Stossel has always seemed like a smug, self-important know-it-all to me, dating back to when I first saw that one of his books was subtitled something like “scourge of the media.” I remember thinking, really? Cause I don’t hear you being discussed by anyone.

Anyway, interesting story about the debt today. Yahoo had it linked on their home page earlier this morning. The conclusion (from more than 22,000 people surveyed) was that while almost everyone hates the debt, no one wants programs or services they like cut. Poses a little conundrum.

I hope this doesn’t upset fox news’ base of old people.

paulmdoro said:

Anyway, interesting story about the debt today. Yahoo had it linked on their home page earlier this morning. The conclusion (from more than 22,000 people surveyed) was that while almost everyone hates the debt, no one wants programs or services they like cut. Poses a little conundrum.

Well these people are going to have to make an adult decision and choose one or the other because you cant do both.

Corvax said:
Well these people are going to have to make an adult decision and choose one or the other because you cant do both.

But it’s so typical. People moan and groan about their taxes and the debt, but no one wants programs and services they use and like to be cut. They want to have it both ways.

It reminded me of these commercials:
http://thefinancialbrand.com/10536/ally-irritates-kids-and-bankers-with-more-spots/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suBGbef5p3g

Seeing articles like this slamming Stossel for being “exceptionally smug” while continually giving a pass to (and sometimes even praising) a smug, pompous, arrogant ass like Keith Olbermann is beyond the pale. No one compares to Olbermann in this regard – and it isn’t even close.

“One can only guess why Stossel and his producers thought this to be an effective shtick, but we guess its mostly because he thinks his viewers are idiots. ”

—No, it’s because he knows how to use ENTERTAINMENT to make a point. Stossel unlike the liberal media doesn’t think his viewers are idiots and present his viewers with FACTS so they can draw their own conclusions.

“But it’s so typical. People moan and groan about their taxes and the debt, but no one wants programs and services they use and like to be cut. They want to have it both ways.”

—Aside from social security and medicare there’s plenty of crap we can cut. Do we really need the Department of Education? Do we need the EPA, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Humanities? Do we need the Department of Interior to be the biggest land owner in the western states? Do we need to give the third world billions in foreign aid? Do we need the Peacecorps?

Of course, Democrats never want to cut any of that, no, they would rather raise taxes so they can spend more.

Andy Lamb said:
Seeing articles like this slamming Stossel for being “exceptionally smug” while continually giving a pass to (and sometimes even praising) a smug, pompous, arrogant ass like Keith Olbermann is beyond the pale. No one compares to Olbermann in this regard – and it isn’t even close.

I don’t like Olbermann either. Does someone have to state that clearly every single time they call someone else smug?

greg454 said:
“One can only guess why Stossel and his producers thought this to be an effective shtick, but we guess its mostly because he thinks his viewers are idiots. ”

—No, it’s because he knows how to use ENTERTAINMENT to make a point. Stossel unlike the liberal media doesn’t think his viewers are idiots and present his viewers with FACTS so they can draw their own conclusions.

“But it’s so typical. People moan and groan about their taxes and the debt, but no one wants programs and services they use and like to be cut. They want to have it both ways.”

—Aside from social security and medicare there’s plenty of crap we can cut. Do we really need the Department of Education? Do we need the EPA, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Humanities? Do we need the Department of Interior to be the biggest land owner in the western states? Do we need to give the third world billions in foreign aid? Do we need the Peacecorps?

Of course, Democrats never want to cut any of that, no, they would rather raise taxes so they can spend more.

And there’s plenty Republicans don’t want to cut either. It works both ways. It’s not as simplistic and one-sided as you claim. Most issues aren’t.

paulmdoro said:
I don’t like Olbermann either. Does someone have to state that clearly every single time they call someone else smug?

No, they don’t. But, I just watched the clip now, and I really don’t see a damn thing wrong with it. It was a short little clip conveying the fact that we are burying our kids and grandkids under a massive amount of debt. Stossel was not smug in any way. I appreciate what you’re saying, but good lord, smug? Hardly. The clip reminded me of the little segments Andy Rooney used to do.

I meant that I have always found him smug, not necessarily in this particular clip.

“And there’s plenty Republicans don’t want to cut either. It works both ways. It’s not as simplistic and one-sided as you claim. Most issues aren’t.”

—You’re right, there are bad republicans, some of them are losing thanks to the Tea Parties. However, the way Obama and the DNC is spending money makes GWB and the GOP look thrifty in comparison.

greg454 said:
“And there’s plenty Republicans don’t want to cut either. It works both ways. It’s not as simplistic and one-sided as you claim. Most issues aren’t.”

However, the way Obama and the DNC is spending money makes GWB and the GOP look thrifty in comparison.

Not really, but I’m sure that’s impossible for many people to accept.

I’m confused by Colby’s premise. Is Stossel’s analogy wrong? Is it unethical for journalists to take toys from children? Is it unethical for journalists to bemoan the national debt?

“Schtick”. “Infantilization”. “Viewers are idiots”. “Exceptionally smug demeanor”.

Why do I picture Colby Hall with a smug smirk on his face as he writes this?

paulmdoro said:
Stossel has always seemed like a smug, self-important know-it-all to

Of course he is…I still love this little vignette…Is Pro Wrestling Fake?

Stossel is a journalist who makes himself the center of attention…not the story.

Wait a second, I was under the impression that we aren’t in debt:

“Everyday that I am here is going to be spent, debunking the MYTH, that this country’s in debt and we just can’t spend. Well you can spend.”-Rep. Phil Hare, D-IL

“You know, Paul, Reagan proved deficits don’t matter.”

-Dick Cheney to Paul O’Neill.

“Not really, but I’m sure that’s impossible for many people to accept.”

Like Glenn Beck would say, “don’t take it from me, do your own research.” Well, I have.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/Obamas-trillions-dwarf-Bushs-dangerous-spending.html

Byron York is your research? Got anything reasonable and non-partisan? I’d suggest more research.

paulmdoro said:
People moan and groan about their taxes and the debt, but no one wants programs and services they use

The last word there is key…use. And to go one step more…misuse and fraud. That’s where billions can be cut. Those who apply for and use services they really don’t need and of course the rampant misuse and fraud. I’m NOT for denying assistance to the needy and helpless (mentally and physically handicapped) but everyone must agree on cutting out WASTEFUL spending. Our GovCo has always been slack about investigating and stopping fraud and misuse of tax dollars from food stamps to defense spending.

Back where we belong, huh paul?

Hold the phone, StandUp, are you heartlessly saying that foodstamps shouldn’t be used on trips to Las Vegas! Have you NO compassion for those in need?

StandUp said:
The last word there is key…use. And to go one step more…misuse and fraud. That’s where billions can be cut. Those who apply for and use services they really don’t need and of course the rampant misuse and fraud. I’m NOT for denying assistance to the needy and helpless (mentally and physically handicapped) but everyone must agree on cutting out WASTEFUL spending. Our GovCo has always been slack about investigating and stopping fraud and misuse of tax dollars from food stamps to defense spending.

Back where we belong, huh paul?

No because I agree with pretty much all of that. The Tennessee fire is an example of what I’m talking about. People don’t want higher taxes, but what if a tax reduction means that you have to pay a fee to have a fire on your property put out? What if you forget to pay it and your house burns down while firemen stand around watching it burn because you didn’t pay the fee? We all want lower taxes, but we want and expect certain services and programs too.

Speaking of food stamps, I have numerous relatives who are unemployed (despite being perfectly healthy and capable of work) and eagerly collect checks from the government every month while bitching and moaning about the “socialist” in the White House. Gotta love irony.

greg454 said:
“And there’s plenty Republicans don’t want to cut either. It works both ways. It’s not as simplistic and one-sided as you claim. Most issues aren’t.” —You’re right, there are bad republicans, some of them are losing thanks to the Tea Parties. However, the way Obama and the DNC is spending money makes GWB and the GOP look thrifty in comparison.

Sheesh. Take your GOP glasses the rest of the way off, dude! You got a peek of the sunshine. You need not defend the old GOP who spend maniacally without raising taxes and lowered taxes without lowering spending. The Bush administration was the second most recent example of trying to have it both ways (and yes, Obama has demonstrated the DEMs can do the same marching double-time). Thus the argument you need to have within yourself is whether the current GOP is actually a converted GOP (Tea Party endorsed too) or just glad-handers.

Wake up, everyone.

paulmdoro said:
No because I agree with pretty much all of that. The Tennessee fire is an example of what I’m talking about. People don’t want higher taxes, but what if a tax reduction means that you have to pay a fee to have a fire on your property put out? What if you forget to pay it and your house burns down while firemen stand around watching it burn because you didn’t pay the fee? We all want lower taxes, but we want and expect certain services and programs too.

Paul, the people who lost their house didn’t have fire coverage because they didn’t pay a fee FOR EXTRA SERVICES THAT WERE UNAVAILABLE BEFORE A FEE WAS EXTENDED AS A SERVICE. He didn’t have taxes reduced to eliminate fire service and turn it into a opt-back-in-by-fees.

Until recently he had no hope of fire help. Then it was extended as an insurance option. You can’t blame GEICO for not covering a car accident when the driver shows up after the accident to buy insurance!

http://www.nwtntoday.com/news.php?viewStory=46801

Of course, a $75 per year fee OR $45,000 bill to hire the firemen would be a better policy than just the upfront fee.

I know the details of the story. I was using it to craft an example of people wanting lower taxes but not wanting services cut.

paulmdoro said:
I know the details of the story. I was using it to craft an example of people wanting lower taxes but not wanting services cut.

A false example.

Don’t pollute real issues by turning them into different things to prove a point. We have enough spin from the media and the parties. Intelligent debate needn’t do the same.

I’m sure a moment’s digging will unearth 100 examples to keep your otherwise fine point salient.

Danimal98367 said:
A false example.

Don’t pollute real issues by turning them into different things to prove a point. We have enough spin from the media and the parties. Intelligent debate needn’t do the same.

I’m sure a moment’s digging will unearth 100 examples to keep your otherwise fine point salient.

Save the lectures for someone who needs them. Pot, meet kettle. Condescending asshole.

He’s on FAUX…his viewers are idiots.

paulmdoro said:
Speaking of food stamps, I have numerous relatives who are unemployed (despite being perfectly healthy and capable of work) and eagerly collect checks from the government every month while bitching and moaning about the “socialist” in the White House. Gotta love irony.

It’s really only irony if they aren’t trying to get off assistance in my opinion.

The point you are trying to make about cuts, though, is valid. Conservatives like to say “it is going to hurt in the short term but we got to cut this or that”. Unless it would be them hurting, then it’s a vital program.

There are too many people addicted to likely every program in the government for any meaningful cuts to happen.

paulmdoro said:
Speaking of food stamps, I have numerous relatives who are unemployed (despite being perfectly healthy and capable of work) and eagerly collect checks from the government every month

Tell your lazy relatives that I said to start contributing and stop taking. If they don’t, and their house happens to catch fire (God forbid) they’ll be out there with a garden hose trying to put it out.

I know where you’re coming from, I have a sibling that is the worst at taking and complaining that it’s never enough. Never held a job more than 2 months, pregnant at 16, now 4 kids later, all 4 and her grandkids are receiving GovCo money. My money…your money, our money, for nothing.

Just had a flashback to Dire Straits, get your money for nothing and your chicks for free…guitar riff

paulmdoro said:
Save the lectures for someone who needs them. Pot, meet kettle. Condescending asshole.

Huh?

exiledtruther said:
Hold the phone, StandUp, are you heartlessly saying that foodstamps shouldn’t be used on trips to Las Vegas! Have you NO compassion for those in need?

I guess I wasn’t thinking clearly. I must be deliriously tired, been working since very early this morning contributing to instead of taking from GovCo.

Danimal98367 said:
A false example. Don’t pollute real issues by turning them into different things to prove a point. We have enough spin from the media and the parties. Intelligent debate needn’t do the same. I’m sure a moment’s digging will unearth 100 examples to keep your otherwise fine point salient.

paulmdoro said:
Save the lectures for someone who needs them. Pot, meet kettle. Condescending asshole.

Condescending a****** I get. I often am, even accidentally. Now for some intentional.

In order for your pot-kettle claim to be accurately applied I would have to be guilty of a false example as I demonstrated you to be. So what assertion of mine is a false example?

1. Don’t change issues into something they aren’t to prove a point?
2. The media and politicians spin issues? (If that’s false, there is not point to Mediaite at all.)
3. There are 100 real examples? (If that’s false than your own argument is garbage.)

Perhaps you just misused an adage..

Stossel is NOT always correct.

I’d go so far as to say he overstates his case in at least 2% of his stories!

Shame on you John. You must do better.

How dare he point out that in fact we are stealing from today’s children and grandchildren….something not pointed out in the story mocking Stossel’s clip. We have gone from the greatest generation (WW2) and their selfless service to the most selfish generation in our nation’s history….and as usual some idiot is worried about Fox News.

Danimal98367 said:
There are too many people addicted to likely every program in the government for any meaningful cuts to happen.

No doubt true. Gotta run, as the grilled chicken is almost finished, but I did want to comment that stopping any new horrid, economic atomic bomb legislation like cap and trade is a good start to not making the national debt far, far worse than it already is.

paulmdoro said:
The conclusion (from more than 22,000 people surveyed) was that while almost everyone hates the debt, no one wants programs or services they like cut. Poses a little conundrum.

That it does, Paul. We are all going to have to sacrifice something to get this thing under control.

I don’t see a problem here, just print more money…..O wait they’re doing that already… Hmmm… I know. I’ll buy some gold! Damn. I can’t. All my money is tied up in my IRA. Oh well.. Work hard you kids, I;m used to living large! LOL