Fear Mongering for Fear Mongers

Dominionist Jim DeMint strikes fear into the hearts of conservative politicians
Politics • Views: 37,613

The Republican Party doesn’t just use fear as a manipulative tactic on voters — it’s also the tool they use to keep fellow GOP politicians in line: Senator Jim DeMint Warns Republicans on Debt Ceiling Vote: They Will Be ‘Gone’.

Conservative firebrand Sen. Jim DeMint has a message to fellow Republicans in Congress: If you support increasing the debt ceiling without first passing a balanced budget amendment and massive across-the-board spending cuts, you’re gone — destined to be swept out of Congress by a wave of voter anger.

“Based on what I can see around the country,” DeMint, R-S.C., said in an interview for the ABC News Subway Series, “not only are those individuals gone, but I would suspect the Republican Party would be set back many years.

“It would be the most toxic vote,” DeMint said. “I can tell you if you look at the polls, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, they do not think we should increase the debt limit.”

Wouldn’t want any rogue Republicans to get crazy ideas and do something stupid, like preventing the nation from defaulting on its debts.

Related
Jim DeMint Spells It Out: Fundamentalist Christianity Required to Be a Conservative

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474 comments
1 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:45:41am

I’m so tired of Congress.

2 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:46:21am

They will be ‘gone’ like the nation’s credit rating when we go into default…

3 gehazi  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:46:42am

re: #1 ggt

I know right? Isn’t it time for the proletarian revolution soon? /

4 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:47:02am

At least we’ll still have DeMint.

5 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:47:41am

Wouldn’t want any rogue Republicans to get crazy ideas and do something stupid, like preventing the nation from defaulting on its debts.

6 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:48:21am

re: #5 Charles

Wouldn’t want any rogue Republicans to get crazy ideas and do something stupid, like preventing the nation from defaulting on its debts.

I’ve been told by reliable sources that God has a plan to take care of that…

7 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:48:30am

re: #5 Charles

Wouldn’t want any rogue Republicans to get crazy ideas and do something stupid, like preventing the nation from defaulting on its debts.

BBBBBut, we wouldn’t have debts if everyone lived by THE WORD.

/

8 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:49:54am

re: #6 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

I’ve been told by reliable sources that God has a plan to take care of that…

Whose version of God?

9 HappyWarrior  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:50:35am

Ah Jim “You can’t be a fiscal conservative without being a social conservative” DeMint. Just the guy I want to be lectured to on fiscal issues. B

10 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:51:03am

re: #9 HappyWarrior

Ah Jim “You can’t be a fiscal conservative without being a social conservative” DeMint. Just the guy I want to be lectured to on fiscal issues. B

DO NOT GET ME STARTED!

11 122 Year Old Obama  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:52:47am

Fiscal responsibility!

12 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:54:36am

re: #7 ggt

BBBut, we wouldn’t have debts if everyone lived by THE WORD.

/

One of my high school friends has cycled back into ministry - after several failed business attempts the last year or two - and his facebook statuses are so fucking annoyingly sad (I can’t delete them!). He’s started a new church and every post is about being awesome for Jesus! and how they’re going to have guest ministries over who are dedicated to helping other see how awesome Jesus! is…talk about making a living doing nothing…jesus. Anyway, that’s what reading ‘THE WORD’ made me think of just now (not the bible, just the quoted string of all caps).

13 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:54:50am

Is it really all about fear of dark-skinned people with a different religion? How pathetic.

14 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:55:41am

re: #12 darthstar

One of my high school friends has cycled back into ministry - after several failed business attempts the last year or two - and his facebook statuses are so fucking annoyingly sad (I can’t delete them!). He’s started a new church and every post is about being awesome for Jesus! and how they’re going to have guest ministries over who are dedicated to helping other see how awesome Jesus! is…talk about making a living doing nothing…jesus. Anyway, that’s what reading ‘THE WORD’ made me think of just now (not the bible, just the quoted string of all caps).

gotta have a Mega Church —that’s where the money is.

15 makeitstop  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:56:23am

Shorter DeMint: ‘Nice political gig you got there. Be a shame is something happened to it…’

16 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:57:18am

Oh, great. Coming to a Senate race near you me.

DeMint said he plans to get involved, once again, in Republican primaries for the 2012 elections. One race he has his eye on is the open Senate seat in New Mexico, which is being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Jeff Bingaman. Republican leaders have recruited former Rep. Heather Wilson to run, but she faces a challenge against the more conservative John Sanchez, New Mexico’s lieutenant governor.
17 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:57:21am

re: #12 darthstar

One of my high school friends has cycled back into ministry - after several failed business attempts the last year or two - and his facebook statuses are so fucking annoyingly sad (I can’t delete them!). He’s started a new church and every post is about being awesome for Jesus! and how they’re going to have guest ministries over who are dedicated to helping other see how awesome Jesus! is…talk about making a living doing nothing…jesus. Anyway, that’s what reading ‘THE WORD’ made me think of just now (not the bible, just the quoted string of all caps).

Saw a new fad on a trolling site. Make up a fake bible quote on facebook, send it to your Christian friends and see how many hit like.

18 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:57:32am

The other day I mentioned how the CDS bubble is hoping really hard that Greece doesn’t default.

The Greek based CDSs are a fraction of the US swaps. Officially defaulting (refusing to raise the limit before the August date declared by the Treasury) triggers the CDS avalanche.

I cannot decide if these people are that ignorant or that callous, that the crash would be worse than any we’ve seen.

what? “We had to destroy the nation in order to save it?” Someone thought it’d be a GREAT way to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the ACW?

Idiots.

19 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:59:24am

There are a plethora of issues and sub-issues tied up in the current round of House votes. Dominionism, Libertarianism, “Starve the Beast”, corporate interests hiding behind all of it…. Too many damn threads, all about confusing voters into thinking there are issues of

principle

at stake. Which, really, there are not. It is all about money, power, influence and re-election. I feel dirty talking about politics - shower time. Back in 5.

20 RogueOne  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 10:59:27am

Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. They’re shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of peoples children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership.

Without a serious plan of how we’re going to dig ourselves out they should vote no. At our current spending rates we’ll be bumping up against the debt ceiling again within a couple of years.

21 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:01:24am

re: #20 RogueOne

I’m done talking about this until Republicans accept that there need to be revenue increases as well as spending cuts.

That is all.

22 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:01:24am

re: #20 RogueOne

Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally.

Not as much as defaulting, I think.

23 RogueOne  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:02:51am

re: #22 wrenchwench

Not as much as defaulting, I think.

That first paragraph was a paraphrase of the Obama speech when he voted “No” to increase the debt limit in 2006.

24 JeffM70  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:03:05am

I wonder if anybody in the Tea Party has actually considered what the country would look like if they got their way. They complain Obama has made things worse, but I would love to hear them compare how things are now against what they would have been like had their desire to let the auto and financial sector collapse succeeded.

25 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:04:19am

re: #20 RogueOne

It’s not responsible or even sane to look at the debt of a nation like the US the same way you look at a person’s individual debt. The effects of failing to raise the debt ceiling will be felt across the entire world, and will be especially catastrophic right here where we live.

It’s indefensible, and you know damned well that all the lofty talking points about the “burden of bad choices etc.” are just camouflage for the real agenda, which is to damage the office of the President by any means possible.

26 RogueOne  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:04:45am

which takes us back to the last thread. When the president was an (R) the repubs were all for it and the dems not so much, now that the party in power has switched sides so have their votes.

27 KingKenrod  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:05:14am

re: #20 RogueOne

Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. They’re shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of peoples children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership.

Without a serious plan of how we’re going to dig ourselves out they should vote no. At our current spending rates we’ll be bumping up against the debt ceiling again within a couple of years.

You’re right, but the GOP’s solutions are reckless and they haven’t demonstrated any competence on the issue.

28 RogueOne  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:05:42am

re: #25 Charles

I disagree. I was against raising the debt ceiling when bush was in office and I’m still against it for the obvious reasons. If we’re going to continue to raise the limit what exactly is the point of having one?

29 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:05:45am

re: #23 RogueOne

That first paragraph was a paraphrase of the Obama speech when he voted “No” to increase the debt limit in 2006.

So? In 2006 the economy hadn’t crashed, had it? The then-administration was running a massive deficit at a time when the economy was booming, which is an incredibly stupid thing to do.

Now the economy is in the toilet, and cutting the deficit would also be an incredibly stupid thing to do. But because the Republicans want to screw poor people, suddenly “deficits matter” again.

The hypocrisy is stunning. How about proposals to cut the deficit by slashing defense spending? No, because that would put people in Oklahoma out of work, so we can’t do that either.

It’s stupid, childish, and has nothing to do with “the security of the country” or anything else other than lining the pockets of the GOP’s paymasters.

30 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:06:32am

re: #26 RogueOne

which takes us back to the last thread. When the president was an (R) the repubs were all for it and the dems not so much, now that the party in power has switched sides so have their votes.

The economic situation is also the polar opposite, but don’t let that little fact enter the picture.

31 JeffM70  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:06:37am

re: #20 RogueOne

And where were those sentiments when Reagan and Dubya were taking deficits and the debt to historic levels? Even now most Republicans can’t admit that a good portion of Obama’s debt is paying down interest from Reagan’s debts and as well as costs of Bush’s two wars along with the interest from his borrowing.

32 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:07:18am

re: #28 RogueOne

So, in other words, you just don’t care about what happens when we default as a nation on our loans. OK, just wanted to make that clear.

33 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:07:54am

Anyone know how to find out the total of Privately held funds vs. the debt?

Just wondering how long it will take for some tyrant-minded congress critter to find a way to confiscate it.

34 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:08:07am

re: #17 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Saw a new fad on a trolling site. Make up a fake bible quote on facebook, send it to your Christian friends and see how many hit like.

And God let it be known, throughout the entire sphere there would be cake!!

(that ought to bring FBV out!!)

35 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:08:42am

re: #26 RogueOne

which takes us back to the last thread. When the president was an (R) the repubs were all for it and the dems not so much, now that the party in power has switched sides so have their votes.

Members of the opposing party have always voted no, when they could do so, knowing that there were enough voting yes for it to pass. It’s just how it always worked.

This time is very different.

36 RogueOne  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:09:08am

re: #29 iossarian

What does having an economy in the toilet have to do with out of control spending other than driving us further down the bowl? We’re in this mess partly because people have zero self-control especially when they’re handling someone elses money. If we continue on this path we’re going to end up with a debt that’s 100% of GDP within the decade. We cannot continue on like this. Even the president has said our current debt is unsustainable.

37 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:09:57am

re: #20 RogueOne

Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. They’re shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of peoples children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership.

Without a serious plan of how we’re going to dig ourselves out they should vote no. At our current spending rates we’ll be bumping up against the debt ceiling again within a couple of years.

No, increasing our debt does not weaken us. Debt is a symptom, and can be a symptom of several different things. Some are healthy, some not, but in itself it is not an ill.

I constantly give the example of purchasing a home. That is almost inevitably a debt that exceeds the gross annual income of the buyer. Yet for most people even after the bubble’s pop it’s a net good, and not considered an evil.

Debt is not in itself evil or illness.

As to solutions, as long as the only solution that’s allowed consideration is “cut expenditures”, serious planning isn’t being done. Increasing revenues needs to be on the table as well. At a minimum end the Bush tax cuts. By preference, end a number of subsidies and tax breaks that tend to only be available for high income individuals and multimillion dollar businesses.

38 RogueOne  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:10:01am

re: #31 JeffM70

And where were those sentiments when Reagan and Dubya were taking deficits and the debt to historic levels? Even now most Republicans can’t admit that a good portion of Obama’s debt is paying down interest from Reagan’s debts and as well as costs of Bush’s two wars along with the interest from his borrowing.

You aren’t going to get an argument from me on that. Bush started this mess and the dems were all over him for it. Now that the shoe is on the other foot I would like them to remember where they stood just a few years ago.

39 makeitstop  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:10:17am

re: #34 sattv4u2

And God let it be known, throughout the entire sphere there would be cake!!

(that ought to bring FBV out!!)

Ooh! I got one!

And so it was that koala bears’ bungholes would be shaped like swastikas. And it was good.

Heh.

40 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:10:17am

re: #20 RogueOne

Don’t be so fast to downding RogueOne on this position. He never says that the debt ceiling should not be raised.

Many serious economists note that at this rate of increase, debt will reach an unsustainable percentage of GDP (don’t ask me for the time frame - I forget) at some point in the foreseeable future. Fiscal responsibility should be an absolute priority, but without the nonsensical chimera of a “balanced-budget” amendment or the disgusting politics of gutting necessary social programmes. The way government is approaching the task of putting our fiscal house in order indicates that they do not, in fact, take the risks terribly seriously. The way the debate is being run by GOP House members is deplorabel, and that is waht is truly going to be our legacy to our children - not the debt per se, but government’s inability or unwillingness to engage in serious, constructive debate to ensure a solid economic foundation for the next generations.

41 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:10:37am

This is where ideologues always end up — completely unwilling to examine the real world consequences of the hard-line positions they take.

Cutting off nose to spite face.

42 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:10:46am

re: #31 JeffM70

And where were those sentiments when Reagan and Dubya were taking deficits and the debt to historic levels

heh ,, and I thought there was a taboo on the MBF!

43 RogueOne  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:10:51am

re: #32 Charles

So, in other words, you just don’t care about what happens when we default as a nation on our loans. OK, just wanted to make that clear.


They’ll get a deal worked out because they have to but I don’t have to like it unless it comes with a plan to start digging ourselves out.

44 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:10:56am

re: #36 RogueOne

What does having an economy in the toilet have to do with out of control spending other than driving us further down the bowl? We’re in this mess partly because people have zero self-control especially when they’re handling someone elses money. If we continue on this path we’re going to end up with a debt that’s 100% of GDP within the decade. We cannot continue on like this. Even the president has said our current debt is unsustainable.

emphasized for truth.

I think that is the heart of the matter.

45 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:11:21am

re: #28 RogueOne

I disagree. I was against raising the debt ceiling when bush was in office and I’m still against it for the obvious reasons. If we’re going to continue to raise the limit what exactly is the point of having one?

Ok, so take the first line out of my post….

46 JeffM70  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:11:34am

re: #32 Charles

It goes back to my post a few minutes ago. Evidently where we are now is far worse and more devastating to the economy than letting the auto and financial sectors fall into ruin or defaulting on our debts.

47 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:11:35am

re: #45 imp_62

Ok, so take the first line out of my post…

lol

48 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:13:09am

re: #28 RogueOne

I disagree. I was against raising the debt ceiling when bush was in office and I’m still against it for the obvious reasons. If we’re going to continue to raise the limit what exactly is the point of having one?

Believe it or not, I agree with the statement. But you see, I think we should eliminate the limit. It’s a political football game that is frankly absurd.

There are no fears in the world that we CAN pay this debt, or even one significantly larger. The fears are that we WILL NOT pay this debt.

Not can’t, won’t. All because we have this stupid artificial line in the sand that causes arguments about it instead of the actual issue.

49 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:13:26am

re: #46 JeffM70

It goes back to my post a few minutes ago. Evidently where we are now is far worse and more devastating to the economy than letting the auto and financial sectors fall into ruin or defaulting on our debts.

I was watching a senate hearing on that the other morning (C-SPAN). Some real shenanigans seem to have gone on with GM pulling the strings.

Nasty, nasty business… .

50 JeffM70  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:14:02am

re: #49 ggt

Politics is a nasty business.

51 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:14:06am

re: #49 ggt

I was watching a senate hearing on that the other morning (C-SPAN). Some real shenanigans seem to have gone on with GM pulling the strings.

Nasty, nasty business… .

Elaborate or link,please?

52 RogueOne  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:14:21am

re: #45 imp_62

Ok, so take the first line out of my post…

I would be happy if they found a way to limit themselves to just one increase per decade. We did this, what, 4 or 5 times during the bush years? Like I said before, at our current rate we’ll be having this same fight again shortly.

53 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:14:52am

re: #50 JeffM70

Politics is a nasty business.

Business is nasty business.

54 Eclectic Cyborg  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:15:38am

The average American is not as concerned about the national debt limit as they are about keeping their family fed, their house paid for and their gas tank full.

There’s a very good reason that most everyone I talk to, regardless of political leaning, is fed up with Washington.

We’re sick and tired of the partisanship and political bullshit that has rotted Washington to it’s core. It hasn’t been about the American people for a long time.

And top it all of, it’s getting worse. It’s becoming more and more about the elites and their business interests and not the people out there on main street who are suffering.

Here’s a newsflash for our elected representatives:

We don’t want tax breaks for the wealthy, we don’t want mega corporations to get government subsidies for every little thing. We don’t want poor women to be forced into back alleys to have abortions and we don’t want to be required to pray at a cross every morning before we go to work (for those of us who are lucky enough to have work).

We want to be treated FAIRLY and WITH RESPECT and NOT repeatedly screwed with like a cheap date.

Is this really too much to ask?

55 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:16:02am

re: #23 RogueOne

That first paragraph was a paraphrase of the Obama speech when he voted “No” to increase the debt limit in 2006.

There’s nothing wrong with that first paragraph. We do have a debt problem. Some people want to make the problem even bigger, unnecessarily, by defaulting. They want to make the problem so big, that they can justify radical actions, like cutting social services without raising taxes.

I find it stunning that the problem is viewed as a CRISIS, yet not so bad that we could raise taxes a little bit.

56 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:16:50am

I just don’t want some muscle guy named Vinny showing up at my door with a baseball bat ready to kneecap me if we default

Seeing thats unlikely to happen, there are pluses and minuses to doing it either way (raising it or not)

57 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:16:52am

re: #52 RogueOne

I would be happy if they found a way to limit themselves to just one increase per decade. We did this, what, 4 or 5 times during the bush years? Like I said before, at our current rate we’ll be having this same fight again shortly.

There’s no point to the limit. It’s an arbitrary number. No other nation has one. All it causes is extra work for our already deadlocked legislature.

58 RogueOne  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:17:04am

re: #53 recusancy

Business is nasty business.

Most of the time. Sometimes you get lucky. I quoted a job really high last week (doubled the quote) because I didn’t want it and somehow still managed to get it. I’ll make a great margin on that one though.

59 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:17:19am

re: #51 imp_62

Elaborate or link,please?

Government Bailout of General Motors

60 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:17:34am

re: #54 dragonfire1981

The average American is not as concerned about the national debt limit as they are about keeping their family fed, their house paid for and their gas tank full.

There’s a very good reason that most everyone I talk to, regardless of political leaning, is fed up with Washington.

We’re sick and tired of the partisanship and political bullshit that has rotted Washington to it’s core. It hasn’t been about the American people for a long time.

And top it all of, it’s getting worse. It’s becoming more and more about the elites and their business interests and not the people out there on main street who are suffering.

Here’s a newsflash for our elected representatives:

We don’t want tax breaks for the wealthy, we don’t want mega corporations to get government subsidies for every little thing. We don’t want poor women to be forced into back alleys to have abortions and we don’t want to be required to pray at a cross every morning before we go to work (for those of us who are lucky enough to have work).

We want to be treated FAIRLY and WITH RESPECT and NOT repeatedly screwed with like a cheap date.

Is this really too much to ask?

That sounds like a boiler plate political ad.

61 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:17:38am

re: #54 dragonfire1981

We want to be treated FAIRLY and WITH RESPECT and NOT repeatedly screwed with like a cheap date.

Is this really too much to ask?

I also want a good 10 cent cigar!

62 RogueOne  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:18:05am

re: #55 wrenchwench

There’s nothing wrong with that first paragraph. We do have a debt problem. Some people want to make the problem even bigger, unnecessarily, by defaulting. They want to make the problem so big, that they can justify radical actions, like cutting social services without raising taxes.

I find it stunning that the problem is viewed as a CRISIS, yet not so bad that we could raise taxes a little bit.

I don’t think now is the time with unemployment running close to 10% but I’m willing to compromise. Raise taxes and actually cut spending.

63 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:18:14am

re: #34 sattv4u2

And God let it be known, throughout the entire sphere there would be cake!!

(that ought to bring FBV out!!)

“The fate of the world will now be decided.” - The Books of Revelations

Or possibly Gandalf in the Two Towers.

One of the two.

64 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:19:10am

re: #63 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

“The fate of the world will now be decided.” - The Books of Revelations

Or possibly Gandalf in the Two Towers.

One of the two.

And interestingly enough, it will be during a game of Yahtzee

65 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:20:37am

re: #55 wrenchwench

There’s nothing wrong with that first paragraph. We do have a debt problem. Some people want to make the problem even bigger, unnecessarily, by defaulting. They want to make the problem so big, that they can justify radical actions, like cutting social services without raising taxes.

I find it stunning that the problem is viewed as a CRISIS, yet not so bad that we could raise taxes a little bit.

I don’t have any more to give without having to go on the dole myself. I don’t live in a McMansion, drive a luxury vehicle or take extravagant vacations.

I have no trust that any tax increase will not affect the middle class.

66 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:20:46am

re: #64 sattv4u2

“The fate of the world will now be decided.” - The Books of Revelations

Or possibly Gandalf in the Two Towers.

One of the two.

And interestingly enough, it will be during a game of Yahtzee

Bergman almost had Death play a game of Jenga instead.

67 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:21:06am

I still don’t think the Republicans are crazy enough to default on the debt. I think they’re just playing up the fear that they might be crazy enough to crash the global economy. When it comes down to it I don’t think they’ll pull the trigger. It would be insanity.

68 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:21:21am

re: #52 RogueOne

I would be happy if they found a way to limit themselves to just one increase per decade. We did this, what, 4 or 5 times during the bush years? Like I said before, at our current rate we’ll be having this same fight again shortly.

A big part of the problem is that GOP intransigence on addressing corporate tax breaks, along with the irresponsible insistence on reducing or maintaining the revenue side of the equation, all the while favouring a deregulated, consumer-averse business environment cuts the balls off economic growth by creating an ever more lopsided social stratification favoring the rich few and reducing the upward mobility of the lower and middle classes. I have said it before: if things continue as they have been, in 20 years we will be manufacturing Chinese equipment for export to India.

69 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:21:45am

re: #63 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

“The fate of the world will now be decided.” - The Books of Revelations

Or possibly Gandalf in the Two Towers.

One of the two.

Just run Silmarillion quotes as Biblical quotes, and see if people notice.

Or, if you’re in an EXCEEDINGLY vindictive mood, run quotes from the Koran.

70 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:21:57am

re: #65 ggt

I don’t have any more to give without having to go on the dole myself. I don’t live in a McMansion, drive a luxury vehicle or take extravagant vacations.

I have no trust that any tax increase will not affect the middle class.

Allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire would not affect the middle class except in some fantasy McCain world where $2M a year is “middle class”.

71 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:22:42am

Can anyone remind me which political party was opposed to letting the Bush tax cuts expire?

72 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:22:58am

re: #70 iossarian

Allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire would not affect the middle class except in some fantasy McCain world where $2M a year is “middle class”.

Is that the same “fantasy world” where $250 K a year are “millionaires”!?!

73 RogueOne  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:23:05am

“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy. Keep on truckin’” - Apostle Paul, 3d Corinthians.

Enjoy the rest of the day folks!

74 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:23:42am

re: #72 sattv4u2

Is that the same “fantasy world” where $250 K a year are “millionaires”!?!

$250K is rich.

75 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:23:44am

re: #72 sattv4u2

Is that the same “fantasy world” where $250 K a year are “millionaires”!?!

Definition of a “millionaire” is having a net worth over $1M. It has nothing to do with annual income.

76 JeffM70  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:24:17am

re: #62 RogueOne

If cutting taxes were the key to job creation, then where are the jobs? Taxes are at an all time low for businesses and individuals.

77 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:24:40am

Seriously, people:

debt is not the same as deficit

profit is not the same as revenue

income is not the same as net worth

These are basic, basic concepts.

78 RogueOne  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:24:40am

re: #70 iossarian

Allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire would not affect the middle class except in some fantasy McCain world where $2M a year is “middle class”.

The current six rate brackets of 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33% and 35% will be replaced by five new brackets with the higher rates of 15%, 28%, 31%, 36% and 39.6%.

Everyones taxes would go up if they allow the cuts to expire.

79 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:24:52am

re: #24 JeffM70

I wonder if anybody in the Tea Party has actually considered what the country would look like if they got their way. They complain Obama has made things worse, but I would love to hear them compare how things are now against what they would have been like had their desire to let the auto and financial sector collapse succeeded.

I’m afraid they would like the looks of an ideologically pure dust bowl, as long as they could live in Dust Bowl Heights, and have air conditioning.

80 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:24:57am

re: #74 recusancy

$250K is rich.

Not in Chicago or NYC or LA.

81 RogueOne  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:25:16am

re: #76 JeffM70

If cutting taxes were the key to job creation, then where are the jobs? Taxes are at an all time low for businesses and individuals.

The jobs are in TX. They’ve created 1/2 of all the jobs in the country during the last 2 years.

82 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:25:26am

re: #80 ggt

Not in Chicago or NYC or LA.

lol

83 Vicious Babushka  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:26:34am

re: #80 ggt

Not in Chicago or NYC or LA.

But in Detroit.

84 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:26:44am

re: #67 Killgore Trout

I still don’t think the Republicans are crazy enough to default on the debt. I think they’re just playing up the fear that they might be crazy enough to crash the global economy. When it comes down to it I don’t think they’ll pull the trigger. It would be insanity.

It’s politically advantageous for them to take it right up to the last freaking minute to squeeze out as many concessions as possible, and we can look forward to that.

I hope you’re right and there will be a compromise of some kind right at the bitter end, but I’ve never seen the rhetoric so heated and the craziness in the base so intense. With things like this, I think there’s actually a slim possibility that they really might pull that trigger.

85 I Am Kreniigh!  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:27:24am

re: #41 Charles

This is where ideologues always end up — completely unwilling to examine the real world consequences of the hard-line positions they take.

Cutting off nose to spite face.

See also, the farm labor crisis in GA.

One of my friends, who is a smart guy, responded to a discussion of that situation with, “If they’re illegal, get rid of ‘em. End of story.” Consequences be damned.

86 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:27:32am

re: #75 iossarian

Definition of a “millionaire” is having a net worth over $1M. It has nothing to do with annual income.

In the ongoing debate over whether to use tax policy to help resolve the nation’s massive deficit, a single number has emerged from the crossfire: $250,000. It’s the annual income that President Barack Obama and others have used to define what it means to be “rich” in America today
money.msn.com

87 allegro  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:27:45am

re: #81 RogueOne

The jobs are in TX. They’ve created 1/2 of all the jobs in the country during the last 2 years.

You do realize that most all of those new jobs created are minimum wage don’t you?

88 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:27:48am

re: #78 RogueOne

Everyones taxes would go up if they allow the cuts to expire.

You are correct, I was wrong to state that “they would not affect the middle class”.

However, the effect on the average middle-class household would be much smaller than that on the average wealthy household.

89 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:27:58am

re: #80 ggt

Not in Chicago or NYC or LA.

Not here, but very comfortably upper middle class. I’ll take it!!

90 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:28:29am

re: #78 RogueOne

Everyones taxes would go up if they allow the cuts to expire.

The Dem proposal was to keep the cuts for middle and lower income earners but I suppose you already knew that.

91 Achilles Tang  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:29:01am

The not so funny thing about this is that they have backed themselves into this corner by telling their base that the debt ceiling issue is the same thing as approving more spending, and the faithful believe.

92 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:29:04am

re: #86 sattv4u2

In the ongoing debate over whether to use tax policy to help resolve the nation’s massive deficit, a single number has emerged from the crossfire: $250,000. It’s the annual income that President Barack Obama and others have used to define what it means to be “rich” in America today
[Link: money.msn.com…]

And? What does that have to do with whether income and net worth are the same thing, or not?

$250K is a lot of money regardless of where you live. There are plenty of people living in New York and LA who make far less than that.

93 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:30:02am

re: #84 Charles

It’s politically advantageous for them to take it right up to the last freaking minute to squeeze out as many concessions as possible, and we can look forward to that.

I hope you’re right and there will be a compromise of some kind right at the bitter end, but I’ve never seen the rhetoric so heated and the craziness in the base so intense. With things like this, I think there’s actually a slim possibility that they really might pull that trigger.

It looks like their strategy is going to be to string it out as long as possible, They’ll take it up to the last minute and pass a temporary increase. That way they can do this again in a few months.

94 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:30:17am

re: #92 iossarian

What does that have to do with whether income and net worth are the same thing, or not I never said they were

YOU entered that into the discussion

95 JeffM70  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:30:18am

re: #81 RogueOne

Texas has more people earning minimum wage than any other state. The state is a mess.

Texas Politifact check

96 Achilles Tang  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:30:22am

re: #87 allegro

You do realize that most all of those new jobs created are minimum wage don’t you?

or oil industry.

97 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:30:25am

Fuck all the privileged assholes who think they’re barely getting by on 250K.

98 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:30:36am

re: #92 iossarian

And? What does that have to do with whether income and net worth are the same thing, or not?

$250K is a lot of money regardless of where you live. There are plenty of people living in New York and LA who make far less than that.

$250K is not a lot of money to a guy who makes it and wants lots more than 250K, of course :D

99 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:30:50am

re: #97 recusancy

Fuck all the privileged assholes who think they’re barely getting by on 250K.

agreed

100 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:31:17am

re: #94 sattv4u2

What does that have to do with whether income and net worth are the same thing, or not I never said they were

YOU entered that into the discussion

Um:

re: #72 sattv4u2

Is that the same “fantasy world” where $250 K a year are “millionaires”!?!

You said it, dude.

101 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:31:19am

re: #33 ggt

Anyone know how to find out the total of Privately held funds vs. the debt?

Just wondering how long it will take for some tyrant-minded congress critter to find a way to confiscate it.

Won’t happen since that would truly be biting the hands that feed them. Who do you think owns the majority of those privately held funds?

102 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:31:37am

re: #20 RogueOne

Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. They’re shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of peoples children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership.

Without a serious plan of how we’re going to dig ourselves out they should vote no. At our current spending rates we’ll be bumping up against the debt ceiling again within a couple of years.

We don’t have a debt problem anymore than someone with a home mortgage has a debt problem. There’s a big difference between ‘debt’ and ‘debt problem’. Compared to other developed countries, is our debt insurmountably high? No. Other countries (Japan and several in Europe) have higher debts than us in terms of GDP, so it certainly isn’t a ‘problem’. Compared to other countries, are our taxes really high? No, many in Europe have much higher taxes and comparably healthy economies, so we could always raise some segments of our taxes without damaging our economy to reduce the debt if it was a ‘problem’.

Just like the person with a mortgage, having a national debt isn’t a problem. Not paying your debt, now THAT is a problem. Why should we make our debt into a problem when it isn’t a problem to begin with? This is what I don’t understand about so-called fiscal conservatives who threaten to not raise the debt ceiling.

103 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:32:00am

re: #97 recusancy

Fuck all the privileged assholes who think they’re barely getting by on 250K.

wow
so much for a DBA small mom and pop outfit that works 15 hours a day, 7 days a week for years and years, huh!

Yup,,, “privileged”

104 JeffM70  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:32:15am

re: #93 Killgore Trout

To even bluff about not raising the debt ceiling still creates uncertainty.

106 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:32:33am

re: #102 Spocomptonite

The GOP has not been a fiscally responsible party for decades.

107 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:32:52am

re: #92 iossarian

And? What does that have to do with whether income and net worth are the same thing, or not?

$250K is a lot of money regardless of where you live. There are plenty of people living in New York and LA who make far less than that.

The average person in NYC earns $48,631

108 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:33:00am

re: #100 iossarian

Um:

re: #72 sattv4u2

You said it, dude.

littlegreenfootballs.com
Umm,,, response to, dude

109 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:33:29am

re: #103 sattv4u2

wow
so much for a DBA small mom and pop outfit that works 15 hours a day, 7 days a week for years and years, huh!

Yup,,, “privileged”

Many people in that position would say they are privileged to have the opportunities that they capitalized on. Not all of ‘em of course.

110 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:33:39am

re: #74 recusancy

$250K is rich.

I could buy a house for that in a pretty cute area in PDX and have money left over

Or I could do what i would actually do with 250K, which is expand my business and hire people to help me out, because I don’t want a house right now

111 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:34:02am

re: #100 iossarian

Um:

re: #72 sattv4u2

You said it, dude.

it’s just so funny

WHY, $250k IS A PAUPER’S WAGE, FINE SIR!

112 SidewaysQuark  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:34:33am

re: #72 sattv4u2

Is that the same “fantasy world” where $250 K a year are “millionaires”!?!

If you’re earning $250k a year, you’d have to work MORE THAN FOUR YEARS to become a millionaire….not that far-fetched a fantasy….

113 Achilles Tang  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:34:39am

re: #102 Spocomptonite

Remember that those countries with higher taxes include the costs of health care and SS and pensions and more in those taxes. The USA does not to the same degree, hence “taxes” only appear lower.

114 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:34:40am

re: #103 sattv4u2

wow
so much for a DBA small mom and pop outfit that works 15 hours a day, 7 days a week for years and years, huh!

Yup,,, “privileged”

If you bring home $250K a year, that you can use (not put back in your business), you are privileged.

115 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:34:52am

re: #108 sattv4u2

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com…]
Umm,,, response to, dude

OK, I was wrong. It turns out McCain thinks that middle class people make $5M a year, not $2M:

WARREN: Everybody talks about, you know, taxing the rich, but not the poor, the middle class. At what point, give me a number, give me a specific number. Where do you move from middle class to rich? […]

MCCAIN: How about $5 million? No, but seriously, I don’t think you can, I don’t think seriously that the point is I’m trying to make, seriously, and I’m sure that comment will be distorted but the point is…that we want to keep people’s taxes low, and increase revenues. … So, it doesn’t matter really what my definition of rich is because I don’t want to raise anybody’s taxes. I really don’t.

Article

116 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:35:14am

re: #111 WindUpBird

it’s just so funny

WHY, $250k IS A PAUPER’S WAGE, FINE SIR!

You do know that that 250K is gross for a small business, as a DBA they also (out of that) have to pay their taxes, wages, business expenses, ect etc

YUP,, those DBA’s are just FILTHY RICH!

117 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:35:34am

re: #103 sattv4u2

wow
so much for a DBA small mom and pop outfit that works 15 hours a day, 7 days a week for years and years, huh!

Yup,,, “privileged”

I work 15 hours a day 7 days a week (well, 6 days, I do occasionally have to do other stuff)and I have for years, ain’t gonna see $250K :)

Used to work three jobs! One contract gig, my health care gig, and my personal art business


Ain’t gonna see $250K!

So yeah. 250K is still rich.

Notice how the rich hate being called rich?

118 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:36:00am

re: #112 SidewaysQuark

If you’re earning $250k a year, you’d have to work MORE THAN FOUR YEARS to become a millionaire…not that far-fetched a fantasy…

umm,,, errrr

see 116

you do know you don’t get to keep every cent opf the 250K,, don’t you?/
umm,, don’t you!?!?!?

119 SidewaysQuark  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:36:15am

re: #117 WindUpBird

I work 15 hours a day 7 days a week (well, 6 days, I do occasionally have to do other stuff)and I have for years, ain’t gonna see $250K :)

Used to work three jobs! One contract gig, my health care gig, and my personal art business

Ain’t gonna see $250K!

So yeah. 250K is still rich.

Notice how the rich hate being called rich?

The rich are the REAL victims in all this. :-D

120 bratwurst  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:36:15am

re: #111 WindUpBird

it’s just so funny

WHY, $250k IS A PAUPER’S WAGE, FINE SIR!

If the threshold were to be raised to $500K, don’t you think we’d be getting the same patter?

121 SidewaysQuark  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:36:48am

re: #118 sattv4u2

umm,,, errr

see 116

you do know you don’t get to keep every cent opf the 250K,, don’t you?/
umm,, don’t you!?!?!?

Yes, that’s why I said “MORE THAN” in all capital letters.

122 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:37:07am

re: #116 sattv4u2

You do know that that 250K is gross for a small business, as a DBA they also (out of that) have to pay their taxes, wages, business expenses, ect etc

YUP,, those DBA’s are just FILTHY RICH!

Watch them goal posts move!

Move, goal posts, move!

Zoom! say the goal-posts!

Thanks, says the republican!

No problem, say the goalposts!

123 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:37:20am

re: #120 bratwurst

If the threshold were to be raised to $500K, don’t you think we’d be getting the same patter?

of course!

Pigs is pigs

124 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:37:40am

re: #92 iossarian

And? What does that have to do with whether income and net worth are the same thing, or not?

$250K is a lot of money regardless of where you live. There are plenty of people living in New York and LA who make far less than that.

Where I live it is just enough to pay your own bills and not be blown away when you have to find $1K for medical bills insurance doesn’t pay. JUST ENOUGH.

As it is there are two income college educated families I know who qualify for government assistance (food—baby formula).

The housing market is the big reason, IMHO. Property taxes can easily be $1k a month in many suburbs.

It is VERY EXPENSIVE to live in a major metropolitan area. I know people who are spending nearly $1K (2 cars) a month just to get to work and back.

125 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:37:43am

re: #121 SidewaysQuark

Yes, that’s why I said “MORE THAN” in all capital letters.

Ahh,, “MORE THAN 4 years

4 years and 3 months??
8 years??
Eleventy !?!?!?111!?!?

126 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:37:53am

re: #118 sattv4u2

umm,,, errr

see 116

you do know you don’t get to keep every cent opf the 250K,, don’t you?/
umm,, don’t you!?!?!?

But, when Obama was talking about $250K, he was talking about net income, not turnover.

$250K turnover for a small business is not necessarily all that much.

127 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:37:55am

re: #117 WindUpBird

I work 15 hours a day 7 days a week (well, 6 days, I do occasionally have to do other stuff)and I have for years, ain’t gonna see $250K :)

Used to work three jobs! One contract gig, my health care gig, and my personal art business

Ain’t gonna see $250K!

So yeah. 250K is still rich.

Notice how the rich hate being called rich?

You greedy person! No wonder there are so many unemployed people, with you hogging THREE jobs!

Seriously, anybody with a family and some gumption around here has four or five jobs between two adults in the household.

128 bulworth  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:38:22am
Conservative firebrand Sen. Jim DeMint has a message to fellow Republicans in Congress: If you support increasing the debt ceiling without first passing a balanced budget amendment and massive across-the-board spending cuts, you’re gone — destined to be swept out of Congress by a wave of voter anger.

So, Congress is supposed to pass a balanced budget bill (AKA, a resurrected Graham-Rudman), or a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution (more difficult), before the debt ceiling can be raised?

This should be interesting.

129 lawhawk  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:38:26am

re: #5 Charles

That same fear-based calculus is what’s keeping the State Senate from allowing a floor vote to approve the Marriage Equality Act in NY. GOPers in the State Senate acknowledge that if it’s brought to the floor, it would be approved, but they’re worried about their GOP base turning them out of office if they do so - but risk angering the state voters at large if it gets buried at the end of session without a vote.

130 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:38:27am

re: #114 recusancy

If you bring home $250K a year, that you can use (not put back in your business), you are privileged.

repeated for emphasis

131 makeitstop  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:38:30am

I’d like to stay here and participate in pitying people making a quarter mil a year, but my work prevents me.

Maybe I’ll shed a lonely tear for them while driving.
/

132 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:38:40am

If your business makes $250K in revenues that’s not the same as you making $250k in profit.

133 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:38:42am

re: #126 iossarian

But, when Obama was talking about $250K, he was talking about net income, not turnover.

$250K turnover for a small business is not necessarily all that much.

umm,, no ,,,,

$250 gross

134 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:38:47am

re: #124 ggt

Where I live it is just enough to pay your own bills and not be blown away when you have to find $1K for medical bills insurance doesn’t pay. JUST ENOUGH.

As it is there are two income college educated families I know who qualify for government assistance (food—baby formula).

The housing market is the big reason, IMHO. Property taxes can easily be $1k a month in many suburbs.

It is VERY EXPENSIVE to live in a major metropolitan area. I know people who are spending nearly $1K (2 cars) a month just to get to work and back.

Another big part of it for many families is the elimination of state-funded higher education. Many of those $250K households have kids in college.

135 JeffM70  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:38:55am

re: #116 sattv4u2

The taxable income would be less than $250,000 after deductions.

136 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:39:13am

re: #124 ggt

Where I live it is just enough to pay your own bills and not be blown away when you have to find $1K for medical bills insurance doesn’t pay. JUST ENOUGH.

As it is there are two income college educated families I know who qualify for government assistance (food—baby formula).

The housing market is the big reason, IMHO. Property taxes can easily be $1k a month in many suburbs.

It is VERY EXPENSIVE to live in a major metropolitan area. I know people who are spending nearly $1K (2 cars) a month just to get to work and back.

Then move.

137 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:40:05am

re: #133 sattv4u2

umm,, no ,,,

$250 gross

Where did Obama say that the limit would be at $250K gross? I seriously don’t think that he did, but if he did I’d like to see it.

138 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:40:13am

re: #124 ggt

Where I live it is just enough to pay your own bills and not be blown away when you have to find $1K for medical bills insurance doesn’t pay. JUST ENOUGH.

As it is there are two income college educated families I know who qualify for government assistance (food—baby formula).

The housing market is the big reason, IMHO. Property taxes can easily be $1k a month in many suburbs.

It is VERY EXPENSIVE to live in a major metropolitan area. I know people who are spending nearly $1K (2 cars) a month just to get to work and back.

You’re paying for the privilege to live in your comfortable suburbs with 2 cars. Move.

139 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:40:20am

re: #127 wrenchwench

You greedy person! No wonder there are so many unemployed people, with you hogging THREE jobs!

Seriously, anybody with a family and some gumption around here has four or five jobs between two adults in the household.


IMMA HOGGIN IT

if everything goes well though in a few months I might be able to hire a contractor part time to help me *_*

140 Decatur Deb  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:41:02am

re: #129 lawhawk

That same fear-based calculus is what’s keeping the State Senate from allowing a floor vote to approve the Marriage Equality Act in NY. GOPers in the State Senate acknowledge that if it’s brought to the floor, it would be approved, but they’re worried about their GOP base turning them out of office if they do so - but risk angering the state voters at large if it gets buried at the end of session without a vote.

The SOCONS should be in favor of gay marriage—it’s the best way to stop public displays of affection.

141 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:41:36am

re: #17 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Saw a new fad on a trolling site. Make up a fake bible quote on facebook, send it to your Christian friends and see how many hit like.

And Jesus said, “I will not pay taxes, because our money should go to our heavenly Father and he will provide all that is required.”
And so it was that Jesus climbed a mountain and took one dirt hiking trail and a small dingy with leaks and with the help of the Power of God, turned them into a great merchant fleet and well-maintained roads with no tolls for all of the Mediterranean to enjoy.

142 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:42:40am

re: #102 Spocomptonite

It has been explained over and over again on these pages that you cannot equate and compare individual debt and sovereign debt. Please, don’t do it.

Japan has been in a deflationary spiral for over ten years with periodically negative interest rates. Europe, Spain, Portugal and Ireland are a mess. Debt is not some endlessly elastic thing you keep stretching when you need more of it. There are economic limits to the efficiency of a leveraged sovereign balance sheet. We need debt to fund the country’s operations, and that will never change. But the availability of reasonably priced debt is a function of investors’ perception regarding repayment; ability to repay is a function of revenue, which in this country comes solely from taxes raised and some interest income on various bits of the Fed’s balance sheet and other miscellaneous sources. The only other option a sovereign has is to print more money, which leads to a different set of problems.

There are known tipping points at which a sovereign is perceived to have exceeded its borrowing capacity. These are calculated as % of GNP, etc. The US economy is huge, but borrowing capacity is not some bottomless wishing well we can run to forever. Debt limits are stupid, as this point has been made, because the markets will decide when the US is out of borrowing capacity - not Congress.

143 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:43:12am

re: #137 iossarian

Where did Obama say that the limit would be at $250K gross? I seriously don’t think that he did, but if he did I’d like to see it.

And another point that should be made… If you make $251K. Your taxes only go up on 1K of that… in this hypothetical situation.

Fucking rich whiners.

144 Bulworth  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:43:25am

re: #14 ggt

gotta have a Mega Church —that’s where the money is.

And a TV or radio show.

145 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:43:45am

re: #143 recusancy

And another point that should be made… If you make $251K. Your taxes only go up on 1K of that… in this hypothetical situation.

Fucking rich whiners.

How many times have people argued with this simple fact here, blows me away

146 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:43:47am

re: #138 recusancy

You’re paying for the privilege to live in your comfortable suburbs with 2 cars. Move.

My comfortable suburb? I live in a condo, and we don’t drive new cars. The job is here, the industry is here.

Moving won’t solve any problems, only create more bills.

147 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:45:03am

re: #146 ggt

My comfortable suburb? I live in a condo, and we don’t drive new cars. The job is here, the industry is here.

Moving won’t solve any problems, only create more bills.

And you’re struggling on $250K? Condo’s aren’t exactly the ghetto.

148 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:45:32am

re: #113 Naso Tang

Remember that those countries with higher taxes include the costs of health care and SS and pensions and more in those taxes. The USA does not to the same degree, hence “taxes” only appear lower.

They have social services, we have half the world’s military budget. I think it comes close to balancing out.

149 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:45:59am

re: #146 ggt

My comfortable suburb? I live in a condo, and we don’t drive new cars.

I don’t drive new cars either. Nor do I make $250K. But I am very comfortable.

Part of the problem is that the increasing wealth gap has led people who lead comfortable lives to feel like they’re missing out compared to the filthy rich people they read about in magazines.

150 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:46:27am

re: #137 iossarian

Where did Obama say that the limit would be at $250K gross? I seriously don’t think that he did, but if he did I’d like to see it.


The current tax rate for individuals and small businesses are in the 35% range. By rolling back tax cuts and then further increasing them Obama’s new tax rate on individuals and small businesses making more than 250,000 a year would go up to ~51%.
nmorton.wordpress.com

151 Vicious Babushka  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:46:59am

re: #103 sattv4u2

wow
so much for a DBA small mom and pop outfit that works 15 hours a day, 7 days a week for years and years, huh!

Yup,,, “privileged”

I am two kinds of a DBA (Doing Business As and Database Admin) and I don’t make anywhere near $250K

152 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:47:28am

Some kids have to borrow a phone just to leave a message for their mom.

Youtube Video

153 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:47:42am

re: #129 lawhawk

That same fear-based calculus is what’s keeping the State Senate from allowing a floor vote to approve the Marriage Equality Act in NY. GOPers in the State Senate acknowledge that if it’s brought to the floor, it would be approved, but they’re worried about their GOP base turning them out of office if they do so - but risk angering the state voters at large if it gets buried at the end of session without a vote.

So they have to decide whether they are representing their GOP base, or the entire voter base of their district? Sounds like a no-brainer, unless you’re a politician.

154 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:47:50am

re: #149 iossarian

I don’t drive new cars either. Nor do I make $250K. But I am very comfortable.

Part of the problem is that the increasing wealth gap has led people who lead comfortable lives to feel like they’re missing out compared to the filthy rich people they read about in magazines.

What’s a “magazine”, gramps?

155 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:48:10am

re: #151 Alouette

I am two kinds of a DBA (Doing Business As and Database Admin) and I don’t make anywhere near $250K

When I had my own small businesses (DBA’s also) neither did I

But thats not the point

156 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:49:11am

re: #154 imp_62

What’s a “magazine”, gramps?

It holds the bullets you put into your assault rifle. For when the zombies, or the government, comes for you.
;)

157 Achilles Tang  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:49:33am

re: #148 Spocomptonite

They have social services, we have half the world’s military budget. I think it comes close to balancing out.

That is a good point, although I think if you take the actual cost of wars out of the equation the additional percentage that others would need to spend to have similar capability I suspect would not dramatically change the picture.

158 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:49:59am

re: #156 oaktree

It holds the bullets you put into your assault rifle. For when the zombies, or the government, comes for you.
;)

Once the zombies learn how to fly the black helicopters, it’s all over.

159 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:51:30am

re: #157 Naso Tang

That is a good point, although I think if you take the actual cost of wars out of the equation the additional percentage that others would need to spend to have similar capability I suspect would not dramatically change the picture.

It’s not really such a good point, because as a percentage of GDP, we spend more and get less for healthcare services than any European country.

160 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:52:52am

re: #147 recusancy

And you’re struggling on $250K? Condo’s aren’t exactly the ghetto.

Welcome to Chicago. And no, it’s not $250K. The point being that if you work hard and make what should be enough money to pay your own bills, educate your own children and give to charity without living extravagantly, a 6 figure income should be enough.

Please get it thru your head that in some parts of the country, it is barely enough. $1K more to give, I don’t have without becoming part of those that need help.

The problem isn’t just taxes, it is lawyers, waste, and corruption. Everytime money changes hand, someone get’s a cut. It adds up. It shouldn’t cost $100 to to see the doctor for 15 mintues either, but it does.

The problem is systemic, IMHO. And those who don’t make the $$ are only getting hit worse and worse. It is a BIG PROBLEM. I agree, but taking from those who are barely making it without help isn’t the answer.

161 ProTARDISLiberal  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:52:57am

re: #105 ggt

I’m getting really tired of this “Don’t tax us at all, or we’ll move.”

I swear businesses and the Republicans are trying to repeat the Gilded Age, Triangle Shirtwaist disaster included.

We need to abandon this “Free Trade” bullcrap, and try and create the Nordic Social-Democratic state. They are stable, and don’t have nearly the crisis we do in so many ways.

For all the talk about how much they spend from the conservatives here, Norway, Sweden, and Finland only have a 40-50% debt load.

162 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:53:11am

re: #150 sattv4u2


The current tax rate for individuals and small businesses are in the 35% range. By rolling back tax cuts and then further increasing them Obama’s new tax rate on individuals and small businesses making more than 250,000 a year would go up to ~51%.
[Link: nmorton.wordpress.com…]

Wow that blog is a load of shit.

163 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:53:18am

re: #146 ggt

My comfortable suburb? I live in a condo, and we don’t drive new cars. The job is here, the industry is here.

Moving won’t solve any problems, only create more bills.


And I was in the exact opposite position 12 years ago

The jobs/ industry was not where I was

hence, moving three times (just under 1,000 miles twice,, just over the last time) in less than 12 months

164 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:54:24am

re: #150 sattv4u2


The current tax rate for individuals and small businesses are in the 35% range. By rolling back tax cuts and then further increasing them Obama’s new tax rate on individuals and small businesses making more than 250,000 a year would go up to ~51%.
[Link: nmorton.wordpress.com…]

That example’s all over the shop (wrong numbers and also it seems that he’s applying the new tax rate to the whole $500K, not the portion over $250K, although given the incorrect calculations it’s hard to tell exactly what he’s doing).

It also doesn’t give a link to whether the tax increase is on personal income over $250K, or gross revenue, or whatever, which is what I would like to see.

165 JeffM70  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:54:33am

re: #150 sattv4u2

Um, I’m no tax expert but this guy’s example is way too vague to take seriously.

166 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:55:02am

re: #149 iossarian

I don’t drive new cars either. Nor do I make $250K. But I am very comfortable.

Part of the problem is that the increasing wealth gap has led people who lead comfortable lives to feel like they’re missing out compared to the filthy rich people they read about in magazines.

I don’t read magazines. I don’t want more than I have. I just want to pay for my kid’s education, keep my mom in a decent facility and not have to put myself or my husband in a state medical facility if we become disabled.

And, everyonce in a while, I’d like a day off.

167 Achilles Tang  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:55:28am

re: #159 imp_62

It’s not really such a good point, because as a percentage of GDP, we spend more and get less for healthcare services than any European country.

That is a good point also, but it is a different point.

However, congressmen don’t spend anything for health care, and it doesn’t come out of their income taxes, so that means it is the best system in the world./

168 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:55:37am

re: #162 recusancy

Wow that blog is a load of shit.

Here ,, choose one more to your liking

All talking about the 250K tax bracket/ demarcation point for “rich’ (which was the original point, btw)

google.com

169 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:55:43am

re: #160 ggt

Welcome to Chicago. And no, it’s not $250K. The point being that if you work hard and make what should be enough money to pay your own bills, educate your own children and give to charity without living extravagantly, a 6 figure income should be enough.

Please get it thru your head that in some parts of the country, it is barely enough. $1K more to give, I don’t have without becoming part of those that need help.

The problem isn’t just taxes, it is lawyers, waste, and corruption. Everytime money changes hand, someone get’s a cut. It adds up. It shouldn’t cost $100 to to see the doctor for 15 mintues either, but it does.

The problem is systemic, IMHO. And those who don’t make the $$ are only getting hit worse and worse. It is a BIG PROBLEM. I agree, but taking from those who are barely making it without help isn’t the answer.

You can write off medical bills. It sounds to me like your problem is medical. If not then you’re really bad with money if you are struggling with 250K. Most people live in Chicago just fine at nowhere near that salary.

170 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:55:49am

re: #161 ProLifeLiberal

I’m getting really tired of this “Don’t tax us at all, or we’ll move.”

I swear businesses and the Republicans are trying to repeat the Gilded Age, Triangle Shirtwaist disaster included.

We need to abandon this “Free Trade” bullcrap, and try and create the Nordic Social-Democratic state. They are stable, and don’t have nearly the crisis we do in so many ways.

For all the talk about how much they spend from the conservatives here, Norway, Sweden, and Finland only have a 40-50% debt load.

Without commenting on the political philosophy of your statement, I would point out that another thing Norway, Sweden and Finland have is negative or replacement population growth and North Sea oil.

171 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:56:18am

re: #165 JeffM70

just picked one while going back and forth here at work

see 168 for more

172 ProTARDISLiberal  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:56:48am

This is my political ideology here.

Being lonely in high school means you can learn about all sorts of things.

173 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:57:05am

re: #168 sattv4u2

Here ,, choose one more to your liking

All talking about the 250K tax bracket/ demarcation point for “rich’ (which was the original point, btw)

[Link: www.google.com…]

That’s not helping your cause either. Do you have anything substantial?

174 Achilles Tang  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:57:32am

re: #161 ProLifeLiberal

For all the talk about how much they spend from the conservatives here, Norway, Sweden, and Finland only have a 40-50% debt load.

Norway is not the best example. They are flush with oil money which distorts any economic comparisons.

175 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:57:44am

re: #169 recusancy

You can write off medical bills. It sounds to me like your problem is medical. If not then you’re really bad with money if you are struggling with 250K. Most people live in Chicago just fine at nowhere near that salary.

Thanks for the diagnosis, you move here and tell me how well you do.

176 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:58:59am

re: #173 recusancy

That’s not helping your cause either. Do you have anything substantial?

Youtube Video

25 seconds in

46 seconds in

58 seconds in

177 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:59:15am

re: #142 imp_62

I see you know your economics.

Of course I know they aren’t the same thing. I simplify it greatly to make a comparison that most people will understand, because a lot of people don’t understand macroeconomics or specifically sovereign debt. I understand that national debt isn’t some magical wishing well; I’d prefer if our debt never exceeded 100% of annual GDP for safe measure, but if we exceed that it’s not the end of the world. I’m not advocating that debt is endless and we can keep on piling it on, just that national debt is not the end of the world, the point we’re at right now isn’t, if we don’t reduce it until a several years from now also isn’t, and for Republicans to say it is, and then threaten to not raise the debt ceiling which pretty much IS the end of the world, is blatantly stupid and doesn’t take that much knowledge of economics to know that.

178 ProTARDISLiberal  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:59:50am

re: #174 Naso Tang

Sweden is a good example.

On Norway, you do have a point. However, they used to have a debt load of 70-80%. That was about 3 years ago.

I think they were using oil for that higher debt load.

179 Decatur Deb  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 11:59:54am

re: #167 Naso Tang

That is a good point also, but it is a different point.

However, congressmen don’t spend anything for health care, and it doesn’t come out of their income taxes, so that means it is the best system in the world./

Congressmen pay for the same Federal Employee health care system that I do as a retiree:

webcache.googleusercontent.com

180 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:00:06pm

Sorry…no more questions.

Rest in peace, Peter.

181 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:00:27pm

re: #169 recusancy

You can write off medical bills. It sounds to me like your problem is medical.

You can’t “write off” medical bills

For instance, you can’t write of perscriptions unless they’re over 10% (iirc) of you income

182 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:00:44pm

The only definition I’ve found so far is here:

washingtonpost.com

This suggests that Obama’s plan was to put up the rate on net income over $234K. It says nothing about gross turnover.

183 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:00:53pm

re: #176 sattv4u2

[Video]25 seconds in

46 seconds in

58 seconds in

That’s not helping your point either. Are you just finding random stuff to put on here? Is this 2008?

184 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:01:27pm

re: #162 recusancy

Wow that blog is a load of shit.

But it supports the narrative.

185 HoosierHoops  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:01:49pm

re: #168 sattv4u2

I couldn’t email you.. I’m on vacation with an HP Laptop that I just use webmail on..When I clicked on your nic the computer couldn’t resolve your email..Then I used VPN to connect with Outlook from work but this laptop has never been joined to the domain..Well it’s a long story and being on vacation.. I gave up…
I’m am doing something I never ever do for like 25000 posts..I trust ya..
My nic is blue and ping me..It will ping my Blackberry and I’ll log into webmail
Regards
The Hoopster

186 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:01:57pm

re: #183 recusancy

That’s not helping your point either. Are you just finding random stuff to put on here? Is this 2008?

How is it “not helping my point” when my point was that under Obamas plan the demarcation for “rich” is 250K

I showed you that (and two lower figures) IN HIS OWN WORDS

187 Achilles Tang  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:02:25pm

re: #179 Decatur Deb

Yes, of course it is paid for somehow (did you miss the sarc?). The point is that that they think it has to be better since it isn’t labelled as a tax.

188 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:02:42pm

re: #185 HoosierHoops

will do

(if I even know wtf all that means!!)

189 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:02:55pm

re: #181 sattv4u2

You can write off medical bills. It sounds to me like your problem is medical.

You can’t “write off” medical bills

For instance, you can’t write of perscriptions unless they’re over 10% (iirc) of you income

You do what’s called an FSA. First, you estimate what you will spend on medical that year and take it out of your income to a 3rd party company.

Then, as you incur expenses, you submit the receipts. Every one. Eveyr $5, $10 receipt.

It’s. A. Pain. In. The. Tush.

190 lawhawk  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:03:14pm

re: #180 darthstar

Youtube Video

191 ProTARDISLiberal  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:03:28pm

re: #185 HoosierHoops

Out of curiosity, am I to your left?

192 Vicious Babushka  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:03:42pm

re: #189 EmmmieG

You do what’s called an FSA. First, you estimate what you will spend on medical that year and take it out of your income to a 3rd party company.

Then, as you incur expenses, you submit the receipts. Every one. Eveyr $5, $10 receipt.

It’s. A. Pain. In. The. Tush.

I have an HSA which does the same thing.

193 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:04:54pm

re: #186 sattv4u2

How is it “not helping my point” when my point was that under Obamas plan the demarcation for “rich” is 250K

I showed you that (and two lower figures) IN HIS OWN WORDS

No. You were arguing about “gross”. Yes I agree the demarcation for rich is 250K. If you’re struggling on that you’ve either run into some seriously bad luck (medical or otherwise) or your seriously bad with money.

194 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:05:24pm

re: #186 sattv4u2

How is it “not helping my point” when my point was that under Obamas plan the demarcation for “rich” is 250K

I showed you that (and two lower figures) IN HIS OWN WORDS

I think $250K in net income is rich. Are you seriously arguing that it isn’t?

What percentage of households have $250K or more in net income?

195 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:05:29pm

re: #177 Spocomptonite

Hai, so des-ka

196 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:05:31pm

re: #189 EmmmieG

You do what’s called an FSA. First, you estimate what you will spend on medical that year and take it out of your income to a 3rd party company.

Then, as you incur expenses, you submit the receipts. Every one. Every $5, $10 receipt.

It’s. A. Pain. In. The. Tush.

And it does help, especially if you ca have two - with a two-income family. There are years when it still isn’t enough. 2 MRI’s and it’s depleted. And this year, they no longer accept OTC meds without a prescription. Which means a trip to the doctor —which costs the system more money.

I do, however love Nurse Practitioners. Easier to get into see, and cheaper.

197 Decatur Deb  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:05:45pm

re: #187 Naso Tang

Yes, of course it is paid for somehow (did you miss the sarc?). The point is that that they think it has to be better since it isn’t labelled as a tax.

Don’t see the relationship to taxes—the employee’s share is just a routine payroll deduction. It can be a tax exemption if the combined cost of the insurance and un-covered medical expenses make itemization useful. Kind of lost on the part that was sarc.

198 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:06:51pm

re: #194 iossarian

I think $250K in net income is rich. Are you seriously arguing that it isn’t?

What percentage of households have $250K or more in net income?

250K NET is a lot of money. OK, I’d agree it is rich. 250K GROSS—not so much.

199 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:06:51pm

re: #195 imp_62

Hai, so des-ka

I don’t speak Spanish.

200 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:06:53pm

re: #196 ggt

And it does help, especially if you ca have two - with a two-income family. There are years when it still isn’t enough. 2 MRI’s and it’s depleted. And this year, they no longer accept OTC meds without a prescription. Which means a trip to the doctor —which costs the system more money.

I do, however love Nurse Practitioners. Easier to get into see, and cheaper.

Ask me about the year in which we found out that my daughter would need braces. Two weeks after the deadline to move the FSA amount.

201 HoosierHoops  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:07:26pm

re: #191 ProLifeLiberal

Out of curiosity, am I to your left?

Does it matter?
You are good people..
I am a moderate Dem

202 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:07:35pm

re: #180 darthstar

Sorry…no more questions.

Rest in peace, Peter.

My favorite story of his is right there in the second paragraph at Wiki:

Falk said, “I remember once in high school the umpire called me out at third base when I was sure I was safe. I got so mad I took out my glass eye, handed it to him and said, ‘Try this.’ I got such a laugh you wouldn’t believe.”
203 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:07:48pm

re: #194 iossarian

I think $250K in net income is rich. Are you seriously arguing that it isn’t?

What percentage of households have $250K or more in net income?

250 in net would be nice, I agree. But that would require making about 350…we’re not there…yet.

204 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:08:18pm

re: #193 recusancy

No. You were arguing about “gross”. Yes I agree the demarcation for rich is 250K. If you’re struggling on that you’ve either run into some seriously bad luck (medical or otherwise) or your seriously bad with money.

Turn 45 and you’ll start having bad luck too. The body starts to just WEAR OUT!

:)

205 ProTARDISLiberal  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:08:42pm

re: #201 HoosierHoops

No, it doesn’t really matter. I’m just curious.

206 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:09:14pm

re: #199 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

I don’t speak Spanish.

I think it’s Japanese and I think it means basically, “yeah”. I was confused for a second because I guess I got used to Pinyin on my trip and I was all, I’ve never heard those before…

207 recusancy  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:09:26pm

re: #204 ggt

Turn 45 and you’ll start having bad luck too. The body starts to just WEAR OUT!

:)

That’s why I want single payer.

208 ProTARDISLiberal  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:09:40pm

OT, but exactly zero news is coming out of Libya today.

WTF

209 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:09:43pm

re: #203 darthstar

250 in net would be nice, I agree. But that would require making about 350…we’re not there…yet.

OK, I should clarify:

I’m talking about $250K income in the sense that most households have income, i.e., salary. But before tax.

I said “net” to distinguish this from small business owners who have gross turnover that is potentially more than this, but out of which they pay business expenses.

I believe that, if you are reporting $250K as your “household income” before tax, you are rich (obviously provided that this is a fairly stable source of income).

210 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:10:02pm

re: #202 wrenchwench

My favorite story of his is right there in the second paragraph at Wiki:

me being sad

211 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:10:53pm

re: #206 Spocomptonite

I think it’s Japanese and I think it means basically, “yeah”. I was confused for a second because I guess I got used to Pinyin on my trip and I was all, I’ve never heard those before…

Japanese is a fictional language. All foreigners speak Spanish.

212 Decatur Deb  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:11:49pm

re: #204 ggt

Turn 45 and you’ll start having bad luck too. The body starts to just WEAR OUT!

:)

When we last did our taxes, our year’s medical costs were 24% of our net income. That’s with the same ‘gold plated’ health insurance that congress gets, and Medicare. While we’re over 60, neither of us is chronically ill. Don’t get old.

213 FemNaziBitch  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:11:49pm

gotta go,

Have a great day all!

214 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:13:52pm

re: #212 Decatur Deb

When we last did our taxes, our year’s medical costs were 24% of our net income. That’s with the same ‘gold plated’ health insurance that congress gets, and Medicare. While we’re over 60, neither of us is chronically ill. Don’t get old.

Neil Kinnock, on the eve of losing the 1983 election to Thatcher:

If Margaret Thatcher wins on Thursday, I warn you not to be ordinary. I warn you not to be young. I warn you not to fall ill. I warn you not to get old.

Pretty much sums up the US today.

215 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:14:08pm

re: #211 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Japanese is a fictional language. All foreigners speak Spanish.

Actually, they all speak English. The “foreign languages” you hear overseas are one extended practical joke on the gullible Americans.

216 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:14:20pm

re: #209 iossarian

OK, I should clarify:

I’m talking about $250K income in the sense that most households have income, i.e., salary. But before tax.

I said “net” to distinguish this from small business owners who have gross turnover that is potentially more than this, but out of which they pay business expenses.

I believe that, if you are reporting $250K as your “household income” before tax, you are rich (obviously provided that this is a fairly stable source of income).

In your scenario, are three children going to college? Is financial aid a non-event because you aren’t “poor” enough? Are you buying your own major medical insurance? Are you living in one of the highest taxed areas in NY state?

$250K is a very good income (if stable - BIG if). But rich? No. Maybe in rural Idaho for a childless couple. I am well-off, I am able to do certain things for my family, but if it stopped tomorrow I would be in deep shit in 6 months.

217 Decatur Deb  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:15:17pm

re: #215 EmmmieG

Actually, they all speak English. The “foreign languages” you hear overseas are one extended practical joke on the gullible Americans.

But you must speak English to them VERY LOUDLY.

218 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:15:22pm

re: #211 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Japanese is a fictional language. All foreigners speak Spanish.

We most assuredly need to go drinking.

219 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:15:25pm

re: #212 Decatur Deb

When we last did our taxes, our year’s medical costs were 24% of our net income. That’s with the same ‘gold plated’ health insurance that congress gets, and Medicare. While we’re over 60, neither of us is chronically ill. Don’t get old.

It’s better to burn out than it is to rust.

220 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:16:07pm

re: #194 iossarian

I think $250K in net income is rich. Are you seriously arguing that it isn’t?

What percentage of households have $250K or more in net income?

Where did I EVER say “net”

I CLEARLY stated someone doing a DBA as GROSS

CLEARLY

221 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:16:22pm

re: #201 HoosierHoops

mail sent

thanks

222 Decatur Deb  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:16:53pm

re: #219 oaktree

It’s better to burn out than it is to rust.

Not rusting. Last year I shingled my 2000 sq/ft roof single-handed.

223 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:16:56pm

BBIAB

damn ESPN

224 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:17:01pm

re: #218 imp_62

We most assuredly need to go drinking.

Be warned, the more I drink, the stronger my Scottish accent get.

225 HoosierHoops  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:17:14pm

re: #221 sattv4u2

mail sent

thanks

Just read it on the BB..
Thanks
Will reply later

226 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:17:47pm

re: #218 imp_62

We most assuredly need to go drinking.

Funny story, I got a bit drunk in Beijing and started speaking Spanish. It was like I forgot English.

227 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:19:02pm

re: #216 imp_62

In your scenario, are three children going to college? Is financial aid a non-event because you aren’t “poor” enough? Are you buying your own major medical insurance? Are you living in one of the highest taxed areas in NY state?

$250K is a very good income (if stable - BIG if). But rich? No. Maybe in rural Idaho for a childless couple. I am well-off, I am able to do certain things for my family, but if it stopped tomorrow I would be in deep shit in 6 months.

I find it truly tragic that people making $250K a year are worried about paying for their kids to go to college. A few years back it would have been essentially free.

But, gotta cut those state services!

228 lawhawk  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:19:10pm

re: #194 iossarian

Someone having $250k in net income would have to have a gross income significantly above that point. Indeed, to bring home $250,000 net, you’d have to make at least $9,615.38 every two weeks (take home pay).

A rough calculation would require a gross income of $14,096.13, which translates into an annual salary of $366,499.38. That’s with the following caveats: no state and local taxes or other pre/post tax deductions withheld. My calculator.

In turn, if you wanted to work from a gross income of $250k, your take home would be in the ballpark of $179,400 (around $6,900 biweekly) - but subject to the same caveats: no state and local taxes or other pre/post tax deductions withheld.

Someone could live quite comfortably with those numbers.

That said, a 2-family income in the NYC metro area could hit $179,400 net (with the gross of $250k) fairly easily due to the higher incomes commanded in the area (and the taxes would significantly reduce the net from that level).

229 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:22:11pm

re: #228 lawhawk

Again, my use of “net” was to distinguish most people’s income (salary) from business revenue, which was a source of confusion above.

It’s pretty clear that, when Obama was outlining his tax plan back in 2009 (?), this was what he had in mind: people who have reported household incomes, before tax, of $250K or more. That’s what the WaPo article I linked suggested, anyway (though it’s a bit more precise, with brackets defined at $236K and $378K).

Quite why people then started throwing in small businesses with turnovers of $250K, as if that was relevant to the discussion, is a mystery.

230 lawhawk  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:24:55pm

OT:

In just a few hours’ time, Gilad Shalit will have been in Hamas clutches for 5 years. He was captured in a Hamas raid that killed two other Israeli soldiers who attempted to thwart a Hamas raid into Israel.

Shalit has been held by Hamas for the past five years and each passing year brings the same calls by Hamas - demands for Israel to release hundreds of terrorists in exchange for Shalit.

This year, Israel’s demands for Shalit’s release have been answered by the G8, EU and France, which also call for Shalit to be released.

Those calls however fall on deaf ears since Hamas knows that Shalit’s value is in how many terrorists can be released in a deal with Israel.

231 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:25:44pm

re: #224 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Be warned, the more I drink, the stronger my Scottish accent get.

och, laddie - I can handle that. Plus, i wouldn’t be listening to you ;]

232 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:26:53pm

re: #231 imp_62

och, laddie - I can handle that. Plus, i wouldn’t be listening to you ;]

And miss out on the barrage of Braveheart and Sean Connery quotes?

233 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:28:27pm

re: #226 Spocomptonite

Funny story, I got a bit drunk in Beijing and started speaking Spanish. It was like I forgot English.

I forget English and speak only Swiss German when sufficiently sloshed…

234 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:28:34pm

re: #230 lawhawk

OT:

In just a few hours’ time, Gilad Shalit will have been in Hamas clutches for 5 years. He was captured in a Hamas raid that killed two other Israeli soldiers who attempted to thwart a Hamas raid into Israel.

Shalit has been held by Hamas for the past five years and each passing year brings the same calls by Hamas - demands for Israel to release hundreds of terrorists in exchange for Shalit.

This year, Israel’s demands for Shalit’s release have been answered by the G8, EU and France, which also call for Shalit to be released.

Those calls however fall on deaf ears since Hamas knows that Shalit’s value is in how many terrorists can be released in a deal with Israel.

Given the crimes some of those terrorists are guilty of, executions should be in order.

235 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:29:59pm

re: #228 lawhawk

Someone having $250k in net income would have to have a gross income significantly above that point. Indeed, to bring home $250,000 net, you’d have to make at least $9,615.38 every two weeks (take home pay).

A rough calculation would require a gross income of $14,096.13, which translates into an annual salary of $366,499.38. That’s with the following caveats: no state and local taxes or other pre/post tax deductions withheld. My calculator.

In turn, if you wanted to work from a gross income of $250k, your take home would be in the ballpark of $179,400 (around $6,900 biweekly) - but subject to the same caveats: no state and local taxes or other pre/post tax deductions withheld.

Someone could live quite comfortably with those numbers.

That said, a 2-family income in the NYC metro area could hit $179,400 net (with the gross of $250k) fairly easily due to the higher incomes commanded in the area (and the taxes would significantly reduce the net from that level).

I really get tired of this line. The 2009 median household income of NYC - not the nation, but NYC - was $55,554 according to the Census bureau.

That some people are rich, or even well off, does not make it the norm.

236 lawhawk  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:30:58pm

re: #229 iossarian

Possibly because many businesses take the form of a sole proprietorship and are therefore reported on the same individual income tax return (1040) rather than a corporate tax return (1120 for C corporations or 1065 for partnerships for example).

Real easy to conflate in that fashion…

237 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:31:57pm

re: #235 kirkspencer

NYC is all 5 boroughs. Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx. Have fun living in some parts of the Bronx. Misleading numbers are misleading.

238 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:33:05pm

re: #233 imp_62

I forget English and speak only Swiss German when sufficiently sloshed…

We definitely need to go drinking sometime.

A Swiss-German, Mexican spanish-speaker, and Sean Connery walk into a bar…

239 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:34:13pm

re: #238 Spocomptonite

We definitely need to go drinking sometime.

A Swiss-German, Mexican spanish-speaker, and Sean Connery walk into a bar…

But be forewarned: I have been on the warpath with tequila since a certain incident in a NoHo bar in 1991.

240 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:35:47pm

re: #237 imp_62

NYC is all 5 boroughs. Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx. Have fun living in some parts of the Bronx. Misleading numbers are misleading.

If the six figure income norm is only for Manhattan, then please don’t say “New York City.” The solipsist knife cuts both ways.

241 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:36:32pm

re: #235 kirkspencer

I really get tired of this line. The 2009 median household income of NYC - not the nation, but NYC - was $55,554 according to the Census bureau.

Basically, for the past 30 years, the US has slashed services that the “middle class” used to rely on. Public education (for your kids), Medicare and Social Security (for your retired parents). All to cut tax rates for the rich.

And now, people who used to be very well off are finding that they’re screwed because they can’t afford to send their kids to Harvard or to keep their parents in decent care.

It’s really sad, but the worst part is that those people are still far, far better off than the large majority of Americans.

242 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:36:48pm

re: #239 imp_62

But be forewarned: I have been on the warpath with tequila since a certain incident in a NoHo bar in 1991.

Then join me in drinking rum like a dehydrated pirate! I may speak a little Mexican-spanish, but I don’t drink Mexican. Tequila is good only for singing about.

243 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:36:53pm

re: #239 imp_62

But be forewarned: I have been on the warpath with tequila since a certain incident in a NoHo bar in 1991.

After one particular night at the Yokuska E-Club and the surrounding off base bars, vodka can set off my gag reflex.

244 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:39:17pm

re: #240 kirkspencer

I don’t remember saying anything about New York City. You referenced an income number for New York City; I pointed out that the City is comprised of five boroughs. You were tacitly implying that given an average income of $55K, it should be possible to live as a rich person in NYC on $250K. In the South Bronx? Sure. Manhattan, most of Brooklyn? Never. And forget about the greater metropolitan area. $250K is good money. In some places, it makes you really wealthy, In others, you can’t afford to live.

245 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:39:29pm

re: #243 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

After one particular night at the Yokuska E-Club and the surrounding off base bars, vodka can set off my gag reflex.

There are advantages to being a cheap drunk. I hit the “no more” stage well before I hit the “oh god nevermore” stage, much less the “this never happened, agreed?” stage.

A couple of glasses of wine. One or two drams of scotch. That’s it - more and it’s a waste.

246 KingKenrod  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:40:12pm

re: #241 iossarian

Basically, for the past 30 years, the US has slashed services that the “middle class” used to rely on. Public education (for your kids), Medicare and Social Security (for your retired parents). All to cut tax rates for the rich.

Really?

247 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:40:40pm

re: #244 imp_62

I don’t remember saying anything about New York City. You referenced an income number for New York City; I pointed out that the City is comprised of five boroughs. You were tacitly implying that given an average income of $55K, it should be possible to live as a rich person in NYC on $250K. In the South Bronx? Sure. Manhattan, most of Brooklyn? Never. And forget about the greater metropolitan area. $250K is good money. In some places, it makes you really wealthy, In others, you can’t afford to live.

Isn’t the whole point of trickle-down economics that the lawyers making $250K a year go and live in the Bronx and spend their money in the local economy there, making everyone better off?

248 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:42:12pm

re: #245 kirkspencer

There are advantages to being a cheap drunk. I hit the “no more” stage well before I hit the “oh god nevermore” stage, much less the “this never happened, agreed?” stage.

A couple of glasses of wine. One or two drams of scotch. That’s it - more and it’s a waste.

I have a beer annually. Twenty minutes of a nice buzz, then a four hour hangover, and I’m good for another 364 days. But I make it a good beer.

249 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:42:50pm

re: #244 imp_62

I don’t remember saying anything about New York City. You referenced an income number for New York City; I pointed out that the City is comprised of five boroughs. You were tacitly implying that given an average income of $55K, it should be possible to live as a rich person in NYC on $250K. In the South Bronx? Sure. Manhattan, most of Brooklyn? Never. And forget about the greater metropolitan area. $250K is good money. In some places, it makes you really wealthy, In others, you can’t afford to live.

I was replying to a comment that specifically referenced NYC - and quoted it, so you had to have seen it when you read my comment. And in fact the discussion of which it was part was revolving around NYC. But you, of course, didn’t mention the city in your reply so have no idea what I’m speaking of when I mention how I’m annoyed at the constant comment of how easy and normal six figure incomes are in NYC.

250 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:44:58pm

re: #248 wrenchwench

I have a beer annually. Twenty minutes of a nice buzz, then a four hour hangover, and I’m good for another 364 days. But I make it a good beer.

I average maybe a 6 pack a month nowadays.

251 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:45:51pm

re: #247 iossarian

Isn’t the whole point of trickle-down economics that the lawyers making $250K a year go and live in the Bronx and spend their money in the local economy there, making everyone better off?

The only NYC lawyers I know living on $250K are sole practitioners living in Jersey. And not the expensive parts of Jersey. I know you were being a bit sarcastic, but this whole line of discussion is starting to annoy me. When you have $250K but live in a high-tax area and have kids to support (and heavens forbid you are self-employed) it is not as much money as it should be. When you make far less (and most people do), it sounds like a huge sum, and anybody complaining about making a go of it on a quarter mill is a douchebag.

I get it, enough already!

252 Stanghazi  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:46:01pm

Satt, you here? Whitey has arrived at the courthouse. No photos yet.

I read this morning that he was in prison in the 50’s (?) and had his sentence reduced a bit by participating in the LSD studies!

Also after that he was transferred to Alcatraz.

Interesting stuff!

253 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:46:44pm

re: #250 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

I average maybe a 6 pack a month nowadays.

I’m lucky that my drinking was always based around going out (still is).

I don’t drink all that much now that I don’t go out as much. 6 pack a month is about right, maybe the odd bottle of wine.

254 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:47:50pm

re: #252 Stanley Sea

Satt, you here? Whitey has arrived at the courthouse. No photos yet.

I read this morning that he was in prison in the 50’s (?) and had his sentence reduced a bit by participating in the LSD studies!

Also after that he was transferred to Alcatraz.

Interesting stuff!

I am praying they allow cameras in the courtroom. This will be great entertainment.

255 Stanghazi  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:48:24pm

re: #254 imp_62

I am praying they allow cameras in the courtroom. This will be great entertainment.

Hell to the yeah. I have good friends from Boston, boy the stories I heard last night.

256 Stanghazi  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:49:44pm

re: #254 imp_62

If you follow twitter, these Boston Globe guys are live tweeting from the courtroom:

Boston Globe reporters @globeglen @noahbierman @billy_baker all live Tweeting #WhiteyBulger arrival at Boston court. Exciting play-by-play.

257 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:49:53pm

re: #255 Stanley Sea

Hell to the yeah. I have good friends from Boston, boy the stories I heard last night.

I was just reading yesterday’s Globe. Man, I remember thinking that only in Mass. could there be a Senate resident who was the brother of the biggest mobster in decades and claiming he had no idea what was going on!

258 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:50:23pm

re: #252 Stanley Sea

Satt, you here? Whitey has arrived at the courthouse. No photos yet.

I read this morning that he was in prison in the 50’s (?) and had his sentence reduced a bit by participating in the LSD studies!

Also after that he was transferred to Alcatraz.

Interesting stuff!

Howie Carr

Long time Boston Herald reporter

THE expert on all things Whitey and/ or Boston-New England underground

google.com

259 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:50:31pm

re: #253 iossarian

I’m lucky that my drinking was always based around going out (still is).

I don’t drink all that much now that I don’t go out as much. 6 pack a month is about right, maybe the odd bottle of wine.

My heavy drinking days used to revolve around my duty schedule. Guard section off duty on a Friday or Saturday? PARTY.

On the vodka night, I recall drinking a 6 pack, then a bottle of wine, then starting some vodka shots, then switching to jack and cokes, and finishing with some of green crushed ice thing which was mostly vodka.

260 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:51:16pm

re: #248 wrenchwench

I have a beer annually. Twenty minutes of a nice buzz, then a four hour hangover, and I’m good for another 364 days. But I make it a good beer.

I am fortunate, nay, blessed with a superpower, in that so far in my life I appear incapable of having a hangover.

What annual beer do you get?

261 hicsuget  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:51:25pm

Speaking of fear-mongering… failure to raise the debt ceiling limit will not cause a default on existing debt. Debt service is ~$164B per year; tax revenues are roughly $2,200B per year. Avoiding default is a simple matter of cutting spending on so-called “mandatory” programs.

The idea that, if the debt ceiling is not raised, our nation will continue to fund, say, Medicaid at 100% while failing to pay interest on the debt, is absurd. Failure to raise the ceiling will merely force an evaluation of which unsustainable promises to renege on.

There are a lot of things it is reasonable to blame Republicans for, but shooting the messenger here is irresponsible, and raising the spectre of default is, well, fear-mongering.

262 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:51:59pm

re: #251 imp_62

When you have $250K but live in a high-tax area and have kids to support (and heavens forbid you are self-employed) it is not as much money as it should be.

I completely agree with you - my whole point is that middle class existence in the US has been hollowed out over the past 30 years, to the point where people make a lot of money, both in absolute and relative terms, but are still not that well off, because we have abandoned the idea of having efficient, shared social services.

263 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:52:29pm

re: #260 Spocomptonite

I am fortunate, nay, blessed with a superpower, in that so far in my life I appear incapable of having a hangover.

What annual beer do you get?

Does that superpower involve puking your guts out on the way home? Cause that’s how mine works!

264 lawhawk  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:52:40pm

re: #235 kirkspencer

BTW, that wasn’t the point of my comment - but since you’re making an issue of income, I’ll point out that the Census bureau data doesn’t exactly confirm your figures.

Indeed, for Nassau County, the median family income in 2009 inflation adjusted dollars is: $106,412.
For Monmouth County NJ, the figure is $100,974.
Morris County - $114,019.
Bergen County - $99,398
Somerset County (NJ) $113,873
Hunterdon County (NJ) - $119,989
Fairfield County (CT) - $100,179.

All those counties have median family incomes pushing or above $100k. As I said in the initial post, it is fairly easy to hit the target value of $179,400 net.

265 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:53:02pm

re: #262 iossarian

I completely agree with you - my whole point is that middle class existence in the US has been hollowed out over the past 30 years, to the point where people make a lot of money, both in absolute and relative terms, but are still not that well off, because we have abandoned the idea of having efficient, shared social services.

With you 100%

266 lawhawk  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:54:44pm

re: #264 lawhawk

Oh, and the NYC figures are actually lower than the NYC suburbs.

267 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:54:52pm

re: #261 hicsuget

Avoiding default is a simple matter of raising taxes to service the debt.

Glad you agree.

268 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:55:43pm

re: #261 hicsuget

Speaking of fear-mongering… failure to raise the debt ceiling limit will not cause a default on existing debt. Debt service is ~$164B per year; tax revenues are roughly $2,200B per year. Avoiding default is a simple matter of cutting spending on so-called “mandatory” programs.

The idea that, if the debt ceiling is not raised, our nation will continue to fund, say, Medicaid at 100% while failing to pay interest on the debt, is absurd. Failure to raise the ceiling will merely force an evaluation of which unsustainable promises to renege on.

There are a lot of things it is reasonable to blame Republicans for, but shooting the messenger here is irresponsible, and raising the spectre of default is, well, fear-mongering.

Automatic down-ding for saying “so-called mandatory”. I agree that default is actually not a necessary consequence of maintaining the current debt ceiling. But your logic is right-wing didactic, wrong-headed, elitist, talking point douchebaggery.

Now go ahead and ask me how I really feel.

269 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:56:08pm

re: #260 Spocomptonite

I am fortunate, nay, blessed with a superpower, in that so far in my life I appear incapable of having a hangover.

What annual beer do you get?

The last one was a really dark micro-brew from Santa Fe, the one before that was a Guinness, before that was a mere Fat Tire Ale.

270 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:56:25pm

re: #267 iossarian

Glad you agree.

Seconded.

271 iossarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:57:04pm

OK, got to get out of here now. Y’all have great weekends now!

272 albusteve  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:57:50pm

re: #269 wrenchwench

The last one was a really dark micro-brew from Santa Fe, the one before that was a Guinness, before that was a mere Fat Tire Ale.

Fat Tire is no mere beer…as good as any brewed

273 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:58:43pm

Latinos not amused by Rick Perry’s Latino jokes…

a joke about how perfect it was to appoint Jose Cuevas to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission because his name sounds like Jose Cuervo - a brand of tequila - fell flat.

Of course not, you idiot. Jose Cuervo isn’t tequila. Cazadores is tequila. Don Julio is tequila. Herradura is tequila. Patron is tequila. Jose Cuervo is simply a friend of mine…

Youtube Video

274 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:58:57pm

re: #269 wrenchwench

The last one was a really dark micro-brew from Santa Fe, the one before that was a Guinness, before that was a mere Fat Tire Ale.

I sense some serious year-over-year improvement. Fat Tire is alright, but not once-a-year good. That Sante Fe Micro-brew sounds excellent, even though I’m more of an IPA kind of guy.

275 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:59:00pm

re: #272 albusteve

Fat Tire is no mere beer…as good as any brewed

Hey look what the internet dragged in—- Hi!

276 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:59:27pm

re: #236 lawhawk

Thank you
Thats one of the points I was trying to make all along

277 albusteve  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 12:59:56pm

re: #275 imp_62

Hey look what the internet dragged in—- Hi!

hola

278 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:00:08pm

re: #273 darthstar

Latinos not amused by Rick Perry’s Latino jokes…

Of course not, you idiot. Jose Cuervo isn’t tequila. Cazadores is tequila. Don Julio is tequila. Herradura is tequila. Patron is tequila. Jose Cuervo is simply a friend of mine…

[Video]

The Least Interesting Man In The World!

279 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:00:22pm

re: #273 darthstar

Latinos not amused by Rick Perry’s Latino jokes…

Of course not, you idiot. Jose Cuervo isn’t tequila. Cazadores is tequila. Don Julio is tequila. Herradura is tequila. Patron is tequila. Jose Cuervo is simply a friend of mine…

[Video]

Just as appropriate as electing someone named Rick to governor of Texas because his name sounds like Dick.

280 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:01:20pm

re: #278 sattv4u2

The Least Interesting Man In The World!

But he makes good vomit.

281 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:02:40pm

re: #195 imp_62

Hai, so des-ka

DESU~

282 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:02:45pm

re: #274 Spocomptonite

I sense some serious year-over-year improvement. Fat Tire is alright, but not once-a-year good. That Sante Fe Micro-brew sounds excellent, even though I’m more of an IPA kind of guy.

I think it was this. The Nut Brown, if the link doesn’t take you there. I would have remember if it were the State Pen Porter, I think.

283 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:02:46pm

Peter Falk, TV’s rumpled Columbo, has died

beta.news.yahoo.com

:(

284 Stanghazi  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:03:32pm

globeglen Glen Johnson

WHITEY BUSTED: Prosecutor says they will object to court-appointed attoreny…. “There was over $800,000 found in that apt…”

!!

285 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:04:04pm

Whitey has a frikkin’ court appointed attorney!

286 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:04:21pm

re: #283 sattv4u2

Peter Falk, TV’s rumpled Columbo, has died

[Link: beta.news.yahoo.com…]

:(

Somehow fittingly, Falk — the perfect choice — failed to be the first choice. Instead, it was easygoing crooner Bing Crosby, who, fortunately, passed on the projec

I did not know that

I cannot see Bing as Columbo!

287 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:04:32pm

re: #285 imp_62

Whitey has a frikkin’ court appointed attorney!

He’s old…he just wants to be convicted and go spend his time in a retirement community.

288 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:04:43pm

re: #281 Varek Raith

DESU~

Biru-ga hoshi.

289 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:05:24pm

re: #284 Stanley Sea

re: #285 imp_62
Still crazy (like a fox) after all these years

290 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:05:25pm

re: #288 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Biru-ga hoshi.

Well you can’t have any.

291 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:06:17pm

re: #287 darthstar

He’s old…he just wants to be convicted and go spend his time in a retirement community.

No

It’s easier to appeal “inneffecient councli” if it’s not some high power/ dollar mouthpiece

292 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:06:55pm

re: #284 Stanley Sea

globeglen Glen Johnson

WHITEY BUSTED: Prosecutor says they will object to court-appointed attoreny… “There was over $800,000 found in that apt…”

!!

I just hope President Obama isn’t asked his opinion on this case…Fox would go apeshit if they had a quote from him about wanting “to see Whitey locked up.”

293 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:07:07pm

re: #290 Varek Raith

Well you can’t have any.

Anata wa kōkai surudarou.

294 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:07:56pm

re: #288 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Biru-ga hoshi.

You know the important stuff. But remembering to bring a card with the address of your hotel printed in Japanese so you can show it to the taxi driver when you are too drunk to enunciate - That’s real preparation

295 lawhawk  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:08:27pm

Luap Nor is at it again. He wants to investigate whether we’ve still got gold at Fort Knox.

Paul called a congressional hearing Thursday to grill federal officials about his bill to audit and inventory all of the gold reserves at Fort Knox, Ky., West Point, N.Y., and Denver, even though Treasury officials insist that the gold is audited annually and is all there.

Maybe we should let him in on the secret? Auric took it. /James Bond

No wait. Simon took it. /John McClane

/facepalm

The gold’s there, and it is still a fraction of our national net worth, but we haven’t been on a gold standard in decades, so whether the gold is there or not is all besides the point. Paul’s on a fishing expedition for no other reason than he can.

296 albusteve  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:08:39pm

“Gun Walker” Fall Guy Refuses To Fall
This could get interesting.
The fall guy designated to short-circuit Rep. Darrell Issa’s investigation of the “Gun Walker” outrage, acting ATF director Ken Melson, has noticed the open grave yawning at his feet, and apparently doesn’t feel like jumping in.

I hope this thing blows wide open…this fucked up mess cost a BP agent his life….Holder and his WH cronies need to pay

humanevents.com

297 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:08:43pm

re: #293 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Anata wa kōkai surudarou.

God dammit, I only got part of that.
Must watch more anime.
:P

298 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:09:12pm

re: #237 imp_62

NYC is all 5 boroughs. Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx. Have fun living in some parts of the Bronx. Misleading numbers are misleading.

There are lies, damned lies, and statistics.
- Mark Twain

299 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:09:18pm

re: #293 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Anata wa kōkai surudarou.

That usually works.

300 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:09:31pm

re: #291 sattv4u2

No

It’s easier to appeal “inneffecientecctive councli” if it’s not some high power/ dollar mouthpiece

or some such legalize

301 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:10:02pm

re: #297 Varek Raith

God dammit, I only got part of that.
Must watch more anime.
:P

Hi wa watashi no monodesu!

302 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:10:10pm

re: #300 sattv4u2

or some such legalize

legalese, even..

303 Stanghazi  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:10:42pm

Down on his luck dude in new Romney ad:

In 2009, King was identified in the local press as the vice treasurer for the Midland County Young Republicans. He seems to have been a local Republican operative since; his Facebook page shows him partying away at the 2011 state GOP convention.

You couldn’t find a real down on his luck guy???

304 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:10:46pm

re: #301 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Hi wa watashi no monodesu!

Sore wa himitsu desu.

305 lawhawk  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:11:40pm

re: #295 lawhawk

Oh, and the kicker of that story is that he’s investigating the gold at Fort Knox b/c of internet conspiracies claiming that the Fed was selling the gold in secret.

306 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:12:27pm

re: #304 oaktree

Sore wa himitsu desu.

I don’t speak spanish.

307 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:12:55pm

re: #301 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Hi wa watashi no monodesu!

:P

308 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:13:59pm

re: #295 lawhawk

Luap Nor is at it again. He wants to investigate whether we’ve still got gold at Fort Knox.

Maybe we should let him in on the secret? Auric took it. /James Bond

No wait. Simon took it. /John McClane

/facepalm

The gold’s there, and it is still a fraction of our national net worth, but we haven’t been on a gold standard in decades, so whether the gold is there or not is all besides the point. Paul’s on a fishing expedition for no other reason than he can.

Paul just wants to get a tour so he can swim in the gold like Scrooge McDuck.

309 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:14:21pm

I know just enough Japanese to embarrass my wife.

310 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:14:48pm

re: #309 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

I know just enough Japanese to embarrass my wife.

And a I know probably 1/15 of that.
XD

311 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:14:54pm

re: #306 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

I don’t speak spanish.

A glitch in the Matrix….

312 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:15:01pm

re: #305 lawhawk

Oh, and the kicker of that story is that he’s investigating the gold at Fort Knox b/c of internet conspiracies claiming that the Fed was selling the gold in secret.

Where do you think those gold fringed flags came from?

313 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:15:20pm

re: #309 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

I know just enough Japanese to embarrass my wife.

So do I ;]

314 Alexzander  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:15:20pm

re: #309 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

I know just enough Japanese to embarrass my wife.

Is your wife Japanese?

315 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:15:45pm

re: #296 albusteve

“Gun Walker” Fall Guy Refuses To Fall
This could get interesting.
The fall guy designated to short-circuit Rep. Darrell Issa’s investigation of the “Gun Walker” outrage, acting ATF director Ken Melson, has noticed the open grave yawning at his feet, and apparently doesn’t feel like jumping in.

I hope this thing blows wide open…this fucked up mess cost a BP agent his life…Holder and his WH cronies need to pay

[Link: www.humanevents.com…]

It’s a very interesting story, with many fascinating implications, but you linked to a conspiratorial wacko at Human Events, a known racist kook publication, and the author links to PJ Media and Fox News. You could do better.

316 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:16:33pm

re: #310 Varek Raith

And a I know probably 1/15 of that.
XD

Saying “Moto fukaku!” as the appropriate time can turn a Japanese woman bright red and render her speechless for a good 2 minutes.

317 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:16:59pm

Good godwin! WND’s Farah demands to see Hitler’s birth certificate…saying “Hitler was ineligible for presidency, too”

scienceblogs.com

318 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:17:01pm

re: #314 Alexzander

Is your wife Japanese?

Last I checked. You know something I don’t?

319 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:17:30pm

re: #318 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Last I checked. You know something I don’t?

You may want to sit down.
/

320 I Am Kreniigh!  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:18:25pm

re: #111 WindUpBird

it’s just so funny

WHY, $250k IS A PAUPER’S WAGE, FINE SIR!

LUCKY DUCKY!!!!!

321 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:18:28pm

re: #308 SanFranciscoZionist

Paul just wants to get a tour so he can swim in the gold like Scrooge McDuck.

That’s what I was thinking. The guy has a fetish.

322 makeitstop  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:18:42pm

re: #313 imp_62

So do I ;]

Why would you want to embarrass Kragar’s wife?

///

323 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:19:06pm

re: #322 makeitstop

Why would you want to embarrass Kragar’s wife?

///

Oh dear.
That’s why I told him to sit down.

324 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:19:20pm

re: #322 makeitstop

Why would you want to embarrass Kragar’s wife?

///

He likes me to. It makes him look good.

325 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:19:31pm

And yes, I’m so going to hell.
:)

326 albusteve  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:20:01pm

re: #315 wrenchwench

It’s a very interesting story, with many fascinating implications, but you linked to a conspiratorial wacko at Human Events, a known racist kook publication, and the author links to PJ Media and Fox News. You could do better.

I have posted about this several times…generates zero interest regardless of the source…every company in the world is running this story, so it’s no surprise that the only response considers only the source….sort of an experiment

327 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:20:07pm

Announcement: This thread is now about the many ways Kragar’s wife is embarrassed by him, and the company he keeps.

328 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:21:17pm

re: #327 imp_62

Announcement: This thread is now about the many ways Kragar’s wife is embarrassed by him, and the company he keeps.

Nothing new there.

329 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:21:36pm

re: #327 imp_62

Announcement: This thread is now about the many ways Kragar’s wife is embarrassed by him, and the company he keeps.

I thought we weren’t going to mention Sarah Palin.

330 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:21:42pm

re: #326 albusteve

I have posted about this several times…generates zero interest regardless of the source…every company in the world is running this story, so it’s no surprise that the only response considers only the source…sort of an experiment

I posted a Page about it, and I’m going to do it again. So could you.

You are more likely to be ignored when you link Human Events, because they have no credibility and people don’t want to waste their time reading it.

331 SidewaysQuark  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:22:10pm

re: #295 lawhawk

Luap Nor is at it again. He wants to investigate whether we’ve still got gold at Fort Knox.

Not sure if “the gold is gone”, but for sure, we know this:

Youtube Video

332 Stanghazi  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:24:17pm

globeglen Glen Johnson

WHITEY BUSTED: “Can you afford a lawyer?” “Well, I could if you gave me my money back,” says Whitey… #whiteybulger

333 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:24:45pm

re: #332 Stanley Sea

beat me by a whisker on that post

334 I Am Kreniigh!  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:25:23pm

re: #316 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Saying “Moto fukaku!” as the appropriate time can turn a Japanese woman bright red and render her speechless for a good 2 minutes.

“Origin of depression?”

335 albusteve  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:25:53pm

re: #330 wrenchwench

I posted a Page about it, and I’m going to do it again. So could you.

You are more likely to be ignored when you link Human Events, because they have no credibility and people don’t want to waste their time reading it.

HE links to the LATimes…it’s not the source, it’s the content that turns people off…the fact that this goes up to Holder and probably to BO

336 albusteve  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:26:43pm

re: #335 albusteve

HE links to the LATimes…it’s not the source, it’s the content that turns people off…the fact that this goes up to Holder and probably to BO

but then again…I’m not bothered by that in the least, even tho I find it interesting

337 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:27:04pm

re: #334 Kreniigh

“Origin of depression?”

That might be the technical translation, but not the usual context when said in casual conversation.

338 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:27:05pm

re: #331 SidewaysQuark

Not sure if “the gold is gone”, but for sure, we know this:

[Video]

Youtube Video

339 makeitstop  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:28:11pm

re: #329 darthstar

I thought we weren’t going to mention Sarah Palin.

Does she get listed under ‘company’ or ‘embarrassments?’

340 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:28:55pm

GOP Rep. Todd Akin: ‘The Heart Of Liberalism Really Is A Hatred For God’

It’s extraordinarily hard for me to hate something that doesn’t exist.
:P

341 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:29:02pm

re: #339 makeitstop

Does she get listed under ‘company’ or ‘embarrassments?’

Yes.

342 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:29:39pm

re: #341 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Yes.

That’s exactly what I was going to say.

343 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:30:01pm

re: #340 Varek Raith

GOP Rep. Todd Akin: ‘The Heart Of Liberalism Really Is A Hatred For God’

It’s extraordinarily hard for me to hate something that doesn’t exist.
:P

But I love Khorne. So do many Evangelicals from their rhetoric.

344 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:30:10pm

re: #335 albusteve

HE links to the LATimes…it’s not the source, it’s the content that turns people off…the fact that this goes up to Holder and probably to BO

The LA Times link is under some stupid website trick thing that takes you elsewhere if you click on it. Why not link straight to the LA Times yourself?

345 jeffm70  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:30:19pm

re: #171 sattv4u2

But the point remains guy’s example, whomever he is and whatever expertise he has, remains too vague to be meaningful. The business’s tax liability will be different if it’s an s-corp as opposed to a pass-through entity. My guess is if this business owner grosses $500,000/year and can’t get the net income to below $250,000, his overhead is either incredibly lean or either the owner or the owner’s accountant is an idiot.

346 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:30:39pm

re: #343 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

But I love Khorne. So do many Evangelicals from their rhetoric.

Heh.

347 lawhawk  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:31:26pm

re: #331 SidewaysQuark

But how?

Youtube Video

348 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:33:28pm

re: #340 Varek Raith

GOP Rep. Todd Akin: ‘The Heart Of Liberalism Really Is A Hatred For God’

It’s extraordinarily hard for me to hate something that doesn’t exist.
:P

But for the knee-jerk Xians he’s speaking to, that is argument enough that they can reject everything that can be associated with liberalism (except their social security checks…keep the gubmint’s hands off those)…

349 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:34:02pm

re: #338 darthstar

I saw Bonnie Raitt at the Royal Albert a few years ago. Nice venue and good concert.

350 blueraven  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:34:14pm

re: #168 sattv4u2

Here ,, choose one more to your liking

All talking about the 250K tax bracket/ demarcation point for “rich’ (which was the original point, btw)

[Link: www.google.com…]

How about this:

We estimated the cost of Senator Obama’s proposals assuming that the Social Security proposal would impose a 2 percent income tax surtax on adjusted gross incomes over $250,000 and a 2 percent payroll tax paid by employers on employees’ earnings above that threshold and that all of the provisions-including the higher payroll tax-are fully effective immediately. Under those assumptions, the Senator’s proposals would reduce revenues by $2.6 trillion over 10 years, or about $390 billion less than the proposals as described by his campaign advisers.

taxpolicycenter.org

351 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:34:22pm

re: #340 Varek Raith

GOP Rep. Todd Akin: ‘The Heart Of Liberalism Really Is A Hatred For God’

It’s extraordinarily hard for me to hate something that doesn’t exist.
:P

I’ve always wondered how people, Christians and other faiths alike, can make the jump from “I don’t believe what you believe” to “I HATE what you believe”

352 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:34:37pm

re: #347 lawhawk

But how?

[Video]

Bugs that shoot plasma out of their asses that can bring down orbiting starships.
How indeed.
/

353 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:34:50pm

re: #340 Varek Raith

GOP Rep. Todd Akin: ‘The Heart Of Liberalism Really Is A Hatred For God’

It’s extraordinarily hard for me to hate something that doesn’t exist.
:P

Like this man’s intelligence or principles beyond being able to blow a dog whistle?

354 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:34:50pm

re: #347 lawhawk

I don’t care if y’all liked it. I thought “Starship Troopers” was a great movie.

I heart Michael Ironside.

355 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:35:47pm

re: #351 Spocomptonite

I’ve always wondered how people, Christians and other faiths alike, can make the jump from “I don’t believe what you believe” to “I HATE what you believe”

I hate you for saying that.
See, that was easy. Any more questions?
//

356 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:36:16pm

re: #354 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I don’t care if y’all liked it. I thought “Starship Troopers” was a great movie.

I heart Michael Ironside.

Oh, so YOU’RE that single fan of _Highlander II_ (the movie that DOES NOT EXIST!) that I hear so much about.

357 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:36:55pm

re: #354 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I don’t care if y’all liked it. I thought “Starship Troopers” was a great movie.

I heart Michael Ironside.

The future, where military tactics consist of running in a gaggle fuck formation firing fully automatic weapons blindly with no armor or close air support.

358 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:37:02pm

re: #356 oaktree

Oh, so YOU’RE that single fan of _Highlander II_ (the movie that DOES NOT EXIST!) that I hear so much about.

No.
No you did not.
You did not go there.

359 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:37:23pm

re: #357 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

The future, where military tactics consist of running in a gaggle fuck formation firing fully automatic weapons blindly with no armor or close air support.

Even Halo had that shit.

360 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:37:43pm

re: #358 Varek Raith

No.
No you did not.
You did not go there.

THEY WERE ALIENS!

361 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:37:45pm

Is there anybody here who truly believes that Billy Bulger had no idea where Whitey was all these years, and was in the dark about his activities during Billy’s time in the Senate?

362 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:38:02pm

re: #351 Spocomptonite

I’ve always wondered how people, Christians and other faiths alike, can make the jump from “I don’t believe what you believe” to “I HATE what you believe”

Because if you don’t believe what they believe, then you call into question their beliefs.

363 Stanghazi  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:38:11pm

re: #361 imp_62

Is there anybody here who truly believes that Billy Bulger had no idea where Whitey was all these years, and was in the dark about his activities during Billy’s time in the Senate?

Nope.

364 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:38:16pm

re: #359 Varek Raith

Even Halo had that shit.

A reason why I have never played it.

365 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:38:36pm

re: #354 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I don’t care if y’all liked it. I thought “Starship Troopers” was a great movie.

I heart Michael Ironside.

Let’s go kill some bugs!

366 lawhawk  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:38:59pm

re: #354 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Hey, I love that movie as grade A gov’t cheese. It’s nowhere near the book, and I can live with that. It’s cheesy fun and is chock full of great one-liners.

The sequels don’t exist AFAIC.

Now, if they want to make a honest to goodness true adaptation of the book, I’d be all for it. I think it would rock.

367 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:39:14pm

re: #359 Varek Raith

Even Halo had that shit.

Let’s face it, the target audience of television and video games are not military strategists, and running gaggle fuck with fully auto weapons by yourself is really fun when you can’t die from it.

368 shutdown  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:39:32pm
WHITEY BUSTED: Catherine Greig enters… #whiteybulger
2 minutes ago

Now it’s Bonnie’s turn

369 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:39:35pm

re: #357 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

The future, where military tactics consist of running in a gaggle fuck formation firing fully automatic weapons blindly with no armor or close air support.

I saw a brilliant review of the movie in a wargame magazine by a serving infantry captain. Basically simply reviewing the tactics and equipment of the MI.

370 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:39:48pm

re: #345 jeffm70

But the point remains guy’s example

No,, the “point remain”ed the demarcation point to which one considers “wealth”
A self employed/ small business owning couple filing as a DBA or sole proprietorship grossing 250k is not “rich’

371 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:39:58pm

re: #357 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

The future, where military tactics consist of running in a gaggle fuck formation firing fully automatic weapons blindly with no armor or close air support.

*fingers in ears*
I CAN’T HEAR YOU! LA! LA! LA! LA!

372 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:40:00pm

re: #367 Spocomptonite

Let’s face it, the target audience of television and video games are not military strategists, and running gaggle fuck with fully auto weapons by yourself is really fun when you can’t die from it.

Yep.
My preferred gaming genre is going the way of the dodo. 4X games.
:(

373 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:40:44pm

re: #372 Varek Raith

Yep.
My preferred gaming genre is going the way of the dodo. 4X games.
:(

And RPGs are getting worse.
/RAGEWAR!

374 lawhawk  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:40:48pm

re: #365 darthstar

Great… another bug hunt. /Hudson

375 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:41:04pm

re: #374 lawhawk

Great… another bug hunt. /Hudson

GAME OVER MAN!

376 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:41:12pm

re: #366 lawhawk

What are these things; these “books” you refer to so often?

377 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:41:41pm

re: #373 Varek Raith

And RPGs are getting worse.
/RAGEWAR!

The Fallout series begs to differ.

378 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:41:41pm

re: #372 Varek Raith

Yep.
My preferred gaming genre is going the way of the dodo. 4X games.
:(

I’ll get into modern gaming as soon as I master rolling this hoop down the road while running along side it with a stick.

379 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:42:12pm

re: #372 Varek Raith

Yep.
My preferred gaming genre is going the way of the dodo. 4X games.
:(

Yep. I need to get an emulator since Stars! won’t run natively on Win7.
:(

380 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:42:14pm

re: #377 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

The Fallout series begs to differ.

True, though I still haven’t picked up NV.

381 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:42:41pm

re: #366 lawhawk


Now, if they want to make a honest to goodness true adaptation of the book, I’d be all for it. I think it would rock.

Until then…

Youtube Video

382 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:43:14pm

re: #354 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Michael Ironside. The poor producer’s Jack Nicholson.

383 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:43:34pm

re: #380 Varek Raith

True, though I still haven’t picked up NV.

Those words don’t seem to form a coherent sentence.

384 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:43:38pm

re: #378 darthstar

I’ll get into modern gaming as soon as I master rolling this hoop down the road while running along side it with a stick.

Careful with that

Thats my dinner!

385 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:44:26pm

re: #383 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Those words don’t seem to form a coherent sentence.

My entertainment budget was raided by real life.
:/

387 jeffm70  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:44:57pm

re: #370 sattv4u2

Maybe I missed something, but I’m not sure why you linked to a blog that talked about how taxes were going to go up for the middle class. Is this guy’s opinion on whether $250,000 is rich or middle-class definitive?

388 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:45:19pm

Since the gaming geeks are here….
Saints Row: The Third - Exclusive Gameplay trailer
Youtube Video
Open world, over the top GTA type game. Looks kinda fun.

389 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:45:29pm

re: #385 Varek Raith

My entertainment budget was raided by real life.
:/

WTF is that shit?

390 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:46:58pm

re: #372 Varek Raith

Yep.
My preferred gaming genre is going the way of the dodo. 4X games.
:(

I know, Civ V was a real disappointment. I got into Dwarf Fortress. Thing’s got ASCII text-based graphics, so you know it’s good.

391 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:47:03pm

re: #386 darthstar

Cool. I love it when ads do this. Charles should make them do this here as well…

I love when trying to play something on Pandora or Youtube and it just sits their because its waiting for the ad service to time out. Its one of my very favorite things.

392 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:47:07pm

re: #387 jeffm70

Maybe I missed something, but I’m not sure why you linked to a blog that talked about how taxes were going to go up for the middle class. Is this guy’s opinion on whether $250,000 is rich or middle-class definitive?

Aw, fuck…are we still talking about $250,000? It’s an arbitrary number that most (not all) Americans would associate with (still achievable) wealth. Had the speech been given in 1972, the number would have been $60,000…possibly even less than that.

393 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:47:35pm

re: #389 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

WTF is that shit?

It’s what prevents you from being found dead slumped over a console from play WoW or Dwarf Fortress without a break for too long.

394 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:48:00pm

re: #391 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

I love when trying to play something on Pandora or Youtube and it just sits their because its waiting for the ad service to time out. Its one of my very favorite things.

Okay, who set the fucking time-out to zero? (that never times out)

395 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:48:16pm

re: #373 Varek Raith

And RPGs are getting worse.
/RAGEWAR!

NO DON’T SAY THAT! Mass Effect 3 and Skyrim WILL be awesome. They just gotta be, man!!!!

396 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:48:35pm

re: #393 oaktree

It’s what prevents you from being found dead slumped over a console from play WoW or Dwarf Fortress without a break for too long.

I thought that was called a bathroom.

397 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:48:53pm

re: #390 Spocomptonite

I know, Civ V was a real disappointment. I got into Dwarf Fortress. Thing’s got ASCII text-based graphics, so you know it’s good.

Dwarf Fortress is epic win.

398 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:49:36pm

re: #395 Spocomptonite

NO DON’T SAY THAT! Mass Effect 3 and Skyrim WILL be awesome. They just gotta be, man!!!

Yeah, DA2 really soured my attitude towards RPGs lately.
:)

399 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:49:49pm

re: #390 Spocomptonite

I know, Civ V was a real disappointment. I got into Dwarf Fortress. Thing’s got ASCII text-based graphics, so you know it’s good.

Urist McPolitician promises sheep roast for all if he is elected mayor. And an increased militia budget to stomp the infidel goblins!

:D

400 Ojoe  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:49:54pm
and do something stupid, like preventing the nation from defaulting on its debts.

Yes, but borrowing money to pay debts is crazy in general.

I can see in a special case doing that if the change in interest rates was in your favor.

But we need to pay down the debt; we are creating a big rentier class, some of it offshore & that is no good, it erodes our freedom of action.

Throw out all the politicos.

401 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:50:39pm

re: #398 Varek Raith

Yeah, DA2 really soured my attitude towards RPGs lately.
:)

DA2 was the “Matrix: reloaded” of video games.

402 Achilles Tang  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:50:50pm

re: #197 Decatur Deb

Don’t see the relationship to taxes—the employee’s share is just a routine payroll deduction. It can be a tax exemption if the combined cost of the insurance and un-covered medical expenses make itemization useful. Kind of lost on the part that was sarc.

Sorry for the delay.

My sarc was simply on the prevailing GOP belief that anything not paid for by something called “tax” is inherently better, never mind the details, than something that is not.

403 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:51:35pm

re: #401 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

DA2 was the “Matrix: reloaded” of video games.

Played the demo for all of 5 minutes and said, WTF is this shit?!

404 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:52:02pm

re: #382 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

re: #387 jeffm70

{sigh}

Someone mentioned something about McCain setting a benchmark of 5 million )or some such figure) before being “rich”

I countered that Obamas “tax the rich” plan meant taxing those with combined income of 250K

(other reports had it at 200K , and yet another per Biden at 150K)

THEN , someone asked to show them where Obama said “rich” was 250K

I posted a number of links INCLUDING on in which Obama states the 250K (and 200K) figures

405 Achilles Tang  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:52:20pm

re: #400 Ojoe

Yes, but borrowing money to pay debts is crazy in general.

Not if you call it refinancing.

406 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:52:36pm

I was an avid Team Fortress 2 player for years. I eventually got bored and stopped playing. Yesterday they announced TF2 is now free. It could be annoying with lots of noobs who don’t know how to play but It could also be a lot of fun slaughtering masses of idiots. Maybe I’ll fire up tf2 tonight and see what happens.

407 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:52:50pm

re: #379 oaktree

Yep. I need to get an emulator since Stars! won’t run natively on Win7.
:(

OMG you play Stars! too?!?! I have NEVER met another person who even knows about it!!! What’s your racetype/strategy? Gotta admit, I was crushed when Mare Crisium/Empire Interactive stopped developing Stars! Supernova.

But then I discovered the X-series by Egosoft. I’ve put literally WEEKS into each game since X2 The Threat.

408 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:52:57pm

re: #264 lawhawk

BTW, that wasn’t the point of my comment - but since you’re making an issue of income, I’ll point out that the Census bureau data doesn’t exactly confirm your figures.

Indeed, for Nassau County, the median family income in 2009 inflation adjusted dollars is: $106,412.
For Monmouth County NJ, the figure is $100,974.
Morris County - $114,019.
Bergen County - $99,398
Somerset County (NJ) $113,873
Hunterdon County (NJ) - $119,989
Fairfield County (CT) - $100,179.

All those counties have median family incomes pushing or above $100k. As I said in the initial post, it is fairly easy to hit the target value of $179,400 net.

Interesting, how family income and household income differ. factfinder.census.gov
Nassau in this is $92,450 for the median.
Monmouth NJ is $82,013.

Still high, of course, somewhat showing your point - but lower nonetheless. That said, you didn’t get the other counties of New York City.
New York County (Manhattan) median household is $66,818.
Kings County (Brooklyn) $42,894.
Bronx County (The Bronx) $33,794.
Richmond County (Staten Island) $71,206.
Queens County (Queens) $54,870.

I’m going to repeat my digressive point. Over and over the conventional wisdom is that for people in New York City (and Chicago and a few other places) $250 isn’t really that rich because it’s typical for the household to bring in a six figure income - low hundreds, but six figures nonetheless.

The actual numbers say otherwise. Pick a few high-dollar sections and the conventional wisdom is true. Look at the whole and it’s false.

409 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:53:02pm

re: #392 darthstar

Aw, fuck…are we still talking about $250,000? It’s an arbitrary number that most (not all) Americans would associate with (still achievable) wealth. Had the speech been given in 1972, the number would have been $60,000…possibly even less than that.

1st year in college

I made a TOTAL of $1,500 !!

TOTAL

410 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:53:04pm

Fuck it…who wants to get their ass kicked…your move.

411 albusteve  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:53:46pm

more about Fast and Furious…
from the LATimes
latimes.com

“He is saying he won’t go,” said one source close to the situation, who asked for anonymity because high-level discussions with Melson remained fluid. “He has told them, ‘I’m not going to be the fall guy on this.’

412 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:54:09pm

re: #407 Spocomptonite

OMG you play Stars! too?!?! I have NEVER met another person who even knows about it!!! What’s your racetype/strategy? Gotta admit, I was crushed when Mare Crisium/Empire Interactive stopped developing Stars! Supernova.

But then I discovered the X-series by Egosoft. I’ve put literally WEEKS into each game since X2 The Threat.

“Entering system Argon Pr”
IS THAT A FREAKING TL IN FRONT OF THE GATE!?….BOOOM!
:)

414 Decatur Deb  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:55:13pm

re: #404 sattv4u2

re: #387 jeffm70

{sigh}

Someone mentioned something about McCain setting a benchmark of 5 million )or some such figure) before being “rich”

I countered that Obamas “tax the rich” plan meant taxing those with combined income of 250K

(other reports had it at 200K , and yet another per Biden at 150K)

THEN , someone asked to show them where Obama said “rich” was 250K

I posted a number of links INCLUDING on in which Obama states the 250K (and 200K) figures

“Rich” is more than I make. “Poor” is less than I make.

415 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:55:23pm

re: #413 darthstar

Never mind…I just managed to lose twice in one game. I suck at this!

Image: tictactoe2.png
There…now the suckage shows.

416 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:56:01pm

re: #407 Spocomptonite

OMG you play Stars! too?!?! I have NEVER met another person who even knows about it!!! What’s your racetype/strategy? Gotta admit, I was crushed when Mare Crisium/Empire Interactive stopped developing Stars! Supernova.

But then I discovered the X-series by Egosoft. I’ve put literally WEEKS into each game since X2 The Threat.

Was introduced to it by a friend who picked it up in England.

Prefer IT races, Hypergrowth oriented. Haven’t played an active multi-player games in a few years since a big 8 vs 8 team game challenge.

One of my other friends from the IRC channel was actually a Beta tester for Supernova. Lucky bastard.

417 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:56:04pm

I really think that “rich” depends on where you live.

My brother makes half of what he did before the move, but still lives in a luxury home with his wife not employed because of lower living expenses.

Of course, they’re not hopping up and down about where they live, but by taking the new job, my brother works normal hours. He sees his kids now, coaches their teams, eats dinner with them, etc.

418 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:56:17pm

re: #414 Decatur Deb

“Rich” is more than I make. “Poor” is less than I make.

“Idiot” drives slower then you do. “Moron” drives faster then you do.

419 Ojoe  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:56:24pm

This “tax the rich” meme is socially erosive & invites the mental transgression of “thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.”

& the super rich have, on their part, to think about “thou shalt nott steal.”

420 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:56:31pm

re: #414 Decatur Deb

“Rich” is more than I make. “Poor” is less than I make.

HAHAH

I still like Reagans line

A recession is when someone you know loses their job

A depression is when you lose YOUR job

A recovery will be when Pres Carter loses HIS job!

421 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:57:09pm

re: #409 sattv4u2

1st year in college

I made a TOTAL of $1,500 !!

TOTAL

Told you not to get high off your own supply.

422 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:57:24pm

re: #415 darthstar

Image: tictactoe2.png
There…now the suckage shows.

Here’s a more amusing waste of time.
megami.starcreator.com

423 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 1:59:49pm

re: #422 Varek Raith

Here’s a more amusing waste of time.
[Link: megami.starcreator.com…]

109.46m - how’s that for my third try? (6.3m, 9.4m, then I realized I was supposed to time for the word “release”)

424 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:01:16pm

re: #412 Varek Raith

“Entering system Argon Pr”
IS THAT A FREAKING TL IN FRONT OF THE GATE!?…BOOOM!
:)

So true. But one of the most satisfying moments in my gaming life was when I finally capped a Xenon LX, reverse-engineered it, built it, and flew it for the first time.
Or maybe it was when I took a Split Python decked out in Flak Artillery Arrays to a Xenon sector. Tough call.

425 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:02:06pm

re: #392 darthstar

Aw, fuck…are we still talking about $250,000? It’s an arbitrary number that most (not all) Americans would associate with (still achievable) wealth. Had the speech been given in 1972, the number would have been $60,000…possibly even less than that.

Bull. In 1970 the 95th percentile was $95,090. In 1973 it was $102,243. In 2006 that was $166,200.

The 250,000 line was in 2006 the top 1.5% of income earners.

426 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:03:19pm

re: #423 darthstar

109.46m - how’s that for my third try? (6.3m, 9.4m, then I realized I was supposed to time for the word “release”)

276.60m on my 2nd try. Going to quit now.

427 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:03:41pm

re: #425 kirkspencer

Single or joint?

428 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:04:01pm

re: #425 kirkspencer

Bull. In 1970 the 95th percentile was $95,090. In 1973 it was $102,243. In 2006 that was $166,200.

The 250,000 line was in 2006 the top 1.5% of income earners.

I figured someone would look it up…I know that the young asshole in the first season of Mad Men makes 3500 a year as a junior executive…

429 jeffm70  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:04:04pm

re: #404 sattv4u2

I saw another question, the one I thought you were answering, where somebody asked you to show them where Obama said the tax applied to gross income of $250,000 as opposed to taxable income of $250,000. Then you post a link to a blog that gave a far too vague example of how taxes would go up for the middle class. I guess it was supposed to demonstrate $250,000 wasn’t rich.

430 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:04:26pm

re: #426 oaktree

276.60m on my 2nd try. Going to quit now.

just did 555.4m That’s where I’m stopping.

431 Absalom, Absalom, Obdicut  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:04:31pm

re: #392 darthstar

The whole “250k ain’t rich in all areas” meme is bullshit.

I live in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I previously lived in San Francisco.

My wife and I, combined, make about 130K a year. We feel quite, quite well off. We get to eat out at fancy restaurants, buy ourselves nice new clothes and fancy mid-modern furniture, and rent a roomy one bedroom.

If we had 120K extra, gross? We’d be very, very well off. I don’t even know what we’d do with it.

432 BishopX  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:04:59pm

re: #423 darthstar

889.7 on my second. You can click on the special text….

433 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:05:31pm

re: #416 oaktree

Was introduced to it by a friend who picked it up in England.

Prefer IT races, Hypergrowth oriented. Haven’t played an active multi-player games in a few years since a big 8 vs 8 team game challenge.

One of my other friends from the IRC channel was actually a Beta tester for Supernova. Lucky bastard.

IT is nice, but I found Claim Adjusters, with narrowest habitability and total terraforming in a huge universe can be the craziest resource races, and live virtually anywhere at high Biotech levels.

As for your friend, there is none luckier. I would’ve given my left arm and maybe some ancillary organs to play that game.

434 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:06:02pm

re: #423 darthstar

109.46m - how’s that for my third try? (6.3m, 9.4m, then I realized I was supposed to time for the word “release”)

ummm…

eerrrrr

nevahmind!!

435 Stanghazi  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:06:30pm

re: #432 BishopX

889.7 on my second. You can click on the special text…

I suck.

436 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:06:46pm

re: #427 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Single or joint?


depends

inhale or not?

437 Amory Blaine  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:07:17pm

re: #388 Killgore Trout

I can’t get off of Bad Company 2 Vietnam.

438 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:07:32pm

re: #435 Stanley Sea

I suck.

You better hope nobody attaches that to your Twitter acct!!

//

439 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:08:20pm

re: #427 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Single or joint?

Household.

440 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:08:57pm

re: #433 Spocomptonite

IT is nice, but I found Claim Adjusters, with narrowest habitability and total terraforming in a huge universe can be the craziest resource races, and live virtually anywhere at high Biotech levels.

As for your friend, there is none luckier. I would’ve given my left arm and maybe some ancillary organs to play that game.

CA is crazy powerful economically. And you adjust for conditions. Since I mainly played in medium or small confines that favored HG over the long-run TT thing. And I just find IT having less micro-management issues since you can put cargo and colonists through the stargates (barring a lucky MT gift.)

On the flip side of the micro-management issue I have found SD fun to play in smaller galaxies as well.

441 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:09:16pm

re: #431 Obdicut

youcouldgiveittome.

442 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:09:57pm

re: #441 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

family back yet?

443 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:10:59pm

re: #431 Obdicut

The whole “250k ain’t rich in all areas” meme is bullshit.

I live in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I previously lived in San Francisco.

My wife and I, combined, make about 130K a year. We feel quite, quite well off. We get to eat out at fancy restaurants, buy ourselves nice new clothes and fancy mid-modern furniture, and rent a roomy one bedroom.

If we had 120K extra, gross? We’d be very, very well off. I don’t even know what we’d do with it.

Buy yourself a pet Congress-critter? I’m sure there’s a placement service out there for you to support a critter or two in desparate need.
//

444 BongCrodny  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:11:24pm

re: #425 kirkspencer

Bull. In 1970 the 95th percentile was $95,090. In 1973 it was $102,243. In 2006 that was $166,200.

The 250,000 line was in 2006 the top 1.5% of income earners.


If being in the top 1.5% doesn’t qualify as “rich,” that word has lost all meaning.

445 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:11:39pm

re: #442 sattv4u2

This morning. I had to leave for work before they got home. So, they’re home, but I’m not.

Going to my dads wedding (gasp!) tomorrow. Gonna be a great weekend.

446 sattv4u2  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:12:41pm

re: #445 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

This morning. I had to leave for work before they got home. So, they’re home, but I’m not.

Going to my dads wedding (gasp!) tomorrow. Gonna be a great weekend.

HUGE Congrats to FBV’s dad

447 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:13:21pm

re: #432 BishopX

889.7 on my second. You can click on the special text…

3039.70m - didn’t know about the special text…okay…enough of that game…time to go home….it’s Friday and the dogs didn’t get their beach run this morning.

448 Absalom, Absalom, Obdicut  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:13:37pm

re: #445 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

My friend Cindy, who’s 78, just got married to her boyfriend Jerry, who’s 75, last month. They’re honeymooning in Paris.

he courted her real nice, with flowers and fine liquor.

449 BishopX  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:13:39pm

re: #435 Stanley Sea

I suck.

It’s an age thing. When I went was in high school we would mess around with flash games in the computer lab, that one doesn’t really have any new mechanics.

450 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:15:01pm

re: #432 BishopX

889.7 on my second. You can click on the special text…

1630.62m

451 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:15:33pm

re: #428 darthstar

I figured someone would look it up…I know that the young asshole in the first season of Mad Men makes 3500 a year as a junior executive…

I couldn’t stand the show either time I tried to watch it. Still, that’s… In 1960 the national median was $5620. So he’s a junior executive earning $35,000 in today’s dollars. oooookay.

452 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:15:57pm

re: #448 Obdicut

And the “Niagra”.

(I forget the comedian)

453 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:17:35pm

re: #448 Obdicut

My friend Cindy, who’s 78, just got married to her boyfriend Jerry, who’s 75, last month. They’re honeymooning in Paris.

he courted her real nice, with flowers and fine liquor.

She turned 78 the other day. Dad turns 78 next year.

Your friend Cindy, and my dad’s fiance are COUGARS!

454 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:18:13pm

re: #440 oaktree

CA is crazy powerful economically. And you adjust for conditions. Since I mainly played in medium or small confines that favored HG over the long-run TT thing. And I just find IT having less micro-management issues since you can put cargo and colonists through the stargates (barring a lucky MT gift.)

On the flip side of the micro-management issue I have found SD fun to play in smaller galaxies as well.

I found I could make a resource monster with IT if I made the planet mining rates terrible and relied entirely on remote mining for minerals, but you just can’t beat the ease of expansion when you have a CA at Bio level 26 and total terraforming. It’s basically a HE with full immunity no matter what their original habitat zone was. Planets just stop being strategic at that point.

My favorite MT combinations was IT with the jump gate part, amazing for remote miners. And the Genesis device for the CA race. Run out of minerals in a planet, just build this thing and the planet is recharged. Never had to worry about the part where climate changed as well.

455 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:18:49pm

re: #450 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

1630.62m

6469.55

456 Kragar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:19:32pm

re: #455 Varek Raith

6469.55

over 9000.

457 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:20:50pm

re: #444 BongCrodny

If being in the top 1.5% doesn’t qualify as “rich,” that word has lost all meaning.

Well, it hasn’t lost the meaning if your income disparity is broad enough. Picture one of those nations, a banana republic, where all the wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few families. The families form a tenth of a percent or less of total population. They are rich. They are supported and supplied directly by between 1 and 2 percent of the nation’s population. Functionally, that group is middle class - upper middle class, but middle class which can afford everything they need but which can’t afford much in the way of luxuries. There are then often two more groups below that, the lower middle and the poor. The difference is that the lower middle has regular income. Can’t pay for everything they need, mind you, but at least there’s regular income.

I’d put a sarc tag and point to the US, but it’s beginning to feel like the sarc tag might be wrong.

458 makeitstop  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:23:26pm

re: #404 sattv4u2

re: #387 jeffm70

{sigh}

Someone mentioned something about McCain setting a benchmark of 5 million )or some such figure) before being “rich”

I countered that Obamas “tax the rich” plan meant taxing those with combined income of 250K

(other reports had it at 200K , and yet another per Biden at 150K)

THEN , someone asked to show them where Obama said “rich” was 250K

I posted a number of links INCLUDING on in which Obama states the 250K (and 200K) figures

Actually, you first equated $250K with being a ‘millionaire’ (albeit facetiously.

I think that’s why you got called out on it. Could be wrong, though.

459 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:23:32pm

re: #411 albusteve

more about Fast and Furious…
from the LATimes
[Link: www.latimes.com…]

“He is saying he won’t go,” said one source close to the situation, who asked for anonymity because high-level discussions with Melson remained fluid. “He has told them, ‘I’m not going to be the fall guy on this.’

Good work!

461 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:24:52pm

I’m sorry, I have to go even more OT.

Earlier several people pointed out that the House voted against authorizing the Libya action. I just found out that in a followon vote, they did NOT vote to defund it. So:

You can’t do that, but we will keep paying for it anyway.

462 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:26:09pm

Anyone here get Morrowind to work on Windows 7 x64?
I can’t even get it to install.

463 darthstar  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:27:04pm

re: #461 kirkspencer

I’m sorry, I have to go even more OT.

Earlier several people pointed out that the House voted against authorizing the Libya action. I just found out that in a followon vote, they did NOT vote to defund it. So:

You can’t do that, but we will keep paying for it anyway.

One is “seen as” a vote against the President (quotes intended) while the other is “seen as” a vote for the troops. Voting against funding is voting against the troops. Voting against President Obama is just fucking with the n***** (yes, I know, the filter will catch that word).

464 blueraven  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:27:40pm

re: #429 jeffm70

I saw another question, the one I thought you were answering, where somebody asked you to show them where Obama said the tax applied to gross income of $250,000 as opposed to taxable income of $250,000. Then you post a link to a blog that gave a far too vague example of how taxes would go up for the middle class. I guess it was supposed to demonstrate $250,000 wasn’t rich.

It is adjusted gross income over 250K per family, 200K single, which as you know, accounts for any real estate, capital gains or losses, business expenses etc…

465 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:28:19pm

re: #379 oaktree

Yep. I need to get an emulator since Stars! won’t run natively on Win7.
:(

btw, I have heard one can use DOSBox as a 16-bit windows emulator. It requires installing windows 3.1 or whatever inside of DOSBox for an OS equivalent of retro-Inception. I just need to find a copy of Windows 3.1. I also want to play SimTower again, but it too is 16-bit.

466 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:31:56pm

re: #465 Spocomptonite

btw, I have heard one can use DOSBox as a 16-bit windows emulator. It requires installing windows 3.1 or whatever inside of DOSBox for an OS equivalent of retro-Inception. I just need to find a copy of Windows 3.1. I also want to play SimTower again, but it too is 16-bit.



Hmm, there is this.

467 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:32:05pm

re: #462 Varek Raith

Anyone here get Morrowind to work on Windows 7 x64?
I can’t even get it to install.

Microsoft should create a version of its OS called Windows 7 Retro-Gaming edition that can run via emulation any game that ran on any other version of windows. I’d buy that in a heartbeat.

468 Spocomptonite  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:33:14pm

re: #466 Varek Raith

I have Yoot’s Tower. It’s not the same, as in it’s more a complex game instead of the simple toy that Simtower was.

469 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:33:45pm

re: #467 Spocomptonite

Microsoft should create a version of its OS called Windows 7 Retro-Gaming edition that can run via emulation any game that ran on any other version of windows. I’d buy that in a heartbeat.

Gah. Given the work I have to do every couple of years so my wife can play Civ I, I agree.

470 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:34:55pm

re: #467 Spocomptonite

Microsoft should create a version of its OS called Windows 7 Retro-Gaming edition that can run via emulation any game that ran on any other version of windows. I’d buy that in a heartbeat.

Ditto.

471 makeitstop  Fri, Jun 24, 2011 2:48:06pm

re: #468 Spocomptonite

I have Yoot’s Tower. It’s not the same, as in it’s more a complex game instead of the simple toy that Simtower was.

What’s a Yoot?

472 RogueOne  Sat, Jun 25, 2011 3:21:11am

re: #90 Killgore Trout

The Dem proposal was to keep the cuts for middle and lower income earners but I suppose you already knew that.

Raising taxes on the only the top tax bracket does nothing to close the gap but I suppose they already know that.

473 RogueOne  Sat, Jun 25, 2011 3:33:22am

re: #102 Spocomptonite

We don’t have a debt problem anymore than someone with a home mortgage has a debt problem. There’s a big difference between ‘debt’ and ‘debt problem’. Compared to other developed countries, is our debt insurmountably high? No. Other countries (Japan and several in Europe) have higher debts than us in terms of GDP, so it certainly isn’t a ‘problem’. Compared to other countries, are our taxes really high? No, many in Europe have much higher taxes and comparably healthy economies, so we could always raise some segments of our taxes without damaging our economy to reduce the debt if it was a ‘problem’.

Just like the person with a mortgage, having a national debt isn’t a problem. Not paying your debt, now THAT is a problem. Why should we make our debt into a problem when it isn’t a problem to begin with? This is what I don’t understand about so-called fiscal conservatives who threaten to not raise the debt ceiling.

I don’t think you’re fully understanding the depth of the problem. According to Geithner by 2015 just our interest payments on the debt will almost triple to $554 billion a year. Within 20 years it will cost us almost 1/3 of our GDP just to pay the interest on our debt. How are we supposed to follow through with all the promises to SS/Medicaid/Medicare when we take that much money out of our economy?

474 Gus  Sat, Jun 25, 2011 7:49:54am

re: #20 RogueOne

Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. They’re shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of peoples children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership.

Without a serious plan of how we’re going to dig ourselves out they should vote no. At our current spending rates we’ll be bumping up against the debt ceiling again within a couple of years.

“The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. … Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that ‘the buck stops here.’ Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem.”

Senator Barack Obama - 2006

Source


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The Pandemic Cost 7 Million Lives, but Talks to Prevent a Repeat Stall In late 2021, as the world reeled from the arrival of the highly contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus, representatives of almost 200 countries met - some online, some in-person in Geneva - hoping to forestall a future worldwide ...
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