The Only Adult In The Room [Archive] - Page 4

ms_m

07-06-2011, 06:37 AM

This is simply an opinion piece. The writing is a little disjointed but an interesting read nonetheless.

Is the GOP Bound for 'Political Jonestown'?
by J. P. Green, July 5, 2011 09:21 AM EST

'Logic' may not be the best word to describe GOP thinking in the second decade of the 21st century. Cohen notes a similar pattern of denial with respect to Republican policies on abortion and global warning, and adds,

...Independent thinkers, stop right here! If you believe in global warming, revenue enhancement, stimulus programs, the occasional need for abortion or even the fabulist theories of the late Charles Darwin, then either stay home -- or lie.

This intellectual rigidity has produced a GOP presidential field that's a virtual political Jonestown. The Grand Old Party, so named when it really did evoke America, has so narrowed its base that it has become a political cult. It is a redoubt of certainty over reason and in itself significantly responsible for the government deficit that matters most: leadership. That we can't borrow from China.

The problem for Democrats is that, when Republicans become irrational proponents of discredited ideas and failed polices, there is not much incentive for Dems to up their game. Dems are not being challenged to respond to good arguments so much as tantrums by intellectually-constipated ideologues. The public gets cheated out of an enlightening debate and everybody loses.
http://www.thedemocraticstrategist.org/

A couple of days ago I read an article that stated the makers of the Ayn Rand movie were targeting Tea Party folks to support their film. I’ve read all of her books and not afraid to admit I enjoyed her storytelling with the exception of John Galt’s speech; the most boring, contradictory, and longest piece of drivel ever written, [[IMO) and took me several tries and years to finally get through the entire speech, but I digress….

In addition to Fountain Head and Atlas Shrugged, which seems to have become the “go to book” for Tea Partier’s [[which I don’t believe many have read, other than cliff notes…and that’s a big maybe ) she wrote a book entitled “Anthem”. The story's beginning is eerily prophetic of possible things to come if the Tea Pubs have their way. This short but very interesting story railed fiercely against locked step thinking. …..giving up independent thought. The premise of the story was the exact opposite of the current TP mindset yet, the late Ayn Rand has become a Tea Party hero to many.

….and don’t even get me started about her views on religion. Why the evangelical crowd are not condemning her to their hell, based on her religious view is a mystery….. which is why I find it difficult to believe many of these so call Randites have read her books.

…. and I agree, logic is NOT the best word to describe GOP thinking....not for the new GOP/Teapubs. Poor Ike, his dust is probably spinning in it's grave.

For those that have not read Ayn Rand and contrary to what some on the left will tell you, [[not all on the left have read her either....LOL) Rand made some very valid points ...but anything taken to the extreme will usually turn out bad...but I believe some of her ideas [[in moderate form) make sense. Although some who have read it will be totally incensed I think so.....LOL....what can I say, even when I have issues with an overall point of view or opinion, I'm capable of finding and acknowledging something in the mix that appeals to me if it's well reasoned and/or can be proven valid.....

sorry, Independent [[thinker) in the house....hahahahaha

ms_m

07-06-2011, 02:10 PM

hmmmmp....testing, testing

I've made two post and neither have showed up....

figures, the test post shows.....geessch

ms_m

07-06-2011, 03:02 PM

Michele Bachmann’s Foster Care Contradiction
Benjy Sarlin | July 6, 2011, 5:45AM

Michele Bachmann's extended family of 23 former foster children have become the unexpected stars of the Republican primary even though few details are known about them individually. The Minnesota Congresswoman brings them up frequently in debates, speeches and interviews as a showcase for her commitment to family values.

But Bachmann's personal devotion to disadvantaged youth may be at odds with her public record on foster care. Critics warn that her zeal for budget cuts threatens vulnerable youngsters, while a leading Congressman on the issue says she's been AWOL on foster care policy.http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/michele-bachmanns-foster-care-paradox.php?ref=fpb

….people like Bachmann, her supporters and many on the right are stuck in time and stupidity with their, Reagan mantra of welfare queen when it comes to helping others who are less fortunate…they don’t stop to think, nor do they care about the long term ramifications of their actions. All the while thumping their chest and lying through their teeth about how much they care….give me a friggin break….the biggest welfare queens in this country are sitting in corporate boardrooms raking in millions in bonus money and extravagant perks….and if their welfare checks [[tax breaks) are creating jobs, I wish someone would point it out to the millions of unemployed.

…..this is where you will usually hear… but Obama did this, Obama did that….well before you fix your face to come back with such a witty repartee void of facts other than right wing talking points….what the hell have these corporate types done for you, average citizen, lately?...and yes, I CAN name several things President Obama has done for me, mine and others who are middle class, poor and or disenfranchised….would anyone like to compare notes?:p

ms_m

07-06-2011, 05:52 PM

5 HOPEFUL SIGNS FOR THE U.S. ECONOMY
6 July 2011 by Cullen Roche 13 Comments

Calculated Risk [[http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2011/07/goldman-sachs-five-hopeful-signs-for.html) recently highlighted 5 hopeful signs for the economy via Goldman Sachs. Gauging from the change in market sentiment last week and a few hopeful data points I don’t think their reasons for hope are unfounded though it’s still difficult to get overly excited about this economy and the clear malaise that is occurring:

“First, commodity prices have eased. Using a standard seasonal adjustment procedure, retail gasoline prices are back to end-2010 levels.
…
Second, despite the increase in interest rates this week, financial conditions are easier than at any point in 2010. Bank lending standards remain tight, but these too are easing on the margin.
…
Third, the decline in house prices may be abating.
…
Fourth, vehicle production has rebounded following large disruptions due to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
…
Fifth, labor market indicators seem to have stabilized after some worrying readings in late April and May, although we’ll have to wait until next Friday’s June employment report for a more definitive assessment. … We expect an increase of 125,000 payroll jobs, with the unemployment rate dropping back to 9.0%.”
http://pragcap.com/5-hopeful-signs-for-the-u-s-economy

....baby steps but improvement just the same. Watch for the distraction techniques start to rachet up, IF this hits MSM [[main stream media)

ms_m

07-06-2011, 10:45 PM

Michele Bachmann's Personal Life Goes Under The Microscope

Tell a voter about that time Bachmann "ran screaming from a bathroom at a constituent forum, claiming that a lesbian had attempted to keep her there against her will," and the response will either be, "Oh, yes, I am still not going to vote for that person I never intended to vote for," or, "Why is the media always picking on Michele Bachmann?" Write an article about how she and her husband have a marriage founded in Christian fundamentalism and on a mutual dislike of homosexuals, and Ed Rollins is going to take that article and stuff it into the mailboxes of Iowans.

None of this bothers Bachmann, either. She was called a "flake" on Fox News Sunday and she wrung an apology from a prostrate Chris Wallace out of it.

There's interesting stuff to be said about Bachmann, such as her hypocrisy on earmarks and Medicaid, for example, or the fact that her husband's therapeutic practice may have violated a contractual obligation. As it happens, those matters are also more substantive. But they're also more complicated, and less sexy, so the "Michele Bachmann is a weirdo feedback loop" will probably spin on, the media will call this "thorough vetting," and the candidate will not mind it one bit.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/06/michele-bachmann-persona_n_891402.html?ir=Politics

a Bachmann nomination for Prez would be dangerous but interesting to watch......she tends to be unflappable... so does the Prez....that would take out a lot of the histrionics in a campaign and serious minded voters could really see the differences between the two candidates

...but the media would focus on her crazy in order to generate interest, sales, hits and ad revenue..... that would help capture the sympathy vote from the uninformed and impressionable.....people who vote via emotions and not reasoning and logic. Their numbers [[IMO) are higher than we often imagine.

As someone pointed out to me earlier, even though Bachmann truly believes a lot of what she says....there are parts of what she says and does that are pure cunning and calculation....the problem....it's hard to distinguish which is which. I don't think anyone should fear this woman [[fear will often paralyze) but I do think people should remember she's dangerous.

I don't care for Bachmann and strongly disagree with her politics but I give her credit for being a savvy politician while often sounding like a "flake"...the woman has a serious "set" on her. She doesn't whine, pout or throw a "poor me" party when criticized. The media will/may take her lightly, informed voters should not.

ms_m

07-07-2011, 03:04 AM

PAUL RYAN IS NOT QUALIFIED TO CHAIR THE HOUSE BUDGET COMMITTEE
6 July 2011 by Cullen Roche 34 Comments

From everything I have seen and read about Paul Ryan it’s clear that he’s a good man and wants the best for America. But there’s a big difference between being good and being qualified to handle a nation’s finances. In a CNBC interview today Representative Ryan, who Chairs the House Budget Committee, proved that he simply is not qualified to man such an important post. He lacks the very most basic understanding of our monetary system. Let’s just quickly touch on a few of his outrageously inaccurate quotes from today’s interview:

Paul Ryan: “Spending is the problem. If we don’t get a handle on spending, we will have a debt crisis.”
CR: The USA issues debt in a currency that only it can create. It is simply impossible for the USA to “run out money”. There is no such thing as the USA undergoing a debt crisis unless Congress decides not to raise the debt ceiling. This is an entirely political constraint and not an operational constraint. Mr. Ryan is indirectly using the Euro crisis to try to imply that we are somehow near our Greek moment [[an embarrassing comparison that he proudly flaunts on his website). That’s total nonsense. Greece is a currency user and the US Federal government is a currency issuer. Comparing the two [[which Rep. Ryan is quite fond of doing) proves that you do not understand what you are talking about. Comparing a currency user to a currency issuer proves you are entirely unqualified to hold such an important financial position in our government.

Paul Ryan: “We haven’t receieved anything from the other side [[regarding a budget plan and the debt ceiling).”
CR: The issue of the debt ceiling is a result of policy that has already been voted on. The only reason the debt ceiling is ever hit is because politicians have PREVIOUSLY voted on policies that would result in more debt. For instance, late last year when we passed the tax cut I said it would result in us hitting the debt ceiling that much sooner. So, the time to have these discussions is not after the fact. The time to have these discussions is before you pass this sort of legislation in the first place. Putting the American economy at risk by playing Russian roulette with this political debate on the debt ceiling is irresponsible to say the least.

Paul Ryan: “what we want is more economic growth and more growth in jobs and spending cuts.”
CR: This is more politics. On the one hand, Mr. Ryan is fond of comparing us to Greece. But we all know that austerity and spending cuts are contributing to the economic collapse in Greece. I predicted it long ago and it’s now common knowledge that you can’t cut your way to growth in a balance sheet recession. So, if we are at risk of becoming Greece [[as Mr Ryan so often claims) then why is he attempting to take us down the exact same road via spending cuts? He is either clueless or disingenuous. Again, I think he’s just playing politics and is largely ignorant on this subject. There is nothing even remotely honest about this flat out contradiction. Again, it’s plain as day that this proves he is either clueless or disingenuous.

Paul Ryan: “We will prevent [[medicare insolvency)”
CR: Again, there is no way the USA can “run out of money”. It is simply impossible. Could Medicare spending get so out of control in the future that it causes high inflation? Yes. But that’s not the point Rep. Ryan is making. He is again comparing us to Greece and claiming that we can somehow be forced into insolvency. It’s total nonsense. It’s impossible for the USA to not be able to meet its obligations – all of which are denominated in a currency which only it can produce.

Paul Ryan: “Get spending under control to show that we have borrowing under control so we can take pressure off of interest rates.”

CR: The previous comments were bad, but this one is just a flat out attempt to feed into the fearmongering misconceptions we so often hear from politicians who don’t understand how our monetary system works. Rep. Ryan is slyly attempting to make the old “crowding out” argument which says that government spending causes interest rates to rise as the private sector is forced to compete for borrowed funds. Any MMTer knows this is total nonsense as the US government never “funds” itself, but this should be raising some eyebrows in other areas of the economic world for one simple reason – LONG BOND RATES ARE AT RECORD LOWS DESPITE THIS SUPPOSED SPENDING BINGE WE ARE ON! The facts simply do not match this fearmongering rhetoric.

In my opinion, these comments prove that Rep. Ryan does not understand our monetary system and has no business manning such an important post in our government. As voters, we should be outraged by this. As I said about Tim Geithner and Larry Summers – this man should step down immediately and pretend to be an expert in some other office in our government [[or outside of government). He is part of the problem. Not part of the solution.
http://pragcap.com/paul-ryan-is-not-qualified-to-chair-the-house-budget-committee

As I’ve said before, I am not an econ expert by any stretch of the imagination but logic tells me, understanding how our monetary system works, is the key to deciphering all the partisan noise no matter the side it’s coming from. It’s also the key to ignoring sensationalized headlines from the media that do more harm than good.

It's not always easy to know what officials know or don't know when it comes to our financial system. I think some things are deliberate and many are doing the opposite of what they know works for their own political gain...whereas some things are done in a way to ease the stress on the markets...eg. not send them spiraling out of control and of course there are always political maneuvers...shuffling things around to give the appearance of one side getting something and the other side not so much...although in reality, nothing has really changed....LOL....and of course there really are those that don't have a clue and are making decisions based on erroneous or outdated info....

Other than what we're being told, do we really know what's up? I think we can know or at least have a better sense of what's really going on if, we make an effort to understand the system. That way we are not totally dependent on the things we're being fed....whatever the source.....just my two cents

ms_m

07-07-2011, 12:31 PM

July 7, 2011, 9:31 a.m. EDT
Private payrolls rise by 157,000 in June: ADP

The headline number surprised Wall Street, coming in more than double the 70,000 increase expected by economists. Read more on U.S. stock futures taking comfort from ADP payrolls.

With the report typically considered the first stab at counting job gains each month, markets will be watching the ADP data closely because last month’s report accurately predicted the sharp drop in nonfarm payroll subsequently reported by the government for May.

The ADP data indicate job growth in June will be better than the tepid performance in May.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/private-payrolls-rise-by-157000-in-june-adp-2011-07-07

Stars finally beginning to align for U.S. economy?

Jacqueline Thorpe Jul 7, 2011 – 9:48 AM ET | Last Updated: Jul 7, 2011 11:24 AM ET

Things are finally starting to look more hopeful for the U.S. economy.
It looks like President Obama and the U.S. Congress may actually be getting down to some serious discussions on cutting the deficit and clinching an agreement to raise the Treasury’s borrowing authority by the Aug. 2 deadline. Heck, Mr. Obama is actually talking about aiming big in the talks, and will push negotiators to double their target to US$4 trillion in budget savings over 10 years.

Meanwhile, the beleagured job market is beginning to show some signs of improvement.

If the politicos can stop acting like children and actually get a debt deal and Friday’s non-farm payrolls can follow through with some job creation strength, then the rally that has been building in the market could catch some heat.
http://business.financialpost.com/2011/07/07/stars-finally-beginning-to-align-for-u-s-economy/

Last updated: July 6, 2011 4:44 p.m.
Auto industry, seeing new life, is on hiring spree
DEE-ANN DURBIN | Associated Press

DETROIT – Volkswagen opened a plant in Tennessee last month with 2,000 workers. Honda is hiring 1,000 in Indiana to meet demand for its best-selling Civic. General Motors is looking for 2,500 in Detroit to build the Chevy Volt.

Two years after the end of the Great Recession, the auto industry is hiring again - and much faster than the rest of the economy. As an employer, it's growing faster than airplane manufacturers, shipbuilders, health care providers and the federal government.

The hiring spree is even more remarkable because memories of the U.S. auto industry's near-death experience are fresh. In 2009, General Motors and Chrysler both got government bailouts and entered bankruptcy, and auto sales hit a 30-year low.
http://journalgazette.net/article/20110706/APA/1107060818

stephanie

07-07-2011, 01:24 PM

ms M I have to go to intensive care to see my mother [[see in the clubhouse) BUT I have read these articles I am going to read the last 3 when I come back I just washed clothes and did some straightening up I guess my refuge at this point is the Internet and reading. Agreed that Ms Bachmann is a savvy politician and she is miles ahead of Palin when it comes to those aspects of campaigning and speech. I dont consider her to be feared but to be watched at all times. As far as people being afraid of the GOP its not their ideas I am so concerned with [[although I am concerned) its the fact that they have a lot of websites, agendas, and the money [[KOCH brothers) to push these fallacies on people. Never paid much attention to Ayn Rand thanks for pointing this person out.
Steph

stephanie

07-07-2011, 11:17 PM

Ok as far as the housing market is concerned prices may drop but until more people start to get jobs and buy homes it doesnt mean a hill of beans but you are right it is a start. My major beef right now with the economy [[and I dont blame Obama) is that there are not enough 35-100k jobs being given. Most of them are 8-12.00 jobs in the service industry and people are living at home with family and there is not really enough disposable income to go around. I think the retirees and those who have homes that are paid for are the ones driving the ecomony right now. On the flip side of that there are many
people in DC near me I live in MD who are paying 1800-2000 a month in rent downtown and I dont know where these people are coming from. I think they are being relocated and work on capitol hill and make a minimum of 60k or better.

Auto industry good call! It is just not being talked about right now because instead of President Obama being the media darling the rants of the Repubs are front and center right now and rightfully so they deserve their 45 minutes of fame. President Obama has had a lot of camera time in the past its time for these revisionist history writers to have their say although I dont agree with what they are saying.

I dont know if this is true but a friend of mine told me that Ronnie Reagan raised taxes 7 times and the Repubs had nothing to say about it and were all for it. When President Obama wants to do it there is a problem with it. Didnt Bush say read my lips there will be no more higher taxes? Didnt he raise them? Oh well I can tell Ms Bachmann has been practicing. Have you noticed her eyes dont look as crazy as they used to I think she is listening to her media consultants.

ms_m

07-08-2011, 10:14 AM

I know Reagan raised taxes but off the top of my head can't remember how many times....this [[our current economy) is a process that took 30 years to reach it's worse point Stephanie. It can't be reversed in 2 or 4 years. Understanding how our monetary system works will help to better understand what's been happening all these years and why we got to this point.

Ironically, the policies of every Prez since Reagan egged things along including the policies of Clinton....his so call surplus wasn't the panacea people make it out to be.....a fiat monetary system [[which we have) is dependent on a balance of debt and revenue.... NOT an elimination [[cut) of either/or

ms_m

07-08-2011, 04:38 PM

July 08, 2011 2:45 PM

Post hoc ergo propter hoc
By Steve Benen

There’s a fair amount of talk today about who’s to blame for the weakening job market. It got me thinking about how Republicans play this game.

When the jobs reports were looking quite good in the early spring, Republican leaders were eager to take credit for the positive numbers they had nothing to do with. Needless to say, GOP officials are no longer claiming responsibility, and are in fact now eager to point fingers everywhere else. It’s a nice little scam Republicans have put together: when more jobs are being created, it’s proof they’re right; when fewer jobs are being created, it’s proof Obama’s wrong. Heads they win; tails Dems lose.

With this in mind, let’s consider the recent developments the way a Republican would. Here’s a chart showing private-sector job creation in the latter half of 2010, when stimulus money was still being spent, and when Democrats enjoyed the congressional majority.
Full Article
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_07/post_hoc_ergo_propter_hoc030754.php

Chart showing private-sector job creation in the latter half of 2010, when stimulus money was still being spent, and when Democrats enjoyed the congressional majority.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/110708_beforegop.jpg

Chart showing private-sector job creation so far in 2011, after stimulus spending largely ended, Republicans took control of the U.S. House and most of the nation’s gubernatorial offices, and the national discourse pivoted from jobs to the deficit and debt

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/110708_aftergop.jpg

ms_m

07-08-2011, 05:15 PM

Pelosi On Key Social Security Cut: ‘The Dirty Rotten Devil’s In The Dirty Rotten Details’
Brian Beutler | July 8, 2011, 4:05PM

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi [[D-CA) has made one thing clear, publicly and behind the scenes, in high-stakes debt discussions: Her caucus won't support Social Security benefit cuts, and Republicans better listen closely, because they need Democratic votes to increase the borrowing limit.

But she may be powerless to stop one increasingly discussed plan to lower Social Security's cost of living adjustment, which would escalate cuts to the program over time. Though in public, and more frequently through surrogates, she agitates against the change, it's an idea that has bipartisan support -- and so a likely candidate in any final debt deal.
At her weekly press conference Friday, Pelosi explained how a measure like this might pass muster -- or might not.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/pelosi-on-key-social-security-cut-the-dirty-rotten-devils-in-the-dirty-rotten-details.php?ref=fpb

Comment from article

Why the hell are we talking about cutting the deficit at all when unemployment just ticked upward and state and local governments are major contributors to the problem because they're firing people to fill the hole left when stimulus funding ran out?

Because the American people are fucking idiots when it comes to economics and they elected crazy people to Congress in 2010.

I posted the comment because I think there is truth to what it states but I think it’s fair to add a few caveats.

I consider myself one of the idiots that doesn’t know jack squat about econ in this country and it’s only been in the last few months I’ve started to try to understand it better. I wish more people would make the effort but I think it’s totally unfair to piss over those that don’t.

My second caveat, by linking voters that voted in a bunch of idiots in 2010 with people who don’t understand econ makes it seems as if there is only one side of the electorate that are effing idiots….BS!.....both sides can lay claim to that title be they politician or “we the people”.

I have issues with politicians from both sides of the fence, including the POTUS at times and even though I can honestly say I have more issues with the TeaPubs, that doesn’t excuse anyone.

But my underlining issues are with the electorate. They don’t seem to understand that as long as they stay un-engaged and un- informed, nothing will change…not even voting in a 3rd, 4th or 5th party. Think about it…..if you really don’t understand what’s going on in a two party system….how the heck will adding another party fix anything?

Both sides play partisan politics with extremely important issues in this country…why?
Because we are not informed enough to challenge them on it, that means they are pandering to us based on our limited knowledge. ….is that their fault or ours?

ms_m

07-08-2011, 06:00 PM

Will Republican Race’s First In Be the First Out?

AMES, Iowa — Tim Pawlenty was first in line to enter the Republican presidential race. He is now fighting to avoid becoming the earliest major candidate to be shown the door.

No contender for the Republican nomination has followed the conventional playbook more than Mr. Pawlenty, a former governor of Minnesota who began introducing himself two years ago during a prospecting trip to Iowa. Yet his path has been complicated by fresher faces, an unruly nominating contest and a handful of missteps that swallowed his summer momentum.

The voting will not open for at least six months, but Mr. Pawlenty knows that his performance at the Iowa Straw Poll on Aug. 13 — fair or not — will help determine whether his candidacy accelerates or lands in the annals of Republican presidential hopefuls like Elizabeth Dole, Lamar Alexander and Dan Quayle whose campaigns were extinguished here.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/08/us/politics/08pawlenty.html?_r=1&nl=us&emc=politicsemailema1

I never could understand why candidates seem to think pushing “executive” experience makes you more qualified to be president. Ironically, Herman Cain has proven that wrong to me more and more. He may have been a decent businessman but he doesn’t know squat about how government or governing works….and Pawlenty….well his record as well as Romney’s as governors are not impressive in the least….as a matter of fact their records suck and left their respective states in bad shape.

Being the POTUS is like no other job in this country and because of the nature of the gig, you can’t know what the heck you’ve gotten yourself into, until you are sitting in the Oval Office…..with all the secrets and skeletons that are apart of it all.

With all that said, there is a part of me that really does feel sorry for Pawlenty because he has worked hard for the nomination and he has played by the book….unfortunately, the rules of the book have changed…sadly, not for the better.

ms_m

07-08-2011, 07:45 PM

July 8, 2011
The Candidate "Pledge" To End All Pledges
by Ed Kilgore, July 8, 2011 04:31 PM EST

So in the wake of the "Cut, Cap and Balance Pledge" signed by seven Republican presidential candidates, and the "Pro-Life Presidential Pledge" signed by five, along comes Iowa social conservative kingpin Bob Vander Plaats of the Family Leader organization with a new pledge--actually an oath--it calls "The Marriage Vow."

You have to read this document to believe it. Styled as a "pro-family" platform, the pledge goes far beyond the usual condemnations of same-sex marriage and abortion and requires support for restrictions on divorce [[hardly a federal matter), the firing of military officers who place women in forward combat roles, and "recognition of the overwhelming statistical evidence that married people enjoy better health, better sex, longer lives, [and] greater financial stability." If that's not enough, it also enjoins "recognition that robust childbearing and reproduction is beneficial to U.S. demographic, economic, strategic and actuarial health and security." This, in case you are wondering, is a nod to the "Full Quiver [[or Quiverfull) Movement" that encourages large families in a patriarchal structure as a religious obligation, not to mention to those anti-choicers who want to ban some of the most popular forms of contraception.

The preamble to the "Marriage Vow" is even weirder, asserting among other things that "faithful monogomy" was a central preoccupation of the Founding Fathers; that slaves benefitted from stronger families than African-Americans have today; and that any claims there is a genetic basis for homosexuality are "anti-scientific."
Full Article
http://www.thedemocraticstrategist.org/

but you have to read this pledge to truly believe it...it's unfrigging real
http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/The-Family-Leader-Presidential-Pledge.pdf

welcome to the world and mind of the extreme right...

...how in hells bells does one advocate "freedom" and come up with this sht?:mad:

ms_m

07-08-2011, 08:26 PM

Bradlee Dean Rants: Michele Bachmann's Preacher's Bigoted Tirades
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/08/bradlee-dean-rants-video_n_893557.html

Wow, this guy’s rants are going to be on a continuous loop on FOX…..

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....dayum, I really wanted to say that with a straight face...but I'm sure the Lady will find a way to slither....err.... slip away from his drama.

ms_m

07-09-2011, 01:30 AM

House Passes Defense Bill That Slows DADT Repeal, Reaffirms Federal Gay Marriage Ban
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/08/house-defense-spending-bill-slows-dadt-reaffirms-doma_n_893598.html

This is the type of headline that will keep me saying we have to pay attention, think and not let emotion rule over logic.

How can a bill that hasn't been voted on by the Senate or signed by the President slow anything down?

ms_m

07-09-2011, 02:19 AM

Boehner: Failing To Raise The Debt Limit Puts Economy In Great Jeopardy
Brian Beutler | July 8, 2011, 10:45AM

In a political role reversal Friday, House Speaker John Boehner [[R-OH) warned that Congress risks severely harming the economy and exacerbating the unemployment crisis if it fails to raise the national debt ceiling in the next four weeks.
"While some think we can go past August 2nd, I frankly think it puts us in an awful lot of jeopardy, and puts our economy in jeopardy, risking even more jobs," Boehner told reporters at his weekly Capitol briefing.

His statement comes as a quiet rebuke to members of his own party who've argued that smacking against the ceiling -- or even defaulting briefly on the debt -- poses no great risk to the economy.
Full Article
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/boehner-failing-to-raise-the-debt-limit-puts-economy-in-great-jeopardy.php?ref=fpb

The comments are outstanding. I love the push back on the naysayers. ….and the first comment had me in tears from laughing so hard…..now that’s my kinda vent!!!!....LOL

Bone ner is such a twit [[and seems to suddenly be running scared)…and I won’t back down or apologize for thinking and or saying so!...teehee

This crap is going to come down to the wire and I will agree with on of the comments….one leader or the other is going to have to risk political life and limb to pull this off and to be honest, I really don’t care which one does it as long as they do the right thing for the country!!!!!

A clean vote [[which has always been done in the past with the debt ceiling) would have taken care of this weeks/months ago…..get this sht done now….and can the BS! [[and yes I sent a clean version of that rant to the WH as well as a few selective Reps and Senators from my home state including that idiot Virginia Fox who's district I'm not anywhere close to ...thank goodness!!!!!)

ms_m

07-09-2011, 04:29 AM

There is so much hearsay and hand wringing going on over this debt ceiling, I honestly don't know what's going on...and without hearing things directly from the man himself [[the President) it's difficult to know what to believe and what to ignore but I do know, it can't hurt to let our voices be heard.

if you agree:

Tell President Obama: Don't cave to Republicans
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/obama_debt_ceiling/index2.html?rc=confemail&r_by=23821-3427168-j9ZsSWx

ms_m

07-09-2011, 01:06 PM

Shame on them
The Republicans are playing a cynical political game with hugely high economic stakes
Jul 7th 2011

IN THREE weeks, if there is no political deal, the American government will go into default. Not, one must pray, on its sovereign debt. But the country will have to stop paying someone: perhaps pensioners, or government suppliers, or soldiers. That would be damaging enough at a time of economic fragility. And the longer such a default went on, the greater the risk of provoking a genuine bond crisis would become.

This newspaper has a strong dislike of big government; we have long argued that the main way to right America’s finances is through spending cuts. But you cannot get there without any tax rises. In Britain, for instance, the coalition government aims to tame its deficit with a 3:1 ratio of cuts to hikes. America’s tax take is at its lowest level for decades: even Ronald Reagan raised taxes when he needed to do so.

And the closer you look, the more unprincipled the Republicans look. Earlier this year House Republicans produced a report noting that an 85%-15% split between spending cuts and tax rises was the average for successful fiscal consolidations, according to historical evidence. The White House is offering an 83%-17% split [[hardly a huge distance) and a promise that none of the revenue increase will come from higher marginal rates, only from eliminating loopholes. If the Republicans were real tax reformers, they would seize this offer.

Both parties have in recent months been guilty of fiscal recklessness. Right now, though, the blame falls clearly on the Republicans. Independent voters should take note.
http://www.economist.com/node/18928600?fsrc=scn/tw/te/ar/shameonthem

ms_m

07-09-2011, 08:47 PM

Deficit Talks Scaled Back Over Tax Increases
By CARL HULSE
Published: July 9, 2011

WASHINGTON — Citing differences over tax revenues, House Speaker John A. Boehner on Saturday night said he would drop his push with President Obama for a far-reaching, $4 trillion deficit-reduction plan tied to a proposal to increase the federal debt limit.

On the eve of a second round of high-level bipartisan talks set for Sunday, Mr. Boehner issued a statement saying he would now urge negotiators to instead focus on trying to craft a smaller package more in line with the $2 trillion in cuts negotiated by Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

“Despite good-faith efforts to find common ground, the White House will not pursue a bigger debt reduction agreement without tax hikes,” Mr. Boehner said. “I believe the best approach may be to focus on producing a smaller measure, based on the cuts identified in the Biden-led negotiations, that still meets our call for spending reforms and cuts greater than the amount of any debt limit increase.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/us/politics/10debt.html?_r=1&hp

This is very interesting. If Boehner is backing up, it seems to me all that yada, yada about the possibility of the President caving is BS.

This is our time folks, I hope you sign the petition and pass it on to your friends and let the President know to stand strong and don’t cave. Sounds to me as if we’ve got them on the ropes…….????

if you agree, sign the petition and pass it on:

Tell President Obama: Don't cave to Republicans
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/...427168-j9ZsSWx

ms_m

07-09-2011, 09:46 PM

FYI

some may know this, some may not but for petitions or things like this where I have to give an email addy, I use one that I have set up just for this type of thing. That way my main email addy doesn't get inundated with a lot of crap.

Most email programs will allow you to create multiple email addresses.

ms_m

07-09-2011, 10:45 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 9, 2011

Statement from White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer on Budget Negotiations

"The President believes that solving our fiscal problems is an economic imperative. But in order to do that, we cannot ask the middle-class and seniors to bear all the burden of higher costs and budget cuts. We need a balanced approach that asks the very wealthiest and special interests to pay their fair share as well, and we believe the American people agree.

"Both parties have made real progress thus far, and to back off now will not only fail to solve our fiscal challenge, it will confirm the cynicism people have about politics in Washington. The President believes that now is the moment to rise above that cynicism and show the American people that we can still do big things. And so tomorrow, he will make the case to congressional leaders that we must reject the politics of least resistance and take on this critical challenge."

Show the Prez you got his back folks.....by signing that petition it not only highlights what we want it shows him we are with him on this

Cutting fraud and waste I can live with...cutting benefits...HELL TO THE NO!

That's not what caused this crap and if we give in now it sets the stage for total dismantlement of these programs .

Job numbers are bad......no sht Sherlock...how can they be good when Republican Govs are cutting sht left and right and laying off folks all over the friggin place...THINK THINK THINK PLEASE!

ms_m

07-09-2011, 11:54 PM

Loving this comment and I think it holds water based on what I'm reading

I think the president may have pulled a cool move. They say 3 trillion. He says, OK-- but why stop at 3... let's go to 4 trillion. And Medicare. And Social Security. Just give me some taxes on the richies. In oher words- here is your wettest dream...

....and then Boner takes a pass cause of that no tax pledge. We save SS, Med, and look serious. They look like fools.

Never underestimate soft power.

That stupid Norquist no tax pledge was wrapped around Boners neck like a rope and the POTUS turned it into a noose, tighten it and made him choke.....I'm loving it!

I read once that the POTUS was one hell of a poker player....let the game continue and the 99ers [[that would be the little folks like me/us) come out the winner!

ms_m

07-10-2011, 12:40 AM

I'll be the first to admit, that my comments so far and those that I'm posting [[with the exception of Boner's and the WH position) are mere speculation and conjuncture.... but the more I read the more it makes sense.

As someone else so eloquently stated...dismantling entitlements has been the "Holy Grail" of the Conservatives for years and if the POTUS did in fact put them on the table...Boner blinked and backed away...would that mean it was one hell of a gamble...yep but it worked, so it works for me.....LOL

Ok, so the debt ceiling still needs to be raised so it's not over yet but I hear the distance sound of the fat lady warming up....I just hope it's not just an inner ear infection....hahahaha

Yeah I've feeling giddy....I was concerned with all the hang wringing for a sec...I will not lie but I'm feeling better now....for now.:cool:

ms_m

07-10-2011, 01:11 AM

Check this out....before all is said and done....I may have to eat crow but you know what.....I'm a big girl and I can handle whatever consequences come my way so for now....I'm going to gloat.....don't hate 'em cause he's smart or....HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/x610-5.jpg

Good Nite, sleep tight and don't let those Teapub bed bugs bite....tee hee

ms_m

07-10-2011, 02:25 AM

...and I'll choke down the crow with ya but right now.....I'm reallllllly feeling this.....really, really feeling this

I have to agree with those who believe Prez just played a masterful game of chicken. Between the Norquist tax pledge and the mouth-breathing tea baggers, it was Boehner’s orange ass in a corner all along. He can’t agree to anything involving tax hikes, not even seemingly innocuous hikes that few, if any, non-baggers would even hold against them.

Obama damn well knows that. He knows that he could offer to eliminate all taxes for those earning over a $1,000,000 and the Repugs and the baggers will be too busy opposing him to notice. Meanwhile, Obama has FINALLY been tearing up that bully pulpit, constantly reminding the American people of just who’s been willing to compromise. He’s even seemingly offered up the Dems’ sacred cow, all in an “adult, non-partisan” attempt to do what’s right for the country. While the Prez is reminding the good citizenry, “who loves ya, baby,” the Dems in Congress get to come out strong on protecting SS and Medicare.

If recent polling is correct then senior citizens are already fleeing the Republican Party in droves. Next November the Ds will get to not only use the Repug vote on the Ryan Plan but they also get to remind the senior citizens who had their backs during the budget/debt ceiling negotiations. I could be wrong, and I’ll choke down the crow if I am, but I tend to believe this will end with another up or down vote on the debt ceiling. Or, at worse, much smaller cuts that Rethugs will cheer as a victory, only to read the fine print and realize they got played…just like last time.

ms_m

07-10-2011, 03:20 AM

For two years the Teapubs have been rejecting anything the POTUS offers, even if it was the Teapubs idea originally...now that Bonehead has walked away from what Conservatives have always wanted it's got to be obvious to even the most jaded, the Teapub agenda HAS NEVER been about helping the country or it's citizens...it's all about bringing the POTUS down.

How the hell do you turn down what you have salivated over for years because you want to keep a freeze on a friggin jet tax for the friggin super rich...WTF?....how many teabaggers are flying around in private jets????

I love irony.....and if this plays out the way many of us think/hope it will....the man still standing will be the one with the biggest balls and the rock hard spine...and I ain't talking 'bout the orange one baby!

If you are a TeaPub, Repub or straight up hater and you still think the right give a rats arse about you....happy landing going off that cliff...and don't forget to turn out the lights!

stephanie

07-10-2011, 05:16 AM

Ok Ms M I signed the petition! You are not the only one waiting for Republicans in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter [[Boehner) and the tea party to do an acid trip and crumble. I dont wish bad on anyone but I just wish these people would go away [[and I guess they know we on the left wish that....yeah I know you are an independent so dont say Stephanie dont go there..LOL) I have always thought of President Obama as a great chess player so I am not shocked that he is a good card player as well. He is so analytical and there are no good job brownie's out of him he waits until the job is on and moves on to the next thing. Why do so many people forget that Mitch McConnell and others said on camera that their number one priority is to make sure that Obama is a one term president. I can post it if nobody believes me.

I feel confident because if you look at this President's past performance with what went on with Osama Bin Laden and the healthcare law and other little and big things his outcome as always been significant and a winner. Right now the only thing that is holding him back as far as public opinion is the economy. If it were better he would not have to worry.

ms_m

07-10-2011, 10:06 AM

The thing that really tipped it over the edge for me Stephanie is I went back and looked at his propose 2012 budget. Everything needed to fix and reduce the deficit was there and no cuts to benefits were a part of the package. The repubs shot it down and then started in on their crap about the deficit....

No prob, I'm right there with you Stephanie. Already the right is trying to reshape this as a win but anyone that can't see the President exposed the fakes behind the curtain...don't want to see it.....if they go down with the ship....good riddance!

ms_m

07-10-2011, 10:29 AM

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/breakdown.jpg
Nuff Said!

my apologies Ralph:)

stephanie

07-10-2011, 11:04 AM

Ms M have you ever thought about being a political pundit or would they take you off of the air like Keith Olbermann?...LOL

ms_m

07-10-2011, 11:15 AM

A Keith O type gig is not my thing Stephanie....everyone has a role they can play and I've found mine. It works for me and I'm cool with it but thanks for the compliment.

ms_m

07-10-2011, 11:17 AM

and yeah they would probably try to shut me down....unless the ratings were good and the powers that be were making money!....That's the way of the world today....shrugs

ms_m

07-10-2011, 12:17 PM

Okee dokee folks….you want to call me an Obamabot…go ahead….you want to call me naïve, a suck up , kool aid drinker, no problem…you want to think I support the President because he and I are Black…cool beans if that works for you…. But do you really want to insult? Well listen up….. it would truly wound me to be called…
John BONER….hahahahahahahahahaha

oh and for the record....I've always known it's pronounced Bay ner....but I prefer BONER [[get ya mind outta the gutter) as in Bonehead....hahahahahaha

Rick Ungar
July 8, 2012
It Sucks To Be John Boehner
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/Boehner.jpg

Mea culpa.
I confess that I have often picked on, made fun of, and generally disparaged Speaker of the House John Boehner only to now find myself feeling a measure of remorse for having done so.

It turns out that Speaker Boehner may be the only semi-reasonable man left in the Republican Party.

Yes, I know that Boehner has himself to blame for the role he played in opening the doors of Congress to the unyielding and unreasonable Members swept into office by the Tea Party rebellion in 2010. Yes, Boehner has spent far too many years cozying up to Wall Street and protecting the interests of big business at the expense of the middle class.

Read more:
http://blogs.forbes.com/rickungar/2011/07/08/it-sucks-to-be-john-boehner/

ms_m

07-10-2011, 12:49 PM

I have never felt more energized.....whatever the right's got....bring it....whatever the Tea pubs and haters have to say.... say it....all you naysayers....join in.....it's just helps to stoke the fires for change even more!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE08EFwKyLA

ms_m

07-10-2011, 04:29 PM

Ok, I've been gloating and I know that's rubbed some people the wrong way....no apology cause that's the way it is sometimes and I have always adored the above song....but let's get back to being serious.

The Prez offered an amazing deal to these fools. $2.4 trillion in cuts and $100 billion more in revenue every year and check this out..... 95%...let me repeat 95% would not have been affected by the tax increase.

If that doesn't tell you this means they walked because the richest of the rich would be forced to pay more....THERE IS NO GETTING THROUGH TO YOU.

....and let's get real...that increase would have taken them back to the Clinton era where they did very well if you will recall.....

If your mind is still not open to the truth...there is no helping you so keep pouting while a large...very large portion of the electorate is finally coming out of their slumber and realizing....as my friend above said.....who loves ya baby....hint....they don't do tea

But I'm stubborn, I'm going to keep trying to get through so let me rephrase.....

.....the Republicans walked away from EVERYTHING being placed on the table including entitlement cuts because 5% of the population [[that would be the rich ) were going to have to pay a slight increase in taxes!!!!!!!!!...

Your would not have to pay, I would not have to pay, your mama would not have to pay..... but the richy richies of the country would.

Is the light bulb coming on NOW?

......MORE revenue would take care of this problem...not cuts like the Repub Govs are doing which is sending their states down the tubes along with jobs.....MORE REVENUE!

one more thing......if you're letting a right wing talking point rule your brain may I ask a question, maybe two......if a tax freeze on the rich means jobs...where are the jobs ....they've been exempt for 10 years now?

....if a tax freeze means they don't ship jobs over seas....why have they been shipping jobs oversea?

ooo... it's about small biz right.....ok here is one for you.....if I'm a consumer and have barely enough to feed my family and can't even get help in the form of so call entitlements ....how can I afford to spend money with a small biz....if I'm a small biz owner with no demand for my product or services, how do I hire new people?

When you have REVENUE as in cash, moolah, benjamins in your pocket you can stimulate the economy.

When someone takes.... as in cuts revenue, cuts benefits...WHAT DO YOU HAVE?.

...a yacht to sail off into the sunset?

stephanie

07-10-2011, 08:19 PM

Doesnt anyone see these clowns are willing to sacrifice their own to destroy our president. Dems dont even think this way its a shame. Maybe some people are beginning to see the light when I saw what happened in Wisconsin people are beginning to think twice about who they have voted for. I dont know anyone except for one person who is dissapointed in voting for our president. I feel like we have a leader, a thinker, someone who is empathetic and most of all someone who is working! Ms M I am glad you brought up the revenue aspect because Fox news has brainwashed people into thinking that Obama is not working with Congress and that he is taking too many trips.

ms_m

07-10-2011, 09:56 PM

Dems dont even think this way

I wouldn't bet the farm on that statement Stephanie. There are a group on the extreme left that don't have any problem eating their own or demanding ideological purity. If you don't follow they will and or threaten to "expel you from the herd" if you don't accept they're way of thinking. Relatively speaking, a rather small but loud group but they do exist.

Fox News makes an effort to brainwash people on everything but the rest of MSM is not that far behind. We have to learn how to think for ourselves, even people who watch Fox have that ability if they work at it.....it's a matter of wanting to change and only individuals can make that choice. I know a lot of people who watch Fox and read right wing commentary and are not caught up in the "rapture" [[pun intended) at all.

Stephanie, if a person is intent on hating something or someone, or refuse to accept anything...or even listen to and think about an idea that doesn't adhere to their beliefs....it's a hard road to tow to get them to change....and pretty easy to control their way of thinking.

I grew up in a household where thinking for oneself was taught at an early age. It's a lesson I learn so well it caused problems between me and my parents as I grew older. LOL...

I'm not perfect and I would be lying if I said I've never had a tendency to slip into a crowd mentality type of thinking but it never lasted long....I simply revert back to what I know and find comfortable. When I really think about it....the other side is the same way...they revert back to what they know and are comfortable with.....shrugs....human nature is a fascinating and often frustrating thing Stephanie.

There will be a lot of yada , yada over the next few weeks and then this will be put to rest and another "crisis" will take it's place.....all this will continue until Nov 2012.....it's going to be a loooooooooooooooooong 12 plus months....HOLD ON!;)

ms_m

07-10-2011, 11:08 PM

Stephanie, one more thing....the current Republican Party is not the party of old....in spite of what you have heard and or may think, Republicans have not always acted like the current crop. The party has been hijacked....it's been a gradual process but the flood gates have really broken open in the last 2 years.

It's as if they open Pandora's box and all the evil and crazy came out and now they can't put it back in. Now that doesn't mean everyone associated with the extreme side is extreme...many have valid points whether we agree or not but it's pretty hard to hear or see them over all the crazy.

I posted an article upthread:

Shame on them
The Republicans are playing a cynical political game with hugely high economic stakes .

The Economist is a Conservative Publication...Rarely do I agree with their ideas. For them to come out against their own, is pretty significant. David Brooks is another... and people have all kinds of opinions about Brooks but he usually identifies with the Republican Party...and there are others who believe in smaller government and "fiscal responsibility" who are appalled by what's happening with their party.

Truth be told, I'm not against a more streamline and efficient government and fiscal responsibility makes sense...but it's the way you achieve these things that often divide us....A large majority of folks on the right seem to have lost their minds...and the reasons are not as simple as we think but don't ever let yourself get caught up in this...they are always wrong and the left is always right mentality.

ms_m

07-11-2011, 12:27 AM

and the reasons are not as simple as we think

I tend to skirt around this issue and I've decided I wanted to address it. Many of us believe and know race is playing a big part in what has been happening in the last 2 years and that in itself causes arguments and division....it reminds me of the different opinions people have about what caused slavery...racism or money...

If you think of race and money as nails and you are using a hammer to beat up on something or someone, does it really matter which nail you use if they are both causing pain?

For some, money is at the route of the problem....a lack of it and a greed for it.
For some it's race and for others it could be both...and then there is a group that's in denial and will say one thing while their action say another.....so when I skirt around this issue or I say it's complicated....that's why.

Humans are complicated individuals as a general rule and we often forget that....we label something or someone in a certain way and think that's the ONLY way it is...but that's not always the case.

Living in the South I've seen professed racist come to the aid of a Black family in need...living in the North I've seen, so call left progressives stab a Black person in the back [[figuratively) to get ahead in a job promotion.

We are more than the labels we place on each other and although these labels can be, and are often valid, I think it's important to acknowledge there is so much more to consider. ...of course we also have to acknowledge the labels can be valid and deal with them as oppose to pretending they don't exist.

ms_m

07-11-2011, 12:36 AM

P.S. Ideology can also be in the mix, be it political or religious...again, it really is complicated.

ms_m

07-11-2011, 08:07 AM

U.S. Is Deferring Millions in Pakistani Military Aid

The Obama administration is suspending and, in some cases, canceling hundreds of millions of dollars of aid to the Pakistani military, in a move to chasten Pakistan[1] for expelling American military trainers and to press its army to fight militants more effectively.

Coupled with a statement[2] from the top American military officer last week linking Pakistan’s military spy agency to the recent murder[3] of a Pakistani journalist, the halting or withdrawal of military equipment and other aid to Pakistan illustrates the depth of the debate inside the Obama administration over how to change the behavior of one of its key counterterrorism partners.

Altogether, about $800 million in military aid and equipment, or over one-third of the more than $2 billion in annual American security assistance to Pakistan, could be affected, three senior United States officials said.
This aid includes about $300 million to reimburse Pakistan for some of the costs of deploying more than 100,000 soldiers along the Afghan border to combat terrorism, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars in training assistance and military hardware, according to half a dozen Congressional, Pentagon and other administration officials who were granted anonymity to discuss the politically delicate matter.

Some of the curtailed aid is equipment that the United States wants to send but Pakistan now refuses to accept, like rifles, ammunition, body armor and bomb-disposal gear that were withdrawn or held up after Pakistan ordered more than 100 Army Special Forces trainers to leave the country in recent weeks.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/world/asia/10intel.html?hp
July 10, 2011 at 11:45 am

ms_m

07-11-2011, 08:40 AM

For those that may be interested I found a new blog that I think is worth a bookmark.

The Pragmatic Progressive [[love the name)

A Pragmatic Progressive understands that progressive principles will only be wishful thinking until they are adopted and implemented within a political structure; and further understands that politics is the art of the possible. As well, a Pragmatic Progressive realizes that change often comes in increments, not leaps and bounds. But over time, these increments add up to something extraordinary.

Going through the site I ran across the article below and want to bring your attention to #2 [[although all the reasons are excellent) but I wanted to highlight #2 because of the misconception that our President has not tried to do anything to create jobs….he has. Do I need to tell you where the push back has come from?

4 Reasons why I will vote in the 2012 Presidential Election
Posted on July 10, 2011 by corymccray

As a young worker just beginning to understand the importance of being engaged and knowledgeable about local, state, and federal politics, I am 100% sure that I will exercise my constitutional right to vote in 2012. Observing how big banks and large corporations played Russian roulette with the tax payer’s money, the massive job loss, the foreclosure crisis, and the do-nothing Congress boggled me and this empowered me to have a more active voice. Here are my top “4 Reasons why I will Vote in the 2012 Presidential Election”:

1. The debacle around the extension of Unemployment Insurance
For several months the American citizens had to sit on pins and needles as the United States Congress and the President negotiated a deal to extend unemployment insurance to the people that were devastated by the massive job loss and the overwhelming job market. The deal was struck at the last minute, and the rich were able to keep the Bush tax breaks instituted. Many people have short memories, but this will not be forgotten.

2. The lack of the majority of Congress to support President Obama’s Job Initiative to improve America’s infrastructure and put people back to work

The “Do-Nothing Congress” has done a terrible job of supporting the President’s Job Initiative. I don’t mind if they disagree, but if you disagree put something on the table that is comprehensive and able to put people back to work. They refuse to take the lead and be leaders instead they conspire to play politics as usual and blame the President for the massive unemployment loss in the job numbers that are reported. I am a firm believer that it is the government’s job to get our economy off of life support and put people back to work, which will get the private sector moving again. If people aren’t spending money, than the economy stagnates which only causes more job loss and keeps America in economic turmoil.

3. Supreme Court Appointments
The Citizens United case is a prime example of why the appointments to the nine member Supreme Court matters. I don’t believe that corporations should have the power to buy our government and have no limitations on the amount of money that they can donate to a campaign. This ultimately means that Corporations can buy elections. The President of the United States is the person that nominates that person which is more of a reason why we should be following this issue. This is the highest court in the United States of America and it balances the Executive and Legislative Branch.

4. Protecting Social Security
We have witnessed firsthand the intentions of Social Security and Medicare with the Senator Rand Paul. If that wasn’t worth paying attention to, don’t forget about Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan’s budget. Both wanted to drastically change Social Security and Medicare and the American people came out in droves to speak out against it. There should be some things that never make the chopping block which are the elderly, youth, and the disabled.
http://thepragmaticprogressive.org/wp/2011/07/10/4-reasons-why-i-will-vote-in-the-2012-presidential-election/

ms_m

07-11-2011, 08:51 AM

Speaking of jobs, here ia another excellent post. The author considers it "wonkish" but that's just another name for a post full of facts.:cool:

June Jobs Figures: Economic Indicators and the Republican Jobs Blockade

Jobs figures released Friday were dismal by any measure. 18,000 net jobs were created in June, while the private sector added 57,000 new jobs and government payroll declined by 39,000 jobs. Whether you are looking at the overall 18,000 number or the private sector growth of 57,000, while the latter number is better, the growth is anemic. The questions after that kind of a jobs report naturally paint a frightening picture: is the economic recovery over? Are we headed for a double dip recession? [Chart credit: NY Times.]

Indicators: But the question must also be asked whether the anemic numbers are the lagging indicator, as jobs often are. Lagging indicator, that is, in this case, of the path the recovery is taking. There was never any questions that the path to recovery will be pretty tough and bumpy. So if we take the long view, and assume jobs to be the lagging indicator, how does it stack up with other indicators?

Politicians: The next question is about politicians. What are they doing? What can they do? What can the President do? What can Congress do?

I am going to do a bit of an exploration and analyses of each of these questions. I will try not to make them mind-numbingly boring, but you will have to bear with me and get through the piece. [[Warning, wonkish post ahead!)

Full article and worth the read
http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2011/07/june-jobs-figures-economic-and-job.html

ms_m

07-11-2011, 09:18 AM

Obama Leans on G.O.P. for a Deal on Debt Ceiling
By MARK LANDLER
Published: July 10, 2011

Just as Mr. Obama was sitting down with Mr. McConnell and other leaders shortly after 6 p.m. on Sunday, with the men wearing open-collar shirts and blazers, he was asked whether he could get a deal done in 10 days, leaving enough time to draft and pass legislation before Aug. 2.

“We need to,” he replied.

The problem for Mr. Obama is that Republicans are not budging on their demand that any deal include no tax increases.

The administration also needs Democratic lawmakers, but for many of them, it will be impossible to vote for a package composed entirely of spending cuts, especially to popular programs.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/11/us/politics/11debt.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha2

I like the way President Obama is orchestrating this... [[Yeah POTUS)

Spending cuts don’t have to equate to cuts in benefits. Now I realize the word “cuts” can be scary when referring to entitlement programs but the framing works in terms of showing how the "Rethugs"s are not serious about the deficit.

If you get specific, the Rehtugs pounce on the specifics to create their talking points and hijack the message…. but if you keep it in general terms, it highlights their obstructionist behavior.

Also, too [[sorry...it's one of those Palin idioms I love saying ) we still don't know for sure what these cuts involve

I did read something floating around about restructuring the inflation index but to say that's a cut is a matter of perspective.

For example.....if I receive a 1000k a month from SS....but don't receive a cost of living raise....that 1000k can't buy as much when prices go up but at least I'm getting the 1000k. I see that as marching in place.....but if you cut that 1000k down to 900 month....I'm marching backwards....

ms_m

07-11-2011, 10:02 AM

Heads up Sophisticated Soul
Maybe I should rethink that move….LOL

A Scientology-backed Republican pharmacist from Temecula, California is upset that he lives in the liberal welfare state of California, so he's doing what any rational right winger would do: He's proposing a 51st state, "South California." It would include the counties of "Fresno, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego and Tulare" -- all of which have high concentrations of white pick-up trucks and meth heads.

Stone's not only mad as hell about illegal immigrants and fucking hippies running his state, but, as he told the Los Angeles Times, "Los Angeles just enacted a ban on plastic grocery bags. That put three or four manufacturers out of business." So, how will the state handle this growing right wing insurgency? Governor Jerry Brown's spokesman gave the LAT this gem of a quote:

"It's a supremely ridiculous waste of everybody's time," said spokesman Gil Duran. "If you want to live in a Republican state with very conservative right-wing laws, then there's a place called Arizona.''

Ouch.

The original version of the story appears here: http://gawker.com/5819883/california-republican-wants-to-form-breakaway-state

Gawker dishes the nation's most current and cutting gossip across media, entertainment, technology, and business. Founded in 2002 and namechecked frequently in mainstream publications, the site is essential reading for those who want big media hypocrisy debunked and faux-sincerity exposed, all with a healthy dose of snark.

jillfoster

07-11-2011, 10:46 AM

Los Angeles uses THAT many plastic grocery bags? 3 or 4 manufacturers out of business? One city doesn't use so many that it takes 3 or FOUR factories to supply them. I used to work at a grocery store. We didnt go through them THAT fast.

ms_m

07-11-2011, 11:22 AM

LOL

I was thinking something along those lines as well.....I would think there are many other cites/stores in Cali they sell their plastic bags too so although it MAY have cut into their profits I doubt if it's the reason they MAY have gone out of biz...either way I agree with the spokesman...time for homie to seriously think about relocating....it's not as if Cali suddenly became a liberal state ...although many parts are quite conservative but hey....folks need a cause....plastic bags seem to be his....LOL

I prefer paper

Good to see ya Jillfoster, it's been awhile

ms_m

07-11-2011, 11:44 AM

The President is having a "presser"....I'm loving it....the man is on fire [[in an adult way)!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/11/obama-debt-ceiling-press-conference_n_894416.html

you can probably find it on Cspan as well.

ms_m

07-11-2011, 12:25 PM

oh lawd....before the media and pundits whips everyone into a panic again please do not forget

Boner WALKED AWAY from a 4trillion dollar deal to discuss a 2trillion dollar one.

SS cuts on the table or no SS cuts on the table homie walked away from the deal and we still don't know what those cuts entailed.....

ms_m

07-11-2011, 12:37 PM

btw.....A few weeks ago Boner said the debt ceiling will be raised. I took that as a signal to Wall Street to chill. Plus just recently, the new head of the IMF [[International Monetary Fund) weighed in on this....it's not just about the US economy it's about the world economy as well so the pressure is on and Boner in the hot seat. It looks like he doesn't have the votes in his own caucus so he needs Dem votes.....

Cutting benefits is one thing, cutting Des' ergonomic chair [[Des works for SS)I can live with....please don't forget to think before you react to all the drama

ms_m

07-11-2011, 12:40 PM

ON A SIDE NOTE......love her or hate her...Pelosi was a master at counting and rounding up votes.....Boner could take lessons from the former lady speaker.

ms_m

07-11-2011, 03:38 PM

July 11, 2011 2:30 PM
Boehner says Dems not willing to make debt deal
By
Stephanie Condon

President Obama said today that he's willing to "to tackle our debt and deficits in a serious way," but House Speaker John Boehner says that isn't true.

"This boils down to two things," Boehner told reporters, after Mr. Obama gave a White House press conference regarding negotiations to lower the deficit and raise the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling before August 2. By that date, the administration says, the United States will no longer be able to pay its bills without an increase in the amount it can borrow.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20078484-503544.html

Boner, Boner, Boner…..I’m sure you’re still fooling some of the people but a guy that walks away from a 4 trillion dollar deal to go back to a 2 trillion dollar deal because 5% of Americans [[rich Americans) will have to pay more taxes can’t say it’s the other folks that are not serious….not stopping you from trying but dude….get real

ms_m

07-11-2011, 03:54 PM

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/toprate_historical.jpg

Reagan
January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989

Bush Sr.
January 20, 1989 – January 20, 1993

Clinton
January 20, 1993 – January 20, 2001

Bush Jr.
January 20, 2001 – January 20, 2009

ms_m

07-11-2011, 03:57 PM

1945 really sucked for rich folks....

perspective is an interesting thing

ms_m

07-11-2011, 04:22 PM

Republicans Say They’ve Already Agreed To A Concession In Debt Fight: Raising The Debt Limit
July 11, 2011, 3:27PM

"What I don't think the White House understands is how difficult it is for fiscal conservatives to say they're going to vote to pay for a debt ceiling increase."

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/republicans-say-theyve-already-agreed-to-a-concession-in-debt-fight-raising-the-debt-limit.php?ref=fpa

No Eric, what you don’t understand is not everyone is falling for your bull...

Between 2002 -2007 Cantor and company voted to raise the debt ceiling 5 times…..if you think the spending wasn’t high then…think again!

I joke about Boner's name and don't like his politics but I really believe outside of the office he's probably a decent dude but Cantor....ughhhhhhhhhh....I think he's a sleaze bag and will do anything for money and power....

ms_m

07-11-2011, 04:35 PM

July 11, 2011
'Teavangelicals': How the Christian Right Came to Bless the Economic Agenda of the Tea Party
by Ed Kilgore, July 11, 2011 12:26 PM EST

Teavangelicals???….it’s getting difficult to keep up with all the monikers….LOL

But all jokes aside, this is worth a read…

http://www.thedemocraticstrategist.org/

ms_m

07-11-2011, 05:52 PM

Since this IS a music site...here is a little music:p

LISTEN: Herman Cain’s Gospel Album Drops
Benjy Sarlin | July 11, 2011, 2:59PM

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/listen-herman-cains-gospel-album-drops.php?ref=dcblt

...and in all fairness to Mr. Cain, the headline is totally misleading....this was done years ago and one of his Pro Cain supporters posted it on their website

ms_m

07-11-2011, 06:23 PM

Lori Klein, Arizona State Senator, Pointed Loaded Gun At Reporter Richard Ruelas's Chest

First Posted: 7/11/11 04:07 PM ET Updated: 7/11/11 04:11 PM ET
Arizona state Sen. Lori Klein [[R), a gun-rights champion, keeps a loaded raspberry-pink handgun in her purse, and during an interview with Arizona Republic reporter Richard Ruelas, she took it out and pointed it at him.

"Oh, it's so cute," Klein said, before aiming the gun at Ruelas's chest to show off the red beam of the laser sight. Klein's gun, a .380 Ruger, has no safety, but the senator assured Ruelas that he wasn't in danger.
"I just didn't have my hand on the trigger," she said.

Klein told the Arizona Republic that she owns a number of guns and has had "informal" training sessions on each of them, and that she was taught gun safety by her father.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/11/lori-klein-arizona-gun-control-reporter-giffords_n_894973.html

Everyone has political issues they are passionate about….gun control is not one of mine although I don’t think it’s necessary to have a AK47 or Bazooka to hunt deer and background checks are an excellent idea….anyhoo….truth is….I don’t like guns but my father did teach me how to shoot ‘em and the first thing I was taught, you never point at anything or anyone you don’t intend to shoot…

I see nothing cute or humorous about a State senator [[or anyone) jokingly pointing a gun at the chest of a reporter…a gun without a safety no less….freak accidents happen all the time and the fact her finger was not on the trigger means nothing.

ms_m

07-11-2011, 06:49 PM

Now this is a heck of a stretch....

McConnell On Casey Anthony Trial: It Means Terrorists Could Win
Ryan J. Reilly | July 11, 2011, 1:15PM

The top Republican in the Senate invoked the high-profile acquittal of Casey Anthony on charges she murdered her daughter as a reason to oppose the use of civilian trials for terrorism suspects.

"These are not American citizens. We just found with the Caylee Anthony case how difficult is to get a conviction in a U.S. court," Sen. Mitch McConnell [[R-KY) said on "Fox News Sunday." McConnell has called on the Obama administration to place suspected terrorists in Guantanamo Bay and prosecute them in the military justice system.
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/mcconnell_terrorists_could_get_off_in_civilian_cou .php?ref=fpb

I didn’t like the Anthony verdict but based on what I’ve read, the juror did their job and the prosecution didn’t. As a result she gets a second chance in life...Her child never will.

But someone needs to intervene on behalf of McConnell because I’m beginning to suspect he may have some serious mental issues….and I don’t mean that as snark or a joke.

The things coming out of his mouth lately are irrational as all get out…the man even used a pic of Thurston Howell III [[yep the character from Gilligan’s Island) to champion tax breaks for the wealthy and insinuated that the middle class need to sacrifice more by paying more in taxes…but not the really, really poor people.:confused:

ms_m

07-11-2011, 07:11 PM

If you missed the press conference and interested...here you go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO34jERiMfw&feature=player_embedded

ms_m

07-11-2011, 09:12 PM

Where Has This Obama Been?
David Kurtz | July 11, 2011, 11:54AM

I'm coming in late to this press conference the President is doing, but the chatter I'm seeing about it and the part I've watched makes me wonder why Obama didn't do this sooner. He's telling a story here that people can grasp and that the media can build narratives around that are far more favorable to him than the black box negotiations that have been going on behind closed doors.

For example, Obama is putting a lot of the onus today on Speaker John Boehner [[R-OH) to get his caucus in line while at the same time calling Boehner a reasonable, well-intended guy that Obama can do business with. That ratchets up the pressure on Boehner in excruciating and unpleasant ways -- it also drives a stake into the fissure in the GOP conference -- while costing Obama absolutely nothing politically and probably works to his political advantage if the press picks up that theme in its coverage.

I'm oversimplifying a bit but if you look at Obama's rhetoric on the debt ceiling fight, it's been heavily weighted toward how reasonable he is being. And that hasn't worked very well. Today he's shifted his tone more to how unreasonable the Republicans are being. That has a chance to get some traction, maybe not with voters but DC media. He badly needs that narrative to stick -- and the fact that is an accurate and true narrative means it's on him to make it stick. This presser is at least a step in that direction.

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/07/where_has_this_obama_been.php?ref=fpblg

Interesting observation and I agree the Prez did an excellent job on the framing/narrative and pushing back on the Repubs. He’s been doing that a lot lately so even Kurtz has missed it. The POTUS tends to rely heavily on subtle nuance that a lot of people miss, which makes me wonder if the media will pick up on it and run with it....even though there was nothing subtle about this message. LOL

Time will tell I guess.

ms_m

07-11-2011, 09:23 PM

A good start but it has to go main stream to truly be heard...

From a former staffer for a Republican on Capitol Hill:

Bell: I think the president’s played it very well. His press conference [Monday] was a damn masterpiece. When your enemy is tying a noose, leave them alone. Republicans have yelled and screamed and carried on. They have a budget they’re trying to run away from. All the talk about repealing health care legislation is fading out. And the talk about repeal of Dodd-Frank? Ninety-nine percent of Americans don’t know what it is. This is the defining discussion now, and there will be a referendum on it in 2012. If Republicans have to run on a platform of no changes in rich folks’ tax cuts, versus Obama saying working men and women are hurting? You don’t have to be a genius to figure that one out.
http://www.npr.org/2011/07/11/137772382/a-conservative-spins-out-the-gops-debt-endgame?ft=1&f=1014&sc=tw

ms_m

07-11-2011, 09:43 PM

Awwiity then, the nets are fired up and ready to go and Twitter is going nuts in a good way but I don’t Tweet….LOL
Also heard there was great commentary on MSNBC….I’ll check it later but I want more ….I’m greedy and it’s about time people are realizing who is The Only Adult In The Room!!!!!

Debt Ceiling, Crystal Balls, and Kabuki Theater
by Karoli on July 11, 2011 • 4 comments

For weeks now we’ve heard about how urgent it is to get a debt ceiling deal done — a deal that should include only spending cuts according to Republicans, and should include tax increases according to Democrats. Here’s a key piece of the President’s press conference today:

OBAMA: If not now, when? We keep on talking about this stuff, and, you know, we have these high-minded pronouncements about how we’ve got to get control of the deficit and how we owe it to our children and our grandchildren. Well, let’s step up. Let’s do it.

I’m prepared to do it. I’m prepared to take on significant heat from my party to get something done. And I expect the other side should be willing to do the same thing if they mean what they say, that this is important.
And let me just then comment on this whole issue of tax increases, because there’s been a lot of information floating around there. I want to be crystal clear: Nobody has talked about increasing taxes now, nobody has talked about increases — increasing taxes next year.

What we have talked about is that starting in 2013 that we have gotten rid of some of these egregious loopholes that are benefiting corporate jet owners or oil companies at a time where they’re making billions of dollars of profits.
What we have said is, as part of a broader package, we should have revenues.

OBAMA: And the best place to get those revenues are from folks like me who have been extraordinarily fortunate, and that millionaires and billionaires can afford to pay a little bit more, going back to the Bush tax rates.
And, what I’ve also said to the Republicans is, if you don’t like that formulation, then I’m happy to work with you on tax reform that could potentially lower everybody’s rates and broaden the base, as long as that package was sufficiently progressive so that we weren’t balancing the budget on the backs of middle-class families and working-class families, and we weren’t letting hedge fund managers or authors of best-selling books off the hook.
That is a reasonable proposition.

So when — when you hear folks saying, “Well, you know, the president shouldn’t want, you know, massive, job-killing tax increases when the economy’s this week, nobody’s looking to raise taxes right now. We’re talking about potentially 2013 and the out-years.

That, along with this, laid out the boundaries for the meeting taking place in the White House right now:
So what I’ve said to the leaders is, bring back to me some ideas that you think can get the necessary number of votes in the House and in the Senate. I’m happy to consider all options, all alternatives that they’re looking at. The things that I will not consider are a 30-day or a 60-day or a 90-day or a 180-day temporary stopgap resolution to this problem.
That parameter was preceded by acknowledgement that all leaders agree that default is not an option. All leaders. Not just Democrats. All.

Forget about all the pundit and partisan noise for a minute and pay attention to what he just said. He laid out clear boundaries for the discussion. These are the options available to Republicans right now:

• Bifurcate budget/deficit discussions and approve an increase to the debt limit that will extend our credit for 12 months. Of course, doing such a thing means that the next discussion — barring any debt negotiations in the interim — lands right in the middle of the 2012 elections.

• Give up the Bush tax cuts or bring a package to the table that otherwise places the revenue burden on wealthy earners in the country.

That’s it, right there. For all of the sackcloth and ashes being worn by the left and right alike, those are the options. Period. And right now, the leverage is with Obama, not the Republicans. He reclaimed the hostage from the hostage-takers.

This is why, by the way, he is using Republican frames to discuss these issues. As frustrating as that might feel to many, the ones who need convincing right now are conservatives, and not fringe conservatives from the Tea Party. Despite the gnashing of teeth over the fact that he didn’t emphasize job creation or other worthy goals, the fact is that he has a House of Representatives which is, for the most part, irrational. I don’t think anyone expects them to get on board. The only way to deal with irrational voters is to go over their heads to their bosses. Their bosses aren’t the Tea Party at this point; they’re the independents who turned away from Obama to vote Republican because of the noise and heat generated by the Affordable Care Act, Dodd-Frank, and other legislation in the 111th Congress. Those independent voters want good-faith negotiation, and the President just let them know that there is none of that happening right now.
It’s easy to read online blogs and Facebook posts and Twitter streams and assume the entire world is all one ideology or the other, when in fact, most people come at things with mixed feelings. They like social security but are worried about the national debt, too. They’re worried about the economy and their jobs but can’t put their finger on exactly why the economy isn’t picking up, either. Then they look at Washington DC’s daily theater and say, well gosh…it’s gotta be their fault.

Wall Street isn’t going to countenance a default. Neither should we. So at this point, the options are to push hard for minimal adjustments to Social Security/Medicare spending while hammering the GOP for hanging onto tax cuts for the rich, or else start calling loud and clear for a clean vote to increase the debt ceiling substantially, while continuing to hammer out some kind of acceptable agreement for everything.

Today is July 11th. The date to have an agreement is July 22nd. A lot can happen between now and then, but right now I would say odds are pointing to a clean debt ceiling vote with no strings attached, because in the end, progressives are going to be the deal makers, not the tea party. It’s up to them to grab the ring and use it.

Update: PoliticusUSA has a great piece augmenting this one that you should read. Here’s a snip:

As long as Obama holds his ground, the Republicans paralyzed by their own internal warfare will be left with two choices. They can either compromise which would both anger their base and help reelect this president, or they can hold their ground and watch their political fortunes go down the drain.
Heads I win; tails you lose.

Update #2: It’s working, too: From Tea Party Nation [[I can’t link you because it’s behind a registration wall)
John Boehner is either a gutless coward, an absolute idiot or both. What floors me is under the circumstances the GOP rank and file has not done something about him. The GOP has the greatest mandate in a century and not only is Boehner blowing the mandate, he may single handedly return Nancy Pelosi to the Speaker’s chair. We could ask what is he thinking but it is obvious he is not thinking.

Boehner has got to go immediately and the GOP needs to replace him now. We need someone who has courage and convictions. We need someone who will not sell us out. In short, we need anyone but John Boehner.
They’re looking to Eric Cantor for deliverance. Only problem? Eric Cantor is Wall Street’s boy. And Wall Street will absolutely not countenance a default on the national debt.
http://www.drumsnwhistles.com/2011/07/11/debt-ceiling-crystal-balls-and-kabuki-theater/

ms_m

07-11-2011, 09:45 PM

This sounded so nice I had to post it twice....uh oh...the Teapub natives are pissed.:cool:

Update #2: It’s working, too: From Tea Party Nation [[I can’t link you because it’s behind a registration wall)
John Boehner is either a gutless coward, an absolute idiot or both. What floors me is under the circumstances the GOP rank and file has not done something about him. The GOP has the greatest mandate in a century and not only is Boehner blowing the mandate, he may single handedly return Nancy Pelosi to the Speaker’s chair. We could ask what is he thinking but it is obvious he is not thinking.

Boehner has got to go immediately and the GOP needs to replace him now. We need someone who has courage and convictions. We need someone who will not sell us out. In short, we need anyone but John Boehner.

ms_m

07-11-2011, 10:32 PM

I owe Mr. O'Donell an apology....my bad dude....you go boy!

Breakdown of Obama's strategy
http://thelastword.msnbc.msn.com/

ms_m

07-11-2011, 10:46 PM

"Bluffer n Chief"....haha.....that is priceless

but here is the thing....can anyone really be sure he's bluffing????

ROTFLMAO

Stay tuned....this is getting gooooooooooooooooooooooood!!!!!!

stephanie

07-12-2011, 12:24 AM

Damn it I saw Lawrence O Donnell tonight Ms M and he said the President pulled a rop a dop but I guess you already know,.
I got home from the hospital [[mom is doing a little better by the way) and I saw what Obama said I just hope he can stick to his guns and not do the 60 or 90 day concession.

ms_m

07-12-2011, 12:50 AM

Glad your mom is getting better Stephanie.

I don't know if he's bluffing or not Stephanie but he may not have much of a choice on a 60/90 day extension BILL....and to be honest, it may not be all that bad if the markets get a little jittery over a short term extension. It would give the Dems even more leverage....BUT....

The whole debt ceiling thing is a joke....it doesn't make any sense in a financial system that's not backed by a commodity....and why raising it has never been an issue in the past.

It was needed when we were on the gold standard but now, it's an antiquated piece of political crap that holds psychological ties on the markets. Because of those ties, it may have to be signed but let's just wait and see how this plays out, The Dems have the upper hand right now...we will see if they can hold on to it.

ms_m

07-12-2011, 12:52 AM

July/August 2011

Friends Like These Buried in Obamacare is a secret weapon to contain Medicare costs. Meet the group of House Democrats who want to destroy it.
By Sebastian Jones

When Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan let loose the bombshell of his Republican budget proposal in early April, the pressure in Washington immediately began to mount for President Obama to come back with a response. Hailed as a “bold” and “courageous” attempt to reckon with the mounting deficit, Ryan’s plan scored instant points for its willingness to grapple with Medicare, the greatest long-term driver of government deficits and debt. Of course, behind the much-hyped “boldness” came an all-too-familiar Republican attack on a government program. Ryan proposed phasing out Medicare and replacing it with a privatized system of vouchers that would, according to the Congressional Budget Office, have seniors paying two-thirds the cost of their care, while also cutting taxes on the wealthy and repealing the Affordable Care Act of 2010. But a gauntlet had been thrown down: Obama would have to come forward with a better idea.

And so the president did, in a widely watched speech eight days later at George Washington University. With Ryan himself sitting in the front row, Obama excoriated the Republican’s proposal and offered a full-throated defense of programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the social safety net as a whole.“We’re a better country because of these commitments,” Obama said. “I’ll go further—we would not be a great country without those commitments.”
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/magazine/julyaugust_2011/features/friends_like_these030379.php

A lot to read but a must read IMO.

And I’d like to repeat this

Buried in Obamacare is a secret weapon to contain Medicare costs.

Folks, you don’t insert a clause into a bill [[that has already passed btw) that contains the cost of a program, you plan to destroy. If you wanted to destroy it, the clause would not be necessary…just an FYI

ms_m

07-12-2011, 12:10 PM

Mr. Obama’s debt deal advice: Give peas a chance
By Editorial, Published: July 11

PERHAPS THE president’s pea-dissing will not stand him in good stead with the health-conscious, vegetable-growing first lady, but otherwise President Obama got just about everything right in his news conference Monday. Liberals should acknowledge, as he said, that progressive government depends on controlling the national debt. Conservatives should accept that achieving a deal in a divided government will require some give and take, including on revenue. And, yes, it is time for everyone involved in the budget debate to “eat our peas” — to stop talking about how hard this all is and actually get something done.

“We keep on talking about this stuff and we have these high-minded pronouncements about how we’ve got to get control of the deficit and how we owe it to our children and our grandchildren,” Mr. Obama said. “Well, let’s step up. Let’s do it . . . I’m prepared to take on significant heat from my party to get something done. And I expect the other side should be willing to do the same thing — if they mean what they say that this is important.” Nothing about solving the nation’s debt crisis is going to get easier with time. Rather, the longer action is postponed, the more painful it will be.
Full Article
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/mr-obamas-debt-deal-advice-give-peas-a-chance/2011/07/11/gIQAmzYQ9H_story.html?hpid=z2

Give Peas a Chance….LOL…Cute heading but now John Lennon’s song is going to be stuck in my head all day…”all we are saaaaaaaaaayin is give PEAS a chance….LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkZC7sqImaM
Now it’s stuck in yours:cool:

ms_m

07-12-2011, 01:52 PM

This can't be said enough. If there is one thing the left can learn from the right it would be, repetition is a key component in messaging.

During Bush Presidency, Current GOP Leaders Voted 19 Times To Increase Debt Limit By $4 Trillion
By Travis Waldron on Apr 14, 2011 at 11:49 am

After pushing the government to brink of shutdown last week, Republican Congressional leaders are now preparing to push America to the edge of default by refusing to increase the nation’s debt limit without first getting Democrats to concede to large spending cuts.

But while the four Republicans in Congressional leadership positions are attempting to hold the increase hostage now, they combined to vote for a debt limit increase 19 times during the presidency of George W. Bush. In doing so, they increased the debt limit by nearly $4 trillion.

At the beginning of the Bush presidency, the United States debt limit was $5.95 trillion. Despite promises that he would pay off the debt in 10 years, Bush increased the debt to $9.815 trillion by the end of his term, with plenty of help from the four Republicans currently holding Congressional leadership positions: Speaker John Boehner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl. ThinkProgress compiled a breakdown of the five debt limit increases that took place during the Bush presidency and how the four Republican leaders voted:
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/04/14/158424/republican-leaders-debt-limit-hypocrisy/

ms_m

07-12-2011, 02:42 PM

I'm feeling an editorial coming...consider this a warning to read or not to read.:)

There are people that don't like me... shocking I know but true. They think I feel I know everything....I don't but they think so and because they think so it has to be true in their eyes.

We often [[and note I said "we") go along with things that fall in line with our way of thinking and what we believe. It's a human trait I guess but it can also be a dangerous trait.

Example, not too long ago Michele Bachmann made a statement along the lines, The Founding Father's eradicated slavery. Now many people hear that and say, geesch what an idiot but what they don't know....she read that in a book written by someone she trust. Don't you often believe things from people you trust? Even though it may go against everything you were taught or had believed in the past? Why shouldn't she?

In no way, shape or form am I giving Bachmann a pass on erroneous info but I am saying, in this day and age, with so much info being thrown out, we have to be really careful how we process all this info. We have to check it out, verify it, etc.

Reading the nets can be a mind blowing and head scratching experience. You see and hear a video of someone saying something and people who don't like that person will make up their own erroneous version of what was said, pass it on and it becomes the truth to those who want to believe.

Bottom line, until you find a source that you have verified, time after time, don't blindly jump on the band wagon of what you hear... and remember, even a source you have verified and trust, can get it wrong sometimes.....just my 2 cents and something to think about.

ms_m

07-12-2011, 03:14 PM

Nope didn’t write it…but I like it:cool:

“Confessions of An ‘Obamabot’” – Leisa Simone
By stopthemadness on July 11th, 2011

Over the years, I’ve been called a liberal as if it’s an insult. I’ve also been called a libtard, a Dumbocrat, a hippie, a socialist, a tree-hugger, a bleeding heart, a gay-lover, etc. And I’ve embraced each one. All these were directed at me from people on the right.

Now I find out that I’m an Obamabot. That’s someone who defends the current President of the United States, OUR president of OUR country. But this time, it comes from the left.

I embrace that word, too. But let’s examine what this “mean-spirited” insult actually means.

An Obamabot is someone who may disagree with some of the decisions our president has made, but at the same time, knows and understands why they were made. And we support him for them.

An Obamabot is someone who remembers how the president extended the Bush tax cuts to protect the unemployed from the GOP. Look it up.

An Obamabot remembers the hysteria from the left in April over the rumors that the president would defund Planned Parenthood as the GOP was demanding before they’d agree to stopping a government shutdown.

An Obambot remembers those two words the president said to Boehner that finally put the issue to rest as Boehner demanded funds to Planned Parenthood cease: “Nope. Zero.” And Boehner was forced to back down. Look it up.

An Obamabot is perfectly aware of the president’s very long list of achievements and lauds him for them. And damn if we’re aren’t proud to say he’s our president. Look them up.

We also know a president can’t create jobs. That’s the responsibility of Congress, including a House that has struck down every, single job creation bill put before it and has yet to propose one of their own. Look it up.

I’ve been been asked about these issues over and over. These and Gitmo and Libya and why we’re still in Iraq and Afghanistan and why the president hasn’t helped the black community as if they’re some kind of segregated society and dozens of other things.

And this proud Obamabot has something to say after explaining all these things over and over and then over again: do some of your own research! And keep in the back of your mind that Barack Obama was a known centrist long before 2008. He was never a liberal. I knew that when I voted for him. Why have so many others forgot? Or did they just assume he was a liberal because of his skin color and never bothered to check? That type of bigoted ignorance is not his fault.

Why do so many complain that the president managed to get affordable healthcare passed while not closing Gitmo? Had the opposite happened, I have a feeling these same complainers would be whining about not having universal healthcare while he concentrated on closing Gitmo. As for federal marriage equality RIGHT NOW, are you kidding me? With a GOP-led House?

A robot is something that obeys commands. It moves in the directions it’s ordered. It has no ability to think and is incapable of locomotion on its own. All movement is automatic. Whatever “emotions” it displays are actually extensions of its controller’s emotions. If the controller says “Jump”, it doesn’t ask “How high?” It asks nothing. It just jumps to the height it’s programmed to reach.

An Obamabot thinks for itself. It’s intelligent and informed enough to look deeply at a situation and – while it may not agree with the outcome – it knows why that outcome was reached. It has knowledge on its side.

So to all the robots out there who let the media contort them and push them down a right-angled cattle chute as that same media uses terms such as “unnamed sources” and “our experts”, I ask them to take a long, hard look at themselves. They’ve forgot the past. They’re not doing their own research. They’re not thinking with an open and unbiased mind.

If any of that sounds familiar, it’s because – as we all know — that’s how the Tea Party works.

And feel free to call me an Obamabot. I now consider it a compliment.
-Leisa Simone, who’s looking forward to even more hopey-changey

I only have one caveat to this piece...being a Centrist doesn't automatically negate being a Liberal...Liberals are not monolithic creatures;)

ms_m

07-12-2011, 05:58 PM

July 12, 2011, 4:13 pm
McConnell Proposal Gives Obama Power to Increase Debt Limit
By JACKIE CALMES

The Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, said Tuesday that a bipartisan budget deal with President Obama was probably out of reach, and he proposed a plan under which the president could increase the federal debt limit without prior Congressional approval for offsetting spending cuts.

Mr. McConnell’s proposal reflected a growing sense of pessimism on Capitol Hill about the prospects that Mr. Obama and Congressional leaders could come to terms on a budget deal before the government’s borrowing authority hit its limit on Aug. 2. The negotiators sat down for another round of talks at the White House on Tuesday afternoon.
In an interview with CBS News, Mr. Obama said he “cannot guarantee” that the government can pay benefits next month to Social Security recipients, veterans and the disabled if Congress does not increase the federal debt limit, raising the political stakes even as Republicans hardened their opposition to him.

Mr. McConnell’s proposal would give Mr. Obama sweeping power to increase the government’s borrowing authority, in increments, by up to $2.4 trillion — enough, it is estimated, to cover federal obligations through next year — only if Mr. Obama specified spending cuts of equal amounts. But Congress would not have to approve the spending cuts prior to the debt-limit increase.

It is not clear whether House Republicans would sign on to such a measure, given their drive to extract deep spending cuts in return for any debt-limit increase.
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/12/mcconnell-proposal-gives-obama-power-to-increase-debt-limit/?nl=us&emc=politicsemailema1

This is amazing….the Repubs were offered 4 trillion in cuts, all they had to agree to was a tax increase fo 5% of Americans [[the rich guys) AND, the increase would not take place until 2013….the Repubs said no and walked away…NOW it’s here is the Republican proposal….

We will give you the power to raise the debt ceiling and all you have to do is give us 2 trillion in cuts….AND

“Congress would not have to approve the spending cuts prior to the debt-limit increase.”

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha….LAWD LOVE A DUCK!

You know why I couldn’t be POTUS….

I’d take the deal, order 2 trillion dollars in cuts for office supplies and ergonomic chairs over 10 years and call it a day…..President Obama is better than me….thank goodness!

ms_m

07-12-2011, 06:08 PM

I'm sure they think they can turn this into an election fight next year....they're going to lose AGAIN!

Looking unreasonable, stubborn and cantankerous right before an election is probably not the most brilliant plan...it didn't work for McCain/Palin but....shhhhhhh, let's not remind 'em.

ROTFLMAO

ms_m

07-12-2011, 09:12 PM

I was looking in on a few new sites today and ran across this:
Politics 101 for the Far Left: Lessons #1 thru #9

I probably spend more time reading the political side of the nets, than the average SDF’er so I see a lot of things that are not always reflective of MSM. One of the things I see are rants from the extreme left….talk about frustrating….having a conversation with someone who is suppose to be on the same side as you are but sounding like the opposition with all their vitriol toward the POTUS, will often make you want to holla and throw up both your hands.

Now, contrary to what they like to say, people like me do not and I repeat, do not have issues with criticism, we do have an aversion to hyperbole, unsubstantiated facts and lies….anyhoo…looking through these lessons and #3 caught my eye.

I think it fits several situations from voting for a 3rd party to trying to primary a sitting president [[and yes the extreme left would like to do just that). Last time that happen, we got Reagan.

Lesson #3: Until there are at least 218 progressive districts in this country, ousting “Blue Dogs” is not a source of pride; it’s just plain stupid.

Many on the far left seem to be enormously immature, in that they want their political change to happen immediately. They’re like the rich kids who “only” got a Mercedes for graduation, when they wanted the Jaguar. Real people have to earn their reward, folks; no one gets anything without tons of blood and sweat.

After more than 30 years of neocon-driven politics, why would anyone be surprised that there are a large number of conservative-leaning districts out there? Yet, a large number of far-left “progressives” were actually crowing at the “silver lining” in the 2010 election results; that about half of all “Blue Dog” Democrats lost. Yes, that’s right; they were HAPPY. Nancy Pelosi was replaced by an orange Boner, the committee chairs all went from being progressive Democrats to being right wing Republicans. We went from having a House of Representatives that passed hundreds of relatively progressive bills to one that has repeatedly tried to kill Medicare and damage Social Security.

And do you know WHY this happened? In part, it’s because about 25 “Blue Dogs,” almost all of whom voted with Democrats at least 80% of the time, were replaced by right wing Republicans and teabaggers.
Does that sound like “progress” to you? Really? If you do, then you must be one of those geniuses who think both major parties are the same.
http://pleasecutthecrap.typepad.com/main/2011/06/politics-101-for-the-far-leftlessons-1-thru-9.html

Personal note…..I don’t think they are the same but in some instances they are similar and can be just as destructive but…..the right more so [[IMO)…what you gonna do….hold your nose, vote for the lesser of two evils and stay on their butts like white on rice to do the “left” thing…

….why should you have to settle you ask…. because sometimes reality SUCKS EGGS!

To paraphrase the above…until you get 218 districts that reflect the candidate you want in office….you’re stuck with a majority Republican Congress or a majority Democratic congress…you may get your 3rd party person in but who are they going to side with to pass the bills THEY/YOU WANT…folks on the left, or folks on the right and since those two parties will be their only option….what will you have accomplished if neither side reflect your views? This is the problem the TeaParty is facing as we speak and why so many feel let down…..same goes for those on the extreme left….

Note: 218 represents a little over half of all the congressional districts in the country….although that may change ….but it’s a good ball park figure I believe.

ms_m

07-12-2011, 10:38 PM

Oh and something just occurred to me. For those of you thinking well, heck why should I even bother to vote.....go back and read the part where it said Blue Dogs voted with Dems 80% of the time.....are you seriously so ideological pure you would give up 80% of something, for nothing at all?

ms_m

07-12-2011, 11:51 PM

McConnell: No real deficit deal until Obama is gone
By Corbett B. Daly, Brian Montopoli

The Senate's top Republican said Tuesday that he did not see a way for Republicans and Democrats to come to agreement on meaningful deficit reduction as long as President Obama remains in office.

"After years of discussions and months of negotiations, I have little question that as long as this president is in the Oval Office, a real solution is probably unattainable," Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said in remarks on the Senate floor.

The remarks come as negotiations between Republicans and Democrats intensify on long-term deficit reduction ahead of a looming deadline on how much the United States can legally borrow.
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and many economists have warned of economic catastrophe if the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling is not raised before August 2.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20078766-503544.html?tag=stack

Interesting new strategy. People as a rule don’t understand how our monetary system works so what does McConnell do…..tell them the only way the “boogie man scary, bad, bad, deficit can change, is to get rid of the President. Sneaky but I must admit, impressive. Not impressive enough for me to lose any sleep, but impressive just the same.

Here we go, round ?????…..what round is this….LOL…oh yeah and Turtle Face McConnell…..BITE ME!...

yeah I know it’s childish but sometimes...not all the time, but sometimes, it's therapeutic to channel your inner child.;)

ms_m

07-13-2011, 12:40 AM

Obama Uses Social Security To Tighten Noose Around The GOP’s Neck
July 12, 2011
By Jason Easley

Click to play video
http://www.politicususa.com/en/obama-debt-ceiling-noose

Some of you may have already seen this since it was on CBS news. I learned something though, CBS is the most watched [[non cable) news by seniors. LOL

Now I laughed but I can’t lie because it’s an uneasy laugh. I’ve got a little angel on one shoulder and a little devil on the other. The little angel is like, aww man, he’s scaring the pants off of seniors…and the little devil is saying, yo, he brought the bazooka to the gunfight, back off….again, impressive strategy. Seniors VOTE, no joke and if they don’t get a check next month, it’s not “That One” they will blame….

Yep, politics can be a dirty game but hey, when someone is fighting for you…sometimes you have to look the other way.

So, whaddaya think.....whose winning the messaging war.....the man scaring people over the scary deficit....or THE MAN scaring people over the possibility of not receiving a check next month, pay rent, buy groceries?

FYI....I feel pretty safe when I say, the money for the Feds to pay bills next month is there and my mom relies on that check so I'm not unsympathetic about any negative consequences...I just don't think it will happen. Could I be wrong, yes, could a meteor fall on my head...yep.

ms_m

07-13-2011, 01:15 AM

THE PRESIDENT’S EXECUTIVE ORDER ON IMPROVING AND STREAMLINING REGULATION BY INDEPENDENT REGULATORY AGENCIES…

[Yesterday], PRESIDENT OBAMA TOOK THE NEXT STEP IN HIS AMBITIOUS AND UNPRECEDENTEDLY OPEN PROCESS FOR STREAMLINING, IMPROVING, AND ELIMINATING REGULATIONS – by issuing a new Executive Order asking the independent regulatory agencies, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission, to take new steps to ensure smart, cost-effective regulations, designed to promote economic growth and job creation.

In a historic initiative, THE PRESIDENT HAS REQUESTED THE INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
TO PRODUCE PLANS TO REASSESS AND TO STREAMLINE THE EXISTING REGULATIONS, and to disclose those plans for public scrutiny.

In addition, the President has asked the independent agencies to follow the cost-saving, burden-reducing principles in his January Executive Order on improving regulation.

With [yesterday's] action, THE PRESIDENT HAS TAKEN STRONG STEPS TO IMPROVE AND REDUCE RULES ON THE BOOKS, and also to improve new rules going forward. With full respect for the independence of the independent agencies and for their impressive efforts in the recent past, the President has asked for their collaboration in the creation of a twenty-first century regulatory system, using state-of-the-art tools and smart approaches to protect public welfare while promoting economic growth and job creation.

We’ve already begun to get some positive feedback from heads of the independent regulatory agencies, regulatory experts, and members of the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, which has been a major advocate for streamlining the regulatory system in order to stimulate job creation…

Cass Sunstein is the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/07/11/president-s-executive-order-improving-and-streamlining-regulation-independent-regula

It’s really cool to have a POTUS that can walk, talk, think, chew gum, whistle, play basketball, award medals to deserving military personnel, outsmart Republicans, get the work of the people done and more, all at the same time. [[relatively speaking of course:cool:)

ms_m

07-13-2011, 01:55 AM

This is only the second time since the Vietnam era that the nation's highest military honor has been awarded to a soldier who survived combat. Obama bestowed the first award last fall to another veteran of Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, who was present in the East Room along with medal winners from past wars.

On May 26, 2008, Petry joined other Rangers in a high-risk daylight mission in the Paktia province of eastern Afghanistan to find insurgents and, more important, a top al-Qaida commander.

While Petry and a fellow soldier were clearing a building, Petry was shot in both legs and bled badly.
The two took cover behind a chicken coop along with another soldier.
An insurgent grenade exploded nearby, wounding Petry's comrades.

A second grenade landed a few feet away.

Petry grabbed the grenade and threw it as it exploded in his hand.
But two of his fellow soldiers were saved.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015590082_medalofhonor13.html

We can moan and groan about a lot of things wrong with this country but we can also point to a lot of things right. Awarding our troops with the highest Medal of Honor while they are still living is the right thing to do.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/1.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/2.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/3.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/4.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/5.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/6.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/7.jpg

Sgt. Petry could have retired with full disability, he chose to re-enlist for active duty instead.

stephanie

07-13-2011, 10:14 AM

President Obama knows how to campaign and I know he hates to bring the seniors into this but I think he is telling the truth I dont think he wants to use this as a fear tactic. Many republicans are running away from the party now because they see it lacks the dignity that it once was. Now to me its just a group of [[some racist) and some power hungry people who are willing to sacrifice the needs of their voters to get rid of a black man. John Boehner is afraid of losing clout with his Republican buddies and I kind of feel sorry for him, Mitch McConnell is part of the old boy network so he is fine nobody cares about him. I have always thought this teaparty thing was almost created so the younger republicans would have their old boy network and they could create a seperate entity that would rise in power and be noticed. I think Ms Bachmann is the queen and Palin wanted to tag along in some way if she could sell books. Must admit the tea party thing is brilliant there are enough people who are a part of it to make a difference and it is being funded by the Koch Brothers. What is going on with Rupert Murdoch I woke up this morning hearing about his empire crumbling or something.

ms_m

07-13-2011, 11:07 AM

I never said he was lying....he said he couldn't guarantee the checks would go out, he said he couldn't guarantee the money would be there....

Stephanie, I am a dyed in the wool , stone cold, always have been, supporter of President Barack Hussein Obama, but I know political gamesmanship when I see it and he's playing a masterful game....call it a tactic to make many uncomfortable, call it one to make them think...the framing can be done to suit a variety of taste and opinions but politics is politics and we can't be so naive to believe this president doesn't operate as a politician...he does...I'm glad...that's what I hired him to do! To act like a politician that will stand up for the people of this country.

Last I heard Murdoch's UK cable deal fell through....I would love to see his empire crumble but I think it's a little premature to say it has.

Outside of the political arena I don't have anything against Boner but I don't feel sorry for him. He brought this all on himself....you reap what you sow.

You're a lot nicer than I am Stephanie and that's a good thing but the world can handle [[and needs) all kinds of people so it's all good.:)

ms_m

07-13-2011, 11:15 AM

Editorial: Phony federal-deficit war
01:00 AM EDT on Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The eleventh hour crisis over raising the federal debt ceiling is phony. It’s political theater designed to make the obvious fix sound next to impossible.

Federal tax revenues relative to the size of the economy are the lowest they’ve been in 60 years. There have been big federal tax cuts since 2001, with the latest collection last December. The results have been, to say the least, disappointing. More and more goes to the few at the top.

It is utterly irresponsible to hold up the vote to raise the debt ceiling, as the Republican “leadership” is doing. A default on the U.S. debt could be disastrous, and Republicans who are playing with the full faith and credit of the U.S. should be ashamed of themselves.
http://www.projo.com/opinion/editorials/content/ED_phony12_07-12-11_V1P2IRM_v18.42ff7.html

This is a good op-ed although it’s somewhat of a repeat of many of the things that have already been said…but repetition is good

What stood out for me was the statement below:

Here’s why: Doing nothing would include letting the George W. Bush-era tax cuts expire on schedule in 2012. And the health-care reform law passed last year would have begun to kick in its projected savings for the government. Meanwhile, Medicare would have cut payments to doctors as required by law.

Remember when the POTUS compromised with the Repubs and allowed the Bush Tax cuts to continue, remember how everyone freaked out and said he didn’t have a spine or balls….do you remember the bill to allow the cuts to become permanent, was defeated?????

Well on that last point, some do and some don’t because many were too focused on President Obama’s spine and balls but the fact is, the bill was defeated and the Bush tax cuts will expire in mid 2012…..

longterm……2012...BEFORE the election…..I’m just sayin…:cool:

ms_m

07-13-2011, 11:26 AM

always have been, supporter

that is a false statement....initially I didn't have a clue who I would support and it took me a minute, or two, or three to come around to Barack Obama.

ms_m

07-13-2011, 12:12 PM

Obama Fundraising For 2012 Campaign, DNC Breaks Record
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/13/obama-fundraising-2012-dnc_n_896813.html

86 million dollars is an insane amount of money but the reality of our current system dictates, candidates need money to survive and compete in political races.

For all those folks who need a new rant against the President…before you go off…please read the article and here are a few highlights:

This is a COMBINED total between the Obama Campaign and the DNC….

550,000 people donated money to the campaign during the first three months,

98 percent of the donors gave $250 or less

the average donation was about $69.

With all that said…I still believe and will continue to advocate for Campaign Finance Reform…we really need to change this process…

ms_m

07-13-2011, 12:58 PM

Romney Campaign Slams ‘Undignified And Inappropriate’ Marriage Pledge From Iowa Group
Eric Kleefeld | July 13, 2011, 10:12AM

The "Marriage Vow" involved a candidate pledging personal fidelity to his or her spouse, that he or she would change divorce laws to make "quickie divorces" more difficult, and would oppose gay marriage, pornography, and "Sharia Islam," among other things. Two Republican candidates, Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum, signed the pledge, and then immediately encountered controversy due to the resolution's original preamble language on slavery -- which has since been edited out -- stating, quite contrary to the facts, that African-American families were more secure under slavery than they are today, under an African-American president.

As the Associated Press reports, Romney campaign spokeswoman Andrea Saul bluntly declared that the pledge "contained references and provisions that were undignified and inappropriate for a presidential campaign."
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/romney-campaign-slams-undignified-and-inappropriate-marriage-pledge-from-iowa-group.php?ref=fpa

I’ll speak on Romney in a sec but you know, I will forever be amazed by the mind of most TeaParty folk…they want, demand, scream for their freedoms, while demanding and screaming to deny the freedom of others...

The "Marriage Vow" involved a candidate pledging personal fidelity to his or her spouse, that he or she would change divorce laws to make "quickie divorces" more difficult,

why is this anyone's business outside of the two people involved?

Okee dokee…Romney is trying to distance himself from the crazy….that’s not a bad thing…don’t know if he can get the nomination without them but hey….a mans gotta do, what a mans gotta do.

Oh and that slavery thing….hmmp…

I posted about it earlier but at least they removed that reference from their silly little pledge

ms_m

07-13-2011, 01:47 PM

Today’s GOP Waste of Energy – Voting to Roll Back Bill Which Would Save American Consumers $12.5 Billion
Posted on July 12, 2011 by Leader's Press Shop

It’s been 189 days since the GOP took control of the House and rather than working on legislation which will foster job creation and strengthen our economy, Republicans are taking American families another step backward and voting on a bill rolling back bipartisan energy standards which will save consumers $12.5 billion when fully implemented.

That’s right – House Republicans, standing still on jobs bills, are up-in-arms over a provision encouraging the production of more energy efficient light bulbs which was written by Republicans, signed into law by a Republican president, and is supported by both light bulb manufacturers and American consumers.
Center for American Progress – Rep. Fred Upton Eats His Own: Congressman Pushes Vote to Kill His Light Bulb Efficiency

Standards:

“Your proposition may be good,
But let’s have one thing understood,
Whatever it is, I’m against it!
And even when you’ve changed it or condensed it,
I’m against it.”

— “Whatever It Is, I’m Against It,” Groucho Marx, “Horse Feathers”

Lately it seems that the House Republican leadership is against everything that isn’t pre-approved by Big Oil or the Tea Party. Perhaps the most outlandish example of this Groucho Marx approach to public policy is today’s vote on the BULB Act, H.R. 2417. It would repeal the energy efficiency standards for light bulbs established in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, or EISA, P.L. 110-140. It would also prevent California from setting its own light bulb efficiency standards. The original author of the provision is House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Fred Upton [[R-MI), who is now supporting the repeal of his own idea after conservatives attacked it along with other clean energy programs.
http://www.democraticleader.gov/blog/

Fighting against a change in light bulbs is STUPID!

I don’t suggest buying energy efficient light bulbs from the grocery store or any of the main outlets, but you can get them from Dollar General or Dollars stores on the cheap… and they last FOEREVR.

I’ve replaced one in the last year and a half and that’s because I was clumsy and knocked the lamp off my desk and the bulb broke.

There is a slight [[very slight) delay when you first turn the switch on that takes a minute to get use to but after awhile, you don’t even think about it.

oh...and yes...I have seen an improvement in my energy bill...[[overall...the exception being heating fuel but one thing at a time)

But as most of us know….if it helps the people and the country, if the President is for it….if it saves money in the long run….the current crop of Rethugs are against it.

….fiscal conservatives my.....[[insert body part of choice here)

ms_m

07-13-2011, 04:16 PM

Food for thought about the latest campaign numbers for the POTUS

Pollster James Zogby wrote in September 2009 that Democrats were souring on Obama after the health-insurance-reform fight and for his policies on the war in Afghanistan. Liberal TV host Ed Schultz told former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs last year that “you’re losing your base.”

…yet the President has more support, at this point of the campaign than he did the last time [[and he won) and more support, at this point than any candidate in history.

Zogyby is a hack so to him I say…whatever but as much as many love Schultz, he’s a member of the PL, those extreme progressives I was talking about.

Funny thing …with all their hyperventilating, sky falling rhetoric and vitriolic name calling towards the POTUS….they are rarely right about anything, rarely admit when proven wrong and then move on to more hyperventilating, sky is falling rhetoric and vitriolic name calling…wash, rinse, repeat. [[a few exceptions not withstanding)

geesch…no wonder folks like Cenk Uygur [[another PL) didn’t have a problem teaming up with Norquist in the Health Debate Fights….two peas from very similar pods. IMO

ms_m

07-13-2011, 07:49 PM

RON PAUL: IS GOLD MONEY?
13 July 2011 by Cullen Roche 94 Comments

These are always entertaining exchanges. It’s like watching the lord of fiat money battle with the lord of metallic money. In today’s Congressional Testimony Ron Paul lectured Ben Bernanke on the ways of the world and the economy. He made some very interesting points along the lines that I generally make. The most important point was that the government should have focused on households rather than banks during the recovery process. Clearly, Ron Paul is right in this regards although I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him openly discuss the fact that this is a balance sheet recession [[though I could certainly be wrong).

But his most interesting question was with regards to gold. He asked:
“Do you think gold is money?”

To which Ben Bernanke replied:
“No, it’s a precious metal. Well, it’s an asset. Would you say treasury bills are money? I don’t think they’re money either.”

Both men are wrong in a strict legal sense. What Ben Bernanke should have said is:
“Money is a subjective term. It means different things to different people. What matters to you and I is whether we can use gold to pay our taxes. So, in this very strict definition as it pertains to what the U.S. government deems to be “money”, gold does not qualify whereas U.S. Treasuries do.”*

So naturally, it appears as though both men have a rather skewed perception of the reality of our fiat currency system.
http://pragcap.com/ron-paul-is-gold-money

One of the reasons I enjoy reading Cullen Roche is because he truly is pragmatic in his thinking and I agree with the above statement, although I will put this in my words…

Living in a society with a government...money is whatever a government says it is…..if we lived on an island and decided to use leaves as a means to trade for goods and services, or contribute revenue to the government, the island government would legally declare those leaves money…

Money is legal tender… legal tender is whatever the government deems it to be.

If you decide to take a gold bar to the Feds to pay your taxes, the Feds do not have to accept that gold bar because it is not considered legal tender in the USA.

Now the exception to this gold thing would be any gold coin/s minted and issued by the USA but a simple gold bar…NOPE!

THINK about it, even if you follow Glen Becks advice and buy, gold, gold, gold.... at some point, you will still need to go to a broker to exchange that gold for "legal tender" in order to purchase things.

One of my frustrations with this entire debt ceiling, deficit mess is neither side is explaining the true nature and operation of how our financial system works BUT...to be fair to both sides, how do you get it across to a public that thinks in sound bites?

Then you have the media, politicians, economist and Aunt Mable next door, getting things all arse backwards by comparing Federal debt with household debt, confusing people even more BUT....it's a simple analogy the public understands....an erroneous analogy, in terms of comparing one to the other but a simple one that people can relate to.

We the People/public must step to the plate and stop waiting and relying on politicians, the Feds, the media and or Aunt Mable... to tell us how this and that works. It doesn't matter that we simply elect officials to help run the country... we also have to understand how the country runs. How will we know if all these people are doing their jobs correctly, if we don't?

ms_m

07-13-2011, 08:46 PM

Well Dayum….

Looks like I’m going to eat a little crow because this is the closest thing to accuracy I’ve seen from MSM in a long time in reference to our financial system….and I will gladly eat more if they continue….pass the Texas Pete please!

Posted at 09:34 AM ET, 07/12/2011
We have a taxing problem, not just a spending problem
By Ezra Klein

The Bush tax cuts were not supposed to last forever. Alan Greenspan, whose oracular endorsement was perhaps the single most decisive event in their passage, made it very clear that they were a temporary solution to a temporary surplus. “Recent data significantly raise the probability that sufficient resources will be available to undertake both debt reduction and surplus-lowering policy initiatives,” Greenspan said in 2001.

Okay, so maybe he wasn’t so clear. But everyone knew what he meant. And, broadly speaking, they agreed. We had a big surplus. It was time to do something with it. Brad DeLong, a former Clinton administration official and an economist at the University of California at Berkeley, didn’t want to see the surplus spent on tax cuts. He wanted to see it spent on public investments. “Nevertheless,” he wrote in 2001, “it is hard to disagree with Greenspan’s position that — if our future economic growth is as bright as appears likely— it will be time by the middle of this decade to do something to drastically cut the government’s surpluses.”

Ten years later, there is no surplus. It turned out that our future economic growth wasn’t as bright as had seemed likely in 2001. That, plus $2 trillion in tax cuts and a few trillion more in wars and assorted spending, left us with large and growing deficits.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/we-have-a-taxing-problem-not-just-a-spending-problem/2011/07/11/gIQAkUfZAI_blog.html

ms_m

07-13-2011, 09:21 PM

Obama: Enough is Enough in Debt Talks, ‘This May Bring My Presidency Down, But I’m Not Yielding’
Susan Crabtree | July 13, 2011, 7:48PM

In what was described as tense and dramatic Wednesday evening meeting on the debt ceiling, President Obama repeatedly clashed with Majority Leader Eric Cantor [[R-VA) while giving both sides a Friday deadline on whether to go for a long-term reduction in deficit-spending or find a way simply to avoid a default.

At one point, Cantor pushed for a short-term extension of the Aug. 2 deadline for Congress to raise the nation's borrowing rate, a request Obama shot-down, according to a Democrat familiar with the discussions. He also told the group of Congressional leaders that they can't accomplish anything if everyone keeps sitting in their own corners refusing to budge and move beyond their political comfort zones.

After the the closed-door session at the White House, Cantor told Fox News that Obama ended the meeting by abruptly walking out of the room and all progress thus far had been erased in the Wednesday meeting.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/president-obama-gave-both-sides.php?ref=fpa

Unknown media sources are not what they use to be so in this day and age, the term drives me nuts but I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in today’s meeting….LOL

Pure conjecture on my part BUT...based on the PUBLIC health debate meeting and the polite but deadly way President Obama went after Cantor, I'm guessing he ripped him a new one in this PRIVATE meeting and little boy Cantor is now pouting and trying to make it seem like the Prez is the bad guy.

....yep, sitting in the back of Air Force One moment in deed!!!!!....TRANSLATION = Yo Cantor.....STFU!:cool:

ms_m

07-13-2011, 09:35 PM

I've been reluctant to post this because Cantor was tipped off about the story ahead of time and was able to sell off some of his stock to try and clean this up but….I can’t stand the dude and truly believe he is an arse and major crook.... so take from it what you will...

Eric Cantor's glaring conflict of interest
He's the GOP's chief debt ceiling negotiator. He's also invested in a fund that will skyrocket if there's a default

http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/06/27/eric_cantor_conflict_of_interest

ms_m

07-13-2011, 09:46 PM

and more....

Wall Street Journal profiled Eric Cantor’s investmentLast summer, the Wall Street Journal ran a story that revealed Eric Cantor had as much as $15,000 invested in ProShares Trust Ultrashort 20-plus Year Treasury ETF. As the name implies, this mutual fund “aggressively shorts” long-term U.S. Treasury bonds. That means when the U.S. debt load is at its worst, the ProShares EFT produces maximum ROI.Rep. Cantor’s financial records, which are publicly available via sources like OpenSecrets.org, indicate that he still has as much as $15,000 invested in the ProShares fund. According to government insiders, if the U.S. government is unable to raise the debt ceiling by Aug. 2, the nation will begin to default on its debt payments to creditors. According to Bloomberg, this will also force a government shutdown that will furlough 800,000 federal workers.“If the debt ceiling isn’t raised, investors would start fleeing U.S. Treasuries,” Matt Koppenheffer of Motley Fool told Salon. “Yields would rise, prices would fall, and the ProShares ETF should do very well. It would spike.”

http://www.newsytype.com/8313-eric-cantor-debt-ceiling-bet/

There are a lot of people on both sides of the isle I can live without but Cantor is #1 on my short list. No matter what I think about Boner politically, I hope he can stop crying long enough to KNOW that the blade he feels in his back is being held by this arse hole!

ms_m

07-13-2011, 11:01 PM

But hey….Gov Goodhair will save the day
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Despite Perry’s Tough Budget Talk, Texas’ Debt Growing Faster Than The Nation’s

By Alex Seitz-Wald on Jul 13, 2011 at 2:10 pm

For all his talk of fiscal conservationism on the national stage, Texas Gov. Rick Perry [[R) hasn’t been so parsimonious at home, where his state is racking up debt at a faster rate than the national government and in greater amounts than most other states. Perry regularly attacks President Obama for engaging in “too much spending” and running up too much debt, but as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Mitchell Schnurman writes today, Texas’ refusal to raise taxes has led to its own debt ballooning faster than Washington’s:

From 2001 to 2010, state debt alone grew from $13.4 billion to $37.8 billion, according to the Texas Bond Review Board. That’s an increase of 281 percent. Over the same time, the national debt rose almost 234 percent. [...]
Still, the trend is undeniable. While Texas lawmakers have refused to raise taxes — and often criticize Washington for borrowing and spending — the state has been paying for much of its expansion with borrowed money.
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/07/13/267895/texas-debt-faster/

...and for the record, there are a lot of decent people who live in Texas that don't deserve this BS but neither does the country. Perry needs to be cut off at the knees before he throws his hat in the presidential race. I read an excellent comment earlier...

Read My Lips....No New Texans;)

ms_m

07-13-2011, 11:11 PM

I'm posting this simply for crap and giggles

July 13, 2011
Lawmaker Admits Carving Initials Into Desk

Tennessee state Rep. Julia Hurley [[R) "who admits carving her initials into her desk in the state House chamber is going to have to pay to fix it," the AP reports. Hurley admitted she "wasn't thinking straight."

Hurley drew national attention earlier this year for crediting her success in politics to the time she spent working at Hooters restaurants.

The story isn’t worth the time to read…so forget the link but it’s true and there’s always google.:)

ms_m

07-14-2011, 02:52 AM

Tensions Escalate as Stakes Grow in Fiscal Clash

“Our problem is, we made a big deal about this for three months,” said Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina.
“How many Republicans have been on TV saying, ‘I am not going to raise the debt limit,’ ” said Mr. Graham, including himself in the mix of those who did so. “We have no one to blame but ourselves.”

“I strongly support Senator McConnell’s efforts to avoid a default on our nation’s debt, and the last-case emergency proposal he outlined yesterday to ensure that Republicans aren’t unduly blamed for failure to raise the debt ceiling,” said Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona.

“He will say Republicans are making the economy worse,” Mr. McConnell said in an interview with the conservative radio host Laura Ingraham. “It is an argument that he could have a good chance of winning, and all of the sudden we have co-ownership of the economy. That is a very bad position going into the election.”

Show of hands, how many think this sudden level of maturity has to do with their corporate masters yanking their chains? [[waving hand vigorously in the air)

At this, Mr. Cantor said, the president “got very agitated, seemingly.” Mr. Cantor quoted the president as saying: “Eric, don’t call my bluff. I’m going to the American people with this.”
Then, Mr. Cantor said, “He shoved back and said, ‘I’ll see you tomorrow’ and walked out.”
“I was a little taken aback,” Mr. Cantor added.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/us/politics/14fiscal.html?pagewanted=1&hp

I have a deep desire to see Cantor pimped slapped by the POTUS but that’s not going to happen and I doubt if Cantor’s version of the story happened either…first of all, let’s recap….it was Cantor who walked out in a huff on these negotiations and then Boner took over and walked out too….

The POTUS called for these meetings, heads these meetings and can stop these meetings at any point and leave….it’s one of the perks of being HCIC [[that would be head chief in charge) and yeah I cleaned it up and that's all I'm going to say about it.

….for almost three years we’ve heard nothing but how the POTUS doesn’t loose his temper and NOW after all this time he supposedly made a move that took Cantor…”aback”….PLEASE…Eric Cantor would not know the truth if it slapped him upside the head and called him daddy!

Did the POTUS punk him and adjourn the meeting, probably…

Is the POTUS frustrated with the Rethugs…are you kidding me, even the Teapubs are frustrated with these clowns so that would be a hell to the yes and aren’t we all…

Did he do anything that would take Cantor aback….that would be a NO, NADA, ZILCH…and I know this how….I’ll answer that with another question…..have you ever seem ‘em sweat?

ms_m

07-14-2011, 03:15 AM

July 13, 2011
First Study of Its Kind Shows Benefits of Providing Medical Insurance to Poor
Posted by Linda H on 8:00 AM

When poor people are given medical insurance, they not only find regular doctors and see doctors more often but they also feel better, are less depressed and are better able to maintain financial stability, according to a new, large-scale study that provides the first rigorously controlled assessment of the impact of Medicaid.

While the findings may seem obvious, health economists and policy makers have long questioned whether it would make any difference to provide health insurance to poor people.

The study found that those with insurance were 25 percent less likely to have an unpaid bill sent to a collection agency and were 40 percent less likely to borrow money or fail to pay other bills because they had to pay medical bills.
Dr. Finkelstein said she had thought that the people were so poor to begin with that they just did not spend very much out of pocket on medical care when they did not have insurance. “Yet look at the results,” she said.

“Being uninsured is incredibly stressful from a financial perspective, a psychological perspective, a physical perspective,” she said. “It is a huge relief to people not to have to worry about it day in and day out.”

http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/07/first-study-of-its-kind-shows-benefits.html

Yes it is obvious, at least to poor people but if empirical data is what it takes to document the obvious…it works for me!

ms_m

07-14-2011, 01:57 PM

The Boehner Illusion
By Joshua Green
Jul 14 2011, 6:13 AM ET 67

The tea party uprising that stopped a debt deal -- and John Boehner -- showed where the real power lies with Republicans

When important politicians find themselves in a vulnerable position, they often respond by pretending that what appears to be weakness is, in fact, part of some sophisticated strategy that is underappreciated and actually quite brilliant. House Speaker John Boehner was able to keep up this ruse for the first six months of his speakership. But on Saturday, everything abruptly fell apart when his own party turned on him and aborted the historic $4 trillion deficit-reduction deal he was negotiating with President Obama.

Given the Republicans' path back to power, Boehner was always an unlikely leader. His weakness derives from his being a 20-year veteran of Washington who happened to be next in line for the speakership when last fall's Tea Party uprising delivered the House of Representatives to the Republicans. Boehner, the consummate insider, became speaker thanks to a bunch of militant outsiders. Power doesn't get more fragile than that.

But Boehner himself never conceded this. Instead, he laid out an elaborate theory of governance whereby he would end the recent House tradition of iron-fisted rule, employed by both Nancy Pelosi and Dennis Hastert [[really Majority Leader Tom DeLay), and delegate power from the speaker's office to the committees, freshly stocked with new ideologues. He presented this as the act of a true conservative instinctively inclined toward decentralizing power, and a sign of his allegiance to the cause. But all this was simply an attempt to put a noble polish on an act of appeasement necessary to maintain his precarious perch.
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/07/the-boehner-illusion/241924/

There are so many plots, subplots and mini plots going on in all this mess it’s hard to keep up sometimes but I have to wonder if the “old heads,” Boner and McConnell have at least one ace up their sleeve. Not to use against the President but the youngun, Eric”Brutus in Waiting” Cantor. Time will tell.

ms_m

07-14-2011, 02:19 PM

Posted at 10:08 AM ET, 07/14/2011
Bachmann tosses all reason aside
By Richard Cohen

My grandmother was illiterate. She was cossetted in an impregnable ignorance that made her confident in her judgment and unassailable in her opinions. She died many years ago, but I fear she has come back . . . as Michele Bachmann.

Bachmann, too, is certain about most of her views. She is particularly certain about what would happen if the debt ceiling were not raised: nothing. The United State would not go into default and the full faith and credit of the government would not be affected. Anyone who suggests otherwise is simply wrong, she says.

How does she know? Barring the possibility that she has once again heard from God, the answer is that she does not. Important members of the Republican Party either strongly disagree with her or confess that they don’t know what will happen — maybe nothing, maybe a catastrophe. In either case, prudence requires that the ceiling be raised. Who wants to roll the dice on the American economy?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/post/bachmann-tosses-all-reason-aside/2011/07/14/gIQAhx76DI_blog.html

…she has done away with reason itself. She believes what she believes because she believes it.

I don’t think this is what’s scary or troubling about Bachmann…IMO, what’s scary or troubling, there are millions of voters, who are the exact same way…

ms_m

07-14-2011, 03:53 PM

GOP Demand Obama Protect Seniors From Default, Won’t Name What To Cut Instead
Benjy Sarlin | July 14, 2011, 2:46PM

Republican lawmakers are pushing President Obama to put seniors, troops, and bondholders at the front of the line should Congress fail to raise the debt ceiling. The rest? Well, that's up to him.

"We're just calling on the president to assume the role of CEO and prioritize accordingly," Rep. Rick Crawford [[R-AR) said at a press conference on the issue. Participants repeatedly accused Obama of trying to "scare seniors" by suggesting Social Security payments might be suspended in the wake of a default crisis.

One reporter shouted a question as to whether things like, say, keeping criminals in federal prisons or securing the border might also be added to the list.
"They're all priorities," Rep. Louie Gohmert [[R-TX). "As our colleagues here have said, we need to keep our promises and the money is there to do that."
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/gop-demand-obama-protect-seniors-from-default-wont-name-what-to-cut-instead.php?ref=fpblg

This is too nuts…what happened to fiscal conservative spending…what happen to Paul Ryans voucher plan that would eventually make Medicare non existent?
They yell for months, hell years about “entitlements” and NOW it’s... add to unemployment and put government workers out of work but keep your hands off my SS...and oh yeah, it’s all the President’s fault.
:eek:
If there are any sane, reasonable thinking Republicans left, you folks need to take your party back before it becomes extinct. It’s seriously delusional and on the edge of the cliff….seriously

…she has done away with reason itself. She believes what she believes because she believes it.

I don’t think this is what’s scary or troubling about Bachmann…IMO, what’s scary or troubling, there are millions of voters, who are the exact same way…

ms_m

07-14-2011, 04:35 PM

This is NOT his week!

Rupert Murdoch Under FBI Investigation: News Corp. Reportedly Targeted Over 9/11 Victims Hacking Scandal

NEW YORK -- The FBI has opened an investigation into allegations that media mogul Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. sought to hack into the phones of Sept. 11 victims, a law enforcement official said Thursday.

The decision to investigate was made after U.S. Rep. Peter King and several other members of Congress wrote FBI Director Robert Mueller demanding an investigation, said the official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak publicly.

The official stressed that the probe was in its infancy but declined to discuss the scope of it or say whether any investigative steps had been taken.

News Corp., based in New York, has been in crisis mode because of a scandal that sank its U.K. newspaper the News of the World.

A rival newspaper reported last week that the News of the World had hacked into the phone of U.K. teenage murder victim Milly Dowler in 2002 and may have impeded a police investigation into her disappearance.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/14/fbi-news-corp-investigation_n_898653.html

I don’t know about the 9/11 story because the sources sound shaky but if he hacked phones in the UK, it’s reasonable to believe he did it here.

I’ve seen articles where columnist are taking bets if Murdoch can survive this thing…many think he can and his Saudi partner [[Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal) seems to be sticking with him as well. It’s said the guy is a very shrewd investor.

..and you know I love irony right....well apparently the Teapubs are just getting the memo about the partner [[who has been the 2ND LARGEST share holder for quite some time now).... and are abandoning the Murdoch ship because they think "THE Muslim" is trying to control the world through Murdoch....lawd love a duck!

ms_m

07-14-2011, 05:08 PM

I had to post this to give some folks hope…

Gallup Poll: ‘Generic Republican’ Leads Obama by 8 Points
By Katie Glueck

For the first time a generic “Republican Party candidate” is favored by a statistically significant margin over President Barack Obama, the Gallup polling firm said.

President Barack Obama sits with House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, left, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Wednesday, as he met with congressional leaders regarding the debt ceiling. [[AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

According to a Gallup poll released Thursday, 47% of registered voters would choose the “Republican Party’s candidate for president,” while 39% said they would pull the lever for Mr. Obama. Gallup called the result the “first statistically significant” lead for Republicans among registered voters; last month, the generic Republican was ahead of the president, 44% to 39%, within the poll’s margin of error. Among independent voters, the latest poll showed 44% supported the Republican candidate while 34% went for Mr. Obama, with one in five having no opinion, the poll reported.
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2011/07/14/gallup-poll-generic-republican-leads-obama-by-8-points/?mod=WSJBlog

and then snatch it back…..

Gallup cautioned that polling this far in advance doesn’t have much predictive ability. And a generic republican” won’t be running.

:cool:

ms_m

07-14-2011, 05:33 PM

July 14, 2011, 4:00 pm
What Happened Between Cantor and Obama?
By MICHAEL D. SHEAR

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/what-happened-between-cantor-and-obama/?nl=us&emc=politicsemailema1

Another article re-hashing the same stuff trying to squeeze out more mileage, but as I was reading the comments…something someone said resonated.

It really doesn’t matter which version of the story is true [[I suspect the truth is somewhere in the middle) because however he left the room…the POTUS left the room leaving Cantor hanging…. and he’s getting major kudos for doing so…

I can’t confirm but supposedly the POTUS has picked up over 200,00k more campaign contributors…and that’s on top of the 500,000 just reported a few days ago

ms_m

07-14-2011, 06:03 PM

I have a friend I send comments of the day...there have been so many gems in the last few days, I haven't been able to pick just one. LOL

A few faves:

Yesterday these guys were saying "No problem if we run past the August 2nd deadline; Obama is lying when he says otherwise." And now they are praying to Obama to save them from the consequences of running past the August 2nd deadline.

"Hey, Dad, we're going to set the house on fire and tell the cops you did it. While you are fighting the blaze, be sure to get my stuff out first."

Oh, and dad, would you light this match for me, and toss it over there. I'm kinda afraid of fire.

… so much for the party whose 2008 slogan was "Country first!"

but I've designated today's winner...the rechristening of the Grand Old Party brand

Get Obama Party

ms_m

07-14-2011, 06:34 PM

musehill's posterous
• Muse Hill

July 14, 2011
Cargo Cult Republicans

During World War II, the American military brought people, equipment, and goods to previously isolated, but inhabited, Pacific Islands. They used them as stop-over points and bases of operations. The inhabitants of those islands took a liking to the supplies the Americans brought over in their shiny metal airplanes. To them, these Americans clearly had the favor of some powerful gods. And they wanted some of that action for themselves. So began the cargo cults, novel religious movements that aimed to propitiate the gods and win their favor by mimicking the Americans' methods. That included building ersatz landing strips, complete with simulated wooden towers, and reenacting the motions of ground crew as religious rituals. They believed that if that just did the right things in the right ways, they too could gain the favor of the gods and all that sweet, sweet cargo.

Today Republicans in the U.S. have created their own cargo cult, hoping to win the favor of "Job Creators" with equally useless gestures and hollow rituals.

http://musehill.posterous.com/cargo-cult-republicans

Economics 101 …if you never, ever learn anything about our economy please learn this and commit it to memory.

Reagan’s Supply side economics was one of the biggest frauds perpetrated on this country

And this is coming from a person who benefited from trickle down money BUT….

If you have little or no money…..there will be little or no demand for goods and services.

If you cut off the money, eg. benefits, so call entitlements, etc…where are people suppose to get the money to pay for goods and services…..ooooh, PULL YOURSELF UP BY THE BOOTSTRAPS AND GET A JOB you say….HELLOOO….no demand for goods and services = no jobs!!!!!!!!....no job? no unemployment check?...no money for goods and services…..

and how are programs funded…..TAXES….no tax revenue, no money to fund programs, no money going out into the public…no demand for goods and services…

and don't get me started about how shrinking the Feds so small it can be drown in a bathtub makes the above look like a bed of roses!

ms_m

07-14-2011, 06:43 PM

Politics and politicians have become dirty words and I truly understand why but there isn't any reason why they have to be.

The real problem is political ideology...although personally I think all ideology has gotten out of control but I'll stick with politics. When people let political ideology over rule common sense and practical operations of this country, we will be screwed every single time.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone's need to believe in something....I would NEVER do that... all I'm asking is that you use reason and validated, hard facts to balance those beliefs. Find a balance that works for you but PLEASE find a balance!

ms_m

07-14-2011, 08:09 PM

Obama To Congress: You Have 36 Hours…Before Our Next Meeting
Brian Beutler | July 14, 2011, 6:50PM

President Obama told Congressional leaders to reach a final agreement on a path to raise the debt limit in the next 24-36 hours or...he'll call another meeting at the White House.

A Republican aide described today's nearly two hour gathering as "composed and polite" -- probably because, according to a Democratic aide, unlike on Wednesday evening Rep. Eric Cantor [[R-VA) didn't pipe up once.

Democrats and Republicans will now brief their caucuses on potential spending cuts and figure out whether the cuts they've identified are workable, or whether they have to resort to Mitch McConnell's Plan Z. According to a Democratic official familiar with the talks, while the president "appreciates Senators Reid and McConnell trying to solve the immediate problem," in his eyes it "remains a fallback option." We'll find out more when President Obama briefs the media about progress tomorrow.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/obama-to-congress-you-have-36-hoursbefore-our-next-meeting.php?ref=fpb

Eric Cantor [[R-VA) didn't pipe up once.

I wonder why? ;)

ms_m

07-14-2011, 10:09 PM

Palin Decides She Doesn’t Like McConnell Plan, Immediately Invents A Reason For Why It Is Unconstitutional
By Ian Millhiser on Jul 14, 2011 at 11:50 am

Gov. Sarah Palin [[R) laid out this argument last night on Fox News:

We will not hand over more power, which I think is unconstitutional, to President Obama to further manipulate our economy. You know, Article I, Section 8 of our Constitution spells out that Congress has the power of the purse strings, so this plan of McConnell’s I think makes no sense because it does cede power to our president and takes away that authority that is inherent in Congress to control the economic decisions that have to be made when it comes to debt.

Similarly, there is absolutely nothing radical about Congress delegating authority to the executive branch. The power to delegate authority is one of Congress’ most well established powers [[http://www.law.buffalo.edu/Academics/courses/631/eemeid/materials/Mistretta.htm), and it is the reason why federal agencies are allowed to both write regulations and administer funds. Without this power, a functioning federal government cannot exist.

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2011/07/14/269126/no-mcconnell-is-not-unconstitutional/

I don’t care about Palin. She’s become irrelevant but this highlights what I spoke about earlier.

When political ideology takes a back seat to facts and a functional government, we shoot ourselves in the foot…. You have people hearing what Palin said, thinking it's the truth, thinking it's the way the government works and they are wrong, she's wrong.

PLEASE again and also too:)...do not let ideology get in the way of facts and reason.

ms_m

07-14-2011, 11:21 PM

I enjoy reading and I like sharing what I read but I have to be honest and tell ya, there are days I feel like I'm talking to a brick wall because of the lack of feedback....but...the feeling eventually passes and what will be, will be so I keep going.

With that said, I have a question and would love an answer...Not to debate but to understand.

I read a comment that said [[and I paraphrase)....we need a balanced budget, we should only spend what we take in.

My first thought was, well that's the way a household operates not the Feds...then I thought...based on the comment .....if the Feds are taking in a limited amount of revenue, [[taxes) they would only be able to spend a limited amount of money. If the Feds limits the amount of money it spends, less money goes out into the public arena...less money in the public arena, less money in the pockets of citizens, less money in the pockets of citizens.....well I think [[hope) you see where I'm going.

Putting aside right versus left, putting aside political beliefs or what Fed money should or should not be spent on....what if anything about the above statement doesn't seem reasonable or logical?

Again, not looking for a debate but an understanding of another point of view.

stephanie

07-15-2011, 12:35 AM

Ms M you are on a roll today! I really dont know how to answer the last question because I keep thinking that our economy is good when people are spending a lot of money and not saving. I dont know if we should ever have a balanced budget or not. I am glad you talked about gold because everybody keeps saying buy it but you cant get goods with it from Costco, or KMart! We have not had enough gold to back the dollar for years to that gold argument reminds me of people who made money off of the Y2K crisis.

At this point in the game I dont even understand why anyone would listen to someone who quit her governorship and goes on the public speaking circuit. I saw a snippet of Sarah Palins Alaska on cable and she said she didnt want to sit behind a desk in a stuffy office so why would anyone vote for her to be President? Her daughter just wrote a book now and had plastic surgery done I guess she is grooming her for stardom....LOL I dont know when this woman is going to become irrelevant I guess McCain putting her on his ticket [[or his advisors) was the best thing that could happen to this former beauty queen governor.

I dont believe one word of what the Republicans say about smaller government. Ms Bachmann and all of them will be crying the blues if they dont get those entitlements and grants to keep certain farm subsidies and other perks alive. Im glad there is a split in the Republican party it is the first time I have not seen them stick together like they usually do, they are so busy trying to bring the President down that they are running around like chickens debating about whether they should cave in or not to the President. He is in a good position right now and he is not as stupid as they think he is. I think the GOP thinks that he is afraid of them and I am sure he is not. He has spoken many times without a teleprompter and can deal with their criticism and bickering of his so called socialist and communist ways. I predict that they will come back with another plan and claim that they thought it up when its something that he has already done [[President Obama that is)

ms_m

07-15-2011, 01:14 AM

The post was meant to be about what Palin said...not about Palin. I wanted to highlight how understanding the role of the government and letting your ideology get in the way can hamper not help.

On the subject of gold, if a person is an investor I don't see anything wrong with buying gold or any commodity as a way to hedge your bets against the dollar...but that's really an investment strategy conversation for a financial adviser.

Ron Paul has an obsession with us going back to the gold standard so I'm guessing the question was somewhat of a lead in to that...I didn't watch the hearings. Cullen's comment was only focusing on the question, is gold money... gold is not legal tender therefore it's not money under the terms of what we legally call money....not here anyway. That's not to say you can't trade it in for legal tender...but in and of itself it's not legal tender/money, in the USA.

I dont believe one word of what the Republicans say about smaller government

Stephanie, I understand where you are coming from with that statement but what I am really trying to understand and point out.....do you not believe what they say based on facts of how government works or not work...or... do you not believe because they are Republicans?

BTW...on the subject of gold....the operative word is "legal".....as in what is legal tender in the US.

ms_m

07-15-2011, 11:46 AM

Another excellent press conference and I'll post it later when it becomes available....it's probably on c-span now though.

It's really sad that this country has allowed itself to let ideology take full control of a debate....I'll say this again....find a balance between ideology and reason, and we're on our way to getting this country back in order.....don't find that balance....we're screwed!...that's a warning for all sides

ms_m

07-15-2011, 12:56 PM

Boehner: No Debt Limit Solution Til After Vote On Balanced Budget Amendment
Brian Beutler | July 15, 2011, 11:03AM

Whatever the ultimate outcome of the debt limit fight, the theatrics will continue in the House of Representatives for another week or so.

Scores of House Republicans say they won't vote to raise the debt limit unless a Constitutional balanced budget amendment has been sent off to the states for ratification. And so whatever Speaker John Boehner [[R-OH) and other Congressional leaders decide about the real path ahead, he'll hold votes next week on a major spending cut and spending cap plan that includes a hike in the debt ceiling, and, separately, on a balanced budget amendment. The latter would require a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate and, in its current form, stands little chance of passing either chamber.

The votes themselves will put some political pressure on Democrats to support the nominally popular balanced budget amendment, and will allow Republicans to claim they voted to raise the debt limit in the event that the government runs out of borrowing authority. But the so-called "cut, cap, and balance" approach is dead on arrival in the Senate.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/boehner-no-debt-limit-solution-til-after-vote-on-balanced-budget-amendment.php?ref=fpa

"Hey, Dad, [[Mr. President) we're going to set the house on fire and tell the cops you did it. While you are fighting the blaze, be sure to get my stuff out first."

Oh, and dad, would you light this match for me, and toss it over there. I'm kinda afraid of fire.

ms_m

07-15-2011, 01:53 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CemfB_Z6elY&feature=player_embedded

Thank you for saying it better than I ever could Mr. President!

ms_m

07-15-2011, 03:19 PM

Today's Press Conference

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raQSMXI7yyQ&feature=player_embedded

ms_m

07-15-2011, 04:53 PM

An anecdote:D

I was a daddy’s girl.... When I was a little girl my father could do no wrong in my eyes. As I grew older, I started to realize my daddy wasn’t perfect. He was a good man, a decent man and he was an honest man but he was not perfect...but the love I felt for my father as a little girl, grew deeper and stronger as an adult….even though I understood…he could do wrong. [[at times)

At my father’s funeral I sat and listened to all the accolades and the eulogizing and at one point, leaned over to my daughter and asked, who are they talking about?

I’ve studied the POTUS, I’ve listened to him, I’ve read his words [[direct quotes)…
but too often when I hear someone talk or write about what he has said or done…I go back to that one moment at my father’s funeral when I asked, who are they talking about.

If you listened to the press conference live or the video of the presser above and then read the headline below….you will probably have a who are they talking about moment too, also.;)

Obama Pushes Means Testing Of Medicare In Debt Talks
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/obama-ready-to-consider-means-testing-of-medicare.php?ref=fpb

For those of you who haven’t had a chance to listen, he did not push means testing…..it was brought up as an example of one of the things he was willing to look at or consider but he didn’t push for it. He laid out some things he felt were needed and the things he wanted to see happen that would help….and he spoke about what he could accept if he didn’t get all that he wanted, but he didn’t “push” the issue of means testing.

Headlines like these, sound bites and talking points can lull us into believing things that simply are not true….the irony, if you actually read the article, it contradicts the headline but….many people don’t read articles closely, [[or at all) they don’t listen to the pressers….they only pay attention to the soundbites, talking points and headlines…

Am I crazy to think that digging a little deeper pass the soundbites, hearsay and talking points... listening a little harder and reading a little more is wrong?

Rhetorical question.:p

"I always have hope, don't you remember my campaign...even after being here two and a half years," he later added.

No matter how frustrated I get, angry I get and I'm sure to some, down right B$##chy I get....I had HOPE before Barack Obama was ever on my radar. I will continue to have hope long after he's gone but I doubt...I will ever truly understand why humans seem to choose to make their life and the lives of others more difficult, based on rigid ideas and ideological beliefs.

ms_m

07-15-2011, 05:17 PM

UPDATE : 1:30 p.m. -- An administration official sent HuffPost the following statement in order to point out that President Obama was not advocating lowering the income threshold at which Medicare beneficiaries would be asked to pay higher premiums. Currently, Medicare premiums for doctors and for prescription drugs are already means tested, meaning that couples making over $170,000 or singles over $85,000 [[about 5% of Medicare beneficiaries) already pay somewhat higher Medicare premiums. What the President referenced today was his openness, as part of a potential big deal, to asking Medicare recipients over those high-income thresholds to pay modestly higher premiums. At no point did the Administration express openness to raising premiums on Medicare beneficiaries below those income levels. [[Note that the Affordable Care Act already included a nominal freeze of those high income thresholds through 2019, resulting in modestly greater means-testing for high income Medicare beneficiaries).

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/15/obama-medicare-means-testing_n_899839.html

Check out the Huffington Post Headline...it's the reason the WH sent the update.....I don't know if it's about getting hits with sensationalize headlines, trying to manipulate the masses or whether people really are dumb as a box of rocks and lack reading AND listening comprehension skills.....I report....you decide!

stephanie

07-15-2011, 10:07 PM

I like Huff Po but yes they are putting up sensational headlines now to get hits I have noticed this a few months ago. I liked that clip of President Obama talking about the Emancipation Proclamation and the compromise that Lincoln made. O seems to like Lincoln I think he talks to him at night I really do. Obama is not afraid to talk about his own I was quite shocked he mentioned the Huffington Post where most of the posters on the board support him. Hey he is right you cant have everyone agreeing with you all of the time.

ms_m

07-15-2011, 11:08 PM

Stephanie, you make me smile. Thanks for taking the time to give me feedback. It's always appreciated.:D

ms_m

07-16-2011, 12:37 AM

Hey, let’s be clear: based on the measure of progress by the alleged progressives in 2011 Medicare as passed in the 60′s would be DOA in 2011. My, wouldn’t they feel pure? Wouldn’t they feel principled for defeating it?

Medicare is the perfect example of “celebrate progress and push for more.” Medicare is so much more now than it was 50 years ago. That’s because progressives then, did not try to do the damage the PL is trying to do now.

This statement is so true although my caveat would also include Repubs as well as extreme left progressives.... but it started me thinking about a few other things.

Medicare really is one of the most successful health care programs we have today and the main thing that threatens it is not President Obama but that dayum Bush Jr. Medicare Pharmaceutical crap. Not only was it not paid for but a rip off. CUT IT...CHOP IT UP INTO A MILLION PIECES. I would not bat an eye, shed a tear or lift a finger to save it from the chopping block.

Oh noooooooo, the sky is falling he wants to cut entitlements...how dare he, he's a sell out:rolleyes:.....oh please, give me a friggin break.

.....BREAK....

Since moving back home I’ve seen up close and personal how businesses do everything they can to pull the wool over the eyes of seniors. Because many of them are not as mentally sharp as they once were….they get hosed into all kinds of BS they think is helping them when in reality, it’s hurting them financially and making life harder not easier.

YET…you have candidates peddling their lies and convincing folks that big business should not be subjected to regulations in the name of freedom….BS…..how can any smart and or sane person, not understand it was the repeal of regulations that lead us to the economics mess we find ourselves in today?

Taking away regulations creates jobs…where the hell are the jobs? Not taxing big business creates jobs…where the hell are the jobs?

Let’s let every man, woman, child and corporate entity do whatever the hell they would like to do in the name of freedom and liberty…no matter who their actions hurt….hell no!

Don’t tread on me you say…..listen up mofo….don’t tread on me either!!!!!:mad:

GIVING PEOPLE THE FREEDOM TO RUN AMUCK AND DISRUPT THE LIVES OF OTHERS IS NOT LIBERTY…IT’S ANARCHY!

Vent over!

ms_m

07-16-2011, 01:07 AM

Carmageddon: Los Angeles Faces Final Countdown To Epic Traffic Jam

LOS ANGELES, July 15 [[Reuters) -- Los Angeles motorists on Friday faced a final countdown to "Carmageddon," the epic traffic jam expected as transit crews begin to close a key stretch of the 405 Freeway during the evening rush hour.

The California Highway Patrol said commuter traffic was normal for a Friday morning through the Sepulveda Pass -- the 405 section slated for the unprecedented weekend shutdown -- with lighter-than usual congestion compared to other weekdays.

"There is nothing out of the ordinary for the morning commute," said CHP officer Francisco Villalobos, a spokesman for the agency's Traffic Management Center. "People are, for lack of a better term, behaving out there."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/15/carmageddon-los-angeles-final-countdown-traffic-jam_n_900480.html

Carmageddon?

LOL….only in LA

This sounds like normal LA traffic with some pretty cool perks to me. Except for the helicopter ride for 400 bucks.:eek:

ms_m

07-16-2011, 01:40 AM

Pawlenty Draws Attention With Debt Ceiling Rhetoric, But Sends Mixed Signals On Action [UPDATED]

The DNC and others attacked Pawlenty for saying that creditors such as the Chinese should be paid before those in the military or Social Security recipients.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/15/pawlenty-sending-mixed-si_n_900180.html

I read this article twice. Pawlenty’s stance is so convoluted I don’t have a clue what he’s actually promoting but…

Did you guys know that China is no longer the biggest holder of US Bonds/debt?

This links to an article from 2010 but I find it hard to believe that anything we’ve done or I should say haven’t done….would prompt China to reverse dumping our bonds. …and ironically…I remember reading somewhere that Japan now holds the honor of being our biggest bond holder….I rarely get a chance to use this word but….talk about schadenfreude .

China sells $34.2bn of US treasury bonds
Analysts fear Beijing's move may suggest a loss of faith in American government's economic policy
Wednesday 17 February 2010 17.11 GMT
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/feb/17/china-sells-us-treasury-bonds

stephanie

07-16-2011, 09:25 AM

Ms M I woke up an hour ago and I will be at the hospital for two hours when I come back I will read the last three articles and comment. I want to give an intelligent answer not just two sentences to get your groove on. Chow!

ms_m

07-16-2011, 10:16 AM

Sounds like a plan Stephanie. :cool:

Say hello to your mom for me. [[waving)

destruction

07-16-2011, 10:32 AM

It's been a minute Buddy......

First.....I know that you caved on the "American Public" issue.....and after reading the Dr. Flouride and "Google Makes You Dumb" pieces yesterday.....I know I can't bait u back in.

I still ain't got my Ergo chair yet.....though they keep popping up around me like dandelions. My neihbor got one last week.... and her "hand me down" chair is way much cooler than the "peas" where I'm currently sitting. But having Social Security blasted all over the TV and Papers is not making my life a bowl of cherries.....cept last week.

I was called to a meeting of the Higher of Highs in my Agency.....for no other reason than to make sure that I grabbed my boss's foot before he inserted it if he was called upon to speak.....other than that....I was window dressing. My Grand Poobah walked past me, turned back and said, "Glad you're here....I cld use a laugh". It wasn't the promotion I was hoping for, but at least he got all the vowels in my name right. Towards the very end, he looked over at me and said, "So how are things for you and your think in D.C." I responded...."Better than ever....Wanna see my new tattoo?" The fact that the laugh for the audience was my louder than it shld have been.....demonstrates how the gravity of the situation. And though nobody in that room is even remotely responsible for our fiscal issues.....we all bear the weight.

Keep fighting the good fight.......and if perchance you see me with a sword staring at your across the battlefield.....Beat quick and strong with your strick...please...Zombie Des.........ADew.

ms_m

07-16-2011, 11:21 AM

hahahahahaha

you know you're a dayum fool right?....[[for those who take offense..Des understands I'm not being mean)

You should come around more often though....we may be on opposite sides of the battleground at times but we always seem to end up on the same side....I can live with dat!

arrivederci Tin Man:cool:

ms_m

07-16-2011, 10:42 PM

Congressional GOP Leaders Slowly Convincing Newer Members of Importance of Raising Debt Ceiling

By Reid Wilson
Updated: July 16, 2011 | 6:40 p.m.
July 16, 2011 | 5:43 p.m.

On August 3, according to Powell's presentation, the federal government would be on the hook for $32 billion in committed spending, including $23 billion in Social Security checks, $500 million in federal worker salaries, $1.4 billion owed to Defense Department vendors and $100 million in refunds the IRS owes to businesses. On the same day, the government will take in only $12 billion in revenue, giving the government a $20 billion cash deficit. By August 15, when the federal government is on the hook for a $29 billion interest payment, the cash shortfall will have grown to $74 billion—and possibly more, if interest rates on U.S. debt rises.

http://nationaljournal.com/congress/congressional-gop-leaders-slowly-convincing-newer-members-of-importance-of-raising-debt-ceiling-20110716

I said this in another post, Aug 3rd [[SS) checks I’m not concerned with but what I didn’t say, what could happen after Aug 3rd will probably be the kicker.

I’ve been hearing various politicians talk about picking and choosing what should be paid and what should not…Gubment doesn’t work like that…Gubment computers don’t work that way to be more specific. The US has always paid it's bills...period...never a need to decide what to pay or what not to pay.

I read that Fed IT don’t even know if they can come up with a program for something like that and even if they can…not by Aug 3rd…hence the angst Des’ alluded to from his boss.

Now I’m guessing there are people thinking, well this is why we need smaller gubment…well, while you are cutting back the gubment I suggest you cut back the size of the US population too…

80 million checks go out to Seniors and Veterans in the state of Minn….80 million… and that’s only one state out of 50…Seniors and Veterans are not the only people that need to get paid and I’m only referring to the essential things that the population is saying they don’t and will not give up….”hands off my Medicare”

Ideological sound bites may seem cool and compelling when railing against the Feds and the political party/politicians we love to hate but when reality sets in…???

Also, too…I’ve been meaning to update a comment I made. I said we needed the debt ceiling when we were on the gold standard….no we didn’t. The debt ceiling has been raised almost from the start of its inception. Congress spends money….doesn’t matter which side spends because they both do and when they reach the debt ceiling they raise it and spend more….so why a debt ceiling ….political football.

Go back to the gold standard and force congress to adhere to the debt ceiling right?
Yeah, ok….do you guys know why Nixon took us off the gold standard, probably a good time to look it up.

Anyhoo…

Will a deal be struck at the 11th hour…maybe…maybe not; I haven’t heard any 100% …I know this for a fact, beyond a shadow of a doubt guarantees one way or the other. At this point and with many of the Tea Party electorate telling their congressman to let the Feds crash and burn… the odds look 50/50 to me.

BTW

Have you guys ever heard the one where Germany’s economy was so bad it was cheaper for kids to play with stacks of German money than it was to buy toy blocks….
http://www.history.ucsb.edu/faculty/marcuse/classes/33d/projects/1920s/Econ20s.htm

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/57bee4619f805d31abc1b4bab002843b.jpg

Listen folks, I’m not trying to scare anyone. This isn’t 1920 and we’re not Germany but I am trying to get you to think. We all have a voice…now is a pretty good time to start using it as oppose to telling yourself it doesn’t matter or pretending like this will all turn out ok….It may….I don’t know for sure….do you?

ms_m

07-16-2011, 11:47 PM

Scott Walker Concedes Mistakes, Defends Policies
By Edith Honan

SALT LAKE CITY, July 16 [[Reuters) - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, whose moves to curb state workers' bargaining power brought massive protests, said this weekend he made mistakes but defended the policy steps of his rocky first term.

The fractious debate over the union measures propelled Wisconsin to the front of a wider national political battle over benefits and bargaining rights for public sector employees and triggered the biggest opposition demonstrations in the state since the Vietnam War.

Aside from criticism by those who thought Walker was unfairly undercutting state worker rights, he and his fellow Republicans came under fire for tactics seen by some as bullying and not allowing for sufficient debate or possible compromise.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/16/scott-walker-mistakes-policies_n_900820.html

Two things:
Ideology versus reality...more often than not, reality will win

and...

"The mistake I made early on is, I looked at it almost like the head of a small business: identify a problem, identify a solution and go out and do it,"

Looks like homie and the people of Wisconsin found out the hard way….running a gubment and running a business are not the same thing...

ms_m

07-17-2011, 01:39 AM

A FYI Moment

I’ve been curious why the POTUS never seem enthused about sec 4 of the 14 amendment….the we can’t default thingy….

On the surface it sounds like a great plan to get around this mess since the POTUS is sworn to uphold the Constitution but there’s a fly in the ointment…actually several

If we can’t default we have to pay our bills right….well the Constitution also says, only Congress has the authority to spend money …so what’s a POTUS going to do, sue Congress?

There are other arguments pro and con but the bottom line, using the 14th as a default option could take months to figure out and more months to argue in front of the Supremes. [[the judges not the singers):) Which brings us back to where we are right now.

ms_m

07-17-2011, 01:47 AM

oops....by bad...someone just pointed out a mistake....I said 80 million checks go out in Minn...there are only 5 million plus people in Minn...my apologies.

here is the corrected comment

PERMALINK
Debt ceiling delay would be 'chaotic'
mug.cnnmoney3 By: CNNMoney.com Senior Writer Jeanne Sahadi

New York [[CNNMoney) – Here's what Americans can look forward to if lawmakers fail to raise the debt ceiling in time: Treasury would not be able to pay between 40% and 45% of the 80 million payments it needs to make every month.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/06/28/news/economy/debt_ceiling_fallout_bpc/

ms_m

07-17-2011, 11:37 PM

Op-Ed Part1

I know I am, but What are You?
By Joan Ruaiz, on July 15th, 2011

I am a progressive who took a long view at the unevenness of the playing field in United States politics very early on.

What I saw got me off the Internet long enough to try and make a difference in a way that would be constructive to the values I hold dear, not destructive to the only ones remaining in power who are willing to listen to my views and hold some of the same, even if we don’t see eye-to-eye on every single issue. I wrote to many publications, called a whole lot of media, donated until it hurt, telephoned and faxed Congressional Republicans and Democrats [[as well as writing to the White House), canvassed for the 2010 election [[since my district is solidly blue, I helped a Democratic Rep in a nearby district retain a seat that until 2006 had been held by a Republican for years), called talk shows, and discussed with neighbors, family and friends what we could do together that was positive, instead of wallowing in the negative and spreading doom n'gloom.

Let me make it very clear as to what I believe is going wrong in this country currently. It isn’t this President, but rather:

The extreme rigid and unyielding opposition who demonstrate plain hatred for this country and the working folks who made it a great place by any standard;

Media conglomerates and their bought-and-paid-for polling companies, who appear bent on manipulating public opinion to have us be as uninformed as possible when we go to the polls, even to the point of hacking phones and spreading outright lies;
The Citizens United decision that allows large corporate monied interests the very real opportunity to buy American elections;

GOP redistricting that is aimed at “effing” us up further on the political playing field by tilting a country that is generally rather moderate to be represented by GOP loonies;

Republican Governors and legislatures in various states, gutting whatever in our history has been helpful to regular working folks, and doing so as quickly as they can;
A Supreme Court which [[usually by a majority of one) favors and rules for giant corporations and is full of “crap” when it comes to the rights of ordinary people;and 30 years of Free Market “pull up your bootstrap” policies that got us where we are.

To believe that one man was supposed to do by himself what we as a nation have obviously not been able to do for those 30 years was a ridiculous notion to begin with, and one that should have never been a point of contention. And yet it has been. Barack Obama requested of Americans long ago to help him get things done, not just pull the lever and sit back and point our fingers. But what most did was to decide that their time would be better spent singling him out for not saying exactly what they had determined he should say as the only important thing to do. We haven’t done near enough to speak out against the ones who are willing to really screw us up forever, and too many have done the easy thing: criticized this President for every “frigging” thing, no matter what it was.

ms_m

07-17-2011, 11:39 PM

Op-Ed Part 2
I know I am, but What are You?
By Joan Ruaiz, on July 15th, 2011

I’m starting to have great doubts that many who claim to be progressives really are. I’m also beginning to believe that those who call themselves conservatives have serious self-loathing issues; how else could they support policies which seek their destruction?

As a progressive, I want positive progress, not perfection in every way, which is an impossible quest anyway. Those advocating that we turn this nation upside down obviously have nothing to lose, while those who are waiting for a revolution obviously don’t want to understand unintended consequences, as I don’t believe a revolution would bring about a liberal utopia or a teeny-tiny government that does nothing to help its citizens, but everything to help mega-corporations.

Too many Democrats voted for President Obama looking for a liberal George W. Bush, a leader who would be mean-spirited, incompetent, manipulative and petty all at the same time. Too many Republicans are trying to say about President Obama what Democrats were saying about George Bush. They don’t want to see that he has not earned in his 2.6 years what George Bush wrought upon this country for the longest-ass 8 years I have ever experienced!

Personally, considering the immaturity of many who speak with the loudest voices, I’m surprised that this nation has been able to progress positively as much as it has to date under this President’s administration.

I won’t say this again, but hear me now; I’m tired of the amount of negativity and wasted time spent on defining President Barack Obama or his “base” by those who measure progress by how loud they can moan and groan. I encourage instead, that folks who claim “disappointment” become better informed as to the unevenness of our political playing field, and think a bit more realistically as to what this nation has done to itself for the past 30 years, and what it will take to get us out of the large mess that we made for ourselves.

I believe that the time has come for true progressives to become more effective – and don’t get me wrong, many are – at defining the opposition for who it is [[i.e., corporations, their lobbyists and their ruthless paid-for politicians) and attacking them in every way, all day, every day, as relentlessly as some who purport to being progressives have gone after one man, our current President.

One positive thing that can be said about conservatives is that they have their eye on the prize, and they aren’t ashamed by their lack of facts or their willingness to repeat the lies that form their talking points. It is now the turn of progressives to clearly see the playing field for what it is, and do all that they can to turn the tide on the irrational crazies. I know that is what I will be working to do, and I would like all “real” progressives to join me in that just cause.

ms_m

07-18-2011, 07:01 PM

RNC Goes After Obama For Using White House In Campaign Ad Like Everybody Else
Ryan J. Reilly | July 18, 2011, 6:11PM

It all started when the Obama presidential campaign released a video of Obama asking supporters to get involved in his reelection campaign and enter a contest to win dinner with him and the Vice President. Some Republicans raised questions about the ad being filmed in the White House.

Priebus writes that it is a "crime for the President of the United States to solicit political contributions in a place of official government business." True enough. But ads filmed in the White House residence are perfectly legal, according to a 1979 opinion by the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel. Since that's where the White House counsel says the ad was filmed, we're square, right?

Not quite, says Priebus. "According to multiple individuals with knowledge of the White House's rooms and layout, the video appears to have been recorded in the Map Room," he writes. "According to news reports, however, the White House Counsel has indicated that the video was filmed somewhere in the residential portion of the White House."
Only one problem: the Map Room is part of the residence. The White House is pushing back on Priebus' criticism.
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/rnc_goes_after_obama_for_using_white_house_in_camp aign_ad_like_everybody_else.php

Wow, way to fight for the America People Rethugs…no way should the POTUS have people over to the “People’s" House and his private residence…I say impeach him. [[do I need to tell ya to insert my eye roll….I didn’t think so)

The thing that truly cracks me up....the dude didn't have a problem with the contest, only the "room" where the ad was filmed....

ms_m

07-18-2011, 10:33 PM

The Latest Republican Plan to Cut, Cap, and End Medicare
Posted on July 18, 2011 by Karina

Republicans have already voted not once, but twice, for the Ryan Republican budget that ends Medicare in order to give tax breaks to big oil and companies that ship jobs overseas—but now they’re bringing an even more extreme budget bill to the floor this week as our economy, and the economic security of millions of Americans, hangs in jeopardy.

The Republican bill [[the so-called “Cut, Cap, and Balance Act”) is really a bill to Cut, Cap, and End Medicare. Not only does their legislation end Medicare while extending tax breaks to big oil, it also holds the debt limit increase hostage to passing a ‘Balanced Budget’ amendment to the Constitution. The Democratic Staff of the House Budget Committee Democratic summarize:

The Republicans’ newly introduced “Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011” [[H.R. 2560) is yet another attempt to enact the policies they approved with their budget resolution this spring – to end the Medicare guarantee while continuing tax breaks for special interests and the wealthy. It requires immediate and steep spending cuts starting this October that will put more Americans out of work while the country is still recovering from the worst recession since the Great Depression. It caps total spending – including mandatory spending programs, such as unemployment benefits, that are designed to grow when the economy is bad – for fiscal years 2013-2021 at lower percentages of the economy [[Gross Domestic Product, or GDP). More immediately, it requires passage of a specific type of a so-called “balanced budget” constitutional amendment by both the House and the Senate before the debt limit can be increased. This new hurdle makes it even harder for Congress to increase the debt limit by August 2, which it must do to avoid fiscal calamity and higher interest costs for consumers and the government alike.
Read their full summary»
http://www.democraticleader.gov/blog/

ms_m

07-18-2011, 10:52 PM

Business executives are only rational to hold back on hiring if they do not know when their customers will fully return.

News Analysis
We’re Spent
By DAVID LEONHARDT
Published: July 16, 2011

THERE is no shortage of explanations for the economy’s maddening inability to leave behind the Great Recession and start adding large numbers of jobs: The deficit is too big. The stimulus was flawed. China is overtaking us. Businesses are overregulated. Wall Street is underregulated.

But the real culprit — or at least the main one — has been hiding in plain sight. We are living through a tremendous bust. It isn’t simply a housing bust. It’s a fizzling of the great consumer bubble that was decades in the making.

The auto industry is on pace to sell 28 percent fewer new vehicles this year than it did 10 years ago — and 10 years ago was 2001, when the country was in recession. Sales of ovens and stoves are on pace to be at their lowest level since 1992. Home sales over the past year have fallen back to their lowest point since the crisis began. And big-ticket items are hardly the only problem.
http://www.wikipremed.com/reading/philosophy/The_Life_of_Reason.pdf

UPDATE: Sorry for the bad link, this one should work
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/sunday-review/17economic.html

Economics 101 …if you never, ever learn anything about our economy please learn this and commit it to memory.

Reagan’s Supply side economics was one of the biggest frauds perpetrated on this country

And this is coming from a person who benefited from trickle down money BUT….

If you have little or no money…..there will be little or no demand for goods and services.

If you cut off the money, eg. benefits, so call entitlements, etc…where are people suppose to get the money to pay for goods and services…..ooooh, PULL YOURSELF UP BY THE BOOTSTRAPS AND GET A JOB you say….HELLOOO….no demand for goods and services = no jobs!!!!!!!!....no job? no unemployment check?...no money for goods and services…..

and how are programs funded…..TAXES….no tax revenue, no money to fund programs, no money going out into the public…no demand for goods and services…

and don't get me started about how shrinking the Feds so small it can be drown in a bathtub makes the above look like a bed of roses!

ms_m

07-18-2011, 11:34 PM

The GOP Has Double Amnesia

As Republicans obstruct Obama on a debt deal, they seem to have forgotten they and Bush ran up huge deficits, and that they helped spur a crisis by not properly regulating big business and financial markets, wJul 18, 2011 1:11 AM EDT rites Peter Beinart.

If the debt-ceiling negotiations reveal anything about America in 2011, it is this: we live in an age of political amnesia. From the day the Twin Towers fell until the day Barack Obama was elected president, Washington Republicans did virtually everything in their power to increase the deficit.

George W. Bush and his congressional allies pushed through tax cuts in 2001 and 2003 that, according to the Congressional Budget Office, added more than $2 trillion to the deficit over 10 years. In 2002, when National Economic Council director Lawrence Lindsey suggested the Iraq War might cost $100 billion to $200 billion, he was rebuked by Office of Management and Budget director Mitch Daniels and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and then fired. According to the CBO, the war has now cost more than $1 trillion.

In 2003, the Republican Congress passed the Medicare prescription-drug bill, which former U.S. comptroller general David Walker has called "the most fiscally irresponsible piece of legislation since the 1960s." When Medicare’s chief actuary calculated that the legislation would likely cost more than $500 billion, a Bush appointee at the Department of Health and Human Services threatened to fire him if he released the information.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/07/18/debt-ceiling-crisis-gop-has-double-amnesia-on-deficits-regulation.html

chestersong

07-19-2011, 12:23 AM

you seem to be talking to yourself. i'm not saying "you're wrong", but there is higher ground.

ms_m

07-19-2011, 01:15 AM

I've been talking to myself with a few exceptions since Nov 2010, you're just now noticing?...LOL

chestersong

07-19-2011, 01:49 AM

no, but it all just seems so lonely. i don't like to see people suffer......

ms_m

07-19-2011, 02:20 AM

That's very sweet of you and I thank you for your concern but I'm neither lonely or suffering.

ms_m

07-19-2011, 02:53 AM

Excellent and well researched analysis.

**UPDATED: Barack Obama and the myth of the progressive ‘majorities’

To progressives who complain about Barack Obama “squandering” the progressive majorities he supposedly had going for him when he was elected president, I refer you to the following chart [[from Wikipedia):

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/seats.jpg

What the chart shows is the actual number of Democrats and Independents in the Senate from the time Obama was sworn in, in January 2009, through the present, when Democrats hold a slim, 53-47 majority in the upper chamber.

Of the 56 Democrats and 2 Independents caucusing with the Senate majority when Barack Obama took office, [[there were two seats unfilled, due to a disputed race in Minnesota that wasn’t resolved until July, and the former Obama Senate seat in Illinois) — 17 represented red or red-leaning states:

• Majority leader Harry Reid [[Nevada)
• Max Baucus and John Tester [[Montana)
• Ben Nelson [[Nebraska)
• Mark Begich [[Alaska)
• Blanche Lincoln [[Arkansas)
• Jeanne Shaheen [[New Hampshire)
• Kay Hagan [[North Carolina)
• Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan [[North Dakota)
• Tim Johnson [[South Dakota)
• Evan Bayh [[Indiana)
• Jim Webb and Mark Warner [[Virginia)
• Robert Byrd and Jay Rockefellar [[West Virginia)
• Claire McCaskill [[Missouri)
Another 27 represented blue or blue leaning states:
• Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer [[California)
• Chris Dodd [[Connecticut)
• Frank Lautenberg and Bob Menendez [[New Jersey)
• Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall [[New Mexico)
• Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand [[New York)
• Ted Kaufman and Tom Carper [[Delaware)
• Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley [[Oregon)
• Daniel Inouye and Danidel Akaka [[Hawaii)
• Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse [[Rhode Island)
• Dick Durbin and Roland Burris [[until November 2009, when the seat flipped to Republican Mark Kirk)
• Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders [[Democrat and Independent, respectively, from Vermont)
• Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell [[Washington)
• Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin [[Maryland)
• Ted Kennedy and John Kerry [[Massachusetts [[Kennedy died in August 2010 and his seat flipped to Republican Scott Brown in February 2010)
The remaining 12 repped swing states:
• Michael Bennett and Mark Udall [[Colorado)
• Sherrod Brown [[Ohio)
• Bill Nelson [[Florida)
• Bob Casey [[Pennsylvania, plus Arlen Specter who switched parties in April 2009)
• Tom Harken [[Iowa)
• Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold [[Wisconsin)
• Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow [[Michigan)
• Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota
• *Al Franken didn’t come on board until in July 2009.

In addition, there was Joe Lieberman, who by January 2009 was a reliable vote for the red state caucus on key legislation like healthcare, despite hailing from blue Connecticut.

Even if you generously put all of the swing state Democrats into the “progressive” group, and that’s stretching it when it comes to certain votes, that puts the president at minus 18 reliable “progressive” votes in the Senate.

And because Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell made it clear from the start that he intended to have his caucus use the filibuster on every piece of legislation, and vote as a bloc, forcing Democrats to always need 60 votes to pass anything, those numbers really matter.
More:
http://blog.reidreport.com/2011/07/myth-of-progressive-majority/#more-25751

ms_m

07-19-2011, 03:02 AM

This is an Op-Ed to the video I posted of the POTUS speaking to a group of bi-partisan college students. Since we have moved on from that page, I’ll re post the video.

Political Animal
Blog
July 17, 2011 12:55 PM

‘To marry principle to a political process’
By Steve Benen

Late on Friday, the White House circulated an interesting video of President Obama speaking to some college students in Massachusetts in March. At least as far as partisan is concerned, it was a pretty diverse group, featuring Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.

If you have three minutes, I’d encourage folks to take a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CemfB_Z6elY&feature=player_embedded

For those who can’t watch clips from your work computers, I put together a transcript.

“If you are only talking to people who you agree with, then politics is always going to disappoint you,” Obama said. “Politics will always disappoint you. You think about some of the issues we’ve worked on over the last couple of years, I think the College Republicans here would say that I was pretty liberal president, right? But if you read the Huffington Post, you would think that I was some right-wing tool of Wall Street. Both things can’t be true, but I think that what it has to do is, this sense of, ‘We have a position and we can’t compromise on it.’

“And so, one of the challenges of this generation is, I think, to understand that the nature of our democracy and the nature of our politics is to marry principle to a political process. That means you don’t get a 100% of what you want. You don’t get it if you are the majority; you don’t get it if you are in the minority. And you can be an honorable in politics understanding that you are not going to get 100% of what you want.

Full Article
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_07/to_merry_principle_to_a_politi030918.php

ms_m

07-19-2011, 03:33 PM

This is an interesting story and not only because of the migraines which can [[but not always) be debilitating and land you in the hospital but the interesting part….The Daily Caller broke this story.

Contrary to what many Bachmann supporters would like to believe, the Daily Caller is a Conservative blog owned by Tucker Carlson. He’s known for a lot of things including his bow ties but he is not known for having “librul” views.

The other thing I find interesting and I can't believe I am defending this woman but migraines and subsequent medication could explain a lot of things in terms of her behavior.

I know people who suffer with migraines and sometimes the meds can be as bad as the condition itself.

Michele Bachmann suffers from migraines, but campaign disputes severity
By James Oliphant
July 19, 2011, 8:21 a.m.

Presidential aspirant Michele Bachmann's campaign said Tuesday that the candidate suffers from migraines, but disputed a report that said some attacks were debilitating.

“Like millions of Americans, Congresswoman Bachmann suffers with migraines and they are under control when treated with medication,” campaign press secretary Alice Stewart toldCNN.

The Daily Caller, created by Tucker Carlson as the right-leaning alternative to the Huffington Post, reported Monday evening that Bachmann “frequently suffers from stress-induced medical episodes that she has characterized as severe headaches. These episodes, say witnesses, occur once a week on average and can "incapacitate" her for days at a time. On at least three occasions, Bachmann has landed in the hospital as a result.”

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-bachmann-migraines-20110719,0,4891150.story?track=icymi

ms_m

07-19-2011, 05:50 PM

Report: Bachmann Aides Shove ABC’s Brian Ross
Benjy Sarlin | July 19, 2011, 4:12PM

Michele Bachmann's relationship with the press has always been tense at best, but it spilled over into open conflict on Tuesday as aides to the Congresswoman allegedly shoved ABC reporter Brian Ross.
Ross was chasing after Bachmann after an event to ask about a Daily Caller story on her migraine condition. According to TIME's Swampland blog, things went downhill from there:
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/report-bachman-aides-shove-abcs-brian-ross.php?ref=fpa

This could all work in her favor. It distracts from other low key family rumors she’s being dogged with, it will get her sympathy from her base and Bachmann fence sitters, and it keeps her name out there.

It’s going to be a loooooooooooooong campaign season!

ms_m

07-19-2011, 08:58 PM

Now What?! House Passes DOA ‘Cut, Cap, Balance’ Bill — Now About That Debt Limit…
Brian Beutler | July 19, 2011, 8:23PM

In a heavily partisan vote Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act -- a palatable-sounding piece of legislation that, if enacted, would slash federal programs deeply, and restrict dramatically the government's ability to do anything constructive for the country.

It also would graft those requirements into the Constitution, on the threat of a catastrophic debt default. Now leaders of both parties will have to scramble to make sure that doesn't happen.

The legislation, described in depth here, would make raising the debt limit contingent on both deep immediate spending cuts, and the passage, by supermajorities in Congress, of a Constitutional amendment that would kick federal spending down to historic lows. The so-called Balanced Budget Amendment would force the government to achieve fiscal balance by making deeper and deeper cuts -- because raising taxes would, by Constitutional fiat, require two-thirds of the members of both the House and Senate to agree to do so.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/now-what-house-passes-doa-cut-cap-balance-bill----now-about-that-debt-limit.php?ref=fpa

Now let’s see what Bonner is made of. He’s given the Repubs their so call “political cover,” can he bring in the votes to raise the debt ceiling? Stay tuned.

Side note…

five Democrats voting yes

This footnote would make a great addition to the, myth of the progressive [[Dem) majority article.

You can aspire for ideological purity... buy reality will usually smack you in the head.

ms_m

07-19-2011, 09:26 PM

Michele Bachmann Says Migraines Are ‘Under Control’
Benjy Sarlin | July 19, 2011, 3:15PM

Michele Bachmann is butting heads with ex-aides over their anonymous claims that her chronic migraines may disqualify her from the presidential race.

A piece in The Daily Caller reported that Bachmann suffers from serious headaches, which she treats with medication, and has even been hospitalized several times. An ex-aide described the attacks as "incapacitating"
"As president, when she's in crisis management mode, is she going to have the physical ability to withstand the most difficult challenges facing America?" the ex-staffer asked in the piece.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/michele-bachmann-spox-calls-migraine-story-bogus.php?ref=fpb

There is a lot of net chatter about whether Bachmann’s migraines are relevant or not. I say yes.
So far, we really don’t know the severity of these migraines…it’s basically a he said, she said issue… but we do know she suffers from them and migraines are NOT regular headaches and the meds are NOT as simple as taking an aspirin.
I thought the comment below, really broke the issue down…

The reporting on what her aides say indicate that her migraines are, in fact, incapacitating, the kind of thing that has put her into the hospital, takes her completely out of commission for a day and affects her ability to function effectively for a week.

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/07/michele-bachmanns-headaches

Lots of presidents have had serious health problems that potentially affected their cognitive abilities that were obscured or concealed: Wilson's stroke damage, FDR, Ike and his heart, JFK and his legion concealed health problems, Nixon's descent into alcohol abuse and paranoia, Reagan's senility, GWB's possible mental breakdown that led to the very long "vacation" he was on, and unusual [[even for him) lethargy when Katrina hit. But that's the point--they were concealed precisely because people get that impaired cognition is not a desirable trait in a president, even if it only hits temporarily.

In fact, people got so concerned about it after JFK was assassinated they hastily added a poorly thought out Amendment to the Constitution about it:
Amendment 25 - Presidential Disability and Succession.

1. In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.

2. Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.

3. Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.

4. Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.
Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.

Now, granted, she's quite mad, so arguably any time when she's incapable of functioning would be a plus for the country and the world, but it's still relevant

ms_m

07-20-2011, 01:22 AM

The media and all the hype doesn’t match up with the things the POTUS actually said today.

He said the latest proposal was broadly consistent to his approach…. he did not say anything about agreeing to all the details of the proposal he had just received.

President Obama updated reporter on the status of talks between congressional leaders on the budget deficit and raising the debt ceiling.

Jay Carney briefed reporters and answered questions.

See Video Here:

http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/WhiteHouseDailyBriefing1697

ms_m

07-20-2011, 02:23 AM

Up-thread I posted about the CCB [[Cut, Cap and Balance) vote that was passed in the House. For those that didn’t read the article, it has 0 chance of passing the Senate. It was cover for Repubs to go back to their districts and say, look honey… I voted to shrink the govt, drown it in a bathtub and give rich folks all kinds of sweet deals…ya still love me and gonna vote for me right? [[yes that is snark)

Anyhoo….I thought the paragraph below was very interesting….the CCB makes the proposal and policies of Reagan, Ryan and Bush jr look like, Alan Grayson, Bernie Sanders with a little Dennis Kucinich thrown in for good measure....in other words....Reagan , Bush Jr and Ryan would look like, socialist and progressives compared to anyone going along with this deal.

Yes this bill was fake theater but think about this, if a Republican gets in the WH….this type of bill could be reality.

Wonkbook: The Cut, Cap and Balance distraction
By Ezra Klein

Ronald Reagan's entire presidency would've been unconstitutional under CC&B. Same for George W. Bush's. Paul Ryan's budget wouldn't pass muster. The only budget that might work for this policy -- if you could implement it -- would be the proposal produced by the ultra-conservative Republican Study Committee. But that proposal was so extreme and unworkable that a majority of Republicans voted it down. The only reason CC&B is faring any better is that it doesn't get specific about what it would require. But properly understood, that makes it much worse policy -- and that's before you realize we're talking about a constitutional amendment, not a simple budget.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/wonkbook-the-cut-cap-and-balance-distraction/2011/07/19/gIQAyukYNI_blog.html?hpid=z23

chidrummer

07-20-2011, 02:16 PM

I'm a little late, but Joan's Op Ed was dead on target. God bless her.

ms_m

07-20-2011, 04:01 PM

Better late than never Chi and I agree, she nailed it.

The extremism from both sides is getting annoying for a lot of people and they are finding their way back to the middle and sanity.

No doubt the crazies will get louder...they don't seem to get it's not working for them but it will be their LOSS.;)

ms_m

07-20-2011, 06:40 PM

Democrats See Tide Turning In Debt Ceiling Fight
Benjy Sarlin | July 20, 2011, 3:50PM

"Republicans like to say that Members of Congress were sent here to represent the views of the American people," Woodhouse wrote. "Well, the American people, including Republicans, want a balanced approach to our fiscal challenges and it's time that Republicans started to listen."
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/democrats-see-tide-turning-in-debt-ceiling-fight.php?ref=fpa

Comment of the day:

...in other words, could it be that the American public still has an ounce of sense left?
American common sense being alive in enough people is the only thing between us and disaster.

ms_m

07-20-2011, 07:18 PM

In the comment section of the above article something was said that I had not thought of.

There have been times the debt ceiling vote came down to the last minute…BUT, even then, everyone in the House knew the votes were there to raise the debt ceiling and do it without any stipulations attached. What makes this time so different are the Teavangelical, Teapub thugs. They are so stuck on stupid, common sense could not blast its way through their brain with dynamite.

Boner will never have the votes to raise the debt ceiling solely within the Republican ranks….he needs Dem votes and that should mean a clean bill and fight the good fight for anything else another day. It’s still iffy and he would probably be political toast going against the Teapubs but hey…

Folks can get pissed and get over it that I’m calling these fools stupid but the facts back me up on this. I said this once and I’ll say it again…..Sane Republicans, time to take your party back!

IF the sht hits the fan, the ONLY discrimination you will see will be between the uber rich and the rest of us…whatever the color or political party…and the uber rich have million dollar Teflon raincoats.

ms_m

07-20-2011, 08:03 PM

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MEXICANS?
Michele Bachmann Tells Flood Victims That Blacks Are Stealing Their Money
by Kirsten Boyd Johnson
9:47 am July 19, 2011

Nut-flavored poopsicle Michele Bachmann was visiting flood-affected regions along the Missouri River when she was asked a very simple question about whether she thought proposed government cuts to the USDA should worry farmers needing help because of the damage. Normally Bachmann would get going on her “government isn’t here to solve your problems” speech, but… oh, uh hey, everyone here is white, right? Yeah okay, so here’s the real problem, everyone: black farmers stole the money that Michele would have given you. If those black farmers would stop asking for government money, Michele would hand it right back out to some of the actually needy white farmers!

Michele is illogically referring to a class action lawsuit in which black farmers won a case against the USDA for decades-long discrimination in handing out loans and farm aid, a payment which has cost over a billion dollars to date. Michele incorrectly understands this as “wasteful spending” since it is not a budget item but rather something a court legally ordered the U.S. government to pay. It’s not like she went to “law school” or anything guys, what do you want from her?
http://wonkette.com/449647/michele-bachmann-tells-flood-victims-that-blacks-are-stealing-their-money

I guess her meds and "colors" kicked in when asked about farm subsidies…

I wonder will Herman follow her line of crazy the way he has in the past….hmmmm

Oh and for the record and for those who don't want to read...the case she and her buddy are referencing had been in the legal system for more than 10 years. The court ordered the Feds to pay...just an FYI

smark21

07-20-2011, 08:29 PM

This political cartoon at the link does a fine job of summing up the debt debate IMO.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/07/18/995602/-Middle-Man-and-the-Debt-Ceiling-Debacle?via=blog_1

ms_m

07-20-2011, 09:29 PM

This political cartoon at the link does a fine job of summing up the debt debate IMO.

How so smark21?

ms_m

07-20-2011, 11:37 PM

IMO this video explains the situation better:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/43776326#43776326

and so does this one:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/43776326#43776365

…and I’ll add my POV [[point of view)

There seem to be a few panels missing in the cartoon but I’m sure they were only removed for lack of space and not because adding them would give a fuller picture.

From the very beginning the Republicans made it very clear, they would filibuster motions to consider a bill that did not have 60 votes from the Dems. In spite of what many people believe the Dems didn’t have 60 votes, they had a majority but not a 60 vote majority.

The Republicans didn’t threaten to block every motion that came down the pike but Republicans used this legal/blocking procedure, 26 times during the 111th Congress in 2009 and 2010, even for bills that would eventually be approved with 80 or more votes.The reason some of the bills were eventually approved with 80 or more votes; they had support from Repubs through compromise.

In December tax cuts for the rich were extended. Note, they were only extended; the Senate had already defeated an amendment that would make them permanent.

The Repubs and the rich got an extension for 2 years and the middle class received the benefit of knowing they would pay on an average, $2,000.00 less to the IRS for the next 2 years. As much as Dem politicians and the President hated tax cuts on the rich, no way were they going to allow an already overburdened middle class, the extra burden of having to pay more taxes during these economic times.

In that compromise package also too, was the renewal of START [[one of those pesky little deals that keep things from going, boom goes the nuclear dynamite), the beginning of the repeal of DADT and the extension of unemployment benefits; the money that keeps people who are out of work from starving.

IMHO, sticking it to the rich was not as important back then as making sure the unemployed and their families didn’t starve…I’m funny like that.

Fast forward to now, the President wanted a clean vote on the debt ceiling, something that has been done and passed since it’s inception…what do the Repubs do…they vote NO on the clean bill and demand stuff. The POTUS SAID, look I wanted a clean bill but since you want to go down this road….let’s go…..and here we are…political posturing. Posturing the President is winning at this point and bringing an electorate [[public) along that’s beginning to see his view.

Will there be more compromise, maybe. Discretionary cuts are needed to strengthen SS and Medicare and benefits are not discretionary. Will there be a clean bill [[no demands), that’s possible, can Boner get the votes without Dems, I highly doubt it. Does he KNOW the debt ceiling must be raised….Dayum skippy.

As a member of Daily Kos, I don’t care much for Tom Tomorrow's cartoons [[he has an entire series of them) or many of his sky is falling, he’s a sellout, let’s primary the POTUS “progressive left” followers but I think he’s a heck of an artist.

Please forgive me though; I didn’t give you a chance to voice your POV and that was rude. I’m really interested. That’s not snark, I am sincerely interested. As I’m sure you’ve noticed I don’t get a chance to debate with folks in this thread that have an opinion that’s opposite mine. I like doing that [[debate ) because it helps me learn new things and or strengthen or let go of old opinions to form new ones.

ms_m

07-21-2011, 05:31 AM

On the Tenth Anniversary of G. W. Bush’s Tax Cuts: Where Has All The Money Gone
Posted on June 10, 2011
by Jack Rasmus

This month marks the tenth year anniversary of the first of George W. Bush’s three general tax cuts, passed between 2001-2003, which reduced taxes by a total of $3.4 trillion over the decade, 2001-2010. These general cuts were followed by a series of additional $1.1 trillion industry-specific tax cuts in 2004-2006 that, together with the 2001-2003 cuts, would raise the total Bush era tax cuts to approximately $4.5 trillion.
Various studies during the last decade estimated that 80% of the $3.4 trillion in general tax cuts–$2.7 trillion–were distributed to the top 20% richest households, and most of that to the wealthiest 1%. Thus, conservatively, together with the $1.1 trillion enacted specifically for businesses, a total of about $3.8 trillion in tax cut income were distributed to corporations, investors and the wealthiest households during the Bush years.

That $3.8 trillion is just about equal to the total growth under Bush in the federal government debt between 2000-2008. Bush entered office in 2001 with a federal debt of about $5.6 trillion and left it with approximately $9.5 trillion. The federal debt has since risen to $14.3 trillion, due to continuing costs of war and defense spending, falling tax revenues due to the current recession, direct bailouts, and the continuing negative impact of health care costs on Medicare and Medicaid. So where has all that $3.8 trillion in tax cut money gone, one might ask? To expand jobs? No. Today there are fewer jobs in the U.S. than there were when Bush came into office. Workers wages? No. Real wages are lower today than a decade ago. A good deal of it went into Hedge Funds, Private Equity Funds, and other forms of private, unregulated banking—thus stoking the fires of speculative investment during the Bush years in subprime mortgages, derivatives and other unregulated financial securities that produced the financial collapse of 2007-08 and which, in turn, provoked the current recession.
http://talkingunion.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/gwb_taxcuts_10/

Ten years ago I didn’t give a flying fig leaf about rich folk getting tax breaks, I was too focused on what I WAS GETTING and if you’re honest, many of you felt the same way.

Ten years later we discover, oh crap, those tax breaks meant a loss of revenue, dayum those rich people. In the midst of all that damming we kinda, sorta, conveniently forgot to point the finger inward as well.

I mentioned this to someone once and I was told, “I wasn’t old enough to pay taxes”…and you know, that’s a cool and valid answer but now that he knew the facts, including the fact that most people didn’t give much thought to it all back then because we were getting ours and that’s all that matter… why was he pointing fingers at Barack Obama? I was called blind and stupid for my troubles….that’s the way of the world as they say but…If Barack Obama is “compromiser in chief," what are we?

ms_m

07-21-2011, 02:52 PM

Gallup Pollster: Obama’s Ratings Higher Than You’d Expect
Evan McMorris-Santoro | July 21, 2011, 5:55AM

If Ronald Reagan was the Teflon President, Barack Obama may be the Kevlar President -- bad news can bruise him, but none can pierce his armor to cause any severe damage to his approval ratings.

That's according to Gallup Editor In Chief Frank Newport, who spoke to reporters Tuesday at a breakfast meeting sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor. Newport says he's crunched the numbers as far back as they go in Gallup's polling archive and found that no one's done as well as Obama when the public is as unhappy with the economy.

"Based on where every president has been, his approval rating now is higher than we would predict it would be based on satisfaction [with how the country is doing]," Newport said.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/gallup-pollster-obamas-approvals-soar-above-his-predecessors.php?ref=fpc

ms_m

07-21-2011, 03:48 PM

This really doesn’t mean much to anyone but the Progressive Left but dude, when you are basically told your mouth is louder than Al Sharpton?????

….HA

Cenk Uygur On Leaving MSNBC: Network Told Me To 'Tone It Down,' Didn't Want To 'Challenge Power' [[VIDEO)

Cenk Uygur--the progressive online talk show host whose brief tenure as an MSNBC anchor ended on Wednesday--tore into the network in a lengthy monologue on Wednesday night, saying he had turned down a smaller role on MSNBC because he had been told he was too combative towards "those in power."

Uygur had been the 6 PM host the network since January. But that role came to an end on Wednesday, as the network announced that he would not be continuing. Now, every indication is that Al Sharpton will become the new 6 PM host. Sharpton has been guest hosting in the slot for the past few weeks, and his numbers have apparently improved on Uygur's.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/21/cenk-uygur-msnbc-leaving_n_905415.html

SEE YA....WOULDN'T WANT TO BE YA

ms_m

07-21-2011, 06:29 PM

What Is Up With Grover Norquist?
David Kurtz | July 21, 2011, 11:43AM

Everyone knows that Grover Norquist has long held most of Republican Washington by the short hairs with his no-tax-increases pledge. So any debt ceiling deal that includes tax increases is practically DOA for Republicans, almost all of whom have signed Grover's pledge.

It may be bad policy. It may give Grover ridiculously outsized influence. But it's pretty clear cut.
Except Grover has muddied the waters again, telling the Washington Post editorial board that allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire wouldn't constitute a violation of the no-tax-increase pledge. Hard to figure how you can square that circle, but it suggests Grover is giving his pledgees an out -- even though Grover said this morning on TV that he wasn't giving anyone an out. I don't believe it.

Grover is a smart guy. He doesn't misspeak. For what it's worth, this is the second time in a week that he's clearly indicated his support for a debt deal or components of a debt deal, only to kinda, sorta backtrack later.
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/07/what_is_up_with_grover_norquist.php?ref=fpblg

For those of you who may not be familiar with Norquist…the link below will give you a very good idea of what he’s all about. It also helps to explain how "dog whistles" work.

Getting Out of Grover’s Tub

http://shapleigh.org/grovers_tub/19-where-tax-cuts-are-king

smark21

07-21-2011, 08:24 PM

There are no missing panels in that Tom Tommrow strip Ms. M. While I understand that one has to compromise to get things done in politics, I do think Obama has at times gone too far to placate the GOP and they just keep demanding more and more. At some point Obama needs to stand up for liberal programs and principles with the same fervor that the right wing fights for their agenda.

smark21

07-21-2011, 08:25 PM

What Is Up With Grover Norquist?
David Kurtz | July 21, 2011, 11:43AM

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/07/what_is_up_with_grover_norquist.php?ref=fpblg

For those of you who may not be familiar with Norquist…the link below will give you a very good idea of what he’s all about. It also helps to explain how "dog whistles" work.

Getting Out of Grover’s Tub

http://shapleigh.org/grovers_tub/19-where-tax-cuts-are-king

HIs political action groups must get a lot of donations from Wall Street. They want a debt deal and they're jerking his chain.

ms_m

07-21-2011, 08:34 PM

He gets money from a lot of powerful groups including The Chamber of Commerce....that's an open secret...

The really strange thing though is how he keeps walking back his statements.

One minute he's giving Boner and his group an out of the no tax pledge and the next he's walking it back...

Maybe they [[his corporate masters) have found a way to make money off a default..... that's only speculation on my part but this is strange.

ms_m

07-21-2011, 08:44 PM

Crap...I just lost a post.

The panels remark was snark but I'm sure you know that. I'll keep this post short this time....

What principals are you referring to. The ones that say, I'll say no in spite of who gets hurt or the principals that say I'm going to look out for those in need?

ms_m

07-21-2011, 08:51 PM

and btw....the right wing agenda is to get rid of the POTUS by any means necessary....if that includes taking the country down with him, so be it...or has that escaped you?

McConnell hasn't made any secret about it and neither have the rest of the Rethugs.

ms_m

07-21-2011, 09:10 PM

ms_m

07-21-2011, 09:16 PM

and let me rephrase that

six degrees TO THE RIGHT of his....

smark21

07-21-2011, 09:23 PM

Smark21, I honestly think a case could be made against how he approaches the negotiating table but if you watched the O'Donnell piece, a man who spent 6 years on the hill, none of us have a clue what's really going on in those meetings. What we get is hearsay, anonymous tips, hand-wringing, drama and a lot of politicking.

But for you or anyone to suggest he's not standing up for his principles is totally bogus when you look at what he's been able to accomplish in spite of the crazies.

One of the problems I see with the PL, they are too quick to jump on what he hasn't done and too eager to deny what he has.

Do you think Hillary would have been better...a woman whose platform was about six degrees away from his...and the same woman who watched HER health care bid go down in spectacular flames during her husband's admin.....or do you think McCain/Palin would have delivered us to the promise land by now?

FYI, in 08 I supported Obama and did not care at all for Hillary Clinton, though if she had been nominated I would have voted for her over McCain. But my political ideology is much further to the left than either Obama or Clinton. My greatest political influences are a couple of 20th century European left wing political philosphers/theorists: Louis Althusser [[most famous article is entitled Ideological State Apparatuses) and Antonio Gramsci, an Italian Communist Party Member whose Prison Notebooks draw much from the early writings of Karl Marx and whose theories of cultural and political hegemony has influenced my political thinking to this day from the time I read him back in grad school 20 years ago.

ms_m

07-21-2011, 09:41 PM

It's not about whether you supported him or not Smark21 and I can respect where your particular ideology leans but he was never a progressive...he was always a moderate ...people seem to let that fact go right over their head and now that they finally get it, they are pissed.

The Democratic Party is a huge tent...the degrees of left leaning ideas vary from person to person. Why would you expect someone who obviously was not as left leaning as you, behave the way you want him to. That's the part I honestly don't understand.

ms_m

07-21-2011, 09:42 PM

And for the record....moderates in this country are the majority, not the progressive left or even the extreme right.

ms_m

07-22-2011, 12:40 AM

GOP Priorities: 198 Days – No Jobs
Posted on July 21, 2011 by Leader's Press Shop

For 198 [[http://www.dems.gov/blog/gop-no-job-clock) days the GOP has been in charge of Congress and Americans have yet to see a

Republican bill addressing their number one concern, jobs and the economy, come to the floor for a vote. Instead, Congressional Republicans have voted again and again on bills to end Medicare in order to protect tax cuts for Big Oil and millionaires. American middle class families and small businesses deserve better.

According to a new Gallup poll [[http://www.gallup.com/poll/148589/Concerns-Economy-Jobs-Outweigh-Worries-Deficit.aspx), Americans rank the economy in general and jobs/unemployment as the two most important problems facing the country with the federal budget deficit coming in a very distant third:

31 percent – economy in general
27 percent – unemployment/jobs
16 percent – federal budget deficit/debt

http://www.democraticleader.gov/blog/

ms_m

07-22-2011, 12:25 PM

IS THE BALANCE SHEET RECESSION VIEW “INADEQUATE”?
20 July 2011 by Cullen Roche

I think our Federal Reserve would agree with Beckworth that a healthy banking system is absolutely vital if we are to have a healthy economy. After all, this is why Fed policy has been mainly focused on saving the banking system. And they’ve largely succeeded. Banks are reporting an incredible v-shaped recovery [[see figure 1). Profits are at all-time highs for these “creditors”. So why aren’t they ploughing all of this money back into the economy as any good capitalist entity should? The answer is quite obvious. First of all, banks don’t “plough” money back into the economy unless there is demand for loans. The Fed has bolstered bank balance sheets and injected the banks full of reserves with the assumption that this might lead to increased lending. But anyone who understands how a modern banking system works knows that banks are never reserve constrained. So, the only way that a bank could “plough” money back into the economy is if there is demand for loans [[outside of their less productive normal business operations). Clearly, with low aggregate demand there remains very weak demand for loans. The weak demand for loans is a direct result of the fact that consumers have become savers, which has resulted in reduced domestic revenues for corporations and ultimately a reduction in lending.
http://pragcap.com/is-the-balance-sheet-recession-view-inadequate

does anyone contest that households are the primary driver of US economic growth?

ms_m

07-22-2011, 03:31 PM

Senate Rejects "Cut, Cap and Balance" Act
Path forward to raise the debt ceiling uncertain
Washington, DC
Friday, July 22, 2011

The Senate voted to table - or discard – the “Cut, Cap and Balance Act.” A simple majority was needed to halt proceedings on the measure, which would raise the debt ceiling and move to add a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and the Senate barely reached that threshold with a vote of 51-46. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid [[D-NV) said the bill is “over, it’s done, it’s dead.”

The Senate will no longer be in session this weekend as both legislative bodies wait for negotiations between House Speaker John Boehner [[R-OH) and President Obama to produce a path forward to lift the debt ceiling. Because of the prospects of a deal, Senator Reid said he is holding off on introducing his “fall-back” plan drafted with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell [[R-KY).
http://c-span.org/Events/Senate-Rejects-Cut-Cap-and-Balance-Act/10737423029-1/

There is also an hour long video on this page of the President’s Town hall in Maryland. Good stuff!

stephanie

07-22-2011, 04:42 PM

I have to leave for the hospital mom has slipped in her numbers again today but I wanted to stop in and say hi Ms M and all.
I realize that this particular thread is our own little world and its good to see smark here as well. I am a little dissapointed in the big O! I DO think that there may be some back door wheeling and dealing but there may be a reason for it. I just cant believe he would cut into Medicare and all of those other programs unless he is going to get an extension which I think he will. He knows the Republicans do not have his best interest at heart but at the same time its like lawyers I think that him and Boehner may be friends behind closed doors. I can remember as a child thinking lawyers hated each other and when the trials are over they have lunch and act like they are friends. President Obama seems to think that this bipartisan stuff works and I know he is not stupid maybe its all a front I dont know. MS M is right when she says we may be getting fooled by the mainstream media we dont know what goes on behind closed doors and Lawrence O Donnell was there so he knows how things work. I have not had time to read the last 3 articles so when I come back from seeing MS M number 2 I will do so.

ms_m

07-22-2011, 05:44 PM

I'm going to cover two threads in one if you don't mind.
Hope things start to look up for your mom soon. She's fighting and that's always a good thing so keep that in mind.

As far as your disappointment in the POTUS, I'm confused. What is it he's going to cut exactly that makes you think it would be a bad thing? I've been slightly preoccupied with other things but I'm not aware of any specific cuts he has definitively signed off on.

I'll read more later just in case I missed something...but if things are pretty much the same as I last checked....cuts in SS and Medicare don't mean they are bad cuts necessarily. As I said above, discretionary cuts are needed. I think of benefits as mandatory spending not discretionary spending so I really don't see the problem if that[[discretionary spending) is what ends up being cut... but do we know for certain what the plan is at this point? I only caught a few minutes of the town-hall before I was interrupted...but I'll go back and listen to the entire thing as soon as I can.

ms_m

07-22-2011, 05:54 PM

O dear, I have missed a few things, including the bombing in Norway....geesh...NORWAY? One of the last places I would think something like that would occur.

Stephanie there still isn't a deal. Why be disappointed over something that hasn't occurred?

ms_m

07-22-2011, 08:38 PM

Speaker Boehner Drops Out of Debt Talks

Path forward to raise the debt ceiling uncertain
President Obama called Congressional leaders to the White House tomorrow morning at 11 am. He said they are supposed to come with ideas how to move forward and that his only demand is that the debt ceiling be lifted to last through 2012.
http://www.c-span.org/

...his[[President Obama) only demand is that the debt ceiling be lifted to last through 2012.

ms_m

07-22-2011, 09:23 PM

Obama: We Have Now Run Out Of Time
Evan McMorris-Santoro | July 22, 2011, 6:09PM

A visibly frustrated President Obama called Congressional leaders back to the White House Saturday for another round of debt ceiling talks after House Speaker John Boehner pulled out of talks for a "grand bargain" Friday.

In a letter sent to Republican lawmakers, Boehner said Obama's position on revenues kept a deal from being done.
"In the end, we couldn't connect," Boehner wrote. "Not because of different personalities, but because of different visions for our country. The president is emphatic that taxes have to be raised. The president is adamant that we cannot make fundamental changes to our entitlement programs."
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/obama-we-have-now-run-out-of-time.php?ref=fpa

The president said his "bottom line" in any deal is that the debt ceiling increase stretch to 2013.

:cool:

ms_m

07-22-2011, 09:41 PM

I think the heading is hyperbole but...

Obama Hits The Ceiling: Scenes From An Angry Presser [[VIDEO)
Evan McMorris-Santoro | July 22, 2011, 7:11PM

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/scenes-from-obamas-angriest-press-conference-video.php

Obama/Biden '12

ms_m

07-23-2011, 07:54 AM

I've been reading all the sky is falling rhetoric and my goodness, people are losing their minds. Everyone is an expert at how to run the country. Why the heck haven't all these brilliant minds run for office....geesh!

If you listened to the town hall, the President answered a question that made perfectly good sense. The priority right now is to get the debt ceiling raised....period! It doesn't matter if it's a dumb thing to have, or that legislators have played politics with it in the past [[knowing the votes were there to pass it)...the reality is....it must be raised in order for us to move on to what's really important, jobs and the economy.

the 14th...the man said he's checked with the lawyers, they are not totally convinced it will work and as I said before..that would still mean dealing with the courts and we don't have that kind of time.

If folks are anxious and afraid... let your voices be heard...call your reps..Dems and Repubs...hell people have already crashed Boner's site and filled up his voice mail. The White house has a site too...fyi. Don't just talk about it...be about it!

ms_m

07-23-2011, 08:09 AM

Congress Forces Partial Shutdown Of FAA, Leaves Thousands Without Pay

Posted: 7/22/11 09:08 PM ET

WASHINGTON -- Thousands of Federal Aviation Administration employees will stop getting paid as of midnight on Friday after Congress left town without resolving a political dispute over the agency's funding.

Airplane passengers won't notice anything different at airports as a result of FAA's funding being cut off. But one effect will be felt immediately by some: 4,000 FAA employees will be furloughed at the stroke of midnight.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said he was "disappointed" in Congress for adjourning for the weekend without coming to some kind of agreement for extending FAA funding.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/22/congress-forces-partial-shutdown-faa_n_907455.html

4,000 furloughed employees are going to do wonders for the economy [[SNARK)

Is this what’s known as standing by Rethug principles these days?...if so, Houston, we've got a problem!

ms_m

07-23-2011, 09:12 AM

I'm going to admit something here. There are times I am annoyed by what I consider, the over zealous fawning of Barack Obama. I like the man, support the man and putting my superficial hat on for a sec, think he's foine as all get out BUT....I don't do hero worship. What I do believe in is doing my homework and for years I was slack but got back on track when it came time to vote in 2008. I trust the POTUS because I trust the time, effort and research I put into finding out about him. That doesn't make me right just comfortable in the knowledge I did everything I could to make an intelligent and well informed decision.

I don't have a clue how this will all play out, can speculate forever but in the end...the man I voted for is the man I'm going to stick with. I'm also going to push him...that's what he asked from us and that's what he expects.

ms_m

07-23-2011, 09:29 AM

22 Jul 2011 08:14 PM \
Andrew Sullivan
America's Cold Civil War

The Republican refusal to countenance any way to raise revenues to tackle the massive debt incurred largely on their watch and from a recession which started under Obama's predecessor makes one thing clear. They are not a political party in government; they are a radical faction that refuses to participate meaningfully in the give and take the Founders firmly believed should be at the center of American government. They are not conservatives in this sense. They are anarchists.

Their fiscal anarchism has now led to their threat to destabilize and possibly upend the American and global economy because they refuse to compromise an inch. They control only one part of the government, and yet they hold all of it hostage. I cannot believe they are prepared to allow the US to default rather than give an inch toward responsibility. Except I should believe it by now. Everything I have written about them leads inexorably to this moment. Opposing overwhelming public opinion on the need for a mixed package of tax hikes and spending cuts, drawing the president into a position far to the right of the right of his party, and posturing absurdly as fiscal conservatives, they are in fact anti-tax and anti-government fanatics, and this is their moment of maximal destruction.
http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2011/07/americas-cold-civil-war.html

FYI: Sullivan identifies as a Conservative although I say, a Conservative in the vein of
Eisenhower.

ms_m

07-23-2011, 11:55 AM

Idiot Republicans Don’t Know Business Budgeting Either

Over at BPI, one of the commenters posted an e-mail from her Republican Congressman, who is apparently attempting to preemptively shift the blame if the debt ceiling isn’t raised:
I have heard from quite a few concerned seniors and veterans in the last few days. The concern stems from the President’s suggestion that Social Security and other benefits won’t get paid in the absence of a deal to raise the debt ceiling. This is a scare tactic, pure and simple.

Spending on Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ benefits and our troops has already been authorized by Congress, and the President has the authority to continue funding these priorities. If he chooses not to, it will be his decision and his alone.

As Sheriff, I always had a contingency plan – hope for the best, but plan for the worst. My hope is that the President won’t play games with your Social Security check, but his current posturing doesn’t inspire much confidence.
The bolding is mine, and it demonstrates a seriously poor understanding between “authorized spending” and “having the money to spend.” Because it’s not a scare tactic, it’s a potential reality. Anyone who has ever worked in the private sector [[let alone government) for an employer of any real size should have grasped it immediately.

Let me explain this. Way back when I used to work for a large business, I had to submit a budget request every year. That request covered salaries, benefits, utilities, supplies, equipment, and any other things that were needed to keep us running. There was usually some haggling involved, justifications for something having to submitted, and so on, but at the end of the process, I would have an “approved budget.” That was my authorization to spend money for a given purpose.

All well and good, right? Not quite. You see, there’s a little issue called “cash flow” that entered into it. I might be authorized to purchase a 5000 dollar reagent kit [[yes, that’s a real price), but if the cash wasn’t in the company’s account for it, it didn’t matter. It would be “delayed.”

Which is why this Republican – and apparently it’s the “party line” – is an idiot. He may tout his “experience” in contingency plans, but he’s never either worked in business or had to actually use contingency plans. The Administration does have a contingency plan, but it’s based on cold hard math:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/chart-debt-ceilingtop.jpg

There’s only going to be $12 billion coming in, and $32 billion in spending due. That means a lot of things aren’t going to get paid, and there’s no getting around it. That’s the cold fact. Apparently, despite their claims of being “for business,”

Republicans in Congress seem to have no clue about business budgeting, let alone government budgets. Because if they did have a clue, they wouldn’t be spouting the inane crap they are. They’re idiots. They really don’t grasp the difference between being “authorized” to spend money versus having the money to spend. They think it’s the same thing. Of course, there’s a reason for why they’re doing it. Because there were a lot of people who were stupid enough to vote them in in the first place, and they’re hoping that those same people are still stupid enough to believe them. But the first time that check those voters expected doesn’t appear in the mailbox, the reality will sink in, and no, the Republicans aren’t going to dodge the blame. It couldn’t happen to a better group.

Full Article
http://cendax.wordpress.com/2011/07/19/idiot-republicans-dont-know-business-budgeting-either/

ms_m

07-23-2011, 01:13 PM

President Obama said that
balancing the deficit could not come exclusively at the expense of 'working stiffs', who know they get 'a raw deal'.

Speaker Boehner was asked why a mere $40 billion a year in revenue [[only about 1.8% of Federal revenue) was a deal-breaker and said
"because the people we count on to create jobs [that's Republicanese for "very wealthy people who got huge tax cuts 10 years ago"] would pay it."

This mess has been going on for so long I can’t even remember when it started but the POTUS wanted what has always been the case and that was a clean debt ceiling vote...no demands, no cuts, no tax cuts....Repubs vote no...then the negotiating thing starts...

I remember Coburn walking out of the negotiations with VP Biden. I think Ensign walked too and then those negotiations fell apart when Cantor walked.

Next up the POTUS and Boner, who was offered MORE cuts than what he was asking but was told it had to include tax cuts …Boner walked

Back comes Cantor and before he got settled he walked out again and whinned cause the POTUS was mean to him….so he says.

Back on deck….Boner and this time he has an extra demand that would include [[basically) dismantling the Health Care bill but Boner says…it’s the POTUS that is moving the goalpost????

And would someone PLEASE tell me where these jobs are that Boner counts on from the rich….

Did I mention everyone that walked out was a Repub and I forgot to add McConnell [[a Repub) who was telling every reporter with a mic how he was determined to make Barack Obama a one term president.

ms_m

07-23-2011, 03:17 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEX1_PFnUmQ&feature=player_embedded

ms_m

07-23-2011, 10:39 PM

A few odds and ends

The first debt ceiling limit was set in 1917

Since March 1962, the debt ceiling has been raised 74 times, according to the Congressional Research Service. Ten of those times have occurred since 2001.
http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/03/news/economy/debt_ceiling_faqs/index.htm

Here’s a breakdown of debt ceiling increases before Obama by presidency:
http://www.politifact.com/new-jersey/statements/2011/jul/21/richard-codey/new-jersey-sen-richard-codey-claims-every-presiden/

￭ Dwight D. Eisenhower [[R): 4
￭ John F. Kennedy [[D): 5
￭ Lyndon B. Johnson [[D): 7
￭ Richard M. Nixon [[R): 7
￭ Gerald R. Ford [[R): 6
￭ Jimmy Carter [[D): 6
￭ Ronald Reagan [[R): 17

Contrary to Republican claims, "The Democratic Congress" did not bust Reagan's budgets. In fact, for the first six years, Congress was not Democratic, it was half and half, and the Republican Senate had just as much say, even though the budget bill starts in the House. On top of that, Reagan got the Southern Democrats to vote with him and so he controlled the House too.

But none of this matters because over Reagan's 8 years, Congress approved smaller budgets than he requested on average, and the deviation from what he requested averaged less than half a percent. He raised the debt by $1,860 billion and Congress reduced his budgets by $16 billion. Otherwise he would have raised the debt by $1,876 billion.

So why do Republicans repeat this lie so often? Silly question, isn't it.
http://zfacts.com/p/57.html

Saint Ronnie raised taxes 11 times while in office including one of the largest increases in peace time history...and his deficit was out of control too

Maybe it's time for Republicans to rethink their fiscal conservative tag...naaaw, that's too much like right, as my mom would say.

￭ George H. W. Bush [[R): 5
￭ Bill Clinton [[D): 4
￭ George W. Bush [[R): 7

Tax Cuts on Capital Gains & Dividends Doubled
Bush Income Tax Cuts for the Wealthiest in 2003

The IRS data says : The size of the Bush income tax cuts enacted in 2001 through 2003 for those with adjusted gross incomes greater than $10 million a year increased from a 2003 average of $521,905 to $1,019,369 — a 95 percent increase.
http://www.ctj.org/pdf/cg0406.pdf

Partisanship versus bipartisanship
Congress has alternated between periods of constructive cooperation and compromise between parties known as bipartisanship and periods of fierce political infighting known as partisanship. The period after the Civil War was marked by partisanship as is the case today. It is generally easier for committees to reach accord on issues when compromise is possible. Some political scientists speculate that a prolonged period marked by narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress has intensified partisanship in the last few decades[108] but that an alternation of control of Congress between Democrats and Republicans may lead to greater flexibility in policies as well as pragmatism and civility within the institution.[109][110]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Congress

The Republican/Democratic flexibility/civility thing isn't quite working out for President Obama but he is pragmatic.

Do you know what I found really interesting while doing this research...whatever wrong the Democratic Party has done [[and they have done wrong) it still doesn't stack up to what the other guys have done. Although Clinton really pushed the envelope with NAFTA, the repeal of Glass Stegall and changing Welfare as we know it. But his base LOVED the Big Dog so I guess it was ok. [[SNARK)

YET....Barack Obama became the only president to get a National Health Care package.

AND

He has created more positive change in two years than any president during that same time frame .....WHILE ....dealing with one of the worse economies since the Great Depression.
http://whatthefuckhasobamadonesofar.com/

Then he extends tax cuts not only to the rich but the middle class while also preserving unemployment, renewing START, repealing DADT[[over in 60 days) and a few other stimulus goodies and what does he get for his troubles?

The Tea Party and a partial ungrateful base who wants to primary him....and a Dem congress who twist every which way but his way until he has a decisive victory under his belt....God Bless America!!!!

stephanie

07-23-2011, 11:47 PM

Ms M! I dont really have much more to add with the research you have presented but I will say this. You are right no deal has been set but I was reading things that stated that the President would have cuts in Medicare and other social programs and I just think they should leave those things alone. Again you DO have to be careful of what you read and believe so I may have jumped the gun. I am not into hero worship either with the exception of Jesus Christ and the singer Johnny Rivers..LOL Boehner in my opinion is acting like a petulant child and when this whole thing is over I hope that the public will finally see this new crop of republicans for what they are. Some racist, some non caring about those not in their socio-economic class, and some downright stupid.

stephanie

07-23-2011, 11:51 PM

Regarding your post on the number of times that the debt ceiling has been raised is quite enlightening because a lot of people are thinking that this is the first time that this has been done! Knowledge is power. I would bet the farm that none of the Bush tax cuts would create millions of jobs. I saw George W on a talk show when he was promoting his book and someone asked him what do you regret and he said [[and I am paraphrasing here) he regrets that his name was attatched to those darn tax cuts.

ms_m

07-24-2011, 01:54 AM

One of the many interesting things for me Stephanie is seeing how what I don't know has clouded my perception.

Example, Repubs often blame the Reagan years on the Dems. If you were to look up which house was in control under a certain president, the perception would be, the Repubs were correct and technically, they are. What they don't tell you, Reagan had the support of Dixiecrats [[Southern Dems). Between his own party and the Dixiecrats, Reagan basically had control of the Senate and the House. It's these types of little missing pieces that will put a different spin on an issue. What you see and or hear, is not always, all there is.

Another example is this debt ceiling and the fact many politicians have voted against it in the past including a Senator Barack Obama. They are usually protest votes and I think it's safe to say, political posturing as well. Sen.Obama was protesting the fact that Bush's two wars were not part of the Bush budget. As such, Bush had free rein in spending when it came to those wars. Now did that protest mean anything, it did if you're using that no vote to get reelected, did it hurt anything...NO....these protest votes are only done when it's obvious a bill will get passed in spite of their no vote. These sorts of things are the reality of politics. Many voters don't like it but the irony for me...politicians get away with many of the things they do because we don't always pay close attention. Responsibility is a two way street.

ms_m

07-24-2011, 02:08 AM

Stephanie it's not only what you read but what you don't read. You heard and read a lot about cuts. Did you hear and or read what exactly all those cuts entailed? Did you hear and or read where anything had been signed or was definite?

We work ourselves up into this anxious state of what we THINK they MAY do and we could be using that energy to let folks in Washington know what we want them to do.

ms_m

07-24-2011, 02:42 PM

Just to bring you up to speed on the latest talking point....rich people are now , job creators...so says the Repubs....use that phrase long enough and eventually the gullible will believe...Boner is also trying to re frame the message to make it seem the Dems are the obstructionist...don't think that dog will hunt but there are always some who will buy into it

http://paulharrisonline.blogspot.com/2011/07/job-creation-myth.html

ms_m

07-24-2011, 03:34 PM

I don't watch Meet The Press and the transcript for today's show hasn't been posted but this is very disturbing, although not surprising...

David Gregory lied to William Daly's face by "quoting" Boehner as saying that he was "left at the altar twice", to illustrate how intransigent Obama was being!

This is total BS and a bold face lie ....anyone who has taken the time to look at the video clips of the POTUS last press conference will hear the truth!

President Obama made this statement to the press, not Boner and yes it was indeed to show how intransigent Boner and the Rethugs had become.

I'll keep waiting for the transcript to be posted in order to verify this but dayum....the crazy is more out of control everyday...the puppet masters must be getting antsy.

Now is the time to really pay attention...later, may be too late!

ms_m

07-24-2011, 04:50 PM

John Boehner Unveils New Debt Ceiling Plan: Bitch, Bail, and Flail
July 24, 2011
By Jason Easley

What started out on Boehner’s two step process turned into a remarkable exchange between the Speaker and Chris Wallace:

BOEHNER: Well, there will be a two-stage process, it’s just not physically possible to do all of this in one step. Having said that, Chris, I know the president is worried about his next election. But my God, shouldn’t he be worried about the country? We have got a budget deficit of $1.5 trillion. We’re borrowing 42 cents on every dollar we spend, we have $14.5 trillion national debt. It is time to get serious about stopping the spending here in Washington, D.C.

WALLACE: So are you suggesting you might pass a short-term plan in the House and in effect, dare the Senate, dare the White House to block it?

BOEHNER: Chris, this is about what is doable at the 11th hour. Remember this, you mentioned this to Secretary Geithner. The House has done its work. We passed a budget, we passed a plan.

WALLACE: I know but they have been defeated.

BOEHNER: We passed cut, cap and balance.

WALLACE: But they have been defeated, sir.

There's video if you can stand to watch....
http://www.politicususa.com/en/john-boehner-debt-ceiling

Love the title of this article and can I say….both parties are concerned with elections and if they are not they are idiots. BUT to imply Repubs give a dayum about this country after all the things they have said and done is rich…oops….job create -tiv -ee. [[do I really have to say I'm being snarky)

ms_m

07-24-2011, 07:21 PM

I said I would wait for the Meet The Press transcript and I did....Mr. Gregory was misqouted

MR. GREGORY: The president, Republican negotiators. The president was quite angry with Speaker Boehner. He said he's been left at the altar twice.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43858388/ns/meet_the_press-transcripts/t/meet-press-transcript-july/

and I'm willing to apologize to Gregory but my major point remains....and I will paraphrase St Ronnie

don't trust until you verify and then verify again [[and yes there are always exceptions but that's a different kettle of fish)

ms_m

07-24-2011, 08:04 PM

Where does your tax money go?
By Kay Bell • Bankrate.com
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Posted: 10 am ET

Careful shoppers want to know what they're paying for. That's why a Washington, D.C., think tank and some members of Congress are proposing that Uncle Sam give all us taxpayers an itemized receipt when we file our taxes.
Most taxpayers, say staffers at the left-to-center Third Way group, don't know exactly where their dollars go. This contributes to mistaken beliefs about how best to close the national budget gap.

A recent University of Maryland poll, for example, found that Americans on average believe that one quarter of all federal spending goes to foreign aid. But an itemized receipt would show a typical middle-class family with an income of $50,000 and $6,883 in federal income taxes and payroll taxes that only $42.80, or 0.6 percent, of their taxes goes to foreign aid.
In an op-ed piece in the Washington Post, David B. Kendall, senior fellow for health and fiscal policy at Third Way, and Ethan Porter, contributing editor at the journal "Democracy," argued that breaking out individual tax contributions would help correct such spending misconceptions.

A receipt alone wouldn't suggest solutions. But it would provide hard numbers on government programs that most now view as abstract entities. That should then make it easier for taxpayers -- and legislators -- to discuss the budget cuts and tax expenditures necessary to realistically cut the federal deficit.
Third Way has created a calculator it says gives taxpayers an idea where their personal taxes go. It convinced a bipartisan group of lawmakers, Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., and Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., to introduce legislation that would create a taxpayer receipt.

Here's how taxpayer receipt advocates say the process should work.
After you file your taxes, you would receive an itemized receipt, by e-mail for those who file electronically or by regular mail for those who sent in paper forms.

The one-page document would cover major items such as defense, Social Security and interest on the debt. It would also direct taxpayers to a website where they could find more information on all federal spending.
What about the cost of a taxpayer receipt program? Supporters say it would be a bargain.
It's estimated that the Internal Revenue Service would have to spend about $15 million to mail receipts; the cost of e-mailed receipts would be negligible. Website maintenance costs also would be relatively small.
But the payoff would be less confusion about the federal budget. That's a pretty good return on investment.
Would you like a receipt detailing how your taxes are spent? If it showed most of your money went to a federal program you supported, would the receipt help change your mind on cuts to that program?

Read more: Where does your tax money go? | Bankrate.com http://www.bankrate.com/financing/taxes/where-does-your-tax-money-go/#ixzz1T4MfWwEo

I like this idea, although if you take this to it's logical conclusion your tax money would also go into implementing and maintaining such a program:D but I think if people could see in a receipt format exactly how tax money was being spent, they would [[hopefully) take a different view of the function of govt., how it actually works and who it helps.

It could also dispel erroneous notions, for example, I think many people [[TeaParty especially) assume that the majority of entitlements are only given to minorities and the poor. That's not true, the majority of entitlements go the the middle class, regardless of race creed, or color.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/chart.jpg

http://www.federalbudget.com/

Chk out Social Security Admin and
The Dept of Health and Human Services [[Medicare is under this dept.)

ms_m

07-24-2011, 08:54 PM

On second thought....

... maybe the receipt would be a waste of tax payer’s dollars. It’s not a secret that blue state tax dollars support red states. That hasn’t stopped many folks in red states from advocating the elimination of taxes, not raising taxes [[especially on the rich), shrinking the government or even hinting at the possibility of succeeding from the Union….they don’t seem to have a clue how any of those things would work out [[or not work out) for them.

With the political rhetoric in full swing this election cycle. And both sides blaming the other for the countries problems. We decided to dig a bit deeper and compare which states are doing the best with social and economic issues.

Click here [[http://blog.infographicworld.com/2010/10/18/red-vs-blue-state/) to go to the interactive infographic, and click through each section to see what we came up with…
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/REDvsBLUE.jpg

On a side note: Thank goodness my state went blue in 2008....Every now and then we get something right!!!...LOL

ms_m

07-24-2011, 09:26 PM

Contrary to what the Get Obama Party will try to tell you, raising taxes on the rich [[aka in GOP land…job creators) raising taxes on the rich is not about small business owners, who actually receive a tax cut in that last deal many claimed was a bad but, it’s about the truly rich. [[and I do mean rich) Like the ones that are receiving massive bonuses and perks from companies in the article below.

Analysis: Companies churn out profits but jobs don't follow

NEW YORK [[Reuters) - The sluggish pace of hiring may be hobbling the economy, but it's not been holding back big U.S. companies' profits thanks to growth overseas and cost controls at home. And that's bad news for the more than 14 million Americans without jobs.

Big businesses would normally be desperate for surging job growth as it would feed into domestic demand but these aren't normal times. Massive growth opportunities overseas, especially in China and other buoyant Asian economies, have some of the largest American companies on track for record profits, even if they're businesses are mostly treading water in the U.S.

The message last week from the chief financial officer of one of the nation's industrial giants couldn't be clearer.
"We've driven all this cost out. Sales have come back, but people have not," said Greg Haynes, chief financial officer at United Technologies Corp. "It's the structural cost reductions that we have done over the past few years that have allowed us to see strong bottom-line results."
http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-companies-churn-profits-jobs-dont-210015904.html;_ylt=At3_LKHrP6V7kiI4yR9EDwys0NUE;_ ylu=X3oDMTM5c3ZmbmpmBHBrZwM3ZDQ3NzJmZC0xNTdjLTM4NW ItYmEzOC02MWRjMDlmNmJkYzkEcG9zAzMEc2VjA01lZGlhVG9w U3RvcnkEdmVyAzc5YjM0MzUwLWI2MzgtMTFlMC1hZmZmLTgwOT I1NWE1YTZlNQ--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRw c3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

"Workers have no money, no purchasing power, so that's why consumption is not moving…

Now THINK about this...no jobs PLUS massive cuts to money that go into the public arena would mean less than no money for workers/middle class, less purchasing power and less consumption. How do you think that's going to work out for you. [[that's not snark, that's serious)

We need to address our deficit, that's true but the crazy coming from the Repubs will cripple us as a country...in the long term that could not only be an economic issue but a National Security issue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqYnevHibaI&feature=related

ms_m

07-25-2011, 12:12 AM

Duel Or Duet? Reid And Boehner Poised To Introduce Different Bills To Avoid Default

Brian Beutler | July 24, 2011, 9:00PM

Congressional leaders failed Sunday to reach agreement on a plausible path to raise the country's borrowing limit ahead of international market openings on Monday. At least publicly.

According to sources in both parties, House Speaker John Boehner [[R-OH) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid [[D-NV) are likely to introduce separate debt packages in their respective chambers Monday, each with a different approach to avoiding a catastrophic default, and the key question now is whether the two plans can be reconciled in some way -- whether the trains are moving in the same direction or set to collide head on.

Reid sought to answer that question in a late Sunday statement, ripping the GOP for its continued insistence that the debt limit fight be raised in two condition-laden steps, forcing Congress to replay this same fight in several months.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/duel-or-duet-reid-and-boehner-poised-to-introduce-different-bills-to-avoid-default.php?ref=fpa

BTW…before some of you start going down the rabbit hole PLEASE read Nancy Pelosi’s outline…the same outline Reid is using for his bill…NO CUTS TO SS OR MEDICARE…NONE…NADA…ZIP!

There are some programs I really don’t want to see cut...heck funding to The Reading Is Fundamental Program has already been cut and lawd knows people need to learn to read [[and comprehend) but if we must deal with the deficit in order to raise the debt ceiling, something has to give and SS and Medicare benefits can’t be the items that suffer.

Like it or not folks, it looks hopeless in terms of getting a clean debt ceiling bill…if making cuts is what it takes to raise this thing and no cuts to SS and Medicare are involved…let’s eat our peas and get this over with. The Bush Tax cuts automatically expire in 2013 and that’s where our revenue will come from.

Gear up for the elections, make sure the POTUS is not a one term president, take the house back and shore up the Senate with a 60 vote majority and we can fix whatever we broke after the President is reelected. ....and don't forget to concentrate on State and local elections; let's clean house everywhere.

But right now we need to get this current BS over with and start focusing on jobs, jobs, jobs...and let's not forget the 4000 Airline employees that have been furloughed that no one seems to be talking about.

Or we can be just as obstinate and unyielding as the Teapubs and demand the POTUS/DEMS not cut anything.... and wait for the country to default.

I don’t think Boner will even go for Reid’s bill, I’m guessing it can get through the Senate but reconciling it in the House, I don’t see it happening plus, why would Boner introduce a bill of his own if he was going for Reid’s plan?

Pelosi Outlines Revenue-Free Path Forward On Debt Limit Fight
Brian Beutler | July 22, 2011, 2:28PM
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/pelosi-outlines-revenue-free-path-forward-on-debt-limit-fight.php

ms_m

07-25-2011, 01:19 AM

I’m curious, do any of you have that one person you know that talks about States Rights…freeing themselves of the Feds, Federal Income taxes, yada, yada, yada…well next time they start their spiel show them this article...don’t forget to mention their State Taxes will go up and any other tax the State may have. If they don’t have State taxes now, they will get them and just like the States and municipalities below, fees will skyrocket.

If they start to brag about how resourceful and hard working they are...cool beans, ask them how will they pay for all this extra stuff when employers no longer have to meet Federal laws such as, minimum wage.

Ask them how will the State pay for programs like disaster relief in case of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fire, money for education, State grants that create programs which create jobs. Speaking of jobs, how about unemployment insurance if they lose their job and let's not forget the two biggies, Medicare and Social Security… you know, all that cumbersome stuff they said the FED created to take away their freedom.

…and if their heads explode, my bad.

States Raise Fees, Fines To Salvage Budgets And Avoid Tax Increases

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. [[AP) -- Twenty dollars for a parking place wasn't going to ruin Ellen Majka's day at the beach. But she was still taken aback when she arrived at Rhode Island's popular Scarborough state beach and learned that parking fees had nearly doubled.

"It seems a little steep to me," said Majka, of Westfield, Mass. "Add in the price of gas and it starts to add up. But I didn't come two hours to turn back over $20."
As states and municipalities continue to grapple with the recession's fallout, few turned to big, noticeable tax hikes this year. Instead, they're slashing spending and turning to more modest, narrowly crafted increases in fees and fines -- nickel-and-diming their way to a balanced budget.

Louisiana and South Dakota raised state park fees, while California increased vehicle registration costs and Wisconsin started charging more to retake the state driving exam. Georgia raised fees on day care licenses, fireworks permits and traveling circuses. Oregon raised fees on medical marijuana, while Rhode Island imposed taxes on over-the-counter drugs, sightseeing tours and smartphone applications.

Fines are going up in many places too. Tennessee lawmakers increased traffic fines. Wyoming raised fines for trucks exceeding weight limits. New York city increased fines for taxi drivers caught talking on a cellphone while driving.

In Maryland, fee increases were common solutions this year as lawmakers struggled to balance the books without across-the-board tax increases.

Not even newborns went unaffected, as birth certificate fees doubled from $12. The fee for a vanity license plate doubled from $25. A surcharge on filing land records will double from $20.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/24/states-fines-fees-tax-budget-cities_n_908011.html

ms_m

07-25-2011, 01:56 AM

I forgot something, you know that let’s get rid of the Federal Reserve argument these folks will often talk about…well below is an overview of what the Federal Reserve does…..

...turn it over to the Treasury Dept who would be accountable to congress you say….hmmmmmm, sure why not, crazy congress critters hold the debt ceiling hostage for political gain, why not hand over monetary policy so they can hold that hostage as well….sounds like a logical plan to me…..[[ ) you know the word that goes in there.:p

The Fed, as the system is commonly called, is an independent governmental entity created by Congress in 1913 to serve as the central bank of the United States. It is responsible for
• formulating and executing monetary policy,
• supervising and regulating depository institutions,
• providing an elastic currency,
• assisting the federal government's financing operations, and
• serving as the banker for the U.S. government.
In addition, the Federal Reserve System has important roles in operating the nation's payments systems, protecting consumers' rights in their dealings with banks and promoting community development and reinvestment.

ms_m

07-25-2011, 03:02 AM

You know the article above I posted about the Reid and Boner Bill….well apparently the Progressives are going nuts with the sellout, compromiser in chief crap….why… because Reid’s bill meets the requirements the Repubs initially ask for. Well here is one guy or gal that’s not having it….and folks think I’m testy…..HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

All of this hysteria over the idea that Obama and the Dems are caving and giving the Rs everything they want is hysterical. Reid's plan is not everything they want: it does not include a repeal of the individual mandate or Dodd-Frank, a balanced budget amendment, privatizing Medicare or Social Security. As for the actual numbers? A fair amount of smoke and mirrors. It includes savings assumed after we're completely out of Iraq and Afghanistan, fer fuck's sake. Since we are on track to get out of both those places anyway, in what way is this kowtowing to the Teatard caucus?

All that being said, the tards won't go for this plan either. For one thing, vote for something initially proposed by Pelosi? That's almost as bad as voting for something proposed by Obama to those nitwits. For another, the Rs are the ones who claim to be so strong on national defense, so no way do they sign onto anything trumpeting the Afghanistan pullout. And finally, the Reid-Pelosi idea, if I've been reading correctly, means only one vote to raise the ceiling. The Rs don't want that. They want at least one vote, if not more, sometime in 2012 so they can demagogue the shit out of this issue all over again, plus force the President to stay in D.C. and negotiate with them instead of going out and campaigning, both for himself and for vulnerable Congressional Dems.

So anyone who thinks Obama's selling them up the river, chill out. Or give yourselves strokes, I don't really care.

...and I'll add...works for me :D;):cool:

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/duel-or-duet-reid-and-boehner-poised-to-introduce-different-bills-to-avoid-default.php?ref=fpa

ms_m

07-25-2011, 01:35 PM

GOP Stumbles Over Surprise Dem Debt Limit Offer
Brian Beutler | July 25, 2011, 10:40AM

There are a few reasons for that. First, as Red State's Erick Erickson subtly pointed out, Republicans were not expecting to wake up to headlines noting that Reid's offering more immediate cuts than House Speaker John Boehner's proposing. Second, because about a trillion of those dollars comes from the expected wind down of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan -- a source of savings Republicans have recently opposed but, oops, voted for in the House GOP budget.

"The Speaker, Sen. Reid and Sen. [Mitch] McConnell all agreed on the general framework of a two-part plan," the aide says. "A short-term increase [[with cuts greater than the increase), combined with a committee to find long-term savings before the rest of the increase would be considered. Sen. Reid took the bipartisan plan to the White House and the President said no."

Reid's staff disputes this version of events. In their telling Reid and his aides pursued a range of options at both the staff-level, and at a principals level, through the weekend. Reid was willing to accept budget cuts in two phases, but would not agree to a short-term debt limit extension if it just meant replaying this fight all over again several months from now. Boehner wouldn't [[or couldn't) bite. Reid left a Saturday evening meeting angry, said no short-term deal, and began contemplating the one-step approach, which leaked Sunday afternoon, and that he ultimately settled on Sunday night.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/gop-stumbles-over-surprise-dem-debt-limit-offer.php?ref=fpa

Dems Capitulate On Taxes — A GOP Victory And The Game Isn’t Even Over
Susan Crabtree | July 25, 2011, 11:41AM:confused:

The White House was eerily quiet Sunday afternoon and evening as Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill continued to hash out their differences and now we know why.

After all the sound and fury over a Democratic goal of adding $1.2 trillion in new revenues last week, Democrats appear to have capitulated completely on that score.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's working proposal focusing on $2.7 trillion in cuts that would go through the 2012 elections is silent on revenues. And last night, the White House statement reacting to the state-of-play only objected to GOP efforts to providing a short-term fix and punting the issue of further cuts to a bipartisan commission next year.

Let me get this straight, if I AM the one that puts something on the table and I AM the one that takes something off the table that means I AM surrendering and or capitulating?:confused:

I don’t know which is sadder; subliminal/manipulative headlines or the folks that fall for subliminal/manipulative headlines.:[[

ms_m

07-25-2011, 01:51 PM

THE DEBT CEILING GAME OF CHICKEN….
24 July 2011 by Cullen Roche 63 Comments

As readers know, the only way the US government can really “run out of” money is if we decide to. That means our politicians have to essentially shut down the shop. After all, there is no such thing as an autonomous issuer of currency who has monopoly supply of that currency being able to not produce that currency. And since all of our debt is denominated in a currency that we can create out of thin air there is no such thing as a traditional insolvency constraint [[as in not being able to make a debt payment). So, aside from the other ridiculous reasons for a debt ceiling, the most glaring should be the one that is the most obvious [[and the one that escapes most people).

Of course, that hasn’t stopped the political grandstanding in the last few weeks. Lord forbid we waste another perfectly good crisis [[since the politicians sure wasted the last one). But what’s so sad about all of this is that the markets are getting truly nervous by this grandstanding. In other words, it’s starting to have a broader impact than just in the halls of Washington.

Equity futures are dipping 1% Sunday evening on the news that the debt ceiling debates are at an impasse. Now, I still have little doubt that a deal will be reached and we’ll all look back at this and just shake our heads, but if this episode doesn’t provide proof of the reasons why this rule shouldn’t exist then I won’t know what else could. The entire debate is beyond ridiculous. It’s Washington at its absolute worst.
http://pragcap.com/the-debt-ceiling-game-of-chicken

I agree with Cullen on this. I support the POTUS and the Dems in this debate but both sides [[although one side more than the other) are working my last good nerve and the markets aren’t happy either. And for those that don’t give a crap about Wall Street…I’m guessing you don’t have a 401K or retirement plan that doesn’t sit underneath your mattress.

ms_m

07-25-2011, 02:11 PM

Republicans Rally Behind Short-Term Debt Limit Deal…After Opposing The Idea For Weeks
Brian Beutler | July 25, 2011, 11:47AM

Dems are happily noting the irony that Republicans have united behind a short-term debt limit increase, after publicly opposing the idea for months. Two weeks ago, top Republicans began reconsidering that view, and now House Speaker John Boehner [[R-OH) is preparing to unveil a two-step debt limit bill to his caucus. The idea is to cut hundreds of billions of dollars from the budget in current legislation, raise the debt limit by a similar, modest, amount, but make raising the debt limit through the 2012 elections contingent on the swift adoption of entitlement and tax reform.

This is good flip-flop fodder for politicos, but it's also a pretty dramatic substantive shift. Republicans have a significant public record of supporting a long-term solution -- some have even gone so far as to rule out temporary steps.
Circumstances change, but now that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid [[D-NV) is putting forward a plan that meets Republicans' original criteria for raising the debt limit into 2013, it's worth taking a look back at the GOP's record on this score.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/republicans-rally-behind-short-term-debt-limit-dealafter-opposing-the-idea-for-weeks.php?ref=fpb

You could have five angry Black Men in the WH with a ramrod stiff spine, that was more principled than Gandhi swinging a samurai sword and a big stick; and these fools would still say no if the other side said yes...but I do know one thing that could change the madness...voting their arses out of office.... and their little TeaParty ponies too!!!!!!!!!!

MotownSteve

07-25-2011, 03:51 PM

A friend of mine suggested, and I agree, we should have locked all member of the house and senate in room and told them we might let them out when they reach a consensus. One thing about them is clear: they never learned to play nicely with others.

ms_m

07-25-2011, 04:29 PM

MotownSteve to be honest, I could care less if the played nice with each other or beat each other senseless...I simply want them to raise this dayum thing so we can move on.

ms_m

07-25-2011, 04:39 PM

MS, I'm frustrated and I didn't mean to take that out on you.

In the past, they've played around with this debt ceiling farce in order to score political points. BUT they did it KNOWING the votes to raise it were intact.

This time around is different...Boner can't get his head out of his arse to do the right thing because he's scared to death of Cantor taking his job AND the TeaParty fools who don't have a clue how our financial system operates and thinks a default would be nothing more than a minor bump in the road to win them the WH in 2012.

MotownSteve

07-25-2011, 04:45 PM

I agree with wishing they'd take care of business 'so we can move on'. All this last minute stuff is tiresome. They are certainly not earning their salaries.

ms_m

07-25-2011, 04:46 PM

...and just to be clear, no one knows and I'm willing to bet my life this includes Boner if there are enough votes to even pass a bill one way or the other much less a bill to raise the debt ceiling.

That means either President Obama would have to turn into King Obama and open himself up to impeachment proceedings to fix this mess [[unless he has a secret plan ) or we would have to bend over and kiss our sweet behinds goodbye!

MotownSteve

07-25-2011, 04:48 PM

"MS, I'm frustrated and I didn't mean to take that out on you." No problem. No offense taken.

ms_m

07-25-2011, 05:52 PM

In 200+ Days The House GOP Has Voted To Kill 1.9 Million Jobs And Created 0
July 25, 2011
By Jason Easley

It has been 202+ days since Republicans took back control of the House and promised to create jobs. During this time they have passed legislation that killed 1.9 million jobs and created 0.

Instead of creating jobs, House Democrats [[http://www.dems.gov/blog/200-days-has-shown-america-cannot-cut-its-way-to-prosperity) contend that the GOP has passed legislation that would kill 1.9 million US jobs:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/GOP-200-days-record.jpg

Before you get the wrong idea, the GOP has passed legislation since they have taken control of the House. Here is a partial list of House Republican accomplishments [[http://www.democraticleader.gov/news/reports?id=0526):

Voted to repeal health care reform on behalf of the health insurance industry;
For big polluters, Republicans passed a bill to undermine our ability to provide a healthier environment for our children, eliminating every tool EPA has to address serious public health threats from carbon pollution, including increased childhood asthma;

Voted to protect taxpayer subsidies for Big Oil and speculators driving up gasoline prices, and against gasoline anti-price gouging legislation for consumers;

Voted to provide more tax cuts for millionaires, and protect tax breaks for corporations shipping jobs overseas;

Voted to strengthen the role of special interests in our elections [[by ending the Presidential Election fund that promotes small campaign donations) and against disclosure of foreign countries, companies, or individuals donating to presidential campaigns;

to be continued...

ms_m

07-25-2011, 05:56 PM

Voted to cripple public radio stations, particularly in rural areas, while not saving taxpayers one dime;

Voted to cut off key federal funding for Planned Parenthood — devastating the primary source of health care, especially preventive services like contraception, cancer screenings, breast exams, and HIV testing, for millions of women across the country; and

Voted for an unprecedented, radical assault on women’s health care – for the first time restricting how women with private insurance can spend private dollars in purchasing health insurance.

So far the big signature achievement of this GOP majority was the vote to kill Medicare, but they may soon top themselves if they do not vote to raise the debt ceiling and allow the US to default.

The House GOP has also vote against 10 Democratically proposed job creation bills including:

An American jobs effort to end government contracts rewarding corporations that ship American jobs overseas. [Vote 19]

Build America Bonds to Create Jobs Now Act – leveraging public dollars to strengthen the private sector, growing our economy by rebuilding America’s schools, hospitals, and transit projects, supported by American businesses, the construction industry, mayors and governors. [Vote 38, Vote 30, Vote 189]

American Jobs Matter Act – to give preference in federal contracts to U.S. manufacturers that create jobs here at home. [Vote 257]

National Manufacturing Strategy Act, which calls on the President to lay out a plan to help ensure American manufacturers can compete, grow, and thrive. [Vote 279]

Advanced Vehicle Manufacturing Technology Act to help ensure the cars of the future are built here in the U.S., by investing in a broad range of near-term and long-term vehicle technologies to improve fuel efficiency, support domestic research and manufacturing, and lead to greater consumer choice of vehicle technologies and fuels. [Vote 310]

Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act to provide our government with effective tools to address unfair currency manipulation by countries like China, which could help create 1 million American manufacturing jobs by leveling the international playing field for American workers and businesses. [Vote 9, Vote 199]

The House GOP has passed more bills related to defunding Planned Parenthood [[1) than they have passed to create jobs [[0).

The day after the GOP took base the House, John Boehner said, “As you heard me say last night, we are humbled by the trust that the American people have placed in us and we recognize this is a time for us to roll up our sleeves and go to work on the people’s priorities: creating jobs, cutting spending and reforming the way Congress does its business. It’s not just what the American people are demanding — it’s what they are expecting from us.”

...and still more to come

MotownSteve

07-25-2011, 05:56 PM

As a fried of mine said, they take care of the CEOs who give them money.

ms_m

07-25-2011, 06:01 PM

We are a little past the 200 day mark and the House GOP have yet to pass a bill that would create a single job. The only spending they are willing to slash is related to the poor, the disabled, women, Social Security and Medicare, but they have changed the way that the Congress does business by being so hardline that House of Representatives is irrelevant as a policy making body and has become an obstacle to agreement on even the most basic of legislation.

House Republicans have pulled a bait and switch on the American electorate. They ran a campaign based on job creation, but once elected set out to implement a corporatist and socially conservative agenda. This is no different than the bait and switch that Rick Snyder and Scott Walker pulled on voters in Wisconsin and Michigan.
How many Americans would have voted Republican in 2010 if they knew on Election Day that the GOP agenda was not to create jobs, so that they could possibly defeat Obama in 2012?

The truth is that House Republicans have no interest in creating jobs, because a prosperous economy would mean the reelection of Barack Obama. For this reason alone, it is a safe bet that the number of bills that House Republicans will introduce to create jobs between now and November 2012 will remain at zero.

….and if you think voting in the Repubs would repair their destructive polices and fix the economy anytime soon, think again.

I would speculate they would have to reverse every single thing they voted against AND raise taxes to come close to bringing us back to the Clinton years …the last time this nation and the middle class were seen as prosperous. [[Indebt but prosperous)

link to the above article here:

http://www.politicususa.com/en/in-200-days-the-house-gop-has-voted-to-kill-1-9-million-jobs-and-created-0

ms_m

07-25-2011, 06:12 PM

How many Americans would have voted Republican in 2010 if they knew on Election Day that the GOP agenda was not to create jobs, so that they could possibly defeat Obama in 2012?

A hell of a lot more idiots than I care to think about.

ms_m

07-25-2011, 08:48 PM

Editorial
How the Deficit Got This Big
By TERESA TRITCH
Published: July 23, 2011

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/Budjectprojectionsandrealites-1.jpg
Budget Projections and Realities

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/policychangesuder2pres-1.jpg
Policy Changes Under 2 Presidents

With President Obama and Republican leaders calling for cutting the budget by trillions over the next 10 years, it is worth asking how we got here — from healthy surpluses at the end of the Clinton era, and the promise of future surpluses, to nine straight years of deficits, including the $1.3 trillion shortfall in 2010. The answer is largely the Bush-era tax cuts, war spending in Iraq and Afghanistan, and recessions.
Despite what antigovernment conservatives say, non-defense discretionary spending on areas like foreign aid, education and food safety was not a driving factor in creating the deficits. In fact, such spending, accounting for only 15 percent of the budget, has been basically flat as a share of the economy for decades. Cutting it simply will not fill the deficit hole.

The first graph shows the difference between budget projections and budget reality. In 2001, President George W. Bush inherited a surplus, with projections by the Congressional Budget Office for ever-increasing surpluses, assuming continuation of the good economy and President Bill Clinton’s policies. But every year starting in 2002, the budget fell into deficit. In January 2009, just before President Obama took office, the budget office projected a $1.2 trillion deficit for 2009 and deficits in subsequent years, based on continuing Mr. Bush’s policies and the effects of recession. Mr. Obama’s policies in 2009 and 2010, including the stimulus package, added to the deficits in those years but are largely temporary.

The second graph shows that under Mr. Bush, tax cuts and war spending were the biggest policy drivers of the swing from projected surpluses to deficits from 2002 to 2009. Budget estimates that didn’t foresee the recessions in 2001 and in 2008 and 2009 also contributed to deficits. Mr. Obama’s policies, taken out to 2017, add to deficits, but not by nearly as much.

A few lessons can be drawn from the numbers. First, the Bush tax cuts have had a huge damaging effect. If all of them expired as scheduled at the end of 2012, future deficits would be cut by about half, to sustainable levels. Second, a healthy budget requires a healthy economy; recessions wreak havoc by reducing tax revenue. Government has to spur demand and create jobs in a deep downturn, even though doing so worsens the deficit in the short run. Third, spending cuts alone will not close the gap. The chronic revenue shortfalls from serial tax cuts are simply too deep to fill with spending cuts alone. Taxes have to go up.

In future decades, when rising health costs with an aging population hit the budget in full force, deficits are projected to be far deeper than they are now. Effective health care reform, and a willingness to pay more taxes, will be the biggest factors in controlling those deficits.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/24/opinion/sunday/24sun4.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=bush%20owns%20the%20deficit&st=cse

I would add a caveat to the above article….a budget surplus alone is not a monetary responsible policy no matter how many political points it scores. [[check link below) but it can be corrected under the right leadership... Bush Jr. wasn't it!

VISUALIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF THE CLINTON SURPLUS
13 April 2011 by Cullen Roche
http://pragcap.com/visualizing-the-destruction-of-the-clinton-surplus

ms_m

07-25-2011, 08:50 PM

The White House Blog
Tonight at 9: President Obama Addresses the Nation

Posted by Katelyn Sabochik on July 25, 2011 at 05:01 PM EDT

Tonight at 9 p.m. EDT President Obama will address the nation on the stalemate in Washington over avoiding default and the best approach to cutting deficits.

Watch the speech live tonight at WhiteHouse.gov/live [[http://www.whitehouse.gov/live) and engage with Administration Officials all week.

Starting tomorrow, White House Administration Officials will hold "Office Hours" on our social networks to answer your questions about the President’s speech and the ongoing deficit debate. Brian Deese, Deputy Director of the National Economic Council and Special Assistant to the President, will be answering your questions on Twitter [[https://twitter.com/#!/whitehouse)tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Ask your questions with the hashtag #WHChat and stay tuned for opportunities to engage throughout week.

ms_m

07-25-2011, 09:30 PM

I've heard all I need to hear from Boner so here is my impression of where we stand. [[if you care)

The Potus:
very good and very generous in giving Repubs and Teapubs an out with their constituents if they vote for the Reid/Senate Bill.

Boner:
sucks eggs!

It looks like we could be screwed if we do not step to the plate.

Please make time to call and or email your Reps in both the Senate and the House...if you can squeeze in the time to call Reps in other States, do that as well!

We do NOT need to do this all over again in 6 months...let your voices be heard!

ms_m

07-25-2011, 09:33 PM

For those who are on Facebook or Twitter, many of these politicians have one or both.

ms_m

07-25-2011, 09:38 PM

Text of the President's Speech

Good evening. Tonight, I want to talk about the debate we've been having in Washington over the national debt - a debate that directly affects the lives of all Americans.

For the last decade, we have spent more money than we take in. In the year 2000, the government had a budget surplus. But instead of using it to pay off our debt, the money was spent on trillions of dollars in new tax cuts, while two wars and an expensive prescription drug program were simply added to our nation's credit card.

As a result, the deficit was on track to top $1 trillion the year I took office. To make matters worse, the recession meant that there was less money coming in, and it required us to spend even more - on tax cuts for middle-class families; on unemployment insurance; on aid to states so we could prevent more teachers and firefighters and police officers from being laid off. These emergency steps also added to the deficit.

Now, every family knows that a little credit card debt is manageable. But if we stay on the current path, our growing debt could cost us jobs and do serious damage to the economy. More of our tax dollars will go toward paying off the interest on our loans. Businesses will be less likely to open up shop and hire workers in a country that can't balance its books. Interest rates could climb for everyone who borrows money - the homeowner with a mortgage, the student with a college loan, the corner store that wants to expand. And we won't have enough money to make job-creating investments in things like education and infrastructure, or pay for vital programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

Because neither party is blameless for the decisions that led to this problem, both parties have a responsibility to solve it. And over the last several months, that's what we've been trying to do. I won't bore you with the details of every plan or proposal, but basically, the debate has centered around two different approaches.

The first approach says, let's live within our means by making serious, historic cuts in government spending. Let's cut domestic spending to the lowest level it's been since Dwight Eisenhower was President. Let's cut defense spending at the Pentagon by hundreds of billions of dollars. Let's cut out the waste and fraud in health care programs like Medicare - and at the same time, let's make modest adjustments so that Medicare is still there for future generations. Finally, let's ask the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations to give up some of their tax breaks and special deductions.

This balanced approach asks everyone to give a little without requiring anyone to sacrifice too much. It would reduce the deficit by around $4 trillion and put us on a path to pay down our debt. And the cuts wouldn't happen so abruptly that they'd be a drag on our economy, or prevent us from helping small business and middle-class families get back on their feet right now.

This approach is also bipartisan. While many in my own party aren't happy with the painful cuts it makes, enough will be willing to accept them if the burden is fairly shared. While Republicans might like to see deeper cuts and no revenue at all, there are many in the Senate who have said "Yes, I'm willing to put politics aside and consider this approach because I care about solving the problem." And to his credit, this is the kind of approach the Republican Speaker of the House, John Boehner, was working on with me over the last several weeks.

The only reason this balanced approach isn't on its way to becoming law right now is because a significant number of Republicans in Congress are insisting on a cuts-only approach - an approach that doesn't ask the wealthiest Americans or biggest corporations to contribute anything at all. And because nothing is asked of those at the top of the income scales, such an approach would close the deficit only with more severe cuts to programs we all care about - cuts that place a greater burden on working families.

So the debate right now isn't about whether we need to make tough choices. Democrats and Republicans agree on the amount of deficit reduction we need. The debate is about how it should be done. Most Americans, regardless of political party, don't understand how we can ask a senior citizen to pay more for her Medicare before we ask corporate jet owners and oil companies to give up tax breaks that other companies don't get. How can we ask a student to pay more for college before we ask hedge fund managers to stop paying taxes at a lower rate than their secretaries? How can we slash funding for education and clean energy before we ask people like me to give up tax breaks we don't need and didn't ask for?

That's not right. It's not fair. We all want a government that lives within its means, but there are still things we need to pay for as a country - things like new roads and bridges; weather satellites and food inspection; services to veterans and medical research.

Keep in mind that under a balanced approach, the 98% of Americans who make under $250,000 would see no tax increases at all. None. In fact, I want to extend the payroll tax cut for working families. What we're talking about under a balanced approach is asking Americans whose incomes have gone up the most over the last decade - millionaires and billionaires - to share in the sacrifice everyone else has to make. And I think these patriotic Americans are willing to pitch in. In fact, over the last few decades, they've pitched in every time we passed a bipartisan deal to reduce the deficit. The first time a deal passed, a predecessor of mine made the case for a balanced approach by saying this:

"Would you rather reduce deficits and interest rates by raising revenue from those who are not now paying their fair share, or would you rather accept larger budget deficits, higher interest rates, and higher unemployment? And I think I know your answer."

Those words were spoken by Ronald Reagan. But today, many Republicans in the House refuse to consider this kind of balanced approach - an approach that was pursued not only by President Reagan, but by the first President Bush, President Clinton, myself, and many Democrats and Republicans in the United States Senate. So we are left with a stalemate.

Now, what makes today's stalemate so dangerous is that it has been tied to something known as the debt ceiling - a term that most people outside of Washington have probably never heard of before.

Understand - raising the debt ceiling does not allow Congress to spend more money. It simply gives our country the ability to pay the bills that Congress has already racked up. In the past, raising the debt ceiling was routine. Since the 1950s, Congress has always passed it, and every President has signed it. President Reagan did it 18 times. George W. Bush did it 7 times. And we have to do it by next Tuesday, August 2nd, or else we won't be able to pay all of our bills.

ms_m

07-25-2011, 09:39 PM

continued text from tonight's speech

Unfortunately, for the past several weeks, Republican House members have essentially said that the only way they'll vote to prevent America's first-ever default is if the rest of us agree to their deep, spending cuts-only approach.

If that happens, and we default, we would not have enough money to pay all of our bills - bills that include monthly Social Security checks, veterans' benefits, and the government contracts we've signed with thousands of businesses.

For the first time in history, our country's Triple A credit rating would be downgraded, leaving investors around the world to wonder whether the United States is still a good bet. Interest rates would skyrocket on credit cards, mortgages, and car loans, which amounts to a huge tax hike on the American people. We would risk sparking a deep economic crisis - one caused almost entirely by Washington.

Defaulting on our obligations is a reckless and irresponsible outcome to this debate. And Republican leaders say that they agree we must avoid default. But the new approach that Speaker Boehner unveiled today, which would temporarily extend the debt ceiling in exchange for spending cuts, would force us to once again face the threat of default just six months from now. In other words, it doesn't solve the problem.

First of all, a six-month extension of the debt ceiling might not be enough to avoid a credit downgrade and the higher interest rates that all Americans would have to pay as a result. We know what we have to do to reduce our deficits; there's no point in putting the economy at risk by kicking the can further down the road.

But there's an even greater danger to this approach. Based on what we've seen these past few weeks, we know what to expect six months from now. The House will once again refuse to prevent default unless the rest of us accept their cuts-only approach. Again, they will refuse to ask the wealthiest Americans to give up their tax cuts or deductions. Again, they will demand harsh cuts to programs like Medicare. And once again, the economy will be held captive unless they get their way.

That is no way to run the greatest country on Earth. It is a dangerous game we've never played before, and we can't afford to play it now. Not when the jobs and livelihoods of so many families are at stake. We can't allow the American people to become collateral damage to Washington's political warfare.

Congress now has one week left to act, and there are still paths forward. The Senate has introduced a plan to avoid default, which makes a down payment on deficit reduction and ensures that we don't have to go through this again in six months.

I think that's a much better path, although serious deficit reduction would still require us to tackle the tough challenges of entitlement and tax reform. Either way, I have told leaders of both parties that they must come up with a fair compromise in the next few days that can pass both houses of Congress - a compromise I can sign. And I am confident we can reach this compromise. Despite our disagreements, Republican leaders and I have found common ground before. And I believe that enough members of both parties will ultimately put politics aside and help us make progress.

I realize that a lot of the new members of Congress and I don't see eye-to-eye on many issues. But we were each elected by some of the same Americans for some of the same reasons. Yes, many want government to start living within its means. And many are fed up with a system in which the deck seems stacked against middle-class Americans in favor of the wealthiest few. But do you know what people are fed up with most of all?

They're fed up with a town where compromise has become a dirty word. They work all day long, many of them scraping by, just to put food on the table. And when these Americans come home at night, bone-tired, and turn on the news, all they see is the same partisan three-ring circus here in Washington. They see leaders who can't seem to come together and do what it takes to make life just a little bit better for ordinary Americans. They are offended by that. And they should be.

The American people may have voted for divided government, but they didn't vote for a dysfunctional government. So I'm asking you all to make your voice heard. If you want a balanced approach to reducing the deficit, let your Member of Congress know. If you believe we can solve this problem through compromise, send that message.

America, after all, has always been a grand experiment in compromise. As a democracy made up of every race and religion, where every belief and point of view is welcomed, we have put to the test time and again the proposition at the heart of our founding: that out of many, we are one. We have engaged in fierce and passionate debates about the issues of the day, but from slavery to war, from civil liberties to questions of economic justice, we have tried to live by the words that Jefferson once wrote: "Every man cannot have his way in all things...Without this mutual disposition, we are disjointed individuals, but not a society."

History is scattered with the stories of those who held fast to rigid ideologies and refused to listen to those who disagreed. But those are not the Americans we remember. We remember the Americans who put country above self, and set personal grievances aside for the greater good. We remember the Americans who held this country together during its most difficult hours; who put aside pride and party to form a more perfect union.

That's who we remember. That's who we need to be right now. The entire world is watching. So let's seize this moment to show why the United States of America is still the greatest nation on Earth - not just because we can still keep our word and meet our obligations, but because we can still come together as one nation. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

ms_m

07-25-2011, 09:54 PM

TeaThugs don’t want the Reid proposal and don’t want the Boner proposal…
The inmates have truly taken over the asylum.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/mmandmusic/r-JOHN-BOEHNER-TEA-PARTY-DEBT-CEILING-huge-1.jpg

Tea Party Coalition Rejects Boehner's Debt Proposal [[UPDATE)

UPDATE: 4:10 p.m. -- A coalition of Tea Party chapters and conservative lawmakers on Monday rejected the debt proposal put forward by Speaker John Boehner [[R-Ohio), despite his efforts to sweeten the deal with provisions favored by his conservative base.

The Cut, Cap, Balance Coalition, which boasts hundreds of Tea Party groups and more than 100 GOP lawmakers in its membership, is citing two provisions in Boehner's proposal that amount to deal-breakers: its call for creating a Congressional Commission and its inclusion of a balanced budget amendment that, according to the group, is only for show.

"A symbolic vote on a balanced budget amendment at some later time minimizes its importance, as it will not be tied to an increase in the debt ceiling," reads a statement from the coalition. "A BBA that allows a tax increase with anything less than a 2/3 supermajority is not a serious measure."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/25/tea-party-scores-another-victory-with-boehner-debt-proposal_n_908771.html

Please make time to call and or email your Reps in both the Senate and the House...if you can squeeze in the time to call Reps in other States, do that as well!

We do NOT need to do this all over again in 6 months...let your voices be heard!

MotownSteve

07-25-2011, 10:05 PM

The number to call is the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at [[202)224-3121

ms_m

07-25-2011, 10:14 PM

Thanks MS, good looking out and this link should help as well.

Directory of Representatives

http://www.house.gov/representatives/#state_ks

I'll get the Senate as soon as I can. Their site is going nuts.

ms_m

07-25-2011, 10:19 PM

The Senate site is timing out I'm guessing the server is busy but here is the link...you may have to keep trying until you can get through

U.S. Senate: Senators Directory
Offers a directory of current members of the U.S. Senate with full contact information including email addresses.
www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

ms_m

07-25-2011, 11:38 PM

John Boehner Debt Ceiling Plan May Still Trigger S&P Downgrade: Report

WASHINGTON -- Minutes before House Speaker John Boehner delivered a prime-time address in which he framed his latest deficit-reduction deal as a silver bullet for the nation's economic uncertainty, reports surfaced that the plan being crafted by the Ohio Republican would potentially lead to a downgrading of the AAA credit rating of the United States.

Read more here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/25/john-boehner-debt-ceiling-plan_n_909276.html

And on a side note:

Anyone who believes Reid’s plan and the president’s support of the plan sold you down the river, I have only one question.

THEN WHY DID BONER REJECT IT?

ms_m

07-25-2011, 11:47 PM

Congress Websites Down: House, Senate Sites Not Working [[UPDATE)

Numerous websites for House and Senate members appear to be down Monday night following a speech from President Barack Obama on ongoing talks to raise the debt ceiling.

The website DownForEveryoneOrJustMe.com confirms that the following websites are among those affected:
-Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell [[R-Ky.)
-House Speaker John Boehner [[R-Ohio)
-Rep. Elliot Engel [[D-N.Y.)
-Sen. Mike Crapo [[R-Idaho)
-Sen. Jim DeMint [[R-S.C.)
-Rep. Charles Rangel [[D-N.Y.)
-Sen. Rand Paul [[R-Ky.)
-Sen. Amy Klobuchar [[D-Minn.)
-Sen. Tom Harkin [[D-Iowa)

Not all are down though. Among the congressional websites that currently work without any problems is Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's [[D-Nev.). The websites of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Jarry Nadler [[D-N.Y.) and Rep. Ed Markey [[D-Mass.) also work.

The cause of the outages is not yet clear, though Obama did encourage people to contact their representatives in Congress.;)

UPDATE [[10:53 p.m. ET): Some of the sites above are now experiencing intermittent issues. They seem to return briefly and go back down. Some say "Server too busy," others say "Server error," and some do not load at all.

UPDATE [[11:10 p.m. ET): All the above sites seem to be back now except for Boehner's, however most are loading slowly.

UPDATE [[11:17 p.m. ET): The website of Sen. Marco Rubio [[R-Fla.) is down at this time, as is the site of Nan Hayworth [[R-N.Y.).
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/25/congress-websites-down_n_909289.html

Excellent job to all those who are involved and keep in mind TeaParty folks are calling and emailing as well... Don’t let Up, Give 'em hell!!!!!

ms_m

07-26-2011, 12:54 AM

Fax numbers can be found by clicking the link below

Contacting the Congress is a very up-to-date citizen's congressional directory for the 112th Congress. As of July 25, 2011 there are 539 electronic contact addresses [[of which 536 are Web-based contact forms), and 539 home pages known for the 540 members of the 112th Congress. Traditional ground mail addresses are available for all current members of Congress.

Find your members of Congress by clicking this link and then click on your state on the map http://www.contactingthecongress.org/index.html

Efax is an excellent service and you can do a fax via your computer

This link is for a 30 day trial….it’s easy and trustworthy

http://home.efax.com/s/r/efax-brand12?VID=33675&gclid=CNXPuYaZnqoCFaZx5QodvlXE6Q

I'll place the other links and number here as well to make this convenient as possible.

The number to call is the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at [[202)224-3121

U.S. Senate: Senators Directory
Offers a directory of current members of the U.S. Senate with full contact information including email addresses.[/B]
http://www.senate.gov/general/contac...nators_cfm.cfm

Directory of Representatives

http://www.house.gov/representatives/#state_ks

ms_m

07-26-2011, 01:28 AM

If for any reason you can't do any of the above, don't worry. Simply copy and paste the message below and send it to all your friends and ask them to send it to all of their friends.

Last night President Obama laid out an excellent, honest and compelling case for passing Senator Reid's Plan to
start tackling the deficit and raising the debt ceiling.

Text to President Obama's address to the Nation can be found here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/07/25/address-president-nation

In his speech he said this:

"If you want a balanced approach to reducing the deficit, let your Member of Congress know. If you believe we can solve this problem through compromise, send that message."

Let's do this....send the message you want the adults to act like adults, you want Senator Reids's plan; the balanced and fair approach.

Call, email, fax, Twitter, Facebook....whatever it takes to get your message heard!

Don't Give Up! Give 'em hell! Pass it on!

The number to call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at [[202)224-3121

U.S. Senate: Senators Directory
Offers a directory of current members of the U.S. Senate with full contact information including email addresses.[/B]
http://www.senate.gov/general/contac...nators_cfm.cfm

Directory of Representatives
http://www.house.gov/representatives/#state_ks

Fax numbers can be found by clicking the link below
Contacting the Congress is a very up-to-date citizen's congressional directory for the 112th Congress. As of July 25, 2011 there are 539 electronic contact addresses [[of which 536 are Web-based contact forms), and 539 home pages known for the 540 members of the 112th Congress. Traditional ground mail addresses are available for all current members of Congress.

Find your members of Congress by clicking this link and then click on your state on the map http://www.contactingthecongress.org/index.html

Efax is an excellent service and you can do a fax via your computer

This link is for a 30 day trial….it’s easy and trustworthy

http://home.efax.com/s/r/efax-brand1...FaZx5QodvlXE6Q

ms_m

07-26-2011, 02:23 AM

To All Naysayer's

I’d like to reinforce what I said earlier, if the President is caving, why is Boner rejecting the plan?

Now let me get this out of the way; cuts of any kind without revenue is bad monetary policy, not raising the debt ceiling is worse.

Once President Obama began taking his message to the American people he made it very clear that cuts were needed to tackle the deficit... so why the cuts in Reid’s plan, [[that do not include Medicare or SS) are being seen as caving is beyond my level of comprehension as well as my pay grade.

Again, cuts of any kind, without revenue is bad monetary policy but the Bush Tax Cuts expire in 2013…there is the revenue that helps toward balancing out the cuts.

AND

…not one plan that has been brought forth by the Dems or the Repubs was scheduled to take affect before 2013 with the exception of raising the debt ceiling.

Do you guys understand what that means…..cuts and revenue, a balanced approach would take affect in 2013 and not one plan, none, zip, nada….was ever going to take affect earlier, so HOW is that caving?

Boner and the Reteapubs "got played" and now more than ever they are determined to bring this country down to prove some idiotic point.

Keep bashing the President or help...your choice, your decision!

ms_m

07-26-2011, 02:49 AM

BREAKING: Eric Cantor Admits That $1 Trillion In War Savings Counted In Ryan Plan, ‘Cut, Cap & Balance’ Plan
By Judd Legum on Jul 25, 2011 at 7:49 pm

Today, Speaker John Boehner [[R-OH) rejected Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s [[D-NV) plan for raising the debt limit, claiming that it was full of gimmicks. Boehner’s principle criticism was that Reid’s plan counted $1 trillion in savings from winding down the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In a remarkable interview on CNBC, Majority Leader Eric Cantor admitted to Larry Kudlow that both the House Republican budget and the “Cut, Cap, and Balance” Plan — which were both supported by nearly the entire GOP caucus — also counted savings from winding down the wars:

Cantor: Speaker Boehner came out months ago and said we are not going to increase the debt ceiling unless we have comensurate or even greater cuts in spending. Now Sen. Reid’s plan doesn’t do that. What Sen. Reid’s plan says is we’re going to raise the debt ceiling $2.4 trillion and we are also going to cut spending but what he does is counts over a trillion dollars in spending that is assumed to decrease and go away anyway which is the spending associated with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Kudlow: Yes, but isn’t that in the Paul Ryan baseline also, which is the baseline for Cut, Cap and Balance.

Cantor: But, but, but… absolutely it is.
http://thinkprogress.org/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp5LYeCbiHE&feature=player_embedded

Idiot! [[and that would be Cantor)

ms_m

07-26-2011, 03:04 AM

After Signing Law Disenfranchising ID-less Voters, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Closes 10 DMV Offices
By Ian Millhiser posted from ThinkProgress Justice on Jul 25, 2011 at 5:55 pm

Earlier this year, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker became one of the many GOP governors to sign a law disenfranchising voters who do not have a photo ID — a law that disproportionately affects elderly voters, young voters, students, minorities and low-income voters. Having disenfranchised tens of thousands of Wisconsin voters, Walker is now making it harder for many of these voters to obtain the ID they need to regain their right to participate in the next election:
Gov. Scott Walker’s administration is working on finalizing a plan to close as many as 10 offices where people can obtain driver’s licenses in order to expand hours elsewhere and come into compliance with new requirements that voters show photo IDs at the polls.

One Democratic lawmaker said Friday it appeared the decisions were based on politics, with the department targeting offices for closure in Democratic areas and expanding hours for those in Republican districts. [...] Rep. Andy Jorgensen, D-Fort Atkinson, called on the state Department of Transportation to reconsider its plants to close the Fort Atkinson DMV center. The department plans to expand by four hours a week the hours of a center about 30 minutes away in Watertown. [...]
http://thinkprogress.org/

Think about the times you have stood in line at the DMV…closing 10 offices [[in Dem areas) would make that pain even worse…now think about the elderly having to deal with it, or someone who doesn’t have a driver’s license but needs to get to another DMV outside their area to get a pic ID.

…and for every other Repub gov who has managed to change voting laws, you can bet they will be doing this or something similar as well.

ms_m

07-26-2011, 06:11 AM

Update/Contacts

For Twitter Users

House Representatives on Twitter
http://www.arrghpaine.com/house-reps-on-twitter

ms_m

07-26-2011, 12:55 PM

Boehner: We Have Work To Do Before My Debt Limit Plan Can Pass The House
Brian Beutler | July 26, 2011, 10:38AM

As a sign of just how reluctant conservatives are to throw in their lot with House GOP leadership and pass their plan to avoid default, Speaker John Boehner [[R-OH) suggested to reporters Tuesday that the votes aren't there yet.

"We're going to have some work to do to get it passed," Boehner said at a brief press conference in the lobby of RNC Headquarters. "But I think we can."

Democrats are whipping against the bill, to prevent Republicans from claiming bipartisan support for their plan. And if all Dems vote no, Boehner has a slim margin for error if he's going to squeeze his plan through the House. More than three dozen Republicans have pledged in the past not to support an increase in the debt limit unless and until Congress passes a Constitutional amendment requiring balanced budgets, slashing spending to historic lows, and functionally prohibiting tax cuts. If they all adhere to that pledge, Boehner's bill can't pass.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/boehner-we-have-work-to-do-before-my-debt-limit-plan-can-pass-the-house.php?ref=dcblt

ms_m

07-26-2011, 01:20 PM

The Republican Wreckage
Published: July 25, 2011

House Republicans have lost sight of the country’s welfare. It’s hard to conclude anything else from their latest actions, including the House speaker’s dismissal of President Obama’s plea for compromise Monday night. They have largely succeeded in their campaign to ransom America’s economy for the biggest spending cuts in a generation. They have warped an exercise in paying off current debt into an argument about future spending. Yet, when they win another concession, they walk away.

This increasingly reckless game has pushed the nation to the brink of ruinous default. The Republicans have dimmed the futures of millions of jobless Americans, whose hopes for work grow more out of reach as government job programs are cut and interest rates begin to rise. They have made the federal government a laughingstock around the globe.
In a scathing prime-time television address Monday night, President Obama stepped off the sidelines to tell Americans the House Republicans were threatening a “deep economic crisis” that could send interest rates skyrocketing and hold up Social Security and veterans’ checks. By insisting on a single-minded approach and refusing to negotiate, he said, Republicans were violating the country’s founding principle of compromise.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/26/opinion/26tue1.html?_r=1

I think “scathing” is a melodramatic way of describing the tone of the POTUS last night but the rest of the op-ed seems about right.

Fax numbers can be found by clicking the link below

Contacting the Congress is a very up-to-date citizen's congressional directory for the 112th Congress. As of July 25, 2011 there are 539 electronic contact addresses [[of which 536 are Web-based contact forms), and 539 home pages known for the 540 members of the 112th Congress. Traditional ground mail addresses are available for all current members of Congress.

Find your members of Congress by clicking this link and then click on your state on the map http://www.contactingthecongress.org/index.html

Efax is an excellent service and you can do a fax via your computer

This link is for a 30 day trial….it’s easy and trustworthy

http://home.efax.com/s/r/efax-brand1...FaZx5QodvlXE6Q

For Twitter Users

House Representatives on Twitter
http://www.arrghpaine.com/house-reps-on-twitter

I'll place the other links and number here as well to make this convenient as possible.

The number to call is the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at [[202)224-3121

U.S. Senate: Senators Directory
Offers a directory of current members of the U.S. Senate with full contact information including email addresses.[/B]
http://www.senate.gov/general/contac...nators_cfm.cfm

Directory of Representatives

http://www.house.gov/representatives/#state_ks

ms_m

07-26-2011, 01:40 PM

‘We Get The Sacrifice, They Get The Wealth’: A Fired-Up Pelosi Tears Into GOP Deficit Plan
Evan McMorris-Santoro | July 26, 2011, 1:18PM

Speaking to a crowd of union workers on Capitol Hill today, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi unloaded on Republican plans to lower the deficit through deep cuts to government services in exchange for raising the debt ceiling. Frustrations are running high in Congress with the default deadline rapidly approaching, and Pelosi spoke with a fire that suggested the endless debate over the debt ceiling is taking its toll on her patience.

"This isn't just about them saying we should reduce the deficit," she said, adding: "This is an excuse. The budget deficit is an excuse for the Republicans to undermine government plain and simple. They don't just want to make cuts, they want to destroy. They want to destroy food safety, clean air, clean water, the department of education. They want to destroy your rights."

Pelosi said that Democratic approach to the debt and deficit problem isn't just more balanced, as President Obama has said, but is aimed at improving the lot of the middle class workers she was speaking to. The purpose of the press conference was to address the continuing battle over the NLRB, which has pitted the core constituencies of both parties against each other.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/we-get-the-sacrifice-they-get-the-wealth-a-fired-up-pelosi-tears-into-gop-deficit-plan.php?ref=fpblg

Nancy Pelosi has definitely grown on me over the years. :)
The Dems are finally getting the hang of this messaging thing...yeah!

ms_m

07-26-2011, 01:47 PM

Hoyer: After Default Crisis, Look Forward To Another Government Shutdown Fight
Brian Beutler | July 26, 2011, 1:22PM

Even if the debt limit fight is resolved without lasting consequences for the country, House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer [[D-MD) predicted Tuesday that the country will face more perilous brinksmanship when funding for the federal government expires at the end of September.

In response to a question from another reporter, Hoyer distinguished between the appropriations impasse of 1995, which resulted in a weeks-long government shutdown, and the current fight over borrowing authority, which could result in a debt default, and, which Hoyer noted, is much, much graver. But don't assume that the GOP will lose its appetite for confrontation after this fight's over.

"You can shut down the government for two or three days, five days, a week, that's not good, we saw that in Minnesota, it's not good policy," Hoyer cautioned. "But you're not putting the image, and credit, and standing of the United States at risk. That's what we're doing today."
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/hoyer-after-default-crisis-look-forward-to-another-government-shutdown-fight.php?ref=fpb

I think I’ll go in search for some good news before we all are depressed into oblivion!

Fax numbers can be found by clicking the link below

Contacting the Congress is a very up-to-date citizen's congressional directory for the 112th Congress. As of July 25, 2011 there are 539 electronic contact addresses [[of which 536 are Web-based contact forms), and 539 home pages known for the 540 members of the 112th Congress. Traditional ground mail addresses are available for all current members of Congress.

Find your members of Congress by clicking this link and then click on your state on the map http://www.contactingthecongress.org/index.html

Efax is an excellent service and you can do a fax via your computer

This link is for a 30 day trial….it’s easy and trustworthy

http://home.efax.com/s/r/efax-brand1...FaZx5QodvlXE6Q

For Twitter Users

House Representatives on Twitter
http://www.arrghpaine.com/house-reps-on-twitter

I'll place the other links and number here as well to make this convenient as possible.

The number to call is the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at [[202)224-3121

U.S. Senate: Senators Directory
Offers a directory of current members of the U.S. Senate with full contact information including email addresses.[/B]
http://www.senate.gov/general/contac...nators_cfm.cfm

Directory of Representatives

http://www.house.gov/representatives/#state_ks