Paul Ryan tackles one of GOP’s biggest post-election problems
For the second time in two elections, an older Republican presidential nominee selected a younger running mate with the intent of injecting some energy into his campaign. Then, shortly afterward, his campaign staff began working to muzzle that younger running mate.
That’s about as close as you’ll get to putting Paul Ryan and Sarah Palin in the same sentence — although, like Palin, Ryan seems intent on using his boost in national profile to grab a big role in the national debate moving forward, likely to position himself for a future run at the top of the ticket.
I give Ryan better odds at staying in that conversation all the way until the next election than Palin did after 2008 (although she certainly remained relevant through the 2010 midterms and was a central figure in the tea party’s rise to prominence). If he does, it will be because he seems to have a keen understanding of one of the GOP’s key problems moving forward from the election he helped fight. I’m talking about its reputation as a party that only cares about wealthy Americans.
Ryan reportedly wanted to broaden the GOP’s message during the presidential campaign but was shot down by Romney campaign advisers who said the party does not “test well on” issues like poverty. Well, of course: It’s hard to “test well on” an issue you spend zero time addressing. The only concession he got from the campaign was to give a single speech, about two weeks before Election Day in Cleveland, that was well-received but was too little, too late to move the needle for the campaign.
Now that those advisers aren’t holding him back any longer, Ryan seems intent on spending some time developing this theme on his own. His speech last night to the Jack Kemp Foundation — named for another one-time creative thinker and vice presidential contender for the GOP — is worth a read in its entirety. But this is the key theme:
Just last year, total federal and state spending on means-tested programs came to more than one trillion dollars. What does that mean in practical terms? For that amount of money, you could give every poor American a check for $22,000. Instead, we spent all that money trying to fight poverty through government programs.
What do we have to show for it? Today, 46 million people are living in poverty. During the last four years, the number of people on food stamps has gone up by 15 million. Medicaid is reaching a breaking point. And one out of every four students fails to earn a high-school diploma. In our major cities, half of our kids don’t graduate. Half.
When Lyndon Johnson launched the War on Poverty in 1964, he predicted we would eliminate poverty in 35 to 50 years. Here we are, 48 years later, and poverty is winning. We deserve better.
Ryan framed the issue in two ways that ought to be fertile political ground for Republicans: as the policy heir to the successful welfare reform of the 1990s, and with education as a centerpiece. Once upon a time, welfare reform was a prominent — and winning — social issue for conservatives. As I’ve argued before, education reform should be one for the right going forward (there are indications some Republicans understand this).
Importantly, Ryan does not frame the issue only as a matter of saving money. As I’ve also argued, Republicans will be more successful if they can talk about their ideas both as a matter of good fiscal stewardship and as a way to improve matters for beneficiaries of government programs. Welfare reform was undoubtedly good for both the nation’s finances and those who were moved off welfare rolls and onto payrolls. The GOP should make the case that the same is true for sensible changes to anti-poverty programs and education — as well as health-care programs, pensions, mass transit, etc.
Lest this post be viewed as a Paul Ryan love-fest, let me note that Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida (who also spoke to the Jack Kemp Foundation last night) and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal are two other likely 2016 contenders who are sounding similar notes.
The shame of the campaign Mitt Romney ran — aside from the fact he lost, of course — is that it didn’t do much to put conservative arguments and values in a better position moving forward. Perhaps Ryan can salvage some potential from the campaign on his own.
(H/t to the Future of Capitalism blog for pointing out the Ryan and Rubio speeches.)
– By Kyle Wingfield
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240 comments Add your comment
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
12:37 pm
It’s a tragedy that folks like Ryan who want to actually solve big problems are either mocked, disparaged, or ignored. You can’t solve a problem like a trillion-dollar deficit unless you admit it’s a problem, and the moocher class that elected Obozo will never acknowledge that’s a problem.
MANGLER
December 5th, 2012
12:50 pm
Yeah but if you were to cut a check to someone for $22,000, they’d still be poor.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
December 5th, 2012
12:51 pm
It’s only a matter of time before Paul Ryan writes a book, quits his job and goes on the never-ending book tour.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
December 5th, 2012
12:52 pm
the moocher class that elected Obozo will never acknowledge that’s a problem.
It’s not a problem.
Trolls Bane
December 5th, 2012
12:53 pm
Why should the republicans be even remotely interested in education reform, when the current system produces voters whom, for the most part, will reliably vote republican? The current system produces consumers who, for the most part, readily accept whatever “authority” tells them .. and they do not think for themselves …
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
December 5th, 2012
12:53 pm
Sheldon Adelson plans to double down on campaign donations
And all the political consultants said “Ahem, brother, ahmen to that!”
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
12:55 pm
MANGLER @ 12:50: $22K is double the federal poverty level (FPL) for a single person. And remember, he was talking about $22K per person.
For a two- or three-person household (with each person getting $22K), that’s about three times the FPL. For a four-person household, it’s about four times the FPL.
In other words, simply giving people the money would eliminate poverty by the government’s own standard, with money to spare.
Matz
December 5th, 2012
12:55 pm
The boy’s just not that bright. We did get some very Palinesque photos of him in workout gear, though. Both have nice bods. Props where props are due.
Henne
December 5th, 2012
12:56 pm
Yeah, Paul Krugman said on NPR that the Republicans don’t see cuts as real unless they cause pain to the vulnerable. That’s an almost exact quote. Got to change that perception, which I think it fairly widely held.
Mr. Holmes
December 5th, 2012
12:57 pm
It’s hard to “test well on” an issue you spend zero time addressing.
What are you talking about? Of course they addressed it–they basically said anyone who is poor takes no responsibility for their lives and is a “moocher” or “taker” sucking the blood of the not-poor. And this is a general opinion echoed vociferously on this very blog, every day, multiple times and from multiple people.
So please, Kyle, don’t frame this as the GOP suddenly coming to the realization of, “Oh my gosh, you mean there are poor people in this country? Why were we not informed of this?” This is a case of the GOP doing whatever it can to actively demonize and talk down to those poor folks–many of whom, ironically, will go to their graves voting the straight Republican ticket every time.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 5th, 2012
1:00 pm
As soon as you hit your original “end poverty” goal posts, the libs move them farther away.
Now, hold a mirror up to a mirror and think about that^^ statement, you will come to understand why the democrat party exists.
Alter Ego
December 5th, 2012
1:01 pm
It’s a great message, Kyle, but will ultimately be overshadowed by the rhetoric that won the last election-The GOP only cares about the wealthy.
To make it truly resonate, there has to be some demonstrable path of success-and hope-for those who really want to achieve in this country. Hopefully there will be a concrete, identifiable strategy, coupled with the words, that exist on a national level.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 5th, 2012
1:02 pm
All the more reason to cut NPR, Henne.
Pizzaman
December 5th, 2012
1:05 pm
Kyle none for it will matter till the Republican Party develops a soul. The vote in the Senate yesterday not to approve the disability act because of some perceived benefit to China proves Republican legislators have no soul. Nothing will change for the good till they develop one.
Elections Have Consequences
December 5th, 2012
1:07 pm
“talk down to those poor folks–many of whom, ironically, will go to their graves voting the straight Republican ticket every time.”
In terms of irony, yes, as the Black community has demonstrated over the past 50 years, voting Democratic, while being absolutely decimated with chronic unemployment, illegitimacy and crime.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
1:07 pm
Don’t the Democrats still have the majority in the Senate?
Don't Tread
December 5th, 2012
1:09 pm
“When Lyndon Johnson launched the War on Poverty in 1964, he predicted we would eliminate poverty in 35 to 50 years. Here we are, 48 years later, and poverty is winning.”
Poverty will always win as long as we encourage it by giving away free money, with nothing given in return. But that’s exactly what the Democrats want to do more of. I wonder why.
Don Abernethy
December 5th, 2012
1:10 pm
I am for any Republican in the House who wants to join the Tea Party in trying to save our country. Boehner needs to go.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 5th, 2012
1:10 pm
States that voted Republican in the last presidential race are far more likely to be generous to charities than those voting Democratic, a report by the Chronicle of Philanthropy suggests.
I’ll admit, we didn’t buy any condoms with our charity.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
1:14 pm
I wish the Repub leadership would simply have a bill passed to extend the Bush Tax Cuts for four years, and send it on to the Senate and cc Papa Charlie with “here’s our counteroffer.”
Maybe I should go out and buy a pair of ping-pong balls and send them to the Repub leadership with a message that says “use this pair unitl you find yours.”
SBinF
December 5th, 2012
1:14 pm
I for one hope the GOP continues its “makers” vs. “takers” talking point. It’s an absolutely losing issue.
Perish the thought that millions and millions of hardworking, tax paying citizens made an informed choice, and decided to support Obama.
I get it, we’re all a bunch of lazy moochers….because that line of argument worked SO well for the GOP last month.
The issues of poverty in this country are structural, and until we can address the structural issues, all we can hope to do is put a band-aid on the problem.
Interested Observer
December 5th, 2012
1:15 pm
RE: “Republicans will be more successful if they can talk about their ideas both as a matter of good fiscal stewardship”
Ayn Rand follower, Paul Ryan, and his party don’t have any ideas about good fiscal stewardship. They don’t seek to cut programs for the poor and middle class to balance budgets. The seeks to cut programs for the poor and middle class to pay for more tax cuts for the wealthy.
Ryan and Rubio are putting a fresh coat of paint on the same far-right agenda. Instead of complaining about “the 47 percent” (ironically, the percentage of votes that Romney and Ryan received), they’re now starting to use the words, “middle class,” claiming that we’ll benefit if we cut spending on infrastructure, education, Social Security, and Medicare while focusing on tax cuts for the wealthy.
Meet the new conservative plan; it’s the same as the old conservative plan.
Elections Have Consequences
December 5th, 2012
1:18 pm
“The seeks to cut programs for the poor and middle class to pay for more tax cuts for the wealthy.”
Facts, please.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
1:19 pm
I don’t see it being a ‘makers’ versus ‘takers’ point as much as policies that simply do not work and failed leadership.
What are the structural issues? (honestly, just want your thoughts).
I do see it as there are many un-informed (or uneducated?) voters out there who voted for Obama simply because he is likable or black. Please, tell me something he has done right.
The only thing that Papa Charlie has improved on in his administration is his golf game.
JamVet
December 5th, 2012
1:22 pm
Ryan was not the complete albatross that Palin was. All he did was cost Romney Florida’s 29 EC votes with his turn Medicare into a voucher program stupidity.
We will have to wait and see if he shows up on the third straight laughable slate of GOP candidates…
CC
December 5th, 2012
1:24 pm
Interested Observer@1:15:
Hogwash . . .
JamVet
December 5th, 2012
1:24 pm
I am for any Republican in the House who wants to join the Tea Party…
Me three! (Alan West says hello from the unemployment line…)
emo
December 5th, 2012
1:24 pm
1) ‘Paul Ryan writes a book, quits his job and goes on the never-ending book tour.’
Not possible. This guy will never give up sucking at the government teat, as he has his entire life.
2) If we gave every poor person $22,000, I’m sure corporations would find ways to suck it out of them instantly. And, not being used to having that kind of cash, they would let them.
3) It wasn’t a bill, it was a ratification of a UN treaty asking all other countries to treat the disabled THE WAY WE DO HERE. Which requires a 2/3 majority of the Senate. But your brave boys were afraid it would end home-schooling as they know it, so they threw Bob Dole under the bus. Love the military, hate the soldiers is a republican axiom.
jconservative
December 5th, 2012
1:25 pm
A huge part of Republican political problems are just plain perception.
Republicans lost women, unmarried women, latinos, asians and blacks. So the Republican Ohio legislature votes for more restrictions on pregnant women. The Arizona governor pledges no drivers licenses to illegal aliens who go legal under the Obama’s Dream Act executive order. All less than 30 days after the election.
Somewhere there is a lesson gone unlearned.
Interested Observer
December 5th, 2012
1:26 pm
RE: “Just last year, total federal and state spending on means-tested programs came to more than one trillion dollars. What does that mean in practical terms? For that amount of money, you could give every poor American a check for $22,000. Instead, we spent all that money trying to fight poverty through government programs.”
By the way, what federal and state means-tested programs was Paul Ryan including in this calculation? Was Medicaid included in that figure? If so, $22,000 won’t get you very far if you have a serious illness, disease, or accident. Does Paul Ryan understand how insurance is supposed to work?
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
1:28 pm
Speaking of the UN, that is one organization we should withdraw from and give them their walking papers.
We should then use that office space to create a league of nations that has one membership requirement: your leaders are elected by the people they serve.
Pipe dream, I know, but you gotta have hope.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
1:30 pm
Of course we don’t meet that membership requirement as our current national leadership does not seem to want to serve the people. Quandry indeed!
Aquagirl
December 5th, 2012
1:30 pm
A huge part of Republican political problems are just plain perception.
Unfortunately for the Republicans the perceptions are correct. People don’t like ego-driven jerks. Imagine that.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
1:32 pm
“People don’t like ego-driven jerks.”
Then how did Papa Charlie get re-elected?
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 5th, 2012
1:33 pm
Allowing the libs to define what “caring” is where the problem lies.
Especially considering how much their “caring” destroys the people it’s aimed at.
mike
December 5th, 2012
1:34 pm
“I do see it as there are many un-informed (or uneducated?) voters out there who voted for Obama simply because he is likable or black.”…interesting statement. I assume this does not apply to white voters who voted for all the white Presidents before Mr Obama? And judging from the majority of comments posted here, you conservatives still don’t get why you lost the election. You have four more years to keep with the same attitude and you lose the next election.
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
1:35 pm
SBinF: Read the speech. He’s making the opposite of the makers vs. takers argument.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
December 5th, 2012
1:35 pm
Facts, please.
Think it through. Who are the primary users of SSN, medicare, and medicaid? Hint: it isn’t the wealthy.
The Cons want to cut the debt on the backs of the middle and lower classes. Plain and simple.
Wealthy bankers pretty much brought this country to its knees 4 years ago but lets not ask them to help get us out of the hole. No, maybe the Cons would like to give those bankers some more money?
JamVet
December 5th, 2012
1:37 pm
People don’t like ego-driven jerks.
I must confess that I have had a post November 6th epiphany on this one.
I’m beginning to love them.
Long live Fox News and Rush Limbaugh…
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
December 5th, 2012
1:38 pm
ok, who is papa charlie? charlie crist? Chuck Rangel?
Elections Have Consequences
December 5th, 2012
1:38 pm
@Finn McCool 1:35
Those aren’t facts, they’re talking points. Please provide some empirical data to qualify your statements.
Mr. Holmes
December 5th, 2012
1:41 pm
He’s making the opposite of the makers vs. takers argument.
Would love to hear from Paul Ryan how & why he split from his “inspiration for going into politics” on this one. You’ll forgive me, frankly, for doubting that anyone who’s held that worldview could suddenly find himself brimming with compassion for the least of us.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
December 5th, 2012
1:41 pm
On Nov 6th a lot of Cons voted and then stopped by the mailbox when they got home and took out their disability/unemployment/SSN checks.
DawgDad
December 5th, 2012
1:42 pm
Liberal voting constituencies wanted to ensure the gravy train and bailouts continue. So they will. Poverty and entitlement and social decay will continue to expand at the behest of the Democrats in Washington pandering for votes. Cities and States will be bailed out at our expense. Our 401k funds will be targeted, and we’ll be increasing taunted and harrassed for being – responsible taxpaying citizens. This will all end eventually, when our carcasses are dead and buried or econmically torn to shreds by the greedy masses, at which time they will turn on each other.
The problem with Republican leadership is a problem of perception and messaging. Trying to sell personal responsibility and accountability to masses of irresponsible people indoctrinated by the liberal education system and media and beholden to the liberal handout or entitlement or union boss or thier own narcissism just isn’t going to work. Add the very noticable fact that far too many Republicans are part of the problem . . .
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
1:44 pm
JamVet @ 1:22: From the exit poll in FL: Romney won voters over 65 by 17 points. He won voters 40-49 and 50-64 — the groups including those who’d be first to be affected by Ryan’s proposed reforms, which would have affected people age 55 and under — by 5 points and 3 points, respectively. His problem was that he got killed by voters under 40.
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
1:45 pm
I get it, we’re all a bunch of lazy moochers….because that line of argument worked SO well for the GOP last month.
———-
When a majority of voters are getting a government check, what would you expect to happen? The moochers will continue to win, which means Americans will continue to lose.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
December 5th, 2012
1:47 pm
Oh, I love these con whine fests.
Anyone bring cheese?
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
1:49 pm
Further to my 1:44: Per the exit poll, if Romney had only done as well with 30- to 39-year-olds as he did with 50- to 64-year-olds, he’d have won FL. So I don’t think Medicare cost him the state.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
December 5th, 2012
1:50 pm
When a majority of voters are getting a government check
Delta is ready to fly you unhappy folks to a new home overseas.
They have flights 7 days a week.
Aquagirl
December 5th, 2012
1:50 pm
Please provide some empirical data to qualify your statements.
332-206 wasn’t empirical enough?
Here’s a clue: when you’re clearly off track maybe you should produce empirical data to back up your assertions and policies instead of demanding others jump through whatever hoops you invent. That’s how you earn the perception of egotism. Ask Mitt, who still apparently doesn’t understand why voters didn’t react like his underlings—afraid of being downsized if they displease Mr. CEO.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
1:53 pm
Finn:
Papa Charlie is my name for Obama.
Using NATO phonetic alphabet to call him that versus what would get me blocked from this blog.
(As in Viet Cong was referrred to as Victor Charlie by US troops)
Mike:
Perception is in the eye of the beholder, and as I see it, Papa Charlie got re-elected due to (1) being more likable than Romney, (2) being black (by some people, not all), and (3) voters being un-informed as to who would be better for the country. That is my perception.
I’m sure you have a different perception, but then you and I are not alike.
I’m not a Democrat, never claimed to be a Repub, and I survey as an Independent.
I’m not trying to insult anyone here (except P.C.), I’m expressing my opinions, and I offer points for a conversation.
catlady
December 5th, 2012
1:54 pm
Paul Ryan. OMG
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
December 5th, 2012
1:57 pm
I wonder if Paul Ryan has a full-size cardboard cutout of Ayn Rand at home?
JDW
December 5th, 2012
1:57 pm
@Kyle…”In other words, simply giving people the money would eliminate poverty by the government’s own standard, with money to spare.”
No it would not. It would bring everyone above the poverty level for a very few years until they ran out of cash. Nice soundbyte but it does not work…as for $1 trillion in means tested programs…not at the Federal level…it is $746 billion with $440 billion of that devoted to health care and food…in other words reoccurring expenses. To say that cutting a check solves those issues is disingenious at best.
http://budget.senate.gov/republican/public/index.cfm/files/serve/?File_id=0f87b42d-f182-4b3d-8ae2-fa8ac8a8edad
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
1:58 pm
Paul is not good with tv Interviews ! He not prepared in life! I think he’s slow on blindside
questions ! He needs to realize he has to think fast are else he’s going to be a sitting duck
for all who sees him so becareful Paul of every step you take cause they will put you down caused
you were human its hard to be human in the spot light!!!!!!!
Mr. Holmes
December 5th, 2012
1:59 pm
Just out of curiousity, Lt. Dan, what would “P.C.” stand for? Perhaps you can spell it phonetically?
Because, y’know, you may not be trying to insult anyone, but depending on your answer to the above, that could be pretty darn insulting. To a lot of folks.
Tom
December 5th, 2012
2:03 pm
Oh c’mon, Mr. Holmes, Lt. Dan is talking about Those People. But he’s not a racist. Nosireebob.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:05 pm
As I said, I am insulting the CinC (I try not to asscociate him with the Office of the President. I believe (again, my persecption) that he does not bring honor to his office). And my perception is based on the one time I met him.
If others are truly offended by my insulting him, well I am sorry you are offended, but I do not apologize for the offense.
Mr. Holmes
December 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
So what does P.C. stand for?
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
All Americans are offended by Obozo’s presence in our White House, Lt Dan.
Stephenson Billings
December 5th, 2012
2:11 pm
Obama In 2011: We Can Get $1.2 Trillion In Revenue Without Raising Rates
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2012/12/05/obama_in_2011_we_can_get_12_trillion_in_revenue_without_raising_rates.html
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:12 pm
Tom, I may be prejudiced (or bigoted?), but that does not mean I am racist.
I do not believe I am superior to anyone based upon my race (I have seen too many dumb white people and drunk Cherokees to beieve in my superiority to anyone – half & half).
If it makes you feel any better, I don’t think he liked me much either.
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
2:12 pm
P.C. = “Pretend Christian”
Stephenson Billings
December 5th, 2012
2:13 pm
Remember this? Looks like it’s not only us questioning its Constitutionality. And the DC circuit isn’t necessarily “conservative”:
Court casts doubt on Obama’s recess appointments
“The case involves a challenge to Mr. Obama’s recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board in early January — during a time when the Senate was holding pro forma sessions every three days, specifically for the purposes of denying him the chance to make those appointments.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/dec/5/court-questions-obama-recess-appointments
Mr. Holmes
December 5th, 2012
2:14 pm
Nooooo … I don’t think Pretend Christian would get anyone banned.
Elections Have Consequences
December 5th, 2012
2:14 pm
@ Aquagirl 1:50
Thank you for the psychological redress, but unfortunately you haven’t answered the question either. Can you clarify the earlier points made without the need for vilification?
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:15 pm
Mike: did you ever see the 1984 movie “Tank”? Very silly movie with James Garner, but some memorable lines.
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
2:15 pm
Putzhead Communist?
Jose
December 5th, 2012
2:15 pm
Aquagirl
December 5th, 2012
1:50 pm
Please provide some empirical data to qualify your statements.
332-206 wasn’t empirical enough?
WHAT IGNORANCE
Romney lost four states by around 300,000 votes in which he would have won…………… 270-268
that was not a MANDATE NOR A LANDSLIDE
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:16 pm
In case anyone asks, I never have claimed to be a Christian either.
In my case, I personally do not care what a person’s religion is. It is none of my business.
Aquagirl
December 5th, 2012
2:17 pm
If it makes you feel any better, I don’t think he liked me much either.
Gee, I wonder why anyone would not like Lt Dan.
Stephenson Billings
December 5th, 2012
2:17 pm
This just speaks for itself:
Detroit councilwoman to Obama: We voted for you, now bail us out
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/20264712/detroit-councilwoman-to-obama-we-supported-you-now-support-us
emo
December 5th, 2012
2:18 pm
‘All Americans are offended by Obozo’s presence in our White House, Lt Dan.
Actually, no. As I recall, a majority of Americans voted to keep him there. In fact, if he were Bush, you would call him the Unitary President.
I am not at all embarrassed, as I would have been if Money Boo Boo had won the election. Which he didn’t.
Did I remember to say rmoney lost?
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
2:18 pm
JDW @ 1:57: He clearly said, “total federal and state spending.” So you’re looking at the wrong numbers when you look only at federal figures.
Next: I don’t get your point about “reoccurring expenses.” He’s talking about annual outlays: $1T this year, $1T (or probably more) next year. Per capita, that’s $22K this year, $22K (or probably more) next year. What’s disingenuous about that?
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:21 pm
Lil’ Barry – you are half way there.
Maybe I have a thicker skin to insults (or underestimate there affect on other people). I was called much, much worse by my Drill Sergeant many years ago.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:22 pm
emo,
And ignorance won?
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
2:24 pm
What makes you judged on people if their a Christian or not?
We are all of the flesh you better read your Bible good he who judged will be judged on Judgment day!!
Remember we have to except a sorry are we want get grace
Politico
December 5th, 2012
2:26 pm
Kyle
Can’t we play the if this had only happened for Ds or Rs alike?
If the ifs played out for whatever cherry picked data the left wants to use, maybe Romney takes a beat down more than he actually received.
Will be interesting to see how Repubs adapt messaging according to the overall demographic trends we are experiencing.
Status quo will get you more of the same on the national level, but it will still play in certain states and districts for several more years.
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
2:28 pm
Sent you don’t claim to be a Christian what do you claim to be ?????
Elections Have Consequences
December 5th, 2012
2:29 pm
@Stephenson Billings 2:17
She even used the phrase ‘Quid pro quo’..I will give her points for honesty, at least.
Detroit is a model for what happens with top-heavy government, with a workforce of 11,000+, and a population of approx. 700,000, 25% of whom don’t work, takes hold. It’s unsustainable.
http://www.freep.com/article/20120408/BUSINESS06/204080539/Detroit-s-work-force-lacking-job-skills-it-s-called-a-huge-problem-
emo
December 5th, 2012
2:30 pm
‘Romney lost four states by around 300,000 votes in which he would have won…………… 270-268′
And Democrats received a million more votes for the House than republicans. But due to gerrymandering, it made no difference. But I’m sure you’re still proud of any kind of win. Where gerrymandering doesn’t work, statewide and nationally, Democrats won.
And no, Lt Dan, intelligence won. If you don’t believe that, look at the map and see where the red states are primarily. Hint: it ain’t the smart ones.
Aquagirl
December 5th, 2012
2:33 pm
Thank you for the psychological redress, but unfortunately you haven’t answered the question either. Can you clarify the earlier points made without the need for vilification?
As I pointed out earlier, you may feel entitled to demand endless answers to whatever questions you pose. That doesn’t mean you’re entitled to them, that you are right, or that you are pertinent in any way.
I’ve repeatedly asked how much of Mitt’s 47% are really moochers, what defines a “moocher” and just how much this terrifying demographic costs taxpayers. Nobody from Mitt Romney to the complainants on this blog can provide any concrete, empirical answer. So your feeling entitled to empirical data is based on the idea that others must provide answers to your satisfaction, while you don’t have to justify anything beyond “that’s my fee-fees.”
If you’re happy knowing I was once a concrete Republican before I tired of demands and attitudes like yours, spike the ball all you want in your shrinking GOP tent. The only place you’re winning is in your self-constructed world. Fer chrissakes even Paul Ryan has an inkling that’s not much of a win.
Elections Have Consequences
December 5th, 2012
2:35 pm
I’ll take that as a ‘No’. Thank you.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:37 pm
emo,
1) I never said All Americans are not insulted by P.C., just me. That is my issue and I have to deal with it (Although I certainly lose no sleep over it).
2) As to if intelligence or ignorance one, I would still have to go with ignorance as in the average American is very uninformed on our poltical system, history, and current events (and I am not talking about reality TV. As little as I thought of Romney, to me, he was clearly the better choice of the two candidates. And 2 to 3 percent of the American voters (who actually voted) gave the election to P.C.
Let’s just say we disagree. No harm, no foul. We just disagree.
ITS ALL BUSH S FAULT
December 5th, 2012
2:38 pm
Get the popcorn ready , the Cons are are gonna get thier asses kicked by the President…AGAIN.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:39 pm
I think what is truly disturbing is the number of American voters who do not ever vote.
If they think it is because their vote does not count (or they are too busy?), that is a shame.
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
2:39 pm
Do the progs really think winning an election is the same as being right? They sound an awful lot like the folks who voted for whoever won the most recent American Idol.
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
2:40 pm
Lt. Dan have you ever though of running for congress ???
JIMBOB
December 5th, 2012
2:41 pm
Never mind. I thought this blog was going to be about Matt.
JDW
December 5th, 2012
2:47 pm
@Kyle…”He clearly said, “total federal and state spending.” So you’re looking at the wrong numbers when you look only at federal figures.”
Because it is not apple to apples…benefits in NY are a lot different than they are in GA.
“Next: I don’t get your point about “reoccurring expenses.” He’s talking about annual outlays: $1T this year, $1T (or probably more) next year. Per capita, that’s $22K this year, $22K (or probably more) next year. What’s disingenuous about that?”
My impression from his comments was that he was intimating that one the initial check was cut then the problem was solved.
Further more the $22,000 number is really incorrect. You get that number by dividing $1 trillion by 46.2 million living in poverty.
Far and away the biggest driver of these costs is Medicare and many states are far more progressive than Georgia and cover poor that are above the poverty level. There are more than 62 million people covered by that program alone.
The proper divisor would be the number of people that receive assistance from means tested programs which according to the link is 35% of the population or about 108 million people. That would mean the average assistance received was around $6900 in federal assistance per year.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2012/09/romney_says_47_percent_of_americans_receive_direct_government_assistance_is_that_true_.html
Politico
December 5th, 2012
2:47 pm
And losing is the same as being right?
Thought so
Thomas Heyward Jr
December 5th, 2012
2:47 pm
The GOP routinely invokes conservative principles, but viscerally hates anyone who actually stands by them.
All Beltway GOP big government moochers do is lie.
Ignore Ryan’s rhetoric……………..acknowledge his record.
He is……………………………… a fraud.
.
Let the GOP die and let the REAL fight begin.
Frightened little Crooked control-freak Obama/Romney-bots against those who value freedom.
.
Forward Freedom and Seccession!
DawgDad
December 5th, 2012
2:49 pm
How does Obama get all this credit for being “likeable”? I mean, he’s flippant, insulting, demeaning, dismissive, dis-respectful, and outright hostile in tone and message. Oh, it’s the handouts.
WOW
December 5th, 2012
2:49 pm
Three Kentucky counties — Owsley, McCreary and Wolfe — are the only places that rely on government programs such as Social Security, food stamps and Medicaid for more than half of income.
The results of the 2012 presidential elections by county, per AP:
Owsley: Mitt Romney 83%; Barack Obama 17.9%
McCreary: Mitt Romney 80.0%; Barack Obama 18.7%
Wolfe: Mitt Romney 60.3%; Barack Obama 38.1%
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
2:49 pm
Politico: And losing is the same as being right?
——–
I’m not aware of anyone having made that claim.
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
2:50 pm
How do you know who’s good are bad ? How do you know he’s not mopping up other Pres. mistakes what Crystal ball do you have?? Are you John the Disciple
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
2:51 pm
Nailed it, DawgDad.
Obozo has a big ol’ slop bucket, and he isn’t afraid to use it.
emo
December 5th, 2012
2:52 pm
I didn’t say you said all Americans were offended by Obama, Lt Dan; I was replying to some fool who said that TO you:
“Lil’ Barry Bailout – OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
All Americans are offended by Obozo’s presence in our White House, Lt Dan.”
As for voting on intelligence, I do have a college degree, and I still couldn’t make heads or tails of what Rmoney proposed; it was so vague, and changed so frequently, I didn’t know what he would do if elected. And I was deeply embarrassed that a major American political party nominated someone whose sole and total focus was money (hence the nickname). Even in foreign policy, he seemed to say the Middle East would cease to be a problem when they all became entrepreneurs.
now that he’s headed back to business, I’m sure he’ll join the Billionaire Boys Club as soon as he can so he’ll be even with his peers.
Politico
December 5th, 2012
2:52 pm
And someone asked about the claim you made or are you getting delusion al from all that whine you have indulged in since the election?
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
December 5th, 2012
3:00 pm
I think what is truly disturbing is the number of American voters who do not ever vote.
What percentage of Americans should have their lives revolve around the political sphere? Lots of folks could really give a rats patooey about it. Some of those people realize the Cons and the Dems aren’t very far off in their ideas and thinking. To call them stupid is…well…stupid.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
3:02 pm
Lil’ Barry:
Sounds sort of like trial by combat. God will pick the winner and they will triumph?
I learned early you can be in the right, but if the other guy has a better right-hook, fight’s over.
Sailfish
December 5th, 2012
3:02 pm
Ryan seems like a likeable enough man, the problem is republican ideology and the brand they are selling. If you really pick apart his budget plan all it really does is increase the debt and cut taxes for the wealthy again, cut medicare up into vouchers and like every good republican wants to trade out social security to 401k’s. So-
Ryan keeps tryin,
the people ain’t buyin
all of the lyin
leaves boehner cryin
cons? fryin!
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
December 5th, 2012
3:02 pm
Aqua, when people ask me to go do their research for them I normally just think “riiiiight” and go about my typing.
Cherokee
December 5th, 2012
3:05 pm
It’s a tragedy that folks like Obama who want to actually solve big problems are either mocked, disparaged, or ignored. You can’t solve a problem like the vast gulf between the very wealthy and the rest of us unless you admit it’s a problem, and the moocher class that voted for Romney will never acknowledge that’s a problem.
There, fixed it for you Barry.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
3:05 pm
Finn:
I did not call anyone stupid, just that it was unfortunate they are not involved.
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
3:10 pm
JDW @ 2:47: You’re missing, or obfuscating, the point. The point is that all these means-tested programs were created to fight poverty. Yet, we spend more than it would take to eliminate poverty. Pick your reason: too much lost in the bureaucracy, too much redundancy, too much going to people who aren’t impoverished, whatever. But the fact remains: The money we spend in the name of helping the poor is enough to ensure that no one is poor. Now, would everyone be in the middle class after this check-cutting? No; by definition, not everyone is in the *middle* class at the same time. But framing the debate this way is wise, because it allows us to get past the “we need to spend more money!” claim and look at the real reasons some people aren’t upwardly mobile on their own.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
3:11 pm
emo,
My mistake, I’m sorry.
As to the primary candidates, I personally felt Romney had the better resume for the job and that his policical philosophy was more in tune to mine than the other guy.
So in the end, P.C. got the most votes and won the election.
He won, but I still feel the better man lost, and in life that happens.
I’ll deal with it, but I will not accept he is correct in his political\economic philosophy.
And life goes on.
Tom
December 5th, 2012
3:18 pm
Please please, Lt Dan, tell us all about your Magic Legs.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
3:19 pm
To all:
Have to go now. Be good and have a good day.
I would really like to converse with different people about the role of government (Fed, state, local).
I think a lot of the differences we have come from different ideas on that topic.
AU Liberal in ATL
December 5th, 2012
3:23 pm
Oh please. Paul Ryan IS one of the GOP’s biggest pre and post election problems. The only way he can fix that is by going away.
JDW
December 5th, 2012
3:23 pm
@Kyle, I disagree that this is an appropriate way to frame the issue. I think that he is going to create another false narrative that is similar to the 47% business.
Eradicating poverty is part and parcel of the old saying…if you give a man a fish he eats today if you teach him to fish he eats forever. We have completely neglected the process of giving people the tools and knowledge to support themselves. But we can’t solve that problem by redirecting the monies that allow them to survive today. At its root that is where he is heading with this argument.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
3:26 pm
Tom,
I was nick-named Lt Dan by my troops in Fallujah. Was knocked on my butt by a booby-trap and drug out of the room by LCPL Forrest Gunn. I didn’t get it until they made me watch a clip from the Forrest Gump movie.
(I did not curse or fire my side-arm at the enemy, I was simply seeing stars)
The nick name has just stuck with me.
Tom
December 5th, 2012
3:30 pm
Riiiiight, Lt Dan. Were you also the pilot of the Enola Gay? Did you lead the charge up San Juan Hill? What did Gen. Lee say when he surrendered his sword to you at Appomattox Court House that April Day so long ago?
bluto
December 5th, 2012
3:37 pm
It’ll give him a chance to go thru puberty, so he’s got that going for him.
emo
December 5th, 2012
3:39 pm
Lt Dan, even though we disagree politically, I’ve enjoyed corresponding with you since you make sense, rather than just calling names. Have a good day. And keep your powder dry.
Pizzaman
December 5th, 2012
3:39 pm
I get two Government checks. 52 years paying into social security and 27 years service with the Navy. Got a problem with that!
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
3:43 pm
Lt. Dan your my hero
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
3:46 pm
I hated paying taxes money you’ve got in cd and money market in the banks I think once taxed is enough
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 5th, 2012
3:47 pm
Oh yeah, Dekalb County, bastion of independence and citadel of personal responsibility, went all in for Romney, uh-huh, sure thing.
Do these libs ever tire of spinning up these moonbat fantasies of theirs?
CC
December 5th, 2012
3:49 pm
“Obozo has a big ol’ slop bucket, and he isn’t afraid to use it.”
. . . and all the little piggies come runnin’!
Glenn
December 5th, 2012
3:50 pm
There you go again using the B term . This time ” broaden ” instead of ” broad message ” . The republicans can’t get to broad without your talking heads bashing you as a sellout . Ya know the one’s that thought mentioning the 47% of freeloaders was a good idea . Do you really want to see Paul Ryan have to apologies to Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh ….or Lil Barry Bailout : )
When your partymembers can safely believe in global warming or creation with out being eaten by his/her own then throw the B term out there .
carlosgvv
December 5th, 2012
3:54 pm
Paul Ryan co-sponsored a bill to make fertilized eggs persons, with full human rights.
You’re right about putting Ryan and Palin in the same sentence. Compared to Ryan, Palin is a paragon of stability and common sense.
Glenn
December 5th, 2012
3:55 pm
sorry meant evolution but i think you get the gist . The republican message is narrow . To broaden it would be dishonest . You are not a buffet style party . Your plate is set .
Pizzaman
December 5th, 2012
3:55 pm
I also pay about 20% income tax combined on my Military and SS retirement pay. So YES I resent Mitt’s 47% class and his only having to pay 13%. The COLA’s over the last several years haven’t even kept up with the increases in Medicare premiums. I can’t imagine how folks on SS only are able to survive. The Republicans could help but won’t raise taxes. Unless taxes are raised and fair and spending is carefully cut nothing will happen. Republicans need a soul!
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
3:58 pm
What about tricare for our boys and girls in the Military Obama’s mess with that
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
4:01 pm
My dad gets a check from the government too.
He spent 8 years in the Air Force and tore his knee up pretty badly while he was in there.
He has no cartilage left in one of this knees.
I think he gets in the neighborhood of 150 bucks a month for it.
Another moocher I guess.
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
4:04 pm
What about sending prisoners to war they like to kill????
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
4:05 pm
JDW @ 3:23: Did you read the whole speech? Because redirecting the funds is not the theme of the speech — the failure of all those funds to achieve the goal, and the need to find new approaches to the problem, is the theme.
Reality
December 5th, 2012
4:06 pm
@Kyle Wingfield….
LOL! You think that THIS is a big problem for the GOP? There are much much bigger problems than this. The fact that you identify this as a ‘big problem’ really shows how out-of-touch you are!
How about as a big problem…. the fact that the Tea Party and their extreme views are running the show for the republicans. Republicans will never be able to win the ‘big’ elections when the platform is so far out on a limb.
How about as a big problem…. the fact that the republican party is so driven by the wealthy that the platform is out of touch with middle American? For republicans, they will proclaim whatever the wealth donors want them to proclaim leaving out middle America.
How about as a big problem…. the fact that the demographics of America is changing while the republican party is old white men in suits? Just look at the convention and compare to the Democrat convention to see what I mean. The comparison is shocking. Republicans have just got to embrace more diversity.
But none of these compare to the young VP candidate problem? Wow. No wonder the republican party is running down the path leading downhill.
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
4:07 pm
Politico @ 2:26: Did you see the origin of that discussion? JamVet claimed Ryan’s Medicare plan cost Romney Florida. I was pointing out evidence that that claim is wrong.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
December 5th, 2012
4:14 pm
Reality, here’s another big problem:
Swearing an oath (Norquist) that trumps the oath sworn to for taking office to serve the country.
The “problems” run pretty deep.
Jeffrey
December 5th, 2012
4:18 pm
Matt Ryan will still be around and important. Paul Ryan got put in a duffel bag 2 1/2 months ago. If Paul Ryan can really wriggle out of the bag and be an anti palin I for one would be shocked. Jindal and Rubio are getting a lot of the same sound bites lately, are these the intelligent people we have been waiting for? Time will tell. My guess is if any of them were in the primary a year ago they would’ve followed the other sheep.
Alter Ego
December 5th, 2012
4:19 pm
One would think attempting to address the fiscal issues presenting the country *would* be in it’s best interest…
JDW
December 5th, 2012
4:20 pm
@Kyle…I did and to me the tone was very much the same old stuff packaged in a bit of an upgraded wapper…for example…
New wrapper….”When our neighbors are struggling, we look out for one another.”
SOS…”We do that best through our families and communities – and our party must stand for making them stronger.”
New wrapper…”And there’s a consensus in this country about our obligations to the most vulnerable. Those obligations are beyond dispute.”
SOS…”The real debate is how best we can meet them. It’s whether they are better met by private groups or by government – by voluntary action or by government action.”
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
4:25 pm
Did you see the origin of that discussion? JamVet claimed Ryan’s Medicare plan cost Romney Florida. I was pointing out evidence that that claim is wrong.
Id say it did cost him Florida. Id like to see how big the blue hair crowd went for the Republican in previous elections.
It maybe that Romney didn’t win the blue hairs by enough votes to overcome the younger vote which is breaking dramatically toward the progressives who believe in things like Climate Change and Science and that rape isn’t Gods will.
JamVet
December 5th, 2012
4:26 pm
Kyle, Fox News’ exit poll is interesting but not conclusive.
Romney lost Florida by 74,000 votes.
Isn’t it possible that that many people or more took exception with the insane Medicare privatization plan and did not vote for Romney?
Politico
December 5th, 2012
4:29 pm
Kyle
I was parlaying off those comments and previous comments I believe you and others mentioned about if this or that had gone this way in terms of the vote…
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
4:37 pm
JamVet @ 4:26: Well, it’s a helluva lot more conclusive than “Isn’t it possible…”
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
4:39 pm
JDW @ 4:20: I suppose you think the GOP should go the Groucho Marx route: “These are my principles. If you don’t like them, I have others.”
Far better to try to persuade people who traditionally haven’t voted for you that your principles can work for them, too.
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
4:40 pm
Politico @ 4:29: I won’t speak for the others, but my point was very narrow and specific , in response to a question.
Glenn
December 5th, 2012
4:44 pm
Good grief Kyle . And convince these people that the Earth is made in 7 days . You are trying to say the GOP needs to be a cult not a party .
Sick of Progs
December 5th, 2012
4:46 pm
JamVet
December 5th, 2012
1:22 pm
Ryan was not the complete albatross that Palin was. All he did was cost Romney Florida’s 29 EC votes with his turn Medicare into a voucher program stupidity.
We will have to wait and see if he shows up on the third straight laughable slate of GOP candidates…
Laughable? How about Biden? He’s the f@#k up in the family that everyone has to be nice to at Thanksgiving. Except for the children, they’re too ill informed to base an honest assumption, like most commies.. er libs.
Sick of Progs
December 5th, 2012
4:49 pm
Tom
December 5th, 2012
3:30 pm
Riiiiight, Lt Dan. Were you also the pilot of the Enola Gay? Did you lead the charge up San Juan Hill? What did Gen. Lee say when he surrendered his sword to you at Appomattox Court House that April Day so long ago?
Should we put an UNCLE before your name?
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
4:51 pm
Laughable? How about Biden? He’s the f@#k up in the family that everyone has to be nice to at Thanksgiving.
Difference being the American people looked at Biden twice and said.
Its ok if he is a heartbeat away.
Palin and Ryan not so much.
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
4:53 pm
Riiiiight, Lt Dan. Were you also the pilot of the Enola Gay? Did you lead the charge up San Juan Hill? What did Gen. Lee say when he surrendered his sword to you at Appomattox Court House that April Day so long ago?
What unit did you serve in Progs ?
Elections Have Consequences
December 5th, 2012
4:55 pm
In 2008, Obama won with a 3 point margin in FL, but in 2012 with less than one point and 50K less total votes. Romney garnered 118K more votes than McCain, with the counties being an exact repeat, except for Volusia and Flager, which went to Romney.
If the Medicare message was why he got defeated, one would expect to see the trend reversed. The Hispanic vote provided the difference.
Sick of Progs
December 5th, 2012
4:59 pm
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
4:51 pm
Laughable? How about Biden? He’s the f@#k up in the family that everyone has to be nice to at Thanksgiving.
Difference being the American people looked at Biden twice and said.
Its ok if he is a heartbeat away.
Palin and Ryan not so much.
Just shows how too stupid libs are to realize a turd when they see one. In fact, if I took a spectacular life like dump and put a “D” in front of its name and ran it for V.P., you commies would roll around in it and claim it was hot chocolate.
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
4:59 pm
Just shows how too stupid libs are to realize a turd when they see one. In fact, if I took a spectacular life like dump and put a “D” in front of its name and ran it for V.P., you commies would roll around in it and claim it was hot chocolate.
What unit was that again ?
Sick of Progs
December 5th, 2012
5:01 pm
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
4:53 pm
Riiiiight, Lt Dan. Were you also the pilot of the Enola Gay? Did you lead the charge up San Juan Hill? What did Gen. Lee say when he surrendered his sword to you at Appomattox Court House that April Day so long ago?
What unit did you serve in Progs ?
You questioning another’s service record? Why don’t you make fun of JamVet and ask him the same questions a hole? Nope can’t, your political similarities come before questioning his service? Scary
Will
December 5th, 2012
5:05 pm
Paul Ryan pulled off one of the most incredible tricks for any VP candidate in American history.
If you recall, Ryan was selected, in part, because the preferred candidate, Portman of Ohio, was perceived as too timid and, at the time, Ohio was considered a lost cause.
So how did Ryan do? The ticket lost his state – not very unusual as that has often happened in presidential elections. He lost his congressional district to the Obama/Biden ticket. He lost his county to the Obama/Ryan ticket. Wait, it gets more incredible. He lost the nearest township to his residence AND FINALLY, HIS NEIGHBORS VOTED FOR THE OBAMA/BIDEN TICKET!!!!
57 States is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
5:06 pm
Chirp chirp.. what happened to Uncle Tom…
57 States is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
5:06 pm
What happened to Cheesy S#itz..
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
5:07 pm
You questioning another’s service record? Why don’t you make fun of JamVet and ask him the same questions a hole? Nope can’t, your political similarities come before questioning his service? Scary
I’m sorry so you didn’t serve your country at all ?
Typical Republican.
57 States is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
5:12 pm
Spin the topic, it looks like you are deflecting. Come on, call out Jamvet and ask about his service record?
57 States is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
5:12 pm
Typical lib, name calling coward.
Elections Have Consequences
December 5th, 2012
5:13 pm
@ Will 5:05
Yet, the Republicans regained control of both legislative chambers in WI, and rejected the Walker recall earlier this year-Not something easily done in a very liberal, union heavy state. What is your point, sir?
JDW
December 5th, 2012
5:17 pm
@Kyle…”I suppose you think the GOP should go the Groucho Marx route: “These are my principles. If you don’t like them, I have others.””
I think the GOP needs to move to the center in a big way. Role models that come to mind Eisenhower, Ford, Bush 1, and Powell.
Eisenhower, Ford, Bush 1, and Powell
Fact is that they have moved to the right of Goldwater and completely out of the realm of believability. On top of that the only arrow left in their quiver is to be the Party of No on every thing from immigration to fiscal policy. The entire strategy is to gum up the works and they are creating tremendous uncertainty and in effect creating self fulfilling prophecies.
Take the current debacle…there is an easy deal there. Raise the rates on the two top brackets, put in some general limits on deductions, make some reforms to entitlements, adjust capital gains and corporate taxes…problem is they are so entrenched in believing their own BS they can’t do their job.
JamVet
December 5th, 2012
5:17 pm
Well Kyle, in your defense you did write that it was evidence. Not terribly conclusive, but yes it is evidence.
At any rate, it doesn’t really matter, does it? Romney losing Florida, and getting trounced was exactly what I predicted many months ago.
Personally, I hope Ryan runs in 2016.
He is, in fact, a big fraud, who doesn’t care at all about fiscal responsibility, and whose policy proposals are sloppy as well as dishonest. Of course, this means that he’ll fit in to the Romney campaign just fine. ~ Paul Krugman, August 11, 2012
Boomtika
December 5th, 2012
5:20 pm
To me the most most telling event that the GOP is out of step with the majority of voters was when Georgia (and SC) selected Newt Gingrich in the primary.
Anyone with half a brain knew he wouldn’t be the eventual candidate, and that most Americans think he’s a nut job…didn’t matter, he’s our guy! Yee-HAW!
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
5:21 pm
Role models that come to mind Eisenhower, Ford, Bush 1, and Powell.
No chance. None. That guys like Reagan would be a Republican today.
That’s how extreme they have become.
Either way its win win for us.
Either the Republicans reform and move to the center ( Win )
Or they continue to get killed in National Elections ( Win )
Its really fine either way.
Politico
December 5th, 2012
5:23 pm
Jamvet
Exactly…. Same tactics as last time. And they will get the same results.
Steady as they go
57 States is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
5:23 pm
He is, in fact, a big fraud, who doesn’t care at all about fiscal responsibility, and whose policy proposals are sloppy as well as dishonest. Of course, this means that he’ll fit in to the Romney campaign just fine. ~ Paul Krugman, August 11, 2012
Obama hasn’t passed a budget yet and hasn’t proposed any spending decreases. His only platform is tax the rich. Who in the he!! is more credible? At least Ryan is trying.
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
5:24 pm
JDW @ 5:17: So, leaving Ike (who could have won running as an R or D) out of it, your role models for the GOP are: one guy who lost as an incumbent, one guy who never won on a national ticket, and one guy who’s never run for office.
I can’t believe the GOP candidates aren’t lining up for your political-consulting services!
Lib in Cobb
December 5th, 2012
5:26 pm
It is a certainty that the majority of voters in the US are tired of Ryan. The rest of the voters should be tired of Ryan if they expect to change the overall opinion of today’s Republican party. If the GOP expects to reach a broader base of voters, then they should stay far away from anything Ryan. Eventually Ryan and Romney will be a minor footnote in our political history
Politico
December 5th, 2012
5:27 pm
Simnce when do Presidents pass budgets?
Does he President vote with or against himself?
Elections Have Consequences
December 5th, 2012
5:30 pm
He doesn’t-The Senate initiates, and this hasn’t happened under 4 years of Democratic majority.
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
5:30 pm
JamVet @ 5:17: “At any rate, it doesn’t really matter, does it?”
If all you care about is the bottom line of the election, of course it doesn’t matter. But if you have any interest in knowing which policies are worth pursuing in the future, then yes, it sure does matter.
Nunna Yobinnes
December 5th, 2012
5:33 pm
“Good grief Kyle . And convince these people that the Earth is made in 7 days . You are trying to say the GOP needs to be a cult not a party .”
It is no more difficult to believe that than it is to believe that all the matter in the universe came from unknown material of unknown origin and was no larger than your thumbnail. I certainly think the earth has been here longer than 6000 years, and that to some extent evolution was involved in the process, but to believe that all the vast universe came from something the size of a thumbnail, although no one can explain where that something came from. I have ocean front property in Oklahoma that I’d like to sell you.
Politico
December 5th, 2012
5:38 pm
Kyle
They may as well hire JDW. If Obama is as bad as you and many of the bloggers claim, what does that say about the candidates running against him.
The excuse about who votes and why is just that an excuse.
There is a messaging problem no matter how you slice and dice the stats.
Bottom line is that Republicans have lost 5 of the last 6 popular votes and demographic voting trends are currently not in their favor.
Politics can and will change quickly and often, but obviously something must change if different results are expected.
Or doubling down on the same is an option. I bet there will be changes in message and tone. Not wholesale but noticeable changes.
Time will show when they occur and what they are and of course if they work.
Michael H. Smith
December 5th, 2012
5:40 pm
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
12:55 pm
Too many people, even the well-meaning folks in government, don’t understand poverty Kyle. Then again, poverty is relative to scale of economies: e.g. someone living in poverty as defined in the US would be seen as wealthy in other nations.
Anyhow, you can enlarge upon your statement concerning giving people money or anything of value for that matter, as not making the individual’s poverty disappear. So the mere lack of wealth per se’ isn’t the cause of a poor person remaining in poverty, whereas their inability for whatever the details be, which keeps them from breaking free of the repetitive cycle that keeps them poor, is what should be addressed by all parties, from government and business concerns, if for no other good reasons than self-serving greed – regardless of the Gordon Geeko-ish ring that ending may bear.
57 States is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
5:43 pm
Lib in Cobb
December 5th, 2012
5:26 pm
It is a certainty that the majority of voters in the US are tired of Ryan. The rest of the voters should be tired of Ryan if they expect to change the overall opinion of today’s Republican party. If the GOP expects to reach a broader base of voters, then they should stay far away from anything Ryan. Eventually Ryan and Romney will be a minor footnote in our political history
Broader base of voters = pandering to the masses to get re-elected based on a campaign of popular social issues. Leadership is what’s knowing what is best for your country and pushing for it, something the union educated masses can’t understand. I’m revoking your cobb title, go live in fulton, educator. (gag)
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
5:45 pm
I certainly think the earth has been here longer than 6000 years, and that to some extent evolution was involved in the process, but to believe that all the vast universe came from something the size of a thumbnail, although no one can explain where that something came from.
Mumbo Jumbo.
Just because Science cant explain where something came from today doesn’t mean it will always be that way.
At one time Scientist didn’t know that the Sun was the center of our Universe. Today they do.
Thats the beauty if Science. It evolves ( unlike Religion which stands on dogma ) and with it the whole knowledge of mankind grows.
and that to some extent evolution was involved in the process
Anybody wanna bet that the “some extent” leaves out the evolution of man ?
Politico
December 5th, 2012
5:45 pm
57
Like pandering to VA voters by talking up a larger Navy….
Like that?
Need more examples or you just like the ones that fit your narrative?
57 States is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
5:48 pm
Politico
December 5th, 2012
5:27 pm
Simnce when do Presidents pass budgets?
Does he President vote with or against himself?
http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/inside-politics/2012/may/16/obama-budget-defeated-99-0-senate/
Masterful job by your transcript hiding jedi master… all 99 republicans voted against it! He should of offered some pork! sarc.. Oh wait, who controls the senate? Bwaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaa loser!
Michael H. Smith
December 5th, 2012
5:49 pm
The GOP lost 5 of what last 6?
They kept the WH twice until 2008 didn’t lose the House until 06, won it back in 10, retained the House in 12.
Politico
December 5th, 2012
5:49 pm
57
This might be a tough question since you actually think Presidents pass budgets, but do you think that both the McCain and Romney tickets were void of pandering during their respective campaigns?
Politico
December 5th, 2012
5:52 pm
MHS
5 of the last 6 popular votes on the Presidential level.
EC rules the day but clearly their is a messaging problem when looking at the popular vote results.
It isn’t new but is starting to show up more.
By all means, ignore it and carry on as usual.
JamVet
December 5th, 2012
5:54 pm
The GOP lost 5 of what last 6?
No, three out of the last four. A trend I see continuing.
Kyle, fair enough.
And I contend that Ryan’s policies are ludicrous. Certainly his Randian informed fiscal policies.
As far as him “tackling one of GOP’s biggest post-election problems”, I took you advice and read his speech in its entirety.
I gather it was about a thousand words or so. It was a pleasant read and had some good points.
And it said………………………………. nothing.
At least nothing of useful substance.
The man is great at stating the obvious – we have longstanding and great problems in effectively combating entrenched and systemic poverty in this nation. But as for solutions or even legitimate proposals?
I seem to have missed them in his missive.
Perhaps someone can help me out and point them out…
Blackwater
December 5th, 2012
5:55 pm
Sorry Kyle, but comparing Paul Ryan to Sarah Palin is an insult, to Sarah Palin. Palin is an accomplished Mayor, Governor, author and conservative leader. Paul Ryan was and always will be part of the problem, not the solution.
Ryan voted for TARP, raising the debt ceiling, Medicare Part D, and every Big Government spending program to come down the pike, including voting to bail out the union thugs, er I mean “General Motors.”
Ryan has reached the height of his career. Sarah Palin on the other hand, if we are lucky, could be our next President.
Guys like Ryan, Rubio, and the like are why the GOP has failed.
Politico
December 5th, 2012
5:57 pm
MHS
There are numerous right leaning writers who have written about the messaging and demographic issues since the election.
Chalk it up as lib media hype if that suits you, but status quo from Rep Presidential candidates and campaigns is not going to be a winning ticket.
Politico
December 5th, 2012
5:58 pm
Republican not “Rep”
clem
December 5th, 2012
5:59 pm
don’t you just love chip rogers fiscal conservatism….just cost his district 500k for special election
Politico
December 5th, 2012
6:03 pm
Clem
Chip is doing it for the people, just as Deal created a new job for him.. So he would go away quietly……. For the good folks of GA
Michael H. Smith
December 5th, 2012
6:05 pm
Oh yeepee… poof “the magic proton” of “quantum mechanics” a.k.a. the god of scince is back as best described by none other than the renouned Steven Hawking (their very best to mind date) – no damga there but you just got to have the same kind of faith to believe his explaination as the one offered by religion.
Say whatever you want and believe as you choose, all of it remains based mostly on great deal of faith in something you believe is supreme.
Michael H. Smith
December 5th, 2012
6:08 pm
Politico
I’ll calk it up as bunk! The math is factually and historically incorrect.
57 States is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
6:12 pm
Politico
December 5th, 2012
5:45 pm
57
Like pandering to VA voters by talking up a larger Navy….
Like that?
Need more examples or you just like the ones that fit your narrative?
Obama didn’t pander at all…gag
Politico
December 5th, 2012
6:14 pm
MHS
Yep it is incorrect that Repubs have lost the popular vote 5 of the last 6 Presidential elections.
It is incorrect that the largest growing minority population votes Dem by a wide margin.
It is incorrect that Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said Repubs have a demographic problem
It is incorrect that Repubs lost House and Senate seats
Yep it is bunk…
You are exactly what the party needs…
I love it…. Same ole same ole for MHS
Politico
December 5th, 2012
6:16 pm
57
And you can show where I posted that Obama or Dems as a whole do not pander?
Thought so
They all do it, yes even those YOU vote for each election
ljhays
December 5th, 2012
6:17 pm
I have to disagree: Sarah Palin never was, and never will be, relevant.
Linda
December 5th, 2012
6:17 pm
Politico@5:49 doesn’t believe the Washington Post cited @ 5:48 by 57. Not only was Obama’s budget defeated in the Senate 0-99 but also in the House 0-414, both in ‘11 & ‘12. Obama’s offer to the Republicans to avoid the fiscal cliff is based on his budget that even the Democrats would not touch with a 10-foot pole.
JamVet
December 5th, 2012
6:17 pm
…but status quo from Rep Presidential candidates and campaigns is not going to be a winning ticket.
No doubt, but I seriously believe it’s gonna take a few more November beat downs for it to sink in.
Treating Americans like garbage, and making up wholesale malicious lies about them is not gonna get you elected in most places anymore.
Occupy that.
Linda
December 5th, 2012
6:20 pm
Govt. programs led to govt. spending, which led to govt. debt, which led to the printing of money out of thin air, which has always, throughout history, led to inflation, which will hurt the poor more than the govt. programs that led to ……..
That’s the Democratic way of reducing poverty.
Elections Have Consequences
December 5th, 2012
6:21 pm
“making up wholesale malicious lies about them is not gonna get you elected in most places anymore.”
Seemed to work well enough last month.
Michael H. Smith
December 5th, 2012
6:22 pm
Demographics? Bush won your so-called demographic vote, you ethnoceteric cripple. And, your so-called “largest growing” demographic is by far conservative and not liberal by their very nature.
Again, I cited elections won and lost and your facts – “5 of the last 6″ – don’t add up.
Michael H. Smith
December 5th, 2012
6:26 pm
Linda
As I remember, the democrat way of winning the war on poverty has been about as successful as Nixion’s war on drugs and we’re still losing both wars.
57 States is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
6:29 pm
JamVet
December 5th, 2012
6:17 pm
…but status quo from Rep Presidential candidates and campaigns is not going to be a winning ticket.
No doubt, but I seriously believe it’s gonna take a few more November beat downs for it to sink in.
Treating Americans like garbage, and making up wholesale malicious lies about them is not gonna get you elected in most places anymore.
Occupy that.
Occupy this! All of your posts are devoid of thought, only gloating that your tool won. Bring something tangible, MEAT!
Nunna Yobinnes
December 5th, 2012
6:31 pm
Cheesy – I believe something in human evolution changed several thousand years ago. Can you explain why for hundreds of thousands of years mankind displayed perhaps the intelligence of a chimp, and suddenly over the last 10,000 years or so we have made such monumental progress? I thought we were told to believe that evolution was an extremely slow process. Obviously it appears that “something” intervened. You believe whatever you want to. That’s your prerogative, but don’t belittle me for my opinion. I won’t tell you what to do with your womb, and you don’t tell me what to do with my faith. Thank you and have a nice day.
Nunna Yobinnes
December 5th, 2012
6:33 pm
Cheesy – “At one time Scientist didn’t know that the Sun was the center of our Universe. Today they do.” I was not aware that science had determined that the milky way galaxy was the center of the universe to say nothing about our sun. This is all news to me.
57 States is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
6:37 pm
Politico
December 5th, 2012
5:49 pm
57
This might be a tough question since you actually think Presidents pass budgets, but do you think that both the McCain and Romney tickets were void of pandering during their respective campaigns?
No dem votes on his budget?? He’s had 3 years to present a passable budget. Even G.W could present a passable budget!
Politico
December 5th, 2012
6:47 pm
Linda
Maybe 57 and you can both take a civics course…
Presidents do not pass budgets… Never have or will
Congress does that and will continue to vote yeah or nay on them, but the Prez isn’t allowed a vote
Nice try
Keep swinging
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 5th, 2012
6:49 pm
The Geithner plan also contains billions in tax increases on small and family-owned businesses while protecting the tax preferences of wealthy, multinational corporations. In short, the Geithner plan benefits Costco at the expense of the locally owned corner store. Small businesses already struggle to compete with big businesses that enjoy the luxury of a tax code filled with corporate loopholes.
Gee, I thought Ryan was the one trying to balance the budget on the backs of the middle class.
Looking glass, anyone?
nathan's political arsonist
December 5th, 2012
6:51 pm
Drat!! I read Kyle’s headline and thought lyin ryan had resigned along with will the winner
57 States is gone but not forgotten
December 5th, 2012
6:54 pm
Politico
December 5th, 2012
6:47 pm
Linda
Maybe 57 and you can both take a civics course…
Presidents do not pass budgets… Never have or will
Congress does that and will continue to vote yeah or nay on them, but the Prez isn’t allowed a vote
Nice try
Keep swinging
If the president proposes a turd, I guess all that review it must concede that the budget was brilliant and they are deficient in their understanding of the budget, including those in the president’s party. Lick your dictators b@!!s idiot.
Politico
December 5th, 2012
6:58 pm
57
Why whine because you made an ignorant statement about Presidents passing a budget and were called on it?
You said….
Linda
December 5th, 2012
7:12 pm
Politico@6:47, If a liberal can’t trust the Washington Post, then all hell is about to break out. I will post your own sites from Politico to refresh you memory. Here’s proof of Obama’s budget & it’s demise.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0212/72792.html
Linda
December 5th, 2012
7:13 pm
Politico, here’s another from your Politico, your own site.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0212/72776.html
Jefferson
December 5th, 2012
7:15 pm
Worthless other than to be used as a bad example. Way too selfish.
Linda
December 5th, 2012
7:15 pm
Politico, here’s another one from Politico in 2011.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/49437.html
Linda
December 5th, 2012
7:17 pm
Politico, here’s another one from Politico in 2011, in which the Black Caucus, not to be confused with the White Caucus, ripped Obama’s budget.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/49499.html
Ronnie Raygun
December 5th, 2012
7:18 pm
Ryan’s solution: repackage the budget cuts for working Americans and tax cuts for the idle rich that the American voters just overwhelmingly rejected with a new pack of “kinder, gentler” lies and hope a majority are dumb enough to believe them this time.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 5th, 2012
7:20 pm
SYRIA ‘LOADS SARIN NERVE GAS INTO BOMBS’
Anybody else wondering where they got the gas?
Linda
December 5th, 2012
7:27 pm
Aesop@7:20, From Iraq? We’ve been wondering for years where those WMD went to that liberals refused to admit even existed, even tho Saddam used them on his own people.
Glad Congress knew Obama was sending troops to the Turkey/Syria border. Congress learned that Obama was waging the non-war war on Libya from TV after they went home from one of their upteen breaks away from spending.
Linda
December 5th, 2012
7:59 pm
To those of you who knocked Lt. Dan, shame on you! I don’t know if he’s for real or not, but there are thousands of FOR REAL Lt. Dans & we owe each & every one of them our over-whelming respect & admiration for their (& their families’) service to our country.
Lt. Dan & all the Lt. Dans, I praise you for your sacrifice for me & my family.
I will never eat shrimp again without thinking of you & your devotion to our country.
carlosgvv
December 5th, 2012
8:18 pm
Michael H. Smith – 6:05
So you think the blind faith of religion is the same as a belief in science?
The profound ignorance of you Christian Academy homeschoolers is beyond pathetic.
Linda
December 5th, 2012
8:32 pm
carlosgvv@8:18, What you fail to realize is that there are no discrepancies between religion & science. Science explains HOW things came to be & faith helps us understand WHY those things came to be & WHAT they mean.
Matt P.
December 5th, 2012
8:59 pm
Paul Ryan isn’t a tenth of the man or a thousands of the politician that Lyndon Johnson was. Ryan should be ashamed to even invoke Johnson’s name.
And as for putting words in Ryan’s mouth, I guess that’s about what I’d expect from a serial huckster that puts on his brand new backwards baseball gap when he goes to do a few reps at the gym. Anyway, what Johnson actually said, right here in Georgia:
“So I have come to Gainesville today to tell you that the Johnson administration is never going to be frozen in indifference. Our administration is going to be a Government of compassion, compassion for the one-fifth of our people who are ill fed, compassion for the one-fifth of our people who are ill clothed, compassion and concern for the onefifth of our people who are ill housed. Thirty years ago in the State of Georgia, Franklin Roosevelt said one-third of our people are ill clad and ill fed and ill housed, and we must do something about it.
In 30 years we have moved that 30 percent down to 20 percent. In the next 10 years we are going to move that 20 percent down to 10 percent. And we are going to keep on and keep on and keep on, in our war on poverty, until we drive poverty into the face of the earth and it no longer exists in our beloved America. ”
I’m proud as hell that Johnson worked to end hunger in America, homeless in America, and people that don’t have a pair of shoes or a decent coat to their name in America. We’re not there yet, even though we’ve come a long way. And we’re going to get there. Without the worthless, mealy mouthed, flim-flam men like Paul Ryan.
independent thinker
December 5th, 2012
9:00 pm
resident deluded con emeritus says
“It’s a tragedy that folks like Ryan who want to actually solve big problems are either mocked, disparaged, or ignored. You can’t solve a problem like a trillion-dollar deficit unless you admit it’s a problem, and the moocher class that elected Obozo will never acknowledge that’s a problem.”
Yeah Ryan was solving big problems when he co-sponsored 39 abortion bills with Todd Akin and asked for stimulus money for his district. Couldn’t even carry Janesville on Nov.6. Oh and he was truly concerned about the deficit when he voted for unfunded Medicare Part D to get W reelected.
According to the vulture capitalist you tried to foist on the voters, 47% of the eligible voters are moochers and just want “free stuff” So if the moochers reelected Obama and no one else how did he win?
Little Barry- grow up and smell the coffee or get some counseling. You public displays of hallucinations are getting old.
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
9:06 pm
Withy dont the congress fired our Pres. Can it be done??? Has it been done
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
9:08 pm
Sorry missed spelled word my hand Slipped its why don’t we fired the Pres. can it be done?????
Thomas Heyward Jr
December 5th, 2012
9:11 pm
If you broke up the Republican party tommorrow…………Wingfeild and 98% of the other Washington-worshipping progs would probably go over to the Democrat Party.
.
It’s Hive-Think.
.
They must be led.
.
The other 2% of the smart ones would rally behind……………….ourselves.
Linda
December 5th, 2012
9:17 pm
Matt P@8:59, The progressive presidents were Wilson, FDR, Johnson & now Obama. What Kyle’s article is pointing out is that the War on Poverty has not worked, that the explosive fed. govt. is now too big to be efficient & effective.
We have 2 entitlement programs that we cannot afford, as written, & the Dems. refuse to acknowledge it &/or deal with it for votes & just passed another one, Obamacare.
Without reform, no one will receive any benefits from the fed. govt. It’s only a matter of time. Obama has admitted that fact.
If the Democratic party was the one of compassion, why did they threaten to revoke all the Medicaid funds from all the states for existing Medicaid beneficiaries?
Reality
December 5th, 2012
9:26 pm
@Linda – Clearly you have bought into the republican and FOX news BS hook, line, and sinker.
First of all, social security is paid into by its beneficiarys. As such, how can you catagorize it as “entitlement”? Seriously. If you do, then exactly how do you define an “entitlement?” This is a retirement account that one has paid into their whole life and then retires and receives the money back. The reason the federal government got involved with this to begin with is because some citizens retired with no money and have elderly people uncared for is just not right in an advanced society.
The reason social security got into trouble had NOTHING to do with social security. It was because the federal government took money OUT of social security to use for something else.
I just really wish the most opinionated idiots – republicans – would at least educate yourselves a tad before becoming just another ditto-head!
Reality
December 5th, 2012
9:30 pm
@Linda –
Continuing with social security issue…. The republicans supposedly want the federal goverment out of the social security business. They claim to want to ‘privatize’ it in some effort to shrink the size of government.
This is complete bull. The republicans want this because their donors, the banks and corporations, want to get their greedy hands on the social security money. As usual, republicans care NOTHING about people (especially the middle class) and only look out for the wealthy and the corporations.
Reality
December 5th, 2012
9:34 pm
Can the President fire the republicans in the House? Has it ever been done?
md
December 5th, 2012
9:43 pm
Knowledge is power, and will always be the ticket to anywhere. As long as that 1/4 and 1/2 continue to drop out of the first assistance program, it won’t matter how much we throw at the subsequent programs……
md
December 5th, 2012
9:49 pm
“The reason social security got into trouble had NOTHING to do with social security. It was because the federal government took money OUT of social security to use for something else. ”
Those are 2 silly sentences. The later runs the former, so of course it had something to do with SS.
As for the privatization of SS, it should be a choice as long as those that choose to go out on their own sign a waiver acknowledging they will never count on the feds if they fail.
And some here really need to understand that SS isn’t really a retirement plan, it’s a retirement safety net, if one is planning on living off it they are in for a rude awakening.
Linda
December 5th, 2012
9:57 pm
Reality@9:30, The reality is that the dodos in Congress spent every cent that social security recipients paid in & the fund is now over $16 T underfunded. Social Security is now a Ponzi Scheme. Last year, there was $165 B more paid out of the treasury than was taken in. There is NO social security money! It’s nothing more than chits/IOUs.
See the last line of this chart (& don’t look at it before bedtime).
http://www.usdebtclock.org/
Regardless of how we “fix” social security, there is no other entity who would have the gall to spend a person’s retirement savings other than the US Congress.
Congress had no other recourse to pay for VA benefits as to housing & education than with vouchers. Worked just fine for generations.
Google Galveston, TX to see how pensions work without govt. interference.
Republicans are looking out for employees of employers. Plain & simple. Obama has admitted time after time that raising taxes will hurt the economy.
Wise up!
Hillbilly D
December 5th, 2012
10:04 pm
If something is infinite (goes on forever), such as space/universe, how can it have a center? Any craftsman knows you have to have edges to find a center.
Old Timer
December 5th, 2012
10:27 pm
Folks Obama isn’t a president, he is a bully trying to make a narcissist point. His platform is Roosevelt’s from the 1930’s. Will he get us in a World War like Roosevelt did to save his agenda? As an Old Timer to younger folks, “it ain’t g onna be pretty”.
md
December 5th, 2012
10:35 pm
HD, the center is where I am standing at any given moment in time……that is the center of “my” universe as infinity extends out in all directions.
Hillbilly D
December 5th, 2012
10:40 pm
md
Well, you might be onto something there. There’s no shortage of people I run into who seem to think they’re the center of the universe.
Choctaw
December 5th, 2012
10:49 pm
Hillbilly
Now now, Tiberius would be ok if you mentioned him by name.
Hillbilly D
December 5th, 2012
11:00 pm
Choctaw
I’ve never run into Tiberius, so I couldn’t be talking about him.
Banderson
December 5th, 2012
11:47 pm
Yeah, the debt is a real problem, and so is the Social Security/Medicare shortfall. Who was the president that signed that drug benefit passed back in 2003? That thing cost a fortune! Of course, the big pharma companies like it.
57 States is gone but not forgotten
December 6th, 2012
12:08 am
Linda, I love you!! Thanks for schooling politico to the Bookman blog where he can get that tingly feeling over Jamvets leg!! nice work!!
JDW
December 6th, 2012
8:03 am
@Kyle…”So, leaving Ike (who could have won running as an R or D) out of it, your role models for the GOP are: one guy who lost as an incumbent, one guy who never won on a national ticket, and one guy who’s never run for office.”
Once again you can’t see the forest for the trees…there are not many good role models for Republicans most people thought Ike’s race with Stevenson was very close, Ford was a victim of Nixon not policies, Bush 1 was killed by his own troops (Perot) and Powell most likely would have won had he run.
“I can’t believe the GOP candidates aren’t lining up for your political-consulting services!”
If they were I would tell them to wake up and smell the coffee…without serious move to the center and a halt to the Party of No the party is in decline. Let’s face it, if you can’t gain office and congressional seats in the last election when will you?
JDW
December 6th, 2012
8:04 am
O’ BTW Kyle…Duhbya ran from the center and won. Of course he became the worst President in history but that is a function of the person.
The GOP’s rich opportunity to help poor people
December 11th, 2012
10:27 pm
[...] Bobby Jindal and Paul Ryan — have all said as much, and Ryan in particular has been making headlines and collecting kudos for, glory alleluia, mentioning the have-nots in this [...]
The GOP’s rich opportunity to help poor people - Politics Mash
December 12th, 2012
6:19 am
[...] Bobby Jindal and Paul Ryan — have all said as much, and Ryan in particular has been making headlines and collecting praise for, glory alleluia, mentioning the have-nots in this [...]
The GOP’s rich opportunity to help poor people | South Dakota Newswire
December 12th, 2012
7:00 am
[...] Bobby Jindal and Paul Ryan — have all said as much, and Ryan in particular has been making headlines and collecting praise for, glory alleluia, mentioning the have-nots in this [...]