July 3, 2008: "The problem is, is that the way Bush has done it over the last eight years is to take out a credit card from the Bank of China in the name of our children, driving up the national debt from 5 trillion for the first 42 presidents — number 43 added 4 trillion dollars by his lonesome, so that we now have 9 trillion dollars of debt that we are going to have to pay back — $30,000 for every man, woman and child. That's irresponsible. It's unpatriotic."

March 13, 2013: "We don't have an immediate debt crisis."

Good grief, I'm sure glad I'm not one of those lemmings who hangs on every word this guy says. Heck, I might be forced to conclude the president acknowledged that Bush wasn't unpatriotic after all. And heaven forbid that any card carrying leftist would ever embrace that radical notion.

More to the point, Obama has put us on a path towards a debt of over $20 trillion. And the most convenient – to say nothing of politically expedient – way to reconcile his record as president with his rhetoric as a candidate is to craft new words that explain away an unpleasant reality by telling us there is no debt problem after all. Ahh, I feel so much better now.

Of course, many would disagree with his more recent statement. Or at the very least, point out that it is highly misleading in that the lack of an immediate crisis does not obviate the need to take immediate action to address the inevitability of a crisis that approaches ever quicker. In fact, the longer we wait to fix our fiscal problem the worse will be the pain when we finally do get around to fixing it. But hey, by then Obama will be spending his days raising funds for his library and writing his memoirs. It will be left to his successor to grapple with the hard choices bequeathed to him/her by a man who preached we didn't have an immediate crisis.

Disgraceful.

Fascinating interview last night with Scott Prouty, the man who secretly taped Romney's 47% video. My first thought was that it was a rather sad commentary when he said that he was up against the richest, most powerful men in the country and he feared for his safety if his name was "out there".

A man who didn't do a thing wrong, except hoping for an opportunity to have his photo taken with the presidential candidate. Who could have dreamed what would become of his photo op missed opportunity. How very fortunate for us as a country that we had Mr. Prouty in the right place at the right time and have on the record for all time, Romney's disgusting words.

Sometimes at certain moments in our life people come along and just want to do the right thing. This was one of those moments. Making a difference is too inadequate a phrase for what Mr. Prouty did. Great interview by Ed. Tremendous work by David Corn and Jimmy Carter's grandson James.

We also learned Ed Schultz will be leaving his 8 PM slot and moving to weekends. I know I'll be sure and watch him then. I suppose his replacement has already been selected.

8 PM is such a critical hour. I wish Lawrence O'Donnell would move back to that slot, or if not, put Martin Bashir in primetime. Those of us who work don't get to see him too often and he deserves a primetime program. He's very popular and deserves a larger audience @ 8 PM. If not, Joy Reid would be such a nice addition.

Thank you Scott Prouty and best of luck to you in your future. You are without question, our hero. You handled yourself throughout this ordeal with grace, dignity, maturity. Very very impressive.

"What’s more, many of the Tea Party types believe the president simply is out to destroy the GOP in 2014 and beyond."

No, the tea party types have it wrong, destroy the tea party and return America to those that love her, not hate her like the tea party types.

First Read - Could you post Obama's Social Security and Medicare cuts, So we know he is not demagoguing?

...many of the Tea Party types believe the president simply is out to destroy the GOP in 2014 and beyond.

More right wing paranoia. President Obama believes in the two party system and has worked diligently to get compromise accomplished across the aisle.

Republicans should look in the mirror if they want to see who is really out to destroy the GOP.

IR, I've been pounding the social security BS for days now. Can't let up. None of us can.

Steve Benen, The Maddow Blog:

It's pretty remarkable how the Department of Labor's reports on initial unemployment claims just keep getting better.

The number of people applying for new U.S. unemployment benefits fell by 10,000 to 332,000 in the week ended March 9, marking the second lowest level in five years and indicating that the labor market continues to improve. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had expected claims to rise to a seasonally adjusted 350,000 from a revised 342,000 in the prior week.

___________________

Feisty, it won't be Martin, though he deserves it. We all have a feeling who it's going to be. EK And if it is EK, he should be on at 10, and move Lawrence back to 8PM.

Days since the Democrat-dominated Senate had a budget:

1,400 +

http://www.speaker.gov/video/weekly-gop-address-1361-days-senate-passed-budget

“The problem is, is that the way Bush has done it over the last eight years is to take out a credit card from the Bank of China in the name of our children, driving up our national debt from $5 trillion for the first 42 presidents – #43 added $4 trillion by his lonesome, so that we now have over $9 trillion of debt that we are going to have to pay back — $30,000 for every man, woman and child. That’s irresponsible. It’s unpatriotic.”.

-Barak Hussein Obama

-Before driving the US into twice as much debt, and presiding over the only downgrade in US Credit Rating in history

Well the freak show of the "Has Beens" and "Want-ta-Be's" starts today. CPAC. Tell me, who put this collection of losers together. Incredible. Can't wait to hear Palin spilling her dribble again. And Trump, still looking for and demanding President Obama's Birth Certificate. This will be like watching an old 3 Stooges Movie. I love it. "It just don't get no better." LMAO.

I have been saying this for years!

Wonder who has been spiking their "tea" with truth serum lately...

From the Altantic;

Rep. Kris Crawford, a Republican from Florence and also an emergency room doctor, supports the expansion but expects the Republican caucus to vote as a block against the Medicaid expansion.

“The politics are going to overwhelm the policy. It is good politics to oppose the black guy in the White House right now, especially for the Republican Party,” Crawford said.

So, to be clear, Crawford was for this measure a little over a month ago, but said there would be Republicans who would vote against what appears to be an Obama/Democrat initiative just because of the "good" optics of voting against President Obama... because of his race. Now, Crawford looks like one of those Republicans he spoke about, and hasn't released a statement (yet) explaining his vote. Although shutting up might be the best idea right now

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

Let the CPAC Circus begin!

Feisty Et al, catch Silly Sara now turning on her own crowd?

"Hey Waltrip, final lap & you still don't have your facts right. Get some "strategery" and check your facts before you shoot off your mouth."

Sarah Palin rips Michael Waltrip in tweet for attributing the word 'stratergy' to her on Fox telecast of the Las Vegas race -

Bev in Chicago - Do you care what the Democrats cut in Illinois? 687 MILLION in 2 years off of education, and you bitching about a proposal. Insane! Please make a list of what the DEMOCRATS have done to CHICAGO. Bet you won't!

Boy IR, this top ten hits me in the middle. So true, and my thought is why do republicans want to end a program the helps working people to enjoy the latter parts of their lives and instead insist on rich folks not paying their fair share of taxes to support it? It is the working people that make these people rich in the first place.

President Obama believes in the two party system and has worked diligently to get compromise accomplished across the aisle.

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/63941-democrats-lock-republicans-out-of-committee-room

Democrats lock Republicans out of committee room

.

“Too often bills are rushed through Congress and to the president before the public has the opportunity to review them,” the Obama-Biden campaign website states. “As president, Obama will not sign any non-emergency bill without giving the American public an opportunity to review and comment on the White House website for five days.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0209/18441.html

.

Dirty liars!

Obama said it in his ABC interview, "we do not have an immediate debt crisis." Back in 2008 raising the debt ceiling was a failure of leadership, but today Obama feels we can amass even more. By the time 2016 rolls around the Democrat brand will be severely tarnished, and the tax and spend mantra of liberalism not even uttered. Obama has the nation mired in the worst recovery in US history, and the worst of ObamaCare is right around the corner. Blame, excuses, and gross exaggerations are the engine that drives the Democrat party. To bad common sense is missing.

Before driving the US into twice as much debt, and presiding over the only downgrade in US Credit Rating in history

Which is what is driving the gas prices. But you fools don't want to hear that, now do you? True under Bush it went over three bucks for a few months , more then once i may add. but under Your Boy Barry they went there and stayed for over 4 years now causing everything you buy to go up .

But note how this little fact is never discussed unless it can be "blamed" on something else? generally minor and in most cases utterly ludicrous.

which do you think effects YOU more? gas or the constant tripe you are being fed?

put Martin Bashir in primetime

Pat,

Martin gets my vote too!

My preference is for Ezra Klein. (-:Although Alex Wagner would soothe my aging eyes:-)

Let's give the full version of what the President said Bill in Fairfax and Rick. Context is important.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:
Well– I understand. Which is why, at some point, I think I take myself out of this. Right now, what I’m trying to do is create an atmosphere where Democrats and Republicans can go ahead, get together, and try to get something done. And, y– you know– I think what’s important to recognize is that– we’ve already cut– $2.5– $2.7 trillion out of the deficit. If the sequester stays in, you’ve got over $3.5 trillion of deficit reduction already.

And, so, we don’t have an immediate crisis in terms of debt. In fact, for the next ten years, it’s gonna be in a sustainable place. The question is, can we do it smarter, can we do it better? And– you know, what I’m saying to them is I am prepared to do some tough stuff. Neither side’s gonna get 100%. That’s what the American people are lookin’ for. That’s what’s gonna be good for jobs. That’s what’s gonna be good for growth.

But ultimately, it may be that– the differences are just– too wide. It may be that ideologically, if their position is, “We can’t do any revenue,” or, “We can only do revenue if we gut Medicare or gut Social Security or gut Medicaid,” if that’s the position, then we’re probably not gonna be able to get a deal.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/03/transcript-president-obamas-interview-with-george-stephanopoulos/

Johntho - What would be thier fair share?

Today is a big day for us math geeks out there!! Happy Pi Day!!!!! 3.14!!!! :-)

To Trump's, Palin's, and Rubio's credit; at least they appear willing to go down with the ship, the GOP ship is taking on huge amounts of water and they appear to be standing pat.

Feisty, I agree. Ezra Klein should not be on @ 8 PM. He's too inside the beltway for 8:00.

Ed has such a forceful personality and was a great lead in to Rachel. Klein is just too damn serious and intellectual for 8:00. Not my cup of tea @ 8 in the evening.

He's someone I would put on early Sat or Sun mornings on CSPAN. Maybe.

Martin Bashir has a terrific personality and he takes no crap. Would love to watch him nightly.

From Sen. Obama’s Floor Speech, March 20, 2006:

The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. Government can’t pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government’s reckless fiscal policies. … Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that “the buck stops here.” Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better.

At the time, Senator Obama was urging Congress not to tolerate an increase that would bring the debt ceiling to $9 trillion. Under President Obama, the debt ceiling has been raised to $14.3 trillion. Even without counting most unfunded liabilities, the national debt is now calculated to be nearing $14.1 trillion. It increases about $4.22 billion per day (each citizen’s share stands at roughly $45K). Thus, Democrats will soon demand that the debt ceiling be raised, lest the sky fall. When they do, they will be asking for a significant boost in a ceiling that is already 60 percent higher than the one Barack Obama said was “a sign of leadership failure” five years ago.

.

Yet the sheeple still blindly Bleat.....

Sorry to disagree Pat but I find Martin Bashir to be far too bashing. Ezra brings an economic numbers game into play.

"they were disappointed to hear the president say that there is not a debt or spending problem"

They're not the only ones. Consider this - from the Obama White House 2013 Budget projections;

The National Debt at the end of fiscal 2008 was $9.986 Trillion.

Obama projects the Debt to be $20.4 Trillion in 2016 (Obama's last year), an increase of over $10 Trillion.

Spending for the 4 years before Obama (2005-2008) = $10.838 Trillion.

Spending for the 4 years under Obama (2009-2012) = $14.115 Trillion, an increase of over 30%.

The Deficits for all 8 of Bush's years (2001-2008) were $2.006 Trillion.

The Deficits for just Obama's first 4 years (2009-2012) were $5.095 Trillion, and are projected to be $7.923 Trillion for Obama's 8 years in office.

Anyone that thinks we don't have a Debt and Spending problem is blind or stupid, or just doesn't care.

geo, the wealth is concentrated when the top 5% own 90% of the wealth. What is fair? Romney paid less then 15%, many working people in the $30000 range paid 25%, whats fair geo? Certainly enough to cover the medical and wage needs of those that have worked all their lives, any thing less is not fair.

Paul Ryan presented his budget earlier this week, and with all the Republican talk on how much we need "entitlement reform" I was interested in seeing how Ryan proposed we address Medicare.

Unfortunately his budget failed to articulate any new ideas, and the rehashed ideas presented in the proposal were neither meaningful or effective.

Medicare costs currently consist of two factors: the amount paid to medical providers for services rendered, and the costs to administer the program.

Medicare currently has lower costs than private insureres in both areas - they "cost control" the amounts paid to providers, and their administrative costs are around 50% lower.

Everyone pays into Medicare at the same rate, and everyone receives the same benefits.

The Ryan plan would replace Medicare with a complicated "voucher" system that bases the "premium support" amount on an annual bidding process between traditional Medicare and private plans. The premium support amount would be equal to the lower of either traditional Medicare or the second-lowest private plan.

Ryan supposedly requires that the private plans be the "actuarial equivalent" of traditional Medicare, and has some provisions to ensure lower-income seniors aren't stuck with covering excess costs.

My main problem with this approach is that there is no logical way that introducing a private plan with higher administrative costs and higher payments to providers will result in lower costs. The Ryan plan also adds an additional layer of costs in that private plans will have to build in a profit margin.

The Ryan plan also replaces a simple program with a complex system that makes it more difficult for seniors to utilize and more difficult for the government to administer.

Seniors will have to sort through potentially hundreds of private plans every year, hoping they chose one that offers the benefits they need and is accepted by the doctors they choose.

The government will have to administer the annual competitive bidding process, evaluate all private plans to make sure they offer the same level of support as traditional Medicare, and review out-of-pocket costs to determine whether they will be covered.

Instead of concentrating on either increased funding or true cost reductions, Ryan proposes a system that introduces additional costs and unneccessary complexity - both of which will be transferred to our future seniors.

Roy your figures don't matter because they are falsely credited to Obama. See congress's role in the debt.

Obama will leave office with our nations debt over 20 trillion. All the Obama claims of spending cuts, are nothing but reductions in planned future spending increases, and none have happened yet. In fact everyone will need to wait around for 2022 to see if any actually materialize since the Obama plan was all back end loaded. Since Obama will be out of office and no congress obligated to honor what he claims he has done, this spewing by Obama is nothing but Washington slight of hand and smoke and mirrors. If you sent the Obama spending cuts to Vegas, it would be headlined as an illusion.

Feisty -- Bill in Fairfax and Rick are but PARROTS of Limbaugh and Fox "News" talking points. No context is ever given. They pluck a line out that fits their skewed narrative and jabber away.

Hiya Grimey -- Back at ya! Happy Pi Day!

"....and they (Tea Party GOP Members) believe he thinks government spending is the key to economic growth"

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

Simply put, take away 'government spending' and you can read how robust our economic growth is while you are fleeing the Country under FBI protection.

“Too often bills are rushed through Congress and to the president before the public has the opportunity to review them,” the Obama-Biden campaign website states. “As president, Obama will not sign any non-emergency bill without giving the American public an opportunity to review and comment on the White House website for five days.

Why is that a bad thing, Steven B?

I agree with Obama's postion. After all, nearly half the country calls themselves 'conservative' (I call them something else ;) so why not let everyone--liberal, moderate, and conservative-- have a chance to review proposed legislation and make comments? IT'S OUR COUNTRY.

The Ryan budget that has been printed should be sent to the recycle bend. It's is a waste of good paper. Then Ryan needs to study under someone such as economist Paul Krugman.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

From the article above:

How should Obama engage with his members? Boehner's answer: by putting some of his entitlement changes from 2011 back on the table.

Wrong answer.

Entitlements are off the table.

Boehner needs to quit this hoax known as "deficit reduction" and sober up.

What the Speaker fails, yet again, is to address closing tax loopholes on the Uber wealthy, and get his constituents (the banks) to start giving loans to small business's so the public can create jobs and expand the economy.

When are the Republican's going to start to care about the Middle Class?

We now interrupt this program to bring you the following message:

"If you've ever seen the look on somebody's face the day they finally get a job, I've had some experience with this, they look like they could fly. And its not about the paycheck, it's about respect, it's about looking in the mirror and knowing that you've done something valuable with your day. And if one person could start to feel this way, and then another person, and then another person, soon all these other problems may not seem so impossible. You don't really know how much you can do until you, stand up and decide to try."

Dave - Kevin Kline (1993)

Salud

Hey Joe from Albania..you know it could've been worse for Ed Schultz he could've ended up like your boy Glenn "Looney Tune" Beck..

Stop trolling & get a Life you mook!

According to the left/Democrats

We don't have spending problems, we need to spend more.

We don't have debt problem, 17 trillions is not a problem.

We don't have budgetary problems

We don't have Economic problems, 1% gorwth is great.

We don't have unemployment problem. 14 % in black comunity is ok, it could be worst.

We don't have size of Government problems,.We don't have transparency problems

We don't have problem with illegal imigrant closing the borders, we need more voters.

Spend, spend, spend

Crazy Republicans are wrong they think we have problems.

Fascinating interview last night with Scott Prouty, the man who secretly taped Romney's 47% video

Hi Pat,

That was a GREAT Interview. He is a Brave American that helped stop an Evil Future Force!!!

ia.scootertramp @ 1.31 Your points is? Lots of things changed from then till now. Things were looking good. In 2006 the economy was under the bush bubble. Things were looking good at that time. Than the hot wet air went out of the bush bubble, just like a long loud fart. The country's economy went into recession. Thanks to the bush bubble we have what we have today. Than all the republicans is to try to blame the President for something they had a part in doing. Just stop the blame game and fix the problem first than point fingers at who caused the problem!

Why is that a bad thing, Steven B?

Because it hasn't happened!

geo-1957883

Bev in Chicago - Do you care what the Democrats cut in Illinois? 687 MILLION in 2 years off of education, and you bitching about a proposal. Insane! Please make a list of what the DEMOCRATS have done to CHICAGO. Bet you won't!

geo, you are right.

I'm not your personal assistant. You want it then you get it yourself. Why are you so obsessed with Chicago & Illinois; AGAIN???

That was a GREAT Interview. He is a Brave American that helped stop an Evil Future Force!!!

Yes! I have always believed that Mitt Romney is an evil man.

Scott Prouty helped our beloved country dodge a hollow point bullet.

Feisty finally stated something that was at least partly true. Its her time to sit on her fat asssss and kick back with a large bag of pork rinds and watch(proably Honey Boo Boo). Feisty is well trained like most liberals to sit while others do the work.

Johntho - The 15% you state is investment income. Having been already taxed on the initial income at around 35%. You should say he was taxed at 50%. And you state people who have worked their whole lives. Yes, I think that's fair. But in all to many cases, people just want a hand out. Personally know a lot of them.

IR, great information, well done!

Pat, Boston, yes, it was an interesting interview with Scott Prouty. Nice guy, smart and wise enough to remain anonymous so that the Video remained the topic of discussion rather than the person behind it.

Fairfax Bill, you cannot selectively choose your facts. Here's one fact your side purposely ignores, government spending by President George W. Bush increased by 15.9% over his eight years--most of that spending was UNFUNDED, BORROWED money. That's not a liberal talking point, that is simple fact. Now conservatives blame President Obama for blowing up the debt when most of the debt was incurred PRIOR to his taking office and the interest on that debt is creating the growth of it.

President Obama increased government spending by only 1.4% and most of that was during the first two years as the country struggled to recover from the Great Recession which he had nothing to do with creating! You know, Fairfax, it is one thing to believe in your conservative principles, that's fine, good for you; it is another to ignore that your party's principles were thrown under the bus by your party with Reagan, Bush 41 and Bush 43. They are not principles if they only apply when a democrat wins the White House. You cannot selectively choose what suits your narrative, that is the biggest failure of the GOP and those like you who prefer fiction over truth.

Budget that would be a BIG waste of time, that is what the GOP is about wasting our Governments time. What We need to get those MORONS of their pathetic azzes is cut their pay by 75% right accross the board to include their Pension and Health Care! These parasites are a boil on our azz.

Beverly only knows they didnt cut her food stamps or lower her welfare payment.

Johntho "Roy your figures don't matter because they are falsely credited to Obama. See congress's role in the debt."

Aren't you one of the people that likes to 'Blame Bush' for what happened under his watch?

And the really BIG increase in spending for 2009 and 2010 was under a Democratic Congress, as were the spending increases in 2007 and 2008 when Bush was President.

Rules of republicanism.

Democratic president: if things go well, credit congress.

if things go badly, Blame the president.

Republican presidnt. if things fo well, credit the president.

if things go badly, blame the congress.

dow is up to 14k. unemployment falling to 7.7k , trade deficit down by 20% , more oil being drilled domestically then ever before. Banks have paid back most of the money from bail out.

Yet republicans still spread their doom and gloom, and they ban Governor Christie who is probably the most sensible republican in politics. Why did cpac not invite him? hmmmmm

you cannot repackage rubbish and think you can sell it. The people who decided that Governor Christie should be omitted, ARE THE PROBLEM. not to mention half the posters here who just can't stand to see Obama succeed, and succeed he has.

Two side of the coin

Obama extent olive branch to Republicans.

Obama create a new PAC to raise money from millionaires and billionaires to bully Republicans and get back the House.

Honesty, hypocrisy ?

When will any of you people realize that you were taken in by a silver tounged, shucking and jiving, quick-foot artist who hasn't done a damned thing for this country, not just during his lifetime, but especially since he took office 4 years ago?

How many times does he have to FAIL to produce a viable budget, that stabilizes taxes, and maintains vital services, without increasing the deficit any further?

How much further must America decline in the eyes of the rest of the world before we get leadership that makes us stand out once again, as the proud and shining beacon of Democracy, Liberty, and Freedom on this earth?

This guy hasn't done squat in four years, except make speeches, and take care of his friends. He couldn't give a damn less about you and me.

This is Jimmy Carter II, only this time he got reelected.

I can't figure out why Republicans hate Obama? The only thing I can think of that Obama changed from Bush is the "Bush tax cuts". Other than that, Gitmo open, wars still going on, banks to big to fail, fda, epa and usda are run by pharma and agri-business ceo's...

I don't usually comment on Vatican politics, but my impression is this:

Meet the new pope. Same as the old pope.

The new guy supposedly is a champion of "the poor" but his main interests seem to be controlling other people's sex lives and stamping out "liberation theology" (which was based on the belief that Catholics should do more than just talk about "the poor"). Bergoglio is a harsh critic of the current democratically elected government of Argentina, mostly over same-sex marriage and contraception. But he seems to have been silent during the fascist dictatorship's reign of torture and murder in Argentina during the 1980s. That silence may say something about him, and what it says is not good.

One thing that I cannot understand, and maybe it's already been discussed and I just missed it. But why isn't this bartender who recorded Romney in jail or being charged with violating "Florida Law 934.03 - Interception and disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications prohibited"? It's pretty clear that you cannot secretly record someone without their permission or a court order.

dow is up to 14k.

Obama is artificially propping up the markets:

http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/stock-market-debt-fueled-bubble-steve-keen-121950839.html

The Stock Market Is a Debt-Fueled Bubble: Steve Keen

LOL geo -- You write:

The 15% you state is investment income. Having been already taxed on the initial income at around 35%. You should say he was taxed at 50%

Not true. Romney has never paid the regular rate on his INCOME. He enjoys the carried interest rate on that INCOME.

trust2112

I can't figure out why Republicans hate Obama?

Because he's brilliant, handsome, as an incredibly beautiful wife and lovely children, makes Republicans look like fools at every chance, and oh yeh, he's a Democrat.

Salud

I have no idea who MSNBC will put in Ed's time slot. It could be a surprise. Ezra Klein gets my vote though which is meaningless. I like him, find him a refreshing change from the other shows. His grasp of "arithmetic", budgets which he explains in simple terms; he's a policy and budgetary wonk.

It's pretty clear that you cannot secretly record someone without their permission or a court order

It is my understanding, cameras were allowed by the hosts.

Too bad, so sad that Willard's real thoughts on Americans got to see the light of day!

Obama is artificially propping up the markets:

I'm telling you, this Obama guy has to be Superman!

Anything and everything is all HIS fault, including water being wet! lol

Wow, media blackout. Not one article on the man behind the 47% video's interview last night.

The man who exposed the real Mitt Romney. Not. One. Article.

ROY WILSON-336103

Anyone that thinks we don't have a Debt and Spending problem is blind or stupid, or just doesn't care.

Any one who does not know President Obama has decreased the deficit is stupid.

The Deficit Reduction We Have Achieved So Far

Since the start of fiscal year 2011, President Barack Obama has signed into law approximately $2.4 trillion of deficit reduction for the years 2013 through 2022. Nearly three-quarters of that deficit reduction is in the form of spending cuts, while the remaining one-quarter comes from revenue increases. (see Figure 1) As a result of that deficit reduction, the projected rise in debt levels from today through 2022 has decreased by nearly 10 full percentage points of gross domestic product. In fact, under today’s policies, debt levels in 2022—as a share of GDP—will be only slightly higher than they are expected to be by the end of next year. That doesn’t mean there is no more work to be done, but it does show we’ve come a long way already.

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/budget/news/2013/01/08/49137/the-deficit-reduction-we-have-achieved-so-far/

See that; ROY?

geo,

Investment money is not taxed. Only the profit (additional/new income) is taxed.

Bev - Like in your post 1.8, you imply racism with no proof, you imply that the Republicans are harming mankind. I show you proof the DEMOCRATS are destroying the Black race with education cuts and devestating policy! Chicago is a great example of what Obama has planed for the country, if that happens it would be a disaster, even worse than his first 4 years. If you read what you write, you should hate DEMOCRATS for the destruction and mistreatment of Blacks in your city.

The First Read comments on the CPAC meeting didn't mention that one of its star performers will be Donald Trump, the loudmouth King of the Birthers. And fired Fox News personality Sarah Palin will be there, too. This circus is going to have more clowns than Ringling Brothers.

Chris Hayes nabbed the 8 PM slot, replacing Ed Schultz.

h/t DailyKos:

MSNBC's Chris Hayes is taking over the network's 8 PM weekday slot, the New York Times reported Thursday.

Steven B

Obama is artificially propping up the markets.

So, President Obama has the power to contol Wall Street?

Oh yeh, and he controls gas prices as well.

LMAO!!!

Salud

put Martin Bashir in primetime

Oh Yes, I agree!!!

geo-1957883 "Johntho - The 15% you state is investment income. Having been already taxed on the initial income at around 35%. You should say he was taxed at 50%."

And even a single person making $30,000 per year that does not itemize deductions would only pay a maximum income tax of about $2,500, for a REAL tax rate of about 8% - not the 25% quoted by Johntho.

My liberal friends,

Though I understand your focus on the Tea Party and all the negatives associated with this group influences your view on Republicans at large, elements of the above article, and others like it, indicate there are Republicans in Washington that subscribe to my credo for healthy government - intelligent opposition leads to constructive debate resulting in beneficial compromise. Opposition is necessary. Times have been hard and hard times often breed opposition that is extreme and considerably less than intelligent (read Tea Party on the right and Occupy on the left), but that does not mean the reasonable voices are completely extinguished, and I for one choose to blank out the noise and concentrate on substance. There are lots of Republicans who abhor the extreme right and the talking heads that speak for it - unfortunately reasonable folk tend to be much quieter than the Limbaugh set.

I have to believe the GOP will come around, back towards the center. That reason will preside over screaming. The irony is that for that to happen economic conditions must improve and for conditions to improve, the President must be at least perceived as being successful - not necessarily agreed with, liked, etc, but be the Chief presiding over a significantly improving economy. Now, how to do that...................

Gotta love Republicans, they hand you their soiled underwear and then complain about the @!$%# on your hands.

(Whoops wrong thread but it still applies)

Frank "Grimey" Grimes, Springfield, USA

One thing that I cannot understand, and maybe it's already been discussed and I just missed it. But why isn't this bartender who recorded Romney in jail or being charged with violating "Florida Law 934.03 - Interception and disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications prohibited"? It's pretty clear that you cannot secretly record someone without their permission or a court order.

Shoot the messenger, eh?

Prouty did a great public service by exposing what Romney's contempt for the American people and his appallingly callous remarks about Communist Chinese slave labor practices, which Romney actually seemed to admire. If Prouty had violated any law, which he apparently didn't, I'd be donating to his legal defense fund and so would lots of other people.

Pat Boston-7793618

Chris Hayes nabbed the 8 PM slot, replacing Ed Schultz.

Never a big fan of Ed, although he's a good trooper for our side.

Love Chris Hayes. Very hip!

Hopefully we will see more of Krystal Ball. (Don't tell Mrs. Grande)!

Salud

TomasGrande

Entitlements are off the table.

Welfare ,welfare welfare

Boehner needs to quit this hoax known as "deficit reduction" and sober up.

When are the Republican's going to start to care about the Middle Class?

Obama is hurting the medle clals and the poor even more than increasing taxes,dilutin the dollar , printing artificial currency , families are taking less to the table.

When Democrats are goint to start taking care of the meedle class?

We now interrupt this program to bring you the following message:

"If you've ever seen the look on somebody's face the day they finally get a job welfare, I've had some experience with this, they look like they could fly. And its not about the paycheck welfare credit card, it's about respect, it's about looking in the mirror and knowing that you've done something valuable with your day. And if one person could start to feel this way, and then another person, and then another person, soon all these other problems may not seem so impossible. You don't really know how much you can do until you, stand up and decide to try."

Salud Tomasito

Move along folks, nothing here to read but the same hate and vile comments from the skank sisters, Feisty, Beverly, Kaybee, jody and thier token Tomas.

Do any of you people have jobs??

It looks like the left is searching just as hard to find a realistic core ideology"; since Obama's positioned them so far left with only a tax and spend platform that has failed to work. Many moderate Democrats know the spending can't continue unchecked and won't support Obama unilaterally. Democrats can no longer afford to live so far left in a lame-duck term and observant Washington Democrats know this.

Mark in SoCal -- It's always nice to see you and Grimey here. Keep posting.

Moderate Republicans need to step up AND speak out more often, especially those that have access to a mic on the national stage.

Houston!

Prouty did a great public service by exposing what Romney's contempt for the American people..

Amen.

In the same breath, Why didn't Linda Tripp go to jail???

BooooYahhh.

Salud

Because he's brilliant, handsome, as an incredibly beautiful wife and lovely children, makes Republicans look like fools at every chance, and oh yeh, he's a Democrat.

or maybe he is like bush and communist hell bent on using the US constitution as azzwipe..

It's through King Hussein's own admission he use to roll with the dope smoking Commies and Socialists..

Lechuga

stopfreeloaders

Move along folks, nothing here to read but the same hate and vile comments from the skank sisters, Feisty, Beverly, Kaybee, jody and thier token Tomas

I made the list! I made the list! Look at ME, I made the list!!!

And redvirginia ans Caesar are cutting and pasting my posts!!

Turning out to be a banner day for TomasGrande!!!

Salud

Tomas, I'm not happy with Chris. Intelligent certainly - however, not 8 PM host material. I don't think he'll have any kind of an impact like Ed and Keith did.

I made the list! I made the list! Look at ME, I made the list!!!

I made the Drone list...im an American

In the same breath, Why didn't Linda Tripp go to jail???

Or Clinton for that matter.

TomasGrande

I made the list! I made the list! Look at ME, I made the list!!!

And redvirginia ans Caesar are cutting and pasting my posts!!

Turning out to be a banner day for TomasGrande!!!

Salud

People call the attention for been too smart or too stupid. Make your guess, why your post call my attention, be humble in your answer please.

Salud Tomasito

If you want to retire with dignity, don't vote for a Republican, Angry Bird's Blueprint to security -Wink !!!

Shoot the messenger, eh?

Prouty said there were cameras everywhere.......

And like you Houston, I too would donate to any legal defense if he was charged with whatever!

Caesar Disgustus-

I made the Drone list...im an American

You do drone on and on about nothing.

Johntho - The 15% you state is investment income. Having been already taxed on the initial income at around 35%. You should say he was taxed at 50%.

It is this type of rubbish that illustrates repeatedly Geo is simply out-of-this-world clueless. Indeed, Romney taxed 50% - that easily qualifies as the most asinine comment of the day. He must have been schooled in the 'Lyin Ryan academy of Financial Wonking negative101.

Morgs74

Or Clinton for that matter.

Or George W. Bush for that matter.

Salud

Houston...I'm not shooting anyone here. I just know that Florida has some of the toughest statutes in the US when it comes to secretly recording someone and I was surprised to see this person being very open about it on television. I'm sure he would have no problem getting money for a defense if charged, but I don't think this is a law that is prosecuted often. More often than not it is used to throw evidence out in court. Technically though, I think it is a 3rd class felony. Read through a few articles from various lawyers and it is definitely a gray area.

Honestly though, I'd be willing to bet politicians of all stripes say things that would floor us when they don't expect it to be made public.

Pat Boston-7793618

Tomas, I'm not happy with Chris. Intelligent certainly - however, not 8 PM host material. I don't think he'll have any kind of an impact like Ed and Keith did.

Pat.

That's True.

Keith was Great.

I would like to see Randi Rhodes on TV. She's amazing.

Hope you are doing well.

Salud

Caesar Augustus-

I made the Drone list...im an American

"Don't Drone me, Bro!"

Salud

"Florida Law 934.03 - Interception and disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications prohibited"?

Grimey - these laws generally apply the government actions, much like most disclosure laws typically only apply to what the government can disclose. Florida's law could also apply to private citizens, but that is not the norm.

We have an unaddressed structural employment problem within our economic system. We have a very hatefully directed, structurally biased, tax code that generally guides wealth toward the wealthy and away from wage earners. If this is the new acceptable status quo, then, we do indeed have a spend and debt mess. If we mean to restructure these to an acceptable level of employment, revising both the tax code and employment opportunities, then we'll have to spend much more than we are at present to accomplish the change. If we choose the latter, and we'll have to sooner or later, we do not have a spend and debt problem.

Feisty Red 1.68 ; As anybody, who has anything but an echo chamber between their ears knows; " Wet water is the ruination of any good Scotch." If Obama is responsible for wet water, I'll never vote for him as President ever again.

redvirginia

People call the attention for been too smart or too stupid. Make your guess, why your post call my attention, be humble in your answer please.

Salud Tomasito

Red,

What do you want. To mock me? To belittle me? To insult me?

Please. Your Rovian tactics are outdated. You come across as nothing more than a troll.

Why don't you write a column about what you believe in. Tell me why you think the Republican Party's platform and beliefs are better for this country. Tell us all areas where both parties can comprimise.

And in return, I won't bother you again. But if you come after me, I'll return the favor.

Salud

THE CLOWN CAR HAS EXPANDED TO A CARAVAN OF BUSES, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LOOK AT THE SPEAKERS AND THE LIST OF LOSERS

*** CPAC’s schedule for the rest of the week: Speaking on Friday: Donald Trump, Rep. Paul Ryan, NRA leader Wayne LaPierre, former Sen. .Rick Santorum, former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. Speaking on Saturday: Rep. Steve King, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, former VP nominee Sarah Palin, RNC Chair Reince Priebus, and Ted Cruz.

*** Past CPAC straw-poll results: Also on Saturday at 5:00 pm ET, CPAC will release the results of its presidential straw poll. And while we’re never ones to make TOO much of the straw poll, do note that the last three GOP presidential nominees -- George W. Bush, John McCain, and Mitt Romney -- either finished first or second at some point in their bids. Indeed, Romney finished first or second from 2007 to 2012. Just something to chew on. Here are the past results, per NBC’s Hiegel.

2012:
1. Mitt Romney (38% of the vote)
2. Rick Santorum (31%)
3. Newt Gingrich (15%)
4. Ron Paul (12%)

2011:
1. Ron Raul (30%)
2. Mitt Romney (23%)
3. Gary Johnson (6%)
4. Chris Christie (6%)
5. Newt Gingrich (5%)
6. Tim Pawlenty (4%)
7. Michele Bachmann (4%)
8. Mitch Daniels (4%)
9. Sarah Palin (3%)
10. Herman Cain (2%)

2010:
1. Ron Paul (31%)
2. Mitt Romney (22%)
3. Sarah Palin (7%)
4. Tim Pawlenty (6%)
5. Mike Pence (5%)
6. Newt Gingrich (4%)
7. Mike Huckabee (4%)
8. Mitch Daniels (2%)
9. John Thune (2%)
10. Rick Santorum (2%)

2009:
1. Mitt Romney (20%)
2. Bobby Jindal (14%)
3. Ron Paul (13%)
4. Sarah Palin (13%)
5. Newt Gingrich (10%)
6. Mike Huckabee (7%)
7. Mark Sanford (4%)
8. Rudy Giuliani (3%)
9. Tim Pawlenty (2%)
10. Charlie Crist (1%)

2008:
1. Mitt Romney (35%)
2. John McCain (34%)
3. Mike Huckabee (12%)
4. Ron Paul (12%)

2007:
1. Mitt Romney (21%)
2. Rudy Giuliani (17%)
3. Sen. Sam Brownback (15%)
4. Newt Gingrich (14%)
5. Sen. John McCain (12%)

2006:
1. George Allen (22%)
2. John McCain (20%)
3. Rudy Giuliani (12%)
4. Condoleezza Rice (10%)

2005: Rudy Giuliani

2000: George W. Bush

Is that Chris Christie flying a drone over CPAC?

Just asking.

"Don't Drone me, Bro!"

if i can just find a gadsden flag with a drone on it..

Houston

Go find a corner and quietly go do you know what to yourself...Take Fisty with you

So the folks who made their only focus after 2008 - to make Obama a one term president - rather than fix the economy, are worried that Obama's only focus is to defeat republicans in 2014, rather than "fix the debt problem they created"?

Oh thats hilarious!

Obama's base is ticked off that he's put soc sec and medicare on the table, and whats worse - his own party in the senate and congress arent backing him up on this offering.

it's a stale mate folks - republicans wont budge on higher taxes, democrats wont budge on cuts to soc sec and medicare, two programs we are taxed seperately for and should not have anything to do with the conversation on the national debt. if the funds arent adequate to meet the rising costs, raise the revenues (raise taxes) - dont cut services, or payouts.

most of us, 90% of us, will absolutely need those programs when we reach the age of retirement.

which means 90% of republicans too.

why are we so happy to slit our future throats, because rich conservatives who wont ever have to deal with our realities, think it's the smart thing to do?

they'll never be in our boat, as such, their voices should never be heard on these two items.

PERIOD.

seaskip: You got that right! First thing to do with anything the republicons come up with is ask yourself "What's in it for me?"

Every time the answer is less money and more suffering for me and my family. For the last 30 years only the 1%ers have done well under republicon economic policies.

If you thought Ed's ratings were bad, wait to you get a load of Chris Hayes! Red Dev BS - What % did Romney pay in his initial income? You just don't have investment income out of nowhere. MORON.

Boehner and the rest of the repubs are so obvious and transparent. They want social safety net cuts but don't want to own the cuts...they want democrats to propose and own the cuts so that the repubs can use that fact in attack ads for the 2014 campaign!!!

I think the demos are finally smart enough not to fall for this childish, disingenuous and blatantly political ploy.

Red Devil, with geo, ceasar disgustus, and many of the other right wing dolts, you just have to consider the sources. Speaking from the trailer park, these people have a very narrow view of our government and a bigoted outlook at our president.

TO: dr821 who wrote:

"It looks like the left is searching just as hard to find a realistic core ideology"; since Obama's positioned them so far left with only a tax and spend platform that has failed to work. Many moderate Democrats know the spending can't continue unchecked and won't support Obama unilaterally. Democrats can no longer afford to live so far left in a lame-duck term and observant Washington Democrats know this."

The only thing that's a sure fire failure here is Republican Economic Policies which have failed the American People repeatedly and aren't even designed to benefit the majority of Americans. The entire Republican Economic Policy is to only give money to rich, and to repeal the minimum wage, and THAT is what you think average Americans ought to "go for"?

If you call Republican Economic Policies which forced the entire United States into the 2nd Great Depression "success" then Republicans are nothing more than Domestic Terrorists.

The ONLY Economic Policies that have lead to a vibrant economy where those economic policies of the Democratic Party, and there's history to prove that.

Someone has filled your head full of stupid lies if you think that forcing millions of American Families out of their homes and out of their jobs is the "desired effect" or is the Republican "picture of success".

It was Chris Christie's Bear Hug that killed Mitt RobMe !

miklkit #1.113, I totally agree with you and seaskip !

Republicans are correct not to trust that lying &^%$#!@, Obama. The only thing you can do to fix these disasters called Progressives is to eliminate them from the political arena.

geo, you must be the dumbest rock in the pile. The rich do not pay enough taxes, haven't for a long time. That is why we are so far in debt. We in the middle class are being robbed and you are the worst thief, stealing from yourself. Spending on the other hand has and is being cut. It is time for the middle class to take back their country. It don't belong just to the rich bitches here. We all own a piece of it.

When MS/NBC rolls out Feisty and Beverly it means they know Obama does not have a leg to stand on.

New poll numbers from this site have over 70% want ObamaCare completely repealed.

@Vietnam Veteran wants his @$$#1.109: Couldn't agree more. Talk about a coop of Culls!

@Jessica-1170252#1.112: No one could have said it better than you did. Even as the sacks of sh^t these sons-ah-bitches are, don't they smell queer?

Frank "Grimey" Grimes, Springfield, USA

Honestly though, I'd be willing to bet politicians of all stripes say things that would floor us when they don't expect it to be made public.

Of course they do. But so what? Romney just wasn't having an off day. Since then, he's doubled down on his insults to the American people by claiming it's not just 47% who are freeloaders, it's the 51% who voted for Obama. Good riddance to bad Romneys.

today is the day, I become independent from the hysterical people who come to MSN for a fight err comment....

I would go as far to say MSN (news) is the epicenter of lunatics who need to write articles /comments...I will no longer be part of the problem...

I will get my news somewhere else...or not read it at all. I believe strongly that being apart of newsvine and MSNBC commenters has lead to a serious case of depression....and loss of hope.

I have never watched Fox news and I don't want to....its just the other side of the coin...instead I like news from foreign sources...think Ill be going back to that.

Enjoy being pitted against each other, best wishes

TO: Zathrose who wrote:

"Republicans are correct not to trust that lying &^%$#!@, Obama. The only thing you can do to fix these disasters called Progressives is to eliminate them from the political arena."

Republicans have a longstanding history of Economic Failure, and the whole Republican Economic Plan is doomed to fail again, guaranteed. How do we know, because we keep doing it over and over again, and we always come up with the same result - failure.

Why are we even thinking about trying again what we already know is a complete failure?

The only absolute "Economic Success" we've seen in our lifetime are those Economic Policies of the Democratic Party.

Republican "Trickle Down Economics" failed, and it was designed to start at the top by making the rich, even richer, but never "trickled down" to average working-class Americans. In fact, American Workers saw their wages "stagnate" because as the rich got richer, they also got stingier.

Now Republicans call that SAME identical "plan" "Top Down Economics" which is the exact same as before, making the rich even richer, while Republicans work on repealing the minimum wage which will obviously make working class families even poorer, and completely eliminate the middle class.

Hilarious

At the end of his Wednesday program, MSNBC "The ED Show" host Ed Schultz said he had volunteered to lose his 8 p.m. Eastern prime-time MSNBC slot, where he has been a fixture going back to October 2011, and instead air from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Schultz's show had been a ratings struggle at times. Back in December, a New York Times report from Brian Stelter

Congrats... loser. Next........

Geo you are way confused. Your first talking about his Capital gains and now his payroll tax from the stone age? They are not the same. Romney posted his return back during the election and it was capital gains. Remember he touted paying a generous 14.1% at currant time was only 12% and that he over paid? Also you dont seem to understand that the tax only applies to gains. Not investment.

Personally I feel the capital gains Tax is B.S. Why does paper pushing that collects a check no differently than my payroll check get taxed at a rate half of what I get taxed.

What could be more telling about the Obama charm tour on Capital Hill then his latest poll numbers. The first part of the poll is pretty sad, top to bottom failing and speaks to the reason the country is struggling under Obama. Still out comes more tax and spend courtesy of the Senate Democrats budget outline. But the second question is hilarious and proves timing is everything.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/poll-obama-momentum-stalls-amid-spiking-gas-prices/2012/03/11/gIQAQQoz5R_graphic.html

Out come the liberal loonies in force, dispensing advice to republicans. I was wondering if all of you were on vacation together for the past few weeks.There weren't any stories you people could comment on, because all the news stories were about Obama and his stories of gloom and doom, and you kind of knew he was exaggerating a tiny bit, so you coulnd't make him look worse than he already was. I suggest you people keep your advice to yourselves, and worry about Obama and Reid stop breaking the law and submit a budget, so sane people can see what shape our economy is really in, and how much more damage the dems intend to try to do to this country. So you all go back and play in your sandbox.

@ Johntho 1.121

The rich do not pay enough taxes, haven't for a long time. That is why we are so far in debt.

Moronic! Thats like saying I am so far in debt because I don't make enough to support my unbridled spending habit. Typical....................the reason we don't have is because someone else isn't paying for it.

When are you gonna man up and and get a clue about personal responsibility starting at the top instead of blaming everyone else because they won't play together. If Obama is your guy, when and where are his leadership skills going to be exibited? If he's such a great leader, why can't he bring this all together? Is it because he hasn't the skills or inclination or both?

@ Guess He Can't,

Why would some of these people like Bev, American Girl, The Piggy and others need a job when they are getting free stuff from their Boy Toy in the White house.

AmericanGirl:

I don't want to bust your Liberal bubble but, if you're an informed Liberal with a thinking head on your shoulders, here's some info on the current budget and balance sheet for the U.S. in 2013.

Currently for the year 2013 our biggest cost items on the budget are:

Healthcare $811 billion

Social Sec $775 billion

Defense $667 billion

We have tax revenue of $2.5 trillion with deficit spending above revenue of $1.2 trillion for the year 2013...Clearly almost half of are budget spending is on Healthcare and Social Security. These are personal entitlement programs.

On a long term Balance Sheet for the U.S.:

Combined Unfunded liabilities (medicare, perscription drugs, social sec) $123 Trillion

Current Total National Assets of U.S. (valuation) $94 Trillion

Entitlements are breaking the financial back of America. It's there as plane as day for anyone to see. It was not the recession that broke us. The recession is a product of our fiscal mismanagment caused by entitlements. Go online and check out the U.S. National Debt Clock if you dont believe me. Don't just hide behind the media spin. Do your own research and then get back to me. Please go research and make your own decision as you vote for candidates that you feel have your best interest at heart.

Keep in mind though, if you break the bank you won't have any money to spend on things you truly need in the future. It is what it is. Pointing fingers and blaming doesn't solve any fiscal problems.

Mr. or Mrs. Redneck Va.

I gave your SSI list a thumbs up, however you failed to mention what I believe to be the fundamental motivation of the Roosevelt Administration for this program. It is a mechanism that allows the elderly to leave the workplace and lower the unemployment totals. Without it many including myself would have found it difficult to retire thereby closing off entry level positions for those entering the workforce. It along with medicare opens a path out of the workforce. The GOP appears to have never understood that mechanism and would prefer to drown these programs. Can you imagine what the state of the economy would be without a way to retirement? Revisit Herbert Hover.

"Instead of continuing to backpedal, the president could put these ideas back in the mix — and make it so that this budget process isn’t just a political exercise that goes nowhere.” But why is it only Obama who should put something on the table? Why not Boehner, too? What is he willing to give up? The fact is this: While there are folks on both sides of the aisle who talk a good game on the idea of reforming Medicare and Social Security, nobody wants to OWN a plan."

This to me is the key to our government doing anything. Compromose is suppose to be the name of the game in washington..but the republicans and their tea party see it differently...it is either their way or no way..actually, it amounts to if Obama has anything to do with it they are against it..even it is or was their own idea to begin with. Our elected have a huge problem..they asre not willing or capable of doing their elected jobs because of the politics of the two parties...which is working against this nation as a whole. They were I thought , elected to be able to think for themselves..it seems none are capable of doing that.

dr821,

You can’t even do your own research so you shouldn’t say to others to do their own because that will only confirm your complete lack of factual information.

Social Security and Medicare, unlike Defense and other budget items are taxed separately.

The Obama administration's February 2012 budget request contained $2.902 trillion in receipts and $3.803 trillion in outlays, for a deficit of $901 billion (not $1.2 Trillion) and declining to $575 billion by 2018.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_United_States_federal_budget

Independent redneck...

To borrow a mind fart from economist krugman who believes;

That since washington only works within a crisis mode, spending can continue forward until the crises happens. ref recent comments krugman said on bloombergTV and paraphrased.

Seems that like alfred e newman, "why worry", the SS crises won't happen untill 2033 is something you want to ignore, perhaps you are one of those getting their 100% participation rate now and are unlikely to be around after 2033.

While I can't disagree with krugman on washingtons "only during a crises mode" philosophy why shouldn't we expect our politicians to make small course corrections to see that the crises never occurs. BTW - it would appear that the GOP wants to focus more on what is becoming more of an immediate problem being medicare and medicaid reform.

$2.7 trillion dollar balance in SS funding? Really IR, how droll to throw out such a red herring. SS is in our general fund and as long as we have deficit spending and a growing national debt, this $2.7 trillion number will remain as government IOU's to those receiving SS.

Obama may view any attempt at getting revenue and spending in balance as not being his priority, but we as Americans should realize that when the music stops it will be the poor who won't have a chair to sit in because (in part like krugman) the crises is down the road and not on his watch.

I can applaud obama on his recent efforts to have open discussions with the right, he has wasted 4 years by going his own way in his first term. I wonder if what he is doing is really sincere. As reagan liked to say "trust, but verify".

TomasGrande

Steven B

Obama is artificially propping up the markets.

So, President Obama has the power to contol Wall Street?

No kidding. What these people do not understand is that the reason Wall Street is at record highs is because the profits of American companies are at a record high. A more profitable company justifies a higher stock price. Record profits, record prices. Pretty simple.

What's also funny is that these people also accuse Obama of racking up the debt AND of printing money. Unanswered is the question...if he's printing money, why would he rack up debt?

BTW - it would appear that the GOP wants to focus more on what is becoming more of an immediate problem being medicare and medicaid reform.

If the GOP was interested in real problems, they would be working on real problems, like the fact that despite improvements, we have a stubbornly high unemployment rate. That is a problem TODAY, not something that is "becoming an immediate problem."

Oh, and incidentally, reduce unemployment, you increase the number of taxpayers, and you increase the amount of taxes collected, and so you take care of the deficit and the debt and other things that Republicans claim to be so worried about.

I can applaud obama on his recent efforts to have open discussions with the right, he has wasted 4 years by going his own way in his first term. I wonder if what he is doing is really sincere. Like reagan liked to say "trust, but verify".

His "own way" was trying to come to terms with Republicans. It was when they made it clear that they were happy to hurt the country in order to make him a one-term President that he went his own way.

As far as being sincere, I am sure he hasn't forgotten the harm that Republicans have done to the country, but he's a pragmatist, if he can get something good out of the situation, he will.

@Roy Wilson#1.77: I can understand someone like "Geo" claiming investment profits are taxed at 50%. He's likely heard it somewhere and wishes to believe it. You on the other hand very well know better. You don't know where the income came from that was invested. Maybe it was from past investment profits that were taxed at 15%, or, maybe it was from regular earned income that was taxed as such, and the investor used after tax money to buy the stocks. Doesn't really matter either way. Once profit is realized on investments, only the profits are taxed, and you gwaddamned well know it. You want to help the country, quit feeding ignorance to the ignorant. I invest here and there, when I wish to, and I know very well "cap gains" taxes are way too low.

The recession is a product of our fiscal mismanagment caused by entitlements.

Since you seem so big on doing your own research, I suggest that you dig a bit deeper. The recession was caused by the housing fiscal crisis. It had nothing to do with entitlements.

Entitlements, insofar as they have had any effect, have helped the economy. Food stamps, unemployment, social security payouts, all help the economy because they put money in the hands of people who need it. These people go out and immediately spend the money they get, giving employment to people. These people then have money to spend, and eventually we get falling unemployment.

Our biggest problem isn't the deficit (which has been going down under Obama, by the way), or entitlements, it is the fact that we still have a high unemployment rate. Put these people to work, and the country will start collecting more taxes and be more easily able to pay down our debt and pay for these same entitlements.

There's a disconnect between Republicans and Democrats where it comes to reform of Medicare and Medicaid. When a Democrat talks about reform, they mean cutting down on waste and mismanagement. When a Republican talks about reform, they mean cutting down on benefits. The bloat goes to benefit drug companies and hospitals and the like; they don't want that reduced.

American Girl Post 1.127

No one ever claimed the Republicans were smart.

What some are begining to see is that when demand is down....they don't make squat. The smart ones are trying to temper that message but are being drown by the Tea party members.

I actually feel sorry for them - it's kinda like watching a car wreck in slow motion.

America knows the GOP is screwed up and the next election cycle will prove it.

I took bet's on the last election and gave odds of 2.3 to 1 - I cleaned up.

If Obama is your guy, when and where are his leadership skills going to be exibited? If he's such a great leader, why can't he bring this all together? Is it because he hasn't the skills or inclination or both?

2cents: Let's assume Obama can't "bring this all together".

If Republicans are "your guys", why can't any of them "bring this all together"? If all it takes is the skills and inclination, why can't anyone else take the lead on this?

Or do you really mean to say, "If Obama was a leader, why can't he just cave in and "bring this all together"?

Do you know, when America's founders were drafting the Constitution, they were deliberately limiting the powers of the Presidency, because they just revolted against a monarch who COULD "bring it all together". Unfortunately, the monarch brought it all together in a way they didn't like.

It's even on the POTUS web site. "His plan includes $2.50 in spending cuts for every dollar in revenue increases, while bringing annual domestic spending as a share of the economy to its lowest level in 50 years."

The cut's are on the table BUT he also requires something back in return, closing tax loopholes that millionaires and billionaires use that are ridiculous. The GOP won't touch that.

Obama - and his corrupt administration cronies - All about the need to create an image and making promises

What's missing - oh so clearly - is the all important - Results - well into his 5th year - and counting

TO: redvirginia who wrote:

"... Crazy Republicans are wrong they think we have problems."

"Crazy Republicans" ARE the problem.

The loony lefty propagandists are out in force on this one, Goebbels would be so proud.

Pat

Pat Boston-7793618

IR, I've been pounding the social security BS for days now. Can't let up. None of us can.

#1.11 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 9:34 AM EDT

I'm sure you've been pounding something for days, probably not SS. Anyway, If you and Fisty were in the know, I've got it from a good source that they are actually going to give Mr. Ed's slot to Sean Hannity, move Rachel Madcow to Fox and make her co-host it with Ann Coulter. Better for ratings, which is the name of the game. Real journalism is dead.

If all it takes is the skills and inclination, why can't anyone else take the lead on this?

I couldn't agree more - someone needs to take the lead on this -Obama obviously isn't. The reason I make a point of it is the endless tripe I see on here about how Obama won a second term, didn't you guys get the memo, get over it, ad infinitum. He has had 5 years and so far, all I've heard is how much money we are gonna be able to save by 2022. And even that's only after he finally had his feet held to the fire to do Something! Seriously?

Why can't he or (anybody for that matter) put the importance of a proposed budget before all else. Why can't they sit there until it's been hammered out. Because none of them give a sh*t.

I'm not so naive to believe that this process doesn't require compromise, but does he really think closing the White House tour bus down is anything significant?

Beverly in Chicago "ROY WILSON-336103 Anyone that thinks we don't have a Debt and Spending problem is blind or stupid, or just doesn't care. Any one who does not know President Obama has decreased the deficit is stupid."

Thanks for the laugh. Here are the official Deficit numbers for Bush' last 4 years and Obama's last 4 years;

2005 - $318.3 Billion Deficit
2006 - $248.2 Billion Deficit
2007 - $160.7 Billion Deficit
2008 - $458.6 Billion Deficit - 4 year total for Bush = $2,186 Billion
2009 - $1,412.7 Billion Deficit
2010 - $1,293.5 Billion Deficit
2011 - $1,299.6 Billion Deficit
2012 - $1,089.0 Billion Deficit – 4 year total Deficits for Obama = $5,095.2 Billion

Now admittedly Obama's Deficit for 2012 was about $320 Billion lower than in 2009, but after having INCREASED the Deficit by more than $950 Billion in his first year, that's hardly a 'reduction' to brag about, and all it means is that Obama's 'stimulus' money ran out.

I suppose that you will try to 'blame Bush' for Obama's $860 Billion 'stimulus' spending next.

Mac Forrester "@Roy Wilson#1.77: I can understand someone like "Geo" claiming investment profits are taxed at 50%. He's likely heard it somewhere and wishes to believe it. You on the other hand very well know better."

The 15% tax rate applies to different types of income - For example, if a large corporation pays at the typical 35% rate on income, and then distributes the remaining income to investors as dividends who then pay an additional 15% on the income, the total rate is indeed close to 50% on the original income.

Alternatively, the 15% rate can also apply to 'capital gains', meaning that if an investor invests money and then sells the investment 10 years later, they are allowed to declare the income at a 15% rate, which to the unsophisticated might sound too low (income is income). But the reality is that the lower tax rate is to compensate for the effects of inflation, which would make long term investments cost prohibitive. As an example, if I invested $ 1 Million in 1970 and sold the investment in 1980 for $2 Million, some people would say that the $1 Million 'gain' should be taxed at the top tax rate of 39.6%, but let's look at the 'return' for the investor for risking their money for 10 years to help create jobs;

Total Investment in 1970 = $1,000,000.

Sales Price in 1980 = $2,000,000.

Gain over 10 years = $1 Million.

Taxes on Gain = $396,000, for a net 'profit' of $604,000, and net cash of $1,604,000.

But now let's consider the effects of Inflation

Inflation over that 10 year period was 53%, so the total value of that $1,604,000 in terms of the original $1,000,000 invested is only $754,000. This means that someone that invested $1,000,000 in 1970 and sold it in 1980 would then have LOST $246,000 in purchasing power, despite the government saying that they GAINED $604,000 of net income.

I'm not sure that many 'investors' would be excited about risking their savings in long term investments in plant and equipment (needed for job creation) if the government ensures that they will LOSE MONEY.

In summary - One of the best ways to DISCOURAGE long term investments for job creation is to penalize those making the risky investments with stupid tax policies.

Yes, I DO know better, but the question is "Do YOU"?

For those who actually BELIEVE Obama's rhetoric about having 'cut spending by $2.5 Trillion', it's time for a REALITY CHECK.

No President can obligate any future President or Congress to any 'spending cuts'. PERIOD.

When Obama says 'I've cut spending by $2.5 Trillion over the next 10 years', it's totally meaningless. In 2016, we will elect a new President and a new Congress, and THEY will get to decide for themselves how much will be spent in subsequent years. The only spending that Obama can control is what happens between now and the end of 2016, and if you look at his 'spending cuts', virtually ALL of them occur AFTER 2016, meaning they are not worth the paper they are printed on.

So when Obama talks about 'spending cuts', the only REAL question is "How much is spending being cut through 2016"?

@Roy Wilson: Gwaddamn! A corporation pays 35 % taxes on income. Should be net profit. Corporations don't pay taxes on expenses. Corporations don't pay taxes on dividends paid to investors. The investors pay that tax.

Pays out dividends to investors. The corporation used the investors money and may continue to hold investors money. Maybe investor sold the stock at a price higher than the original investment. Regardless, it's the investor who pays taxes on the money made above amount invested.

What the hell has this got to do with double taxation? What the hell's this got to do with a 50% tax rate? You're as full of sh^t as a constipated elephant. Sorry, maybe you really don't know any better.

Mac Forrester "@Roy Wilson: Gwaddamn! A corporation pays 35 % taxes on income. Should be net profit. Corporations don't pay taxes on expenses. Corporations don't pay taxes on dividends paid to investors. The investors pay that tax."

Silly comment. It's called an INCOME TAX because it's based on net INCOME, which accounts for all revenues and expenses. I never said that the corporation pays a tax on dividends - the Investor owns a share of the corporation, and thus is 'double taxed' because the corporation pays income taxes on that investors share of the corporate profits, and then the investor pays income taxes AGAIN when their share of the remaining income is sent to them as dividends. As an example, if the investor's share of the net corporate income is $10,000, then the corporation pays taxes on that $10,000 at the typical corporate rate of 35% ($3,500), and then, if the remaining $6,500 is later distributed to the investor as dividends, he will typically pay a further tax of 15% on those dividends. That's why it's called 'double taxation', and even Obama has recognized this as an issue.

Virtually every rational accounting professor acknowledges the double taxation of corporate income and dividends, and since I am the former controller (now retired) for two large corporations with assets of about $500 Million each, perhaps I have a bit of an advantage over someone like yourself that might struggle to balance their checkbook.

'Sorry, maybe you really don't know any better.'

@Roy Wilson#1.157: Parcing words don't get it Roy. I don't care if you were the CFO of two large Corporations, God help 'em. I don't care if some dumb assed professor calls it double taxation. You're implying a gwaddamn lie. No corporation pays taxes on gross profits, then yields dividends to investors from the remaining money, who then have to pay taxes on those dividends. Conversely, corporations legally exempt the money invested by the investors and the dividends paid to those investors as cost. You're a gwaddamn phoney. Assumptive and silly, hiding behind a computer screen. You represent a real problem plaguing this Country today. You, and too many like you DON'T understand how our system works.