The GOP’s self-defeating image of minorities as ‘takers’
I’m seeing and hearing a lot of this kind of thing, on this blog and elsewhere, as Republicans attempt to come to grips with Tuesday’s election defeat and try to seek explanations for why they lost.
For those unable to watch video, here’s what O’Reilly had to say on Election Night, as it was becoming apparent that it would be a bad night for Republicans:
“The white establishment is now the minority. And the voters, many of them, feel that the economic system is stacked against them and they want stuff. You are going to see a tremendous Hispanic vote for President Obama. Overwhelming black vote for President Obama. And women will probably break President Obama’s way. People feel that they are entitled to things and which candidate, between the two, is going to give them things?”
In one sense, you can understand why that kind of rationalization would be appealing. In effect, O’Reilly is telling his listeners that “We lost by being better than they are. It’s not our fault and there’s nothing we can or should change.” He applies the powerful salve of moral superiority to a open wound, and by doing so he makes people feel better. People like to feel better, so they’ll come back to Fox for more.
But O’Reilly’s wrong. He’s wrong as a matter of politics, he’s wrong as a matter of morality, and he’s wrong as a matter of history. His listeners are equally wrong to believe him. To the degree that they continue to do so, they are likely to experience more tough election nights in the years to come.
Think about it. While older white voters might find O’Reilly’s message reassuring, imagine that you’re black (93 percent for Obama), or Latino-American (71 percent for Obama), or Asian-American (73 percent for Obama). Imagine that you’re flipping through the news coverage on Election Night and you hear O’Reilly make those comments. How do they come across?
They come across as condescending and even racist, because they ARE condescending and racist. The comments equate the fading “white establishment” with all that is good and great in this country, while the rising minority tide is treated as “takers,” as leeches.
It’s not a complicated thing. Hearing that kind of argument, the natural reaction of almost any non-white listener will be to reject the political party from which such sentiments are emanating, regardless of what other affinities you might have with it. Because you and your parents and your cousins and your friends are being insulted.
But is O’Reilly’s formulation nonetheless accurate? Not even close.
To use his term, it was “the white establishment” that created Social Security, and it did so largely for white people, because that’s who dominated this country at the time. It was the white establishment that created Medicare, and it did so largely for white people, because again, that’s who dominated the country at that time. More recently, the white establishment, in the form of President George W. Bush and a Republican Congress, created Medicare Part D.
Who’s on Medicaid, the government-financed health care program that Romney/Ryan proposed to slash? Among the non-elderly, some 43 percent are white, 22 percent are black and 28 percent are Latino. And who’s on food stamps? According to the Census Bureau, 59 percent are white.
And if you really want to get down to it, we can do so.
U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan campaigns at The Villages retirement community in Florida, promising to protect "free stuff" for senior citizens.
When Paul Ryan campaigned in the massive Villages retirement community in central Florida this year, promising to restore the $716 billion in “free stuff” that Obama had cut from Medicare, he wasn’t pitching those remarks to retired black school-bus drivers. He was pitching them to white Americans over 65, 61 percent of whom ended up voting for the Romney/Ryan ticket.
Because let’s be blunt. No demographic group in the country gets more “free stuff” from the government than its senior citizens. In fact, seniors make up roughly half of that infamous “47 percent” who pay no federal income taxes. And a lot of them sat there Tuesday night, watching on Fox and shaking their heads in agreement with O’Reilly.
One final point:
The 2012 exit polls offer further evidence to rebut the notion that Obama’s coalition is motivated largely by the demand for “free stuff.”
For example:
– The 65 percent of Americans who believe that illegal immigrants ought to be given a chance to become U.S. citizens voted for Obama by a 24-point margin. These are people drawn to this country by the opportunity to work to make things better for themselves and their children, and the Obama coalition respects them for it.
– The 49 percent of Americans who believe that gay marriage should be legal voted for Obama by a 48-point margin. (The 46 percent who believe it should be banned voted for Romney by a similar margin.) Younger Americans in particular define that as a basic civil right, and voters in four states confirmed that belief Tuesday.
– The 59 percent of Americans who believe that abortion ought to be legal — that such an issue is up to the individual, rather than government bureaucrats — voted for Obama by a 36-point margin.
That’s not “free stuff.” That’s freedom and opportunity, even if the definitions of freedom and opportunity might differ from those of earlier generations of Americans. That’s how it ought to be. Every generation in this country has re-interpreted the American dream in its own way, and nothing is going to stop that process.
– Jay Bookman
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1,094 comments Add your comment
getalife
November 8th, 2012
3:32 pm
They will cut a deal.
Reid said SS is off the table.
Oscar
November 8th, 2012
3:32 pm
Now the GOP has become the party against “fee stuff.” Well, all groups have to stand for something. They can lead the charge back to 1890. Back to the Gilded Age. Somehow, don’t think many will follow.
stands for decibels
November 8th, 2012
3:33 pm
Just thought this was a cool story, and indicative of how our country is changing:
http://jezebel.com/5958635/americas-first-ever-hindu-congresswoman-will-take-the-oath-of-office-over-the-bhagavad-gita
Last night, Hawaii not only elected Japan-born Mazie Hirono to be the first ever Asian-American woman elected to the Senate, they also elected Democrat Tulsi Gabbard as the first ever practicing Hindu to the US House of Representatives. Hawaii has been declared a Fox News Disaster Zone.
Thirty-one-year-old Gabbard is the daughter of two conservative Hawaii politicians and first ran for office at age 21. After her first term, she voluntarily served on a 12-month tour of duty with Hawaii’s National Guard, and then became the first woman in the history of the Accelerated Officer Candidate School at the Alabama Military Academy to be designated a “distinguished honor graduate.”
When she’s sworn in this January, she’ll take her oath of office over a Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text for followers of Hinduism, or Sanatana Dharma.
Krystal'sBalls
November 8th, 2012
3:34 pm
@Willie Lynch
What you stated is absolutely true, served up quite RAW but true. There really has been a serious denial of the things you stated, because it is too uncomfortable of a reality for the U.S. to deal with. It has become a bit of psychosis if you will. This is why you are immediately labeled a racist by someone who prefers to not recognize the reality and factual correctness of what you stated, even though it plays itself out in front of us daily. This forms the foundation for:
Being anti “Affirmative Action” / anti “Diversity”
Being against equal pay and opportunity for women
Women’s health issues
Undermining public education
etc.
The bottom line is, each of these issues being as desired by those who enjoy the privilege provide for a common objective – eliminate competition for the economic rewards (and resulting power) to be realized in this country. Period.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 8th, 2012
3:34 pm
middle of the road — “Of course, as soon as a Cuban steps foot on American soil, he/she is automatically legal. Mexicans are not.”
It’s not just Mexicans, it’s all non-Cuban Hispanics. Only Cubans are covered by the ‘wet-feet, dry-feet’ policy; a fact which is not lost on other Hispanic-Americans. Most other Hispanic-American subgroups resent Cuban-Americans for that (as well as several other) reason.
This was discussed a lot on Jay’s blog earlier this year; conservatives thought Marco Rubio as the VP choice would help draw Hispanic votes in for Romney, while several liberal posters (myself included) pointed out why that was a mistaken presumption.
USMC
November 8th, 2012
3:35 pm
“Alabama won’t play anyone for the national championship. They will lose to the Bulldogs in the SEC play off game.”–Oscar
OMG! Oscar gets it! That NASTY, Undisciplined DAwg Defense will SHOCK the Tide.
Regnad Kcin
November 8th, 2012
3:35 pm
“Indeed, that write-off didn’t cost “us” one cent BECAUSE IT WAS NEVER “OUR” MONEY TO BEGIN WITH.”
You know, Realist, that those without enough income don’t have to pay taxes because of deductions, right? Why is the “horse” deduction okay, but not the others?
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
November 8th, 2012
3:35 pm
Some of these are hilarious
http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/bl-2012-election-victory.htm
picture of a woman voting: “If a candidate threatens women’s choices, the female body has ways to shut that whole thing down. ”
picture of Romney with a caption: “Game Over. Please insert $250 million to play again.”
Realist
November 8th, 2012
3:37 pm
Joe, that was an ingenius and enlightening post. Because of you, I truly understand and appreciate the fact that all government has to do is print money–sort of like magic, huh? With that being the case, can they stop taking mine away from me?
Your inability to comprehend basic economic realities puts you in the same class as the 300-pound welfare recipient thrilled with her recently acquired “Obamaphone” (see youtube for specifics).
Brosephus™
November 8th, 2012
3:39 pm
Alabama won’t play anyone for the national championship. They will lose to the Bulldogs in the SEC play off game.
Are you blogging from Washington state or Colorado?
AmericaShrugged
November 8th, 2012
3:40 pm
Joe Cool – Stocks selling at $25 a share, we (treasury) bought it at $53 so we’re getting 47% (25/53) of our $49.5B investment back. That’s about $23.3B of the $49.5 leaving us a loss (increase to deficit) of about $26B.
This compares very unfavorably with TARP where we got almost all the money back already. STIMULUS = stimulating voters in Mich and Ohio to vote for Obama with $26B in taxpayer’s money!
getalife
November 8th, 2012
3:41 pm
I wonder if the new AG will do on weed.
The people voted for it and governments should use it for jobs and revenue before cutting.
Brosephus™
November 8th, 2012
3:43 pm
I truly understand and appreciate the fact that all government has to do is print money–sort of like magic, huh?
Obviously you don’t understand what he was saying at all. It’s not that government prints money. The fact that the government backs the money you spend with it’s full faith and credit is what gives that money value. You’re personal faith and credit may appear valuable to you, but any currency you print on your own would be worthless to anyone who doesn’t believe or have faith in YOUR credit.
That’s what JHM was trying to point out to you.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 8th, 2012
3:44 pm
Realist — “Joe, that was an ingenius and enlightening post. Because of you, I truly understand and appreciate the fact that all government has to do is print money–sort of like magic, huh? With that being the case, can they stop taking mine away from me?”
If you’re going to post foolish rants here, then don’t be surprised when you get rude comments in return.
“Your inability to comprehend basic economic realities”
Son, given your clueless post of a few minutes ago, you have NO room whatsoever to be calling out others on some supposed “inability to comprehend basic economic realities.”
Slow your roll, back up, repost something that makes some SENSE instead of just being an intemperate rant, and you might actually get an adult conversation.
Or just post more rants and draw some more darts and arrows. Makes no nevermind to me.
Jay. can we get a better class of troll in here, please?
josef
November 8th, 2012
3:44 pm
Oh, my…just what is a “minority” anyway…? That’s going to be a blessing of our increased diversity. The best any one group can “hope” for will be to be a plurality.
And what about those divisions within the “minority?” JHM makes the point about the Hispanics. Last night Tulsa and I had to have a little “lesson” in the deep divisions within the Indian “minority.” Among Jews, the differences in the different “types” takes a scorecard to keep track of. The same can be said for Asians, Southerners, or any other group we’ve pigeonholed with our comfortable broad brush stereotypes…not always negative, btw…
As an empire, that has always been both our greatest strength and our greatest weakness…
We have reelected as our leader a true African-American with legitimate credentials for SONS OF THE CONFEDERATE VETERANS…is this a great country or what?
Joe Hussein Mama
November 8th, 2012
3:45 pm
Brosephus — “That’s what JHM was trying to point out to you.”
Ah, it’s beside the point, Brosephus. Realist is regrettably in possession of an “inability to comprehend basic economic realities” or some such.
Brosephus™
November 8th, 2012
3:47 pm
JHM
I’m with you in that I want to see him print that money and go try to spend it. If you bring the snacks, I’ll bring the beer.
theintelligentdesigner
November 8th, 2012
3:47 pm
It was so much fun watching the Fox News on the big night, that I tuned in today to see if Megan and Brett were still close. All that was on was the Guatemala earthquake and the Nor’easter in NYC. It was, like, a news day. It was hilarious. Sincerity and caring for victims of natural disasters, while just a week ago, all Benghazi all the time. If the Republic was in danger those days, how can the problem have been solved? Obama must be a genius to have cleared up all those civilization threatening questions. John Birch is rolling over onto Stonewall Jackson. After all, they love each other, and who is to say that love should be forbidden?
deegee
November 8th, 2012
3:49 pm
I just don’t understand how the republican party maintains any sense of credibility after what we have seen over the last few months. They nominated a guy that stands for nothing. He attacked Obama on his record but he couldn’t stand on his own record at Bain or as governor of Massachusetts. He insisted on running his own campaign and ran it into the ground. They picked a running mate that they couldn’t even put on the same stage with Mitt in October. They doubled down on Todd Akins. The math in their budget plan didn’t add up. They shifted so far to the middle in the last debate that there was no discernible difference between the candidates. They made the worst, most embarrassing predictions when the polling data was staring them right in the face. They spent hundreds of millions of dollars and got next to nothing for it. And we’re supposed to believe that these guys have the smarts to guide us through what is shaping up to be the next social and economic evolution in the US? Please, if the Romney campaign was a football team, no one would be betting on them again.
Rabbit
November 8th, 2012
3:50 pm
“Start now for 2014 and work to turn the house blue.”
How about a shade of purple. It shouldn’t be too easy for either side. The best outcomes derive from a healthy argument.
Fred ™
November 8th, 2012
3:50 pm
JohnnyReb
November 8th, 2012
2:03 pm
I seldom have time lately to stay on these threads but occassionally drop in to kick the ant hill.
I would have been on sooner after the election but was traveling.
I predicted Romney by a landslide; obviously wrong there. In fact, the election was an F’n disaster for Republicans.
It is however too early to know why. Libs like Jay think they know why, and they could be correct, but for me I will take a while to decide for myself.
It is true, no matter what Jay and his fellow Lefties state, the Democratic Party is where people turn when they want free stuff. You can believe they deserve the free stuff; that’s your choice, but you can’t deny Dems is where to find it.
My biggest question is, what am I going to do with all these crying towels I had lined up for you guys?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Classy Bro. I nominate you for post of the day. I ever get a chance to meet you I WILL buy you a beer (or beverage of your choice).
Nice way to man up. I for one appreciate it.
Drive by done, now back to cooking. I’m doing two recipes from Kevin Gillespie’s new book, Fire in My Belly. It’s one kick ass cook book. Gives methods not just recipes.
Responce to Bill O’Reilly’s: The white establishment is now the minority,” | A Spoonful of Suga
November 8th, 2012
3:50 pm
[...] The GOP’s self-defeating image of minorities as ‘takers’ (blogs.ajc.com) [...]
JOE COOL........
November 8th, 2012
3:51 pm
AmericaShrugged
November 8th, 2012
2:45 pm
“Among the non-elderly, some 43 percent are white, 22 percent are black and 28 percent are Latino. And who’s on food stamps? According to the Census Bureau, 59 percent are white.”
Shame on you Jay. At a minimum this is intellectually dishonest. A more accurate statement would be non-whites participate in Medicaid and food stamp programs at significantly higher percentages than whites.
——
Nope, referring to a breakdown in monies regarding your above statement.
Fred ™
November 8th, 2012
3:51 pm
USMC
November 8th, 2012
3:35 pm
“Alabama won’t play anyone for the national championship. They will lose to the Bulldogs in the SEC play off game.”–Oscar
OMG! Oscar gets it! That NASTY, Undisciplined DAwg Defense will SHOCK the Tide.
+++++++++++++++++
Where the hell have you been you mean old man? if you were on a bender you should have called me so I could have drank with you lol. Gotta split now though for a while.
Fred ™
November 8th, 2012
3:52 pm
Brosephus™
November 8th, 2012
3:39 pm
Alabama won’t play anyone for the national championship. They will lose to the Bulldogs in the SEC play off game.
Are you blogging from Washington state or Colorado?
+++++++++++++++++++++
You dis my Dawgs again and I’ll be blogging from the state of my foot up your ass………..
dave
November 8th, 2012
3:54 pm
I thought I’d drop by to see how you and your little group of progressive were acting after the election. No surprise here, you guys won so go ahead and “define” the American Dream in your new way – you own it. Hope it works out for you (and us), I really do. I’ll drop back by in a couple of years and see how you’re doing then..
Krystal'sBalls
November 8th, 2012
3:55 pm
And that’s REALLY what the U.S. is INTENDED to be @Josef Pluralistic….and really what I believe most sane people strive recognize and strive for.
However, we have to be honest with the fact that the reason that there are “minorities” in what would otherwise be a Pluralistic society is the fact that those in the “majority” are reluctant to yield the sharing of power, influence, and resources to those outside of their group because they have become accustomed to enjoying the privilege and control of said resources, whether they are ill-gotten or earned. That is Sociology 101.
BobFromcobb
November 8th, 2012
3:55 pm
God Bless America.
The great Southern Strategy 48 years later. The republican plan was to polarize the south. It worked. But now the Lilly White republican south is outnumber by a more diverse democratic party. The bigger tent strategy trumps the white sheet.
Eliminating abortion clinics only creates a run on clothes hangers. To prevent abortion you need to prevent the unwanted pregnancy. Yes we call that free and readily valuable birth control. Take a pill, save a life.
200 hundred years ago churches said slavery was a blessing from God.
50 years ago churches said segregation was our salvation.
Today I hear how their black welfare is dragging down our nation.
Lies create ignorance only if you choose to believ them.
Conservatives believe the view that all people,not just rich people, have a right to Life, Liberty and Property(prosperity). Republicans dispise those people apparently.
Yes thats the definition of a Liberal.
A Liberal just like George Washington.
How stupid are you if you think a liberal is a bad thing.
God Bless all Americans, even the ones headed to Canada.
Thomas Heyward Jr
November 8th, 2012
3:55 pm
It’s clear.
The GOP needs to send more free government cheese to more black and brown people.
And s’more free birth control pill to the more women.
.
Bookmans a genius.
willie lynch
November 8th, 2012
3:56 pm
josef
November 8th, 2012
3:44 pm
“…is this a great country or what?”
Not yet.
Realist
November 8th, 2012
3:56 pm
Joe and Bro, you two need to go get a room.
Midori
November 8th, 2012
3:56 pm
Rmoney has conceded Florida: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/08/3087995/romney-campaign-we-lost-florida.html
Nunna Yobinnes
November 8th, 2012
3:56 pm
So because I am a 55 year old honkey averaging 50+ hours a week on the job, barely squeaking by financially, and I resent the gub-ment taking my tax money and giving it to people who don’t work for it, I am a traitor. Ok, I’m glad to be informed about these things.
josef
November 8th, 2012
3:57 pm
FRED
So, did the Bruin buy you a drink at Manuels?
Midori
November 8th, 2012
3:57 pm
Bookmans a genius.
however, it is all too clear that you’re not.
Brosephus™
November 8th, 2012
3:57 pm
Fred
Your Dawgs might represent the East in the Championship game, but they’re gonna come up short when the clock goes to 00:00 at the end of the 4th quarter. If we make it to Atlanta without getting beat, I don’t think Georgia poses nearly the threat that LSU and Texas A&M does.
Brosephus™
November 8th, 2012
3:59 pm
Realist
Why resort to that type of statement? I simply tried to explain Joe’s position. If you don’t like what I said, then why not respond to me man to man instead of using that kindergarten sh*t? You are a grown up, right?
josef
November 8th, 2012
4:00 pm
willie lynch
“Not yet.”
Okay, I’ll bite. When will it be iyo?
Joe Hussein Mama
November 8th, 2012
4:00 pm
Realist — “Joe and Bro, you two need to go get a room.”
As I said, post something that makes some sense, or else don’t be surprised with what you get.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 8th, 2012
4:01 pm
Brosephus — “If you don’t like what I said, then why not respond to me man to man instead of using that kindergarten sh*t? You are a grown up, right?”
Haters gonna hate.
BobFromcobb
November 8th, 2012
4:01 pm
Thanks officer for reminding me texting and driving is illegal.
If he new I was a liberal with auto correct problems he would have locked me up.
josef
November 8th, 2012
4:02 pm
Krystall Balls
Okay, so what constitutes a “minority?”
Nunna Yobinnes
November 8th, 2012
4:03 pm
Joe, isn’t it funny that anyone who disagrees with you is a “hater”? And the libs condemn the cons for being elitist. Too blind to see your own hypocrisy.
Realist
November 8th, 2012
4:03 pm
Come on boys, you’re really getting moist here. Don’t take it so personal
Tundra Dude
November 8th, 2012
4:04 pm
Alabama won’t play anyone for the national championship. They will lose to the Bulldogs in the SEC play off game.
Are you blogging from Washington state or Colorado?
LOL!!! Good Wun!
josef
November 8th, 2012
4:04 pm
BobfromCobb
That auto correct one was funny…
N-GA
November 8th, 2012
4:04 pm
The GOP should have won this election in a walk. All they had to do was shift toward the center….just a little. Instead they went to the right. How stupid can you get? They ended up losing most of the moderates! If they had shifted to the center, what voters would have defected and where would they have gone?
Just plain stupid…..
clem
November 8th, 2012
4:04 pm
what about all the takers on wall st and banks and mortgage companies…..
and since congress is pretty inept how about them
willie lynch
November 8th, 2012
4:05 pm
josef
November 8th, 2012
4:00 pm
In the words of Tommy Boy and I’m paraphrasing:”You don’t have to stick your head up a bulls a** to know a good steak when you see it.”
Realist
November 8th, 2012
4:06 pm
Joe, before you and Bro check-in at the Motel 6, please define the term “hater” for me.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 8th, 2012
4:06 pm
Nunna Yobinnes — “Joe, isn’t it funny that anyone who disagrees with you is a “hater”?”
Rejected, Counselor. You’re assuming facts not in evidence.
“And the libs condemn the cons for being elitist.”
Funny how the confrontation started with a condescending, elitist post from Realist. Of course you wouldn’t mention *that.*
“Too blind to see your own hypocrisy.”
And you’re too clueless to see “Realist’s” Maybe *you* two should go get a room.
Brosephus™
November 8th, 2012
4:06 pm
Realist
I’m not taking anything personal. I’m just being real. I discuss things as a man, and not a child. If I joke about something, I make sure people are fully aware that I’m joking. That’s just me though.
Regnad Kcin
November 8th, 2012
4:08 pm
Realist’s rhetoric is depressingly familiar…
josef
November 8th, 2012
4:08 pm
wiilie L
I’m not following that…a good quip I’ll add to my repertoire, but I’m not following it in re my question…
Joe Hussein Mama
November 8th, 2012
4:08 pm
Realist — “Come on boys, you’re really getting moist here. Don’t take it so personal”
Who’s taking it personally? You’re right off your rant and still not saying anything that makes sense. That doesn’t bother me at all; rather, it just reinforces my initial impression of you.
If you had a serious point to make, you’d have made it by now.
Jack®
November 8th, 2012
4:08 pm
You can slice it anyway you want to, Bookman, takers ain’t producers. Takers elected Obama along with a lot of other misguided folks.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 8th, 2012
4:08 pm
“Realist” — “Joe, before you and Bro check-in at the Motel 6, please define the term “hater” for me.”
Rejected, Ben. You have your orders, and you know what they are.
Nunna Yobinnes
November 8th, 2012
4:09 pm
Joe, you forgot that I’m a conservative. I wouldn’t have any interest in getting a room with a man.
Not So Casual Observer
November 8th, 2012
4:10 pm
Matters not the color or race of the leeches, Democrats appeal to leeches, have followed Cloward and Piven for 40+ years and have created a welfare-driven, socialist state simply to garner political power.
Bookman does the MSM’s hit job of making this about race when the actuality is this is about producers and slackers. California and New York instituted additional taxes for the wealthy and the result was the wealthy left those states.
Why do large numbers of British entertainers and business people come to the US? The high level of taxation is the obvious answer.
Jay Bookman is no better than O’Reilly for his divisive (racist?) comments.
Regnad Kcin
November 8th, 2012
4:10 pm
“Takers elected Obama along with a lot of other misguided folks.”
Jack – what percentage of Obama voters were “takers,” IYO?
Krystal'sBalls
November 8th, 2012
4:10 pm
@Nunna Yob
Do me a favor and don’t refer to yourself as a “honkey”. It gets you nowhere. You are not the only person working long weeks and paying taxes you know? I’m not “squeaking by”, so I cannot relate to your anger. Personally I don’t mind my tax dollars being used to fund the country, or support my fellow American where needed (and I pay a healthy share of taxes).
Herman Cain did say though …. “BLAME YO’SELF!!!!” You should try it sometime. I get from your statement you are a conservative. Also, do you realize you are in the 47%??? Dohhhhh!!!!
I kill me.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 8th, 2012
4:11 pm
Nunna Yobinnes — “Joe, you forgot that I’m a conservative. I wouldn’t have any interest in getting a room with a man.”
Response #1) I’m sure Larry Craig or Ken Mehlman wouldn’t mind.
Response #2) What makes you so sure “Realist” is a man?
Response #3) What makes you so sure *you’re* a man?
Realist
November 8th, 2012
4:12 pm
So Bro, you didn’t know I was joking about you and your boy getting a room together? Okay.
Back to the original issue–is the money that you earn yours, or is it the government’s? If your answer is the latter, then we will have to agree to disagree. If it’s the former, then you are in agreement with the premise of my previous “condescending, elitist” post.
josef
November 8th, 2012
4:12 pm
Nunna Yobinnes
“Joe, you forgot that I’m a conservative. I wouldn’t have any interest in getting a room with a man.”
What does one have to do with the other…sounds a bit on the non sequitur side to me…
wreckinball
November 8th, 2012
4:13 pm
You state O’Reilly is wring and then cite a bunch of statistics that prove him right. Whites are the majority receivers of all the entitlement programs you cite. They are also the majority 66+% of the population.
That means proportionally minorities do receive more welfare. It’s not racist . It’s the truth. Kinda of like saying the majority of the NBA is black. Not racist just true.
Brosephus™
November 8th, 2012
4:13 pm
josef
Did you know that 95% of the Republican voters in Ohio were White? I found that little gem when reading about exit poll data. I wonder how many of those who despise 95% of one race voting for a person will voice anger about that…
iBS Aplenty
November 8th, 2012
4:14 pm
I’m listening, Bookman. If O’Reilly’s statement is not factual, let’s hoist him by the petards…But, in the interest of statistically accurate information, what percentage of the populations represented – what percentage of the white, black, hispanic, Asian, single, gay, etc. (you choose the breakdown) are receiving federal government TANF, SNAP or Medicaid.
Do the country a favor and let’s prove O’Reilly’s a racist. Or, is he being factually correct in stating that minorities receive more of the entitlement (apple) pie.?
Nunna Yobinnes
November 8th, 2012
4:14 pm
I thought the 47% didn’t pay taxes? I pay taxes.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 8th, 2012
4:16 pm
Realist — “Back to the original issue–is the money that you earn yours, or is it the government’s?”
The *issue* was that you argued that liberals wrongly thought that money was “created by the government.”
Unless you’re conducting your life on an entirely cash-free basis, then some of the money you’re using most certainly *was* created by the government.
indigo
November 8th, 2012
4:16 pm
BobFromCobb – 4:01
Of course you know that, if pulled over by an Officer, don’t say “you’re not going to look in the trunk, are you?”
iBS Aplenty
November 8th, 2012
4:17 pm
…sorry wreckinball, if I’d known you were making the same argument that I was, I woulda just stayed tuned for Bookman’s answer instead of repeating you. Let’s hope Mr. Bookman responds to your trenchant insight….
josef
November 8th, 2012
4:17 pm
BROSEPHUS
Most interesting point there…
Nunna Yobinnes
November 8th, 2012
4:17 pm
Joe and your alter ego Josef – I replied directly to Joe’s remark. Sorry, I don’t know who Larry Craig and Ken Mehlman are. I suppose realist could be a woman – ok. I know I am a man because I am a man. Any more insults you’d like to hurl my way? After all, I’m just a “hater.”
Doggone/GA
November 8th, 2012
4:18 pm
“Joe, you forgot that I’m a conservative. I wouldn’t have any interest in getting a room with a man”
Does “Log Cabin Republicans” ring any bells?
No Artficial Flavors
November 8th, 2012
4:18 pm
He pretty much right, regardless of race, most people feel entitled to “stuff” now more than ever. Even I am guilty of thinking I am now and then before I slap myself back to reality.
willie lynch
November 8th, 2012
4:18 pm
josef
November 8th, 2012
4:08 pm
I can only tell you what I see. When it gets to be great I’m sure I’ll recognize it.
Brosephus™
November 8th, 2012
4:20 pm
is the money that you earn yours, or is it the government’s?
Depending on how you look at the situation, it’s both. The money you earn is yours because you’ve earned it. In the macro, the money is worthless if it’s not backed by the full faith and credit of the government. For example, would you accept pay from your employer if you were paid in Nigerian Naira or Iraqi Dinar at an equal currency rate? A $40,000 salary in US dollars for 40,000 Naira or 40,000 Dinar?
1.00 Nigerian Naira = 0.0064 U.S. Dollar
1.00 Iraqi Dinar = 0.00086 U.S. Dollar
We tend to look at things from the micro view as that’s what affects us the most. It’s easy to take the macro for granted because of the safety and security we have of living in the United States. That’s why you see foreign immigrants come here and bust their asses. They’ve experienced the micro and macro in ways we could never imagine.
BobFromcobb
November 8th, 2012
4:21 pm
Haters are the negative people around you.
By definition it’s those people who don’t want to play unless they pick the teams and make the rules.
Unwilling to participate unless they can control the outcome.
I’m still old white and educated in the south. I am not mistaken about why may neighbors vote and act like they do. But please think of this one thing……
I voted for a Christian man married to his first wife with two beautiful children.
He was raised by in an extended family. He put himself in position to be the President of the US. You voted for the son of an auto executive\Govenor of Michigan whose financial wisdom is schooled from how not to loose your inheritance.
Conservatives are for status quo. Rich stay rich, poor stay poor.
I wish I just worked 50 hours a week, and I’m glad I want all Americans to have a chance.
If you only new what the rich really think of you.
Mercy
Liberals are for ALL people having a chance to be rich.
Nunna Yobinnes
November 8th, 2012
4:22 pm
Josef, since you didn’t catch it, don’t you know – all conservatives are rich, bigoted, gay bashing, insecure little white people. That’s what many on this blog are telling us.
josef
November 8th, 2012
4:22 pm
Bob in Cobb
Just make sure this fella ain’t with you…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JutCjbmcq7s
Realist
November 8th, 2012
4:22 pm
Joe, I honestly don’t know who “Ben” is–but your post sounded like it should have been directed at Bro. Are y’all not at the hotel yet?
Brosephus™
November 8th, 2012
4:23 pm
Or, is he being factually correct in stating that minorities receive more of the entitlement (apple) pie.?
The entitlement payout doesn’t allocate dollars by percentages, therefore comparing percentages of a demographic on welfare is misleading. If you really want to look at who impacts welfare dollars more, then you look at the actual numbers not percentages. Looking at percentages is nothing more than looking for a scapegoat to blame instead of staring face-to-face with reality.
Nunna Yobinnes
November 8th, 2012
4:23 pm
“Does “Log Cabin Republicans” ring any bells?” No. What does it mean?
Krystal'sBalls
November 8th, 2012
4:24 pm
Well how do you want to look at it Josef?? Let’s look at it in terms of business..
If I own the majority stake in a franchise or company, whether it be a sports team or traditional corporate entity, what does it mean? If I hold a “minority” stake, what does it mean?
From a socio-economic perspective what does it mean? If you think it’s sheer numbers WITHOUT POWER, you are wrong, although the power and numbers do typically go hand in hand. But that’s where the problem lies. “Minority” doesn’t simply mean color of skin. Frankly in my opinion it is just a politically correct term. Such things are really only an issue though when you have gross disparities in education, economics, justice, etc. People tend to not “feel” their minority status when they are able to compete on a level playing field, and have genuine access for participation on the various levels of any society.
Mark B
November 8th, 2012
4:25 pm
Proud to be a 2 time voter for President Obama, and one of millions of college-educated, gainfully employed “takers” who helped give him a second term. Time to come out of the Rush Limbaugh/Fox News cave and take a look around GOP. “Dick” Morris is absolutely correct, ‘this isn’t your father’s America’. Hasn’t been since around, oh, 1965.(Voting Rights Act)
SwamiDave
November 8th, 2012
4:26 pm
Joe Hussein:
“I think you’re deluding yourself if you think that people like Sheldon Adelson didn’t contribute huge amounts towards Romney’s election without an expectation of ‘getting something.’”
Were I Sheldon Adelson or someone with his resources (which, much to my chagrin, I am not
), I would have contributed to Romney’s election as the candidate most likely to allow me to keep more of what I earn.
The viewpoint that lower taxes are “getting something” is grounded in the opinion that what one earns is not theirs.
Were a group of Obama voters to go to one of Adelson’s casinos and take thousands of dollars from the cashier’s desk, they would rightly be labelled thieves whether they “needed” the money or not. Were a few million Obama voters to simply go the polls and re-elect a President to do it on their behalf with promises to redistribute it to them, that is acceptable under the liberal, collectivist philoso-theology.
Ergo a quote that I repeat often – Liberals do with Legislation what Muggers do with Guns!
Frankly, this underlying point is the source of distrust for so many Taxpayers. It is insulting that so many apparently assume some right to that which I work to earn. Too many have replaced an assumption of entitlement instead of acting upon their opportunity.
-SD
josef
November 8th, 2012
4:27 pm
Nunna Yobinnes
Joe and Josef alter egos? Now THAT is funny…at least “we” don’t talk to “ourselves!”
Willie L
“I can only tell you what I see. When it gets to be great I’m sure I’ll recognize it.”
Was sure looking great to me Tuesday night…and, no, I’m not talking about Obama’s reelection…
Oscar
November 8th, 2012
4:27 pm
I don’t think Georgia poses nearly the threat that LSU and Texas A&M does – Bro
___________
That’s where you mess up. Thinking has never been your long suit. (smile and laugh)
Joe Hussein Mama
November 8th, 2012
4:29 pm
N. Yobinnes — “Joe and your alter ego Josef”
I can speak for myself and Josef can speak for *himself.* And I’m sure he will.
“Any more insults you’d like to hurl my way? After all, I’m just a “hater.”
That depends. If you’re going to get further involved in the disagreements of others here, probably.
wreckinball
November 8th, 2012
4:29 pm
we do have an entitlement problem, lets face it, what used to be subsistence basic safety net has turned into a lower middle class life if you choose to not work, food stamps are abundant and generous, unemployment is almost nerve ending and section 8 housing is new 100K + townhouses. We are paying folks not to work and of course those folks don’t want that to change. O’Reilly is right.
Brosephus™
November 8th, 2012
4:30 pm
Oscar
Joe Hussein Mama
November 8th, 2012
4:30 pm
“Realist” — “Are y’all not at the hotel yet?”
Yes we are, and we’re waitin’ on YOU to show up, Huggums!
deegee
November 8th, 2012
4:30 pm
What are you expecting them to say after they made such hideous mistakes? Mitt the Twit had been running for president for 6 years. He only won the states that would have voted for a republican chipmunk. He was the best that they could do and he was a miserable failure. Do you really think that they are going to say that Obama won because Mitt was just inept?
Nunna Yobinnes
November 8th, 2012
4:32 pm
***Here’s a little secret – I’m not necessarily proud to say it, but I voted for Obama. Not because I thought he was the better candidate (or worse), there really were no good choices this election. I voted for him because he never got a chance to see if his ideas might be helpful, due to the lack of any type of good faith attempt at compromise by the repubs. Extremism in either direction is not helping our problems.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 8th, 2012
4:32 pm
S. Dave — “Were a few million Obama voters to simply go the polls and re-elect a President to do it on their behalf with promises to redistribute it to them, that is acceptable under the liberal, collectivist philoso-theology.”
I’m sorry, Dave. Despite our fruitful discussion of this morning, I can’t take you seriously if you’re going to assert this sort of claptrap.
Krystal'sBalls
November 8th, 2012
4:32 pm
“Nunna Yobinnes
November 8th, 2012
4:14 pm
I thought the 47% didn’t pay taxes? I pay taxes.”
Now I normally don’t do that but in this case it is necessary. I really have to question your education on the issues if are sincere in that last post. Please tell me you were only kidding there. If you weren’t I have to say…that right there is the problem with many people who try to engage others on these issues when they rely on OTHERS to unsnap their craniums and put “stuff” into them rather than be informed from a 360 degree persective. Seriously, how can an individual argue a point when it is fundamentally flawed?
BobFromcobb
November 8th, 2012
4:32 pm
Yes, we are paying for the backward ideas of our parents, grandparents, and on back.
You cant FAIRLY invite a man to a race, shoot him in the leg at the starting line and then claim he had the same opportuniy as you. If our great grandparents had sucked it up 100 years ago and allowed for equal opportunity we wouldn’t be discussing welfare today. I just hope my sons aren’t saying the same thing 30 years from now.
josef
November 8th, 2012
4:33 pm
BOBin COBB
“Liberals are for ALL people having a chance to be rich.”
A couple of years ago I got into a tangle with one of our more party line, but nonteheless cultured, well read and intelligent, conservatives. She was taking me to task for being a plantation liberal since I had it good, so why was I getting so drama queen about the less fortunate. She couldn’t seem to grasp that I wanted everybody to have as good a life as I’ve had…
Doggone/GA
November 8th, 2012
4:33 pm
Whew! All done…I hope! Bought myself an early Christmas present…a new PC. Then I had to buy updated software, as most of what I had wouldn’t run on this new one. Then I had to buy a new printer (got a deal there!) because my old one wasn’t supported for Windows 7. But I think I’ve got everything up and running and working now. Been a project, I can tell ya!
josef
November 8th, 2012
4:35 pm
JHM
And you can speak for yourself, but you gotta admit, calling me and you “alter egos” IS funny…