How sequestration will affect Ga. citizens, businesses
Because of required furloughs and spending reductions for TSA security agents, FAA air traffic controllers, customs agents and other personnel, flight delays of up to four hours are predicted at major airports such as Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
——————————–
On Friday, March 1, federal spending cuts forced by sequestration will be implemented. The total amount of spending to be cut — $85 billion — is somewhat small, but its impact is magnified by three specific provisions of the sequestration law:
1.) Major budgetary areas such as Social Security, interest on the debt, the Department of Veterans Affairs and military pay are off-limits to cuts. Cuts in Medicare reimbursement are limited to 2 percent. That concentrates spending reductions to remaining portions of the budget.
2.) By law, federal agencies that do face sequestration do not have the ability to pick and choose which programs will be cut or by how much. All cuts must be across the board, by meat cleaver rather than scalpel.
3.) The law requires savings in the current fiscal year, which began in October 2012. Because the required cuts are not being implemented until March, they must be backloaded into the final months of fiscal 2013, compounding the impact. As a result, non-defense discretionary spending will be cut by 9 percent for the remainder of the fiscal year; defense spending will be cut by 13 percent.
As a result of the provisions outlined above, the consequences of the sequestration are relatively simple to project. Here is a sampling of the impact on Georgia, as outlined by the Office of Management and Budget:
Teachers and Schools: Georgia will lose approximately $28.6 million in funding for primary and secondary education, putting around 390 teacher and aide jobs at risk. In addition about 54,000 fewer students would be served and approximately 80 fewer schools would receive funding.
– Education for Children with Disabilities: In addition, Georgia will lose approximately $17.5
million in funds for about 210 teachers, aides, and staff who help children with disabilities.
Military Readiness: In Georgia, approximately 37,000 civilian Department of Defense employees would be furloughed, reducing gross pay by around $190.1 million in total.
– Army: Base operation funding would be cut by about $233 million in Georgia.
– Air Force: Funding for Air Force operations in Georgia would be cut by about $5 million.
Vaccines for Children: In Georgia around 4,180 fewer children will receive vaccines for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, whooping cough, influenza, and Hepatitis B due to reduced funding for vaccinations of about $286,000.
———————————
Aviation is a major industry in Georgia. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport boasts the busiest airport in the world, and many businesses are located in the metro Atlanta region because of easy access to Hartsfield. However, spending cuts required by sequestration will greatly reduce the efficiency of the national system. As the OMB reports:
Aviation – At the major gateway airports, average wait times could increase by 30-50 percent. At the nation’s busiest airports, like Newark, JFK, LAX, and Chicago O’Hare, peak wait times could grow to over 4 hours or more.
Aviation security – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would reduce its front-line workforce, which would substantially increase passenger wait times at airport security checkpoints. TSA would need to initiate a hiring freeze for all transportation security officer positions in March, eliminate overtime and furlough its 50,000 officers for up to seven days.
Aviation safety – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would be forced to undergo a funding cut of more than $600 million. This action would force the FAA to undergo an immediate retrenchment of core functions by reducing operating costs and eliminating or reducing services to various segments of the flying community… The furlough of a large number of air traffic controllers and technicians would require a reduction in air traffic to a level that could be safely managed by the remaining staff, resulting in slower air traffic in major cities, as well as delays and disruptions across the country during the critical summer travel season.
—————————————-
Other impacts, also as reported by OMB:
Small business assistance – Small Business Administration (SBA) loan guarantees would be cut by up to approximately $900 million, constraining financing needed by small businesses to maintain and expand their operations and create jobs.
Oil and gas permitting – Development of oil and gas on Federal lands and waters would slow down, due to cuts in programs at the Department of the Interior (DOI) and other agencies that plan for new projects, conduct environmental reviews, issue permits and inspect operations. Leasing of new federal lands for future development would also be delayed, with fewer resources available for agencies to prepare for and conduct lease sales.
Veterans services – Although the Department of Veterans Affairs is exempt from sequestration, the Department of Labor’s Veterans Transition Assistance Program, which serves over 150,000 veterans a year, would have to reduce operations – leaving thousands of transitioning veterans unserved as they move from active duty to civilian life. The Jobs for Veterans State Grants Program would also experience cuts, translating into a reduction in the capacity to serve tens of thousands of veterans in their efforts to find civilian employment.
Title I education funds – Title I education funds would be eliminated for more than 2,700 schools, cutting support for nearly 1.2 million disadvantaged students. This funding reduction would put the jobs of approximately 10,000 teachers and aides at risk. Students would lose access to individual instruction, after-school programs, and other interventions that help close achievement gaps.
Senior meals – Federally assisted programs like Meals on Wheels would be able to serve 4 million fewer meals to seniors. These meals contribute to the overall health and well-being of participating seniors, including those with chronic illnesses that are affected by diet, such as diabetes and heart disease, and frail seniors who are homebound. The meals can account for 50 percent or more of daily food for the majority of participants.
Mental health and substance abuse services – Cuts to the Mental Health Block Grant program would result in over 373,000 seriously mentally ill adults and seriously emotionally disturbed children not receiving needed mental health services. This cut would likely lead to increased hospitalizations, involvement in the criminal justice system, and homelessness for these individuals. In addition, close to 8,900 homeless persons with serious mental illness would not get the vital outreach, treatment, housing, and support they need through the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) program.
FBI and other law enforcement – The FBI and other law enforcement entities would see a reduction in capacity equivalent to more than 1,000 federal agents. This loss of agents would significantly impact our ability to combat violent crime, pursue financial crimes, secure our borders, and protect national security.
Customs and border patrol – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would not be able to maintain current staffing levels of border patrol agents and CBP officers as mandated by Congress. CBP would have to reduce its work hours by the equivalent of over 5,000 border patrol agents and the equivalent of over 2,750 CBP officers.
– Jay Bookman
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1,346 comments Add your comment
stands for decibels
February 25th, 2013
10:48 am
Must be hitting a nerve.
that’s what nym-shifting sh-theads say when they’re cornered.
You want deflection? I’ll go there. Are you such a pansy that you’ll run away when the new blog software makes you re-register with a new ID? I think you are, and you will.
Rightwing Troll
February 25th, 2013
10:50 am
Because liberals aren’t willing to burn down their own house to get back at the GOP… they’re doing a fine job of destrying themselves.
Steve
February 25th, 2013
10:50 am
As much as you partisan hacks like to think otherwise, you are wrong – the GOP led House is going to get skewered for this. Look for more Dem gains in 2014.
Thomas HeywardJr
February 25th, 2013
10:51 am
From a great American————–
“Whenever any form of government proposes to decrease their expenses by less than one cent per dollar after 40 years of increased budgets………….and a sundrey of talking heads, politicians, pampleteers, journalist, and other moocher riff-raf…………..gnash their teeth and tear at the head and compare it to suicide by cop…….and verily………even invoke the ancient Greek Statesman DRACO to describe the penny……………….then ye shall certainly know………….as sure as the politician lies, the cold wind blows, and the TSA perve gropes………………………that ye’re society is surely doomed.”
.
Thomas Petty.
curious
February 25th, 2013
10:51 am
Obviously Obama miscalculated.
He never thought the Republicans would be this dumb. Wait until the Defense contracting community starts feeling the pain and that’s really the only part of Sequestration they’re upset about.
Stevie Ray
February 25th, 2013
10:52 am
Heres a good argument that our current debt, inclusive of off-balance sheet obligations is $31 trillion. Author does good job with caveats but as he concludes, these are not normal times…
Imagine if GOV acccounting is 10% off? We already know the DoD can’t be audited…I think, with the use of calculators, our GOV can count to a trillion. Accounting for a few trillion is another matter in its entirety.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/robert-samuelson-the-true-national-debt/2013/02/24/1a133c78-7eac-11e2-a350-49866afab584_story_1.html
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
February 25th, 2013
10:52 am
Are you such a pansy that you’ll run away when the new blog software makes you re-register with a new ID?
It has always been thus with towncrier. He has more sock-puppets than Shari Lewis.
RB from Gwinnett
February 25th, 2013
10:52 am
I see the liberals in Washington state have been willing to cross the line in the sand and actually propose a gun control bill that includes yearly home inspections for anybody who owns one of those scary “assault” weapons. The bill didn’t go very far, but it’s one of the first examples we see of liberals actually doing what their intent is, but have been unwilling to do for PR reasons.
How about the rest of you liberals. Any of you want to decry Washington state’s effort?
JamVet
February 25th, 2013
10:53 am
willie, another reason that you’re so angry?
Losing.
Being losers tends to crank up the cranky factor and you boys are on one helluva losing streak. No wonder you are SO cranky!
(But please, just keep losing…)
GT
February 25th, 2013
10:53 am
I see the smirk on Eric Cantor’s face as the train comes down the track. The protestor who laid his body under the bus and got run over. Hate it when that happens…
pete
February 25th, 2013
10:53 am
Still waiting on the outrage from the left and Bookman on this. I remember when it was $1.80, and the looney left, including Jay, wanted Bush impeached.
My oh my…how the times have changed. Or…is it still Bush’s fault?
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/gas-prices-set-record-high-for-month/nWYrL/
gadem also known as Benghazi
February 25th, 2013
10:53 am
Did someone say Benghazi?
Bemused Observer
February 25th, 2013
10:54 am
“Bemused, why won’t you thank the pres for the sequester and forcing cuts in spending?”
Yikes…using one of his ploys, the apostle is trying to force me into a cardboard logical box – trying to play “gotcha ball”.
I will thank Obama to stop lying. And I will stop thinking him a liar the day I see written proposals from him on how to deal with the impending entitlement spending tsunami with which we are about to get hit. Almost everyone with any economic sense is saying this is something that MUST be dealt with. And, after four years, I have yet to see in writing his plan for solving this crisis. Obama has said MANY things in the past that he has not followed. He is a liar.
Stevie Ray
February 25th, 2013
10:54 am
curious
February 25th, 2013
10:51 am
I say cut DoD 20% over time. Some eggs need to get broken…clearly we don’t need but a fraction of what we spend to protect our shores.
jconservative
February 25th, 2013
10:55 am
I think I understand this sequester thing.
1. It was Obama’s idea, so he should be happy.
2. Boehner said he got 98% of what he wanted, so he should be happy.
So why is everyone acting like they are unhappy?
Bemused Observer
February 25th, 2013
10:56 am
“It has always been thus with towncrier. He has more sock-puppets than Shari Lewis.”
ROFL. But you have more spam than a “doomsday prepper”. You have me there.
bookman parrot
February 25th, 2013
10:56 am
different subject… but hypocrite Jay, you would be screaming if gas was approximately $4.00 and Bush was in office… so break out of your hypocritical ways and get after BHO. I know you won’t, cause he da messiah
Keep Up the Good Fight!
February 25th, 2013
10:56 am
Two Step Approach to Hold President Obama Accountable, Boehner Power Point, July 31 2011: Sets up a new sequestration process to cut spending across-the-board—and ensure that any debt limit increase is met with greater spending cuts—IF Joint Committee fails to achieve at least $1.2T in deficit reduction.
But hey, under rightwing logic, Romneycare was Obama’s idea too!
That Black Guy
February 25th, 2013
10:57 am
Steve
February 25th, 2013
10:06 am
49-31, Americans will blame Republicans for the sequester
______________________________________
Are you saying that those who *DON’T* blame repubs, *AREN’T* Americans?
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
February 25th, 2013
10:57 am
You have me there.
I would not have you in a box, I would not have you with a fox.
stands for decibels
February 25th, 2013
10:58 am
I remember when it was $1.80, and the looney left, including Jay, wanted Bush impeached.
Cite, please.
Corbin Sharpe. I think, therefore I am...I think.
February 25th, 2013
11:00 am
STANDS,
You asked, “Are you such a pansy that you’ll run away when the new blog software makes you re-register with a new ID?”
In my case, the answer might be yes. I haven’t looked at what’s required, but if it means having to pick another blog name is required and you are not allowed to post “add-on’[s”, then there is no point for me. Too many people here have the same views I have and I rarely, if even, come up with some original thought, so my ploy was always light humor with my lol cats and such. There is too much division here between the right and left and it mostly depresses me to think that this blog may be the finger print of the rest of the country.
No, if the above restrictions are true, then I’m out.
JamVet
February 25th, 2013
11:00 am
BTW, who got their peepee whacked downstairs by Big Daddy?
(Lemme guess, his name starts with and F and ends with a d.)
Jefferson
February 25th, 2013
11:01 am
If gas is too high for you, buy less.
Paul
February 25th, 2013
11:01 am
Bemused. 1054
Deflect much?
Why won’t you thank Obama for the sequester and cutting spending?
Latrina
February 25th, 2013
11:01 am
Jay this Sequestration thing sounds apocalyptic, right up there with the Rapture. Do you suggest we stock up on bread and milk, buy guns ‘n ammo, that kind of thing? I just cannot get my head around the possibility of losing all those Federal programs. I mean…oil & gas permitting! OMG!
GT
February 25th, 2013
11:02 am
Pete let nationalize domestic oil! Take it out of the world market. The only one complaining would be Texas. Might change the politics in Texas a little, no money to the Republican Party less nuts in the Republican Party from Texas, sounds like a plan.
Brosephus™ - Desktop but still Multitasking
February 25th, 2013
11:02 am
EC @ 10:27
Thanks for treating them as people then. Not many do. I don’t know if a 4 hour wait will happen, but I’d say that early Monday morning might be a good time for it to happen in Atlanta. I can remember seeing the security line stretch from the check point, through the atrium, down to the MARTA station, snake through Delta’s baggage claim, go out the door, down the sidewalk and back around the taxi area. We used to have to drop time stamped cards to gauge the wait times. Days, like that, it was hard to find the end of the line.
I’m hoping we don’t see bad things happen because of this, but I don’t see any good. Taking dollars out of a consumption based economy is not good, and that’s all these cuts are doing.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
February 25th, 2013
11:03 am
Corbin
If no one has taken your current name already, it’s yours. As for add-ons, I think there is a limit to the # of letters, so you’ll have to be succinct.
Adam
February 25th, 2013
11:03 am
As usual, the attack on Obama for this one involves a cognitive dissonance.
I have seen people defend the need for exactly these cuts, and then turn around and “blame” Obama for the cuts – giving Obama FULL CREDIT FOR CUTS.
Then I have seen people, after I point this out, say they aren’t real cuts.
THEN I have seen, after I point out that even RedState.com calls them “real cuts,” someone actually argue that first Obama insisted on tax increases, got them, and now he wants to not do cuts, even though the cuts were “his idea” and “going to happen.” Add in the false notion that cuts never happen and revenues always do.
It’s a special display in political ideology.
For my part, I do know this was Obama’s idea, and I do know it’s going to hurt a lot of programs. But I also know that Republicans signed on, and yet are giving Obama full credit for the results, which in the end I believe will NOT be a second recession, will instead be a slower growth (but growth still), and then when Obama claims credit for reducing the deficit I fully expect the conservatives to come on every available blog and FB post and say the sequestration was all THEIR idea in the first place (probably also citing the President’s words where he tried to pass the idea off on Congress, and/or any number of people they call “liberal” claiming it isn’t all Obama’s, as a way to back up their point that it WASN’T Obama’s idea). Just watch.
Mr. Sock Puppet #1
February 25th, 2013
11:04 am
It has always been thus with towncrier. He has more sock-puppets than Shari Lewis.
Talk like that will get you taken care of like me and my tag team partner took care of the Four Puppetmen.
Thomas HeywardJr
February 25th, 2013
11:04 am
I read somewhere where the U.S. Department of Commerce Human Resources Operations Center (DOCHROC), located at the Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB).,.,Southeast Zone,…………. North-east Georgia Sector,……….. Buford Dam division will have to be CUT BACK to a skeleton crew……………………………………….ONLY 734 personnel.
.
This will threaton the purity and relationship to and of our Electricity.
pete
February 25th, 2013
11:04 am
OK ’sfd’…I will…again.
I remember when it was $1.80, and the looney left, including Jay, wanted Bush impeached.
Happy now?
Mr. Sock Puppet #2
February 25th, 2013
11:05 am
Yeah Kamchak, what cha gonna do when puppetmania runs wild on you!!!!
My bad, wrong catchphrase.
JamVet
February 25th, 2013
11:06 am
No, if the above restrictions are true, then I’m out.
I too will very likely join in the Montgomery Bus Boycott!
As the Dude from The Big Lebowski said, ” I do mind, the Dude minds. This will not stand, ya know, this aggression will not stand, man.”
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
February 25th, 2013
11:06 am
Talk like that will get you taken care of like me and my tag team partner took care of the Four Puppetmen.
Anyone have a gibberish to English dictionary?
curious
February 25th, 2013
11:07 am
bookman parrot
“different subject… but hypocrite Jay, you would be screaming if gas was approximately $4.00 and Bush was in office… so break out of your hypocritical ways and get after BHO. I know you won’t, cause he da messiah”
I seem to remember paying > $4/gallon in Georgia while Bush was in office.
stands for decibels
February 25th, 2013
11:07 am
Corbin @ 11.00, you can still post links to funny stuff, but it looks like people will have to copy/paste them into a browser’s address bar to see them, rather than having them clickable. I agree this is a bit silly, and I know that some of the folks who will bow out won’t be “pansies” but simply folks who don’t think it’s worth the hassle.
There is too much division here between the right and left and it mostly depresses me to think that this blog may be the finger print of the rest of the country.
dunno, but I suspect that this blog is representative of nothing more than the population of individuals who like to read Jay Bookman and comment on what he’s said, more or less. The left and right of this country aren’t nearly–I don’t think–as angry/unforgiving/nasty, collectively, as the regulars here. I suspect. That’s based on yet another small sample size, People I Know.
Paul
February 25th, 2013
11:07 am
Adam
Welcome to the club. It’s been going on all morning.
Brosephus™ - Desktop but still Multitasking
February 25th, 2013
11:07 am
Corbin
You can’t leave a brother hanging… Go ahead and secure your name before one of the @$$hats do it for their continued mastery of the puppetry arts.
Bemused Observer
February 25th, 2013
11:08 am
“You want deflection? I’ll go there. Are you such a pansy that you’ll run away when the new blog software makes you re-register with a new ID? I think you are, and you will.”
Not at all. I mostly use “personae” for satirical purposes. It is just so much more fun and effective to counter the unceasing idiocy of someone like our resident kamspammer using a moniker like “Upchuck” (because all this person seems to do is regurgitate the same mindless sayings). Or to respond to a silly reiteration of a liberal “talking point” with a “character” like “Liberal Lemming”, fully “agreeing” with the point and embellishing it with exaggerated and flawed liberal reasoning. Most people on this blog simply don’t either desire or have the ability to debate issues. I really don’t know if such a thing is possible here, given the toxic environment. All anyone really does here is “ding” one another. Jay sets the tone for it all by often saying inflammatory things or by simply refusing to criticize Democrats much at all or (conversely) credit Republicans.
RB from Gwinnett
February 25th, 2013
11:08 am
All this “doomsday scenario” garbage from the left wing media is complete BS. Here’s some perspective for you mental midgets that might make some sense to even the dimmest bulbs.
We all took a 2% cut in pay when our tax burden returned to it’s level of 2 years ago back in January, just as the federal government is required to do under this plan. For most of us, our mortgage/rent is the largest budget item in our homes and is one we cannot touch. Equate that to social security and medicare in the federal example.
What’s left? Can’t short the power bill, gas bill, water bill, garbage service, cable bill, phone bill, internet service, so lump those items in with SS/Medicare.
With those items being probably 90+% of most people’s budget, that 2% reduction in pay has to come from that 10% left over, or a 20% cut in every American’s “discretionary” spending. Yet, how many of them do you see playing this silly BS game like Bookman and the loony left?
And all the while, everybody’s healthcare went up a few percentage points and gas us going through the roof. If every working American has been able to figure this out, so can the dam government. Quit whining and trying to scare people, man up, and do the dam job.
Brosephus™ - Desktop but still Multitasking
February 25th, 2013
11:09 am
Anyone have a gibberish to English dictionary?
Yeah, that was me poking fun at the puppets.
UNCLE SAMANTHA
February 25th, 2013
11:10 am
OH THOSE WACKY HOLLYWWOD LIBERALS
=================================
THEY ACUTALLY BELIEVED THEY (HOLLYWOOD) RESCUED THE 6 AMERICANS FROM IRAN SO THEY REWARD THE MOVIE ARGO WITH THE OSCAR TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR GREATNESS……..
YET ZERO DARK THIRTY ONLY ‘IMPLIES’ THAT WATERBOARDING WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN OBTAINING INFORMATION TO HUNT DOWN BIN LADEN SO THEY BLACKLIST IT
FUNNY
GT
February 25th, 2013
11:10 am
Went to Little Rock last week, my ride parked right in front of the airport like the old days except they had parking meters. Saw him right out the window from the baggage pickup, like a bus station. The only way they slow down Little Rock is shut the airport down.
TaxPayer
February 25th, 2013
11:11 am
sequestration was Obama’s creation.
Run with that, cons. I think you guys can milk that one for a good four years. Or more.
bman.
February 25th, 2013
11:11 am
What’s wrong with you people? This deal will get done Thursday 11:59PM
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
February 25th, 2013
11:12 am
what cha gonna do when puppetmania runs wild on you!!!!
Is this bit of zeitgeist supposed to have some kind of meaning to me?
Steve
February 25th, 2013
11:12 am
Obama (Coco’s daddy) owns it.
JamVet
February 25th, 2013
11:13 am
parrot, you show ‘em! Go buy a gas guzzler!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke5Mr5eCF2U
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
February 25th, 2013
11:14 am
SoCo/Bro
OK.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
February 25th, 2013
11:14 am
Sequestration at passage:
98% Boehner
2% Obama
Sequestration now:
100% Obama. Now with no trans fat and all natural.
Carnival GOP Cruises:
50% less poop on deck
Erwin's cat
February 25th, 2013
11:14 am
Is this bit of zeitgeist supposed to have some kind of meaning to me?
Oh Yeah!…
TaxPayer
February 25th, 2013
11:14 am
Ohhhh! So the cons posting here actually got hit by the termination of that temporary payroll tax cut! So that’s why they’re so bitter. They should push their leaders to ask for a new payroll tax cut. I’m sure they’d go along with it.
Bemused Observer
February 25th, 2013
11:14 am
“Why won’t you thank Obama for the sequester and cutting spending?”
There is not much to be thankful for since it is a band-aid and solves next to nothing. I am glad for some cuts and would certainly thank Obama a little if he would now agree to allow discretionary cuts in the sequester (something I haven’t seen he’d agree with).
Now, please show me Obama’s plan in writing for dealing with the impending entitlement spending crisis – you know, the real “elephant in the living room”.
TBS: Posting on weekends so PD can cry on Monday
February 25th, 2013
11:15 am
Observer (TC)
Jay is a left leaning Op Ed writer. The AJC also employs a right leaning Op Ed writer. His name his Kyle Wingfield and his “opinions” lean to the right. Do you cry to him that his articles are too right leaning?
TiredOfIt
February 25th, 2013
11:15 am
williebkind
February 25th, 2013
9:37 am
“They have always been generally PO’d. Very angry, self-righteous and self-absorbed, completely intolerant and uncompromising, without compassion and mean-spirited. Much of the animus in the name of Jesus”
Once again the loquatious JAMVET devotes his efforts spewing more garbage and he should just stop and start to excogitate.
++
Actually he pretty much nailed the description of cons. Trying listening to 5 minutes (if you can) of your talk gods , it’s pretty obvious.
Steve
February 25th, 2013
11:16 am
Meet Coco…
http://www.ashtondrake.com/products/301770001_lifelike-baby-monkey-doll.html?homePromoSub2
Jimmy62
February 25th, 2013
11:18 am
All those cuts look reasonable. We spend too much money. We can’t correct that by refusing to cut anything that might actually affect something. But I think we’ll find the actual results of this will be minimal.
Patrick Edmondson
February 25th, 2013
11:19 am
GOP shadow government refuses to bend to the reality they are NOT the majority any longer. I’m sure these measures have little effect on the 1% crowd running the GOP.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
February 25th, 2013
11:20 am
Steve, your sheets are ready for pick up
Stevie Ray
February 25th, 2013
11:20 am
bookman parrot
February 25th, 2013
10:56 am
So what’s good for the goose is good for the gander?
Neither of these dopes had or have much if any influence over gas prices…I suggest you bark up the tree of futures traders….
Anyhow, maybe we should all be original and not compare the two for a day or so…those posts are too predictable and require very little imagination…no offense meant Parrot…
Jefferson
February 25th, 2013
11:21 am
The GOP don’t understand their weak position these days and its pissing them off.
JamVet
February 25th, 2013
11:21 am
BOSTON — The Republican Party seems as divided and angry as ever.
Infighting has penetrated the highest levels of the House GOP leadership. Long-standing geographic tensions have increased, pitting endangered Northeastern Republicans against their colleagues from other parts of the country. Enraged tea party leaders are threatening to knock off dozens of Republicans who supported a measure that raised taxes on the nation’s highest earners.
“People are mad as hell. I’m right there with them,” Amy Kremer, chairman of the Tea Party Express, said late last week, declaring that she has “no confidence” in the party her members typically support. Her remarks came after GOP lawmakers agreed to higher taxes but no broad spending cuts as part of a deal to avert the “fiscal cliff.”
“Anybody that voted `yes’ in the House should be concerned” about primary challenges in 2014, she said.
At the same time, one of the GOP’s most popular voices, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, blasted his party’s “toxic internal politics”…
GT
February 25th, 2013
11:22 am
Pete! You calling the left loony? Did you know FOX was a all loony toon network, and you have Republican politicians that tell us the female can shut down her reproductive organs like an antenna on a car when raped. Global warming is an urban legend and our president is a illegal who got lucky? I would leave that loony stuff along Pete, or learn how to whistle as you walk by the graveyard.
Stevie Ray
February 25th, 2013
11:22 am
Patrick Edmondson
February 25th, 2013
11:19 am
That argument really lacks much logic. There are 47% of the folks out there who disagree and deserve representation. You may prefer the English governing system more. I think there it is closer to winner take all…
wahoo
February 25th, 2013
11:24 am
I think the most likely outcome seems to be the one nobody is talking about as it pertains to the sequestration cuts: a whole bunch of (near) nothing.
So the cuts happen, and the Federal is forced to live with roughly 2% less than it might have thought it would have. Given the hyperbole surrounding the discussion, and the desire to set up the arguments regarding blame for the cuts by both the left and the right, one would think the world was going to stop spinning. I personally doubt it will turn out to be that big of a deal.
Sure, there will be some losses, and some worthy programs will have to do with less, as Jay cites in his article. But on the whole, this shouldn’t be the end of the world. While I would prefer spending reductions that are more targeted, perhaps this is the way to make our politicians get religion on the need to reduce spending. Or perhaps this will cause them to be more willing to prioritize where spending increases should occur and where they should not.
There also seems to be some real risk that if nothing calamitous happens as a result of the cuts, Obama will look like the boy who cried wolf on this one. Despite both left and right decrying the cuts, as the President and owner of the bully pulpit, he would be the one to look worse, in my personal view.
If our leadership were smart (I know, a big stretch), they might even formulate minor, very targeted stimulus that would be deficit-neutral (or better) to offset the natural drag on growth that’s caused by reductions in government spending. That may be a bridge too far, unfortunately.
Jimmy62
February 25th, 2013
11:24 am
Anybody else find it funny the vast overlap between the group of people who claim impending disaster every time something doesn’t go the their way, and the group of people who make fun of survivalists and doomsday preppers?
If people really think the economy was going to collapse in 2007 if we didn’t do all the bailouts and stimulus, and are now crying that the sky is going to fall because of sequestration, then they ought to be preparing for the apocalypse with supplies, not making fun of other people for doing it.
But the truth is they don’t really believe in those disasters, they just claim impending disaster in order to get their way. Scare tactics. Then they accuse the other side of scare tactics.
To me, if you think every time the government doesn’t do what you think they should do then there will be a major economic collapse, and you are not preparing for doomsday, then you are either a liar, or extremely dumb.
Bemused Observer
February 25th, 2013
11:25 am
“Jay is a left leaning Op Ed writer. The AJC also employs a right leaning Op Ed writer. His name his Kyle Wingfield and his “opinions” lean to the right. Do you cry to him that his articles are too right leaning?”
I don’t read Kyle any more. But I don’t mind Jay being left leaning. I DO mind him being a propagandist much of the time (like Hannity or Matthews and any number of right or left-leaning columnists). I prefer “talking heads” who give credit to the side when they are clearly (the operative word here) right on an issue and engage the other side in debate.
Stevie Ray
February 25th, 2013
11:25 am
JamVet
February 25th, 2013
11:21 am
Then by all means you need to root for the sequester. Just imagine when all those implications all liberals are selling remotely come true? You definitely will have next couple elections sewed up..
Isn’t that what is about?
godless heathen - owner of many things he does not need
February 25th, 2013
11:25 am
Meet Coco…
Creepy.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
February 25th, 2013
11:26 am
Jam, with the wheels coming off completely, all this demand has left me no choice but to triple my rental prices for the wheel jack.
getalife
February 25th, 2013
11:29 am
Losing another 750,000 jobs to stop our recovery is not a scare tactic, it is the truth.
Proceed gop.
Jimmy62
February 25th, 2013
11:30 am
Anybody think it’s funny how the left likes to point out disunity on the right as a sign that the GOP is collapsing, but then get resentful when someone points out that the left is a party in lockstep groupthink?
Let me clue you in…. If people in your party argue and disagree with one another about issues and policies and proposals and laws, that’s a sign that that party is not in groupthink, that they allow dissent and differing opinions, and actually have a big tent.
On the other hand, if you party prides itself on being unified, as the left does, that most likely means they are definitely in groupthink. They get all defensive about it, but then act like it’s bad that the GOP actually has differences of opinion in their party… Which means the left does not so much, and prides itself on that unity of thought. That is groupthink.
Corbin Sharpe. I think, therefore I am...I think.
February 25th, 2013
11:30 am
Just went to Galloway’s page to register and it said my email was already taken and my last nom de blog was taken and my current one didn’t format or something. Looks like I’m out regardless. Too much hassle, as I suspected.
Stevie Ray
February 25th, 2013
11:32 am
TBS: Posting on weekends so PD can cry on Monday
February 25th, 2013
11:15 am
I do so enjoy challenging Kyle as well. But much more action on this side..
larry
February 25th, 2013
11:32 am
To those of you who think that the cuts wont hurt anyone or anything, ask some of those who could be possibly laid off or have their hours cut because of this.
Namely me. And i know exactly who to blame. And they dont live at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. either.
KEITH
February 25th, 2013
11:34 am
surely you are not saying your master made a big blunder with HIS sequestration? Obama owns it,
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
February 25th, 2013
11:35 am
…if you[sic] party prides itself on being unified, as the left does, that most likely means they are definitely in groupthink.
Dittoheads say, “What?”
Common Sense is Uncommon
February 25th, 2013
11:35 am
Here is the truth. The federal governmnet will spend more money over the next twelve months than at any time in our history. Fact: None of the cuts mentioned above will take place. Fact: If the sequestration takes place no one will noitce one iota of difference in their lives. Fact: Obama wanted the sequestration and vowed to vetoe any attempt to by pass it. Fact: everything you are hearing about sequestration in the media is a lie. Fact: the so called cuts are not cuts in spending but a reduction in the rate of growth in government spending. Fact: we neeed to stop the growth in government spending so let it happen and cheer.
Stevie Ray
February 25th, 2013
11:36 am
wahoo
February 25th, 2013
11:24 am
Extremely well said..I’m sticking to my original odds:
Kick the Can: 2:5
Sequester: 25:1
What a statement the former will make to us…will only validate that they think we are idiots. If can is kicked without progress…that may be most telling evidence to date that our government is and has been failing us and they are only picking up steam…
KEITH
February 25th, 2013
11:36 am
Namely me. And i know exactly who to blame. And they dont live at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. either.
Really, and i bet you cannnot even admit to yourself that obama demanded it, condemned all opposed to it, got it passed and then signed it. how dumb can you be. lol
getalife
February 25th, 2013
11:37 am
Our President is praising Georgia on preschool.
Congrats.
TBS
February 25th, 2013
11:37 am
Observer
If it is has bad to you as you are claiming and have claimed in the past, why post here? Seems like your problem more than it is any problem of the blog host or any other blogger.
Heck, there are times you say you are leaving only to bring out one of your numerous puppets to say the same tripe you were saying 5 minutes earlier.
Maybe doing puppet shows or a gig on Sesame Street would suit you better than “torturing” yourself on this blog.
And aren’t you do for a new puppet? Might be best to go out with all socks yapping before the new system is implemented.
KEITH
February 25th, 2013
11:37 am
Namely me. And i know exactly who to blame. And they dont live at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. either.
barack obama says WHAT???
stands for decibels
February 25th, 2013
11:38 am
my current one didn’t format or something
Normal/corbin, just a tip (because I too was told I couldn’t use my preferred name)–
it won’t take spaces. So, you can use an underscore — “Corbin_Sharpe.” — and it should work.
I’ll be known as “stands_for_decibels” when the changeover occurs. Well, I’ll also be known as “that sometimes-ill-tempered dirty effing hippie”, I guess.
Stevie Ray
February 25th, 2013
11:38 am
larry
February 25th, 2013
11:32 am
How original…profess your blame on the other side…Your loyalty to keeping BO from accepting responsiblity for anything is at least loyal..
KEITH
February 25th, 2013
11:39 am
Our President is praising Georgia on preschool.
Congrats
YOUR PRESIDENT, NOT MINE. THAT POS WILL NEVER BE MY PRESIDENT.
larry
February 25th, 2013
11:39 am
surely you are not saying your master made a big blunder with HIS sequestration? Obama owns it,
And the GOP voted for it. By a wide margin.
All because they would not raise the debt ceiling. The GOP owns it. And the polls show it.
TiredOfIt
February 25th, 2013
11:39 am
We have 300,000,000 plus guns in this country, why do we need the DOD? It is nothing more the welfare for the rich.
Also, I suggest you all run Ted Cruz for president. He is a non-thinking mans man.
TBS
February 25th, 2013
11:40 am
Stevie
Not over there as much as I am over here. Haven’t seen you do much “challenging” but if that is what you call it, ok.
Rafe Hollister
February 25th, 2013
11:40 am
Will life as we know it be extinguished? Will there be around the clock coverage by the Networks? If the first responders are going to be sent home, who will collect the sick and dying? Crime in the streets will be rampant, as law enforcement will be understaffed, and people go hungry.
Obamageddon, coming soon to your neighborhood, not a theater, God save us!
KEITH
February 25th, 2013
11:40 am
How original…profess your blame on the other side…Your loyalty to keeping BO from accepting responsiblity for anything is at leastDUMB AS HELL. THERE FIXED IT FOR YOU…
Stevie Ray
February 25th, 2013
11:40 am
TBS
February 25th, 2013
11:37 am
By puppet do you mean posting under multiple handles?
Seems I’m missing out….
Nero
February 25th, 2013
11:41 am
Sequestration will be glorious. The world will not end, and both sides will be made to look like fools from this “crisis”. The bloated bureaucracy will adjust and find that more waste can be trimmed. It’s a good thing. It will force innovative thinking and we’ll learn to make due with less. It’s the correct path.
getalife
February 25th, 2013
11:41 am
keith,
Self deport.
KEITH
February 25th, 2013
11:41 am
We have 300,000,000 plus guns in this country, why do we need the DOD? It is nothing more the welfare for the rich.
Also, I suggest you all run Ted Cruz for president. He is a non-thinking mans man.
racist post!
JamVet
February 25th, 2013
11:41 am
Comparing Jay Bookman to Sean Hannity is not only completley irrational, it is pathetically laughable.
Must be that moral relativism/equivalency thing that the right wing was railing against years ago…
Brosephus™ - Desktop but still Multitasking
February 25th, 2013
11:42 am
Observer
If it is has bad to you as you are claiming and have claimed in the past, why post here? Seems like your problem more than it is any problem of the blog host or any other blogger.
larry
February 25th, 2013
11:42 am
Sorry, keith, he is your president. And if you dont like it, Delta is ready when you are.