‘… debt-ceiling standoff is an act of economic sabotage’
With congressional Republicans promising to create yet another standoff on the debt ceiling, Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers, professors at the highly regarded Wharton School of Business, write in Bloomberg about the economic consequences of the first crisis last summer.
They note, for example:
“Growth in nonfarm payrolls decelerated to an average 88,000 a month during the three months of the debt-ceiling impasse, compared with an average of 176,000 in the first five months of 2011. Payroll growth subsequently recovered and has averaged 187,000 jobs a month since. Despite the rebound in job growth, employment is likely still below where it would otherwise have been.”
And consumer confidence — critical in this recovery — took an even greater and more spectacular tumble, as these numbers from Gallup demonstrate:
They conclude:
“All told, the data tell us that a debt-ceiling standoff is an act of economic sabotage. The only way to avoid this conclusion is to argue that consumers and employers were reacting to some other economic factors. But the debt ceiling was the dominant economic story at the time. No other news fits the data as well. Although the European debt crisis was a rising concern throughout 2011, the real trouble in Europe arose in the period when consumer confidence and employment were recovering.
The next debt-ceiling battle could be worse, because the stakes are even higher. In addition to the threat of default, the U.S. is facing the so-called fiscal cliff: a raft of spending cuts and tax increases that will happen at the end of this year unless Congress acts to postpone them. Another stalemate would almost certainly plunge the economy into a deep recession.”
It’s also important to note that the standoff created an historic downgrade of the USA’s credit worthiness. And for what? Congressional Republicans got a budget-cutting agreement out of the standoff, but it’s a deal that they began to repudiate almost immediately after it was announced and that they are now actively seeking to undermine.
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t trust the wisdom or patriotism of people who willing to risk the destruction of the economy to make a political point.
– Jay Bookman
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783 comments Add your comment
Thulsa Doom
May 29th, 2012
3:18 pm
JamVet,
Is that all earners that made between 100 and 500k or are you picking out specific earners who made that much? I thought you were talking about the entire group but then there would be a lot more people in that group who did in fact pay a lot of taxes. And I would assume the ones that had no tax liability probably did not due to legal loopholes or writeoffs for legitimate business investment. As several on here have said- Close the loopholes.
Adam
May 29th, 2012
3:18 pm
JHM: With respect to revenues possibly falling below expected levels — *that* is the incentive to cut spending and to increase revenues — to build surpluses into our budgets rather than deficits
I am surprised with such a massive control effort (Constitutional Amendment) that you would leave that particular part up to Congress. Especially considering that historically speaking, spending has always increased regardless of any increase or decrease in revenue.
n
May 29th, 2012
3:19 pm
Jay, you are breathing fire!
Keep speaking truth.
All honorable people must say & do what is necessary to stop the devolution of this country towards hate and anarchy at the hands of the far right.
The insane hatred of Obama has fueled a level of rage I have never seen before in American public discourse.
It is totally irrational and Obama doesn’t deserve it.
Soothsayer
May 29th, 2012
3:19 pm
“Where did flight 77 go then?”
I could care less. Post a photograph of the airplane that struck the pentagon.
jm
May 29th, 2012
3:19 pm
CNN can have an “unsung heroes” series about some person who is doing a great thing like serving lunch to the poor.
But to a liberal, a guy who gives his life to defend his country is just another joe. This is truly sick.
Soothsayer
May 29th, 2012
3:21 pm
Rather, post a photograph of the airplane that struck the pentagon actually striking the pentagon.
Peter
May 29th, 2012
3:21 pm
How stupid is this statement..Really Now !!!!!!
But to a liberal, a guy who gives his life to defend his country is just another joe. This is truly sick.
Adam
May 29th, 2012
3:21 pm
But to a liberal, a guy who gives his life to defend his country is just another joe
And where did he say that?
Thug
May 29th, 2012
3:21 pm
Dems don’t have any motivation to pay off debt.
Bookman you’re clueless.
Ron Burgundy
May 29th, 2012
3:21 pm
CNN is a joke. Now that have Dbag Bourdain on that channel. I’ll stick with Fox and Paula Deen!
jm
May 29th, 2012
3:22 pm
And people wonder why military families overwhelmingly vote republican…..
Soothsayer
May 29th, 2012
3:22 pm
I like to dutch over myself….oops did I type that out loud?
stands for decibels
May 29th, 2012
3:22 pm
a guy who gives his life to defend his country is just another joe.
sigh.
jm, I suppose it’d be asking too much for you to stick to actually quoting Chris Hayes, and not making up imaginary sh-t about what you *think* he meant, right?
They BOTH spoke
May 29th, 2012
3:22 pm
“not through tax reform as Republicans have proposed”
True tax reform is not what Ryan has proposed……. Lowering the rate at the same time you take away deduction so the avg effective rate is a shell game
Adam
May 29th, 2012
3:22 pm
jm: I know exactly who the guy is: he’s the turkey I’ve seen on MSNBC that is either gay or acts incredibly effeminate.
I don’t care which
Well apparently it’s something you care enough about that it’s your first, primary, and/or only impression of him. Go on and tell me how it doesn’t matter, even though it’s ALL you have said about him so far aside from the one story you are now bellyaching about.
Steve - USA (I support "None Of The Above")
May 29th, 2012
3:23 pm
“I could care less”
You mean “I couldn’t care less”?
n
May 29th, 2012
3:23 pm
I got tanky on my panky!
stands for decibels
May 29th, 2012
3:24 pm
My boogies are full of protein!
Steve - USA (I support "None Of The Above")
May 29th, 2012
3:24 pm
Post me a picture of the bombs you claimed took down the WTC. I want to see a picture of the bombs not the building.
Back at ya!
They BOTH spoke
May 29th, 2012
3:24 pm
excuse me
“….so the avg effective rate stays the same is a shell game”
Ron Burgundy
May 29th, 2012
3:24 pm
Steve – USA is smokin fools!
Soothsayer
May 29th, 2012
3:24 pm
“I like to dutch over myself….oops did I type that out loud?”
Jay, I don’t know what this incoherent name jacker is saying, but don’t you have rules about name jacking?
Ron Burgundy
May 29th, 2012
3:25 pm
Soothsayer mad…him not want to play anymore!
stands for decibels
May 29th, 2012
3:25 pm
Obviously, that post @ 3.24 is a namejacker.
Peter
May 29th, 2012
3:25 pm
Thug … WOW……… Dems don’t have any motivation to pay off debt.
Another off the wall statement from the GOP who believes deficits don’t matter….
How motivated was BUSH running UP the debt ?
Steve - USA (I support "None Of The Above")
May 29th, 2012
3:26 pm
Ban the name jacker! No exceptions.
Ron Burgundy
May 29th, 2012
3:26 pm
Actually peter….Bushs main portion of debt came after 2006 when the dems toook over both houses.
n
May 29th, 2012
3:27 pm
Is that a threat?
Brosephus™ - Fact Assassin
May 29th, 2012
3:27 pm
112TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION H. CON. RES. 34
a.k.a. “The Path to Prosperity”
3 SEC. 101. RECOMMENDED LEVELS AND AMOUNTS.
4 The following budgetary levels are appropriate for
5 each of fiscal years 2012 through 2021:
6 (1) FEDERAL REVENUES.—For purposes of the
7 enforcement of this resolution:
8 (A) The recommended levels of Federal
9 revenues are as follows:
10 Fiscal year 2012: $1,866,454,000,000.
11 Fiscal year 2013: $2,127,981,000,000.
12 Fiscal year 2014: $2,324,503,000,000.
13 Fiscal year 2015: $2,425,363,000,000.
14 Fiscal year 2016: $2,522,695,000,000.
15 Fiscal year 2017: $2,693,493,000,000.
16 Fiscal year 2018: $2,807,893,000,000.
17 Fiscal year 2019: $2,958,678,000,000.
18 Fiscal year 2020: $3,119,794,000,000.
19 Fiscal year 2021: $3,286,942,000,000.
…
8 (2) NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY.—For purposes
9 of the enforcement of this resolution, the appropriate
10 levels of total new budget authority are as follows:
11 Fiscal year 2012: $2,858,545,000,000.
12 Fiscal year 2013: $2,835,737,000,000.
13 Fiscal year 2014: $2,905,952,000,000.
14 Fiscal year 2015: $2,970,061,000,000.
15 Fiscal year 2016: $3,114,578,000,000.
16 Fiscal year 2017: $3,224,937,000,000.
17 Fiscal year 2018: $3,330,942,000,000.
18 Fiscal year 2019: $3,490,088,000,000.
19 Fiscal year 2020: $3,639,728,000,000.
20 Fiscal year 2021: $3,767,274,000,000.
…
22 (5) DEBT SUBJECT TO LIMIT.—Pursuant to
23 section 301(a)(5) of the Congressional Budget Act
24 of 1974, the appropriate levels of the public debt are
25 as follows:
1 Fiscal year 2012: $16,204,000,000,000.
2 Fiscal year 2013: $17,177,000,000,000.
3 Fiscal year 2014: $17,951,000,000,000.
4 Fiscal year 2015: $18,697,000,000,000.
5 Fiscal year 2016: $19,503,000,000,000.
6 Fiscal year 2017: $20,245,000,000,000.
7 Fiscal year 2018: $20,968,000,000,000.
8 Fiscal year 2019: $21,699,000,000,000.
9 Fiscal year 2020: $22,408,000,000,000.
10 Fiscal year 2021: $23,102,000,000,000.
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hconres34eh/pdf/BILLS-112hconres34eh.pdf
This is the Budget resolution that the GOP all supported. As you see by the levels written into the legislation, the GOP agrees that revenues need to be increased, budget amounts will still increase above and beyond the $3 Trillion limit, and the debt limit will need to exceed $23 Trillion at some point. If they all agree to those things, regardless to what the ideological twist is, why in the hell did we have a fiasco of an issue with the debt limit last year, and why should we have one now?
Do both parties not agree to the same thing in principle, increased revenues and spending cuts? Why be such an ass about the whole thing if you agree and have voted in the affirmative that you agree? That leads thinking people to the idea that it’s all about sabotage and that many within the GOP ranks don’t give a rat’s ass about the country itself, regardless to the bile they spew on tv.
Peter
May 29th, 2012
3:27 pm
Really ?????? And people wonder why military families overwhelmingly vote republican…..
Do you have a way to prove that ? I guess they like having their kids and dad’s killed in useless wars like in Iraq ?
Thulsa Doom
May 29th, 2012
3:28 pm
“The insane hatred of Obama has fueled a level of rage I have never seen before in American public discourse.”
Thank God you recovered from that 8 year coma from 2001-2008.
Ron Burgundy
May 29th, 2012
3:28 pm
I know a way to reduce unnecessary spending by a billion dollars….get rid of NPR.
Joe Hussein Mama
May 29th, 2012
3:29 pm
SfD — “Yeah, how dare Chris Hayes ask us to think about the meanings behind the words we use!”
Most regulars here know that I’m a (disabled) veteran, and I don’t see a problem with what Hayes said. Being killed in the service of one’s country is certainly noble, but not *automatically* heroic IMO. There are many ways a young troop could die in the line of duty that aren’t necessarily heroic — stepping on a mine, being the unlucky first choice of an enemy sniper, or simply raising one’s head at the wrong moment. Serving in a combat theater is noble and brave, but again, not automatically heroic.
A troop who is killed in the performance of a heroic act would usually (though not always) be recognized with a posthumous decoration of some sort; Bronze Star, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross or even the Blue Max — the Congressional Medal of Honor. But again, not all who fall in the line of duty did so as the result of acts of *heroism.*
Heroes perform acts of gallantry and intrepidity on the battlefield — the Naval corpsman who drags his fallen Marines out of the line of fire at the risk of his own life; the Air Force helo pilot who risks direct fire to pull a squad of infantry out before they’re overrun; the Marine who charges a machine-gun nest and silences its fire or the Army soldier who successfully repels a wave of attackers despite being outnumbered and outgunned. Any of these troops could reasonably be called a hero, but IMO, heroism does not automatically attach simply due to one’s death in combat.
I’m not denigrating or impugning anyone’s service, and certainly not the service of my brothers and sisters in arms who didn’t come home alive. I recognize and honor their service and their sacrifice, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for both. However, we must, I think, also recognize that heroism is a *rare* quality, not exhibited by every man or woman, or indeed by every soldier, sailor, airman or Marine.
Some heroes live through their heroic acts and some do not. But I don’t think that *all* troops who are killed in the line of duty were automatically heroic.
Peter
May 29th, 2012
3:29 pm
Go Ron Burgundy .. he never wanted the War in Iraq ? Sure that was the case…. maybe we had to bail out the corporate world to save America after his fiasco ?
Ron Burgundy
May 29th, 2012
3:29 pm
Good one Tulsa. Bush was degraded mercilessly for 8 years.
Oscar
May 29th, 2012
3:29 pm
The most important matter for the GOP is to defeat Obama. They are willing to destroy the country if necessary to do it. And for a lot of them, dismantling the government is second in priority. Ahead of national interest, national security or anything else. People like that are incredibility dangerous to out country.
JamVet
May 29th, 2012
3:29 pm
stands, I guess this guy fancies himself a parodist (is that a real word?) along the lines of BADA or redneck.
But this persona is pitiful with a capital P!
Doomy, I am certain that there are more than 485,000 American households that make between $100,000 and $500,000.
My point is simple.
All of this right wing bellyaching about the dirt poor shleps in this country paying nothing in, via federal income taxes, to Uncle Sam in any given year is horrifically misguided.
Blood from a turnip, anyone?
But for virtually the entire GOP to turn a blind eye to the fabulously wealthy doing so in any given year is beyond nauseating.
And doubly pukeafying (made up word) when you consider that these rubes actually extol these tax avoiding rich people/mooches for being “Smart enough to not pay anything more than they have to!”
Apparently given the neocon model, the adage about “standing on your own two feet” does not apply to the very rich or to the insanely profitable corporations.
Because, don’t forget, per the presumptive Republican candidate…
Corporations are people, my friend.
Adam
May 29th, 2012
3:29 pm
How does that guy get into Columbia and Harvard Adam?
Yeah! How DID he get in. Also, how did he get a magna cum laude? He must have just taken the Affirmative Action courses, right? I mean, they must have “special” classes for people who get in the way HE got in… Otherwise he never would have graduated with high marks!
I mean, this is the implication you give when you make such arguments. There is no point to looking at his college records. Anything you find there will be twisted in whatever way you need to in order to make it seem like something is wrong.
I’ll tell you how one gets through college when one drinks and smokes: They are f***ing smart, and don’t require studying as hard as the average student, etc etc. You know the type. It amazes me that you conveniently forget such people exist when it comes to our President.
These are all fair, reasonable questions
No, they’re not, and the fact that you THINK the are reveals your prejudiced nature towards this man in particular. Whatever your reason is, you THINK and FEEL something must be wrong with him, and you’r back-justifying it any way you can.
n
May 29th, 2012
3:30 pm
Name-jacking is rampant today
Ron Burgundy
May 29th, 2012
3:31 pm
The funniest thing is how these people who have supposedly been name jacked need to state that it was not them but a name jacker.
“Just want to clarify to everyone that I did not write that i like to give myself dutch ovens. Nothing to see here.”
Moderate Line
May 29th, 2012
3:31 pm
Jay
May 29th, 2012
1:02 pm
Joseph, it’s my opinion that the modern Republican Party, as currently constituted, poses a real threat to my country, to my children’s future prosperity and to basic rules of logic and reason.
And like it or not, I will continue to point out evidence for why those statements are true.
+++++
Obama basically attacks Bain after accepting $14 million from the Security and Investment Industry plus someone from Bain is a bundler who has raised over $1 million. Is this logical or reasonable?(Open Secrets.org) Also, Obama himself along with many other Democrats did the same thing under the Bush administration.
The real threat to this country is people who demonize people they disagree with. I am confident that there are more and more people on both sides who see the world the same way. In Europe today where we see countries on the brink of defaulting is it the countries which have the philosophy of the Democrats or the Republicans who have their prosperity threaten.
The main problem in this country is how people make excuses for those of their own party while demonizing the other party.
Joe Hussein Mama
May 29th, 2012
3:32 pm
Adam — “Especially considering that historically speaking, spending has always increased regardless of any increase or decrease in revenue.”
Which is why I proposed *halting* all spending increases via Constitutional amendment.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
May 29th, 2012
3:32 pm
For josef:
“Two old Jewish men, Sid and Al, are sitting in a Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles .
One day Sid asks Al, “Do you know of any people of our faith born and raised in Mexico ?”
Al replies, “I don’t know, let’s ask our waiter.”
When the waiter arrives, Al asks, “Are there any Mexican Jews?”
The waiter says, “I don’t know, Senor. I ask the cook.” He returns from the kitchen
a few minutes later and says, “No, Senor, the cook say no Mexican Jews.”
Al isn’t satisfied and asks, “Are you absolutely sure?”
The waiter, realizing he is dealing with ‘Gringos,’ replies, “I check once again, Senor.”
While the waiter is away, Sid says, “I find it hard to believe that there are no Jews in Mexico . Our people are scattered everywhere.
The waiter returns and says, “Senor, the head cook say there is no Mexican Jews.”
Al asks, “Are you certain? I just can’t believe there are no Mexican Jews.”
The exasperated waiter says,
“Senor, I ask EVERYONE.
All we have is Orange Jews,
Grape Jews,
Prune Jews and
Tomato Jews.”
JamVet
May 29th, 2012
3:32 pm
Bush was
degraded mercilesslya colossal screw up of the highest order for 8 years. INFINITELY worse than Obama. (Who ain’t very damn good!)Though you apologists try constantly, there is NO rug big enough in this entire country, for you enablers to sweep his record under.
Admit that and move on.
Recon 0311 2533
May 29th, 2012
3:32 pm
“Lowering the rate at the same time you take away deduction so the avg effective rate is a shell game”
How is reducing rates while eliminating some deductions and loop holes a shell game? We need to get more people back on the tax roles and BTW…what have the Democrats proposed besides higher taxes on a small selected group of taxpayers? It’s been proven that approach won’t accomplish anything in reducing our deficit.
Ron Burgundy
May 29th, 2012
3:33 pm
The most important thing for cons is getting fiscal house in order, becoming energy independent, growing our private sector and getting people off welfare…..so i guess ou are right Oscar. Getting rid of Obama is the most important thing to us.
Adam
May 29th, 2012
3:33 pm
JHM: I’m not denigrating or impugning anyone’s service,
Well jm will undoubtedly disagree because EVERYONE WHO SERVES IS A GD HERO
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
May 29th, 2012
3:34 pm
Adam:
I don’t care “how” he got in or “what” his grades were.
I just want to know if he registered as a U.S. citizen (which he was) or as a “foreign student” !
But …………….. those records are sealed.
Adam
May 29th, 2012
3:35 pm
JHM: Which is why I proposed *halting* all spending increases via Constitutional amendment.
I still don’t see how that automatically causes Congress to want to increase revenue. In fact I could see cases being made for EVEN MORE tax cuts because “hey we’re not spending as much as before!”
Ron Burgundy
May 29th, 2012
3:35 pm
I just like how obama has taken a stance for women everywhere like he did for Sandra Fluke. Of course Palin is not included since she is a public figure so he does not have to return the million to Bill Maher.
Adam
May 29th, 2012
3:35 pm
Scout: But …………….. those records are sealed.
I don’t suppose your own records are something anyone can go get without asking you first eh?
Ron Burgundy
May 29th, 2012
3:36 pm
“Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t trust the wisdom or patriotism of people who willing to risk the destruction of the economy to make a political point.”
Speaking of grammar lessons….Jay you need to correct this sentence.
Soothsayer
May 29th, 2012
3:36 pm
“The most important thing for cons is getting fiscal house in order, becoming energy independent, growing our private sector and getting people off welfare”
Yet, your president doubled the national debt in just 8 years, fought tooth and nail any and every policy that would lead the country to energy independence, and put millions and millions our of work.
You’re right, Ron Burgundy, that’s what we need.
in other words
May 29th, 2012
3:37 pm
“Joseph, it’s my opinion that the modern Republican Party, as currently constituted, poses a real threat to my country, to my children’s future prosperity and to basic rules of logic and reason.”
The ONLY thing that poses a threat to your children are useless degrees in poetry writing. Bookman, this is even a new low for you, troglodyte.
Joe Hussein Mama
May 29th, 2012
3:37 pm
Adam — “Well jm will undoubtedly disagree because EVERYONE WHO SERVES IS A GD HERO”
Yes, well, I think that definition is fungible on the Right, because some bonehead on the Marietta Square once decided to berate me and scream that I “ain’t no vet’ran no moar” because I had a Veterans for Kerry bumpersticker on my car.
I guess that means that soldiers who vote Democratic and who are KIA aren’t heroes, either, and their families can’t collect on their SGLI policies.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
May 29th, 2012
3:38 pm
Headline: “Escape From New York? High-Taxing Empire State Loses 3.4 Million Residents in 10 Years”
“(CNSNews.com) – New York State accounted for the biggest migration exodus of any state in the nation between 2000 and 2010, with 3.4 million residents leaving over that period, according to the Tax Foundation.
Over that decade the state gained 2.1 million, so net migration amounted to 1.3 million, representing a loss of $45.6 billion in income.”
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/escape-new-york-high-taxing-empire-state-loses-34-million-residents-10-years
Soothsayer
May 29th, 2012
3:38 pm
Well, it sure looks like Ron Burgundy is giving us a Fright-Wing talking point “dump” today. What will he bring up next?
Ron Burgundy
May 29th, 2012
3:39 pm
Barack Obama was seated next to a little girl on an airplane trip back to Washington. He turned to her and said, “Let’s talk. I’ve heard that flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger.”
The little girl, who had just opened her book, closed it slowly and said to The Obama, “What would you like to talk about?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” said the Obama. “How about What Changes I Should Make To America?” and he smiles.
“OK,” she says. “That could be an interesting topic. But let me ask you a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff – grass. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do you suppose that is?”
Obama, visibly surprised by the little girl’s intelligence, thinks about it for a second and finally says, “Hmmm, I have no idea.”
To which the little girl replies, “Do you really feel qualified to change America when you don’t know crap?”
They BOTH spoke
May 29th, 2012
3:39 pm
Recon
Have you looked at Ryan’s proposed budget. What I said is exactly what he is proposing. It does nothing for tax reform.
I say gradually phase back in the rates that were in place before the current ones and I wouldn’t be opposed to some sort of change to the EITC either. Those two things would increase the percentage of those not paying Federal Income taxes.
To me that is better than saying hey I have a great plan, we will reduce deductions and reduce the rate………… that is a shell game
Joe Hussein Mama
May 29th, 2012
3:39 pm
Adam — “I still don’t see how that automatically causes Congress to want to increase revenue. In fact I could see cases being made for EVEN MORE tax cuts because “hey we’re not spending as much as before!”
Shrug. Feel free to suggest a mechanism to accomplish that, then.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
May 29th, 2012
3:39 pm
Adam:
I’m not running for president.
The public has a right to know.
If I have heart trouble that’s my business.
If I’m running for president, the public has the right to know.
Etc., etc., etc.
Soothsayer
May 29th, 2012
3:40 pm
OH! HAHAHAHAHA! Another infantile joke from Ron Burgundy!
josef
May 29th, 2012
3:40 pm
Well, I see that the thread topic which I know nothing about has about been worn thin and the name calling and personal character assassination has begun. Now, that’s something I do know something about.
So, who is this Ron? He’s got the Imam’s boxers in a wad, so he must be all right.
And I see those who think a piece of paper purchased at X amount of the coin of the realm and Y number of hours listening to some pompous fool prattle on about some arcane subject then a few pages of paper parroting it back means that the individual actually knows something of any practical value…
JamVet
May 29th, 2012
3:41 pm
To your point, JHM, there is absolutely no denying that for many, many of these neocons and swiftboating pieces of ____, the slogan should be:
Support the Wars. And the Troops. (If they are Republicans.)
Thulsa Doom
May 29th, 2012
3:41 pm
“They are f***ing smart, and don’t require studying as hard as the average student,”
Yes. Of course. Because a guy who is so much smarter than everyone else can just float right on through he so smart. The same guy who thinks Austrian speak Austrian and who doesn’t even know how to pronounce Navy corpsman. Yep. He’s a real fart smucker he is.
These are all fair, reasonable questions- Doomy
No, they’re not, and the fact that you THINK the are reveals your prejudiced nature towards this man in particular. – Adam
Really Adam? So asking about his grades just like we asked about W’s grades, Kerry’s grades, Gore’s grades, is all cool but asking about O’s grades is out of bounds? Why or how is it not fair? Oh. Cause Adam in his crybaby hissyfit says it aint.
Oscar
May 29th, 2012
3:41 pm
The most important thing for cons is getting fiscal house in order, becoming energy independent, growing our private sector and getting people off welfare”
—————-
Those things are important, and I agree with them. But, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about achieving those goals. Using the debt ceiling as a ploy is not the right way. That tactic does more harm than good.
Not doing harm should be the most important. Not causing harm to achieve a short term goal.
Ron Burgundy
May 29th, 2012
3:41 pm
Soothsayer….by fighting tooth and nail to get us on energy dpeendence do you mean like reducing oil leases to a record low, giving brasil oil leases and continuing to tell people to pump up their tires?
As for doubling the national debt I guess its kind of not hard when there was no debt before he took office….thsanks to the repubs in congress who actually passed budgets back then.
Joe Hussein Mama
May 29th, 2012
3:41 pm
0311 — “The public has a right to know.”
I’m not trying to be combative here, but were you singing the same tune when people were asking questions about Mr. Bush’s military service records?
They BOTH spoke
May 29th, 2012
3:44 pm
Recon
And I am for spending cuts across the board, not just were it fits in with my political views.
We can argue how much, etc, but I think that the WH and Congress need to come to some sort of agreement that produces cuts in ALL areas
josef
May 29th, 2012
3:44 pm
ADAM
I daresay Scout has turned his transcripts over for perusal by his employers. I’m not about to hire a teacher whose transcripts I’ve not gone over with a fine toothed comb and I don’t cotton to the idea of hiring a Chief Executive whose transcripts are not available. It’s not kosher.
JamVet
May 29th, 2012
3:44 pm
Hysterical.
The Trump led birther idiots – and I do mean idiots – now want to double down on the stupid by demanding Barry’s college transcripts?
Don’t you guys ever tired of humiliating yourselves in public?
And what is it with you and people’s “papers”?
Is this your version of trying to bring back 1937 Germany?
Steve - USA (I support "None Of The Above")
May 29th, 2012
3:44 pm
Saying Veterans are not necessarily heroes is like saying some babies are ugly. Perhaps you’re right but what do you hope to gain?
There is an abuse of the term “hero”. If anyone deserves it, I am perfectly happy with calling Men and Woman who leave their homes and join the military heroes.
Including JamVet and Joe Hussein Mama.
Ron Burgundy
May 29th, 2012
3:44 pm
I dont need to know about Obamas records that are sealed. I have seen enough the past three years. But he did kill Osama….no help from the CIA interrogation methods that led to the intl. Obama said “kill Osama” and it was done.
Soothsayer
May 29th, 2012
3:44 pm
Ron Burgundy: did they just give you your meds there at the “institution?” You’re becoming less coherent with every post. Take, for instance, your last post.
Recon 0311 2533
May 29th, 2012
3:45 pm
They BOTH spoke,
Okay, but I ask again what are the Democrats proposing?
Michelle Obama's Rear End
May 29th, 2012
3:46 pm
I think the biggest tragedy is amongst all this vitrol not one word has been spoken about the terrible diets of our youths. Do we want kids to have arses like me?
Brosephus™ - Fact Assassin
May 29th, 2012
3:46 pm
They BOTH
I left a link to a pdf file for the GOP 2012 legislation. Going back to the 2000 rates would put more people on the tax rolls as Bush’s cuts took the percentage of people with zero liability from the low to mid 30% range to where it is now.
Adam
May 29th, 2012
3:46 pm
Thulsa: Yes. Of course. Because a guy who is so much smarter than everyone else can just float right on through he so smart. The same guy who thinks Austrian speak Austrian and who doesn’t even know how to pronounce Navy corpsman. Yep. He’s a real fart smucker he is.
I know you think yourself smart. Have you ever, and I mean EVER made a mistake in speech? Been wrong about anything? If you really think the answer to those questions is no then I have news for you – you’re not as smart as you think you are. Everyone makes mistakes, and no one peron knows everything. However, some people are really smart when it comes to school and they DO sail right on through. Your contention seems to be this is impossible, or at least completely impossible when it comes to Obama.
Really Adam? So asking about his grades just like we asked about W’s grades, Kerry’s grades, Gore’s grades, is all cool but asking about O’s grades is out of bounds?
Who asked for the grades of Gore or Kerry? I know people examined Bush’s grades once upon a time but I can’t remember asking for them or letting that affect my voting decision.
Thulsa Doom
May 29th, 2012
3:46 pm
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
May 29th, 2012
3:38 pm
Headline: “Escape From New York? High-Taxing Empire State Loses 3.4 Million Residents in 10 Years”
Scout,
One of the greatest indicators of a state’s economic health is how many people are coming and or going. Bottom line is folks vote with their feet. And that census trend of people voting with their feet shows red states generally gaining populations while blue states are bleeding populations. Just another uncomfortable truth for the Dems.
mm
May 29th, 2012
3:46 pm
“Hell they can’t even pass a budget.”
When you morons stop this lie?
“We need to get more people back on the tax roles and BTW…”
I know it would kill a con to actually research something and find that it doesn’t fit your ideology, but the truth is that both Reagan and one of the Bushies increased the number of people that could claim the EIC, thus reducing or eliminating their tax liability.
stands for decibels
May 29th, 2012
3:47 pm
I ask again what are the Democrats proposing?
this, as I’ve posted time and again…
http://cpc.grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=70
It’s not my fault that the so called librul media ignore it.
Joe Hussein Mama
May 29th, 2012
3:48 pm
Steve — “Perhaps you’re right but what do you hope to gain?”
Nothing. I just don’t think that Chris Hayes is “sick” for saying so, as at least one poster has stated.
Soothsayer
May 29th, 2012
3:48 pm
If I didn’t know better, I’d swear ol’ Ron Burgundy is none other than our ol’ friend Little Davy Crybaby. He must have gotten himself a new computer and a new internet service. Something tells me he won’t be long on this blog before he’s banned again.
Thulsa Doom
May 29th, 2012
3:48 pm
“Everyone makes mistakes, and no one peron knows everything.’
I dunno Adam. You almost had me convinced of your omniscience.
Oscar
May 29th, 2012
3:48 pm
And I am for spending cuts across the board, not just were it fits in with my political views
________
Most areas need some cuts. However, there are some that need increases. Border partol for one. Just a knee jerk cut of everrything is not reasonable and not good.
The major cuts will have to come from defense, medicare and social security. That’s where the money is going. Just look at the budget.
And taxes on people making over one million a year should be raised.
Ron Burgundy
May 29th, 2012
3:49 pm
Obama is demanding that Congress give him another trillion dollar spending bill. Most of it is just for gas money.
here.
But but but Bush is getting rich off high gas prices!
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
May 29th, 2012
3:49 pm
“INEPTOCRACY”
“The system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society less likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.”
Joe Hussein Mama
May 29th, 2012
3:50 pm
Doom — “And that census trend of people voting with their feet shows red states generally gaining populations while blue states are bleeding populations. Just another uncomfortable truth for the Dems.”
You seem to think that blue voters are departing these blue states and then adopting the prevailing voting habits of their new states of residence. Is that the case?
Moderate Line
May 29th, 2012
3:51 pm
Jay
May 29th, 2012
1:02 pm
Joseph, it’s my opinion that the modern Republican Party, as currently constituted, poses a real threat to my country, to my children’s future prosperity and to basic rules of logic and reason.
And like it or not, I will continue to point out evidence for why those statements are true.
++++++++++
In 2002 CRS, July 20: The Treasury reduced federal debt held by these government accounts by replacing it with non-interest-bearing, non-debt instruments, which enables it to issue new debt to meet the government’s obligations. The Treasury claimed these extraordinary actions would suffice, at the latest, through June 28, 2002. Without a debt limit increase by that date, the Treasury indicated it would need to take other actions to avoid breaching the ceiling. By June 21, the Treasury had postponed a regular securities auction, but took no other actions. With large payments and other obligations due at the end of June and at the beginning of July, the Treasury stated it would soon exhaust all options to issue debt and fulfill government obligations, putting the government on the verge of default.
In 2003, the Treasury used similar accounting maneuvers to again hold the debt limit within just millions of dollars of hitting the debt ceiling, while Congress debated raising the limit. Congress finally sent a bill increasing the limit to $7.384 trillion for Bush’s signature in late May, nearly five months after Treasury first began issuing warnings of default. And in 2004, Congress didn’t reach an agreement on raising the debt ceiling until November 18, around the time that the Treasury said it would once again have exhausted all of its options to avoid default.
Why is this a threat to our prosperity, logic and reason now but not then. Now, I completely disagree with what the Republicans are doing but this has occurred over and over.
The more partisan the person talking the less I take them seriously. They become what they criticize a threat, illogical and unreasonable.
http://factcheck.org/2011/07/default-danger-revisited/
mm
May 29th, 2012
3:52 pm
Ron Burgundy – Master Spammer
Jay
May 29th, 2012
3:52 pm
Ron Burgundy was the repeat namejacker.
Note the tense.
He can return tomorrow if he wishes, with the understanding that the next time will be the last time.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
May 29th, 2012
3:52 pm
Joe Hussein Mama:
Regarding Bush (or anyone else) I have always said, “Let the chips fall …………” !
His Air Force Reserve question was never settled one way or the other in spite of Dan Rather’s attempt (which ended his career) to provide false documentation just days before the election.
Matti
May 29th, 2012
3:52 pm
Joe Mama,
Maybe those veterans had fought for, (and their buddies had died for) your right to see the world exactly as they do?
Personally, I think everyone involved with military decisions, operations, or appropriating the massive, world’s-biggest defense budget needs to be more clear and up-front about what exactly it is that they’re fighting for with my tax dollars. Dudes, don’t TEASE me with this stuff about fighting for my freedoms while the buzzards in the Ga legislature are legislating them away. “It ain’t meeeeee… It ain’t meeeeee… I ain’t no Senator’s son, yeah.”
Adam
May 29th, 2012
3:52 pm
Thulsa: I dunno Adam. You almost had me convinced of your omniscience.
Likewise.
Oscar
May 29th, 2012
3:53 pm
You seem to think that blue voters are departing these blue states and then adopting the prevailing voting habits of their new states of residence. Is that the case?
___________
I don’t know about voting habits, but I would like to see new people moving here take up some or our other habits and behaviors and leave their bad ones at home.
n
May 29th, 2012
3:53 pm
Blog monitoring system is apparently down
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
May 29th, 2012
3:54 pm
josef:
…………….. and I was required to pass a Top Secret background investigation with an annual five year update.
I expect no less from a president.
Those admission records from Harvard and Columbia need to be unsealed !
Steve - USA (I support "None Of The Above")
May 29th, 2012
3:54 pm
Name jacking is not cool Mr. Burgundy. We need to know which posts to read and not read.
They BOTH suck
May 29th, 2012
3:54 pm
Recon
Obama’s plan was laughed down Pennsylvania Ave by both Republicans and Democrats. So a proposal has been made. I would say Republicans in general do not want any tax hikes. Dems probably in some combination do not want any hikes going into an election so they played politics while others didn’t like the cuts.
Outside of that my opinion is just that, mine. I don’t speak for DC.
Since Obama and Ryan have both put up proposals as political tools (Neither thought their plan was going to garner any real traction) to use against the other, now it is time for them to come to a resolution……… but I am not holding my breath
n
May 29th, 2012
3:55 pm
I stand corrected