I was surprised to see that Barry is not asking for a full 11^th Circuit Court review of his ClunkerCare HCR plan. The Justice Dept didn't say why they chose not to ask for the full review. One likely reason is that the other cases in other Circuit Courts have been pretty much decided along party lines with Dem appointed judges ruling for Barry and Republican appointed judges ruling against him. The 11^th Circuit has only 5 of 11 judges appointed by Dems and one of them had already ruled ClunkerCare unconstitutional in the 3-2 decision in August. Barry was highly unlikely to get a better decision out of the full panel review.

Now let's see if Barry tries to run out the clock on the 2012 election with its appeal to the Supreme Court. They have until November to file an appeal with the SC, but, could ask for an extension hoping it will not get on the 2011-12 SC calendar where a decision striking down ClunkerCare as unconstitutional could come out on the middle of the 2012 election.

Would Barry intentionally stall the appeal request solely for personal partisan political gain??

Time will tell.

Obama in 2012.

Yes We Can – Umm No, We Don't Want To

"The United States is undergoing one of the biggest political revolutions in its post-war history, and perhaps the most important since Ronald Reagan, with an emphatic rejection of the idea that government knows best when it comes to handling key domestic issues, especially relating to the economy. President Obama, whose administration has practically worshipped at the trough of big government, looks spectacularly out of touch with a clear majority of the American people. The highly interventionist liberal experiment of the last two and a half years has been a spectacular failure, with 14 million Americans out of work, sliding consumer confidence, collapsing house prices, and falling stock markets."

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/nilegardiner/100107291/why-barack-obama-could-be-america%E2%80%99s-last-big-government-president/

Feisty, that's a GREAT idea.

But the terminology tends to reduce the discourse to stark opposites. The "need" in this case is not a matter of addressing pverty, homelssness, desperately sick people without health care access or other serious matters. It's an even greater concern:

The "need" of the United States to continue to define itself as a great nation, capable of rising back from the Bush Recession crisis, capable of once more developing and making goods large and small for our own economy as well as those of other nations, still the breadbasket of thw world, still the forward-thinking, dynamic land whose ideas, struggles for justice and equality, and devotion to the human spirit set a leading example.

Some of the ultra-right may protest that's exactly what they embrace - but their proposals and plans would achieve quite the opposite result. That's where the "greed" lies. The two words bemody much wider political contrasts.

President Obama made it clear in the last few days that indeed the 2012 election is about how the nation defines itself. The narrow, selfish, ideological perspective of the ultra-right is not a definition of a great country - it is a definition of economic aristocaracy and abandonment of the very principles that have built America so far.

Chris Christie 2012 two chickens in every "Bucket"!

Another TP slogan. "It's my way or I'll run you over in the hi-way"

See, here's the problem,

$200K Per Job? Timothy Geithner Says White House Jobs Plan Is Still a Bargain

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner didn't dispute a Harvard economist's estimate that each job in the White House's jobs plan would cost $200,000, but said the pricetag is the wrong way to measure the bill's worth.

Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Economy/geithner-good-chance-jobs-act-pass/story?id=14609951

It's a bargain, but only to Timmy. It's not his money, so what does he care. If it was his money and his business, this so-called "jobs" program Timmy and Obama have cooked up would be laughed out of the board room.

It's always so easy for the Liberals when it's other peoples money that they're spending.

About that Raising the Tax Rates Back To Clinton’s Rate

Libs are always decrying, EVERY DAY, the “Bush tax cuts”, how they “cost so many trillions in revenue”, are the source of all of America’s woes and Obama’s unfair burden…..

Libs celebrate Clinton’s tax rates and revenues, constantly whine and cry how we need the revenue …..

I’ve countered numerous times citing Bush’s above average revenue as a percentage of GDP and libs complain that just confuses things or is misleading …..

OK, you guys win. The raw numbers:

Clinton’s best year, 2000, generated revenue of $2.025 trillion.

(After Bush’s tax cuts in 2003 had time to take effect:)

Bush’s revenue in 2005 was $2.153 trillion. 6% above Clinton’s best.

Bush’s revenue in 2006 was $2.406 trillion. 16% above Clinton’s best.

Bush’s revenue in 2007 was $2.568 trillion. 21% above Clinton’s best.

Bush’s revenue in 2008 was $2.524 trillion. 20% above Clinton’s best.

So how again, does that tax cut stuff “cost” trillions in revenue?

[Source was OMB, Historical Tables, Table 1.3, 25-MAR-11]

correction: bemody = embody. sorry for the typo.

Chris Christie 2012 two chickens in every "Bucket"!

With a side order of chili-cheese fries and a dozen donuts!

It what tides him over beween breakfast and lunch... lol

Ain't It Funny Tea- Party Don't Protest Wall Street

The same tea party nuts who scream about their Constitutional rights and Democracy are MIA on this issue. I said over 2 years ago here is where the the Tea-Party should be.
Forbes: Koch Brothers Now Worth $50 Billion

http://judicial-corruption.net/2011/09/forbes-koch-brothers-now-worth-50-billion/

That's right this corrupt brothers oil stained money rose 800 % in 10 years.

Why have we not heard a peep from the Tea-Party. It's elementary; simply elementary. The Republican Party has conned American for 30+ years.

PS until I learn how to control my new laptop my responses will be slow

"Most excellent bumper sticker for the Teapublican’s in 2012; GREED OVER NEED!!!"

Hi Feisty,

Great bumper sticker.

So the multi-millionaire who pleaded with the President at yesterday's town hall to raise his taxes is also unemployed by choice.

Guess he just happened to be there to add to the 300k he's already contributed to the Democrats.

How do you make a contribution to reduce the debt?

There are two ways for you to make a contribution to reduce the debt:

• You can make a contribution online either by credit card, checking or savings account at Pay.gov
• You can write a check payable to the Bureau of the Public Debt, and in the memo section, notate that it's a Gift to reduce the Debt Held by the Public. Mail your check to:

  Attn Dept G
  Bureau of the Public Debt
  P. O. Box 2188
  Parkersburg, WV 26106-2188

Just trying to help Mr Edwards.

Has anyone managed to translate Obama's speech to the Congressional Black Caucus to something that people can understand? It was something about "quit complaining", and "bedroom slippers".

I guess next he'll tell hispanic voters to "Keep jumping the fence!".

There's been so much discussion on MSNBC about President Obama's remarks before the Congressional Black Caucus gala (and reaction to those remarks), yet so few comments by the hosts of MSNBC'S line-up about Professor Melissa Harris-Perry's article in The Nation where Harris-Perry speculates about the presence of white "liberal electoral racism."

Chris Matthews (of course...who else?) made passing reference on "Hardball" to white voters who will only vote for a black candidate once, but he did not specifically mention Harris-Perry or her piece in The Nation.

Where is MSNBC, and for that matter, First Read, on the topic of white "liberal electoral racism"?

As I noted yesterday, it certainly seems like a timely topic, and involves a thesis put forward by one of MSNBC's favorite voices.

Why the silence?

Over at Firedoglake, they had a terrific thread going on the topic yesterday, but of course, that's to be expected...many of the bloggers there are exactly the sort of white liberal electoral racists Professor Harris-Perry is referring to.

It's strange though...virtually all of the liberal/progressives like those at FDL who have been outed as racists by Harris-Perry voted for President Obama in 2008.

This issue would make a terrific Rachel Maddow show.

Has anyone managed to translate Obama's speech to the Congressional Black Caucus to something that people can understand? It was something about "quit complaining", and "bedroom slippers".

It's called a "metaphor". Knowledge is power.

Yeah, let the Fat Jokes begin.

Cause that's how we know you guys are really, really scared.......

Keep 'em comin'

Alan, NJ: So the multi-millionaire who pleaded with the President at yesterday's town hall to raise his taxes is also unemployed by choice.

In the Information Age, something like this can be done in an instant. When these grand-standers kiss Obama's skinny butt by saying "Raise my taxes", one of Obama's minions can pop out with an iPad logged into the IRS site, increase that morons incomes taxes by 30% and confisicate 70% of his 401K/IRA on the spot. The camera can then zoom in on the shocked face of the Obama butt kisser. Yeah, that needs to happen.

Nowhere is the divide between "conservative" and "liberal" more clearly illustrated than in political threads such as First Read. Nowhere can one find a more accurate definition of "conservative" and "liberal" than in political threads like this.

Again and again we see that the "conservative" insists on creating his or her own reality. Facts be damned. If facts conflict with the reality, they are dismissed. Nothing may interfere with their personal construct of the world.

The "liberal", on the other hand, understands that he or she is simply a part of reality and is bent on understanding why things are the way they are. If there is a conflict, well, more facts are the answer, not the problem.

The rift between right and left, conservative and liberal, Republican and Democrat is no longer a mere division, but an unbridgeable chasm. The right wing has chosen to ignore any and all facts that conflict with their "truth".

There is absolutely no doubt, no question that the United States is on the brink of becoming a third-world country. We are only steps away from feudalism and serfdom. Yet, against overwhelming evidence, Republicans continue to tell us that the solution is to hand the nation's remaining wealth to the moneyed ruling class; that we must destroy ourselves to save ourselves. This is not hyperbole.

How foolish are liberals to engage in sparring with "right-wingers"/"conservatives"/"Republicans" who are immunized against facts? We are very foolish to argue with them. Nothing will budge them from their dogma and their ideology. Nothing.

However, there are always new folks coming to these fora; not all of them are ideologues. Some come searching for information and answers. Give it to them. Counter the lies of the right-wingers.

There is no point in arguing with the same people who constantly repeat the lie that the Community Redevelopment Act forced bankers to make bad loans. That lie has been debunked repeatedly. There is no point in arguing with someone who repeats the debunked lie that the "stimulus" didn't work, or that it went to union cronies, or that it was a trillion-dollars in size.

The terrible danger is not simply that the country may fall into the hands of the uneducated, the culture zealots, the religious test crowd, it is that these people are liars. These are the very same people who tell us we can't trust the government, yet they lie repeatedly. The ends justify the means. Victory at any cost. These people cannot be handed the reins of power.

It is foolish to argue with liars. I suggest we simply take the lies and expose them to the light of truth. That is how we are going to keep this nation out of the hands of extremists. The simple truth is the most powerful weapon we have.

I get such a kick out of the RWNJ's constantly telling us liberals, we're scared...

How easily they forget THEY are the ones who perpetually run on the fear factor...

Alan, NJ

Thanks for the PSA; however, everyone is not going to comply; particularly the greedy RepubliCONs.

That's why it needs to be a law.

The "liberal", on the other hand, understands that he or she is simply a part of reality and is bent on understanding why things are the way they are. If there is a conflict, well, more facts are the answer, not the problem.

ROFL... Show me the liberal that accepts the reality that the Social Security Trust fund has been spent. (or are facts a metaphor for taxes and spending?)

Noiders: It's called a "metaphor"

Is this a metaphor too?

Obama: "If asking a billionaire to pay the same tax rate as a Jew, uh, as a janitor makes me a warrior for the working class, I wear that with a badge of honor. I have no problem with that."

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2011/09/obama-congressional-black-caucus-video-gaffe.html

So Obama is telling us billionaires need to pay the same rates as a Jew/janitor. Interesting. Again, does anyone have a translation for what Obama is babbling about?

Knowledge is power.

Which explains why you have neither.

devie

Chris Christie 2012 two chickens in every "Bucket"!

Only if he doesn't eat them first!!

I see...put this together with #8 below and we've got ourselves the "non-troversy" for this week!

Thanks for the PSA; however, everyone is not going to comply; particularly the greedy RepubliCONs.

That's because they are not the hypocrites pleading that their taxes be raised. In the meantime there is nothing to stop these poor mistreated liberals from contributing all they want to the IRS. The fact that they don't, and yesterday's plant who benefited from low capital gains, just shows them up for the hypocrites they are.

Most excellent bumper sticker for the Teapublican’s in 2012; GREED OVER NEED!!!"

Obama 2012 - "Spend It Like You Own It"

Alan:

ROFL... Show me the liberal that accepts the reality that the Social Security Trust fund has been spent. (or are facts a metaphor for taxes and spending?)

You can laugh all you want, but suppose we accept that premise. What does it actually mean?

The money was in "trust" for the recipients. The money was spent, but not in accordance with that "trust."

It was spent on things that otherwise would have been funded, except for the Bush tax cuts.

Ergo, the money needs to be returned, and it needs to be returned by restoring the Clinton era tax rates.

How hard is this, anyway?

You steal money, you put it back. You don't just tell the victim, too bad.

BTW

Do we know where Obama's inter-continental railroad is yet?

we've got ourselves the "non-troversy" for this week!

Only because the wheels fell off their bus weeks ago...

Fascinating no one wants to comment on the current crop of contenders...

Well, now that I think about it - NOT REALLY - if that's all I had to chose from, I wouldn't either...

I see attack dog Smiff has sunk her canines into it - only hope it doesn't smear her lipstick! ;o)

So today you are all prejudiced against FAT PEOPLE?!?! Yesterday, you were all harping on Justice Thomas because he's BLACK, and today it's all FAT JOKES against Governor Christie!!! What the @!$%# is wrong with you people???

Fear Factor:

Social Security Checks Might Not Go Out.

Which LWNJ said that Feisty?

Fiesty

Why do you constantly have to hurl those worn out insults at Gov Christi?? I would venture to say that your no Sandra Bullock look a like???Correct??

All you Liberals are so mean.

David Walker -

From an entirely different course of approach, your excellent post also addresses the contrast between contending parties about what kind of a country America should be. You emphasize how a rigid ideology, promoted regardless of inconsistencies with experience and using propaganda and outright deceit, offers a bleak vision for the nation.

The contest has actually always been about that vision. It replicates, in some ways, the dividing visions of North and South during the Civil War. Do we, the citizens, have the will and determination to "make a nation," or will this country dissolve into regional factionalism, and a principal social regimen of "every man for himself!"?

Great bumper sticker, Feisty. "Greed over Need" sums up the entire GOPTP agenda. The GOPTP won't give disaster relief to suffering Americans unless we take money from other suffering Americans to do it. According to the GOPTP, it would be job killing to ask the super rich to pay a tiny bit more in taxes for a period of time while ignoring of course, that taking money from existing programs is not just job killing but also causes more hardship for the 98% of the rest of the country.

Terrific post, David Walker!

Ignoring the pure LYING from the left, Governor Christie is the best bet to shut the DOUCHEBAG PARTY up. Lefties hate him because he actually gets the job done and fires the freeloaders. Douchebaggers hate him because he would be successful, and wouldn't actually destroy the government. If you can't at least consider Christie a candidate, the problem is you, not him. Vote for who you want but you don't have a brain if you can only vote for one party, whether it is because you have a sexual relationship with a seal in Alaska or because your cult church makes you vote for one party.

You can laugh all you want, but suppose we accept that premise. What does it actually mean?

The money was in "trust" for the recipients. The money was spent, but not in accordance with that "trust."

It was spent on things that otherwise would have been funded, except for the Bush tax cuts.

Ergo, the money needs to be returned, and it needs to be returned by restoring the Clinton era tax rates.

How hard is this, anyway?

You steal money, you put it back. You don't just tell the victim, too bad.

Fine you explain to the American people that their retirement was stolen by every Administration and Congress from 1986 (last big change to SS), and was spent for their benefit. You explain to them that while their taxes were lower (because Bush lowered taxes for most of the middle class) it was being funded by their retirement. You tell them if they want that money back then they'll need to pay the Clinton tax rates plus the difference that they got for the last decade to replace the funds.

Trust Fund? The Tooth Fairy is more believable.

Bumper Sticker:

"Democrats, Unemployed by Choice"

I would venture to say that your no Sandra Bullock look a like???Correct??

Correct - more along the lines of Julia Roberts...

Thanks for asking!

Oh, and, I wouldn't say we're mean, we're only giving the @!$%# back to you, you've all been peddling for years.

Alan NJ: Do we know where Obama's inter-continental railroad is yet?

And, would that be a high-speed intercontinental railroad?

Better bumper sticker:

"If Obama is the answer how stupid is the question?"

Bev

If that is all you got against Christie then your in trouble. I don't see anybody talking about the Dumbo ears on BHO but then again....

Paul Ryan is a bit of a walking conundrum sometimes: He correctly identifies problems (like the budget process is broken), but then whenever there’s a solution proposed that Ryan’s not in control of, he’s more likely to find problems with those solutions (like Bowles-Simpson). Is he simply more polite in saying “my way or the highway”?

Well read, FR, but you haven't followed the process far enough. Paul Ryan is part of the problem. The only solutions acceptable to Paul Ryan are perfect reflections of his Ayn Rand/John Birch Society brand of crazy Conservatism. He's managed to weasel himself into a perfect position to obstruct the process, as well.

It's nothing other than a reflection of John Boehner's failure as Speaker of the House. We came to the verge of a shut down this week because the bill of HIS OWN CAUCUS, that HE BROUGHT TO A VOTE failed and had to be amended in a way that had no chance of passage. He's done that any number of times in his tenure, as if he doesn't even have the ability to count votes before bringing a vote to the floor.

The GOP has proven themselves unfit for leadership.

Alan:

Fine you explain to the American people that their retirement was stolen by every Administration and Congress from 1986 (last big change to SS), and was spent for their benefit. You explain to them that while their taxes were lower (because Bush lowered taxes for most of the middle class) it was being funded by their retirement. You tell them if they want that money back then they'll need to pay the Clinton tax rates plus the difference that they got for the last decade to replace the funds.

Where have you been? I've been saying exactly this for months, except that we could argue about whether it was "spent" for their "benefit," if that "benefit" includes the war in Iraq, and the ongoing war in Afghanistan, just to name a few things.

But we all know the thieves won't own up because, if ever there was a reason to throw them ALL out, this is it.

I don't know what you learned in your private school, Alan, but in my public school I learned that when you do wrong, the answer isn't to keep doing more wrong.

The answer is to fix the wrong you have done. And if that involves taking back the tax cut money that just further enriched the already wealthy and created no net jobs, then so be it.

BoB -- The tax break (deal) for "repatriating" money home went into effect when under Bush? 2004-2005. I think and it was about 300 billion back in revenues but not positive.

Alan, NJ

ROFL... Show me the liberal that accepts the reality that the Social Security Trust fund has been spent. (or are facts a metaphor for taxes and spending?)

Show me and those seniors who paid FICA think it is a metaphor. SS is solvent until 2037!!!

Social Security is currently projected to be fully solvent until the year 2037. After that, it is expected to be able to pay out 75% of it's benefits.

Can you show me where SS is a Ponzi scheme and unconstitutional; as well as how it helps the KILLER-IN- CHIEF & LIAR, Gov. Rick Perry in his debates?

http://www.ssa.gov/oact/trsum/index.html

Christie is not fat. He is obese!

That "buzz" isn't from the speculation and hope that he will run, it's from the flies following him around. Personally, I hope he does run. What's he going to do if he wins (fat chance), take a helicopter ride down the inaugural parade route?

Alan, NJ:

Facts are facts. They are not metaphors.

The FACT is that the the Social Security funds have been invested. You will find all that information at this link. http://www.ssa.gov/oact/progdata/fundFAQ.html

The funds have been spent by the borrower, the United States government. The funds were borrowed to cover red ink budgets. As you know, at the beginning of the Bush Administration, the Congressional Budget Office projected a complete payoff of the national debt - which includes Social Security borrowing - by the year 2011. However, rather than pay down the debt, the government handed out huge tax cuts, entered into two very expensive "foreign entanglements", and legislated a very expensive drug program. None of that was free - except in "pretend world".

Those are facts, Alan. They are not metaphors. Is that really the kind of stuff that puts you rolling on the floor laughing?

JoAnnaSmith1

Has anyone managed to translate Obama's speech to the Congressional Black Caucus to something that people can understand? It was something about "quit complaining", and "bedroom slippers".

I guess next he'll tell hispanic voters to "Keep jumping the fence

Joanna why do you care, lets face it what he says to his own really does not concren you unless he is telling them the government will support them, then you care.

Fiesty,

I think Julia Roberts is BUTT ugly....I'm sure that does describe you to a tee...

Where have you been? I've been saying exactly this for months, except that we could argue about whether it was "spent" for their "benefit," if that "benefit" includes the war in Iraq, and the ongoing war in Afghanistan, just to name a few things.

Thing is AM we actually agree on both points. The Iraq war was a complete mistake. The current Afghanistan war is a mistake and Obama was wrong to escalate it. Obama could also have let the Bush tax cuts expire and believe that we both agree on that. However, we have to live with the decisions of our elected officials even if we don't agree with them and the fact is is that the SS trust fund has been abused by all parties and is in effect a 12% income tax because no matter what Bev thinks there's no money in that account.

David Walker great post. Feisty, you summed it all up......Greed Over Need that's GOP/TP in total.

Tax loopholes that's crippling this economy they would allow and even die for it as they've shown but helping the needy, they're feel very okay to rub paul and pay peter.

Wasn't that Texas executioner in chief, Perry, so good on paper that all conservatives were drooling over him running...........now Christie. One thing for sure he's got Bush baggage to deal with and that stinks like hell.

This board is usually well-sprinkled with snark from all perspectives, and Gov. Christie's obesity is so obvious that it is impossible that a chat about him would not include fat jokes.

However, as a serious subject in the course of a campaign, that is not at all likely. See my post below - http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/09/27/7989584-first-thoughts-the-christie-buzz-increases?threadId=3231814&commentId=58424239#c58423753

John A: , and Gov. Christie's obesity is so obvious that it is impossible that a chat about him would not include fat jokes.

Why so John? What does it have to do with his ability to govern. The people of New Jersey didn't seem to mind his size when elected.

Why does the left have to constantly label people based on appearance, ethnicity, class, whatever?

I'll tell you why, your ideology is a complete failure.

dano-3878024 -

Julia Roberts "butt ugly???" Well, de gustibus non disputandum but I do question your gustibus.

Now, if Feisty had compared herself with Julia Child, we probably wouldn't have a disagreement. But I digress - Feisty's a charming, attractive and daunting woman. Insult her at your dire peril.

Hey, I know what, let's all laugh about the Intercontinental railroad. Let's all put our ignorance on display.

During the Civil War, when the very foundation of a United States was at issue, the federal government pushed for a transcontinental railroad; you know, one of those socialist projects.

At the end of the war, the question of an insoluble union was answered. We were truly the United States. If there was a physical manifestation of that fact, it was the railroad, and it literally linked this great land from coast to coast.

The rails are incredibly important to our economic success. They must be upgraded and modernized. Once again, the President is right.

If they wanted to build a Trans-Continental Railroad (or Inter-Continental Railroad) today, the EPA would have it tied up for decades.

i look at christy and what i see is limbaugh finally ate enough to divide.looks like him,talks like him,greedy like him,selfish like him.just run limbaugh,the prototype"ive got mine screw you republican"then he can do the thinking for the whole country not just his slack jawed dittohead minions

Jeff - Joanna why do you care, lets face it what he says to his own really does not concren you

"His own"? Please explain, who exactly is Obama's "own"?

@David

...and I know you would posted the same message if Michele Bachman or Sarah Palin had referred to America's past and cited the building of the inter-continental railroad.

One thing's for sure ... most the people making comments are as simple minded as the sorry ass group the GOP has trotted out before us ... the question then is ... "How do you Govern idiots"?

Bill, Fairfax VA

Yes We Can – Umm No, We Don't Want To

Ummmm, Bill, the Telegraph is an Obama bashing rag that supports the Conservative Party like that dried up rat- fiend, Rupert Murdoch.

Why cant you talk about the corrupt car thief and arsonist Darrell Issa not investigating Murdoch's phone hacking scandal here in the US?

Issa Exposed

His final excuse, that he won't investigate since the Justice Department has launched a probe is also absurd stacked against Issa's track record. He's continued to press on the Fast & Furious issue during an ongoing federal criminal case, even disclosing sealed documents from the investigation, violating a court order. And in his ongoing attempts to undermine the NLRB/Boeing case, he's repeatedly sought to make documents public that a judge had ruled should not be disclosed to Boeing. Heck, he's continuing to chase after Solyndra even though the House Energy Committee is already investigating. So we know Issa has no qualms about mounting his own investigations if they're redundant or even outright dangerous to other official probes -- he does it all the time.

http://issawatch.couragecampaign.org/index.php/page/258

not only has Darrell Issa lobbied for the same sorts of loans he's now criticizing in the Solyndra case, but that the loans he sought would have benefitted a major Republican donor.

http://issawatch.couragecampaign.org/

We all know that having a physical problem doesn't eliminate you from being a candidate.

Hillary is Butt F**King UGLY and that is a hell of a lot harder to fix. But people wanted her to be President too.

Sarah Palin isn't terrible looking, and has the brain of a hamster. But people want her to be President.

So, the only fat faces that there are to make fun of, are those of the idiot Douschebaggers and then the seal lovers on the left.

John A,
Your question "do we as citizens , have the will and determination to "make a nation" or will this country dissolve into regional factionalism, and a principal social regimen of "every man for themselves"? get to the heart of the our nation's self identity.
It is what Obama spoke about at his first speech to the Democratic convention....we are not red states, blue states but the United Stated of America"

But the actual living out of this vision is very hard work. Obama has not steered away this vision and has been attacked for being willing to compromise. On the other hand our dysfunctional congress has taken another path. They cannot even pass a funding bill for FEMA that is longer than seven weeks. The current GOP candidates offer a factional vision and says nothing about the social contract of government promoting the common good for all the citizens. Their vision is to "starve the beast" dismantle the federal government.

This blog has really gone down hill. Used to have a few snarky wise crackers, but you were still able to discuss issues. Now it is a mess.

Worthwhile comments are reduced to a few diamonds in the rough, hard to find among all the babbling.

bob-1805084

About that Raising the Tax Rates Back To Clinton’s Rate

Libs are always decrying, EVERY DAY, the “Bush tax cuts”, how they “cost so many trillions in revenue”, are the source of all of America’s woes and Obama’s unfair burden…..

Connies are always decrying the unfairness of the wealthy having to pay the same share of income as the peasantry. After all, the rich are very special people because someday they might create some jobs maybe if we're real nice to them, and so they deserve to be pampered.

As for the effect of the tax cuts, revenues as percent of GDP were at the highest level at the end of Clinton's term but declined from 20% of GDP to 15% at the end of G. W. Bush's catastrophic presidency:

http://www.deptofnumbers.com/blog/2010/08/tax-revenue-as-a-fraction-of-gdp/

And had Clinton's tax rates been kept in place until now, not only would there be no deficit but there would be no national debt. The debt would have been completely paid off by now if the winner of the popular vote in 2000 had been president rather than the spendthrift Dick ("deficits don't matter") Cheney and his hapless sidekick Duhbya.

Christie. Media's new shiny object.

NorthStar, so good to see you back in the fray.

You put your finger right on the pressure point.

When the President made his remarks last weekend, he re-defined the terms of the debate, and went straight to the heart of the matter. And the longer we all look at this contrast of fundamental visions, the clearer it becomes that the ultra-right concepts contradict the values of the American nation.

As I wrote in mid-2010 about the then-candidate Tea Party nominees, their idea of government is ... to NOT govern. And their abysmal performance since January 2011 has proven the point.

Alan, NJ

However, we have to live with the decisions of our elected officials even if we don't agree with them and the fact is is that the SS trust fund has been abused by all parties and is in effect a 12% income tax because no matter what Bev thinks there's no money in that account.

Alan, Bev does not even need to think about it. It's a fact stated on the government's website.

You ought to be a little more cerebral and ask yourself why are you so damned crazy?

Never-mind you are a paranoid, batsh!t crazy tea-sucking republican clinging to every nutty thing your corporate Masters say to dupe people like you.

You still haven't answered my questions. Can you provide a non-partisan source to back up your claim? That means no Heritage, Cato, or any other Koch Brothers BS.

Why is Perry slipping? Think about it.

Correct - more along the lines of Julia Roberts...

lol, sorry redwig... you are a much closer match to Carrot Top! Julia Roberts! hahaha... you're delusional, but we already knew that didn't we? Maybe your 'fan club' of 1 thinks differently!

Obama has been in office for 33 months. The economy remains weak as a result of his policies and his desire to "over" regulate everything and his failed attempts at government solutions which have just added to this nations debt. The economy will remain weak as Obama plays to his base with his attempts to "talk" his way out of every failure of his administration. Sure the media attention is now focused on the sorting out process to decide on a candidate that will run against this shift to the left which has held back what should be an economic recovery. The real issues will surface at the point in time a candidate is selected on the Republican side. The economy and the lack of restrain in spending at the federal level will take center stage. Obama has done a poor job at resolving the issues that America needs to resolve. Sure he will continue to "talk" and allienate and agitate, which accomplishs nothing and further divides this country. As a leader he should be leading resolutions to problems not contributing to the problems.

Chris Jansing just interviewed Cory Booker Mayor of Newark N.J. What did all of you people who have been ridiculing Gov. Christie this morning think of the Mayor Booker's remarks?

Nobody gets it...the Tea Party doesnt want the establishment cardboard cut out any longer. Too bad! Herman Cain is coming! Fear the real hope and change!

it looks like there isnt going to be anyone running in either party worth voting for.both parties are firmly behind free trade/job exporting.both do the bidding of different rich people.in some cases the same rich people.i dont see any difference between christie and the rest of the republican field.these people cant be the best our country can field.carl rove,rush limbaugh and now christie...selfish monsters

Yellowdog-Mark D

This blog has really gone down hill. Used to have a few snarky wise crackers, but you were still able to discuss issues. Now it is a mess.

Worthwhile comments are reduced to a few diamonds in the rough, hard to find among all the babbling.

Yellowdog, Do you know how to see your way out?

Dont feed from the pasture the media presents johnQ! Graze from the grasses that best suit your pallet

Then you need to learn instead of being prejudiced. There are differences in politicians in each party. Welcome to waking up if you can't tell the difference between a Kucinich and a Reid, or a Christie and a Bachman.

Seriously, go read more.

DW: Hey, I know what, let's all laugh about the Intercontinental railroad. Let's all put our ignorance on display.

The concern David is how incoherent and partisan Obama has become in the last several weeks. Obama is not concerned with moving the country forward, he is only concerned about campaigning and fund raising. CNN termed the most recent speech of Obama's to the CBC as "Feisty" and as Obama being an "Alpha male". It's not clear why they made that observation because anyone watching/listening to that speech would have found Obama to be incoherent and degrading to the African-American community. Even Mean Maxine Waters was perplexed by the speech. She even excused the president by saying maybe he went off teleprompter for some of his comments.

Obama's partisanship is also on full display. Asking the country to spend more borrowed money on more stimulus is a non-starter, that concept wouldn't even pass in the Democrat controlled Senate. But Obama is using that scheme as an issue to run against Congress, half of which is controlled by his very own party. Obama is not interested in solutions, but he is interested in creating a false conflict between him and Congress. He's also trying to divert attention away from his record, a record that has achieved 9%+ chronic unemployment, 25 million people out of work, or under-employed, and poverty rising across the country. Throw in record deficits and record debt and you can see why Obama wants to distract Americans away from his record of failure.

So David, pointing out Obama's gaffes and false statements shows how desperate he's become as he continues his campaign for a second term.

Every First Read story:

Feisty : Blah blah blah I hate anyone that doesn't think like me.

Bev: Blah blah blah I agree Feisty.

David Walker: Blah blah blah anyone who doesn't think like we do lives in an alternate reality. Blah blah blah anyone that doesn't regurgitate liberal talking points is making stuff up.

Tom,Yreka: Blah blah I have nothing pertinent to say, so I'm gonna name call.

Feisty: Blah blah blah let's keep stroking each other's partisan stupidity and ego.

All the libtards in unison: Blah blah blah YES WE CAN!

with a name like cornfed your going to be insulting?im suprised you took the time to remove your hand from your pants long enough to type that

I wasnt being insulting...but you on the other hand...pun intended

Freaking the speed of the posts. My comment was at you, JohnQ. Come on. You seem smart. I don't care if you vote so long as you start considering that there are candidates on either side that are worthwhile.

Now if you said all Douchebag Party members were the same, I'd have a harder time arguing with you, but there STILL is a difference between Perry and that airhead Palin. Or 'I don't do anything' Bachman.

Gharms -

Blah, blah, blah

Lots of us post substantive discussion. Get with the program or go eslewhere to hawk and spit - it's a very nasty habit.

SteveH -

Unless you have seen Feisty, as I and others here have, all you're doing is spewing. Who cares what you think? And mebbe you can look back through posts of the past few days ... people from all over are part of Feisty's fan club ... because she speaks to the truth. You haven't added anything.

Good! Let Christie jump in! More fresh meat (but it will need a LOT of trimming) for the GOTP haters to eat. They love feasting on the flesh of their own even more than on the flesh of Democrats. I love it! It's the best entertainment out there right now.

Feisty...

Something smells funny, here. I notice you are the first to post on almost every vine. You either have an "in" with MSNBC allowing you first "dibbs" or you have no life and sit around waiting for the news releases to post so you can be first in line. Regardless, you're a libbie and will only side with libbies. Thus, no sense sparring with you on anything sensible.

I'll bet Herman scares the SH*T out of you folks...you lose the race card!

Good! Let Christie jump in! More fresh meat (but it will need a LOT of trimming) for the GOTP haters to eat.

It's called the primaries. Nothing new here. The only new that I see is that the establishment Republicans are not happy with their loss of control.

You still haven't answered my questions. Can you provide a non-partisan source to back up your claim? That means no Heritage, Cato, or any other Koch Brothers BS.

How about President Obama when he claimed that SS checks may not go out unless we could borrow more.

Of course they want Governor Fatass to jump in. He's got "Christ" in his surname after all so he must have been sent by Jesus himself to be the savior of the GOP.

My Favorate bumper sticker:

Pray for Obama

Psalms 109:8

you know who id vote for.dick chenny.hes brilliant.i really dont want another stupid ineffectual president.hows that for a liberal

Gharms, you forgot to mention their constant name-calling, bitter and hateful comments concerning anything or anybody that represents a view other than theirs. The group you refer to does not have a position or think for themselves, they just support anything Obama says and does and put down anything anyone offers who disagress with Obama. Obama's Presidency has been a failure in terms of turning the economy around and Obama has increased the deficit spending in Washington and believes in even adding more deficit spending. Obama came into office bragging he would cut the deficit and improve the economy. After 33 months the opposite is true. The group you mention never lets the facts get in the way of their blah, blah, blah.

Kornfed...

And the dems are not happy with Barry's loss of control...nothing new here.

REB-1013231

Bev

If that is all you got against Christie then your in trouble. I don't see anybody talking about the Dumbo ears on BHO but then again....

REB-

All the better to hear with; my dear. I don't see Gov Krispie Kreme; apart from disaster funding, which he sat on the Kantor about. Otherwise he is not doing much listening. He refused a transit project the people wanted that would've created thousands of permanent jobs, cut education

Do you know if Gov. Krispe Kreme paid back the education money to the feds?

If you say the Prez is not listening, the polls will say you're a LIAR.

Gaithersburger...

Of course they want Governor Fatass to jump in. He's got "Christ" in his surname after all so he must have been sent by Jesus himself to be the savior of the GOP.

Dumbest post I've read in months. Congratulations! You get the prize...

Feisty...

cute...

there you go again...monitoring the vine. Yep, you are an MSNBC drone or have no life.

HERMAN CAIN 2012!!

See ya, going back to work...how about you?

Christie looks too well fed to be effective at anything except ballast. [Of course, he'll claim that you need a big hammer to knock in what turns out to be a tiny nail.]

Christie (a.k.a. Jabba Jr. or Fat Bastard) isn't far from the mold of his GOP peers...which continues to dilute the field even more. The GOP has literally no chance unless they tell everyone but Huntsman to go home...and even his chances are slim to none. Obama 2012!

Herman Cain is authentically black as well! You take away the libs ace card with that fact alone! Herman Cain is not only authentically black, but he is authentic period! He is the only candidate out there that is offering the hope and change we all desperately seek. Lets not vote in the establishment candidates please! I'm begging you all!

cantakenomore -

Hmm, you bring up the old chestnut about Feisty and some sort of "deal" with FR. It's utter crap, of course - you can be first if you have a rough concept of the time the first post goes up, and you can check in to shoot for the top. Recently Mixed Bag did that.

You're attempting to smear the FR authors and editors, as well ad diminish the value of Feisty's work. Not gonna fly, buster. Bring your own goodies to the table and - how's this for advice to a righty? - compete.

BTW, your comments are sooo similar to those of a previously-banned poster. Re-reg? or just another Karl Rove - Grover Norquist troll sent to divert the discussion?

BTW, your comments are sooo similar to those of a previously-banned poster. Re-reg? or just another Karl Rove - Grover Norquist troll sent to divert the discussion?

You must not be aware of who Karl Rove represents...certainly not Herman Cain. Maybe you should attack with a different angle

Kornfed -

"Authentically black?" Did you dare to say that - again bringing up the ridiculous argument that the President is not?

Really, that is too much.

You are welcome to back Herman Cain, whose grasp of political reality, how to manage a government, and effective public p[olicy is about an inch deep, but his chances are truly ZERO. And it's because of his ineptness and lack of qualification - not his race. I guess you are afraid to be associated with the paid trolling of Karl Rove and Norquist's teams, but they are out here in droves just posting the sort of useless stuff you did.

You'd have a better time selling Cain if you didn't descend to the kind of crap you did. "IGNORE"

John A.

Good try...buster

You libs just cannot stand the fact that Barry is an utter disaster...you know, you and many others Savior??

It's okay, though. Conservatism is sweeping the country. Dems can't even win an election in the most left part of the country...have we forgotten so soon the past election in Nevada and NY??

Yes, indeed. I want Herman because he knows what it takes to create jobs. What job has Barry ever created? Hell, he never had a real one in his life.
The 98% of blacks will face a real dilemma if Herman wins the nomination....is it about race or really about what the person promises you in return for the vote...remember ACORN??

You dems are done...face it.

"Authentically black?" Did you dare to say that - again brining up the ridiculous argument that the President is not?

Oh I dare I dare! Ignore me all u like John, but you wont hehe. I'm sorry that you are such a team player....free agency isnt all that bad, really.

Conservatives simply can't handle the thought that an intelligent, thoughtful, well-educated, capable, confident person won the last presidential election, especially because he's a Democrat. Because ANY Democrat who wins an election is inherently illegitimate in the minds of the Conservative base they can only come up with excuses, thereby missing the whole point and consequence of Barack Obama's election. He didn't win because he's black, he won for all the reasons named above. That's how it is.

Feisty Red

Are you that Julia Roberts look alike that works at Blackjacks in Elgin? You sure sound like it.

John B

You can be 'intelligent' with book smarts and not have common sense. You can be intelligent at the university but not relate it to the real world.

Alan:

However, we have to live with the decisions of our elected officials even if we don't agree with them and the fact is is that the SS trust fund has been abused by all parties and is in effect a 12% income tax because no matter what Bev thinks there's no money in that account.

Oh, no, we don't. That's the exact bill of goods that Congress wants to sell you in order to cover up for what they've done.

I'm surprised that a guy as smart as you are, Alan, falls for that poppycock.

We the people need to make them fess up and replace the money. I don't care if they take it out of their own pockets. Bloated defense budgets also come to mind, in addition to tax benefits for the wealthy and corporations who exploit our resources and ruin our infrastructure.

There simply is no excuse to punish the victims for the harm that was done.

And make no mistake -- President Obama gets his share of the blame here. I was opposed to that deal. Those tax cuts should have been allowed to expire. If they had, we might not even be having this discussion.

Think about it. You don't love talking to me so much that you would prefer that to making Social Security completely secure once again. 'Cause otherwise, I totally plan to keep carping about this.

Conservatives simply can't handle the thought that an intelligent, thoughtful, well-educated, capable, confident person won the last presidential election, especially because he's a Democrat.

I never called O'bama a stupid man. I just disagree with his ideology, thats it. Trust me, I'm not happy with how Bush conducted himself either.

obama won because people like me believed him when he said he would pull us out of both wars,fix the economy and provide doctors for ALL americans.heres what he did.sold out to the insurance companies and wants to force us to buy health insurance policies.kept the tax cuts for the rich.continued both wars and expanded trade treaties responsible for exporting 4,900,000 manufacturing jobs since 2006.oh he did get gays in the military.if you consider that a plus.i tried hard to find another plus for him.zip sorry

the second one...

Bill, Fairfax VA

Yes We Can – Umm No, We Don't Want To

"The United States is undergoing one of the biggest political revolutions in its post-war history..."

Do you know what Republicans are really good at? Starting conflicts and championing revolution. You stir up dissent because it's all you've got, and it's all you've ever really had as a political party. That's really sad and it's ruining this country. You hate everybody who isn't just like you. How can you build a party or steer a country based on the idea that treading on everyone else's rights - is your basic right?

. You stir up dissent because it's all you've got, and it's all you've ever really had as a political party

Naa, dissent is as natural as the free market. Americans are naturally dissatisfied

First of all this trickle down effect that the rich will create jobs has failed. They're greedy and aren't letting go of their money no matter how much they say they are. They don't want to pay their fair share of taxes even though they can afford better than anyone else.

The pubes party is an embarrassment. How many people are running for president on the Republican party officially and unofficially. Think there is like 17 or so.

The comments from the wacky Left prove how scared they are at the realization Obama is toast, and his agenda will be rolled back.

All the wacky Lefts comments are personal attacks and zero substance.

Oh, no, we don't. That's the exact bill of goods that Congress wants to sell you in order to cover up for what they've done.

I'm surprised that a guy as smart as you are, Alan, falls for that poppycock.

We the people need to make them fess up and replace the money. I don't care if they take it out of their own pockets. Bloated defense budgets also come to mind, in addition to tax benefits for the wealthy and corporations who exploit our resources and ruin our infrastructure.

I'm curious how do we not have to accept the decisions of our elected officials? If the individual mandate is found to be constitutional is there some way I can just ignore it? Please let me know. As to your other points I agree up to a point. Defense surely can be cut. Taxing the wealthy, the corporations and the elected officials that made the mess? As inviting as it sounds we both know that is not going to happen. As David said when this thread started, liberals are the ones that accept reality. Have you reached acceptance yet?

Can you provide a non-partisan source to back up your claim? That means no Heritage, Cato, or any other Koch Brothers BS.

Would impartial government sources like these do the trick?

"These [trust fund] balances are available to finance future benefit payments and other trust fund expenditures—but only in a bookkeeping sense. These funds are not set up to be pension funds, like the funds of private pension plans. They do not consist of real economic assets that can be drawn down in the future to fund benefits.Instead, they are claims on the Treasury that, when redeemed, will have to be financed by raising taxes, borrowing from the public, or reducing benefits or other expenditures. The existence of large trust fund balances, therefore, does not, by itself, have any impact on the Government's ability to pay benefits." [p. 337 in the link below]

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/usbudget/fy00/pdf/spec.pdf

The Congressional Research Service says basically the same thing:

"The accumulated holdings [of the Social Security trust funds] can be viewed as a measure of funds dedicated to pay future benefits. However, these funds will only be available as the government raises the resources necessary to pay for the securities as they are redeemed to pay benefits. The securities are a promise, by the U.S. government, to raise the necessary funds. The funds used to purchase the securities were used to fund other government activities, and cannot finance benefits directly." [p. CRS-13 in the link below]

http://aging.senate.gov/crs/ss3.pdf

P.S. to Alan: you certainly don't need my help to show that Bev doesn't know what she's talking about, but I couldn't resist jumping in.

For all of those who care...Herman Cain is David Koch's lap dog. Do your homework...follow the money...

Is the Koch Brothers vision of America what you really want? Because that's what's at stake here....

hahah

David Koch supports gay marriage and stem-cell research.^[3] He is against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and was against the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.^[3] Koch is unsure if global warming is caused by humans, and thinks a warmer planet would be good because "[t]he Earth will be able to support enormously more people because a far greater land area will be available to produce food".^[3]

He opposed the Iraq war, saying that the war has "cost a lot of money, and it's taken so many American lives". "I question whether that was the right thing to do. In hindsight that looks like it was not a good policy." he told an interviewer.^[15]

David Koch dislikes President Obama's policies. "He's the most radical president we've ever had as a nation... and has done more damage to the free enterprise system and long-term prosperity than any president we've ever had."^[15] Koch believes that Obama's father's economic socialism explains what Koch views as Obama's belief in "antibusiness, anti-free enterprise influences."^[15] Koch believes Obama himself is a "hardcore socialist" who is "marvelous at pretending to be something other than that." ^[16]

Hell, I might be Koch's lap dog! Minus one or two of the linked positions!

Again and again we see that the "conservative" insists on creating his or her own reality. Facts be damned. If facts conflict with the reality, they are dismissed. Nothing may interfere with their personal construct of the world.

Excellent post...you've done the last name proud. However...although it was necessary, you violated Rule #1 of the conservative crowd with this post:

The FACT is that the the Social Security funds have been invested. You will find all that information at this link. http://www.ssa.gov/oact/progdata/fundFAQ.html

You tried to confuse them with facts! As you are obviously aware, when stating facts their minds either a) turn the sound of the fact into white noise, if it is spoken, or b) as in the case cited above, the text turns to illegible scribbling, in the case of the printed word.

What the other side must remember is that the Republicans are cutting their own throats. They continually proclaim they are doing "what the people want" in defending millionaires and large corporations against the "evil" of higher taxes, when as much as 70% of the American public wants to see higher taxes on the wealthy!

http://www.gallup.com/poll/149567/Americans-Favor-Jobs-Plan-Proposals-Including-Taxing-Rich.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=syndication&utm_content=morelink&utm_term=Americas%20-%20Politics%20-%20USA

And it's been this way for a while:

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/04/poll-liberals-conservatives-agree-tax-the-rich/238057/

A year ago:

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/08/19/rel11g.pdf

Ummm...oops! Now I violated the rule about confusing conservatives with facts! Shame on me.

One other fact...while conservatives gloat over Obama's fading approval rating, they conveniently ignore the reality that the approval rating for Republicans in Congress is even lower. Combine this with Republican front runner Rick Perry's assertion that Social Security is a "Ponzi scheme" in an increasingly aging society, and it all adds up to a likely re-election for the President. But...again this will be ignored by the conservatives, because they can't digest facts...

Suicide. That's what Christie said he'd have to do in order to convince people that he isn't running. Maybe he's talking about political suicide similar to that which was commited by Sarah Palin and the other list of party saviors that have imploded over the past three years. The list is long.

Anna Molly -

You're fighting the GOOD fight. Alan NJ and I debated this very subject months ago, and he eventually came to agreement with me. But his technique is to go back to the same topic and hammer it daily. I think he's part of an orchesrated campaign to "privatize" Social Secuirty - and funnel trillions to Wall Street. So I won't debate him any longer, he's insincere.

Here's part of an article I posted to the 'Vine before the debt ceiling vote debacle:

Medicaid and Social Security Trust Fund Repayment
Is a National Obligation

It is essential that the public understand that borrowing to pay interest payments or retire general revenue bonds is actually the impact of Medicare and Social Security on the national deficit and national debt. Sixty per cent of the national debt is owed to the Social Security and Medicare trust funds - the country is not paying for Social Security or Medicare benefits, the people who are eligible for the benefits paid for them ahead of time. It is a gross inaccuracy that distorts the debate to call these programs "entitlements" - beneficiaries paid up front.

It was this borrowing, from the late 1960's forward, that has truly been a problem. To default on the debt owed to the American people - taken from the Social Security and Medicare trust funds - by either "privatizing" these programs or essentially chopping them to small bits - is a massive betrayal of trust. This is a debt that the nation must face squarely and accept as an obligation of honor.

Most of the spending cuts thus far proposed avoid the 800-pound gorilla in the room by instead taking out on America's no. 1 debtor - the American people - and then blaming the victim for the problem. But the gorilla is that painful, tedious and necessary attention to spending cuts, program by program, over time, are only half the problem. The other half is revenues. There is absolutely no way to address cumulative deficits and mounting debt without increasing revenues.

Overall, a planned program to both increase revenues from targeted tax increases and boost Federal receipts by supporting further economic recovery and if necessary restoring new Deal type programs like the Works Progress Administration to sharply decrease unemployment is necessary. Judicious government cuts may have to be made alongside commitments that for another two to four years may continue some deficit spending - but more effort to address debt retirement through dedication of some added revenues must be a part of the package.

It IS absolutely clear that revenues must be increased in combination with judicious spending cuts. There are many avenues for increasing revenue worthy of consideration that do not threaten economic recovery or job creation. The nation has learned, the hard way, that Milton Friedman's "trickle down theory of economics" is utter bunkum.

Willing.Sniper

The comments from the wacky Left prove how scared they are at the realization Obama is toast, and his agenda will be rolled back.

All the wacky Lefts comments are personal attacks and zero substance.

I suggest you look back over this very long accumulation of posts again and count the "sbustantive" posts of liberals versus the snarky, shallow meaning less and zero substance posts of right wingers.

Be sure to include yours in the LATTER tally.

EPIC FAIL. "IGNORE"

Republican President Taft was so fat that he kept getting stuck in his White House bath tub and needed the hired help to get him out. It's true.

JoAnnaSmith1

Jeff - Joanna why do you care, lets face it what he says to his own really does not concren you

"His own"? Please explain, who exactly is Obama's "own"?

Come on you know what i mean!! the same folks you tell everybody on this bolg that he is failing with and can't make there lives any better than Bush did and thats BLACK FOLKS!!! THAT WHO!!!!

As the 'shallow' libbies seem to enjoy bumper stickers so much, how about these:

"The O must Go!"

"Obama isn't working either"

"B.O. Stinks"

Slogans don't affect the polls libbies, you better try something more substantive if you're gonna try and save Obama. It is probably too late guys.....!

John A...

I suggest you look back over this very long accumulation of posts again and count the "sbustantive" posts of liberals versus the snarky, shallow meaning less and zero substance posts of right wingers.

There's more republicans hard at work...you libbies have too much time on your hands. Face it...your team is losing...and big! snarky posts...? LOL half of yours and all of Feisty's are nothing but shallow libbie drivel.

Herman Cain 2012!

I don't see anyone in the GOP race who could have handled the economy as well as obama. His slow down of the crash while at the same time keeping taxes low and not expanding the size of government like his predecessors was a job well done made only harder by the right dragging their feet.

I am worried that if one of the clowns from the GOP clown car gets into the wh the trickle down will be more like vaccuum up, the economy will be that of a third world country, and the deficit, well, you know how republicans feel about deficit spending not mattering when they are in charge.

Houston .....states with a Clinton rates we have not only no deficit now but would have paid off national debt. Wow. Tax policy alone is a SMALL part of having debt. There is a finite amount of funds, 50 year average of around 18% of GDP or slightly over. Stays that way from the 90% rates to the 28% rates and in between. You spend over that and you will have debt, no way around it. Obama is spending over 25% of GDP. We have never come close to that in revenues. NEVER.

If you put the Clinton rates on revenues now you get maybe 60-70 Billion more. Assuming behaviors don't change with higher rates, which they almost always do ....That doesn't do much to the 1.5 TRILLION deficit.

Caligula

And right now what we are facing is George Soros' vision for this country.

CALIGULA IS Obama Soros dog or Immelt's dog?? OR both??

Obama will be reduced to a breakfast item in 2012. He's toast!

*Sigh*, so much ignorance, so little time. I've worn out my "ignore" button and had to have IT install a new one so I could keep marking those comments and posters unworthy of my attention. I need to make another count, I must be well over a hundred now.

Oh well, my world is better off for the effort and First Read a much friendlier place to visit. Glad to see some of you are following my example. I tell you it's the only way to fly.

The weather out here on the prairie is far to beautiful to waste it inside. Take care, and do try to remember, at the end of the day we are all Americans. We must work together to make the American dream a reality for all Americans. Dwell on that the next time you want to call somebody an ugly name or shamelessly fling mud at one group or another.

Obama/Biden 2012

PROGRESSIVISM IS FINALLY EXPOSED FOR THE FRAUD IT REALLY IS. CONSERVATISM WILL PREVAIL!

The ideology of Socialists Liberal Progressives is very simple. Keep the masses uneducated, unable and everything else unsustainable. As the Republicans and many of their Conservative issues are finally being exposed the Left realizes how wrong their propaganda has been. Decades of Progressivism embracing Keynesianisms idiocy has resulted in our great Republic collapsing economically, socially and morally. Their insistence of the irrational concept of political correctness has resulted in a nation unable to voice their true Conservative beliefs.

We are reminded daily how impossible Socialism Progressivism is. All that is needed is to look across the pond to see many of the European Union nations and some of our allies collapsing under the weight of their social and economic justice nonsense. What is most concerning is why Liberal Progressivism is so content to just achieve mediocrity and demonize American exceptionalism? Why do socialists just romanticize the belief that everyone wants to be a middle-class citizen? Doesn't everyone growing up want to be rich? Or at least better off so as to not have to worry about family and friends? This is the delusion Progressivism creates. Mediocrity did not create the greatest economy and industrial machine in history. Being exceptional and using this exceptionalism is what has given the world what we see today. Is it perfect? Of course not. Perfection is unobtainable. But more perfect is.

Even our Framer's realized perfection cannot be attained.

We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union,,,(emphasis mine)

A more perfect union, NOT a perfect union. There is only one perfection in our lives and even as great a nation as we are, we can never attain it. But we should certainly try.

It's our Right.

It's our duty.

ABO (Anybody But Obama) 2012

Caligula-1763025

Is the Koch Brothers vision of America what you really want? Because that's what's at stake here....

Hmmmmm, but I'm sure Barrack Hussein being George Soros' lap-dog is OK, right?

I thought you Liberal Progressives were all against those mean, nasty, rich, fat-cat hedge-fund owners.

No?

Overheard at Christie's last physical: Doctor: Can you bend over and touch your toes? Christie: Touch them? I haven't seen them in 15 years !

Look at how far we've gotten in HOURS of posting and over 140 posts on this ONE thread. Conservatives could have made a case for Mitt Romney or Rick Perry...but they didn't. Someone could have made a case for Herman Cain...but that didn't go any farther than "he'll take the black vote away from Obama." Someone might have defended the efforts of Paul Ryan and others to remake America in the image of Ayn Rand...but no one did. Someone could even have made a case why John Boehner isn't a dismal failure as Speaker of the House...didn't happen.

Instead Conservatives are reduced to attempting to scare us with George Soros and a weak rehash of the classic wingnut lie that Democrats are Socialists. Now that Conservatism has been exposed as an empty shell perhaps we can do some things that would actually be GOOD for America.

Pass the American Jobs Act

Write the Buffett Rule into the tax code.

Seriously guys, if all you have to say is that Christie is fat, we get it. He's fat, and that is completely irrelevant to the discussion. So was So was Taft, and many other POTUS's. IF you're going to make an attack on character, dont bother, you stoop to the same level as the TP/GOP. Now lets be real anyway, I totally disagree with Christie on just about everything, but he seems like a such a cool guy. Definitely someone i would want to have lunch with. On the other hand, flying a helicopter on taxpayer money to a soccer game, trying to make education defunct in order to subsidize fracking and gas.Laying of thousands of government workers and trying to attack benefits is another issue. That my friends, is free game.

David Walker: Good post as always.

Saw a bumper sticker today on the California freeway that really stuck to me:

Republicans 2012

Keeping millions out of work to put ONE man out of a job!

Thought it was right on the money! By the way, President Obama was in Hollywood last night, and as usual, the out-of-control hecklers were abound. Why is it that we have become so discourteous of our officials that we feel we can just blurt out anything that suits us? Whatever happened to courtesy, etc.? Oh well....if you have to ask...

Governor Chris Christie is a loud mouth with nothing to say. I imagine he will not run because he has just as many if not more skeletons than all the others combined... he certainly is fatter.

Yay...another Republican candidate that doesn't understand what crashed the economy (the Federal Reserve, the monopoly on currency it has, the overextension of credit it created, and the artifical expansion of the monetary base it influxed) just like all the other Republican candidates already running against Ron Paul.

This is amazing, and shows the dimwitted nature of the average American voter (in this case the Republicans).

One man running in either Party in 2008, and now, accurately predicted step by step the economic collapse. One man running in 2008, and now, accurately predicted the cause and effect of what happened on 9/11. Ron Paul made those predictions, yet he isn't the auto-pick of either Party (or more to the point, both Parties). Every other issue is BS.

And for the Left who think themselves anti-war, anti-torture, anti-warrantless wiretap, ani-self wrriten search warrants by federal agents, you'd think Ron Paul would be a no-brainer given the warmonger they elected last time, albeit under the impression he actually wasn't a liar and was going to end wars, torture, and the PATRIOT Act...but nooooo, they sophistically cheerlead for the neoconservative Democrat President.

Once you add in those issues, plus his singularly accurate predictions among candidates then and now, Ron Paul should be a no-brainer...but apparently the people just have no brain.

They worry more about BS issues than the ones staring us dead in the face threatening our very Republic's existence. Gay marriage (Ron isn't against it, it's a State's issue Constitutionally), socialized healthcare (even though Obama just gave you corporate healthcare, not anything near single payer), and every blah blah blah social issue that should be irrelevant at this crucial time in our history.

Which of your RepubliBlood or DemoCrip candidates predicted 9/11? Ron Paul gave a prophetic speech in July 2001 on the floor of the House predicting we would be the number one terrorist target in the world for what we were doing in Afghanistan and Iraq (among other nations). A few monthes later, 9/11 happened. He had been calling for a change in policy for 30 years. No one listened, no one is listening now.

Which of your RepubliBlood or DemoCrip candidates predicted the economic crisis, step by step, detail for detail? Ron Paul predicted the housing bubble and bust in detail from at least 1988. He gave a prophetic speech on the floor of the House in 2002 that detailed EXACTLY the collapse we suffered in 2008. In September 2007 and into 2008, exactly what he said occured. He had been calling for a change in policy for 30 years. No one listened, no one is listening now.

So, Republicans...why are you in search of more candidates who don't know jacksquat about anything? Why won't you pick someone who has been right all long? Why do you need another personality, when the real deal is staring you right in the face? How long will you continue this brain dead zombie walk before you WAKE UP?

So, Democrats...why are defending a President who doesn't know jacksquat about anything? Why won't you pick someone who prioritizes ending mass murder (war), torture, and the PATRIOT Act above social welfare and social issues? Are your priorities that badly arranged? Why sophistically support a personality when the real deal is staring you right in the face? How long will you continue this brain dead zombie walk before you WAKE UP?

In the end, RepubliBloods and DemoCrips are more similar than they like to admit...it's all about packaging, not substance. It's all about personality, not being right. It's about BS, not what really matters. It's a damn gang fight, and whether you wear red or blue, it's just a vicious cycle of stupidity and pageantry.

I have little hope you people will wake up, and unfortunately I have little hope for this country.

Hence, why I'm leaving for another country for permenant residence abroad right after I vote for Ron Paul (whether the primary is the last vote I can cast for him, or if he SOMEHOW wins the Republican nomination, when I vote in the general election). I won't stay here and watch you all devolve into a more fascist nation than we are already. Your two Parties and your gang member attitudes have led to the demise of this once great nation...exactly what Washington warned against in his Farewell Address. You can tear each other apart like a pack of rabid wolves, and tear the nation apart with you...but my family and I will not join in. Every insane, violent, fickle, and stupid mob has to have one conscientous dissenter...and us Ron Paul supporters are that dissenting voice.

We dissent from your politics and BS pageantry...we aren't electing Prom King here...we're supposed to be electing someone who wants to end decade long wars, end torture, end the PATRIOT Act (the most unpatriotic law ever), foresaw the economic crisis, understands the crisis, foresaw the 9/11 attacks, and understands why were attacked to begin with.

But all you want is more BS.

I know better than to $h1t where I sleep. Most common animals know better than that. The stench is rising, and all you do is keep $h1tting.

John B, if you are clamoring about conservatives adding nothing on this thread and non-productive, why are you not clamoring against the people acting juvenile and making fun of people? i.e. making fat jokes about overweight people?

John B, Des Moines, IA

Pass the American Jobs Act

That would be a fine idea Spanky. The problem is it has to be rated by the CBO first.

Don't you find it odd that the CBO could rate the 2,700 page Health Care Redistribution of Wealth hoax in 3 days and his 1,588 page $timulu$ Bill in 2 days but it hasn't rated a mere 412 page Jobs Bill?

Yet.

Could it be the propaganda Barrack Hussein is spewing are unattainable? It woud seem so, wouldn't it?

Then and only then, can the Bill even be introduced to the House. Maybe it's sitting on Hairy Reeds desk along with all the other jobs proposal bills the Republicans have sent him? At least the Liberal Progressive "Party of No" hasn't just used their usual "DOA", "Kill the Bill" or "Table it" solutions to legislation presented to them under the Constitutional mandates they are obligated with.

Write the Buffett Rule into the tax code.

You mean the "Buffet Rule" don't you. The typical Liberal Progressive solution to all their problems. Steal more taxes from the productive job creators of the economy to feast on and redistribute to the goonions and other unproductive Liberals in society.

Liberals, so easy.

What is the number of the so called buffett rule? He didn't propose one, why is that? Because you would have to raise the cap gains up high enough for whatever number that might be the stock market wouldn't like it at all.

Another goodie in his "jobs plan" under section 3 allows unemployed people to sue potential employers if they don't get hired and fell wronged. Plus court costs. Imagine the ambulance chasers on that one. Think that will encourage employers?

What has Chris Christie done to increase the buzz except answer his phone? Is their an exploratory committee, a campaign staff, national organization on the ground, anything that would indicate a real possibility of Christie getting in the race? Conservative stupidity/desperation and media ratings is all this is about.

To a couple of points made above -- First is the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations, which Teabaggers are not participating in, and the police brutality being used against the demonstrators. At first I thought the footage was from Syria. Second is the chasm between conservatives and liberals and the fight for swing voters with propaganda versus facts.

Santorum was on last night talking about how the US needs to get back to manufacturing, and he does good on that point. But it takes only a second more and he is back to parroting talking points about how to do that with a race to the bottom. Where is the evidence that zero corporate tax rates and slave wages are the only reasons manufacturing has been off-shored? We already have a low effective corporate tax rate so that's obviously not the answer. Wages are going up in India and China so what does that mean? Come on conservatives, think for a change!

Becoming a third-world country with a work force living in poverty is not the answer. Asking corporations to kick in for the infrastructure, educated employees, and security they enjoy is not unreasonable. Government can work with the business sector to create good jobs, and should. Government has an important role to play. This is what the right-wing won't admit to--even conservatives who depend on government won't admit it.

And because the rich and corporations aren't paying their fair share, this is why our country has flat-lined--it needs an infusion. You create jobs, you create demand, you create demand, companies will want to operate here. You just need to have a fair market not a free-for-all market.

Let's hope the Democrat base gets out the vote and that they take along as many friends as they can with them to the polls.

Markmich-- The real problem is CONGRESS. It would be nice to see a CBO report on every tax reform proposal out there too. We could immediately enact the one that shows the best way forward. So if everyone, including Congress, is so unhappy with tax policies why is nothing ever done to correct it? What's stopping them from doing their job? It appears they think they don't have enough time to negotiate real reforms. (Camp) Say what??? Guess the vacation schedule is crammed packed to find the time.

"Free cheeseburgers, fries and extra biggie coke for all my supporters!" Christie says.

I have two words for those who are so shallow as to make fat cracks re Christy....Bill Clinton. His staple of Big Macs and fries habit was worn around his belly for 8 years...

What is their "fair share" True? Under the Clinton rates that everyone seems to lust for we would have maybe 60-70 Billion. So we have a 1.43 Trillion deficit instead of a 1.5 Trillion deficit? .

Government can also work against business. The govt doesn't create wealth, it consumes it. Business has to grow us out of recession.

Conoco Philips just shut down a refinery. Why? Regulations costing too much. Other refineries will now raise prices, people in New Jersey lost jobs and gas prices go up.

BO added over 80,000 pages of regulations (federal registry) in 2010. Coke CEO said today China, Russia, Brazile and more have a more business friendly environment now.

Gulf coast lost alsmost 20,000 jobs, including all support jobs, from shutting down the gulf and causing several rigs to leave to other countries. Even when his expert panel said not to.

Clinton’s best year, 2000, generated revenue of $2.025 trillion.

(After Bush’s tax cuts in 2003 had time to take effect:)

Bush’s revenue in 2005 was $2.153 trillion. 6% above Clinton’s best.

Bush’s revenue in 2006 was $2.406 trillion. 16% above Clinton’s best.

Bush’s revenue in 2007 was $2.568 trillion. 21% above Clinton’s best.

Bush’s revenue in 2008 was $2.524 trillion. 20% above Clinton’s best.

So how again, does that tax cut stuff “cost” trillions in revenue?

[Source was OMB, Historical Tables, Table 1.3, 25-MAR-11]

bob-1805084,

First, we would hope revenues increase by themselves as the years go by....unless you inherit the "Bush Dubya stench", which lowers GDP 25% before you get started.

Second, the question would be: how much more would revenues have come without the tax cuts for the rich? The lafler curve has been proven a myth (or at least as much as cash-for-clunkers), tax cuts do cost money, and, it doesn't matter how much money in tax cuts you give to someone making widgets....they aren't going to build a new widget factory unless someone is willing to buy the widgets the new factory produces.

Why does the left have to constantly label people based on appearance, ethnicity, class, whatever?

Are you serious? Mark Levin's, "Stretch Pelosi, "Hair-plugs Biden, "Her Theighness Clinton", "Chappaquiddick Kennedy"...Hannity's "The Annointed-One", "Socialist President", "Palling around with terrorists", on and on and on.

im with markmich on one item[yuck leaves a bad taste in my mouth] kill the job stimulus bill.why in the world would we repeat what didnt work the first time on a smaller scale.its nuts.as for the tax increase on the rich great idea but we all know theres zero chance of that passing.obvious political grandstanding for the up coming election

Skip,

It seems the majority of posters don't want to discuss and consider opinions, they simply want to argue. There are many who post here who seem more interested in proving their point or winning an argument than really discussing the issues. Since insulting and attacking people with different opinions is not going to win them over, it seems the whole point is about the argument. Even when factual information is presented, it's usually incorrect, misleading, or slanted.

Since you first advocated use of the ignore function, I've ignored about a dozen posters, including one liberal-leaning regular. It's hasn't improved my experience much. I've reached the conclusion that very few who post here from either perspective really care about considering what others have to say. So I have to question the point of reading any of them. When I occasionally take time to post, often the responses are hateful and insulting instead of thought provoking. If so few people want to truely discuss, can you tell me what utility you see in reading these threads?

Commenting on his weight is relevant. He took a limo to travel 100yds for crying out loud ! If he runs, his choice of running mate will be very important. He's one cheeseburger away from a chest grabber.

BigATC

Houston .....states with a Clinton rates we have not only no deficit now but would have paid off national debt. Wow. Tax policy alone is a SMALL part of having debt

Wow. I'm really impressed. BigATC knows more about the budget than the people in the Office of Management and Budget:

http://clinton4.nara.gov/WH/new/html/Fri_Dec_29_151111_2000.html

Today, President Clinton will announce that The United States is on course to eliminate its public debt within the next decade. The Administration also announced that we are projected to pay down $237 billion in debt in 2001. Due in part to a strong economy and the President’s commitment to fiscal discipline, the federal fiscal condition has improved for an unprecedented nine consecutive years. Based upon today’s new economic and budget projections for the coming 10 years from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB):

And True, do you have a business? I do. Explain to me how you could take another 5% of my money and that would encourage me to grow and hire someone? Does anyone for a second think that govt could be more efficient than i could with that money? The only thing the govt does efficient is make war.

Just curious on your figures BigATC. Did the 20,000 lost jobs in the Gulf include the fishing industry and tourism supported businesses? It seems they are the ones that really suffered a real loss. Many homeowners, including a family member of mine, suffered as a direct result of that oil spill disaster on the Gulf. Too bad the oil industry failed to follow even the old regulations already in place. The oil industry is still surviving while other businesses may never recover. So it is kinda hard to feel sorry for the very industry that caused so much harm. Bad example buddy.

BigATC

You spend over that and you will have debt, no way around it. Obama is spending over 25% of GDP. We have never come close to that in revenues. NEVER.

What you want to ignore is that the government would be spending 25% of GDP indefinitely only if you assume that we'll never get out of the catastrophe that Bush and his Congressional allies caused.

I have a better bumper sticker.......

In 2008 most voted for Obama to prove they are not racist.......

In 2012 most will vote Republican to prove they are not stupid.......

Houston, how many of these 10 year projections have you seen come true? I have never seen one. There was the 2000 recession, 9/11, dot com bubble, the mortgage back security debacle, etc. Think thoses may have affected the economy? Way to many variables to predict the future. Neither side has any fiscal discipline.

BigATC

And True, do you have a business? I do. Explain to me how you could take another 5% of my money and that would encourage me to grow and hire someone? Does anyone for a second think that govt could be more efficient than i could with that money? The only thing the govt does efficient is make war.

First, you would have customers complaining that they can't buy what you sell because you're always out of stock. There would be enough of that demand that would justify hiring more people, because, for each person you hire, you make 5 times their salary and benefits with the production they make. then, the 5% extra you're paying would be more than offset by the increased sales (that's tax course 101).

In other words, don't let the "tax tail" wag the "economic dog". As Buffett (and any other trueful business person would say), opportunity isn't passed up because your tax rate goes up. The tax rate has NEVER been 100% or more.

Dont_carry_it_all

Markmich-- The real problem is CONGRESS. It would be nice to see a CBO report on every tax reform proposal out there too. We could immediately enact the one that shows the best way forward. So if everyone, including Congress, is so unhappy with tax policies why is nothing ever done to correct it?

Agreed. To a point.

Why do we need to have a CBO rating on every tax reform? It has been shown that, on average, a new tax change is made every day. Why? Because as much as most people want to think that our 71,684 page tax code is a stagnant easily reformed pile of legal gibberish, it's not. It's in constant flux and change. This happens from BOTH sides of the aisle. Last year over $3.5 BILLION Dollars was spent by lobbyists in Washington. I'll wager a good percentage of that was on tax changes.

That's why I and many others have been promoting a total elimination of our criminal progressive tax code. It's too massive and corrupted to be effective in the new global economy. To think that our government will allow their cronies in corporations, unions and other organizations to be burdened with FAIR tax rates is laughable. I always challenge people to go to our current tax code and just try to read some of the legislation in it. If you think eliminating a few tax loopholes here and there for corporations or individuals is going to make a difference, I have some lake-front property in the Sahara I'll sell you cheap. I guarantee you as soon as some of the loopholes are removed they will be replaced within a year, or less. Or some whiz-kid from MIT or Wharton's will come in and find a new loophole or tell the organizations how to lobby a new one in.

The only fair way to do it is to eliminate the current corrupted system completely and replace it with a Flat Tax, Fair Tax or some combination of both. We are evaluating Herman Cain's "9-9-9 Tax Reform" plan. So far it seems feasible. Our contention is that the Fair Tax is the most equal and fair possibility. The Flat Tax still requires deductions, withholds and other factors that can be, once again, corrupted. Not as badly as the current system, but possible. The massive bureaucracy of our current system is unmanageable. It allows for too much fraud, avoidance, evasion and manipulation. The only people with the resources to exploit something so big are the corporations, banks, unions and others. We need a simple, effective and FAIR tax system that everyone can understand and not need an army of accountants, lawyers and consultants.

Unfortunately the possibility of this happening with the current level of corruption in our government (on both sides of the aisle) will never allow any true reform to be legislated. The first Fair Tax was proposed in 1999, since then it hasn't moved from committee. One has to wonder why our government is so resistant to improving the tax system they constantly argue about? Unless you understand their campaign contributions are a big result of all that money used lobbying.

As always in our government, just follow the money.

markmitch:

Please elighten me on how the Cain $9.99 tax plan"So far seems feasible"? If Cain is honest when he says, "Everyone's taxes will be less", how can the numbers add up?

Also, a flat tax is highly regressive (the less wealthy you are the bigger the bite), benefits the rich (from 35% to 9%????), and it won't pass (the housing lobby, charitable lobby, etc., etc. won't let it happen). Even Mitt Romney said it's a bad idea in the 9/12 debate).

Nice try..........

Don't carry, i lived in the area then. I don't think people realize how many ancillary businesses that shoot off of the oil rigs. There are lots of support industry. And i knew people that lost jobs and saw what happened.

Houston, i never implied govt would be spending 25% indefinitely. I have no idea what future congresses will do. I was pointing out that we average 18% of GDP for income and BO is spending 25% of GDP. That equates to spending issues not tax policy issues. If we as a country can't figure how to cap spending to that 18% of GDP level we are heading toward a Greece event.

Cannibal that was interesting. So if the govt raises my taxes my inventory automatically depletes? Lol So how does that work with service industries that don't have inventory?

Real world .... if i have less money i either

1. spend less on personal purchases

2. cut someones hours

3. cut a job

4. spend less on capital expenditures for my business

I was responding as to why someone expands a business (and it isn't because I have a lower tax rate- it's based on economics of suppy and demand).

If I have less, AFTER taxes, I'll still never have zero (because the tax is computed on income, AFTER all deductions). I'll still be taking home money. In fact, if I'm that worried about pulling out a living by have the TOP rate increased, I'm not making enough to put me in that tax bracket.

My tax rate isn't going to effect whether I stay in business or not.

Dont_carry_it_all

Did the 20,000 lost jobs in the Gulf include the fishing industry and tourism supported businesses?

Perhaps if the usual goverment corruption and malfeasance was avoided the people in the gulf could recover faster. As of April of this year barely $4 BILLION of the $20 BILLION BP has given to clean up and compensate the businesses and governments has been used.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/18/news/companies/bp_spill_claims/index.htm

Of course the usual excuse of wanting to make sure the money is used correctly flies right out the window of common sense when you read about the millions of dollars being wasted.

In sleepy Ocean Springs, Miss., reserve police officers got Tasers. The sewer department in nearby Gulfport bought a $300,000 vacuum truck that never sucked up a drop of oil. Biloxi, Miss., bought a dozen SUVS. A parish president in Louisiana got herself a top-of-the-line iPad, her spokesman a $3,100 laptop. And a county in Florida spent $560,000 on rock concerts to promote its oil-free beaches.

Some officials also lavished campaign donors and others with lucrative contracts. A Florida county commissioner's girlfriend, for instance, opened up a public relations firm a few weeks after the spill and soon landed more than $14,000 of the tiny county's $236,000 cut of BP cash for a month's work.

Biloxi, home to a strip of casinos overlooking the Mississippi Sound, bought 14 sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks, two boats, two dump trucks and a backhoe loader with its $1.4 million share of BP grant money.

And it goes on and on.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/11/gulf-bp-oil-spill-money_n_847501.html

And people want more government?

Idiocy!

Markmich -- Not a fan of VAT in any form but I do feel a progressive three tier tax without the ability to create loopholes, credits etc. would work as well as treating all income the same. In other words eliminate the opportunity for corruption and favoritism while reducing the need for lobbyists (This alone would save business billions). Yes we disagree on some things but it helps when the rhetoric is set aside and discussions take place. Til next time.

Re: The greed on the part of certain local governments down there is/was disgraceful.

There a re numerous considerations that all play a factor in expanding or even staying in business, incuding taxes as it is a cost.The above 250k proposal includes a lot of people as sub S and LLC's have pass through that is not good for tax increases.

Unknown costs now abound. Regulatory costs, employee costs (no idea of health care costs), tax costs, etc.

It was the same in Katrina too. A lot of things did'nt make the news. Govt was paying millions of dollars (friend of mine got some) to store the trailers, for years while people needed housing. Cleaning contractors double paid. any, many more examples. The total amount spent we figured once the govt could have written a check to every person there for about 200k. The govt is so INEFFICIENT it is crazy.

Don't like the VAT either. Flat rates with ZERO deductions, with maybe the only execption charity, would take a lot of the money out buying votes. Biggest problem with the tax system is the GE's of the world basically buy their loopholes.

It's also funny how people like to make fun of overweight people

John A --

Just in case you come back to read this, thank you for getting my back and for the article. It's a good one.

I guess when you've only got so many talking points, you sometimes have to rinse and repeat. Alan is smart enough to know that it's a clear moral issue that isn't rightly resolved by cutting benefits. That red herring just gets old after a while, and today especially it got my goat.

So, thanks again. I owe you a wheel of chevre and a bottle of your favorite beverage.

Alan NJ:

I'm curious how do we not have to accept the decisions of our elected officials?

Read my lips: Throw them ALL out.

That's what voting is for.

And, just for good measure, you might also try it when you don't like how your elected officials bargain with unions. Instead of blaming the unions, THROW THEM ALL OUT.

My wife and I met her and I had lunch with her in Chicago last Spring

Thanks Skip!

Don't forget I also got to meet your beautiful girlz!

Give them ALL my best & thanks again for lunch! ;o)

markmich:

And people want more government?

Idiocy!

Ironically, you don't make an argument for less government. Rather, your entire post makes an argument for getting private money and corporate influence out of government.

You seem so biased that I doubt you'll even see it, but try looking again.

Anna Molly

Rather, your entire post makes an argument for getting private money and corporate influence out of government.

WOW!

Only in the indoctrinated, narrow mind of a Liberal Progressive could you interpret my post that way.

I guess the delusion can become overwhelming.

Bill, Fairfax VA

Can you provide a non-partisan source to back up your claim? That means no Heritage, Cato, or any other Koch Brothers BS.

P.S. to Alan: you certainly don't need my help to show that Bev doesn't know what she's talking about, but I couldn't resist jumping in.

From the Heritage blog...

Once Again, the Social Security Trust Fund Has No Money in It

David C. John

August 5, 2010

http://blog.heritage.org/2010/08/05/once-again-the-social-security-trust-fund-has-no-money-in-it/

Instead, as Bill Clinton’s OMB noted back in 2000:

Allow me to click on your fake Heritage link for you

http://frwebgate1.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID=PxJ3Ab/5/2/0&WAISaction=retrieve

See, the page doesn't exist. The Heritage blog lifted it.

These [Trust Fund] balances are available to finance future benefit payments and other trust fund expenditures-but only in a bookkeeping sense. These funds are not set up to be pension funds, like the funds of private pension plans. They do not consist of real economic assets that can be drawn down in the future to fund benefits. Instead, they are claims on the Treasury, that, when redeemed, will have to be financed by raising taxes, borrowing from the public, or reducing benefits or other expenditures. The existence of large trust fund balances, therefore, does not, by itself, make it easier for the government to pay benefits. (emphasis added)

In plain English, that means that the trust fund bonds will be repaid by collecting more general revenue taxes from you and me, by borrowing the money which means repaying it by collecting more taxes from our children, or by having the government spend less. Just five years after the program begins to run deficits, that amount will equal $100 billion a year, growing to over $300 billion a year.
added)

That was a very nice try by the Koch funded Heritage blog; don't you think?

One more thing Bill from wikipedia:

This article is written like a personal reflection or essay rather than an encyclopedic description of the subject. Please help improve it by rewriting it in an encyclopedic style. (January

On February 2, 2005, President George W. Bush made Social Security a prominent theme of his State of the Union Address. One consequence was increased public attention to the nature of the Social Security Trust Fund. Unlike a typical private pension plan, the Social Security Trust Fund does not hold any marketable assets to secure workers' paid-in contributions. Instead, it holds non-negotiable United States Treasury bonds and U.S. securities backed "by the full faith and credit of the government". The Office of Management and Budget has described the distinction as follows:

These [Trust Fund] balances are available to finance future benefit payments and other Trust Fund expenditures – but only in a bookkeeping sense.... They do not consist of real economic assets that can be drawn down in the future to fund benefits. Instead, they are claims on the Treasury that, when redeemed, will have to be financed by raising taxes, borrowing from the public, or reducing benefits or other expenditures. The existence of large Trust Fund balances, therefore, does not, by itself, have any impact on the Government’s ability to pay benefits. (from FY 2000 Budget, Analytical Perspectives, p. 337)

2008)

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

Yep, that right your Heritage blog skewed the truth as usual.

Now who's stupid?

Am I the only one who read Christies comment regard President Obama? Apparently the Chub Gov found it appalling, the President did not praise the "Republican congress." in a speech? Praise them for their obstructionism? For their ability to say no to any idea the President or Democrats puts forth? Or for the Republicans need to "protect" Big Business and the wealthy?

The only "praise" the Republican congress deserves is a flood of no votes, come election day. They have blackmailed, conned and swindled the American people into bankruptcy. Not only financial bankruptcy but moral and ethical, as well.

Chris Christie may be the "Man Of The Year" as a hopeful candidate, for the Tea Party led Republicans but let's face it, he is a bully. He has the charisma, of a Thanksgiving Turkey. Once all the feathers are off, he is still a dumb bird. I do not believe in wishing my life away but November 2012, cannot come soon enough. Not I am not talking about the election, I talking about the turkey carcass, that will be picked clean and boiled for soup.

Christie is a no-starter for the GOP because he is very soft on illegal aliens. New Jersey is a sanctuary state with a number of towns teeming with nobody but illegals. When the GOP faithful wake up to that fact, he is dead meat. He has alienated conservative democrats by abusing labor unions, but he has 2 firm votes from the Koch Brothers. He also has very poor health on the horizon because of morbid obesity. He would probably die from calorie overload in his first term and leave the office to Vice-President Palin/Romney/Perry.

I think Christie is testing the waters. The name of the game: how much money can you raise. It wouldn't surprise me to see him run in 2012.

His behavior is that of a bully and with that he shakes things up. I understand some people actually like him. I don't care for what he believes in. I wouldn't vote for him.

Let me know when he joins the parade.

I saw a clip of his spontaneous remark, to a woman in the audience, who asked him why his children went to private schools. I cannot quote him verbatim but he pretty much told her, it was none of her business. I mention this because the United States cannot afford to have a hot head as president. He seems crass and ill mannered. More like the school bully than a presidential candidate. And his size will come back to haunt him. I call him the "Chub Gov" which isn't very nice but seems appropriate.

The Republicans are searching for anyone with a breath to defeat President Obama. I admit, I am an Obama supporter but I am disappointed, in his preformace as an activist for the middle class. I think his first mistake was not putting on his walking shoes and marching with the unions in Wisconsin. No, I have never belong to a union but I do believe the unions here in Ohio gave non-union workers better benefits.

Nurses did not belong to unions in the sixtys when I started out. We worked long hours and our patient load was horrendous. My first paying job was for about $!.25/hr. As time progressed, it seemed when the unions got a raise, our wage went up as well. I never made the amount of money a Jeep worked made. That is not to say they did not deserve the money, I think nurses should have earned more.

I had the opportunity to work per Diem at Jeep for two summers. The employees would come in to the clinic and ask for some Motrin or a topical ointment to put on sore muscles. Several of them had knots in their shoulder and back that caused them a lot of pain. I would offer to sent them to the Jeep clinic where the doctor worked but they declined. They just wanted to get the Ibuprofen and go back to work. Oh, they were on the breaks, so they had not even told their bosses they were hurting.

Chris Christie could never handle the kind of heavy, repetitive work these Jeep workers preformed. I know some joker will post about the abuse the factory workers supposedly used because they had a contract. But I never saw that, in the time I there. What I witnessed was hard working men and women who did a fair days work for a fair days pay. The "Chub Gov. believes unions should be abolished. It makes no sense to me since, I believe unions have been influential in raising the quality of life, for the middle class. Plus, approximately 10% of the entire United States work force is represented by unions.

Why do the likes of Christie and other Republicans fear the unions? My only sense is if they can destroy the unions they can destroy the millions of Americans right to a decent life. I would think, the Tea Party Led Republicans, would want the middle class to prosper because if we do well, then everyone does well.

Kornfed said: "Hell, I might be Koch's lap dog! Minus one or two of the linked positions!"

So, Kornfed wants to lick balls and hump legs? How come I don't find that surprising?

Well they could bring Taft's WH bathtub out of retirement and maybe they could add a "Krispy Kreme" stand in the West Wing.

That's all you've got? Seriously sad.

Christie has said that he, himself, does not feel ready for the job. I find it odd though, that you would even being up his experience. How long was Obama a Senator? How often did he bother to show up? As I recall, he chaired a subcommittee on Afghanistan- and never once called a meeting of same.

Worse than Obama's inexperience is his obstinate refusal to admit when he's failed. You do not get that with Christie.

I don't think he'll run- but, trust me, he'd make a far better president than Obama.

Then again, almost anyone would.

Would Christie be too moderate for the Tea Potty folks?

Oh, Devie, that's a great image.

On a somewhat more serious note, there is one way in which Christie could present himself as "the people's candidate." The U.S. suffers from an obesity crisis, and he'll be the poster boy. Fat jokes here aside, making those same comments in a campaign ad will without question result in a hole in the boat of those who published the wisecracks.

Also to some extent, his rough, blunt "blue collar" image appeals to a large number of pot-bellied white middle-aged men (and virtually every Southern sheriff's deputy). Of course, his deep inexperience in office, his massive failure with the tunnel project, and many other problems in NJ are serious obstacles to a Chritie candidacy. Memories fade, however, and by 2016 he might be a formidable contender, unless he loses his gubernatorial re-election bid.

Christie's approach to the economic problems of his state certainly stand in clear contrast to the President's massive work in leading the U.S. away from depression, keeping vital industries alive and operating, generating millions of jobs, and restoringthe nation's Bush-tarnished international reputation. Obama would eat Christie for lunch and not even burp (but he'd have a bit of a gastrointenstinal blockage later).

Christie has a choice to make: Run for President or let a sleeping dog lie regarding his brother Todd's mysterious non-indictment for illegal Wall Street trading.

The story got lost in the tsunami of corruption that came out of Wall Street in 2009 (see link below). But if he runs, he invites the national media to take a second look .. I almost hope he does.

Christie's bad for New Jersey and he'd be bad for the US. "THe Sopranos" is not a how-to video governor.

GOP = Greed Over People

@Steve

In what way has Governor Christie been bad for NJ? Is because he put union pensions on sound footing and tried to ensure that there is some money for future retires? Is it because he increased the amount that public sector workers pay for their benefits to a reasonable fraction of what private or non-union union workers pay for their benefits and tried to reduce costs for all taxpayers? Is it because he pointed and tried to end the fact that some school superintendents were being paid more than the position of Governor?

Please enlighten me with your reasoning.

We now see Mitt Romney stands the best chance among Republican presidential contenders of beating President Barack Obama in next year’s election, according to a new Harris Interactive poll released Tuesday.

The former Massachusetts governor also was the favored GOP candidate among independent voters, with Texas Rep. Ron Paul following close behind, according to the online survey of 2,462 adults taken in mid-September.

The news was also good for Paul when pitted against Obama in a head-to-head matchup.
While survey participants gave Romney a 53 percent to 47 percent edge over Obama in a general election race, they said Paul could also beat Obama by 51 percent to 49 percent.

Now if Christie jumps in too, he will very quickly equal or surpass Romney and Paul's numbers.... much quicker than feisty (feisty? lol) can chug a quart of her favorite mojitos!

Obama bypassing the court of appeals and going straight to SCOTUS was not a brave gamble, it was a decision based on desperation and panic! The Court of Appeals (11 members) only has 5 democrats on it, and one of them already indicated he will vote against the mandate. Yes folks there is a change coming, and it doesn't look good for Obama or socialized health care!

John, Just having a little fun at the Governor's expense. I say in jest because I too could use a lot more self restraint when it comes to comfort food. I may not like his politics but I certainly don't hate him. Just trying to make "light" of the situation.

njnb, Lighten up a bit. For the record I do not believe the Governor would be a better President than our current President.

Obama/Biden 2012

Alan Nj Didn't Governor Christie just save the taxpayers of New Jersey a bundle of money by vetoing that bill that would have the taxpayers paying for the production of "Jersey Shore".

I doubt that Christie will run because he's too moderate for the tea baggers. He's already committed a major sin by demanding that Washington put aside politics and provide disaster relief funds NOW ... whether or not they're paid for with offsets.

Why set himself up to be torn apart by a wing of the party that will never accept him and then, if he manages to survive, try to win against an incumbent? Instead, he can wait four years when both problems will be gone.

Barry, I have a feeling that the majority of the GOP wants these tea bagger nuts out, and Christie is their way of doing it. It might be a good move. I'd rather see him than the current losers running.

@Alan

New Jersey is its people, ALL its people -- not just the rich. Chris Christie is bad for new Jersey. Here's my reasoning.

Two straight budgets balanced on the back of the middle-class and poor. Service cuts for the needy. Transportation toll increases that are hidden taxes on the working class. Nothing was asked of the state's 1%ers -- nothing.

Lost New Jersey's school children $400 million in Race to the Top money for political reasons, then threw his Eduction Secretary under the bus Sopranos-style because he had compromised with the NJEA in order to try and get kids much needed funds. In Christie's world (like Tony Soprano) loyalty trumps everything even our children.

Used the "teacher's retirement fund issue" and the "public sector benefits issue" to attempt to take away their bargaining rights Walker-style. Yes, each needed to be addressed -- through tough negotiation. But a negotiated solution was never the goal-- the real prize for Christie was just pure "castrate the middle-class and the unions" GOP politics.

Demonized the people who educate our children at a time when the profession is losing experienced teachers. The GOP demagogues wanting to return America to greatness. How is gutting the education system in exchange for $20-$30 a year off your tax bill going to return America to greatness?

Took a Disneyland vacation during a snow crisis, then showboated around the state during the flooding crisis to try to make up for it.

School superintendent salaries are determined by individual communities, not the state. His "pointing it out" was just more demonizing of public school educators. (PS: Christie's kids attend private schools. I'll give you a minute to get over your shock.)

This is just a small part of the list.

PS: It wasn't lost on me that you didn't address the Todd Christie question. How in world did 3 of his direct superiors and 11 people working directly under him all get indicted and he didn't? I hope Christie runs, the statute of limitations on that indictment has years to run on it.

I would wait until 2016 and run on the independent ticket along with Cuomo. These 2 men are better than the so called parties they belong to and that is the problem as evident here on these blogs the lunatic left and lunatic right are in control of the so called democrats and republicans. They are BOTH a complete turn off to me as an independent. These 2 men have managed to pass virtually identical legislation in New York & New Jersey. They are of different styles to be sure Cuomo speaks softly but Christie carries a big stick but they have been so effective it getting it done I think they are to good for the likes of either party and the people that belong to those so called parties. But after reading all of these posts they are to good for the likes of any of you it is a shame YOU all are the problem and none of YOU or YOUR parties candidates care. Oh well done done on to the next one........

christie should run .. he has the right plan ...cut social programs... Cut taxes for the top 2%... privatize Social Security ... end medicare....repeal the affordable health care law ... deregulate banks..deregulate wall street... eliminate the FDA ..eliminate the EPA .. eliminate the minimum wage ... eliminate Unemployment compensation ... and cure Diabetes .. what more could a conservative ask for

Christie wouldn't be able to stand up to the scrutiny of his past that is required to run for President. He is a favor for favor sue happy politician. He has been investigated more times than Nixon and is legally corrupt. The word "ethics" isn't even in his vocabulary and he jokes about his distant ties to the mob. He is not presidential material and never will be because he is all about Chris.

Can anyone picture him physically running....:0

Dude couldn't run more than 1/2 a block without keeling over...

Dude couldn't run more than 1/2 a block without keeling over...

Or a couple of black eyes from all the bouncie bouncie action... ;o)

Gingerbread, so true. It is one thing to express honest opinion about a subject and another to verbally show disrespect to constituents and those in power.

Maybe Gingerbread Mama can tell us when when WW110 was and how dozens of world wars happened since WWII ?

Damage, I guess for someone as ignorant as you, one would have to spell out exactly what I Wrote.....read it again it is World War Number 3 written as 1,1,1.

Other than that I have nothing to say to someone such as yourself.

Or a couple of black eyes from all the bouncie bouncie action...

LMAO! Good one Feisty! I can't get that visual out my mind. Oh the agony!

Maybe Gingerbread Mama can tell us when when WW110 was and how dozens of world wars happened since WWII ?

Thank you Damage 123. I did know you were the Grammar Police here on FR.

Oh the agony!

Christie needs all the support he can get! ;o)

Christie bumper sticker:

GET OFF MY LAWN OR I'LL EAT YOU!!

Madame Booth,

And YOUR comment is almost verbatim what his opponent used against him when he was running for governor.

What was that guy's name again? Oh yeah, nobody cares, like nobody cares about you and your hate filled filth.

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

need i say more ?

And a mouth as BIG as his ass... lol

Yes, girl friend he ate his teachers salaries.

Lol ..... you said it ... i was just thinking it Feisty.... .. ;-)

How ironic President Obama gives a speech to the Congressional Black Caucus where he tells them to quit complaining, quit grumbling, quit whining, take your bedroom slippers off and put on your marching shoes. All this President has done is complain, grumble and whine. It is not my fault, it's Bush's, it's the arab spring, it's the tsunami, the hurricanes, the atm kiosks, the republicans, the wars, libya and everything else he can think off. Under this administrations policies they can't afford bedroom slippers, they go barefoot. Even Maxine Waters had no clue as to what he was talking about.

Anna Molly First chance to get your opinion on 3 referendums against pension plans for city workers in Hollywood, Florida. You do know who's district that is. Here is the excerpt:

- At home, Hollywood voters approved three
referendums imposing changes in pension plans for city workers.

Wasserman Schultz recorded a robo-call on behalf of
the Hollywood firefighters union that went to voters before Tuesday’s election.
She said the three pension referendums were “unwarranted, unnecessary and
unjustified.”

They passed, with each getting at least 55 percent of
the vote. As is typical with special elections, just 14 percent of the city’s
84,521 registered voters went to the polls.

Here’s the robo-call script:

Hello,
this is Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. I am calling on behalf of The
Hollywood Professional Firefighters and I am urging you to get out and vote on
Tuesday, September 13th.

Your Firefighters risk their lives daily and all they
expect in return is a decent wage and pension to support their families. The
Pension Referendum proposed by The City of Hollywood is unwarranted,
unnecessary and unjustified. So please, VOTE NO on the pension referendums A,
B,& C on Tuesday the 13th!! Thank you.
PAID FOR BY THE HOLLYWOOD PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

145 promises kept

43 kept with compromise

47 broken (mostly through Republican obstruction)

Pretty good record for a guy you claim hasn't done anything. http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/obameter/

Certainly better than the 8 GOP promises kept so far. http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/gop-pledge-o-meter/

The title of the speech is buzzworthy, too: “Real American Exceptionalism.” Per Christie’s office, the governor’s remarks will use Reagan's “transformative leadership to depict how the United States’ role and significance in the world is defined by who we are at home.”

I find it very interesting that Chris Christie will use the idea that our "role and significance in the world is defined by who we are at home." The TPGOP view of corporate welfare and tax breaks for the uberwealthy (those with the most already) at the expense of the poor and the middle class (those with the least) is how we would like the world to regard us? That we are so lacking in compassion we are willing to let children, elderly, disabled, poor, the most vulnerable of us to die for lack of basic necessities of life? That we cheer when Texas governor Rick Perry says he has no problems having the highest execution rate in the country, and no concerns whether or not an innocent person may have been executed? When one of our soldiers who has risked his life for the rest of his countrymen is booed because he is gay? That we believe in the sanctity of life--but only for the unborn--after birth you are on your own because we don't care? Constant wars? That we have the "manifest destiny" and the right to tell other countries what kind of governments they should have and how they should conduct their own businesses? That our government is for sale to the highest bidder--only the uberwealthy should have the right to run our country--the 2% tyranny over the 98% of the rest of us? Our education system, our infrastructure, our healthcare system are all in shambles because of the unmitigated greed of the few! We don't take care of our own citizens--and the rest of the world knows it! How can they have anything but contempt for us? Is this how we want to define ourselves? Is this how we want the world to see us? The United Corporate States of America--where only the uberwealthy count--all the rest are slaves. This is the TPGOP vision for our country! "Real American Exceptionalism" indeed!

"We have met the enemy and he is us!" Pogo by Walt Kelly

This guy Christie has 1 1/2 years experience and a bad temper ...need i say more ?

He's very experienced. Just ask any RWNJ.

Feisty...

And a mouth as BIG as his ass... lol

...and I'll bet you are a "real" looker, huh? When you have nothing else, find some physical trait to laugh about? Very mature, I'll have to say.

Guess I shouldn't mention Barry's ears...you know? if he could flap them, he could fly!

Feisty: really. come on. I don't care what your politics are...I hate the constant nagging about Hilary and I hate this juvenile stuff. Let's not return to middle school.

Feisty Red: The" liberal posterchild ". Your comments are nasty, inane and not very bright. Please stop, you are giving Illinois a bad name!

GBM, in addition to Romney's problem of disingenuous flip flopping, the GOP has a bigger problem. It is the Tea Party extremists but they only have themselves to blame because they invited them to the party, embraced them and said, please stay--we like your enthusiasm.

If Governor Christie decides to run, we all better be really careful of his running mate. Because with the weight problem and the asthma, we could be in trouble.

What I can't understand is why anyone would want to be seen with Trump.

He simply cannot keep his stories straight and his decision not to be seen with Trump, not that I am a fan of either one, was not a smart move.

Trump also advocates for socialized healthcare with mandates like Romney...read his book.

Trump is a moron...being rich doesn't make you good at economics. To believe otherwise is called Social Darwinism.

"Oh the wise and powerful rich must be better at everything and smarter than all because they are rich. That alone proves their aptitude in economics."

BS.

The only candidate who predicted 9/11 was Ron Paul (speech on House fllor July 2001). The only candidate to predict step by step, detail by deatil, the economic collapse was Ron Paul (from speeches in 1971-1988 generally, and in great detail on the House floor in a speech on September the 11th, 2002).

And you're talking about Obama, Perry, Romney, Trump, Christie, Palin, Bachmann, Cain, and whatever other loser who predicted jacksquat? Braindead country we live in, I swear. You people are fascinated with looks, nonsense talking points, and the blah blah blah issues...you aren't interested in records, honesty, substance, and who was RIGHT for years.

More BS, that's all you want...and believe me, that's all you'll get. More wars, less rights, more taxes, less freedom, more fascism, less truth.

Wake up ZOMBIES!

Good morning Jody,

As always, you are spot on.

Thanks

Wow Jody if you are complaining about how the MSM handles this president, you are in for a long year.

Well, add this to the list of things for which Obama is not responsible.

His economic plans failed because republicans, who were in the minority, put a hoodoo on them.

His foreign policy initiatives failed because other countries were not properly worshipful of him.

Oh- and of course, whatever happens, it was Bush's fault.

Now, when he goes out and petulantly excoriates his base for not being supportive enough of him, it's the media's fault for reporting it?

Good grief.

There was nothing actually "historic" or "unprecedented" about that harangue- he did the same thing last fall. He blamed the electorate foe being too dumb to understand that, despite the facts, despite the figures, he had, actually, been a marvelously successful president- and, damn it, they had just better start showing the love!

Since the election, his temper tantrums have come more frequently- and now are displayed in public for all the world to see. I guess Axelrod better start working on a new mantra for him- in the face of plummeting approval polls and declining support, "no drama Obama" is not cutting it.

After this weekend's screaming fit at the CBC, I have to figure that the worst job in the world is held by the person who reports Obama's internal polls. Cause, of course, it's not Obama's failures to blame for his plummeting numbers- it's got to be the pollsters. Or the guy giving him the news. Could be Bush. Or the weather. Or other people whining.

Job1, you're welcome and thanks for the kind words.

Carl the Plumber, I merely used the media's handling of President Obama's CBC speech as an example of what is wrong with the modern version of reporting. His speech provided a perfect contrast in what he said to what was actually reported and discussed and the headlines that screamed rift between president and blacks from AP to Yahoo News. That's not serious journalism, that's distortion, that is creating their own storyline thus making it more opinion that news report. It is wrong regardless of who the President is or what party that President represents. As for it being a long year ahead, this has been what the media has done for many years.

Well NJNB --Perry seems to have some problems at home he needs to deal with:

http://news.yahoo.com/apnewsbreak-texas-refineries-may-back-135m-112526627.html

Great post Jody, the tag line the MSM is liberal is a fallacy. In addition you have some in broadcasting who when reading the news, tend to inflect in their tone what agenda they're pushing.

Then there are those such as Chuck Todd, who present their take on what is or what should be happening again according to their own mindset. Andrea Mitchell is another who is not fairminded and balanced, these two in my opinion should present themselves as partisan, as I would be more respectful of their opinion even if I didn't agree. Neither one of them help narrow the political divide, quite the opposite.

Thanks Jody, Iowa as always a great post.

Mornin, Jody! Great post, as always. I love the way the media is always looking for the next 'shiny object' to focus on... Last month Perry, this month Christie... Wonder who they'll decide to recruit next...

Silly season just never ends...

Gingerbread Mamma, Jody OHIO, Lyn KCMO. Thanks for the kind words and for adding to my thoughts.

As for No Joe, she is the epitome of distortion, twisted facts and shiny objects.

President Obama gave an excellent and inspiring speech to the Congressional Black Caucus over the weekend

Boy, you're really taken in by speeches aren't you? How's that drug war? Obama upped the arrests from the Bush administration already...88% of drug arrests have been MARIJUANA. Yeah, he's a liberal champion though...yeah right.

How's GITMO working out? How about that corporate healthcare he gave you? How about ending secret prisons/torture? How about those 10 year old wars? How about the fake scale down of troops while he increases the amount of mercenaries to match the scale downs? How about that PATRIOT Act? I could go on and on and on...

If you support this President, this neoconservative Democratic warmongering President, then you are a sophist, not a liberal, not a progressive. Anything else is bold-face BS.

Wake up, he is to blame, as are the Republicans. You DemoCrips and RepubliBloods are ruining this country. You cheerlead for the lesser of two evils, and you have no real principles.

Cheryl,

1. This blog is about more than the White House.

2. Solyndra is last week's affair. Apparently we're supposed to be talking about the Congressional Black Caucus and bedroom slippers this week.

3. You are another example of someone who appears to hate this blog SOOOOOOO much...and yet here you are.

Have a nice day.

His company? I had no idea he owned a solar company.

If you don't like the news here, there are outlets that will cater to whatever you like to read.

That is what makes our bought and paid for meida outlets so great. Your flavor of news on tap 24/7.

No actually "we" own the solar company now!!!

CherylLM, this is a political website not a White House website.

As for Solyndra, try reading the facts about those loans because apparently Cheryl and Carl the Plumber simply choose to ignore that the multi-year loan process began with President Bush in 2007; Bush tried to fast track the loan because he wanted credit for a "green" program before he left office; of the many, many DOE loans, Solyndra is the only one that went bankrupt. Odd that conservatives whine and complain about Government aiding private industry because conservatives believe only private industry is good for America. Private industry is good for America but sometimes it needs a helping hand to grow and thrive, sometimes it requires risk taking by both private and public and a willingness to admit that not every effort will succeed. It takes the private and public partnership to work together when dealing with innovative ideas from space exploration to green, renewable energy.

It is also odd that conservatives complain about loans to private American industry for jobs created here as a waste without ever considering the waste of nearly a trillion or two "unfunded" money spent to fight an unnecessary war in Iraq not to mention the loss of life, the permanently disabled.

Jody,

Can you provide me the link that shows Bush tried to fast track the loan because he wanted to take credit for green jobs before he left office?

thetotas: Can you provide me the link that shows Bush tried to fast track the loan because he wanted to take credit for green jobs before he left office?

Joo-dy is in full defense mode both today, and every day. She's taken it upon herself to defend the indefensible. To do so, she ignores reality, and just makes stuff up. Solyndra of course was the crown jewel of Obama's Green Jobs program. It was fast tracked through with exceptional terms for an Obama money bundler, George Kaiser, who happened to be a major investor in Solyndra. Joo-dy of course ignores that fact. So rather than the Obama money bundler losing his investment in Solyndra, that responsbility falls to the American taxpayer.

thetotas. ClimateProgress.org is one of the sites that provides a clear outline of what took place. There is also a photo of President Bush giving a speech in front of Solyndra. Now, will you actually take the time to read it? You might read Dana Milbanks Washington Post column today as well.

Theotas, see below as confirmed by the DOE. Solyndra as an Obama Administration smear is a dead issue;

January 2009: In an effort to show it has done something to support renewable energy, the Bush Administration tries to take Solyndra before a DOE credit review committee before President Obama is inaugurated. The committee, consisting of career civil servants with financial expertise, remands the loan back to DOE “without prejudice” because it wasn’t ready for conditional commitment.

http://cleantechnica.com/2011/09/15/solyndra-advanced-by-bush-for-2-years-solyndra-timeline/

January 2009: In an effort to show it has done something to support renewable energy, the Bush Administration tries to take Solyndra before a DOE credit review committee before President Obama is inaugurated. The committee, consisting of career civil servants with financial expertise, remands the loan back to DOE “without prejudice” because it wasn’t ready for conditional commitment.

Source: Clean Technica (http://s.tt/13giD)

January 2009: In an effort to show it has done something to support renewable energy, the Bush Administration tries to take Solyndra before a DOE credit review committee before President Obama is inaugurated. The committee, consisting of career civil servants with financial expertise, remands the loan back to DOE “without prejudice” because it wasn’t ready for conditional commitment.

Source: Clean Technica (http://s.tt/13giD)

John B - You keep bringing up the same old thing, it was Bush's fault since the loan started under his administration. You forget to mention that it was not approved by the Bush administration but the Obama Administration. It was rewritten by the Secretary of Energy to give private investors priority over the government in case of default or bankruptcy. It was the Obama administration that wanted the photo op when Obama visited the West Coast, even after being told that the loan was not ready to be approved. Quit spinning the democrats talking points. This took place on Obama's watch, Obama wanted it for political purposes and it came back to bite him in the a$$.

Firstly sfcret, all I did was answer Thetotas' question. I didn't bring it up, she did.

Secondly, what you state above is a lie. Read it again;

January 2009: In an effort to show it has done something to support renewable energy, the Bush Administration tries to take Solyndra before a DOE credit review committee before President Obama is inaugurated. The committee, consisting of career civil servants with financial expertise, remands the loan back to DOE “without prejudice” because it wasn’t ready for conditional commitment.

http://cleantechnica.com/2011/09/15/solyndra-advanced-by-bush-for-2-years-solyndra-timeline/

Again, not my version, take your argument to the Department of Energy. It isn't my fault the facts have a Liberal bias, as they do so often.

Jody-People who think like you ARE THE PROBLEM!!

Since when is the White House not political? The Pres is an elected offical-not a King and Queen as this current one acts. They have degenerated the White House. They do not know how to behave. They act like kids in a candy store using someone else's "free" money. They do not support anything in the US. They are suppose to set the example and make us proud not embarassed.

If you didn't like Bush-how on earth did you think you'd like Obama. Bush was bad but even he was better than Carter. There aren't enough words to describe this fool in office currently. The congress has had demo power since 2006 so stop blaming the wrong people for the mess we are currently in.

What jobs has This administration created other than more IRS people? More jobs have been lost under him than Bush. How about that his "Job Zar" who is part of GE decided to close an xray plant in MI and move it to China? Isn't that a bit of a conflict? I get if you're really in the position of creating jobs for China he's doing great!!

The Dems have been claiming they are "Green" and pro enviornment for decades. What a line of BS. All they care about is finding a new way to tax people and ad more government regs. What has that done to create jobs? Oh wait, its done more to hurt job growth-its caused complete industries to leave the country!! The EPA is nothing more than a government BS office to prevent industry. They don't deal with real issues they make up stuff to charge more fees to cover more government BS programs like welfare. Keep people dependant on a government check and make them think you care. Are you really this stupid? If so you are exactly who the politicians love because they care- don't they?

Your beloved Obama promised to end the war what was it 110 days after he took office? What happened to that promise? Not only that he got us into more conflicts and for what? War is necessary to protect the interest of our country not to promote your own interests. You can take the New World Order and shove it up you know where!!

So tell me again how smart you are? and who's best interest you really have? Anyone who supports this administration is ANTI AMERICAN!! Take your liberal crap and MOVE!! FAR AWAY-Maybe you could go to Africia with Oprah. She likes them better than us, the people who made her a Billionaire with our money and constiitution that she now trys to dismantle with her wonderful Obama the mesiah!!

Who cares if Bush and Obama did it? That just shows both sides are criminal morons who think they know better than the markets what people want to buy, and where capital should be allocated in technology research.

How's that ethanol working out? What's next? T. Boone Pickens natural gas scam?

Wake the F up RepubliBloods and DemoCrips...you're stupity and in-fighting is destroying this country. Both sides are criminally moronic.

Gee, why don't you tell us what you think that means?

Reverend Wright is still in the back of his mind.

It sounds a little suspicious in light of Obama's attitudes toward Israel. Don't you all think it's strange that First Read has chosen not to cover Obama's very own "Macaca" moment? As for that POS Wright, we all know he hates Jews and Obama DID spend 20 years with him as a mentor...Hmmmmmmm.

Yeah...no...no, I suppose it couldn't a simple misspeak.

Damage123 -

Did you actually listen to the speech, or are you getting today's talking point from one of the blogs like the one JoAnna Smith1 mentioned above? When I read this, my first thought was that even if it were Bachmann or Perry or anyone on either side making the same statement, I'd have a hard time believing they intended to say anything about Jewish people, because it just doesn't make any sense in the context of that particular sentence or in the speech as a whole. So thanks to JoAnna's link, I listened to this part of the video several times, and I don't hear the President saying "Jew" at all - I hear him misreading "janitor" on the teleprompter as "junior" and catching himself midway through.

Insert your favorite tired old teleprompter rant here, or make fun of the President's eyesight if you want to, but other than that, there's nothing here to see. Or hear. Go ahead and listen for yourself.

If you've heard the audio it's obviously a simple stutter, but taking the President's statements out of context is a bit of an obsession for Conservatives. Then again it's a bit of a necessity for them considering the way they've worked to build a party which is a comfortable home for racists;

"We're full speed ahead," Berkeley College Republicans President Shawn Lewis said late Monday night. In light of recent threats made against supporters of the group, college Republicans from several other California universities have volunteered to come help staff the event, Lewis said.

During the sale, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time, baked goods will be sold to white men for $2, Asian men for $1.50, Latino men for $1, black men for 75 cents and Native American men for 25 cents. All women will get 25 cents off those prices.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/27/us/california-racial-bake-sale/

While it's far from true that all Conservatives are racist it's certainly true that racists have been getting the message that the GOP is the party for them going all the way back to Nixon's Southern Strategy. This from a recent thread right here on FR;

Obamba should give his speach in EBONICS so all his voters can understand

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/09/09/7685819-first-thoughts-pass-this-bill?last=1315968613&threadId=3218490&commentId=58045625#c58037111

In fact, I'm so sure of this, here's the link for anyone else who wants to listen - this part begins at about the 19:25 mark if you don't want to listen to the whole speech:

http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/RemarkstoCo

Now, can we get back to talking about the REAL issues? Like bedroom slippers or something?

I saw much of the speech and the clips on TV, President Obama stumbled over the word janitor but did not say "Jew" as the right tries to claim. Anyone with a pea-sized thinking capacity can see right through the right-wing's attempt to paint President Obama as anti-Israel, anti-Jewish. President Bush wanted to see a Palestinian State so does that mean Bush was anti-Israel? President Obama seeks that same goal. Get real, folks. The longer it takes for Palestine to be given its own country, the greater the risk is to Israel.

Who the hell cares? If the liberals (including the media) can take a nonsense word and turn it into a false slur to destroy George Allen, can't we take advantage of Obama's bumbling speech habits?

And that Bake Sale deal is hilarious. I don't see what the big fuss is about. The liberals want special advantages given to all non-white males when it comes to admissions, right? So why not when it comes to cupcakes? Could it be the liberals know DISCRIMINATION IS WRONG? Nah. They think it's ok as long as the right people are discriminated against.

If asking a billionaire to pay the same tax rate as a Jew, uh, as a janitor makes me a warrior for the working class, I wear that with a badge of honor. ...

They should pay the same tax rate...0%.

Tax is theft...more directly, it's extortion on the threat of kidnapping (prison). It's no different to pay taxes to avoid prison than it is to pay "protection money" to a mafia to avoid a beating or a blowing up of your business.

The only difference seems to be the mafia doesn't have a public school system (brainwashing center) to convince you that paying them on threat is somehow a "civic duty" or "paying your fair share".

My fair share is earning my money and then spending it which creates jobs...no one should pay tax...it's just used less productively by govt, and creates less jobs therefore.

User fees should fund govt...that's how we fund 90% of it anyway, like roads (gas "tax" user fee), schools (property tax, which should just be a school user fee for parents), etc...and courts are almost all user fees (the only part of govt we really need).

Re the "racial bake sale/affirmative action"....

If the law is over turned, would it be okay to open a school where black and Hispanic students are held to a higher standard for admissiom?

Poor Christie looks like he is two cheese burgers away from a serious health issue.

If President Obama were a spineless jellyfish, he would not have gone against his advisors and ordered the raid that eliminated Osama bin Laden. Selective memory it seems but keep pushing your nonsense CU Farley, you haven't changed a bit; you and JobSeeker have a lot in common--denial is your game.

Obama has about as much guts as Richard Simmons. Gitmo is still open for business. When the Bush tax cuts were set to expire, he extended them. When he spoke at the UN last week, the other leaders laughed at him, never taking him as a serious leader. He even got his head slapped by Boehner when he tried to schedule the BIG speech on the same day as the GOP debate. He is 7 points behind Romney if the elected is held today. All he can do is complain, cry and grumble as his approval rating continues to slide.

JobSeeker. Half truths must be your game. Why is Gitmo still open? Because in order to close it Congress must appropriate funds to do it and they refused. It remains open because of the gutless wonders of the GOP Congress or have you forgotten the fear mongering about bringing terrorists into the USA for trial, their claims that maximum security prisons aren't strong enough to hold terrorists, their false claims about trials and releases into the population. There were some democrats in Congress who also took part in this.

According to another poll, President Obama is one point ahead of Romney and double digits ahead of Perry. Polls at this stage of an election 14 months off are of little to no value, they are a snapshot in time.

Jody,

You just validated the Obama/jellyfish comparison. For a President not being able to get the funding to do what is as important to liberals as closing Gitmo with full control of Congress for two years, he is definitely a spineless "leader".

Gallup has Obama's approval at 26% for handling of the economy. And since it's the economy stupid, he is one and done.

-

And you're being disingenuous, JobSeeker. Democrats didn't refuse to go along with the President, Republicans filibustered. Big difference.

John B - When did the republicans filibuster the GITMO request from the President in the Senate? I believe the vote in the Senate on May 20, 2009, was 90 - 6 in favor of withholding funding for the closure of GITMO and in the House on May 30, 2009 the vote was 282 - 131 to withhold funding. You might want to check before replying.

Are you sure he is a spineless leader or is Congress a bunch of greedy b@st@rds that would do anything to block his every move? He has had the spine to figure out that you cannot do conventional warfare with people who don't wear uniforms and hide in plain sight--His ops missions have done well and accomplished more than his predecessors. I wish a candidate would present themselves that had some integrity and fiscal responsibility, but, at least President Obama will have 4 years OTJ experience. The rest of the candidates are a joke.

There is a lot more to be concerned about than Christie's girth. He is a sue happy favor for favor politician that jokes about his distant ties to the mob. He has been under investigation way more than once and has settled more suits than a mangle. Look up his bio and you will wonder how the heck he ever got to be gov. of NJ...or worse yet, you won't. He is all about Christie and could never withstand the scrutiny by the press that the President goes thru on a daily basis. Please do your research before you vote. Let's try Cain or re-elect Obama. At least we know that Obama won't be spending his time campaigning and might want to ensure that he has a positive place in our history books.

You said it, Rod Father. But King Grover Nordquist won't let the GOPTP eliminate tax loopholes or increase taxes ever, ever, ever!

Just out of curiosity, what are YOU doing to help "the needy"?? Anything?? Or do you just sit on your ass waiting for the government to do absolutely everything and then claim feel good credit by proxy?

ConPuke

I donate time and money. Serve dinners on Thanksgiving, donate food, clothing, and money to various organizations.

Yourself?

BTW, I am 6'1" 175lbs. Hardly a fat ass.

I donate money to various organization, food, clothes, toys, money for camp for needy children and school supplies and time to local groups. Thanks for asking ConservativenotRepub but it seems you donate personal attacks about posters you do not know.

Rod: Reading comprehension was obviously not your strong suit in school was it? Please post where I said anything about your ass being "fat". I didn't say "fat ass"...I said "ass".

Try reading what was said, and not projecting what you think was said.

As far as your charity work, good for you!! I'm glad to hear that you actually do something, unlike many, who do nothing, but bitch that the government should do everything.

Since you asked, as far as what I do, well, here's a partial list:

Cash contributions to charity last year: $7000.00

Sponsor two children in South America through Compassion International with montly financial support.

Monthly recurring contributions to my local food bank.

Both my wife and I volunteer as scout leaders which include a myriad of local service projects.

Donation of my time and a very nice PA system to various schools and organizations that need sound reinforcement at no charge when the schedule allows.

Donation of music with the band I play in to various organizations that are seeking dance music for charitable events at no charge when the schedule allows.

However, you did list one thing that I haven't done yet, but plan on doing this year, and that's help with Thanksgiving dinner at the downtown homeless shelter. I admit, you've got me on that one, for the moment.

So, thank you for what you do. Almost everyone can do something, but unfortunately, many choose to do nothing. I'm sincerely glad to know that you don't fall into that category.

Grover: What was that you were saying about not hearing back from me??....hhhhhmmmm???

Jody: I simply asked a question, with an implied criticism, that if you don't do anything, and expect the government to do everything, then you're a hypocrite.

Rod replied, and also provided a list. For that I give him credit, and furthermore, take him at his word that he is being honest.

But one thing I didn't do was use the words puke and moron. Rod gets the "credit" for those. Now, I have no problem admitting that I attack liberals on their hypocrisy...but guess what???

Rod proved me wrong in his case. And you have no idea how totally refreshing that was!! And I mean that in the best possible sense!! I was very glad to be wrong on that one and gave Rod his due credit.

But, if you're going to single only one side out for attacks (me in this case); if you feel attacks are not appropriate conduct, then you're not being objective or consistent. It works both ways.

Personally, I don't care if someone calls me names. They just have to get in line, take a number and wait their turn like everyone else. The next available number is 980983423325. Now serving number 7, now serving nuuuumber 7!!

I'm trying to get my mom to hurry up with her turn so we can move on to number 8.

So, outside of patting yourself on the back, what was the intention of your original post, other than to make yourself feel good?

If there is a need for additional FEMA money, then that additional spending must come from cuts in other programs that help the needy. WTF about needy do these morons not understand?

What about those 10 year long trillion dollar wars?

Oh your President is a warmonger so now you "liberals" aren't anti-war anymore...I forgot, my bad.

I would LOVE to see the President tie into this bloated gas bag know it all. And would someone please tell Nancy she is old--really old--news and to stop trying to manipulate American politics. She is the ultimate has been. (She would have been a never was if Saint Ronnie hadn't been out of his mind 90% of the time.)

Frank Gruden: "The Reagan democrats would be a solid block behind him".

Reagan Democrats? Sorry, Frank, but there aren't hardly even any Reagan Republicans left any more.

Really??? Christie is a blow hard with no real substance other than talking tough. He reminds you of the bully in high school.

Extra! April 2011

Chris Christie, the 'Churchill' of New Jersey
Republic governor's union-bashing style wins media praise

By Peter Hart

But almost entirely lost in all the attention to Christie’s rhetoric is any serious discussion of whether his record lives up to the hype, as if those details were a mere footnote. A Washington Post article (10/31/10) led with the conventional Christie storyline—he “has done what Republicans on Capitol Hill and on the campaign trail are promising: to cut spending to reduce the budget deficit.” Several paragraphs later came a few caveats: “The budget is hardly the conservative panacea that Christie has cast it as. The budget was balanced by deferring $3 billion the government was to pay into its state pension system and eliminat[ing] a tax rebate homeowners were supposed to receive.”

Continuing the practice of underfunding the pension system and ending one tax break for homeowners—in practical terms, a tax hike—would hardly conform to the media-manufactured image of Christie. And a New York Times piece (2/23/11) noted that Christie’s plan to shift a $500 million payment to the pension fund from the upcoming fiscal year to the current one “would allow the governor to say he has cut spending for a second year in a row. Otherwise, spending would actually grow slightly.”

Yeah right! He is just another IN YOUR FACE, arrogant, greedy Guido.

And to top it off he can't even control his hand to mouth action.

Frank if you think the regan democrats would support christie, then you are telling me that the regan democrats support organized crime - I think that may very well be true, and there is no way on earth christie is not organized crime - no I don't have proof, do not need it, do not care, I just know he is into the organized crime thing - he looks and plays the part way to well not to be. And by the way - those regan democrats were never really democrats, a real democrat would never vote against the working class American's that regan declared war on. We don't care who you love, marry, how many children you have, our real concern is what is good for the working people (those of us who really work and make less than $100,000 per year). Social issues don't concern us very much because we know if our children are properly educated they will know better than to get pregnant out of wedlock and the need for abortion would pretty much go away (with the exception of extreme cases of fetal deformity or danger to the mother's health) and that is what neocon's hate the most - then they would have no issue at all to run on and every working class citizen might wake up and realize that this class warfare thing has been going on a very long time with no end in site.

Reagan democrats are as much a myth as the version of Reagan's legacy that the GOP touts today. Incidentally, I was a republican and voted for Reagan but he turned me into a democrat before his 2nd term so there are genuine Reagan democrats--just not the kind the GOP likes to talk about!

Frank

Careful what you wish for. This guy, Christie, is, as noted by others, a blow hard, a gas bag, a school yard bully. He's being pushed by Repub. establishemnt as alternative to putting another dumb ass Texan, a menapausal woman, or a perpetual candidate on the ticket. Might seem like a good idea but if he plays as well in the south as Perry does in the NE. Repubs truly are screwed. Could well see something like a Newt, with all his warts, get nomination by default.

Emil

The Reagan democrats would be a solid block behind him and he would be our best hope for turning this country around.

Right...lol. So the Blue Republican movement the Ron Paul people have inspired, that's not those very Reagan Democrats? And the fact Ron Paul supporters convert disillusioned anti-preemptive war, anti-torture, anti-PATRIOT Act liberals (the real liberals) every day, that doesn't count?...lol.

Just remember, we (Ron Paul supporters) didn't vote McCain in 2008, and he lost. We will not vote for anyone but Ron Paul in 2012...and you'll lose again. We'll laugh at you for continuing to resist us and our correct message on foreign policy cause and effect and economic cause and effect. If the Republicans want to win they had better nominate Ron, or it's over before it began...just like the last liberal Republican you nominated, the warmonger McCain.

We've had enough of your crap. Wake up or lose for a century, we don't care. It's principles over Party, not vice versa Mr. "We want Reagan Democrats unless they support Ron Paul".

The willfull ignorance is astounding.

Nathan, you're right about that. I gave Christie a cheer for speaking the truth on that issue.

The Ron Paul people started the TEA Party, not these neocons who have turned the term into an easy insult.

The people you make fun of are not extremists, they're status quo neocons.

I'd say the same of Bush, Obama, and most of the DemoCrips and RepubliBlood warmongers.

Wow, now the buzz is for the tough-fat-guy to lead the GOP/TEA/Dumb FUX NEWS Party???

Who's next after this guy goes up in flames???

They are running out of time and getting desparate...

Greg Parker. I agree with most of your comment but it isn't the left that is busy trying to recruit Governor Christie, it wasn't the left phoning Governor Daniels nor was it the left who recruited Rick Perry--it was and is republicans who seem to think the field is incomplete. What those republican searchers fail to recognize is that as long as the GOP remains so far to the right with their litmus tests on so many issues, it won't matter which "moderate" they try to recruit--he/she will be too liberal for the Tea Party and the evangelicals.