GOP stoops to Orwellian rewriting of history

Remember when Mitt Romney told America that he just didn’t give a rip about poor people?

He did, you know. He said it word for word, on Feb. 1, 2012, and I quote:

“I’m not concerned about the very poor.”

Of course, that’s not what Romney meant, and everyone knew that’s not what he meant. Taken in context, he meant that the safety net for the very poor remains intact, and that the real challenges lay in solving the problems of the middle class. So after a brief kerfuffle in which a few people tried irresponsibly to make his statement into something it clearly wasn’t, everybody moved on.

Contrast that to what the Republicans are doing with Obama’s “You didn’t build that” statement. Like Romney, he said it word for word: “You didn’t build that.” And just like Romney, that is not what he meant and everyone knows that’s not what he meant.

Taken in context, he meant that no person or business succeeds alone. For those who care about such things, here are his actual remarks:

“Look, if you’ve been successful, you didn’t get there on your own. You didn’t get there on your own. I’m always struck by people who think, well, it must be because I was just so smart. There are a lot of smart people out there. It must be because I worked harder than everybody else. Let me tell you something – there are a whole bunch of hardworking people out there. If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business — you didn’t build that.”

In my mind, it says a lot that the Republicans are building their 2012 convention message, and much of their 2012 campaign, around what they know in their hearts to be a blatant lie. That lie is repeated and repeated and repeated, and it gets no more truthful with each iteration. In fact, as demonstrated by an RNC video shown at the convention last night, it gets worse.

Note that the audio has been edited to remove the entire runup to the magic four words — the part in bold above — leaving behind no audible trace that Obama ever uttered it. The words simply vanish, and history is altered. As George Orwell wrote in 1984:

“And if all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed – if all records told the same tale – then the lie passed into history and became truth. ‘Who controls the past’ ran the Party slogan, ‘controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.’”

It is distressing to see so many Americans gleefully embrace and rally around what they know in their hearts to be a doctored version of history. And it gives an ironic twist to the fine words of N.J. Gov. Chris Christie last night in his speech to the GOP convention, in which he stressed the importance of telling the truth to the American people:

“We’ve never been a country to shy away from the truth,” he said. “History shows that we stand up when it counts and it’s this quality that has defined our character and our significance in the world.”

“Standing up when it counts” does not mean basing much of a campaign on an obvious, shameless lie. Not in New Jersey, and not anywhere else in this great country.

Except perhaps in Tampa.

– Jay Bookman

467 comments Add your comment

Doggone/GA

August 29th, 2012
9:44 am

“When Palin said “I can see Russia from my front porch” she didn’t mean literally or that it made her an expert in foreign policy”

Except she didn’t say that at all. That was a line in a comedy routine by Tina Fey

Joseph

August 29th, 2012
9:44 am

Has anyone seen the dem speaking lineup at their convention

Brosephus™

August 29th, 2012
9:44 am

The truth remains this: there is no telling what Obama will do next in taxation, regulation and demands to businesses, big and small. This is the fear – and how EVERY person slightly familiar with business – from bankers to business owner large and small – sees as a giant red flag.

That ain’t truth. That’s BULLSH*T!!

Obama can’t do anything without Congress first writing and passing the legislation for him to sign. Damn, do they not teach Civics anymore?

Amused

August 29th, 2012
9:44 am

The author complains about the context of Obama’s “you didn’t build it” while attempting to change the context themselves. Obama was clearly referring to govt, not people in general. Obama was clearly stating that success can only be achieved through govt and therefore the successful owe govt. There, perfectly in context and patently absurd.

Ahem

August 29th, 2012
9:45 am

This from Gallup:

August 29, 2012
The Republicans’ 44% favorable rating among registered voters is similar to the party’s 2008 pre-conventions rating. The Democrats’ 43% is the lowest pre-conventions favorable score that party has received in Gallup records since 1992.

ragnar danneskjold

August 29th, 2012
9:45 am

Dear Jay @ 9:42, thanks, I probably misread the title of your essay. What exactly is the Orwellian rewriting of history? Thought you meant the GOP interpretation of Obama’s actual words, obviously you meant something else?

Common Sense

August 29th, 2012
9:45 am

” But part of the underlying social contract is you take a hunk of that and pay forward for the next kid who comes along.”

Can you show us where we can find this social contract?

Fred ™

August 29th, 2012
9:46 am

Steve @ 9:32. Most excellent dude.

JohnnyReb

August 29th, 2012
9:46 am

If Republicans are the party of No, then Dems are the party of Denial.

Tone, pause, and emphasis when speaking determine the meaning of one’s speech. But even more so are the actions relating to the subject.

Obama has clearly shown disregard and disrespect for business, especially small business. He had rather play golf than meet with his job council. And, his tax increase proposal is aimed directly at small business.

No, he meant it exactly as he stated it. His true feelings jump out when he is off prompter.

Obama thinks all things eminate from big government. Don’t ever doubt it – if he was offered King, he would take it.

Jay, you are spinning this one. Only the Moonbats agree.

Jay

August 29th, 2012
9:46 am

For example, when our conservative Gov. Nathan Deal lobbies hard for federal money to deepen the harbor in Savannah, because of all the jobs and growth and business it will bring to Georgia, isn’t he too saying that business can’t do it on its own, that it needs government help and investment?

When he and other top Republicans lobbied for passage of the TSPLOST, weren’t they again saying the very same thing, that this large public investment was necessary in order for private business to grow in this state?

Seriously, the argument that Warren and Obama are saying something radical is downright ludicrous.

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
9:46 am

Lying liberal liars and the lies they love to tell.

Libs attacking Mitt Romney because that’s all they’ve got…sure as heck can’t run on their record…

Sustained $1.4 trillion deficits, unemployment > 9%, gasoline > $4/gal, buffoonish foreign policy, etc. etc…

Sonny Jackson

August 29th, 2012
9:47 am

Jay, thanks for another excellent piece on how it really is out there. I tried to watch the convention last night… it’s so sad to see this process turn into a week of lies and half-truths.
Both sides have a long way to go before I feel good about the next week-much less the next four years.

Ahem

August 29th, 2012
9:47 am

Doggone/GA

August 29th, 2012
9:44 am
“When Palin said “I can see Russia from my front porch” she didn’t mean literally or that it made her an expert in foreign policy”

Except she didn’t say that at all. That was a line in a comedy routine by Tina Fey

Now don’t go get the left confused trying to understand the difference between useful fiction and the facts.

0311/8541/5811/1811/1801

August 29th, 2012
9:47 am

“Obama for President” thread # 212.

Welcome to the Occupation

August 29th, 2012
9:48 am

You’re wrong, EJ Moosa. Takes some amazing mental contortions to arrive at that justification.

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
9:48 am

“Has anyone seen the dem speaking lineup at their convention”

Since you asked for it…

2012 Democrat National Convention Schedule — Charlotte , N.C.

4:00 PM – Opening Flag Burning Ceremony – sponsored by CNN
4:05 PM – Singing of “God Damn America ” led by Rev. Jeremiah Wright
4:10 PM – Pledge of Allegiance to Obama

4:15 PM – Ceremonial ‘I hate America’ led by Michelle Obama, reading her doctorate thesis
condemning whites, which has been “sealed” from the Country
4:30 PM – Tips on “How to keep your man trustworthy & true to you while you travel the world” – Hillary Clinton
4:45 PM – Al Sharpton / Jesse Jackson seminar “How to have a successful career without having a job or a church.”

5:00 PM – “Great Vacations I’ve Taken on the Taxpayer’s Dime Travel Log” – Michelle Obama
5:30 PM – Eliot Spitzer Speaks on “Family Values” via Satellite from a whore house.
5:45 PM – Tribute to All 57 States – Nancy Pelosi
6:00 PM – Sen. Harry Reid – 90-minute speech expressing the Democrat’s appreciation of the Occupy Wall Street movement, and George Soros for sparing no expense, for all that they have accomplished to unify the country, improve employment and to boost the economy.

8:30 PM – Airing of Grievances by the Clintons
9:00 PM – “Bias in Media – How we can make it work for you” Tutorial – sponsored by CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, the Washington Post and the New York Times

9:15 PM – Tribute Film to Brave Freedom Fighters incarcerated at GITMO – Michael Moore
9:45 PM – Personal Finance Seminar – Charlie Rangle
10:00 PM – Denunciation of Bitter Gun Owners and Bible readers

10:30 PM – Ceremonial Waving of White Flag for IRAQ , & Afghanistan
11:00 PM – Obama Energy Plan Symposium / ‘Tire Gauge Demonstration’ / ‘You too can get rich with Green Investment bankruptcies’
11:15 PM – Free Gov. Blagoyovich rally

11:30 PM – Obama Accepts Oscar, Tony and Latin Grammy Awards
11:45 PM – Feeding of the Delegates with 5 Loaves and 2 Fish – Obama Presiding
12:00 AM – Official Nomination of Obama by Bill Maher and Chris “He sends a thrill up my leg” Matthews

12:01 AM – Obama Accepts Nomination as Lord and Savior
12:05 AM – Celestial Choirs Sing
3:00 AM – Biden Delivers Acceptance Speech

Normal Free...Pro Human Rights Thug...And liking it!

August 29th, 2012
9:48 am

It seems that the closer we get to November, the more angered and verbally abusive the Right has become…why is that, one wonders…

0311/8541/5811/1811/1801

August 29th, 2012
9:48 am

Ahem:

Jay has posted stuff on here for years that he knew was either wrong or highly suspect.

His selective outrage is laughable.

Jay

August 29th, 2012
9:49 am

“Can you show us where we can find this social contract?

Sure, Common:

It begins with the words “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

Fred ™

August 29th, 2012
9:49 am

Dear Jay, just curious, was Chauncey using a teleprompter at the notorious Norfolk speech

Reality check. Chauncey wasn’t ever IN Norfolks, he was just in a movie and a script. That’s all dude.

You are starting to scare me now. Failure to separate fantasy from reality can cause violence. With you projecting your obsession of a 1970’s movie character into real life anything could happen when (if) you realize it’s all fantasy.

Seek help now.

huh?

August 29th, 2012
9:49 am

Excuse me but is not every citizen allowed to use the roads, are we not all given the opportunity to get an education, are grants not available to everyone who so wishes to apply for them?

We are all allowed to use the roads and such provided by the government.

So what is the sucessful business owner doing different to be successful?

Maybe thats the problem with the Presidents quote! I have no issue with the you didn’t build that soundbite.

But does he not basically discredit the hard work and smarts it takes to create a successful business, with his not only smart and not only hard working…..

So if weare all given the same infastructure then what are those who havebuilt that doing differently than those who have not built that?

In the quote provided President Obama litterally claims that people who have built their own business from the ground up were not able to do so because they were smarter than their competitiors and not because they out worked their competition.

So how did they do it then? Was the competition not allowed to use county or state roads? Maybe interstates?

Normal Free...Pro Human Rights Thug...And liking it!

August 29th, 2012
9:49 am

Ben,
Like always you are a day late and a dollar short. You really are a few fries short of a happy meal…what a hoot!

Common Sense

August 29th, 2012
9:49 am

“For example, when our conservative Gov. Nathan Deal lobbies hard for federal money to deepen the harbor in Savannah, because of all the jobs and growth and business it will bring to Georgia, isn’t he too saying that business can’t do it on its own, that it needs government help and investment?”

No, he is trying to level the playing field for the dollars that may go to SC instead. He did not create the game, but he is required to play.

Now if the Feds did not give out dollars, and he went begging to the Feds for some, you would have a valid point.

But that is not what is happening is it?

0311/8541/5811/1811/1801

August 29th, 2012
9:49 am

Ben Shockley:

DON’T DO THAT ! I SPIT MY COFFEE OUT !

Reagans ghost

August 29th, 2012
9:50 am

We have seen what 4 years of Obama’s ” leadership” has given us. He took a car that was ” just in ditch” as he likes to say…………..And taken it to the salvage yard. This man Has such a disdain for the private sector, upper middle class country club gated community wealth, the very successful ( other than Hollywood,certain music types)that he just can’t govern because of it. We are where we are because he just wants to even things out……..And you know, it’s the truth. Enabling these folks to do even better just ain’t in the cards for him.

Mr. Snarky

August 29th, 2012
9:50 am

Good piece Jay.
I wish what Chris Christie said is true about Americans wanting to be treated like adults, but much of the party rhetoric (repubs and dems) is evidence against this statement. I was also shocked by the fact that Chris endorsed compromise. He’s sort of like Mitt when in Mass…he has to compromise because he’s in a blue state, so he can advocate for it. In this respect he stands in contrast the to the rest of his party which has rejected compromise out of hand. Somehow, I think this endorsement of compromise will evaporate when in a different context.

Welcome to the Occupation

August 29th, 2012
9:50 am

Seriously, the argument that Warren and Obama are saying something radical is downright ludicrous.

I’m shaking my head. The liberal standpoint has no real defense up against the radical brainwashing displayed here on this blog.

Good luck babysitting imbecile nation! I don’t envy you. :)

Brosephus™

August 29th, 2012
9:50 am

Ahem

Maybe you should go back and realize that Doggone was actually quoting a conservative poster. Seems that conservatives are getting confused, not the left. But, don’t let the truth confuse you any further than it already has.

USinUK - thug with a uterus ... and former Girl Scout

August 29th, 2012
9:51 am

“Dear USinUK, I think my interpretation is fair – a supreme egoist such as Obama, when he says “we,” is using the royal or editorial “we.””

oh

my

effing

god.

seriously. you can’t REALLY be this stupid. this is just a game, right??

when he said “change is not going to come if we wait for some other person or some other time.” he actually specifically was talking about “change is going to come because of YOU”

see extended comments here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EWLeKGI0ro

but, much like the LIES that the GOP is spouting, you are no different. you LIE and LIE and LIE because you cannot stand on the truth. so you twist Obama’s words because, at heart, you are no better than the liar you espouse.

GT

August 29th, 2012
9:51 am

There is a reason for telling the truth painful as it may be. You can’t outrun a lie even if all around believe that lie or make themselves believe it. A lie is an act against nature. You say the foundation of the truth is a lie and you have no foundation. This is what real education is for. The Republicans in content have challenged education as a poison to the people. The truth is a poison? If you control religion, education and the press you have a temporary stoppage of the truth. You bail out banks that should have failed so your economic system looks strong. What you have done is put cosmetics on the truth, something fundamentally wrong is going on and lipstick is not going to cure it. It made Bush last long enough to blame it on the next guy, that is not going to fix it either. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to see Bush take the podium last night and say we made some mistakes but we learned from them. New Orleans is better tonight because I screwed up 7 years ago and we learn from it. The big banks have gotten too big under my administration to succeed, I learned that bailing them out. I couldn’t get along with any human being different from me in my administration and I have learn that didn’t work from the wars I needlessly got this country into. If he did this I am not even sure I wouldn’t vote for the guy he endorsed, the lying about who they really are and the not telling, which is the same as lying is my main objections to these people. You can rule a nation as liars.

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
9:51 am

“Ben,
Like always you are a day late and a dollar short. You really are a few fries short of a happy meal…what a hoot!”

Well, except for the fact that my post rgarding blatant lies being spread by the DNC is 100% accurate.

ByteMe - Political thug

August 29th, 2012
9:51 am

Jay, you forgot to mention Mitt 1.0’s own words on the subject of “You didn’t do that yourself”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zSWm2qZ8Oc

ByteMe - Political thug

August 29th, 2012
9:52 am

And the words were NOT taken out of context, cons.

Joseph

August 29th, 2012
9:52 am

Ben Shockley:

That’s kind of what I figured Ben. I’ll certainly tune in to that.. LOL.. Honestly though think of the ratings the DNC would get if this were true. Of course no one in their right mind would ever vote for a dem as they shouldn’t anyway but the ratings would be through the roof…

Doggone/GA

August 29th, 2012
9:52 am

“All I’ve heard him say is that his millionaire friends will get more tax cuts if he is elected president ”

see, you have to be good at reading between the line. His millionaire friends will get the tax cuts…and the REST of us will share the sacrifice

saywhat?

August 29th, 2012
9:52 am

Jay

August 29th, 2012
9:49 am
“Can you show us where we can find this social contract?

Sure, Common:

It begins with the words “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
____________________________________________________
Sounds like socialism to me. Probably right out of one of Obamas books that Ayers wrote for him.

Normal Free...Pro Human Rights Thug...And liking it!

August 29th, 2012
9:53 am

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
9:46 am

Again Ben,

Please tell me what President Obama can do about all those things by himself? Please answer this time.

Welcome to the Occupation

August 29th, 2012
9:53 am

The fact is, if you think Obama is either socialist now or is just waiting to roll out some socialist program in a second term, you’re an imbecile.

It’s really just as simple as that.

You’re an imbecile.

Common Sense

August 29th, 2012
9:53 am

“Sure, Common:
It begins with the words “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.””

Where’s the part about taking chunks of some people’s earnings and not others? Because if this is the contract you are referring to, it says we will all be treated equally under the law.

And no where does it say that we shall be subsidizing your life from cradle to grave.

You’ve taken a limited contract, and made it all inclusive. That was not the deal. You can have the all inclusive at your state level if you like, but not the federal level.

wahoo

August 29th, 2012
9:53 am

saywhat?

I think your post confirms my view that people certainly heard his words very differently than Jay, and perhaps you did. I concede that no man/woman is an island, but I did not hear in his words any “celebration of success” as you note.

As for your other question – I am not quite sure (pricisely) what you mean by physical and social infrastructures. I think people who deliberately tear down structures just to tear them down are usually making a mistake. However, reforming social programs to make them more cost effective and economically viable, or prioritizing infrastructure spending to get the most bang for the buck, are things that I think make a lot of sense in a world with limited resources. I hope I have adequately addressed your question. Good day.

Mick

August 29th, 2012
9:53 am

ben@9:48

That’s pretty juvenile and sopmoric, good example of the party that mocked john kerry’s purple heart in 04 while their guy was mia in alabama…

Fred ™

August 29th, 2012
9:53 am

Without the student, there is no A to be made, no bus to be driven, and the driver doesn’t have a job.

Of course there is an a to be made, a bus to be driven and a school to be built. There are OTHER students. A whole COMMUNITY of them. The school, bus, and teacher are there for the GROUP.

No man is an island.

Mr. Snarky

August 29th, 2012
9:54 am

Rags believes the big lie…naturally this post is confusing to him.

barking frog

August 29th, 2012
9:54 am

Nathan Deal lobbies for
wealthy shippers but
refuses assistance for
sick kids. A heart of gold.

Joe Hussein Mama

August 29th, 2012
9:55 am

R. Danneskjold — “I think we can agree that the world’s greatest orator is a total idiot when it comes to simple grammar in standard English. For an educated person, the indefinite pronoun for a plural – “roads and bridges” – is “those,” not “that.”

You were clearly never taught about “collective plurals.” I’m terribly sorry that our educational system failed you.

Fred ™

August 29th, 2012
9:55 am

saywhat?

August 29th, 2012
9:43 am

Oh crap, I made a typo and spelled “future” incorrectly. Now I’m a dumbass like rags and this chauncey fellow he loves so much.
+++++++++++++++++++

SHHHHHHHH. Careful what you say about Ragsies little imaginary friend. In his delicate mental state you never know what will set him off and make him go postal.

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
9:55 am

“Again Ben,

Please tell me what President Obama can do about all those things by himself? Please answer this time.”

He said he was going to fix all of those things when runninghis campaign in 2008. I have to assume he had a plan. Or was that all just another Orwellian lie????

Mr. Snarky

August 29th, 2012
9:56 am

When the truth is not on your side you lie. The BS’ometer was off the charts last night.

Sonny Jackson

August 29th, 2012
9:56 am

The Republican party continues to talk about Jesus, family values, the common man, but it just seems that if you don’t agree with everything said they spit hate and fire…
Why is that?

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
9:56 am

“That’s pretty juvenile and sopmoric, good example of the party that mocked john kerry’s purple heart in 04 while their guy was mia in alabama”

Not intended to be a factual statement.

Fred ™

August 29th, 2012
9:57 am

Obama can’t do anything without Congress first writing and passing the legislation for him to sign. Damn, do they not teach Civics anymore?

Not on talk radio they don’t which is where these folks get all their “fears.”

0311/8541/5811/1811/1801

August 29th, 2012
9:57 am

Bottom Line:

“Conservatism/Capitalism seeks to give everyone equal opportunity and to bring people up to the best level of prosperity obtainable. No system in the history of the world has done better.

Liberalism/Socialism/Communism seeks to force equal outcomes and to bring people down to a level of shared misery. The history of the world is full of failed, despotic systems that have done just that.”

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
9:57 am

“That’s pretty juvenile and sopmoric, good example of the party that mocked john kerry’s purple heart in 04 while their guy was mia in alabama”

Don’t know if you heard, but the Dan Rather/CBS documents regarding Bush’s Texas Air Guard service were proven to be false.

Reagans ghost

August 29th, 2012
9:57 am

What’s happened to the Democrat party is living in the white house and examples on this blog everyday. The two party system has gone away. The outcry from black Clergy and some black leaders have fallen on death ears with the bulk of the press. Gay marriage and ANY abortion any time is more than they can stomach. The folks on here won’t see it on any news they watch…..and I’m sure some are afraid to speak out…..But I have to laugh at those on here who rail the GOP as extreme….and don’t self examine where the Dem party has drifted to

Brosephus™

August 29th, 2012
9:57 am

Fred

You know some people are all about “gimme” and “self”. They don’t acknowledge other people around them. It’s all about what benefits ME and ME only. I don’t even understand why you acknowledge the jackassery.

Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)

August 29th, 2012
9:58 am

In contrast, America saw last night a beautiful and truthful couple who will be the next occupants of the WH.

Little early to be drinking, aint it?

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
9:59 am

“When the truth is not on your side you lie.”

Hence Ms. Wasserman Shultz’s lies about Romney’s position on abortion.

Joe Hussein Mama

August 29th, 2012
9:59 am

saywhat — “For this to be true, I think we can all agree that mr rags must own a very high stool.”

Hehehe. You said “rags” and “stool” in the same sentence.

IMO, Rags’ posts generally are of stool-like consistency and quality.

DannyX

August 29th, 2012
9:59 am

Ben didn’t build his 9:43 am post.

He stole it, a cut and paste job that didn’t credit the author.

Been didn’t build his 9:48 post either, he stole that too.

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
10:00 am

“When the truth is not on your side you lie.”

Hence Harry Reid’s claims about Romney not paying hsi taxes.

Jeff

August 29th, 2012
10:00 am

At the beginning of 2009, the Dems had the White House, Sentate and House.. if they wanted to raise taxes they could have and the Repubs could not have stopped them.. If the Dems really wanted to raise taxes then why did they not? Because they knew that an increase taxes would make a bad economy worse. It always will. SPIN SPIN SPIN is all the left has.
And once again, with all the spin not one single liberal has ever said what the tax rate should be on those who make over a certain amount of money.. All I get when I ask that question is more spin on how little they pay now.. Even though they pay a lot more in a year then I will pay in 10. What rate is high enough to make you libs happy? I think if it was 100% you would still hate those how have been more successful than you.

Tom

August 29th, 2012
10:00 am

I really hate all this talk about this election. It is the worst I have ever heard and I have been keeping up with them since 1960. We have a president that does not have much to tout on his progress as president and has blamed everyone else for the problems we face instead of taking a stance of this is what we have and this is what we will do to fix it. He has been all over the board on his views on anything more so than a previous candidate, John Kerry, that we have no real idea where he is on any issue. And now he endorses all the destroy my opponent no matter what the cost philosophy of his many supporters in this campaign. This goes against everything he claims to stand for and he thinks that we people will flock to him like they did in 2008.
He has supported the idea that rich people are evil and their money they have earned should be taken away from them and given to the government to redistribute the wealth. It is strange that for the last 82 years we have been doing just that and the only thing we have gotten is people dependent on the government for their living. This is totally wrong for this nation. Now we have a debt that is 60 per cent bigger than when President Obama took office, a health care system that in the effort of his party trying to fix will only result in the government taking complete control of in the next few years, an energy policy that is quickly forcing people to choose between buying fuel to get to work or not eat, refusal to stop the unnecessary borrowing to fund these programs that are not required, and wonder where the truth in all this is.
Yes, both parties tell their version of the truth to get elected or re-elected. I think that you are biased and are willing to make your adversaries look bad to get your man elected. That makes you just as bad as those on the other side. We people of faith call that hypocrit!

Reagans ghost

August 29th, 2012
10:00 am

DNC ought to have two conventions. One for Democrats…..and one for Loons.

0311/8541/5811/1811/1801

August 29th, 2012
10:00 am

Maybe First Ladies should debate ???

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
10:01 am

“Ben didn’t build his 9:43 am post.

He stole it, a cut and paste job that didn’t credit the author”

The same is true of virtually all of Bookman’s posts.

Obama is over

August 29th, 2012
10:01 am

Jay,

Sorry, on this one, you are completely 100% wrong. Obama strayed off of the teleprompter in Roanoke and said “You did not build that.” He meant the context you protest, and his presidency will always be associated with it. HE OWNS “YOU DID NOT BUILD THAT.” All you need for unequivocal proof is to look at the creepy “Life of Julia” video the Obama/Biden team created. The video tracks Julia’s life from age 3 through 64. She is completely dependent on Government assistance throughout her entire ficticious life. In Obamaland, without Government assistance, you could not survive. Obama’s world view of You did not build that is insulting to all parents who sacrificed to make the best education available for their children- without government assistance. You did not build that is a punch in the face to entrepreneurs who sacrificed to start a new business based on an idea and family and friends money- no government assistance. During Obama’s entire administration, every monthly employment report has been accompanied by blog posts from people concerned about the decline of America and a Gallop poll recently found that the majority of Americans believe that their children are not going to have as high a standard of living as they did. After reading about the convention speeches this morning, it is pretty obvious that the GOP has a much deeper bench than the Dems do- unless you get all of your news from Ed Shultz and Al Sharpton. Yesterday, the best quote of the day was from Brett Stephens’ excellent op-ed “Barack Obama- Global Has-Been” in the WSJ. He said:” I tend to think the buzz about American decline mistakes the mediocrity of the president for the destiny of the nation.” With Neil Armstrong’s recent passing, I was reminded of JFK and the spirit of the space program. Neil Armstrong was limited only by his imagination. Obama wants government to define the limits of imagination. The best and brightest will not tolerate that.

Grasshopper

August 29th, 2012
10:01 am

Ben, I think that is the parallel ghost Democratic Convention schedule that you posted. Those proceedings will not be televised on CNN — only Al-Jazeera.

Too funny!

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
10:02 am

“Maybe First Ladies should debate ???”

No, I’m waiting for the Ryan/Biden debate. Do the words “Little Bighorn” mean anything to you guys?

ByteMe - Political thug

August 29th, 2012
10:02 am

DNC ought to have two conventions. One for Democrats…..and one for Loons.

No need. The loons are having their convention this week. It’s on TV, too!

Doggone/GA

August 29th, 2012
10:02 am

“Now don’t go get the left confused trying to understand the difference between useful fiction and the facts”

If you think I’m NOT “the left” you are sadly mistaken…and have just proven that you don’t really pay much attention around here

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
10:03 am

As long as we’re talking about lies, remember when Obama said he would cut the deficit in half by the end of his first (only) term?

PJ

August 29th, 2012
10:03 am

“In contrast, America saw last night a beautiful and truthful couple who will be the next occupants of the WH. Full of character and honesty that Americans have been denied for 4 years. How about Gov. Haley? Beautiful and smart. How about Gov. Christy? Strong and truthful.”

It appeared to me that every Govenor that spoke last night was giving their own nomination speach instead of one for Romney. All we heard from them was what a great job they were doing and Romney was an after thought. And the speakers need to make up their mind because they contridicted even each other. Mrs, Romney said love was most important and Christy disagreed openly with her saying no, love wasn’t important, he wanted respect. If one did not know any better and just tuned in they would not know who the nominee was. It was almost as if they know he’s going to loose and 2016 was on everyones mind.

Fred ™

August 29th, 2012
10:04 am

Mick

August 29th, 2012
9:53 am

ben@9:48

That’s pretty juvenile and sopmoric, good example of the party that mocked john kerry’s purple heart in 04 while their guy was mia in alabama…
++++++++++++++++++++++++

Really? I thought it was freaking hilarious. And I’LL mock john kerry’s band aid scratch purple heart. He’s a poser AND a hoser.

Ben: Where did you get that from?

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
10:04 am

As long as we’re talkign about lies, does anyone remember when the Obama adminstration was promising to be the most open and transparent in history?

DannyX

August 29th, 2012
10:04 am

“The same is true of virtually all of Bookman’s posts.”

Its not the same at all, Jay always credits the author and links to the source.

Mick

August 29th, 2012
10:04 am

ben

Right…blame dan rather but where oh where was he then??? All those conventioneers wearing purple band aids mockking kerry in 04 in new york, that didn’t happen? New yorkers can’t stand the previous guy – wrong war, wrong decisions and here we are…

beam me up

August 29th, 2012
10:04 am

Everybody knows that once you’ve built a factory and made a lot of money, you should be exempt from having to pay any more taxes. Paying taxes is the responsibility of the people who work in the factory, not the people who own the factory.

I can see where this policy would appeal to people who own factories? Do you own a factory? Or perhaps your great granddaddy owned a factory, and made enough so that you don’t have to worry about having to do any of that work business yourself.

If not, and you would even consider voting for Romney, then you are quite simply a fool when it comes to economics. Think about it. And turning on Fox News or talk radio does not constitute thinking. That is voluntary brainwashing. I’m not saying to turn to some other media source, just think for yourself.

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
10:05 am

“Ben: Where did you get that from?”

My mom emailed it to me. Don’t know where it originated.

DannyX

August 29th, 2012
10:05 am

“My mom emailed it to me. Don’t know where it originated”

LMAO!!!

Normal Free...Pro Human Rights Thug...And liking it!

August 29th, 2012
10:06 am

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
9:55 am

Lame Ben, understandable, but still lame.

Grasshopper

August 29th, 2012
10:06 am

Don’t forget about Obama’s contention that if he didn’t fix the economy he should be a one-termer. While maybe not technically a lie, he obviosly didn’t really mean it.

Doggone/GA

August 29th, 2012
10:06 am

“Where’s the part about taking chunks of some people’s earnings and not others”

Section 8 – “The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes”…

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
10:06 am

Mick

August 29th, 2012
10:04 am

“ben

Right…blame dan rather but where oh where was he then??? ”

I dunno. There’s some pretty big gaps in Obama’s past too. Your selective curiousity is…..curious…..

Reagans ghost

August 29th, 2012
10:07 am

Is Rosanne Barr speaking at the DNC? And who is paying Ms. Flukes expenses in Charlotte. I mean Hell, she can’t afford $4 for her pills at Wal Mart to keep from getting pregnant? Serious question.

Grasshopper

August 29th, 2012
10:07 am

You have a great mom Ben!

Williebkind

August 29th, 2012
10:07 am

“a doctored version of history”

Now liberals know plenty about that! Just look how they interpret the constitution!

FrankLeeDarling

August 29th, 2012
10:08 am

The word socialism is like crack to these GOP sheep

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
10:08 am

“Lame Ben, understandable, but still lame.”

No, those are facts, unfortunate for liberals, but still facts.

Tundra Dude

August 29th, 2012
10:09 am

BytMe:
The loons are having their convention this week. It’s on TV, too!

I didn’t watch, but I’d guess Sher Valenzuela, candidate for Lt. Gov. in Delaware, made a “I built it” speech.

(I built it, with a little help from my friends)

1998 First State Manufacturing got its feet on the ground with an initial $20,000 loan from the Small Business Administration.

1999 Earned larger contracts with assistance from local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)

2001 It got a $65,800 disaster loan to deal with business fall-out from the Sept. 11 attacks.

2002 two loans from the SBA , one for $96,000 7(A) to modernize and expand inventory.

• FSM’s 40 employees now work out of facility funded by a $1.8 million SBA 504 loan.

0311/8541/5811/1811/1801

August 29th, 2012
10:09 am

The next two months are going to be fun !!!

Joe Hussein Mama

August 29th, 2012
10:09 am

B. Shockley — “Don’t know if you heard, but the Dan Rather/CBS documents regarding Bush’s Texas Air Guard service were proven to be false.”

Don’t know if you heard, but that’s got nothing to do with the conservative mocking of Kerry’s awards and decorations during the 2004 campaigns.

And it’s pretty clear that you didn’t hear that while the Killian memos were discredited, there’s still very little documentary evidence that Bush satisfactorily performed his duty in AL in the latter half of 1972.

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
10:09 am

“The word socialism is like crack to these GOP sheep”

No, you libs are the ones addicted to it. And you’ll sell your souls to get it, just like a crackhead.

Fred ™

August 29th, 2012
10:09 am

My mom emailed it to me. Don’t know where it originated.

Well tell her I said thanks and it was hilarious.

I don’t know why folks can’t laugh at themselves or their party. Funny is funny and that was a humorous take on the DNC convention. To laugh doesn’t mean you have to agree with it. I thought this one was funny too when it came out:

http://twitpic.com/9jyrvh

Reagans ghost

August 29th, 2012
10:10 am

Nothing screams protecting women as having Bill Clinton speak at your convention.

Ben Shockley

August 29th, 2012
10:11 am

“Don’t know if you heard, but that’s got nothing to do with the conservative mocking of Kerry’s awards and decorations during the 2004 campaigns”

Real war heroes are guys who don’t go around bragging about getting a bandaid, guys like John McCain, Bob Dole, etc

Recon 0311 2533

August 29th, 2012
10:11 am

Ben’s 9:48 Democrat convention agenda wins the prize on this thread.

TaxPayer

August 29th, 2012
10:11 am

They BOTH suck

August 29th, 2012
10:12 am

“supreme egoist such as Obama”

Rags: You must put irony on everything. Oatmeal to eggplant

That was a funny line coming from you.

RB from Gwinnett

August 29th, 2012
10:12 am

Simple Truths
August 29th, 2012
8:36 am

Jay glosses over the uproar when Mitt said “I like being able to fire people.”

Jay glosses over everything that doesn’t fit his far left agenda.

The problem with this column is most of us believe Obama means exactly whAt he said; that private business depends on a massive bloated inefficient government to be successful.

Common Sense

August 29th, 2012
10:12 am

“Where’s the part about taking chunks of some people’s earnings and not others”

Section 8 – “The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes”…

Keep reading….and then look up the word apportioned.