World, U.S. have to adjust to new power structure
I’ve always found Victor Davis Hanson, the historian and National Review columnist, a bit cartoonish and over the top. He has a habit of letting his passions and conclusions get waaaay out in front of the evidence. This is the guy, you might recall, who back in February was proclaiming that “We are quite literally … teetering on an Obama implosion.” That was just two weeks after Obama’s inauguration.
So when I saw a Hanson column headlined “Circling Sharks Smell American Blood,” I figured I knew what to expect: yet another conservative condemnation of Obama’s performance on his Asia trip, in which observers all over the world noted a more humble approach to geopolitics and America’s role in the world.
For many on the right, such an argument is no doubt tempting. However illogicially, it offers a way to project the blame for America’s relative decline onto one person — a man who they already hate for other reasons. And while Hanson indulges in a bit of that, he also acknowledges that there is something much deeper going on, with its roots and blame going back decades and implicating leaders of both parties.
Add it all up and there is a growing sense that America is in fact hemorrhaging — as both friends and enemies abroad smell blood in the water. The president through conciliation and concession — not to mention constant talk — is trying to superficially restore the influence we once earned by virtue of our economic power and self-confidence in our exceptional past and singular values.
But being both loud and vulnerable is not a winning combination, since political influence and military power are ultimately predicated on economic strength.
The United States needs to re-establish itself as financially credible and responsible so that when we lecture — about everything from global warming to Iranian nukes — we do so from a position of strength. That means we need to stop borrowing other nations’ money.
America also can’t afford to keep importing high-priced oil that we won’t produce at home. And we should stop promising ever-more government entitlements to ever-more voters that we can’t even begin to pay for.
For as we continue in our self-indulgence, a more defiant world seems to be saying that the old rules of the game have changed. In response, America should keep quieter abroad — and try finding a bigger stick.
I’d quibble with some of Hanson’s assessment — it is geologically impossible, for example, for the United States to produce enough additional oil here at home to significantly alter our strategic need for overseas sources — but at its core, he’s right. Our relative position in the world has indeed changed, for reasons that long predate Obama. The challenge for the new president is two-fold: Address the underlying causes of that decline, from fiscal irresponsibility to military overreach to energy dependence; and manage that changed reality both out there, in the world beyond our borders, and here at home as well, where the image of an American colossus astride the world will not be surrendered easily.
The truth is that we will never again be the unrivaled unipower we were in those years after the collapse of the Berlin Wall; that was an historic anomaly, and could not have been sustained regardless of our policies. No such power imbalance ever lasts long; countervailing powers always arise. However, with sacrifice and effective leadership, there’s no reason whatsoever that we cannot continue to vigorously defend our national interests and remain a powerful force for progress on the world stage.
On the other hand, if we don’t respond with sacrifice and effective leadership — and how we define those things is a subject of valid debate — events will take a different course. The global power structure is rearranging itself, as it does periodically throughout history.
For America and the world, much that was once settled is now up for grabs.
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182 comments Add your comment
Normal
November 19th, 2009
8:44 am
if we don’t respond with sacrifice and effective leadership — and how we define those things is a subject of valid debate — events will take a different course
We will have to learn the Chinese National Anthem and pledge allegience to the Yuan…
Common Sense
November 19th, 2009
8:45 am
Yep ……… as I once said:
“Our once great Republic ……… but now the blood of the innocent unborn drips from the facade of the Supreme Court, the Halls of Congress reek with the rotting decay of our Constitution and the White House is leperous with marxism. God help us.”
By the way:
It sure is hard to find an Obama logo car sticker nowadays.
Are all of the jurors in the terrorist trial in NYC going into the “witness protection program” for life?
Common Sense
November 19th, 2009
8:48 am
Check this out :
(AP) “Defense Secretary Robert Gates has tapped a former senior defense official to lead a broad Pentagon review of the circumstances surrounding the Fort Hood shootings, The Associated Press has learned. Components of the wide-ranging probe could include self-examinations by the Army and the military’s medical community, and likely look at personnel policies and the availability of mental health services for troubled troops.”
Translation: Any investigator who tries to submit evidence that this was because of his Muslim views will be shouted down. “Whitewash” in progress ……………… stay tuned.
stands for decibels
November 19th, 2009
8:49 am
historian and National Review columnist,
I do appreciate that you are willing to read these Doughy Pantloads so I don’t have to.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm!
November 19th, 2009
8:49 am
WASHINGTON — What would the mainstream media’s response be if former governor Sarah Palin described China’s economic growth to an audience of students in Shanghai as “an accomplishment unparalleled in human history”? That is what the most inexperienced president in modern American history said in Shanghai this week. I wonder if any of the assembled journalists choked. President Barack Obama makes such unhinged pronouncements with the kind of frequency that if he were anyone else he would be set down by the media as a boobie.
Both of these men, when untethered from their Teleprompters, are prone to gibberish.-AmSpec
And gibberish it is.
Just a few years ago our economy GDP grew a sum total that was larger than China’s entire economy.
But that was before we became a socialist country that hates itself and prostrates to dictators and tinpots.
That^^ is what will not last forever, bookman, we will get the adults back in charge and resume our rightful place as the greatest and most caring nation in the world.
You can bet on it.
Doggone/GA
November 19th, 2009
8:50 am
“We will have to learn the Chinese National Anthem and pledge allegience to the Yuan…”
Not likely. Empires over millenia have kept captive countries poor to have a source of cheap labor. The internet is changing that. People around the world are beginning to see that they don’t have to accept low wages, poor social conditions and a lower standard of living. They’re catching up, and when they do…our source of cheap labor will dissipate…and jobs will start to find their own level an ALL countries.
The Nerve
November 19th, 2009
8:52 am
“And we should stop promising ever-more government entitlements to ever-more voters that we can’t even begin to pay for.”
This is what makes us weak and what will absolutely destroy this great nation.
Balance Our Budget
November 19th, 2009
8:54 am
What I can’t figure out is why libs like Jay talk about fiscal responsibility and then turn around and support a healthcare plan that will likely cost around 3 trillion over 10 years when fully implemented.Makes no sense.
stands for decibels
November 19th, 2009
8:56 am
jobs will start to find their own level an ALL countries.
Well yeah, and that’s what really upsets the Doughy Pantloads.
When they start whining about “one worldism” they’re really crying about lost opportunities to enslave a labor force.
Also:
it is geologically impossible, for example, for the United States to produce enough additional oil here at home to significantly alter our strategic need for overseas sources
Yebbut if we drill here, drill now, we’ll “pay less!”
Doggone/GA
November 19th, 2009
8:58 am
“What I can’t figure out is why libs like Jay talk about fiscal responsibility and then turn around and support a healthcare plan that will likely cost around 3 trillion over 10 years when fully implemented”
How much will it cost to NOT implement it? How much in poor health, unnecessary deaths, higher costs to treat acute diseases that could have been less expensively treat if caught earlier, higher cost to treat people in emergency rooms rather than a Dr’s office? How much in higher insurance premiums to cover the uninsured? How much in lost productivity? How much in higher hospital and clinic fees to cover the uninsured, or underinsured?
And remember this: ALL INVESTMENTS are expenses, until they begin to pay off.
Paul
November 19th, 2009
8:58 am
Could be a growing sense of consensus building. I think Pres Obama’s been out in front on this for quite some time, while Congressional leaders (both parties) have continued with their limited-vision, short-term political gain methods.
Tying in the previous topic, we do not regain by going back. As Candidate Bill Clinton told those New Hampshire workers: those jobs are gone and they’re not coming back. So while the initial impulse might be to undo the legislation that was put through in the Clinton era, there are too many other factors that have come into play.
Hence Pres Obama’s call for investments in new, emerging areas that will not only give rise to jobs, but bring with it ancillary benefits: cut reliance on traditional (and foreign) energy sources, reductions in emissions, less need for military power projection. On the jobs front, we already have enough examples of how governments went wrong (Spain and Germany) when they invested in new technology, then sent manufacturing out of country. We need to learn from their mistakes.
Will Congress and the American people go along with the new reality of changed consumption patterns? They will, with effective vision and leadership. But with a history of preserving power by targeting sacrifice only to ‘the wealthy’ it may not happen. It’ll take someone with vision who cares more about implementing basic structural changes than getting elected one more term.
So far, the only one out there is the man in the White House.
Boogers for the Children Fund
November 19th, 2009
9:01 am
More diversion tactics from the kenyan. ObaMao is unable to admit just how incompetent he really is and having a liar for president sits well with no one.
Obama Calls Stimulus Data Errors ‘Side Issue,’ Says Focus Is on Job Growth
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/18/obama-calls-stimulus-data-errors-issue-says-focus-job-growth/
Fly-On-The-Wall
November 19th, 2009
9:03 am
Let’s have an ‘Amen’ for this article.
TnGelding
November 19th, 2009
9:03 am
Sacrifice and effective leadership? You’re dreaming, but things are not as dire as stated. I think Obama and his administration have a grasp of the problems and will start addressing them aggressively in the FY2011 budget. Let’s not forget the perilous situation they were handed.
david wayne osedach
November 19th, 2009
9:03 am
It is not Obama’s fault that the 21st century belongs to the Chinese and that they are becoming the number one economy in the world. But he is not helping matters by borrowing trillions which future generations will have to pay back.
Cherokee
November 19th, 2009
9:06 am
Because, balance, the plans reduce the deficit, by forcing down the costs of entitlements…. to help – wait for it – “balance the budget”
Jimmy Carter
November 19th, 2009
9:07 am
Great article. So why are we talking another $1 trillion entitlement program? It just doesn’t make sense at this time. Cut costs and modestly raise taxes. It may be brutal for a few years, but it certainly has to be better than what we are presently experiencing.
Balance Our Budget
November 19th, 2009
9:08 am
Doggone I hope your 3 trillion healthcare investment works out better then that stimulus investment did.
Jimmy Carter
November 19th, 2009
9:09 am
TnGelding
November 19th, 2009
9:03 am
Let’s just hope Obama doesn’t need as much time to clearly understand what’s going on as he did to discover the true, vile preachings of Jeremiah “Dice Clay” Wright. 20 years?
Common Sense
November 19th, 2009
9:10 am
I will fight it as long as I have breath. Scoff if you want but the signs are unmistakable. “One World Government is Coming” …………………
“He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666.”
Doggone/GA
November 19th, 2009
9:11 am
“Doggone I hope your 3 trillion healthcare investment works out better then that stimulus investment did”
What is your problem with the stimulus investment? The DOW was at a 52 week high last week and Chevrolet is starting to pay back the money it received. Seems to be working, as far as the greater economny is concerned. As for the unemployment rate…unemployment is ALWAYS a lagging indicator, it takes time to catch up.
md
November 19th, 2009
9:14 am
“Let’s not forget the perilous situation they were handed.”
I haven’t forgotten, as what they did was appalling. They passed a stimulus plan full of pork in a time of dire straits. What they did was kin to you and I putting a couple of new cars, tv’s and furniture on the credit card as we negotiated with the bank for lower payments.
I blame them all for putting their “wants” in front of the country’s “needs”, and Barry signed it.
Nothing Is Free
November 19th, 2009
9:18 am
Balance Our Budget
Oh all that talk is just silly. Don’t you know that we can spend and spend and spend on a year that tax income is at it’s lowest and still decrease the deficit. Haven’t you been watching CNN?
They will explain to all to you
This morning they were trying to frame the NYC Circus trail as “whether or not it shows the US as being weak to the world.”
And isn’t that what’s important? It isn’t justice for the largest mass murderer in our country’s history, It’s how the world sees us.
Now excuse me while I weep for all the victims of our horrible country.
(Wow, it’s kind of fun to be a liberal for a few seconds. I need to go clean the vomit out of my mouth, but it was sure fun!)
stands for decibels
November 19th, 2009
9:18 am
What is your problem with the stimulus investment?
Pelosi and Reid passed it, and Obama signed it.
(Had it been McCain signing it, it would’ve had a bit less spending, a bit more tax breaks, you see. Major diff!)
I also like how it’s always framed as “the 787 Billion-with-a-B Spending Bill” by the righties, as if there weren’t tax breaks in it at all. The tax component, the “letting us have more of our own money so WE can decide how to spend it!” business the righties are always crying about was nearly a third of the thing!
later, all.
DAVID
November 19th, 2009
9:19 am
Oh…..how the liberals do want the world to love the US….Liberals do want to be loved..Even by their enemies like Iran…..Russia….North Korea & Cuba
DAVID
November 19th, 2009
9:21 am
OBAMA is the first American president who seeks approval from the rest of the world…like a school boy seeking approval from his teacher…….OBAMA is really a man-child
Question
November 19th, 2009
9:22 am
the blame seems well placed (see the below) — “do as I say, not as I do” seems to be this administration’s motto.
President Barack Obama’s choice for a top job in the Treasury Department did not disclose all of her late tax payments until she was repeatedly prodded by Senate investigators, a congressional report issued Wednesday said.
Obama’s nominee for undersecretary of the Treasury for international affairs, Lael Brainard, is the fifth presidential nominee to reveal tax issues during the congressional vetting process.
Brainard was late in paying real estate taxes in 2005, 2006 and 2007 on property in Northern Virginia, according to the report by the Senate Finance Committee staff.
Swami Dave
November 19th, 2009
9:22 am
“America also can’t afford to keep importing high-priced oil that we won’t produce at home.”
Yep, America must expand our domestic energy supply from the multitude of available sources and be more efficient in our use of both existing and future stores. In the same fashion that we cannot “drill” ourselves to energy independence, neither can we “conserve” ourselves to that goal either.
“And we should stop promising ever-more government entitlements to ever-more voters that we can’t even begin to pay for.”
Yep, the end result of the collectivist philosophy built on confiscation and redistribution as a mechanism to acquire power from those receiving unearned benefit is a historically-failed construct. Freedom to choose carries with it an inherent obligation to accept the consequences and risks associated with it. Recent history whereby legislation and governance has championed freedom, but foisted obligations for the decisions onto taxpayers is a foundational cause of America’s problems. “Socializing” risk and cost for individual decisions never serves as motivation to good behavior and decision-making.
Our most relevant debate needs to be how America can remove and recover from the damaging effects that infusion of failed collectivist theologies into our nation’s government and culture. Frankly, America needs to refocus on growth and development of its economic engines instead of creation of new programs to reward our ever-growing class of cabooses!
-SD
aheemmm
November 19th, 2009
9:23 am
McCain also told the auto workers in Michigan that some jobs there would not be coming back and it was important to retrain displaced workers for new high-tech jobs. The difference between McCain and Obama is that McCain would have cut government waste. Obama hasn’t. It continues under this administration.
DAVID
November 19th, 2009
9:24 am
LIBERALs do not like America being the world’s only SUPERpower….
Hoof Hearted
November 19th, 2009
9:26 am
Common Sense, I disagree with everything in your first post except your last sentence. I’ve wondered myself about how the jurors will live the rest of their lives without fear of revenge. Their identities cannot be kept secret from the defendants, who will certainly have opportunities to pass that information to their terrorist cronies.
Paul, preach on brother.
For those complaining about the cost of the healthcare plan, you seem to be ignoring the cost that we currently pay now. You apparently believe that the healthcare plan will simply be added to current costs, but that is not accurate. The healthcare plan should replace some of the current costs we already pay, and more importantly help slow the increase in those costs.
getalife
November 19th, 2009
9:26 am
Even Andy stopped posting from the nro.
It’s silly but the story of the establishment united with China to destroy our country is the story of the century.
The Huffington Post is focused on that story.
Paul
November 19th, 2009
9:28 am
Anyone here willing to pay more federal income tax, more gas tax, extend the retirement age for Social Security?
Yes or no is enough of an answer. Shifting it all over to corporate tax reform is not an option.
Nothing Is Free
November 19th, 2009
9:30 am
stands for decibels
Tax breaks? They are spending almost a trillion dollars of our money on a program that will jail anyone who doesn’t play along.
Tax breaks. Please explain how that fixes everything. Please explain why we should feel good about extremely small tax breaks for a very select few people when yet another massive government takeover is happening and there is nothing anyone can do about it.
Please explain how any of this is good.
jt
November 19th, 2009
9:34 am
. “Our relative position in the world has indeed changed, for reasons that long predate Obama. ”
You are right Jay.
“The truth is that we will never again be the unrivaled unipower we were in those years after the collapse of the Berlin Wall; that was an historic anomaly, and could not have been sustained regardless of our policies”
You are wrong Jay.
We still ARE the unrivaled unipower and will remain so.
Effective leadership will demonstrate this in 2012.
Nothing Is Free
November 19th, 2009
9:35 am
Hoof Hearted
**For those complaining about the cost of the healthcare plan, you seem to be ignoring the cost that we currently pay now.**
No one is ignoring anything. We have just lived on this planet where there is not a single major government program that is not bankrupt or going bankrupt.
They are floating trail balloons about women postponing breast exams for TEN YEARS. Doesn’t that give you a hint about the way that they plan on lowering costs?
Peadawg
November 19th, 2009
9:35 am
Keep up the good work Obama. 10.2% unemployment rate here in Georgia and rising every week.
getalife
November 19th, 2009
9:36 am
jt,
The rankings on domestic issues tell the story.
Normal
November 19th, 2009
9:36 am
jt
November 19th, 2009
9:34 am
Unless we get out from under China’s thumb, we are nothing but Debtor Nation, and not a World Power.
Goldie
November 19th, 2009
9:37 am
Big mistake to shut down our American manufacturing operations here at home and ship those jobs overseas in order to gain that extra dollar in profit… big mistake to “outsource” our high tech jobs overseas in order to gain that extra dollar in profit… big mistake to allow American companies to gain tax incentives while shipping our jobs overseas… big mistake to let our healthcare industry be controlled by the insurance industry where they drive up our premiums every year and while the CEOs make off with BILLIONS of $$$ in profits… these are hard lessons we Americans are having to learn these days.
Normal
November 19th, 2009
9:38 am
Peadawg
November 19th, 2009
9:35 am
I can’t blame that one on Obama. That is the fault of the State Leadership. They are not doing their job.
Jackie
November 19th, 2009
9:39 am
@md
My post to your question last night has further evidence of our discussion.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2006/jan/12/israel
Peadawg
November 19th, 2009
9:41 am
Normal, neither is Obama. Where’s all these jobs he said he was going to create during his campaign, hhhmmmmm?
DAVID
November 19th, 2009
9:42 am
WE NOW HAVE A WEAK PRESIDENT……..liberals love him
DAVID
November 19th, 2009
9:43 am
LIBERALs hate military power…….
Normal
November 19th, 2009
9:44 am
Doggone/GA
November 19th, 2009
9:11 am
scrolling back and I saw this…
The rise in the Dow is based on “profits” from asset reduction. In other words from sellin or reducing assets. The most major drain on profit are employees. The Dow is rising at the expense of the workers being unemployed. I heard a great segment about this on NPR. An asset gain won’t be a permenent rise. It is a bubble and there will be a severe downturn.
DAVID
November 19th, 2009
9:44 am
HEY..all you OBAMA supporters…how is that HOPE & CHANGE improving your life.
AmVet
November 19th, 2009
9:44 am
While the conned insist on trying to live in an idealized, romanticized past before Those People and minorities and f@gs and women had some basic rights – the non conned kept their eyes open and watched what happened over the past thirty years or so.
That delirious desire to remain ignorant and stuck on stupid has come home to roost for America.
Virtually every one of these major challenges facing us today – petrochemical addictions, imperial colony building through bloodlust and war, fiscal irresponsibility (which doesn’t even begin to adequately describe the thievery and plundering) and unabashed corruption and fraud, can all ultimately be traced back to one ongoing advent.
The total takeover of America by multi-national corporations with no loyalty or allegiance to the United States of America whatsoever.
They are the root cause of all of these injustices and crises. They are the reason this nation once prospered and now is in serious decline. They have suckered punched you blind and like an abused woman you want more. And you willingly turn a blind eye to the colossal corporate crime wave that is happening right in front of you.
And you the duped, voted for the men who gave it all away to these traitors. (Whilst skimming off a fair amount off the top for themselves, of course.) YOUR assets. YOUR money. YOUR sovereignty.
So applaud yourselves, conned. Bow down to your gods of business and the titans of industry. Worship them for their trickle down your thighs economy. Revere them for stealing your children’s futures.
And blame the wrong people, as you always do – the American workers and the American taxpayers.
And you never once even asked for Vaseline…
Paul
November 19th, 2009
9:46 am
David 9:43
Then why has the liberal Congress put through Defense bills that buy more equipment, increase the size of the military, and cost more (discounting for inflation) than the previous year’s appropriation, for the past few years?
Doggone/GA
November 19th, 2009
9:47 am
Normal…you know that, I know that, NPR knows that…but considering that the conned thought a DOW of 14,000 was some kind of HUGE accomplishment…why are they all of a sudden not impressed with the highest DOW in a YEAR?
Nothing Is Free
November 19th, 2009
9:50 am
Doggonega
**why are they all of a sudden not impressed with the highest DOW in a YEAR?**
Because we had 4.2% unemployment when the dow was 1400. Now we have 10.2% and climbing sharply. Can’t you tell the difference?
Willie
November 19th, 2009
9:50 am
Nothing Is Free
November 19th, 2009
9:30 am
I am sick and tired of hearing only the rich get taxed. I look at my check every payperiod and I see a lot more than I want to pay coming out of my earnings for some gov. program. I am not rich!
I am told by their actions that Obama and the liberal democrats decided I need healthcare over a job. Explain to this low life why I need healthcare over a job. Everything Obama and the liberal democrats touches turns to crap. I do not like crap. If congress passes the healthcare, I will vote againsit them and I will blog against them and I will do everything I can to ACORN them out of office.
Normal
November 19th, 2009
9:51 am
Peadawg, I will admit that I had hoped that President Obama would have taken a page from FDR’s book and created jobs in conservation, dam building (think we might need a new one in Georgia), upgrading the railroad infrastructure, etc, but that has not happened yet.
If the stock market collapses again like a lot of experts are predicting, it will go into freefall. That is going to hurt everyone. The only silver lining is that we will be able to default China’s debt and President Obama will have to put us to work. 2010 is going to be an interesting year.
HDB
November 19th, 2009
9:51 am
@ I Report…
‘But that was before we became a socialist country that hates itself and prostrates to dictators and tinpots.”
Man, do you have it all wrong!! The problem with most Americans is that they do not understand the customs from other countries. It is a GREATER sign of respect to this nation if our President is VERSATILE enough to know how to act/react to the customs of other nations. If you haven’t travelled outside of these borders, you wouldn’t know/understand/comprehend the “Ugly American” syndrome that is prevalent worldwide! Americans won’t learn a different language, won’t take the time to learn about different cultures….always trying to preach from a “superior” position!! That doesn’t work any more!! I’m GLAD to see a President that is cognizant of that fact!! Why don’t you travel to Europe….particularly France, Germany, or Italy….and try to only speak English; you won’t easily be acknowledged!! Try to broaden your horizons….rather than being the typical ignorant American!!!
jt
November 19th, 2009
9:51 am
getalife
November 19th, 2009
9:36 am
jt,
The rankings on domestic issues tell the story.
I’m not really optimist about 2012, but we will eventually see the errors of central authority. It might take until 2016 or until people get hungry, or war.
Because of our geography, America will remain the SOLE superpower for the next 60 years. Effective leadership will keep this “truth” less messy.
Nothing Is Free
November 19th, 2009
9:52 am
AmVet
**While the conned insist on trying to live in an idealized, romanticized past before Those People and minorities and f@gs and women had some basic rights –**
The only time the Republicans have controlled Congress since 1952 was between 1994 and 2006. So who didn’t have basic rights during that time?
Normal
November 19th, 2009
9:53 am
Doggone, because the Party Of No wants No Success For Obama…enven if it kills us all.
Doggone/GA
November 19th, 2009
9:54 am
“Can’t you tell the difference?”
yep, I can. when the DOW loses HALF it’s value I expect unemployment to rise. I also know that unemployment is a lagging indicator and ALWAYS takes longer to catch up.
Balance Our Budget
November 19th, 2009
9:54 am
Amvet A company has every right to make all the money they can .If you think they are charging you to much for their services you go somewhere else.Socialism is not the answer. If you think differently China is waiting.Those evil corporations how dare they make money.LOL good try Amvet
samuel
November 19th, 2009
9:55 am
To the conservatives on this blog, I want to make a few points. Health care reform may be expensive initially, but over the long run it will save the government and the economy money. Remember we have the highest health care costs of any economically advanced couintry, and we are the only one of those countries that dosen’t have universal coverage for all of its citizens. As for complaints about job losses under Obama, under conservative hero Ronald Reagan, unemployment was 10%+ for 10 straight months (September 1982 to June 1983). Unemployment was at least 9% for almost all of Reagan’s first term. By October 1984, unemployment was 7.4% and Reagan was re-elected in a landslide. Also, the era of conspicuous consumption that started under Reagan has led us to where we are today with China. We are indeed borrowing their money to pay for our purchases. For conservatives who complain about welfare, total payment were $47.4 billion for Fiscal Year 2008, less than 2% of the total Federal budget of $3 trillion for FY2008. And finally, as for comments about Obama and teleprompters, no President was more reliant on speecwriters and teleprompters than Ronald Reagan. As usual, you conservatives spout insults and rhetoric. As I’ve said too many times on the AJC’s blogs: State facts.
DAVID
November 19th, 2009
9:55 am
AGAIN…& again..Jay is clueless to the issues.
Normal
November 19th, 2009
9:55 am
HDB @ 9:51…Well said!
Normal
November 19th, 2009
9:56 am
DAVID…bless your heart…
jt
November 19th, 2009
9:56 am
Normal
November 19th, 2009
9:36 am
jt
November 19th, 2009
9:34 am
Unless we get out from under China’s thumb, we are nothing but Debtor Nation, and not a World Power.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
I, as a sovereign citizen, am not UNDER China’s thumb.
Nor any politician’s.
Hard Right Hook
November 19th, 2009
9:57 am
Libtards hate everything that made us great. If left up to them, we’d live in thatched huts, eating berries and riding bicycles everywhere. And at least we could hope that the French would love us.
Some of the greatest societies in world history have & gone; we went to the moon & cured polio in less than 200 years. Libtard envy.
AmVet
November 19th, 2009
9:58 am
NIF, for the last time this is NOT about Republican or Democrat. It is NOT about liberal or conservative.
To Paul’s excellent point about how do you explain that the budget for the DoD has gone up recently with so-called liberals controlling the purse strings. (As if spending as much as the rest of the planet COMBINED!!! still isn’t enough.) There is only one word to adequately describe what these other adjectives do not.
CORPORATIST
Just try this for me. Every time you are inclined to use the words conservative or liberal or Democratic or Republican substitute the word CORPORATIST.
And watch how much more sense it makes.
Again, I am not anti-capitalism.
But this is not capitalism.
Nothing Is Free
November 19th, 2009
9:58 am
HDB
I’ve traveled all over the world. There is always the U-2 mob that hates America. But they hate everything and everybody.
You have it completely wrong. PLease tell me where you have gone that you run into those “Ugly American” people. Please list the city and the times that you have encountered these massive people in other countries that support our president bowing to other world leaders, even though it is widely accepted that when leaders and diplomats meet, they ALWAYS respect EACH OTHER’s traditions, and never, ever, ever, ever include one leader bowing to another.
The Dogfighter Returns
November 19th, 2009
9:59 am
It is not Obama’s fault that the 21st century belongs to the Chinese and that they are becoming the number one economy in the world. But he is not helping matters by borrowing trillions which future generations will have to pay back.
——
what’s your solution?
Obama isn’t borrowing money. Congress is. Did you not pay attention in civics classes? Congress runs the show. The president merely approves or vetoes bills. Congress can say no to every bill the president requests.
http://www.dailypaul.com/node/46601
Balance Our Budget
November 19th, 2009
9:59 am
By supporting this expensive healthcare plan the libs are losing any right they have to complain when they get that tax bill from the IRS .Just smile and write out the check and remember you helped bring it on yourself.
Nothing Is Free
November 19th, 2009
10:00 am
AmVet
YOU started your post by attacking “conned”. In the past that was your word for Republican. I would strongly suggest that if you are now being bi=partisan, that you speak in common terms and drop your bias shorthand.
Doggone/GA
November 19th, 2009
10:00 am
“Congress can say no to every bill the president requests.”
True, but the President can also VETO every bill Congress send to him. They are BOTH responsibile.
Willie
November 19th, 2009
10:01 am
samuel:
Healthcare will be expensive initially and increasing throughout its lifespan. As many conservatives have pointed out(is a fact)the government has never ran anything successfully. You can rebuttal this anytime. Military is excluded because the government is required by the constitution to protect the people. Hmmm looks like the appointed one missed that. I am waiting for the successful program the gov. has operated!!
Boogers for the Children Fund
November 19th, 2009
10:02 am
From Ms Tuckers blog…
Not from Ms Tucker herself…
The Rev. Jesse Jackson on Wednesday night criticized Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala.) for voting against the Democrats’ signature healthcare bill.
“We even have blacks voting against the healthcare bill,” Jackson said at a reception Wednesday night. “You can’t vote against healthcare and call yourself a black man.”
I guess one either goes along with Jesse or they are no longer black?
Doggone/GA
November 19th, 2009
10:03 am
“Just smile and write out the check and remember you helped bring it on yourself”
If it results in healthcare easily available to everyone…I will.
Nothing Is Free
November 19th, 2009
10:03 am
smauel
**and we are the only one of those countries that dosen’t have universal coverage for all of its citizens.**
We are not getting universal health care.
One more time: We are not getting universal health care.
And again: We are not getting universal health care.
One more time: We are not getting universal health care.
We are getting jail-time for not buying health insurance. Can’t you tell the difference?
Willie
November 19th, 2009
10:04 am
Do you guys and gals say “happy holidays” or “Merry Christmas”?
Mr Right
November 19th, 2009
10:06 am
The best way to pay for health care would be a national 1% sales tax. That way we would all help pay for it.
Boogers for the Children Fund
November 19th, 2009
10:07 am
Merry Christmas.
Normal
November 19th, 2009
10:08 am
jt, I admire what you say and feel, but that doesn’t make it so.
As a citizen, we are responsible for what this Country says and does. This is why the Government Officials are supposed to be working for us. We, the citizen, is supposed to be the boss. If that was ever true, it was somehow forgotten by our President, Congress and Local Officials.
So, yes my friend, you are under China’s thumb and will continue to be until we get that “responsible leadership” we talk so much about. The only way I know to do that is to vote the Incumbant out. The only way to do that is to band together to get enough votes. Judging from this blog, I don’t see that happening, do you.
Nothing Is Free
November 19th, 2009
10:08 am
DoggoneGA
I watch the same indoctrination that you watch. Yes, unemployment, in a horribly run system does not lead a recovery. Do you know what IS a leading indicator? Can you name a single one? CAn you name a single one that is improving?
Del
November 19th, 2009
10:08 am
The underlying cause of our decline is bloated government that is stagnate in it’s culture of nothing is more important than playing politics and getting reelected, the social agenda associated with political correctness, out of control spending beyond our means and this false belief that we can export democracy i.e. nation building. Unfortunately, we can also include apathy on the part of our countrymen who allowed this decay to begin and continue to the extent it has. I certainly don’t have all the answers but it seems to me that we need to become more traditionalist’s in order to right our ship that appears to be sinking. We could begin by facing up to the fact that we have done as much for Iraq and Afghanistan as we possibly can. We need to protect and preserve our military resource and not misuse it in futile attempts building countries to be like us. That is a stupid expectation and though I voted twice for GWB he had a Pollyanna like attitude about people in foreign countries clamoring to be like Americans. The fact is they want what we have but they don’t accept us as role models to emulate. We need to become absolutely ruthless in defending our country when it requires defending. We need to stop opening up are markets without reciprocating parity from trading partners. We need to stop or at very least significantly slow down this ridiculous importation of foreign workers and exportation of American jobs. The only brain drain that’s occurring is with our own American students who can no longer find jobs as for an example in I.T. I’ve said enough.
Balance Our Budget
November 19th, 2009
10:09 am
http://www.usdebtclock.org Here you go big spenders on this blog.This is your share of the pie.Smile pretty and write a check.
Doggone/GA
November 19th, 2009
10:09 am
“Do you guys and gals say “happy holidays” or “Merry Christmas”?”
I say: it’s none of your business
Boogers for the Children Fund
November 19th, 2009
10:10 am
Merry Christmas and a Boogey New Year!!
The Dogfighter Returns
November 19th, 2009
10:10 am
True, but the President can also VETO every bill Congress send to him. They are BOTH responsibile.
——
I believe I mentioned this in my previous post as well.
however, one can argue that a decision by a majority of 500+ people carries more weight than the decision by one person (monarch).
—-
Doggone/GA
November 19th, 2009
10:12 am
“Do you know what IS a leading indicator? Can you name a single one? CAn you name a single one that is improving?”
Stock market returns are a leading indicator. The DOW is at a 52 week high.
It's baaaaack
November 19th, 2009
10:13 am
At least 250 properties have been sold multiple times at escalating prices so far this year. Nearly 50 of those properties were bought then resold within 24 hours, suggesting that banks were underpaid for properties that already had a buyer willing to pay more.
Doggone/GA
November 19th, 2009
10:13 am
“however, one can argue that a decision by a majority of 500+ people carries more weight than the decision by one person (monarch).”
Not under our Constitution. Ever heard of “balance of powers”? The only time the 500 opinions carry MORE weight than the one is if Congress overrides a veto.
Nothing Is Free
November 19th, 2009
10:15 am
DoggoneGA
from fidelity Investments:
“During the past two months, a significant propor- tion of U.S. leading indicators have become less negative, signifying a slower pace of economic decline.”
So we are getting worse slower. we aren’t recovering, we just aren’t getting worse as fast.
Look past what the media is telling you.
Mr Right
November 19th, 2009
10:15 am
http://www.usdebtclock.org Here you go big spenders on this blog.This is your share of the pie.Smile pretty and write a check.
Hey I love that. Even the libs can se it’s insane to keep spending!
* Link
* Report this comment
Paul
November 19th, 2009
10:16 am
Willie
Usually Merry Christmas. Sometimes Happy Holidays. Usually, though, it’s just “Gimme Presents.”
HDB
November 19th, 2009
10:16 am
@SFD: “Yebbut if we drill here, drill now, we’ll “pay less!”
What about all of the oil wells that were CAPPED in Texas and Oklahoma in the NIXON Administration because the oil companies said it was CHEAPER to drill overseas?? Looks like that mentality has come back to haunt us!!!
NIF: I’ve traveled all over the world also…..I’m not speaking about the anti-American agitators; I’m speaking about the common people being forced to speak English when doing their normal business with Americans. I took my wife shopping in Paris; when my wife tried to get the sales clerk’s attention in English, she wasn’t acknowledged!! When I did it…in FRENCH…I got IMMEDIATE SERVICE!! I was asked if I were American…..I replied: “Oui, je suis un American; je parle Francais un peu!” Just that little effort got us more respect that just trying to be belligerent. Another case: while en route to Frankfurt, I’m reviewing my GERMAN; I was asked by a German businessman why. When I responded that Americans have a negative image, and I wish to counteract that idea…..I WAS THANKED FOR THE EFFORT!!! The “Ugly American” syndrome is there….and it’s NOT just the known radicals that espouse it!! Americans need to know at LEAST 3 different languages…the language of business is NOT always English!! In Japanese, it is a sign of respect to BOW to your contemporaries….I learned that by working WITH the Japanese!! For once, I’m PROUD to see that we have a TRULY international President; in this age, it’s sorely needed!!
Normal
November 19th, 2009
10:17 am
Do you guys and gals say “happy holidays” or “Merry Christmas”?
I say “Bah, humbug”
Doggone/GA
November 19th, 2009
10:17 am
“Look past what the media is telling you.”
Here’s the problem: I answered in the language requested. YOUR problem is you think *I* actually believe it. I’ve said here before: the DOW doesn’t mean squat to me. It didn’t mean anything when it was high, and it didn’t mean anything now that it’s on it’s way back up. But SOME of the conned think it DOES mean something. More fool them.
Nothing Is Free
November 19th, 2009
10:17 am
DoggoneGA
Yes, normally, the stock market is a leading indicator, but it has been “indicating” for almost a year and we continue to decline in almost every other aspect. it is also very volatile, which means that it is not a RELIABLE indicator.
Jackie
November 19th, 2009
10:19 am
Here is something that anyone can read and gain a better understanding of how all the words fit into our economic models.
http://economics.about.com/cs/businesscycles/a/economic_ind_3.htm
jconservative
November 19th, 2009
10:19 am
“America also can’t afford to keep importing high-priced oil…”
“And we should stop promising ever-more government entitlements.”
Two really good points, but points that every American already knows,
but choose to ignore. The American people are guilty of want, want, want.
But we will NOT stop importing foreign energy – we do not have the national will to do so. Oh, we may, and should, “drill baby drill” domestically, but that is a drop in a big bucket. Foreign oil is really an “entitlement” demanded by the American people. So the congress keeps that entitlement going so you will vote for them.
And you do.
We will not stop government entitlements. We could stop Medicare dead in its tracks tomorrow & save $800. billion a year. But we will not.
We could cut Social Security payments by 50%, old folks can live with there kids (as they once did in this country). But we will not.
We could stop health care revision dead in its tracks now, and we may, but it will be back again & eventually will pass. You know it will.
And I have not gotten to foreign/military policy. So here goes. We could have saved a trillion dollars by not doing Iraq. But 70% of Americans wanted to do Iraq. So we have spent a trillion dollars & have nothing to show for it.
Get the picture?
The Dogfighter Returns
November 19th, 2009
10:20 am
Not under our Constitution. Ever heard of “balance of powers”? The only time the 500 opinions carry MORE weight than the one is if Congress overrides a veto.
—–
you missed my point entirely. what i said has nothing to do with constituional law, but rather logic.
500 people making a decision are apt to make a better decision than one person making the same decision.
Mr Right
November 19th, 2009
10:21 am
Jay claims he is a fiscal conservative, anybody believe that?
Doggone/GA
November 19th, 2009
10:21 am
“old folks can live with there kids (as they once did in this country)”
Oh sure…why not? Especially the ones that don’t HAVE ANY KIDS. THEY can just EASILY find some kids with no old parents to take care of them right?