GOP Will Kill the Unemployment Extension Today

Politics • Views: 4,022

The Senate economic package that would extend unemployment benefits is about to be killed off by the Republican Party: The Senate unemployment bill founders.

The GOP seems determined to alienate every last moderate voter, by sticking to a weird absolutist concept of “conservative principles” while people’s lives are falling apart, and obstructing every bit of legislation that would help Americans, solely for partisan reasons.

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380 comments
1 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:20:26pm

Well that does it, I’m going to change political parties. Independent party here I come!

2 tnguitarist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:21:15pm

I honestly think a lot of them don’t realize that employment benefits are insurance that we pay for. Either that, or they are calculating that their constituents don’t know how these benefits work.

3 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:21:51pm

Well you see average Americans who are in hard financial times don’t need to be helped out. It isn’t like they were bankers who needed their corporate bonuses footed by the taxpayer, or oil barons who need to escape liability.

4 Kragar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:21:56pm

But “Fuck the Poor and Middle class” seems like such a sure fire campaign tactic, how can they lose?
/

5 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:22:34pm

re: #4 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

But “Fuck the Poor and Middle class” seems like such a sure fire campaign tactic, how can they lose?
/

Interesting question since they have been running that agenda for 40 years.

6 Kragar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:23:12pm

re: #2 tnguitarist

I honestly think a lot of them don’t realize that employment benefits are insurance that we pay for. Either that, or they are calculating that their constituents don’t know how these benefits work.

Well, if someone is worried about what to do when they suddenly become unemployed, they should have worked harder to get big business to lobby for their vote, right?

7 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:23:24pm

This bill should be passed… there should be no doubt in any conservatives mind that the Obama administration has not “created” enough jobs or helped improve the availability of jobs in this country. Since that’s a given, then it’s actually cruel to play politics with people lives just to make this point.

Pass the bill jerks.

8 tnguitarist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:24:40pm

Why are Democrats so poor at using things like this as a campaign advantage though? Every time I think “Man, they are going to nail them with this come election time”, they rarely do.

9 teleskiguy  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:24:41pm

On this note, I give thee lizards:
Kill The Poor by Dead Kennedys
Efficiency and progress is ours once more
Now that we have the Neutron bomb
It’s nice and quick and clean and gets things done
Away with excess enemy
But no less value to property
No sense in war but perfect sense at home:

The sun beams down on a brand new day
No more welfare tax to pay
Unsightly slums gone up in flashing light
Jobless millions whisked away
At last we have more room to play
All systems go to kill the poor tonight

Gonna
Kill kill kill kill Kill the poor:Tonight

Behold the sparkle of champagne
The crime rate’s gone
Feel free again
O’ life’s a dream with you, Miss Lily White
Jane Fonda on the screen today
Convinced the liberals it’s okay
So let’s get dressed and dance away the night

While they:
Kill kill kill kill Kill the poor:Tonight

10 Lidane  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:24:42pm

re: #5 LudwigVanQuixote

Interesting question since they have been running that agenda for 40 years.

Seriously. That’s been the Republican mantra for decades now. It’s just more obvious now to the non-wingnuts because the current GOP are determined to go full retard as long as Obama is in office.

11 ShaunP  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:25:00pm

re: #4 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

But “Fuck the Poor and Middle class” seems like such a sure fire campaign tactic, how can they lose?
/

Bah, those unemployed folks will be thanking them for helping to reduce the deficit.

///////

12 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:25:20pm

I guess “spend more” is the only accepted “non-partisan” stance?

13 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:26:09pm

Don’t worry, everyone knows that there are “honest job” out there for these folks if only they would stop being so damn spoiled and go get one of those jobs.
/

And how soon before someone comes on to whine “how long should we pay unemployment” and “why should my tax money have to pay for ______”.

14 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:26:14pm

re: #2 tnguitarist

I honestly think a lot of them don’t realize that employment benefits are insurance that we pay for. Either that, or they are calculating that their constituents don’t know how these benefits work.

Ok, now wait just one moment! I have had the humiliating and demeaning position of unemployment for over a year now and If I want to pay the rent I need to find a job or keep getting those demeaning unemployment checks or stop eating. Since there are no jobs to be found here in California and I would really like to keep a roof over my head and I really don’t want to stop eating what the heck WOULD YOU SUGGEST I DO NOW? I know they’re tax based! You think I really want to stay unemployed? Have you ever had to fill out one of those claim forms? Or been unemployed? This I want to hear!!!

15 Summer Seale  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:26:28pm

Can’t coddle these millionaire, Porsche-driving, mansion-owning, layabouts forever! Why, if these people were voluntarily working any less than they are, they’d be….Congressmen!

16 Charles Johnson  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:26:36pm

re: #12 TampaKnight

I guess “spend more” is the only accepted “non-partisan” stance?

Helping people in need is supposed to be one of the major functions of government, last time I checked.

17 Interesting Times  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:26:48pm

re: #4 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

But “Fuck the Poor and Middle class” seems like such a sure fire campaign tactic, how can they lose?

They seem to be banking on it having the opposite effect:

It’s unpleasant to think about, and I really hope it’s not true, but it may be time for a discussion about whether GOP lawmakers are trying to deliberately sabotage the economy to help their midterm election strategy. After all, these same Republicans have supported deficit-financed tax-extenders before — there’s no credible reason to change course now. On the contrary, with the economy struggling to break through, the need for this package is more obvious, not less, if your goal is to actually improve economic conditions.

18 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:27:00pm

re: #8 tnguitarist

Why are Democrats so poor at using things like this as a campaign advantage though? Every time I think “Man, they are going to nail them with this come election time”, they rarely do.

I keep wondering that…the shit the R’s are doing right now is GOLD for the Dems.

19 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:27:44pm

re: #8 tnguitarist

Why are Democrats so poor at using things like this as a campaign advantage though? Every time I think “Man, they are going to nail them with this come election time”, they rarely do.

In my opinion, because the public wouldn’t believe them. The current administration made certain promises about the job market, and they have not come anywhere close to seeing that promise fulfilled. Therefore, they can’t toot one horn without drawing too much attention to the unemployment issue. Sort of a self created catch 22.

20 Lidane  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:27:50pm

re: #8 tnguitarist

Why are Democrats so poor at using things like this as a campaign advantage though? Every time I think “Man, they are going to nail them with this come election time”, they rarely do.

That’s because the Dems have almost always sucked at strategy. They’ve got an uncanny ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

21 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:28:08pm

Sorry, BP.
FUCK YOU, UNEMPLOYED.
Brilliant!
9_9

22 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:28:20pm

I think I found the GOP’s theme song…

Youtube Video

23 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:28:31pm

re: #16 Charles

Helping people in need is supposed to be one of the major functions of government, last time I checked.

I would respectfully argue that piling on the deficit is hurting everyone largely the same.

24 tnguitarist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:29:17pm

re: #18 webevintage

I keep wondering that…the shit the R’s are doing right now is GOLD for the Dems.

You would think so. The people they put in charge of getting the message out are just terrible.

25 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:29:24pm

re: #23 TampaKnight

I would respectfully argue that piling on the deficit is hurting everyone largely the same.

Would monsieur like a nice brie to go with his talking points?

26 teleskiguy  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:29:36pm

re: #22 darthstar

I think I found the GOP’s theme song…


[Video]

Lyrics posted on #9 in this thread. Good show!

27 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:29:37pm

re: #7 Walter L. Newton

This bill should be passed… there should be no doubt in any conservatives mind that the Obama administration has not “created” enough jobs or helped improve the availability of jobs in this country. Since that’s a given, then it’s actually cruel to play politics with people lives just to make this point.

Pass the bill jerks.

Agreed. First the GOP demanded the bill’s spending be shaved down, then they demanded it be paid for. Now, out of a bill that was roughly $200+ billion, it’s now down to half that, with only $30 billion not paid for in some form or fashion. This isn’t the time to be playing politics with people’s lives, especially when you’ve got thousands in the Gulf who will be waiting months or years for that check from BP to come while being out of work.

28 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:29:53pm

re: #25 WindUpBird

Would monsieur like a nice brie to go with his talking points?

Really want to debate budget? I’ll gladly accept.

29 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:29:56pm

re: #23 TampaKnight

I would respectfully argue that piling on the deficit is hurting everyone largely the same.

What did I say?

30 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:30:05pm

re: #23 TampaKnight

I would respectfully argue that piling on the deficit is hurting everyone largely the same.

Where were you between 2001 and 2009?

31 Taqyia2Me  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:30:31pm

Is there anything else in this bill that the GOP cannot support? If not, this is STOOPID.

32 tnguitarist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:30:32pm

re: #19 Walter L. Newton

This isn’t just a recent problem. Dems always have trouble with getting their message across.

33 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:30:52pm

re: #30 darthstar

Where were you between 2001 and 2009?

You mean the deficit that was trimmed to $160B in 2007?

34 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:31:06pm

re: #9 teleskiguy

re: #26 teleskiguy

Lyrics posted on #9 in this thread. Good show!


Ha! I didn’t see your post. Great minds think alike.

35 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:31:27pm

seriously, ask someone with two kids who has been out of work a year who has been desperately looking for something resembling full time employment how much they care about The Deficit.

Pointless GOP talking point masturbation. Ron Paul gibberish about austerity in a recession. Idiocy.

36 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:31:29pm

re: #27 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Agreed. First the GOP demanded the bill’s spending be shaved down, then they demanded it be paid for. Now, out of a bill that was roughly $200+ billion, it’s now down to half that, with only $30 billion not paid for in some form or fashion. This isn’t the time to be playing politics with people’s lives, especially when you’ve got thousands in the Gulf who will be waiting months or years for that check from BP to come while being out of work.

The BP payment czar said they will be no delays like that in getting payments for the effects of this spill. But otherwise, I totally agree with you.

(Can I agree, with you, with myself, after all, I’m one of those big bad right wingers LOL)

37 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:31:54pm

re: #28 TampaKnight

Really want to debate budget? I’ll gladly accept.

hahaha you are not credible, go away and cradle your Rand Paul 8x10 glossies

38 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:32:17pm

re: #36 Walter L. Newton

You’re a right winger?
Since when???

39 tnguitarist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:32:18pm

re: #28 TampaKnight

Really want to debate budget? I’ll gladly accept.

When you don’t have a job and you’re just trying to keep the lights on and food on the table, you care squat about the deficit.

40 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:32:28pm

re: #37 WindUpBird

hahaha you are not credible, go away and cradle your Rand Paul 8x10 glossies

Brilliant.

41 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:32:37pm

re: #33 TampaKnight

You mean the deficit that was trimmed to $160B in 2007?

It all depends on how you define ‘trim’…I seem to recall the military budget wasn’t counted as part of the deficit because we were “at war” so the extra 400 billion or so that we flushed down the toilet didn’t matter.

42 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:32:46pm

If they don’t want to return the money they have taken from people for just such an occasion, they should stop taking unemployment insurance from people’s pay checks.

43 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:32:57pm

re: #16 Charles

Helping people in need is supposed to be one of the major functions of government, last time I checked.

Thank you Charles.

44 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:34:00pm

Don’t I recall a stimulus bill that has yet to spend the funds that it promised to “put people back to work?”.

There are ABSOLUTELY $110B that can be re-programmed from that bill to fit this need.

That should be used as a vehicle for unemployment before we pass another mindless spending bill.

45 What, me worry?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:34:09pm

re: #4 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

But “Fuck the Poor and Middle class” seems like such a sure fire campaign tactic, how can they lose?
/

A few years back, 2007-2008, right up until the election in fact, folks around LGF denied a recession even existed. It was a major consensus of the rightwing that the recession was only created by the mainstream liberal media(TM) and had no basis in reality.

Well that was until we elected a Democratic President. Then not only did the recession exist, it was HIS fault.

Why should the U.S. pay for 1) a recession that never existed (all those poor people are just lazy liars) or 2) a recession that was created by Obama in 2008 because we all know that life was just peachy keen before that.

The stupid, it hurts.

46 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:34:20pm

re: #41 darthstar

It all depends on how you define ‘trim’…I seem to recall the military budget wasn’t counted as part of the deficit because we were “at war” so the extra 400 billion or so that we flushed down the toilet didn’t matter.

That’s absolutely false.

47 Taqyia2Me  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:35:11pm

re: #44 TampaKnight

Don’t I recall a stimulus bill that has yet to spend the funds that it promised to “put people back to work?”.

There are ABSOLUTELY $110B that can be re-programmed from that bill to fit this need.

That should be used as a vehicle for unemployment before we pass another mindless spending bill.

Well, there is that…

48 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:35:30pm

re: #35 WindUpBird

seriously, ask someone with two kids who has been out of work a year who has been desperately looking for something resembling full time employment how much they care about The Deficit.

Pointless GOP talking point masturbation. Ron Paul gibberish about austerity in a recession. Idiocy.

And also very very horrible after they bailed out their own friends and corporate masters first for much more money.

The GOP are not just whores but lying thieves as well.

49 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:35:35pm

re: #35 WindUpBird

seriously, ask someone with two kids who has been out of work a year who has been desperately looking for something resembling full time employment how much they care about The Deficit.

Pointless GOP talking point masturbation. Ron Paul gibberish about austerity in a recession. Idiocy.

I’ve been out of career based full time work for almost 6 years now, and as everyone here knows, not by any lack of trying on my part.

I’m happy in my part time job right now, having a blast learning something new, but really, if I was on unemployment right now, I would not feel like I’ve been “less than honest” in trying to find work… I’ve been doing a little of everything for 6 years now… and if I could still get some sort of help (not a handout, help), I would take it.

This is where partisan GOP politics totally misses the mark… for all. Because I can bet that it’s not just lefties out of work right now. Talk about shooting oneself in the foot.

50 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:36:14pm

re: #38 Varek Raith

You’re a right winger?
Since when???

Since last night… weren’t you here for the coronation? :)

51 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:36:16pm

re: #45 marjoriemoon

A few years back, 2007-2008, right up until the election in fact, folks around LGF denied a recession even existed. It was a major consensus of the rightwing that the recession was only created by the mainstream liberal media(TM) and had no basis in reality.

Well that was until we elected a Democratic President. Then not only did the recession exist, it was HIS fault.

Why should the U.S. pay for 1) a recession that never existed (all those poor people are just lazy liars) or 2) a recession that was created by Obama in 2008 because we all know that life was just peachy keen before that.

The stupid, it hurts.

Have I recently mentioned how much I love you? I clearly have been slipping. Excellent post.

52 Vambo  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:36:22pm

re: #23 TampaKnight

I would respectfully argue that piling on the deficit is hurting everyone largely the same.

Ah yes, the United States. One of the poorest countries in the world, operating in completely in the dark with no economic recovery in sight. Sorry can’t spare a square, we don’t have a square to spare.

53 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:37:05pm

re: #50 Walter L. Newton

Since last night… weren’t you here for the coronation? :)

Huh, must have missed it.
:)

54 Pie-onist Overlord  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:37:14pm

Somebody wrote to Andrew Sullivan:

Today I receive my last unemployment check. I’ve used up all available extensions. My position was eliminated on Feb. 1, 2009. Since then I’ve diligently searched for work. I have a MA and 23 years experience. I’ve had three interviews and no offers. My savings, including retirement, is gone. I had to sell my house. I’ve moved from Michigan to Massachusetts into the home of my parents, who at 81 and 71 live on their investments (which have been dwindling in this economy.) At a time when I should be getting ready for my retirement and taking care of my parents, I’m back at square one.

This is certainly not where I had planned to be. This is certainly not the American dream I was raised to believe in, one whose premise is that if you work hard, get a good education, you will succeed.

I try to remain positive. It’s difficult when I read articles about companies refusing to hire anyone who is unemployed or about how slow the recovery is or about how many young folks are graduating from college and are now competing for the same positions to which I’m applying. I am doing all I can, reaching out, networking, doing pro-bono work, and taking an internship at a non-profit I love commuting two and a half hours each day to get to the office. To keep myself in balance, I constantly read and think about those around the world whose struggles are greater than mine. Haitians, Afghans, Iraqis, and other Americans who struggle with lack of food, education and life’s basic resources. There but for God, go you or I.

55 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:37:30pm

Today’s bogus outrageous outrage…..


DEBUNK “GREEN JOBS” CLAIMS, get a bomb in the mail.

Posted at 3:30 pm by Glenn Reynolds

Which leads to a PJM article: BREAKING: ‘Green’ Energy Company Threatens Economics Professor … with Package of Dismantled Bomb Parts
Buried at the end of that article is a link to a Spanish website….
An aide SPAN, threatened by her articles on solar energy (autotranslation)

The square shape of the package did not think it could be a document that Gabriel Calzada, in consultation with counsel for the Institute, decided to pass through a scanner before opening. The package was closed until Tuesday 22, the day he used his weekly collaboration Calzada contertulio in the program as Cesar Vidal ‘Caesar’s Night’ by EsRadio, to ask the security company if they could scan the package.

The private security officer advised not to open it after checking that there were two metal objects are difficult to interpret. He hired a more experienced person who, after a brief viewing of the screen of the scanner thought he knew what it was and proceeded to open it carefully under the watchful eye of security guard, Lorenzo Ramirez (former editor of Expansion) and the actual Gabriel Calzada. In the box came a fuel filter and a piece of thread that could be adapted to the filter.

. “The four of us and we look the same,” says Gabriel Calzada, “was a threat was summed up that if I kept giving my opinion on energy issues in the media, the next time could be expected that the pieces were assembled and me exploded. ”


So they claimed that a solar panel manufacturer sent them a bomb. Instead of calling the police they hired their own bomb expert. After identifying it as a possible they decided to open it.

I can’t find any mention of this in the English or Spanish speaking press.
Bogus.

56 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:37:40pm

Can someone please tell me why funds from the stimulus bill can’t be re-programmed to extend these benefits? And don’t tell me they “can’t” because they were appropriated elsewhere- that’s completely false and it’s done all the time.

If not, I’ll just allow the “GOP hates poor people” pissing matches to continue.

57 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:39:02pm

re: #27 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Agreed. First the GOP demanded the bill’s spending be shaved down, then they demanded it be paid for. Now, out of a bill that was roughly $200+ billion, it’s now down to half that, with only $30 billion not paid for in some form or fashion. This isn’t the time to be playing politics with people’s lives, especially when you’ve got thousands in the Gulf who will be waiting months or years for that check from BP to come while being out of work.

Ahh but those people are not part of the elect…. They are not saved and all. If they were, they would be rich like the Republicans. Jus poor white trash really. And besides, their natural masters are working hard on their behalf. So hard that they had to go to a yacht race. Real people like that deserve their lives back. People like the ones in the gulf haven’t earned anything.

Did I mention that the GOP is evil?

58 tnguitarist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:39:12pm

re: #56 TampaKnight

Do you really think there wouldn’t be a freak out if they tried to redirect these funds?

59 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:39:31pm

Well, I guess that crazywoman the other day was talking GOP party line when she said that the unemployed are “spoiled”.

60 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:39:51pm

re: #58 tnguitarist

Do you really think there wouldn’t be a freak out if they tried to redirect these funds?

Uh, no. Most people have no idea that the funds weren’t actually used anyways.

61 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:40:23pm

Since I have been unemployed I can honestly tell you that it is one of the most depressing, demeaning and humiliated experiences I have ever had to endure. I would gladly pay back the money I have been given in extra unemployment payments if I could get a job! I have worked for over twenty years and I have lots of experience with customer service, cashiering, stocking shelves, computer entry and a slew of other types of work and yet no one takes me seriously when I apply for a job because I have too much experience! Even part time work would help pay the bills and rent, and that would mean minimum wage after over twenty years of making $10 to $15 per hour. Now I find myself unable to help RWC with anything past the housework, oh yeah that makes me sooooo spoiled and skimming tax payer dollars from honest working folks! As if!

62 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:40:30pm

re: #54 Alouette

Somebody wrote to Andrew Sullivan:

Today I receive my last unemployment check. I’ve used up all available extensions. My position was eliminated on Feb. 1, 2009. Since then I’ve diligently searched for work. I have a MA and 23 years experience. I’ve had three interviews and no offers. My savings, including retirement, is gone. I had to sell my house. I’ve moved from Michigan to Massachusetts into the home of my parents, who at 81 and 71 live on their investments (which have been dwindling in this economy.) At a time when I should be getting ready for my retirement and taking care of my parents, I’m back at square one.

This is certainly not where I had planned to be. This is certainly not the American dream I was raised to believe in, one whose premise is that if you work hard, get a good education, you will succeed.

I try to remain positive. It’s difficult when I read articles about companies refusing to hire anyone who is unemployed or about how slow the recovery is or about how many young folks are graduating from college and are now competing for the same positions to which I’m applying. I am doing all I can, reaching out, networking, doing pro-bono work, and taking an internship at a non-profit I love commuting two and a half hours each day to get to the office. To keep myself in balance, I constantly read and think about those around the world whose struggles are greater than mine. Haitians, Afghans, Iraqis, and other Americans who struggle with lack of food, education and life’s basic resources. There but for God, go you or I.

Yes, but clearly that person should not be receiving health care either. If people just listened to the GOP, he would get sick and die and then there would not be a problem. After all, he is not one of the elect.

63 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:40:44pm

re: #57 LudwigVanQuixote

Ahh but those people are not part of the elect… They are not saved and all. If they were, they would be rich like the Republicans. Jus poor white trash really. And besides, their natural masters are working hard on their behalf. So hard that they had to go to a yacht race. Real people like that deserve their lives back. People like the ones in the gulf haven’t earned anything.

Did I mention that the GOP is evil?

Racist tripe.

64 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:41:27pm

re: #62 LudwigVanQuixote

Yes, but clearly that person should not be receiving health care either. If people just listened to the GOP, he would get sick and die and then there would not be a problem. After all, he is not one of the elect.

Mindless partisan idiocy.

Is Alan Grayson your dad?

65 blueraven  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:41:31pm

re: #23 TampaKnight

I would respectfully argue that piling on the deficit is hurting everyone largely the same.

Yes, lets do more tax cuts! Fuck the unemployed.

66 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:41:44pm

re: #63 Bagua

Racist tripe.

Yes that is exactly why the GOP is evil for thinking that way. Of course, they don’t like poor brown people either.

67 tnguitarist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:42:02pm

re: #61 Dragon_Lady

I was told that I was “overqualified” for a position recently. I know your pain.

68 Lidane  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:42:03pm

re: #22 darthstar

I think I found the GOP’s theme song…

Good choice, but I was always more partial to this one myself:

Youtube Video

69 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:42:51pm

re: #64 TampaKnight

Mindless partisan idiocy.

Is Alan Grayson your dad?

No dead on the money. If you can’t stand the idea of people getting things like a proper education, enough food to eat, proper health care and some dignity just because they are people, you are standardly evil GOP swine.

70 justaminute  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:43:09pm

When you have a well dressed gentleman with resume in hand and ask for a job in my 24 hour restaurant, one knows it is bad out there. I felt bad because we are fully staffed. At the present time, I have a folder with 123 applications and that is from the last 2 weeks. This is Oklahoma and we don’t have the unemployment numbers that other states have.

71 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:43:15pm

re: #2 tnguitarist

Not willing to play with me on this subject are you? Your comment goes beyond arrogance and right into offensive to those of us who are unfortunate enough to be depending on those unemployment checks.

72 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:43:45pm

re: #69 LudwigVanQuixote

No dead on the money. If you can’t stand the idea of people getting things like a proper education, enough food to eat, proper health care and some dignity just because they are people, you are standardly evil GOP swine.

Had no idea the government must provide fucking food, too.

And you’re a bloodsucking liberal leech.

How’s that for stupid name calling?

73 What, me worry?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:44:29pm

re: #51 LudwigVanQuixote

Have I recently mentioned how much I love you? I clearly have been slipping. Excellent post.

Oh you so sweet. Loves ya back :)

74 tnguitarist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:44:47pm

re: #71 Dragon_Lady

I believe that you have misunderstood me somehow. I’m on unemployment myself right now.

75 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:44:59pm

re: #50 Walter L. Newton

Since last night… weren’t you here for the coronation? :)

Why are you acting like it was some secret that you are a righty Walter? Please, that’s kinda like Rupaul getting cranky for being outed.

76 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:45:00pm

re: #66 LudwigVanQuixote

Yes that is exactly why the GOP is evil for thinking that way. Of course, they don’t like poor brown people either.

That is disgusting Ludwig. I have no problem with your opposing the Republicans, but to use racist language and fling the word evil around is not necessary.

77 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:45:30pm

re: #67 tnguitarist

I was told that I was “overqualified” for a position recently. I know your pain.

You have no clue how painful it its for me to sit home day after day and try so hard not to cry or whine over my circumstances! After over twenty years of working my tail off and voting and being a good citizen and this is what I get. Gee thanks!

78 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:45:40pm

re: #57 LudwigVanQuixote

Ahh but those people are not part of the elect… They are not saved and all. If they were, they would be rich like the Republicans. Jus poor white trash really. And besides, their natural masters are working hard on their behalf. So hard that they had to go to a yacht race. Real people like that deserve their lives back. People like the ones in the gulf haven’t earned anything.

Did I mention that the GOP is evil?

“Poor white trash,” my lily white ass. The only reason I got a roof over my head, food in my stomach, and clothes on my back right is my folks are helping me along. I’ve been out of work since March, put in dozens of applications, and not received a single call back, much less an interview. If these fuckers on Capital Hill think that I’m living the high life, then I’d gladly change places with them in a heartbeat.

Honestly, at this point, I’m thinking of just staying home come Election Day. I’m not overly thrilled with either party, and I’m tired of picking the “lesser evil.”

79 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:45:54pm

re: #33 TampaKnight

You mean the deficit that was trimmed to $160B in 2007?

LOL
Yes, it was “trimmed” from even larger deficits in the previous 3 years.

80 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:46:54pm

re: #79 Nimed

LOL
Yes, it was “trimmed” from even larger deficits in the previous 3 years.

Don’t worry…Tampa will be all for federal spending after the next hurricane. It’s all about context.

81 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:47:05pm

re: #61 Dragon_Lady

Since I have been unemployed I can honestly tell you that it is one of the most depressing, demeaning and humiliated experiences I have ever had to endure. I would gladly pay back the money I have been given in extra unemployment payments if I could get a job! I have worked for over twenty years and I have lots of experience with customer service, cashiering, stocking shelves, computer entry and a slew of other types of work and yet no one takes me seriously when I apply for a job because I have too much experience! Even part time work would help pay the bills and rent, and that would mean minimum wage after over twenty years of making $10 to $15 per hour. Now I find myself unable to help RWC with anything past the housework, oh yeah that makes me sooo spoiled and skimming tax payer dollars from honest working folks! As if!

I’ve worked since I was 14, and two days after I graduated high school, I went right to work, full time, for Beneficial Finance, and haven’t stopped working since. I would now be one of those claimed “spoiled” people if it wasn’t for the fact that I spend my time doing 3-4 things or more to bring in some cash. I program occasionally for Kaiser, I make jewelry, I work part time at a supermarket as a cashier, I have a few play published that bring in an occasional royalty payment or script sale and so on.

But I still want a full time 40 hour a week programing job, preferably making about 82000,00 a year, like I use to. Does that make me “spoiled” to want that.

82 blueraven  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:47:07pm

re: #77 Dragon_Lady

You have no clue how painful it its for me to sit home day after day and try so hard not to cry or whine over my circumstances! After over twenty years of working my tail off and voting and being a good citizen and this is what I get. Gee thanks!

I think you have misread tnguitarist posts.

83 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:47:25pm

re: #75 LudwigVanQuixote

Why are you acting like it was some secret that you are a righty Walter? Please, that’s kinda like Rupaul getting cranky for being outed.

Walter is centrist, neither right nor left. What is happening here at LGF, now that the actual conservatives have been driven out, is the centrists are now being labelled as “right wing” and “wingnut.” That is dishonesty.

84 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:47:26pm

If you’re unemployed, it’s your fault.

If you have a job, it’s because God loves you.

If you’re sick, you must not have eaten right.

If you’re healthy, it’s because God loves you.

If you’re hungry, fuck you.

If you have food to eat, it’s because God loves you.

If you’re dying, hurry up.

If you’re alive, it’s because God loves you.

Fate is entirely up to you. And if yours is bad, it’s because you don’t love God enough.

[GOP platform]

85 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:47:34pm

re: #79 Nimed

LOL
Yes, it was “trimmed” from even larger deficits in the previous 3 years.

I’d kill for some trimming right about now- they won’t pass a fucking budget because they’re so terrified of what deficits will be projected.

86 tnguitarist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:47:59pm

re: #82 blueraven

I think you have misread tnguitarist posts.

Thank you.

87 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:48:35pm

re: #72 TampaKnight

Had no idea the government must provide fucking food, too.

And you’re a bloodsucking liberal leech.

How’s that for stupid name calling?

It’s not very impressive. It’s largely because the real bloodsucking vampires in this nation have always been the GOP and the monied corporate interests they serve. IN fact, when you consider that all of those Dixiecrats who couldn’t stand desegregation went over to the GOP, you guys have the slave owner vote too.

End of the day, the point i I am more like Van Helsing. So calling me bloodsucking when you support a party that drains the life out of this nation with it insane financial schemes and economic disaster after economic disaster, followed by no care for the citizens it claims to serve, is ironic at best.

We all know who the real vampires are. Watch out righty. In 2012 you might find that we have sharp wood for you.

88 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:48:48pm

re: #83 Bagua

Walter is centrist, neither right nor left. What is happening here at LGF, now that the actual conservatives have been driven out, is the centrists are now being labelled as “right wing” and “wingnut.” That is dishonesty.

People like Ludwig wish to be disgusting and vile enough to the point that all that is left here are loudmouth leftists like him.

89 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:48:53pm

re: #83 Bagua

Walter is centrist, neither right nor left. What is happening here at LGF, now that the actual conservatives have been driven out, is the centrists are now being labelled as “right wing” and “wingnut.” That is dishonesty.

I just laugh at LVQ… it’s all one can do.

90 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:49:10pm

re: #78 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

“Poor white trash,” my lily white ass. The only reason I got a roof over my head, food in my stomach, and clothes on my back right is my folks are helping me along. I’ve been out of work since March, put in dozens of applications, and not received a single call back, much less an interview. If these fuckers on Capital Hill think that I’m living the high life, then I’d gladly change places with them in a heartbeat.

Honestly, at this point, I’m thinking of just staying home come Election Day. I’m not overly thrilled with either party, and I’m tired of picking the “lesser evil.”

My point exactly. Surely you recognized the angry sarcasm in the remark.

91 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:49:19pm

re: #74 tnguitarist

I believe that you have misunderstood me somehow. I’m on unemployment myself right now.

Yeah you got that right. You really got my Irish up and I’m about to blow a gasket I’m so P.O.’d. Ask the others, I don’t generally get so worked up over most topics but this one touches a real sore spot. Maybe I should just walk away for a while and cool off because between my head cold and your comment my temper is giving me a real headache.

92 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:49:52pm

Most curious.
I get that deficits are bad.
But why, oh why, is the first thing the GOP wants to do is kick people when they’re down when it comes to reducing spending?

93 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:50:34pm

So here is the 2ns part of the email Sullivan posted from one of the “spoiled” unemployed:
“I try to remain positive. It’s difficult when I read articles about companies refusing to hire anyone who is unemployed or about how slow the recovery is or about how many young folks are graduating from college and are now competing for the same positions to which I’m applying. I am doing all I can, reaching out, networking, doing pro-bono work, and taking an internship at a non-profit I love commuting two and a half hours each day to get to the office. To keep myself in balance, I constantly read and think about those around the world whose struggles are greater than mine. Haitians, Afghans, Iraqis, and other Americans who struggle with lack of food, education and life’s basic resources. There but for God, go you or I.”

andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com

94 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:50:39pm

re: #85 TampaKnight

I’d kill for some trimming right about now- they won’t pass a fucking budget because they’re so terrified of what deficits will be projected.

They won’t put a budget forth because they know the GOP will nitpick every single spending item, using them to prop up their “FUCK THE POOR!” strategy. Nitpicking about the deficit seems to be the only leg the GOP has to stand on right now, claiming to be the party of financial austerity after going 8 years spending us into the worst fucking deficit since WWII.

95 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:50:45pm

re: #92 Varek Raith

Most curious.
I get that deficits are bad.
But why, oh why, is the first thing the GOP wants to do is kick people when they’re down when it comes to reducing spending?

Because it makes them feel powerful and important.

96 tnguitarist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:50:53pm

re: #91 Dragon_Lady

Yeah you got that right. You really got my Irish up and I’m about to blow a gasket I’m so P.O.’d. Ask the others, I don’t generally get so worked up over most topics but this one touches a real sore spot. Maybe I should just walk away for a while and cool off because between my head cold and your comment my temper is giving me a real headache.

I still don’t see how you got upset when I’m in the corner of defending unemployment benefits.

97 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:51:06pm

re: #88 TampaKnight

re: #83 Bagua

Thanks for the support… but you are wasting your breath. It’s common for total partisans to try to demean centrist or issue based opinions because it tend to hold a mirror up to a lot of the hypocrisy that is rampart on both sides… can’t have that happening… kills the partisan buzz.

98 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:51:16pm

re: #92 Varek Raith

Most curious.
I get that deficits are bad.
But why, oh why, is the first thing the GOP wants to do is kick people when they’re down when it comes to reducing spending?

Because it’s a false choice.

There are nearly $500B in unspent funds available in the stimulus bill, which has done next to nothing.

Do we want to fund pig research in Iowa, or extend unemployment?

99 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:51:38pm

re: #76 Bagua

That is disgusting Ludwig. I have no problem with your opposing the Republicans, but to use racist language and fling the word evil around is not necessary.

Are you really denying that the GOP doesn’t like brown people? Are you really doing that after months of this very blog reporting the thousands of ways they shit on brown people?

Who is being racist.? The one who calls it out and hates it, or the one like you who turns a blind eye and makes mock concern trolling?

And of course Racism like that is evil. So is avarice and lack of compassion fo the needy. Would you care to say that evil is not defined that way by the faith you occasionally profess to?

100 Four More Tears  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:51:43pm

re: #91 Dragon_Lady

DL, you’re really off base here. His comment did not mean what you think it meant.

101 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:52:01pm

re: #94 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

They won’t put a budget forth because they know the GOP will nitpick every single spending item, using them to prop up their “FUCK THE POOR!” strategy. Nitpicking about the deficit seems to be the only leg the GOP has to stand on right now, claiming to be the party of financial austerity after going 8 years spending us into the worst fucking deficit since WWII.

LOL

That’s some grand delusion.

102 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:52:10pm

re: #89 Walter L. Newton

I just laugh at LVQ… it’s all one can do.

Yeah because you can’t win on facts, logic or truth… Sucks to be you Walter.

103 Macha  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:52:14pm

re: #12 TampaKnight

I guess “spend more” is the only accepted “non-partisan” stance?

Baloney. I hear the whiners yelling stop the spending. But they sure aren’t whining about having their pork cut back. Oh no! They would rather point the finger at the poor, the unemployed, while they go right on with bloated budgets from the city level to the national. Overinflated contracts, big payoffs to their supporters, bah! The list goes on and on.There is a trementous amount of waste in all levels of government for unnecessary stuff. Unemployment is for need, not waste.

104 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:53:44pm

re: #95 darthstar

Because it makes them feel powerful and important.

Well… it certainly highlights their “smug exceptionalism.” As I said up thread, this is playing with people lives, conservative and liberal lives, it’s not partisan, the whole fucking country has an employment problem. This is a typical example of the isolation that has become part of and parcel of most Washington politicians… in this case the GOP.

105 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:53:45pm

re: #101 TampaKnight

LOL

That’s some grand delusion.

What are you taking about? Look at the topic of the thread. My particular fav attribute of Republicans is to recast their own actions and deny the existences of them mere minutes after they have done them.

Do you really think that we are all as blindly deluded as that?

106 tnguitarist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:53:59pm

re: #2 tnguitarist

them=Republican members of Congress
Geez….

107 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:53:59pm

re: #90 LudwigVanQuixote

My point exactly. Surely you recognized the angry sarcasm in the remark.

I did, but I’m off to the races, so don’t take any of it personally. Every time I see some GOPer or “conservative” bitch that we’re spending too much, that the unemployed are “spoiled,” or that Obama is making things worse, I want to grab them by their necks and throttle them til their head pops off like a champagne cork. Half these fuckers have clue what it’s like not to be able to afford even the month’s issue of Popular Mechanics because he hasn’t seen a paycheck in months, while the other half can’t see past their own racism and bigotry to realize that the very men they’re propping up put them where they are IN THE FIRST PLACE!

108 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:54:15pm

re: #85 TampaKnight

I’d kill for some trimming right about now- they won’t pass a fucking budget because they’re so terrified of what deficits will be projected.

You may not agree with the need for deficit spending (and tax cuts, by the way) on the worst recession since the Great Depression. I think it’s idiotic, but fine. But mentioning the “trimming” of the deficit from 400 billion dollars when our country wasn’t in a recession is just silly.

109 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:55:14pm

Funny how no one here seems to mention that the Democrats chose to put the “doc fix” provision in THIS BILL, the very provision that they purposely hid when passing the health care bill, so as not to inflate the total cost.

Don’t give me “this is purely an unemployment” bill bullshit.

The Democrats played politics with an unemployment bill and lost, and lost with a clear majority.

110 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:55:44pm

It’s like welfare…no, not unemployment…Social Security.

Youtube Video

Harry Reid is picking the low-hanging fruit of the teabag tree…can’t say I blame him.

111 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:55:54pm

re: #98 TampaKnight


There are nearly $500B in unspent funds available in the stimulus bill, which has done next to nothing.


Maybe the unspent funds have done nothing but the money that has been spent HAS done something….

112 What, me worry?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:56:07pm

re: #90 LudwigVanQuixote

My point exactly. Surely you recognized the angry sarcasm in the remark.

Well I did! But it seems others did not. Maybe quotes would have helped…

113 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:56:19pm

re: #96 tnguitarist

I still don’t see how you got upset when I’m in the corner of defending unemployment benefits.

Because it doesn’t read that way! A least it seemed that way to me. It seemed as if you were criticizing those of us who need those checks. I do that sometimes, and as I said I have a head cold so that makes me a bit volatile right now. I’m calming down, but I still have a bit of the Irish temper lighting my fuse. I jumped and I probably shouldn’t have. Sorry. :-(

114 KingKenrod  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:56:46pm

Some information about the Federal extension and the consequences of its elimination (just numbers, no opinions):

blogs.wsj.com

115 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:57:09pm

re: #109 TampaKnight

Funny how no one here seems to mention that the Democrats chose to put the “doc fix” provision in THIS BILL, the very provision that they purposely hid when passing the health care bill, so as not to inflate the total cost.

Don’t give me “this is purely an unemployment” bill bullshit.

The Democrats played politics with an unemployment bill and lost, and lost with a clear majority.

Because the party of NO helped so much to resolve a serious problem. Spare me. No one here is stupid enough to believe such bullshit. Except perhaps Walter and a few others.

116 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:57:38pm

re: #109 TampaKnight

Funny how no one here seems to mention that the Democrats chose to put the “doc fix” provision in THIS BILL, the very provision that they purposely hid when passing the health care bill, so as not to inflate the total cost.

Don’t give me “this is purely an unemployment” bill bullshit.

The Democrats played politics with an unemployment bill and lost, and lost with a clear majority.

Now you’re being plain stupid. The “doc fix” could have been included in the health care bill. I’m personally glad it wasn’t, for the simple reason that it’s not actually a new cost from HCR.

117 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:58:09pm

God hates faggots unemployed people.

[Westboro Baptist Church GOP]

118 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:58:27pm

re: #100 JasonA

DL, you’re really off base here. His comment did not mean what you think it meant.

Okay, I’m calming down. I guess my Irish blood just went ballistic and I started to breath real fire. I apologized above.

119 tnguitarist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:58:43pm

re: #113 Dragon_Lady

No problem. I just didn’t understand why you were cutting someone on your side. I apologize for my dangling participle. Not sure if that’s what it was, I just wanted to type ‘dangling participle’.

120 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:58:44pm

re: #116 Nimed

Now you’re being plain stupid. The “doc fix” could have been included in the health care bill. I’m personally glad it wasn’t, for the simple reason that it’s not actually a new cost from HCR.

Fine then.

It’s a $23B stand alone spending bill that because of it’s exclusion, is now directly added to the deficit.

I feel much better…..

121 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:58:51pm

re: #99 LudwigVanQuixote

Are you really denying that the GOP doesn’t like brown people? Are you really doing that after months of this very blog reporting the thousands of ways they shit on brown people?

You are confusing individuals with an entire party.

Who is being racist.? The one who calls it out and hates it, or the one like you who turns a blind eye and makes mock concern trolling?

You were by saying “white trash” that is what I called racist. It is.

And of course Racism like that is evil. So is avarice and lack of compassion fo the needy. Would you care to say that evil is not defined that way by the faith you occasionally profess to?

I hate racism and evil, and oppose them consistently. But I will not do so using racist comments like “white trash” myself.

122 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:59:40pm

re: #109 TampaKnight

Funny how no one here seems to mention that the Democrats chose to put the “doc fix” provision in THIS BILL, the very provision that they purposely hid when passing the health care bill, so as not to inflate the total cost.

Don’t give me “this is purely an unemployment” bill bullshit.

The Democrats played politics with an unemployment bill and lost, and lost with a clear majority.

And it’s been paid for. The only part of this bill that has not been paid for is the unemployment extension, but don’t let that stop you from continuing to pound this point that the only reason this bill is being blocked is because of the “Doc Fix.” Wake-up, jackass, you’re being played.

123 Gus  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 1:59:54pm

re: #117 Cato the Elder

God hates faggots unemployed people.

[Westboro Baptist Church GOP]

My little experiment with the GOP has ended. I’m going back to voting for Democrats for the rest of my life which is what I was doing anyway.

124 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:00:44pm

re: #122 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

And it’s been paid for. The only part of this bill that has not been paid for is the unemployment extension, but don’t let that stop you from continuing to pound this point that the only reason this bill is being blocked is because of the “Doc Fix.” Wake-up, jackass, you’re being played.

“It’s been paid for”.

Lol, and you’re telling ME I’m being played?

125 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:01:21pm

re: #115 LudwigVanQuixote

Because the party of NO helped so much to resolve a serious problem. Spare me. No one here is stupid enough to believe such bullshit. Except perhaps Walter and a few others.

You can’t “fight” me on this topic of the extension. I’m totally for the extension and the GOP is sorry assed stupid to be fighting against this. Find some other thing to disagree with me on… but don’t make yourself look stupid by claiming I would be against something you have no idea what my stance is.

126 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:02:44pm

re: #121 Bagua

I hate racism and evil, and oppose them consistently. But I will not do so using racist comments like “white trash” myself.

Bagua, you completely understand the context of what I wrote. You are not stupid and you do not need to be a concern troll. If there is some reason that you feel picking a fight with me, by mis characterizing my words is a good thing, please let me know what it is.

127 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:03:32pm

re: #120 TampaKnight

Fine then.

It’s a $23B stand alone spending bill that because of it’s exclusion, is now directly added to the deficit.

I feel much better…

Ok. The doc fix should be fixed, so to speak. But let’s not forget the damn thing has been passed in Congress year after year since 2003. Why all the attention precisely now?

128 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:03:40pm

re: #125 Walter L. Newton

You can’t “fight” me on this topic of the extension. I’m totally for the extension and the GOP is sorry assed stupid to be fighting against this. Find some other thing to disagree with me on… but don’t make yourself look stupid by claiming I would be against something you have no idea what my stance is.

Well then thank you for making my argument even stronger. So Tampa, even Walter isn’t buying your BS. Tough day for you.

129 HoosierHoops  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:04:11pm

re: #77 Dragon_Lady

You have no clue how painful it its for me to sit home day after day and try so hard not to cry or whine over my circumstances! After over twenty years of working my tail off and voting and being a good citizen and this is what I get. Gee thanks!

My dear..You may have not have heard..But the Gov’t is Hiring..Go on the boards..Take a civil service test…
I’m pulling for you

130 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:04:26pm

re: #124 TampaKnight

“It’s been paid for”.

Lol, and you’re telling ME I’m being played?

No I think you are just being deliberately obtuse.

131 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:04:35pm

re: #124 TampaKnight

“It’s been paid for”.

Lol, and you’re telling ME I’m being played?

Yes, you are. You’re being told that killing this bill, telling the unemployed “Go get a real job,” during one of the worst recessions since the Great Depression, is a good thing. Why? Well, because of the “Doc Fix,” or because it’s not all “paid for,” or because the portion that isn’t “adds to the deficit.”

This is why I gave up on the Right, because they can’t seem to see past their own partisan beliefs to accept that they’re their own worst enemy.

132 Four More Tears  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:05:09pm

re: #129 HoosierHoops

My dear..You may have not have heard..But the Gov’t is Hiring..Go on the boards..Take a civil service test…
I’m pulling for you

Speaking of which… I passed the TSA’s credt check. I’m actually kind of shocked and surprised.

133 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:06:12pm

OK I gotta go… Need to see the beautiful Miss S.

134 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:06:13pm

re: #132 JasonA

Speaking of which… I passed the TSA’s credt check. I’m actually kind of shocked and surprised.

Congrats, my friend. May your good luck continue.

135 avanti  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:06:14pm

They need to extend the Bush tax cuts to the rich as part of the bill to get support./ Why should Joe Six pack get unemployment if the rich can’t afford that forth home. The GOP would not mention the effect on the deficit on keeping the tax cut if the rich got tossed a bone that would add to it.

136 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:06:24pm

Thanks for putting words in my mouth, quite ignorantly I might add.

I have no problem with passing unemployment measures.

But pass them as their OWN bill. They are easily paid for and would pass in a heartbeat.

If the Democrats really “cared” about passing unemployment measures, they wouldn’t be lumping together giant fucking packages that contain politically volatile bullshit.

This is the exact same political play that both sides have used with the war funding bills- they viewed them as “must pass” and exploited them.

I challenge you to think critically about what you are arguing.

137 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:06:58pm

re: #135 avanti

They need to extend the Bush tax cuts to the rich as part of the bill to get support./ Why should Joe Six pack get unemployment if the rich can’t afford that forth home. The GOP would not mention the effect on the deficit on keeping the tax cut if the rich got tossed a bone that would add to it.

Please explain how the Bush tax cuts benefited only the rich, and why any rich person keeping more money is harmful to the economy.

I’ll wait.

138 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:07:11pm

re: #119 tnguitarist

No problem. I just didn’t understand why you were cutting someone on your side. I apologize for my dangling participle. Not sure if that’s what it was, I just wanted to type ‘dangling participle’.

And I guess I’m a bit sensitive about being out of work so long. And your “dangling participle” is safe from me! I may go overboard sometimes but I would never hurt a mans “dangling participle” ;)

139 Four More Tears  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:07:13pm

re: #134 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Congrats, my friend. May your good luck continue.

Eh. Is that transferable to my mom? She needs it more than I do.

140 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:07:18pm

Ice, Jimmah, Floral, Hoops, Cato, Varek, Windup, Marjoree, Fozzie, Gus and everyone else who knows I love them peace out!

141 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:07:20pm

re: #128 LudwigVanQuixote

Well then thank you for making my argument even stronger. So Tampa, even Walter isn’t buying your BS. Tough day for you.

No I’m not buying the Tampa bullshit… maybe you need to read the comments on this thread before you assume something… I have no problem with you disagreeing with me, and you’re abrasive ego rolls off my back like water… but, it does make you look stupid to be using my name in your comments when you seem to have no idea where I stand on the issue… My comment, the seventh on this thread said…

This bill should be passed… there should be no doubt in any conservatives mind that the Obama administration has not “created” enough jobs or helped improve the availability of jobs in this country. Since that’s a given, then it’s actually cruel to play politics with people lives just to make this point. Pass the bill jerks.

Pay attention Ludwig.

142 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:07:23pm

re: #136 TampaKnight

Thanks for putting words in my mouth, quite ignorantly I might add.

I have no problem with passing unemployment measures.

But pass them as their OWN bill. They are easily paid for and would pass in a heartbeat.

If the Democrats really “cared” about passing unemployment measures, they wouldn’t be lumping together giant fucking packages that contain politically volatile bullshit.

This is the exact same political play that both sides have used with the war funding bills- they viewed them as “must pass” and exploited them.

I challenge you to think critically about what you are arguing.

And I challenge you to do more than make excuses.

143 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:07:28pm

Furturama is back tonight, new season ….

And we bought a new weedeater/trimmer.
At the end of last summer, after trying to start our old one for 15 min, my husband smashed it repeatedly into the ground and found satifaction.
The new one is from Black and Decker, rechargeable 18 volt.
I am in love, it works like a dream.
amazon.com

144 Four More Tears  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:07:49pm

re: #140 LudwigVanQuixote

Ice, Jimmah, Floral, Hoops, Cato, Varek, Windup, Marjoree, Fozzie, Gus and everyone else who knows I love them peace out!

Most polite flounce ever?

///

145 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:07:50pm

re: #141 Walter L. Newton

No I’m not buying the Tampa bullshit… maybe you need to read the comments on this thread before you assume something… I have no problem with you disagreeing with me, and you’re abrasive ego rolls off my back like water… but, it does make you look stupid to be using my name in your comments when you seem to have no idea where I stand on the issue… My comment, the seventh on this thread said…

This bill should be passed… there should be no doubt in any conservatives mind that the Obama administration has not “created” enough jobs or helped improve the availability of jobs in this country. Since that’s a given, then it’s actually cruel to play politics with people lives just to make this point. Pass the bill jerks.

Pay attention Ludwig.

Actually in this case I looked up thread and updinged you :)

146 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:09:07pm

re: #144 JasonA

Most polite flounce ever?

///

Not so much of a flounce and I love you too. More of a got to see the woman. She is prettier than any of you men and smells better too. As to the women here, I would never down play the awesomeness of the Lady Lizards, but this one is mine.

147 Gus  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:09:42pm

re: #135 avanti

They need to extend the Bush tax cuts to the rich as part of the bill to get support./ Why should Joe Six pack get unemployment if the rich can’t afford that forth home. The GOP would not mention the effect on the deficit on keeping the tax cut if the rich got tossed a bone that would add to it.

Without the rich we would be lost. For the rich provide us with a reason for existence. After all, wasn’t this country founded on the principle of worshiping and idolizing the rich?

//

148 thefanglyfish  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:09:50pm

My first two cents since about 8 months ago:
A. The neo-con “republicans” in congress don’t care about the “principles” of deficit reduction or de-socialization, this is a move to hurt people and blame it on the democrats.

B. Where in the constitution does it say whatsoever that it’s the governments responsibility to take care of people? I don’t support Obama but his often misconstrued remark about the constitution was exactly correct: it is a charter of negative liberties. It is not a contract of duties and services the government will provide.

I’m not arguing that this was a smart or responsible or even a good thing to cut benefits, but to say it’s the governments duty to provide them is a dishonest and downright false representation.

149 Four More Tears  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:10:04pm

re: #146 LudwigVanQuixote

Not so much of a flounce and I love you too. More of a got to see the woman. She is prettier than any of you men and smells better too. As to the women here, I would never down play the awesomeness of the Lady Lizards, but this one is mine.

Not until you put a ring on it. :P

150 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:10:12pm

re: #146 LudwigVanQuixote

Not so much of a flounce and I love you too. More of a got to see the woman. She is prettier than any of you men and smells better too. As to the women here, I would never down play the awesomeness of the Lady Lizards, but this one is mine.

I smell like burnt Ewok.
:evilgrin:

151 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:10:22pm

re: #139 JasonA

Eh. Is that transferable to my mom? She needs it more than I do.

From your lips to God’s ears.

152 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:10:23pm

re: #145 LudwigVanQuixote

Actually in this case I looked up thread and updinged you :)

Peace…

153 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:10:43pm

re: #140 LudwigVanQuixote

Ice, Jimmah, Floral, Hoops, Cato, Varek, Windup, Marjoree, Fozzie, Gus and everyone else who knows I love them peace out!

Oh yeah? well, screw you very much///

(i kiiid…)

154 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:10:50pm

re: #137 TampaKnight

Please explain how the Bush tax cuts benefited only the rich, and why any rich person keeping more money is harmful to the economy.

I’ll wait.

Because it is a moronic idea to cut taxes at the same time you are involved in two fucking wars. It was stupid then and it is stupid now….

155 Gus  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:11:08pm

re: #150 Varek Raith

I smell like burnt Ewok.
:evilgrin:

Last night I was watching a lot of George Carlin. Came across the one segment where he goes through the invention of the flame thrower.

156 avanti  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:11:16pm

re: #137 TampaKnight

Please explain how the Bush tax cuts benefited only the rich, and why any rich person keeping more money is harmful to the economy.

I’ll wait.

His tax cut on the top rate over 250K. If it expires, and you make say 500K a year, you’d pay a extra $7500 on the 250K over that level.

157 Lidane  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:11:53pm

re: #143 webevintage

Furturama is back tonight, new season …

And thank goodness for that.

New Futurama, and the current season of The Boondocks has been stellar. It’s great. :D

158 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:12:17pm

re: #136 TampaKnight

But pass them as their OWN bill. They are easily paid for and would pass in a heartbeat.

If the Democrats really “cared” about passing unemployment measures, they wouldn’t be lumping together giant fucking packages that contain politically volatile bullshit.

This is the exact same political play that both sides have used with the war funding bills- they viewed them as “must pass” and exploited them.

I challenge you to think critically about what you are arguing.

I don’t think you know the composition of this bill very well. What exactly do you object to?

159 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:12:43pm

re: #154 webevintage

Because it is a moronic idea to cut taxes at the same time you are involved in two fucking wars. It was stupid then and it is stupid now…

We cut taxes in 2003. Began the Afghan war in 2001. Began Iraq in 2003. In 2007 the deficit had been reduced for 4 consecutive years and stood at just $180B, which happened to be the last Republican held congress.

The reduction in deficits were actually accredited to growth in government revenues.

Care to explain that, using your theory?

160 KingKenrod  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:12:44pm

re: #136 TampaKnight

Thanks for putting words in my mouth, quite ignorantly I might add.

I have no problem with passing unemployment measures.

But pass them as their OWN bill. They are easily paid for and would pass in a heartbeat.

If the Democrats really “cared” about passing unemployment measures, they wouldn’t be lumping together giant fucking packages that contain politically volatile bullshit.

This is the exact same political play that both sides have used with the war funding bills- they viewed them as “must pass” and exploited them.

I challenge you to think critically about what you are arguing.

The bill sounds pretty reasonable to me, fiscally, based on Klein’s description.

161 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:13:20pm

re: #157 Lidane

And thank goodness for that.

New Futurama, and the current season of The Boondocks has been stellar. It’s great. :D

Last week’s Boondocks?
So shiny….
I wonder what Tyler Perry thought?

162 Lidane  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:13:45pm

re: #150 Varek Raith

I smell like burnt Ewok.
:evilgrin:

Bah. Burnt Ewok isn’t anything to brag about. Burnt Jawas, on the other hand, would be entirely justified. ;)

163 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:14:47pm

re: #92 Varek Raith

Most curious.
I get that deficits are bad.
But why, oh why, is the first thing the GOP wants to do is kick people when they’re down when it comes to reducing spending?

Varek, have I told you I Love like you lately? RWC’s going to jump on and read through the posts soon and I don’t want him to get the wrong idea… ;)

164 Amory Blaine  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:14:52pm

Well, we’re about to find out what this does to the economy. People on unemployment are going to cut out all kinds of stuff. You can bet on it. Services and goods cut out by the unemployed, will trickle down through the economy laying more people off.

165 avanti  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:15:45pm

re: #154 webevintage

Because it is a moronic idea to cut taxes at the same time you are involved in two fucking wars. It was stupid then and it is stupid now…

But tax cuts are popular, and the one thing the GOP loves to do even if it puts us way in debt. The GOP cuts taxes and spent billions in unfunded programs, but suddenly, they’ve seen the light and can’t support extending unemployment.

166 allegro  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:16:14pm

re: #164 Amory Blaine

People on unemployment are going to cut out all kinds of stuff.

Indeed. I hope we have enough bridges to sleep under and there’s enough food in those dumpsters to go around. That’s about all that many are left with.

167 HoosierHoops  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:16:38pm

re: #132 JasonA

Speaking of which… I passed the TSA’s credt check. I’m actually kind of shocked and surprised.

Awesome Jason! I’ve told this story before..After college I took a Civil service test at Mare Island… By some miracle and luck I scored in the top 5 of over a thousand people that took the test…Trust me I almost fainted…Take a Gov’t test! It’s really not that hard lizards…
I got to choose what field to go into..I choose the Nuclear reactor field with the Navy…And they paid for me to return to school for 3 years…I sat in a classroom getting paid 30 bucks an hour to earn a Masters…
Check out the Gov’t Lizards! This ain’t play school.. Dream and go big

168 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:16:44pm

re: #157 Lidane

And thank goodness for that.

New Futurama, and the current season of The Boondocks has been stellar. It’s great. :D

And the new season of True Blood has been fun, too, on a slightly more risqué note…

169 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:16:48pm

re: #165 avanti

But tax cuts are popular, and the one thing the GOP loves to do even if it puts us way in debt. The GOP cuts taxes and spent billions in unfunded programs, but suddenly, they’ve seen the light and can’t support extending unemployment.

Honest question… did the current administration promise tax cuts… or promise to raise taxes… or what?

170 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:17:46pm

The top 50% of wage earners in this nation pay nearly 98% of all income tax in this nation.

“They’re not paying their fair share!”

171 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:17:49pm

re: #126 LudwigVanQuixote

Bagua, you completely understand the context of what I wrote. You are not stupid and you do not need to be a concern troll. If there is some reason that you feel picking a fight with me, by mis characterizing my words is a good thing, please let me know what it is.

I was offended by the phrase “white trash” Ludwig, and the blanket condemnation of all Republicans as evil. I always object to this sort of thing regardless of the poster and am not looking to fight with you. I think we can call out racists without using their language.

172 CapeCoddah  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:17:59pm

re: #135 avanti

They need to extend the Bush tax cuts to the rich as part of the bill to get support./ Why should Joe Six pack get unemployment if the rich can’t afford that forth home. The GOP would not mention the effect on the deficit on keeping the tax cut if the rich got tossed a bone that would add to it.

Hmmm, I have never received a paycheck from a poor man.
You?

173 blueraven  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:18:36pm

re: #159 TampaKnight

We cut taxes in 2003. Began the Afghan war in 2001. Began Iraq in 2003. In 2007 the deficit had been reduced for 4 consecutive years and stood at just $180B, which happened to be the last Republican held congress.

The reduction in deficits were actually accredited to growth in government revenues.

Care to explain that, using your theory?

It is cumulative. Also the wars were not added to the budget, so right, no deficit spending.//

174 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:18:45pm

re: #163 Dragon_Lady

:)

175 Amory Blaine  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:19:08pm

re: #170 TampaKnight

The top 50% of wage earners in this nation pay nearly 98% of all income tax in this nation.

“They’re not paying their fair share!”

As they should. Let me tell you this. I can live under any “regime” under a bridge and eating beans. If the rich want to be protected then they should fucking pay for it.

176 Lidane  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:19:23pm

re: #168 Aceofwhat?

And the new season of True Blood has been fun, too, on a slightly more risqué note…

I still haven’t watched True Blood. I keep meaning to, but just haven’t gotten around to it. Maybe once the World Cup ends I’ll give it a go.

177 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:19:47pm

re: #159 TampaKnight

We cut taxes in 2003. Began the Afghan war in 2001. Began Iraq in 2003. In 2007 the deficit had been reduced for 4 consecutive years and stood at just $180B, which happened to be the last Republican held congress.

The reduction in deficits were actually accredited to growth in government revenues.

Care to explain that, using your theory?

The deficit shot up from $157 billion to $377 billion in 2003. $412 billion in 2004. $318 billion in 2005. All this without a recession. The tax cuts were stupid.

178 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:19:50pm

re: #175 Amory Blaine

As they should. Let me tell you this. I can live under any “regime” under a bridge and eating beans. If the rich want to be protected then they should fucking pay for it.

That’s the spirit! Get your lantern and pitch fork and hate your fellow countrymen!

179 BongCrodny  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:20:04pm

So the deficit increase this bill will result in will bring our total deficit from ~$1,400,000,000,000 to ~$1,430,000,000,000?

Not getting the outrage.

180 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:20:06pm

re: #164 Amory Blaine

Well, we’re about to find out what this does to the economy. People on unemployment are going to cut out all kinds of stuff. You can bet on it. Services and goods cut out by the unemployed, will trickle down through the economy laying more people off.

Ayep, and the GOP will crow about that, blaming the job losses on Obama, claiming the recovery never existed, and that continued deficit spending is what is causing further job losses, not taking what little money is in the hands of the unemployed away based upon the bullshit reasoning that the unemployed are “spoiled.”

And we got idjits like Tampa telling us that we should be, if not happy, then at least understanding that this is not the GOP’s fault, that if the unemployment extensions had been their own bill, well then they’d have passed without problem. That seems to be the excuse every time a bill crashes upon the rocks of GOP filibusters: They’d pass if they were “separate bills.”

181 Gus  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:20:17pm

re: #173 blueraven

It is cumulative. Also the wars were not added to the budget, so right, no deficit spending.//

Shhh! You’re not supposed to bring that up. ;)

182 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:20:17pm

re: #177 Nimed

The deficit shot up from $157 billion to $377 billion in 2003. $412 billion in 2004. $318 billion in 2005. All this without a recession. The tax cuts were stupid.

You must have missed the recession after 9/11 that the rest of us went through.

183 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:20:35pm

re: #159 TampaKnight

We cut taxes in 2003. Began the Afghan war in 2001. Began Iraq in 2003. In 2007 the deficit had been reduced for 4 consecutive years and stood at just $180B, which happened to be the last Republican held congress.

The reduction in deficits were actually accredited to growth in government revenues.

Care to explain that, using your theory?

My theory is that one should not be cutting taxes when one is involved in two wars.
Plus it is really, really easy to have a deficit if you are not going to include the cost of your war in your budgets.

184 avanti  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:20:42pm

re: #169 Walter L. Newton

Honest question… did the current administration promise tax cuts… or promise to raise taxes… or what?

They promised and gave a middle class tax cut, and intended to roll back the Bush cut to the rich to the Clinton level. Taxes actually paid as a percentage of income is actually the lowest since the 50’s.

185 What, me worry?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:20:46pm

re: #148 thefanglyfish

My first two cents since about 8 months ago:
A. The neo-con “republicans” in congress don’t care about the “principles” of deficit reduction or de-socialization, this is a move to hurt people and blame it on the democrats.

B. Where in the constitution does it say whatsoever that it’s the governments responsibility to take care of people? I don’t support Obama but his often misconstrued remark about the constitution was exactly correct: it is a charter of negative liberties. It is not a contract of duties and services the government will provide.

I’m not arguing that this was a smart or responsible or even a good thing to cut benefits, but to say it’s the governments duty to provide them is a dishonest and downright false representation.

I don’t think that everything HAS to be written directly in the Constitution for it to be provided for or even be a good idea. In fact, many things are not.

Democrats are more socially conscious. They support social programs. Republicans generally do not. Depending on how far Right you are, of course, most Republicans I know support public school, public roads, libraries and things of that nature, but are more iffy when it comes to welfare programs or in this case, helping the out-of-work stay afloat.

Who is saying that the Constitution provides for these social programs?

186 Lidane  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:20:56pm

re: #173 blueraven

Also the wars were not added to the budget, so right, no deficit spending.//

This is the key thing. As long as the wars weren’t counted in the budget, the deficit was artificially lower than it really was.

187 Amory Blaine  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:20:58pm

re: #178 TampaKnight

Hey Tampa, I don’t make the fucking rules. And I can hate whoever the fuck I want.

188 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:21:00pm

re: #129 HoosierHoops

My dear..You may have not have heard..But the Gov’t is Hiring..Go on the boards..Take a civil service test…
I’m pulling for you


{{{Hoosier}}} Thank you my friend!
The boards? You have a link to them? Somehow I have a hard time finding stuff like that. Pretty please?

189 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:21:05pm

Sorry I meant to write “not have a deficit”…..

190 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:21:26pm

Lol….hare: #180 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Ayep, and the GOP will crow about that, blaming the job losses on Obama, claiming the recovery never existed, and that continued deficit spending is what is causing further job losses, not taking what little money is in the hands of the unemployed away based upon the bullshit reasoning that the unemployed are “spoiled.”

And we got idjits like Tampa telling us that we should be, if not happy, then at least understanding that this is not the GOP’s fault, that if the unemployment extensions had been their own bill, well then they’d have passed without problem. That seems to be the excuse every time a bill crashes upon the rocks of GOP filibusters: They’d pass if they were “separate bills.”

I hate poor people….you’re so correct!

191 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:21:42pm

re: #187 Amory Blaine

Hey Tampa, I don’t make the fucking rules. And I can hate whoever the fuck I want.

That will surely help you in life.

192 Spare O'Lake  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:21:49pm

Why do the Dems not have enough votes to pass the bill? Surely their internal bickering can’t extend to something like an extension of benefits to the unemployed, can it?
Why then is it the GOP who gets all the blame here?

193 justaminute  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:22:27pm

Those people in the gulf states are going to be happy that the have some kind of money coming in from BP. The thought of having to go on unemployment in this political environment would frighten me as much as the gusher in the gulf.

194 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:22:44pm

House Democrats kill derivatives reform, a major reason that the financial industry crashed upon itself creating this financial mess.

But….crickets.

No outrage here!

195 Four More Tears  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:22:51pm

re: #188 Dragon_Lady

{{{Hoosier}}} Thank you my friend!
The boards? You have a link to them? Somehow I have a hard time finding stuff like that. Pretty please?

Poke around here. Just try to keep it quiet, k? :)

196 Amory Blaine  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:22:53pm

re: #190 TampaKnight

By your words, it must be “hatred” of the rich that they pay more taxes, not the fact that they suck up most of the benefits of being protected by the US military.

197 KingKenrod  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:22:54pm

re: #156 avanti

His tax cut on the top rate over 250K. If it expires, and you make say 500K a year, you’d pay a extra $7500 on the 250K over that level.

I think we can all agree the creation of new jobs is the most important thing we need.

How does raising taxes on the rich affect job creation?

How are unemployed people going to get off of unemployment without private sector job creation?

198 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:23:02pm

re: #190 TampaKnight

Lol…ha

I hate poor people…you’re so correct!

No, you just support the folks that do because you think that the snake-oil they sell you is some good shit. Meanwhile, the rest of us long ago realized they’re every bit the shysters and scam-artists they paint the opposition as.

199 avanti  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:23:40pm

re: #172 CapeCoddah

Hmmm, I have never received a paycheck from a poor man.
You?

Trickle down is a nice talking point, but the rich don’t just invest in more workers. Many if not most of the rich employee very few. A investment banker making 100 million a year may have a small office for example.

200 blueraven  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:23:49pm

re: #192 Spare O’Lake

Why do the Dems not have enough votes to pass the bill? Surely their internal bickering can’t extend to something like an extension of benefits to the unemployed, can it?
Why then is it the GOP who gets all the blame here?

Because they always vote as a monolithic bloc and never compromise? Just a thought.

201 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:23:56pm

re: #192 Spare O’Lake

Why do the Dems not have enough votes to pass the bill? Surely their internal bickering can’t extend to something like an extension of benefits to the unemployed, can it?
Why then is it the GOP who gets all the blame here?

This post is about why the GOP (remember the unemployed are lazy and spoiled) who wants to win in Nov. would want to cut benefits to the unemployed in an election year.
If you want we can discuss the asshole Dems who voted with the Rs.
I bet Nelson and maybe even Blanche were in that group?

202 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:23:57pm

re: #198 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

No, you just support the folks that do because you think that the snake-oil they sell you is some good shit. Meanwhile, the rest of us long ago realized they’re every bit the shysters and scam-artists they paint the opposition as.

You’re a hyper partisan.

Please don’t lecture anyone.

203 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:24:39pm

re: #195 JasonA

Poke around here. Just try to keep it quiet, k? :)

You’re a real pal! :)

204 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:24:56pm

re: #201 webevintage

This post is about why the GOP (remember the unemployed are lazy and spoiled) who wants to win in Nov. would want to cut benefits to the unemployed in an election year.
If you want we can discuss the asshole Dems who voted with the Rs.
I bet Nelson and maybe even Blanche were in that group?

Oh, so criticizing Dems in any way is now off limits here at LGF?

I didn’t know I was at the HuffPo.

205 Four More Tears  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:25:11pm

re: #202 TampaKnight

You’re a hyper partisan.

Please don’t lecture anyone.

Target? Hyper-partisan?

lolol

206 HoosierHoops  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:25:13pm

re: #188 Dragon_Lady

{{{Hoosier}}} Thank you my friend!
The boards? You have a link to them? Somehow I have a hard time finding stuff like that. Pretty please?

usajobs.gov
govjobs.com
militaryconnection.com

There are 41 million hits on Google..
Go for it!

207 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:25:15pm

re: #202 TampaKnight

You’re a hyper partisan.

Please don’t lecture anyone.

Ironic irony is ironic.

208 RadicalModerate  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:25:57pm

Pardon my colorful metaphor here, but screw the Republicans.

I’m watching this unfold on C-SPAN2 right now - they just went to a vote to limit debate. From the looks of things this is a big grandstand by Senate Republicans to get the specific bill THEY want and refuse to budge on any compromise. Dems slashed about $500M in spending (on things like COBRA extensions and prevention of Medicare payment cuts to physicians), yet the Republicans aren’t moving an inch.

I speak as someone who’s been unemployed for a little over a year now (after working at the same company for over 10 years- basically got axed because of my seniority) and even though job prospects are looking a little better now than they did this time last year (ie at least I’m getting some interview callbacks), its still pretty bleak. The only employers out there who were even willing to talk to me were looking at paying me roughly 30% LESS than what I’m collecting in unemployment benefits, so you’ll have to forgive me for not jumping at the chance for those positions.

209 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:26:03pm

re: #207 Varek Raith

Ironic irony is ironic.

Don’t let Cato catch you saying that!

210 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:26:06pm

re: #170 TampaKnight

The top 50% of wage earners in this nation pay nearly 98% of all income tax in this nation.

“They’re not paying their fair share!”

Snore. The standard demagogic boilerplate. That number is meaningless without the percentage of income the same 50% make. Oh, and the number are 97.1% — but the top 50% make 87.7% of income. Total taxation is barely progressive.

211 avanti  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:26:08pm

re: #197 KingKenrod

I think we can all agree the creation of new jobs is the most important thing we need.

How does raising taxes on the rich affect job creation?

How are unemployed people going to get off of unemployment without private sector job creation?

We lived trough the Clinton years just fine with the existing tax rates.

212 CapeCoddah  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:26:10pm

re: #165 avanti

But tax cuts are popular, and the one thing the GOP loves to do even if it puts us way in debt. The GOP cuts taxes and spent billions in unfunded programs, but suddenly, they’ve seen the light and can’t support extending unemployment.

Tax cuts are very popular. They are popular, because history shows time and time again, that every time they are enacted, tax revenue goes way up. Business use that money to expand and hire. This gives more people paychecks to spend and bolsters the economy.
Should we expect folks on unemployment to double their pending at a time like this? Of course not, they cannot afford it. Works the same for the government. We have a deficit that is impossible to get ones mind around at this point. What happens when the economy keeps going south, they keep raising taxes to get more money, and this closes businesses. More folks out of work. The pool of money to help gets smaller and smaller. What happens when there are not enough working folks to pay enough tax to support those who are not working? Like it or not, that is where we are heading. And, I say this as someone whose husband has been laid off for the better part of 3 years. He was just laid off again last week. The government tax and spend mentality must stop. It will destroy all of us if it keeps up at it’s current pace.

213 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:26:14pm

I’m still waiting for the outrage amongst most of you that the House Dems are set to kill derivatives reform, which is a major catalyst of the financial meltdown.

They are pandering to the rich!

214 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:26:32pm

re: #209 Bagua

Don’t let Cato catch you saying that!

MUHAHAHAHA!

215 Political Atheist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:26:57pm

Wow what a thread to be late to. Parachute Post caveat
re: #14 Dragon_Lady

Ok, now wait just one moment! I have had the humiliating and demeaning position of unemployment for over a year now and If I want to pay the rent I need to find a job or keep getting those demeaning unemployment checks or stop eating. Since there are no jobs to be found here in California and I would really like to keep a roof over my head and I really don’t want to stop eating what the heck WOULD YOU SUGGEST I DO NOW? I know they’re tax based! You think I really want to stay unemployed? Have you ever had to fill out one of those claim forms? Or been unemployed? This I want to hear!!!

Okay I am pissed at the GOP as well. But TNG is part right, it starts as insurance we pay into. That lasts a few months. It’s the extensions that many are running on now. That is what is at stake. The deficit hawks are misdirected here. Unemployment monies go right back into the economy, food shelter, small goods, you name it.

216 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:27:25pm

I suggest that we remember that it is the working and middle class that make this economy run and it probably a good idea that if the “rich” want to stay rich they might want the rest of us to have money to spend at their businesses.

The top 5% in this country will survive paying the same tax rates they did during the Clinton years.

217 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:27:29pm

re: #206 HoosierHoops

[Link: www.usajobs.gov…]
[Link: www.govjobs.com…]
[Link: www.militaryconnection.com…]

There are 41 million hits on Google..
Go for it!

THANK YOU! You’re a sweetheart, you are!

218 CapeCoddah  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:27:39pm

re: #132 JasonA

Jason, How is your mom? I do hope she is better.

219 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:27:44pm

re: #176 Lidane

I still haven’t watched True Blood. I keep meaning to, but just haven’t gotten around to it. Maybe once the World Cup ends I’ll give it a go.

Ugh. The world cup. Now i’ll gladly admit that for someone who whines about the game, i was glued to the last 10 minutes of the US/Algiers game (yes, i should have been working) and i lept into the air at Donovan’s goal out of pure joy…

…but i also reinforced my belief that the only thing worse than watching 22 folks fail for 90 minutes is watching 22 folks work their asses off for 90 minutes and then letting some jackass referee decide the outcome;)

(FIFA…proof that the more international the institution, the more inane the polices.)

Aceofwhat’s new World Cup slogan: Got Replay?

(don’t kill me, Lidane…)

220 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:28:14pm

re: #204 TampaKnight

Oh, so criticizing Dems in any way is now off limits here at LGF?

I didn’t know I was at the HuffPo.

Ummmmm I did’nt say that. I said I was more then happy to discuss the assholes Dems that voted with the R’s.
Jesus.
Settle down.

221 CapeCoddah  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:28:30pm

re: #199 avanti

Trickle down is a nice talking point, but the rich don’t just invest in more workers. Many if not most of the rich employee very few. A investment banker making 100 million a year may have a small office for example.

Nothing trickle down about it. Have you ever received a paycheck from a poor man?

222 Four More Tears  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:28:42pm

re: #218 CapeCoddah

Jason, How is your mom? I do hope she is better.

Her spirits are up. The hip surgery was moved to tomorrow, though.

223 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:29:15pm

re: #215 Rightwingconspirator

Wow what a thread to be late to. Parachute Post caveat


Okay I am pissed at the GOP as well. But TNG is part right, it starts as insurance we pay into. That lasts a few months. It’s the extensions that many are running on now. That is what is at stake. The deficit hawks are misdirected here. Unemployment monies go right back into the economy, food shelter, small goods, you name it.

I’ve already eaten all the crow I’m gonna on this one. I apologized, I practically groveled as much as my Irish blood would let me. I got it.

224 blueraven  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:29:19pm

re: #202 TampaKnight

You’re a hyper partisan.

Please don’t lecture anyone.

That’s not true. I have seen differing viewpoints from targetpractice on different issues, not hyper-partisanship.

225 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:29:34pm

re: #220 webevintage

Ummm I did’nt say that. I said I was more then happy to discuss the assholes Dems that voted with the R’s. Jesus. Settle down.

Which Dems voted with the GOP?

226 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:29:38pm

re: #202 TampaKnight

You’re a hyper partisan.

Please don’t lecture anyone.

You sorry little shit, you’re the one sitting here making excuses for the Republicans, trying to lay blame for their opposition to extending unemployment benefits on the Democrats, and I am the “hyper partisan.”

I’ll let you in on a little secret, sparky: Up until last month, I was every bit the boot-licker you are. I inhabited political messageboards, beating the “Cut the Budget!” drum, believing that the deficit-spending was the problem and that the Obama Admin was uninterested in getting people off the government teet and back to work. Then I came back to LGF, I started reading the shit that the GOP has been slinging, and realized that the folks I’ve been backing up are every bit as bad as the ones they’ve been “fighting against.” I stand by my view in the previous thread that both parties are nothing but a pack of whores, they just turn tricks in different parts of town.

227 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:30:20pm

re: #182 TampaKnight

You must have missed the recession after 9/11 that the rest of us went through.

LOL. We were talking about the 2003 tax cuts and the deficits that followed. The 9/11 recession ended in late 2001/ early 2002!

Do try to keep your dates straight.

228 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:30:23pm

re: #213 TampaKnight

I’m still waiting for the outrage amongst most of you that the House Dems are set to kill derivatives reform, which is a major catalyst of the financial meltdown.

They are pandering to the rich!

Yes, they are.
And if this is true then I am disgusted and outraged.
What a bunch of bastards.
Where does this idea come from that we don’t get upset with the Dems in Congress when they act like Republicans?

(and really, I feel for Blanche it is the only decent thing she has done in a long time)

229 Spare O'Lake  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:31:24pm

re: #201 webevintage

This post is about why the GOP (remember the unemployed are lazy and spoiled) who wants to win in Nov. would want to cut benefits to the unemployed in an election year.
If you want we can discuss the asshole Dems who voted with the Rs.
I bet Nelson and maybe even Blanche were in that group?

I’m cool with criticizing the heartless GOP…it’s just that the Dems really do deserve most of the blame because they are the ones who have the legislative majority and who obviously lack the party discipline to pass even the most basic social safety net legislation.

230 ryannon  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:31:32pm

re: #84 Cato the Elder

If you’re unemployed, it’s your fault.

If you have a job, it’s because God loves you.

If you’re sick, you must not have eaten right.

If you’re healthy, it’s because God loves you.

If you’re hungry, fuck you.

If you have food to eat, it’s because God loves you.

If you’re dying, hurry up.

If you’re alive, it’s because God loves you.

Fate is entirely up to you. And if yours is bad, it’s because you don’t love God doesn’t love you enough.

[GOP platform]

Max Weber, Protestantism and the Spirit of Capitalism

231 avanti  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:31:45pm

re: #210 Nimed

Snore. The standard demagogic boilerplate. That number is meaningless without the percentage of income the same 50% make. Oh, and the number are 97.1% — but the top 50% make 87.7% of income. Total taxation is barely progressive.

True, if I pay 5K on a 40K income, I take home 35K. The poor rich guy might pay 5 million on his 12 million, so he has to tough it out on his 7 million. He’s paying way over his share, no question, but it would not dissuade me from trying to get rich.

232 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:32:05pm

re: #194 TampaKnight

House Democrats kill derivatives reform, a major reason that the financial industry crashed upon itself creating this financial mess.

But…crickets.

No outrage here!

Sigh. Now you’re just making shit up.

233 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:32:23pm

re: #232 Nimed

Sigh. Now you’re just making shit up.

Really? Check the news and come back.

234 KingKenrod  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:32:38pm

re: #211 avanti

We lived trough the Clinton years just fine with the existing tax rates.

We should raise taxes during good economic times to pay for public investments and deficit reduction. The 90’s were a boom time, thanks to the explosion of computer networks and the productivity gains they brought.

These are not good economic times.

235 CapeCoddah  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:33:09pm

re: #184 avanti

They promised and gave a middle class tax cut, and intended to roll back the Bush cut to the rich to the Clinton level. Taxes actually paid as a percentage of income is actually the lowest since the 50’s.

What was the unemployment rate as a result?

236 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:33:12pm

re: #213 TampaKnight

I’m still waiting for the outrage amongst most of you that the House Dems are set to kill derivatives reform, which is a major catalyst of the financial meltdown.

They are pandering to the rich!

Translation: “Shit! I’m getting my ass kicked! Must change the subject!”

237 Four More Tears  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:33:18pm

re: #231 avanti

True, if I pay 5K on a 40K income, I take home 35K. The poor rich guy might pay 5 million on his 12 million, so he has to tough it out on his 7 million. He’s paying way over his share, no question, but it would not dissuade me from trying to get rich.

I remember some idiots around the time of election saying that they weren’t going to make a penny over $250k because they didn’t want all of their money taxed at a higher rate.

Income tax fail.

238 KingKenrod  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:33:34pm

re: #227 Nimed

LOL. We were talking about the 2003 tax cuts and the deficits that followed. The 9/11 recession ended in late 2001/ early 2002!

Do try to keep your dates straight.

The 9/11 recession ended in March 2003.

239 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:33:41pm

re: #236 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Translation: “Shit! I’m getting my ass kicked! Must change the subject!”

No, just pointing out the faux outrage and selective principles of many here.

240 Lidane  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:33:57pm

re: #219 Aceofwhat?

Aceofwhat’s new World Cup slogan: Got Replay?

(don’t kill me, Lidane…)

Heh. You haven’t seen me when a game’s on. I’ve cursed so many of the refs for idiotic calls all through this Cup. And yes, the replay thing has come up. Repeatedly. ;)

Still, it’s fun for me. I enjoy the matches and really get into them. My boyfriend was utterly confused about why I cared so much during the US - Algeria game. It’s not that he didn’t want the Americans to win, he just doesn’t get my love of the sport.

I was absolutely over the moon yesterday. Today was bittersweet — glad to see the Italian diving national team going home, even if it was an insane game, and sad that the Kiwis got eliminated. New Zealand showed a lot of promise and played with a lot of heart. I’ve got high hopes for them in four years. :D

Oh, and don’t worry. I won’t kill you. ;)

241 CapeCoddah  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:34:06pm

re: #222 JasonA

Her spirits are up. The hip surgery was moved to tomorrow, though.

Glad to hear she is in good spirits… again, please tell her we are all thinking of her and pulling for her!

242 blueraven  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:34:27pm

re: #229 Spare O’Lake

I’m cool with criticizing the heartless GOP…it’s just that the Dems really do deserve most of the blame because they are the ones who have the legislative majority and who obviously lack the party discipline to pass even the most basic social safety net legislation.

Right, so the GOP can sit back and do nothing. That is their game plan. It is all about politics. They care not to govern, and they are all afraid of casting a dissenting vote.

243 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:34:51pm

re: #199 avanti

Trickle down is a nice talking point, but the rich don’t just invest in more workers. Many if not most of the rich employee very few. A investment banker making 100 million a year may have a small office for example.

OTOH, the working dude invests in no workers.

That having been said, both Tampa and a few folks of the opposite viewpoint are talking past each other here.

The GOP should have picked a different time to make a principled stand…like, for example, an occasion where an actual principle was at stake. Temporary unemployment benefits in this economy ≠ welfare state.

With regard to the larger question of taxes and spending, both parties are guilty of populism over rational conduct; no one is asking “what level of taxation extracts the most benefit for the least pain”. Democrats say “teh GOP hatez poor people” and the GOP says “Democratz = socialism!!1!” and we all lose.

We have forgotten our Jean-Baptiste Colbert.

“The art of taxation consists in so plucking the goose as to get the most feathers with the least hissing.”

244 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:34:55pm

re: #239 TampaKnight

No, just pointing out the faux outrage and selective principles of many here.

If you don’t like the pool you’ve jumped into, there are plenty of other echo chambers political boards that may suit you. Sitting here and getting your ass handed to you repeatedly, trying to play the “lone voice of reason” schtick, ain’t going to win you friends or influence people.

245 goddamnedfrank  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:35:21pm

re: #212 CapeCoddah

Tax cuts are very popular. They are popular, because history shows time and time again, that every time they are enacted, tax revenue goes way up.

Good Lord, not this crap again:

Myth 1: Tax cuts “pay for themselves.”
“You cut taxes and the tax revenues increase.”
— President Bush, February 8, 2006

“You have to pay for these tax cuts twice under these pay-go rules if you apply them, because these tax cuts pay for themselves.” — Senator Judd Gregg, then Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, March 9, 2006

Reality: A study by the President’s own Treasury Department confirmed the common-sense view shared by economists across the political spectrum: cutting taxes decreases revenues.

Hear the truth, believe the lie!

246 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:36:13pm

re: #244 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

If you don’t like the pool you’ve jumped into, there are plenty of other echo chambers political boards that may suit you. Sitting here and getting your ass handed to you repeatedly, trying to play the “lone voice of reason” schtick, ain’t going to win you friends or influence people.

You didn’t kick any ass, sorry to say, you merely threw around a few cuss words and went long winded on me while saying very little.

247 avanti  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:36:27pm

re: #221 CapeCoddah

Nothing trickle down about it. Have you ever received a paycheck from a poor man?

I’m the wrong guy to ask, the military paid me, than I became sorta rich running my own business until I sold out. At the time, I paid a lot of taxes, but also had a Cobra kit car, and lots of toys. I’d trade being well off and over taxed for qualifying for the lowest rate any day.

248 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:37:48pm

re: #246 TampaKnight

You didn’t kick any ass, sorry to say, you merely threw around a few cuss words and went long winded on me while saying very little.

What, you think I’ve been the only one sparring with you? You’re not even on speaking terms with reality, are you?

249 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:38:50pm

re: #238 KingKenrod

The 9/11 recession ended in March 2003.

en.wikipedia.org
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), which is the private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization charged with determining economic recessions, the U.S. economy was in recession from March 2001 to November 2001, a period of eight months at the beginning of President George W. Bush’s term of office. However, economic conditions did not satisfy the common shorthand definition of recession, which is “a fall of a country’s real gross domestic product in two or more successive quarters,” and has led to some confusion about the procedure for determining the starting and ending dates of a recession.

I agree that the technical period doesn’t mean much. However, even if the recession ended in March 2003, it didn’t contribute to the biggest Bush deficits, which was what TampaKnight was implying. The 2003 tax cuts, which didn’t fight any recession, did that.

250 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:39:16pm

re: #248 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

What, you think I’ve been the only one sparring with you? You’re not even on speaking terms with reality, are you?

Thanks for proving my point. You’re a walking one liner.

251 Spare O'Lake  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:39:26pm

re: #242 blueraven

Right, so the GOP can sit back and do nothing. That is their game plan. It is all about politics. They care not to govern, and they are all afraid of casting a dissenting vote.

That’s it! How dumb of me! The GOP are too chickenshit to break party discipline…unlike the brave Dems who are prepared to fuck the unemployed by voting down their own bill!
Thank you for straightening this out for me.

252 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:39:59pm

re: #225 Walter L. Newton

Which Dems voted with the GOP?

Looks like Nelson…but I’m not sure they are actually done with the vote. I think they were voting on cloture….

253 HoosierHoops  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:40:24pm

re: #240 Lidane

Love your passion!
I now understand how fans can riot after a game..I am been so upset by the calls in this world cup by the refs…
Last weekend I posted 10 rules I would like to see changed in Soccer…
Rule 11.. Stop the effen clock.. I don’t care about added on time…
Look if there is somebody rolling around the field like a little baby pretending or not an injury..Call a time out…Go to a beer commercial and get over it..
I hate the clock running when it’s obvious it’s a ploy…

254 avanti  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:40:43pm

re: #235 CapeCoddah

What was the unemployment rate as a result?

So are you saying that the middle class tax cuts caused high unemployment ? It should be noted we were losing 700,000/month before Obama, and it’s less now.

255 ReamWorks SKG  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:40:52pm

re: #2 tnguitarist

Not quite.


As an employer, I’m very familiar with how this works.

The EUC was federally funded. Details here:

edd.ca.gov

The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) extended benefits, which consists of four tiers of benefits, are entirely federally funded. This means California employers will not be charged for any EUC extended benefits paid to claimants. Payments made on the separate Federal-State Extended Duration (FED-ED) extensions, which are also referred to as Extended Benefit (EB) extensions, are currently entirely federally funded for most employers. This means that most employers (mainly tax-rated ones) will not be charged for any benefits paid to claimants on FED-ED extensions filed with an effective date of May 30, 2010, or before.

256 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:40:52pm

Go ask Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid “Who are the biggest pains for you right now?” and I guarantee you they say Blue Dog Democrats.

257 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:40:56pm

re: #246 TampaKnight

You didn’t kick any ass, sorry to say, you merely threw around a few cuss words and went long winded on me while saying very little.

Sigh. When you got owned in a topic, you moved on to the next. You have now done it in this thread with the doc fix, the Bush deficits and the 9/11 recession.

258 Political Atheist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:41:32pm

re: #1 Dragon_Lady

Well that does it, I’m going to change political parties. Independent party here I come!

The land can use you and about a million more non GOP moderate conservatives. Post wing baby!

259 Renaissance_Man  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:41:46pm

re: #240 Lidane


I was absolutely over the moon yesterday. Today was bittersweet — glad to see the Italian diving national team going home, even if it was an insane game, and sad that the Kiwis got eliminated. New Zealand showed a lot of promise and played with a lot of heart. I’ve got high hopes for them in four years. :D

There are few things more pleasant than watching the Italians get smashed at sport. Doesn’t matter what sport, as long as they lose. And as for the Kiwis, they’ll be fine. Their nation still knows how to play a real football code.

260 ausador  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:41:52pm

re: #2 tnguitarist

I honestly think a lot of them don’t realize that employment benefits are insurance that we pay for. Either that, or they are calculating that their constituents don’t know how these benefits work.

We do pay for it, but it comes no where near paying for the total tab during the “great recession.” The government was already subsidizeing the state administered plans by over 400 billion a year, and that was before the last benefits extension went through. This one would increase the deficit by as much as another 140 billion or so depending on whose numbers you believe.

The fact that the government is too timid to attempt to raise the unemployment insurance tax level even while running a deficit that is close to 50% of what they are paying out is a crying shame. If we have to pay half a trillion dollars in one year for unemployment benefits that are not being covered by the taxes to pay for them some obviously something needs to change, and soon.

261 Amory Blaine  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:42:18pm

re: #256 TampaKnight

Go ask Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid “Who are the biggest pains for you right now?” and I guarantee you they say Blue Dog Democrats.

You are correct. This could backfire on all involved regardless of a yes vote or not.

262 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:42:40pm

re: #213 TampaKnight

I’m still waiting for the outrage amongst most of you that the House Dems are set to kill derivatives reform, which is a major catalyst of the financial meltdown.

They are pandering to the rich!

I’m hopeful that the majority of good folks here who tend to lean left (yes, you’re good folks;) understand that Blanche Lincoln understands derivatives like I understand string theory, and support the bloc of Democrats who stand athwart her ill-informed attempt to boost her popularity by flailing around in the big kids’ pool.

So i think it’s unfair to the LGF group to assume that any lack of outrage is anything but good sense.

263 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:42:57pm

Tax rates in the US:

Timeframe - bottom bracket - top bracket
1913-1915 1% 7%
1916 2% 15%
1917 2% 67%
1918 6% 77%
1919-1920 4% 73%
1921 4% 73%
1922 4% 56%
1923 3% 56%
1924 1.5% 46%
1925-1928 1.5% 25%
1929 0.375% 24%
1930-1931 1.125% 25%
1932-1933 4% 63%
1934-1935 4% 63%
1936-1939 4% 79%
1940 4.4% 81.1%
1941 10% 81%
1942-1943 19% 88%
1944-1945 23% 94%
1946-1947 19% 86.45%
1948-1949 16.6% 82.13%
1950 17.4% 84.36%
1951 20.4% 91%
1952-1953 22.2% 92%
1954-1963 20% 91%
1964 16% 77%
1965-1967 14% 70%
1968 14% 75.25%
1969 14% 77%
1970 14% 71.75%
1971-1981 14% 70%
1982-1986 12% 50%
1987 11% 38.5%
1988-1990 15% 28%
1991-1992 15% 31%
1993-2000 15% 39.6%
2001 15% 39.1%
2002 10% 38.6%
2003-2009 10% 35%

We haven’t had it so good in terms of taxes for 100 years.

Claiming taxes are too high is, at least historically speaking, bullshit.

264 HoosierHoops  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:43:24pm

re: #259 Renaissance_Man

There are few things more pleasant than watching the Italians get smashed at sport. Doesn’t matter what sport, as long as they lose. And as for the Kiwis, they’ll be fine. Their nation still knows how to play a real football code.

Don’t you think the Italians have gotten old and living in the glory years?
Did they look slow to you this year?

265 RadicalModerate  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:43:31pm

Senate Cloture vote just failed 57-41 (straight party-line vote)

266 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:43:58pm

re: #262 Aceofwhat?

I’m hopeful that the majority of good folks here who tend to lean left (yes, you’re good folks;) understand that Blanche Lincoln understands derivatives like I understand string theory, and support the bloc of Democrats who stand athwart her ill-informed attempt to boost her popularity by flailing around in the big kids’ pool.

So i think it’s unfair to the LGF group to assume that any lack of outrage is anything but good sense.

Heh, I know more about string theory than economics!
:)

267 ReamWorks SKG  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:44:09pm

re: #263 Fozzie Bear

It depends what state you live in. And, don’t forget, because of AMT, many people who used to be able to deduct their state income tax no longer can. And you also need to add in the 12.8% SS tax and the medicare tax.

268 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:44:11pm

re: #213 TampaKnight

I’m still waiting for the outrage amongst most of you that the House Dems are set to kill derivatives reform, which is a major catalyst of the financial meltdown.

They are pandering to the rich!

Yeah, it sucks. I don’t like about 60-70% of what Democrats do. I don’t like Dem policy regarding wall street at all.

Unfortuantely, I hate 100% of what Republicans do. Oh yeah, and I’m gay, and they want to essentially make me an underclass and criminalize my relationships. Texas GOP, baby, one step away from the Klan.

So I tend to vote Democrat! Because mud tastes better than dogshit.

Does that clear things up for you?

269 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:44:21pm

re: #250 TampaKnight

Thanks for proving my point. You’re a walking one liner.

You’re right, I am by this point, because I’ve realized you’re not worth the effort anymore. Nothing I or anybody else in this thread could say to you will convince you that blaming the Democrats for this bill’s failure is asinine. You, my friend, truly are the definition of “partisan.”

End of line.

270 blueraven  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:44:25pm

re: #251 Spare O’Lake

That’s it! How dumb of me! The GOP are too chickenshit to break party discipline…unlike the bravesome conservative Dems who are prepared to fuck the unemployed by voting down their own bill!
Thank you for straightening this out for me.

You’re welcome.

271 CapeCoddah  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:44:32pm

re: #247 avanti

I’m the wrong guy to ask, the military paid me, than I became sorta rich running my own business until I sold out. At the time, I paid a lot of taxes, but also had a Cobra kit car, and lots of toys. I’d trade being well off and over taxed for qualifying for the lowest rate any day.

So, as a wealthy man, you employed folks, who took care of their families and put that money back into the economy. Why did you sell out? If I may ask? If you do not want to answer that, no problem.

272 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:44:52pm

re: #263 Fozzie Bear

Tax rates in the US:

We haven’t had it so good in terms of taxes for 100 years.

Claiming taxes are too high is, at least historically speaking, bullshit.

A THOUSAND TIMES YES

273 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:45:10pm

re: #269 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

You’re right, I am by this point, because I’ve realized you’re not worth the effort anymore. Nothing I or anybody else in this thread could say to you will convince you that blaming the Democrats for this bill’s failure is asinine. You, my friend, truly are the definition of “partisan.”

End of line.

Then collect your self righteousness and move on! Jesus.

274 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:45:51pm

re: #258 Rightwingconspirator

The land can use you and about a million more non GOP moderate conservatives. Post wing baby!

Okay, you got me. I give up officially and permanently on the hope that the GOP leadership will pull its collective head out of its collective ass and start acting like the “Human Beings” they should be. The Republican party and I are parting ways big time, time to re-register. :(

275 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:45:59pm

From the Ezra Klein post that Charles linked too:
“And still, it looks like Democrats might lose the vote today. And when I say “lose the vote,” I don’t mean that a majority of the Senate will vote against it. I mean that 58 senators, rather than 60, will support the legislation. All Republicans, and possibly Ben Nelson, appear to remain opposed. And why not? The less that Democrats appear to be doing on jobs — and the fewer jobs that Democrats actually create — the better Republicans will do in November. Substantial compromises on the bill haven’t brought any new votes, and that’s in part because Republicans see no political upside in passing the legislation.”

So in the end the R’s really don’t give a shit.
If the bill does not pass they can blame it on the D’s even though they got compromise after compromise and still said “no”. We suck as a country if there is no political downside to voting against help for the unemployed in this economy.

276 RadicalModerate  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:46:05pm

re: #263 Fozzie Bear

Actually there was one period of time that taxes were lower:

1925-1928 1.5% 25%
1929 0.375% 24%
1930-1931 1.125% 25%

Something seems oddly familiar about those years…..

277 TheFanglyFish  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:46:36pm

re: #185 marjoriemoon

Charles posted way up there that one of the governments primary jobs is helping the people. Well this may be yours or my individual philosophy but our government isn’t supposed to do anything that isn’t stated in the Constitution. I just wish people would start being a little more honest about what our government is SUPPOSED to do and what they THINK it should do. And I certainly don’t think there are any politicians in washington who care what they’re supposed to do or even what’s best for this country or it’s people. Politicians care about one thing and that’s appeasing enough people to keep them voted in, or creating animosity towards their opposition.

278 Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:46:40pm

re: #222 JasonA

Good about spirits. My mom had hip replacement way back in the late 70s and it was a real success. My 90+ year old neighbor has had both replaced and another success. He walks like a “spring chicken”.

279 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:46:47pm

re: #221 CapeCoddah

Nothing trickle down about it. Have you ever received a paycheck from a poor man?

I’m a small business owner. About every dime I receive is from poor people, or at least poorer people than me. There’s about six or seven hundred college students who are basically paying my rent these days.

280 Four More Tears  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:46:48pm

re: #273 TampaKnight

Then collect your self righteousness and move on! Jesus.

You realize that saying that almost ensures that he won’t “move on,” right?

281 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:46:53pm

re: #247 avanti

I’m the wrong guy to ask, the military paid me, than I became sorta rich running my own business until I sold out. At the time, I paid a lot of taxes, but also had a Cobra kit car, and lots of toys. I’d trade being well off and over taxed for qualifying for the lowest rate any day.

there are several Cobras here int he ABQ area….I found a 66 427 at a mini show at Hooters…there were a couple of goodies that Shelby put on this car to make it like a 4 of a kind….I’ve forgotten those details….worth close to a million dollars….I sat in it

282 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:47:24pm

re: #267 reuven

It depends what state you live in. And, don’t forget, because of AMT, many people who used to be able to deduct their state income tax no longer can. And you also need to add in the 12.8% SS tax and the medicare tax.

That may be true. However, ad 128%, or 30 for that matter, to federal tax rates, and they still don’t approach those of the center 50 years of the 20th century. Focus your ire on the states, imo, as that is, if you are correct, the source of excessive taxation.

In other words, blaming the federal gov’t is quite simply a fabrication, and a lie.

I’m not targeting you, mind you, just addressing the issue to the wider audience using your post as a fulcrum.

283 ReamWorks SKG  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:47:43pm

re: #276 RadicalModerate

These charts aren’t really accurate. I’d like to see the actual taxes paid. Back when there were 70% marginal rates there were also many more ways to beat the taxes!

(My personal feeling is I don’t care what the rate is—I just want every man, woman, and child who makes more than, say $10,000 year, to pay the same rate.)

284 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:47:44pm

re: #240 Lidane

Heh. You haven’t seen me when a game’s on. I’ve cursed so many of the refs for idiotic calls all through this Cup. And yes, the replay thing has come up. Repeatedly. ;)

Still, it’s fun for me. I enjoy the matches and really get into them. My boyfriend was utterly confused about why I cared so much during the US - Algeria game. It’s not that he didn’t want the Americans to win, he just doesn’t get my love of the sport.

I was absolutely over the moon yesterday. Today was bittersweet — glad to see the Italian diving national team going home, even if it was an insane game, and sad that the Kiwis got eliminated. New Zealand showed a lot of promise and played with a lot of heart. I’ve got high hopes for them in four years. :D

Oh, and don’t worry. I won’t kill you. ;)

For someone who bellyaches about the game, i seekritly could have been mistaken for a face-painter, i was so entranced. Only the Isner-Mahut affair kept me from watching more. And i’m going to whine some more, and then you’ll find me sitting rapt in front of the US-Ghana match like the hypocrite that i am!

Am i right to like our chances there? I’m hard-pressed to come up with a better matchup for us than Ghana in this next round.

Yeah, i liked the Kiwis’ gumption too, but i think that Paraguay plays a prettier style of ball, so I’m sanguine about that trade-off.

285 TampaKnight  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:47:59pm

re: #282 Fozzie Bear

That may be true. However, ad 128%, or 30 for that matter, to federal tax rates, and they still don’t approach those of the center 50 years of the 20th century. Focus your ire on the states, imo, as that is, if you are correct, the source of excessive taxation.

In other words, blaming the federal gov’t is quite simply a fabrication, and a lie.

I’m not targeting you, mind you, just addressing the issue to the wider audience using your post as a fulcrum.

Would you support taxing people at 70%? 91%?

286 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:48:17pm

re: #282 Fozzie Bear

PIMF. 12.8%, not 128%. lol

287 Renaissance_Man  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:48:21pm

re: #264 HoosierHoops

Don’t you think the Italians have gotten old and living in the glory years?
Did they look slow to you this year?

They looked like Italians. That is, they looked like a bunch of nancy man-children prancing around a sporting arena acting like six-year-olds, and carrying on like a bunch of queens. And the drama! I’ll bloody give you something to cry about, you little turds.

288 Four More Tears  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:48:23pm

re: #279 WindUpBird

About every dime…
There’s about six or seven hundred college students who are basically paying my rent these days.

Did you mean dime bag?

/

289 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:49:00pm

re: #285 TampaKnight

Would you support taxing people at 70%? 91%?

If you consider the deficit to be a problem, yes.

290 ReamWorks SKG  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:49:05pm

re: #282 Fozzie Bear

agreed, but to me tax is a tax is a tax.

(It bugs me that CA claims its broke when they have the highest sales tax, the highest income tax, and median property tax….They should be ROLLING in $$$)

291 Four More Tears  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:49:07pm

re: #283 reuven

These charts aren’t really accurate. I’d like to see the actual taxes paid. Back when there were 70% marginal rates there were also many more ways to beat the taxes!

(My personal feeling is I don’t care what the rate is—I just want every man, woman, and child who makes more than, say $10,000 year, to pay the same rate.)

You’re for a flat tax?

292 HoosierHoops  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:50:10pm

re: #268 WindUpBird

Yeah, it sucks. I don’t like about 60-70% of what Democrats do. I don’t like Dem policy regarding wall street at all.

Unfortuantely, I hate 100% of what Republicans do. Oh yeah, and I’m gay, and they want to essentially make me an underclass and criminalize my relationships. Texas GOP, baby, one step away from the Klan.

So I tend to vote Democrat! Because mud tastes better than dogshit.

Does that clear things up for you?

I never thought you being gay has ever mattered here…
You have proved yourself a patriotic American, Smart, Successful and a good all around guy…
I vote for the person not the party…

293 garhighway  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:51:04pm

re: #159 TampaKnight

We cut taxes in 2003. Began the Afghan war in 2001. Began Iraq in 2003. In 2007 the deficit had been reduced for 4 consecutive years and stood at just $180B, which happened to be the last Republican held congress.

The reduction in deficits were actually accredited to growth in government revenues.

Care to explain that, using your theory?

What was the deficit in 2000?

294 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:51:06pm

re: #275 webevintage

From the Ezra Klein post that Charles linked too:
“And still, it looks like Democrats might lose the vote today. And when I say “lose the vote,” I don’t mean that a majority of the Senate will vote against it. I mean that 58 senators, rather than 60, will support the legislation. All Republicans, and possibly Ben Nelson, appear to remain opposed. And why not? The less that Democrats appear to be doing on jobs — and the fewer jobs that Democrats actually create — the better Republicans will do in November. Substantial compromises on the bill haven’t brought any new votes, and that’s in part because Republicans see no political upside in passing the legislation.”

So in the end the R’s really don’t give a shit.
If the bill does not pass they can blame it on the D’s even though they got compromise after compromise and still said “no”. We suck as a country if there is no political downside to voting against help for the unemployed in this economy.

The GOP has so tainted the well that it works out for a win-win for them, regardless of what it does to the electorate.

- If the bill passes, they can hold it up as an example of more “unnecessary” deficit-spending, as a sign that the Democrats are spending us deeper into the hole to fund their welfare state, and that it’s only going to make the recession worse.

- If it fails, then the subsequent loss of benefits and shockwaves that go down the economic chain, leading to further job losses, businesses going under, foreclosures, and so forth will be milked as “proof” that the recovery isn’t over, or that the bill failed because it had “unnecessary” spending tacked on, or that we’d be able to pay for it if we’d taken money from elsewhere.

This truly makes no fucking sense, that a political party could profit off making the nation worse.

295 Lidane  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:51:11pm

re: #259 Renaissance_Man

There are few things more pleasant than watching the Italians get smashed at sport. Doesn’t matter what sport, as long as they lose.

Heh. You won’t get any argument from me there, especially when it comes to the World Cup. ;)

And as for the Kiwis, they’ll be fine. Their nation still knows how to play a real football code.

You know what? I wish FIFA had let them do a Haka after the game, but they weren’t allowed for some reason. What a bummer. =/

I’ve got hope for them in 2014, though. The showing they made this time around was fantastic. No one expected a damned thing from them, and they not only went without ever losing a match, but they even held the defending champs to a draw. That’s impressive.

296 avanti  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:51:19pm

re: #271 CapeCoddah

So, as a wealthy man, you employed folks, who took care of their families and put that money back into the economy. Why did you sell out? If I may ask? If you do not want to answer that, no problem.

I ran a stereo store and was the last independent standing, I survived Circuit City coming to town, but saw the hand writing on the wall when Best Buy came in, and bailed out. The buyer that bought it folded after a year, but just wanted a tax write off with some creative accounting, but that’s another story.

297 Renaissance_Man  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:51:32pm

re: #284 Aceofwhat?

For someone who bellyaches about the game, i seekritly could have been mistaken for a face-painter, i was so entranced. Only the Isner-Mahut affair kept me from watching more. And i’m going to whine some more, and then you’ll find me sitting rapt in front of the US-Ghana match like the hypocrite that i am!

That was crazy as hell. Unbelievable. And frankly, from what I saw last night, I didn’t see any way that Isner could have gotten through it. The (second) night off saved him.

298 CapeCoddah  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:51:44pm

re: #254 avanti

So are you saying that the middle class tax cuts caused high unemployment ? It should be noted we were losing 700,000/month before Obama, and it’s less now.

Less at the moment because, ,for example, the census workers hired are being fired and re-hired over and over to boost the numbers. Neat trick.
President Obama has cut no ones taxes. You don’t cut in one spot and raise in a hundred others, and call that a tax cut. Wait until the combo of the rollback of the Bush cuts and the addition of the monstrous tax coming EVERYONES way to pay for the mindbogglingly stupid health care nightmare. I cannot wait to see the left’s reaction here when they open up those envelopes with next years health insurance premium boost. That will sure not be Bushe’s fault. It will be ALL Obama.
What is going on economically in this country at the moment is unsustainable. Believing otherwise is being purposely obtuse.

299 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:51:50pm

re: #293 garhighway

What was the deficit in 2000?

What deficit?

300 Amory Blaine  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:52:22pm

re: #294 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

It does if you realize where we live.

301 HoosierHoops  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:52:34pm

re: #287 Renaissance_Man

They looked like Italians. That is, they looked like a bunch of nancy man-children prancing around a sporting arena acting like six-year-olds, and carrying on like a bunch of queens. And the drama! I’ll bloody give you something to cry about, you little turds.

Oh..We are going to be fast friends…

302 ReamWorks SKG  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:52:53pm

re: #291 JasonA

No. A flat tax would be everyone pay the same amount. Take the anual budget and divide by the population. Everybody pays that (about $10,000/person). Everything else is a compromise.

Because the theoretical “flat tax” is impossible to collect, then a progressive tax by percentage is the next best thing. Tax all income at, say, 25%. No deductions for anything, ever. Not for dependents, not for mortgage income, not $500/year for schoolteachers because they’re Americans Heroes, etc. None.

303 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:53:20pm

re: #172 CapeCoddah

Hmmm, I have never received a paycheck from a poor man.
You?

I thought you were in business for yourself?

Whoops, guess that was not true

304 CapeCoddah  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:53:37pm

re: #279 WindUpBird

I’m a small business owner. About every dime I receive is from poor people, or at least poorer people than me. There’s about six or seven hundred college students who are basically paying my rent these days.

I am very happy for you. Success is a good thing.

305 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:54:24pm

re: #263 Fozzie Bear

Tax rates in the US:

We haven’t had it so good in terms of taxes for 100 years.

Claiming taxes are too high is, at least historically speaking, bullshit.

I agree 100%. However, I agree with Mankiw’s additional perspective WRT the “rich”…


Over the past half century, the top marginal tax rate has fallen from 91 percent in the 1950s and early 1960s to 35 percent today. Thus, the amount a person gets to keep at the margin has risen from 9 percent to 65 percent, that is, by a factor of 7.2. If the elasticity of taxable income with respect to 1-t is one, as some studies find for high-income taxpayers, then the incomes of the rich would have risen by a factor of 7.2 as well. If the elasticity is one-half, then their incomes would have risen by a factor of 2.7. In either case, the change in pretax income attributable to the tax cuts is substantial.

By comparison, the incomes of the superrich (top 0.01 percent), as a share of total income, increased by a factor of about 5 over this period. So, it seems that for plausible elasticities, a significant portion of that increase can potentially be explained by the cuts in the top marginal tax rate.

That is not to say we should keep cutting the top rate. It is only to say that, as with all tax rates, we should adjust it in as analytical a manner as possible.

306 garhighway  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:55:19pm

re: #229 Spare O’Lake

I’m cool with criticizing the heartless GOP…it’s just that the Dems really do deserve most of the blame because they are the ones who have the legislative majority and who obviously lack the party discipline to pass even the most basic social safety net legislation.

How about this as a simple rule: if you are unhappy with the failure of a bill to pass, you blame the people that voted (or would have voted) “no”.

Applying that simple test to this situation, who would you say is more responsible for the failure of this extension?

307 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:55:48pm

re: #282 Fozzie Bear

Ot - Fozzie… if you took my comment above to be designed to fuck with you or drive you away, or purposely intended to annoy you, then I’m sorry, that certainly wasn’t my intention.

If you don’t agree with me fine, but I don’t want that disagreement to become a hatred, on either side, because I’ve never attempted to illicit hate or foster hate among any Lizards.

Other than that… it’s open season :)

308 avanti  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:55:50pm

re: #283 reuven


(My personal feeling is I don’t care what the rate is—I just want every man, woman, and child who makes more than, say $10,000 year, to pay the same rate.)

Do you have any idea what that would mean to the middle class ??? Your taxes would double or triple, but millionaires would get a massive cut.

309 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:56:05pm

re: #297 Renaissance_Man

That was crazy as hell. Unbelievable. And frankly, from what I saw last night, I didn’t see any way that Isner could have gotten through it. The (second) night off saved him.

No question at all. And Mahut played his doubles match this afternoon! Hat off to that guy…talk about fitness.

Incredible stuff.

310 garhighway  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:56:17pm

re: #299 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

What deficit?

Exactly.

311 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:56:21pm

re: #292 HoosierHoops

I never thought you being gay has ever mattered here…
You have proved yourself a patriotic American, Smart, Successful and a good all around guy…
I vote for the person not the party…

It’s just a decent reason I tend to vote democrat, is what I’m saying :D

I don’t always vote Democrat, I have happily voted for reasonable Oregon Republicans with good ideas (Allen Alley, Gordon Smith) but the national GOP seems to be pushing their platform in wild and crazy platforms, so I tend not to support them.

312 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:57:03pm

re: #307 Walter L. Newton

Ot - Fozzie… if you took my comment above to be designed to fuck with you or drive you away, or purposely intended to annoy you, then I’m sorry, that certainly wasn’t my intention.

If you don’t agree with me fine, but I don’t want that disagreement to become a hatred, on either side, because I’ve never attempted to illicit hate or foster hate among any Lizards.

Other than that… it’s open season :)

You are a good and fair man Walter.

313 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:57:13pm

re: #290 reuven

agreed, but to me tax is a tax is a tax.

(It bugs me that CA claims its broke when they have the highest sales tax, the highest income tax, and median property tax…They should be ROLLING in $$$)

Thats all true. But, once again, your problem then, if you have one, is with the states.

And if you have issues with the federal deficit, then you would do well to advocate for a federal tax increase.

314 ReamWorks SKG  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:57:17pm

re: #308 avanti

I think it’s the only democratic thing to do. We all need to be in this together. If we need to raise more money to pay for a war, a national disaster, or to put a man on Mars, I’d rather EVERYONE’s tax go up a point….

315 garhighway  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:57:44pm

re: #298 CapeCoddah

Less at the moment because, ,for example, the census workers hired are being fired and re-hired over and over to boost the numbers. Neat trick.

Gotta link?

316 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:57:56pm

re: #268 WindUpBird

Yeah, it sucks. I don’t like about 60-70% of what Democrats do. I don’t like Dem policy regarding wall street at all.

Unfortuantely, I hate 100% of what Republicans do. Oh yeah, and I’m gay, and they want to essentially make me an underclass and criminalize my relationships. Texas GOP, baby, one step away from the Klan.

So I tend to vote Democrat! Because mud tastes better than dogshit.

Does that clear things up for you?

I’m a right winger… and I totally support your lifestyle and I wouldn’t want to ever see your relationship criminalized or anything like that. I would fight for you to the end.

Strange world, isn’t it?

317 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:58:43pm

re: #301 HoosierHoops

Oh..We are going to be fast friends…

Yeah but, as with me, you’re going to have to forgive some tennisophilia! The Renaissance Man is a tennis fan like me…gulp!

You’re a good dude, HH, letting me wear my tennis heart on my avatar without holding it against me…you can’t let that girl ruin the sport, brother…take some more walks with Winston and let his mojo work for you!

318 Spare O'Lake  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:58:45pm
re: #298 CapeCoddah

What is going on economically in this country at the moment is unsustainable. Believing otherwise is being purposely obtuse.

Double dip?

319 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:59:09pm

Man, my throat really hurts! I’m gonna log off for now, take care everyone and Keep Laughing!

320 KingKenrod  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:00:33pm

re: #263 Fozzie Bear

Tax rates in the US:

We haven’t had it so good in terms of taxes for 100 years.

Claiming taxes are too high is, at least historically speaking, bullshit.

You’re only telling 1% of the story…

Consider this example:

I person making $200,000 today would be roughly equivalent to someone making $13218.42 in 1939.

The income tax rate for that person (in 1939) would be 12%.

321 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:00:42pm

re: #302 reuven

No. A flat tax would be everyone pay the same amount rate.

Remember, same percentage ≠ same amount. Sorry to be pedantic, but in this case, terminology is everything.

322 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:00:44pm

re: #319 Dragon_Lady

Man, my throat really hurts! I’m gonna log off for now, take care everyone and Keep Laughing!

Get better soon.

323 CapeCoddah  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:01:10pm

re: #303 WindUpBird

I thought you were in business for yourself?

Whoops, guess that was not true

I have never claimed to be in business for myself. I have made it abundantly clear that I work for a gentleman and his wife, self made millionaires, who own a tiny upscale women’s boutique ( all the Italian design houses) and they own a limousine company, for which I am the general manager. I have never claimed to own a business. Not interested in owning one.

324 Renaissance_Man  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:02:06pm

re: #301 HoosierHoops

Oh..We are going to be fast friends…

I’ve said this before, but anyone who has ever competed in sport at the international level learns that in the realm of sports, all the stereotypes and generalisations that are impolite and borderline racist in the real word are completely true in the sporting world. So, if we were to talk about Italy in the normal world, I might say that it’s a lovely country with many beautiful places and beautiful people, and an extremely efficient government, even if they have a bizarre political system.

But in the world of sports? Screw the Eyties, crybaby girly-men that they are.

325 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:02:15pm

re: #316 Walter L. Newton

I’m a right winger… and I totally support your lifestyle and I wouldn’t want to ever see your relationship criminalized or anything like that. I would fight for you to the end.

Strange world, isn’t it?

Perhaps we should all join the Whig Party.

326 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:03:11pm

re: #325 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Perhaps we should all join the Whig Party.

Stop letting Ojoe buy you drinks/

327 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:03:43pm

re: #308 avanti

Do you have any idea what that would mean to the middle class ??? Your taxes would double or triple, but millionaires would get a massive cut.

i think he’s mixing his terms. that’s not a flat tax.

328 Lidane  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:04:04pm

re: #284 Aceofwhat?

Am i right to like our chances there? I’m hard-pressed to come up with a better matchup for us than Ghana in this next round.

It’s better than facing the Germans, that’s for sure, but it won’t be easy.

I have a feeling the game against Ghana is going to be a really physical one. Neither team can afford to be cautious, so I think we’re going to see lots of attacking on both sides. It’s going to be close, though. I don’t think it’s going to be a blowout on either side.

Yeah, i liked the Kiwis’ gumption too, but i think that Paraguay plays a prettier style of ball, so I’m sanguine about that trade-off.

Well, true. And if the Kiwis had gone forward, Slovakia wouldn’t have, and after their match today against Italy, they deserve it.

Either way, New Zealand went far above and beyond what anyone expected from them. They should be proud, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they do in 2014. :)

329 HoosierHoops  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:04:29pm

re: #317 Aceofwhat?

Yeah but, as with me, you’re going to have to forgive some tennisophilia! The Renaissance Man is a tennis fan like me…gulp!

You’re a good dude, HH, letting me wear my tennis heart on my avatar without holding it against me…you can’t let that girl ruin the sport, brother…take some more walks with Winston and let his mojo work for you!

LOL I love ya bro.. You know that has got the funniest story in the world for me about tennis…Losing your girlfriend in College to a tennis pro…
I hate tennis…Thank the lawd it wasn’t a Golf pro…Then I’d be conflicted
*wink*

330 CapeCoddah  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:04:34pm

re: #315 garhighway

Gotta link?

Yes

331 ReamWorks SKG  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:05:04pm

re: #321 Aceofwhat?

I don’t seriously propose a “flat amount” for everyone, but I think it’s useful to show that, for some definition of “fair”, everyone paying the exact same amount is the fairest.

Also, IMHO, a family of 4 that’s not paying ~ 38K/year in federal taxes is getting a good deal, but oddly enough, most families of 4, getting 2 dependent deductions and a mortgage interest deduction, etc, will still whine about taxes.

Per person load: wolframalpha.com

332 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:05:20pm

re: #326 Aceofwhat?

Stop letting Ojoe buy you drinks/

Hey man, you’re just jealous because I got to wear the lampshade first.

/

333 CapeCoddah  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:05:22pm

re: #318 Spare O’Lake

Double dip?

If we keep this up, at least.

334 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:05:56pm

re: #307 Walter L. Newton

Ot - Fozzie… if you took my comment above to be designed to fuck with you or drive you away, or purposely intended to annoy you, then I’m sorry, that certainly wasn’t my intention.

If you don’t agree with me fine, but I don’t want that disagreement to become a hatred, on either side, because I’ve never attempted to illicit hate or foster hate among any Lizards.

Other than that… it’s open season :)

I did, and do, take that comment to be an attempt to incite an argument. I think you enjoy a juicy contentious argument. I also saw it as an attempt to stifle dissent through appeal to seniority here, and yes, it pissed me off.

Having said that, I will do my best to let each of your comments stand on its own merits, if you would extend the same courtesy.

As for hate: no, I honestly don’t hate anyone here. There are some who irritate me, but I’m human, and you aren’t at the top of that list. (not that there’s a list, but you get what I mean)

You have made comments that made me cheer at my monitor, and you have at times made comments that made me question your motives. Just don’t pretend not to have an ideology, and I won’t call you on it.

Anger isn’t the same as hatred. Anger passes. Hatred festers. I don’t hate anyone here, though I do, at times, get pissed.

On a similar note, I’d like to apologize for whatever contribution I made to turn that thread into a hairy mess of infighting. I didn’t intend that. I meant to roast you, and you alone, and on a limited basis. I didn’t intend to start a virtual bar brawl, which it seems apparent by the number of deleted posts, I did.

I think you are as passionate about these issues as I am. That’s why the whole “Yawn” thing gets to me.

Anyway, lets talk about stuff, rather than talking about talking about stuff. Deal?

335 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:08:45pm

re: #320 KingKenrod

You’re only telling 1% of the story…

Consider this example:

I person making $200,000 today would be roughly equivalent to someone making $13218.42 in 1939.

The income tax rate for that person (in 1939) would be 12%.

That’s just not an argument that stands up to scrutiny. Proportional (% based) taxation is just that: proportional. Your argument would, if true, only establish that the income levels that designate the shifts between brackets would be different, but not that the actual burden is proportionally different.

12% is 12% is 12%.

336 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:08:50pm

re: #331 reuven

I don’t seriously propose a “flat amount” for everyone, but I think it’s useful to show that, for some definition of “fair”, everyone paying the exact same amount is the fairest.

I quite disagree. I can understand the perspective that paying the same percentage is the fairest, but not the same amount. In addition, it’s unworkable. No reasonable amount exists that would fund any realistic semblance of a society. We’d be better off not having any income tax at all.

337 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:09:10pm

re: #307 Walter L. Newton

Ot - Fozzie… if you took my comment above to be designed to fuck with you or drive you away, or purposely intended to annoy you, then I’m sorry, that certainly wasn’t my intention.

If you don’t agree with me fine, but I don’t want that disagreement to become a hatred, on either side, because I’ve never attempted to illicit hate or foster hate among any Lizards.

Other than that… it’s open season :)

DUCK SEASON!
FIRE!

338 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:09:56pm

re: #325 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Perhaps we should all join the Whig Party.

OH NOES!
YOU’VE BEEN ASSIMILATED!!!

339 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:10:16pm

re: #337 Varek Raith

DUCK SEASON!
FIRE!

Should he shoot you now or shoot you later/

340 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:10:34pm

re: #338 Varek Raith

OH NOES!
YOU’VE BEEN ASSIMILATED!!!

I am Dyslexic of Borg. Your ass will be laminated.

341 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:10:56pm

re: #325 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Perhaps we should all join the Whig Party.

No… neither side is happy with you unless you can be totally partisan and extreme. I can’t support gay rights, but at the same time have a strong desire to eliminate certain terrorists. I can’t support the lefts effort to extend more unemployment insurance, but at the same time have problems with certain other out of control spending. It’s unsettling when you have to deal with someone who you can never be sure of the position they will take from one issue to another. It’s easier for folks to deal with partisans, lock step is easier than leaning new steps. And certain strategies are blown to hell when you are a nonconformist. No, both parties rather have members that follow the script, the platform, don’t rock the boat, it’s easier to control those people in the long run.

And after all, control is the final goal of all government. Power is a drug, and it’s take followers to lord over, or else, it goes poof.

342 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:11:54pm

re: #334 Fozzie Bear

[snip]

Anyway, lets talk about stuff, rather than talking about talking about stuff. Deal?

Deal!

343 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:12:29pm

re: #341 Walter L. Newton

No… neither side is happy with you unless you can be totally partisan and extreme. I can’t support gay rights, but at the same time have a strong desire to eliminate certain terrorists. I can’t support the lefts effort to extend more unemployment insurance, but at the same time have problems with certain other out of control spending. It’s unsettling when you have to deal with someone who you can never be sure of the position they will take from one issue to another. It’s easier for folks to deal with partisans, lock step is easier than leaning new steps. And certain strategies are blown to hell when you are a nonconformist. No, both parties rather have members that follow the script, the platform, don’t rock the boat, it’s easier to control those people in the long run.

And after all, control is the final goal of all government. Power is a drug, and it’s take followers to lord over, or else, it goes poof.

CAN SUPPORT GAY RIGHT… hell, I almost blew that wonderful comment.

344 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:13:13pm

re: #341 Walter L. Newton

No… neither side is happy with you unless you can be totally partisan and extreme. I can’t support gay rights, but at the same time have a strong desire to eliminate certain terrorists. I can’t support the lefts effort to extend more unemployment insurance, but at the same time have problems with certain other out of control spending. It’s unsettling when you have to deal with someone who you can never be sure of the position they will take from one issue to another. It’s easier for folks to deal with partisans, lock step is easier than leaning new steps. And certain strategies are blown to hell when you are a nonconformist. No, both parties rather have members that follow the script, the platform, don’t rock the boat, it’s easier to control those people in the long run.

And after all, control is the final goal of all government. Power is a drug, and it’s take followers to lord over, or else, it goes poof.

CAN>>> CAN… why in heaven name did I write can’t over and over… I don’t even do drugs or drink.

345 Lidane  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:13:20pm

re: #337 Varek Raith

DUCK SEASON!
FIRE!

It’s not duck season OR rabbit season. It’s clearly Elmer season:

Youtube Video

346 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:13:22pm

re: #341 Walter L. Newton

No… neither side is happy with you unless you can be totally partisan and extreme. I can’t support gay rights, but at the same time have a strong desire to eliminate certain terrorists. I can’t support the lefts effort to extend more unemployment insurance, but at the same time have problems with certain other out of control spending. It’s unsettling when you have to deal with someone who you can never be sure of the position they will take from one issue to another. It’s easier for folks to deal with partisans, lock step is easier than leaning new steps. And certain strategies are blown to hell when you are a nonconformist. No, both parties rather have members that follow the script, the platform, don’t rock the boat, it’s easier to control those people in the long run.

And after all, control is the final goal of all government. Power is a drug, and it’s take followers to lord over, or else, it goes poof.

Or you can be a centrist like myself and tell both sides to go frak themselves. I’m fast approaching that apathetic stage, where I say “Go do whatever you want, just leave me out of it!”

347 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:14:43pm

(I think I will redo this for the sake of the record)

No… neither side is happy with you unless you can be totally partisan and extreme. I can support gay rights, but at the same time have a strong desire to eliminate certain terrorists. I can support the lefts effort to extend more unemployment insurance, but at the same time have problems with certain other out of control spending. It’s unsettling when you have to deal with someone who you can never be sure of the position they will take from one issue to another. It’s easier for folks to deal with partisans, lock step is easier than learning new steps. And certain strategies are blown to hell when you are a nonconformist, or someone who supports issues on many sides. No, both parties rather have members that follow the script, the platform, don’t rock the boat, it’s easier to control those people in the long run.

And after all, control is the final goal of all government. Power is a drug, and it’s take followers to lord over, or else, it goes poof.

348 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:14:53pm

re: #346 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Or you can be a centrist like myself and tell both sides to go frak themselves. I’m fast approaching that apathetic stage, where I say “Go do whatever you want, just leave me out of it!”

I’m waaayyy past that point!

349 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:15:13pm

re: #346 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Please see my corrections… I’m typing too fast… and thinking to little.

350 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:16:58pm

re: #346 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Or you can be a centrist like myself and tell both sides to go frak themselves. I’m fast approaching that apathetic stage, where I say “Go do whatever you want, just leave me out of it!”

Well, after some of the replies I’ve gotten over the last two days to some of my opinions, I may have to agree with you. I would still like to think that I can enjoy both ends of the pool, but that seems to harsh a lot of partisan buzz.

351 ausador  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:17:29pm

re: #302 reuven

No. A flat tax would be everyone pay the same amount. Take the anual budget and divide by the population. Everybody pays that (about $10,000/person). Everything else is a compromise.

Because the theoretical “flat tax” is impossible to collect, then a progressive tax by percentage is the next best thing. Tax all income at, say, 25%. No deductions for anything, ever. Not for dependents, not for mortgage income, not $500/year for schoolteachers because they’re Americans Heroes, etc. None.

An actual flat tax with no deductions would not have to be anywhere near 25%, but a flat tax is regressive, it charges the poorest who can’t even afford to properly feed their children the same percentage as the wealthiest who person who is trying to decide which yacht or airplane to buy.

People bitch and moan about how the latest statistics show that almost 47% of all households no longer pay any taxes without realizeing that it also means that that 47% of households make so little income that they are below the federal poverty line.

Thats right, almost half of all American households are “poor” now, what happened to the middle class? All their jobs were moved to China, Mexico, and India, that is what happened. Welcome to the “free market”…

352 KingKenrod  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:18:03pm

re: #335 Fozzie Bear

That’s just not an argument that stands up to scrutiny. Proportional (% based) taxation is just that: proportional. Your argument would, if true, only establish that the income levels that designate the shifts between brackets would be different, but not that the actual burden is proportionally different.

12% is 12% is 12%.

I’m showing that your original statement:

“We haven’t had it so good in terms of taxes for 100 years. Claiming taxes are too high is, at least historically speaking, bullshit.”

is generally false. I provided a single example showing the person making $200,000 today is paying a rate (36%) that is 3 times higher than the same person making the equivalent in 1939 dollars.

353 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:18:44pm

re: #349 Walter L. Newton

Please see my corrections… I’m typing too fast… and thinking to little.

I saw your corrections, and seriously my friend, I’m in pretty much the same spot. I say “centrist,” but in my own mental categorizing, I’d say I’m more a “right-leaning centrist.” I support gay marriage, but I also support gun owners rights. I support a strong military, but I also support government helping those who can’t help themselves. I support alternative energy, but I support nuclear energy above renewable energy. I support budget austerity, but I also support spending on items like space exploration.

I’m all over the frakin’ place…and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

354 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:20:02pm

re: #353 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

I saw your corrections, and seriously my friend, I’m in pretty much the same spot. I say “centrist,” but in my own mental categorizing, I’d say I’m more a “right-leaning centrist.” I support gay marriage, but I also support gun owners rights. I support a strong military, but I also support government helping those who can’t help themselves. I support alternative energy, but I support nuclear energy above renewable energy. I support budget austerity, but I also support spending on items like space exploration.

I’m all over the frakin’ place…and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

WTF?!
Are you my freaking clone or something?!?!
Spooky…
:)

355 ReamWorks SKG  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:20:54pm

re: #353 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Hey! I like your platform! You got my vote!

356 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:24:22pm

re: #355 reuven

Hey! I like your platform! You got my vote!

Nah, I couldn’t be a politician. I have one of them whatchacallits, a conscience. I couldn’t lie convincingly long enough to get through a campaign. And unfortunately, “Jefferson Smith” types don’t get far in politics these days.

357 allegro  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:26:31pm

re: #353 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

I support gay marriage, but I also support gun owners rights. I support a strong military, but I also support government helping those who can’t help themselves. I support alternative energy, but I support nuclear energy above renewable energy. I support budget austerity, but I also

support spending on items like space exploration.

Damn hippy.//

358 ReamWorks SKG  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:26:43pm

re: #356 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

and speaking of Space Exploration, I have a list of people I’d want to send to Mars!

359 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:27:45pm

re: #358 reuven

and speaking of Space Exploration, I have a list of people I’d want to send to Mars!

No.
We don’t want em!
Send them to Mercury or something.

360 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:28:13pm

re: #358 reuven

and speaking of Space Exploration, I have a list of people I’d want to send to Mars!

Hey man, deporting illegals is wrong!

/

361 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:28:57pm

re: #352 KingKenrod

is generally false. I provided a single example showing the person making $200,000 today is paying a rate (36%) that is 3 times higher than the same person making the equivalent in 1939 dollars.

Then you are making an argument for adjusting the income amounts designating the cusps between brackets, not the actual percentages of the brackets.

If it is the case that 12% of income equates to X amount of 1929 dollars when translated from 2010 dollars, then you must accept that the amount not taxed is similarly adjusted.

In other words, there’s no difference, except in where the cusps lie.

362 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:29:48pm

re: #353 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

I saw your corrections, and seriously my friend, I’m in pretty much the same spot. I say “centrist,” but in my own mental categorizing, I’d say I’m more a “right-leaning centrist.” I support gay marriage, but I also support gun owners rights. I support a strong military, but I also support government helping those who can’t help themselves. I support alternative energy, but I support nuclear energy above renewable energy. I support budget austerity, but I also support spending on items like space exploration.

I’m all over the frakin’ place…and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

You have no value to anyone :)

363 ByeByeBlueStates  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:34:17pm

LGF - D nt wrry yr lttl slvs bt ths. vryn nmplyd WLL fnd nw jb bcs f th lrdy pssd mzng jb stmltrs knwn s bmCr & Stmls . Sn yr frnds n th lft wll rm thrgh tht thr jb crtr knwn s Cp-N-Trd. W shld hv fll mplymnt by thn. f crs, f y lbrls r s rghts bt nndng xtnsns t nmplymnt sng mr brrwd mny, pss t th sm wy y dd bmCr, sng tht “wrd bsltst” prcss whch dd nt rqr n bstrctnst GP vt. nd whn th cnmy cntns t tnk frm ll yr ffrts, y stll hv Grg Bsh t blm. ;)

364 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:35:29pm

re: #363 ByeByeBlueStates

You’re not helping.

365 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:35:35pm

re: #363 ByeByeBlueStates

I think I speak for more than myself when I say:

Piss off, troll.

366 Political Atheist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:36:14pm

re: #363 ByeByeBlueStates

You sure know how to make an entrance.
You sound like an old hand at this place.
Register often?

367 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:38:52pm

re: #363 ByeByeBlueStates

First post and it’s a rant composed of regurgitated talking points. Might as well have a bulls-eye tattooed on your forehead.

368 allegro  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:40:29pm

re: #367 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

First post and it’s a rant composed of regurgitated talking points. Might as well have a bulls-eye tattooed on your forehead.

No need. The clown face gave it away.

369 Political Atheist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:44:05pm

Dark Falcon is away. We can use my grill this time.

370 goddamnedfrank  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:50:42pm

re: #298 CapeCoddah

Less at the moment because, ,for example, the census workers hired are being fired and re-hired over and over to boost the numbers. Neat trick.

Yes, neat, it’s also bullshit. Yet another blatant lie you couldn’t be bothered to research before regurgitation:

First, the Census Bureau does not hire, then fire, and then rehire anyone. Any employee who is fired is fired for cause. We train and hire temporary workers for various operations, most significantly Non-Response Follow-Up (NRFU) to complete work assignments. When the work is complete, the temporary worker goes into an inactive status. They may be re-activated if there is more work to do, or for another subsequent operation. At no time do we count a re-activation from non-working status as a ?rehire.?

The article goes on to state: “Labor doesn’t check the Census hiring figure or whether the jobs are actually new or recycled. It considers a new job to have been created if someone is hired to work at least one hour a month.

This is simply inaccurate. The Census Bureau reports to the Department of Labor and on our public website the number of people paid for work during a given week. We do not report the number of jobs. The Census Bureau reports the total number of unduplicated temporary 2010 workers that earned any pay during a specific weekly pay period. Temporary workers earning any pay during the week are counted only once. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) measures changes in employment levels — not the actual level itself — and looks only at the week which includes the 12th day of the month. It is simply not possible for Census to engage in the manipulation of data to artificially inflate the employment report of the BLS in the manner alleged by this news column.

-Robert M. Groves

It doesn’t have to be true, you just have to be willing to say it. That’s the CapeCoddah way.

371 webevintage  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:53:24pm

re: #363 ByeByeBlueStates

LGF - Do not worry your little selves about this. Everyone unemployed WILL find a new job because of the already passed amazing job stimulators known as ObamaCare & Stimulus I. Soon your friends on the left will ram through that other job creator known as Cap-N-Trade. We should have full employment by then. Of course, if you liberals are so righteous about unending extensions to unemployment using more borrowed money, pass it the same way you did ObamaCare, using that “weird absolutist” process which did not require one obstructionist GOP vote. And when the economy continues to tank from all your efforts, you still have George Bush to blame. ;)

Jesus.
What a bunch of bullshit.
So I guess you consider the unemployed lazy and spoiled?

372 Charles Johnson  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:55:31pm

I’m so sick of these robots who just pop in to regurgitate insults and talking points from the far right, with a smug superior attitude.

This one’s first comment will be its last.

373 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:04:24pm

Bye-bye ByeByeBlueStates.

374 BongCrodny  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:13:54pm

re: #344 Walter L. Newton

CAN>>> CAN… why in heaven name did I write can’t over and over… I don’t even do drugs or drink.


I can help you out with one of those. :-)

375 researchok  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:18:53pm

If the Dems have an absolute majority in the House, it is not the GOP’s fault the bill failed.

Blame Pelosi.

376 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:19:23pm

re: #372 Charles

*BEEP*

Libtards hate America!!

*BEEP*

377 Romantic Heretic  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:57:11pm

Don’t you see?

Government can’t do anything good because then people wouldn’t understand that government is bad.

378 Eclectic Infidel  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 7:06:03pm

Hmm. One way to pay for it…howzabout that never-ending war in Iraq? Or hundreds of million given to Israel hatin’ Arab nations? I know the latter is pocket change in comparison to billions spent in Iraq, but since the GOP is *so* concerned about spending, surely, every little bit helps.

379 Cheese Eating Victory Monkey  Fri, Jun 25, 2010 1:12:36am

I’m not sure how the unemployment system works, but it makes sense to me that those past a certain age (48+) who are most vulnerable to age discrimination deserve the most significant assistance, rather than cuts.

As I’ve mentioned several times in the past, the two decades between age 45 and retirement seem to be the most perilous for many in the middle class.
That is the time span where common chronic health problems start popping up (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, cancer) and where it becomes much harder to get a job if you lose one. Thanks to the much reviled health care reform, the double-whammy of losing a job and health coverage could be over.

380 Vambo  Fri, Jun 25, 2010 9:30:48am

re: #370 goddamnedfrank

It doesn’t have to be true, you just have to be willing to say it. That’s the CapeCoddah way.

LOL NY Post!! He was looking for the Page 5 Girl and caught a piece that fed his ODS.


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