The only thing the guy knows is how to make money getting RID of them.

That might work well enough for HIS bottom line, but it's not so good for America's.

Romney's Electoral Map just got smaller as both his campaign and the Super PAC's that support him have pulled ads in Pennsylvania and Michigan. Ryan's home state of Wisconsin could be next since the Romney campaign call it an "opportunity" in the below Politico article.

POLITICO: In the end, what gives both camps the sense that Obama is better positioned is the map of 10 states they are fighting on. Two months ago, a top Romney official said they had to have at least one or two of these states in the bag, preferably Florida, to be on course to win. They don't.
"Our problems are Virginia, Ohio, Nevada, New Hampshire," a top official said. "Our opportunities are Michigan, Wisconsin, Colorado. We can't trade our problems for our opportunities and win the presidency. If we trade our problems for our opportunities, we lose."
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0912/80949.html?hp=t1

RCP (Average of polls) as of 9/09/2012 After Conventions, before 1st Debate
10 Tossup States: Tied in two (VA=13, IA= 6), Obama leads in 7, Romney leads in 1.
Delegates: Obama = Solid(142)+Likely(30)+Lean(49) = 221 +Tossup(92) = 313
Delegates: Romney = Solid(76)+Likely(58)+Lean(57) = 191 +Tossup(15) = 206
Total Delegates: [313+206+19 = 538] Win = 270

Anna Molly, it's because that would allow the number-munchers to go to work. We've already seen what they've been able to come up with after Romney's proposal to fund the Pentagon at a whopping 4% of GDP.

Well Bob, the jobs report is what the GNOP has been banking on all along. They have done everything in their power to thwart job growth in their march to oust Obama from the White House.

The problem for them is, America sees the GNOP for what they have done: hold America hostage regardless of how it effects the average citizen. This is going to come back and bite them in the ass and they deserve it!

Obama and the democrats are increasing their popularity and after Obama makes Robotney look like the fool he is in the debates, the race will be over before the November votes are ever counted.

Are Republican down ballot candidates starting to worry ?

Will having Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan on the ticket cause the GOP to lose the HOUSE ?

Dennis,

We put to much faith in polls, I know it's one of the few benchmarks have available but the only polls that count is on election day. I believe President Carter had a 6 or more point lead on Reagan at this stage of the election. President Reagan won in a landslide. Most undecided voters usually goes to the Challenger in most elections, then there is always an October Surprise.

Have a good day, and don't let the millions being spent on ads in Ohio get to you, remember it must be creating jobs in the printing and media markets.

What I don't get, Bob, is why Mitt Romney doesn't call the so-called "job creators" in the private sector to task for not creating more jobs. Why is he blaming the President, when he says it's not possible for the government to grow the economy and lower unemployment?

Of course, Romnney is all for increasing defense spending, to create jobs Virginia (swing state.)

And maybe someone should ask, how do these CEOS have millions to throw away on political campaigns, but no resources to hire more workers? I don't get why the Republicans aren't targeting those CEOs for not doing their part. If they want to perserve their tax cuts, shouldn't they prove they can create jobs?

And maybe someone should ask, how do these CEOS have millions to throw away on political campaigns, but no resources to hire more workers?

There's no way Romney can counter this point without explaining that the "job creators" aren't really the job creators. He'd be forced to tell that there is no demand for said jobs, so those "job creators" would be wasting money by hiring unneeded employees. This would then rapidly turn into an eye-opening discussion on what exactly drives the demand in our economy, and everyone would be forced to see this "job creator" bull@!$%# for what it is.

Bob -

It always seems to come down to arguing basic "arithmetic" with Republicans.....

Surely you can't ignore the electoral map disparity and assume that Romney can close the gap in ALL of the swing states without a spectacular debate performance?

Of course there could be dismal job reports or an economic downturn, but it is just as likely that the economy will either continue to grow at the same slow rate or the rate of improvement will increase.

I am not saying the election is over by a long shot, but if both parties do their part to "get out the vote" barring a debate upset I fail to see how Romney can overcome the electoral "math".

I feel sorry for Republicans if their only hope to get Romney elected is for the economy to tank......

Paul Ryan - The Deficit? I Built That!

Here's a few "facts" for you, Bob.

In June, 2011, Wisconsin's legislature adopted Scott Walker's budget of fiscal austerity for most and tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations. Walker promised us that, if only we gave him what we wanted, he would create 250,000 jobs by the end of his first term.

My statistics come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In the past 12 months, total employment of non-farm workers in this state has declined by .8 percent. Construction is down 7.7 percent. Manufacturing is up slightly overall, but down significantly in the past few months. In fact, since the recall election, when Walker promised us that everything would be okay, Wisconsin has lost more than 19,000 private sector jobs.

Total job creation since January, 2011, is in the neighborhood of 28,000 jobs, most of which were created before Walker's budget took effect. By any reading of the numbers, Walker bids fair to come up a little short of 250,000 jobs.

Now, this is my question. If, in June of 2012, President Obama had had Walker's record, would you have been for or against the recall?

If Walker deserved more time, then doesn't President Obama, whose employment numbers are at least headed in the right direction?

Or doesn't performance matter when ideology is at stake?

If Wisconsin is the measure, then I guess not.

And you're all Republican hypocrites.

Anna Molly,

Our Tea Party governor and his Republican legislature took over in 2010, and immediately began enacting the same right-wing agenda Scott Walker pushed in WI. Did it create jobs? No. Maine is the only New England state not to see improvement in unemployment.

Now, healthcare premiums are going up in the rural parts of the state, for the Republican base, ironically, thanks to legislation allowing insurance companies to charge the elderly, and those not near the healthcare centers, higher premiums. The governor is trying to cut over 20,000 Mainers off Medicaid, which includes an awful lot of Republican-voters, at the same time private insurance is going up.

Hey Bob, tell us about Virgil Goode on the ballot in Va.? he is polling at 9%, and is very conservative, will your State AG Cuchinneli be successful in having him removed from the ballot? And how about Gary Johnson getting on the ballot, wont he too be a threat to Mitt?

Anna Molly

Team/Romney will explain all secrets on November 7th!

............................Keep your fingers cross..............................

Where oh where....did Booby go? I really do want a sincere answer.

Virgil Goode is a joke. He was a Democrat, then an Independent, then a Republican.....he was too lazy to campaign in 2008 and he lost his House seat.

The liberal media is hyping his chances, because they are part of the Obama reelection team...

Dump the Tea Party. Austerity doesn't work to produce jobs. The US has 6 times the growth rate of Germany. Tax cuts for the rich don't work to produce job growth. Strengthening the middle class helps consumer sales (70% of our economy).

Ask Clinton how it's done. Tax increases on the rich, more for the poor and middle class produced 4 balanced budgets and 18 million new jobs.

The 2010 election of tea partiers was a disaster for America. Slower growth resulted. Their focus on pro-life policies did not produce one new job. Their focus on cutting government spending cost 600,000 people their jobs. TEA PARTY=DISASTER FOR AMERICA

Bob -

"Damn liberal media weatherman is telling me it's raining again, when I know it's just "trickle down" economics finally working...."

I am so tired of the "Liberal Media" crap - MSNBC and FOX News are obviously slanted, there are anlmost an equal number of liberal and conservative leaning newspapers, and "network" news usually have no opinions just "entertainment".

Give up on this "liberal media" fantasy.......

Job1

During the debates President Obama is going to take Willard's Lunch money

Hehehe..........That Obama is a bad guy a bully from Kenya. I really look forward to the debates. It's going to be specifics vs vague.

Obama/Biden 2012

During the debates President Obama is going to take Willard's Lunch money

Not only is President Obama going to take Willard's lunch money, he's going to make Willard eat crow.

I have a different view of the debates---I think it will be our chance to see how Mitt does under nonpartisan questioning by competent journalists. I think Mitt will give his lunch money away---the President won't have to take it from him.

i can't honestly say that President Obama has been very specific in his plans. Pres. Clinton gave specifics during his speech, but President Obama didn't go into enough detail for him to claim that the specifics of his plan have been enumerated.

Pres. Obama has given far more insights into his plan than Mr. Romney has, but to me that doesn't equate to giving specifics...

President Obama has given specifics on his plan over the course of the past year; infrastructure, schools, education, clean energy, increase taxes on the high-end earners back to 39.6% where it was under Clinton, etc. His jobs act that the GOP House refuses to debate and vote on for one full year has targeted specific areas.

What's Romney's plan? Whatever President Obama suggests, he'll do the opposite. Why doesn't Romney release his tax returns? Why should we trust a man to be president who has millions stashed in off-shore tax havens to avoid the IRS?

Of the three debates two will focus on economic policy and one on foreign policy. I only hope that the moderator will follow up. I don't want a mere opportunity for them to spout talking points. With respect I don't care about Romney and his scripted answers. Therefore, I will focus this post on potential problems I see with the debates regarding the president.

I want my candidate to answer the questions on how his policies will do better than the alternative. As mentioned by others, yes Obama's plans have specifics. However, if he is hit with the fact that a tax on the rich will bring in a measly $70 billion a year, is it time for him to note his debt commission recommendations. Is it time for him to embrace a truely shared sacrifice? I think not, because truth be told the Middle class wouldn't like the answer. All of us need to pay higher taxes - revenue, modifications need to be made to entitlements and government spending must be reduced.

I am confident that Obama will win, he is great on his feet. However, these debates will not influence me they are meant to influence others. I don't believe Obama does this, but if he wants to win the elusive swing voters he must be wary to portray a "just blame Bush" attitude to them. Most importantly, it is doubtful bringing up the personal tax issue will help Obama.

I hope that if Obama does win reelection, he uses the capital to get a deal on less spending, more revenue and entitlement reform akin to Simpson Bowles. He will have a short time to do it (lame duck session) because I fear the Senate and House will gain GOP seats.

Republicans truly hate when an independent comes into an election. Independents tend to show how extreme the Republican party has truly become. Most independents, for reasons of conscience, simply can not support the Democratic party. At the same time, the GOP forces out anyone who does not agree with them 100%.

The wholesale embrace of the Tea Party and the extremist evangelicals by the GOP will result in the death of the Republican Party. Eventually all that will remain will be old white males who currently make up maybe 25% of the US population. As the population shifts toward other groups, the GOP, in alienating those groups, will continue to lose.

Chilled go take a pill!!...Comrade & good friend...Greetings!!

........."Take our country back" REPUBLICAN'S RHETORIC.........

.........................Please DO NOT BUY INTO IT..........................

Irving---I don't get the "take our country back" thing. Isn't it "our" country? Who has it? What does it say about those of us who support the President? Do we not love our country as much as they do?

Steeler, Irving.....

I never understood what was the meaning of that "Take our country Back" thing.

having to throw out a couple of convention delegates who were taunting a black camerwoman didn't help the Republicans' image too much either.

Isn't the "take our country back" thingy a Rush Limbaugh/Glen Beck slogan? Probably came out right after the "hope Obama fails" mantra.

Welcome, Tom, I enjoyed reading this. Do join us more often, won't you?

Tom

Thank you for your honesty and insight. And of course, welcome.

Tom

Were you livng in MA during Romneys term as Governor? If so, what can you tell me about it. Would like first hand info.

What a great post, Tom. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I can't believe that so many of our fellow citizens would sell their souls to this devil to get and hold on to their offices. And to follow their "oath" to Norquist before their oath to the Consitution. It is unbelievable to me that the Republican party let itself get to this point.

Tom - thanks for cluing us into this interview, as I missed it. However, this is not the first time that Norquist has made this claim, nor will it be the last. It was also Norquist (to paraphrase) that claimed they didn't need a GOPTP thinking leader, they only need a leader with an arm that can sign legislation he puts in front of the leader.

I hope the voting bloc of the GOP/TP understand that every time they win an election to congress, they are really electing Norquist, so we can only hope they are happy that Norquist is their leader vs. the politician they think they elected.

Until the GOPTP party rids itself of the Norquist and ALEC vermin, they are in danger of losing party moderates and are doomed to become a party of extreme rightists. Good luck with that.

Tom thank you for your post your observations are very worthy and most of all fact. I, too have wondered the same myself. It never ceases to astound me the little attention the media devout to what I consider to be a dreadful situation of subversion.

This pompous, arrogant unelected individual is holding the progress of the country hostage to his demands and the feckless politicians agree to those demands.

But then when we have 15 members of the Republican party plotting and planning to undermine the duly elected President on the night of his inauguration, and hardly an eyebrow raised when it is revealed. One of those plotters is now the GOP current nominee for VP....Mr Paul Ryan, and again no outrage. What is wrong with us????

Great post Tom!

Here is an article about Grover Norquist at the Republican Convention:

Out on the Town With Grover Norquist

By Coral Davenport | National Journal – Sat, Sep 1, 2012

Grover Norquist went to a casino party at the Hard Rock Cafe on the first night of the Republican National Convention. Afterward, while he was hunting for a cab, a man pulled up in a white limo to the party. "Take my limo — I'm a big fan of your work!" he said.Norquist never got his name, but he took the limo.

That's the kind of thing that happens to Grover Norquist here.

Norquist has long been a star of the conservative movement. The iconic antitax crusader's group Americans for Tax Reform has been credited with driving the GOP's hard-line fiscal policy. His Taxpayer Protection Pledge, which binds lawmakers who sign it to never raising taxes, has been blamed for causing the congressional budget standoff. Over the past three years, as the tea party has become a driving force in American politics, Norquist has surged in prominence and influence. He's now a national figure and a central figure in the 2012 campaigns.

In Tampa, Norquist was almost as much of a rock star as the presidential nominee. But unlike the famously clean-living Mitt Romney, Norquist actually parties like one.

His schedule one night included a slew of receptions and interviews; a late-night appearance at HomoCon, a dance party celebrating gay Republicans; and a gig in a "Funniest Celebrity" stand-up comedy event.

The job of keeping Norquist on schedule falls to his wife, Samah Norquist. At an event full of big hair, big heels, and lots of red dresses, Samah, a Palestinian Muslim who grew up in Kuwait, is tiny, with just a little makeup, dressed in black — simple top, flowing skirt, aqua scarf, beaded belt, and silver flats. Norquist looks a little more like a liberal-arts professor than a lobbyist — although he wears a suit, he's got a beard and an ever-present tote bag to carry papers he's writing and galoshes in case of rain.

"When we got married, he was famous in conservative circles — but it wasn't like this," she says. "Welcome to Groverland!"

Samah thinks about how to describe what drives her husband. "The way my 3-year-old and 4-year-old daughters feel about Disney princesses — that's how Grover feels about cutting taxes," she says.

As the evening starts, Norquist warns his entourage that at some point he'll need to take a break to work on his stand-up routine. He's worried he hasn't had time to practice his latest jokes. "I have the material, but I have to weave it all together," he says.

This is his night:

5:20 p.m. At a National Review reception in the Tampa Yacht Club, Norquist schmoozes with Ramesh Ponnuru, author of The Party of Death: The Democrats, the Media, the Courts, and the Disregard for Human Life. There's champagne, sushi, bruschetta with tapenade, citrus-cured salmon with avocado mousse. And at least three full bars.

While Norquist chats, fans line up to pay homage, including a senior at the University of Pennsylvania. "I'm so excited to meet him, it will be a great opportunity," she says.

Samah comes up to steer her husband away. "We have to leave here at 6," she says, sweetly but firmly.

"Where are we going next, baby?" Norquist asks.

"The party in honor of you," she reminds him.

6:19 p.m. Norquist, Samah, and entourage pile into a cab to get to the next party. There are five people, and Samah sits on her husband's lap. As they pass pink houses and palm trees, Norquist talks about the Ryan budget plan.

"That would be as big a turning point in American history as Reagan on the Soviet Union," he says.

Ryan, of course, was famously influenced by Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged. Norquist is excited about his small part in an upcoming film based on the book. "I play a hobo! I'm sitting on a park bench, drinking wine, half drunk. The heroes of the book walk by, talking about the decline of civilization, and I'm Exhibit A."

In real life, Norquist enjoys a drink or two, but what he really needs right now is a Diet Coke. "It's my water," he admits. "Last night, we were at the Bloomberg party. Bloomberg has the best food — chicken pot pie, great roast beef — but what you can't get is a Diet Coke." (New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed banning convenience stores from selling super-sized sodas after all.) "They had water and stocks of candy — I thought about dissolving candy into the water, just on principle."

6:58 p.m. Despite celebrity status, Norquist and entourage hike through the barricaded streets of Tampa to reach the entrance of the Tampa Convention Center. Helicopters weave overhead and occasional bursts of rain, a remnant from Hurricane Isaac, lash the air. The streets are mostly empty, except for armed security troops and Secret Service agents.

Only one place is open: a fish taco joint, where sweaty guys in tank tops are drinking beer on the patio. They see Norquist and woot like they've seen Tim Tebow.

"Hey guys!" Norquist responds with a wave.

He still hasn't practiced his comedy set.

7:50 p.m. At Liberty Plaza, the temporary party pavilion erected for the convention, Norquist and entourage are ushered into a party held in his honor, hosted by the conservative think tank Frontiers of Freedom. It's in a tent with plastic floors and dim, blue lighting. Norquist fans in Harley DavidsonT-shirts and jean shorts mill around. In the background play videos detailing the evils of Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Laid out on folding tables are plates of pulled pork from Jimmy John's, beef tacos, Chex mix, and Rice Krispies treats. At the bar, there's Bud Light — and to Norquist's relief, Diet Coke.

Tampa lawyer Bob Nader (no relation to Ralph, he insists), approaches Norquist and the two discuss Fox News. "When you say Fox News, I want to genuflect," says Nader.

Norquist gives a short speech. "There are 100 different doors to come into the conservative movement," he said. "You can disagree with 99 of them, as long as you agree on one: more-limited government."

8:23 p.m. Norquist has moved to the convention floor, where he is set to shoot an interview with CBS. The halls outside are swarming with friends and fellow GOP stars. On the way, Norquist spots the owner of a barbecue place in Georgia, Oscar Poole, decked out in a yellow suit and giant Uncle Sam hat (pictured right). "I want that outfit," Norquist says. "When I retire, I want to walk around in that all day."

Tim Pawlenty, the former Minnesota governor and one-time GOP presidential hopeful, stops to chat. He says Norquist is a party animal at every level.

"He's got some rap moves that I think people don't fully appreciate," Pawlenty says. "He's a big fan of 50 Cent and Lady Gaga."

9:45 p.m. Norquist is starting to get nervous. It's getting late, he still has to hit HomoCon, and he hasn't had time to go over his comedy routine.

The Norquists cab it to a fancy bar in downtown Ybor City. While Samah watches Ann Romney's speech, Grover walks around the block, practicing his routine. "You're going to look like a crazy person, Grovy," Samah warns.

"I'll put the phone earbud in," says Norquist. "People will think I'm someone important."

11 p.m. Arriving at HomoCon, there's no more time to practice. The party is at a club called the Honey Pot. At the entrance, Norquist does interviews about his stance on gay rights, for which he's been criticized by social conservatives in his party. "I get yelled at a lot," Norquist says. "But these guys are just conservatives who happen to be gay."

Inside the club are disco balls, pink and blue Japanese lanterns, and vases of white orchids. A man in a glittery silver suit and cowboy hat is dancing, and "Call Me Maybe" is blasting. Norquist sweeps up to the VIP lounge, does more interviews, and quickly makes his retreat. He's been there an hour and now his set at the Tampa Improv is coming up.

12:45 a.m. Norquist takes the Improv stage. His delivery is deadpan, in the style of his comic hero,Steven Wright. "My wife and I have what's known as mixed marriage. I am a Methodist, she is a Muslim. So we're keeping it in the M's. We're thinking that for the kids, we could go with the Mennonites or the Mormons. The Mennonites have this really nice low-carbon footprint. But the Mormons—I have two daughters—I think if I work this out right, I only have to pay for one wedding."

Obviously, political humor is on the menu: "I do want to warn some of my conservative friends who like to bring up questions about where Barack Obama was born, and birth certificates, and stuff, I wouldn't go too far down that road. We're about to nominate a guy who lived in Utah and was governor of Massachusetts. He's never technically lived in this country."

"I tease," Norquist adds. "I grew up in Massachusetts before emigrating to the States."

The audience loves it.

Samah is visibly relieved.

1 a.m. Norquist and Samah are back on the street, looking for a cab. There's none to be found. A young couple — he in sport coat and Mitt Romney coif, she in a teal cocktail dress and matching pumps — approaches Norquist. "We have a car and driver," they say. "We'll take you home, wherever you want to go."

That's the kind of thing that happens to Grover Norquist here.

http://news.yahoo.com/town-grover-norquist-094038184--politics.html

Thanks folks for the replies. I intend to join the daily discussion(s) as much astime allows. I felt it was a travesty to just read and not input with all that's at stake in novenber.

Helen, New York,

Yes, we lived in MA for 31 years, and survived Mitt Romney's fiasco as governor. His first year in office cost us 503 million $ in "fees". More importantly, he reduced state funds to the cities, which also gave us a big jump in propertytaxes. He was NOT a leader.

Tom - i agree with you, and although i've not been politically active for the length of time you have (37 yrs old) i find myself in the same situation: an independent who has been exiled by the republican party due to their platform of intolerance.

This election will decide if the Citizen's United case sells our republic to the highest bidder or not. With limitless sums of campaign contributions flowing from business, will the people be bought into believing their agenda, or will they stand up and fight back against the lies and swift boating once and for all? The DNC gave me hope that the status of our republic can't be bought, but we did elect 43 for a second term...

i hope to read more of your thoughts in the coming months.

***Standing O for Tom***

Outstanding... simply outstanding!

Tom - great posts and very informative! Good to get your input!

Obama/Biden 2012

Tom----glad to see you took the plunge to post! You probably know that many of us Democrats who post here were Republicans for many years who felt that there was no room for us there. Or worse, no tolerance for a differing point of view.

Tom: what you post about Romney as Governor in MA is exactly what happend in MN with Pawenty. And a massive deficit to boot.

Steeler Fan -380417

Welcome! welcome,.....Gen. Colin Powell, Rep. Micheal Steele & Sen. Arlen Spencer are few of the moderate Republicans who got converted to Democrats after been thrown under the bus.

Now the Republicans Party consisted of only extremists who promoted partisan grid-lock in both the House & Senate.

But their follies will proceed NO FURTHER.

WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WILL SEND THEM A STRONG MESSAGE IN NOVEMBER......................YOU'RE FIRED!!!.........

By voting..............................OBAMA/BIDEN 2012................

Was Mitt Romney REALLY the best candidate the Republican party had to offer?

No. As I stated in an earlier post today, he bullied his way to the top of the heap. Can you imagine how Jon Huntsman would be handling the foreign policy questions right about now?

As I stated in an earlier post today, he bullied his way to the top of the heap. Can you imagine how Jon Huntsman would be handling the foreign policy questions right about now?

bullied to the top? Like Obama in 08'?

No Dangerfield, Romney wasn't the best and don't ask me why or how challengers get where they do. Obama 08 vs Hillary I'm still baffled.

What choice did the GOP have? Did anyone watch the primary?

Dis they just pick the wrong guy?

Short answer: Yes.

Xabre

Dis they just pick the wrong guy?

Short answer: Yes.

Answer this, if he's so wrong, then why doesnt O own right now? I'll wait for the short answer.

But you understood the choice of McCain?

I would have voted for John McCain...in 2000, when HE was the best man running. But in 2008 McCain wouldn't have recognized 2000 John McCain in the mirror. That guy stood almost no chance of beating the democratic candidate, whomever they ran. McCain was once the most bipartisan Senator, with a legislative record to prove it.

Moderate democrats, like moderate republicans have been marginalized or have gone wingy, in the polarized gamesmanship that has replaced collaborative politics and has contributed to our national malaise.

The Clintons represented the DNC and their moderate, collaborative governing philosophy. The Democratic party saw a landslide and the opportunity to implement their entire platform into legislation. So here we are.

Both sides can't be 100% right, but that's where we are also. The all or nothing dueling parties are leaving the governed with the "nothing" more often than not.

Nice to see the basement in OH is back in business! lol

So, the "ignore" feature has been disabled?

Romney was the best of the republican field except for Huntsman. I mean, Herman Cain, Bachman, Santorum, and Gingrich were the other frontrunners, and none of them would be able to attract independents better than Romney (Cain would get more than 0% of the african american vote though)...

Huntsman would have been a very strong candidate, and we certainly wouldn't be mired in the absense of facts that currently dominate this election cycle. Although i disagree with many of the social aspects of Huntsman's platform, he has integrity in spades, something that the rest of the republican field lacks. He also has a working relationship with the President, and i don't think we'd see the character assassination going on between the two campaigns now. It would certainly be an election about policy and direction, not tax returns and distracton.

dangerfield

So, the "ignore" feature has been disabled?

hasn't been working for me for around a week...

Caesar-

The short answer is the country is split about 40% Republican and 40% Democrat, with a few more who call themselves Independent but consistently vote one way or the other.

It doesn't matter who the parties nominate, only a transformative figure would gather much over 50% - neither Barack Obama or Mitt Romney are transformative.

It is my theory that true independents and swing voters are not pleased with the current economic situation and are uncertain about which way to turn. I think they are listening, but Romney isn't really telling them anything. Only a convincing argument would get them to vote against an incumbent who most do not blame entirely for the economy.

The Clintons represented the DNC and their moderate, collaborative governing philosophy. The Democratic party saw a landslide and the opportunity to implement their entire platform into legislation. So here we are.

You had Edwards, he definetly didnt represent what the Clintons did. I dont see how a junior senator, wet behind the ears had any contention to the veterans. I think we see the results of a rookie move from the rookie. and that entire legislsation was what exactly? ACA?

Both sides can't be 100% right, but that's where we are also.

I believe the word is compromise. Or we have Optimates and Populares shut down government. If it doesnt change, this may usher in change no one may like in the end.

It is my theory that true independents and swing voters are not pleased with the current economic situation and are uncertain about which way to turn. I think they are listening,

yes they are but I would say Romney doesnt need to say anything. Reality is speaking for itself and the fact the numbers for Obama are less than 'expected' is telling. The poll in November is the only one that counts. So who does the economy belong to TNS? Certainly not Bush right? When does Obama get to be President? When things are bowls of cherries?

Caesar-

Why then isn't the challenger ahead? Why didn't the dismal private sector job numbers move the needle towards hm. It would seem that he has to say SOMETHING, doesn't it? Reality IS speaking loudly on this; despite the numbers the challenger isn't getting any forward movement.

He will release at least 5 years of tax (including what he has released) returns before the 1st debate.

Are those Simpson Boles(sic) of cherries?

CA - So who does the economy belong to TNS? Certainly not Bush right? When does Obama get to be President? Short answer - when the Republicans stop being obstructionists and start being Americans. Until then, the GOP owns the part they aren't helping clean up!

Obama/Biden 2012

seeking your irrelevant.

Dangerfield

Why then isn't the challenger ahead? Why didn't the dismal private sector job numbers move the needle towards hm. It would seem that he has to say SOMETHING, doesn't it? Reality IS speaking loudly on this; despite the numbers the challenger isn't getting any forward movement.

that is a good question indeed, one i dont have an answer to. But I do say the Incumbent has the bigger challenge right now with the dismal Reality. Like I said earlier too many factors involved and we currently aren't hearing what the silent majority are saying. Nov 7 will be the end result.

He will release at least 5 years of tax (including what he has released) returns before the 1st debate.

i dont know about 5 years, did he say he would? I think Romney is playing close to the chest right now.

Are those Simpson Boles(sic) of cherries?

we may never know.

CA - nice deflection. When you have no comeback put me down. But, at least try to get the spelling right the next time?

No, Romney will NOT release 5 years of tax returns. He'll barely get 2 complete years released right before the election - and he'll probably go back and amend those later!

Obama/Biden 2012

CA - nice deflection. When you have no comeback put me down. But, at least try to get the spelling right the next time?

Deflect from what? this?

when the Republicans stop being obstructionists and start being Americans.

Simply having a discussion with Dangerfield to which you brought nothing of relevance. Sorry, you're irrelevant.

and he'll probably go back and amend those later!

yeah again another individual that seems to have some inside knowledge that no one else knows. Larry Flint has a sweet mil deal for you.

Halperin on the race right now...

"Romney is an awkward, unlikable candidate. The author of Romneycare is ill positioned to attack Obamacare. And Romney’s shifting positions make him an easy mark for an aggressive White House....Until Romney breaks this cycle, he is in danger of living out the Haley Barbour dictum: in politics, bad gets worse"

http://thepage.time.com/2012/09/10/the-troubles/#ixzz266IOmpns

Not a big Halperin fan, but i have to agree with his snapshot.

CA - no, you just don't have any answers so - as usual when you come up short (which seems to happen more and more lately) you deflect!

Obama/Biden 2012

I would think Romney would just defer to the Separation of Powers. Romneycare state, Obamacare (Unconstitutional) but a tax. Argued it wasn't though.

CA - no, you just don't have any answers so - as usual when you come up short (which seems to happen more and more lately) you deflect!

and you have them all. Stupid coffee house lib. I dont have the answers to your liking. Too bad.

Caesar-

So who does the economy belong to TNS? Certainly not Bush right? When does Obama get to be President? When things are bowls of cherries?

I think your personal dislike fo President Obama and your eagerness to blame him for the slow recovery is blinding you to the fact that a clear majority of people give GW Bush at least partial responsibility for the current economic situation.

If Romney would accept that and explain why his policies are different from GW Bush he might have a better chance.

A failure to admit that the economy is not struggling is equally as asinine as failing to admit that things have improved since 2009, albeit slowly.

GW Bush at least partial responsibility for the current economic situation.

no no no, ive said Bush started it, Obama put it on roids. How many summers of recovery do we need? No you just don't think Obama should get the blame as 'leader' of the free world, but you'll (the left) talk about GM and Bin Laden, the former hardly a success story.

at things have improved since 2009, albeit slowly.

where? the gas pump, the stores, the jobs? maybe the jobs but we are going at a sloths pace. If you're fine with that then so be it but Obama made claims otherwise. Or is ok to make false promises and continue to promise more of the same if re-elected. I keep hearing Obama has a plan. I'm sure but where was this plan nearly 4 years ago? GOP fault? thats pretty old just as old as a lack of responsibility.

CAESAR salad

Bush left with a SHRINKAGE RATE of 8.5% in 4th QTR 2008 economy. In case you cannot understand what that means, let's pretend that the year only has 11 months. The year would be 8.33% smaller.

Our economy lost a month out of Bush's last year in economic growth.

-8.5% growth rate would cancel out 3 years of average growth in USA economy. This is the worst quarter of economic performance since the Great Depression. Almost 2.5 million lost jobs in 3 months.

Almost 2.5 million lost jobs in 4th quarter 2008 alone. Do I need to repeat again.

Worst quarter since Great Depression.

I am surprised that the Morman church can tolerate the lying and deception Romney is into. Not being willing to show his tax records and having tens of millions in foreighn banks means he is likely guilty of criminal, felon offenses.

America is not broke. Our big banks are packed with trillionsThey are getting billions in O% loans and using our own money to drive up the cost of oil and other essentials by manipulating the commodities market.

Foreign banks are crammed with American cash and Romney is in the same pig pen. We need to force our public owned corporations to pay our minimum wages wherever they go. This would show a little regard for workers and bring back many jobs.

Our capital gains tax is only 15% and this is were most giant money is made. Romney and others would like to eliminate that tax instead of doing the right thing and doubling it. If this pig is elected America cannot avoid depression and chaos.

We need to force the democratic party to more and better action and we are gone if we don't reduce the republican party drastically.

I am surprised that the Morman church can tolerate the lying and deception Romney is into.

I suggest you do some research on the Mormon church. It's pretty clear the entire thing was cooked up by a con artist. Putting shields that nobody has ever seen into a hat and "translating" it? Please...

Would not surprise me a bit if L Ron Hubbards Scientology is based on the Mormon model.

I am surprised that the Morman church can tolerate the lying and deception Romney is into

They probably encourage it! The LDS religion is one of the most secretive. As Xabre noted above, just how it was founded is scary enough and that coupled with their love of the Masons and all of their blood oathes and secretiveness makes it one bizarre cult.

Frank Morton-2536216

I am surprised that the Morman church can tolerate the lying and deception Romney is into. Not being willing to show his tax records and having tens of millions in foreighn banks means he is likely guilty of criminal, felon offenses.

I thought this Country was based on the Freedom of Religion and that you liberals were all inclusive. The next thing you will be asking is what religion does President Obama belongs too. I thought that he was Christian

metoo, Hussein has since "evolved" on that comment. "LOL!"

metoo, Hussein has since "evolved" on that comment. "LOL!"

Oh golly gee Oskar Hussien bin Laden Rules, he certainly has evolved, he has evolved to bring the economy around from complete and utter failure. Below are just a few economic turnarounds (or evolutions as you want to call them).

Dow Jones on 2/23/2009 7114; on 9/07/2012 13,300+

Job Gains/Losses 2/28/09 -724,000; 08/31/2012 +96,000

Bank Failures 2009 140; 2012 YTD 41

If you want to claim that the economy isn't where you would like it to be, i'm sure the President would agree with you.

If you are trying to claim that the economy hasn't turned around from when/where the President took over, you're being intentionally obtuse.

They are being obtuse, and they get it from their GOP/TP leaders. They would rather experience economic failures over any success by Obama. The only thing that would make them ecstatic is if we were in the midst of a Great Depression.

You need to watch this weeks Bill Mahr. He had a GOP strategist who basically agreed the "are you better off now than 4 years ago" question is irrelavant (sp?) and disingenuous. It takes many years for us to get where we are today and it will take many more years to get where we want to be. 4 years is a drop in the bucket and is a pointless unit of measurement for nation building. But it's all the repubs have at this point and its unfortunate that the gullible belive them.

The reason most conservative posters claim they aren't better off now than theywere four years ago, is that they haven't checked the balance of their 401K's in four years, OR they borrowed money from it!

Libs have bad math..you lose 24 mill jobs put back 4.6 mil and boast how wonderful you are. Say what you want about conserv. policies but red states are profitable while blue states are under water

On Feb 2, 2009, the economy was declining at 5% according to government figures. The actual rate of decline would be 8.5% in the 4th quarter of 2008 after the revised numbers came in. Perhaps, when Obama said he would fix the economy, he should have cited the numbers his promise was based on.

Instead, the economy was in much worse shape than anyone knew. We know now that the economy was declining at 8.5%. If Obama had known just how bad it was, he would have made a smaller promise, but really we should adjust his promise to reflect the change in the numbers.

Oil Shark,

You use fuzzy math. 4.6 million jobs in the past 27 months is TRUE.

The 23 million unemployed and underemployed includes 4 million jobs lost under Bush, an underlying 5% unemployment rate before 2008 (another 7.5 million jobs), 4 million jobs lost in 2009 before Obama's economic recovery plan took hold, and a whole bunch of delayed retirements and new workers in the economy.

Twisting the facts is the Republican national obsession. Lie, lie, lie. See Romney run.

He knew how bad it was because his advisors told him to concentrate on it, he declined to focus on healthcare. Is this guy really competent when crazy polosi doesnt even listen to him?

Twisting the facts is saying people are retired when facts are most elderly were forced into retirement. If his recovery plan is 100-200k jobs a month than we are in trouble. The fact is your guy hasnt delivered like he said he would. PERIOD NO EXCUSES. Again conservative states are above water while lib states want bailouts, gee wonder why

Did you know that preexisting conditions under our former health insurance plan actually reduces job growth? It does.

Someone who has a family member that has a preexisting condition cannot start their own business even if they hate their boss and want to venture out on their own. The obstacle of paying for the expensive health care of that family member with the preexisting condition in their new venture without health coverage for that family member keeps many people from starting a new business.

This accounts for some of the lack of job growth under Bush. If you consider that many small businesses are started by individuals who have gained expertise and experience while working for somebody else, you can see that those who have family member with a preexisting condition will not start a new business, but stay in their current job with its health coverage.

Eliminate this obstacle to job growth and you will have many more new businesses and the previous employers will need to fill all those job vacancies.

Forced vouchers? Where do you come up with this stuff.

Please, I beg you, step away from the computer, get your meds and take a little nap. And don't forget to take off the tinfoil cap first so you don't poke your eye out.

The CEO of Disney made 600 million in salary while he had children working in Haiti for 12 cents an hour.

Hm, so I guess when Disney says "It's a small world" they mean it literally.

So let see if you pass the smell test. You would have us believe you read the bill, and developed this synopsis?

As to this item:

Medicine cabinet tax disallows Americans to use health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, or health reimbursement pre-tax money to buy over the counter medicines except insulin (PPACA, 2011, pp. 1,957-1,959)

Good - I am sick and tired of paying for other peoples OTC medicines with my tax dollars.

Everyone knows the Koch brothers pay much better. And don't forget - all repubs are beholden to Grover Norquist and aren't allowed to take a krap without his approval.

Putting a moritorium on tax increases until spending gets put under control is just common sense bleary....

Those teachers haven't struck in 25 years. But hey, let's beat them down and run them out of town. We'll show 'em. Scott Walker did it. Of course, he didn't do it to the unions that contributed to his campaign. And yah, let's not have any tax increases for those "job creators." We'll just let the two wars pay for themselves by the money we'll save not paying teachers! You must have gone to school somewhere. Take any economics classes?

well henry your soooo smart surely you would know that more tax $$ flowed to the govt under bushs tax policy than under clintons. Funny thing is that when taxes are lower all around the govt gets more money than when they raise taxes. And the teachers ought to be ashamed asking for a 20% raise, thats insane

Teacher unions should not be allowed to strike period. That's just bad policy for our young people.....