‘Gang of Six’ plan meaningless without GOP House
A sense of relief washed over Washington Tuesday after the bipartisan Gang of Six — a group that includes Saxby Chambliss of Georgia — announced it had come to agreement on a major deficit-reduction package.
Their announcement was greeted by many as if a path out of the wilderness had been found. President Obama spoke favorably of the plan, calling it “broadly consistent with what we’ve been working on here in the White House.” Senators of both parties expressed support for the plan, at least in broad terms.
“One of the 25 Republicans who heard the Gang of Six’s proposal for a grand bargain on debt reduction was Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, who ranks third in the GOP leadership. He said he was impressed both with the plan and with the three Republican gang members who helped draft it.
“Senators [Mike] Crapo, [Tom] Coburn and Chambliss are three of the most conservative members of the Republican caucus, and if they study something for six months, tell me it’s good for the country, that means a lot to me.”
Many other conservative Republicans senators showered similar praise on the Gang of Six proposal. They did so despite the fact that most Republicans for months have opposed using any increased tax revenues to bring down deficits.
Coburn said this plan puts tax revenues back on the table.
“There’s no question, revenues — enhanced revenues — are part of this plan, and we think it’ll be about $1 trillion,” he said.”
But that’s the problem, isn’t it. Sensible, responsible people understand that the deficit has to be addressed by a combination of spending cuts and revenue increases. Politically, that’s how a deal can be cut. And mathematically, it simply isn’t possible to achieve deficit cuts of the size required without approaching the problem from both ends, by raising revenue and cutting spending.
However, sensible, responsible people are not running the show in the U.S. House of Representatives. While Crapo, Coburn and Chambliss may be three of the more conservative Republicans in the Senate, in the eyes of their colleagues in the House they are mere RINOs.
As a sign of their continued fidelity to foolishness, House Republicans spent yesterday passing their extreme “Cut, Cap and Balance Plan.” The good news is that nine GOP congressmen voted against the bill. The bad news is that most if not all of those nine — including GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann and Georgia’s Paul Broun — voted against it because in the end, it would raise the debt ceiling. In other words, it wasn’t extreme enough.
“The president has said now for once he wants a balanced approach,” Speaker John Boehner said after the vote. “Well, guess what. In ‘Cut, Cap and Balance’ he does get a balanced approach. He gets his increase in the debt limit of $2.4 trillion. What we get are real cuts in spending and real reforms in place that’ll make sure that this problem never, ever happens again.”
Note that Boehner continues to frame the debt limit increase as a goal that Obama wants and that Boehner is willing to grant him under the right conditions, rather than an absolute necessity for the country as a whole. It’s crazy talk.
Meanwhile, out there in BaseLand, the drumbeat for Armageddon grows louder.
For example, at redstate.com, the Gang of Six plan is derided as “the Gangrene Plan” because “it will slowly, but surely, rot away the nation.”
“What’s going to happen now is the Senate will tell the House that its plan cannot pass. House Republicans must now continue to hold the freaking line. They must not waiver. They must understand that now that their plan is passed and that it allows the debt ceiling to be raised, the House GOP’s hand strengthens every day closer to August 2nd. And if this debacle goes past August 2nd, the House GOP is in charge as long as it holds the freaking line.”
Things aren’t much better at places such as the Heritage Foundation. David Addington, Heritage vice president of domestic and economic policy studies and former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, dismisses the Gang of Six proposal as “the third Senate-originated half-baked idea this week.”
“There’s plenty in the Gang of Six Plan for President Obama — he gets his tax hikes and, in reality, he gets to borrow lots more money. But the American people don’t really get much of anything, except the usual empty promise of action in the future…. Conservatives should stop the Gang of Six Plan.”
A peek at the calendar tells me that Aug. 2 is now 13 days away.
– Jay Bookman
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275 comments Add your comment
Keep Up the Good Fight!
July 20th, 2011
9:42 am
Given the Orange Man’s golf record and Bush’s vacation and golf record, when I see posts about Obama’s golf game its usually a sign that the poster has been Foxwashed.
DBCOOPER
July 20th, 2011
9:43 am
Gang of six what? Cowards?
Lets face it citizens. Until we send to Washington the kind of people that will represent OUR best interest and not their re-elections we as a people and society are doomed. Almost 50% of registered voters believe the government should provide for their Healthcare, sustenance (food stamps), employment, education, etc.etc etc. It is simply not possible! Especially when only 50% of the people pay federal income tax. 40 cents out of every dollar spent by Washington is borrowed. How long do we as a society believe that can be sustained? Really come on please?! How long?
Medicare and Medicaid two entitlements that are out of control and breaking us aren’t even mentioned in the “Gang of Six” proposal. Those are the ticking bombs and because of political reasons no one, including our President will touch them. Because he knows he won’t be re-elected! But he has to know it will be our downfall! We need to wake up.
Goldie
July 20th, 2011
9:44 am
Let’s see… and how many times did the GOP hero Reagan implore Congress to do the right thing and raise the debt ceiling for America during the 80’s???? Reagan today would say “SHAME SHAME SHAME” to the GOP for allowing the extremist loonies to take over their Party.
USinUK
July 20th, 2011
9:44 am
“I don’t trust people who have blanket beliefs about those they do not trust.”
yay!
Signs of progress on resolving debt crisis - NECN | Breaking News
July 20th, 2011
9:44 am
[...] by KVIIHouse defies veto threatWIVBBipartisan Plan for Budget Deal Buoys PresidentNew York TimesAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog) -Coshocton Tribune -The Hillall 5,368 news [...]
@@
July 20th, 2011
9:44 am
Although I’m in favor of eliminating the mortgage interest deduction, Peadawg’s right. It WILL have an impact on the economic recovery. I read an article where previous homeowners have been snake bit by the housing collapse…they’re opting to rent instead of purchase. Either that or they’re anticipating an even lower price for the house of their dreams. I have a friend who just purchased a $350,000 foreclosure for $150,000.
The impact of the housing bubble is gonna be around for a long time.
Brosephus
July 20th, 2011
9:45 am
Is it just me, or is Peadawg the king of “it happened to me this way, so that’s just the way it is?”
You mean to tell me Peadawg’s famous?!!?!!?!?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hN1SKVx31s
WAR
July 20th, 2011
9:45 am
martin
i agree so things need to get cut or reduced and this includes some sacred cows. of course we need to arrive at a number that lessens the pain.
but we do need to raise taxes and close loopholes that benefit such a small portion of the country.
can you agree these two items go hand in hand (while we dont spend the money we are suppose to be saving)?
wont that work?
TaxPayer
July 20th, 2011
9:45 am
Need I go on? No
JohnnyReb
July 20th, 2011
9:45 am
Granny – the House plan caps expenditures and starts the amendment process. It does not “wait” until an amendment is passed.
News Channel » Signs of progress on resolving debt crisis – NECN
July 20th, 2011
9:46 am
[...] by KVIIHouse defies veto threatWIVBBipartisan Plan for Budget Deal Buoys PresidentNew York TimesAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog) -Coshocton Tribune -The Hillall 5,368 news [...]
Paul
July 20th, 2011
9:47 am
Brocephus
When I read the post about the Gang of Six/Simpson-Bowles Plan that said “it doesn’t have any real cuts, and it doesn’t touch entitlements”
I just chalked it up to the poster’ a charter member of the Age of Illusion.
I’m so pleased. I actually avoided a Vortex!
md
July 20th, 2011
9:47 am
The other side of the housing debate……one doesn’t HAVE to buy as much house as they qualify for…….that ole choices thingy……
As for the housing credit……no problem getting rid of it, but I would do it over a period of xx years…….in case you folks haven’t noticed, housing is a driver of the economy……and at the moment, it is driving in the wrong direction……taking away that credit now would be the death knell.
Chris
July 20th, 2011
9:47 am
Then let us hope that the House does not cave. There should be no increase in taxes until Washington shows that it can use the funds it already gets correctly. Letting increase revenues is akin to allowing a drunk another beer.
carlosgvv
July 20th, 2011
9:47 am
Dave R. 9:14
So, if this Senate plan breezes thru the House, then I will stand corrected and work on my political analysis. Of course, if it doesn’t, you will be the one who needs to keep your day job and stay away from political analysis. Right, Dave?
Jefferson
July 20th, 2011
9:49 am
I guess if Paul Broun would put his family in the street if he had an ARM and the rate adjusted up before he would make the payment. I wouldn’t vote for him.
The house vote yesterday is much like a kid being raised by parents of modest means asking for a Corvette for Christmas, knowing it is not going to happen. If the kid is not told the reality of the world he could be considered stupid (not dumb) for wasting time asking for something that ain’t going to happen.
Bosch
July 20th, 2011
9:49 am
“I’m not deliberately nitpicking but we as a country should stop overspending, surely that is a reasonable thing to do”
Yeah, you kind of are because it’s real easy to say we are overspending, when the spending levels haven’t really changed. I know it’s so easy to throw in Obamacare, the stimulus, etc. but if you offset that with the Iraq War and the stimulus during Bush’s administration, which at the time wasn’t considered “spending” — but yes, by all means, lets complain about a few thousand dollars going towards research which has the potential to advance our society (which, btw, must be explained in research proposals in explicit detail and carried out in order to be funded).
Paul
July 20th, 2011
9:50 am
@@
Pool temp was 93 an hour after the sun went down.
Any idea what it is down your way?
BTW – had a call from a friend in Sarasota, Fl. Said they still have condos ON the beach, $800K, now available for $225k, tops, but they’re expecting double-digit drops to hit. Must be more and more of those foreclosures.
Martin the Calvinist
July 20th, 2011
9:51 am
War, I am for cutting the “sacred cows”. And as I stated, I’m for a Tax system that is simple with few if any deductions so that even the “wealthiest” of Americans pay. The biggest problem with our tax code is that 1. Politicians use it to buy votes and 2. there are too many loopholes that allow people to evade paying. As I have also said before, we need more people paying taxes not more people dependent on other people’s taxes.
WAR
July 20th, 2011
9:51 am
i dont trust people who say “well thats just the way it is”
i dont trust people who attend church but dont volunteer
i dont trust people who dont like the government but receive social security medicaid and medicare
i dont trust people who believe people who own alot of guns are extremist
i dont trust people who use the word extremist
md
July 20th, 2011
9:52 am
And Bosch……the fundamentals of accounting don’t change because it’s a gov’t…..sure, they have a few more gimmicks they can use, but that doesn’t change the equation of income and expenses……either it’s there or not, and if not, it gets borrowed…..with interest.
Hence the current debate………..
NIght Train
July 20th, 2011
9:53 am
The main problem with raising taxes now is that for years and years both parties have claimed that we need to Cut Spending AND Raise Taxes. AND for years and years the Taxes have been Raised but the Spending Cuts never come.
So now we want the spending Cuts first, after a year or so we’ll add the raising taxes part.
But if we do the spending cuts correctly then we won’t need to raise the taxes near as much.
Oh by the way USinUK, I think the only people interested in your “uterus-uterus-uterus” are you and your partner.
TaxPayer
July 20th, 2011
9:53 am
So, if and when unemployment drops as a result of the much campaigned upon hype about jobs from the Republicans during the last election and tax revenues rise as a consequence, will Republicans be clamoring for another tax cut for the wealthiest in order to offset the increased tax revenue.
WAR
July 20th, 2011
9:53 am
“As I have also said before, we need more people paying taxes not more people dependent on other people’s taxes.”
that is a reasonable statement. i agree.
Gary
July 20th, 2011
9:54 am
I’m glad cut, cap and balance passed the House. If it didnt have the constitutional amendment (a big political mistake) it would only require majority of Senate to pass. In its absence, cut cap and balance is a start – I consider it a minimum alternative to default ( the McConnell plan does not pass this test in my book)
Schrodinger's cat
July 20th, 2011
9:54 am
Pea – “Sorry you didn’t get to enjoy your popcorn for long.” – Oh I’m going for 2nds seeing as your 9:34 made absolutely no sense. I don’t remember mentioning landlords.
He’s trying to tell you that all that stuff you think you’re not paying for in an apartment…you really are paying for and likely more for them and not what you would personally choose
Granny Godzilla
July 20th, 2011
9:54 am
Johnny Reb
So The GOP will balance the budget immediately?
Go for it.
@@
July 20th, 2011
9:54 am
I have to wonder why Obama was so cool to the Gang’s original plan? The Simpson-Bowles Plan?
My guess? He wanted to push the debate into its 11th hour. It’s impossible to accept this as ALL GOP ALL THE TIME. They’re the ones who have brought us to this point?
Thpbbpppt
Martin the Calvinist
July 20th, 2011
9:54 am
Bosch, we shouldn’t have gone to war without paying for it! But there are a lot of things we spend before we “pay” for it. That is a problem.
md
July 20th, 2011
9:54 am
“Said they still have condos ON the beach, $800K, now available for $225k, tops, but they’re expecting double-digit drops to hit. Must be more and more of those foreclosures.”
May as well go buy one, the rest of us are paying for them anyway……might at least want to use it…
USinUK
July 20th, 2011
9:55 am
“Still don’t change the fact that apartments are cheaper if you factor in everything you have to purchase when moving into a house, bills, maintenance, etc.”
which, if you invested well, are totally offset when you go to sell the house -
@@
July 20th, 2011
9:57 am
Paul:
Pool temp was 93 an hour after the sun went down.
Any idea what it is down your way?
Nosey!
My husband was called into work last night…there was, therefore, no reason to be in the pool after dark.
David
July 20th, 2011
9:57 am
“Enhanced revenues” LMFAO
TAX INCREASES!
Bosch
July 20th, 2011
9:57 am
“But there are a lot of things we spend before we “pay” for it. That is a problem”
Well sure Martin, it is, but the problem is what you see as “stupid” is someone else’s bread and butter. Someone can call it an earmark while another calls in economic development.
WAR
July 20th, 2011
9:58 am
i dont trust people who say the love the country but ridicule the president
i dont trust people who say they love the president but ridicule the country
i dont trust people who celebrate the fourth of july but not the troops
i dont trust people who read the bible but hate the quaran (which they havent read)
i dont trust people who like the jeffersons but not archie bunker (all in the family)
USinUK
July 20th, 2011
9:58 am
“Oh by the way USinUK, I think the only people interested in your “uterus-uterus-uterus” are you and your partner”
… and the panty-sniffers in the GOP
md
July 20th, 2011
9:58 am
“which, if you invested well, are totally offset when you go to sell the house”
I don’t think the 1/4 of folks over here that are upside down would agree with that one…….with more added as housing continues to fall…………..
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
July 20th, 2011
9:59 am
Well, I got one word for you folks that worry about the mortgage interest deduction: T-R-A-I-L-E-R. You don’t worry about upkeep because the trailer park people take care of that. And if you don’t like where you live anymore, you can just put the wheels on it and move someplace else. And what diffrence does it make if it looses value? Nobody else wants to buy it anyway.
And I got a few words for this RINO Gang of Six: Shut it down! If we can’t get what we want we’ll just trash the place and let it be. Got my PBR and fried pork skins. Got a TV tuned to Fox News. And I could use a few weeks of rest. Just don’t come whining to me when you’re broke and out of work and you can’t get at your money or stocks. You had your chance to get rid of SS and Medicaid and welfare. You just wouldn’t see things the way I want them and now you’re about to pay for being stubborn. We don’t have to do nothing to shut it down—just wait till August 2.
You been sticking it to us for years. Now you’re about to be the stickee and we’re about to be the sticker.
And one more thing: Bachmann-Palin in 2012. Get ready to pray, all you gays.
Have a good Wednesday everybody.
USinUK
July 20th, 2011
9:59 am
Paul – 9:50 – send some of that sunshine my way!!!
Kamchak
July 20th, 2011
10:00 am
I don’t really care to read about other peoples trust issues.
Left wing management
July 20th, 2011
10:00 am
Martin The Calvinist: It’s good stewardship of the peoples money not to overspend or spend on stupid stuff. Overspending has put us in a bad position.
Nope. The Bush tax cuts and unfunded wars, combined with a disastrous recession, have put us in the current position, not overspending.
Don’t you KNOW that?
JohnnyReb
July 20th, 2011
10:01 am
No Granny, the House plan does not balance the budget immediately, but it does put real steps in place to do so.
Some People are stupid
July 20th, 2011
10:01 am
Am I the only one who finds it funny that the House passed a billed that requires a balanced budget..but yet there budget didn’t balance.
Jefferson
July 20th, 2011
10:01 am
No need to cut SS, it just needs funding – raise the tax and the ceiling. It has added nothing to the deficit.
Brosephus
July 20th, 2011
10:02 am
Especially when only 50% of the people pay federal income tax.
Dammmmit!!!!!! Who left the gate open and let another 3% into the club???
@@
I think the mortgage deduction plan calls for elimination of deductions on 2nd mortgages and caps interest deductions to $500k on the first mortgage. Most of the middle class won’t notice the difference. The exception are those who own multiple homes w/mortgages.
Mick
July 20th, 2011
10:03 am
dave r
**Unlike you, I don’t kiss the altar of either party**.
What a crock! You easily defame the dems, occasionally disagree with repub moral issues then claim to be an independent. You are a closet repub – and you know it…
Paul
July 20th, 2011
10:04 am
Martin the Calvinist
I don’t believe we’ve gone to war (minor actions excepted) and paid for it in real time in either this century or the last. Maybe Truman in Korea. But that’s about it.
ty webb
July 20th, 2011
10:04 am
“Nope. The Bush tax cuts and unfunded wars, combined with a disastrous recession, have put us in the current position, not overspending.
Don’t you KNOW that?”
so good to see someone else on the blog who enjoys a good bourbon(or 5) in the AM.
BIinv
July 20th, 2011
10:04 am
I am a lifetime Republican, Conservative, tea party sympathizer and I have come to the conclusion that Sean Hannity, Grover what’s his name, and the “never compromise” bunch in the House are complete idiots.
Spending cuts
Reform entitlements
Lower tax rates
Broader tax base
What’s not to like?
We will never have another chance like this to reform entitlements, who cares if I lose some deductions, we are headed for a serious crisis in a couple years that will mean serious pain for everyone – unless you pull in $15 mm a year as a radio talk show host.
I am really pissed.
News Channel » Obama, lawmakers assess a new debt plan – USA Today
July 20th, 2011
10:04 am
[...] PhiladelphiaSigns of progress on resolving debt crisisNECNNew York Times -WLTZ 38 NBC -Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)all 5,574 news [...]
DBCOOPER
July 20th, 2011
10:05 am
The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. Government can’t pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government’s reckless fiscal policies. … Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that “the buck stops here.” Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better. – Barack Obama
Just had to put it on here again. It speaks volumns about how political our government has become.
God help us.
M
July 20th, 2011
10:06 am
I love pointing out to homeowners that are dead set against welfare that they live in government-subsidized housing and likely collect a bigger check each month from Uncle Sam than the people whose benefits they can’t wait to cut.
Obama, lawmakers assess a new debt plan – USA Today (blog)
July 20th, 2011
10:06 am
[...] debt crisisNECNBipartisan Plan for Budget Deal Buoys PresidentNew York TimesWLTZ 38 NBC -Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) -Coshocton Tribuneall 5,574 news [...]
N-GA
July 20th, 2011
10:06 am
Good morning, Paul.
Yes, the cost of renting may or may not be cheaper than owning. But if the mortgage interest deduction is eliminated or phased out, do you think that people who buy properties under a corporate structure should continue to be allowed both interest deduction (as a business expense) as well as depreciation? Once again the advantage would seem to be with corporatists (my word).
As far as condos in Florida, the risk (I’m told) is that many of the HOA’s are belly-up. Facilities are in desperate need of repair (pools, clubhouses, etc.). Security is minimal to non-existent. Owners are subject to substantial assessments, but many are unable to pay so the HOA files foreclosure papers on them.
Jefferson
July 20th, 2011
10:07 am
Dang DB real orginal thinking there. Has anyone heard that before ?
Mr. Snarky
July 20th, 2011
10:07 am
Tick…tick…tick
I’m just glad I’m not dependent on Social Security with the inmates running the asylum in the House.
Darko
July 20th, 2011
10:07 am
It is doomed as it’s more of the same. We’ll tax more, we’ll cut mostly unspecified amounts in the future. That’s why all the past deals never worked either.
It’s easy to get bi-partisan support for something that doesn’t really address the problem.
@@
July 20th, 2011
10:08 am
SoCo:
2nd mortgages and caps interest deductions to $500k
That’s the way it was originally written. Who the heck knows what it says now? They’re discovering crap in Obamacare that they didn’t know was there.
They’ve made sure the pantry is overstocked. Prevents us from seeing their can of worms.
Left wing management
July 20th, 2011
10:09 am
Blinv: “cares if I lose some deductions, we are headed for a serious crisis in a couple years that will mean serious pain for everyone – unless you pull in $15 mm a year as a radio talk show host.
I am really pissed.”
I hear you can still catch David Brooks down at the corner bar, you can drown your conservative rationalist’s miseries with him.
Fletch
July 20th, 2011
10:09 am
Jimmy62 – “and seems to be more about making sure Obama can get reelected than anything else.”
Wow, Georgia Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss WANTS Obama to get re-elected? Who knew?
M
July 20th, 2011
10:10 am
I propose we quit saying “deductions” and start saying “subsidies” from here on out in this thread and see whose heads start spinning.
WAR
July 20th, 2011
10:10 am
i dont trust people who dont eat meat
i dont trust the lady next door who always wears a see-through robe to the mailbox
i dont trust the fact that my blinds seem to always be open when she goes to the mailbox
i dont trust women who want chilvary but claim to be independent
i dont trust kids who say “will we get credit for this”
i dont trust mechanics who wear latex gloves when they work on cars
Paul
July 20th, 2011
10:11 am
9:50
“and we’re about to be the sticker. And one more thing: Bachmann-Palin in 2012″
Something sounds wrong with that construction, Redneck. Your wife sees that, you better watch out for cast iron frying pans….
Left wing management
July 20th, 2011
10:13 am
Fletch: “Jimmy62 – “and seems to be more about making sure Obama can get reelected than anything else.” / Wow, Georgia Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss WANTS Obama to get re-elected? Who knew?”
Hee hee.
USinUK
July 20th, 2011
10:14 am
md – 9:58 – well, when you buy at the top of a bubble, what do you expect?
however, taking the bubble-effect out of the equation, MOST of the time / during a NORMAL economy, houses are a good investment and any repairs / upkeep / furniture you buy is more than recouped upon resale
Brosephus
July 20th, 2011
10:15 am
Paul @ 9:47
I’m proud of your avoidance too!!!
md
July 20th, 2011
10:15 am
“As far as condos in Florida, the risk (I’m told) is that many of the HOA’s are belly-up.”
As well as the hold out speculators that can hold on no longer and must let their 6 condos go….many didn’t want to take that hit on their credit, but now have no choice……one can only hang on so long……
Paul
July 20th, 2011
10:16 am
G’morning, N-GA
Short answer: nope.
I have trouble with the entire ‘corporation’ buys it. Folks live on a lake. Many of the properties are weekend homes for people Owned by corporations. But the current tax law gives huge advantages to people to have their corporation buy it. Seems an easy target to me.
That’s an excellent point about HOAs. Some people have been surprised by the tax assessment when they bought a home. People need to do HOA investigation as part of their due diligence.
godless heathen
July 20th, 2011
10:16 am
I don’t think in the long run that renting is cheaper than owning a home, but nevertheless isn’t quality of life worth something? I own a home where can I play the stereo as loud as I want, I can own a great big dog, I can enjoy fresh eggs from my own chickens and fresh veggies from my garden, and I can pee off the back porch. You can’t put a dollar value on those things.
RF
July 20th, 2011
10:16 am
As all the normal sniping here continues, consider this: the House, based solely on their desire to cater to the far-right, is willing to pass up a chance to reduce government size and spending by the largest margin in the history of this country so that they can simply oppose this president. They are letting that single-minded purpose make them look ridiculous. All they give in the short term is what they gave every president- a debt ceiling increase. In this case, it is more than offset by spending cuts and changes to Medicare and SS that should make conservatives cheer and which would seriously fracture the Democratic party. Even when he gives them things they clearly want, the House cannot accept it simply because it has the support of the president. There is no way out of this mess because the House simply won’t allow anything to pass that the president supports. All he has to do is announce support for the ridiculous bill they passed last night and that too would be dead.
willie lynch
July 20th, 2011
10:17 am
DBCOOPER
July 20th, 2011
9:43 am
It sounds good that we might be able to send some Jimmy Stewart type to Washington and have him speak for the people but in reality who are these people? The Repugs thought Sarah Palin or Mike Huckabee were the right folks to defend their Constitution and bring the government back to the people. Well it turns out tha money talks and bull**t gets you more money.
Palin and Huckabee have decided they would rather keep raking in the money over standing and defending the Constituition as they so vociferously claim. When it came down to making millions these two champions of the people sold the cause down the river.
So who will defend “OUR” interests? I think Americans should realize we have come to the end of this system that we live under. Time dictates the agenda.
Recon (2nd.and 3rd.)
July 20th, 2011
10:17 am
Easy solution as all Obama and the Senate Democrats need to do is accept the cut, cap and balance bill.
WAR
July 20th, 2011
10:17 am
i dont trust guys who say “ill kill my son if hes gay”
i dont trust guys who dont let their wives have girlfriends
i dont trust guys who know the real names for colors (that’s not blue… its midnight blue)
i dont trust guys who dont show affection to their kids
i dont trust guys who have never said “pull my finger”
Bosch
July 20th, 2011
10:17 am
I own a home where can I play the stereo as loud as I want, I can own a great big dog, I can enjoy fresh eggs from my own chickens and fresh veggies from my garden, and I can pee off the back porch. You can’t put a dollar value on those things
Testify!!
Laurie
July 20th, 2011
10:18 am
Neither option is any good. But I admit, I’m surprised the house isn’t jumping all over the ‘Gang of Six’ plan. After all, it does exactly what they want. It raises taxes on the middle class by reducing tax credits which benefit that group the most, reduces spending on social security, medicare, and medicaid, and gives top earners a 6% tax cut. Makes me sick that Obama is actually speaking out in favor of it.
Mick
July 20th, 2011
10:18 am
The great result of the next election will show which side is really the minority party. The current house of reps is intransigent, nothing will get done. What’s the message to the world anyways? A government that can’t govern? Fear not; this too shall come to pass…
md
July 20th, 2011
10:20 am
“I propose we quit saying “deductions” and start saying “subsidies” from here on out in this thread and see whose heads start spinning.”
Considering line 40 on the 1040 is nothing but deductions, I’d say it pretty much applies to everybody….so doesn’t really matter what one wants to call it………
Fletch
July 20th, 2011
10:21 am
Laurie – “But I admit, I’m surprised the house isn’t jumping all over the ‘Gang of Six’ plan”
Normally they would, but Obama accidentally said that he “likes” it. Thereby dooming it to a hideous death by the party faithful. Pray to God that Obama never says he likes clean air and water.
USinUK
July 20th, 2011
10:21 am
godless – “and I can pee off the back porch. You can’t put a dollar value on those things”
Doggone/GA
July 20th, 2011
10:21 am
“Makes me sick that Obama is actually speaking out in favor of it.”
No kidding! He should go around saying it’s the worst thing that could happen to the country. The House would pass it in a heartbeat. Then he could switch to telling the TRUTH about it, and the Senate would pass it.
DBCOOPER
July 20th, 2011
10:21 am
Hey Jefferson here’s one you may not remember.
The President does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation,”
Barack Obama
The Hope and Change we all voted for………NOT
M
July 20th, 2011
10:23 am
md, the point is that we all get government money. But when someone cuts YOUR (not necessarily yours, md) money, there is OUTRAGE.
(other people’s money is fair game, especially if they’re poor and didn’t work for it)
Paul
July 20th, 2011
10:23 am
DBCOOPER
If you’re referring to Libya, isn’t that a NATO op?
You saying we should ignore our treaty obligations?
WAR
July 20th, 2011
10:23 am
how can America accept the cut cap and balance when it is painfully unfair to the poor, old, and middle class? if it were not so disproportionately unfair, it would be a good idea. the concept is really a good idea. but the burden must be shared on those who can weather the storms, and not on the backs of those who get drenched everytime anyway.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
July 20th, 2011
10:23 am
pee off the back porch
I must have missed that in the realtor’s description of the home. “Great curb appeal, 2 story, 5bd room, great deck that screams pee off me.”
There are some things that are just not factored into home design.
Left wing management
July 20th, 2011
10:24 am
Recon: “Easy solution as all Obama and the Senate Democrats need to do is accept the cut, cap and balance bill.”
The so-called balanced budget amendment is a complete joke, Recon, and you know it.
No serious person — and I mean NO — can hear the mention of it without either wincing or guffawing, or both.
USinUK
July 20th, 2011
10:24 am
“There are some things that are just not factored into home design.”
yeah, I’ve never heard Candace talk about that particular “feature” in Divine Designs …
md
July 20th, 2011
10:25 am
“however, taking the bubble-effect out of the equation, MOST of the time / during a NORMAL economy, houses are a good investment and any repairs / upkeep / furniture you buy is more than recouped upon resale”
And I would agree with that…….but we are still on the downside of that bell shaped curve and buying now is still a toss up………just read where some are predicting an additional 20% drop in value…….
USinUK
July 20th, 2011
10:26 am
md – and … again … NORMAL economy … as Madge might say, we’re not soaking in it
Paul
July 20th, 2011
10:27 am
DBCOOPER
Or, are you saying you’re glad Pres Obama has changed his views since he’s assumed the presidency and you applaud his action in Libya?
Recon (2nd.and 3rd.)
July 20th, 2011
10:28 am
Lwm, I guess you think bankruptcy is the better option. No serious person can believe that we can continue borrowing money and running up the national debt.
AT
July 20th, 2011
10:28 am
Raising the debt ceiling is a necessary evil because of the irresponsibility of the federal gov’t. That’s something we can’t avoid and must live with, it’s reality. But the “Six” plan does nothing to remedy the problem. It raises taxes on the middle class, has paltry deficit reduction stretched over a decade and established no permanent fix for the problem, which is gov’t itself. If they’d add the balanced budget amendment to it, it would give value to this worthless deal. But absent of it, it’s just kickin’ the can…
md
July 20th, 2011
10:28 am
OK M…….
Rightwing Troll
July 20th, 2011
10:29 am
“They control half of Congress and have not control or influence over the executive branch that has shown no leadership and is more interested in reelection with 31 fund raising events in the last quarter and would rather grandstand and demagogue.”
I’d say it’s the House members who are more interested reelection, they made a reckless “pledge” that forces them into this “no compromise” corner they dare not attempt to escape, even if it means defaulting and sending the economy into a tailspin that it doesn’t need right now.
N-GA
July 20th, 2011
10:29 am
Those homes should be easy targets….much like airplanes and boats. Every person I know who owns a plane or a large pleasure boat shelters it in an LLC or similar structure. They write off interest and operating expenses while depreciating the asset. The occasional “charter” or “rental” allows them to appear legit. The same hold true for “vacation rentals”.
These benefits are, theoretically, available to everyone but are only used by the wealthy.
BTW – with regard to HOA assessments, these are not tax assessments. They are usually one-time demands for funds to repair or improve common areas. Examples might include pool repairs, painting, re-paving, etc. The ability to charge these assessments is spelled out clearly in the HOA covenants. These assessments also occur with Country Club memberships.
md
July 20th, 2011
10:30 am
“md – and … again … NORMAL economy … as Madge might say, we’re not soaking in it”
But isn’t your “normal” based on the past? I’m not too sure we will get back to that normal……
Jefferson
July 20th, 2011
10:31 am
Good one DB, I just don’t belive what many people say. Trends you can follow, words mean little anymore to many.
Uncle Joe
July 20th, 2011
10:31 am
“Sensible, responsible people understand that the deficit has to be addressed by a combination of spending cuts and revenue increases” Oh really? Revenue increases in a increasingly stagnant economy is not sensible! In addition, the so-called “Gang of 6″ want to lower standard deductions such as mortgage interest (that will really help the housing industry), charitable giving (the feds no what charities are best, not us), and medical expenses (affordable healthcare?).
Sensible people realize that businesses need incentives likie tax CUTS and reduced government interference. It was out of control spending by the Obama regime that got us into this mess (and to a much lesser degree, the Bush administration), not small businesses that now seem to be a specific target for destruction. How many “increased revunues” were already wasted on the “stimulus” bill, cash for clunkers, ACORN and the bailout of still failing automotive companies? Sensible people don’t deal with clueless failures like Obama. To paraphrase Reagan: The government is not the solution, the government is the problem.
Jack
July 20th, 2011
10:32 am
We can blame all the problems in Washington on those doggone rich people. And corporations. We need to send all the rich people to another country and close all the corporations. That’ll fix everything.
WrteStufLA
July 20th, 2011
10:34 am
Whatever the drama and proposed “Grand Bargains” between now and August 2nd, nothing will stop Paul Ryan, Eric Cantor and that domestic terrorist Grover Norquist from strapping suicide vests onto the right wing nuts and sending them onto the House floor. No matter what, we’ll soon hear some final, zealous shrieks of “In the name of the Sweet Baby Jesus, we hereby destroy the village in order to save it!!” It’s what they want. It’s what they’ve ALWAYS wanted. And absolutely nothing will stop them.