Hope your holiday was better than Grover Norquist’s
Grover Norquist may be feeling a mite grumpy this morning.
Noting that he had signed Grover Norquist’s no-new-taxes pledge some 20 years ago, U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss said last week that “times have changed significantly.”
“I care more about my country than I do about a 20-year-old pledge,” Chambliss said in a phone interview with WMAZ in Macon. “And I care about the country that we leave our children and grandchildren. If we do it (Norquist’s) way then we’ll continue in debt and I just have a disagreement with him about that.”
“I’m willing to do the right thing and let the political consequences take care of themselves,” Chambliss said. “If we get this country back on track, that’s the most important thing and the politics will follow that.”
On Sunday, U.S. Rep. Peter King, a Republican from New York, joined the bandwagon, appearing on “Meet the Press” to say that “I agree entirely with Saxby Chambliss.”
“A pledge you signed 20 years ago, 18 years ago, is for that Congress. For instance, if I were in Congress in 1941, I would have signed a declaration of war against Japan. I’m not going to attack Japan today. The world has changed. And the economic situation is different. Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill realized that in the 1980s. I think everything should be on the table. I myself am opposed to tax increases. The fact is that speaker and the majority leader and the president are going to be in a room, trying to find the best package. I’m not going to prejudge it. And I’m just saying we should not be taking ironclad positions.”
And on ABC’s “This Week,” U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, Republican from South Carolina, joined the chorus. In doing so, he brushed aside a veiled threat from Norquist, who had argued that Graham would not dare to vote to raise taxes because he “liked being a senator.”
“I love being a senator, and I want to be a senator that matters for the state of South Carolina and the country. When you’re $16 trillion in debt, the only pledge we should be making to each other is to avoid becoming Greece, and Republicans — Republicans should put revenue on the table. We’re this far in debt. We don’t generate enough revenue. Capping deductions will help generate revenue. Raising tax rates will hurt job creation.
So I agree with Grover, we shouldn’t raise rates, but I think Grover is wrong when it comes to we can’t cap deductions and buy down debt. What do you do with the money? I want to buy down debt and cut rates to create jobs, but I will violate the pledge, long story short, for the good of the country, only if Democrats will do entitlement reform.
Graham, like Chambliss, is up for re-election in 2014, meaning that both men are risking primary challenges by taking such a position. But every Republican who publicly repudiates Norquist weakens the man’s grip on their party and their vote, and that’s long, long overdue.
– Jay Bookman
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
451 comments Add your comment
St Simons - aboriginal BOOTAKOOK 2014
November 26th, 2012
9:44 am
If you want to cut, start with the Military Industrial Complex. or stfu.
not servicemen & veterans benefits, cons – the MIC.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 26th, 2012
9:44 am
williebkind — “Liberals’ vile disgusting behaviors favor no imposition on sexual behaviors that promote diseases and needless pregnancies.”
Dude, nobody cares what kind of pr0n you like.
Corbin Sharpe. I think, therefore I am...I think.
November 26th, 2012
9:44 am
The only thing I’m going to say about this other than the signers of the petition should receive some king of punishment for subverting their oath to the Constitution and we, the people is this…
My father (a Military Lifer and Republican) told me once that while he didn’t like paying taxes, he felt it was his patriotic duty to do so. He likened it to being drafted. You didn’t want to go, but you just had to. Your country called. I am an American, so I will pay what my country requires of me.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
November 26th, 2012
9:45 am
Remember this one?
“Read my lips …….. no new taxes”!
And what happened after?
Just sayin’
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
November 26th, 2012
9:45 am
I have always believed that you were better than to wish someone dead. That’s pretty low.
Awwwww didums, are you all butt-hurty that Norquist’s own words are used against him?
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
9:46 am
Brocephus – 9:43 – THANK YOU FOR NOTICING!!!
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
9:47 am
“I have always believed that you were better than to wish someone dead. That’s pretty low.”
wow.
do you just not get that was Norquist’s quote???
Mr Right
November 26th, 2012
9:48 am
USinUK – not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
9:36 am
“Yea, both the libs and the Republicans spend to much, just struck me funny you said libs pay for what they spend!”
sorry, weasel words boy … but, the point isn’t the spending – the point is PAYING FOR IT …
for decades, the GOP has called Dems the party of tax and spend – because we PAY for what we spend. the GOP is the party of tax and borrow.
This is insane, after the the last four years you can’t be serious! Why is the debt skyrocketing if they are paying for what they spend?
The other half of your brain.
November 26th, 2012
9:48 am
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
November 26th, 2012
9:45 am
I have always believed that you were better than to wish someone dead. That’s pretty low.
Awwwww didums, are you all butt-hurty that Norquist’s own words are used against him?
No, That you were so stupid to wish someone dead. Are you a pervert or do you just like Butts?
Steve
November 26th, 2012
9:48 am
Do you folks realize that the two Bush wars will ultimately cost tax payers THREE TRILLION DOLLARS? Add to that the tax cuts on the wealthy and I’m sorry folks, we have a REVENUE problem.
Aquagirl
November 26th, 2012
9:48 am
Dude, nobody cares what kind of pr0n you like.
Sounds like somebody’s cranky, maybe he needs a little more vile, disgusting behavior in his life.
Recon 0311 2533
November 26th, 2012
9:48 am
This discontinue Bush era tax cuts for those earning more than 250K a year and have them pay their fair share mantra is purely symbolic. It accomplishes essentially nothing economically and is only politically motivated to give the far left a false victory. If the Democrat leadership really believed revenue increases were the solution they would be calling for discontinuing Bush era tax rates for everyone and expanding the tax paying base.
bigbill
November 26th, 2012
9:48 am
We are being set up here. You can see it coming a mile away. These Republicans who now question Grover Norquist’s anti-tax increase pledge which they signed will appear to be doing what everyone agrees can only be the wise, rational, and thoughtful course to take. But what’s really going on with all of them, President Obama included, is that they are using all this as a ruse to go after deep cuts in Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. That’s what they all want. Republicans have advocated for the dissolution of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid from the beginning. They, and sadly, many Democrats, want these programs greatly reduced and/or eliminated. They will agree to some small increase in taxes on the rich but the rest of us, the seniors, the poor, the middle class) will take the hit on this. We have to because, after all, these Republicans are now being so reasonable, and President Obama, the conciliator, will have to go along with them. We will probably learn later that Grover Norquist is in on it. He hates these programs, too!
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
November 26th, 2012
9:49 am
No, That you were so stupid to wish someone dead.
There’s your sign.
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
9:50 am
“Why is the debt skyrocketing if they are paying for what they spend?”
because the GOP is blocked any opportunity to raise revenues
N-GA
November 26th, 2012
9:50 am
Change the FIT rates to the same rates in force during the Eisenhower administration…you know, the good times when only one parent worked and everything was wonderful. The economy was booming and we had at least 4 US automobile manufacturers, one (real) telephone company, 3 TV channels and regulated airlines that didn’t charge for standard luggage. My Little Margie, Ed Sullivan, The Untouchables, Jack Paar, Beat The Clock, Burns and Allen….you get the picture.
Corbin Sharpe. I think, therefore I am...I think.
November 26th, 2012
9:51 am
Before I get bact to work, here’s a little something that will be an eye opener for some of y’all…
http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2012/11/21/15343715-your-helpful-thanksgiving-charts-about-the-deficit?lite
Joe Hussein Mama
November 26th, 2012
9:51 am
Aquagirl — “maybe he needs a little more vile, disgusting behavior in his life.”
I can’t speak for others, but it’s always done me a world of good.
I recommend this program if you’ve got Showtime on cable or satellite:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave%27s_Old_Porn
ad
November 26th, 2012
9:54 am
During the election, I kept hearing a lot of complaining about how much we were spending on food stamps. Raising the tax rate on those making over $250K would cover what we spend on food stamps. So, make up your minds – is it a trivial amount or not? I say go for it.
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
9:54 am
oh, FFS … for the numpties among us:
“Our goal is to shrink government to the size where we can drown it in a bathtub.” – Grover Norquist.
there. THAT make things any clearer for you???
Tap Out
November 26th, 2012
9:55 am
As a middle class voter…the gop has done nothing to earn my vote.
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
9:56 am
“As a middle class voter…the gop has done nothing to earn my vote.”
as a woman, the GOP has done plenty to earn my ire and contempt.
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
9:57 am
(although, to be grammatically correct, that should be “my opinion as a woman is that the GOP has done plenty to earn my ire and contempt” … the first way was a misplaced modifier, as if the GOP was a woman.)
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
November 26th, 2012
9:58 am
USNUK
Here’s something you may want to ponder…BO’s contribution to the deficit can be argued at about 40%…many, many flaws in what the DEMS have peddled and the sheep promote.. (12-17% if you don’t include the flawed treasury departments absurd over estimates of growth and revenues)..remember, he extended Bush cuts, increased funding for Medicare D, increased troop levels in Afghanistan, lest we forget the stimulus debacle…)
http://www.factcheck.org/2012/09/obamas-deficit-dodge/
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/sep/27/barack-obama/barack-obama-says-hes-responsible-just-10-percent-/
barking frog
November 26th, 2012
9:58 am
None of this rhetoric from either side will cure a crisis that doesn’t exist.
Small adjustments in the tax code will fix Medicare and SS and ceasing
war will adjust the budget. No one else on the face of the earth sees the
US economy in a crisis and the Grandchildren are doing fine. I agree with
bigbill beware of wolves in sheeps clothing.
Fred ™
November 26th, 2012
9:58 am
Mr Right
November 26th, 2012
9:48 am
This is insane, after the the last four years you can’t be serious! Why is the debt skyrocketing if they are paying for what they spend?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Are you really this brain dead and talk radio indoctrinated to the point you have last all ability for rational thought that you would make a post like the one above?
The last four years have been spent paying for the 2 wars and a drug benefit that teh Republicans put on a credit card and never paid for pal. The last four years have been spent on paying for the inept fiscal policies that lead to a complete collapse of our economy pal.
Get over it. America showed on election day that there are fewer and fewer of you FOXBOTS, so quit coming on here with your talk radio/FOXBOT lies. No one buys them except for you remaining hard headed sheeple.
TaxPayer
November 26th, 2012
9:58 am
Stevie Ray,
The Dems are not the ones shirking responsibility for paying off their debt. That is the Republicans. They are the ones responsible for the tax cuts and wars and drug company benefits, etc., that were not paid for with actual tax revenues. Their grand plan was to pay for all these things by cutting taxes and assuming a growth in the tax base–an assumption that has been proven wrong. Now Republicans are trying to point the finger at the Dems and claim that it is spending that is the problem and even worse, they want cuts in social security to help pay for their tax cuts for the wealthiest. I say, what part of NO do you not understand. Payroll taxes are not a revenue stream intended for use by Republicans to fund their backer’s tax cuts. PERIOD.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 26th, 2012
9:59 am
T. Out — “As a middle class voter…the gop has done nothing to earn my vote.”
And that’s it in a nutshell.
The GOP didn’t *earn* the votes needed to win — but the GOP thought it *deserved* them.
Get your head in the game, conservatives, or else keep losing.
Mr Right
November 26th, 2012
9:59 am
Why is the debt skyrocketing if they are paying for what they spend?”
because the GOP is blocked any opportunity to raise revenues
Spoken like a true lib! Libs always seem to think they can spend like the yazoo and just raise taxes to pay for it ! Hey, hve a good day, got to get to work!
Thomas
November 26th, 2012
9:59 am
It would be nice that our Reps pledge allegiance to the flag, country, and All those folks that they represent v. a pledge to an individual and his ideals.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
November 26th, 2012
10:00 am
This discontinue Bush era tax cuts for those earning more than 250K a year and have them pay their fair share mantra is purely symbolic. It accomplishes essentially nothing economically and is only politically motivated to give the far left a false victory
Nope….wrong again as usual. It would raise $829 billion over 10 years according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.
Old Goober
November 26th, 2012
10:01 am
Why doesn’t any politician acknowledge that the Laffer effect doesn’t work—that the sheer cost in federal revenue is greater than the increased revenues stemming from any increase in employment attributable to tax cuts? Why, after more than 30 years, are we still being sucked in by this humbug about tax cuts paying for themselves?
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
November 26th, 2012
10:01 am
Deficit?
Which brings us to the economic level. The deficits that Bush ran up in the years in which the country was teetering on the verge of a serious recession had the beneficial effect of righting the economy. In that sense, deficits not only didn’t matter, but were a force for economic good.
Translation: IOKIYAR
Fred ™
November 26th, 2012
10:01 am
USinUK – not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
9:56 am
“As a middle class voter…the gop has done nothing to earn my vote.”
as a woman, the GOP has done plenty to earn my ire and contempt.
+++++++++++++++++
Yeah but you are a far left wing radical feminazi………..
I never did make your ciabatta although I borrowed my neighbors mixer. i just ran out of time. I swear I’m gonna do it one day though. Don’t know if you saw, but my 10 year old daughter made her first pumpkin pies, from scratch, crust AND pie filling (I cut and seeded the pumpkins though). I am so proud.
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
November 26th, 2012
10:02 am
Steve
November 26th, 2012
9:48 am
Why did BO increase spending on Medicare D, increase spending on war, and extended bush tax cuts?
Oscar
November 26th, 2012
10:02 am
USinUK – Hate for your grammer not to be correct. How is your grammer doing, I hope she is ok. Mine is retired and in St. Pete. Just past the golden gates.
williebkind
November 26th, 2012
10:03 am
“Once again, williebkind shows that he has a thinking problem”
Does my thinking interfere with your progressive liberal myths?
Offshore account here I come, residency to follow
November 26th, 2012
10:03 am
It was such a pleasure completing my offshore account application over the weekend. Speaking of Thanksgiving, what a way to be thankful that we still have the freedom to keep what we “earned” not income provided by the “government”.
The chances I took in biz over the years have paid and not interested in getting tax screwed! What every smart business person should do!
Aquagirl
November 26th, 2012
10:04 am
there. THAT make things any clearer for you???
Maybe a crayon picture would help. Gotta adjust your message to the receiver.
Brosephus™
November 26th, 2012
10:04 am
Here’s something you may want to ponder…BO’s contribution to the deficit can be argued at about 40%
How about this… The current Congress is likely responsible for about 90% of the deficit AND Debt that we’ve seen over the past 12 years. How many people are still in DC who voted for Bush’s original cuts??? That means they have been in office since 2000, and have not done a damn thing to control debt in 12 years. What makes them any less responsible for that than Obama? Obama’s only been president for 4 years.
Cosby
November 26th, 2012
10:04 am
Spend Spend Spend Tax Tax Tax….reform the tax code…all a big damn joke..I sign a pledge but i lied..thriow all of them out as they have no clue how to run a budget…yea Jay, laugh and tax…but unless the idiots in congress get the spending under control, this country is headed the way of greece…but you like that…reform the tax code…Fair Tax…that takes the political process out of taxes…tax the rich…they will put thier money elsewhere…or in entities that do not pay taxes…see the Hienz foundations enjoyed by Kerry….this is a total joke
Oscar
November 26th, 2012
10:05 am
Fred – I miss those home made pumkin pies made from scratch. Have not have one in fifteen or twenty years.
N-GA
November 26th, 2012
10:06 am
Fair Tax? I guess that’s kinda like Down’s Syndrome is fair, or Cerebral Palsy, or being born in Somalia, or……..
Fred ™
November 26th, 2012
10:06 am
Offshore account here I come, residency to follow
November 26th, 2012
10:03 am
It was such a pleasure completing my offshore account application over the weekend. Speaking of Thanksgiving, what a way to be thankful that we still have the freedom to keep what we “earned” not income provided by the “government”.
The chances I took in biz over the years have paid and not interested in getting tax screwed! What every smart business person should do!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Leave. Renounce your citizenship and take your traitorous ass out of here and don’t come back. I’ll help you pack. Let the Chinese military protect you. Get an Iranian passport. Now ythat you have sucked America dry while using all the benefits this Country has to offer you want to cut and run without paying for it. i for one say , just go and don’t come back.
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
November 26th, 2012
10:07 am
Keep Up the Good Fight!
November 26th, 2012
10:00 am
Lets put that $82 billion a year against $1+ trillion annual deficit…needed but trivial wouldn’t you agree? Are you assuming over 10 years (the CBO’s track record on 10 year estimates is utter failure) we will really cut any spending?
So that’s 6-8% of annual deficit..if we take CBO’s track record of over estimating revenue over 10 years, it turned out to be a negative swing of 11 trillion..
Estimates over 10 years are about as credible as Norquist’s reputation going forward..
RB from Gwinnett
November 26th, 2012
10:07 am
Steve, “The wealthy with their tax loopholes and their lower tax rates. ”
Steve, are you aware of any tax laws that only apply to wealthy people? Please share if you do. And what exactly do you mean by “lower tax rates”? Do you consider 35% low?
Fred ™
November 26th, 2012
10:07 am
Well Oscar, I still have some. You want a slice? You can’t live more than a mile from me I swear lol.
St Simons - aboriginal BOOTAKOOK 2014
November 26th, 2012
10:07 am
you really want to put this pig and his followers out of their/our misery?
Barack, my man, walk in the WH, shut the door, lock it, pull down
the shades and don’t come out til Jan 2nd.
Then deal from strength. Its the only thing pigs understand.
Announcing you will ‘veto ANY bill that does not have tax increases
for the wealthiest americans’ – that will have a different ‘flavor’ after Jan 2
rather than before.
Do it. Trust me.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
November 26th, 2012
10:07 am
Fair Tax…that takes the political process out of taxes…
A piece of crap bill that can’t even get out of committee.
And if it ever did, the lobbyists would make sure that the only item not exempt is red plastic Slinkies.
barking frog
November 26th, 2012
10:07 am
The people who keep comparing the US to Greece don’t
seem to know anything about either one.
Brosephus™
November 26th, 2012
10:07 am
This discontinue Bush era tax cuts for those earning more than 250K a year and have them pay their fair share mantra is purely symbolic. It accomplishes essentially nothing economically and is only politically motivated to give the far left a false victory.
Is that any more symbolic than fresing the pay of federal workers and changing retirement plans to the tune of $75B worth of debt reduction over 10 years? I don’t have the exact numbers, but I’m more than certain that ending the tax cuts for incomes over $250k or even $500k will do more to control debt than taking money out of my family’s bank account. I thought the GOP was trying to protect the middle class? I guess I must not be middle class enough for them to help me.
Brosephus™
November 26th, 2012
10:09 am
Does my thinking interfere with your progressive liberal myths?
Did you stop beating your wife?
Welcome to the Occupation
November 26th, 2012
10:09 am
How about a post on this, Jay?
http://news.yahoo.com/sen-dick-durbin-medicare-medicaid-fair-game-talks-174347626–abc-news-politics.html
Sen. Dick Durbin: Medicare, Medicaid Fair Game in Talks to Avoid Fiscal Cliff
Sen. Dick Durbin said today that his Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate should be willing to address entitlement programs like Medicare and Medicaid in deficit reduction negotiations.
“From my side of the table, bring entitlement reform into the conversation,” Durbin said on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos.” “Social Security – set aside … doesn’t add to the deficit. But when it comes to Medicare and Medicaid, protect the integrity of the program, but give it solvency for more and more years.”
But Durbin ruled out raising the age of Medicare eligibility as a potential reform.
“We’ve got to make sure that there is seamless coverage of affordable health insurance for every American,” Durbin said. “My concern about raising that Medicare retirement age is there will be gaps in coverage or coverage that’s way too expensive for seniors to purchase.”
Durbin added that Republicans should do more than open the door to eliminating deductions, which he said would not raise enough revenue to bring down the deficit.
DawgDad
November 26th, 2012
10:09 am
No surprise, RINOs will be RINOs. The Federal Government doesn’t have the funds to pay for the giveaway programs and pay off Friends of Obama and Reid, which means the RINO Senators are left holding an empty bag unless they play along for table scraps. These egos are far too big to champion for four more years without reward (power) the conservative values of the people who sent them there.
Oscar
November 26th, 2012
10:09 am
I just hope congress and the President can work something out that is reasonable, that will reduce the deficit and not push us back into a resession.
But not counting on it. Although at least most congressmen now admit something needs to be done. That’s an improvement.
Still have not heard anyone from the GOP agree to reduce defense spending.
Anything that does not include reduction in defense is not going to be good enough to help.
Aquagirl
November 26th, 2012
10:09 am
Steve, are you aware of any tax laws that only apply to wealthy people?
Oh lordy, not another round of “poor people can deduct their Olympic dancing horsies too!”
Joe Hussein Mama
November 26th, 2012
10:10 am
O. Account — “The chances I took in biz over the years have paid and not interested in getting tax screwed! What every smart business person should do!”
I look forward to your dismay when you endure the Exit Tax and every asset you own gets a nice, juicy bite taken out of it before you’re allowed to leave.
Be sure to take a towel with you so your ragged azz doesn’t bleed on the seat on your flight out.
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
10:10 am
Oscar – 10:02 –
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
November 26th, 2012
10:10 am
Brosephus™
November 26th, 2012
10:04 am
If you can point out where in my posting(s) I suggested that BO is more responsible than Bush I will send you some cash…my point is that all this blaming on Bush will only go so far and that is dwindling…Sure increased taxes on the wealthy will address 6-8% of problem….where is the rest coming from? BO has done nothing to reduce Bush costs hangover and has in fact increased those across the board.. wait til we all witness the trillions of debt HC will cost tax payers..he may be same target after 2016 than Bush..
Fred ™
November 26th, 2012
10:11 am
RB from Gwinnett
November 26th, 2012
10:07 am
Steve, “The wealthy with their tax loopholes and their lower tax rates. ”
Steve, are you aware of any tax laws that only apply to wealthy people? Please share if you do. And what exactly do you mean by “lower tax rates”? Do you consider 35% low?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There are many loopholes that apply only to folks rich enough to have them RB and you either know itr and are lying like your talk radio gods, or are really simple minded.
As to 35%? My effective tax rate last year was 9% what was yours? Let me tell you how to figure it out. you take the amount of money you MADE last year (gross income) and then divide it by the amount of money you paid in income tax. Notice I said GROSS income, not ADJUSTED income.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
November 26th, 2012
10:12 am
Stevie, yep…you’re still preaching inaction and nonsense, son. Your defense is worthless and repeatedly discredited. You can go do the research yourself if you turn off Fox. Now let the adults work on the problem and start addressing the entire deficit issue.
N-GA (on the winning side 2 federal elections in a row!)
November 26th, 2012
10:12 am
For those of you who want to be reminded what the FIT rates were during the Eisenhower administration, follow this link and scroll down do about 1958: http://taxfoundation.org/article/us-federal-individual-income-tax-rates-history-1913-2011-nominal-and-inflation-adjusted-brackets
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
10:12 am
Fred – “Yeah but you are a far left wing radical feminazi”
HA!! that’s me!! in a nutshell
I made another batch of ciabatta this weekend – we need to skype so you can experience it second-hand
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
10:13 am
“Oh lordy, not another round of “poor people can deduct their Olympic dancing horsies too!””
and and they can dock their yacht in the Cayman Islands … like Mittens.
Brosephus™
November 26th, 2012
10:14 am
If you can point out where in my posting(s) I suggested that BO is more responsible than Bush I will send you some cash…my point is that all this blaming on Bush will only go so far and that is dwindling
I don’t want your cash. MY point is that, blaming Bush or Obama completely misses the point. They only sign what Congress passes. The primary blame for all this sh*t should be on Congress, but for some reason, that idea floats right over the head of simple-minded America.
Congress has a piss poor approval rating for a reason. THEY are the source of the problems, not Bush and not Obama. Yet, they get re-elected almost 9 times out of 10. If you’re gonna blame somebody, then blame Congress. Whining about Obama or Bush simply makes you look like a partisaned idiot. That’s my opinion, but you may see otherwise.
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
10:15 am
“Here’s something you may want to ponder…BO’s contribution to the deficit can be argued at about 40%
How about this… The current Congress is likely responsible for about 90% of the deficit AND Debt that we’ve seen over the past 12 years. ”
exactly – since the GOP congress held bills hostage – particularly the extension of the Bush tax cuts.
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
November 26th, 2012
10:15 am
Aquagirl
November 26th, 2012
10:09 am
So what do you propose we do with the other 90+% of deficit problem after the tax increase on those making over $250K?
Any cuts are only as credible as they are actually carried out and more importantly, based on CBO revenue estimates that are always politically overstated…by no small amount..
You really think the DEMs will cut anything meaningful that would cost them left fringe fantasy land votes in 2016 and sooner?
Fred ™
November 26th, 2012
10:16 am
Alright St. Simons, i surrender. What is a “BOOTAKOOK.” Here is the result i get when I google it:
https://www.google.com/search?q=BOOTAKOOK+&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
The results for aboriginal BOOTAKOOK while similar, are even shorter:
https://www.google.com/search?q=aboriginal+BOOTAKOOK+&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
barking frog
November 26th, 2012
10:16 am
As Republicans see their ship sinking more rats will be tossed over the side.
Norquist will be in the early group being tossed.
sheepdawg
November 26th, 2012
10:17 am
grover is dying away with the rest of the old, racist, easy to anger, white dudes that have run our government for far too long. good riddence
DawgDad
November 26th, 2012
10:17 am
N-GA: What is your point? Are you advocating a return to the Eisenhower years, undoing Civil Rights legislation, “The Great Society”, Medicare and Medicaid, etc. etc.? Nuclear re-armament? Or are you just cherry picking the political realities of the time that appeal to you, without considering the context?
indigo
November 26th, 2012
10:17 am
None of these Republican politicians have bothered to answer the most obvious questions.
Why did you sign a politicaly binding pledge from someone who is not from your State or district? Is this man more important than your constituents?
Inquiring minds would really love an answer on this.
RB from Gwinnett
November 26th, 2012
10:18 am
“Oh lordy, not another round of “poor people can deduct their Olympic dancing horsies too!””
And you people actually want this ^^^^^ idiot voting? What is wrong with you? Would you let a 5 year old control your finances too?
appleseed
November 26th, 2012
10:18 am
Having crow for Thanksgiving could be deserving for some of the Republican,”My way no way”crowd.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 26th, 2012
10:19 am
DawgDad — “N-GA: What is your point? Are you advocating a return to the Eisenhower years, undoing Civil Rights legislation, “The Great Society”, Medicare and Medicaid, etc. etc.? Nuclear re-armament?”
Well, we could go back to the Kennedy days. The top rate was still 91% then, too.
Plus, I don’t think any Republicans were calling JFK a wussy when it came to facing down the Soviet Union.
Oh, yeah, plus he did Marilyn Monroe. So NYAH. :p
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
10:19 am
“And you people actually want this ^^^^^ idiot voting?”
what has she said that’s incorrect?? you’re going to call her an idiot, then back it up.
tireofit
November 26th, 2012
10:19 am
It is time for major reductions (50%) to the DOD entitlements and a return to the tax rates under the great Ronald Reagan.
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
November 26th, 2012
10:19 am
BRO/USNUK
I hear you about Congress and agree, however the lack of BO’s ability to be a leader and figure out a means to “bring compromise back to DC” as promised in 2008 is a core issue. You can rant on about the GOP leading BO by the nose but BO actually set the tenor of that issue, making it clear that “he won” not considering GOP proposals..arrogance trumps reasonableness on both sides..
Congress is dysfunctional like the rest of DC…until the private money is removed, all this arguing over red v blue is arguably irrelevant…campaign cash is 100 times more important than doing right by us..
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
10:21 am
“the lack of BO’s ability to be a leader and figure out a means to “bring compromise back to DC””
um, extending the tax cuts WAS the compromise.
ever see Charlie Brown, Lucy and the football?
Lucy has been played by the GOP for the last 30 years – every time we compromise and give in to their demands, they pull the football away.
DawgDad
November 26th, 2012
10:21 am
JHM: I was there (alive and kicking) in the Kennedy years, and I really don’t think you’d find them all that appealing. If you think otherwise, study some history.
Fred ™
November 26th, 2012
10:22 am
A couple of points: The BUSH TAX CUTS became the OBAMA TAX CUTS when President Obama extended them.
EVERYTHING needs a slice out of it. Military, entitlements, ect…… Any bill that doesn’t take a bite out of everything is worthless.
Taxes need to be raised. Tie the raise to spending cuts. For every X billions of REAL spending cuts, the taxes can be raise X/10th of a percent. Tit for tat.
I like St. Simon’s closed door policy until after the inauguration. It will never happen but a feller can dream.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
November 26th, 2012
10:22 am
…left fringe fantasy land votes…
There’s your sign.
Morality?
November 26th, 2012
10:23 am
Jay – Still willing to bet my house against yours – in writing – that the Fed Debt will not be ONE CENT less at the end of Obama’s term than it is today. Obama is all TALK.
Steve
November 26th, 2012
10:23 am
Good points – Congress and their actions or lack thereof affects the economy, not the President (only slightly). Yet you people keep voting in these same GOP idiots…
Brosephus™
November 26th, 2012
10:23 am
however the lack of BO’s ability to be a leader and figure out a means to “bring compromise back to DC” as promised in 2008 is a core issue.
Contrary to your belief, Obama is not the “leader” of Congress, and unless you want a dictatorship, you shouldn’t expect him to be one. He is the leader of the Executive Branch, and that is where he should have his focus. Congress has it’s own leadership, and they should not have to have outside help at doing their job.
zeke
November 26th, 2012
10:24 am
Graham will continue his move to the center until he is booted next election! It matters not if it is Grover, Mitt, Rubio, Ryan or whoever! Those who have the Country and the future of it and the citizens WILL BE AGAINST MORE TAXES FOR MYRIAD SOCIALIST AGENDA PROGRAMS! Those programs rob everyone in the long run! SPENDING NOT REVENUE IS THE PROBLEM! And, with Social Security headed to bankruptcy, the absolute stupidity of temporarily reducing the tax by 2%, hastening that default shows how utterly stupid those in government are! A better solution would have been a temporary 2% reduction in income tax rates! If taxes are to rise, FIRST THERE HAS TO BE A FIRM REDUCTION IN SPENDING FOR ALL PROGRAMS BUT DEFENSE SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE! Because every working person, AND, their employer has been force to pay a tax for Social Security since the 30’s, and, Medicare since the 60’s, THESE ARE NOT ENTITLEMENTS! But MEDICAID, FOOD STAMPS, WIC, ADC, EBT, SUBSIDIZED HOUSING PHONE AND INTERNET, ARE!!!!! IT IS THOSE PROGRAMS THAT MUST BE REDUCED, NOT JUST A REDUCTION IN THE INCREASES!
Joe Hussein Mama
November 26th, 2012
10:24 am
USinUK — “what has she said that’s incorrect?? you’re going to call her an idiot, then back it up.”
That’s all it takes for RB to call someone an idiot — that he disagrees with what they said, or that he disagrees with what he *imagines* they said. RB makes a lot of leaps of illogic, then demands that you explain what HE thinks you meant in terms that HE agrees with. He must have been a real hit in high school.
Don’t bother engaging him in conversation; talking to him is like your GPS navigating you through a dead-end alley. There’s only one way things can possibly turn out.
williebkind
November 26th, 2012
10:25 am
” I thought the GOP was trying to protect the middle class?”
If you are a federal employee we dont want more taxes we want to end your job. You just dont get it do you?
Brosephus™
November 26th, 2012
10:25 am
A couple of points: The BUSH TAX CUTS became the OBAMA TAX CUTS when President Obama extended them.
I disagree. Obama did not cut anything. Call them the Obama Tax Extensions, and I’ll agree.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 26th, 2012
10:26 am
DawgDad — “JHM: I was there (alive and kicking) in the Kennedy years, and I really don’t think you’d find them all that appealing.”
So was I, and don’t be so presumptuous.
“If you think otherwise, study some history.”
Oh! Oh! The just-read-something-and-you’ll-automatically-agree-with-me gambit. Never heard THAT on the internet before!
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
10:26 am
JHM – can’t help it – whether it’s RB or Jm, whenever they spew BS, I’m calling them on it.
including this case.
he’s going to call her an idiot – then tell me what she said was wrong.
Fred ™
November 26th, 2012
10:26 am
RB from Gwinnett
November 26th, 2012
10:18 am
“Oh lordy, not another round of “poor people can deduct their Olympic dancing horsies too!””
And you people actually want this ^^^^^ idiot voting? What is wrong with you? Would you let a 5 year old control your finances too?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
What’s wrong? Are you pretending you don’t understand his sarcasm at your ignorant post?
Road Scholar
November 26th, 2012
10:27 am
How about this: If Congress can not come to an agreement that includes compromise, we unelect ALL in office the first time they are up for reelection? Now that is regardless of where you stand on issues. Theses elected officials are suppose to know how to stimulate our economy, and how to “balance a checkbook”. Why keep any of them if they can not do the basics?
Tea partiers…this would be right down your rhetoric alley!
Finally, let’s go over to Zeke’s house. Maybe he will help the downtrodden?
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 26th, 2012
10:28 am
“If you are a federal employee we dont want more taxes we want to end your job. ”
excellent … where to you want to start?
the TSA?
air traffic controllers?
food safety?
coast guard?
testing the drugs you take?
???
do tell.
williebkind
November 26th, 2012
10:28 am
“Lucy has been played by the GOP for the last 30 years – every time we compromise and give in to their demands, they pull the football away.”
Now she is a comedian…liberals compromise only if the conservatives give up their beliefs and traditions.
liberal hack
November 26th, 2012
10:28 am
Again raising taxes on those making 250000 is nickles and dimes compared to all the spending and increased spending Obama and Democrats are proposing….I totally agree trying to pay for 2 wars was absolutely irresponsible, especially w/ no plan. And I think Democrats are made about part D is because they didn’t come up w/ the program. Besides, don’t you want old people on fixed incomes to get the medicine they need w/o starving themselves. Besides, I advocate an across the board, every, I do mean every program gets a 25% cut! Starting in 2013…but Democrats only want to raise taxes on the wealthy, raise corporate tax rates, cut oil subsidies and the military, everything else, we need to expand…….
N-GA (on the winning side 2 federal elections in a row!)
November 26th, 2012
10:28 am
Actually I am not really suggesting we return to the FIT rates of 1958. However I am trying to put into perspective today’s top FIT rate (35%). While I am confident most posters here can draw their own conclusions, at least let me suggest that wealthy Americans are paying taxes at the lowest rates of their lifetimes. In the meantime sales tax rates have tripled. The poorest among us spend virtually all of their income (much of that in sales taxes) while the rich spend a much smaller PROPORTION of their income. Instead they invest a lot of their income and get taxed on the gain at rates much lower than FIT.
Brosephus™
November 26th, 2012
10:30 am
If you are a federal employee we dont want more taxes we want to end your job. You just dont get it do you?
You don’t even know what my particular job function does. Then again, you don’t really know much anyway. I am very deeply entertwined into the GOP’s newest love interest, the Intelligence Industrial Complex. You’re more likely to win the Powerball drawing while having a threesome with Morgan Fairchild and Halle Berry in Air Force One while it’s getting struck by lightning than you will see my job go away.
RB from Gwinnett
November 26th, 2012
10:30 am
“There are many loopholes that apply only to folks rich enough to have them RB”
Fred, if there are many, you can surely post a few of them here for us. Please do or stay out of the discussion if you aren’t up for it. And I’ve posted my effective rate here before, Fred, but thanks for posting the instructions for calculating it for the other liberals here. They need some serious help with simple math.
Fred ™
November 26th, 2012
10:31 am
Morality?
November 26th, 2012
10:23 am
Jay – Still willing to bet my house against yours – in writing – that the Fed Debt will not be ONE CENT less at the end of Obama’s term than it is today. Obama is all TALK.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
So the bet is a double wide in Winder against a nice house in Decatur………………………………..