Saturday’s protest: Fed up with deficits or Democrats?
In comments on this site, jconservative raises good points. He says,
The public sat by & watched Bush 43 double the deficit & did not raise a peep. Now they are up in arms, & rightly so. It is everything coming to a head in the past year. It started in Oct 2008 with the bailing out of Wall Street – and Wall Street as always been a “them”.
Billions of taxpayer money to bail out people getting millions in bonuses. The financial crash & the 401K’s becoming 101K’s, & dreams of retirement out the door. The real estate market in total collapse & millions of people upside down on their home mortgages. People now feel that they were lied to on Iraq and a bad idea became a worse plan in the execution. Now Afghanistan has fallen apart & people are thinking maybe we should have stayed out in the first place.
But I doubt that the tens of thousands who marched on Washington on Saturday would have been there if John McCain had been elected and the deficit was the same. I can’t believe those conservatives/libertarians would have mounted the same demonstration against a Republican president.
Are they aware that the largest two-year tax cut in U.S. history — $282 billion — was enacted as part of Obama’s stimulus package.
And consider this, from a commenter who responded to Bruce Bartlett’s recent column in Forbes:
The last Republican who left the office of the presidency with the federal public debt as a percentage of GDP less than when he entered was Richard Nixon (FY 1975). The last Republican who left the office of the presidency with a federal deficit less than 2.7% of GDP was Dwight Eisenhower (FY 1961).
Since WW II no Democratic president has ever left office with the federal public debt as a percentage of GDP more than when he entered. And since WW II no Democratic president has ever left office with a federal deficit more than 2.6% of GDP.
We already have at least one party of fiscal responsibility. It’s called the Democratic Party.
Perhaps it’s too much to ask for, but I’m looking for a little philosophical consistency. I expect people to support the same policies — no matter who proposes them — and oppose the same policies — no matter who proposes them.
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75 comments Add your comment
I Report/ Vast White Wing Conspirator (-: You Whine )-:
September 14th, 2009
3:12 pm
Are they aware that the largest two-year tax cut in U.S. history — $282 billion — was enacted as part of Obama’s stimulus package.
Are YOU aware the deficit is projected to skyrocket under Obozo’s watch?
bob
September 14th, 2009
3:18 pm
you mean people got tax cuts while the debt was increasing ? You mean tax credits for losers ?
El Jefe
September 14th, 2009
3:39 pm
When will the lefties understand. We are upset with BIG government – either party.
Every time the feds stick their finger into anything – it gets screwed up.
Medicare drug plan – what a mess.
Tarp – why not let the weak fail?
Stimulus – It still hasn’t worked – but after spending 10%, the Administration is claiming success.
Healthcare – no way
Cap and trade – a regessive tax on everyone
Amnesty of illegals – again, why reward law breakers.
Going soft on Iran and hard on Israel – totally backwards
Turn your back on Eastern Europe and cozy up to Putin – What!
Lets return to our roots and the Constitution.
Here in Article I, Sec 8 we have the duties of Congress
Section. 8.
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
The general welfare clause describes what the job of Congress is, sort of a brief overview – the following is what makes up Congresses duties and powers.
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
(only too well and too much)
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;
To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
(seems that this is a hot bed of controversy, Congress did set down laws but refuses to enforce them)
To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;
(oops sorry, that belongs to the FED. Wonder if anyone looked up who’s job it is?)
To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;
To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;
To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;
(another oops, some think this belongs to the Justice department)
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
(This might make a difference if Congress would issue Letters of Marque)
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
To provide and maintain a Navy;
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
(seems Congress gave this one up to the UN and the world court)
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
(another one ignored)
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;–And
(oops again, wonder how much, in current dollars, land the US “owns” outside what is granted?)
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.
The closing clause of Sec 8, grants the Congress the power to fund the require duties of Congress.
Where, oh where have we gone so far wrong?
Scott
September 14th, 2009
3:51 pm
Hillary Clinton, during the Bush administration, said, “I’m sick and tired of people who say that if you debate and you disagree with this administration, somehow you’re not patriotic.” Also, “We should stand up and say we are Americans and we have a right to debate and disagree with any administration.”
And yet when conservatives “debate and disagree” with the Obama administration, somehow we’re racist, somehow we’re traitors, somehow we’re un-American. Ms. Tucker, not too long ago on “Hardball,” you said that anywhere from 45 to 65 percent of town hall protestors were only angry because a black man is in the White House.
In 2006, Nancy Pelosi told anti-war protestors that she was a fan of “shouters and disrupters.” But when those “shouters and disrupters” are conservatives, she changes her tune and says that shouting and disrupting is “un-American.”
Harry Reid once called President Bush a “loser”; Nancy Pelosi said the CIA lied to her; John Murtha said that American soldiers killed people “in cold blood.” And now the Democrats are outraged that Joe Wilson called Obama a liar.
If you want to blame people for hypocrisy, Ms. Tucker, you might start with your own party. Instead, you try to accuse conservatives of philosophic inconsistency–on the mere SUPPOSITION that we would not be protesting if John McCain were president.
Next time, stick with the facts, and not with supposition.
jconservative
September 14th, 2009
3:56 pm
El Jefe September 14th, 2009 3:39 pm
“When will the lefties understand. We are upset with BIG government – either party.”
May I re- phrase your question? You say “when will the lefties understand…” I would re-write the question as follows:
When will the Republicans & Democrats understand, we are upset with big government?
I say Republicans & Democrats because both are equally guilty of promoting & establishing BIG government. And if the voters continue to re-elect the same people old tired Incumbents you will have the same problem 20 years from now that you have today.
jaybo
September 14th, 2009
3:59 pm
jconservative’s opinion notwithstanding, the philosphical consistency is apparent to anyone who actually wants to look for it, cynthia. there were plenty of conservatives who were irritated at bush’s spending. look no further than the unfunded liabilities associated with medicare and social security and know that any conclusion that the democratic party is one of fiscal conservatism is laughable.
you misunderstand the resistance to obama’s agenda if you think this is purely about dollars and cents; it’s not. people are protesting because of the rapid expansion of power and scope of the executive branch of the federal government. people are protesting the three dozen or so czars running around washington with unclear mandates, agendas and credentials. people are upset at the ever-increasing role that government has in their lives. i see a nascent movement of anti-federalism brewing where the people simply want the federal government to provide only the most basic functions, and then go away.
and let’s also not mistakenly conclude that this anger is solely directed at obama. personally, i see a lot of anger towards politicians of all stripes. there was a time when serving in an elected office carried a duty of real public service. i don’t think the average american believes most politicians are in it for anybody but themselves. i think most people see through the lying from both political parties, and are frustrated by their lack of true representation. IMO, we the people think our government is hopelessly corrupted by special interests.
that is why people protest, cynthia. and maybe when the politicians again fear the people more than they fear special interest, much of the protesting, yelling and screaming will subside.
jconservative
September 14th, 2009
4:01 pm
I Report
I agree with the pending deficit – a $282 billlion tax cut today equals a $282 billion deficit tomorrow. Reagan proved that.
No one cuts anything.
Stip
September 14th, 2009
4:16 pm
The issue is not that people are upset about the out of control spending – they are, including me. The issue is that there were no “tea parties” during the deficit run-up of Bush’s term. Where was your outrage then? The current right-wingers are the most hypocritical crowd in the history of this country. Good ole tea-boy Hannity had the nerve to ask Bob Dole in an interview once if those who disagreed with Bush’s policies were guilty of treason because their vocal disagreement was giving aid and comfort to the enemy. So don’t give me this crap about the liberals are calling others unpatriotic. If they are, they are just stealing a page from the right-wing handbook. Both sides are a bunch of power hungry money grubbers who could care less for people. As Mr. Gump put so eloquently, “stupid is as stupid does.” Pretty much describes Repubs and Dems to a T.
jconservative
September 14th, 2009
4:17 pm
jaybo
“… i don’t think the average american believes most politicians are in it for anybody but themselves.”
But they keep electing the same people over & over.
———–
Cynthia,
I agree there are a lot of protesters who would not protest McCain, or did not protest Bush 43. They have other reasons. And, lets get some honesty into the discussion, one of the reasons is skin color. And some believe a Republican can do no wrong even though they know he did something wrong. But there are a lot of people just frustrated & fed up. I talk to them every week. Unfortunately, they keep voting for the same people over & over.
Scott
September 14th, 2009
4:33 pm
Conservatives find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to who they actually vote for–a choice between dumb and dumber, or the lesser of two evils. Many Republicans are horrible, but the Democrat candidate is no better and may be worse. And to vote third party is tantamount to voting for the Democrat, in that it takes a vote away from the Republican. The only other choice is not to vote at all, but in my view you lose your moral right to protest if you don’t vote (not your Constitutional right, mind you, just your moral right).
Fact is, a lot of the things Bush did, or did not do, ought to have been protested more vigorously. TARP originated with Bush; and Bush failed to secure the borders. And McCain is not a conservative Republican, but a liberal Republican. Many were the people who held their nose and voted for McCain; or, like me, they closed one eye and stared at Sarah Palin’s name with the other while casting their vote.
The only thing I can think of for the lack of protests during Bush’s term was that conservatives are not protestors by nature–most of the people who are at these tea parties have never protested before in their lives. We have jobs; we have families; we’re busy. Eventually, though, the last straw does come, if one administration after another keeps piling them on.
And the people at these tea parties are upset with both parties. I’ve listened to people calling into talk radio who are livid at their encounters with Republicans. George Voinovich in Ohio has been a target of ire; so has Mike Castle in Delaware. But, as I said, the “pox on both their houses” attitude is not really effective in a two-party system because third-party voting historically favors Democrats. Ultimately, the Republican party has to be reformed.
But these protestors are upset with just about everybody right now.
Michael H. Smith
September 14th, 2009
4:35 pm
Did you mean may of had a party of fiscal responsibility? The verdict is still out on Obama and your present Democrats, Comrade Cynthia.
Like Obama said, don’t talk too loud.
The echo may come back to haunt you and the rest of us.
Michael H. Smith
September 14th, 2009
4:46 pm
jconservative
September 14th, 2009
3:56 pm
Well said, jconservative. Corruption, Big Government and Big Government control. Both parties are guilty as charged by “We the Real People” (not the media or politicians) who have spoken and said ENOUGH!
Roger
September 14th, 2009
5:08 pm
I had been wondering how Ms. Tucker won the Pulitzer Prize. This is all i could find.
Cynthia Tucker
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Cynthia Tucker (born 1955 in Monroeville, Alabama) is an American syndicated columnist, and the editor of the opinion section of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She was recognized with a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 2007 “for her courageous, clear-headed columns that evince a strong sense of morality and persuasive knowledge of the community”; she was a Pulitzer-nominated finalist in 2004 and 2006.
jt
September 14th, 2009
6:00 pm
Clear thinking intelligent individuals have been protesting and fighting against centralized authority in the U.S. for 230 years.
Get a clue.
number1ninja
September 14th, 2009
6:29 pm
Fiscal responsibilty is a joke. It’s side A’s pet projects vs. side B’s pet projects.
@@
September 14th, 2009
7:13 pm
Gee, I think the phrase “Spending like drunken sailors” was used by conservatives during the Bush administration. What I find disconcerting, is the media’s continued support of all things Obama. My gawd, if we can’t trust the media to tell us what’s up, WHO can we trust? Although I only catch Beck in guest appearances, he’s pretty much down on both parties.
Just so you know, I was opposed to Bush’s TARP and said as much at Wooten’s.
C K Hall
September 14th, 2009
8:54 pm
Can you say you are insinuating Racism from all these thousands of ordinary Americans? Give us a break–Anyone who differs with Czar regime Obama must be a racist!No it is simply a copout that you and your Far lefters use to explain away poor policy from an on the job training President.
Public Option Now.
September 14th, 2009
8:55 pm
No surprise here. New England Journal of Medicine posted a survey on line today ahead of its publication date where 73% of doctors polled want the public option, and a large percentage of them want single payer.
So I’m guessing those 60,000 people on the Mall Saturday who were regaled with “ah wants mah country back from the black man and thet black family in da white hayouse” from dimwits Marcia Blackburn and Jim DeMint aren’t readers of the New England Journal of Medicine.
The New England Journal of Medicine Poll and article are here:
Doctors on Coverage — Physicians’ Views on a New Public Insurance Option and Medicare Expansion 73% Favor Public Option NEJM September 14, 2009
John Galt Jr.
September 14th, 2009
8:58 pm
A conservative is not necessarily a Republican or Democrat, but a conservative is always a conservative. I would indite both parties for being liberal spenders. This is more evidence this two party war is ludicrous. Time for a change from this two party system.
Public Option, NEVER
September 14th, 2009
9:15 pm
Is there a difference? Dems = Tax and SPEND.
Please, don’t bring up George Bush, he’s NOT a conservative, and never met a spending bill he didn’t like, but wars cost money, and where were the dems on fiscal responsibility? I never heard a word of protest when Bush was spending.
BTW cynthia, I’m still waiting on your ACORN post. I thought not.
Dr. R
September 14th, 2009
9:19 pm
Didn’t raise a peep? I can’t speak for everyone but there’s a reason the GOP lost Congress in 2004 and why Bush’s approval numbers dropped to 25 percent before he left office. If a quarter of the population supported him, that means only about half of Republicans. And many conservative voters turned against the GOP big spenders in Congressional races. I’d say many of the folks who are protesting deficits and government spending are among those who got fed up with the party that didn’t give them what they expected. Cynthia, you need to quit treating all conservatives as if they think and vote as a monolith with no nuance or differences. You’re locked in on a stereotype and painting with too broad of a brush. How ironic.
Kamchak
September 14th, 2009
9:24 pm
Gee, I think the phrase “Spending like drunken sailors” was used by conservatives during the Bush administration.
hahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Let’s see Dick Cheney said deficits don’t matter and this how Irwin Stelzer of The Weekly Standard responds on 2/15/2005—just before our current meltdown
The deficits that Bush ran up in the years in which the country was teetering on the verge of a serious recession had the beneficial effect of righting the economy. In that sense, deficits not only didn’t matter, but were a force for economic good.
Mr. Stelzer continues with:
The housing market remains strong; the unemployment rate is a low 5.2 percent; over two million new jobs have been created in the past year; the service sector is growing; inflation is low, as are long term interest rates; and U.S. companies are increasingly optimistic, “bolstered by unprecedented cash flows.” according to Goldman Sachs. The budget deficit may be larger than we would like, and Dick Cheney may have been overstating things a bit, but so far it’s hard to say that his view of budget deficits is clearly wrong.
And what is Mr. Stelzer’s of The Weekly Standard conclusions?
In short, all may not be for the best in a best of all worlds, but almost everything seems to be—unless you are a euroland exporter caught between a falling dollar, China’s refusal to allow the Renimbi to rise, and the appalling regulatory and tax environment in much of Europe.
Cutty
September 14th, 2009
9:52 pm
P.O., Never- You’re joking right. If the democrats weren’t protesting Bush’s tax cuts, then please explain why the 2001 cuts had to be passed through reconciliation. Look it up man.
Dave
September 14th, 2009
9:58 pm
Every time I turn around, someone’s making excuses. I accept your point, but it really doesn’t matter going forward. We can’t sustain a $9 trillion dollar deficit, Cynthia.
Dave
September 14th, 2009
10:02 pm
Public Option Now, Only a third of all practicing physicians are members of the AMA-the source of that study you reference with that b.s. attitude. Why don’t you just accept that some have valid concerns and work to address them?
Public Option, NEVER
September 14th, 2009
10:12 pm
Cutty, cut back on the sauce, I DIDN’T say TAX CUTS, I said SPENDING! Re-read it. In typical Liberal fashion, see what you want to see.
Kamchak
September 14th, 2009
10:31 pm
More conservative voices on deficit spending:
From Brian Wesbury of The American Spectator
I can’t believe that I am writing about deficits again. The Bush administration’s $520 billion deficit forecast for this year doesn’t bother me, but the deficit phobia and media outcry is getting tiresome. I thought this had been resolved and agree with Vice President Dick Cheney who reportedly told Paul O’Neill, “Reagan proved that deficits don’t matter.” He was right.
Kamchak
September 14th, 2009
10:34 pm
Oops.
Tall
September 14th, 2009
11:03 pm
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Domestic fiscal spending is determined by Congress under Section 1, Article 8 of the Constitution. The President can veto spending bills or propose them, but ultimately Congress has the checkbook. If the sitting president is fortunate to have a majority of his political party in Congress, then you know what happens. Like Public Option says….they can cut back on Spending…
Tall
September 14th, 2009
11:10 pm
Kamchak:
Wow aren’t you slick quoting Brian Wesbury. He’s also the Chief Economist at First Trust Advisors. Too bullish sometimes, but very astute. Check out their website.
Kamchak
September 14th, 2009
11:48 pm
Tall
Too bullish sometimes? You’re being too kind. I believe he called this a little too soon.
Kamchak
September 14th, 2009
11:57 pm
That should have been a link to Wesbury’s 5/14/2007 commentary advocating that the economic rebound is already underway.
Kamchak
September 15th, 2009
12:07 am
Maybe here
Madison
September 15th, 2009
12:59 am
Cynthia, You and your ilk have won. The country will be what you want, free health care, no immigration laws, a wonderful world for those that don’t care to work, enjoy but who will pay the bills?
Russell Aldred
September 15th, 2009
2:20 am
Have you ever noticed all the comments to you are negative? There IS a reason why……
Call it Like It Is
September 15th, 2009
3:23 am
Yes, we are all tired of the Socialist Racist of Barry!
This guy has done nothing but BLAME AMERICA!
DEMS lose in the next election.
Enough Said!
JOHNODDOWL
September 15th, 2009
3:25 am
Last November the Democrats WON the election by a landslide, because “We the People” wanted change. The voters rejected the Republicans because they’re the ones who screwed up the country. Now we Democrats are going to implement every items in our agenda. The naive, ignorant stupid, big house middle class tea baggers who vote republican can bitch and moan, bitch and moan, whine, whine,whine to your heart content. We the People don’t give a damn because you clowns voted the Republicans into office who promptly destroyed the economy and burden down Americans with an $11 trillion dollars debt and a $750 billion dollars a year deficit. So you little bottom feeding sore LOSERS can crawl back underneath the rock from where you came and stay there for the next 50 or 60 years because thats how long we Democrats will maintain control of both houses of congress and the Presidency. You haven’t seen anything yet. Wait until we Democrats force those extreme, right wing, assorted facist, Nazies, Klan members and that uncle tom, Clarence Thomas off the Supreme Court and replace them with moderate, fair and balanced Democrats. President Bill Clinton led the real Americans,(ie Democrats)across that bridge into the 21st century back in the 1990’s, now President Barack Hussien Obama will build that shiny new city upon the hill called HOPE. The foundation of this city will be built on solid rock, the way his Ancestors builted them in ancient time. DEMOCRATS RULE BABY. If it becomes necessary, we Democrats will not hesitate to Federalize the rebellious Southern States that are controlled by Confederate Republicans and order the elected officials to step aside and the law enforcement agencies to stand down. If there is any resistants, the Democrat controlled Federal Government will use M-1-A-1 Abram tanks to run rough shod over you recalcitrant, anti American Republican scoundrels. America is out of kilter, The enemies of America have destroyed the equilibrium. MAAT (order) must be restored before we can achieve balance.
Tom Hardman
September 15th, 2009
3:50 am
Such politically slanted editorialists are are reason the AJC is shrinking.
Constructive Feedback
September 15th, 2009
4:56 am
CYNTHIA TUCKER:
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ANTI-BUSH-WAR PROTESTERS?????
There are still 2 wars going on right now. We recently had the most deadly month for US soldiers. No protesters.
Maybe the Right-wingers were scared to go to the National Mall during Bush while the Left-wingers were in place protesting against Bush?
Dave
September 15th, 2009
5:31 am
For many years Republican administrations told us deficits don’t matter not a peep from Republican voters. Bush doubled the deficits again not a peep from Republican voters. Bush told us Medicare and Social security would break us. Then Bush passes the third leg to what would now be called a socialist program the drug benefit program for seniors with a ban against any cost controls again Republican voters kept quiet. It is time to admit it Republicans just will always rage against a Democratic president and the rage will be double when it is a black one for the heart of the Republican party the deep south. Why didn’t deficits matter to you before when it has been so evident for years why not yell in town meetings against deficits or the senior prescription drug benefit?.Hypocrites.
mike
September 15th, 2009
6:42 am
“Perhaps it’s too much to ask for, but I’m looking for a little philosophical consistency.”
No kidding Cynthia. We’ve been looking for the same from you for decades now.
For example, did you ever question how many liberals were protesting the Iraq War for partisan reasons? Of course not, as your are an utter hypocrite.
jt
September 15th, 2009
6:52 am
As the Insurance Salesman in Chief campaigns.
Ending September 13.
RIP.
Army 2LT Darryn D Andrews, 34, of Dallas, TX
Army SGT Randy M Haney, 27, of Orlando, FL
Army SSG Michael C Murphrey, 25, of Snyder, TX
Air Force 1st Lt Joseph D Helton, 24, of Monroe, GA
Marine Capt Joshua S Meadows, 30, of Bastrop, TX
Army SSG Shannon M Smith, 31, of Marion, OH
Army PFC Thomas F Lyons, 20, of Fernley, NV
Army PFC Zachary T Myers, 21, of Delaware, OH
Marine LCpl Christopher S Fowlkes, 20, of Gaffney, SC
Army 1LT Tyler E Parten, 24, of Arkansas
Joey
September 15th, 2009
7:21 am
If the Stimulus Package gave the largest tax cut in history, then Philosophical Consistancy would have require you to loudly and frequently object to said tax cut.
You are wrong about protesting if McCain was overseeing the same economy that the Obama Administration is directing. There would be protest.
But the Network News coverage would all have been supportive and positive. As would coverage from other elements of the Left Wing of our News Media, (AJC).
ken
September 15th, 2009
7:24 am
Being new to Georgia, I thought the writers in Michigan were bad, until I started reading Cynthias articles and realize they are just as bad here. If Obama has given us a tax cut I sure haven’t seen it yet, but under Bush I got two checks from tax cuts, where is my check Cynthia?
There is an old saying ” if you can’t deal with the heat get out of the kitchen”
Normal
September 15th, 2009
7:26 am
Constructive Feedback
September 15th, 2009
4:56 am
I do all I can. Every day I email the White House site and the Democrat Party site, telling them to bring our troops home. A promise was made and has not been kept. I also say the same thing on Bookmans blog. MR. PRESIDENT, BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW!
Normal
September 15th, 2009
7:29 am
Cynthia, I can’t put up the Democrat Party or White House sites on your blog!!?? What kind of cr*p is that?
Wyld Byll Hyltnyr
September 15th, 2009
7:32 am
CT has reached new heights of absurdity as failing to find a way to blame President Bush for Obama’s problems, she now blames Americans because they don’t blame President Bush as much as they do Obama.
Two simple things she has not considered, incompetence knows no party and Obama is horribly incompetent. The only thing he has going for him is that the TARP program that Paulson created pulled the financial infrastructure back from the brink thus providing a framework for recovery. Also, Oabam set the expectations for himself, he is the one who said unemployement would peak at 8%, he is the one who said he could reach across the aisle, he is the one who said he could rally world leaders – and he has failed on all accounts – MISERABLY.
Sluggo
September 15th, 2009
7:44 am
Cynthia,
Do you mean the ire that was practically not covered at all by the mainstream media. That ire?
More and more we hear more about the truth in the comments to editorials than we do in the news.
TnGelding
September 15th, 2009
8:21 am
I Report/ Vast White Wing Conspirator (-: You Whine )-:
September 14th, 2009
3:12 pm
It will this year, and then steadily decrease until he closes the huge gaps created by the previous administration; over a trillion dollars without the Obama stimulus spending, which was badly needed since people like you are trying to undermine the economy.
TnGelding
September 15th, 2009
8:26 am
It’s not just a protest against Democrats, it’s THAT Democrat. Many conservatives say he has adopted Bush policies, but they still oppose him.
It ain’t a good idea unless they propose it.
TnGelding
September 15th, 2009
8:29 am
bob
September 14th, 2009
3:18 pm
It was in response to the recession. Businesses and consumers weren’t spending, the government tried to partially fill the void.
Call it Like It Is
September 15th, 2009
8:34 am
Hey JOHNODDOWL,
WTF?
You are a MORON! This country is in worse shape now that with Bush which by the way is not a Socialist or a Racist!
The great change America needs. Give us all a F break!
Enough Said!
Swami Dave
September 15th, 2009
8:41 am
“Are they aware that the largest two-year tax cut in U.S. history — $282 billion — was enacted as part of Obama’s stimulus package.”
Sorry, Cynthia, that dog won’t hunt! You cannot give income tax cuts to people who do not pay income taxes. For most of the beneficiaries of that transfer, it was welfare financed by the continued confiscation of earnings and wealth from America’s acheivers and producers.
A real tax -cut- would have actually been cutting the income taxes of those who actually -pay- them. Since you probably need the information and education, half of the income taxes that are collected are paid by the top 5-10% of wage earners; therefore, the lions share of any cut in taxes should have been targeted directly at paid them.
Of course, liberals dishonestly characterizing welfare as “tax cuts” to continue their scheming advance of collectivism is sadly – no surprise.
Truth, history, and common sense refute liberalism. Freedom and opportunity works every time it is tried; it works when YOU do!
-SD
John Ellison
September 15th, 2009
8:42 am
“Perhaps it’s too much to ask for, but I’m looking for a little philosophical consistency. I expect people to support the same policies — no matter who proposes them — and oppose the same policies — no matter who proposes them.”
Cynthia, when was the last time you practiced what you’re preaching?
Swami Dave
September 15th, 2009
8:48 am
TnGelding:
Sorry, Tn, facts simply discount your contention. Any reasonable reading by someone not looking to find mischaracterized “examples” of racism disproves the spin of “It’s about him…..or It’s because of his race”.
There is a proportional amount of challenge and opposition to Pelosi, Reid, Fwank, Geitner, Rangel, and the rest of the liberal regime driving our government toward greater dependence and greater control.
Maybe if they quit being liars and thieves, they would not longer be called or treated like them.
-SD
Richard Nixon
September 15th, 2009
8:48 am
The only crime I ever committed was getting caught. It was that wimpy little girly man, John Dean, that initially spilled the beans.
PS…I am not a crook.
Caveman
September 15th, 2009
8:52 am
I wonder if the Connies got their panties in a wad when Ronnie Reagan started appointing Czars? Or when he tripled the deficit? Or turned tail and fled from Beirut?
And actually the economy and stock market are doing better than they were when Bushy left office. It just takes time to clean up a train wreck. Hell, the economy was still bad during Reagans THIRD year in office. But Obama is suppose to flick a switch and fix everything? What a bunch of mentally challenged loseers.
lovelyliz
September 15th, 2009
8:54 am
People who suffered a fiscal blackout from 2000-2008 have every right to complain about the present administration’s spending but they have ZERO crdibility when they do so.
TnGelding
September 15th, 2009
9:05 am
Swami Dave
September 15th, 2009
8:48 am
That might not be true with you, but with many it is the predominant factor. There’s a logical reason for the spending increases. There was none for the tax cuts, just as we were in a position to reduce debt and reform entitlements. Now the reform will be out of dire necessity.
True Colors
September 15th, 2009
9:06 am
The same conservatives who are bellyaching now did nothing and said nothing under Bush who violated the constitution when he waged a war based on lies and too many young lives were lost. I notice the biggest protestors against this administration’s policies are old white men acting badly. None of them lost their lives under Bush–only their money. Hell the man left us in a unprecedented fiscal position. Did any one of them cry about that?
fitzgerald
September 15th, 2009
9:09 am
No wonder you are surviving AJC job cuts. Everything that you write brings out the best (or worst) from people that are deeply involved with the politics of our country. Try this…….write an article about fiscal responsibility for everyone. Including you, stop the blame game and say the buck stops with the current administration and it is time to get our country back on the tracks.
fitzgerald
September 15th, 2009
9:12 am
If Ms. Rice, Mr. Watts or any other conservative black would now be President, would you support them as much as you support Obama? Or would you slam them as much as you do Bush or any other person that is on the other side of your political ideas?
DAVID
September 15th, 2009
9:14 am
Neither Ms Tucker …or the AJC gets it….Totally disconnected from reality/
Jon but not Jon Voight
September 15th, 2009
9:19 am
Is totally aimed at the Democrats. They could care less about government spending. It’s where the spending is directed.
What They Are Saying: 09.15.09 | AnnotatedOpinions.com
September 15th, 2009
9:22 am
[...] Saturday’s protest: Fed up with deficits or Democrats? [Atlanta Journal-Constitution] [...]
Harry
September 15th, 2009
9:45 am
Man, are all you folks a bunch of dimwits. Bush that, Obama this.
Nothing is changing and nothing has changed. The banking cartels and the the military-industrial complex pull the strings. The Demopublicans are two sides of the same coin. Corrupt, power-mad, self-interested, Machiavellian, career politicians for the most part. For every Ted Stevens “bridge to nowhere” there’s a John Murtha needless tax-payer funded airport with only three flights a day.
You ignoramuses are responsible because you play right along with your superficial partisan bickering while the country recedes into a he11-hole of debt and empirical decline.
Have fun losers and hopefully your kids won’t despise you too much for you witless participation in killing any hope of a quality life for them barring technological progress ventured by the private sector in a sustainable, profitable manner – not with subsidized government boon doggles.
Some advice for curing yourself – go to this site – mises dot org. – for starters. At least some are beginning to get a clue.
Ya know, fool me once….
lovelyliz
September 15th, 2009
9:52 am
The teabaggers of 2009 who were silent from 2000-2008 have about asmuch credibility complaining about government spending as does Newt Gingrich bemoaning the state of traditional marriage.
JackLeg
September 15th, 2009
9:54 am
“Are they aware that the largest two-year tax cut in U.S. history — $282 billion — was enacted as part of Obama’s stimulus package?”
We are a married middle class family with one child. Where is that $282 billion tax cut; I have not seen it, has anybody? And what does that matter when the dimacrats are trying to find every way possible to tax people i.e. Cap and Tax Bill, the “Sin” tax on what ever the dimacrats think the sin of the day is. What about a tax on people that don’t want ObozoCare, lets tax people for NOT buying something, boy that is a good one. So where do these people learn their math? There is no tax break here only increases on every day items.
“But I doubt that the tens of thousands who marched on Washington on Saturday would have been there if John McCain had been elected and the deficit was the same. I can’t believe those conservatives/libertarians would have mounted the same demonstration against a Republican president.”
First McCain would not have quadrupled the deficit, and I know math is a hard thing for liberals to comprehend, but there was over 1.5 MILLION at the demonstration. But let’s not let the facts get in the way of your ideology.
HDB
September 15th, 2009
10:20 am
@fitzgerald (9:12am) – What you fail to see is that the preponderance of African-Americans are conservaative thinkers….but progressive voters – due to the GOP’s DENIAL that we exist as Americans. If African-Americans don’t kowtow to the conservative mantra – less taxes on the wealthy, no enforcement of Affirmative Action, denial that racism exists, no social safety net..et.al, they are minimalized by the GOP! Have you noticed that Clarence Thomas has YET to dissent from Antonin Scalia? Have you noticed that Ward Connerly’s policies have INCREASED national racism? Have you noticed that Thomas Sowell’s economic policies marginalize the black middle class? Have you also noticed that each of these African-Americans are WEALTHY??
What Caucasians in this country are doing is fomenting FEAR and RACISM….in that the demographics of this nation are changing…and within the next 20 years, Caucasians will be the ethnic MINORITY….and their arrogence and hostility to other ideas, cultures….and their hypocracy in PREACHING Christian tenents….but FAILING TO FOLLOW them is quite evident.
Just my humble opinion……
Joseph
September 15th, 2009
10:33 am
Everytime the Repugs are out of office, they behave poorly. See Clinton era. Many people who have historically voted for the repugs are trying to justify themselves but the facts speak louder than words. Under Bush, they didnt protest and even questioned the honor and loyalty of the patriots who called the Iraq war senseless, not to mention illegal under international law. Now, they act hysterical because a black man is in office and they are felling “helpless.” They say that Obama is not listening to them but what do we have elections for if we are going to have to “listen” to the whiny right over every single issue!?? Obama is following an agenda that he was elected to do. Get over it and get ready for the next elections without all of the AK47s and Obama Nazi (or witch doctor) posters.
RealityKing
September 15th, 2009
1:19 pm
Of course, the financial reality that Cynthina whats us all to over look is the percent of debt to GDP. Which has skyrocketed since the democrats won control of congress in 2006. Proofs in the pudding..
Joseph
September 16th, 2009
4:32 am
Reading tthe part of the Constitution of the United States as it was posted this section caught my eye.
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
Seems to me that wars were intended to last only two years, or at least the financing of wars. Given that the Afghanistan and Iraqui war have been going on for 8 years, doesn’t that mean that the money spent on those wars after 2003 was illegal. This also clearly states that the Constitution was opposed to having a standing army. Which goes back to the first clause of the second amaendment. The one that states, ” A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, ” would imply that only militias were considered Constitutional and not standing armies. I guess the foundrs must have felt that any war lasting more then two years was lost.
But the tax cuts were only for the bottom 95% : Galt Gone Wild
September 16th, 2009
6:38 am
[...] did Obama leave out the rich people? Via AMERICAblog: Cynthia Tucker raises a good point about the [...]
Jay Lake: [links] Link salad legs it into hump day, reconsiders choice of headlines
September 16th, 2009
8:39 am
[...] Fed up with deficits or Democrats? — But I doubt that the tens of thousands who marched on Washington on Saturday would have been there if John McCain had been elected and the deficit was the same. I can’t believe those conservatives/libertarians would have mounted the same demonstration against a Republican president. Are they aware that the largest two-year tax cut in U.S. history — 282 billion — was enacted as part of Obama’s stimulus package? [...]
Maeve
September 16th, 2009
2:12 pm
Hang in there, Ms. Tucker. You’re right.
Former president Clinton left this country in marvelous fiscal shape. The last sitting president trashed our country, our Constitution and our fiscal standing in the world. The various factions of the conservative party are furious because they lost their chance at all their goals by electing a corrupt idiot twice.
Well, that and the majority of voters chose a Black man over an Old White Guy. (Horrors! They can remember how they treated Black men in their lives… now one is in power? *shakes in their boots and hates it*)
Republicans are the party of “Destroy and Debt.” Personally, I like “Steal the country into crippling debt for our supporter’ bank accounts,” but that’s too long for most of your opponents to remember.