GOP blinded by its anti-Obama jihad
Norm Ornstein, a scholar with the conservative American Enterprise Institute, looks on in bafflement at the behavior of Senate Republicans. For example, he writes in Roll Call, “I cannot fathom why they are doing what they are doing” in trying to block ratification of the START treaty:
“The failure of START in the Senate would endanger future cooperation and be a major embarrassment to (Russian President Dmitry) Medvedev and a big boost to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. It would also devastate the existing regime of inspection over nuclear arms, ramping up the danger of nukes getting into the hands of highly undesirable people and groups… The Russian willingness to work with us and the Europeans on a missile defense system will melt away if START falters.”
Ornstein is equally befuddled and appalled by the blanket refusal of Republican senators to support the DISCLOSE Act, which would require corporations to reveal the huge campaign donations made legal by the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision. The DISCLOSE ACT would “bring sunlight to the outrageous, anonymous huge funders who played a major role in the 2010 campaigns, hiding behind the cloak of 501(c)(4)s run by groups cynically manipulating weak IRS enforcement of the law,” Ornstein writes.
“Voters support disclosure by overwhelming margins. So do Supreme Court justices — by 8-to-1. The only chance to provide it is in the lame-duck session; the bill passed the House in the 111th Congress and has zero chance of making through the 112th House. If the Senate does not act now, disclosure is dead….
So where are the previous champions of campaign finance reform? Where is Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), whose greatest legislative accomplishment was given a sharp stick in the eye by a 5-4 decision on the Supreme Court? Where are previous supporters of reform — and professed supporters of disclosure — such as Republican Sens. Susan Collins (Maine) and Scott Brown (Mass.)? And most important, where is Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), who has always been an independent voice, whose Snowe-Jeffords amendment to the campaign reform law was the provision most assaulted by the Citizens United case, who stood up to immense pressure from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Republican leaders in 2002 to do the right thing?….
The urgent need to raise more and more money will lead inevitably to more and more corruption, trading votes or other favors for campaign cash, or shaking down prospective donors. But disclosure at least can provide some counterweight. It will be beyond disappointing if somehow McConnell can mesmerize or intimidate every one of the erstwhile reformers above to ignore their principles.”
Mr. Ornstein, prepare to be profoundly, repeatedly disappointed. As these and other examples demonstrate, congressional Republicans have no interest in governing — they don’t even have much interest in politics as it is normally understood. They have convinced themselves and their followers that the continued presence of Barack Obama in the White House represents a danger so fundamental to the country’s future that fighting him justifies ignoring every other problem put together, from national security to open elections to the economy, and they are intent on acting on that belief.
This is a holy war, and it’s going to get ugly in ways that even now are difficult to fully imagine.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
257 comments Add your comment
Jay
November 24th, 2010
9:16 am
Ragnar, you’re just making up more baloney. “Smart rocks” as a concept is archaic and was abandoned back in the early ’90s and never resurrected. Modern missile-defense is based on missile interceptors precisely like those described in the treaty.
@@
November 24th, 2010
9:17 am
“The failure of START in the Senate would endanger future cooperation and be a major embarrassment to (Russian President Dmitry) Medvedev and a big boost to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
The U.S. should never negotiate from a position of weakness, which is where we are right now. You think Medvedev and Putin are of different mindsets!!??!!
Nothing could be further from the truth. They are of one mind….the Russian mind.
And as far as the Disclose Act. Have you talked with the left-wing activist groups. In their attempts to push Obama further left, they’re seeking to avoid disclosure on contributions. Hoping to START their own movement that’ll counteract the Tea Party.
You’re right about one thing, jay. It’s gonna be a very interesting two years.
Let the battle begin!
saywhat?
November 24th, 2010
9:17 am
For all the people equating President Obama hatred by the Republican party with treatment of the former President W. Bush, can any of you give a single example, just one, of the Democrats changing their position on an issue just to spite the president? Google to you hearts content and see if you can find one. Unless you can do that, you are guilty of projection. i.e. ascribing your own undesirable behaviours to others in an attempt to improve your own much inflated feelings of self worth.
stands for decibels
November 24th, 2010
9:17 am
Congress has to authorize the use of our military to go into places like Iraq, not a President.
Seriously? You’re playing the “Congress forced my War Preznit to be a War Preznit” card?
Jay, smarter trolls, please.
Moderate Line
November 24th, 2010
9:18 am
More balance reporting from “The Hill”. Just do a search on “The Hill Start Treaty”.
The treaty passed 14-4 on a bipartisan vote within the committee including Corker and Isakson.
From the Hill:
Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.), who has held months’ worth of hearings on the treaty, hedged last week when asked for a vote prediction but said he was optimistic that White House officials will persuade enough Republicans.
Lugar, the panel’s ranking Republican, was also optimistic.
“I think we’ll have a debate and ratify the treaty during this calendar year,” he said. “But I would be completely off-base on trying to predict the final vote.”
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/126161-midterm-election-fallout-could-derail-start-treaty-vote-key-republican-says
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/122289-gop-to-obama-start-treaty-still-far-from-ratification
Fred
November 24th, 2010
9:19 am
stands for decibels
November 24th, 2010
9:13 am
it was justified, and it built up over time. Hatred of Obama was more or less immediate.
++++++++++++++++++
That’s not true SFD. The trash talk towards President Bush was IMMEDIATE. He was vilified before he ever took office. Remember the whole “He stole the election for Gore” thing? The hate and lies were immediate.
As an independent, I have laughed about this since the Clinton years. The hate talk is the same, only the names of the targets differ………….
Look at Pelosi and now Boehner. the attacks on her started before her “term” started and they have already started on Boehner……..
Normal
November 24th, 2010
9:19 am
Charles,
You seem to forget that our last President started an un-necessary war that got over 4000 Americans killed and over 30,000 maimed for life, raise our deficit to ungodly amounts and tried to hide the true cost by not adding in the two wars and there were “other” things, too. All President Obama has done is save banking, passed 11, I believe , tax cuts for small businesses, saved GM, and oh yeah, passed a healthcare bill disigned to give deserving Americans access to preventative medicine.
Union
November 24th, 2010
9:19 am
Bad Bob
November 24th, 2010
9:14 am
“The current tax rates are more about government handouts for the idle rich than tax cuts for working folks – I cleared a cool 20 bucks a week with the so-called bush tax cuts. Let ‘em all expire – it won’t make or break any middle class tax payers!”
never heard of amt have you?
Tom
November 24th, 2010
9:21 am
RANDY – Very well said, I agree completely!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fred
November 24th, 2010
9:21 am
stands for decibels
November 24th, 2010
9:15 am
+++++++++++
I don’t recall that as a lame duck session. You DO know the difference don’t you?
Joe the Plutocrat (the artist formerly known as paleo-neo-Carlinist)
November 24th, 2010
9:22 am
Randy, is your last name Quaid? put the Kool-Aid down, son. And please don’t speak for “conservatives”. you need to add the prefix neo to your infantile screed. Let me fix your typos:
#1 Conservatives love their country (nope, conservatives – lower case c, by the way, love “freedom” and personal accountability (neither apply to “the country”).
# 2 Conservatives are pro business (nope, conservatives are pro “free market”. LOBBYISTS are “pro business”).
# 3 Conservatives believe if they earn something they should be allowed to keep it (no, Leona Helmsley and most children believe they should not have to pay taxes. True conservatives accept taxes as part of life. WE are more concerned with spending and the financial cost of failed, flawed policy).
# 4 Conservatives don’t like the government taking their money and giving it to people who are too stinking lazy to get out of bed and go earn their own. (not worthy of response. see: above and pay specific attention to FOREIGN policy and DoD spending)
# 5 Conservatives think the government should be less intrusive in their personal lives (yeah, but by this definition, any anti-abortion, anti-same sex marriage, anti-gay rights wag is not conservative).
# 6 If you started a business and it was your money laid out there at risk and it was your rear end if the business fails then don’t you think you should be the one handing out the pay raises and the benefits and not some government fed and supported union? It’s no wonder this country is in the shape it’s in. (please don’t use hypothetical scenarios to state your case. since 1980 the Federal deficit has ballooned to nearly $13 trillion (Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama). are you suggesting that Reagan, Bush I and Bush II were not “conservatives”?
now go home and get your shine box!
Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 24th, 2010
9:22 am
More to the point, though Jay, is why do it at all? Russia is not a threat to us, they are not going to attack us. We are not going to attack Russia. The treaty does nothing about the 10,000 tactical nukes the Russkies are using as their currency in dealing with rogue states. It addresses only the deteriorating old arsenal of ICBMs.
When the current administration withdrew US missile defenses from Poland, Russia proved its good faith by invading Georgia and seizing a warm-water port. Why deal with such people, other than to reward bad behavior?
fair and balanced
November 24th, 2010
9:23 am
GOP blinded by its anti-Obama jihad – funny jay, you never seemed to notice the dems blinded by 8 yrs of anti-gw jihad.
BW
November 24th, 2010
9:24 am
Jay
Barack Obama is an object onto which alot of these people project their worse fears….karma. Plain and simple.
Fred
November 24th, 2010
9:24 am
I stand corrected. That WAS considered a lame duck session. I didn’t think the house leadership changed that election…….
Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 24th, 2010
9:24 am
Dear Jay @ 9:16, we would agree that your argument rests wholly on the idea that “it can’t be done, therefore we will surrender forever any possibility of technological advancement.”
TaxPayer
November 24th, 2010
9:24 am
The GOP has no credibility. It makes proud fools of their following
There. I think that is more technically correct.
TaxPayer
November 24th, 2010
9:26 am
Ragnar appears to suffer from too many voices, I do believe.
Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 24th, 2010
9:26 am
And, dear Jay, before you advance the argument, I concede that lasers cannot do it either, so far as we know.
RGB
November 24th, 2010
9:27 am
Let ‘em all expire – it won’t make or break any middle class tax payers!
Perhaps “Bad” refers to Bob’s understanding of economics and family finances.
A family of 5 with a $70k income will see their federal tax burden rise from $4,693 to $6,964 when the Bush tax cuts expire–in 38 days.
The January 1, 2011 deadline is another one Obama is about to miss. His party held all 3 branches of government and could have resolved this issue months ago–but he chose to ignore it because he wants to bring down Americans’ standards of living.
There is no other answer for this is what Obama meant when he said that America is the greatest country in the world and I want you to help me change it.
Jay
November 24th, 2010
9:27 am
Well Ragnar, maybe you should pose that question to Condi Rice, George Shultz, Henry Kissinger, Colin Powell, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Sam Nunn, Richard Lugar, SecDef Gates, Brent Scowcroft, James Baker and just about every single person of standing in the national security arena.
Union
November 24th, 2010
9:29 am
Jay
November 24th, 2010
9:27 am
Well Ragnar, maybe you should pose that question to Condi Rice, George Shultz, Henry Kissinger, Colin Powell, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Sam Nunn, Richard Lugar, SecDef Gates, Brent Scowcroft, James Baker and just about every single person of standing in the national security arena.
wow.. right off ctcukers blog.. lol
williebkind
November 24th, 2010
9:30 am
I dont want the republicans to compromise at all with Obama, Reid, and Pelosi. End of statement.
Moderate Line
November 24th, 2010
9:30 am
saywhat?
November 24th, 2010
9:17 am
For all the people equating President Obama hatred by the Republican party with treatment of the former President W. Bush, can any of you give a single example, just one, of the Democrats changing their position on an issue just to spite the president? Google to you hearts content and see if you can find one. Unless you can do that, you are guilty of projection. i.e. ascribing your own undesirable behaviours to others in an attempt to improve your own much inflated feelings of self worth.
+++++++++++++++++++
All you have to do is look at the Supreme court votes. Are you going to tell me that 22 Democrats did not support Roberts based on his qualification instead of politics. Now they didn’t change their vote but I have not seen any evidence the Republicans have change their votes on the treaty either.
Fred
November 24th, 2010
9:30 am
Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 24th, 2010
9:26 am
And, dear Jay, before you advance the argument, I concede that lasers cannot do it either, so far as we know.
++++++++++++++
They were close. But the funding disappeared after the huge Star Wars debate. They know how to do it, but they can’t machine the parts to fine tune the arrays enough to keep the beam together as it pierces the atmosphere. There was also the problem of cooling the mirrors. These may have been over come in a lab, but without actually building and testing, we don’t know for sure…….
Jefferson
November 24th, 2010
9:30 am
‘preciate it, Taxpayer.
lynnie gal
November 24th, 2010
9:31 am
The Republicans are now on a suicide mission in order to regain absolute political power, and they are willing to blow up all of America in this mission. They really don’t care about the economy, national security or fair elections, and they are willing to blow the head off of every middle class person in this country in order to please the rich and corporations. The middle class really needs a warrior to stand up to this recklessness before they are resigned to permanent poverty. Obama just isn’t strong enough to withstand their attacks. He needs reinforcements. Meaning, every democratic minded American needs to let the GOP know that they will not stand for this insanity and then punish them in the next election. I just hope it won’t be too late.
myother
November 24th, 2010
9:31 am
Politics as usual. Vote out all the dems and reps. I’m voting straight libertarian until things change.
kitty
November 24th, 2010
9:32 am
Besides the Iraq war and its justification based on wishful thinking and fake intelligence, this was the reason I had issues with GWB. He was not a conservative of any kind. Just a hypocrite.
# 5 Conservatives think the government should be less intrusive in their personal lives (yeah, but by this definition, any anti-abortion, anti-same sex marriage, anti-gay rights wag is not conservative).
El Jefe
November 24th, 2010
9:33 am
Bad Bob,
You mean the cool handouts to married folks? The Marriage tax expired this year but will come back next year.
The death tax has expired, but will return next year – and I do not think it only applies to the rich, but also farmers, small businesses and sub-S corporations too.
By the way, the Bush tax cuts did away with the lowest income bracket($10,000), which would return in 2011.
There is more in the Bush tax cuts than just the income tax rates, which by the way will cost the Government nothing to extend. It will not cut into any “new” revenue streams, but would maintain the current revenue flow.
But, the left doesn’t care about “those” folks. You know, what was it Katie Couric said? the great unwashed?
Kamchak
November 24th, 2010
9:34 am
Logic 05
November 24th, 2010
8:31 am
I’ve started to notice a trend with Jay’s posting.
Democrats = Good
Republicans = Evil
I have noticed the binary mindset of the talk-radio crowd for thirty years.
Congratulations.
Not only has talk-radio told you what to think, they’ve also
trainedprogrammed you how to think.BADA BING
November 24th, 2010
9:35 am
I am confused, the King of Saudi Arabia is in the US for medical treatment. Is he on Obamacare? Why isn’t he in Canada or Europe, you know, where medical care is the best in the World? Does Michael Moore know about this? He can afford to go anywhere for his treatment, but he came here.
williebkind
November 24th, 2010
9:35 am
Kamchak
November 24th, 2010
9:34 am
I see you left out the lame stream media. What were they doing?
josef nix
November 24th, 2010
9:36 am
Anti-Obama jihad? Crusade? Obama is a Socialist? Bush is a Na zi? Palin is a moron…sounds like out old nemisis Lady Hyperbole is back in business hereabouts…NOW can I call the POTUS a Peronista, Jay?
Gale
November 24th, 2010
9:36 am
The worst thing that could happen to either party would be to have uncontested control of both houses and the executive. Give them absolute control and they would have no one to blame for making a complete mess of things by action or inaction. Both parties need to stop with the schoolyard finger pointing and get on with business. It is not a competition. It is running the country, fergoshsakes.
nelson
November 24th, 2010
9:36 am
The Transparency Option would demand that the flow of cash from large corporations to members of congress become open and accountable. That would prevent politicians from hiding behind mountains of cash that will be thrown into the media for supporting their runs for office. “follow the money” has been a way to track terrorist activity, it works.
Why the secrecy when it comes to huge, humongus contributions to elected officials? Transparency is democracy in action.
saywhat?
November 24th, 2010
9:39 am
Moderate line @9:30 You didn’t see any Republicans change their votes? The esteemed Senator Kyl not too long ago was denigrating the current administration for NOT getting the START treaty passed in a timely manner, because it was SUCH an IMPORTANT treaty for U.S national security. He did this on the Senate floor no less. But now that its done, ratifying the START treaty is much less important than scoring political points, apparently.
I am still waiting for somebody to show me where Democrats obstructed legislation they approved of just to spite a Republican administration. Until somebody can do that, Obama hatred and w. ridicule are false equivalencies.
Moderate Line
November 24th, 2010
9:40 am
Jay
November 24th, 2010
9:27 am
Well Ragnar, maybe you should pose that question to Condi Rice, George Shultz, Henry Kissinger, Colin Powell, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Sam Nunn, Richard Lugar, SecDef Gates, Brent Scowcroft, James Baker and just about every single person of standing in the national security arena
+++++
The treaty won 14-4 in committee with several Republicans voting for it.
From Harry Reid:
This treaty has strong bipartisan consensus in the Senate. It has been endorsed by the U.S. military, our diplomatic leadership, and scores of former Republican and Democratic national security officials. So I am puzzled by Senator Kyl’s announcement that he is not prepared to move forward on the new START treaty.
I believe this is simply a talking point for Democratic hack’s.
@@
November 24th, 2010
9:40 am
jay:
Have you ever attended a social gathering…only to find that you’re wearing the same dress as Cynthia Tucker?
All too often, you’re wearing the same column. The two of you should coordinate.
retired early
November 24th, 2010
9:40 am
Go ahead and vote on START. Then we will know who are our leaders and who are our traitors.
Party over country…I hope it comes back to bite them in the next election.
williebkind
November 24th, 2010
9:40 am
lynnie gal
November 24th, 2010
9:31 am
Your so funny!!
Fred
November 24th, 2010
9:42 am
josef nix
November 24th, 2010
9:36 am
NOW can I call the POTUS a Peronista, Jay?
+++++++++++++++
Damn you. It seems like SOMEWHERE in each blog you force me to look something up to find the definition. Now I have to finish reading up on Peronism AND try to keep up with the posts………
josef nix
November 24th, 2010
9:43 am
@@
“Have you ever attended a social gathering…only to find that you’re wearing the same dress as Cynthia Tucker?”
I don’t care who you are, thass funny! ISH
TH
November 24th, 2010
9:43 am
Today is November 24.
BONER, WHERE ARE THE JOBS CREATED FROM THE BUSH TAX CUTS FOR THE WEALTHY?
TaxPayer
November 24th, 2010
9:44 am
Until somebody can do that, Obama hatred and w. ridicule are false equivalencies
Surely you underestimate the compassionate conservative’s ability to equivocate.
Granny Godzilla
November 24th, 2010
9:47 am
“he wants to bring down Americans’ standards of living.”
damn GOP melodrama
Kamchak
November 24th, 2010
9:48 am
I see you left out the lame stream media.
You have just proved my point by offering up your mindset as an example.
Thanks.
@@
November 24th, 2010
9:48 am
josef:
Just in time for Thanksgiving….it’s Turkey!!!!
Geopolitical Journey, Part 5: Turkey is republished with permission of STRATFOR.
Pennski
November 24th, 2010
9:49 am
Jay,
See this link, Obama did receive foreign campain contributions unlike what you said above to Jimmy. There were no safeguards in place to verify that these people were really who they say they are, so I think that falls under anonymous:
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/obamas_foreign_contributions/
Fred
November 24th, 2010
9:49 am
@@:
I’m late to the party. I read Part 4. Where can I find parts 1,2,&3?
Bye Bye Empire
November 24th, 2010
9:50 am
Listen up, halflings. It’s the Mittelstand, stupid.
You know those effete, cheese-eating Germans that the right has been busily excoriating. (Oh that’s the French? It’s all the same.)
Turns out, socialism does work (if by ’socialism’ we mean the systematic repudiation – sorry, refudiation – of British and US-led neoliberalism which enshrines ‘the market’ and stock-performance oriented performance as the be-all end-all in corporate governance) after all. Meyerson at WaPo has it about right, here: http://wapo.st/h4DIzd.
So, next time one of you halflings claim that ’socialism’ doesn’t work, just remember: what we need in this day and age is much, much more socialism, not less. Now if only we could convince our stooge, center-right president of that.
jj
November 24th, 2010
9:50 am
Enter your comments here
jj
November 24th, 2010
9:53 am
Two wrongs do not make a right, but do you really believe the hatred of BO is any more or less than the open hatred by the left of Bush? (Bush Lied, Baby Killer, Hitler…and the list could go on for pages)
Moderate Line
November 24th, 2010
9:54 am
saywhat?
November 24th, 2010
9:39 am
Moderate line @9:30 You didn’t see any Republicans change their votes? The esteemed Senator Kyl not too long ago was denigrating the current administration for NOT getting the START treaty passed in a timely manner, because it was SUCH an IMPORTANT treaty for U.S national security. He did this on the Senate floor no less. But now that its done, ratifying the START treaty is much less important than scoring political points, apparently.
I am still waiting for somebody to show me where Democrats obstructed legislation they approved of just to spite a Republican administration. Until somebody can do that, Obama hatred and w. ridicule are false equivalencies.
+++
The treaty passed 14-4 in committee
—
From The Hill:
Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), however, said there was too much to do and too little time to hold a vote on the treaty. He told The Hill several incoming GOP freshman senators were circulating a letter to their new colleagues asking that a vote be delayed until the next Senate.
Corker voted in favor of the treaty in committee and has been seen as a possible supporter on the floor.
–
The issue is not whether he supports the bill but when to hold a vote.
Atlanta1
November 24th, 2010
9:56 am
A war started a long time ago and one that became especially nasty while George W. Bush was President. A war that the Democrats were ‘blinded’ sometimes by their focus on the President and power, despite what was good for the country.
It’s a two way street…
Del
November 24th, 2010
10:00 am
Norm Ornstein supports President Obama and his policies irrespective of his AEI affiliation, so it’s not surprising that he would be critical of Republicans who do not support Obama’s policies. Just another whining voice upset with the mid-term election result. The left really can’t come to grips with the message sent by the voters but to quote their dear leader, “elections have consequences.”
zeke
November 24th, 2010
10:02 am
That inexperienced, socialist, community organizer trying to completely remake the system that has made the U.S. the greatest country in the history of mankind! Trying to take us down the path of complete government control socialism! Trying to make us into systems modeled after the Soviet Union, Cuba, China, Venezuela, countries he admires! Trying to redistribute the hard earned wealth of successful persons to those on the government dole!
HE NEEDS TO BE IMPEACHED FOR VIOLATION OF THE CONSTITUTION AND HIS SWORN OATH OF OFFICE, AND, TO PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION FROM ALL ENEMIES, ESPECIALLY DOMESTIC! 2012 MUST END THIS FARCE AND SAVE THE COUNTRY FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR CHILDREN!!!
Moderate Line
November 24th, 2010
10:03 am
Pennski
November 24th, 2010
9:49 am
Jay,
See this link, Obama did receive foreign campain contributions unlike what you said above to Jimmy. There were no safeguards in place to verify that these people were really who they say they are, so I think that falls under anonymous:
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/obamas_foreign_contributions
+++++++++++++++++++=
Obama was the first president since Nixon not to take public financing. Where were the Dems when Obama broke his promise on this issue? Where was the stand on principle?
As with many moderates and independents I feel neither side is very trustworthy.
tommytwotone1
November 24th, 2010
10:08 am
The problem was, and still is, that the left was blinded by thier anti-Bush jihad and tried to steer the whole country off the left side of the bridge.
Thankfully, we’re correcting course as of January. Come 2012, we’ll be going back onto the RIGHT path and eliminate the liberal mental disorder for good.
capitalism and war
November 24th, 2010
10:08 am
The country simply doesn’t agree with anything you write, Bookman. You’re on the lam and out on a limb, stuck in Limbo with BlameLamebama.
It’s “writers” like you, who sacrifice content for style, and who always cry, “appease! appease!” who are hanged by those they aimed to please.
Shame on the AJC for coddling it’s employees. Shame on the left for divorcing themselves from mainstream Americana.
And shame on me for being fooled twice by entilementalists like Bookman.
Moderate Line
November 24th, 2010
10:11 am
! Trying to make us into systems modeled after the Soviet Union, Cuba, China, Venezuela, countries he admires!
+++++++++
Government receipts as a percentage of GDP the lowest since 1950.
Income tax receipts as a percentage of GDP the lowest since 1950.
Corporate income tax receipts lowest as a percentage of GDP since 1936.
tommytwotone1
November 24th, 2010
10:13 am
Libs like Jay merely exist to be ridiculed, and are living breathing reminders of why socialist countries are a failure.
However, don’t underestimate the liberal species either. They are cunning and will do anything to try and push the “progressive” agenda.
Just like cutters, drug abusers, and other lunatics…liberals have no shame about their behaviour and will justify any action on thier part.
tommytwotone1
November 24th, 2010
10:14 am
“Government receipts as a percentage of GDP the lowest since 1950.
Income tax receipts as a percentage of GDP the lowest since 1950.
Corporate income tax receipts lowest as a percentage of GDP since 1936″
—————–
Still too high, and your post assumes that money somehow belongs to the worthless child molestors in government.
TaxPayer
November 24th, 2010
10:15 am
To hear the compassionate conservatives speak, that Republican mandate sounds like it extends to all reaches of the known universe and beyond. Those Borg tentacles must be long and penetrating. It’s no wonder they have no time to deal with little things like jobs.
Mr Right
November 24th, 2010
10:18 am
And it’s telling that Republican hatred of Obama is so intense and over the top that you and others feel the need to invent things in order to try to justify it.
Jay your headline and this statement reminds me of the Libs when Bush was president ! So forget the idea that you are putting forth that we are better than you are on this issue .
Doggone/GA
November 24th, 2010
10:19 am
“Still too high, and your post assumes that money somehow belongs to the worthless child molestors in government”
It does. It is the price we pay for living in a civilized country with law enforcement and legal protections. If you prefer no taxes, and lawlessness, then Somalia eagerly awaits your arrival…though in all fairness, it’s probably only polite to warn you that you will have to provide your own army to protect you from the warlords there.
Dusty
November 24th, 2010
10:20 am
Oh jihad,jihad, you are so bad, ’specially when you’ve been had…by Bookman.
Please leave this jihad business to the terrorists. That is their line of work not the work of Americans. . We are supposedly having a political discussion about a treaty. We do not need a “dirty tricks” column to incite the “supposed” hate which Bookman has percolated for us this morning.
I award the Green Persimmon Award to Bookman for his work on building hate. He is the prize winner right here on Thanksgiving eve. .
Bye Bye Empire
November 24th, 2010
10:21 am
zeke and tommytwotone1:
Well done! You guys have real passion and I think with a little help you may have real potential. (After we make a couple of minor adjustments, that is – maybe a few months in one of our re-education camps to learn a little about history and economics ought to do the trick.) With a little schooling, I think you might be able to recognize your true place and help our side advance a revolutionary agenda. Keep the faith, comrades!
Moderate Line
November 24th, 2010
10:22 am
TaxPayer
November 24th, 2010
10:15 am
To hear the compassionate conservatives speak, that Republican mandate sounds like it extends to all reaches of the known universe and beyond. Those Borg tentacles must be long and penetrating. It’s no wonder they have no time to deal with little things like jobs.
+++++++
Such arguments work both ways. The same could have been said about the Dem “mandate”.
tommytwotone1
November 24th, 2010
10:23 am
It’s no wonder they have no time to deal with little things like jobs.
————————
Good god. THEY CANNOT CREATE JOBS. ONLY BUSINESSES AND THE FREE MARKET CREATE JOBS.
Drill that fact into your skull. Neither Democrats nor Republicans can do anything about private sector hiring.
I don’t care which side claims to “care” the most. They can’t do anything about the economy, at least not anything positive…they may as well promise to make it snow on christmas day.
If you want jobs so much, slash the useless government to 90% of its current size and reduce taxes by the same amount.
Have you ever tried to start a business? Are you aware of how much red tape, regulatory crap, fees taxes and liscences you have to go through to even start a SIMPLE business? It’s too much of a hurdle for most people. The government is STRANGLING people who want to create a business…which in turn: creates JOBS.
So really, get over the rhetoric. It makes you look stupid.
Del
November 24th, 2010
10:25 am
“It’s no wonder they have no time to deal with things like jobs.”
Lets see, a Democratic administration last 2 years, a Democratic controlled Congress last 4 years, unemployment hanging close to 10% and the only thing that’s grown is the deficit. The Dem’s have been to busy spending TAXPAYER money to deal with things like jobs.
Fred
November 24th, 2010
10:26 am
Doggone/GA
November 24th, 2010
10:19 am
If you prefer no taxes, and lawlessness, then Somalia eagerly awaits your arrival…
+++++++++
LOL Nice comeback
tommytwotone1
November 24th, 2010
10:26 am
It is the price we pay for living in a civilized country with law enforcement and legal protections.
————————
I’m all for law enforcement and legal protection. They can take about 10% of everyone’s income and fund that.
What I’m against is the other 40% of the economy that the government sucks up and wastes, because it kills jobs, keeps people from progressing, and gives the government TOO much power.
So much for your straw man about “no taxes” and “lawlesness”.
You argue like a two year old.
Parent: Jenny don’t eat that candy it’s bad for you
Child: Why do you hate all food? Don’t you know we have to eat food to survive?
josef nix
November 24th, 2010
10:27 am
@@
As with the others, an interesting read…I’m not sure if he’s not overestimating Turkey a bit on the world stage, but as a regional force, it’s key…
Doggone/GA
November 24th, 2010
10:29 am
“You argue like a two year old.”
Whenever I get a response like this, I *know* I’ve hit a nerve.
and Thanks Fred!
Common Sense isn't very Common
November 24th, 2010
10:31 am
zeke@10:02 am
That inexperienced, socialist, community organizer trying to completely remake the system that has made the U.S. the greatest country in the history of mankind! Trying to take us down the path of complete government control socialism! Trying to make us into systems modeled after the Soviet Union, Cuba, China, Venezuela, countries he admires! Trying to redistribute the hard earned wealth of successful persons to those on the government dole!
HE NEEDS TO BE IMPEACHED FOR VIOLATION OF THE CONSTITUTION AND HIS SWORN OATH OF OFFICE, AND, TO PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION FROM ALL ENEMIES, ESPECIALLY DOMESTIC! 2012 MUST END THIS FARCE AND SAVE THE COUNTRY FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR CHILDREN!!!
————————————-
Meds not working??
Completely remake the country?
Interesting
TaxPayer
November 24th, 2010
10:32 am
Such arguments work both ways. The same could have been said about the Dem “mandate”.
If you have a timely argument that you could make, then by all means… otherwise.
tommytwotone1
November 24th, 2010
10:32 am
Whenever I get a response like this, I *know* I’ve hit a nerve.
————————
You didn’t hit a nerve, you just come off as a retard.
Being against wasteful government, demanding lower taxes, and insisting on more economic freedom isn’t the same thing as wanting “no taxes” or “anarchy”.
You’re arguing against statements that nobody has even made or implied.
I was actually trying to help you out, to keep you on track and stay focused. But I know that’s too much to ask a child.
josef nix
November 24th, 2010
10:32 am
The GOP pretty much ran on a party platform of stopping Obama and his agenda. They took the House and weakened the Democrats in the Senate. Why should we be at all surprised if they “deliver on their promise?” Or at least try to grandstand as if they are…same old politics as the Dems before them and, likely, like the Dems after them…
Doggone/GA
November 24th, 2010
10:33 am
“But I know that’s too much to ask a child”
Yep, definitely hit a nerve alright.
Jackie
November 24th, 2010
10:33 am
Found some documentation the so-called conservatives can cheer about when it comes to citizens of this country and their attempts at maintaining/enhancing their well-being.
http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/24/pf/taxes/making_work_pay/index.htm?hpt=T2
Doggone/GA
November 24th, 2010
10:36 am
“Why should we be at all surprised if they “deliver on their promise?” ”
Well, I – for one – am not the least bit surprised.
Matti
November 24th, 2010
10:38 am
Whoa whoa whoa whoa… wait just a darn minute!!! Are you telling us that DISCLOSURE was not a required element in the legalization of unlimited campaign support from foreign conglomerates? How did I miss THAT tidbit? WTF?
Yes, people. If this is true, it means that your voice and your vote mean LESS that you thought, which is LESS THAN NOTHING. “American Democracy” was comatose. Now it’s dead.
josef nix
November 24th, 2010
10:41 am
Matti
Now, now! We’ve survived far worse than where we are now…
Jackie
November 24th, 2010
10:43 am
I did not mention the GM and Chrysler bailouts, the drop in the number of jobless claims, saving millions of jobs for “government workers,” repayment of loans by the auto industry – with interest.
Come on so-called conservatives, where is your collective cheer for America and the Americans recovering from the recession and the prospects that all Americans will have an opportunity to get their economic houses in order?
Doggone/GA
November 24th, 2010
10:43 am
“Now it’s dead”
No, it’s not dead yet. We’re just going through the stage where the advances of the past have become so much the norm, that the people have forgetten the struggles it took to make those advances. Every society takes a few steps backwards now and then. This is then.
Matti
November 24th, 2010
10:44 am
jo nix,
Yes Dear, people in totalitarian regimes do survive. But they’re not free.
josef nix
November 24th, 2010
10:47 am
Matti
We’re no where near a totalitarian regime…I’m none to happy about the road signs myself, but…
Doggone/GA
November 24th, 2010
10:48 am
“But they’re not free.”
No one is ever totally free.
tommytwotone1
November 24th, 2010
10:48 am
Come on so-called conservatives, where is your collective cheer for America and the Americans recovering from the recession and the prospects that all Americans will have an opportunity to get their economic houses in order?
————————————————————
They would have more oppurtunity if the worthless government would get out of the way. Government is the problem, not the solution.
Mary Elizabeth
November 24th, 2010
10:50 am
I just posted the following on Cynthia Tucker’s blog regarding the START and I also wanted to post the following thoughts here:
The discussion tells me that before political wisdom will return to America, that the American psyche and heart must first change. This is hard to accomplish when media giants such as FOX News and Rush Limbaugh are keeping the American psyche stunted and stunted in negative, destructive ways. But these ways may not simply destroy the Obama presidency and kill the START Treaty, they may further coarsen the American intellect and soul so that it will not be able to recognize the danger in hating others (Obama), in stereotyping instead of looking at particulars (as in the treaty), and in recognizing the value of mature introspection as to how one’s own negative motives (Republican Party’s “Just Say No” mantra) can be destructive to oneself and others.
This ploy by the present Republicans reminds me of the old feud between the Hatfields and McCoys of Hillbilly fame, in which the familys feuded with one another for generations. Finally, their later progeny had no idea why they disliked each other but kept fighting each other “on principle.”
Spiritual truth of the universe: Hate destroys and it destroys the one who hates more than the one hated. We must learn to compromise with reason, value emotional maturity, and we must overcome the negative media giants’ (mentioned above) impact in stunting the maturity of American psyche before our politics will return to normal functioning.
I am very proud of Sen. Isakson for having the maturity and courage to vote against the strong will of his party, and support the START Treaty for the best interests of America and her citizens of both parties.
Doggone/GA
November 24th, 2010
10:50 am
“Government is the problem, not the solution.”
And now you know why I mentioned Somalia to you.
josef nix
November 24th, 2010
10:52 am
“No one is ever totally free.”
And some of us are not even cheap!
Matti
November 24th, 2010
10:53 am
Okay y’all. If it’s not dead, if there’s still time to fight, then who’s going to do it? Clearly the Democratic Party is the enabler that only gives the appearance of opposition. (Much like the Washington Generals vs. Harlem Globetrotters.) The Libertarians, (bless their hearts) are just bat-poop crazy — most of them anyway. I’d actually vote L more often if they’d ever run somebody who wasn’t! The tea tards are a vocal minority, but DANG they’ve got all the subwoofers and the noise is deafening. Who can even think with that infernal racket going on?
So.. who’s going to fight? The three of us? (I have some strategies, actually, but I dare not share them here.)
cgm
November 24th, 2010
10:53 am
The Republicans have succeded in demonizing Obama and his refusal to fight back, only makes him look weak.
Matti
November 24th, 2010
10:54 am
Somebody please stick a little gold star on tommy’s chest. He’s a good boy. He inserted his Reagan quip o’ the day. *pat pat pat* Juice and cookies for little tommy!
tommytwotone1
November 24th, 2010
10:55 am
And now you know why I mentioned Somalia to you.
————————-
You mentioned it because you can’t logically argue against an intrusive, wasteful government.
You’re okay with them stealing about half of the money that flows through the economy, even though they waste roughly 40% of the 50% they take.
And anyone who calls them out on it is “racist” and “greedy”. Anyone who gripes about it wants “anarchy”.
Get back in your crib…your welfare check should be in the mail today.
josef nix
November 24th, 2010
10:58 am
Matti
“So.. who’s going to fight? The three of us? (I have some strategies, actually, but I dare not share them here.)”
Any to do with the Second Amendment?
Doggone/GA
November 24th, 2010
10:59 am
“You’re okay with them stealing about half of the money that flows through the economy, even though they waste roughly 40% of the 50% they take.”
Got any REAL proof of that? Or is it true just because you say it is?
“And anyone who calls them out on it is “racist” and “greedy”.”
I’ve never said anything like that, so that is a false argument.
“Anyone who gripes about it wants “anarchy”.”
When you villify ALL government as “the problem” why would you expect any sort of nuanced answer back? The only answer to an absolute is another absolute. If “government is the problem” then it naturally follows that NO GOVERNMENT is the solution. As I said, Somalia eagerly awaits your arrival.
“Get back in your crib…your welfare check should be in the mail today”
I always know when I’ve hit a nerve…the insults follow automatically.
tommytwotone1
November 24th, 2010
11:01 am
This is hard to accomplish when media giants such as FOX News and Rush Limbaugh are keeping the American psyche stunted
———————————————–
The only thing stunting the American psyche is the 95% of all other media that is LIBERAL.
You can whine about FOX news all you want, but only about 3 million people watch it. That’s a whopping 1% of our population.
The other 99% of the population…which I’m sure includes mouthbreathers like you…have been brainwashed into thinking that the politicians can do anything constructive or positive.
Think about it like this though: if any of these politicians had to get a job in the private sector, they wouldn’t be qualified to clean a toilet (no offense, doggone).
You’re damn right we hate liberals. And you’re damn right we hate the government. But hate isn’t bad if it’s used in the right manner, and used to force a positive outcome.
And if that positive outcome is the end of liberals, the end of an over-reaching socialist government, and end to your wauy of thinking…then all the better.