Good morning to you too Joe . . . good to see you starting the week with your head spinning around on your shoulders just like always . . . must look away now . . . getting dizzy.

P.S. That's President Barry to you shorty.

Good Morning Nashville,

The republicans still have nothing to say, no ideas except for the one that trashed this country. The only thing they keep coming out with the last few weeks is calling our President a liar. Just like the coward bullies I used to see in high school. Stand up to them and they piss their pants, run and hide behind their buddies, shout insults and then run away.

Typical republican game plan.

Fannie & Freddie are still part of the Dec 2007 meltdown--this is not new losses but on-going ones created by the big banks who dumped their bad loans on both. How odd, the report I read said that although there were still losses, they were down and less money than previously predicted was needed. Guess interpretation amounts to how one thinks politically rather than factually.

Joe in Albany

Nash just put it midly.

Hypocrites like you know that in the midst of the worst ecomonic meltdown since the "Great Depression.the economy grew 9.7%.

Speaking of Hypocrites: Liz Cheney, John Boehnor, Mike PenceChamber of Commerce, and Weekly Standard

Liz Cheney for not realizing her dad, Dick Cheney ignored public opinion on Iraq. She didn't be so hypocritical about President's healthcare, the new law of the land. The nerve of this right winger to President Obama is NOT

listening to what the American people are saying. Duhhh, Duhhh, just look at her dad!!

John Boehnor, Chamber of Commerce, and Weekly Standard for bemoaning that we have an anti-business president. President Obama has led an extremely pro-business recovery. The corporate community has recovered first, and best. The truth is corporate profits hit $1.37 trillion in the first quarter -- an all-time high--and the history of financial crises shows that our slow, halting recovery is right on schedule and the business community's caution is predictable. When the puppets of the righties in Congress tven explain on MTPrash the President and trumpet the talkings of big businsesess just remember like President Obama said..."Bipartisanship can't be that I agree to all the things that they believe in or want, and they agree to none of the thingsI believe in and want, and that’s the price of bipartisanship." Hypocritis John Boehnor and Mike Pence couldn't even explain how to resolve extending the tax cuts that aren’t paid for and cut the deficit.

　The hypocrites know that in the midst of the worst ecomonic meltdown since the "Great Depression". The economy grew 9.7%. Forward thinking is required here.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/06/AR2010080606238.html

Forever Forward

Backwards Never

Psyched out Over Spain,
Michelle Obama's going to Spain proves she is an adult and not a Stepford Wife. She is fur real. She realizes how important it is to be a mother, wife, and First Lady by setting a example. First Lady Michelle Obama is a bright, charimastic, woman, and accomplished mother, wife, and First Lady. It's about time Americans have some one in the White House who is worthy of those attributes; rather than a submissive robot-like wife.

　FR:That edge is why analysts believe Republicans might very well take back control of the House?

Just look at the Obsence bonuses Wall Street gets them Main Street doesn't yet the leaders in the GOP and Tea baggers don't get

I doubt it.

I will be voting tomorrow. The Democratic Governor candidates are all excellent, we have an embarrassment of riches, I am having difficulty deciding between Kelliher and Dayton. I like them both. For the amusement of the general populace, I add that the Republican candidate has demonstrated himself to be a typical Republican, and the typical right winger that they run here. He is not clever enough to try to hide it like Pawlenty did. He (are you ready) campaigned on taxing tips for wait staff in the state. His claim was that some of these folks make up to $100,000 a year in tips. He was greeted by wait staff at one of his stops, and let me just say, the result was something that should appear on Saturday Night Live. He still has no clue why he was wrong, and tried to blame them for misunderstanding what he said. But, as I said...typical Republican...go after the little guy.

I guess you could say Barry is just another full-of-sh!t lying politician. Or you could pretend he's doing a wonderful job. Gee, I wonder which one the FR lefty liberals will choose??

First, let's review the actual numbers:

http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/series/CP

Well, let's see - we could either go with the "numbers don't lie" side of the coin, or Joe in Albany has an agenda and hates the President side of the coin. I wonder which one it is?

So the real question for all the "free markets fix everything" and "government can't do anything right" crowd is this: If Corporate America is so d@mn profitable, why aren't they hiring? They're clearly profitable - despite Joe hating Obama and wishing him to fail, Corporate America seems to be doing quite well under this Administration - in fact, one could say even flourishing. So why isn't Corporate America "fixing" the jobs problem via the "free market"? What's the hold up?

And more importantly, why do the righties keep ignoring these kinds of numbers and questions? What are they afraid of - Obama SUCCEEDING!?!?

Joe, or may we call you "Joey"? Our president's name is President Barack Obama. He has chosen to call himself by his name Barack -- Barry is the nickname his mother used. People might listen to the logic of your arguments more if you were more respectful. What do you suggest be done about Freddie Mac's request? What impact would your suggestion (if carried out) have on you and your neighbors and your town and state?

Kate: Excellent questions. Our friend Joey never has any answers though. Doubt he will this time either.

Beverley

Much to my disappointment at the time public opinion supported the invasion of Iraq.

"The United States public's opinion of the invasion of Iraq has changed significantly since the years preceding the incursion. For various reasons, mostly related to the unexpected consequences of the invasion, the US public’s perspective on its government’s choice to initiate an offensive is increasingly negative. Before the invasion in March 2003 polls showed 47-60% of the US public supported an invasion, dependent on UNESCO approval.^[1] According to the same poll retaken in April 2007, 58% of the participants stated that the initial attack was a mistake.^[2] In May 2007, the New York Times and CBS News released similar results of a poll in which 61% of participants believed the U.S. "should have stayed out" of Iraq.^[3]"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popular_opinion_in_the_United_States_on_the_invasion_of_Iraq

Apart from the Kaiser poll the current opinion of HCR from Real Clear Politics is 38/51 unfavorable.

Nashville Fan-you are usually on about the mote in your brother's eye-so I'm not surprised that you overlooked this particular plank. Try spinning this:

last week, Obama lauded a report by the political appointees who make up the trustees of the medicare system, claiming that his HCR cut the costs of that program.

Except, it doesn't.

Appended to the report is the TRUE report issued by Chief Actuary Richard Foster. In it, he points out that the 'savings' accounted for are fantasies.

One 'cut' is the cut to Medicare-which will not happen, except for the cut to the Medicare Advantage program, and even that is questionable if it becomes too politically costly.

Another supposed cut is the 30% cut in doctors' reimbursement, which congress has already committed to fixing.

Yet another illusory cut is the 'cram down' of Medicare reimbursements to hospitals. If this, in some alternate universe, actually occurred, hospitals would either pass the costs on to privately insured patients, or stop treating Medicare patients.

Think congress is going to let that happen?

So, Obama goes out spewing forth more lies drawn up for him by political hacks, and the truth is ignored.

Great leader you wave your pom poms for.

nojoe,

I am TRYING to take the day off from fussing with you . . . but I assure you I will investigate this and get back to ya . . . now you have a wonderful day . . . if you can.

P.S. It would be nice if you would investigate some of the stuff you post before you post it, provide a link to easily verify what you say, or maybe even not believe everything you read just because it reinforces your negative feelings about the President. . . but hey, I will go and track it down for you like I always do . . . because for some reason I feel like deep down you know better. . . or maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment . . . anywho, I'll get back to you later . . . which today probably means tomorrow.

Joey in Albany,

you do realize that Freddie and Fannie have been around longer than President Obama has been in office (you disrespect yourself and the trailer park you live in when you do not use the proper name). of course now you know who they are and what they do. prior to fox telling you what to thing and who they are, you probably thought fnma and freddie mac were fashion designers.

welcome to the debt party about 10 years too late. nice to see you are now finally paying attention. now lets come up with some ideas and stop the whining like a baby there Josephina!

HAHAHAHAHA (seemed dorky when i did that and it looks even more stupid).

Nashville,

Then I can assume you never called President Bush anything but President? No 'W' or "shrub"?

I doubt it. Your hypocrisy knows no bounds. (And I notice that you don't/can't take issue with anything Joe said)

uh oh, NO JO NO TRUTH is using statistics again. grain of salt alert, grain of salt alert.

still waiting for the link:

Over 80% of Wall Street workers are liberal Democrats-

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Tuesday, April 13, 2010 12:23 PM

Just making it up as you go, makin it up.

NO JO NO TRUTH is currently a russian spy transvestite who brushes her teeth with chocolate bars. is it true? who cares since she makes up everything anyway

And now I will do nojoe's busy work for her . . . why, I don't know . . .

Medicare Will Be Viable to 2029, Backing Obama Claim

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-05/medicare-will-be-viable-to-2029-backing-obama-claim-trustee-report-says.html

Here is the part that nojoe is so very excited about:

"Medicare Chief Actuary Richard Foster, who ran the numbers used in writing the trustees’ report, said in an attachment that there is a “strong likelihood” that some of the overhaul’s changes won’t implemented, so the forecasts don’t “represent a reasonable expectation for actual program operations.”

Woweee wow.

I mean that is a deal breaker there . . . there is a CHANCE that something COULD CHANGE . . . and we might not realize these savings. Talk about news at 11.

To try to cast President Obama as a liar because it is POSSIBLE that things MAY CHANGE in the future for Medicare is the very definition of grasping at straws.

Can I have my day off now?

P.S. For those who want to know more, here is another link that talks more about it:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/05/AR2010080500643.html

P.S. Angela S . . . I still call President Bush President Bush even now since you asked . . . and even if I didn't, that would not change what is the propler thing to do. Nice of you to wait until you think I'm not around to respond to pop off . . . feels good don't it? Too bad you didn't have much to say . . . come more often if you really want to "play" . . . otherwise have fun with no joe . . . she is gonna need a friend today since I'm not in the mood.

Here comes Monday! Will it bring out LooneyTunes like "Milo2", who thought this forum was ESPN's, Friday Night Fights? Will it bring out others like Tim something another, who only wanted to spread his racial view's, while adding nothing.

I'll make a suggestion to 1st Read's moderater's, when yall leave on Friday's, make su

Here comes Monday! Will it bring out LooneyTunes like "Milo2", who thought this forum was ESPN's, Friday Night Fights? Will it bring out others like Tim something another, who only wanted to spread his racial view's, while adding nothing.

I'll make a suggestion to 1st Read's moderater's, when yall leave on Friday's, make sure the Breathalizer is working, before yall turn the lights out & lock the doors. These 2 character's were up there, but not quite in Dave Anders(TX) league, however, with a couple "Last calls" coming thier way, i'm sure both would've Graduated to Dave Anders league of thier Own.

We have lotsa Military Folks who post here & America is Thankful for your Service. However,being either Active or Retired Military or Anyone for that matter, does Not give you Carte Blanche, to Berate other's, who have views different from your's.

I'll advise anyone who is past "last call" to stay away from the keyboard, because when you go back the next day & see what you've Posted the night before, most will be "Sorry" for the Stupidity they show of themselves.

You Betcha!

re the Breathalizer is working, before yall turn the lights out & lock the doors. These 2 character's were up there, but not quite in Dave Anders(TX) league, however, with a couple "Last calls" coming thier way, i'm sure both would've Graduated to Dave Anders league of thier Own.

We have lotsa Military Folks who post here & America is Thankful for your Service. However,being either Active or Retired Military or Anyone for that matter, does Not give you Carte Blanche, to Berate other's, who have views different from your's.

I'll advise anyone who is past "last call" to stay away from the keyboard, because when you go back the next day & see what you've Posted the night before, most will be "Sorry" for the Stupidity they show of themselves.

You Betcha!

Fox is all the investigating no joe all blow does Nash, and they just take parts of the report the part that makes their hate look better. It's called cherry picking and Fox is a master at it and no joe all blow falls for it every day. He's an idiot.

Mo-1852032, No Jo No Clue No Truth is actually a girl. and she is still an idiot (you were correct with that one)

Sorry for some Doubleingup(RickSpere). I'm Old School, so bear with me.

Got No idea how that happened.

To no joe (and her enablers):

Medicare Advantage is program that takes taxpayer dollars to provide subsidies to for-profit health insurance companies to do absolutely nothing.

So why would it be "politically costly" to end it?

Why should I have to subsidize a for profit health insurance company?

"When congressional Republicans first began expanding private insurance Medicare options in 1997, advocates argued the plans would deliver services more efficiently, and hence less expensively, than Medicare's traditional fee-for-service reimbursement.

But the spending on Advantage plans grew over time, with critics arguing Republican majorities were deliberately overfunding it to make the private plans more attractive than traditional Medicare.

As a result, the private plans now cost the government about 14 percent more per person than regular Medicare, according to an analysis by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, which recommends reimbursement rates to Congress."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-tc-nw-medicare-0818-0819aug19,0,667936.story

So a program that was designed to deliver services "less expensively" now costs the government 14 percent more per person than regular Medicare . . . and what about "more efficiently"?

"The Government Accountability Office reported that in 2006, the[Medicare Advantage] plans earned profits of 6.6 percent, had overhead (sales, etc.) of 10.1 percent, and provided 83.3 percent of the revenue dollar in medical benefits. These administrative costs are far higher than traditional fee-for-service Medicare."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicare_(United_States)

So Medicare Advantage costs more and its less efficient.

Remind me why we need it again?

But remind me TOMORROW.

Bye.

"Kirk voted for the Bush policies that wrecked the economy, and then said unemployment's not a big issue."

Here are some interesting facts about the Bush economy.

Bush had 6 years where the Republicans controlled both the White House and Congress (although they never had filibuster proof control, so the Democrats could block anything they desired, requiring Bush to get 9 Democratic Senators to get anything passed). For Bush's final 2 years, and the 2 following, the Democrats have controlled Congress, which gave them control of the legislative and spending agenda, since the President cannot make laws, and can only sign them or veto them.

So how does Bush's first 6 Fiscal Years in office (when Republicans had control) compare with his final 2 years (when Democrats had control)?

The Economy grew an average of 43% faster in Bush's first 6 years than in his last 2 years.

Government Revenues grew an average of 30% faster in Bush's first 6 years than in his last 2 years.

The average Federal Deficit was 34% larger in Bush's last 2 years than Bush's first 6 years.

Inflation averaged 25% higher in Bush's last 2 years than in his first 6 years.

The National Debt increased an average of 67% more in Bush's last 2 years than in his first 6 years.

And remember – the Democrats had control of Congress for 2 years before the financial meltdown, and have been in charge for the last 4 years.

So the question should be asked "Who REALLY drove the economy into the ditch"?

And by the way. Bush's average unemployment rate was only 5.33 - barely above Clinton's 5.2%.

Jodie - So funny that you mentioned Stepford wives. Yesterday after watching MTP - Boehner and Pence - I was calling them the Stepford Republicans. Especially Boehner - Gregory actually drilled him on the Bushs tax cuts and where he stands. Boehner kept hedging and repeating the Stepford Republican mantra! It was really strange to see Boehner (Orangeman) in a room that had mostly orange in it - you almost couldn't see him!

I don't believe, nor do I see how, the lying Republicans can take back anything! Just look at Boehner! I wonder if his constituents in Ohio will be for his party's platform considering the unemployment rate in Ohio and that the lying Republicans voted against their unemployment. Give me a break. I think there are some real idiots out there on the right, however, unless as a citizenry we have lost our accumulative minds and become nothing but the proverbial lynchmob of nutty right wingers, who could possibly vote for the party of no and excuses and never answer questions.

Roy Wilson, you do realize that a lot of the "accomplishments" you write about regarding the first 6 years under bush was basically, as we now know, a "house of cards"? so by your logic, george bush was the main guy responsible for not stopping 9/11? i am sure you never said it was "clinton's fault"? come on there chief. the sub prime ticking time bomb began in the late 90's because of derivitives under greenspan and both parties repealing glass steagall. then the subprime mess began in basically 2002 and they pretty much exploded in our face at the end of george bushes 2nd term and the beginning of obama's term.

by the way, growing the economy while driving up the deficit ($5.5 trillion in 2000 and $11 trillion by 2008 plus 2 wars on top) is not a great "accomplishment". you obviously are easier to impress.

Correlation is not causality, Roy, but thanks for hooking two unrelated things together and claiming they're connected. As an example of why, consider the relationship between your "last 2 years" and budgets. In the first year of Democratic control of Congress the budget was actually the work of the previous, Republican Congress. Just like the 2009 budget wasn't Barack Obama's, it was created by the previous Congress and President.

The recovery after the 2001 recession was also the most sluggish on record and the first in which median income never rebounded to pre-recession levels. Care to take credit for that?

"you probably thought fnma and freddie mac were fashion designers."

Actually, I made a quick 200% profit on a thousand shares of each of them when the tanked in late '08. Got in around $.85 and got out at $2.50 a month later. They made my 2009 Hawaii vacation extra enjoyable.

Question Roy, did you include Cheney/Bushes two wars that were paid for off the books, which the Democrats and President Obama included in the budget? Just wondering you teabagging republican nuts seem to ignore this fact. But facts don't matter do they Roy.

Josephina in Albany, you just proved my point. you should have quit when you were behind. now you are way behind. or just a behind.

if you really knew about fannie and freddie, you would have shorted the stock prior to the decline to .85 (you had plenty of time in between $65 inj 2007 and .85, but way to pay attention there) and maybe your wonderful 200% would have been 1000% to 8000%.

like i said, welcome to the party a little late.

LOL

Glenn Q,

Touche'. Roy also forgets about how Bush pushed things through via Reconciliation". Selective memory is a wonderful thing when you try to hide from your previous sins and blame the victim for your deeds. Typical republican misinformation. At least Roy agreed that the economic failure started in Bush's last 2 years as his voodoo / trickle down economics imploded.

joe in albany, i might have to look at your "hawaii vacation" like we now look at the weapons of mass destruction. your timeline and stock #'s are not in synch according to my stock chart for fnma. i hope you are not venturing into the No Jo No Truth territory where you are making things up are you? maybe that "hawaii vacation" was just a trip to jones beach. you are just pretending it was Hawaii.

Roy

There a small problem w/ your numbers. The economy grew yes but was sustained by an artificial housing bubble to collapsed in Bush's final 2 years. Remember, Bush tried a stimulus as well, but Repubs were quiet about that increasing the deficit. Bush also claimed we weren't in a Recession despite facts showing otherwise. He had 2 wars unpaid for and off the books, had an expensive Medicare program, also unpaid for that actually hamstrung Medicare because it was unable to compete w/ Big Pharma on drug prices.

Obama now has the unfortunate job of cleaning up this mess, dealing w/ obstructionists Repubs, grandstanding Dems and internal strife within his own administration. Its no wonder his poll numbers are down, but he keeps plugging away. Just keep in mind, the 1 thing Bush did do that was honorable, was increase aid for Aids research. I'll give him credit for that, and the blame for the rest.

"and stock #'s are not in synch according to my stock chart for fnma."

That's what you get for using moronstockcharts.com

Try again using a recognized stock charting web site like bigcharts.com and run a daily chart from 9/1/08-10/31/08 using the custom date range feature. If you don't screw it up, you will find both stoks traded at the prices I quoted.

BTW, sounds like you've never been to Hawaii. That's sad, it's beautiful, especially Kailua-Kona.

Moron.

Joe, you stated that it was a month later when you made your massive profit. why are you now using a two month window? last time i checked, 9/1/08 - 10/31/2008 is two months. moron.

you also stated that you did this maneuver at the end of 2008. last i checked, september is still in the third qtr. by the way 10/31 was a saturday. nice quote

my statement was that i was "hoping" you were not pulling a No Jo lie fest. yes, if you timed it correctly using intraday stock quotes, you could have hit the numbers (that is why i said "hope" dope). but you do not appear that smart to pull such a feat off. like i said, i hope you are not making it up because i am surely not buying what you are pretending to sell.

also, there genius. sorry stock trading genius. you never explained why you did not short the stock when it was at $65? gordon gecko would have.

oh, i forgot, moron.

i just hope you are not a lying moron

Glen, you're not very bright, are you.

Arguing about a two complete month range of dates for a chart and my statement that I sold the shares about a month after I bought them is inconsistent?? Moronic.

Arguing about whether September is at the end of 2008, or not?? Moronic.

Arguing about the last day of 10/08 being a Saturday?? Moronic.

I did notice you are NOT arguing about my refuting your statement: "and stock #'s are not in synch according to my stock chart for fnma."

I guess you stopped using moronstockcharts.com and found out you were wrong. Really moronic.

Josephina in albany, all i am saying is that i do not beleive what you are saying. calling me a moron is not going to change anything. might make you and your boyfriend feel better, but that's about it. your initial statement seemed a little inconsistent with the data and it still does (is it a month or two? was it at the end of 2008 or not?). yes, moronstockcharts gets funnier and funnier. my side is splitting. i am not refuting the charts, i looked at them. in fact, i look at stock charts all day long. i did not say you were lying, but i am not saying you are telling the truth. there is a lot of that going on here and saying you did something to try and prove a point (which you still had no point) seems to be the norm with too many here (no jo is another example).

now give your boyfriend todd a kiss and take a nap. moron

That's a pretty juvenile response.

BTW, in 2010 it's pretty much unversally accepted by the psychological community that homophibic people act out like they do because of their own uncertainty and questioning of their own sexual or gender identities. Why don't you give that some thought.

Have a nice day.

Good Morning my children and I'm happy to see the forces of good are out in...uh...force this morning successfully battling the forces of darkness (and "no").

I don't have anything to add, Nash and Vet are doing their usual marvelous job of refuting the lies and half truths the forces of darkenss picked up from faux news last night and this morning. I stand in awe of Nash, Vet and the rest of you for the good fight you fight each and every day.

What I take away from the above article is, as someone once said, "Now is the time for all good men (and women) to come to the aid of their country!" We must do everything we can to get the vote out in November. Drive people to the polls, man phone banks, whatever your local organizations need to get the vote out. If we do, we can turn what otherwise might be a rout into a strategic withdrawal and maintain our majority and sanity in our State and Federal governments. It's important to remember that General Washington did not win all that many battles, but he was a master of the strategic retreat and kept the enemy bleeding until they could be bottled up at Yorktown and defeated with the help of the French. We must emulate Washington, control the withdrawal and prevent a rout. That is more than possible, it sounds like it's probable. C'mon folks, we can do it. Don't let these jerks side-track you with their lies and propaganda. Stay focused, get out the vote and look forward to a landslide victory in 2012.

PLEASE help us and the United States. Stop the flood of lunacy represented by the GOP and the Baggers and get the vote out. America is depending on you.

PEACE

Homerun this morning Retired!

You knocked it out of the park to start the week! ;0)

Score!! Touchdown!!! Home Run!!! Well said Navy. Great lead off for the week.

Thanks for this post US Navy. It's excellent!

Good morning Retired.....saw this on an earlier thread and voted and do so here again. this is an excellent post.

The actions of some of our representatives is reprehensible. How is it ever acceptable to do harm to your own country's interests? What have we become to allow this to happen? What evil is in their hearts and minds, when these so called Americans yell Country First and then try to subverse and block any piece of legislation that will help our citizens. Shame on them and those that support them

Thanks a million guys. Pat, I enjoyed your post below. That was done when we had real journalists reporting the news, the the pundits now that are looking for media ratings, no fact checking etc.

Their is a great read on the failure of the 4th Estate (MSM - Main Street Medaia) posted on The Nation. Here is an expert form the article.

Let me make this utterly clear: What you see on Fox News, what you read on Right Wing websites, is the utter and complete perversion of journalism, and it can have no place in a civilized society. It is words crashed together, never to inform, only to inflame. It is a political guillotine. It is the manipulation of reality to make the racist seem benevolent, and to convict the benevolent as racist—even if her words must be edited, filleted, stripped of all context, rearranged, fabricated, and falsified, to do so.

What you see on Fox News, what you read on Right Wing websites… is a manipulation. Not just of a story, not just on behalf of a political philosophy. Manipulation of a society, its intentional redirection from reality and progress, to a paranoid delusion and the fomenting of hatred of Americans by Americans...The assassins of the Right have been enabled on the Left.

Keith Olbermann's special comment on the Sherrod debacle

Let me make this utterly clear: What you see on Fox News, what you read on Right Wing websites, is the utter and complete perversion of journalism, and it can have no place in a civilized society. It is words crashed together, never to inform, only to inflame. It is a political guillotine. It is the manipulation of reality to make the racist seem benevolent, and to convict the benevolent as racist—even if her words must be edited, filleted, stripped of all context, rearranged, fabricated, and falsified, to do so.

What you see on Fox News, what you read on Right Wing websites… is a manipulation. Not just of a story, not just on behalf of a political philosophy. Manipulation of a society, its intentional redirection from reality and progress, to a paranoid delusion and the fomenting of hatred of Americans by Americans...The assassins of the Right have been enabled on the Left.

Keith Olbermann's special comment on the Sherrod debacle

US Navy,

You want to keep Obama in the driver seat?

Here is why I have a problem with that. Early in his presidency, Obama had stated the young people should pursue careers in the government sector instead of the private sector. He stated that public servants are somehow more noble and more concerned with the public good than the private sector.

He believes in the stereotype that businesspeople are mostly amoral, corner-cutting, consumer-shafting, pollution-loving menaces. Therefore the economy itself needs to be tightly controlled and rigidly guided by Washington because free markets are inherently and destructively unstable.

I'm amazed at just how many people believe this. Most people liked to believe they are above the hysterics of the 24 hour main-stream media, but how many times have you seen in the news the new community center the towns manufacturing plant just built. Or the million dollar investment into the new upgrade to their plants, promising to hire only local contractors? You don't see that stuff in the news because it doesn't make for good ratings. Vilifying the greedy fat cat executive is what people want to hear.

In post WWII Japan, the ministry of international trade and industry was created (just like the new consumer protection beareau the new finacially bill created) to regulate Japan's industry. However, the automobile sector refused to take guidance from this ministry and were able to claw its way into Japan's market and eventually the US market.

The truth is that The business community employs 110 million workers. Companies and the people who work for them pay most of Uncle Sam's taxes. They are the font of the innovations that enable the U.S. to enjoy an ever improving standard of living.

We don't need more regulation that will stifle innovation!

Excellent post, US Navy.

Interestingly, Republican Voinovich has said that continuing the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy will not create jobs and did not create jobs before either.

Cult,

The President did NOT say that. He said young people should participate in “service”. You know like the military or other forms of providing help/service for others. He suggested two year.

US Navy. Keith's comment was spot on. This quote seems appropriate to add to your thoughts:

"The biggest big business in America is not steel, automobiles, or television. It is the manufacture, refinement and distribution of anxiety." Erick Sevareid, American news commentator (1912-1992)

Sorry Cult,

You are dead wrong on this. Look at what the lack of regulations did to Wall Street, only the rich made out on that one. Look what the lack of regulations did for Big-Oil. Dozens dead, and yes they did put greed before safety, profits before people. And they did cut corners.

Regulations do not stifle innovation, they do in part stifle corruption, corner cutting, etc.

The republicans want to continue to do more of the same. Sorry, I am not buying it. I do not want to go back to a corrupt agenda that rewards greed and fraud (Wall Street over Main Street), denies our citizens unemployment benefits, food stamps, redistributes my money to the richest 2% of the population etc. These are the very people who are the causalities of the previous administration. The republicans just hung these people out in the cold with no food, no job and little if any hope. You keep supporting that and I will keep supporting President Obama.

Have a nice day.

Jody,

I like it. I will have to remember that one. Thanks.

Great post, I say keep the keys away from the Republicans

They probably need to take a Breathalyzer test also especially Bohner.

Spot on post Cult. Obama's smears of Wall Street and corporate America have really helped the American economy now haven't they? And for some reason the Left thinks they had nothing to do with the regulations that have been built against corporate America. Innocent wet behind the what little brains they have babes in the woods those Democrats.

Ah, the Hoover Depression in 1930, the Great Recession in 2007, those Republicans are always looking out for the economy. Now, if it were just the stock market that did better under Democrats than Republicans http://money.cnn.com/2004/01/21/markets/election_demsvreps/ I might consider it a fluke. Under closer examination though, http://articles.latimes.com/2005/apr/03/opinion/oe-kinsley3 it turns out that Democrats do better than Republicans in nearly every measure http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2005_05/006282.php when it comes to running the economy. I guess there's an exception to every rule--the very top earners fair better under Republican governance thatn when Democrats are in charge. Maybe that's why the conventional wisdom is so badly out of synch with the facts. http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/261364

JoAnnaSmith

Wall Street drove this economy into the ground w/ their wrecklessness and aren't sorry for it. They would do again and you appear to be all for it. Remember when the Lil Shrub & Darth Cheney took over, they wanted to run the country like a corporation and they did. Their stockholders, Big Oil, Wall Street, Big Pharma, the Military Industrial Complex, all made out while the salaries of the average worker was depressed.

Yep this sure seem like good times to me considering what happened next.

Oh, Navy, you are my hero. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Now, get out the vote!

PEACE

Nice copy and paste Disabled. You're getting very good at it.

What's amazing in the article is that the Democrats are hardly mentioned, and when mentioned, they are framed as either innocent bystanders or victims. Innocent babes in the woods those Democrats.

In the end, it's just another hack op-ed piece to fill up the space in the dying New York Times.

Anyone else curious as to why all of a sudden there is a '1' after our resident large mouth b@'sss name?

I'm wondering if she's found it necessary to remind us all of her IQ? lol

A lot of good stuff USN. Given that 5 of the last 8 Presidents have been Republican, the GOP has controlled one or both houses of Congress for a major share of that time, and for 6 years they controlled ALL 3 branches of the US Government their avoidance of responsibility is simply ridiculous. Particularly since it comes from the "Party of Personal Responsibilty." Even during the Clinton Administration economic regulation was done strictly by Republican rules and standards because the conventional wisdom held that Republicans had the right philosophy in this area. Now we're reaping the results of that philosophy and we have a fine harvest of Buttonweed, Sand Burrs, and Poison Oak. Yummy.

JoAnnaSmith1

Nice copy and paste Disabled. You're getting very good at it.

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

Yes, it is. Too bad you don't get it!!

When the puppets of the righties in Congress on MTP trash the President and trumpet the talkings of big businsesess-- just remember like President Obama said..."Bipartisanship can't be that I agree to all the things that they believe in or want, and they agree to none of the thingsI believe in and want, and that’s the price of bipartisanship." Hypocritics John Boehnor and Mike Pence couldn't even explain how to resolve extending the tax cuts that aren’t paid for and cut the deficit!!

Just look at all the Obscene bonuses Wall Street gets and the ones Main Street doesn't. Yet the leaders in the GOP and Tea baggers don't get it because the right are puppets to big corporations.

Now, do you understand, it is common knowledge and all about Republican malfesainse and pyschying out low information voters like you?

US Navy, you are on a roll this morning. Great job.

JoAnna S., how interesting and typical GOPer. It is OK for repubs to copy and paste (it is OK for repubs to add to the debt with massive unfunded spending), but if democrats do the same--somehow that is a point for criticism.

Of course Jody, poor JoAnna ignores the fact that if she didn't copy and paste, she would have nothing whatsoever to post.

Fesity,

You give her too much credit for the IQ number.

The blatantly biased NYT article conveniently overlooks some of the strengths the economy exhibited during the period they studied. For example,about 16 million jobs were created during Reagan's two terms and about 23 million jobs were created during Clinton's two terms. So over a period of 16 years two presidents from two different parties presided over an economy that created about 39 million jobs. Now, explain to me again how those destructive Republican policies screwed the economy?

When Reagan took office the Dow Jones Industrial Average was about 2200. Today it's over 10600. The fact of the matter is the "Wall Street casino" has rewarded anyone who has shown the confidence to invest in the future growth of the American economy -- to include large chunks of the middle class with their 401Ks.

As for the Nixon administration "defaulting" on it's Bretton Woods obligations, give me a break. First, linking the value of the dollar to the gold standard is a position that is about as conservative as it gets. So in an article that trashes conservative policies the author saw fit to point to a liberalized policy as an example of conservative evil. Go figure. More to the point, the world changed since Bretton Woods and the world continues to change. Nixon's decision to allow the value of the dollar to float was not inherently evil. To the contrary, it's a simple market approach that replaced a more rigid and outdated approach that linked the dollar to a completely arbitrary number. In today's world, the value of currencies are determined every day by markets that are quite capable of exposing underlying weaknesses and ruthlessly punishing those currencies which do so. That is powerful incentive for countries to maintain sound economic policies. Just ask Greece.

Dang JoAnnaSmith, we did'nt know it was your 1st birthday. They're supposed to be Special, so here goes.

Happy Birthday to You,

Happy Birthday to You,

Happy Birthday to JoAnnaSmith1,

Happy Birthday to You.

Well Bill, for starters there's the totally stagnant level of income http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/a-decade-with-no-income-gain/ (except in the upper bracket, of course). How productive are Republican policies REALLY if they don't advance the standard of living? Then again Wall Street did pretty well for 30 years if you don't account for inflation, but the years 1000-2010 were a lost decade there as well http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB125556534569686215.html . Unfortunately the last decade looks even worse when you consider how much of that sluggish economic activity was based on an enormous bubble http://www.counterpunch.org/whitney05102010.html that will take years to balance out. Then of course there's the worst recession in 75 years http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/10/the-statistics-of-the-gre_n_316548.html and the frequency with which people have gamed the system by deregulating things that should be illegal, taking advantage of their political connections to cheat people out of their coin, or just outright stole http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1877351,00.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enron_scandal http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accounting_scandals in order to enrich themselves. Most of them haven't even been brought to account for their malfeasance.

Hi Beverly - Also on MTP - one of the talking Republicans points may be age 70 for retiring and collecting Social Security. Everything is on the table they said!

US DAV

Great post and spot on.

JoAnna, you seem to fail to realize 1 thing, Carter onlly had 1 term, Clinton had 2 terms, thelast Dems before Obama. We Nixon defaulting, Ford continuing this process, that traitor Reagan, increasing the debt beyond belief and laying the tab on the youth of that generation, Bush Senior w/ NAFTA and the Lil Shrub. By my count, thats 5-2. So once again, who's responsible for this debt?

Hey US Navy

If your referencing the David Stockman post, the same David Stockman a director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Ronald Reagan.

Conservative heads will explode after reading the article.

Chris, SLC

It is the same Mr. Stockman that was the OMB for President Regan. You are correct.

Good Question Red....HEY Joannasmith1, what's the deal? Are you posting under two names now?

Do you have an evil twin?

Did you forget your password and have to create a new moniker?

Do tell.

Excellent Pat:

How I wish newspapers and TV news networks would show the same courage today!! Today journalists needs to challenge the lies spoken. We have learned that a lie spoken over and over again somehow becomes truth. If you are doing the news, it is the journalists responsibility to get the facts right.

Good Morning Pat, thanks for posting this, it is excellent. Voted.

What a sad time it was for our country, the evils of Richard Nixon unfortunately live on today in his party and disciples.

So true, Gingerbread Mamma. Look at the people who worked in that administration and their disciples. They're everywhere in the Conservative landscape and apparently they took with them only one lesson. "I should have burned the tapes." From that sprung an intense hatred of all things involving the Democratic Party, Plausible Deniability, and an attitude of entitlement and arrogance that has only expanded from the criminal Oliver North to the present Conservative Movement that barely even bothers to deny that they freely practice the "Big Lie" technique.

Gingerbread Mamma, so so true. Glad you guys liked what I learned this weekend on CSpan. It seems every year around this time I learn something new about Watergate and love to relay it all in the hopes that some new things can be learned about "deals", etc. I'm not one who likes to read about conspiracy theories in general, so I thought this weekend kind of settled the fact that there was in fact no deal to pardon President Nixon. He resigned because he had no support and had no choice. He even lost the republicans - all of them.

And he assumed he was going to jail right up until the moment President Ford pardoned him. One speaker spoke about LBJ and Gerald Ford and how they handled themselves as they took over the reins of the Presidency immediately. Hugh Sidey, who covered 9 Administrations while working @ Time Magazine, had nothing but praise for both Presidents and the way they conducted themselves while moving into the Oval Office under the most difficult of circumstances.

He was saying how today's politicians never really had to suffer that much, compared to former generations. The experiences of the depression and WWII allowed LBJ and Ford to adjust to difficult circumstances pretty quickly.

Ron, Indiana

How I wish newspapers and TV news networks would show the same courage today!! Today journalists needs to challenge the lies spoken.

Sadly, that's not likely to happen (see my rant about CBS below). Jake Tapper has called Fox News a "sister news organization" when an Obama official pointed out that it's a Republican propaganda network. What we have now is an entire familsy of Republican propaganda networks, with Fox News unique only because it is less subtle in how it "catapults the propaganda" (a phrase coined by that famous wordsmith, G. W. Bush).

Excellent historical reminder, Pat. I, too, wish journalists and newspapers would show the same courage today as they did then.

I remember reading or hearing that Ford had been told how despondent Nixon was, and Ford feared he was suicidal which further moved him toward pardon. I have always had mixed feelings about the pardon especially as time passed. It may have "healed" the country or rather allowed the country to move forward but it also gave us future presidential abuse of power since there was no punishment.

well, Ron, it was bound to happen-

I finally agree with you on something.

Unfortunately, the media will NEVER expose Obama's lies-he's a democrat.

If they had, he never would have been elected.

Jody, I remember being relieved when I heard about the pardon. It was a Sunday morning if I remember correctly. Yet every single person I spoke to was livid at Ford. Bob Woodward and Ben Bradlee really disliked Nixon and his entire Administration. I think they said something like 20 people went to jail. They went through a list of crimes Nixon had committed so I guess it's reaonsonable for the country to want to see Nixon pay for them. But Ford just wanted to move on. I agreed with him, but can certainly understand why people would be furious at him.

You are correct Houston, and all because Colin Powell's son was their appointed chairman of the FCC - TV in general has done nothing but gone down hill, and especially the news outlets - they are all too dependent on advertising money, which the advertising client only too freely uses their money to sway broadcasting - that is not the way it should be in a free market, free enterprise, free press system. The bad TV and radio all all products of Clear Channel Communications - a repugnant owned entity, and I never, ever listen to their radio or watch their TV stations.

Great post Pat. Too bad the Washington Post doesn't put their journalist integrities above everything else today; namely Charles Krauthammer.

No Joe, honey, you gotta change your moniker, everytime I see it I start hearing the Three Stooges Theme music. I just can't take anything you say seriously with that background music playing in my ears. Not that you ever say anything worth taking seriously. :-) C'mon, you knucklehead.

Former Treasury Secretary's Paul O'Neill (GW Bush) and Robert Rubin (Clinton) both agreed on CNN Sunday that business in not hiring because there is no demand – when the demand increases they will hire. Business keeps an eye on Washington but do not make hiring decisions on tax rates, policies or regulations (known or unknown).

Mr. O'Neill also said he was against the 2001 tax cuts. He thought (still thinks) the answer is a comprehensive revision of the tax codes.

And why is there is no demand Dennis? After all this borrowed "stimulus" money was pumped into the economy, there is still no demand. After all these unemployment extensions, the same extensions that Pelosi said was the "best way to stimulate demand because unemployed people immediately spend their unemployment checks", and still no demand.

Maybe it's time for the liberals to admit their "stimulus" programs have been complete failures.

What IS the incentive for small business to hire?

They cut their payroll to the 'bone' and the remaining employees have to do the work of 2 or 3 people who they remind daily are damn lucky to have a J O B!

Why would they ever rehire... in the end it's all about BIGGER bonus's... not doing what's best for this country & the economy!

I GOT mine... FU mentality abound

Dennis and Feisty,

I agree with both of you. I think the days of 5-6% unemployment are gone. I saw several articles on this very topic over the weekend.

Big Business are still hiring, but the jobs are mostly going overseas

Some jobs are just gone, they will not come back. Technology, increased production from the ones that still have a job are a contributing factor. Labor intense jobs are going away and will not come back.

Small business that I deal with every day are not hiring. Sales are down, store traffic is done, etc. This is why it is so important for the republicans to stop stalling bills that give these people tax cuts, incentives to hire, availability to capital to expand, do R&D and hire.

I heard today that weare spending 2 Billion dollars a week in Afgahn. Just imagine what we could do if that money was invested back into the economy???

Great posts guys. Keep em coming.

Joe, I also listened to O'Neill and Rubin and its unfair to pick and choose their statements to make your point.

In addition, if the government continues to give tax breaks to businesses and cut taxes for individuals, then what is left to run the country?

A large part of the reason that demand is low is because so many people are out of work: If you do not have money for anything other than necessities then you do not buy anything you do not NEED. If businesses would hire then more people would have the money to buy their products, so it is one of those chicken or the egg problems, but you would think that if Corporations are making record profits then they would be hiring....unless their aim is to create bad economic numbers to be used as a weapon against the Dems.

Those that are Too Rich To Fail are profiting handsomely while the rest of us scurry to just survive in today's economic clime. Something has to give, and those with the money need to start the hiring unless THEY want the blame for the economic numbers themselves, Just that simple really!!

Which is exactly why the democrats are doing smaller stimulus efforts directly at specific targets--like loans to small businesses. There is no discussion of another huge stimulus package.

Joe & Joanna,

I think one of the reasons the unemployment numbers are so high is because people are working longer. It is an injustice to our young people just graduating from high school or college if older people hold on to those seats - we all need to retire at 62 (it is the insurance that keeps most people there longer), that leaves the door open for these yonger folks to get these jobs, plus you always hire the new person in making less - so it really would be a win win for everybody. When folks retired at 62 there was low unemployment, people had job openings in every sector - large and small business, now that granny and grandpaw won't go home there are no jobs opening up for these young people to go to anymore. I agree with you B. Honest!

B.Honest

A large part of the reason that demand is low is because so many people are out of work:

Ya'think?!

So what has all this stimulus money done for the country, other then create mega-debt? It didn't create any jobs, that's for sure. And now that taxes will go up on Jan01, there will be even less money in consumers pockets to generate any more demand.

Looking more and more like a double-dip recession is on it's way.

Union Baby, Tennessee

Joe & Joanna,

I think one of the reasons the unemployment numbers are so high is because people are working longer.

That is certainly a possibility. Shouldn't be hard to figure out if it's true or not, the data is available. But if you think this is a problem, what do you suggest might be a solution? Just because you are 62 doesn't mean 1) You want to retire 2) You can retire because if you didn't save, it's possible you need to work additional years just to make ends meet. And as far as your win-win scenario, its not much different then we see in Greece where they can retire at 55 and live off the extravagant government benefits, well, at least until the country goes broke, like it did.

B. Honest,

Once again you hit the bullseye. Nice post. You summed it up in one nice neat little paragraph.

What we are seeing going on in the economy today is a result of the repblican agenda.

You nailed it.

Joanna,

seems to me if all the younger folks had jobs that would more than fund the retirement benefits of those who are retiring, I don't think we will ever get to a mandatory retirement age like some other countires, but honey, I did not stay drunk and stoned til I was 40 like President Bush, so I have no desire or need to work til I'm 70.

Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired

Dennis and Feisty,

I agree with both of you. I think the days of 5-6% unemployment are gone. I saw several articles on this very topic over the weekend.

Well I see we're in the last stage of making excuses for Obama. "It's supposed to be this way!" Sure, that's why Obama was elected, to produce double digit inflation and trillion dollar deficits and eternal unemployment benefits.

Liberals grade Obama on a curve.

You can only hope JoAnnSmith. Hope the economy tanks so you teabagging republican nuts can get what you so desire. Totally Unamerican.

Actually, no poor JoAnna, we don't grade President Obama on a curve. We grade YOU on a curve...it is the only way you can pass. And so far... you aren't. Class dismissed!

Union - that's the exact same program Greece is running, and we see how that worked out sweetie.

Nice little jab at Bush. That added a lot to the conversation. Should we bring in Obama's drug use? Nahh, why bother, we see the results every day.

Mo you bring up an interesting point. No one hopes the economy will tank Mo. No one. But it's important that it is pointed out that what Obama and the Democrats are doing are killing the economy. And those are just the facts. And now his economic team is abandoning him, going back to academics like Romer is doing. Obama-Nomics works great, when it's on the chalk board. In real life, it doesn't work so hot.

So Dawn, do you care to join the conversation and actually contribute something to it? Or are you so bitter about all of your heros Obama's failures you'd just soon b*tch and moan instead?

Actually, poor JoAnna, I just like pointing out your absurdities. It amuses me.

So JOAnnSmith, if your in favor of an improving economy then why is it every time there is bad news on the economy you cheer and use the bad news to slam the Democrats. If you want to be taken seriously here stop being a cheerleader for the economy to fail so you can get what you so desire.

"I think the days of 5-6% unemployment are gone. I saw several articles on this very topic over the weekend."

If the lefty liberals want a European style social welfare state in the U.S., they're going to have to learn to live with higher European style unemployment rates, too.

'Well I see we're in the last stage of making excuses for Obama. "It's supposed to be this way!"'

No, more like 30 years of Republican deregulation have so destroyed our society it won't be easy or quick to rebuild.

Interesting question Mo. But no one is cheering bad economic news Mo. No one. But a scorecard must be kept Mo, and it must be pointed out who is causing the bad economic news. We've had 4 years of Democratic control in Congress and 2 years of the Keynesian economics of Obama, Pelosi and Reid. And those policies have failed. It's the Rights job to point that fact out.

And it's you Libs that need to stop your cheerleading, cheerleading Obama and cheerleading the failed path he's put the country on. When you start doing that, then we on the Right will start to take you seriously.

But, poor JoAnna, why do you suppose that any of us gives a flying fig whether the right takes us seriously? I would never move closer to the position of those who have destroyed our economy, and are attempting to destroy our Constitution. Do you on the right have such delusions of adequacy that you simply cannot understand how little you matter to the rest of us?

A scorecard must be kept JoAnna, and you're wrong. Again. http://www.joc.com/world-without-stimulus http://www.economy.com/dismal/article_free.asp?cid=119925&src=nytimes . Even economists from different points of view agree. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/21/business/economy/21stimulus.html

So all we have to do is start agreeing with you to be taken seriously. I'll have to consider how much I wish to be taken seriously by people who have no regard for facts.

John B,

JoAnna will admit to anything OBama does just like she refuses to admit that the Repubs drove this economy into the ground w/ their spending. The old tax and spend Dems she always spouts off about is probably better than the borrow and spend Repebs. At least the Dems are paying for their spending. The whole country has to pay for Repub spending as we are now w/ the last Bush. I'm sure this loon is just waiting for the Good Ole Days when children worked in the factories in unsafe enviroments. She raves about regulations, about "Obama's Spill", despite the fact the well had waivers from Bush/Cheney. Repubs are her God and they can have her

newdayDAWNING10

But, poor JoAnna, why do you suppose that any of us gives a flying fig whether the right takes us seriously?

Ohh, that got this dolts fat butt out of her chair. Got you a little poed with that one, right darling? It's good you don't care if the Right takes you seriously sunshine, because we don't.

John B and Philip, if you Lefties want to define what we have today from an economic point of view as a "success", then be my guest. Be aware that most Americans are setting their sights a little higher, which means the mediocre view of the country the Democrats are trying to push on us is just not adequate.

And there you go again, poor JoAnna with your cut and paste response. I asked you a question. Why would the left give a flying fig about whether the right "takes us seriously" given their destruction of this country? Answer required in essay form, puts deducted for spelling. But, it amuses me greatly that it took you that long to come up with 12 year old response.

and in fairness, I deduct 10 points from myself for syntax and spelling error.

That's what happens when you post angry Dawnie. Take your meds, go watch The View and come back and try again.

And you are funny to watch, I'll give you "puts" for that!

Then why do you not answer the question, poor Joanna? Can't? I'm still waiting...

Success? Of course not, no one does. A start? most certainly. Progress from where we were January '09? Hard to define it as anything else.

You don't recover from the worst recession in 3 full generations overnight, even if the "loyal opposition" isn't doing everything possible to stop progress.

Dawnie, you on the left can ignore the facts of Obama's failures and the Right pointing those facts out to you all you want. If you give a flying fig about them, more power to you. Until you come to terms with those failures and understand that it is Obama's fault for today's poor economy, then you're just another lost soul. Obama and his fanatical supporters get their grade from America this coming November Dawnie, and I don't give a flying fig about any of the excuses you'll have to try and explain that defeat.

And there you have it folks! I think I can simply declare victory here and move on to more interesting people. Have a good one JoAnna!

Yes you can declare victory newday, you've got her twisted up like a pretzel.

What you call a scoreboard JoAnn is what sane folks call cheering. And to suggest you teabagger republicans aren't cheering for an economic failure is being really dishonest, but that's what you teabagger republicans do best.

Thanks MO!

Clones, the GOP has Cloned Joannasmith! Soon we'll be seeing Joannasmith2, then 3, then 4.

Ok everybody, sing along with me, "Send in the Clones......there ought to be Clones.."

:-)

PEACE

skip: so glad you have joined us. I can't tell you how much I enjoy what you write. Excellent snarkiness! Keep on posting! Peace to you too.

Hey thanks Dawn, I really appreciate the shout out. I'm glad you enjoy my attempts at humor. Sometimes we get so serious and contentious on this blog I just try to interject some humor without being too mean about it. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes not. My wife tells me all the time, "You're not as funny as you think you are." Probably true. But the Babe didn't knock everyone of them out of the park either.

Keep up the fight, I'll chime in when I can and let's have a good voter turnout in November. Unless something very dramatic happens in the next few weeks to dampen the attitudes of the GOP and Baggers I don't see anyway we can make any real gains, but we can hold the line and prevent them making too much headway. That will be enough to set the stage for a landslide victory in 2012, then the real work can begin.

There is no shame in holding the line and making a well-ordered withdrawal to keep your forces intact and survive to fight another day on more favorable ground. That's basic tactics 101. But we're all going to have to man the barricades to make that possible. So get out that vote!

(I am a little worried about the GOP cloning efforts. If they cloned Joanna they may be cloning others and have created another one of their clever plans to stuff the ballot box with clone votes. All the more reason we need to turn out in force :-)

PEACE

I agree with you, Skip. I am on my way to vote just after I write this. I like to vote. I go to an old town hall that used to be a schoolhouse. Love the history, and as charming a woman as I am sure that your wife is, I hate to disagree, you ARE pretty funny!

Peace to you too.

Aw, shucks ma'am. I'm blushing!

Hope your candidate wins.

Nashville,

Good morning happy Monday.

I ignored politics all weekend myself. I highly recommend it.

Thanks for the greeting U.S. Navy . . . I'm supposed to be gone by now . . . but no joe lured me in with her unique brew of bile and lies . . . I guess I'm just a sucker . . . lol . . . see you tomorrow (and you too Jody!)

Sorry Nash, but the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. You can have the whole month of December off, right after we make our well-planned strategic withdrawal in November.

We need you and Navy and all the rest NOW more than ever.

No rest for you, or me, or any of us until we've held the line and pulled back in good order in November.

The fights not over yet. Hang in there. December and a well-deserved rest is coming.

PEACE

Yes, I'm sure it was the liberals' fault and the media's fault that he had the enemies list.

I'm sure it was the liberals' fault and the media's fault that the Committee to Re-Elect the President paid the burglars to break into the DNC headquarters.

I'm sure it was the liberals and the media who personally put Rose Mary Woods' finger on the ERASE button.

So CU, where are you on Senator Joe McCarthy? Nixon got his start at McCarty's right hand, after all.

I'm surprised to see CU Farley defend Richard Nixon. By the standards of the rabid Republicans of today, Nixon was a flaming liberal communist. He not only created the Environmental Protection Agency, but he tried to initiate a public healt insurance system that is more liberal than the "Obamacare" system that the Republicans are shrieking about.

Well, maybe I'm not all that surprised. The far right has no use for historical fact, so just because Nixon wore a Republican label is sufficient reason for a knee-jerk defense, I guess.

I might suggest a good book, CU, one that fully details the criminal activities behind Nixon, written by John Dean who was part of it until he discovered he did not like himself and what he had become. "Blind Ambition", and it has been released again with Dean's added input regarding recent released from Nixon's tapes.

Acutally CU, he was a paranoid son of a biscuit eater, he was terrified that another Kennedy would beat him (and I do believe he was somehow behind the assigination of Bobby Kennedy), he was terrified that no one would respect him (and most of us don't), I can't think of one good thing he did while he was in office - bringing an end to VietNam does not really count since he was correcting a wrong he had a big part in - advising Eisenhour to send those advisors and military personnel over there in the first place was about as stupid as attacking a country that had nothing to do with Sept. 11, 2001!

CU Farley

Are you NUTS? Escalating Vietnam, Watergate, the lies. This is where your current conservative movement sprang from, Corruption and they haven't figured out that corruption isn't right.

JoAnna

You want to keep a score card fine, but you can't just put Obama's failures on it. Lets compare what Obama has done compared to the Lil Shrub & Darth Cheney and see how the scores fare. I pretty sure that what the current Repubs want, Tax cuts for the rich, paid for by removing the tax cuts for the middle class, and you and I working til we're 70. On MTP, Boehner couldn't even answer a simple question like how he's going to pay for the tax cuts. Evasion was apparent, and then he says the people need to have a serious talk about these issues.

So as far as I can see, Shrub & Darth and leading when it comes to failures. Bush didn't have 60 votes for his tax cuts for the rich so it had to go through Reconciliation meaning 10 years only. That was pushed through by the Repubs, your team, and if made permanent they add 4 Trillion dollars to the deficit. But what are they doing, trying to say that the Dems want to raise taxes when this was their own lil boondoogle anyway. So if they we're still in power, an additional 4 trillion to the deficit that their so hawkish about. Do the math JoAnna, its not fuzzy.

JoAnna

If you want no services for yourself, just tell the police, firefighters that you don't want any services provided to you. I don't care if your house burns, I really don't, nor do I care if your robbed or anything else that may happen. But just because these specific services have Union representation, doesn't make it a "special interest" group". Personally they provide a service that make most of happy to have. But if you could care less be my guest. And as for the teachers, yes they need to clear out those teachers who aren't actually teaching but passing the buck. But the ones who are trying, more power to them. We're talking about a profession that is extremely underpaid and unresourced, but because you never went to school and have a deep abiding hatred for those who have and do, their unworthy. Your a piece of work, you know that.

I read somewhere earlier that each time the Senate returns from a recess and is brought back into session that the rules on the filibuster can be changed by a simple majority (51 votes) if the Vice President calls it up, that being said I don't see anyway that the Dem's would have the gumption to correct this problem because they are now afraid they could be in the minority soon, and so it goes, the Senate will remain a dysfunctional failure just as you stated, the Senate also seems to be the tool that corporations use to pass their legislation which only makes matters worse, I really think this country is past the point of no return in any case so I guess it's all irrelevant.

wbush. I think democrats are getting closer to changing it; Harry Reid has even said it. To defend democrats a bit, I think there was an optimism by the WH and Congress that republicans would "get over it" in a few months and dig in to help solve the economic crisis. That has not happened and it is obvious it will not happen. I can understand their reluctance at invoking the "nuclear" option of VP Biden because it would create an even greater partisan divide. That said, I believe the divide that exists could not be much greater and they realize that the Senate cannot continue to function without some change.

Being white helps too, Auntie. The chamber of commerce is not our friend anywhere you have the mindset reeking with entitlement.

Auntie & Gingerbread - you are correct, there are very few organizations that are more evil than the US chamber of commerce, on a local level they are dogs looking to lick their own body parts!

Union, that's good work, if you can get it! As Paul Rodriguez once observed, if he could put his head between his knees, he'd never leave the house!

Hi Houston! The idea of the anchor baby is clearly a myth in that the child may facilitate immigration for relatives through family reunification. The immigration process could not begin for the parents until the child is 21 and then there would be major hurdles for an illegal alien.

I don't think you are completely correct on the welfare. I know that in at least some states the family could use the child to get food stamps and other welfare. Actually, if the illegal alien had legal status in the past and obtained a social security number and then over stayed their visa, they would have access to welfare in at least some states without a child.

It is a very complicated issue but I think the following two things can be said;

1) The idea of an anchor baby is a myth.

2) We are in dire need of comprehensive immigration reform that deals with these welfare incentives among many many other immigration related issues that need addressing.

Great post. Lindsay Graham talked about women coming across the border specifically to have their babies. How many pregnant illegals do you see arrested at the border? It is just a lame comment by an uninformed senator.

Charles:

I don't think you are completely correct on the welfare. I know that in at least some states the family could use the child to get food stamps and other welfare.

Welfare benefits are available depending on state or local government rules, but such benefits don't have anything to do with the citizenship of the child, as far as I know.

It's also true that some pregnant women from other countries (not just Mexico) do come to the US to give birth so that their children (NOT the parents) will have the benefits of US citizenship. And from what I've read, most of the women who do this are middle class people who don't want or need welfare.

Houston,

"Welfare benefits are available depending on state or local government rules, but such benefits don't have anything to do with the citizenship of the child, as far as I know."

I was thinking of cases where a social security number is required to receive benefits and the child is the only family member with a social security number. I'm pretty sure there are situations like that but admittedly I'm not an expert.

I know an ileagal alien who's child is a US citizen who is recieving welfare. I was sympethetic to the mother's situation but when I found out she was receiving welfare it didn't sit right with me. I think addressing this issue would be an important part of immigration reform.

Either way, you are right on that the idea of an Anchor Baby is a total myth.

Jody,

I think he quite a bit more informed than you are.

Couldn't prove it by the demonstrable fact that he has no idea what he's talking about. http://www.splcenter.org/publications/under-siege-life-low-income-latinos-south/appendix-a-immigration-law and http://www.scottimmigration.net/AnchorBaby.pdf

John B.

Couldn't prove it by the demonstrable fact that he [Lindsey Graham] has no idea what he's talking about.

No, but he knows who he's talking TO: the all-important racist segment of the Republican Party base. That's why he didn't merely use the ugly term "anchor babies"; He talked about how illegals "drop a child and leave." As Graham should know very well, the verb "drop" is only used to refer to animals giving birth. I used to think he was one of the good guys, albeit too conservative for me. But he's decided to be a shameless race-baiting demagogue.

After Graham made his first racist comment, he doubled down with "It's called 'drop and leave.'" As John Stewart said last week on the Daily Show, talking back to Graham: "No, it's not called 'drop and leave'. YOU called it 'drop and leave.'" It's Graham's made-up name for a made-up problem.

Yeah, I don't know where this attitude comes from that you can say blatantly racist things and anyone who takes issue with that is trying to unfairly impose "political correctness." Deliberately using dehumanizing terms about fellow humans is racist. Describing people who "don't look like us" in the most scary and ominous terms possible is racist. Trying to get law enforcement to move preferentially against those people (as in racial profiling), changing the law, or God forbid the Constitution just to make political points is the worst sort of racist BS.

Yeah, I watched FACE THE NATION while we were brushing the dogs and what I got out of that was the comment from Boies about the fake arguments and "research" the anti-gay crowd was spouting.

If I heard him correctly he said that once you got them on the witness stand, under oath, all their arguments melt away because they are just making this stuff up!

I loved it. They are just making this stuff up! AMEN Brother, Amen.

Good point. I find the media to be bogged down in trivial nonsense and no longer the journalism of facts and truth for the American people.

I was disappointed again when NBC spent time pointing out the criticism of Mrs Obama's vacation, the airplane and Secret Services costs. Did they discuss $$$$$ when Bush went on vacation? NO. The criticism would not be there if the media did not take the GOPer talking points and report them as a majority view.

HI, Frank...welcome back!

YIPPEE!

The voice of reason has returned!

Welcome back Grimey!

So great to see you back Grimey--your voice of reason has been missed here. Hope all is well in your life.

Welcome back, Frank. We've missed your voice of reason! You haven't missed much in your month away except some really good FR comments. It's like a TV soap opera, you could skip six months and still know exactly what is happening.

Jody,

Did anyone develop amnesia or discover a long lost, yet evil, identical twin? ;-)

Hi Frank, nice to see you back here again.....just in time to vote in our primaries. Hope you are having a good summer, and as Fiesty says, we miss your voice of reason, you are our favorite Republican.

I've noticed the same thing in Iowa, lots of repub ads but not as many for dems. I believe they are waiting until after Labor Day when people start paying attention but I agree, I hate to see the ads here go unanswered all the time.

Hey Steeler Fan...Recently spent some time up in PA and I'd have to agree with you there. It seemed that the yard sign war was clearly being won by the GOP. (Granted most of my time was spent in the 'burbs).

And your thought of being "burned out" I believe has some merit. As someone who was on the wrong side of last election (ugh...I can't believe I pulled a lever with Sarah Palin's name on it, but I really did like McCain), I saw the amazing amount of energy that sooooo many people put in for President Obama. It was incredible and something I certainly have never seen in my relatively short election age life. But the energy and effort was incredible and I just don't see how it can be duplicated in 2010 (or heck, even 2012). And nothing energizes the "other side" than having the opposing party in charge of both houses of Congress and the Presidency. I think at this point it is probably going to take a strange set of events or bad GOP nominees (which we seem to be working on...*sigh*) to keep 2010 from being a very strong election for the GOP. I foresee pretty evenly divided houses of Congress, which will likely result in a stalemate and one heck of a 2012 election!

Good post my friend.

Thanks for the kind words, Grimey--you are right--there was a lot of energy & enthusiasm that was personal to President Obama and would be difficult to duplicate. I wonder, too, about 2012, let alone the 2010 elections. Maybe people really do want divided houses of Congress & a stalemate. It isn't what I voted for in 2008 but it seems to be what we are moving to. One of the Toomey TV ads I see talks about not having one party control as a reason to elect him.

Steeler Fan...

That ad is a powerful one and is an argument I have heard thrown out there before. The thing that those of us here have to keep in mind is that we are quite a bit more politically involved than the general voting population. We have to be if we are taking the time to post here. When things aren't going great, people tend to blame those currently in charge. It wouldn't really matter if the economy tanked because of a provision in a law passed in 1928 that sunsetted in 2009. And when you hear an argument that says, hey, this one party rule thing isn't working out so great, let's get some checks and balances and split power so that government can't lurch too far in any one direction. That is a powerful message to your typical voter that decides elections. I personally don't like it, but I understand the reasoning behind such an ad. I guess I'm a bit too much of a boy scout and I'd rather hear about what you are for and what you'd like to see done as opposed to what you are against and that you "aren't the other guy".

And by the way...anyone who doesn't think bipartisanship is possible should look at Steeler Fan and I. We have carried on a civil, respectful conversation despite being on opposite ends politically, and most importantly, being a Ravens fan vs. a Steeler Fan! ;-) (Although when Steeler Fan finds that out, our tone may change given our proximity to football season!)

Edward-1075991

Nothing like the fifthy rich getting even more tax breaks and incentive to ship jobs over seas. Why give the working joe a break when the rich need even more money that they won't spend. Oh yeah, I remember "trickle down economic" from that traitor Reagan. More like pi**ed on economics from where the majority of American sit. Another thing, Obama wants to repeal the tax cuts for the rich, meaning 95% of American can keep what little we actually earn. But NO, if the middle class get a break, then the filfthy rich must also have one. The ideas the Repubs have come up w/ if getting reid of the 14th Amendment and suspending all regulations for a year as per Boehner.

Sounds like a real winner there

Phillip...Why do you keep refering to the rich as "FILTHY"???? Is there something wrong with making money??? Why do you think people risk it all to make their new idea work??? As for jobs being shipped overseas. That's old fashioned. Nowadays, the jobs are never here in the first place.. Why open a factory here in the states then close it and re-open it in India or China. Just go open your factory in your choice of s#%thole. Americans are really stupid when it comes to economics and politics. A few slogans will usually pass to get the votes. Everyone buys the cheapest no matter where the sweatshops are located. The middle class in America is almost gone. we only produce cheeseburgers and porno. My old neighborhood is only being held together by retiree's pension money. Wanna glimpse into future America?? go read the grapes of wrath.

Edward

Maybe filthy is the wrong term, shipping manfucturing jobs overseas so you can have slave labor and no regulations make me sick. I'm a Union man and proud of it. I get a decent wage for a days work and I feel sorry for the people @ Walmart because thats what Walmart has here, slave labor. I buy American anytime I can and yes I look to see if things are from China and India because they get enough money already. Its people like you, who would prefer the good ole days of 16 hr work days for kids, unsafe work conditions, and threats because you don't care about America. You only care about the American dollar.

And thanks for being such a tool.

Dangerfield

No the Administration isn't always right as evidence of the whole Shirley Sherrod debacle. But Fox news does spread the propaganda, the Repubs have obstructed nearly everything that comes down the pike. I freely admit that I'm no fan of Fox news because of the Pro Repub bent anymore than I'm a fan of MSNBC and their Pro-Dem bent, but the facts are the facts. Fox News puts out fake stories and feigns innocence when brought to carpet about it. Rachael Maddow and Bill OReilly have a running pissing match now how she finds incriminating evidence of Fox's bias and O'Reilly doesn't even try to dispute her evidence, just calls her names.

PBS for one has a pretty unbias opinion on matters and I recommend everyone check it out every once and awhile

Dangerfield:

So Basically, the republicans are responsible for everything bad, the administration can do no wrong, the president is always right and fox news propaganda is the only thing really dividing the country

Thank goodness! Dangerfield has shown up just in the nick of time to do battle with the legions of strawmen that haunt his own feverish imaginings.

...is that about it?

Actually, no. Most of the pro-Obama people who post here have also criticized Obama on some of his policies and actions (or lack thereof).

Of course at that time the Democrats weren't willing to admit that they were facing a difficult environment. They're working hard and not resting on their laurels. The public didn't have a recent example of just how badly Republicans can mismanage the country when given the chance. The GOP had better message control and the people we considered crackpots then are called RINOs now. The Republican party had much lower negative polling. The Democrats were defending more open and close seats, the Republicans fewer.

I have no doubt this won't be an election remembered fondly by Democrats, but a blowout that will dwarf 1994? Not gonna happen.

John B is right. The Democrats will keep all of their seats in the House and Senate. No need for us to even get out of bed that day.

Ummm, did I say that? I still predict losses at the high end of normal for the party in power at midterm elections. And that's if Democrats work hard to make everyone aware of their accomplishments. I stand by my original statement. A blowout that will dwarf 1994 will not be the outcome.

You're right Wanda. I am not voting for the two white males who escaped from prison and murdered that elderly couple in Arizona. I'm not voting for George W. Bush in November either . Thank you for your help.

Chuck Todd is a hack, always has been.