Halloween comes early this year, with many rwnjs coming out with great force to push for the sequester, push the country into a double-dip recession, and then blame it on the President. Yeah, do some of you still blame the president for the sequester which was forced up us by GOP House majority?

Americans for Prosperity campaigns to let the sequester take effect in March.

Theconservative group Americans for Prosperity is mobilizing to pressure lawmakers not to delay cuts in government spending that are set to take effect at the beginning of next month.

The campaign, dubbed the Spending Accountability Project, will build on technology and techniques that the group deployed to criticize President Obama's policies ahead of his 2012 reelection. The group's activists will use campaign tactics including phone banks and door-to-door canvassing with tablet computers to push conservatives to contact their congressional representatives in as many as 40
districts nationwide.

"This is a big vote," said Tim Phillips, AFP's president. "If you're a House Republican and you were elected to rein in the size of government . . . and you turn around and vote against these sequester cuts, it's a big deal. It's inexplicable to do that."

Americans for Prosperity, which focuses on minimizing government's role in the economy, will also consider wading into Republican primaries next year, Phillips said, threatening GOP lawmakers who waffle on spending cuts or acquiesce to tax increases. The group spent more than $100 million on politics last year, partly with support from billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch, owners of a Kansas-based energy and chemical conglomerate.

The two moves put one of the best-funded political groups head to head with rivals on the left and the right. The program is also part of a growing permanent campaign waged by large political advocacy groups even when elections are far in the future.

To combat that push for more revenue from the President, AFP activists are not expected to say much about the $14 trillion national debt or even the federal deficit, which could be eliminated with tax increases. Instead, they are focused on government "overspending" as the source of slow economic growth and job creation.

In next year's primaries, AFP could find itself on the opposite side of a new offshoot of the biggest of the new breed of conservative interest groups, American Crossroads, which was founded in 2010 with help from former George W. Bush political adviser Karl Rove.

Crossroads created the Conservative Victory Project to push Republican candidates who can beat Democrats. In 2012, Republicans squanderedsome of their best pickup opportunities by running candidates who were weak fundraisers or prone to gaffes — including many who won primaries based on their conservative bona fides and support from anti-tax groups such as AFP.

Hey FR---you shouldn't show a picture of McCain and Graham cuddling with the title "Valentine's Day Filibuster"---that is how rumors get started. And McCain's treatment of Hagel has NOTHING to do with how Hagel treated Bush, it has to do with Hagel being honest about his views towards the surge and the McCain presidential candidacy. It is all ego with McCain.

Senator Elizabeth Warren: I want to note that there are district attorneys and U.S. attorneys who are out there everyday squeezing ordinary citizens on sometimes very thin grounds and taking them to trial to 'make an example,' as they put it," Warren said. "I am really concerned that too-big-to-fail has become too-big-for-trial."

We have been waiting a long long time for someone in our government to utter these words.

Americans are changing the way they look at government. They are changing the way they look at the media. They are changing the way they look at life here in America.

Chest pumping my way or the highway rhetoric just isn't going to cut it any longer. Even those who sincerely believed Fox News and Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck and Karl Rove have realized everything was a lie. At their expense.

Corporate America together with our government and media took us all on a long, quite expensive journey. They never paid a price for misleading and exploiting us. Only we the people paid a price.

Our mainstream media (the baby boomers) sold out a long time ago to the Republican establishment. They are just as much to blame as Hannity and Rove. You see them on tv, continually kissing up to GWB former insiders as if they had something intelligent to say. You hear them every single day - we have to cut this, we have to cut that... yet they hold no one responsible, they question no one - when have they ever questioned legitimate concerns over the last 20 years? They didn't. They just went along for the ride allowing everybody to lie to their faces. They didn't do their jobs. And now these same people want to cut important programs that people depend on.

Things are different today. We the people have a huge huge on line network and we will not allow one more incompetent candidate to reach the White House. The days of role playing image candidates are over. We want competence from candidates who want to be our president.

America isn't some bargain basement nation. We are a nation that has strived for generations for the very best educations, the very best infrastructure, the very best health care for everybody and so on.

We want a competent government working for us, not the lobbyists.

And we won't settle for anything less. No more.

Image candidates belong in Hollywood, not the White House.

Senator Warren is working on our behalf. What the **** is Senator McCain doing?

Too funny....

President Barack Obama said that his is the "most transparent administration" in history Thursday during a Google hangout.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2013/02/14/obama_this_is_the_most_transparent_administration_in_history.html

Very nice Mr President but in other news....

It is not news that the US government systematically abuses its secrecy powers to shield its actions from public scrutiny, democratic accountability, and judicial review. But sometimes that abuse is so extreme, so glaring, that it is worth taking note of, as it reveals its purported concern over national security to be a complete sham.

Everyone in the world knows that the CIA has a targeted killing program whereby it uses drones to bomb and shoot missiles at those it wants dead, including US citizens. This is all openly discussed in every media outlet.

Key Obama officials, including the president himself, not only make selective disclosures about this program but openly boast about its alleged successes. Leon Panetta, then the CIA Director, publicly said all the way back in 2009 when asked about the CIA drone program: "I think it does suffice to say that these operations have been very effective because they have been very precise." In 2010, Panetta, speaking to the Washington Post, hailed the CIA drone program in Pakistan as "the most aggressive operation that CIA has been involved in in our history". This is just a partial sample of Obama official boasts about this very program (for more, see pages 15 to 28 here).

Despite all that, the Obama DOJ from the start has refused not only to provide the requested documents about the CIA drone program, but theyrefuse to say whether such documents even exist. They do so by insisting that whether there even exists such a thing as a "CIA drone program" is itself classified, and therefore, they can neither admit nor deny whether they possess any of the documents sought by the FOIA request: "the very fact of the existence or nonexistence of such documents is itself classified," repeats the Obama DOJ over and over like some hypnotic Kafkaesque mantra.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/feb/14/cia-aclu-drone-secrecy

Does anyone else ever wonder what Joe is trying to say?

So now that retiring/ed Secretary Panetta will have to attend the Meetings of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) at the Level of Defence Ministers starting Feb 21st in Brussels - with Hagel's confirmation up in the air: Who can doubt that Graham and his whacky band of Disloyals are out to humiliate and weaken America?

If Graham's excuse for blocking Hagel is to take more hostages re: Benghazi, why did he not take Secretary of State Kerry hostage in the first place? Chuck Hagel had ZERO to do with Benghazi.

GOP's games on Benghazi etc, are just more of their nasty attempts to undermine the President's successes in security, military and foreign policy successes. Yes, Mr. Graham: You "blood suckers" just cannot acknowledge how well President Obama has done without you.

The GOP leaders lack vision. They only care about moving the rich's money into their campaign funds by supporting tax cut for the rich.

These GOP leaders don't understand the basic market principle that money can make more money. By taxing a bit more, and investing into education, high tech, and R&D, the money will produce more great frontier technology to create new jobs in green technology and other next big new tech things where the US used to lead before (such as the Internet, Youtube, and GPS). But with the rest of the world quickly catching up, and with these GOP leades stuck on stuPig, the country might fall behind sooner or later. It's not like most of countries are still stuck in communism under USSR or engulfed in US-supported civil wars. 5 to 8 of the 10 fastest growing economies are now in Africa.

I think I know why these GOP leaders in congress have refused to adopt sensible policies. Because these GOP leaders are part of the establishment, the vest interest, the well-to-do. They don't want to see others also make it. They just succeeded in destroying the US and global economy for their own gains. They don't want to see more members of minorities to climb up the economic and social ladder. Tax more, invest more, and more wealth trickle down to minorities? The GOP doesn't want to see that happen! Please prove me wrong. But we have seen that the conservatives and their Bush caused the recession, pushing more into poverty; and then turn around to stigmatize the poor as lazy welfare-recipients.

...and from the President's biggest booster

In his bid to be remembered as a transformational leader, President Obama is following the playbook of an ideological opposite, Margaret Thatcher. First you win the argument, she used to say, then you win the vote.

Obama is gradually winning the argument about what government can and should do. His State of the Union address was an announcement of that fact -- and a warning to conservatives that to remain relevant, they will have to move beyond the premise that government is always the problem and never the solution.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2013/02/15/winning_the_argument_117033.html

Mr Robinson seems to think that the President's argument to expand the government is winning. Where I would argue with him is that expanding the government at a 40% discount is a winning argument. If I could get any good or service for 40% less than it costs I would want more of it. The bigger question is whether the American people want more government if they actually have to pay for it.

Must suck to be the majority and let these guys keep pushing you folks around.

Seems as all Hell has broke loose in Libbie Land.

Pigotry,

"Halloween comes early this year, with many rwnjs coming out with great force to push for the sequester..."

RWNJ really do not even have to push. They are jsut going to be on vacation for 10 days. They will have only four working days in Congress before the sequestration cuts go into effect.

they just have to do what they always do :NOTHING

And they get paid for this?

who is Joe?

Where is Joe?

Where are his posts?

Never noticed.

Terrific liberal posts to end the week; well said.

Pat, Boston, excellent thoughts.

Job1, I rarely use the ignore button but I finally put Albany on ignore because I decided even he has no idea what he's trying to say so why should I bother; you need a decoder ring otherwise. My few previous Ignores left the building around Nov 6.

Disgusting Republicans. Filibustering Hagel's nomination, A new low for the Republicans, as if they could get much lower. And who is this clown Cruz? We just got rid of two jerks (West and the other jerk) and now we get another, soon to be, short lived loser. What's wrong with these guys? Grow up and look like adults. That's what you were elected for. Get over getting your "CLOCKS CLEANED" and get about the peoples business. Get a life.

wow... I have never seen so many liberals in one place ... all at the same time...driving some right-wingers nuts - thus rwnjs?????? Great Lib Service, lib folks!!

Pat -- Thanks for reminding us Senator Elizabeth Warren is on the JOB!!! Terrific post.

Nice to see someone in Congress working hard on behalf of We the People.

My friend Feisty Redhead hits the truth dead on when she takes Fox to task for their insipid and ignorant diatribe about 102-year-old Desilene Victor. How many of us, who are 40 years younger, would stand in line for six hours to exercise our right to vote? Ms. Victor's resolute stance is not merely noteworthy, it is praiseworthy. Fox viewers are simply too stupid to grasp the significance of Ms. Victor's action.

Fox viewers are incapable of independent thought. They go to Fox for talking points and marching orders. Fox viewers actually believe that McCain, Graham, and Cruz are making some sort of case. They don't know what it is, but it somehow has something to do with Benghazi. Maybe it has something to do with Israel, the tail that wags the American dog.

The truth is, and Fox viewers do NOT know this, Hagel will be confirmed in a bit more than a week. McCain will have embarrassed and contradicted himself AGAIN. Graham will have shown empty-headed teabaggers that he is a really tough guy. Cruz adds to his credentials as a low-grade moron. And these guys come from the legislative branch that was called "The Greatest Deliberative Body in the World". Deliberately petulant! Deliberately destructive! Deliberately obstructionist! That's today's truth.

And Fox pitches these guys as heroes? The temptation is to say this is unbelievable, but it's not. It's the spot on truth. The Republican party, its vile propaganda arm - Fox, and its spittle-flecked screamers like Limbaugh, Hannity, and Malkin are domestic enemies in every sense.

I see Joe was up early this morning ... to clarify his meaning so that all can understand ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-e1E2GbRYw

I don't normally respond to Joe in Albany's posts, preferring to ignore his caustic daily dose of anti-American propoganda. His third post today, though, was too illogical to ignore:

Barry wanted a weak Secretary of Defense, and that’s just
what he is going to get.

Chuck Hagel is a "weak" candidate for Secretary of Defense? Compared to the devastatingly ignorant decisons of Donald Rumsfeld, Chuck Hagel looks like a superstar.

Donald Rumsfeld rushed our troops into Iraq without the body armour and armoured vehicles they would need to protect themselves. He also did not send in enough troops to secure the weapons depots and outposts, and the weapons and munitions they left unguarded were later used against our troops.

Can you think of a military action that was as ill-conceived, poorly executed and mismanaged as the Iraq war? The un-official military term is FUBAR.

I would prefer a "weak" candidate like Chuck Hagel over an incompetent, arrogant, idiotic candidate like Donald Rumsfeld any day.

Also, Joe, please don't post anything complaining about the deficit when you are so proud of limiting your contribution to lowering it.

Who knew that filibustering yourself could lead to a bad case of V-D and Paper Roses? Speaking of yucky deposits, I see Joe had to shoot his load, and thus hooked up with his local CPA for his annual wad blowing session where they spent an inordinate amount of foreplay time talking dirty about green energy and nuclear options. Thank goodness the Albanian invokes the Santa rule, and only comes, or more precisely, strokes his bulging wallet of paper assets, only once per year. Of course Joe wouldn't be able to unload his paper assets anywhere had Barry not corrected the economy and reversed the course of the falling stock market caused by Bush.

Yup, hearing Joe brag about his paper assets is about as fun as hearing Marie Osmond whine on and on about paper roses - and how real those roses/assets seem to be. Tis rather sad that Joe's only net worth is the value of those paper asses. The next stock market crash will leave ole Joe valueless, with nary a wad or a deposit worth taking.

Interesting picture of McCain and Graham. Looks like McCain is saying "Oo, smell this one...can you tell what I ate?"

Graham: "Sniff, sniff, sniff...hmmm...nope, sniff sniff, ...just smells like regular bullshlt to me."

Job1 asks:

"Does anyone else ever wonder what Joe is trying to say?"

Heavens no! We know that he hates the dark guy in the White House. That's what he's about. No more and no less. Anyone who has to tell you day in and day out how wonderful his life is, while at the same time telling you how awful it is, has a teensy-weensy problem.

Pat, Boston

Our mainstream media (the baby boomers) sold out a long time ago to the Republican establishment. They are just as much to blame as Hannity and Rove. You see them on tv, continually kissing up to GWB former insiders as if they had something intelligent to say.

That Pinky handshake Harry Reid gave Mitch McConnel is a prime example.

Private Debt – Not Government Debt – Will Destroy America

Currently, our national debt is roughly 100% of GDP. After World War 2, it was much higher – over 120% of GDP. But, rather than freaking out in the 1950’s and demanding austerity spending cuts, both Republican and Democratic Presidents and lawmakers grew our nation out of this so-called debt problem with government spending
http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/thom-hartmann/48136/private-debt-not-government-debt-will-destroy-america

Jody, Iowa

Terrific liberal posts to end the week; well said.

Pat, Boston, excellent thoughts

Good morning Jody,

Jody and Dont carry it all & Bev - thank you.

Keep the pressure on. We are finally able to speak louder than the media despite being corporate/conservative owned.

It's us against them from now on. And we the people will win.

It's the very definition of the United States of America from now on.

We the people are more honest than they could ever be. We care about our country's future more than they ever will. They're proven that.

I'm no defender of FOX news and there is no show on that station that I can remember watching. However, as deserved as the criticism is of their comments regarding Desilene Victor, where was the outrage at NBC/MSNBC for actually editing news tapes to fit an agenda? This did not occur once but on several occasions.

...and Mr Walker accuses FOX viewers of lacking independent thought?

I think I smell some faux outrage.

Who Is Dreaming? The GOP Senate Tyrants are filibustering Defense Secretary nominee Chuck Hagel...but they support $$gun mafia mouthpiece La Pierre and HIS Senate testimony.

Backhouse, excellent excellent point. Republicans don't care about people, just $$ and macho macho BS. Meanwhile, innocent people continue to die - every freakin' day.

McCain is more concerned about what Hagel had to say about GWB? That guy is a disgrace. Doesn't he remember what GWB/Rove and Co. did to him?

"Does anyone else ever wonder what Joe is trying to say?"

I personally don't G.A.S. what he says. Seems to me it is always a scoop or something that he brings in out of breath. But turns out is is just more bovine excrement from the right. I have no one on ignore, because sometimes it is good for a laugh how the right don't get it. They lost the election because a majority of the American people don't see it the same way as these RWNJ's, matter of fact there are going to be fewer and fewer of these as this administration becomes more and more successful as time goes on. I honestly wonder if some of them are smart enough to know when they are neck deep in sea water that global warming is occurring at an alarming rate and to do nothing is wrong. Doing something, anything is trying, doing nothing is wrong. when the water goes over your head right wonders best to take a deep breath and if Rush Limbaugh says that is so it will be a deep breath.

FOX NEWS Is Going Tabloid

Just a little observation, gentle reader. It wasn't so long ago that Greta Van Susteren was interviewing Senators, governors, Presidential candidates and other heavy hitters. What has she been up to this week? For several days it was in-depth coverage of the Christopher Dorner manhunt. Last night she was interviewing passengers from the Carnival cruise and their families.

I wonder if this has something to do with the fact that according to the last Nielsen numbers, the show is bleeding viewers, while [The Last Word on MSNBC] has been picking them up. Maybe they're trying to see if cops, blood and shipwrecks do better in the ratings game. Your humble servant will monitor this to see if it's a lasting trend.

http://www.newshounds.us/is_on_the_record_going_tabloid_20130215

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That Sarah Palin Look-a-Like Scott Brown Over @ Fox News POX NEWS Doesn't Help Any!!!

WTG Rachel & Lawrence!!

Job1 asks:

"Does anyone else ever wonder what Joe is trying to say?"

If you google narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) it seems to me to sum up Joe perfectly.

Also, Joe, please don't post anything complaining about the deficit when you are so proud of limiting your contribution to lowering it.

______________________________________________________

I have decided to stop complaining about the deficit. It's a waste of time and hot air. All the "changing demographics" seem to love govt as nanny and will all vote for the pandering Dems. My new Barry-oriented philosophy on the deficit is:

Run up the deficit Chinese credit card bill as high as you can, and let the "changing demographics" worry about how to pay for it.

Meanwhile, give me ALL my entitlements in full and with NO changes.

Beverly-

I wonder if this has something to do with the fact that according to the last Nielsen numbers, the show is bleeding viewers

You mean people aren't tuning in to watch the "all Benghazi, all the time" channel?

Watching someone beat the proverbial dead horse must get boring even for Fox viewers.

Joe in Albany -

I have decided to stop complaining about the deficit. It's a waste of time and hot air.

and how would that be different from any of your other posts?

Sorry, you hung a breaking ball, I had to swing......

The Valentine's Day filibuster

Well, that's what conservatives call 'a sweetheart deal'? Conservatives are uptight, not romantic, obviously

Gee, I seem to be very popular with the FR lefty liberals today.

Finally the Albanian Idiot confesses, it's all about being popular with him!

Has to be the most honest thing he's ever said...

This man is not fit to be Sec of Defense. Thats why the questions and stalling.

He will get it in the end. We have a President who is not fit to be in the office. Two Sec of States who were not capable of doing the job and the list could go on and on.

Failure at the top pours down hill.

We have no leadership at the top level so why would his choices be any better.

I hope you liberal (Muslim brotherhood) people are happy with your self's.

Feisty -- You write:

Finally the Albanian Idiot confesses, it's all about being popular with him!

That AND he likes getting a daily FLOGGING!

Looks like millions of American’s have figured out that
another wonderful speech by Barry is just another long and boring breath of hot
air.

...

Obama's State of
the Union lowest-rated since 2000

Not the sharpest knife in the drawer; are you, Joe?

There's something called "the Internet." People don't watch the SOTU address as much anymore because they can either watch it live on the Internet or watch it any other time. Back in 1993, when Clinton delivered the most viewed SOTU address of all time, if someone wanted to watch it, they didn't have the luxury of just going to YouTube at their convenience.

PatBoston......you are delusional! Along with unfortunately the other 54% of Massachusetts! Warren will do nothing...just wait and see. McCain questions everything, as did Scott Brown. So far, I haven't heard a damn thing from Warren about anything actually going on in Washington, only what she plans to tackle. How about dealing with today crises before you start others?!

I have to say, people like you out there voting make me want to move out of this uneducated state!

David Walker

They don't know what it is, but it somehow has something to do with Benghazi. Maybe it has something to do with Israel, the tail that wags the American dog.

The truth is, and Fox viewers do NOT know this, Hagel will be confirmed in a bit more than a week. McCain will have embarrassed and contradicted himself AGAIN. Graham will have shown empty-headed teabaggers that he is a really tough guy. Cruz adds to his credentials as a low-grade moron. And these guys come from the legislative branch that was called "The Greatest Deliberative Body in the World". Deliberately petulant! Deliberately destructive! Deliberately obstructionist! That's today's truth.

Excellent points David

Might I also add, it was Lindsey Graham who wasted all that time and tax dollars getting Clinton impeached. Drama Queen Lindsey Graham is hitting the tin foil hatters hard this time to NO avail; except setting the stage for all the tripod "MAD HATTERS" further demise; and possibly his own.

Albanian Idiot,

It's Friday, the forecast is for sunny skies and mid-40s, Can you guess what's on the lunch menu today??

Your lunch menu? Yeah, boiled river carp. Enjoy! You deserve it.

r u kidding,

How about providing a list of who you consider to be “qualified” Democrats to fill the cabinet positions

Waiting …

Gee, I seem to be very popular with the FR lefty liberals today.

Oh come on Joe - you indirectly say it with each and every post. Obama is your Viagra, while a brush with Bush leaves you and your wallet impotent. But hey, keep posting how awful your life is 'under' Obama - tis rather amusing to watch you try to screw Obama by donating your deposits to charity. You call it a win-win, I would suggest it is a winner take all for team Obama. He doesn't have to grab a box of kleenex to wipe of the mess.

He’s heading to Florida for a vacation, where he’ll be getting golf lessons from former Tiger Woods golf coach Butch Harmon,

He's actually gonna be up the road a bit from me, but wow, his timing couldn't have been worse. We are having our coldest, rainiest weather of the year right now with the coldest temperatures this weekend. In the grand scheme of things though, Florida "cold" is better than most places cold!! ;-)

Have a great weekend all.

Finally the Albanian Idiot confesses, it's all about being popular with him!

Charles Manson is popular too - everyone knows who he is.

Hagel nomination is stuck in the mud, was that Graham's head screaming across the Siberia sky last night looking for attention, what a Blockhead !!!

Jack in Portsmouth

Albanian Idiot,

Your lunch menu? Yeah, boiled river carp. Enjoy! You deserve it.

Joe has conflicting recipes ... is that carp or crap? Please advise ... or not.

Comparing Hagel and La Pierre has got to be one of the dumbest posts even for a liberal. Hagel's confirmation hearing was a joke, he could not have come off anymore incompetent. One of the highlights is when he said he didn't know much about the duties of the position but he would learn on the job. Well after four years Obama hasn't learned much about how to help this nation much less how to lead. So on the job training for Secretary of Defense doesn't sound like a great idea. If the most transparent administration ever to occupy the Oval Office were actually transparent, maybe the need for additional answers would not be holding up this nomination. Some of Hagel's biggest support is coming from Iran, and that should make everyone feel safer.

rukidding-

He will get it in the end. We have a President who is not fit to be in the office. Two Sec of States who were not capable of doing the job and the list could go on and on.

You must be kidding, no one could really be that misinformed.

Hillary Clinton was eminently more qualified and was a far better Sec of State than Condeleeza Rice. John Kerry is probably the most qualified candidate to be Sec of State that we have ever had.

I know you dont even want me to start talking about GW Bush's appointees or nominees: Donald Rumsfeld as Sec Def, Micheal Brown at FEMA, Alberto Gonvalez as Atty General, Linda Chavez at Labor, or Bernard Kerik at Homeland Security.

All of them were either incompetent, corrupt, or both.

@ Pat

Good post. Makes you wonder why we didn't take a cue from Iceland.

Albany Joe finally gets it!

I have decided to stop complaining about the deficit. It's a waste of time and hot air. All the "changing demographics" seem to love govt as nanny and will all vote for the pandering Dems. My new Barry-oriented philosophy on the deficit is:

Run up the deficit Chinese credit card bill as high as you can, and let the "changing demographics" worry about how to pay for it.

Meanwhile, give me ALL my entitlements in full and with NO changes.

That's not a "Barry" philosophy!

This is what Republicans have been doing since 1980!

You're just FINALLY realizing what your people have been doing?

Cut taxes on the wealthy, run up the debt and let the middle class pay for it!

My God! You finally GET IT!

NewsforDumbFux does it all the time as well - what's your point?

The difference is, MSNBC admits their mistakes where Faux & Freaks double down on them.

Care to back up this statement. This is all I could find which is childish to say the least but not at the same level as altering a 911 tape.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCQ4gAAVW2k

Alan, NJ

Fiesty - Can't Understand Normal Thinking - Continues her rants that are all so full of BS.

Most of the libs on this page live and die on the words of the MSNBC clowns. Horses ass Mr. Ed was the first to run the editied 911 tape of George Zimmerman. Has the horses ass ever admitted it? NO! I'll bet that horses ass had his crew do the work and then blame some poor schmuck. The horses ass should be the one who gets fired but he's just too popular with his couple thousand viewers.

...was that Graham's head screaming across the Siberia sky last night...

His head certainly couldn't get any 'meatier'. (rimshot...splash cymbal)

Revenge? This has nothing to do with revenge. This is the Republican Congress doing the will of Israel and AIPAC. Israel does not want Hagel to be Secretary of Defense and neither do the neocons in our governmet.

This is a stirling example of Israeli control of our government. Vote out the obstructionists. They serve Israel, not the USA.

Jody - I see Joe in Albany and scroll past it. You know it is just the ranting and ravings of a mad man who actually BELIEVES what Republicans say. Sad really - and not worth the time

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Speaking of Valentine's Day...McCain and Graham Caught Together at Washington Area Motel

Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham were spotted sharing a room together at a Washington D.C. area motel last night.The Valentine's Day tryst reportedly occurred just hours after the suspiciously friendly duo successfully blocked a vote to confirm former colleague Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense. ... Read More>>>

Deliberative Bodies

Senator Graham of South Carolina and Senator McCain of Arizona have sparked an extraordinary friendship over the past year - teaming up on several issues including the investigation into the September 11th, 2012 attacks on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

"I put earplugs in after I heard the one of them perform a 'backdoor filibusterer'.

http://dailycurrant.com/2013/02/15/mccain-graham-caught-washington-area-motel/

Beverly in Chicago

Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham were spotted sharing a room together at a Washington D.C. area motel last night.

If you look closely at the picture of Dumb and Dumber from the article above (thats McCain and Graham to the Albanian Idiot) you can see someone photo shopped McCains left hand from the back of Grahams head

Yet more than anything else, yesterday highlighted a growing problem for the GOP in the Age of Obama: It’s clear what they are against, but what are they for?

And that folks is the 20 million dollar question. They do not even know that what they are for.

Joe, talking about ratings. Really, now this dude is using rating of the SOTU to somehow say less people care for Obama speech.

Ok Joe what happen on Nov 6, 2012, Obama was re-elected.

President Approval rating is currently 52%.

So who gives a sh!t about SOTU rating. Only a sore/pissed off right wing nut would actually post something about ratings. Pathetic!!!

Alan, NJ:

Yes, tapes are edited. Back in the day, floors were covered with film that would never hit a projector. Today, its videotape that is "spliced" or discs that are edited. Typically those edits are made with conciseness in mind because of time constraints. THAT is the way the broadcast industry is run. Hours of recordings disappear into the ether or original tapes/discs are even recycled and reused.

With literally millions of hours from which editors must choose, and millions of edits that must be made, it is utterly ridiculous to imagine that there will not be mistakes. Yes, the meaning of a piece can be altered. Honesty demands those mistakes be acknowledged.

In my opinion, the editing of the 9-1-1 tape in the Zimmerman/Martin killing did alter the viewer/listener impression of what actually happened, and required an explanation. Contrary to what JH asserts, I believe the misleading edit WAS addressed.

However, there is a vast difference between an edit that inadvertently alters the meaning of a conversation and one that deliberately seeks to create a misunderstanding. That is precisely what happened with President Obama's "you didn't do that by yourself" remarks. Right wing media not only generally refused to acknowledge that the remarks were taken out of context, which is to say they were edited, but they doubled down on their dishonesty.

That is the issue Alan.

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

Gee, I seem to be very popular with the FR lefty liberals today.

Finally the Albanian Idiot confesses, it's all about being popular with him!

Has to be the most honest thing he's ever said

_________________________________________

Hey Nasty DumbFux: you left off the most important part of my post below in bold italics

Gee, I seem to be very popular with the FR lefty liberals today.

LMFAO@U!!!!!!

BTW, can you give me the link to your Barry avatar pig logo??

It's just so appropriate for the Queen of the 47%.

Something seems oddly appropriate of the picture of Senator McCain and Senator Graham posted within the article. McCain appears to be whispering to Graham exactly what he would like for Valentine's day and Graham looks to be already on the way to fulfilling that wish.

McCain of course being the elder statesmen insist that Graham go first, but one must admit is arguable difficult to not see these as doing nothing but 'servicing' one another when dealing with every issue under the rainbow.

Perhaps they are getting a little tired of the old n stale and that is where Ayote gets pulled...who knows!?!?!

What a load of BS. Seriously, Hagel had nothing to do with Benghazi. He wasn't even a part of the administration. I wouldn't even call this politics, as it's too juvenile for EVEN THAT term. This is straight up, school yard, idiocy. The man has the votes and it's time for McCain and crew to take their ball and go home. So he didn't want to play "Let's bomb Iraq" with you. Get over it.

Care to back up this statement.

I would LOVE to since RWNJS' want everything handed to them;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZJeeJ1PMNE&list=PL814374ED833C9047&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IETQJouWaCM&list=PL814374ED833C9047

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkxAOuvEgB4&list=PL814374ED833C9047&index=5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gh6r5ALVMo&list=PL814374ED833C9047&index=2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-KzzDZo6GY&list=PL814374ED833C9047&index=6

When you finish with these, just Google; Fox News Editing bias, there is a plethora of examples waitingf for you! ;o)

In my opinion, the editing of the 9-1-1 tape in the Zimmerman/Martin killing did alter the viewer/listener impression of what actually happened, and required an explanation. Contrary to what JH asserts, I believe the misleading edit WAS addressed.

David,

Yes, it was. People were fired over it. Can't say the same for Dumbfux News!

BTW, can you give me the link to your Barry avatar pig logo??

I wouldn't expect the Albanian idiot to be able to differentiate between a cat and a pig!

My turn to LMAO@U!

Even to the dumbest sum-bitch among us, which by the way, could very well be me, it is now abundantly clear, the gwaddamn republicans have no interest in the governance of this country. Whether stupidity, or design, these sons-ah-bitches mean to hurt that Black bastard President, and all those who support Him. Aye gwad, they are the governing arm of, by, and for, the plutocrats, and nothing or no one shall distract or dissuade them from the ass kissing servitude of service to their masters. Such a grand pedigree of pure fools!

bcw,

Joe has conflicting recipes ... is that carp or crap? Please advise ... or not.

Oops! My bad. I'm forever inverting those two letters. I suppose it's because the latter is unimaginable--to anyone but the Idiot.

However, there is a vast difference between an edit that inadvertently alters the meaning of a conversation and one that deliberately seeks to create a misunderstanding. That is precisely what happened with President Obama's "you didn't do that by yourself" remarks. Right wing media not only generally refused to acknowledge that the remarks were taken out of context, which is to say they were edited, but they doubled down on their dishonesty.

That is the issue Alan.

I completely disagree with your opinion above. I do not for a minute believe that the Zimmerman tape was inadvertent. I believe it was deliberate, and to promote a particular view of Zimmerman. This was also done on the Romney tape, and in the tape of the gun advocate. Each incident was done with forethought to promote a particular agenda. This is not editorializing, which is fair for both sides. I do not agree with much of what is said on MSNBC after 10am but 90% is opinion and comment and that is fair enough (I actually think their Saturday Morning shows are better as there is an actual discussion albeit from a particular view point). However, NBC/MSNBC distortions of actual fact is a disgrace and the journalists that are part of this news organization should voice their displeasure, or resign.

As to the President's remarks he did mean what he said. He does not believe an individual can build a business by himself. He thinks the individual was lucky. This has been stated in other speeches he has given. Whether the remarks are in or out of context the President's belief in government as the solution drives his philosophy and that is where the argument is. Not where a phrase was in a particular paragraph.

John McCain proves again he's evolved into nothing more than a bitter, vile, nasty, whining old man. I supported this guy at one time, sent him money and knocked on doors for him. But the sooner he retires, the better off this nation will be.

Alan, NJ:

In 2003, Fox "news", in a court of law, fought for their right to lie to you, and won that right. THAT'S THE DIFFERENCE.

You good with that?

Next time you tune in to ANY Fox "news" broadcast, you might as well call up and ask the "news"caster to kiss you. After all, most people like to be kissed while they're getting @!$%#ed, right?

Alan you write:

He thinks the individual was lucky.

That is a misrepresentation of what the President meant. Some people are lucky in that they were born into wealth. Or lucky because they inherited the family business or fortune. That's luck. The President was pointing out that NO ONE does anything without the help of parents, family, friends, communities, government, and yes, even buisness. No Man is an Island.

Fiesty - Can't Understand Normal Thinking

Was Horses Ass Mr. Ed's editing of the Zimmerman 911 tape discussed over and over again for three plus nights on his show??????

He ran the phoney tape over and over. When and how did that horses ass discuss his misleading tape, as you believe?

From "Joe in Albany": "Translation from Jobless1 to English: How many of you FR lefty liberals are as stupid as me??"

Answer: clearly, there are none as stupid as you. We abdicate and relinquish the "stupid" prize to you, Joe.

@Mickey

I agree with you. I would not watch Fox News to get "news". However, I have the same opinion of MSNBC and lately NBC. This is what you cannot get your head around.

@DCIA

The President's "lucky" remark was in the context of achieved success not inherited. You like when I say President Obama is lucky that he followed Bush or he would be the worst President in living memory? How about President Obama was lucky to get into Harvard. His success is obviously shared by all.

@Redhead

Watched them all. The only one I would agree with is the Franken clip. The others are just bias. The last one in particular regarding the law professor didn't even distort his views just blunted his nuance.

"The real key in this Dem offer is the cuts they DID agree to and the oil and gas tax loopholes they offered up. We’re about 60% of the way there, perhaps."

Ok, if they [Democrats & Republicans] have at least that much of an agreement, why not put that down, sign it into law, and move on to the next issue.

Forward >

John (Bomb Bomb Iran) McCain sez:

At one point, he said he was the worst president since Herbert Hoover, said the surge was the worst blunder since the Vietnam War, which is nonsense.

Chuck Hagel was being very unfair to compare G. W. Bush to Herbert Hoover. Unfair to Hoover. Hoover was a highly intelligent man. While Hoover handled the Great Depression badly, he did a lot of good public service before and after he was president. He was more of a Republican Jimmy Carter than a George W. Bush. And Hoover didn't plunge the country into an unnecessary and disastrous war. That's probably why a poll of historians ranked Bush to be a worse president than Hoover:

http://paxonbothhouses.blogspot.com/2012/08/238-presidential-historians-rank-obama.html

GOP traitors simply do what the military industrial complex and pro-Israel lobby tell them to do. We deserve a competent Secretary of Defense like Hagel, ready to cut the waste and pork from the bloated 'defense' budget.

Even to the dumbest sum-bitch among us, which by the way, could very well be me, it is now abundantly clear, the gwaddamn republicans have no interest in the governance of this country.

That's part of the problem. What their supporters do not realize is that their very life depends on the existence of the US government. Drown it in a bathtub and they are next.

Theirs is the mockery of fools.

Which is more important to Americans... who is going to be Secretary of Defense? or how our economy is going to get on track?

Yet, this is now the third straight day that the Hagel story is on NBC's website, and again fails to give weight to the many credible reasons why a reasonable person would consider Hagel incomptent for the job. The story about Obama being unable to pay for his spending agenda was up for 28 seconds.

Another reason why NBC is tied with the Comedy Channel (yes, you read that right) as the least trusted source for news (5% trusted in the most recent poll)... and this type of reporting is why.

[However, I have the same opinion of MSNBC and lately NBC. This is what you cannot get your head around.]

I guess it's a matter of what one bases his opinion on, Alan.

Beverly, that's so funny, McCain and Graham spotted at a DC motel on Valentine's Day--surprised it took this long for someone to spot them. How ironic, McCain was holding a bottle of water which sums up the week in GOPer-Land.

Alan -

Yes, it was a message in the context of achieved success. To achieve success you will need HELP from others. Would the baby learn to talk without the help of other humans around him? Does he hunt and feed for himself so that he may live? Does the child teach himself all there is to know about math, the sciences and business? Does he build the road and car that takes him from point A to point B himself? And on and on it goes.

Looks like Lindsey Graham had a Sonic Boom of a filibuster because Hagel is crossing the line for the better !

John McCain and Lindsey Graham are two washed up fools, they make the Republican party look stupid !

Another reason why NBC is tied with the Comedy Channel (yes, you read that right) as the least trusted source for news (5% trusted in the most recent poll).

Ah, another poll challenged conservative poster, that reads polls like Romney/Rove. Please, do tell, what is the rating of Fox News when it comes to least trusted news source? Could it be, gasp, somewhere around 39%.

Alan NJ

As to the President's remarks he did mean what he said. He does not believe an individual can build a business by himself. He thinks the individual was lucky.

You're making a gross misrepresentation of what Obama meant, and yet you whine about NBC selectively editing stuff. You're a hypocrite.

@RedDevPS: Yes, though the 39% is due to the staunch liberals who are intolerant of facts that get in the way of their opinion.

However, in the same poll, could Fox news also be the most trusted new source by... ghasp... somewhere around 47%?

Regardless, you changed the subject. Fact is that NBC was tied for last with the Comedy Channel at 5%. That's actually funnier than anything I've ever seen on the Comedy Channel...

Rick-3416939

Hagel's confirmation hearing was a joke, he could not have come off anymore incompetent.

Hagel would have to work REALLY hard to be more incompetent than Donald Rumsfeld, the architect of the Iraq debacle, whom all the Republican clowns in the Senate voted for in lockstep.

The entire article is an attempt to steer the narrative from Israel opposing Hagel, to the Republicans opposing Hagel for vindictive reasons.

The one and only reason Hagel is being opposed in Congress, is their servility to AIPAC and Israel.

Do not be fooled. This is the Zionist media twisting the narrative, in order to absolve the Jews of attempting to screw with American policies, by screening the canidates for a neocon shill. The Jews want a war.

@Houston! You are misinformed. Obama went on record many times after that and said that, indeed, he believes that nobody achieved success without gov't support. Be it the roads to get them to the office, law enforcement that keeps them safe at the office, environmental regulations that allow them to breathe clean air, etc... And the proof is in the pudding - ask any progressive today, and most/all of them will agree with this. So Obama's words were not taken out of context.

And by the way, Fox News played the full clip straight through, so that people like you wouldn't be able to lodge a credible argument that it was taken out of context.

Truth hurts, don't it?

Empty headed liberal blather here. There is more support in Iran for Hagle to be our Secretary of Defense than there is here in the USA. Will you folks ever see past the blue blinders you have on?

Regardless, you changed the subject. Fact is that NBC was tied for last with the Comedy Channel at 5%. That's actually funnier than anything I've ever seen on the Comedy Channel...

I didn't change the subject, I simply pointed out your comedic interpretation of the polls, which are as hysterical as the comedic poll reading displayed by Romney/Rove.

RalphH, Hagel is being opposed because he is incompetent. He believes the US is the world's bully, and he is fit to be in charge of our national defense? He believes we have a policy of containment on Iran? He thought the surge would be the biggest mistake since the Vietnam war?

His stupidity is second only to yours. If Israel wanted a war, they could wipe out all of the Palestinians in the West Bank in a day.

@RedDevPS: I did not give an interpretation of the polls. I simply stated the numbers. But that's ok - don't let the facts get in the way of your opinion...

THis is a major, major, HUGE victory for the Party of AMerica - the party of God the party of Hard Work!!!!!

Realist17

However, in the same poll, could Fox news also be the most trusted new source by... ghasp... somewhere around 47%?

Despite your screen name, you don't seem to be in touch with reality. Either that, or you haven't heard about The Google.

http://www.wisconsingazette.com/national-gaze/fox-news-at-record-low-in-trust-poll.html

Public Policy Polling has been conducting its annual TV news survey for four years. The polling recently released shows that Fox News has hit a record low with voters – 46 percent do not trust its news compared to 41 percent who do.

PPP, which did the survey, summarized the results of their ranking of trust among news sources this way:

PPP, in its release on the survey, said, “We find once again this year that Democrats trust everything except Fox, and Republicans don't trust anything other than Fox.”

Who wouldn't anyone trust Fox, after they predicted the big Mitt Romney landslide and broke the shocking story of Obama spending $250 million a day on his trip to India (as much as is spent per day for the Afghanistan war)?

There is more support in Iran for Hagle to be our Secretary of Defense than there is here in the USA.

Ignore Lanikai Ron. He's bumping into walls. That's what happens when you have tunnel vision.

What do you guys call each other and then come on here together to get your followers fired up. Don't act like the democrats have never done this. Remember how Dick Cheney became the secretary of defense; John Tower was filibustered when the first Bush became president.

You people need to take a breath, and move on.

Realist17

@Houston! You are misinformed. Obama went on record many times after that and said that, indeed, he believes that nobody achieved success without gov't support. Be it the roads to get them to the office, law enforcement that keeps them safe at the office, environmental regulations that allow them to breathe clean air, etc...

Yes, that is what Obama meant. And you disagree with that? You think businesses succeed without government-built roads and government supplied police forces, and without regulations that prevent business people and their customers from being poisoned to death by polluted air or tainted food and drugs? Again, you seem amazingly disconnected from reality for someone with "Realist" as a screen name.

Lanikai Ron

Empty headed liberal blather here. There is more support in Iran for Hagle to be our Secretary of Defense than there is here in the USA. Will you folks ever see past the blue blinders you have on?

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

So how is Iran this time of year? I wasn't aware US residents were able to walk the streets of Tehran and get a first hand account of how their citizens felt about who occupied the US SecDef position.

Perhaps if you took a little more time learn who the man is, even something basic...like the spelling of his name correctly, we might get to that majority you don't believe exist.

Also, I'm certain once the GOP song n dance is over and Senator Hagel is confirmed as the next SecDef, you'll have a riveting explanation as to how it happened.

@Houston! I said around 47% - I couldn't remember the exact number. You say it's 41? I believe you. And I didn't come up with the 39% dispproval number. Your cohort RedDevPS did. The fact remains that the liberals all voted against Fox because they can't stand to hear actual facts that get in the way of their narrative.

But you are doing what liberals do best - misdirection. My initial post had nothing to do with Fox. I merely stated a fact that NBC had a 5% trust rating. And it is my opinion that coverage such as this for three days, while posting the article that we can't afford Obama's proposed spending spree for all of about 28 seconds, is one of the causes that NBC has the same trust rating as the Comedy Channel.

Yet if you want me to discuss Fox briefly, I will. Our contry needs a network who challenges the President. God knows our nation needs one, especially in the face of every mainstream media network who bows down to him and never questions him, while making up stories and editing clips to suit their agenda. That is journalism? The fact that FNC outs our King when he deserves to be outed, and outs the other so-called news networks for being the biased advocates that they are, when warranted, is something the liberals can't handle. And that is reflected in their rating against FNC.

Alan, you cannot fairly compare FOX and MSNBC/NBC. The difference between the two is gigantic as evidenced by the Nov 6 election--FOX had so convinced its viewers, including Romney, that the polls were wrong and Romney would win big that the talking heads were stunned, Rove went into meltdown as did others when it was announced President Obama had won re-election. That was the ultimate reality that had become Faux News, it had finally actually believed the lies it had been telling it viewers and fooled itself.

There is also a huge difference between FOX viewers and MSNBC viewers. The bulk of FOX viewers believe every word spoken (repeat comment about the election); we see those lies and half-truths repeated here daily. The bulk of MSNBC viewers do not accept every word spoken as truth nor do we agree with every word spoken. I frequently am at odds with something Ed says or disagree with Rachel's focus on something. When MSNBC gets something wrong, they correct it and apologize including the Zimmerman tape, it fired the guilty employees. If FOX fired its hosts for getting something wrong, they'd need a revolving door of new hosts to fill the slots of the daily disappearing ones.

Lanakai Ron, which is exactly what Iran wants you to think. Ever occur to you that anytime Iran praises someone, it is because they fear that person? Iran has successfully achieved their goal--they got the conservatives on their side. Think about it.

Big Dave, do you really think Tower, a raging alcholic, was the best person for Defense Secretary?

@RedDevPS: I did not give an interpretation of the polls.

Another reason why NBC is tied with the Comedy Channel (yes, you read that right) as the least trusted source for news

Unrealistic Bimbo brain, sorry to expose you, but you clearly interpreted your data in the above line. That is not what the was in the poll. In fact, the poll clearly states least trusted news source, Fox News at 39%, NBC 3%. Now wrap your head around that poll statistic.

@Houston! Yes, that IS what Obama meant. And that is exactly why your accusation that Fox took Obama's remarks out of context is beyond stupid.

Jody, FNC made a prediction of who was going to win the election. They were wrong. But why should they apologize because their prediction was inaccurate? It's a far cry between getting a prediction wrong, and intentionally manipulating clips to create news. And by the way, FNC did not renew Dick Morris' contract (who was even louder than Rove in predicting a Romney victory). So once again, a liberal who can't get her facts straight.

RedDev, what I gave is not an interpretation of the poll. What I gave is my opinion as to why NBC is not a trusted news network. I'm amazed at the stupidity of liberals these days. I mean, I know you were always afraid of facts that get in the way of your narrative, but to distort and manipulate everything you see? Making news stories out of somebody grabbing a sip of water during a speech? Beyond stupid.

Ok, I'm out - time for me to get back to work so I can subsidize your housing and pay your healthcare. You're welcome.

Well – at last John McCain told the truth on Fox yesterday. The Republican opposition to Hagle isn’t about Israel, it’s not about Iran, it’s not about Benghazi, it’s not about qualifications. It’s about Hagle’s failure to follow the party line more than 6 years ago. John McNasty proves what I’ve been saying for the last 4 years --- with Republicans it’s party first, the nation second. Republicans should be reminded they took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States, not an oath to defend the Republican Party. The bottom line is cannot be a 21^st century Republican and be a good American at the same time. Senator John McCain…”Country First” ---- BS!!!

Ok, I'm out -

Another one bites the dust!!

[Yes, though the 39% is due to the staunch liberals who are intolerant of facts that get in the way of their opinion.]

Even after being given proof that Fox "news" lies, the "realists" STILL reject that notion. This is when the word "ignorant" comes into play.

You can't make this stuff up if you tried...

Does anyone else ever wonder what Joe is trying to say?

It's fairly easy to understand. Let me translate for you:

I hate you all! I understand that you are decent, hard-working people, and I understand that you are generous and better folk than I am. I understand that President Obama is a good and competent President who has pulled the country back from the destruction that was caused by the irresponsible people that I voted into office. That is, in fact, why I hate you. I hate you because you are better people than I am. I hate you because I am not you. That is why I curse you, day in and day out, that is why I mock you because for the short period of time that I spout such filth, I find surcease from the pain of being me.

Alan, you cannot fairly compare FOX and MSNBC/NBC.

Yes I can. They are two extremely biased news organizations. In one respect Fox actually has some weak liberals on to give an opposing point of view. MSNBC simply has sycophants.

You're making a gross misrepresentation of what Obama meant, and yet you whine about NBC selectively editing stuff. You're a hypocrite.

What exactly am I misrepresenting? The President believes that success is achieved through luck. He doesn't believe that it is through hard work or by being smart as he dismisses these qualities as being unique in the successful.

They know they didn’t -look, if you’ve been successful, you didn’t get there on your own. You didn’t get there on your own. I’m always struck by people who think, well, it must be because I was just so smart. There are a lot of smart people out there. It must be because I worked harder than everybody else. Let me tell you something – there are a whole bunch of hardworking people out there.

He then dismisses the individual achievement by claiming that it is a shared success.

If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges.

ignoring the fact that these assets and infrastructure are available to everyone which invites the question why are we not all equally successful?

I don't know why you claim that he said something else or was being misrepresented when he was celebrating the success of the community over the individual. Isn't that what you believe in?

@Realist - Hagel is absolutely right: US is most certainly a wold's bully and doing it on money borrowed from China, building up their military and industrial might. We need to mind our business at home!

Realist17 - when you post the idiotcy "time for me to get back to work so I can subsidize your housing and pay your healthcare" we know you're a dunkard and a fool. That stupiidity is so old! But, it's the lie ignorant people like you hang their hat on to make them feel superior as they serve fries to customers.

Sorry pathetic little boy - most of us work and probably do MUCH better than you. Your incompetence shows with every post and you've yet to say anything that is of value or true!

McCain has slipped below being even irrelevant - he's kind of in the same camp with Donald Trump - totally ridiculous and unnecessary. Is he honestly the BEST Arizona can do? How sad that the GOP has been reduced to the mental midgets who post on this thread and the likes of McCain and Lindsey!

Yet if you want me to discuss Fox briefly, I will. Our contry needs a network who challenges the President.

That isn't FOX. We don't need a network that abuses the President. We do need a network that challenges the President and we already have one. Several, in fact.

What exactly am I misrepresenting?

And in the next sentence, you answer your own question:

The President believes that success is achieved through luck. He doesn't believe that it is through hard work or by being smart as he dismisses these qualities as being unique in the successful.

Alan -- Truly you are arguing for the sake of arguing. You make this statement:

MSNBC simply has sycophants

Are you suggesting Joe and guests/contributors on Morning Joe are all liberals? LOL

Here's a lineup of regular contributors and guests:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morning_Joe#Regular_guests_and_contributors

MSNBC spreading their propaganda and expressing their hate for the GOP.

It will be interesting to see if they will cease business after a Republican becomes president in 2016.

Their agenda will definitely be put on hold for 4 years and maybe Chuckie Todd could replace Juan Williams as a FOX NEWS CONTRIBUTOR and learn how to report the facts.

Red --

Ok, I'm out -

Another one bites the dust!!

Hopefully that "Scarecrow" finds what he desperately needs.

Ok, I'm out - time for me to get back to work so I can subsidize your housing and pay your healthcare. You're welcome.

Do you have any idea how utterly stupid--not to mention pathetic--you appear to others when you say things like that? It's the last gasp of someone unable to defend his/her views.

Jody,

The bulk of MSNBC viewers do not accept every word spoken as truth nor do we agree with every word spoken.

Agreed. In addition, Chris Matthews drives me crazy with his constant interruptions of his guests; Ed pisses me off with his leading questions to guests (i.e., giving them the answers he wants by framing his questions a certain way); and, in her excitement Rachel sometimes hyperventilates. Those are character faults, and it's the price one occasionally pays to watch their shows. But to the larger point of whether those on the Left agree with them all the time, we don't--and we're not afraid to voice our objections. Just as we're not afraid to criticize the President when we disagree with him. This is what truly separates us from the Right.

kkwilson - you really need to stop doing drugs. Hillary will be President - starting in January 2017. President Obama serves until that time - all the way through 2016.

And, the GOP is making even former Republicans shake their heads and walk away from what has become a party of Grumpy Old Perverts. It's sad the party has stooped so low and each day we think they can't go any lower - they do!

Feisty:

One of the first values my parents instilled in me growing up was to respect elders..

It's obvious these animals were birthed in a pig sty!"

I am sure your parents are wonderful and they probably hoped you would respect everyone. Read your own words on this and every post you submit.

I think the Washington posturing and power positioning is much more intriguing then the actual confirmation of Hagel. With that perspective, one must appreciate our form of government. Like it or not, it's really the only one in existence that operates like this.

Most of the world thinks we're nuts but they all wish for what we have.

Hopefully that "Scarecrow" finds what he desperately needs.

From what I understand, the drought in the Midwest has created a shortage of straw, and what precious little is left is being used by McCain and Graham to bury one of their formerly esteemed colleagues. Perhaps McConnell can share some of his new found crop of the ages, hemp, with them.

dr831#1.129: Understand and note your point. I don't think though, many, from other nations would wish to date either McCain or Graham. Regards

Yup..., revenge. Couldn't possibly be linked to his incompetent testimony that made him look like a bumbling fool...

Realist17

@Houston! I said around 47% - I couldn't remember the exact number. You say it's 41? I believe you. And I didn't come up with the 39% dispproval number. Your cohort RedDevPS did. The fact remains that the liberals all voted against Fox because they can't stand to hear actual facts that get in the way of their narrative.

But you are doing what liberals do best - misdirection. My initial post had nothing to do with Fox. I merely stated a fact that NBC had a 5% trust rating.

You're just pulling numbers out of your backside. The trust rating for NBC was 39%, not 5%. That's a statistically insignificant difference with Fox's 41% trust rating. The reason none of the news sources get high trust ratings is that Democrats are skeptical of all news sources. Fox is viewed with more than mere skepticism by most people. It's viewed as the lying mouthpiece of far right propaganda and lies. The only reason it gets a 41% trust level is because gullible Republican morons like you believe all the crap Fox spews as long as it conforms to what you want to believe.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/greenslade/2013/feb/07/fox-news-tv-news

The latest figures show that 41% of American voters trust Fox News compared to 46% who do not. When PPP did its first such annual poll, in 2010, 49% of voters trusted the channel against 37% who did not.

Even so, 41% doesn't seem too bad a score, does it? And it should be seen in the context of negative ratings for other TV news outlets.

Here are the results, with the figures for "do trust" first and then "do not trust": ABC - 32%/42%; CBS - 34%/43%; NBC - 39%/42%; CNN - 38%-43%; MSNBC - 35%/44%; Comedy Central - 26%/46%.

It's obvious these animals were birthed in a pig sty!

Hey, watch it! Those things on Fox aren't animals! I'm not even sure they qualify as invertebrates....

Are you suggesting Joe and guests/contributors on Morning Joe are all liberals? LOL

I'll admit that MSNBC from 6am to 10am is watchable. I'll even admit, as I did before, that their weekend morning shows are interesting. The discussion is on the liberal side but by and large it is adult, educational and interesting. I may not agree but it is not insulting to the viewer. (BTW I include Fox from 8pm on in the insulting category. Can't comment on before then as I've never watched it).

It's the 10am to 6am shows that are just laughable, with Toure and Martin Bashir as the clown princes.

Realist17

@Houston! Yes, that IS what Obama meant. And that is exactly why your accusation that Fox took Obama's remarks out of context is beyond stupid.

Your're a liar as well as a moron. I never said that Fox took Obama's remarks out of context. I said that Alan N J was dishonestly distorting Obama's clear meaning. I've got no idea what Fox did, but I assume Sean Hannity and the other talking airheads on Fox mouthed the same garbage as Mitt Romney, whose theme for his entire nominating convention was the lie that when Obama said "You didn't build that," he meant that government built successful businesses. That's not only a lie, it's an idiotic lie. I'm sure that convinced many voters not to vote for the idiot Romney who based his campaign on that lie. That and various other outrageous lies and Clint Eastwood yelling at an empty chair.

Fox aren't animals! I'm not even sure they qualify as invertebrates....

By the way they seem to multiply, I initially thought they were rats (some could be called cute, as in bunnies), but the more I watch them, I realize they are really amoebae, and their only quality is that of being divisive.

@Byron

What exactly am I misrepresenting?

And in the next sentence, you answer your own question:

The President believes that success is achieved through luck. He doesn't believe that it is through hard work or by being smart as he dismisses these qualities as being unique in the successful.

and I include the passage to support my view

They know they didn’t -look, if you’ve been successful, you didn’t get there on your own. You didn’t get there on your own. I’m always struck by people who think, well, it must be because I was just so smart. There are a lot of smart people out there. It must be because I worked harder than everybody else. Let me tell you something – there are a whole bunch of hardworking people out there.

Maybe I'm having trouble with the President's English. Is he, or is he not, saying that smart and hard work are not the unique qualities of successful people

dennis

Do you have any who are not extreme left without the destruction of America as there goal? Maybe you could make that blank list.

WAITING...................

TNSEVOL

Hillary was a joke at best. With the failed leadership of the Current President we are the laughing stock of the world. We are not a Power in anything anymore. America has lost it's respect and leadership role in the world. Great job.

Alan, NJ

Yes I can. They are two extremely biased news organizations. In one respect Fox actually has some weak liberals on to give an opposing point of view. MSNBC simply has sycophants.

You don't know what you're talking about. MSNBC has Micheal Steele, the former Republican Party CHAIRMAN, on as a guest on the Chris Matthews show and the other evening shows you refuse to watch. Steele is even part of the MSNBC staff. Fox may have a few weak liberals, but MSNBC has strongly conservative guests every night.

What exactly am I misrepresenting? The President believes that success is achieved through luck. He doesn't believe that it is through hard work or by being smart as he dismisses these qualities as being unique in the successful.

You know very well that Obama meant government services were a necessary but NOT sufficient condition for business success. Obama speaks frequently of hard work being necessary for any success in life. This isn't a question of you being misinformed. You're just flat out lying. Sometimes I wonder how you can live with yourself when you're such a shameless liar. I wouldn't trust you for the time of day based on the lack of character you display in this forum. You sometimes seem like you want to convince people you're a reasonable conservative, but much of the time you act like just another troll.

So, most of the GOTea won't even admit George Bush was President for 8 years at this point, let alone that they supported his policies and spending spree. Now they're blocking someone who actually DID step up and speak out against the very policies they pretend they're not in support of because he went "against his party"? Go figure.

You know very well that Obama meant government services were a necessary but NOT sufficient condition for business success. Obama speaks frequently of hard work being necessary for any success in life. This isn't a question of you being misinformed. You're just flat out lying. Sometimes I wonder how you can live with yourself when you're such a shameless liar. I wouldn't trust you for the time of day based on the lack of character you display in this forum. You sometimes seem like you want to convince people you're a reasonable conservative, but much of the time you act like just another troll.

My we're cranky today. BTW If you wonder how I live with myself it's time get yourself a life. This is a forum for exchanging political views nothing more.

And if the President is such an eloquent speaker why do have to parse his words to explain what he really means?

Alan NJ:

Maybe I'm having trouble with the President's English. Is he, or is he not, saying that smart and hard work are not the unique qualities of successful people

No, you're having trouble with being dishonest. Anyone with half a brain can see what Obama meant. I doubt you're so stupid you don't know what a necessary but NOT sufficient condition is, so you must be lying. Here's the last part of Obama's "didn't build that" speech that states that in plain English anyone can understand.

The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together.

Here's more of Obama's quote.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2012/07/political-economy-0

If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business—you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen. The internet didn’t get invented on its own. Government research created the internet so that all the companies could make money off the internet.

The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together.

@Houston!

So you agree that the President does not think that smart and hard work are the unique qualities for success, but individual initiative is?

Now go back and show where I posted anything different.

No, you're having trouble with being dishonest. Anyone with half a brain can see what Obama meant. I doubt you're so stupid you don't know what a necessary but NOT sufficient condition is, so you must be lying. Here's the last part of Obama's "didn't build that" speech that states that in plain English anyone can understand.

The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together.

GOP now stands for Government of Paralysis.

Independent Voter

Realist17/ You would like to see the Israeli Government continue their Pre B.C. attempt at genocide of the Palestinian People but they are only in existence because of the aid from the U.S.A. Without that aid there would not be an Israeli state. Without that aid in 1946/8. they would not have been able to survive for all of this present time. Mr. Hegel,an American Citizen and retired Military Person is concerned,as many of us are, that there are U.S. Representatives who are annoyed that at our present government is unwilling to have the Israeli Government try to dictate our commitments to settling the Palestinian/Israeli dispute,that the Israelis have refused to settle in more than fifty years of their illegal occupation. That is the reason that our Repub/T.P. so called Representatives refuse to allow him to take his place in our government even though he is of their party. Who are these creatures representing? The U.S. or Israelis

It smells like revenge and the revenge smells like that Carnival Cruise Line ship.

Alan NJ

So you agree that the President does not think that smart and hard work are the unique qualities for success, but individual initiative is?

"Smart and hard work" are the only PERSONAL qualities that lead to success, but the conditions of the outside world like available roads and bridges are also necessary. Obama obviously believes that hard work and being smart are NECESSARY for success. Those are the qualities that got him to the White House, to your dismay.

My we're cranky today. BTW If you wonder how I live with myself it's time get yourself a life. This is a forum for exchanging political views nothing more.

Spewing lies is not the exchanging views. You're lying, and liars do affect my mood in a negative way. If you lie as much to other people as much as you lie in this forum, you're the one who needs to get a new life because you've soiled the one you have beyond the ability of harsh bleaches to remove the stain.

Alan NJ:

And if the President is such an eloquent speaker why do have to parse his words to explain what he really means?

What Obama said in summation of the remarks you selectively quoted out of context was:

"The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together."

If you have trouble comprehending what that means, you need to take a class for the reading-comprehension challenged.

Get real.... if any Republican nominee had the "baggage" that Hagel carries with him, the nomination would have NEVER even made it through the door....

Joe in Albania Comment collapsed by the community

"Gee, I seem to be very popular with the FR lefty liberals today.

LMFAO@U!!!!!!

BTW, just for David Wanker: It's Friday, the forecast is for sunny skies and mid-40s, Can you guess what's on the lunch menu today??"

I can see that it ended up being crow again... And you never seem to tire of it.

Touche' Red.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Alan, I believe he is saying that being smart and working hard are not the only ingredients to success and that neither one guarantees success. John Donne said long before Obama that no man is an island. To imply that a business fails because the owner didn't work hard or is not smart is really rather demeaning and arrogant. Yes, sometimes smart hard working peope have bad luck.

And for the record I believe that anyone who claims to have made a success without help from anyone else, all on their own, no help from anyone and certainly not using any sort of infrastructure is not being totally honest. If you don't believe in government I say more power to you. Stop using it. It's that simple. If we stop using the government it wil disappear.

Don't use the infrastructure, stop buying government controlled food (health and safety regulations) at grocery stores, never call 911, or follow an Amber alert, no police, no fire department, no department of health keeping that restaurant clean. Please stop using the government, there will be more left over for the rest of us to use.

Hagel will absolutely be confirmed. This hold-out is just another way to divert attention from the actual problems of this country. What ever Bama wants, Bama gets.

Our great nation seems to have "progressed" into narcissism. I'm referring to people whose only concern is either their own interests or being in the popular group, regardless of the consequences.

President Barack Obama managed to put together a majority of voters from myriad groups by pandering and a "say anything" campaign. The mainstream media, meanwhile, shielded this nation from the destructive policies of his "total transformation agenda."

Obama voters will reap what they sow, and our kids will suffer the most with a debt-laden future.

Carlene,

Where do you get that crap?

What "total transformation" are you talking about? I look around and I don't see much different except NEWS about how Republicans hate everything he does and says. They try to block everything, no matter if it MEANS anything or not. It's all just a waste of time.

So cool, I got so many laughs from the FR "so called" libs and progressives. All of their hatred to the right is truly extraordinary.

Job1 is still trying to show us that he can post intelligently. Someone should tell him that comedians do the one liners.

Backhouse passes as much hot air as obama does while saying (or even proving) anything.

Fiesty still has her attitude and negative sharp tongued commentary that is sure to show any intelligent visitor here that such displays probably are what created many of the individuals who go off the deep end and kill multiple times.

Pigotry, best not visit Iowa you may constantly try to blame the right for your inadequacies, and thereby try to bulk up your stature, but even in Iowa the pigs that bulk up soon find out they are on a one way trip to market.

At least sarah attempts to bring something to the table. So sarah to answewr your question on hagle being asked about benghazi. or anything else you may not see the point off. First off it is about current events. Secondly it is about how he would address any actions the DoD may have to take to counter possable collateral damage. IE the POTUS can create the broader strokes of military actions, but it will be the secretary of defence to see those broad strokes refined within the POTUS's broader strokes.

I see that the FR LWNJ still have no clue on the senates job. If Reid and company thoughty that the filibuster was such a bad thing, why didn't they do away with it in 2009-2010? It was within their grasp you know.

Alan, NJ

Alan, you cannot fairly compare FOX and MSNBC/NBC.

Yes I can. They are two extremely biased news organizations. In one respect Fox actually has some weak liberals on to give an opposing point of view. MSNBC simply has sycophants.

Not really; I watched Sean Hannity and a few other conservative commentators box in on one liberal. While it is true that both are biased (on both sides of the political spectrum), I don't know of any major liberal on a major Fox News show (while MSNBC has Joe Scaraborough on Morning Joe), nor do I know of MSNBC claiming to be "Fair and Balanced." Both are biased, but I believe that MSNBC is closer to admitting their own bias.

You're making a gross misrepresentation of what Obama meant, and yet you whine about NBC selectively editing stuff. You're a hypocrite.

What exactly am I misrepresenting? The President believes that success is achieved through luck. He doesn't believe that it is through hard work or by being smart as he dismisses these qualities as being unique in the successful.

You are misrepresenting the old "You didn't build that" tagline. Obama didn't say that successful business owners didn't build their businesses; he merely said that they didn't do it alone. They had help from a bank, from a family member, from an investor, and relied on the basic utilities (roads, bridges, regulations, etc) that we take for granted everyday. The idea that hard work creates success is axiomatic; everyone believes that.

They know they didn’t -look, if you’ve been successful, you didn’t get there on your own. You didn’t get there on your own. I’m always struck by people who think, well, it must be because I was just so smart. There are a lot of smart people out there. It must be because I worked harder than everybody else. Let me tell you something – there are a whole bunch of hardworking people out there.

He then dismisses the individual achievement by claiming that it is a shared success.

Technically, it is. While the business owner deserves a lot of credit for the success of their enterprise, their employees also deserve a share, as well as their suppliers, their customers, and/or their investors. Most successes are shared successes for the very simple reason that humans don't act alone.

If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges.

ignoring the fact that these assets and infrastructure are available to everyone which invites the question why are we not all equally successful?

Who's to say that we are not equally successful?? Some people are perfectly content at their current station in life, believing that they have achieved success and personal fulfillment. And who are we to say no?? As for the poor, they are beset by problems we cannot imagine (job loss, crippling debt, loss of a relative). If it wasn't for "big government liberals" like FDR and Dwight D. Eisenhower, we wouldn't have these assets.

Pigotry

The GOP leaders lack vision. They only care about moving the rich's money into their campaign funds by supporting tax cut for the rich.

These GOP leaders don't understand the basic market principle that money can make more money. By taxing a bit more, and investing into education, high tech, and R&D, the money will produce more great frontier technology to create new jobs in green technology and other next big new tech things where the US used to lead before (such as the Internet, Youtube, and GPS). But with the rest of the world quickly catching up, and with these GOP leades stuck on stuPig, the country might fall behind sooner or later. It's not like most of countries are still stuck in communism under USSR or engulfed in US-supported civil wars. 5 to 8 of the 10 fastest growing economies are now in Africa.

Maybe that's because they dont have the EPA,WORKERS COMP INSURANCE.LIABILITY INSURANCE,AUTO INSURANCE,UNIONS AND FN LABOR BOARDS just waiting for us the buisness owners to make one mistake so they can sue or fine the @!$%# out of us.

and most of the countries that are doing good are running on are old platform of doing business.

One year I had 70,000 plus in insurance cost for like 10 workers.

And the President was sleeping when the Ambassador was being killed.

If not what was he doing?

The constituents of old man McCain and his BFF Graham should get it in their noggin's that these bitter beeyotches are doing them a disservice, and make sure they pink slip these waste of space out of office.

McCain: He was very ‘anti ’his own party, and people don't forget that.”

What a friggin' old azzahole!! Not only has he flip-flop but now he's kissing his party's azz. Blatantly shameless admittance that it's STILL party first and not the American people. He is getting more and more vengeful and bitter grudging old fart. Time to removed him out of office!!

Hey, Righties, you lost. Get over it or you will lose worse next time.

Oh, send out a search party for McCain's brain.

Thank you for this Pigotry. I wasn't aware of this story. Injured has risen to over 900.

My god.

http://news.sky.com/story/1052514/meteorite-shower-hits-russia-injuring-over-900

Watch out...asteroid can hurt. But an asterisk poses no risk, though

Pigotry

Watch out...asteroid can hurt. But an asterisk poses no risk, though

Pigotry, especially when you wear a tin foil hat because to them the sky is incapable of falling.

Republicans are Degrading their party, it must be spring fever ???

@Pigotry#2.2: Gwaddamn! That one hit me just right. LMAO! Great! Thanks

Long holiday weekend. Enjoy!

Thanks for providing a great 'lib service', my lib friends.

It would be best never to respond to the nonsense about Bengazi - except on The Weather Channel where they'd be happy to do coverage of a Tempest in a TEapot.

Wow, the talks of raising taxes and cutting budget. Leads me to believe it looks like this administration is only looking how to cure the symptoms of our problems and not the problem itself.

Now with unemployment at nearly 8% and a record number of people on some type of welfare. The money is just leaving the coffers of the government and not being returned. So instead of bickering about raise these taxes and cut this program, they should look on how to get people working again. Wouldn't this solve most of the budget issues, less going out, more coming in. This administration has failed at this, it almost makes me believe they want people to be reliant on the government for every days needs such as rent and food.

So until people are working again, we will not see a better America, just a failing America.

Outhouse you have no idea of what you are talking. You are just happy to be considered friends with these other idiots. First Kerry did not seem to be oblivious to the questions he was being asked,Hagel could not show any signs of knowledge about any foreign matters.

Vodi - if the Republicans didn't keep tabling every jobs bill the President proposes - you know, in order to make him a one-term President - we'd be recovering jobs at a faster rate.

Big Dave - Kerry was asked questions about current situations - Hagel was quizzed on past events. Totally different grillings. The GOP wanted Kerry picked so they could possibly fill his Senate seat - which they won't. Hagel is being punished for not following the hatred of the Republican party. See the difference now?

Seeking,

Didn't the POTUS disband the so called 'Jobs Council'? With him doing that, what kind of message does that send? I am a person that believes actions speak louder then words ever do. So by dispanding this council, it displays a lack of concern in the area of job creation. Even thou he speaks of it every speech, nothing shows he is doing anything about it.

As for the job bill, are you talking about the 'American Jobs Act'? This bill wasn't welcomed by members of both parties.

So just blaming the Rupublicans is not 100% truthful, but it shows blindness to the truth.

Vodi - no matter what the "jobs council" did if Republicans in Congress block every proposal, nothing gets done. What part of that do you have problems comprehending? Republicans - who campaigned in 2010 on jobs - promptly did everything they could to make sure no jobs bills ever progressed. You're right - actions speak louder than words and every action of the Republicans has been to hurt this country.

The President has done a great deal - Congress has blocked EVERYTHING? He has put forward 7 proposals which Republicans in the House would not even bring to the floor - the last in November.

Why don't you at least TRY to appear objective instead of like the typical Republican hater who is ignorant of the facts?

And, each bill has been based on items Republicans were FOR until the President proposed them - now they don't like them. Can you say traitors???? Your idiots you voted in don't give a damn about this country or you! It's all about power!

The blindness - dummy - is yours and you've proved it with your post!

Wow, reduced to name calling, that show a sign of defeat.

FYI I am not Repulbican or Democrate, I am an indendpent thinker that looks at all facts before coming up with an opioin. Unlike any WNJ of either party, which you are displaying you are one.

As for the blindness remark in my post wasn't an insult, is was mearly a statement that you need to look at all the facts before making your decission. Looking at only what you want to see is not very sightfully.

Yes, I know of each and every job proposal the the POTUS has sent up, and they were flawed. If you need me to explain how they were, I would gladly do it for you. But it seems like a waste of time with someone that wouldn't want to accept the truth.

McCain and Graham. Drama Queen and Closet Queen.

Vodi - No sign of defeat just a recognition that you don't have a clue what is going on but post against the President - with nothing to support you! YOU refuse to look at the facts then accuse me of being blind to what is going on? As you state - looking at only wha tyou want to see if not very "sightfully" (whatever that is supposed to mean.

No, the proposals WERE NOT flawed - they were very good and had great programs.

Again, you accuse ME of not wanting to accept the truth when you go through life with you eyes closed to the lies and destruction of the Republican party. Funny you choose to attack me but have a problem when I return the favor. Can you say HYPOCRITE????

Plus Seeking, I never disagreed with you on congress. But you just attacked, because you made an assumption about me. This makes you look like a total @$$, but I wouldn't expect any less from any WNJ for either party.

Please, tell me which one you are talking about. I then go into details.

If you want to debate these I am game, but showing ignorance to a fellow person, like you do, is sign of a weak uninformed person.

Vodi - again you attack and think I'm going to take it well. Grow up and try again. You're clearly a Republican and it shows with every attempt at a subtle putdown. If you don't think people are smart enough to see your slams, then you show exactly who you are - a weak, uninformed person who thinks they are clever. Hint, you're not - it's very easy to see through your veiled slams. What exactly IS your problem?

But Seeking you proved my point, when you said 'post against the President - with nothing to support you'

That is blindness of faith, you believe in the president so much, you can't handle anyone having a different opion of his actions, then what you do. I can accept that and understand that.

I look at things a little different, I don't always agree with what the president does, and times I do.

This is just one of these times I don't see the logic in dispanding the council. Plus the job bills he has put forth, I think they can cause some more issues then good if inacted totally, but parts were very good, or the timing of presenting the bill was incorrect, timing is everything.

Vodi - you just can't help yourself, can you? Again with the veiled slam.

Stupid - I don't believe in the President so much that I can't take a REASONED disagreement with him. The operative word here is REASONED.

When you choose to put me down do not THINK I won't come back at you - no matter how veiled the putdown is - That is blindness of faith, you believe in the president so much, you can't handle anyone having a different opion of his actions, then what you do.

Keep putting me down and I'll return the favor as I did above. You're fooling NO ONE but yourself!

Seeking,

If you think they are slams they are not, and if you took them that way I am sorry. They were more generalizations of my observations.

I didn't attack you , sorry it came across that way, on my first reply post to you, it was just a bad choice of words. Which started us down this path.

But I think you will see we agree on more then you may think. I do agree with you on congress, is lackluster at best. We won't agree on the POTUS performance, I will bet you hold him in a higher regard then I, but that still does not make me a Republican. Another point we might disagree on is dispanding of the jobs council.

As for the job bills, I agree there were very good parts in them, but I also believe their was areas of concern, which were greater then then good in some of the bills. Also I think timing of submitting some of other bills,were not executed at the right time. Thus losing some support from Democrat party.

As for discussing these, I am always willing to talk about them, pick one. One thing I am not is closed minded.

Vodi...

Seeking sanity is a very apt handle for her. She would rather present a myriad of strawman arguments rather than enter into any type of logical or even intelligent discussion.

You are right that her attacks really are without merit and only demonstartes her lack of ability to find anything to say of substance.

Seeking help, I simply stated that Kerry responded to the question asked of him, doesn't matter whether they from the past, present, or theoretical; Kerry could answer questions from each senator showing he was knowledgeable. Hagel was prepped by chairman Dempsey for weeks on all foreign matters and still sat their with the deer in the headlights look. If you can't see a problem with this, you are part of the problem

Da Noid, we both saw the same thing. I posted the same thing down below before seeing yours.

But it is important to get McCain's quotes out there for the nation to see.

And the media had the audacity to believe this man during the Iraq War build up.

Mind boggling.

DaNoid, exactly right. You've expressed what most of us were thinking yesterday.

GOP, the party of selfish, childish, behavior. McCain also holds a grudge because Hagel did not endorse him in 2008.

...and that's the mental image that so many will have for the rest of Senator McCain's career...a toddler playing in the sandbox...and don't you DARE touch his favorite pail and shovel!

I'm so glad McCain did not win the Presidency in 2008. You would think he would try to prove the country made a big mistake in not choosing him. You would think he would act all Presidential and make us feel foolish. Wrong! Nothing the Republicans have done since loosing to Obama has made voters feel they choose the wrong guy; if anything they are proving how wise we were!

I wonder who John McCain thinks is the worst President since Herbert Hoover? I actually think Bush was worse than Hoover---Bush actively created a lot of the problems that made him so bad.

Can you imagine what would have happened if Democrats tried to filibuster a Secretary of Defense nomination from President Bush? You wouldn't hear the end of it from Limbuagh, Hannity and O'Reily. They'd be tripping all over themselves to be the first and loudest ones to accuse Democrats of jeopardizing national security.

Steeler Fan-380417

I wonder who John McCain thinks is the worst President since Herbert Hoover? I actually think Bush was worse than Hoover---Bush actively created a lot of the problems that made him so bad.

Steeler Fan, I think that is why GW is in hiding.

"Can you imagine what would have happened if Democrats tried to filibuster a Secretary of Defense nomination from President Bush?"

And that's what's wrong with Democrats -- they won't fight dirty like Republicans. As soon as Senator McNasty said what he did, Democrats should have been on it like stink on sh-t calling him un-American for putting his petty anger before the security of the nation.

Huh, maybe the GOP was right about McCain when, back in 2000, they declared that his time as a POW left him too mentally unstable to be elected....

Now that the March 1, 2013 sequester deadline is fast approaching and everyone in Washington is claiming it was not their idea and trying to blame someone else, it’s important to have the FACTS.

Here’s that far right wing rag, the Washington Post’s fact checker’s reporting:

The sequester idea was dreamed up by Barry’s White House.

And the WAPO awarded Barry Four Pinocchios for claiming “It is something that Congress has proposed.”

Obama’s fanciful claim that Congress ‘proposed’ the sequester

By Glenn Kessler, Published: October 25, 2012 | Updated: Friday, October 26, 6:02 AM

“The sequester is not something that I've proposed. It is something that Congress has proposed.”

— President Obama, in the third presidential debate, Oct. 22, 2012

As the saying goes, success has a thousand fathers, while failure is an orphan. And if there ever is an orphan in Washington these days, it is that odd duck known as “sequestration.”

We’ve earlier written that there are bipartisan fingerprints over the looming defense cuts that Mitt Romney has sought to pin on President Obama. Now, in the final presidential debate, Obama sought to toss the hot potato of sequestration — the process that is forcing those defense cuts and reductions in domestic spending — into Congress’s lap.

Fortunately, there is a detailed and contemporaneous look at the debt ceiling deal that led to the current budget crunch: Bob Woodward’s “The Price of Politics.” The book clearly had the full cooperation of top White House and congressional officials. With the help of our colleague, we took a tour through the relevant sections in order to determine the accuracy of the president’s statement.

The Facts

The battle over raising the debt ceiling consumed Washington in the summer of 2011, with Republicans refusing to agree to raise it unless spending was cut by an equivalent amount. Obama pressed but failed to get an agreement on raising revenue as part of the package. Woodward’s book details the efforts to come up with an enforcement mechanism that would make sure the cuts took place — and virtually every mention shows this was a White House gambit.

Page 215 (July 12, 2011):

They turned to [White House national economic council director Gene] Sperling for details about a compulsory trigger if they didn’t cut spending or raise taxes in an amount at least equivalent to the debt ceiling increase.

“A trigger would lock in our commitment,” Sperling explained. “Even though we disagree on the composition of how to get to the cuts, it would lock us in. The form of the automatic sequester would punish both sides. We’d have to September to avert any sequester” — a legal obligation to make spending cuts.

“Then we could use a medium or big deal to force tax reform,” Obama said optimistically.

“If this is a trigger for tax reform,” [House speaker John] Boehner said, “this could be worth discussing. But as a budget tool, it’s too complicated. I’m very nervous about this.”

“This would be an enforcement mechanism,” Obama said.

Short version: The White House proposed the idea of a compulsory trigger, with Sperling calling it an “automatic sequester,” though initially it was to include tax revenue, not just spending cuts. Boehner was “nervous” about using it as a budget tool.

Short version: Once tax increases were off the table, the White House staff came up with a sequestration plan that only had spending cuts and sold Harry Reid on the idea.

Short version: This is the third reference to the White House putting together the plan for sequester. Granted, they are using language from a congressional law from a quarter-century earlier, but that seems a thin reed on which to say this came from Congress. In fact, Lew had been a policy advisor to then House Speaker Tip O’Neill from 1979 to 1987, and so was familiar with the law.

Short version: Republicans agreed to the White House proposal for a sequester.

Short version: Republicans had to work through the night to understand the White House proposal.

The Pinocchio Test

No one disputes the fact that no one wanted sequestration, or that ultimately a bipartisan vote in Congress led to passage of the Budget Control Act. But the president categorically said that sequestration was “something that Congress has proposed.”

Woodward’s detailed account of meetings during the crisis, clearly based on interviews with key participants and contemporaneous notes, make it clear that sequestration was a proposal advanced and promoted by the White House.

In sum: Gene Sperling brought up the idea of a sequester, while Jack Lew sold Harry Reid on the idea and then decided to use the Gramm-Hollings-Rudman language (which he knew from his days of working for Tip O’Neill) as a template for sequester. The proposal was so unusual for Republicans that staffers had to work through the night to understand it.

Oddly, Lew in Tampa on Thursday, publicly asserted the opposite: “There was an insistence on the part of Republicans in Congress for there to be some automatic trigger…. [It] was very much rooted in the Republican congressional insistence that there be an automatic measure at the end.”

This prompted Woodward to go over his notes and interviews once again, to make sure he had gotten it right.

“After reviewing all the interviews and the extensive material I have on this issue, it looks like President Obama told a whopper,” Woodward said. “Based on what Jack Lew said in Florida today, I have asked the White House to correct the record.”

We had been wavering between Three and Four Pinocchios. But in light’s of Lew’s decision to doubledown on Obama’s claim, we agree it’s a whopper.

Four Pinocchios

Jody, once again stellar! If I might add Elizabeth Warren’s performance on the Senate Banking Committee causing federal regulators to squirm with a few simple but to the heart of the matter questions as to why none of the prime movers of the 2008 financial meltdown have ever been prosecuted.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/02/14/172045516/watch-sen-elizabeth-warren-grills-regulators-on-taking-banks-to-trial

Jody:

Very well done. Wish this post was up on thread one.

Good morning Jody. You write:

Speaker Boehner said he is "out of ideas" on the economy.

So that explains Rubio's rebuttal. Ha! Krugman referred to their ideas as zombie economics, ideas long dead but resurrected because they have nothing else.

Terrific wrap-up as usual. Many thanks for that. Happy Friday!

hey, cat, I notice some changes in you. Did the Valentine's Day change you? cat-call.

Another wonderful wrap up of the week in politics, Jody. Thanks for your hard work.

I think John McCain has so much ego invested in himself being right about Iran/surge, etc., that it has blinded him to everything else. If Barack Obama does nothing else for the next four years, the fact that he kept McCain and Romney out of the Oval Office is enough for me.

Jody,

It is fun to watch little Lindsay Graham twirling like a pinwheel.

It is all about his relection in 2014.

Jody,

Talk about job security!

You and the late night comedians will NEVUH run out of material! lol

Did you catch the clip of Letterman's skit on Marco's water-gate where he substituted a bottle of Jack Daniels? ROTFLOL funny!

Very good Jody. It's clear that we as a Nation for our own good must vote out the GOP rule in the House, and restore the Senate as it should be MAJORITY Rules in voting and stop this crazy 60 vote rule.

Clinton Romesha was awarded the Medal of Honor Monday. Bravo, well deserved! His little son stole the pre-show, though, exploring the set. As President Obama commented during the ceremony, the little guy took a bite out of several apples before finding the one that tasted just right.

OMG! That little boy was adorable.

His Dad also turned out to be, not only strong and brave, but deeply compassionate and thoughtful regarding his comrades-in-arms. I wish we had a Congress as noble and human as Clinton Romesha.

Great post as always, Jody.

So should we start calling Rubio the "Republican messiah"? He was going to walk on water, but he drank it all.

On a similar note, when questioned about his part in the sequester, John Boehner was going to plead the fifth, but he had already finished it.

Another week of GOPers Gone Wild--maybe I should change the title. Glad you enjoyed it and added to it, thanks for the kind words.

Yes, I saw that clip of Letterman hoisting a bottle of Jack Daniels, it was LOL funny. Also saw Colbert's one maintaining eye contact at all times.

Jody:

Another excellent wrap, but one particular point caught my attention, and I must respond. Yes, it's about the bacon, and I would like to present a few facts about bacon.

Fact: Bacon is to good health, what Eric Cantor is to gentlemen.

Fact: One pound of bacon daily will reduce your cholesterol count.

Fact: Bacon is the most efficient fat-burning agent know to science.

Fact: Bacon increases your metabolism and raises your energy level.

Fact: Bacon will cause you to lose unwanted weight and build your muscle strength.

Fact: Bacon increases testosterone in men, and makes them better lovers.

Yes, Jody, those are facts. "Well Dave, where did you get those facts?", you ask. Hey girl, I get them the same place Republicans do. I just make 'em up.

Amy, perfectly said. Watching Clinton Romesha's tears and humbleness reminds us of who the real heroes are. I can't imagine being that selflessly brave. His little boy was precious; looked like a mini version of his Dad.

TNSEVOL, that's funny.

David W, great bacon myths, I mean facts.

Jody, fantastic!

We'll lay out the red carpet for you on first thread, just whenever you say.

Your tone sooooooo mirrors my own.

We are OUT of PATIENCE with the empty HOLE that is GOP Congress.

Hey, Jody and David, you have problems with bacon? I thought we are all friends! Anything pig is good

Hey Jody, I've always been curious. You're little wrap up each week is really nothing but a list of Republican bashing.

Don't Democrats do anything? you pepper a couple of Obama bits in each week but rarely touch on anything any other Dems are doing?

How about, just once, you provide a wrap up of all the positive things Dems are doing instead of constantly looking for the negative in everything?

I'm sure the Treehouse Gang can help you out.

WCA -

Don't Democrats do anything? you pepper a couple of Obama bits in each week but rarely touch on anything any other Dems are doing?

If you are a regular reader of Jody's weekly wrap-ups then you would know that they often include positive contributions made by Democrats, and even some stupid things they have done when warranted.

I'm sure the Treehouse Gang can help you out.

I'll help you out, WCA - which way did you come in?

Actually VOL, apparently you don't read them. They are just as I described.

Rose Colored glasses for you, I guess.

How about, just once, you provide a wrap up of all the positive things Dems are doing instead of constantly looking for the negative in everything?

How very typical of WCA and his fellow conservative posters - gimme, gimme, gimme. Tell ya what WCA, you want a list of positive things Dems are doing, create your own list. Man but they sure do whine.

@ David

Epic Mealtime.

Hey RedDev, was I talking to you?

NorthstarDFL: You are 100% correct! Graham was a moderate Republican you could work with until 2010 happened. He has gotten incredible pressure from the right wing in SC about being too "RINO Like". He will be getting stiff primary opposition for reelection. Those wingnuts in the upstate will make sure of that. He's been trying since 2010 to come across as a tough guy conservative; He doesn't wear it well, tho.

Rarely in my 5 years of First Thoughts posting have I ever been "Frist"; I'm thinking maybe three times at the most. If I'm "frist" great and if I'm not--that's the luck of the internet gremlins.

WCA, the answer is simple: the democratic politicians just aren't as dumb as republican ones. Once there was a GOP with honorable, reasonable and smart people; now they have been reduced to a party of whining, petty, nasty, irresponsible fools. That's not my fault, it's the fault of the GOPTPers thanks to FOX, Beck, Limbaugh's highly effective dumbing down of conservative voters who then dumb down their politicians by voting for those spouting the same ignorant nonsense as they hear on FOX, Limbaugh, etc. As Barney Frank said, "democrats aren't perfect but we're not crazy". Either you ignored or missed the weekly wraps in which I have cheered a republican's words or actions including McCain when we see that rare glimmer of what he once was. I have also poked at the occasional democrat who warrants it or does or says something funny.

Hey RedDev, was I talking to you?

Poor WCA - always cast in the role of the victim. Got boot straps? Try using them.

WCA -

Actually VOL, apparently you don't read them. They are just as I described.

Actually I read them every week, and they are just as I described them. Today's post mentioned the Medal of Honor winner in a positive light, or did you miss that?

Rose Colored glasses for you, I guess

They are far more comfortable and afford better vision than the Blinders you insist on wearing....

Jody - as usual, an outstanding wrap up that is sure to irritate the easily riled up right wingers who have nothing to offer but more of the same garbage they've offered for 12 years now. You do a spectacular job!

Pigotry, sorry, no offense intended for our most favorite liberal one.

Got boot straps?

Poor thing keeps mixing them up with his jock strap...

Explains why he is shriller then usual lately!

Jody, fantastic wrap up and as usual, I learned something new. Thank you for your time and effort to educate us! I do have to say, your rebuttal to WCA was priceless in its simplistic truth.

WCA, the answer is simple: the democratic politicians just aren't as dumb as republican ones

Have a good weekend.

Poor thing keeps mixing them up with his jock strap...

Actually, it is Spanky's jockstrap, the one he wore when he adjusted his carburetor with a pipe cleaner. It was dyed a pretty rose color, special for Valentines Day. WCA had to outbid NoJo on e-bay to get first dubs.

RedDevPS observes:

"Poor WCA - always cast in the role of the victim."

It's sad, isn't it? Here he was victimized by the evil union thugs in Detroit and it seems to have reduced him to a simpering, drooling knuckle-dragger. (I sure hope he doesn't read this. It seems, he's a bit touchy about who responds to his posts.)

Anyway, I've directly addressed him on a number of occasions, and I had thought he was running away, because he never answered my question. Maybe not. Perhaps he is simply collapsing further into self-pity. If so, that's a shame, because I really, really want to know how those vicious union thugs were able to completely outfox the brilliant white collar and wingtip crowd in the boardrooms and executive suites where WCA once roamed.

AudreyCP,

Thanks for the update about SC politics.

Labeling Graham as a RINO shows what the GOP has come to: extremists

Awesome Job as usual Jody !!!!!

Thank You !!

because I really, really want to know how those vicious union thugs were able to completely outfox the brilliant white collar and wingtip crowd in the boardrooms and executive suites where WCA once roamed.

David - he did respond to you the other day. After intense analysis of the various excel spreadsheets and pouring over his Ryan-esque power point presentations, he created his own chart and drew a parallel line with arrows at each end, establishing a causal (well, ok, a casual) relationship between union thugs and the Tea Party. From his detailed executive summary:

After the personal attacks, which render most of the rest of what Walker says just silly, Walker asks how you Union thugs outsmarted the management of the Big Three and at the same time posts here relentlessly about how the small group of Tea Party Folks have held the country hostage and completely

Needless to say, the logical conclusion is that since he covets the Tea Party, he must also covet the Union Thugs that outsmarted the dimwitted white collar auto whiz kids. Perhaps he should change his moniker to Almost as smart as a blue collar auto worker.

David writes:

simpering, drooling knuckle-dragger.

Yes, WCA is just that. He also drags around a wet blanket with him where ever he goes to keep him warm. ; )

@ Jody---- Frist? ( - ;

Lots more good discussion here. I see WCA scurried off.

Johntho, just for you!

( - ;

[Hey RedDev, was I talking to you?]

Gee, Captain Cupholder...I'm sure nobody here recalls Jody winding the crank on your box.

[...he must also covet the Union Thugs that outsmarted the dimwitted white collar auto whiz kids.]

David and Red, ask the good Captain here to regale you with the tale of how President Obama saved his job with the auto company bailout...I'm sure he'll be happy to oblige.

Right WCA?

Yeah, you know I'm right.

Captain Cupholder, jockstraps, bailouts - something tells me I better leave that one alone.

Jody of iowa...

In responce to the $3 billion treasury surplus in january. I don't recall the democrats crowing about it either. If you would think about it those making over $400k/year started paying more in income taxes, the top 2% had an additional 3+% added taxes deducted to pay for obamacare and the 2% payroll tax ended dec 31, 2012. We best let the sequester cuts occur so we can see another $6 billion added to the treasury coffers.

To bad you lack the ability to also tell your cronies the rest of the story. Perhaps you spent to much time in so cal before moving to iowa.

Joe in Albany - Who TF is Barry?

Job1, there is also this:

John McCain:

"[T]o be honest with you, Neil, it goes back to there's a lot of ill will towards Senator Hagel because when he was a Republican, he attacked President Bush mercilessly, at one point said he was the worst president since Herbert Hoover, said that the surge was the worst blunder since the Vietnam War, which is nonsense, and was very anti his own party and people. People don't forget that. You can disagree, but if you're disagreeable, then people don't forget that."

It was a fascinating take on recent events because McCain finally put aside his talking points and told the truth: he and his Republican colleagues engaged in obstructionism unseen in American history because ... McCain and his pals hold a grudge.

Keep in mind, cabinet nominees like John Kerry and Hillary Clinton also condemned George W. Bush and opposed the "surge" policy in Iraq, but Kerry and Clinton sailed through the Senate confirmation process with nary an opposition vote.

http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2013/02/15/16973600-when-partisan-politics-turns-petty?lite

So true Pat, Hagel is correct that W. Bush is the worst president since Herbert Hoover, and the surge was the worst blunder since the Vietnam War.

I also might add that McCain should resign from the Senate for putting the Nation at risk is picking Sarah Palin in 2008. That move it self is something that McCain and the while Republican party show be ashamed of.

Job1, it would be a great pleasure to see Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee defeated in their next election. Neither one has the "sense God gave a p-aunt" as my sweet Grandma would have said.

First Read cracks me up. Reading the posts is like watching Frank's Yellow Shark performances. Disturbing & entertaining at the same time. lol

Too funny, BCWC. Did you watch Parks and Recreation last night? It's a TV show about a fictional town in the midwest called Pawnee. The lead character is councilwoman Leslie Knope. Last night her nemesis on the town council arranged for an emergency preparedness drill to take place on the day she was trying to arrange a gala to raise funds for a city park. She ends up deliberately "destroying" the town by doing things like ordering mouth to mouth resuscitation for birds affected by avian flu, in order to stop the drill and get back to her fundraiser.

Sorry to hear the zombie preparedness has been replaced by a flood drill. I hope Canada doesn't live to regret this as the undead arise and take over the country, but, then your ground is frozen much of the year, so perhaps that reduces the odds.

Amy, sorry I missed it. I drifted off to the dulcimer tones of Dave Hester on Storage Wars ...YUUUP!

Too funny, BCWC. "Oh, Canada"...or is it "O-Canada"?

Jody, laughter gets us through the winter ... booze also ... and a stellar edge of the seat curling game ... the cry of "HAAARD, HAAARD" gets us off the couch ... erect.

BCWC . . .

I heard about your zombie story yesterday and it totally cracked me up. BUT I have to admit that I like you more today knowing you have a thing for Hester. I'm more of a Brandy fan and actually like it when Hester buys a locker full of nothing!

Enjoy the weekend!

BCWC

I heard he was let go. Did they allow him back? I sure wouldn't miss him. He's a jerk

@ BCWC

They could always use the teenage girl here in Idaho who mistook a folding camp shovel for a double bladed axe. Make sure you don't enlist any flat landers and city dwellars for your ark. lol

Zappa

I kinda liked him as an antidote to the daily Party of NOOOPE!

One of the regulars offed himself a few days ago.

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/entertainment-news-and-reviews/2013/feb/13/death-storage-wars-mark-balelo-ruled-suicide/

... as to Dave Hester

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/29/storage-wars-ae-david-hester-fake-claims_n_2573542.html

Layton ... Hope to see you at happy hour,

Hi dogs,

Please act your age and not your party.

Ah, so that is the new meme - Hagel is a fake Republican. The one liners simply never cease.

Great point Political Prisoner.

I second what Pat said.

That must be why obama is the first president that hasn't found a way to work effectively with congress, he can't govern.

G-9, true. They aren't even smart enough to realize how weak on defense this makes them look.

Still pitiful on economic policy and now weak on defense too

that's catchy

I wish Panetta would do that, too, but he has more integrity and devotion to the country in his little finger than the entire group of GOPer senators have combined.

Public makeup sex? Will it be on C-SPAN (?) ... stay tuned. About time that channel got down and dirty. Sex sells everything according to Joni Mitchell.

another unabashed Canadian plug!

dangerfield,

"They tried to block him, the internal polls say it's a bad move, so the adults in the room had to placate the newbies,"

You assume that some of the GOP Senators are adults.

If their leadership really acted like adults they would have told the "newbie" let just vote on the actual confirmation: yes or no , go on the record.

Instead they decided to play games, like children everywhere.

Public makeup sex?

------------------

More like a lyric from;

"In the morning you see lovers; They look so HIGH,

You brush against a stranger, and you both apologize"

(Joni Mitchell-"Down to You")

PS-She kinda publicly disavowed her Canadian heritage in the song "California"...Man I am probably gonna cue up "Blue" and "For the Roses" and listen to a little Joni right now...;-)

Northstar;

I don't assume, I am certain that the least competent and least mature members of that August body, on both sides, are far more mature and savvy than those sitting in judgement behind the safety of a screen name here, myself included.

PS-She kinda publicly disavowed her Canadian heritage in the song "California"...Man I am probably gonna cue up "Blue" and "For the Roses" and listen to a little Joni right now...;-)

then you will be listening to "A Case of You" reaffirming her love of the North Star. She had a heart big enough to love California also ... Canada's quasi province.

BCWC,

Everyone in the Northern latitudes need the North Star.

Helps to know where you are going at night.

Dangerfield,

Speak for yourself.

So you believe that procedural no vote by by the GOP was mature and savvy?

I think it was childish.

Constant in the darkness, where's that at...

If you want me I'll be in the bar...

North-

If you don't understand what I'm saying, why comment? That obviously isn't what I meant...

And I always speak for myself, thanks.

dangerfield,

I asked you a simple question.

Your reply: "If you don't understand what I'm saying, why comment? That obviously isn't what I meant..."

Still did not answer my question.

But thanks for the snarky response instead.

You have a nice time in the bar.

Northstar-

This is why I don't respond to most folks "questions" as they are simply jumping off points for argument.

I consider the members of the Senate, all 100 to be more informed, savvy, and mature than any folks ranting and insulting them from their cubicles and kitchen tables, on any and every message board, on any website, of any political stripe. I call Senators, "senator", the Speaker and the minority leader, "the Speaker and the Minority Leader", because their ACCOMPLISHMENT, whether I agree with their politics or not, deserves my respect. So perhaps that built in respect for the INSTITUTIONS of our government, and those who have chosen to serve the public, whether Liberal, Conservative or semi-crazy, and endure the slings and arrows of the "people" they serve makes me less likely to name call and belittle them from my desk in my home office, as I believe I did include myself in that.

I'm sorry if you take offense at this opinion, and that wasn't "snark" it was honesty. You did not seem to understand that I was saying that after offering up the rhetoric and public threat to placate their more extreme members, the SAVVY, cooler heads in the party said, "Okay we got you 10 days to find something to knock Hagel out, but if you don't come up with a REAL BOMSHELL, we are going to vote to confirm this nomination and you will too"...

I hope that clarifies my meaning.

OH,

and the "snark" you cite was me replying to BCWC

It's a line from a song..."A Case of You" by Joni Mitchell, off the "Blue" disc. It's one of the 100 greatest albums of all time...

yes it is

I'm gonna blow this damn candle out...

Obstructing's hard work. Time for congress to take a two week vacation.

@Dangerfield-any no.: Gwaddamn! You're taking a lot for granted, seemingly, based on traditional faulty assumptions. Personal experience tells me at least, you're wrong. And over in the "House", whoa! I actually know one Representative who is functionally illiterate. Generally can read His name when He sees it, otherwise, reads at about the 2ed grade level. 3 of the business people who helped put Him there also sent their relatives to serve as His aides. I am of the understanding He can now though, write His name too. Incidentally, this House member and the afore-mentioned Senators are all "fire brand" tea baggers. I have a neighbor who has a fine male "bird dog". This dog has 2 rows of as fine a set of teats as any female I have seen, but, I doubt He could, with sufficient sustenance, suckle even one pub.

Oh, by the way. The dogs name is "King".

Nashville_fan-

Did you see where new Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) has been on the losing side of every vote so far (0-11)? He voted against Kerry's nomination, the Sandy Disaster Relief bill, and the debt ceiling bill.

He was even publically admonished by John McCain for being "over the top" (..and that is saying a lot).

Seems like Ted Cruz is doing a very poor imitation of a Senator.

So, Nashville_fan, are you a fan of the "Nashville" TV show?

Howdy TNSEVOL!

Yea, seems like Sen. Cruz is going for a lifetime achievement award, eh?

lol

P.S. I am indeed a fan of the show Nashville, although I don't always get to watch it . . . got this week's episode on my DVR though . . . so no spoilers folks! :o)

I consider most on both sides are controlled by "Buffalo Bob". What time is it, KIDS?

It's HOWDY DOODY time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The American people will put a stop to it.

You guys have no taste. I love "Insane Clown Posse"

This thread is about the filibuster.

This paycut chatter on Capitol Hill is nonsense; they cannot constitutionally vote for any pay cuts or raises that affects the current Congress. Anything they pass would not take affect until the next Congress in 2015.

Does anyone honestly think the GOPers would cut their own pay? Seriously, even their phony ploy that they will not receive a paycheck unless a budget is passed is "pious baloney" because it is unconstitutional plus their checks go into a trust to be paid at the end of the year. Theater, nothing but political theater.

@ Jodi

I agree. So now we all must make sure in 2015 our Senate & Congress vote to cut their pay in 1/2, change the benefits package to they lose their lifetime medical to regular coverage like the rest of us, and they get a severance package of 3 months pay after their service, with no life time paycheck. Also, lets have them completely eliminate thier insider trading too

Graham served in the Judge Advocate General Corps. A lawyer in uniform. This supposedly makes him one of the GOP go-to people on military and foreign affairs. Thank you for your service, Senator, but it doesn't make you Eisenhower planning D-Day!