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Republican Senators Pledge To Block All Legislation Till Bush Tax Cuts Are Extended

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» 339 comments

In the game of neighborhood kickball that is the American government, Republican Senators have just stuck their tongues out, taken the ball home, and effectively ended the game. In a letter signed by all 42 Republicans currently in office, they’ve pledged to block every piece of legislation that comes through in this session until the Bush-era tax cuts are extended. Gosh, can’t these kids get along? This is worse than the argument they had on whether or not to use a ghost runner on third.

From the New York Times:

“The letter goes on: ‘With little time left in this Congressional session, legislative scheduling should be focused on these critical priorities. While there are other items that might ultimately be worthy of the Senate’s attention, we cannot agree to prioritize any matters above the critical issues of funding the government and preventing a job-killing tax hike.’

Republicans are locked in battle over what to do about the Bush-era tax cuts, which expire at the end of the year. President Obama and Democratic lawmakers want to extend the cuts to all Americans except those with income above $250,000, while Republicans want tax cuts extended to Americans at all income levels. Another idea that has been kicking around over the last few weeks — proposed by some Democrats — is raising the expiration income ceiling to households with at least $1 million in income.

At the same time, Congress needs to make a legislative move to keep the government funded before the 112th Congress takes over in January.”

Well, it looks like gays in the military can look forward to more not asking and not telling, the Start treaty has been stopped, and the unemployed whose benefits expire today can get back to watering that money tree in their back yard. It’s not all bad though. With all this free time now that the Republicans have decided nothing can happen, Harry Reid will have plenty of time to read off more BCS rankings.

Check out video of Senator Mitch McConnell mentioning the letter on the floor from C-Span below:

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  • skyfet

    This people are disgraceful. So they won’t do anything for the common man, unless the Billionaires and Millionaires and well off middle class are given more money. This is madness, even the rich wants more taxes, they realise they’ve not been putting enough in.

    So sort the rich out, otherwise screw everyone else. POS. A holes.

  • http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

    Jon, don’t tell me you really believed the democrats would do all those idiot bills that you want them too pass?
    They had two years with a huge majority and could have passed them anytime they wanted. I wonder why they didn’t? Could it be they couldn’t get DEMOCRAT votes on that nonsense.

  • Ricia

    Now lets see if they stick to it or give in for the earmarks they refused to ban!

  • http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

    skyfet said:
    This people are disgraceful. So they won’t do anything for the common man, unless the Billionaires and Millionaires and well off middle class are given more money. This is madness, even the rich wants more taxes, they realise they’ve not been putting enough in. So sort the rich out, otherwise screw everyone else. POS. A holes.

    The only madness here is that someone at the hospital lets you play with the computer everyday. I am going to call the Warden and tell him to put you in solitary.

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    This is completely unacceptable. Un-f-ing-acceptable. Have they never heard the phrase, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. How can anyone defend such tactics. Really, you are so concerned about tax breaks for the wealthy 1% (who are NOT going to put that back into the economy. The rich tend to buy luxury items which does not help stimulate an economy) that you are willing to give up on our national security (the START treaty), or even help out the millions (MILLIONS!) who are struggling, just so your friends can get a yacht next year. Really? These are the people we just elected into power. How is the tax cuts for the wealthiest good for us? Please, someone explain to me how the tax cuts for the wealthy are better than START, the unemployment benefits being extended. I mean, DADT is more important for the masses than this thing. Please, conservatives, justify this.

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    gordonbloyershow said:
    The only madness here is that someone at the hospital lets you play with the computer everyday. I am going to call the Warden and tell him to put you in solitary.

    So not “f**king” the country is a sign of madness?

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    gordonbloyershow said:
    Jon, don’t tell me you really believed the democrats would do all those idiot bills that you want them too pass?
    They had two years with a huge majority and could have passed them anytime they wanted. I wonder why they didn’t? Could it be they couldn’t get DEMOCRAT votes on that nonsense.

    The START treaty is an idiot bill? Explain.

  • Atticus Draco

    skyfet said:
    This people are disgraceful. So they won’t do anything for the common man, unless the Billionaires and Millionaires and well off middle class are given more money. This is madness, even the rich wants more taxes, they realise they’ve not been putting enough in.

    So sort the rich out, otherwise screw everyone else. POS. A holes.

    LMAO,,, that sounded like a stuck piggy didnt it?
    “Say weeeee piggy”

    GO GIT A JOB
    oops,, cant do that can ya?

    Go watch Olbermann! He’ll sympathize with ya

    WAIT TILL WE GET TO OBAMACARE,,, LMAO

  • tgk

    skyfet said:
    So they won’t do anything for the common man, unless the Billionaires and Millionaires and well off middle class are given more money. This is madness,

    Uhm, you do realize that if Congress doesn’t deal with this, YOUR taxes are going up too right? As well as a large number of MIDDLE CLASS families that will be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax unless Congress does something. For the love of GOD, I wish liberals would quit fixating on the wealthy as the sole source of America’s piggy bank and all her problems.

  • CosmosDan

    I really hope the Dems have the balls to call these assholes out and make them put their money where their mouth is. How freakin’ obvious does it have to be that these jerks place political games at a much higher priority than the welfare of the country as a whole.

  • felixw

    Yes, how unreasonable for people to want to know what their tax rates will be next year. Or, rather, next month, given the rapidly approaching deadline. Do Dems have any idea of how business owners operate? Do they really expect them to expand and hire when they have no clue what their taxes will be next year? This is one more example (and there are hundreds more) of the total incomprehension on the Left of how economies actually operate.

    The irony is that Obama and the Democrats would actually help their re-election prospects by extending the tax cuts. Put more money in the hands of the people who do the hiring and investing, and the economy would recover next year. But the Left would rather lose the White House in 2012 than give up their class envy and hatred of the most productive members of society.

    As always, the Left may promise to get rid of poverty, but their only real expertise is in eradicating wealth.

  • timzank

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    This is completely unacceptable. Un-f-ing-acceptable. Have they never heard the phrase, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. How can anyone defend such tactics. Really, you are so concerned about tax breaks for the wealthy 1% (who are NOT going to put that back into the economy. The rich tend to buy luxury items which does not help stimulate an economy) that you are willing to give up on our national security (the START treaty), or even help out the millions (MILLIONS!) who are struggling, just so your friends can get a yacht next year. Really? These are the people we just elected into power. How is the tax cuts for the wealthiest good for us? Please, someone explain to me how the tax cuts for the wealthy are better than START, the unemployment benefits being extended. I mean, DADT is more important for the masses than this thing. Please, conservatives, justify this.

    This is easily justifiable. The democrats don’t have a piece of legislation to offer that doesn’t suck. If I’m in negotiations and you have absolutely NOTHING worthwile to offer, why would I proceed to greenlight your stoooopid ideas?

    There are two parties for a reason you morons. Gridlock is good.

    And for Christs sake, quit acting like this is the first time “gridlock” has ever happened, it happens every fricking year, it’s part of the process you lying theiving pussies.

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    tgk said:
    Uhm, you do realize that if Congress doesn’t deal with this, YOUR taxes are going up too right? As well as a large number of MIDDLE CLASS families that will be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax unless Congress does something. For the love of GOD, I wish liberals would quit fixating on the wealthy as the sole source of America’s piggy bank and all her problems.

    Actually, the extension of the tax cuts go to people making less than 250,000, actually, Dems have compromised to put that up to under 1 million. So, right now, the reason OUR taxes are going to go up is because the Repubs want the wealthy to get the tax cuts as well, not because the Dems are trying to work out a deal.

  • RichS

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    This is completely unacceptable. Un-f-ing-acceptable. Have they never heard the phrase, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. How can anyone defend such tactics. Really, you are so concerned about tax breaks for the wealthy 1% (who are NOT going to put that back into the economy. The rich tend to buy luxury items which does not help stimulate an economy) that you are willing to give up on our national security (the START treaty), or even help out the millions (MILLIONS!) who are struggling, just so your friends can get a yacht next year. Really? These are the people we just elected into power. How is the tax cuts for the wealthiest good for us? Please, someone explain to me how the tax cuts for the wealthy are better than START, the unemployment benefits being extended. I mean, DADT is more important for the masses than this thing. Please, conservatives, justify this.

    Since you mention yachts in your comment I’ll remind you of the unintended consequences of President Carter’s tax on luxury yachts. Yeah, stick it to those rich guys who are buying those yachts! Well, the rich guys still bought the yachts but they went to a country that didn’t charge the tax and my neighbor three houses down lost his job building yachts. Way to stick it to the rich. Unless and until the tax picture for the next few years is made clear no person or corporation in its right mind is going to make that kind of investments that are needed to get our economy moving.

    Oh, not that you mentioned this, but did you know that the last unemployment insurance extension included a tax of businesses for each new employee that they hired. Way to go stiffling job growth!

  • timzank

    CosmosDan said:
    I really hope the Dems have the balls to call these assholes out and make them put their money where their mouth is. How freakin’ obvious does it have to be that these jerks place political games at a much higher priority than the welfare of the country as a whole.

    You’ve had 2 years with both houses and the white house. whatever you didn’t get passed is your own damn fault. suck it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    gordonbloyershow said:
    Jon, don’t tell me you really believed the democrats would do all those idiot bills that you want them too pass?
    They had two years with a huge majority and could have passed them anytime they wanted. I wonder why they didn’t? Could it be they couldn’t get DEMOCRAT votes on that nonsense.

    The START treaty, which was a very effective agreement, expired last year. It needs to be renewed. If you can present a reasonable argument why we shouldn’t agree to a treaty that reduces the number of available nukes in Eastern Europe (that Russia already agreed to), I’m all ears.

  • RichS

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    The START treaty is an idiot bill? Explain.

    I think the START treaty should be thoroughly debated and there is no time for that in this lame duck session.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    Actually, the extension of the tax cuts go to people making less than 250,000, actually, Dems have compromised to put that up to under 1 million. So, right now, the reason OUR taxes are going to go up is because the Repubs want the wealthy to get the tax cuts as well, not because the Dems are trying to work out a deal.

    Frankly, I’m not sure why the Democrats are having to make any type of deal regarding the tax cuts. If congress does nothing, they’ll just expire. If the Democrats decided to just nix extending the tax cuts for the wealthy all together and push a vote on extending the rest, the Republicans will still have to vote in favor of such a proposal lest they risk being seen as the party that allowed taxes to go up.

    Given that the tax cuts are set to expire, a vote of ‘no’ on any extension plan is a vote to increase taxes. The Democrats should push that fact.

  • Fox News: Better that we sell Hate than Crack

    Fuk these Republican AHs.. Don’t give them an inch. Make them to eliminate the Bush-caused deficits FIRST, create a surplus(like Clinton did), and then, and only then, will we consider your tax cuts, you corrupt SOBs!

  • ice queen

    The GOP sounds like a bunch of spoiled children who say:

    “We’re going to hold our breath until we get our way.”

  • timzank

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    So, right now, the reason OUR taxes are going to go up is because the Repubs want the wealthy to get the tax cuts as well, not because the Dems are trying to work out a deal.

    That’s the way your dishonest, lying, thieving, spendthrift, socialist democrat leadership is going to try to portray it, but it won’t work.

    Most of us figured out if we don’t work for the government, or we don’t live OFF the government the we work for a guy that is considered “rich”. Whatever happens to them DIRECTLY effects us.

    Who do you work for? A rich guy or the government? Or are on you on public assistance? Which one is it??

  • notsofast

    Good!

    Get those deadbeat Dims to extend the cuts and just STFU already!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    gordonbloyershow said:
    The only madness here is that someone at the hospital lets you play with the computer everyday. I am going to call the Warden and tell him to put you in solitary.

    Your constant references to psychiatric inpatient units as a place of disgust and dismissal is pretty despicable. Way to perpetuate the stigma.

    What’s more, you can’t even seem to keep your joke narrative consistent. Here, you’re seemingly mixing in prison terminology.

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    timzank said:
    This is easily justifiable. The democrats don’t have a piece of legislation to offer that doesn’t suck. If I’m in negotiations and you have absolutely NOTHING worthwile to offer, why would I proceed to greenlight your stoooopid ideas?

    There are two parties for a reason you morons. Gridlock is good.

    And for Christs sake, quit acting like this is the first time “gridlock” has ever happened, it happens every fricking year, it’s part of the process you lying theiving pussies.

    Yeah, but the START treaty isn’t a bad idea. It’s a great idea, one that is on the table. Fine, the other ones, let’s go ahead and move those out of the picture, but let’s look at two very important ones. I’m going to hammer down on this START treaty deal. It’s needed, pure and simple. We need to continue to monitor nuclear arms from Russia. It’s important. Now, why would we get rid of that ability to appease rich folks? Yes, gridlock occurs all the time, but right now, this is important, and I’m sorry, screw gridlock, because this is the message that is being sent out. The rich are more important than you. Second, the extension of unemployment benefits will help the economy. The jobless won’t spend money because well, they don’t have any money. Now, sure, there’s a more complex issue at stake, but on the surface, this is what we can see. Gridlock is good at times, sure, but right now, it isn’t.

    Now, to address your personal attacks on me. One, not a moron. I don’t want to get involved with test scores, education, IQ’s, what have you, but no, I have an opposing view. I’m not an idiot. For that, go fuck yourself.

    Second, I am not a lying, thieving pussy. For this, since their are three slurs in there, which you have no proof as to being true, I will not call you a name, since I don’t know who you truly are. So instead I send you a: Go fuck yourself, go fuck yourself, go fuck yourself. I’ve always felt that the most effective since you can’t call me a liar for saying it.

  • Pablo

    skyfet said:
    This people are disgraceful. So they won’t do anything for the common man, unless the Billionaires and Millionaires and well off middle class are given more money.

    This is all of the tax cuts which are set to expire and which Congress has done nothing about. Everybody who pays taxes is getting a bigger bill unless they act this session.

    This is madness, even the rich wants more taxes, they realise they’ve not been putting enough in.

    They don’t need legislation to send more money in. They can just write the check and send it in.

  • TristramShandy

    Fabulous! Block everything Progressive all the time, forever! Even here in San Francisco, a Progressive Revolt is taking place. Watch my hilarious one minute video and change your life.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p367ixkAUk

  • notsofast

    skyfet said:
    This people are disgraceful. So they won’t do anything for the common man, unless the Billionaires and Millionaires and well off middle class are given more money.

    Given more money? You pathetic POS, it’s our money! We earned it not the Govt.

    You are a true libturd.

  • timzank

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    Yeah, but the START treaty isn’t a bad idea. It’s a great idea, one that is on the table

    It’s not one that needs to be decided on immediately by any stretch of the imagination. Manufactured urgency is no more real in this case than it was with the health insurance debacle.

    So who do you work for? The government or a rich guy? or are you sucking off the government teet?

  • Pablo

    CosmosDan said:
    I really hope the Dems have the balls to call these assholes out and make them put their money where their mouth is. How freakin’ obvious does it have to be that these jerks place political games at a much higher priority than the welfare of the country as a whole.

    You don’t think that a massive tax increase in an economy like this will affect the welfare of the country?

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Shocked, SHOCKED to find gambling going on in this establishment!

    Corrupt is as corrupt does.

  • Pablo

    timzank said:
    It’s not one that needs to be decided on immediately by any stretch of the imagination. Manufactured urgency is no more real in this case than it was with the health insurance debacle.

    Last I checked, the Cold War has been over for a couple of decades now. Like Sting, I hope the Russians love their children too.

  • More Liberty

    The title of this post is either a lie, or a half truth Jon.

    What they told Reid was “that we will not agree to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to any legislative item until the Senate has acted to fund the government and we have prevented the tax increase that is currently awaiting all American taxpayers.”

    They will obviously vote on legislation that funds the government. You on the other hand claim “all legislation” which is a lie.

    Additionally, why didn’t you mention how much everyone’s taxes are going to rise if they don’t extend the tax cuts. Maybe a nice little fact about everyone that is single and makes over $34K a year will see their taxes increase. Married people making over $57k combined will see their taxes increase as well.

    Low income workers will see the 10% bracket go away, and theirs will rise to 15%. How about those facts.

  • Pablo

    notsofast said:
    Given more money? You pathetic POS, it’s our money! We earned it not the Govt.

    You are a true libturd.

    Yes. It takes a libtard to view not taking something from someone as exactly like giving something to someone.

  • CosmosDan

    timzank said:
    You’ve had 2 years with both houses and the white house. whatever you didn’t get passed is your own damn fault. suck it.

    This is pure nonsense and irrelevant to the issue of tax cuts, and other important business, that they are willing to hold up.

    Playing politics rather than TCB is not just a republican fault, but they are the ones advertising it now as if it’s a source of pride.

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    timzank said:
    That’s the way your dishonest, lying, thieving, spendthrift, socialist democrat leadership is going to try to portray it, but it won’t work.

    Most of us figured out if we don’t work for the government, or we don’t live OFF the government the we work for a guy that is considered “rich”. Whatever happens to them DIRECTLY effects us.

    Who do you work for? A rich guy or the government? Or are on you on public assistance? Which one is it??

    I am a freelancer.

    So, extending the tax cuts to those that make less than $1 million is a socialist act? I’m curious how that works. Now, Warren Buffet (a rich bastard) is for not extending the tax cuts to the wealthy. Also, did the Dems not actually want to extend the tax cuts to those making $1 million? Did they just say that on television to save political face? So, why aren’t the Republicans saying so? Wouldn’t it come as a major victory for the Republican party by calling out the Dems bluff and saying, yes, we’ll vote for it. Fine. I guess I don’t know much about politics, but that would seem the logical recourse, since it disempowers the opposing party’s bluff and helps the majority of the country all at the same time.

  • Pablo

    More Liberty said:
    Maybe a nice little fact about everyone that is single and makes over $34K a year will see their taxes increase.

    Yeah, if you make $50K, your tax bill is going up $2900 come January 1. Take that, Richie Rich.

  • Pablo

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    Wouldn’t it come as a major victory for the Republican party by calling out the Dems bluff and saying, yes, we’ll vote for it.

    That’s what they’re saying. They’re going to block non-essential legislation until a tax bill comes to the floor.

    That’s not so bad, is it?

  • timzank

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    Fine. I guess I don’t know much about politics

    Stick with that, you’re right about that.

    What in the fuck is a “freelancer”?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    timzank said:
    That’s the way your dishonest, lying, thieving, spendthrift, socialist democrat leadership is going to try to portray it, but it won’t work.

    Most of us figured out if we don’t work for the government, or we don’t live OFF the government the we work for a guy that is considered “rich”. Whatever happens to them DIRECTLY effects us.

    Who do you work for? A rich guy or the government? Or are on you on public assistance? Which one is it??

    That’s not a lie. By default, the tax cuts will expire. If the Republicans vote ‘no’ for whatever proposal the Democrats offer, they will be inversely voting for a tax increase.

    Anyway, how does tax cuts for the wealthy lead to more jobs? Do the rich use their own money to hire employees? Do they constantly spend money in order to stimulate the demand necessary to help spur a recovery? No, they don’t.

    Many of the ‘super rich’ make more money than they could ever possibly spend. For example, a middle class household usually spends around 80-90% of their income. That’s more money exchanging hands and stimulating demand, thereby creating jobs. The super rich, however, only spend on average 20% of their income. The rest of it is being saved. Since they don’t spend as much, tax cuts for them would be the equivalent of removing money from the economy.

    For example, say that you make $500 million a year after taxes. In order to spend 70% of your income (about $375000000) in one year, you’d have to spend $1,027,397 a day or $42,808 an hour. That’s pretty near impossible to do.

  • notsofast

    Just pass it so we can see what is in it.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Pablo said:
    You don’t think that a massive tax increase in an economy like this will affect the welfare of the country?

    A tax increase on the top 2% would encourage investment instead of savings at the upper brackets, where the “jobs” allegedly come from. If the rich can make more money leaving their cash in the bank, why would they invest it in risky business ventures? Every peer-reviewed economic study ever done shows that supply-side economics is a failure. The only economists that say otherwise have never had their theories survive the peer review process. Never. Not once. Know why? Because it’s bullshit. It doesn’t even make sense in theory, let alone practice, but when you plug real numbers into it, it REALLY falls apart. If supply-side economics worked, we would all be able to get rich marketing salt water. So what there’s no demand! MAKE demand! Remember the pet rock? Come on you supply-siders, prove me wrong and get rich selling salt water. Let’s see it!

    Wow. Just wow.

  • tgk

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    Actually, the extension of the tax cuts go to people making less than 250,000, actually, Dems have compromised to put that up to under 1 million. So, right now, the reason OUR taxes are going to go up is because the Repubs want the wealthy to get the tax cuts as well, not because the Dems are trying to work out a deal.

    No, you are incorrect. As of right now, they (Congress) have done NOTHING to deal with the tax cuts expiring. The reason they have done nothing is because even the dems don’t agree on what to do.

    So, the reason our taxes are going to go up is because Congress is too busy worrying about all their Lame Duck session agenda items. Which is EXACTLY the point of the republican’s letter.

  • skyfet

    @gordonbloyershow
    Why can’t be civil for once in your life why throw in the sink all the time. Isn’t their a speck of decency in you. BTW I don’t care carry on.

  • Pablo

    CosmosDan said:
    This is pure nonsense and irrelevant to the issue of tax cuts, and other important business, that they are willing to hold up.

    They’re not holding up important business. Read this again:

    ‘With little time left in this Congressional session, legislative scheduling should be focused on these critical priorities. While there are other items that might ultimately be worthy of the Senate’s attention, we cannot agree to prioritize any matters above the critical issues of funding the government and preventing a job-killing tax hike.’

    Critical business first is what they’re saying. the longer people don’t know what the tax structure is going to look like a month from now, the more difficult it is for them to make their projections and plans. And if this has to be done retroactively by the next Congress, it’s going to be a tax preparation nightmare. This needs to be settled ASAP, and the Dems that refuse to bring it to a vote are responsible for it not being settled. This simply pushes them into doing something about it.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    More Liberty said:
    They will obviously vote on legislation that funds the government. You on the other hand claim “all legislation” which is a lie.

    Actually, that’s McConnell’s language. From the NY Times blog linked in the post:

    In a letter signed by the 42 current members of the Republican caucus, delivered to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and mentioned on the Senate floor by Minority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell on Wednesday, Republicans informed their Democratic counterparts they would not go forward with “any legislative item until the Senate has acted to fund the government and we have prevented the tax increase that is currently awaiting all American taxpayers.”

    Any. All. Bit nuanced to go calling people “liars.” No? ;-)

  • Pablo

    Paul Westlake said:
    A tax increase on the top 2% would encourage investment instead of savings at the upper brackets, where the “jobs” allegedly come from.

    Paul, pay attention. EVERYONE’S TAXES ARE GOING UP JANUARY 1 UNLESS CONGRESS ACTS.

    Did you get that? EVERYONE.

  • notsofast

    Stephen Hogan said:
    For example, say that you make $500 million a year after taxes. In order to spend 70% of your income (about $375000000) in one year, you’d have to spend $1,027,397 a day or $42,808 an hour. That’s pretty near impossible to do.

    Only 72 people in 2009 earned more than $50million. So you example is useless.

    http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2010/11/26/making-more-than-50-million-per-year.aspx

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    timzank said:
    Stick with that, you’re right about that.

    What in the fuck is a “freelancer”?

    Well, since you called me a moron, then I guess I could extend it to you the same thing. But I’m not going to. Here, maybe it will help you if I tell you that I own my own business and I have one employee. Me. That’s a freelancer in a nutshell. Right now, times are tough for me, and I am scrounging to keep it going, as well as moving on to further my career as a comedian. But I do not take personal handouts. I did not take out one loan during college, using only scholarships, then, working overtime to pay for the remaining classes once they ran out. I could apply for unemployment, but I’ve chosen not to. Not because it’s something I don’t believe in, it’s just not in my personal nature to accept them. (My wife and I have argued over this point). Now, if you are done attempting to insult me over things you know little of about me, we can actually get to the meat of this argument that’s at hand. But, can you rise above insults to have a real debate, or do you have to hide behind calling being moron or liar or any other assessment. Because in the long run, it will make your arguments unfounded and you will be looked upon as an asshole as opposed to someone with something intelligent to say about their side of the argument. Of course, you have to step away from self absorption to see that.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Pablo said:
    Yes. It takes a libtard to view not taking something from someone as exactly like giving something to someone.

    No, seriously, dude. Unemployment insurance is insurance. We PAID for it, not through someone ELSE, but OURSELVES, with OUR payroll taxes. That is OUR money. It doesn’t belong to the rich or the corporations. I know how much you want to give all of our money to the captains of industry you love so much (and who think you’re a worthless POS, BTW), but it’s not YOURS to give or THEIRS to take. It’s OURS! Dig it!

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Pablo said:
    Paul, pay attention. EVERYONE’S TAXES ARE GOING UP JANUARY 1 UNLESS CONGRESS ACTS.

    Did you get that? EVERYONE.

    The Democratic plan is to extend middle class cuts only. The GOP plan is to extend them all. What part of that debate have you been missing!?

  • CosmosDan

    felixw said:
    Yes, how unreasonable for people to want to know what their tax rates will be next year. Or, rather, next month, given the rapidly approaching deadline. Do Dems have any idea of how business owners operate? Do they really expect them to expand and hire when they have no clue what their taxes will be next year? This is one more example (and there are hundreds more) of the total incomprehension on the Left of how economies actually operate.

    The irony is that Obama and the Democrats would actually help their re-election prospects by extending the tax cuts. Put more money in the hands of the people who do the hiring and investing, and the economy would recover next year. But the Left would rather lose the White House in 2012 than give up their class envy and hatred of the most productive members of society.

    As always, the Left may promise to get rid of poverty, but their only real expertise is in eradicating wealth.

    That sounds good but are you sure that reflects the reality of extending the tax cuts? Helping business is a great talking point but I think the reality is that many in the top 1% are individuals and small non manufacturing companies like law firms, investment firms , etc etc. If we’re serious about dealing with the deficit the money cannot realistically come form all cuts.
    The Dems have already said they are willing to compromise on the figures.

  • The Real Royal King

    Stephen Hogan said:
    What’s more, you can’t even seem to keep your joke narrative consistent. Here, you’re seemingly mixing in prison terminology.

    I noticed that as well. I think his blow hole gets clogged from time-to-time and the oxygen-deprived state makes his brain function in odd ways.

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    Pablo said:
    Paul, pay attention. EVERYONE’S TAXES ARE GOING UP JANUARY 1 UNLESS CONGRESS ACTS.

    Did you get that? EVERYONE.

    So why isn’t the smart thing to agree to the proposal of extending the tax cuts to those who make less than $1 million so that we can get this ball rolling. Again, this is the most logical, most rational way to do this. The Dems said, Hey, we’re for that. The Repubs said, Well, if that’s the only way, then yes. So, alas, why isn’t this on the floor?

  • The Real Royal King

    So, let the tax cuts expire. There is wide-spread support for discontinuation of the cuts for people making over US $250K, or perhaps some higher sum, and this will merely feed the narrative of the Republicans acting solely at the behest of the wealthy. The Democrats were just handed a campaign issue. And, All the Marys in Heaven know we need to revenue to draw down the deficit.

  • Pablo

    Paul Westlake said:
    The Democratic plan is to extend middle class cuts only. The GOP plan is to extend them all. What part of that debate have you been missing!?

    Where’s their bill? Why hasn’t it gone to the floor? They control the agenda. Why haven’t they done anything?

  • The Real Royal King

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    So why isn’t the smart thing to agree to the proposal of extending the tax cuts to those who make less than $1 million so that we can get this ball rolling. Again, this is the most logical, most rational way to do this. The Dems said, Hey, we’re for that. The Repubs said, Well, if that’s the only way, then yes. So, alas, why isn’t this on the floor?

    That is immensely wise.

  • notsofast

    Paul Westlake said:
    No, seriously, dude. Unemployment insurance is insurance. We PAID for it, not through someone ELSE, but OURSELVES, with OUR payroll taxes.

    How stupid can you be. Employers pay FUTA not employees.

    Man, you just make it up.

  • tgk

    Paul Westlake said:
    Unemployment insurance is insurance. We PAID for it, not through someone ELSE, but OURSELVES, with OUR payroll taxes.

    WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Employer’s pay Unemployment tax not you.

  • timzank

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    Well, since you called me a moron, then I guess I could extend it to you the same thing. But I’m not going to. Here, maybe it will help you if I tell you that I own my own business and I have one employee. Me. That’s a freelancer in a nutshell. Right now, times are tough for me, and I am scrounging to keep it going, as well as moving on to further my career as a comedian. But I do not take personal handouts. I did not take out one loan during college, using only scholarships, then, working overtime to pay for the remaining classes once they ran out. I could apply for unemployment, but I’ve chosen not to. Not because it’s something I don’t believe in, it’s just not in my personal nature to accept them. (My wife and I have argued over this point). Now, if you are done attempting to insult me over things you know little of about me, we can actually get to the meat of this argument that’s at hand. But, can you rise above insults to have a real debate, or do you have to hide behind calling being moron or liar or any other assessment. Because in the long run, it will make your arguments unfounded and you will be looked upon as an asshole as opposed to someone with something intelligent to say about their side of the argument. Of course, you have to step away from self absorption to see that.

    Suffice to say you don’t PAY any income taxes then, now I understand why it doesn’t matter to you. Where you perform (if you perform) ask the guy that owns the venue what he thinks.

  • Pablo

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    So why isn’t the smart thing to agree to the proposal of extending the tax cuts to those who make less than $1 million so that we can get this ball rolling. Again, this is the most logical, most rational way to do this. The Dems said, Hey, we’re for that. The Repubs said, Well, if that’s the only way, then yes. So, alas, why isn’t this on the floor?

    Your last question is the right one and the answer lies with those who control the agenda, namely Reid and Pelosi.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    notsofast said:
    Only 72 people in 2009 earned more than $50million. So you example is useless.

    http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2010/11/26/making-more-than-50-million-per-year.aspx

    My example is not useless. My point is that there is an income threshold at which a marginal increase in income reserved for the individual will have little to no economic benefit. In fact, it would be a continuation of a redistribution of wealth that is essentially vacuuming money, and therefore demand and jobs, out of our economic systems and into private savings accounts.

    At any rate, if you chose to focus on the number of people who make that much money rather than the exorbitant amount of money they make, then you’re ignoring base rates. Nearly everyone in the top 2% make more in one year than what most middle class individuals make in a life time.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    tgk said:
    So, the reason our taxes are going to go up is because Congress is too busy worrying about all their Lame Duck session agenda items. Which is EXACTLY the point of the republican’s letter.

    No, the reason taxes cuts are set expire is because the GOP Congress CRAMMED this tax cut down America’s throat via the RECONCILIATION process! The very process they decried just a few months back during the health care debate. This is happening now because Republicans ALWAYS play political games and don’t give a shit about paying for anything. The least fiscally responsible group of idiots on Earth right now if the American Republican party. Even Donald Trump thinks you’re all chumps! The only reason it’s even gotten this far is because Democrats are so terminally lame and meek. Put some real liberal firebrands in there and you’ll see a very different face of America, real fast! You guys are on the losing end of history. The demographics are catching up. The clock is ticking. But you have one silver lining – SCOTUS.

    SCOTUS worked so hard to enshrine corporate personhood because the people are shifting away from buying into supply-side policy but the corporations don’t want to the gravy train to stop, so they need to be able to take over the financing of the GOP entirely. And the last election shows that they have already started. Democrats crush the GOP in individual contributions to the party, which tells you where Americans’ sentiments are. Without corporate backing, the GOP won’t survive two more elections cycles like this. But as long as CU v. FEC remains the law of the land, it’s the Dems who face extinction. Gonna get interesting, folks!

  • notsofast

    Stephen Hogan said:
    . Nearly everyone in the top 2% make more in one year than what most middle class individuals make in a life time.

    And? And?

  • jooce81

    Mitch McConnell starting up for the upper class……… SHOCKING!!!!!!

  • Pablo

    notsofast said:
    And? And?

    I WANT MINE!!!!

  • jbegan

    If the deficit is such a big deal, let them all expire. When Congress reconvenes, use taxes to generate jobs **only**.

  • notsofast

    Pablo said:
    I WANT MINE!!!!

    So do I, but not by taking it from someone else.

    I could give a shit about the top 2%!

  • skyfet

    @notsofast
    You definitely have no Idea where Unemployment Insurance is coming from, educate yourself.

    The rich are not complaining, they admitted that they’ve been paying less taxes.

    How the hell are you suppose to reduce budget if the government are not generating income from taxes. People will never agree on what to cut.

    And don’t give me that loads of crap that the rich will create job from the tax cuts. They had 8yrs, they keep the money to themselves (individuals), or ship jobs abroad ( coperations).

    Take your head out of your ass.

  • Pablo

    No, the reason taxes cuts are set expire is because the GOP Congress CRAMMED this tax cut down America’s throat via the RECONCILIATION process!

    Nasty Republicans, always jamming their taking less of your money down your throat. Not like the loving Democrats, always giving you the wonderful gift of a bigger tax bill.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    notsofast said:
    How stupid can you be. Employers pay FUTA not employees.

    Man, you just make it up.

    No, but you sure do.

    Employers pay a fixed amount based on total payroll, employees pay a percentage of income.

    Why don’t you go chew some grass. You need to vomit some of that bile out. Jackass.

  • notsofast

    skyfet said:
    @notsofast
    You definitely have no Idea where Unemployment Insurance is coming from, educate yourself.

    You are just so ignorant.

    Who Pays Federal Unemployment Taxes?

    Federal unemployment taxes (FUTA) are strictly an employer-paid tax. In other words, FUTA tax is not withheld from an employee’s gross pay.

    The maximum wage base for computing FUTA tax is the first $7,000 of each employee’s gross pay. When an employee’s gross pay exceeds $7,000, no FUTA tax is assessed on that part of the employee’s gross pay.

    Now get a job so you can speak cogently , idiot!

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    timzank said:
    Suffice to say you don’t PAY any income taxes then, now I understand why it doesn’t matter to you. Where you perform (if you perform) ask the guy that owns the venue what he thinks.

    Um, dumbass, since really, you seem to be. Yes, I pay taxes. I make an income. And I am talking about my freelancing not my comedy career here. I actually have to pay quarterly taxes, and also have to pay more in social security since I don’t have an employer who is matching me. I also am responsible for my own retirement plan, though, thanks to my wife, I have health insurance through her company. So, this was your well thought out attack on me. I recommend doing a little research before a personal attack, or better yet, avoid them all together if you don’t know who you are talking to.

  • notsofast

    Paul Westlake said:
    Employers pay a fixed amount based on total payroll, employees pay a percentage of income.

    Wrong again.

    man, you libs must take “dumb pills” everyday.

    Federal unemployment taxes (FUTA) are strictly an employer-paid tax. In other words, FUTA tax is not withheld from an employee’s gross pay.

    The maximum wage base for computing FUTA tax is the first $7,000 of each employee’s gross pay. When an employee’s gross pay exceeds $7,000, no FUTA tax is assessed on that part of the employee’s gross pay.

  • timzank

    skyfet said:
    @notsofastYou definitely have no Idea where Unemployment Insurance is coming from, educate yourself. The rich are not complaining, they admitted that they’ve been paying less taxes. How the hell are you suppose to reduce budget if the government are not generating income from taxes. People will never agree on what to cut. And don’t give me that loads of crap that the rich will create job from the tax cuts. They had 8yrs, they keep the money to themselves (individuals), or ship jobs abroad ( coperations). Take your head out of your ass.

    Once again you have illustrated most handily you are in fact retarded. Kindly save your remarks for your friends on the short bus.

  • jbegan

    Pablo said:
    Paul, pay attention. EVERYONE’S TAXES ARE GOING UP JANUARY 1 UNLESS CONGRESS ACTS.

    Did you get that? EVERYONE.

    Good! That’s what we need. Why is this so hard to understand…..Let them ALL expire.

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    Pablo said:
    Your last question is the right one and the answer lies with those who control the agenda, namely Reid and Pelosi.

    So, if the Dems are known for caving, why not call them out on it, and get this thing on the floor. The compromise is there, it’s out in the open, I know about it, you know about it. Then, enough with the bullshit, call them out. They’ve called them out on everything else.

  • More Liberty

    Paul Westlake said:
    Any. All. Bit nuanced to go calling people “liars.” No? ;-)

    I believe he is either lying or misrepresenting what was actually discussed. They ARE NOT going to fillibuster all legislation, just legislation that does not fund the govt or deal with the taxes for next year.

  • skyfet

    @notsofast
    You just googled that, I bet you feel smart.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Pablo said:
    Nasty Republicans, always jamming their taking less of your money down your throat. Not like the loving Democrats, always giving you the wonderful gift of a bigger tax bill.

    Clinton lowered taxes on the middle class and so did Obama. The only bracket they care less about is the top bracket, which is, apparently, the only bracket that matters to conservatives.

    Don’t care to address the structural fuck up of eschewing consensus and using reconciliation to pass the biggest deficit producing tax cut in American history? Gee, when it was health care, it was 1/6 of the economy and that was enough to DEMAND consensus, NO reconciliation! But back when it was tax cuts affecting the ENTIRE economy and the ENTIRE budget, reconciliation and political gamesmanship was A-OK! Yes, just keep shifting from one gripe to another and never look at conservative culpability in these things. Never, ever the conservatives fault for anything, ever. They’re perfect. Always have been, always will be… perfect!

    What a joke!

  • notsofast

    skyfet said:
    @notsofast
    You just googled that, I bet you feel smart.

    Wrong, ahole. People who WORK have known that from day one!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    Pablo said:
    I WANT MINE!!!!

    Hardly.

    notsofast said:
    And? And?

    You might want to look up ‘economic disparity’. The top 2% controls 27% of the nation’s wealth. The last time this was the case was in the late 1920′s. If too much money is on one side, the middle class (the general population) will not be able to afford to maintain the ever-increasing standard of living. Thus, demand bottoms out and people lose their jobs. This also ends up harming the top 2%, as well.

  • tgk

    Pablo said:
    I WANT MINE!!!!

    More correctly: I want THEIRS to be MINE!

  • timzank

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    Um, dumbass, since really, you seem to be. Yes, I pay taxes. I make an income. And I am talking about my freelancing not my comedy career here. I actually have to pay quarterly taxes, and also have to pay more in social security since I don’t have an employer who is matching me. I also am responsible for my own retirement plan, though, thanks to my wife, I have health insurance through her company. So, this was your well thought out attack on me. I recommend doing a little research before a personal attack, or better yet, avoid them all together if you don’t know who you are talking to.

    My point is, basically you are poor, any change in tax structure on the table isn’t going to affect you in the least.

  • notsofast

    Stephen Hogan said:
    You might want to look up ‘economic disparity’. The top 2% controls 27% of the nation’s wealth.

    I don’t care if they do. If I’m making the competitive rate for what I do, why should I want to punish those who get paid more?

  • Nachi

    Repugs. The lot of them should be taken out and shot by a firing squad.

  • Pablo

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    So, if the Dems are known for caving, why not call them out on it, and get this thing on the floor. The compromise is there, it’s out in the open, I know about it, you know about it. Then, enough with the bullshit, call them out. They’ve called them out on everything else.

    That’s pretty much what the GOP is doing here. They don’t control the agenda, so they can’t force it to the floor, but they can hamstring all the other stuff the Dems would like to see as leverage to make them bring the tax bill to the floor. It’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that they’re just going to kick the can down the road and extend everything, so they might as well just go ahead and get it done.

  • notsofast

    Nachi said:
    Repugs. The lot of them should be taken out and shot by a firing squad.

    Says shitforbrains

  • tgk

    Paul Westlake said:
    Employers pay a fixed amount based on total payroll, employees pay a percentage of income.

    Why don’t you go chew some grass. You need to vomit some of that bile out. Jackass.

    Wow…….. State something totally incorrect and at the same time ridicule another.

    Employees do not pay one DIME towards unemployment insurance. Get your facts straight.

  • jooce81

    Stephen Hogan said:
    Hardly.

    You might want to look up ‘economic disparity’. The top 2% controls 27% of the nation’s wealth. The last time this was the case was in the late 1920’s. If too much money is on one side, the middle class (the general population) will not be able to afford to maintain the ever-increasing standard of living. Thus, demand bottoms out and people lose their jobs. This also ends up harming the top 2%, as well.

    This is true, it lead to the depression.. actually the time of the greatest prosperity of this country the Rich controlled only 9% of the nations wealth…

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    notsofast said:
    Wrong again.

    man, you libs must take “dumb pills” everyday.

    Federal unemployment taxes (FUTA) are strictly an employer-paid tax. In other words, FUTA tax is not withheld from an employee’s gross pay.

    The maximum wage base for computing FUTA tax is the first $7,000 of each employee’s gross pay. When an employee’s gross pay exceeds $7,000, no FUTA tax is assessed on that part of the employee’s gross pay.

    So there’s no such thing as FICA, huh?

    From AllLaw.com:

    “Social security and Medicare taxes, also known as FICA taxes must be withheld from your employees’ wages. As an employer, you must also pay a matching amount of FICA taxes for your employees. Currently the social security tax rate is 6.2%. You are required to withhold 6.2% of an employee’s wages for social security taxes and to pay a matching amount in social security taxes until the employee reaches the wage base for the year. The wage base for social security tax is $97,500 for the year 2007. Once that amount is earned, neither the employee or the employer owes any social security tax.

    The employer also must pay State and Federal Unemployment Taxes (SUTA and FUTA). The FUTA rate is 6.2 %, but you can take a credit of up to 5.4% for SUTA taxes that you pay. If you are eligible for the maximum credit your FUTA rate will be 0.8%. The wage base for FUTA is $7,000. You will stop paying FUTA for each employee once his or her wages exceed $7,000 for the year. You will need to check with your state about SUTA tax rates and the wage base. Generally, your SUTA tax rate is based on the amount of unemployment claims that are filed by employees that you have terminated. When your business is new, your SUTA tax rate starts at the maximum and declines if you build a history of few claims.”

    You should go back to the joke book!

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

  • Pablo

    tgk said:
    More correctly: I want THEIRS to be MINE!

    True dat.

  • More Liberty

    Paul Westlake said:
    This is happening now because Republicans ALWAYS play political games and don’t give a shit about paying for anything. The least fiscally responsible group of idiots on Earth right now if the American Republican party.

    I agree that the neocons are pretty much the same as Dims but if what you say is correct, why dont’ the Dims want to pass the unemployment benifits, and make sure that the money doesn’t add to the deficit? That’s the argument right now with the unemployment benifits. The Repugs want to pass it but only if the money comes from somewhere else, not out of thin air. I guess the dumbocrats want another waiver for PAYGO. LOL

  • notsofast

    tgk said:
    Wow…….. State something totally incorrect and at the same time ridicule another.

    Employees do not pay one DIME towards unemployment insurance. Get your facts straight.

    Why should he start now?

    All he does is lie on Mediaite.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    tgk said:
    Wow…….. State something totally incorrect and at the same time ridicule another.

    Employees do not pay one DIME towards unemployment insurance. Get your facts straight.

    See above, moron.

  • notsofast

    Paul Westlake said:
    “Social security and Medicare taxes, also known as FICA taxes must be withheld from your employees’ wages. As an employer, you must also pay a matching amount of FICA taxes for your employees.

    LMAO!

    That’s Social Security and Medicare, you asshole; not unemployment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ROTFLMAO!

    OMG, how stupid can one man be?????????

    LOL

  • Pablo

    Paul Westlake said:
    So there’s no such thing as FICA, huh?

    Do you even read the stuff you quote? FICA is not unemployment insurance, genius.

  • Pablo

    notsofast said:
    ROTFLMAO!

    OMG, how stupid can one man be?????????

    LOL

    Paul seems determined to find out.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    notsofast said:
    Why should he start now?

    All he does is lie on Mediaite.

    Holding a mirror up again, I see. As usual, you are proven wrong about everything you think. Stupid comes in all kinds of packages but you really have something special going on. LOL!

  • notsofast

    Pablo said:
    Paul seems determined to find out.

    He is by far the most ignorant lib ever. I now believe in reincarnation; no one could get so stupid in one lifetime.

    MG!

  • skyfet

    Cutting taxes in time of war is irresponsible (John McCain) at the time of the first tax cut. What has it brought the Country? turning a surplus into deficit.

    The Rich and well off have had their time for the past few years, it’s time for the ordinary folks to have a little breathing space.

    And for the phony jokers who want to go back to the 50′s, do you know what percentage the taxes was then (time of prosperity and plenty)? it was 90%+

    You guys just don’t know what’s going on, nada.

  • tgk

    notsofast said:
    Federal unemployment taxes (FUTA) are strictly an employer-paid tax. In other words, FUTA tax is not withheld from an employee’s gross pay.

    The maximum wage base for computing FUTA tax is the first $7,000 of each employee’s gross pay. When an employee’s gross pay exceeds $7,000, no FUTA tax is assessed on that part of the employee’s gross pay.

    And that’s just FUTA (first 7000 x .8%), add in SUTA (my state’s wage base is increasing to $9500) @ 4% and it’s a HUGE burden on small businesses.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    notsofast said:
    I don’t care if they do. If I’m making the competitive rate for what I do, why should I want to punish those who get paid more?

    It’s not ‘punishing’ them. The fact of the matter is that our economy is cyclical. With wages having been stagnant for 30 years, credit dried up, and a tax system that places a larger burden on the middle class (the driving force of the American economy), the resultant lack of demand will negatively affect the well-being of the rich as well.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Hey everyone! I’m going to do something conservatives are totally incapable of, admit I made a mistake!

    Yes, NSF is right, I went to the wrong citation for social security instead of unemployment. I crossed wires in my head and leapt arguments. Happens from time to time when I’m typing fast.

    Yes, my citation was totally irrelevant. You get this one.

    Let’s see if any of you can live up t my example in the future. Yeah, that’s what I thought.

  • notsofast

    skyfet said:
    And for the phony jokers who want to go back to the 50’s, do you know what percentage the taxes was then (time of prosperity and plenty)? it was 90%+

    You guys just don’t know what’s going on, nada.

    Translation: “I make very little, so I will not be affected and I truly believe the Govt. is the best entity to spent others money.”

  • CAconservative

    I love to read the whining when the “entitlement crowd” gets their welfare-ox gored! These are the people who think this government is suppose to do for them. Here’s a little clue bottom-feeders, that’s not the job this government is suppose to be doing! That’s your RESPONSIBILITY!! Nearly, 47% of the workers in this country are NOT paying taxes. That means that only 53% are!! How the hell long can this country survive with nearly half of it’s citizens sucking off the tax-teat?!
    Now we are faced with the scumbag political bastards trying to build their “entitlement-base” by trying to pass the bogus-Dream Act amnesty bill! Who the hell are these clowns representing?!! The real victims of this garbage-bill are American citizens and their children. A fact the political scumbags are more than willing to over look as long as it keeps them in power. This country is fast heading for another civil war. A war that maybe needed to rid this country of the vermin now in power.

  • tgk

    Paul Westlake said:
    See above, moron.

    See above what????? That you found out you didn’t know shit about unemployment taxes and were just talking out your ass? And you call ME a moron????

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    More Liberty said:
    I agree that the neocons are pretty much the same as Dims but if what you say is correct, why dont’ the Dims want to pass the unemployment benifits, and make sure that the money doesn’t add to the deficit? That’s the argument right now with the unemployment benifits. The Repugs want to pass it but only if the money comes from somewhere else, not out of thin air. I guess the dumbocrats want another waiver for PAYGO. LOL

    Wouldn’t the same ‘waiver for paygo’ accusation also apply to anyone wanting to extend the tax cuts without outlining how they will be paid for?

  • DrinkURtea

    Ah Mediaite …where right-wing trolls like gorgonblowhardandslow can show the world how little they have to offer. There is so much muck to rake that mediaite is going to have to hire more people. See… the rethugs can create jobs!
    The “Dems had the majority” argument is a non-starter. The fact is the Dem controlled House passed 300 bills that got hung in the Senate. The Senate rules require a super majority to get anything done, and the Dems, while having a majority, did not come close to the numbers required by the rules. Of course I’m sure that gordung already knows this.
    The START treaty: For a party that likes to tout their ability to defend the country (even though it was on their watch that the worst attack, in our nation’s history, to the mainland of America occurred), you’d think they’d be serous about maintaining the “trust but verify” policy that their own tin-god, Runnie Raygun created. The thing I find interesting is watching them talk about an amendment process …to a friggin’ treaty. Just ratify the damned thing so the Russians can sign off on it.
    The Bush Tax Cuts: Let them ALL expire. It was the Repubs who passed them with the proviso …let them have their reward. Let them expire and let what’s left of the 111th introduce a bill to pass permanent tax cuts for the middle class. Let’s see the GOP come on out and say, “screw the middle class” to all of the independents out there.
    DADT: Let us note, for the record, that the rethugs, who always rail against “activists courts” are, through their own inability and/or unwillingness to govern, going to let this get kicked back to the “activist courts” so that the transition process can be as messy and chaotic as possible. They’ve never really cared about doing the responsible thing for the country, and they certainly aren’t any more patriotic than gorgonblowme and his ilk. Of course, “activists courts” are all well and good when they have Supreme Court justices like Roberts, Alito and Scalia who are willing to twist, bend and break the rule of law to serve their puppet masters’ agenda at the expense of the country that they took an oath to serve and protect. I imagine the “FEMA concentration camps” would also be fine as long as they could use them to force the poor to work for free; much like the way they have no problem with the death panel that the Republican Gov. of Az just abused her office to create.

  • CosmosDan

    Pablo said:
    Critical business first is what they’re saying. the longer people don’t know what the tax structure is going to look like a month from now, the more difficult it is for them to make their projections and plans. And if this has to be done retroactively by the next Congress, it’s going to be a tax preparation nightmare. This needs to be settled ASAP, and the Dems that refuse to bring it to a vote are responsible for it not being settled. This simply pushes them into doing something about it.

    They are doing two things, which are both a political game. Make it a priority by stalling all other business, would be fine if they indicated they are willing to compromise. When they say they are not willing to compromise at all, they’re doing something else.
    Not only that MM is repeating BS talking points.
    If they want to not play political games , deal with it, and get on with other business, then they’d be working on a realistic compromise right now and dealing with facts over talking points.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/29/small-business-taxes-fact_n_789037.html

    A lot of people in the upper tax brackets have little to do with creating jobs.

  • Pablo

    Paul Westlake said:
    Don’t care to address the structural fuck up of eschewing consensus and using reconciliation to pass the biggest deficit producing tax cut in American history?

    Sure. The Bush tax cut passed the Senate by a 62-38 vote. Federal revenue went up, so that isn’t deficit producing. “structural fuckup of eschewing consensus” is gibberish that shows you need to spend more time with a dictionary and less with the thesaurus. Baby steps, Paul.

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    timzank said:
    My point is, basically you are poor, any change in tax structure on the table isn’t going to affect you in the least.

    You may have missed the wife part of when I’m talking, right? You do understand the idea of a family income. My wife makes more than me, not ashamed to admit that. So, again, you have no fucking clue what you are talking about when you go after me or my income situation. So, is it going to affect you, you pompous ass. Wait, isn’t that the argument that you make for the left, being pompous. No, right, you’re insensitive. That makes sense. Dear God, is this how you talk to your kids? Man, they aren’t going to like you when they get to college. (I know not whether you are a father, or even a man for that matter, or if you happen to be Father of the Year, the real award not a trophy your wife (if you have one) bought you on Father’s Day. The point is that really the name calling is pointless and tends to take away from the real meat of the argument. My personal history has nothing to do with this argument. This is an argument about how we view our government and how it should act and how the logical, rational course is seldom the one taken. In this case, it seems to tilt that the Repubs are causing most of the trouble, but if the Dems never did extend the tax cuts to those making under $1 million, well, then call them out as liars, since that is something that made the media cycle when it was offered. If it’s a lie, then that’s a pretty big one, and the American public should now about it. But if it’s not a lie, and the Republicans are sticking to their guns about not passing legislation, then the Republicans will look the worst from this mess. Pure and simple. Even if the Dems are equally to blame. The smart thing would be to accept the compromise that was proposed, say we accept it, and put the ball in Reid’s court. If Reid doesn’t put it on the agenda, then well, huge win for the Republicans on this. Doesn’t that make sense, even from a political stand point? Oh, wait, I just made a point about the issue. Let’s here the insults about me being poor, not loved by my mother, or some other thing to take away from what we’re talking about. And yes, I did hurl insults, but I will hurl back if the insults get nasty enough directed at me. And if said insult is incredibly wrong.

  • The_Reasonable_Lib

    Anybody else notice that now that notsosmart is posting just4thefax is no where to be found?

  • notsofast

    DrinkURtea said:
    The START treaty:

    DrinkURtea said:
    DADT:

    Yes, those two are certainly the most pressing issues facing America; not the economy and jobs.

    Rolls eyes.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    skyfet said:
    This people are disgraceful. So they won’t do anything for the common man, unless the Billionaires and Millionaires and well off middle class are given more money. This is madness, even the rich wants more taxes, they realise they’ve not been putting enough in.

    So sort the rich out, otherwise screw everyone else. POS. A holes.

    Republicorp – Screw them. They’ve screwed the country for the past 30 years, created this mess and act as though they’re still running the show. Mitch and Boehner – YOU’RE FIRED!

  • notsofast

    The_Reasonable_Lib said:
    Anybody else notice that now that notsosmart is posting just4thefax is no where to be found?

    Anyone notice you are an idiot?

    I sure did.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    gordonbloyershow said:
    Jon, don’t tell me you really believed the democrats would do all those idiot bills that you want them too pass?
    They had two years with a huge majority and could have passed them anytime they wanted. I wonder why they didn’t? Could it be they couldn’t get DEMOCRAT votes on that nonsense.

    Why do you support idiots like McConnell and Boehner as well as the morons who created this mess? Stop redirecting blame and pointing fingers for a minute. You support idiocy out of party loyalty. Just like the Nazis. Yes, I said it.

  • CosmosDan

    Pablo said:
    You don’t think that a massive tax increase in an economy like this will affect the welfare of the country?

    Then they should deal with it in a responsible and straightforward manner. I think the Dems were pussies for delaying it in the last session , but that doesn’t excuse this BS.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Atticus Draco said:
    LMAO,,, that sounded like a stuck piggy didnt it?
    “Say weeeee piggy”

    GO GIT A JOB
    oops,, cant do that can ya?

    Go watch Olbermann! He’ll sympathize with ya

    WAIT TILL WE GET TO OBAMACARE,,, LMAO

    Exhibit A of someone who has been home schooled and graduated Jesus Camp. Sad. America has the dumbest people – and they happen to vote Republican. God and I are embarrassed.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    tgk said:
    See above what????? That you found out you didn’t know shit about unemployment taxes and were just talking out your ass? And you call ME a moron????

    One citation does not a genius make, douchewad. And I called you a moron because of your attitude and I know it pisses conservatives off to be called stupid… because you are!

    And the real answer is that unemployment is a state and federal program, so who pays will depend on state law. In Texas, employers get billed, despite their insurance payouts, New York has a byzantine system that even the designers have a hard time figuring out.

    I sometimes cross wires on unemployment and social security because they are both under assault by the right wing every day. Regardless of the mechanics, the conservative agenda has always been to abolish all forms of government assistance – medicare, medicaid, social security, unemployment, disability, school lunches, everything, EXCEPT subsidies, tax abatements, off-shore protections, out-sourcing incentives, and finacial sector protectionism.

  • The_Reasonable_Lib

    notsofast said:
    Anyone notice you are an idiot?

    I sure did.

    And predictably he resorts to name-calling. Maybe you should follow the Republicans advice and engage in some “adult conversation”

  • skyfet

    @notsofast
    What’s up with you? what makes you think people who care about other people who are less fortunate is poor and needy of the Govt.. I don’t know where this arrogance of yours comes from, but am ok with my income and livelihood. But it’s basic decency to look after the people who are not as well off. By the way I’m referring to lower income middle class, who work long shift or have 2 jobs and trying to make ends meet. They are not asking for handouts, they just want a fairer country.

    How does anyone justifies Secretaries paying more in income tax than their employers do with Capital gains ask Warren Buffet. I bet he makes more money than you, and he clarly sees that the tax system is definitely not fair.

  • notsofast

    The_Reasonable_Lib said:
    And predictably he resorts to name-calling. Maybe you should follow the Republicans advice and engage in some “adult conversation”

    Shut your noise, racist.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    CosmosDan said:
    I really hope the Dems have the balls to call these assholes out and make them put their money where their mouth is. How freakin’ obvious does it have to be that these jerks place political games at a much higher priority than the welfare of the country as a whole.

    Like I said, time to hand the GOP a little of their own medicine and shove this up their Boehner. No entitlements for GOP stupidity; The Fed has no obligation to these losers. Kentucky is nearly a 3rd World Country itself and without “military” $$$’s have no real economy to speak of.

  • The_Reasonable_Lib

    notsofast said:
    Shut your noise, racist.

    I thought the race-card was played out…
    You amuse me, child.

  • Pablo

    CosmosDan said:
    Then they should deal with it in a responsible and straightforward manner. I think the Dems were pussies for delaying it in the last session , but that doesn’t excuse this BS.

    And who controls the house and Senate agendas? Hint: it isn’t the Republicans.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Pablo said:
    Sure. The Bush tax cut passed the Senate by a 62-38 vote. Federal revenue went up, so that isn’t deficit producing. “structural fuckup of eschewing consensus” is gibberish that shows you need to spend more time with a dictionary and less with the thesaurus. Baby steps, Paul.

    From PolitiFact:

    “Here, we wanted to check Grayson’s statement that reconciliation was used “for tax cuts for the rich twice under Bush.”

    We checked with Grayson’s staff, and they said he was referring to the large tax cuts passed in 2001 and 2003. We checked the votes, and both were passed by reconciliation.

    The 2001 tax cuts passed 58-33. All the Republican senators (with the exception of John McCain, R-Ariz.) were joined by 12 Democrats to pass the measure.”

    - http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2010/mar/04/alan-grayson/bush-tax-cuts-were-passed-reconciliations-50-votes/

    And revenue went down, as evidenced by the MASSIVE BUDGET DEFICIT!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    timzank said:
    You’ve had 2 years with both houses and the white house. whatever you didn’t get passed is your own damn fault. suck it.

    Says the dumbasses who brought us the worst economy in 80 years, 2 wars, an expanded GOP government, stolen elections, wire-tapping American Citizens, the worst terrorist attack on American Soil and Worst President EVER, propaganda, profiling, torture…The phrase that comes to mind is BITE ME.

  • The_Reasonable_Lib

    Pablo said:
    Sure. The Bush tax cut passed the Senate by a 62-38 vote. Federal revenue went up, so that isn’t deficit producing. “structural fuckup of eschewing consensus” is gibberish that shows you need to spend more time with a dictionary and less with the thesaurus. Baby steps, Paul.

    Really? It went up? Because the washington post begs to differ.

  • notsofast

    skyfet said:
    How does anyone justifies Secretaries paying more in income tax than their employers do with Capital gains ask Warren Buffet

    Ahhhhhhh, that’s the tax law, child. Earned income is taxed at a different rate than capital gains and IF Buffet did take a salary, HE would in fact pay higher taxes than his secretary as does every other employee for Buffet who is paid a wage higher than his secretary. That Buffet analogy told to Brokow was a con.

    Try again. And even low and middle-income people get taxed at the lower CG tax rate for their gains than , so cry me a river!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    skyfet said:
    @notsofast
    You definitely have no Idea where Unemployment Insurance is coming from, educate yourself.

    The rich are not complaining, they admitted that they’ve been paying less taxes.

    How the hell are you suppose to reduce budget if the government are not generating income from taxes. People will never agree on what to cut.

    And don’t give me that loads of crap that the rich will create job from the tax cuts. They had 8yrs, they keep the money to themselves (individuals), or ship jobs abroad ( coperations).

    Take your head out of your ass.

    You’re confusing Republicorp with facts. These are hired “FreedomWorks/Americans for Progress/Koch Bros./RNC “Work@home” marketing bloggers”. Their only jobs is to sound outraged in their stupidity as though they are a “legitimate” movement – the astroturf marketing arm of Republicorp and the Ministry of Lies, known as RNC/Faux Newz.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Pablo said:
    And who controls the house and Senate agendas? Hint: it isn’t the Republicans.

    Says the dumbasses who brought us the worst economy in 80 years, 2 wars, an expanded GOP government, stolen elections, wire-tapping American Citizens, the worst terrorist attack on American Soil and Worst President EVER, propaganda, profiling, torture…The phrase that comes to mind is BITE ME.

  • notsofast

    James Gregory Backus said:

    December 1, 2010 at 2:08 pm James Gregory Backus(Quote)
    Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

    You are a complete failure.

  • timzank

    James Gregory Backus said:
    Says the dumbasses who brought us the worst economy in 80 years, 2 wars, an expanded GOP government, stolen elections, wire-tapping American Citizens, the worst terrorist attack on American Soil and Worst President EVER, propaganda, profiling, torture…The phrase that comes to mind is BITE ME.

    You had all three branches and you blew it, get over it. You’re lousy leaders period. Nov 2 was just the beginning, brace your socialist asses, you’re in for an ass whoopin again.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Paul Westlake said:
    From PolitiFact:

    “Here, we wanted to check Grayson’s statement that reconciliation was used “for tax cuts for the rich twice under Bush.”

    We checked with Grayson’s staff, and they said he was referring to the large tax cuts passed in 2001 and 2003. We checked the votes, and both were passed by reconciliation.

    The 2001 tax cuts passed 58-33. All the Republican senators (with the exception of John McCain, R-Ariz.) were joined by 12 Democrats to pass the measure.”

    - http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2010/mar/04/alan-grayson/bush-tax-cuts-were-passed-reconciliations-50-votes/

    And revenue went down, as evidenced by the MASSIVE BUDGET DEFICIT!

    Exactly. The rich pocketed the Corporate Welfare checks, shipped their work to third world countries and own the Republican party. What’s not to understand?

  • tgk

    Paul Westlake said:
    One citation does not a genius make, douchewad. And I called you a moron because of your attitude and I know it pisses conservatives off to be called stupid… because you are!

    And the real answer is that unemployment is a state and federal program, so who pays will depend on state law. In Texas, employers get billed, despite their insurance payouts, New York has a byzantine system that even the designers have a hard time figuring out.

    I sometimes cross wires on unemployment and social security because they are both under assault by the right wing every day. Regardless of the mechanics, the conservative agenda has always been to abolish all forms of government assistance – medicare, medicaid, social security, unemployment, disability, school lunches, everything, EXCEPT subsidies, tax abatements, off-shore protections, out-sourcing incentives, and finacial sector protectionism.

    The REAL answer is that you are NOT going to tell me anything about employer taxes that I do not already know. I AM an employer and pay these taxes all year long.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    timzank said:
    You had all three branches and you blew it, get over it. You’re lousy leaders period. Nov 2 was just the beginning, brace your socialist asses, you’re in for an ass whoopin again.

    Kiss my socialist ass. Fixing 8 years of Republican Ef-ups is going to take 20 years you illiterate bible humping moron.

  • The_Reasonable_Lib

    timzank said:
    You had all three branches and you blew it, get over it. You’re lousy leaders period. Nov 2 was just the beginning, brace your socialist asses, you’re in for an ass whoopin again.

    You mean like those ass whoopings you got in 2006 and 2008? Or how about the ass whoopings you took with Roosevelt & Kennedy? You don’t even get the fact that politics is a fucking cycle!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    notsofast said:
    You are a complete failure.

    Says the dumbasses who brought us the worst economy in 80 years, 2 wars, an expanded GOP government, stolen elections, wire-tapping American Citizens, the worst terrorist attack on American Soil and Worst President EVER, propaganda, profiling, torture…The phrase that comes to mind is BITE ME.

  • The_Reasonable_Lib

    notsofast said:
    You are a complete failure.

    i imagine everybody told you the same growing up, right? Hell, they probably still do.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    notsofast said:
    Ahhhhhhh, that’s the tax law, child. Earned income is taxed at a different rate than capital gains and IF Buffet did take a salary, HE would in fact pay higher taxes than his secretary as does every other employee for Buffet who is paid a wage higher than his secretary. That Buffet analogy told to Brokow was a con.

    Try again. And even low and middle-income people get taxed at the lower CG tax rate for their gains than , so cry me a river!

    You “income@home” marketers are so full of sh*t!

    Says the dumbasses who brought us the worst economy in 80 years, 2 wars, an expanded GOP government, stolen elections, wire-tapping American Citizens, the worst terrorist attack on American Soil and Worst President EVER, propaganda, profiling, torture…The phrase that comes to mind is BITE ME.

  • notsofast

    James Gregory Backus said:
    Kiss my socialist ass. Fixing 8 years of Republican Ef-ups is going to take 20 years you illiterate bible humping moron.

    You had your chance and America said “FU” so FU!

  • notsofast

    The_Reasonable_Lib said:
    i imagine everybody told you the same growing up, right? Hell, they probably still do.

    America said “FU” to you too, child, so FU!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    notsofast said:
    Yes, those two are certainly the most pressing issues facing America; not the economy and jobs.

    Rolls eyes.

    I wonder what ingenious plan Sarah Palin has for the country!! LOL – sorry, I’m not being nice to morons and idiots – that of course means you teabagers.

  • The_Reasonable_Lib

    notsofast said:
    You had your chance and America said “FU” so FU!

    You had your chance and America said FU and elected Barack Obama. As a matter of fact, you had 8 years and managed to fuck everything up. GDP has grown under Obama, FACT!!!!!

  • The_Reasonable_Lib

    notsofast said:
    America said “FU” to you too, child, so FU!

    You’re confusing me with your lat girlfriend who looked like your idol Jabba the rush.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    notsofast said:
    Ahhhhhhh, that’s the tax law, child.

    A policy that would be made even more unbalanced by extending the Bush tax cuts.

    I know, let’s just fucking zero out the budget. If taxes are THEFT, as the conservatives would have us believe, it is IMMORAL and UNETHICAL to tax anything at all, ever. We have to zero out the budget completely, mothball the military, dig up the roads and lay gravel (as they are in North Dakota right now), turn out the street lights (as Colorado Springs has done), stop trash collection (forget which town did that already), water distribution and treatment, public education, and all the free services rural districts get, from electrification to broadband. Let’s just scrap it all. No government is the best government. Let’s go back to pure anarchy and see how well the red states acquit themselves in that environment. I have no doubt that they all come running to NYC for work in a flat second.. and guess what, kids, you can’t have our jobs, or our money any more.

    Pay your own way from now on? You better believe I’m into it. Let’s do this thing! HAHAHAHAHA

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    notsofast said:
    And? And?

    Why should the top 1.5% get another Trillion Dollar Tax Gift from the Republicans? A Trillion plus for Bush’s idiotic wars, Trillion for the top 1.5% and you’re BITCHING ABOUT FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY??? You idiots should all spend time at Gitmo as enemies of the state.

  • justanotherconservative

    skyfet said:
    This people are disgraceful. So they won’t do anything for the common man, unless the Billionaires and Millionaires and well off middle class are given more money. This is madness, even the rich wants more taxes, they realise they’ve not been putting enough in. So sort the rich out, otherwise screw everyone else. POS. A holes.

    so let the rich pay more if they want. i’m going broke subsidizing all the clueless assholes out there.

  • skyfet

    @notsofast
    I don’t think your sorry ass is that rich. Yet am left dumb founded as how ordinary folks can vote against their own interest. Just like the phonies in the T/P are crying out loud supporting the Koch brothers. Don’t tax our Millionaire friends! sad, hope your children get more education than you and not fall into the same pit.

  • skyfet

    @justanotherconservative s
    You are not subsidising any one. You use the road, Police, Army etc. They are all paid for if you must know.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    notsofast said:
    You had your chance and America said “FU” so FU!

    No, Republicorp’s spending money said FU – the American heartland is brainwashed from Jesus Camp and voted against themselves – FU for being an enabler and celebrating your idiocy and role as a propagandist for those that hate democracy and America, the GOP.

  • justanotherconservative

    my question to obama and all you other lefties out there… what happens when the rich are taxed so much they are no longer rich?? then who’s the tit the clueless suck off of???

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    justanotherconservative said:
    so let the rich pay more if they want. i’m going broke subsidizing all the clueless assholes out there.

    You should have educated yourself. You subsidize no one. You’re idiocy is proof of that.

  • justanotherconservative

    skyfet said:
    @justanotherconservative sYou are not subsidising any one. You use the road, Police, Army etc. They are all paid for if you must know.

    and the welfare junkies. let’s not forget them.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Stephen Hogan said:
    Wouldn’t the same ‘waiver for paygo’ accusation also apply to anyone wanting to extend the tax cuts without outlining how they will be paid for?

    Yes, but that makes sense, so it’s not a viable argument (lol).

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    justanotherconservative said:
    so let the rich pay more if they want. i’m going broke subsidizing all the clueless assholes out there.

    No, NY and CA are going broke subsidizing the red states. Red states have the highest rates of social ills – drug abuse, teen pregnancy, single parenthood, divorce, etc. They also suck the most money out of the Federal government, while NY and CA (IL, TX, FL, and a few others) pay the most in. So red states have been having incestuous orgies with liberal money for three fucking decades and it’s OUR fault?

    Yes, I’m on board with ending all forms of taxation permanently. Let the red states destroy themselves. No more free lunches, no more rural support schemes, no more big time money being taxed to make red states prosperous. Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    justanotherconservative said:
    and the welfare junkies. let’s not forget them.

    Corporate Welfare is better? Explain the Trillion dollar gift please – as it has added nothing to our GDP. EVER.

  • justanotherconservative

    James Gregory Backus said:
    You should have educated yourself. You subsidize no one. You’re idiocy is proof of that.

    you are kidding, correct??? i’m an idiot because i object to my income taxes going up all the time to pay for all the bullshit social programs that don’t even work in this country? a large part of what my taxes do is just continue to make the welfare junkies more dependent on the people in this country who go to work everyday. and have for years and years. you really are an asshole.

  • dahni

    2012 should be our new mantra. That is the next time we can turn out a few more hard core, self-centered and arrogant politicians. The Republicans gained in 2010 because the Dems are so far left that even they don’t read their bills; not because moderate Americans like what they have done in the past. The Senate still needs to be completely redone.

    I’ll be contacting my legislators and encouraging them to get on with all bills that will increase our economy, build public sector jobs, decrease spending, and increase national security. The kind of nonsense being presented by the Senate Reps is so out of whack it’s hard to take in…..

  • justanotherconservative

    Paul Westlake said:
    No, NY and CA are going broke subsidizing the red states. Red states have the highest rates of social ills – drug abuse, teen pregnancy, single parenthood, divorce, etc. They also suck the most money out of the Federal government, while NY and CA (IL, TX, FL, and a few others) pay the most in. So red states have been having incestuous orgies with liberal money for three fucking decades and it’s OUR fault? Yes, I’m on board with ending all forms of taxation permanently. Let the red states destroy themselves. No more free lunches, no more rural support schemes, no more big time money being taxed to make red states prosperous. Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes!

    our fault??? who says??

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Pablo said:
    You don’t think that a massive tax increase in an economy like this will affect the welfare of the country?

    98% of Americans paid less taxes in the past two years. The only tax bracket in question is those that received the BUSH TRILLION DOLLAR TAX GIFT of the past 10 years, where the failed Republican policies of giving away OUR tax dollars did NOTHING but bring us to the cusp of the second great depression under Bush and averted by President Obama. Get off your party idiocy and get the facts. You can type, I assume you can read, but try understanding. That’s rhetorical – you’re doing nothing but blogging propaganda – the facts are the truth and they don’t fit your political agenda – Republican voters are sheep – until the bite back – this country is going down.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    James Gregory Backus said:
    Corporate Welfare is better? Explain the Trillion dollar gift please – as it has added nothing to our GDP. EVER.

    Your point is rock solid, but I think GNP tells the story with more clarity than GDP. GDP includes overseas profits, and is, therefore, not a reliable measure of domestic economic health. GNP measures domestic commerce only, and reflects American economic health much better. GDP has grown marginally under supply-side economics, but slower than the preceding decades. However, GNP growth slowed to a crawl after the Reagan supply-siders took control. It even dropped in 2008, for the first time since 1949. And adjusted for inflation, it’s even worse. The reason we don’t hear about GNP much anymore is because it tells the truth about what has happened to the American middle class.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    justanotherconservative said:
    98% of Americans paid less taxes in the past two years. The only tax bracket in question is those that received the BUSH TRILLION DOLLAR TAX GIFT of the past 10 years, where the failed Republican policies of giving away OUR tax dollars did NOTHING but bring us to the cusp of the second great depression under Bush and averted by President Obama. Get off your party idiocy and get the facts. You can type, I assume you can read, but try understanding. That’s rhetorical – you’re doing nothing but blogging propaganda – the facts are the truth and they don’t fit your political agenda – Republican voters are sheep – until the bite back – this country is going down.

    Your social issue BS so that Haliburton can use our military to secure oil at a Trillion Dollars plus is only good to morons who don’t know any better – usually in the heartland. Go play in the sandbox with that BS.

    98% of Americans paid less taxes in the past two years. The only tax bracket in question is those that received the BUSH TRILLION DOLLAR TAX GIFT of the past 10 years, where the failed Republican policies of giving away OUR tax dollars did NOTHING but bring us to the cusp of the second great depression under Bush and averted by President Obama. Get off your party idiocy and get the facts. You can type, I assume you can read, but try understanding. That’s rhetorical – you’re doing nothing but blogging propaganda – the facts are the truth and they don’t fit your political agenda – Republican voters are sheep – until the bite back – this country is going down.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    justanotherconservative said:
    our fault??? who says??

    People like you…

    justanotherconservative said:
    a large part of what my taxes do is just continue to make the welfare junkies more dependent on the people in this country who go to work everyday. and have for years and years.

    Yeah, the people who work live in the blue states that subsidize your asses. The lazy assholes screwing each other all day while collecting welfare and food stamps live in red states.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    justanotherconservative said:
    you are kidding, correct??? i’m an idiot because i object to my income taxes going up all the time to pay for all the bullshit social programs that don’t even work in this country? a large part of what my taxes do is just continue to make the welfare junkies more dependent on the people in this country who go to work everyday. and have for years and years. you really are an asshole.

    Yes – because you’re echoing the same BS empty social issues as the cause of our problems when you’re happy to kill more Americans than Bin Laden so Haliburton can have oil and the price of gas tripled under the GOP. Spending over a Trillion US tax dollars to do so, giving another Trillion to the top 1.5% whom kept the money and shipped work to third world countries. Blow me – you’re the ass hole here – because you’re repeating the “party” line – you may as well be in the Third Reich. It’s propaganda, it’s hate and fear mongering, it’s religulous blind faith idiocy. Go ride your Efin’ Dinosaur Bozo.

  • CAconservative

    We have had over 6-years of a Democratic majority held Congress and still the they won’t own up to their gross-negligence?!

  • skyfet

    @justanotherconservative
    You must be mad to think what is spent on Pentagon projects and tax cut is much more than what the lower income get.

    How many project is the pentagon involved with, building weapons that would never be used. All the phonie conservatives in Congress champion these scam, they will never cut those, but they moan about benefits that less well of Families receives.

    I hope you are a millionaire, or at least very well off, because you are an enemy of yourself. These POSs care nothing for the ordinary people, except the Lobysts that pay them and coperations that contribute to their coffins.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    notsofast said:
    Translation: “I make very little, so I will not be affected and I truly believe the Govt. is the best entity to spent others money.”

    OUR TAX DOLLARS GO IN – where they are spent is up to our elected officials. What did Bush do? 2 Wars = Trillion + (and continue); 1.5% tax break to the wealthist = $Trillion Dollars. Why continue the gift that added nothing to OUR ECONOMY?

    You morons.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    CAconservative said:
    We have had over 6-years of a Democratic majority held Congress and still the they won’t own up to their gross-negligence?!

    No, we’ve had four years, two of them with a GOP veto in the White House, two of them with an intractable obstructionist GOP Senate converting the filibuster from a special case to a matter of daily course. The GOP put a blanket filibuster on every piece of legislation in the Senate in the past two years, and they’re still doing it today. Hey, facts. You know, they matter sometimes. LOL

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    ice queen said:
    The GOP sounds like a bunch of spoiled children who say:

    “We’re going to hold our breath until we get our way.”

    It’s exactly who they are. They’re the idiots whom couldn’t hack school, teamed up with other idiots in church prayer meetings and decided, education and intellect is a bad thing, a “liberal” thing. So they get together, blame everyone for their problems and their mess and can’t grasp that they’re being misled by educated morons whom know what social buttons to push to get them to do very stupid things – in the name of false morality and false patriotism – you can watch it all on FOX – the ministry of lies for the GOP. It’ amazing that a generation of uneducated Americans can be as easily misled as those that supported Hitler.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    CAconservative said:
    We have had over 6-years of a Democratic majority held Congress and still the they won’t own up to their gross-negligence?!

    You’re truly going to go with the above you moron?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    justanotherconservative said:
    so let the rich pay more if they want. i’m going broke subsidizing all the clueless assholes out there.

    You’re subsidizing no one. You’re subsidizing Haliburton, Koch Industries and the Health Industry. What’s left – and it isn’t much – doesn’t amount to much – and that’s the crime. You idiots don’t read and obviously math and history is not important to your blind faith idiocy either.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Paul Westlake said:
    Your point is rock solid, but I think GNP tells the story with more clarity than GDP. GDP includes overseas profits, and is, therefore, not a reliable measure of domestic economic health. GNP measures domestic commerce only, and reflects American economic health much better. GDP has grown marginally under supply-side economics, but slower than the preceding decades. However, GNP growth slowed to a crawl after the Reagan supply-siders took control. It even dropped in 2008, for the first time since 1949. And adjusted for inflation, it’s even worse. The reason we don’t hear about GNP much anymore is because it tells the truth about what has happened to the American middle class.

    Thanks for the additional info!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    CAconservative said:
    I love to read the whining when the “entitlement crowd” gets their welfare-ox gored! These are the people who think this government is suppose to do for them. Here’s a little clue bottom-feeders, that’s not the job this government is suppose to be doing! That’s your RESPONSIBILITY!! Nearly, 47% of the workers in this country are NOT paying taxes. That means that only 53% are!! How the hell long can this country survive with nearly half of it’s citizens sucking off the tax-teat?!
    Now we are faced with the scumbag political bastards trying to build their “entitlement-base” by trying to pass the bogus-Dream Act amnesty bill! Who the hell are these clowns representing?!! The real victims of this garbage-bill are American citizens and their children. A fact the political scumbags are more than willing to over look as long as it keeps them in power. This country is fast heading for another civil war. A war that maybe needed to rid this country of the vermin now in power.

    You’re the arseholes wanting babies unprotected sex and babies…don’t worry dumb voters are good for the GOP.

  • More Liberty

    Stephen Hogan said:
    Wouldn’t the same ‘waiver for paygo’ accusation also apply to anyone wanting to extend the tax cuts without outlining how they will be paid for?

    The difference is, with taxes, you are taking someones money – confiscating what is theirs.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    justanotherconservative said:
    you are kidding, correct??? i’m an idiot because i object to my income taxes going up all the time to pay for all the bullshit social programs that don’t even work in this country? a large part of what my taxes do is just continue to make the welfare junkies more dependent on the people in this country who go to work everyday. and have for years and years. you really are an asshole.

    Going up or getting a Corporate handout from the GOP. I doubt your lazy ass would be involved either way.

  • Just4thefax

    Paul Westlake said:
    People like you… Yeah, the people who work live in the blue states that subsidize your asses. The lazy assholes screwing each other all day while collecting welfare and food stamps live in red states.

    Fact: Blue States are the ones wanting to be bailed out. Loony left entitlements are sinking them. The Tea Party will get the momentum going again once there are a few get together at capital again. Left nuts attention span isn’t that long November 2nd will just have to be put in their face! Red States like Texas are a model for the rest to follow!

  • More Liberty

    James Gregory Backus said:
    You’re the arseholes wanting babies unprotected sex and babies…don’t worry dumb voters are good for the GOP.

    What does that even mean?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    jooce81 said:
    Mitch McConnell starting up for the upper class……… SHOCKING!!!!!!

    Notice how the Repubs have a problem with that statement as though it’s not true?

    There may be intelligent design, but so far the Republicans are proving that intelligence isn’t inherent.

    I can’t imagine an intelligent deity having anything to do with such stupidity as we find in the Republican Party.

  • cjd ohio 1

    how is the government going to pay for tax cuts. that is one funny statement

  • Just4thefax

    James Gregory Backus said:
    You’re the arseholes wanting babies unprotected sex and babies…don’t worry dumb voters are good for the GOP.

    Fact: Shame the kill baby’s abortion group in your case failed to keep the species strong!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    felixw said:
    There may be intelligent design, but so far the Republicans are proving that intelligence isn’t inherent.

    I can’t imagine an intelligent deity having anything to do with such stupidity as we find in the Republican Party.

    Based on what? Nice Reich Wing statement to stir the Jesus Camp illiterate, but facts would be nice – considering the Republicans have caused the most damage to our democracy in the past 30 years.

    There may be intelligent design, but so far the Republicans are proving that intelligence isn’t inherent.

    I can’t imagine an intelligent deity having anything to do with such stupidity as we find in the Republican Party.

  • Just4thefax

    Fact: It’s never wrong to block stupid liberal agenda!

  • CosmosDan

    Pablo said:
    And who controls the house and Senate agendas? Hint: it isn’t the Republicans.

    Which brings us right to supporting my original point. I hope the Dems have the balls to call them on it and bring forth a compromised proposal for a vote. Make them keep blocking it and spouting their bullshit about small business, and hammer them for it every step of the way. Make them own it to the point where they have t admit they’re more willing to let tax rates go up for the majority than find a realistic compromise that only affects those who can best afford it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: Shame the kill baby’s abortion group in your case failed to keep the species strong!

    There may be intelligent design, but so far the Republicans are proving that intelligence isn’t inherent.

    I can’t imagine an intelligent deity having anything to do with such stupidity as we find in the Republican Party.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: Blue States are the ones wanting to be bailed out. Loony left entitlements are sinking them. The Tea Party will get the momentum going again once there are a few get together at capital again. Left nuts attention span isn’t that long November 2nd will just have to be put in their face! Red States like Texas are a model for the rest to follow!

    Yeah, farm subsidies supported by the highest grossing, educated centers on the coasts are dragging us down. Fact – your a moron for the RNC and have no facts, just reich-wing rhetoric.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    More Liberty said:
    What does that even mean?

    There may be intelligent design, but so far the Republicans are proving that intelligence isn’t inherent.

    I can’t imagine an intelligent deity having anything to do with such stupidity as we find in the Republican Party.

  • Just4thefax

    James Gregory Backus said:
    Based on what? Nice Reich Wing statement to stir the Jesus Camp illiterate, but facts would be nice – considering the Republicans have caused the most damage to our democracy in the past 30 years. There may be intelligent design, but so far the Republicans are proving that intelligence isn’t inherent. I can’t imagine an intelligent deity having anything to do with such stupidity as we find in the Republican Party.

    Fact: I’ll take GOP capitalist over your socialism any day! 30 years ago it was fun to be in those Jimmy Carter gas lines!

  • CosmosDan

    Paul Westlake said:
    No, we’ve had four years, two of them with a GOP veto in the White House, two of them with an intractable obstructionist GOP Senate converting the filibuster from a special case to a matter of daily course. The GOP put a blanket filibuster on every piece of legislation in the Senate in the past two years, and they’re still doing it today. Hey, facts. You know, they matter sometimes. LOL

    I have a serious question Paul. How is it that the Dems can simultaneously brag about everything they got done , while also complaining that the GOP just played politics and blocked everything?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    notsofast said:
    He is by far the most ignorant lib ever. I now believe in reincarnation; no one could get so stupid in one lifetime.

    MG!

    You gave us Bush, Palin and Beck – you are not qualified to guage intelligence – ANYWHERE, ANYTIME.

  • Just4thefax

    James Gregory Backus said:
    Yeah, farm subsidies supported by the highest grossing, educated centers on the coasts are dragging us down. Fact – your a moron for the RNC and have no facts, just reich-wing rhetoric.

    Fact: Next time you’re eating a cheeseburger most sane people just know, that the meat came from a Texas Farm what an idiot.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    notsofast said:
    LMAO!

    That’s Social Security and Medicare, you asshole; not unemployment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ROTFLMAO!

    OMG, how stupid can one man be?????????

    LOL

    Example of a “reader” with no understanding. Sad.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: Next time you’re eating a cheeseburger most sane people just know, that the meat came from a Texas Farm what an idiot.

    Home of King George Efin W Bush – Dictator and Worst President Ever appointed by the Republican USSC.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: I’ll take GOP capitalist over your socialism any day! 30 years ago it was fun to be in those Jimmy Carter gas lines!

    Yeah…The Kenyan plotted to do this before he was born of course and the social programs in our country only started in 2008 – Why do you celebrate your ignorance so?

  • Just4thefax

    James Gregory Backus said:
    You gave us Bush, Palin and Beck – you are not qualified to guage intelligence – ANYWHERE, ANYTIME.

    Fact: Socialist gave us bigger governments where the halves have to support the bums of society don’t need to tax the workers bunch.

  • Just4thefax

    James Gregory Backus said:
    Home of King George Efin W Bush – Dictator and Worst President Ever appointed by the Republican USSC.

    Fact: He will not have an Astrid next to his name in the history books of the future like the messiah will because he met all the requirements to become President of The United States of America!

  • Just4thefax

    James Gregory Backus said:
    Yeah…The Kenyan plotted to do this before he was born of course and the social programs in our country only started in 2008 – Why do you celebrate your ignorance so?

    Fact: Democrats took over congress that year dumb fuck!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jon-Martin/43100610 Jon Martin

    Rich people trick poor people into campaigning against their own needs.

    News at 11.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jon-Martin/43100610 Jon Martin

    If Obama doesn’t cave on this I’ll be really surprised.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Pablo said:
    Nasty Republicans, always jamming their taking less of your money down your throat. Not like the loving Democrats, always giving you the wonderful gift of a bigger tax bill.

    The Republicans in essence took a Trillion Dollars of OUR TAX REVENUE to give to their Republican friends – and threw the dog (the American people) the bone.

    You move to the head of the class for idiots and teabagers.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: Democrats took over congress that year dumb fuck!

    And you can’t connect dots. Put your crayons down asswipe. Socialist programs pre-date this administration. Stop quoting the educational failure known as Beck as your source of education and intellect – you only look pathetic and sad. Like someone in the mountains without schools. Oops! Socialism!! LOL Dickweed.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: Democrats took over congress that year dumb fuck!

    Um. The Democrats took Congress in 2006.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    More Liberty said:
    The difference is, with taxes, you are taking someones money – confiscating what is theirs.

    That’s right! NO TAXES! NO TAXES EVER. Mothball the governments. We don’t need no stinking badges! Do away with everything and STOP CONFISCATING OUR MONEY! Back to nature, I say! Libertarians are right – everything would be absolutely perfect – a utopia, in fact – if we just got rid of government completely. New Yorkers will keep our money, and the rest of you can figure out how to pay your own way. I’m in! 100%!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    notsofast said:
    You are a complete failure.

    Anyone with a brain is a failure to the Republican Party, so really – who’s the failure? You are. Congrats for celebrating your ignorance with everyone.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: Blue States are the ones wanting to be bailed out. Loony left entitlements are sinking them. The Tea Party will get the momentum going again once there are a few get together at capital again. Left nuts attention span isn’t that long November 2nd will just have to be put in their face! Red States like Texas are a model for the rest to follow!

    Blue states like New York and California are only ‘waiting to be bailed out’ because they subsidize red states that don’t tax enough to provide the necessary services for their citizens.

  • SmartAlec

    Paul Westlake said:
    The lazy assholes screwing each other all day while collecting welfare and food stamps live in red states.

    I’m only quoting this because it’s so absurd I wanted to make sure nobody missed it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: Democrats took over congress that year dumb fuck!

    Coming from a state that gave the world the dumbest and worst President Ever – your calling anyone “dumb” just seems comical. You and Bush have embarrassed third graders.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    CosmosDan said:
    I have a serious question Paul. How is it that the Dems can simultaneously brag about everything they got done , while also complaining that the GOP just played politics and blocked everything?

    That is a neat trick. I think the answer is that they got less done than they would have us believe, though passing the Food Modernization Bill the other day in the Senate was very impressive! There were many more bills that passed the House than the Senate, and the ones that passed the Senate were filled with bad compromises, from the stimulus to health reform. It’s a valid point you raise, and gets to the core of arguments by people like Glenn Greenwald – the list of accomplishments is not as impressive as it would be if it didn’t contain so many capitulations to corporations and their conservative puppets in Congress, from unstimulative tax cuts in the stimulus to the deal with big pharma. Obama is guilty of one conservative critique – he keeps saying everything is going great, when the rest of us can see that it isn’t, though, of course, not for the reasons conservatives believe. ;-)

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    SmartAlec said:
    I’m only quoting this because it’s so absurd I wanted to make sure nobody missed it.

    Look it up, Einstein. It’s a fact.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    notsofast said:
    So do I, but not by taking it from someone else.

    I could give a shit about the top 2%!

    Then what are you complaining about?

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Stephen Hogan said:
    Blue states like New York and California are only ‘waiting to be bailed out’ because they subsidize red states that don’t tax enough to provide the necessary services for their citizens.

    And besides that, Texas is purple and benefits from liberals working in cities like Houston, San Antonio and Austin. For those looking for a red state that isn’t in the red, look at North Dakota, where the solution is to literally UNpave the roads. Nice.

    It’s amazing how conservative think all the wealth is created on the farm! LOL!

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Jon Martin said:
    Rich people trick poor people into campaigning against their own needs.

    News at 11.

    Ding!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Pablo said:
    Your last question is the right one and the answer lies with those who control the agenda, namely Reid and Pelosi.

    Yes blame Harry and Nancy, because the Republicans aren’t the ones that brought us the worst economy in the past 80 years, that just happened in January 2008 when the socialists took over!! LOL – You’re party ignorance is not amusing.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    RichS said:
    Since you mention yachts in your comment I’ll remind you of the unintended consequences of President Carter’s tax on luxury yachts. Yeah, stick it to those rich guys who are buying those yachts! Well, the rich guys still bought the yachts but they went to a country that didn’t charge the tax and my neighbor three houses down lost his job building yachts. Way to stick it to the rich. Unless and until the tax picture for the next few years is made clear no person or corporation in its right mind is going to make that kind of investments that are needed to get our economy moving.

    Oh, not that you mentioned this, but did you know that the last unemployment insurance extension included a tax of businesses for each new employee that they hired. Way to go stiffling job growth!

    Misdirecting back to Carter? Get over it Hannity!

  • cjd ohio 1

    2006

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    SmartAlec said:
    I’m only quoting this because it’s so absurd I wanted to make sure nobody missed it.

    The Federal Income tax collected by NY, CA and the “coasts” supports all the other “in-land” states – no contest. If we weren’t supporting those states, then there would be no “state” hardship on taxes as we could take care of our own instead of subsidizing farmlands that produce more corn that the world needs.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    More Liberty said:
    The difference is, with taxes, you are taking someones money – confiscating what is theirs.

    Hardly. That money wouldn’t even exist without the government. Nor would the basic means required to make that money living (ie: paved roads, police forces, fire departments). Taxes are what you pay to live in a civil, organized society. It’s not confiscating; it’s investment.

    This is beside the point, however. Whether or not it’s ‘confiscating’ or ‘investment’, tax cuts have the same effect as spending; they increases the deficit. If tax cuts are to be initiated, the resultant loss of revenue must be accounted for. It is unrealistic and ideologically rigid to not consider the effect of tax cuts on the budget with the same seriousness as spending, and deal with both accordingly.

  • More Liberty

    James Gregory Backus said:
    Yes blame Harry and Nancy, because the Republicans aren’t the ones that brought us the worst economy in the past 80 years, that just happened in January 2008 when the socialists took over!! LOL – You’re party ignorance is not amusing.

    Actually, it is congress that controls the purse strings – not the President. When Nanacy Pelosi took over in 2006, our national debt was a monsterous $8.4 trillion. It is now $14 trillion. But to be fair, Bush was just another neocon big spender like the Democrats. Both parties are for perpetual war, unrepayable debt and deficits.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    timzank said:
    Suffice to say you don’t PAY any income taxes then, now I understand why it doesn’t matter to you. Where you perform (if you perform) ask the guy that owns the venue what he thinks.

    Real wealth in this country agree – let the tax cuts expire for the top 1.5% – that includes Buffett, Gates, et. al. – Only the Reich Wing Nut con men are in denial.

    This isn’t an “increase” – it’s STOPPING CORPORATE WELFARE and the Trillion Dollar Bush Gift to those whom helped him steal the 2000 election.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    Paul Westlake said:
    And besides that, Texas is purple and benefits from liberals working in cities like Houston, San Antonio and Austin. For those looking for a red state that isn’t in the red, look at North Dakota, where the solution is to literally UNpave the roads. Nice.

    It’s amazing how conservative think all the wealth is created on the farm! LOL!

    Have you read about the current plight of Colorado Springs? They’d rather turn off a third of the street lights and lay off a quarter of the police force before they raise taxes.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    tgk said:
    No, you are incorrect. As of right now, they (Congress) have done NOTHING to deal with the tax cuts expiring. The reason they have done nothing is because even the dems don’t agree on what to do.

    So, the reason our taxes are going to go up is because Congress is too busy worrying about all their Lame Duck session agenda items. Which is EXACTLY the point of the republican’s letter.

    Not an increase moron. It’s the end of the Trillion Dollar Bush Tax Gift to the top 1.5% wealthiest – and the pittance (aka not even the cost of a New York dinner) for the rest of America.

  • cjd ohio 1

    36% to 39% not a increase , ok

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Pablo said:
    Paul, pay attention. EVERYONE’S TAXES ARE GOING UP JANUARY 1 UNLESS CONGRESS ACTS.

    Did you get that? EVERYONE.

    But since teabagers don’t work – you don’t have to worry about it and by the way – most American’s want to fix the 8 years of Bush screw ups. You’re party caused it – you people really need to STFU. You have no education, no ideas, are hate and fear based and if President Palin ever comes to be – you can bet your kids will be fighting a war along-side North Korea’s against South Korea and Ohio (Because she really is that dumb).

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Stephen Hogan said:
    Have you read about the current plight of Colorado Springs? They’d rather turn off a third of the street lights and lay off a quarter of the police force before they raise taxes.

    Those underground caverns for bible meetings are all gas powered.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Stephen Hogan said:
    Have you read about the current plight of Colorado Springs? They’d rather turn off a third of the street lights and lay off a quarter of the police force before they raise taxes.

    Yes. It’s so sad to see America reduced to cutting back on infrastructure. North Dakota is literally unpaving their roads and laying down gravel to save on maintenance. In NYC, the govt needed the revenue so badly, the DOT installed red light cameras on the West Side Highway, and then re-timed the yellow lights to under a second. Entrapment? You bet. Tickets that are fought get thrown out all day long. But enough drivers just pay that it’s revenue positive. That’s what we’re reduced to in the supply-side era. Sad and pathetic.

  • felixw

    CosmosDan said:
    That sounds good but are you sure that reflects the reality of extending the tax cuts? Helping business is a great talking point but I think the reality is that many in the top 1% are individuals and small non manufacturing companies like law firms, investment firms , etc etc. If we’re serious about dealing with the deficit the money cannot realistically come form all cuts.
    The Dems have already said they are willing to compromise on the figures.

    Many small business owners report business profits through their personal income tax — so this move by Obama will have a devastating impact on investment and job creation. In general, the people who are responsible for most of the hiring and investing in the United States are the very individuals Obama and the Democrats want to exclude from any tax cut extension. This is very shortsighted. It sounds great when they dish out the class envy rhetoric — which the Democrat base always slurps up with enthusiasm — but it destroys jobs, kills the economy, and even hurts Obama’s re-election prospects. I urge the Democrat to govern based on prudent policies, not sound bites that placate the far left.

  • More Liberty

    Stephen Hogan said:
    Whether or not it’s ‘confiscating’ or ‘investment’, tax cuts have the same effect as spending; they increases the deficit. If tax cuts are to be initiated, the resultant loss of revenue must be accounted for. It is unrealistic and ideologically rigid to not consider the effect of tax cuts on the budget with the same seriousness as spending, and deal with both accordingly.

    Well if that’s the case, why did the actual revenue to the federal government increase after the Bush tax cuts? between FY 2001 and FY 2002 there was a drop in revenue from almost $4 trillion to just over $3 trillion. But every year after that revenue to the federal government increased peaking in FY 2007 at over $5 trillion dollars. FY 2008 it dropped. FY 2009 it dropped.

    Your “theory” is just wrong. Revenue to the US government increased.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: He will not have an Astrid next to his name in the history books of the future like the messiah will because he met all the requirements to become President of The United States of America!

    Firstly, it’s “astrick” and secondly, you proved my point about Texas and “dumb”.

  • RichS

    Paul Westlake said:
    No, seriously, dude. Unemployment insurance is insurance. We PAID for it, not through someone ELSE, but OURSELVES, with OUR payroll taxes. That is OUR money. It doesn’t belong to the rich or the corporations. I know how much you want to give all of our money to the captains of industry you love so much (and who think you’re a worthless POS, BTW), but it’s not YOURS to give or THEIRS to take. It’s OURS! Dig it!

    The employer and employee both contribute to unemployment insurance. For the Federal extensions of UI employers are taxed an additional amount for each new employee they hire. Do you think this might be a job killer?

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    Paul Westlake said:
    Yes. It’s so sad to see America reduced to cutting back on infrastructure. North Dakota is literally unpaving their roads and laying down gravel to save on maintenance. In NYC, the govt needed the revenue so badly, the DOT installed red light cameras on the West Side Highway, and then re-timed the yellow lights to under a second. Entrapment? You bet. Tickets that are fought get thrown out all day long. But enough drivers just pay that it’s revenue positive. That’s what we’re reduced to in the supply-side era. Sad and pathetic.

    You also forgot about the MTA which has become a fiscal nightmare. They say that there are two things important to a large city. Police and a public transportation system. NYC has cut both. But, I’m digressing because this isn’t a federal government F-up, this is a state government F-up.

  • More Liberty

    Paul Westlake said:
    Yes. It’s so sad to see America reduced to cutting back on infrastructure. North Dakota is literally unpaving their roads and laying down gravel to save on maintenance. In NYC, the govt needed the revenue so badly, the DOT installed red light cameras on the West Side Highway, and then re-timed the yellow lights to under a second. Entrapment?

    That’s because they were living outside their means.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    More Liberty said:
    Actually, it is congress that controls the purse strings – not the President. When Nanacy Pelosi took over in 2006, our national debt was a monsterous $8.4 trillion. It is now $14 trillion. But to be fair, Bush was just another neocon big spender like the Democrats. Both parties are for perpetual war, unrepayable debt and deficits.

    Given the Republican WH 20 of the past 30 years, their affinity for wars, supplying the very people that hates us with arms as a matter of fact, then puppet regimes, then unseating those regimes, et. al. and their inability to live up to ANY DAMN THING THEY’VE SAID IN MY LIFETIME – it blows my mind that their constituents are so brainwashed via Jesus Camp to do anything other than vote for the boyfriend that beats them every time they get into office. The Republicans need psychiatric help – and we don’t have enough doctors for that. in lieu of education – they’ve been given blind-faith from the 1800s; the teabagers? 1490s when the world was still considered – flat.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    Paul Westlake said:
    Yes. It’s so sad to see America reduced to cutting back on infrastructure. North Dakota is literally unpaving their roads and laying down gravel to save on maintenance. In NYC, the govt needed the revenue so badly, the DOT installed red light cameras on the West Side Highway, and then re-timed the yellow lights to under a second. Entrapment? You bet. Tickets that are fought get thrown out all day long. But enough drivers just pay that it’s revenue positive. That’s what we’re reduced to in the supply-side era. Sad and pathetic.

    Yeah. It’s really upsetting. I read about the red light cameras on the West Side Highway. Thankfully, as a citizen of NYC, I have a public transportation system that’s still hanging on by a thread, so I never need to worry about the cameras. Still, though, it’s very telling when a major city has to resort to tricks in order to make ends meet.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    felixw said:
    In general, the people who are responsible for most of the hiring and investing in the United States are the very individuals Obama and the Democrats want to exclude from any tax cut extension.

    No they aren’t. The vast majority of new jobs created in any free market economy come from start-ups and expansion of small business (meaning annual sales under $1 million, not just a small staff, like a hedge fund). “Small business,” by conservative definition, includes multi-billion dollar investment firms with two employees, which is a crock. None of those people will create jobs in any meaningful numbers. Jobs are not created by hedge funds, and most publicly traded corporations layoff workers to prop up the bottom line at least once a year, if not more often. They may maintain a small trickle of hiring, but they fire in bulk. This is basic economics 101.

    [throws old shoe at feral cat... again!]

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    You also forgot about the MTA which has become a fiscal nightmare. They say that there are two things important to a large city. Police and a public transportation system. NYC has cut both. But, I’m digressing because this isn’t a federal government F-up, this is a state government F-up.

    The dreadful state of the MTA can be largely blamed on Albany. Funny that not even 4 years ago, the MTA was projecting a multi-million dollar surplus.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    felixw said:
    Many small business owners report business profits through their personal income tax — so this move by Obama will have a devastating impact on investment and job creation. In general, the people who are responsible for most of the hiring and investing in the United States are the very individuals Obama and the Democrats want to exclude from any tax cut extension. This is very shortsighted. It sounds great when they dish out the class envy rhetoric — which the Democrat base always slurps up with enthusiasm — but it destroys jobs, kills the economy, and even hurts Obama’s re-election prospects. I urge the Democrat to govern based on prudent policies, not sound bites that placate the far left.

    10 years of Bush tax gifts and this theory never came close to working. If something has proved inaccurate – and it’s a “tax break” – why should WE ALL PAY FOR IT? The national debt is EVERYONE’S this didn’t work – it was wasted tax dollars by the Bush administration.

  • RichS

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    Um, dumbass, since really, you seem to be. Yes, I pay taxes. I make an income. And I am talking about my freelancing not my comedy career here. I actually have to pay quarterly taxes, and also have to pay more in social security since I don’t have an employer who is matching me. I also am responsible for my own retirement plan, though, thanks to my wife, I have health insurance through her company. So, this was your well thought out attack on me. I recommend doing a little research before a personal attack, or better yet, avoid them all together if you don’t know who you are talking to.

    I don’t understand why you have to make such a convoluted explanation. Sounds to me that you are a contractor working on a 1099 basis. What do you do that people pay you for?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Stephen Hogan said:
    The dreadful state of the MTA can be largely blamed on Albany. Funny that not even 4 years ago, the MTA was projecting a multi-million dollar surplus.

    You’re right. There once was an MTA surplus, then the Republicans came in and….you guessed it – Ef’d it up.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: Next time you’re eating a cheeseburger most sane people just know, that the meat came from a Texas Farm what an idiot.

    You’re just talking to yourself here.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    More Liberty said:
    Well if that’s the case, why did the actual revenue to the federal government increase after the Bush tax cuts? between FY 2001 and FY 2002 there was a drop in revenue from almost $4 trillion to just over $3 trillion. But every year after that revenue to the federal government increased peaking in FY 2007 at over $5 trillion dollars. FY 2008 it dropped. FY 2009 it dropped.

    Your “theory” is just wrong. Revenue to the US government increased.

    Just because there was a net increase does not mean that tax cuts don’t increase the deficit. There are other sources of government revenue beyond income taxes.

    This isn’t a ‘theory’. It’s basic budgeting. The government gets revenue from taxes. If taxes get cut, then revenue decreases. Less money coming in than budgeted leads to a deficit.

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    felixw said:
    Many small business owners report business profits through their personal income tax — so this move by Obama will have a devastating impact on investment and job creation. In general, the people who are responsible for most of the hiring and investing in the United States are the very individuals Obama and the Democrats want to exclude from any tax cut extension. This is very shortsighted. It sounds great when they dish out the class envy rhetoric — which the Democrat base always slurps up with enthusiasm — but it destroys jobs, kills the economy, and even hurts Obama’s re-election prospects. I urge the Democrat to govern based on prudent policies, not sound bites that placate the far left.

    Well, that right there is a sweeping generalization that isn’t 100% true. Currently, most hiring has been done from a small business level. These larger corporations have not been doing to much economic job growth here in this country. See, small businesses don’t outsource. There are two reasons for the outsourcing by these larger companies. One, cheaper labor. Two, this is where the skilled folks are. Many large companies want to hire engineers and technicians. The thing is that we don’t have those skilled people since the education factor in this country is not doing well. (I highly recommend seeing Waiting for “Superman,” great film about the importance of education and how we as a country are letting students down and eventually hurting our own infrastructure and economy. And it’s not some liberal BS documentary either. It tears down the unions as well so you conservatives will have something to enjoy as well. Okay, done plugging that movie, back to the point.) And believe me, tax cuts are not going to get these companies reinvesting in America. I mentioned before that the rich take care of luxury items which do not boost an economy. See, the trickle down theory is actually BS. Most economists (if not all) agree that it is a BS theory. The rich were getting a huge help with tax cuts and yet, outsourcing was rampant during these times when we were supposed to be prosperous. And the middle class still floundered while the rich got richer and created a larger gap between the classes. This is simple. The tax cuts for the wealthy don’t work. I think tax cuts for companies that re-invest in the United States would be a good idea. You create jobs or keep jobs in this country, hell, yeah, you should get a tax cut. But to reward or help those unwilling to bring anything back into the economy seems like wheel spinning at its finest.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    RichS said:
    The employer and employee both contribute to unemployment insurance. For the Federal extensions of UI employers are taxed an additional amount for each new employee they hire. Do you think this might be a job killer?

    I amended that comment earlier, but to address your point, no, I don’t think a few percentage points makes a difference to businesses that know how to make money. Henry Ford (his social ideas aside) taught us the lesson: pay your people enough to afford the products they make for a sound economy. It worked for decades until the supply-siders came along. But as long as we play a shell game where every state and municipality is forced to compete with each other, using tax breaks and abatements to attract business, we’ll continue to plummet toward the lowest common denominator. The revenue lost in the tax breaks are never made up in payroll. When taxes rise again, the companies move on to another sucker. They do it at the municipal, county, state, and national levels. Using Chinese slave labor has done wonders for America’s GDP, but it has crushed the GNP in the process and reduced the middle class to a shell of its former self.

  • cjd ohio 1

    maybe then the government should not budget in so much

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    RichS said:
    I don’t understand why you have to make such a convoluted explanation. Sounds to me that you are a contractor working on a 1099 basis. What do you do that people pay you for?

    I know you get it, it was just Tim was making baseless accusations about my character and since the phrase “freelancer” confused him, I took the long route to talk about what I do tax wise. You know, when someone calls you poor or says you don’t PAY taxes because you are a freelancer it gets frustrating. I’m a video editor, not that that makes a difference.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    You also forgot about the MTA which has become a fiscal nightmare. They say that there are two things important to a large city. Police and a public transportation system. NYC has cut both. But, I’m digressing because this isn’t a federal government F-up, this is a state government F-up.

    I want to throttle the MTA chiefs every time I get on the subway. The most amazing aspect to this rainy day in NYC today is that it HASN’T stopped any of the trains. I guess they finally cleaned all the trash out of the pumps! And yes, NY State government is about as dysfunctional as it gets. I blame upstate! ;-)

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Stephen Hogan said:
    Yeah. It’s really upsetting. I read about the red light cameras on the West Side Highway. Thankfully, as a citizen of NYC, I have a public transportation system that’s still hanging on by a thread, so I never need to worry about the cameras. Still, though, it’s very telling when a major city has to resort to tricks in order to make ends meet.

    I mostly use mass transit but I drive in the city now and then. I used to love the ease of zipping down the West side – not anymore. I’d rather fight down Broadway to the bridge than risk a ticket getting to the tunnel.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: Next time you’re eating a cheeseburger most sane people just know, that the meat came from a Texas Farm what an idiot.

    You’re just talking to yourself here.

    timzank said:
    This is easily justifiable. The democrats don’t have a piece of legislation to offer that doesn’t suck. If I’m in negotiations and you have absolutely NOTHING worthwile to offer, why would I proceed to greenlight your stoooopid ideas?

    There are two parties for a reason you morons. Gridlock is good.

    And for Christs sake, quit acting like this is the first time “gridlock” has ever happened, it happens every fricking year, it’s part of the process you lying theiving pussies.

    Gridlock is good says the decider. When your party is led by the church lady and an Umpa Lumpa with liver problems or too much fake tan and cataracts – it’s not good – it’s dangerous. Palin and Boehner – Jesus Efn Christ – we thought Bush was the bottom of the barrel and you guys keep going back to Jesus camp for another home schooled nimrod whom on a whim could Nuke the Midwest because they thought that’s where are allies the North Koreans live. The right-wing has left the friggin farm – and they’re following the dumbest, and proud of their distortions, people in America. You’ve traded intellect and education for “faith” and in doing so, you’ve failed us as citizens – allowing Republicorp to expand their power while giving away our freedoms (torture, wiretapping, profiling, the Bush doctrine, propaganda – all Nuzi tenants) and your constituents are to dumb to even know it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    Paul Westlake said:
    I want to throttle the MTA chiefs every time I get on the subway. The most amazing aspect to this rainy day in NYC today is that it HASN’T stopped any of the trains. I guess they finally cleaned all the trash out of the pumps! And yes, NY State government is about as dysfunctional as it gets. I blame upstate! ;-)

    I wish I had your luck, Paul. I was held on a 2 train between Wall Street and Clark Street for some time this morning.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    More Liberty said:
    That’s because they were living outside their means.

    No, that’s because RED states are living beyond their means and BLUE states are subsidizing them. Look it up.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Stephen Hogan said:
    I wish I had your luck, Paul. I was held on a 2 train between Wall Street and Clark Street for some time this morning.

    So much for that theory! LOL

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    Paul Westlake said:
    I want to throttle the MTA chiefs every time I get on the subway. The most amazing aspect to this rainy day in NYC today is that it HASN’T stopped any of the trains. I guess they finally cleaned all the trash out of the pumps! And yes, NY State government is about as dysfunctional as it gets. I blame upstate! ;-)

    That’s amazing. Mainly working from home today (hence all my posts, man, I need to focus on work), so didn’t have to leave the house. Saw the rain and thought, well, the subways aren’t running. I live in Brooklyn and trust me, the weekends are the worst thing about living in Brooklyn. We try to get home by 11 because some subway stations now that they’ve fired all the attendants, just aren’t safe anymore.

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    Stephen Hogan said:
    I wish I had your luck, Paul. I was held on a 2 train between Wall Street and Clark Street for some time this morning.

    Now that sounds like the MTA I know and love.

  • The_Reasonable_Lib

    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: Blue States are the ones wanting to be bailed out. Loony left entitlements are sinking them. The Tea Party will get the momentum going again once there are a few get together at capital again. Left nuts attention span isn’t that long November 2nd will just have to be put in their face! Red States like Texas are a model for the rest to follow!

    You use a state that rewrites history to meet the conservative wingnut bias a model for others to follow?!

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    That’s amazing. Mainly working from home today (hence all my posts, man, I need to focus on work), so didn’t have to leave the house. Saw the rain and thought, well, the subways aren’t running. I live in Brooklyn and trust me, the weekends are the worst thing about living in Brooklyn. We try to get home by 11 because some subway stations now that they’ve fired all the attendants, just aren’t safe anymore.

    I’m in south Park Slope. Totally get it! ;-)

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Gregory-Backus/615261184 James Gregory Backus

    More Liberty said:
    That’s because they were living outside their means.

    Somehow the “richest country in the world” has that problem. Truth is, our tax dollars get misused – usually on wars – by the GOP. Haliburton and Murdoch and the Saudi Royal Family couldn’t have been happier about how the Iraq war turned out.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    Now that sounds like the MTA I know and love.

    Unfortunately true! LOL

  • tgk

    Ricia said:
    Now lets see if they stick to it or give in for the earmarks they refused to ban!

    well, here’s your answer:

    Pork Survives: Senate Rejects Earmarks Ban

    http://www.theblaze.com/stories/pork-survives-senate-rejects-earmarks-ban/

    WASHINGTON (The Blaze/AP) — The Senate has rejected a GOP bid to ban the practice of larding spending bills with earmarks — those pet projects that lawmakers love to send home to their states.

    Democrats and a handful of Republicans combined to defeat the effort, which would have effectively forbidden the Senate from considering legislation containing earmarks like road and bridge projects, community development funding, grants to local police departments and special-interest tax breaks…..

  • The_Reasonable_Lib

    More Liberty said:
    Well if that’s the case, why did the actual revenue to the federal government increase after the Bush tax cuts? between FY 2001 and FY 2002 there was a drop in revenue from almost $4 trillion to just over $3 trillion. But every year after that revenue to the federal government increased peaking in FY 2007 at over $5 trillion dollars. FY 2008 it dropped. FY 2009 it dropped.

    Your “theory” is just wrong. Revenue to the US government increased.

    Washington post begs to differ.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    That’s amazing. Mainly working from home today (hence all my posts, man, I need to focus on work), so didn’t have to leave the house. Saw the rain and thought, well, the subways aren’t running. I live in Brooklyn and trust me, the weekends are the worst thing about living in Brooklyn. We try to get home by 11 because some subway stations now that they’ve fired all the attendants, just aren’t safe anymore.

    Paul Westlake said:
    I’m in south Park Slope. Totally get it! ;-)

    Crown Heights, here. I feel your pain.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    The_Reasonable_Lib said:
    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: Blue States are the ones wanting to be bailed out. Loony left entitlements are sinking them. The Tea Party will get the momentum going again once there are a few get together at capital again. Left nuts attention span isn’t that long November 2nd will just have to be put in their face! Red States like Texas are a model for the rest to follow!

    You use a state that rewrites history to meet the conservative wingnut bias a model for others to follow?!

    I cannot wait to zero out all taxes and watch red states wither on the vine… only I’m worried about all the refugees flooding blue states. Maybe we should allocate funds to build walls along the Colorado River, up the Bitterroots to Canada, and another one down the Ohio Valley and across the Mason Dixon Line. Then we can zero out the budget and keep all the red state refugees on their side of the wall. I think we should get the wall built first, then destroy the government. ;-)

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Stephen Hogan said:
    Crown Heights, here. I feel your pain.

    I bang down Eastern Pkwy at least once a week on my way to Long Island to teach. Crown Heights is looking pretty good, compared to decades past. Is my impression right or just skin deep?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    Paul Westlake said:
    I bang down Eastern Pkwy at least once a week on my way to Long Island to teach. Crown Heights is looking pretty good, compared to decades past. Is my impression right or just skin deep?

    It depends. North of Eastern Parkway near Franklin Ave. is going through the birthing pains of gentrification, so it can get a little sketchy there. Utica Ave. on both sides is pretty iffy. South of Eastern Parkway is really nice, though. The Hasidic community and the West Indian community get along pretty well these days.

  • BatBoy

    Paul Westlake said:
    I bang down Eastern Pkwy at least once a week on my way to Long Island to teach

    Good God, are you really a teacher?

    Tell me it is not High School….please!

  • BatBoy

    Paul Westlake said:
    keep all the red state refugees on their side of the wall

    Actually the problem we are having is that the Coastees’ are bailing out of the West Coast and East Coast (NY specifically) and coming out here pledging never to return.

    I am not worried about any wall being build…it you did it, it would have government funds and it would never get done…We have a wall to the South of us that was started and never completed.

    So wish on … you fooooooo!

  • CAconservative

    The Democratic party didn’t just hold the majority in Congress, they held a veto proof majority therefor, they own more their fair share of this crap! You don’t have to be a conservative to know that taking from those that do, and giving it to those that don’t, fosters more of the same! You don’t have to be a genius to figure out that when the number of freeloading, bottom-feeding, welfare parasite numbers starts matching the number of people who actually take responsibility for themselves and their families and WORK, it won’t be long before this whole thing will come crashing down. Do I give a rat’s ass about the people who have made a life-style out of living off of the rest of us…HELL NO I DON’T!! The only people who deserve our help are the elderly, orphans, and the physically, and mentally handicapped. If you are a physically able adult, take responsibility for yourself! Don’t think it’s somebody else’s job to feed your worthless ass!

  • Mr.Papshmer

    Let’s call it what it really is, they don’t want to extend the “Bush tax cuts”, they want to prevent the “Obama tax hikes”.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    CAconservative said:
    The Democratic party didn’t just hold the majority in Congress, they held a veto proof majority therefor, they own more their fair share of this crap!

    No, they did not have a ‘veto proof’ majority. A 2/3rd’s vote is required to overturn a veto. That means that the Democrats would have needed 290 seats in the House and 67 seats in the Senate. They had neither.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    BatBoy said:
    Good God, are you really a teacher?

    Tell me it is not High School….please!

    I teach broadcasting and video production, and you would have done well to have me as your high school teacher. You might have actually learned something.

    BatBoy said:
    Actually the problem we are having is that the Coastees’ are bailing out of the West Coast and East Coast (NY specifically) and coming out here pledging never to return.

    Yeah, no. There may be a few native sons returning from the coasts, where they couldn’t hack it, vowing never to return because nobody will hire them there. But the vast majority of movement is TOWARD the coasts, always has been. Or is it lost on you that New York City alone has more than eight times the population of the entire state of Montana? Hello!

    heh heh heh

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    Mr.Papshmer said:
    Let’s call it what it really is, they don’t want to extend the “Bush tax cuts”, they want to prevent the “Obama tax hikes”.

    That statement would be accurate if Obama was actively trying to increase taxes on everyone, which he is not.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Mr.Papshmer said:
    Let’s call it what it really is, they don’t want to extend the “Bush tax cuts”, they want to prevent the “Obama tax hikes”.

    Yes, because when a coupon expires, it’s really an increase in the cost of the product the coupon was for. Don’t call the coupon a discount, call not having a coupon an increase. Makes perfect sense. Idiot.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    Paul Westlake said:
    I teach broadcasting and video production, and you would have done well to have me as your high school teacher. You might have actually learned something.

    Yeah, no. There may be a few native sons returning from the coasts, where they couldn’t hack it, vowing never to return because nobody will hire them there. But the vast majority of movement is TOWARD the coasts, always has been. Or is it lost on you that New York City alone has more than eight times the population of the entire state of Montana? Hello!

    heh heh heh

    I was about to say… Most people that I meet here in NYC have either immigrated from another country or another state.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Stephen Hogan said:
    CAconservative said:
    The Democratic party didn’t just hold the majority in Congress, they held a veto proof majority therefor, they own more their fair share of this crap!

    No, they did not have a ‘veto proof’ majority. A 2/3rd’s vote is required to overturn a veto. That means that the Democrats would have needed 290 seats in the House and 67 seats in the Senate. They had neither.

    Precisely. They started with a semi-filibuster proof majority (depending on Lieberman isn’t much, though). And when Brown was elected in MA, they lost even that. So our economic woes continue to be the fallout of failed conservative policy.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    CAconservative said:
    You don’t have to be a genius to figure out that when the number of freeloading, bottom-feeding, welfare parasite numbers starts matching the number of people who actually take responsibility for themselves and their families and WORK, it won’t be long before this whole thing will come crashing down.

    Could it be the reason why welfare numbers have gone up is because of the bad economy? You know, if the unemployed and impoverished do not have enough to make ends meet, it hurts economic demand. That means more jobs will be lost. To quote John Donne: “No man is an island entire of itself; every man
    is a piece of the continent, a part of the main”

    You are aware of the welfare reform that took place in the 90′s, right? You can only receive welfare for 5 years.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Stephen Hogan said:
    I was about to say… Most people that I meet here in NYC have either immigrated from another country or another state.

    And not only that, they HATE where they came from. I have NY friends from Alabama, Kentucky, Iowa, Wyoming, Florida, Colorado, and plenty more. With rare exception, the reason they live in New York is because they can’t live around the crazy people in their home states anymore. The whole “flyover states” meme was coined by people who migrated from those states. New Yorkers aren’t the assholes, it’s all the non-native New Yorkers who settle here and feel carte blanche to piss on their home states – can’t blame them, just wish they’d point out their own provenance from time to time. ;-)

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    CAconservative said:
    The Democratic party didn’t just hold the majority in Congress, they held a veto proof majority therefor, they own more their fair share of this crap! You don’t have to be a conservative to know that taking from those that do, and giving it to those that don’t, fosters more of the same! You don’t have to be a genius to figure out that when the number of freeloading, bottom-feeding, welfare parasite numbers starts matching the number of people who actually take responsibility for themselves and their families and WORK, it won’t be long before this whole thing will come crashing down. Do I give a rat’s ass about the people who have made a life-style out of living off of the rest of us…HELL NO I DON’T!! The only people who deserve our help are the elderly, orphans, and the physically, and mentally handicapped. If you are a physically able adult, take responsibility for yourself! Don’t think it’s somebody else’s job to feed your worthless ass!

    I just have to ask if you’ve been living in this country for the last two years. Many are now using this system because they are, through no fault of their own, jobless thanks to the failing economy. Are you willing to say Fuck You to this group of people. Because that’s the group I’d like to defend. The job market is shitty right now. Many have given up looking for work after struggling to find nothing available to them. Again, it doesn’t mean they aren’t up every morning searching for a job. The fear and apprehension that they feel right now. But no, you don’t have the sympathy for them, or you don’t consider them as someone who actually exists. It’s nice when you have a strong economy and there is work out there to yell at the lazy, but now, it’s not the lazy asking for help. What about them? Fuck them?

  • http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

    Stephen Hogan said:
    What’s more, you can’t even seem to keep your joke narrative consistent. Here, you’re seemingly mixing in prison terminology.

    LOL, you have way tooooooo much time on your hands.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    CAconservative said:
    The Democratic party didn’t just hold the majority in Congress, they held a veto proof majority therefor, they own more their fair share of this crap! You don’t have to be a conservative to know that taking from those that do, and giving it to those that don’t, fosters more of the same! You don’t have to be a genius to figure out that when the number of freeloading, bottom-feeding, welfare parasite numbers starts matching the number of people who actually take responsibility for themselves and their families and WORK, it won’t be long before this whole thing will come crashing down. Do I give a rat’s ass about the people who have made a life-style out of living off of the rest of us…HELL NO I DON’T!! The only people who deserve our help are the elderly, orphans, and the physically, and mentally handicapped. If you are a physically able adult, take responsibility for yourself! Don’t think it’s somebody else’s job to feed your worthless ass!

    The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 — A.K.A. “The Welfare Reform Act” — represents the federal government’s attempt to reform the welfare system by “encouraging” recipients to leave welfare and go to work, and by turning over primary responsibility for administering the welfare system to the states.

    Under the Welfare Reform Act, the following rules apply:

    * Most recipients are required to find jobs within two years of first receiving welfare payments.

    * Most recipients are allowed to receive welfare payments for a total of no more than five years.

    * The states are allowed to establish “family caps” that prevent mothers of babies born while the mother is already on welfare from receiving additional benefits.

    Since enactment of the Welfare Reform Act, the role of the federal government in public assistance has become limited to overall goal-setting and setting performance rewards and penalties.

    According to Brookings: Welfare caseloads began declining in the spring of 1994 and picked up steam after the federal legislation was enacted in 1996. Between 1994 and 2004, the caseload declined about 60 percent, a decline that is without precedent. The percentage of U.S. children on welfare is now lower than it has been since at least 1970.

    Kinda blows a hole in your victim complex, eh?

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    gordonbloyershow said:
    LOL, you have way tooooooo much time on your hands.

    …says the fixed-income retiree on government assistance. Practice what you preach and stop taking my money, Gordon. ;-)

  • http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    Yeah, but the START treaty isn’t a bad idea. It’s a great idea, one that is on the table.

    You lefties just love signing treaties. N. Korea signed a treaty with the U.N. and us in 1953. How is that going?
    Saddam Hussein signed a cease-fire and when he violated it over and over people like you didn’t care.
    The treaty is only good if you ENFORCE it. You folks NEVER want any enforcement.
    Go back to the comedy club.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    gordonbloyershow said:
    LOL, you have way tooooooo much time on your hands.

    You’re one to talk, Mr. Bloyer.

    And you are being inconsistent. Jokes don’t make sense when the basis of the joke changes. Sorry, inpatient psych units do not have ‘wardens’. As someone that works a great deal with psychiatric in-patients, I find that misconception a bit insensitive.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    gordonbloyershow said:
    You lefties just love signing treaties. N. Korea signed a treaty with the U.N. and us in 1953. How is that going?
    Saddam Hussein signed a cease-fire and when he violated it over and over people like you didn’t care.
    The treaty is only good if you ENFORCE it. You folks NEVER want any enforcement.
    Go back to the comedy club.

    What the FUCK are you talking about? SALT I was signed by Nixon, START I by Reagan. And the treaties have been uniformly enforced by all parties from inception. Are you high? Have you gotten into the chemicals under the sink again?

  • CAconservative

    Arthur:
    Did I say, or suggest, that WORKING PEOPLE should fall into the bottom-feeding category?! Or, are you just reading something into it that isn’t there to substantiate your defense of the bottom-feeders who pray on people who are responsible?! Because, either way, your ignorance borders on STUPIDITY!! I suggest you read what’s there, and NOT what you think is there!! Try reading my statement again…dufus!!

  • http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

    TristramShandy said:
    Fabulous! Block everything Progressive all the time, forever! Even here in San Francisco, a Progressive Revolt is taking place. Watch my hilarious one minute video and change your life.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p367ixkAUk

    Good video. I used to live on Kearny behind Enrico’s.

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    gordonbloyershow said:
    You lefties just love signing treaties. N. Korea signed a treaty with the U.N. and us in 1953. How is that going?
    Saddam Hussein signed a cease-fire and when he violated it over and over people like you didn’t care.
    The treaty is only good if you ENFORCE it. You folks NEVER want any enforcement.
    Go back to the comedy club.

    Um, you do know the purpose of this treaty, right? It was one we’ve had in place for a while now. It was one that has been enforced. It’s slightly different than N. Korea and Iraq. This is to monitor nuclear weapons which we don’t really have to worry about from Russia right now, but then again, they are more likely going to lose track of these weapons and we know where lost nuclear weapons have a chance at going. It’s not so much a peace treaty as it is a very global oversight committee. There, does that help you out why I think it’s important?

    And for the record, I’m 100% for going after N. Korea. I just hope we have the money and the resources to do it. Hopefully China agrees with us and we can use them as an ally. This is wishful thinking on my part, but oh, yeah, we need to go in there. Too much at risk not just for us but the world.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    gordonbloyershow said:
    You lefties just love signing treaties. N. Korea signed a treaty with the U.N. and us in 1953. How is that going?
    Saddam Hussein signed a cease-fire and when he violated it over and over people like you didn’t care.
    The treaty is only good if you ENFORCE it. You folks NEVER want any enforcement.
    Go back to the comedy club.

    You seem to be confusing modern Russia with the Soviet Union. Russia is not our enemy. We’re allies. Sure, the relationship is tenuous, but we’re still allies.

    This treaty is more about the non-proliferation and maintenance of our nuclear stockpile and that of the Eastern bloc.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Stephen Hogan said:
    gordonbloyershow said:
    LOL, you have way tooooooo much time on your hands.

    You’re one to talk, Mr. Bloyer.

    Yeah, Mr. Fixed Income loves to spend his golden years dreaming of the being the rich guy he’ll never be and excoriating anyone who doesn’t love the rich guy he will eventually become… someday!

    I’ve been sick all week and I don’t have to teach until tomorrow night… so that’s MY excuse. But I AM procrastinating on an essay I promised a blogger last week! Tough to get organized with a head cold… but it’s still easy to smack Gordon around. ;-)

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Stephen Hogan said:
    You seem to be confusing modern Russia with the Soviet Union.

    Stephen, Gordon is confused by door knobs. Don’t waste too much effort. ;-)

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    CAconservative said:
    Arthur:
    Did I say, or suggest, that WORKING PEOPLE should fall into the bottom-feeding category?! Or, are you just reading something into it that isn’t there to substantiate your defense of the bottom-feeders who pray on people who are responsible?! Because, either way, your ignorance borders on STUPIDITY!! I suggest you read what’s there, and NOT what you think is there!! Try reading my statement again…dufus!!

    Ah, yes, the “calling me stupid” argument. Man, it sure does work. But let’s examine your statement, and put it into context for what’s being argued here. See, you are very angry about people not working. That’s what you said. You didn’t differentiate between the lazy and the one’s with no jobs. Of course, I pointed that out, which is wont to do in such an argument. You didn’t use a “Well, there are those who are suffering, and I would gladly give my money to them to help them out when times are tough.” But you didn’t go there, did you? Now, my question to you, and it is the question of a smart man who wants to know what you think and then we can dissect your opinions, is unemployment taking from those that do and giving to those that don’t. Then if you say yes, then you absolutely did put them in the bottom feeding category, since that is one of the issues we are arguing about right now. Again, welfare isn’t at issue here in this argument, but unemployment. Therefore, yes, you most certainly did. Now, of course, you were using emotion over reason and you may have missed that, but fortunately I didn’t. And I got this from reading your statement again.

  • cjd ohio 1

    arthur, you are independent, from reading your comments, outstanding

  • Nachi

    A victory for ignorant people everywhere. Hatred & bitterness prevail among intellectual thugs. Behold the endless parade of Tea Partygoons, Nazis, homophobes, God-fearing hate-mongers, repressive rodents. Scury. Cry. Scream. Rage.

    The ill-bred, uneducated masses relax – as the filthy GOP drags them further down into total destruction.
    As the low-brows unite in their poinsonous stew

  • notsofast

    James Gregory Backus said:
    Example of a “reader” with no understanding. Sad.

    You are an example of an asshole with no sphincter!

  • notsofast

    James Gregory Backus said:
    Then what are you complaining about?

    you

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    notsofast said:
    You are an example of an asshole with no sphincter!

    …says the sphincter.

  • felixw

    Paul Westlake said:
    No they aren’t. The vast majority of new jobs created in any free market economy come from start-ups and expansion of small business (meaning annual sales under $1 million, not just a small staff, like a hedge fund). “

    Paul, you are absolutely right that many jobs are created by start ups and fund investments. Which is why the increase in the capital gains tax coming in January is such a disaster. No tax has a more negative impact on capital investment in start-ups than the capital gains tax. Thanks for adding more insight on the disastrous Democrat tax agenda. Glad to learn that you have joined the libertarian-conservative ranks. :)

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    cjd ohio 1 said:
    arthur, you are independent, from reading your comments, outstanding

    I appreciate it. And I know we don’t see eye to eye on quite a few things if I’m thinking right, so coming from you it means more. Again, I do appreciate it.

  • cjd ohio 1

    you are not a party hack, (both sides have them) , and i respect that

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    cjd ohio 1 said:
    you are not a party hack, (both sides have them) , and i respect that

    Back at you. We have actually had a reasonable debate before, if I’m correct. Very rare here, I know.

    And to everyone else, come on guys, we only need three more comments to break 300. Let’s do it!

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    felixw said:
    Which is why the increase in the capital gains tax coming in January is such a disaster.

    Really. So an investor who stands to earn, let’s say, a modest $100,000 from a $1 million investment – 10% ain’t great, but it ain’t bad – would balk at making that investment if the taxes owed on that capital gain went from $20,000 to, say, $28,000? That $8,000 is enough to be a deal-breaker for an investor with a million dollars to put into speculation instead of T-Bills? Seriously? Yeah, no.

    Also, start-ups are rarely profitable before their third year. Any investor expecting to get a return in the same calendar year is not a very smart investor, and any investor who thinks that whatever tax structure exists today will continue to exist three years from now, is not a very good investor. I have a 48% ROE and I pay capital gains tax. But I wouldn’t mind paying a little more if it meant an improvement in the overall economy, leading to better gains for ALL my investments. I’m NO Warren Buffett, but if you think he made his money by waiting for tax policy to come around to his way of thinking, you don’t know much about investing. Seriously.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    cjd ohio 1 said:
    you are not a party hack, (both sides have them) , and i respect that

    Back at you. We have actually had a reasonable debate before, if I’m correct. Very rare here, I know.

    And to everyone else, come on guys, we only need three more comments to break 300. Let’s do it!

    I don’t want to interrupt this mutual admiration society too much, but I haven’t seen much out of cjd that suggests he isn’t a party hack. Nor have seen anything but one-liners out of him, so I’m not sure where “reasonable debate” comes from. But maybe I’m missing something. Arthur seems to be a reasonable enough chap, and cjd seems to be in a generous mood, so maybe it’s me. ;-)

  • felixw

    Paul Westlake said:
    Really. So an investor who stands to earn, let’s say, a modest $100,000 from a $1 million investment – 10% ain’t great, but it ain’t bad – would balk at making that investment if the taxes owed on that capital gain went from $20,000 to, say, $28,000? That $8,000 is enough to be a deal-breaker for an investor with a million dollars to put into speculation instead of T-Bills? Seriously? Yeah, no.

    Also, start-ups are rarely profitable before their third year. Any investor expecting to get a return in the same calendar year is not a very smart investor, and any investor who thinks that whatever tax structure exists today will continue to exist three years from now, is not a very good investor. I have a 48% ROE and I pay capital gains tax. But I wouldn’t mind paying a little more if it meant an improvement in the overall economy, leading to better gains for ALL my investments. I’m NO Warren Buffett, but if you think he made his money by waiting for tax policy to come around to his way of thinking, you don’t know much about investing. Seriously.

    Go talk to venture capitalists — who are the major source of funding for startups in the United States — and learn about their investment hurdle rates, and how they are impacted by capital gains taxes. Since most startups go broke, these investors need to have high projected returns before they can justify taking the risk of an investment. Every time you raise the capital gains tax rate, the number of investments that meet the criteria fall. In addition, the venture capitalists find it more difficult to raise money to invest in start-ups if they can’t count on a break for long term capital gains.

    That’s reality, plain and simple, Paul. Go talk to people who invest in start-ups as a living, and ask them whether the capital gains rate impacts them. You may learn a thing or two.

  • Arthur (Not a Political Comic)

    Paul Westlake said:
    I don’t want to interrupt this mutual admiration society too much, but I haven’t seen much out of cjd that suggests he isn’t a party hack. Nor have seen anything but one-liners out of him, so I’m not sure where “reasonable debate” comes from. But maybe I’m missing something. Arthur seems to be a reasonable enough chap, and cjd seems to be in a generous mood, so maybe it’s me. ;-)

    Well, sometimes, people surprise you. :) Actually, much like most people here, the one-liners, the bitterness, the name-calling seems to promote that sort of idea. I’ve had plenty of debates on here with people that you could say had the same patterns, but I think nobody here tries to engage in debate. We start out with the attack. Cjd and I have had some good debates, and yes we were on two sides of the coin, but that didn’t mean we didn’t have respect for each other.

    And Paul, we fucking made it to 300!

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    felixw said:
    In addition, the venture capitalists find it more difficult to raise money to invest in start-ups if they can’t count on a break for long term capital gains.

    No. Venture capitalists know that long term rates may change before they realize the gain. They take high-stakes gambles for big payoffs. The kind of investment I described above is nowhere near the typical return expected by venture capital firms, who talk in triple and quadruple digit returns. Ten percent is mutual fund territory. Three thousand percent is venture capital territory. Long term capital gains is almost totally inconsequential in that context.

    And those are actually NOT the bulk of start-up investors. Most start-up investors are friends, parents and other family members, and well-to-do family friends doing a favor. Start-up dry cleaners and car washes don’t get money from venture capital firms. Dot coms and engineers with fists full of new patents attract venture capitalists, not mom-and-pop shops, who drive much more of the economy. Tesla motors has created 1/1000 of a job for every job created by a mom-and-pop shop in the same time frame. There aren’t that many “Teslas” out there, on the cusp of dropping whole factories in communities and creating jobs in bulk. Those come along rarely. Mom-and-pops start and fail in droves, every day. That’s where the real economy is.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    Well, sometimes, people surprise you. :) Actually, much like most people here, the one-liners, the bitterness, the name-calling seems to promote that sort of idea. I’ve had plenty of debates on here with people that you could say had the same patterns, but I think nobody here tries to engage in debate. We start out with the attack. Cjd and I have had some good debates, and yes we were on two sides of the coin, but that didn’t mean we didn’t have respect for each other.

    It’s true. I’ve had a couple decent debates with people I wouldn’t expect to calm down enough to say anything but “screw you” to me. It was just a bit surprising with cjd, who I spent the past few days whacking over his one-liner sniping. Maybe his approach is nicer with people he likes. Maybe I’ve been commenting here long enough now that I forget some people don’t know that I have a history with certain characters (like nsf and felix and Gordo, etc) and will rile them just for the fun of it at times. Perhaps he caught me on a particularly vociferous day and formed his opinion then and there, cause I’ve been fending him off ever since! ;-)

    But I’m big enough to admit I might have the wrong impression. The future will tell.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    And Paul, we fucking made it to 300!

    And we may even blow that number out… eventually. ;-)

  • Judge Mental

    Wow. So much to wade through.

    Paul Westlake said:
    I mostly use mass transit but I drive in the city now and then. I used to love the ease of zipping down the West side – not anymore. I’d rather fight down Broadway to the bridge than risk a ticket getting to the tunnel.

    Fascinating.

    And, from that great philosopher Spock:

    Arthur (Not a Political Comic) said:
    Have they never heard the phrase, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.

    And, yes, let me beat you to it: I have nothing of substance to add. Carry on.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Judge Mental said:
    So much to wade through.

    Judge Mental said:
    I have nothing of substance to add.

    So, no wading?

  • Patrick Henry

    Nachi said:
    Repugs. The lot of them should be taken out and shot by a firing squad.

    Kind of like Planet of the Apes. I bet you would enjoy that.

  • Patrick Henry

    Paul Westlake said:
    the conservative agenda has always been to abolish all forms of government assistance – medicare, medicaid, social security, unemployment, disability, school lunches, everything, EXCEPT subsidies, tax abatements, off-shore protections, out-sourcing incentives, and finacial sector protectionism.

    Complete BS, Paul. We need to make realistic adjustments, to get our country solvent, not abolish them and no Republican is calling for that. Just more scare tactics from the left.

  • felixw

    Paul Westlake said:
    No. Venture capitalists know that long term rates may change before they realize the gain. They take high-stakes gambles for big payoffs. The kind of investment I described above is nowhere near the typical return expected by venture capital firms, who talk in triple and quadruple digit returns. Ten percent is mutual fund territory. Three thousand percent is venture capital territory. Long term capital gains is almost totally inconsequential in that context.

    And those are actually NOT the bulk of start-up investors. Most start-up investors are friends, parents and other family members, and well-to-do family friends doing a favor. Start-up dry cleaners and car washes don’t get money from venture capital firms. Dot coms and engineers with fists full of new patents attract venture capitalists, not mom-and-pop shops, who drive much more of the economy. Tesla motors has created 1/1000 of a job for every job created by a mom-and-pop shop in the same time frame. There aren’t that many “Teslas” out there, on the cusp of dropping whole factories in communities and creating jobs in bulk. Those come along rarely. Mom-and-pops start and fail in droves, every day. That’s where the real economy is.

    You have no clue how venture capitalists operate. As your remarks reveal.

  • Patrick Henry

    James Gregory Backus said:
    Kiss my socialist ass. Fixing 8 years of Republican Ef-ups is going to take 20 years you illiterate bible humping moron.

    Do you really believe our problems were caused by only Republicans? You are the moron.

  • Patrick Henry

    James Gregory Backus said:
    Kiss my socialist ass.

    I’d much rather kick it.

  • Patrick Henry

    Paul Westlake said:
    No, NY and CA are going broke subsidizing the red states.

    Oh yes, were doing well in Texas simply because CA and NY are paying our way.

  • felixw

    Paul Westlake said:
    Mom-and-pops start and fail in droves, every day. That’s where the real economy is.

    Then you should support an across-the-board extension of the Bush tax cuts, since most mom and pop businesses report their business income on their personal income tax. You keep changing your tune, but the implication is the same. If you want job creation you can’t punish the people who do the hiring.

    Whether you want to help startups or mom and pops, the remedy is the same. And it isn’t more bloated big government.

  • Patrick Henry

    James Gregory Backus said:
    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: Next time you’re eating a cheeseburger most sane people just know, that the meat came from a Texas Farm what an idiot.

    Home of King George Efin W Bush – Dictator and Worst President Ever appointed by the Republican USSC.

    I’m proud he is from Texas. You are just an unhappy, hateful, unpatriotic fool. You and your ilk will bring this great country down if given the chance. I really can’t believe we have American citizens who diss our Founders’ principles like you and your lib friends. Why don’t you move to Europe. You probably wouldn’t be happier, but at least you would have your dream of socialism.

  • Patrick Henry

    Paul Westlake said:
    Texas is purple and benefits from liberals working in cities like Houston, San Antonio and Austin.

    Only because we had a large influx of libs move here from blue states because they could not find work in those states. Hopefully we can keep them from dragging us down.

  • Patrick Henry

    James Gregory Backus said:
    Firstly, it’s “astrick” and secondly, you proved my point about Texas and “dumb”.

    F***k You! You think you are so erudite, but you come off as a hateful fool,

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Hogan/179500970 Stephen Hogan

    Patrick Henry said:
    Only because we had a large influx of libs move here from blue states because they could not find work in those states. Hopefully we can keep them from dragging us down.

    Hardly. As a native Texan whose view of politics was influenced by LBJ’s Great Society, I can tell you that Liberalism is bred into the fabric of the state.

    Patrick Henry said:
    I’m proud he is from Texas.

    G. W. Bush is not from Texas. He’s from Connecticut.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Patrick Henry said:
    Oh yes, were doing well in Texas simply because CA and NY are paying our way.

    If you read my comments, you’ll see I included TX in the list of creditor states, but it’s more purple than red, and the majority of tax revenue comes from the cities, where most of the liberals live. The evidence is overwhelming on this one – conservatives steal liberal money and complain all the way to the bank. Twas ever thus.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Patrick Henry said:
    Do you really believe our problems were caused by only Republicans? You are the moron.

    Whatever anyone else believes, I know conservatives believe this: EVERY SINGLE PROBLEM EVER IN THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE WAS CAUSED BY LIBERALS, INCLUDING SATAN HIMSELF.

    Sound familiar?

    hahaha

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    felixw said:
    Then you should support an across-the-board extension of the Bush tax cuts, since most mom and pop businesses report their business income on their personal income tax.

    …and earn less than $250k per year, ergo, will get a tax cut under the Dems plan.

    felixw said:
    You keep changing your tune, but the implication is the same. If you want job creation you can’t punish the people who do the hiring.

    No, I haven’t changed a thing. Using a word like “punish” is the same as calling taxes “theft.” It’s totally specious. Nobody is being “punished.” Without taxation, there is no business, because there is no government to maintain the peace and infrastructure FOR business. Corporations relentlessly pursue the bottom line, including through aggressive PR tactics – this is one of those tactics. They want to avoid having to pay their fair share of maintaining the order and infrastructure that makes them rich in the first place. It is BECAUSE people paid their taxes and laid the foundation for an orderly civilization that they CAN make money at all. They benefit from the social contract by larger degrees and therefore owe back into the system in equally larger degrees. That’s where progressive taxation comes from, not some evil liberal plot, but common fucking sense. You get the most out of it so you pay the most into it. What is so fucking hard to understand about that?

    felixw said:
    Whether you want to help startups or mom and pops, the remedy is the same. And it isn’t more bloated big government.

    The alternative to cutting taxes isn’t “bloated government.” But since you brought it up, how much are we laying out for the 750,000 new federal employees added to the payroll on Bush’s watch? Just how many homeland security contractors does it take to screw in a fucking light bulb? Talk about profligate spending! The conservative-led GOP under Bush Jr. has been the most fiscally irresponsible force in American history, save for maybe the robber barons, and you STILL toe their line? As Charlie Brown would say, oh good grief!

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Stephen Hogan said:
    Patrick Henry said:
    Only because we had a large influx of libs move here from blue states because they could not find work in those states. Hopefully we can keep them from dragging us down.

    Hardly. As a native Texan whose view of politics was influenced by LBJ’s Great Society, I can tell you that Liberalism is bred into the fabric of the state.

    Patrick Henry said:
    I’m proud he is from Texas.

    G. W. Bush is not from Texas. He’s from Connecticut.

    It’s a long fly ball! Deep to center field! …and it falls harmlessly into the center fielder’s glove for an out.

    Love to watch you show off that warning track power, PH. ;-)

  • Bonnie_Mazel

    The Republicans have been blocking just about everything they can for the last 4 years now. This is old news!! Nothing new happening here! Same old bullsh*t different day.

    This is hurting all of us …… except the top 1% and this is just plan sicking what the Republicans congress are doing to this country. They have NO honor whatsoever! How stupid do they think the American people are?….. or are most of the American people falling for this nonsense?

  • Bonnie_Mazel

    Extending the BUSH Tax Cuts for the RICH will only cost us Trillions of dollars in a time when we really can’t afford tax brakes for the upper 1%.

    This is discussing when they can’t even extend unemployment insurance to the ones who really need it and cutting if off right before Christmas is so Christian of them, isn’t it.

  • Bonnie_Mazel

    Republicans make me want to puke!

  • nrgetick

    wow over 300 posts and the article doesnt even mention sarah palin,… thats gotta be some kind of new record around here!!!!!

    btw fuck rethuglicans

  • CosmosDan

    According to he news this morning the Dems have basically agreed to extend the tax cuts. Demint was saying he wanted them to be permanent and the Dems wanted a temporary extension.

    What bullshit. The one who keep screaming about the deficit want to extend the tax cuts for everyone, even the mega rich and the Dems just cave. We are bought and paid for people and it has little to do with political ideology.

  • BobHahn

    This proves that there are smart Democrats, and there are stupid Democrats. The smart ones are angry because they know that Congressional Democrats had two years in which to pass their agenda, during which time they had a massive majority in the House and a full year of a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Yet many things that Democratic voters wanted did not happen.

    Why is that? The answer is revealed in the behavior of the stupid Democrats, who can be seen on this very thread whining and crabbing at the Wascally Wepublicans for blocking their agenda. They actually believe that the Republicans had the power to stop the Democrats from passing any legislation they wanted. They believe this because they are stupid. We know that because they cannot play “count the Democrats” and see that there simply were not enough Republicans to stop anything that the Democrats in Congress really wanted to do.

    Instead, they have fallen for the same trick the Democrats pull every election: they stage symbolic votes on various liberal causes right before and right after the election, lose the votes, blame the Republicans for the loss, and then watch in glee as the lower-IQ Democrats fall for the trick and call for more Democrats to be elected.

    Meanwhile, the smart Democrats are steaming, because they know they’ve been had.

    By the way, since no Congress can bind a future Congress, or prevent a future Congress from repealing any law, the Democrats could have repealed the Bush tax cuts on any day since Obama was in office to sign the legislation. They had two years to accomplish this. They didn’t do it, did they? Now they’ve lost a lot of seats, can’t pass squat, and so now they have a big symbolic struggle over the Bush tax cuts. Why now? For the answer, watch the stupid Democrats. The smart Democrats already know why.

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    BobHahn said:
    This proves that there are smart Democrats, and there are stupid Democrats.

    I thought Michael Dukakis proved that. ;-)

  • CAconservative

    Arthur:

    So that part where I said, “people who have made a life-style out living off the rest of us”, didn’t resonate with you, or is it, that it didn’t fit your Progressive agenda of “takeing from those that do and give to those that don’t”, rhetoric?!! Your not stupid Arthur, your just another follower who can’t think or reason for yourself so try to make yourself sound impressive by attacking windmills. My assessment of you was correct, you are just another DUFUS!

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    CAconservative said:
    people who have made a life-style out living off the rest of us

    You must mean the conservatives living on fixed incomes in red states who mooch of the liberals in blue states. Yep, know all about them.

  • CAconservative

    Paul Westlake:
    Just who are the red-state people living off of fixed incomes, Paul? The subject is, “people who have made a life-style out of living off of other people”. You know who these people are don’t you Paul, the Liberal welfare class that somehow think they are owed simply because they exist. The generations of bottom-feeders who have no intension of ever having a job and taking responsibility for themselves. I believe the people your talking about are people who worked their entire lives (Responsible Adults) without being a burden to society, and you choose to call them mooches?! Is Responsibility a foreign concept to you, and Arthur? Here’s a thought for you Paul. The bottom-feeders are not, nor have they ever been our responsibility. Pull the welfare net out from under them and see just how fast they start their screaming and whining. Are you one of these people, Paul? Sounds like the welfare-set is your ox. The worst thing there is in this country is welfare. Giving responsible people a hand in times of trouble for a limited time is a good thing. Allowing people to make a life-style out of living off of the rest of us isn’t. Just what part of that aren’t you not getting?!!

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    CAconservative said:
    Paul Westlake:
    Allowing people to make a life-style out of living off of the rest of us isn’t. Just what part of that aren’t you not getting?!!

    I get exactly and precisely EVERY part of it. But I do something “radical” in conservative circles – I assign blame where it belongs, not on my political opponents just for the fuck of it. See if you can follow…

    Unions have lost membership and every important labor fight over the past 30 years, dating back to the time Reagan canned all the Air Traffic Controllers. Unions haven’t been this weak since the Dust Bowl. Welfare rolls were at their lowest levels since the 70s before pushing up again recently as a result of the Republican-engineered Great Recession. Social spending growth has been slowed significantly under liberals (welfare to workfare) while expanded under conservatives (prescription drug benefit). Liberals have paid for their programs (health reform) while conservatives have not (prescription drug benefit, two wars, two massive tax cuts and now this extension being demanded by the conservative GOP).

    And now the kickers – red states get MORE back from Washington than they send. Blue states get LESS back than they send. Tax revenue is greatest in the cities where most of the liberals live, whereas the rural districts that cover most red states are revenue negative – rural electrification, rural broadband, rural waterworks, and so on, are ALL paid for by liberals in the cities. And while NYC may have the highest concentration of welfare recipients in one place, it has much more to do with size than lifestyle. There are 8 million people in NYC, 800,000 in the entire state of Montana. There may be more total people on government assistance in the more populated blue states, but the percentage of people receiving assistance is higher in red states. Also, divorce, teen pregnancy, single parenthood and drug abuse are much more chronic in red states than blue states. So not only are they taking our money, but they’re using it sit around, get high, and fuck. Super!

    Red states ARE the people conservatives hate so much. Deal with it.

  • CAconservative

    Wow, for a person who claims not to overtly assign blame to a political party, you seem to be doing a pretty good job of it. Let’s look at your claim that ALL the tax-money going to Red stated is paid by Liberals? Really?! Just how ignorant is that statement? If we are to fallow that line of reasoning, then the people who you claim to receiving welfare would be the very Progressive Liberals you say are paying the bill. That doesn’t make much sense does it? In either case Paul, or in any political venue Paul, those that live off of others, be they Progressives, or so-called conservatives, can both be called bottom-feeders, can’t they! The absolute fact that 47% of the working class is not paying taxes isn’t any less absurd, is it Paul. You can run all the statistics you want to run Paul, the fact remains that those who choose not to take responsibility for themselves are parasites!! Again Paul, what part of ” allowing people to make a life-style out of living off the rest of us”, aren’t you understanding?!!

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    You can say “Paul” over and over and it won’t make you sound any smarter. More asshole, yes. Smarter, no.

    Why the FUCK do you think some working class people pay no taxes, because they have top lawyers and accountants using tax shelters for them? It’s because they earn so little money that it’s better for the economy if they keep it, because they will spend it, because they have to to survive. The people that have made a living mooching off the rest of us are the corporate elite. Massive subsidies, abatements, off-shore havens, outsourced workforce, massive state tax breaks just to keep the few, paltry low-wage jobs left from disappearing altogether. Meanwhile, the corporate elite DO have world class lawyers and accountants massaging the numbers down to near zero. Dozens of the top corporations in America pay NO taxes at all, after all the incentives, subsidies and breaks. And where are all the fucking JOBS those policies were supposed to create? Massive tax breaks for the wealthy in two rounds and it led to the worst recession since the 30s and killed millions of jobs. They evidence is OVERWHELMING. Corporate conservatives and the wannabes who aspire to be them (but never, ever will be them) are mooching from New York, California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and most of New England. Texas and Florida are purple states, and the vast majority of tax revenue derives from the blue cities, not the red countryside, NOR the red corporations that abuse their workers. And when I say “red” corporations, yes, I mean communist. They are all about making jobs for the communists in China, but loathe to do anything to help America. Because all they care about is the cash. Nothing else. They’re aren’t patriots, they’re traitors. And you ADORE them! These people who trample our constitution, ruin our economy and consider people like you to be peasants, are you HEROES.

    So I ask you, what part of ”allowing people to make a life-style out of living off the rest of us”, aren’t YOU understanding? Corporate elitists live off of us. Not the poor, who can’t stay on welfare for more than five years, who usually don’t qualify for unemployment, and who have ZERO control over the levers of power. If you really believe that crap, you’re a lost puppy. But I suspect you know your lying and just enjoy feeling like you’re on the “macho” side of the argument. Whatever.

    Lastly, when did I ever claim not to overtly assign blame to a political party? Never. While Dems may be weak enablers, the policies that continually fail are GOP and conservative. Supply side economics is an abject failure. Anyone with any intellectual honesty at all can see that as plain as day. Only those who directly benefit from the imbalance and their wannabe hangers on (like you) hew to the trickle-down line. It’s a failure. Every measure, every index, every study that can withstand peer review (as in studies not created by Cato), has shown conclusively that supply side economics is a failure. Every single one. So, what part of “failure” are you not getting?

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    Just to unify the whole:

    Conservatives are the mooches at every level, whether it’s corporate elitists rigging the tax code, or conservative internet trolls from rural red states who collect government assistance and then rail against it on Mediaite. You’re not fooling anyone but yourselves.

  • CAconservative

    Instead of ranting about how jealous you are of the rich, how about sticking to the issue at hand! In case you’ve forgotten, it’s about the welfare eating, non-taxing paying class that you and the rest of the Progressives continue to justify by blaming people who have made something of themselves by actually WORKING FOR IT!!
    Maybe you could explain why blue states like California and New York , the two largest blue states, are teetering on bankruptcy, Paul? Could it be that your beloved “entitlement crowd” is no longer sustainable?! Could that be it, Paul?!! Could it be that in California, nearly half of the $25-Billion annual deficit is directly attributable to the welfare class! Could that be it, Paul?!! Your Red & Blue state analogy is at best ambiguous, isn’t it…Paul? There are many more reasons than “welfare rolls”, that contribute to these states receiving more in tax dollars, aren’t there, Paul? Why didn’t you list some of those reasons Paul? Didn’t they fit you BS scenario?!!

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    CAconservative said:
    Instead of ranting about how jealous you are of the rich, how about sticking to the issue at hand! In case you’ve forgotten, it’s about the welfare eating, non-taxing paying class that you and the rest of the Progressives continue to justify by blaming people who have made something of themselves by actually WORKING FOR IT!!

    Bullshit! Listen Caca, you are totally full of shit. And you have obviously NEVER worked in a corporate setting or you would know how much graft, sloth and laziness marks the management of most, Caca. I HAVE worked for a living, unlike you… OBVIOUSLY! So, Caca, I actually have real world experience in these things, unlike people like you who sit in trailer parks collecting disability and pretending that you know the solutions to everything. YOU, Caca, are the mooch. YOU!

    CAconservative said:
    Maybe you could explain why blue states like California and New York , the two largest blue states, are teetering on bankruptcy, Paul?

    Yes, I CAN, Caca. Because, Caca, we send too much of it to red states. CA and NY would be able to afford our welfare rolls just fine if red states weren’t taking a quarter of our tax receipts every year. Every year, Caca! Caca, I would be personally better off if libertarians got their way and eliminated all payroll and income taxes in favor of sales taxes. I’m a very moderate consumer, Caca, and I make more money than most red state residents, which I would happily KEEP instead of sending to Wyoming, thank you very much! So, Caca, please, by all means, implement your preposterous fiscal ideas. Blue states will thrive as red states die. And that’s 100% A-OK with me.

    And if you really are a Californian, don’t think I don’t know how much you benefit from the welfare state there. You obviously don’t have a job. So you’re a mooch. And you’re mooching off of me. Fucking leech.

  • CAconservative

    Seems you can’t get anything right, Paul. First, it’s CaCo, not Caca, Paul? CA and NY would be able to sustain the WELFARE-ROLLS JUST FINE?!! They shouldn’t have to, Paul, isn’t that the whole point, Paul? Explain to me again why Conservative states (red) get more tax-dollars than Liberal Progressive states (blue) even though they consistently vote for candidates who want to reduce the size of government, and government spending, and liberals consistently vote for bigger government and a larger welfare base? Why is that, Paul? You should know this Paul, after all your mystic abilities have told you that I don’t work and I’m a moocher, so explaining that apparent paradox should be simple for you! Keeping your own money, instead of sharing the wealth, is a conservative ideology. An ideology all Progressive Liberals plead when it comes to sharing their own money. Why is that Paul? As long as it’s someone else’s money (the rich) your more than willing to share their money but not your own…another paradox…Paul?

  • http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

    CAconservative said:
    Explain to me again why Conservative states (red) get more tax-dollars than Liberal Progressive states (blue) even though they consistently vote for candidates who want to reduce the size of government

    Sure, no problem, Caca. State conservatives have worked in conjunction with Congressional conservatives to shift the burdens of their states to the federal government, and to other states. You see, Caca, Conservatives elected at the state and county level slash eligibility for social safety nets, while their reps in Congress send ever-larger doses of pork back to their districts. People who benefit from the pork projects, funded by taxpayers (mostly living and working in cities, which trend liberal) stick around suckling at government’s teat, Caca, while those who cannot find work and can’t get help, leave the state and add themselves to other state social safety nets. Thus, Caca, the burden is shifted to the cities and those liberal states that don’t punish their own people for being born with a mental problem, or suffering from chronic illnesses, or with special needs children, or recovering from an accident on the job, or dealing with the effects of time served in war. You know, Caca, those strange little reasons that crop in life when people have nowhere else to turn because it’s too big even for the family to handle on their own.

    You see, Caca, that’s why those things were enacted in the first place. But, Caca, somewhere in your pea brains conservatives decided that ALL Americans are perfectly capable of making themselves rich if they would just pull themselves up by their bootstraps and work, and those that can’t are just faking it to mooch off everyone else. Right, Caca? Nobody ever has a problem in life that can’t be fixed by getting a job, isn’t that right, Caca? If only that guy with brain damage would get a job, he’d be fine. If only the guy with PTSD would get a job, he’d be fine. Am I right, Caca? If only the married mom of a special needs child would get a job, she and her kid would be fine. So what that his progress is stunted in day care, he’s a waste anyway, right, Caca? Why waste resources on a retard? Totally see your point, Caca.

    But what you may not know, Caca, is that corporations have been making the rules for decades, not just the past ten years or so. The reason we have employer-provided health insurance, Caca, is because corporations wanted it that way. The reason we have unemployment insurance, Caca, is because corporations didn’t want an idle workforce to start their own businesses and compete, they wanted them to sit around and wait for the next factory to be built. So, Caca, when unemployed people took that money to start new businesses anyway, they were really pissed and have been trying to do away with the concept ever since. You see, Caca, working class America is the corporations’ playground and they don’t like having to pay for it or answer to it. But they’re OK with keeping a New York and California around, Caca, you know, to make sure there are enough worker bees kept alive to drop a new factory or a new security force or a new prison somewhere at their whim. They don’t care if workers die in bunches, Caca, as long as there are enough left over for the next erection to the corporate elite’s monumental greatness.

    OK, Caca? Got it? Or should I use small words and TALK IN ALL CAPS?

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