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Subscribe to RSSEarlier this morning, we wrote that -- after last night's House GOP failure to pass "Plan B" -- the White House and Congress essentially have three remaining options:
1. The White House and the Senate (both Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell) work on a quick fix -- like raising rates on income above $250,000 -- that they can force through the House.
2. President Obama still tries to strike a grand bargain, now holding more leverage.
3. We go over the cliff.
Going over the cliff -- which NBC's Mike Viqueira dubbed "the inertia option -- looks like the most likely option. In fact, here's what Viqueira wrote earlier this month:
For what it’s worth, I am in the camp that says they go over the cliff. I don’t see how Boehner puts a bill on the floor that raises rate on anyone. The party would explode, which might be what POTUS has in mind.
In Boehner’s mind, I think it’s better to come back after Jan. 1 and vote to cut them back to where they were, with the top earners going up. Inertia is a driving force in this scenario.
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OK Mr. President you own it now! Off the cliff we go!
Don't for a second think the president owns it. Voters and the population knows who owns it. It's your strinking party. HAHA. You'll see or if you don't you shouldn't use words because you would have to be tooo St---d. Just make 3 month old sounds. That would be good for you.
steve -- pretty sad that the leader of the free world doesn't have the juice to get this done.
Hell your right Stevie why should I think he will own this he has never owned anything remotely derogitory during his administration yet. Must be Bush's fault then!
your right oozie all the problems we have today were created by Bush,so we can honestly say it's Bush's fault. He was the first idiot we ever had to make it to the Presidency,and you see where that got us.
The old lame blame the video games bullcrap argument rears its retarded head again? if that was true most American kids would be killers since the majority play violent but fun video games. If a kid doesnt know the difference between video violence and real violence they are too dumb to live anyway.its not the games or guns its the degenerated retard behind the trigger. It is illegal to kill kids but that doesnt stop a mental case so why would limiting or outlawing guns stop murder? This subject isnt even worthy of debate as common sense dictates that America can only be so safe.
Maybe their next idea would be to arm the kids. Then schools can teach the Constitution focusing on the "right to bear arms". Excuse me while I vomit.
I am all about the right to bear arms. I AM NOT all about assault weapons. The NRA are extremists. This 'suggestion' has pushed them into that category. Perhaps teaching teacher guerilla warfare tactics would also be appropriate?? High Schoolers can take classes: Weapons 101 How to handle and service your weapons. followed by Hand Guns to Assault Weapons Everything you need to know to protect yourself in and OUT of school...
I'm sure the NRA could sell their services on how to handle guns in schools all across America.Ted Nugent can head the program...
Let's kick the violence up even more. Give people reasons to REALLY FEAR for their lives, and let's make sure you worry yourself sick the second your kids leave for school until they are simply gunned down by some freak who has a gun, on the playground.
Maybe Johnny didn't play kickball nicely so Bobby shot him. Or perhaps we can have armed guards on the busses while the kids ride back and forth to school? And every street should have an armed guard at the busstops. Followed by policing of the cafeteria and playgrounds...? Maybe churches can follow suit and grocery stores and hospitals... Oh HELL...WHY NOT HAVE EVERYONE HAVE AN ASSUALT RIFLE OR GUNS??? After all, it is OUR RIGHT to bear arms. However, our Constitution does not say we have the right to have ammo!
Smarten up NRA!
American Lady, I may have made a mistake and added a like to your comment. I don't like it. Your last comment of Maybe Jonny......... I'd love to see an issue over kick ball, you should really consider entering 2013 and take a look at what kids are doing. Do you have kids? I spend more time monitoring Facebook, computer use, and texting with my kids than I care to discuss. I have regular conversations of who they should block, what sites I don't want them on, or even asking stupid things like what does this text mean.
You have no idea what's going on. I've seen teenage girls send naked pictures to my boy, I've intercepted drinking parties, I've seen pictures of passed out kids laying in their own vomit. You really need to explore reality of what's happening. Sad truth is Bobby could have been bullied or outcast by an entire class of peers and his solution was to kill all of them and then end his own life. Yes he used a gun but that isn't even close to what the real issue is. Bobby has problems that even his own family is not willing to discuss openly because they are fending for themselves and living in days gone by.
I used to be republican... now i am a conservative independent...
These guys really make me want to advocate for Congress members (esp. republicans) to have psych evals...
THAT is what they need for Christmas... HELP!!!
Even if there are more gun laws, has anyone considered guns available on the black market, underground operations and the like?? What are the guarantees our kids will be safe with more rules or laws...obviously rules don't matter, because there are many people without morals, values, or conscience. Sure they should implement more gun control laws! Parents all over United States would prefer armed Security Guards in every school. I know I would! It's sad we are forced to fight fire with fire, we may not have any other choice.
This is a great discussion and thank you to everyone who has commented. This issue is polarizing us as a country and that is obvious. We are missing the issue at hand. Arguing for gun control is not going to stop the possiblity of another similar incident. NRA makes some good points in this argument and so does the side of gun control. But really what can we do to make our kids safe. The current security systems in place in our schools are ineffective. Shouldn't that be the issue? Making schools safe? Heck we were smart enough to enact safety belt laws and child seat laws in all 50 states- to prevent deaths. People are still ticketed for this everyday.
Society is changing quickly with technology. I could argue that Facebook should be banned or controled because of cyber bullies and the clear evidence that it is affecting our kids morals. Please look at some of these kids pictures and videos they post. Putting bans on guns, censoring video games, restricting computer use, and the list goes on; it's not helping. I've been told that sometimes the most obvious is the least obvious. We as Americans need to see the obvious in this and work to find a solution. That solution can't be based on opinions or political views.
Can anyone really look at John Boehner and see anything other than a complete incompetent baffoon who by all appearances looks and talks like a lush with a drinking problem?
there fixed it for you.
The NRA is right on.Protect the schools right now,like all important rights!
With what??? Bazooka's and hand grenades against sharp shooters with AK-47's and bullet proof attire.
Why don't you try getting real for once in your life?
If you want to protect the schools ...provide an adequate means for people with mental issues to get help instead of closing state run mental and psychiatric facilties to save tax money like Michigan has with 75% of its facilities.
One other comment I'd like to make is: could someone please explain to me how a rifle gets labeled as an assult rifle? Why are hand guns not called assult pistols? I really feel this is the sensationalizm that helps create this polarization of our citizens. We used to call trucks- trucks. Now we call them SUV's. Can someone tell me how that change in terminology has made them different? What if we called them assult vehicles? Would that make them different? A truck is a truck and a rifle is a rifle. In the end their function does not change by terminology.
I guess no one ever thought that this (the cliff) is what the people really want. Roll back Bush tax cuts and drastically cut spending. After all, the House is the only Federal Body really elected by the people at a level that relects their will.
See www.manifesto2012.com. Read both pages.
Billy Bob. You talk like a guy with a paper mache rectum. None of the blame of Boehner? Did we actually think that the NRA would some out with a statement that would add definition or a solution to the gun problem. Oh, more mental health facilities and an armed guard in every class room. How about more blood donor programs or background checks at guns shows? If the violence continues, the blood donor programs might at least be a good idea. How do you explain the fact that the U.S. has 5% of the world's population and 50% of the world's guns? Must be just a matter of circumstance! I hope discontented members that are sick of the NRA's political rhetoric and lies, cancel their memberships and in turn make a statement.
A few things to clear up here. Taxes need to go up as part of any plan to go along with cuts in spending however, if you think that the most wealthy will be affected by the tax increase you're all nuts. Do you know why Warren Buffet pays less in taxes than his secretary? DEDUCTIONS!!! He thinks the wealthy should pay more but yet he keeps on taking all the deductions to his income that he is allowed to under the tax law. As osmeone that used to work in Washington, I can tell you two things. 1) the Democrats don't want a deal because not getting one is favorable to them politically. The President and the Democratic party have all of the power right now and they know that any failure to get a deal will not be held against them. 2) For those that want to get rid of the Republicans, to possibly have a single party, I say to you. What a horrible idea!!! Both parties have been wrong about the direction of the counrty many times and has been proven by the changes in the party that holds the highest offices over the last 200 plus years! If we truly want to succeed as a nation we need to kick out the fringes of BOTH PARTIES and work together for the common good. The last "real time" both sides worked together was under President Clinton- A time when moderates ruled both the Democrats and Republicans.
What I find so sad is that this conversation is happening and that we all know sooner than later the next one will strike and we will be at it again. True gun laws should be considered, we dont have to abolish the rights of gun owners, the 2nd amendment in its current form has no relevance in todays society, it was written to allow states to protect their citizens in the days before mass tranist and communication. There was a day it was not the law of the land to have to have car insurance but changes in society dictated that the law be changed, same with seat belts. Is there no room for common sense? Arming teachers? Really?Sadly the main force behind the 2nd were slave states trying to protect their disgusting institution and like the NRA it was about money, then the free work of slaves today its the millions gun makers make on making automatic weapons. The elephant in the room is the lack of mental health care and the stigma surrounding it whether its our vets with Post Traumatic Stress, the poor or in the recent cases well educated people from middlke class backgrounds in need of help. Funding cuts, low pay for teachers and counselors and the stress our awful mental health care system puts on law enforcement, charities, schools and other socila agencies. It is hard to get into see mental health professionals as they are overbooked. I think that is the discussion we need to have. That said, calleous as a body count sounds, how many people would be alive had that maniac not had extremely powerful weapons. The first responders saved many lives by the fast action and more would have been saved had this person not been so heavily armed. It is reasonable to assume as little as most of the victims were that some of the fatal wounds might had been treatable. But what if someone got to one guy in Col or CT this year. I hope that we can show our strength by admitting our weakness and addressing the root causes. God bless those kids, teachers and their families. God damn those who hide behind the flag, constitution and Bill of Rights to profit themselves. LaPeirre, Judas called it "blood money". Sleep well.
The arguments for gun ownership are no longer valid or (as valid) as they were when the constitution\amendment was written that provided for it.
The usual arguments for gun ownership are:
1) To protect one's home and property.
2) To Hunt for food with.
3) To protect country from foreign invaders from another country.
4) For sport\hobby purposes like trap shooting.
These arguments are no longer valid or as valid. Law enforcement and judicial system exists to protect citizens and their property and a legal system prosecutes criminals. They have 911 emergency response phone systems and cars with paved roads to travel on. Back in our country's infancy people needed guns to protect property and livestock from predators and Indians. Law enforcement could not respond rapidly due to poor communication technology, no paved roads and may be located remotely. Who needs to hunt for food now a days? There exists a commercial food processing industry to raise live stock and other foods and slaughter houses to process meat. Also fisheries and farms and orchards provide foods and fruits and vegetables with a logistical system to bring food to stores. We have a military and national guard to protect us from foreign invaders. As an alternative to real guns for sporting purposes they could have electronic shooting arcades\galleries or video games. They could also have a facility the public goes to shoot where you would show identification and shoot a low powered gun like a BB\pellet rifle secured to a platform. Maybe it could have a policman there too. Maybe they could wear shooting glasses and ear protection and have richochet proof backstops.
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I can't say for sure that Boehner has a drinking problem but he has mental health/emotional issues and is probably incompetent as a leader. I do think he may be back on medication since he is no longer crying in public for no reason. There is no shame in experiencing these problems as long as he can do his job as speaker.
Obviously some people have missed their civics calsses in high school.
But then they seem to be the same people that call the President a "dictator", so maybe its wish fullfillment.
The President doesn't make laws. He especially doesn't make spending and revenue laws.
All spending and revenue bills must originate in the House. And Republicans claim to konw the Constitution.
Such bills must be passed by the House and then by the Senate. Then they are signed by the President to make them law.
The Republicans control the House. Anything the President wants done is submitted by Democrats, where it is then managed by Boehner as Speaker. He decides if it goes to committee, if it comes out of committee, then he decides if and when iyt goes to the floor. And then the Republicans holding the majority, vote it down.
The Democrats hold the Senate and can block any Republican bill from passing. Since a bill cannot be sent to the President for signature until both hopuses pass it, any purely Republican bill is DOA.
That's why negotiations, stupids. Despite your alterante reality you live in, Obama is not a dictator and cannot just rule by fiat.
That is exactly what he did on immigration when he told justice department to ignore the law and that is what he is doing on marijuana laws again telling justice to ignore the law.
Simplified: That super committee that Cantor kept walking out on last fall showed the repubs were willing to take this cliff option on probably because they were sure they would win this November's elections.
Well they barely won enough to keep the House and lost the big one they thought Mitt or whichever candidate could beat Obama in. So did the repubs win like they planned a year ago? Most say no, so they lost their bet they would not have to deal with the cliff and Obama and Reid in control of 2/3 of the place. What's next for the Teanuts, are they going get Supreme Court to declare Martial Law and control of the USA by Boehner and McConnel in a repub monarchy? They probably can't do that but they could push Obama to have no option but use the 14th Amendment and that would put them under martial law.
Plan C (for Citizen):
1. Congressmen live like we do. No perks, no benefits, and no voting themselves a raise. They have to ask us for a raise. We are their bosses. If they knew what a recession felt like they might be more willing to do something positive to help us out.
2. Pass a balanced budget amendment. If states can live with it, so can the feds. We citizens have to live within our means.
3. Pass term limits for congress. Public service should not be a career, but rather a calling. Do what you were sent there to do, then go home.
4. March the NRA over the fiscal cliff at gun point, then toss the gun over after them. Nobody needs an assault rifle to hunt bunny rabbits. Nobody needs a high capacity handgun to shoot ducks. Video games only kill people if you throw them very, very hard.
They do not have to go over the Cliff ! The Senate is sitting on a bill from August that extends Bush tax cuts for everyone ! All the Democrats have to do is get it passed in the Democratic controlled Senate then have Obama sign ! Bingo no more tax increase !!!
Jim58**/Extending tax cuts for all wouldn't stop anything including our financial collapse.The so called fiscal cliff is about to happen, which will return us to a more fiscal response. We must increase our taxes for all but especially for the upper financial levels who have been receiving an unnecessary free ride for too long.The misnamed fiscal entitlements for the rich and the larger industries must stop especially.Those aids were to help them when they needed to pay for losses incurred through unusual circumstances of a temporary nature,not as an added bonus to their overinflated profits. I have often stated,Entitlements meant payments to only those whom are entitled.The general wage earning public are entitled to receive the S.S. benefits that they have been paying into .Our Government should never have been allowed to loot them. Our pre-payed entitlements would have increased to acceptable degrees if they had left them to earn interest . A means test should never be planed . We were paying a set scaled amount when we payed them and now this Government is considering a means test to go in the opposite direction.those judged to make enough to pay more will now be punished for doing so by having less.That doesn't make sense at all.
Here are the Republicans - the fiscally responsible party who gladly signed up for two wars on credit, yet don't even want to raise revenues to pay for them... who don't get that completely eliminating every social program won't get rid of the already spent money on Social programs that you can't retroactively cut...who don't understand that supporting sex ed limits the abortions they don't feel women have a right to choose (and who don't recognize that the decline in the violent crime rate had a lot to do with the fact that those aborted babies are the ones who didn't grow up to be criminals)...who shipped all the non-education-requiring jobs overseas, yet go out of their way to dismantle the education system in the US...who continue to spend outrageous money on defense when we have outlived any enemy that could even come close to hurting us...and who think that the answer to a society ripped apart by gun violence is...more guns (on the same day that their "ideal" turns out to be a disgraced liar of a former serviceman who may be half a wack-job himself!)...WHO THE HELL VOTES FOR THESE PEOPLE?????
van, what a bunch of moronic babble.
drk-an-gel , truth is hard to swallow isn't it !! gel works ..
Tell barack, harry reid, pelosi and the rest of the dumbocrats when they start acting like adults and stop playing games with the economy and people's lives maybe there can be a serious discussion about the economy. barack think everything is all about him. Liberals think if you don't agree with barack you are a racist. When barack refuses to budge off his stand he is sticking to his guns. When the republicans refuse to budge off their stand they are holding people hostage. barack refuses to admit the problem with the economy is out of control spending. Even when he was given what he said he wanted during the campaign debates he refused to accept it. His plan to try to spend America out of debt isn't working. He has proven that over the past 4 years. None of his plans, programs, or agendas are working yet he keeps wanting to do the same things over and over again. He has divided the country racially, politically, economically, and every other way imaginable. The only reason he won re-election is because the people that voted for him are the ones on welfare, food stamp, extended unempolyment, free housing, free education, free medical, free cell phones, free everything else that working tax payers are paying for. barack keeps promising these people more things at taxpayer's expense that is why the are in favor of rasing taxes on anyone. These people need to learn to get off the lazy a$$es and work fot the things they want or go without. barack is out to ruin America any way he can. BTW fiesty, barack just quits having press confrences. He always talks to the press. He never wants to miss a chance to tell them how great he thinks he is.
The cliff ain't a cliff, it's a slope. And not terribly steep. And something similar with the same effects is going to have to happen anyway if America is to survive in its current format.
The Federal Reserve is still bailing out Big Banks by spending $45 billion per month buying their bad investments ( Toxic Assets ) with money borrowed from everyone's grandchildren ! How many people are underwater with their investment their home ? Why are you not being bailed out ? Think about it, $45 billion per month !