LB, Virginia writes: I used to love this blog, but now it's so polluted with right wing nut cases who have such disdain for democracy it's downright depressing.  I'll continue to try and read the comments, but it's not easy.

++++++++++++

I too am tiring of the constant drum beat of the con-servatives around here. I was raised in a very liberal family, and I’ve gotten very comfortable with my beliefs. I don’t like it much when my values are challenged and when I almost have to think about things rather then fall back on my tried and true tenets. I used to be able to come to this site and feel comfortable, being with people like me, insulated from the rest of the world. But about a year ago things started to change, and for some reason diverse opinions were allowed on the site. Now I feel uncomfortable that some of my tried and true beliefs are no longer that tried and true. There are other opinions out in the world, and while I reject most, if not all, of them, they sometimes make me almost think. And it’s during those times I feel bad about my self, and not quite so sure of what is going on in the world..

Mel, Illinois

Tell Congress to pass President Obama's Recovery plan, NOW!

http://ga3.org/campaign/obama_budget

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2012

You know, it may be a pitiful plan, but I'll take that over the constant b!tching and moaning we've gotten for the past 60+ days.

I for one say THANK GOD! Keep the IDEAS coming!

PUH-LEEEEEEZE!

What difference does it make - the Democrats are in charge of everything - they will pass any budget they want - more money for Acorn and Moveon.org

Obama's numbers are off by almost $3 trillion, according to the CBO, and you're telling us the Republican numbers are soft? Too funny.

The republicans could not come up with anything in 8 years. Why does anyone think they can now????

You just had a previous article telling us that Obama and the CONgressional Democrats were kicking the hard parts of the budget, you know the massive spending of money that we don't have, down the road. Now you're laying it on thick against the Republicans? Grow up.

Somehow you neglect to mention that taxes for the wealthy will go down by ten percent also:
"Under the Republican plan, the top marginal tax rate would be slashed from 35 to 25 percent, facilitating a dramatic transfer of wealth up the economic scale. Anyone making more than a $100,000 would pay the top rate; those under would pay 10 percent."
I'm sure there will be no deficit under this plan, Just like Bush's. Not

Just read the first few pages.  All it does is repeat the same budget talking points that they've been regurgitating since January.  It talks alot about what's "wrong" with the current budget, but nothing by way of actual solutions.

And this is a surprise...why?

http://jawillie.blog.com

Clearly, the GOP has no ready ideas.  AFTER the President proposed his budget, AFTER the Republicans were accused for the umpteenth time of having no alternatives, they try to pick apart the budget and respond with the same old talking points (low taxes).  What is infuriating is that NONE of them have the courage to say that the ideas of "trickle down" economics have failed, that lowering both taxes and the deficit at the same time cannot work.  IF it is important to safeguard national security by continuing to fund two wars (and now the problem of the Mexican drug cartels), then we have to either spend (and borrow) or spend (and raise taxes). We are open to new ideas, sound ideas, ideas that have some track record.  Cutting taxes in and of itself doesn't do any of those.

The only reason the Democrats want a budget from the Republicans is so they can talk about it and take a little bit of the focus off of the piece of garbage they call their budget. Covering up $12 trillion is additional debt Obama and the rest of the loony Democrats are proposing though is really an impossible task. And $12 trillion is the sunny-day proposal!

"Talk and no action" republicans.  All they do is complain, whine, fear monger, and criticize.  But they wouldn't know a good budget if it slapped them in their lying, pathetic faces.

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2012!

http://ga3.org/campaign/obama_budget

More tax breaks and no spending except on defense. Sounds like a republican plan. Would love some details people. So of course, no healthcare reform, no education reform, no jobs creation.  

Republicans don't know the difference between a spreadsheet and a word document.  No one told them what 'crunching numbers' means and it is no wonder they figured out how to SELL derivatives and credit swaps but had no idea how to value them.  Really all they have become is the party of NO (ideas, numbers, personality).  Is anyone really surprised by this?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I know this offends the delicate sensibilities of some; but all's fair in love and blogosphere:

Greg in WA (Sent Thursday, March 26, 2009 11:26 AM)
I appreciate your attempt at raising the discourse, this is my take:
1.  Health Care – for every US made automobile, $1,500 is directly tied to health care costs.  This single measure can level the playing field for ALL business, large and small by moving the burden.  If this is done correctly – it is the equivalent of a MASSIVE tax cut for businesses.
2.  Investing in Education so that we aren’t being “lapped” by students in other countries, so that WE are smart enough to compete and BE the innovators in science and technology.  Developing smart, curious individuals IS an ‘export’.  We need to be the ones developing and innovating.
3.  RENEWABLE ENERGY is the new global product we should be racing to get here.  It is not only necessary for our survival as an Independent Nation; but we could sell it globally.

These are the cornerstones of Obama’s budget and they are critical to moving our country forward.  Aren’t you tired of the “old way” of framing our problems so we stay entrenched in our ‘battle’ positions?  I really believe that the majority of Americans ARE tired.  That is why the election turned out the way it did in November.  Yes, I am a liberal; but I am a friggin’ pragmatic liberal.  I pull REALLY hard on the rope just to get the flag slightly left of center.  I understand that we have to govern from the middle; but when we get mired down in entrenchment decade after decade without attempting something new; well that is simply put – the definition of insanity.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“…Is anyone else out there thinking that Republicans just believe if they say something enough, it becomes the truth? I mean, surely they have more of a clue than the bizarre perspective put forth by the likes of Jindal, Palin and Limbaugh? Are they REALLY that clueless?”  Casey | Sebastopol, CA (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 10:14 PM)

I believe that is part of the manifesto.  Section IV paragraph 12,…-“Say it and it will be so”…if you then read down to Section XIII paragraph 3 you find this section,…”thou shall not have a clue nor shall you get a clue – should you inadvertently clue in – you must immediately revoke your rights, etc. etc. etc.”  It is all part of the standard issue membership.  I never ‘bought in’ to the Platinum membership, so I don’t have access to the 2nd Tier manual – but I am sure it discusses the tax benefits to membership, how to offshore your business and money and in general continue to rape and pillage the middle class.  Thank G-d I got a clue in 1992, admittedly – I voted for Perot, I thought we needed a more pragmatic ‘business’ approach back then, I have since come to the light and realize how full on the Republican Propaganda machine onslaught is towards their rendition of Family Values, Religion and Guns.  Now they all just seem like a bunch of parrots repeating the shrill talking points with no direction, no objectivity and really no plan for governance – just more Platinum Membership protection.  They, like Sugar Moon (who is also Monkberry, Full Moon and Bad Chihuahua, he hides behind ‘fake’ monikers because he is too ashamed to show up in the light of day, but I digress), are afraid of educated people who think for themselves.  It blows their mind to be expected to support their ludicrous, ridiculous statements by facts.  They aren’t so keen on ‘disclosure’ or ‘accountability’; but boy howdy, give ‘em their guns and their bibles and their MGD and they are good to go.  PS.  Many of them, due to an inability to read, aren’t even aware of the manifesto.  Those who are aware pretend its’ existence is merely a ‘joke’.  On that point, I agree with them.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“…And, BTW, I never mentioned the economy.  It's not all about the economy.  I'm scared crapless about Obama's campaign promises and current actions to weaken out defense.”  B.S., Virginia (Sent Thursday, March 26, 2009 10:44 AM)

You might try a high fiber diet.  The inability to excrete could be impacting (pun intended) your judgment!  Just a healthy tip for you.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“…[excellent post!]  One last question: Why do 6 out of ten anonymous right wing posters have either the word "Moon" or "Dog" in their moniker? Did I miss a joke?”  Ted, Mid Michigan (Sent Thursday, March 26, 2009 12:36 PM)
Oh he’s a joke; but you didn’t ‘miss’ anything.  They are probably one and the same person, and simply not bright enough to ‘branch’ out.  I believe when you hear an obviously misposted item from a regular – it is the same “moon” or “dog” moron lashing out.  Whatever the mix of that animal, it surely is a stray.  I wish someone would lock it up in a “no-kill” facility.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I'l be interested mostly in how the media play the result. My guess is: "OMG! Republicans win special election in Republican district! Obama's doomed!"   Joe Don, Topeka, KS (Sent Thursday, March 26, 2009 1:08 PM)

Joe, you are an excellent neighbor – and poster!  And if Murphy wins?  Nothing but ***crickets*** - chirp, chirp.

I cannot believe that Republican folks are being paid good money to produce this piece of crap. I am a graphic designer and I have seen a lot of bullsh*t that passes for information wrapped around pretty pictures.

Maybe we need to look at THEIR salaries. They are obviously not up to grade!!!

A budget with no actual numbers?  Really?  Is this a joke?  This is just like the housing plan they released yesterday which they said they "couldn't predict a total cost" on.  They do this because they know that no matter what the budget is, it's going to be HUGE.  Especially if you put the cost of the wars on there, etc.  They're in a much better position if they can just yell about President Obama's budget being too big without having to get specific about what they would cut out.  For all their talk about President Obama not listening to their ideas, they're awful short on specifics.

This is truly pathetic. And I doubt we will ever see real numbers on this.


http://www.political-buzz.com

PS.  Boehner, this isn't a 'blue' print - it's a 'red' print, in terms of where it puts the country AND your party.  Just my opinion, of course.  Typical snake oil salesmen.  Class warfare has become sales versus producers.  GOPers think they 'work' hard for their earnings; but really - they work hard at working people up on their 'sales' pitches.  I think their pitchers need relief, and I am not afraid to vote against them all, forever.

It's so refreshing and positive to hear and to have a President  Obama. I feel so confident my children and grandchildren can stand on our President's shoulder and build prosperity for themselves and American so they will be able to produce and compete in the global economy.
I like the way our President is not going to chase after the bad money the Republican Party of No /Know Nothing (they're still searching for solutions to keep their old money).

Thank you CONTESSA BREWER for sharing my frustrations at the Party of Dumbies.

I heard absolutely nothing except critism. That was kinda like listening to Morning Joke without the same old rants.

In contrast to the same old tune of the  the Republican Party of No /Know Nothing that had absolutely nothing constructive or positive to say, our President spoke in succinct terms what his plans are.
President  Obama 's plans on education, health care, and jobs = competitiveness Bone head Bohener = to let the McDonald entrepreneurs grow the economy; what a bright Bone Head has for a hamburger helper with that plan! Our President knows a new innovative model based on technology, energy,as well as  along with the shovels  is a tangible and viable product which can be seen. Yet, at the same time President Obama didn't sugar coat what the road will be like. I didn't need that assurance; since I have sense enough to know instant gratification is not possible to UNDO in 3 months what has been decades of the Reagan/Bushs' debacle.

Chuck Todd the only bug I saw on the First White House Web Internet Chat is your bugged attitude at the White House letting the taxpayers get the straight dope instead of the tired media's parsings.

All this disagreement  doubling and, tripling of the debt  just to be partisan and negative.  No matter  how much you want to be a majority again it'll be decades;  probably you'll never come back. You have   bushwacked this country; therefore, it will be a long time before you see the Whitehouse again.

I can't wait to see you, the Know Nothing/ Party of No, will give as tangible evidence you have viable numbers for  US of America.
I Can't wait to see how you do it without raising taxes.

I'm so proud we have a young, gifted, talented, articulate and... No Drama President Obama.

Budget!? It's NOT EVEN decent toilet paper!

From a previous thread:

Nobody is asking the rich people to do ANYTHING for poor people. We are asking the rich people to quit stealing our money, start paying their taxes, and create jobs with living wages.

Nashville_fan
******************************************************
That is not true, Nashville.  You want the wealthy to pay a crapload of taxes in order to support the programs that Obama is unveiling.  So, in effect, you are asking the wealthy to support the poor.  And as far as the concern for empathy goes, requiring higher taxes does nothing to increase human empathy.  You are simply obligating them to do something and support things that they will eventually grow to resent.    

I don't claim that the rich are victimized (although it seems that this country is headed in a direction in which successful people are punished), but I do feel that we should not create a country in which we reward people for doing nothing.  And before you start talking about high unemployment, let me just preempt you by saying that I'm not just talking about the here and now.  I mean, I'm a little perturbed that people who don't work and have never paid taxes are getting checks from the U.S. Treasury.  

But, I am curious as to how the rich people are "stealing" OUR money...who is this "OUR" that you speak of?  If there is any thievery going on, I would contend that it is our elected leaders who have been complicit in (and perhaps guilty of) that thievery (Democrats and Republicans).  

Also, perhaps we should be talking to our elected (so-called) representatives about the need to pay their taxes.  How many of Obama's appointments and/or selections were found to owe back taxes?  Yeah, that's what I thought.

P.S.  I don't need the rich to be worried about me...I take care of myself.  Thank you very much.        

Excellent South Park last night. With Kyle going through all kinds of grief to "save" the South Park economy, and performing the "miracle" of getting the citizens of South Park to have "faith" in the economy again. As he is resting in his hosptital bed watching the news after performing this "miracle", the news anchor mentions this person who "saved" the South Park economy. Last shot of the episode was a shot of Obama. Priceless!

Other than the 'smug cloud' episode, this was epic.

In the words of von Mises, Obamam is this generations "irresponsible pied piper".

It's tough to comprehend that the voices of reason on the economy are not coming from DC, or even Des Moines, yet rather, Europe.

Republicans should just let Grover Norquist write up their "budget."  They all have to promise their fealty to him anyway with his "ALL TAX CUTS, ALL THE TIME!" zealotry.  And he basically decides who gets to run as a Republican in a given district.

(Incidentally, has any reporter stopped to think about why Republicans are only from certain districts now, and also how much sway that guy has over Republicans in general when it comes to tax policy?)

So anyway, why not let the zealot run their budget numbers?  I'm sure he'll use the same magic pixie dust he always has: "Watch as the magic tax cuts magically make the magic revenue increase."

And if you believe that, there's a bridge in Brooklyn...

It would have looked better if they just said "We need to postpone the unveiling of our plan to work out more details." This reminds me of my students who seem to think they will just get credit for handing in garbage and not following the directions. "Well, at least I turned in something!" Pres. Obama spoke the truth when he said how difficult the process is and how tough decisions need to be made. Now they see what he meant. The GOP (my party for now) is good at being critical and spitting out out talking points but if they want to keep moderates like me, they better come up with some real plans and stop appealing to the far right extremists with their divisive agenda.
Proud member of RepublicansforObama.org

This is soooooooooo typical of the Republican leadership....fostering discontent, distrust, disorganization and distration with nothing positive to offer attitudenally or a viable alternative intellectually.  It is so sad that they are more concerned with "winning" than solving problems.  They also are not serving either their legislative constituents or their party constituents.

Lynn Wheatly: ‘...Is Geithner going to examine the biggest reason financial institutions stuggle at times? That being that the federal government just spends too much money that it does not have? Even Greenspan threw up his hands in frustration when government ignored his warnings years ago...’


Lynn, where did you get your Doctorate in Economics ? the Sorbonne ? LSE ?
or Close Cover Before Striking ?

There are MANY reasons that financial institutions are struggling
De-regulation is the biggest contributor
Even Alan Greenspan admitted HE WAS WRONG about de-regulation

Institutions were not required to have reasonable margins to cover their obligations
They leveraged their assets to extreme lengths
Many mortgage brokers created mortgages without checking for income or the value of houses. Many originated ‘straw transactions’ where no sale existed. Many lenders created mortgages they KNEW that borrowers could not afford.
Then, re-insurers like AIG gave ‘insurance’ on these loans

Does THIS sound like this mess was SELF CREATED by Wall Street and Main Street ?

What has been discredited, besides Wall Street and mortgage lenders is DE-REGULATION

Alan Greenspan admitted that he was wrong about de-regulation
That’s a pretty serious admission for a Libertarian
As for warnings, Greenspan kept interest rates abnormally low, contribution to the housing bubble

Let’s keep this in perspective, this happened under George Bush’s ‘Ownership Society’

‘...ownership society led to the policies that have created the crisis. From dramatically low interest rates to ignoring the warnings about predatory lending to quashing state regulations that would have helped prevent such massive Wall Street investment in subprime loans, Bush and his allies built an economy on a house of cards that was bound to collapse....’

Thanks, George
It was FUN while it lasted

‘...    5/6/04: “Thanks to being the most productive workforce in America, and I might say, thanks to good policies, this economy is strong and it’s getting stronger. … Home sales were the highest ever recently. That’s exciting news for the country.”...’

Gee, it’s lucky you were in charge George !!!



From ThinkProgress:

‘...Flashback: In 2004 Bush Campaigned For Re-Election On The Backs Of Subprime Mortgages

During the 2004 campaign, President Bush declared his pride in making America what he called “an ownership society.” He promoted expanding home-ownership as the best way to ensure a strong economy, campaigning constantly on the idea:

   5/6/04: “Thanks to being the most productive workforce in America, and I might say, thanks to good policies, this economy is strong and it’s getting stronger. … Home sales were the highest ever recently. That’s exciting news for the country.”

   8/28/04: See, I love an ownership society. It’s a hopeful society. It’s a society that provides stability in times of change.

   8/9/04: If you own your own home, and building equity in your own home, and you’re changing from job to job, it provides great security and relief.

   8/6/04: Home ownership is at an all-time high now in America. That’s fantastic news. Isn’t it wonderful to have somebody for the first time be able to say: welcome to my home; I’m glad you’re here at my piece of property.

Watch a 2004 campaign ad in which Bush fawns over the inherent value of ownership:

Of course, what the current enormous crisis — rooted in subprime mortgages — proves is that promoting home ownership without regulatory safeguards is inherently risky. As economist Paul Krugman explained, “[B]orrowing to buy a home is like buying stocks on margin: if the market value of the house falls, the buyer can easily lose his or her entire stake.” And that’s just what happened: More homeowners now owe more money than their homes are actually worth, while foreclosure filings in August rose 12 percent from July — and represented a 27 percent increase from Aug. 2007.

Further, the quest for an all-encompassing ownership society led to the policies that have created the crisis. From dramatically low interest rates to ignoring the warnings about predatory lending to quashing state regulations that would have helped prevent such massive Wall Street investment in subprime loans, Bush and his allies built an economy on a house of cards that was bound to collapse.

Today, Bush declared, “There will be ample opportunity to debate the origins of this problem.” That debate will need to focus on his own failed promise of an “ownership society” as an economic panacea....’

Please google ‘Bush Ownership Society’
You’ll find articles by Wikipedia, the LA Times, Washington Monthly, Newsweek, Slate and USAToday among others

YOU CAN’T RUN !!
YOU CAN’T HIDE !!
ALL YOU MAVERICKS !!

Interesting reading, love them bringing up a woman in England who had to sue to get a cancer medication.  Gee, like nobody in american has ever been denyed treatment by an HMO.  Of course, the federal government has made it very difficult to sue to get the treatment you need and of course, as someone who worked for an HMO, they do this in hopes you will die before you can get treatment.  Thankfully, I live in California which has given us more rights in this area.  But don't act like it is only socialized health care that will deny you treatment, happens all the time here.

It didn't take Obama long to screw the country over now did it? No jobs. Bank bailouts as far as the eye can see, gas prices going back up because Obama is devaluing the dollar. Inflation soon to follow, as is always is the case when you implement Keynesian economics. Stimulus plan that won't stimulate anything.

Thanks Barack. You set the new standard for screwing the country over.

It's Bush's fault! It's Bush's fault! It's Bush's fault! It's Bush's fault!

Does the GOP plan offer any $$$$ to re-buiild (with no oversight) a random country or $$$$ for the bombs it'll take to create the massive re-constructive effort?

At least the Republicans have come out with something. Laughable as it is they present a budget with the same old stuff that got us into the mess we are in today. They have no concept whatsoever. All the Paul Ryan version will do is expand on the nothing they already have. When they present it they need to explain how their proposal will generate jobs, what it will cost, and about how long it should take under their plan for the economy to recover. Maybe they don't expect it to recover but to languish for many more years. We'll see.

The GOP - Still Crazy After All These Years

"Starting to find it kind of sad, the so-called conservatives posting here." Posted by Ted, Mid Michigan
_______________
Dear Ted: If you let these people bother you, then they have succeeded. It's what they want to do - make you miserable. They are the sad ones, not us. Their party hasn't a damn thing to offer this country.

Losers always try to bring you down to their level. They learned this behavior in grade school. As you can see from this thread, they haven't learned a damn thing. Even after the last 8 years you would have thought they wanted to rethink their message. But nope. It's never going to happen. So they go in ridiculing and blaming the Democrats for everything, hoping something sticks.

It ain't working.

I'm proud of President Obama. And Michelle Obama. We did good this election. Go on the internet and read some blogs from democrats. They're not getting down. They worked hard this past election and there ain't no way, no how, any republican is ever going to damper their enthusiam.

President Obama deserved this. The Republicans did not. President Obama is now out there getting support for his budget. He's doing a great job.

(sorry for my speech, I just hate to see people "down".) We have a great deal to be hopeful for. We won!!!!!!!!! "They" lost!!!!!!!!

The GOP budget includes:

1)$130 million for airport bathroom stall upgrades.
2)$70 million for private GOP retreats with Congressional Pages.
3)$7 million for the Vitter Bill, to legalize prostitution.
4)$27 million for the Bush/Cheney War Crimes Defense Fund.
5)$4 million for Dick Cheney hunting insurance.

New ideas come from people who think. On-line town hall meetings, Op-Eds to more than 20 countries throughout the world, looking at the world from someone elses point of view, sharing and challenging ideas, finding solutions to difficult problems: That's when we grow as a people and a nation.

People with the same ol' vote "NO" or make critical comments, or creating fear and mistrust, condoning torture, know only words without ideas.  The Senate Republicans do not want to create a budget, they simply want to critize. With the exception of Mike Pence,I do not see the House Republican leadership presenting a meaningful budget. The multi-hundred page document they talk about is just words and no ideas...other than lower taxes. There is still a split in this country...between those who think and those who criticize.  

"You Can't Do That"
House Republicans release a 19-page document that contains no hard spending numbers or deficit projections:
Well we know how this would work. Same plan they have proposed since 1980.
"Things We Said Today"

It's absolutely incredible that the Repuke base thinks that their idiot leaders in Congress has their best interest at heart.

WRONG!

That same base is supporting an 'idea' that is AGAINST their own best interest.

I suppose that they don't want/or need healthcare, lower taxes, jobs, better education, etc.

LOW-INFORMATION Repuke base!!!!!  Nothing but SHEEP!

All this finger pointing, namecalling, and partisan bickering has left me thoroughly disgusted.  The rampant corruption, which will take some time to completely clear up, seems to be getting stronger instead of less influential.  The leaders in both house and senate have been involved in the machinery of government for too long, and it has stained them by their long association and lack of action to prevent it.  

This budget debate is an absolute farce. President Obama was elected because of his vision for returning america to greatness.  based on the theories i've read and the research i've done, it sounds logical that it would play out in the manner he says it would.  For either side to attempt to marginalize the president's agenda would be a knife in the back of all the americans who worked to get their voice into the white house.

The separation of powers dictates that the president doesn't make the laws, but enforces them.  the modern culture of the presidency allows for him to set the agenda, and the veto power is available for those pieces of legislation that would be against the core principles of the nation.  based on the precedent set by the legislature for Bush 43, Clinton, and Reagan, i think the current legislature has an obligation to move this president's agenda forward intact.  

ideologically, there are points of contention that could be debated and compromised upon, but certain groups are unwilling to drop their ideology in order to even discuss these issues.  The my way or the highway mentality is an anathema to how this nation was founded, and how it has operated for over 2 centuries.

it is time to grow up children, drop the partisan bickering and move to the center in order to fix the problems we are facing now once and for all.  personally, all the posturing for reelection and future elections is forcing the public to view any and all of the legislative members in a negative light because of their inability to work together.  look at the approval ratings for the president, congress as a whole, dems and reps separately, and you can easily see who the american people trust more.  Most of you are not stupid, or you wouldn't be in office, so quit acting like children and cast off the "do nothing congress" title and advance the president's agenda.  it is what the people of this nation want, and we deserve action after you have let this calamity fall upon us as your own pocketbooks have been padded from wall street, large corporate interests, and the selling out of the american people that your corruption has caused.

And here is what the GOP "Budget Plan" meeting would look like:

Boehner: Come on guys, doesn't anyone have ANYTHING???

McConnell: Well I got out the old Bush budget and I think we should just go with it.

Boehner: Dammit Cantor turn that damned Brittany Spears crap off, we're trying to figure this out!


McCain: I say SPENDING FREEZE on everything but military spending.

Cantor: Who the hell invited McLame, I mean McCain?


Boehner: What do you think Mitch? Mitch??? Someone wake his ass up!

Cantor: How about we just attack like usual and have Michael Steele say some more dumb things and maybe they will all forget about our budget?

McConnell: Yeah distractions. I like it!

Boehner: Okay lets rap this up I got a tanning appointment in 20 minutes

Attack, attack, and attack, then come out with nothing-what a sound strategy!

So, there were only general guidelines in the GOP budget proposal?  That isn't a great shock only because their ideas are just as question and empty.  Where are the projections what this will do?  What are their numbers are projections based on?  There are some needed details.

I am very worried that the GOP are trying to intentionally mess with the "PEOPLE" when it comes to their new "buget plans"...they only  gave out one solid idea (the 10% tax on those making under 100k.) hoping to use the next week to get the word out and hope it will drag everyone in...so when the real facts come out, those who don't keep up with the everyday politics won't be paying attention to the damage it will do as far as UNDOING all of the progress we have made already...since the STIMULUS took effect we have started recieving an extra 100 a mo.for my husbands unemployment (we live in mi. he is a foreman for a road const. co. *seasonal ..it's mi)... my husband goes back to work in two weeks and was notified that all employees were getting an hourly paycut of 5%...(he works up to 80hrs a week)..i am very glad that the little extra would have seen from the tax cut on April 1st will really help to offset this..yeah it would have been nice to get a lump some to pay up some bills but its nice to know we have that little extra in unemployment that we can depend on now to help with diapers and our daughters lunch account.. I AM VERY PROUD OF OUR PRESIDENT FOR STICKING TO HIS RECOVERY PLAN HE PROMISED TO THE PEOPLE WHO ULTIMATELY VOTED HIM INTO OFFICE! i don't agree with some of the things he wants..but then again u will agree some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time...IT'S TIME FOR OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO PUT UP A LITTLE LESS FIGHT FOR WHAT THEIR CONSTITU.'S WANT AND WORKING FOR IT! WORKING TOGETHER FOR IT!

>>>Obama's numbers are off by almost $3 trillion, according to the CBO, and you're telling us the Republican numbers are soft? Too funny.
Jerry Rodgers, East Texas (Sent Thursday, March 26, 2009 2:52 PM)
==========
No one is saying the Republican numbers are soft.  We're saying THE REPUBLICANS HAVE NO NUMBERS AT ALL, PERIOD!  After pissing and moaning for three months, the best they can come up with by way of an alternative is a Sarah Palin reply, "We'll dig up some numbers and get right back to ya."

And here I was beginning to think they may actually come up with something useful.  Silly me.

HEY BOB!  THE DOW IS UP +144 NOW!  WE MAY BREAK 8K BEFORE THE MONTH IS OUT AT THIS RATE.  AND IT'S ALL OBAMA'S FAULT!  DAMN SOCIALIST MUSLIM!
http://jawillie.blog.com

Do you think commissar Timmy called Soros before he tanked the dollar yesterday? Just read GS is making billions on the economic downturn. No question who the puppet master is now.
Northwestdad

I don't think Obama picks his nose without asking Soros what finger he should use.

“[B]orrowing to buy a home is like buying stocks on margin: if the market value of the house falls, the buyer can easily lose his or her entire stake.” And that’s just what happened: More homeowners now owe more money than their homes are actually worth, while foreclosure filings in August rose 12 percent from July — and represented a 27 percent increase from Aug. 2007.

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Even though Krugman is a noble prize winner, I have to disagree with this...

If your home value falls, you are stuck in it until you pay it off.  Nobody comes along and says, oops your house is worth 100K less time to take it away!!!  No you stay in it for years until it is paid off...like an automobile.

If you are fully margined with a stock it works like this:

You have $1000.00 , and on margin you can buy a max of 2000.00 worth of stock.  If the stock goes down 50% or more, they do a "margin call" and sell the stock.  If it went past the 50% mark before they could sell it (say your stock opened 60% down), you would have to make up the difference with outside money.

So in all actuallity mr. Krugman....buying a house in a volatile market, is like buying a stock in a volatile market.  You may lose alot, but you have the option to hold onto it (if you can afford to)and wait for the value to go up...but if it does not, at some point you'll have to realize the loss.

The party of "No" just included one more....

"No Details"

It's a blue print you idiots!  Just Like Obama's blue print for his "economic recovery plan"  Our dear leader took weeks to come out with the hard numbers after his blueprint, I think you should extend the same timeframe for republicans, and judge the 2 plans on 2 things:  which one creates more jobs, which one lowers our national debt, and aims to balance the budget.

Evan Bayh, a man with a plan...

'...* Shrinking Economic Recovery:...'
'...* Preserving The Bush Tax Cuts:...'
'...* Delaying Cap-and-Trade:...'
'...* Weakening Bankruptcy Protection:...'

From WashingtonMonthly:


'...BAYH AND THE BLUE DOGS 'HAVE NO AGENDA'....
Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) has noticed some of the progressive pushback to his new working group, compromised of "centrist" Democrats, who want to water down make President Obama's popular domestic policy agenda more palatable to a small Republican minority. Apparently, he's not happy about it.

   Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) is also unhappy with the friendly fire. Bayh announced last week that a group of centrist Democrats had come together to negotiate as a bloc with the White House and party leaders on major legislation. He promptly found himself targeted by an ad accusing him of "standing in the way of President Obama's reforms."

   "We literally have no agenda," Bayh shot back. "How can they be threatened by a group that has taken no policy positions?"

I don't know, senator, why would you create a working group and host a series of closed-door meetings if you "literally have no agenda"?

The problem, of course, is that people feel "threatened" because Bayh and the Blue Dogs do have an agenda, and we've already seen some of their policy positions. The Wall Street Journal noted this morning that the working group's stated goal is to "protect business interests."

Ryan Powers highlighted some of these Democrats' other recent exploits:

   * Shrinking Economic Recovery: The group's first significant "success" was "paring down the more than $900 billion economic stimulus bill to $787 billion," reducing the government's ability to spur economic recovery quickly. [Roll Call, 3/12/2009]

   * Preserving The Bush Tax Cuts: Regarding Obama's plan to allow the Bush tax cuts to expire, Bayh said, "I do think that before we raise revenue, we first should look to see if there are ways we can cut back on spending." [Politico, 3/3/2009]

   * Delaying Cap-and-Trade: Bayh coalition member, Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), explained that the group might "push for a more lenient phase-in period for a cap-and-trade system and revenue-raising offsets to pay for expensive mandates." [CQ Politics, 3/9/2009]

   * Weakening Bankruptcy Protection: Centrist Democrats "forced changes to a House bill that would allow bankruptcy judges to modify mortgages, ensuring that the legislation better reflected the concerns of the financial-services industry." [WSJ, 3/25/09]

Americans elected Democrats to hold a 58-seat majority in the Senate, and yet, the majority party will struggle to pass it's agenda -- a popular agenda, mind you -- because of Republican obstructionism, and Democrats who prefer to drive with their foot on the brake...'

Thge Blue Dogs sound a lot like the now discredited Democratic 'Leadership' Council, founded by Bill Clinton, Al Gore and Joe Lieberman

It was set up to attract Corporate campaign contributions

In exchange, you dance to the corporate tune...
That extended the de-regulation of the Bush and Reagan years and brought us NAFTA and Free Trade (sic)

Take a guess, what will the Blue Dogs do when Obama wants to regulate the financial industry ?
Who's side will they be on ?
How about food safety ?
anti pollution and gas mileage regulations ?

Keep an eye on this crowed
I think Joe Lieberman decided to join...

So, maybe they'll start pushing a war with Iran

No numbers = no budget.

How can the press be played for even bigger patsys by the lieing GOP? Stay tuned, as I'm sure the press will find a way to be even more supine...

To the person who mentioned the right wing bloggers here.  Some of the comments are outrageous and there are certain names I don't even read any more because they're hatefilled wrath.  I don't mind reading oposing opinions but not rants.  I look forward every evening to Countdown and Rachel Maddow who both cut through the daily news chatter and provide facts; the GOP doesn't like those facts but I do.
 
The GOP was good at convincing lots of people they were their friends because they'd keep taxes low.  Yes, low for those who don't need it.  What's wrong with the people who make over $250,000 a year having their taxes increase 3%?  They've been the recipients of republican tax cuts for years but the GOP convinced people otherwise.  I, too, am happy people finally regonized the scam and voted for Pres Obama and democrats.  Obama's tax plan comes in lower than Ronald Reagans even with the sunset of Bush's cuts Jan 2011.  

A budget without numbers...now that's unique.  10% tax rate for under $100,000 and 20% for over.  So what part of that formula cuts the deficit?  They're still going to spend billions but with nothing to show for the money.  My guess is they're headed after social security and we'll be hearing the drumbeat.  The Nation had a great article a few weeks ago about social security and the chatter about the crisis and need to fix it is pushed by a big business tycoon and the GOP.  Social security is solvent; it's medicaid and medicare that are the problems which is all the more reason why it's critical that health care reform be passed.  Wonder when Eric Cantor will give us his full budget with actual numbers?  ha

Pathetic cows.  All these Repubs have done is work on their tans since November (I'm lookin' at you Boehner) ...give them some coloring books and a box of crayons because clearly since congress entered this session the GOP has been doing NOTHING.

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