Chambliss takes a leadership risk

Where’s that headline about liberal democrats killing the debt deal and putting a gun to the head of the US economy. Good thing I’m not holding my breath.

Fair praise for gang of 6 and chambliss in this column, Jay. Even if it is the kiss of death.

• Link
• Report this comment

Enjoy your vacation, Jay. And it’s a good thing you’re leaving the phones behind because I’m sure Saxby will be trying to track you down and force a retraction from you. As for your confession in print to being a liberal, why didn’t you simply proclaim yourself to be an Independent like the cons here do so you can all just get along. Finally, it’s good to see Saxby at least trying to do something to offset his lapdog stunt back during the Imperial Sugar plant investigation. Also, I take his actions as a sign that he might not be interested in continuing in politics after this cycle. Anyway, that is when many a politician seems to have a change of heart and decides to do something that more closely resembles work for we the people. Good for him.

• Link
• Report this comment

Here’s my problem with this. Politicians being what they are, they work to their own benefit and not ours, Jay. In all this drama, no has mentioned baseline budgeting or multiple agencies basically doing the same jobs. The problem with CLASS is that is another “voluntary” plan that eventually be supported by taxes and become mandatory. Another layer of government to provide jobs to bureaucrats. Up to some point the whole scheme will collapse. Like I’ve said, self correcting.

• Link
• Report this comment

The problem with most of the “3 Trillion” in cuts are they are too general. I’m all for specifics. Aside from the CLASS reduction, what other specifics are in the program. If they are not delineated than yes I’m opposed as it will just be more mumbo jumbo politispeak and the “cuts” in spending will be all future based and assumes the Democratic contrlled committees will honor them while the revenue increases will be now. I am in favor of eliminating ALL of the Bush tax cuts because the part the politicians don’t want to include, those under 250,000 is where the bulk of the “lost” revenue exists. We need real cuts now.

• Link
• Report this comment

and JM hasn’t heard that the EFSF is the one providing the cash and guaranteeing hte bailout

http://www.businessinsider.com/greece-will-go-into-selective-default-in-new-bailout-package-2011-7

details schmetails

• Link
• Report this comment

Who are you trying to convince? Us? Hardly! You only support a Republican when it benefits your liberal ideology. Chambliss misses the whole point of the debt argument. UNLESS YOU SHRINK GOVERNMENT THE DEBT PROBLEM REMAINS. Stop the damn spending, cap the debt, and balance the budget. What don’t you liberals understand about it? Tax and spend is your downfall. You are killing this country.

• Link
• Report this comment

Usinuk could do some reading on bloomberg. Oops, she’s wrong. Big ImF component. I won’t be linking from my iPhone, but you can do your own reading on it at any major financial news website.

• Link
• Report this comment

Granny and usinuk dumb. From bloomberg:

The Greek financing package will consist of 109 billion euros from the euro region and the IMF. Financial institutions will contribute 50 billion euros after agreeing to a series of bond exchanges and buybacks that will also cut Greece’s debt load, the leaders’ communiqué said.

• Link
• Report this comment

Why doe’s everyone ignore the vast sums we spend on defense? Most of it to protect one of our friends from someone who’s not a friend at the moment?

• Link
• Report this comment

Under the circumstances, the last thing Chambliss needs is some liberal columnist praising his willingness to lead on a tough issue of great national importance.

Ooops, Jay, you forgot to put liberal in quotes.

• Link
• Report this comment

Today’s motto- “When wrong- deflect”

Good update on the gang of 6 (gotta love the nomenclature)

Have a good trip.

• Link
• Report this comment

Usinuk. Care to actually fessing up go being wrong, or you just prefer saying 20 billion is no big deal? Another liberal dodge-weave-flip flop, illustrated on page 1 already. Sheesh.

• Link
• Report this comment

It is no accident that Chambliss has been elected and re-elected by Georgia voters. While Tea Party politicians are following blind ideology, Saxby has been listening to his corporate sponsors, who have decided a default is not in their best financial interests. So, to keep the campaign cash flowing, he is doing as he is told. If this were not such a serious situation, it would be funny to see the look on the faces of Big Business when Tea Party politicians thumb their noses at them and stick to their insane dogma. In the end, money will talk and BS will walk, as it always does.

• Link
• Report this comment

was I wrong about the IMF funding? yes.

were you wrong about the impact on senior’s wallets? definitely.

• Link
• Report this comment

‘Chambliss’ and ‘leadership’ should never be in the same sentence, Bookman.

Could it be that this perennial Republican lap dog is barking the same cadence as you left wing sycophants and media stooges?

The only way you could ever say anything about Sad Sack Chambliss that is not disparaging is that he has aligned himself, however narrowly, with a democrat position, or has caved to Obama yet again.

I suspect both are at work here.

• Link
• Report this comment

Usinuk 7:49. Thanks. I was already aware of that.

But not everyone here necessarily was. But yes the US is far and away the largest contributor to the IMF.

• Link
• Report this comment

Good thing the EU got their pal Lagarde in the IMF catbird seat…..

That old saying, lost in modern generations needs to be relearned: debt is bad. (and a 4 letter word)

• Link
• Report this comment

Jm – 7:59 – better Lagarde than DSK

• Link
• Report this comment

Saxby is showing a lot more courage and flexibility than say… Harry Reid who is demanding his way or the highway.

• Link
• Report this comment

We need jobs also. Jobs are the key to ultimately generating the revenues needed to finance government. The Republicans can actually help out in this one area by simply starting the election campaigns earlier in the cycle and paying their workers a decent wage. Then that money will be circulated in the economy for expensive bottles of wine and shows at swanky night clubs and maybe even some food and hotel accomodations. Declare your run for the Presidency, Republicans. Do it now. Do your part for the economy.

• Link
• Report this comment

LWM – well, we could always talk about this, instead: “I’m afraid Paris resisted the opportunity to retort: “I am big. It was the sex tapes that got small.”"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/lostinshowbiz/2011/jul/21/is-paris-hiltons-career-waning

(one of the funnier reads I’ve seen in a while)

• Link
• Report this comment

Mick true, nice weather in the BVI’s. 2 days of sailing in a dingy with windy weather, and I’m wiped out. Funny thing, they use the $ and even though they’re in a different time zone they all run on ET. Maybe it has something to do with DST or something.

Usinuk re dsk, true dat.

• Link
• Report this comment

Buddy roemer on CNBC. He doesn’t sound half bad. And sounds pretty smart too.

• Link
• Report this comment

It’s still amazing to me we still have people who believe if we just give the government some more money, they’ll be responsible for it this time.

Troglodyte central.

Yeah, it’s the “government” that has trouble managing money.

And the evidence for this is what?

Your cliches are worth nothing here dude.

• Link
• Report this comment

Larry – what the Feds did with the SS???

and, as far as the $800 toilet seat, you don’t think that you pay a mark-up when you go to WalMart?

• Link
• Report this comment

RB from Gwinnett – “Perhaps you should educate yourself before you comment any further.”

Gosh thanks RB. I guess I wasn’t aware that Saxby Chambliss was a liberal. Then again, it’s still early here in Scobey. I suppose could have missed something, NEMONT doesn’t have the best connectivity in the world. But in North Eastern Montana it’s all we’ve got.

• Link
• Report this comment

BlahBlahBlah – “Fools. All of them.”

If your referring to all politicians both Left and Right and the sheep who blindly follow them, I couldn’t agree with you more.

• Link
• Report this comment

Blah(cubed) – “Instead of saying “rich people” right wingers say “job creators”. ”

seriously.

when you consider that 70% of GDP comes from consumer spending EVERYone is a job creator

• Link
• Report this comment

How about turning it into a giant ponzi scheme? There have been more than a few guys who have gone up the river taking funds that were supposed to be dedicated to bankroll spending in other areas.

RUSM re: you’re Walmart comment.

How about having folks fill out forms that never get looked at but that we have departments of people supervising the filing of these papers that never get looked at? I know of at least one such group in HUD and speaking of HUD, how about the redundency of programs? And what about Dept of Energy – created by Carter to reduce our dependance on foriegn oil, that’s been very effective use of our money, etc.

• Link
• Report this comment

Yep, if someone in the mould of Rubio, whether red, yellow, black, blue, or God forbid white – were to challenge Chambliss, Saxby would be moved to the front porch.

• Link
• Report this comment

Once obama & co. are booted out, the bleeding will cease.

Until then, it’s free obama burgers and bloody socks…

bon appétit

• Link
• Report this comment

USinUK – Thank you for validating my point. The issue is how well they manage money!

• Link
• Report this comment

Larry – I don’t think you’re making the point you think you’re making.

the SS is in the black. it has more people paying in than taking out.

and it always has done.

as far as people filling out forms, I don’t know what you’re talking about – having gone through the immigration process (and watching my friend go through it now) I can promise you that is NOT the case in every area of gov’t

• Link
• Report this comment

“Yeah, it’s the “government” that has trouble managing money.

And the evidence for this is what?”

If you need that explained to you then can I suggest some kind of therapy? Possibly electro-shock with the things attached to head while you say “I will not say stupid sht anymore*?

• Link
• Report this comment

The proposal embraced by Chambliss and other members of the bipartisan Gang of Six calls for major cuts in Social Security, Medicare and other programs…

“Major cuts?”

Since spending increases $6 trillion over 10 years under the Gang’s [non] program, how do you figure these programs will be cut? Do you mean a reduction from the baseline budget which increases every year? If so, you should clarify that point.

Based on the words you wrote, you are stating that the amounts expended for these programs will decline. I don’t think that’s right and if not, you should clarify/correct it.

• Link
• Report this comment

The GAng six plan also included getting rid of the homeowner’s interest mortgage deduction and deductions to pruivate charities…Why are the media ignoring this part of the plan? Are they trying get it snuck through?

• Link
• Report this comment

“If private enterprise set up a ponzi scheme, they would be put in jail. End of discussion. ”

of course, the difference is that, in cases such as Madoff, the people never saw their money.

with SS, you will. as will your children if you die or are incapacitated when they’re still minors.

biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig difference. huge.

• Link
• Report this comment

I am sick and tired of you leftist morons referring to SS and Medicare as entitlements! THEY ARE NOT! Workers have been forced to pay the absurd tax of these programs for decades, so too their employers and if not employed the self employed worker pays a much higher rate! Admittedly, those TAXES may not fully fund the lifetime payouts for some, but, that should be offset by those who die before receiving any benefit or after only a couple of years on the system! The proposed means testing is just another redistribution scheme of the left! If a worker pays the tax on a 100 thousand dollar income they should receive benefits accordingly! The true entitlements are medicaid, wic, adc, food stamps, excessive unemployment payments, and the double dipping of workers who retire from the military or other government employment, receive retirement income, then at the same time go to work for another government agency like the postal service!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Chris got a linkee for that? just googled, can’t find.

• Link
• Report this comment

zeke – you were doing ok until you added military retirement.

• Link
• Report this comment

USinUK…. try http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/trustee11-pr.htm

• Link
• Report this comment

“major cuts in Social Security”, really? This morning on NPR he said it amounted to a 0.3% reduction in benefits.

Nice endorsement of Chambliss. Thanks

• Link
• Report this comment

Keep up – am I missing something

•Income including interest to the combined OASDI Trust Funds amounted to $781 billion ($637 billion in net contributions, $24 billion from taxation of benefits, $117 billion in interest, and $2 billion in reimbursements from the General Fund of the Treasury) in 2010.
•Total expenditures from the combined OASDI Trust Funds amounted to $713 billion in 2010.

last time I checked $781 > $713

• Link
• Report this comment

Brocephus – and happy Friday to YOU!

or, as my sister likes to say, sometimes the gene pool needs a little chlorine

• Link
• Report this comment

•The point at which non-interest income fell below program costs was 2010. Program costs are projected to exceed non-interest income throughout the remainder of the 75-year period.

USinUK, I think they are referring this but not being precise.

• Link
• Report this comment

Peadawg: “I don’t listen to Limbaugh, punkin. I don’t need people to tell me how to think.”

As I said the other day, it’s a STYLE of thinking that for me earns the label “Limbaugh”.

It’s possible to speak Limbaughese without heaving ever heard the man.

• Link
• Report this comment

USinner

and a T.G.I.F. to you too. I got a feeling that ole P&V is alive and well today.

• Link
• Report this comment

Have had no use for Chambliss since his (lack of) service to the country during the Vietnam war, followed up by his public linking of triple amputee veteran Senator Max Cleland to Osama bin Laden, so Chambliss could take the seat for himself. But…, since life is about Now, I absolutely have to give Chambliss his props for what he’s doing now. To stand up in this current mob of Know-Nothings masquerading as Republicans, and try to not only talk sense to them, but to illustrate what a adult representative of the people should be doing… An act of political and moral courage, without question. You’ve earned a salute of respect from this Vietnam vet, Senator Chambliss.

• Link
• Report this comment

Brocephus -

(rubbing hands together gleefully)

EXCELLENT!! glad to hear it! I love it when you tap a keg of Brocephus!

• Link
• Report this comment

“It’s possible to speak Limbaughese without heaving ever heard the man.” – LOL never heard that before. That’s a very funny opinion.

• Link
• Report this comment

zeke: ” am sick and tired of you leftist morons referring to SS and Medicare as entitlements! THEY ARE NOT!”

You’re right. SS is NOT a medicate. It’s a contract.

We’re being screwed out of it.

• Link
• Report this comment

Yep.. Stands to reason it would be the Gang of Six. They had this worked out, too. Ho-hum. Same old same old at that level. Anyway, Saxby…All the folks who keep kevtching that our host “never” has anything good to say about Republicans (and let’s be real, he does sometimes trot out “them” for gratuitous purposes, but…). No wonder they don’t remember he DID. They seem to have trouble recognizing it when he IS.

It must be the upcoming vacation that’s got him in such an expansive mood…

• Link
• Report this comment

Bruno!! hey dawg! sorry I’ve missed you in your recent late-night forays!

how’s tricks? still digging the new gig?

got a new gig myself, these days

• Link
• Report this comment

Bruno – “The original purpose of the mortgage interest deduction was to encourage home ownership which leads to a more stable society”

as I said to someone the other day – the UK hasn’t had the mortgage interest deduction in years and folks still buy houses every day – in fact, home ownership is as embraced here as it is in the US

• Link
• Report this comment

Rafe: “70% of Americans want a balanced budget amendment, you didn’t mention that stat, Jay.”

All observers agree the so-called “balanced budget amendment” is an idea so idiotic there just aren’t enough sneering laughs to drown it with.

It’s an idea fit for morons.

So drop it. Everyone else who thinks has.

• Link
• Report this comment

BRUNO

No problem with me on cutting the mortgage exemption…at least for non owner-occupied. CLASS is a good idea, but the feasibility at this time may not be there…it’s not exactly putting granma on an ice floe…

• Link
• Report this comment

Maybe I spoke too soon about the talking points. I wonder if the GWB spending figure includes the scuffling in the sandboxes. We know he never included it in the books. I also wonder who did the polling that came to the conclusions that 70% of Americans want a balanced budget amendment. I wasn’t asked, as I think it’s an absolutely assinine way to deal with current issues.

• Link
• Report this comment

The gang of six plan to date has almost no details, therefor I don’t care about it until more information is provided.

• Link
• Report this comment

Chris –

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/trustee11-pr.htm

read it for yourself

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m game.
Do away with the DOE, but there does need to be a national standard for people like me (military brats) who moved every 2-3 years my entire life until the late teens.

Close out the useless wars, Obama accomplished our objectives in Afghanistan, and we never should’ve gone into Iraq to begin with.

Cut the defense budget and all foriegn aid.

Close loopholes but don’t neccesarily raise rates.

Get rid of redundant and bloated departments and “Czars”.

End the “war on drugs”, the “haves” have all the access they need to legal narcotics (Rush Limbaugh for example) while the “have-nots” turn to the streets for them.

End subsidies for Oil, and Farming, and make any money given to Pharma contigent on it being spent on R & D, not marketing (like Viagra).

What’d I miss?

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m proud to see our senior senator take a leadership position on an issue of national importance. We sent him to Washington to LEAD, remember? In life and in politics, compromise may be painful, but its often necessary for progress. Both Republicans and Democrats made concessions to form this “Gang of Six” proposal. It’s called being a “grown up”. Something you don’t often see on Capitol Hill and something many readers of the AJC are clearly unable understand. Regardless of whether the plan is adopted into law, Saxby Chambliss is to be commended for at least doing his part in offering a real solution.

• Link
• Report this comment

The mortgage proposal would only apply to second mortgages and mortgages exceeding $500k if I remember correctly. Most Americans wouldn’t notice the difference.

• Link
• Report this comment

” What once was old will eventually become new again…”
Like trickle down econimics? After 30 years being trickled on, and proof that it’s a useless concept, we still have to listen to all the bleating about “job creators” and how we should subsidize them.

• Link
• Report this comment

Bruno – 9:55 – didn’t see it … won’t scroll back

so is life treating you well?? are you happy? hope so! you’ve been missed round these here parts!

• Link
• Report this comment

Keep up – and, lest we forget, once the return for treasuries rises again, interest income will also rise.

• Link
• Report this comment

Mick – so you’re mixing with the rich and famous!!!

(we always suspected you were suave and debonair!)

• Link
• Report this comment

Working my tail off for now getting our new clinic off the ground. Happy?? I think you know me well enough to know that word isn’t in my vocab. More fun to complain all the time. Actually, quitting that last job turned out to be a huge blessing in disguise. Now, if I can only land a date with my new object of affection…….

• Link
• Report this comment

“The mortgage proposal would only apply to second mortgages and mortgages exceeding $500k if I remember correctly. Most Americans wouldn’t notice the difference.”

Maybe…..maybe not.

Depends on the reasons for buying that second house or bigger home. If it’s done as an investment, and returns are better elsewhere after the change, that may affect many in the housing industry (whats left of them anyway).

• Link
• Report this comment

UK – yep, and when employment goes up so will non-interest income. SS is not the problem in our debt situation. The problem is paying back the money Congress borrowed from the SS fund as promised when they cut taxes because of a perceived surplus which never developed. But an honest discussion about that would likely lead to real discussion that taxes need to be increased as well as spending and waste cut.

• Link
• Report this comment

Bruno “Actually, quitting that last job turned out to be a huge blessing in disguise. Now, if I can only land a date with my new object of affection…….”

go Bruno – go Bruno – go Bruno!!

I am so glad that the move turned out to be a good one. well done, you!! and huzzah!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Toby: “I believe Bernie Sanders; the gang is cutting for profit’s sake & immorally putting money for few before the well-being of many.”

Exactly.

What’s being lost here is the fact — and it’s plain as day — that the VERY FACT that we’re having this pseud-debate ALREADY in and of itself means the situation has been hijacked by a right wing ideology that is seeking to shift blame for the financial crisis and shield the financial and corporate elite from any blame for the fact that they’ve ALREADY been able to go scot free and evade responsibility for maintaining our public institutions.

So what’s the best way to give them cover for their corrupt misdeeds?

The best way is to turn around and argue that we haven’t given them ENOUGH free rein. Orwellian doesn’t begin to touch what this amounts to. It’s almost too ghastly for words, the whole thing.

• Link
• Report this comment

Jay
Under the circumstances, the last thing Chambliss needs is some liberal columnist praising his willingness to lead on a tough issue of great national importance.

Confession is good for the soul. Say three “hail Marys” take two aspirin and call me in the morning. You will feel much better.

• Link
• Report this comment

This from The Drudge Report:
HEATWAVE: Women Brawl Over Seat On NYC Subway…

Stunned Straphangers Look On As Women Brawl Over Seat On L Train In Brooklyn

Attend mud wrestling, maybe? Sub wrestling, doubtful. Straphanging, never. Not even when visiting San Fran.

• Link
• Report this comment

josef

Enjoying your summer downtime? The cheating scandal in georgia has gone national news, sorry that all teachers in the state will be tainted with this scandal. Keep your head up and keep making unnoticeable miracles occur daily…

• Link
• Report this comment

maybe that risk is something the Prez should take….

• Link
• Report this comment

usinuk

No hats for me, got a full crop of thick hair and I aims to keep it that way. I do like coffee con leche and guava’s but I still am loyal to my local dunkin donuts – it’s the simple things in life…

• Link
• Report this comment

Even though the ‘Gang of Six’ plan buys into a degree of the liberal ‘tax and spend’ orthodoxy, I as a free thinking independent, think the ‘Gang of Six’ plan is the best compromise available.

• Link
• Report this comment

mick

Enjoying the last few days…I have to be back early myself…don’t know which day yet, but next week. That scandal has gone international! Our school had no problems at all, but we have to wear the sh*t right along with the rest…that 800 page report was “light summer reading!” But. it’s all about what can be expected with NCLB and the Atlanta “bidness community” PR pep squad…and about all that’s going to come of this is a damage control frenzy…

• Link
• Report this comment

Ben The Independent

July 22nd, 2011
10:25 am

I might like the plan as well if I knew what it was. Since you know what it is, can you explain it to me?

• Link
• Report this comment

MR

Of all things said that has to be one of the most vile things I’ve heard about someone who served his country in a time of war. If that’s how you really feel about Max, may an elephant stomp your nuts while you’re being attacked by red ants in your eyes.

• Link
• Report this comment

The fresh indictment said that as of autumn 2008, the bank “maintained thousands of secret accounts for U.S. customers with as much as $3 billion.” One client out of the 35 cited in the superseding indictment took $250,000 to Switzerland by concealing it in panty hose she wrapped around her body underneath her clothes.

We lower the taxes on the wealthiest and what do they do. They continue to cheat. What is the Republican solution. Lower their taxes even more. After all, if they get to live here and take billions out of our economy every year tax-free, then they will not cheat on their taxes any more.

• Link
• Report this comment

Mighty

I’m not the world’s biggest fan of Cleland either, but that was not called for…

• Link
• Report this comment

Heat ‘Dome’ Covers 1 Million Square Miles Across US

Looks like another hot one here in Beverly Hills.
Ellie Mae: “That ceemint pond looks mighty refreshin’.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXrc1XZayp4

• Link
• Report this comment

I third Brocephus’s 10:31

well said and amen.

• Link
• Report this comment

Mick

Politics aside, I don’t take too well with slamming combat veterans anywhere or anytime. If I get banned for defending vets, I will wear it as a badge of honor.

• Link
• Report this comment

could you guys just slice off a bit of that warm and ship it over here??? at this rate, I’ll never get tomatoes on my vines!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Way to go, Girl, and now I’ll eat my words, apologize and tip my hat.

I’ll be by later to collect on our bet, josef.

• Link
• Report this comment

Well, it’s raining down here in paradise and with all our materialistic concerns every day it occurred to me that this water is free and clean. Much of the world is in short supply of this vital element.

• Link
• Report this comment

TaxPayer

July 22nd, 2011
10:33 am
I believe the gang of six proposal that Obama supports calls for a reduction in the top tax bracket from 29% to 26%. This would be an additional 3% cut from the Bush rates you folks have been railing about! So before you start on Republican tax cuts you might want to check the facts. Nothing is going to happen without the Democrats approving it.

• Link
• Report this comment

USinUK,

If I could send you a slice, I would!!! Want a side of hungry skeeters to go with that?

• Link
• Report this comment

@USinUK

July 22nd, 2011
10:39 am

If, or when in London, just head on down to the House of Commons (is that right?) with some Mason jars and collect all the hot air you can tote.

Seriously though, it has been very hot here in the Atlanta area and August is still resting.

• Link
• Report this comment

These are interesting times — and I mean that in the worst way. — Krugman

• Link
• Report this comment

USinUK

I’ll probably regret asking you here, but I seem to recall you said you have worked with a Soros project. Which one? Are you familiar with the Gandhi School in Pecs, Hungary?

• Link
• Report this comment

Brosephus

July 22nd, 2011
10:31 am
I appreciate the thought.

• Link
• Report this comment

josef – no, a company that I used to work for received funding from Soros Fund Management.

• Link
• Report this comment

Wrong YouTube link…I really meant to post Ellie Mae frolicking about in that tiny bikini.

• Link
• Report this comment

Jed, I do not care what one’s politics are, but that kind of repulsive garbage indicates what a low life some people truly are.

Friggin’ swift boating pieces of ____.

• Link
• Report this comment

LWM – just picturing Paris as Gloria Swanson … “I’m ready for my close-up Mr. DeMille!”

• Link
• Report this comment

I am not a big fan of Chambliss but I applaud him for acting like a grownup, acknowledging facts and recognizing that politics is now and always has been an exercise in compromise. Two competing parties rarely get everything they want.

I would like to see more details about the plan but it sounds sensible and balanced. Therefore it is probably headed to defeat.

With respect to eliminating CLASS, I only want to observe that a program of that type is badly needed. It may need to be re-worked but as people age and require nursing level care it is the taxpayers, through MEDICAID, that pay for it. What are we going to do to Grandma when she is in her 80s and needs care? We are going to fund her care. So wouldn’t it be better to let people buy into a plan on a group basis? I was lucky enough to be offered long-term care insurance through my employer. I jumped at the chance and take advantage of every opportunity I get to increase that coverage.

My father is in an Alzheimer’s home and his monthly bill that comes to me is right at $6100.00. He saved money and invested wisely so we are able to afford that on a self-pay basis. Part of that is covered by his long-term care insurance.

Caring for the elderly will bankrupt this nation if we don’t take sensible steps now to anticipate what awaits us.

• Link
• Report this comment

swapping weird music.

Just for that, Redneck, I’m going to go with an all-Eno theme tonight. I’ll dedicate “King’s Lead Hat” just for you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGOC4Hib4OM

• Link
• Report this comment

UJ – it’s all part of the service here at Conan the Grammarian’s House of Useless Knowledge.

• Link
• Report this comment

USIN: the Sunset Boulevard reference is so classic. : )

• Link
• Report this comment

Want a side of hungry skeeters to go with that?

And for dessert: carmelized palmetto bugs.

• Link
• Report this comment

md @ 10:53

Agreed!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Republicans are acting foolish about revenue increases. If we let the govt default things are going to get much worse. Even taking the chance is absurd. The economy is so fragile at this point we can’t possibly take the chance of a govt default. I don’t know what Republicans are thinking?? This is making them look worse and worse every day that passes.

• Link
• Report this comment

Being snowed in for a week last January was NOT cool.

• Link
• Report this comment

Good golly, Miss Agnes, it is 11:00. See y’all later, but not during the “drunks music festival”

• Link
• Report this comment

Woodstock Mike: “Republicans are acting foolish about revenue increases. If we let the govt default things are going to get much worse. Even taking the chance is absurd. The economy is so fragile at this point we can’t possibly take the chance of a govt default. I don’t know what Republicans are thinking?? This is making them look worse and worse every day that passes.”

Glad to see you’ve come around.

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m not so sure that Chambliss is going to run in 2014. He’ll be 70 by then and there have been a lot of rumors of bad health. Hence, he may not care about angering his base.

• Link
• Report this comment

Jay,

No the Gang of Six plan doesn’t take money out of Medicare. Obamacare’s $500 billion from Medicare already took care of that. Liberals seem to miss or dismiss that part of Obamacare.

Also, new study shows just what most of the Repubs have been stating..”We have a spending problem, not a revenue problem.”

Spending:

Under Clinton, the American deficit increased. $536 million a day.

Bush. $1.6 billion a day.

Obama. $4.1 BILLION A DAY.

All the libs TALK about spending cuts and revenue increases. However, the only thing I hear them talking about is revenue increases. Jay, please name me a few of the spending cuts in SPECIFICS that the Democrats are proposing. I’m serious, I don’t think I have heard a specific on one.

• Link
• Report this comment

@ Max Cleland…….married a girl that went to HS with me. Don’t care about his politix, he comes to our reunions, gets out on the floor and dances in his wheelchair. I have seen him at the Punchline Comedy Club, he always speaks and seems to be a real guy.

• Link
• Report this comment

“among the lowest in SAT scores”

Folks still throwing that one out there??

One may want to research how States apply the SAT……some require all students take it and some only require college bound students take it……….

Good ole apples to oranges comparison……………

• Link
• Report this comment

md

Georgia and the SAT scores…yep! But, that didn’t come with the memo…

• Link
• Report this comment

Everyone knows that the DOD wastes money and have always done that and nobody complains because people are more than willing to support defense contractors who survive only through taxpayer dollars. There was mention this morning on Morning Joe that you could cut $1 trillion from the DOD budget for this type of spending and nobody would even notice. People fleece the government (aka taxpayer) because they are allowed to by said taxpayer.

• Link
• Report this comment

Personally, I like the heat……..people watching is a whole lot more fun than in the winter when all you get to see is a walking coat………….

md–I’m assuming “people watching” is a euphemism for “girl watching”.

Being snowed in for a week last January was NOT cool.

Matti-I’d invite you to come stay with me in Columbus (no snow shut-ins here), but somehow I think that you and 40,000 buff soldiers might not be a good combination.

• Link
• Report this comment

Jay Bookman: “In fact, any liberal groups or politicians who attack the Gang of Six proposals regarding Social Security are probably playing politics. The changes sought by Chambliss and his colleagues are reasonable and would be necessary regardless of the nation’s larger fiscal challenges.”

With due respect to Jay, mentioning the presidential commission report does not add credibility to a proposal. Many of the Bowles-Simplson recommendations are so heinous that that report should be placed in the trash heap of history.

I agree with criticisms of the suggested cuts to Social Security, and I’m not playing politics (I resent the implication that I am). Social Security is not driving the deficit and changes it to it should have no part in this discussion.

That said, if we want to secure social security for several more decades, then we can simply raise or eliminate the cap on social security payroll taxes so that it goes from being a regressive tax to being a flat tax (if we do that, then we might even able to lower the rates slightly). Or better yet, replace the social security tax with a carbon tax. Either way, non-crisis solved.

Now, with regard to the proposal to index social security to a “chained-CPI” (the proposal that Jay is referring to in this post) anybody who believes critics of it are playing politics should watch Congressman Peter DeFazio explain what it would mean to seniors in this three minute YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWiSJVtTZ8Q

I’m no expert, and if Congressman DeFazio is wrong, then I’d love to hear why Jay or anybody else thinks so. But many who receive Social Security rely primarily or entirely on those payments to pay their bills…a large portion of which are health care related. So I’m severely disappointed that those of us who care about these people (some of whom are our loved ones) would be accused of playing politics for opposing this seemingly awful and unnecessary provision in the Gang of Six proposal.

• Link
• Report this comment

Bruno, absolutely right on medicare fraud. Hard to prove fraudulent billing for religious agenda and medically-unsound therapy like that practiced at Bachmann & Associates unless of course you have some effective investigation and the investigators to prove the case.

• Link
• Report this comment

I really enjoyed Peggy noonan’s colume today. She points out that the best thing about the gang of six proposal is that it is bipartisan and removes the class warfare rhetoric that has been so prevalent in the ugly debate the past few weeks. The proposal is not perfect, but it is somewhere to start which is a lot more than we had two weeks ago. Obama needs to work behind the scenes to get this deal done and quit trying to get on TV to take credit for everybody’s work.

• Link
• Report this comment

“A typical lower-to-middle class Republican… I may not have a job and I may be about to lose my house to foreclosure, but I don’t want the rich to have to pay taxes so when I get rich, I won’t have to pay taxes either.”

Typical response from someone who doesn’t understand how taxes work and who probably wants someone else to pay for all of their govt services.

• Link
• Report this comment

” I don’t know what Republicans are thinking?? ”

Thinking? What makes you think they’re THINKING?

• Link
• Report this comment

It is too much to hope that they will ever cut the pork, the idiot grants and contracts awarded by the government through NIH, NEA and the like. I think they will never be statemen, but always be pandering for the vote of their local constituency, ergo, the country as a whole is doomed to the petty interests of those who don’t care if the ship sinks so long as they have a berth on the top deck.

• Link
• Report this comment

Off-topic driveby numero uno:
http://news.yahoo.com/ap-sources-panetta-ok-end-military-gay-ban-224823254.html

Panetta says it’s okay to end the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy.
From the article: “as training has gone on this year, senior military leaders have said they’ve seen no real problems”

What have I been saying all along? The results of the end of Don’t Ask Don’t tell would be a great big “no big deal”.

Thanks for playing!

• Link
• Report this comment

Partisans always have their heads somewhere other than on top of their heads.

Liberals = Ostrich party. Keep their heads in the sand.

Others might say Conservatives keep their heads up their asses. Doesn’t matter though, as partisanship will ruin this country long before anything else.

• Link
• Report this comment

taxpayer – also saw a poll about Obozo approval rating down to 42%. At this point even the clown Newt would have a good chance of beating him.

• Link
• Report this comment

Bruno, absolutely right on medicare fraud. Hard to prove fraudulent billing for religious agenda and medically-unsound therapy like that practiced at Bachmann & Associates

The problem runs much deeper than that, Keep. Ever hear of “upcoding”, whereby a simple procedure like taking a tube out of a child’s ear all of a sudden becomes “surgery” billed at $700?? Many practitioners will tell you that they are forced to do it so that they receive reasonable payment once all the “discounts” are applied by the insurance companies.

I’ve covered it in great detail in the past both here and on Kyle’s blog, but most of the problems in our health care system can be traced to an over-reliance on the third-party billing system. When people no longer are pulling money out of their own pockets, a natural indifference occurs so that the fraudsters can bill whatever they want and no one cares. ObamaCare will only exacerbate the situation by increasing our reliance on third-party billing. If “universal coverage” is the goal, then socialized medicine is the only way to go. If lowering overall costs is the goal, then returning insurance to its rightful place as a hedge against catastrophic loss is the only way to go. ObamaCare, unfortunately, gives us the worst of both worlds and will do nothing but drive up overall costs. Mark my words.

• Link
• Report this comment

Uncle Milty is on a tirade this morning. How bout this Milty. We let Medicare negotiate the price of drugs the way that the VA and private companies do. We require payments of SS and Medicare to be determined by a % of entire income without a cap so that all pay the same %. We impose a AMT tax on corporations the same that we do individuals.

Oh we can likely reduce US Military spending to 40% of what the rest of the world does from the current 48%….

That liberal logic ought to stupify you in amazement.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Everyone knows that the DOD wastes money and have always done that and nobody complains because people are more than willing to support defense contractors who survive only through taxpayer dollars.”

I don’t think putting thousands more people out of work is the answer…

• Link
• Report this comment

I congratulate Chambliess and other Republicans that see reality. Yes, a mixture of spending cuts and revenue increases are needed.

And yes, ending the “Bush/Obama tax cuts” when they expire will help the budget as well.

Once Social Security is “fixed” remove it from the budget, since it can be solvent fairly readily (flat tax, no cap, raise retirement age, etc). Keep that separate so the funds aren’t raided again. What this actually means is that along with the “regular” debt that we need to pay off, we (as a country) need to spend less because we won’t have extra Social Security funds being raided.

And when we (as a country) spend less, those jobs related to teh spending MUST be taken up by the private sector. What? You said it’s not the government’s job to create jobs? It CAN create jobs, but only government jobs that requires taxes to pay for them. So, when you cut governement spending, you also create a little bump in unemployment. So spending cuts must be done wisely so the jobs don’t disappear.

And Government, please don’t hire the same people as consultants at twice the rate. Please!
Thanks again!

• Link
• Report this comment

CJ @ 11:22–I can only assume that you are nowhere near the cap on FICA taxes. I didn’t mind it so much when the cap was 60K ( = a little more than 9K in taxes), but the current cap seems a little excessive to me considering the high earners will never draw back out anywhere near what they are putting in. Which is only important if SSI is truly a pension plan as originally created. Otherwise, just sock it to the “rich” once again.

• Link
• Report this comment

Bruno – well, they don’t on the circle / district line … and if they did it to me, they’d get a swift elbow in the sternum – I don’t put up with that crap.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Republicans are acting foolish about revenue increases. If we let the govt default things are going to get much worse”

Just curious…. How much money are you willing to send in to aid these revenue increases you want?

• Link
• Report this comment

From Rtoday:asmussen

Voters are skeptical about the promises of spending cuts in the debt ceiling debate. A commentary by Scott Rasmussen, published in Politico, put it this way: “Based on the history of the past few decades, voters have learned that politicians promising unspecified spending cuts should be treated with all the credibility of a six-year old boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar promising to be good for the rest of his life.”

• Link
• Report this comment

RB asks: How much money are you willing to send in to aid these revenue increases you want?

Enough to pay for the multiple wars until they end, enough to take care of the poor and needy for a reasonable amount of time, and enough to reach the moon and stay there.

You?

• Link
• Report this comment

JB wrote, in part:

Poll after poll demonstrates that most Americans support attacking the debt problem through both spending cuts and tax increases. Politically, it’s the only way to cut a deal.

Why should there have to be any kind of deal…? Both Bush and Ronoldo the Great got their raises almost automatically.

Let’s Win (Raise) one for The Gipper!!

Here’s the text of the letter Reagan wrote to then-Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker in 1983

Dear Howard:

This letter is to ask for your help and support, and that of your colleagues, in the passage of an increase in the limit on the public debt.

As Secretary Regan has told you, the Treasury’s cash balances have reached a dangerously low point. Henceforth, the Treasury Department cannot guarantee that the Federal Government will have sufficient cash on any one day to meet all of its mandated expenses, and thus the United States could be forced to default on its obligations for the first time in its history.

This country now possesses the strongest credit in the world. The full consequences of a default or even the serious prospect of default by the United States are impossible to predict and awesome to contemplate. Denigration of the full faith and credit of the United States would have substantial effects on the domestic financial markets and on the value of the dollar in exchange markets. The Nation can ill afford to allow such a result. The risks, the cost, the disruptions, and the incalculable damage lead me to but one conclusion: the Senate must pass this legislation before the Congress adjourns.

I want to thank you for your immediate attention to this urgent problem and for your assistance in passing an extension of the debt ceiling.

Sincerely, Ronald Reagan

• Link
• Report this comment

Tundra: Why should there have to be any kind of deal…?

Because the full faith and credit of the United States is at stake.
If we don’t raise the debt limit, the possibility of default will cause Global Economic turmoil.
If we DO raise the debt limit, the burden on the American taxpayers is greater and greater. Each year, the percentage of your tax dollars JUST PAYING INTEREST is gettting out of hand. Interest payments are sucking the life out of our tax dollars. We have reached a good point to actually do something about the debt, and since nobody agrees, the only way they can do it is by having some sort of deal where everybody loses.

And when I say “everybody loses” that only means policians who are trying to score political points by telling everyone that they can have anything they want and not pay for it.

• Link
• Report this comment

Well Jay can cruise for the rest of the year now. He’s written his obligatory once-a-year column praising a Republican.

So when someone attacks him for ALWAYS being negative towards the GOP, Jay can then trot this little ditty out and say, “See?”

• Link
• Report this comment

Why is Washington sending Atlanta $47 million to help build a trolley to nowhere at the same time they’re saying we don’t have enough money to pay our bills? No one but a handful of tourists will ride the stupid thing. What a waste.

• Link
• Report this comment

“How many government services are you willing to opt out of…”

NPR funding, funding for Pakistan, the Dept of Education, the energy dept, arts funding, most farm subsidies….

There’s more, but in the interest of brevity, we’ll leave it at that.

“enjoy the opportunities afforded you here! ” The opportunities here are quite impressive, however, I’m tired of being held financially responsible for the “less fortunate” who have chosen not to participate in our education system, won’t show up for the work they’re qualified to do for 5 days in a row, and then whine like little children that they’re being left behind. Opportunity is what you make of it. It’s not a promise or a guarantee of sucess.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Just curious…. How much money are you willing to send in to aid these revenue increases you want?”

What tax increases have been proposed? I’ve read different things, if it’s coming down to raising taxes 5% on people making 500K to 1M I have no issue. Yes, it wouldn’t be effecting me so that makes my answer a little easier. Listen, I’m not for increasing taxes during a recession, however, I don’t think raising taxes 5% on individuals making 500K-1M hurt the economy the same way a 5% increase on individuals making 250K or less would. I’m still not clear on what the tax increase proposal even is though, please share if you know…

• Link
• Report this comment

Dave

Aren’t you neglecting the fact that many of those things you listed also receive matching FEDERAL funds?

• Link
• Report this comment

RB asks for specifics: In real dollars, how much of your own money are you willing to put in every year?

$1000

How about YOU?

• Link
• Report this comment

But before I go, here’s a quick shot at a classic example of the fallacy (or maybe, it’s more accurately described as malevolent argumentation) that’s so typical of conservativism these days:

RB from Gwinnett: “I don’t want feel good liberal speak bumper stickers from you, I want a number. In real dollars, how much of your own money are you willing to put in every year?”

This statement is obviously based on the fallacy that each of us “owns” our money before taxation, which is a corollary of that other conservative fallacy and fantasy that each individual exists full-fledged and in full sovereignty outside of and prior to society.

Which is wrong.

The poor and struggling middle classes understand in their bones all the ways that we are all dependent through some minimal level of social solidarity — and taxation is one of the main expressions of that.

To the conservative of today, everything they stand for hangs on the ability to convince people that we’re these little atoms that float, like so many little islands, in a stream that we can just check in or out of at will. The big lie of it all is that this argument directly serves the interests of those who have gotten theirs already.

That’s why conservativism boils down to a kind of social strip-mining, the systematic scraping off of the top of what used to be the social solidarity of the past, but they don’t give a damn if it all just crashes down in the future, because they’ve already made out fine and can coast on their capital.

The role of the progressive is to rip down that pseudo-argument structure — and to do so with extreme prejudice.

• Link
• Report this comment

RB? Can you answer your own question now?
In real dollars, how much of your own money are you willing to put in every year?

To keep the full faith and credit of the United States, to pay down the debt, to reduce the possibility of Global Economic turmoil? Enough to offset the likely rise in interest rates that make borrowing more expensive?

• Link
• Report this comment

Mighty Righty

July 22nd, 2011
10:25 am

Saxby might want to remember why we got rid of “Ironsides”, I can’t think of his name, the one that blew himself up playing with hand grenades, for pretending to be conservative when he was in Georgia while coming out of the closet in D.C.

Tighty whitey needs to be laundered.

Severe case of swampass.

• Link
• Report this comment

RB, so you’re more than willing to let the government default on debt, not pay the interest, and cause economic turmoil?

Gee, Thanks.

• Link
• Report this comment

Jay

A senior Republican politician does what’s right for the country.

I think the message is lost on many.

USinUK

RE: the Raptor link: I realize the author’s background, but I’d take issue with some of her opinions, such as “the Air Force doesn’t want it.” The AF fought tooth and nail for it and is still doing back-door politicking to preserve it. They were willing to retire entire lines of current aircraft to justify ‘needing’ it.

And the half billion cut to the F-35. Author spoke of pork-barrel spending to justify the F-22. The F-35 cut was for the dual engine option – pork barrel at its finest.

It’s the nature of the beast.

JM –

“the military is getting very large expenditure cuts. Actually the only place in tue budget where expenditure will actually DECLINE.”

Cite? Only ‘cuts’ are a very small percentage, many to be ‘reinvested’ elsewhere. Most are reported in ten-year terms, so the per-year cuts are less than they appear. What Republicans call ‘insignificant’ when the numbers apply to tax reform. As far as decline, no, it’s just a reduction in the rate of growth.

Hi Woodstock Mike

““Everyone knows that the DOD wastes money and have always done that and nobody complains because people are more than willing to support defense contractors who survive only through taxpayer dollars.”
I don’t think putting thousands more people out of work is the answer…”

Then what is? One answer is to do it over time, say over the same ten-year span that’s the window for the current negotiations. If the topic was cutting people at the lower economic rung off welfare, there’d be a lot more support.

Paying people above-median wages to build stuff we can do without is still wasteful.

““We require payments of SS and Medicare to be determined by a % of entire income without a cap so that all pay the same %.”
So how does this benefit someone with low income, would this mean they get very little SS and Medicare?”

Before you showed up, and since, we’ve been treated to regular postings on ‘fair.’ As ‘it isn’t fair poor and middle class people don’t pay as much as the job producers (we can’t say ‘rich’ any more, according to Republican leadership ) . So this is an effort to impose ‘fairness’ – which, it seems, is opposed by fairness advocates because it’s directed at job producers.

And Bruno makes a fair point at 11:49

Hi USinUK!

“and if they did it to me, they’d get a swift elbow in the sternum – I don’t put up with that crap.”

One of the posters the other day related how he’d become a bit fond of you and regretted not being able to meet you on a recent trip thru London. Said it was for the best as he’d found out you are married. I read that and having met you, a vision just like your description came to my mind. Woulda’ been fun to watch, though!

CJ 12:04

Adam Smith wrote in an era when some people starved while others had houses like this which I toured this past summer:

http://www.castlehoward.co.uk/

So it wasn’t an abstract theory.

RB from Gwinnett

““How many government services are you willing to opt out of…”
NPR funding, funding for Pakistan, the Dept of Education, the energy dept, arts funding, most farm subsidies….
There’s more, but in the interest of brevity, we’ll leave it at that. “

Remember the beginning of the article: “As Chambliss noted in a discussion at the AJC back in April, non-defense, non-entitlement spending accounts for just 12 percent of the budget.”

In other words, you can’t get there from here.

• Link
• Report this comment

And it wasn’t about me being “willing” to send it in unless you know something I don’t about paying income taxes… I didn’t have the choice to pay taxes or not pay taxes??

• Link
• Report this comment

Actually 100% correct statement. There is no lien, mortgage or otherwise on the monies that are earned by each and every taxpayer. There is mandatory withholding on FICA, SSecurity, and unemployment but the net check a taxpayer receives is that taxpayer’s money. The taxpayer is then tasked to file a complete and accurate tax return and pay (or receive) a refund accordingly.

To suggest otherwise is absolutely incorrect.

• Link
• Report this comment

“How many government services are you willing to opt out of…”

NPR funding, funding for Pakistan, the Dept of Education, the energy dept, arts funding, most farm subsidies….

Where would you like your penny refund mailed.

• Link
• Report this comment

“The changes sought by Chambliss and his colleagues are reasonable and would be necessary regardless of the nation’s larger fiscal challenges.”
———————————————

What is “reasonable” to one may not be reasonable to another. The degree of cuts into Social Security must have a continuous watchdog to insure that “all savings generated by changes in Social Security would be used to make Social Security financially sound.”

To Left Wing Management: That is why your 7:55 a.m. post was valuable in restating one source of the financial crisis (and ideological politics behind it). Thank you for your comments which point out, also, that “it would be the middle and lower classes who bear the ENTIRE burden of balancing the budget” if we are not alert to the unfairness of that happening to the middle and lower classes and if we fail to protest against that happening to the middle and lower classes.

I wish Jay and his family a restful and rewarding vacation.

• Link
• Report this comment

Liberals defintion of “shared sacrifice”:

Sock it to those evil rich Americans who make more than $250k.

Liberal logic: If you are single and make more than $200k, you are rich. If you are married and make over $250k, you are rich. Good God, get married but make sure your spouse makes a lot less than you do.

• Link
• Report this comment

Fletch & Mike

Be careful, I’m guessing that he’ll call y’all liberal liars next or something. RB is so damned negative about most things that he makes negative infinity look good.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hi Paul!

I think it’s a case of “who you ask” in the military re: the F22. it’s all about dollars in the districts, not about what’s best for the country.

as far as the elbow to the sternum goes, I’d never do that to a fellow Bookmaniac. a withering stare, maybe … but no elbow

• Link
• Report this comment

(is it me, or have we totally gone through the looking glass when people think a quarter of a million dollars is NOT wealthy)

• Link
• Report this comment

“yes. if you make a quarter of a million dollars, you are rich.”

Wow, this statement might be the most inocrrect post of the day… First off, making 250K doesn’t mean netting 250K, huge difference. Making 250K is no where near rich. Yeah, you’ve got a 500K house, nice car, nice clothes, do some traveling, but rich, I think not… Not even close, rich means you don’t have to work if you don’t want to…

• Link
• Report this comment

“(is it me, or have we totally gone through the looking glass when people think a quarter of a million dollars is NOT wealthy)”

Why not? At a local commission meeting last night, the head of our local Democrat party actually called for spending cuts. (To be fair it was in the same speech she made calling for a renewal of a tax – typical liberal two-sidedness)

• Link
• Report this comment

Don’t really have a dog in this fight, and maybe some of you more enthusiastic folks from both sides need to consider that you don’t either. Like most, my knowledge of the “Gang of Six” proposal is limited to the very vague and polit-speak talking points being offered by the Gang of Six and the Gang of Media. But here’s my question; if the “revenue” side of this equation includes eliminating/reducing the mortgage interest deduction, the charitable donation deduction, the IRA contribution deduction; etc. BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE increasing capital gains from 15% to 29% (can you say; “hedge fund” can you say “Wall Street owns Obama and the GOP”?) and increasing corporate tax rates to that corporate citizens pay the same rate as individual citizens; it seems to me that the middle class (which now includes those in the $50,000.00 – $350,000 per year income bracket), will be responsible for the lion’s share of the revenue. Think of it this way; you earn $150,000.00 year and you live in a $200,000.00. the $10,000 0r $11,000.00 you deduct from your federal taxes (mortgage interest, charitable contributions, IRA, etc.) is a more significant chunk of change in terms of your (baseline) standard of living, as opposed to a hedge fund manager who earns $500 million per year, and pays only $75 million in taxes. Bottom line, he probably doesn’t have a mortgage on his $10 million home in the Hamptons, doesn’t make charitable contributions or contributes $5K a year to his Roth IRA. No sir, the gang of six (and Obama) would be more aptly named “the Gang of 2%”. Taxation without representation is tyranny; right? When sounds to me like the 2% are well-represented, and the rest of us are beholden to the tyrants.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Deportations Of Immigrants Hits Record Number Under Obama Administration”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/22/deportations-obama-immigration_n_906676.html

• Link
• Report this comment

US – so clueless that he does not even understand the difference between being rich vs. wealthy; shows his ignorance by using the two interchangeably.

A “rich” person making 200k living in NYC is the same as a “rich” person making 200k living in Macon???

• Link
• Report this comment

facts

I see the Go6 proposal as an answer to those who said that we can’t tax the rich to make things work out. They’re gonna stick it to the middle class. We all know the poor are not going to be able to pay it. What better way to finish off the middle class than to do it under the guise of fiscal accountability?

• Link
• Report this comment

Mike – “Yeah, you’ve got a 500K house, nice car, nice clothes, do some traveling, but rich, I think not… Not even close, rich means you don’t have to work if you don’t want to…”

which is why I say, if you decide to SPEND all that money, that’s your own fault. However, yes, making $250K/year is, in fact, rich when you consider that the median income is roughly a fifth of that.

• Link
• Report this comment

Liberals on this board having a tough, tough time using their one-cell “functioning” brain to try to define a rich person.

Brosephus – goes from a rich person in the USA & compares it to what others make around the whole world. Man, I did not know that global residents pay American taxes.

• Link
• Report this comment

You can make a million a year, that doesn’t mean you are wealthy.

• Link
• Report this comment

Milton – if you choose to spend it all by living in Manhattan or LA, that’s your choice.

making 5x the median income makes you rich / wealthy/ filthy with lucre, however you choose to look at it.

• Link
• Report this comment

Paul – “and I’m amazed to think they might actually believe it”

what amazes ME is that they seem to think that, if, at the end of the day, if you only have $10 in your bank account, you’re actually middle class, despite living in a >$500K house, nice car, nice clothes, vacations, private schools, etc …

• Link
• Report this comment

md – which is why I’m comparing it to the US median income of roughly $50K/year.

so, yes, 5x that amount is, in fact, rich.

even if they’ve had so much lipo that their ribs are showing.

• Link
• Report this comment

USinner @ 1:03

I was scratching my head and thinking the same thing. If my annual income, either pre or post deductions was at the $250k mark, I don’t see why I would need a different house other than the one I’m in now. It’s the mindset like that which is causing more government spending. It isn’t the politicians at all.

• Link
• Report this comment

Don’t agree with the blanket statement that making 250k is “rich”…….I know quite a few business folks that made 250k, but their debt to start that business is in the millions……..they are not rich.

Depends on how long they make that 250k……………………..

• Link
• Report this comment

Brocephus 1:10

[polite golf clap]

• Link
• Report this comment

@USinUK

“woodstock – unfortunately, that’s not how our tax system works. it’s based on medians and averages regardless of where you live.”

I guess I can be more clear if needed, IN THE UNITED STATES A FAMILY MAKING 250K/YR IS NOT CONSIDERED RICH. That is a simple fact. Yes, they make enough money to have a good life and hopefully put some of it away for retirement, but making 250K just isn’t rich, not even close…

• Link
• Report this comment

Brocephus – “It’s the mindset like that which is causing more government spending.”

forget that.

it’s that kind of mindset which has put us in the pickle we are today – people who spend everything they make (and more) and who feel they have to live at the top of / exceed their means.

• Link
• Report this comment

Milton Man, you are spot on. “Rich” is word used by politicians and gadflies. Whereas WEALTH is a word used to describe the ownership class in a plutocracy. Rich people do not direct Congress or the POTUS via lobbyists; wealthy people do. And “wealthy people” includes corporations. All this “class warfare” nonsense is a distriction and nothing more. The Randian free market wags like to speak of “creation of wealth” as a driving force in capitalism; I agree. Problem is; Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Arthur Blank, and any other wealthy person attained his/her wealth via the stock market (some as traders/hedge fund types, others by taking companies “public”). As individuals they may have become “wealthy” but in order to remain wealthy, or more accurately, continue to build/consolidate their wealth, they need things like the 15% capital gains rate, the Roth IRA contribution deduction, the mortgage interest deduction, etc. You think the housing market is in the tank; wait until there is absolutely ZERO incidentive to own a home unless one can pay cash? How do you think the bubble was inflated? The banks (corporate citizens) made the mortages the “assets” (as opposed to real estate). Ergo the “value” of the mortgage (to Wall Street)trumped the value of one’s home. The American dream for John Q. Public was to be rich (good job, own a home, nice car, etc.). The American dream for John Q, Inc. was to become wealthy, and in 2008, nearly $9 trillion was “transfered” from homeowners and individual investors; to Goldman Sachs, AIG, Bank of America, et al, as well as the hedge fund managers and Wall Street cowboys who executed “the big short”.

• Link
• Report this comment

“RB, so you’re more than willing to let the government default on debt, not pay the interest, and cause economic turmoil? ”

No, i’d prefer they stop spending us into oblivion. The house passed their plan to handle the issue. If the senate fails to pass it or if Obama vetos, it’ll be their fault if we default. This “let us keep spending beyond our means or we’ll blame you” crap only works on morons. Go sell it somewhere else.

• Link
• Report this comment

I’ll offer all this talk of ‘rich’ ‘wealth’ ‘whatever’ is semantics. And NYC is the card to pull, but compared to the number of workers in the US, it’s a small percentage.

I’ll go with USinUK’s point: If you live in a neighborhood of 100 households and make more than 95 of them, you’re waaaaaay past ‘better off.’

If you want to use a label to minimize the distinction, at least recognize it for what it is.

And I notice after Fletch’s post, RB from Gwinnett became scarce. Next time she shows up can someone remind her of her ‘how much more you willing to give, huh?’ question and ask her to respond to Fletch’s post? Thanks.

• Link
• Report this comment

Heck, 1811, that ain’t nothing.

i had to walk a mile to school in the snow, with no shoes, uphill both ways….

• Link
• Report this comment

Dave R., because I make no distinction between “growing a business” and “growing a life”. If corporations, hedge funds and Wall Street card sharks claim “gains” and “losses” as income, they should be taxed. I don’t see the difference between some worker bee who earns $50,000.00 as a computer engineer or public school teacher, and some stock broker or hedge fund manager who earns $50,000.00 (in one day); pumping and dumping a stock or short selling. It’s ALL income. In addition. In a perfect world, the playing field would be level and people would be honest, but I think that ‘dream’ ended when Eve bit into the apple, right?

• Link
• Report this comment

WOODSTOCK MIKE- “Now we know who the richest guy is on this blog…”

I doubt I’m the richest, I merely answered RB’s question.

• Link
• Report this comment

Mike @ 1:17

Is that not what our government has been doing for the past 30-40 years, spending everything it had plus more just to be at the top of the pile?

Now, people are saying that the government should not spend more than what it brings in.

• Link
• Report this comment

Dave R.

July 22nd, 2011
12:21 pm

You beat me to it. Agree. These people are ridiculous. Most of those things are local issues.

You name a REAL “service” that the Federal government currently provides and I would most likely opt out of it. I would keep national parks and defense (although, i would cut it). Opt out of all entitlements (I already don’t benefit from any of them), Arts funding, Federal education funding (leave local), foreign aid, planned parenthood, NPR, farm subsidies, tax subsidies to companies like GE who pay ALMOST NOTHING in taxes….this list could go on forever.

• Link
• Report this comment

Woodstock Mike – USinUK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg-zT3DZN40&t=0m15s

• Link
• Report this comment

Adding insult to injury?

“Casey Anthony gets job offers, taxpayers get legal bill”

And this is part of the problem………how many go on to do well in society yet are never required to repay the assistance given……….we need to start giving folks that choose to vacation in our penal system loans vs assistance………

• Link
• Report this comment

Fletch

I do not mean this personally, only wish to use your post as a springboard.

In spite of the images we’re normally treated to (the brash Wall Streeter screaming “Look what I did!”) my impression from knowing some in Fletch’s situation is there is oftentimes much more evidence of humility. Of a recognition they’ve been blessed by circumstance as well as by their own efforts. That Life has provided opportunities that, grateful they’ve been able to utilize them, there’s also a grateful recognition that Life didn’t impose something else.

• Link
• Report this comment

You folks do know that it is a 50/50 proposition when others post unsubstantiated info…..right?

• Link
• Report this comment

I don’t know what rich is but I know what it takes to live good and taxes don’t put people in the poor house, people do.

• Link
• Report this comment

JAY….Jay…..Jay
“And as Chambliss takes pains to point out, all savings generated by changes in Social Security would be used to make Social Security financially sound. It’s an important point: No revenue generated by the self-insurance program is being spent elsewhere.”
And you were actually able to say that with a staight face!!!
We had this discussion a few weeks ago…
The SS “Trust” fund was put ON BUDGET in 1963 by good old LBJ to fund the “Great Society” that wonderful program that gave us Cabrini Green in Chicago and many other urban ghettos!
Any change in the self insurance plan will do little or nothing to solve the SS problems…… Unless the government is planning to repay the Trillions its stolen from the fund.
How about this: if the government is “obligated” to pay the interest due on the borrowed money to finance the national debt why are they not “obligated” to pay interest on the money “borrowed” from the SS Trust Fund????

• Link
• Report this comment

RB from Gwinnett,

Unless YOU are a regular listener of NPR, seek health services from Planned Parenthood, or benefit from aid to Pakistan, then you didn’t actually answer my question as to which services you are willing to forego. Thanks for posing, though.

• Link
• Report this comment

md

“how many go on to do well in society yet are never required to repay the assistance given”

Understandable. One can observe, thought, the government brought the charges. The government had a responsibility to ensure it was prepared to prove its claims. If the person they accused does not have the resources for an adequate defense, it’s society’s responsibility to make sure a defense is provided.

So the gov’t accuses, the gov’t doesn’t make its case, the person accused shouldn’t be required to ‘pay back’ the gov’t to defend against their accusation.

Which is far different from someone convicted of a crime being allowed to profit from the crime thru books, movies, tours, etc. Which, I believe, statutes exist to prevent from happening.

• Link
• Report this comment

“If I, or anyone else, begins sending in extra money, and you do not, I will inherently be paying for you.”

You would be doing that anyhow, so what’s the difference??

If that is ones ideology, fine…so be it…..but don’t talk it, live it………………..

How much does one really need to be comfortable?? I think it is borderline hypocrisy………

Wonder how many folks Jay is taking on vacation with him knowing their are tons of folks that can’t afford one??

Or how many homeless folks are living in the basement of our Hollywood elite??

I think for the most part, it’s all lip service……………

• Link
• Report this comment

md -”You folks do know that it is a 50/50 proposition when others post unsubstantiated info…..right?”

Of course it is, what type of evidence is it your looking for?

• Link
• Report this comment

p.s. Jay,
Just what is the “Gang’s” plan? Where can I get a copy??
what is the senate bill # ??
What is the CBO’s rating of its impact ???

The answers: none, nowhere, none, nothing to rate.

• Link
• Report this comment

Leadership, by its nature, is risky business.

The timid need not apply to positions requiring it.

• Link
• Report this comment

As I said yesterday – “They’ll deal…in the end it will have zero teeth..It’ll be called the “great get me re-elected act of 2011”…it’ll have higher taxes and spending cuts to never be enacted in the future..or present…both sides will spin it as a win….unless someone has the will to shut-er-down…I’m not convinced it’ll be the end of the end..remember the stimulus both sides agreed on to keep unemployment below 8%?..to believe either side in whole is naive.”

• Link
• Report this comment

oldguy

“Just what is the “Gang’s” plan? Where can I get a copy??
what is the senate bill # ??
What is the CBO’s rating of its impact ???

The answers: none, nowhere, none, nothing to rate.”

You may want to start here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeFwdcpWzQM

• Link
• Report this comment

Okay, I blew the darn HTML tag, AGAIN

• Link
• Report this comment

md – “So I reserve the right to remain skeptical………as I would suggest others do even with myself…….”

Understandable and not unreasonable.

• Link
• Report this comment

md

I’m like you, that evidence should not be posted here. I wouldn’t have even suggested posting a figure on taxes, but that’s just me. I think that’s a big part of what’s wrong with us as a society. We want to get all into everybody else’s business, but when it comes to something personal, it becomes an invasion of privacy.

I’m skeptical of everything, mostly due to the job I have. However, I believe that an honest person is worth their weight in gold when it comes to their word. There’s many ways to find out whether their word is worthless or not though.

• Link
• Report this comment

“among his fellow Republicans in Georgia’s House delegation, most of whom have taken a deeply irresponsible approach to the nation’s fiscal crisis.”

Who was irresponsible for not passing a budget in 2010? Who was in charge? Oh I remember, you could not pass a budget until you rammed ObamaCare down the American peoples’ throat. Liberals sure have a peculiar way with facts and history.

• Link
• Report this comment

The issue is not a Revenue Problem. It never is. It is a Spending Problem. If they truly wanted to raise revenues, they would lower the Tax Rates across the Board like JFK, Reagan, and Bush 2.0 did. In each case revenues increased by $300 Billion, $200 Billion, and $300 Billion. Whenever Tax Rates exceed 19% of the US GDP, Revenues decrease. The real purpose of increasing the Tax Rates is to force a greater percentage of the populace into dependence upon the Federal Govt’ – i.e. Democrats for their lively hood. If it was about Revenue, they would lower Taxes. The truth is that the current system is gamed and will lead to default unless the borrowing stops. It is not a revenue problem. The problem is the Federal Govt’ addiction to spending our money.

• Link
• Report this comment

I finally got and answer to the question I’ve been asking. Rich is anybody who makes more than I do and the way to “move up” is to make sure I can keep as many below me as possible by whatever means possible. Got it. It was so simple and there I was trying to complicate it with such silly things as dollar amounts. I’m such a slow learner. The good news is, there’s a whole lot of rich people in the country!

Then here we come putting figures on it so others will know just how much we’re “worth.” Granddaddy always said never let anybody know what you’ve got. That’s an invitation to come and take it one way or another and a fool and his money ARE soon parted. Granny said it was “just plain tacky and trashy.”

Somebody else said rich was being in a position to never have to work again. Well, in that case I suppose I am rich. And you know what? I am. Not ostentatious, not gaudy, none of that, but comfortable. Which means I can go back to work next week doing what I love to do and, hopefully, giving back a little of my self and time to all our future. I’ve got a good, solid, loving relationship, three well-adjusted, happy and productive children, smiling, laughing grandkids, and air conditioning that’s churning away as I sit blathering away…life is good. But, then, I’m rich. I wish everybody could have it this good. What’s wrong with that?

• Link
• Report this comment

Oh, here we go again with the throat-ramming fable again. Stop projecting your personal, fantasy-related inner conflicts onto the rest of us, please. Thanks!

• Link
• Report this comment

“Who was irresponsible for not passing a budget in 2010?”

Congress

“Who was in charge?:

Congress

Civics class – education is a good thing. Try it sometime.

• Link
• Report this comment

Uncle Jed thanks for the info. I will remember her.

• Link
• Report this comment

“But, then, I’m rich. I wish everybody could have it this good. What’s wrong with that?”

Still want to know how much one needs to be comfortable?

If the ideology (not necessarily you Jo) is that other folks need to be cared for, why can’t those that believe that way just do it…………..

That isn’t what I hear…….I hear…..”I think it needs to be done, but by golly I’m not doing it unless Joe Blow down the street has to do it too”………….

• Link
• Report this comment

oldguy

I didn’t rewatch it but I do remember the charts (hey everyone the link has charts!!!) and they did give specific areas with ranges of dollars or percent change.

Sen Crapo said that was intentional – that those numbers would go to the Congressional committees responsible for those areas and THEY would be responsible for determining the numbers and programs.

That’s when proposals become ripe for CBO scoring.

• Link
• Report this comment

TahDaaah
++++++++++++++

josef

July 22nd, 2011
1:58 pm
I finally got and answer to the question I’ve been asking. Rich is anybody who makes more than I do and the way to “move up” is to make sure I can keep as many below me as possible by whatever means possible.
++++++++++++++

@ josef and only because my wife never wastes time blogging, at least here….

That reminds me of this one:
A fox is any woman with a butt smaller than my wife’s

• Link
• Report this comment

It’s opportunity all over again. If the liberals allow the government to default we will get to see the real guts of America.

• Link
• Report this comment

josef 1:58

Your first post of the day and the last made it a grand slam.

As usual, nicely done -

• Link
• Report this comment

That house bill was bad from day 1, good thing it died.

• Link
• Report this comment

Fletch,

What was that number you posted that is under scrutiny. Total fed income tax or what.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Cut, Cap and Balance” died in the Senate
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OMG, are you serious?

• Link
• Report this comment

oldguy

July 22nd, 2011
2:07 pm

I know I know Jay Marx

• Link
• Report this comment

Uncle Jed:

Serious as a heart attack:

http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/senate-rejects-house-gop-1034422.html

• Link
• Report this comment

PAUL

Don’t go butterin’ me up…we know what you’re up to this weekend!

• Link
• Report this comment

If we are going to up taxes on the “rich” and corporations…what about taxing endowments at universities. Harvard’s endowments are down 30% to $25 Billion…with a “B”?

• Link
• Report this comment

Fred

July 22nd, 2011
2:13 pm
Uncle Jed:

Serious as a heart attack:
+++++++++++++++++++++

Are you positive? Failed in the Senate? OMG

• Link
• Report this comment

PAUL

So, you plan to leave it open for debate this year rather than unilaterally making that decision?

out of the blue

Thank you for the details there. It sounds like Cleland to pooh-pooh it with “playing with grenades.” I’ve always kind of liked his drole sense of humor…

• Link
• Report this comment

Lets see, cut spending, initiate spending caps and balancing the budget is a bad thing. Continuing down a certain path to bankruptcy is a good thing. Reforming entitlements is a bad thing. Continuing along pretending that we do not need to reform entitlements until such time as we no longer have the money for them and can’t borrow any more money is a good thing. No wonder Democrats can’t come up with a plan.

• Link
• Report this comment

RB…..The House is the chamber taking the weekend off. They see no sense of urgency. They must need to get to their NASCAR race.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Cut, Cap and Balance” died in the Senate

where’s it buried? I need to take a leak.

• Link
• Report this comment

old guy

Had some running around to do earlier. Unmentionable called me a “mad dog going out with the Englishmen…” Yow! It was hot and muggy! Of course he’s out there under the shade tree tinkering with his fishing car…he’s finally getting into the retirement mode…

• Link
• Report this comment

facts is facts…
Pretty much sums up the position…

• Link
• Report this comment

Who was irresponsible for not passing a budget in 2010? Who was in charge? Oh I remember, you could not pass a budget until you rammed ObamaCare down the American peoples’ throat. Liberals sure have a peculiar way with facts and history.

You know and I know, willie, that the reason no budget proposal was advanced was strictly polical in nature: the Republicans were just waiting for the basis for talking points for the next election. Even you felt free to whale away at Obamacare. It’s no longer a matter of two parties working together to produce a budget; rather, it’s all about influencing the results of the next election, country be damned! And if you’re honest, you’ll acknowledge that the Republicans are as focused as the Democrats on getting majorities and the presidency. Neither party gives a damn about what happens to the country otherwise.

• Link
• Report this comment

Senate killed the bill backed by the house. And they have put forward what????
O yeah…Absolutely nothing.
What is Obama’s plan?
Same thing.
No democrat has any plan to deal with our debt on the table.Talk about a failure to lead!

The media? The media is bought and paid for, in the pocket of the democrats. They would never point out the absolute failure of Obama and the democrats. Bookman is just another liberal zombie.

• Link
• Report this comment

Fletch,

Thanks for the clarification.

• Link
• Report this comment

I am always amused whenever somebody goes claiming the media are in the pocket of this, that or the other political persuasion, interest group or what have you. The media are in the pockets of the advertizers. Got a problem? Go talk to them. And you know what, it really does work!

• Link
• Report this comment

So, I take it Ron Paul will run yet again for president. If he could just drum up enough votes to make it almost half way through the first wave of the primaries just once…

• Link
• Report this comment

Uncle Jed,

The House had already announced yesterday they were heading home to their NASCAR races, gun shows and snake dancing. So I completely agree with Reid it makes no sense for the Senate to be in session either.

Facts are facts.

• Link
• Report this comment

Josef,
About everyone’s a hero philosophy…
I don’t know if you have read much WW1 history but, to me, one of the best is Col(Gen) Max Hoffmann, a German General staff officer who was an excellent observer and writer. His comment early in the August 1914 German drive into France was classic, Apparently the German Crown prince was visiting hospitals with a bucket of Iron Crosses passing them out to all there…..His comment ” Apparently the only way to avoid one whuld be to shoot yourself!”
One wonders now when any wound is “Heroic”.
I twisted a Knee when on MP duty in Siagon in 1968 (stepped off a curb wrong)….should I get a metal??

• Link
• Report this comment

Or, as an independent might actually say:

I often wonder someone who votes for a progressive liberal or extreme right wing conservativeand calls themselves INDEPENDENT! I definitely need to take a political science class just to see how firm is the liberal / conservative control of education.

• Link
• Report this comment

also, this.

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/shared-sacrifice-village-style.html

I’d laugh if it wasn’t so tragic. Raising the eligibility age or changing the COLA are humongous changes that shouldn’t even be contemplated in this context since Social Security’s shortfall isn’t even projected to happen for another 35 years and it contributes nothing to the deficit. And the idea that this would be “balanced” by ending some perks for corporate jets is so bizarre that I’d think it was part of a Stephen Colbert satire if I didn’t know better.

But this is where the Village stands today: the “reasonable” position is to accept huge cuts in discretionary spending and Social Security in exchange for some symbolic nothingness on the part of the wealthy and call it “shared sacrifice.” And needless to say, we should be prepared for many more cuts to the “entitlements’ down the road since this was the “easy” stuff. We are all the way down the rabbit hole now and somebody’s throwing dirt on top of us.

• Link
• Report this comment

old guy

My brother would probably get pissed if he knew I was doing this, he’s the modest sort. He got two purple hearts…one, which did come with some other medals, too, he could be testosterone hero proud of if he so chose…the other, though, is the one he might, just might, tell you how he got it…’course he would have to be drinking a few and among trusted peers…

• Link
• Report this comment

JACK

Yeah. I understand that. I wouldn’t vote for a GOP for anything, myself. It’d bring the gray ghost of Granny from the grave howling about her progeny voting for the Party of Diocletian of the Potomac…

• Link
• Report this comment

“Without SS the county’s retired would be in a world of hurt. Does the GOP like a world of hurt?”

Does the GOP want to eliminate SS? Uhhhhhh, NO. However, anyone with a clue can recognize that SS is on an unsustainable path. So, what’s your suggestion, just keep on digging the hole deeper and deeper and deeper??

• Link
• Report this comment

Josef,
No problem with Purple hearts, there is a reason for them. Its just the Gallantry metals that bother me.
p.s. Tell Jay (and others) Fish are smart! They go to the deepest part of the lake in weather like now and they don’t eat any more than they have to to live. Wait for the fall and cooler weather to fish!!

• Link
• Report this comment

SS – raise the rates (Pres Reagan did, it was the right thing) on both side. Eliminate the cap. If the money is loaned to the general fund, interest should be paid just like on bonds the Chinamen hold. Cut some of the fraud.

• Link
• Report this comment

IT”S FRIDAY….gone upstairs…

• Link
• Report this comment

The Social Security Trust Fund holds 2.67 trillion of that 14 trillion of US debt.

• Link
• Report this comment

Woodstock Mike,

That is indeed a sad, pathetic statement. I feel sorry for a person that thinks that way. Its pathetic and I don’t know that I’ve ever seen such a loser statement. Only a liberal or a Dem could make a statement like that.

• Link
• Report this comment

“they had plenty left to live on; they could afford the taxes”

Now this truly is the Democrat mantra, telling people what’s enough for them to live on, don’t let them decide for themselves…

All the while these politicians are flying private jets, eating $1000 dinners, traveling the world, enjoying the finest things in life…

Yeah, I don’t think I want them telling me what’s good enough for me, thanks anyway…

• Link
• Report this comment

Woodstock and Thulsa

I can’t wrap my head around how someone could think that way. (As Jefferson @ 3:20)

• Link
• Report this comment

Libertarian, Scary aint it.

• Link
• Report this comment

Headline on MSNBC at 7:30 with David Gregory, moderator of “Meet the Press”: “Debt Talks Break Down After Boehner Withdraws”

About 6:30 p.m. President Obama said in his news conference that the middle and working class know that they have not been treated fairly over the last years and that they need to know that someone is looking after their interests instead of political interests (paraphrased). Speaker Boehner said in his news conference about 7:15 p.m. that an additional 400 billion in revenue was asked over the next 10 years, and he said he was not willing to take that money from the “job creators” in greater taxes.

Eventually, the American people are going to have to see that this battle is an ideological battle over the direction that our nation will move in the next decades relative to the role of government. One can understand why Republicans are holding so firm at this time, when one recognizes that this present debt ceiling crisis, for them, is the culmination of a 30 year ideological impetus for smaller government.

Middle and working class people are going to have to look boldly at who is truly looking after their interests and who is looking after the interests of the powerful and extremely wealthy. They are also going to have to decide if they want safety nets through our government or not.

I support those safety nets not only for pragmatic reasons for the majority of Americans, but also because the presence of those safety nets give testimony to the fact that American values continue to lean toward the humane.

• Link
• Report this comment