“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” — John Lennon
Imagine if the GOP had memories, held the elected officials with an “R” after their names accountable, could be capable of understanding that humans are worthy and kicking anyone to the curb is wrong.
Watching that surprise news conference yesterday and when President Obama made one statement it suddenly reminded me of one of favorite memories of a friend.
When Obama made the statement he want to fight and there are some things he will stand his ground and fight for?
********
We all were about to be sixteen and my two best friends and I encounter a girl who as just a year or two younger. We all were talking when the subject turned to karate and the like, the girl said she knew Jujutsu.
David puffed out his chest and stated he had a black belt (Ahh No he did not!) he then said for her to take him to the ground! Her seemed reluctant but he kept it up….. Finally and quite suddenly it was “Wham!”
David was on the ground and in a arm bar, he struggled but could not get out or away.
Finally she let him up, he dusted himself off and said he was not ready and I want to see you try that again!
“Wham!” back on the ground and could not get out or up until she let him!
Once again the same thing and Wham!
After the fourth time my other friend and I took David by the arms and lead him away telling him that it was embarrassing for us if not for him!
Turns out this girl was a military brat and had been raised in Okinawa and she really did have a black belt in Jujutsu!
I was wonder yesterday how many time would Obama be taken to the ground or actually take a hard stance before those around him will finally take him by the arm and lead him away?
ON occasions I would accuse the liberals of hold up a baby to make an issue a matter of humanity even if the issue has nothing to do with babies. It is cheap trick and a bit unethical but a tactic in the Politic game.
But what the Cons did holding the Unemployed hostage is the same as they took that baby and hung it off the Golden gate bridge and threaten to drop it if their demands are not met.
I don;t know if it was that bad or not, but it certainly was crap. I have written to all my legislative representatives, and the RNC, to complain. Not that they give a crap, but it made me feel better.
I can state with personal clarity, that things really are that bad out here and that being unemployed is not a matter of choice. American and real people are hurting and needing some minor help just to hold on to the bare essentials.
Yet the Republicans used them to force through tax cuts for the higher income earners.
Using Americans in dire need is amoral and unethical as it would be to have held a baby off a bridge and using that baby as a weapon to get their demands met.
However, one question, to which I do not know the answer:
If the UC extension was so important, why did the Democrats, who are still in power, insist it be brought to vote under rules that required a 2/3 majority, instead of a simple majority? As I said, I don;t know the answer, but sounds like political theater over necessity to me. Anyone who knows the answer, if you would post it, I would certainly like to know.
On The last word, the host took on Mary Landu about her statement that Obama should have known there were forty, fifty or even sixty Democrats that would have stood beside him on the middle class tax cuts!
The host then point out how she and several other during the health care reform put their own agenda above the leading desire for the agenda.
It is almost a sure bet of the agenda of the Republicans that majority and with little exceptions will block vote. That is a simple observation, the Democratic on the other hand are not such a sure thing.
Look what happen with that show vote on the Middle class tax cuts, only 54 Democrats voted for it in the Senate. When the need was for 60, they really do live up to that saying I quoted above.
being unemployed is not a matter of choice. American and real people are hurting and needing some minor help just to hold on to the bare essentials.
I hope you don;t think that I ever thought elsewise. It is indeed bad “out there” and for most, unemployment is not a choice. I know way too many folks that are earnestly seeking employment, without results. Some because of bad decisions on their part, but most, because of the sorry state of our economy.
I hate that Obama is being forced to give in on the tax break for the rich, but for all the reasons he stated, I grudgingly understand. My husband would like nothing more than for the Dems to hold out and let the tax breaks run out. Then let the GOP fix it. My question on the whole thing is, IF the breaks aren’t extended temporarily what is the chance of the Repubs making them permanent when they take over in January? Wouldn’t it stand to reason that they would revive them? At least if they are extended temporarily there’s still a chance of doing away with them later.
This gives the phrase “Ugly Americans’ an entirely new meaning. And we dare to call ourselves a Christian Nation when we have people who defend this kind of crap? Yeah, we have a military that cannot tolerate an open gay soldier next to them but they are okay with private military contractors doing this kind of thing.
There is more to the force of the tax cuts then the current Republicans.
Bush knew it was a mistake from the beginning and they knew the trap set by the tax cuts.
Who ever would finally end them will have the same effect as putting a loaded gun in theirs and their parties mouth and pulling the trigger.
No matter if the economy is good or bad all that will be that they ended and increase taxes.
Doing so would be the end of the Obama administration at a time that most of the country already is having doubts about re-electing him.
Secret GOP plan: Push states to declare bankruptcy and smash unions
Dec 7, 2010 13:42 EST
Congressional Republicans appear to be quietly but methodically executing a plan that would a) avoid a federal bailout of spendthrift states and b) cripple public employee unions by pushing cash-strapped states such as California and Illinois to declare bankruptcy. This may be the biggest political battle in Washington, my Capitol Hill sources tell me, of 2011.
That’s why the most intriguing aspect of President Barack Obama’s tax deal with Republicans is what the compromise fails to include — a provision to continue the Build America Bonds program. BABs now account for more than 20 percent of new debt sold by states and local governments thanks to a federal rebate equal to 35 percent of interest costs on the bonds. The subsidy program ends on Dec. 31. And my Reuters colleagues report that a GOP congressional aide said Republicans “have a very firm line on BABS — we are not going to allow them to be included.”
In short, the lack of a BAB program would make it harder for states to borrow to cover a $140 billion budgetary shortfall next year, as estimated by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. The long-term numbers are even scarier. Estimates of states’ unfunded liabilities to pay for retiree benefits range from $750 billion to more than $3 trillion.
It wouldn’t be easy to change the law. Public employee unions have traditionally carried great influence with Democrats, even if President Barack Obama’s willingness to freeze their pay on the federal level suggests their clout may be waning. From the Republican perspective, the fiscal crisis on the state level provides a golden opportunity to defund a key Democratic interest group. For the GOP, it’s an economic and political win.
I would throw out, say, farm subsidies, in a minute to staunch the fiscal ruin of the state.
Of course in states like Arizona and probably Kansas, the bigger goal will be destroying state government and feeding the privateprison-industrial complex (which apparently was a side goal of SB1070, the “Lookee! There’s a Mexican!” bill).
When it comes to taxes – do you really think any politicians gives a crap?
Seriously – our entire system is corrupt. But the Republicans take it one step further and try to justify it by their being the Party of God. That God must be the Golden Idol of Money at all Cost.
On this day of rememberance of John Lennons senseless murder, isn’t it telling that we have another group of people who must have nothing better to do than to demonize the president for not saying the word ‘God’ enough.
I think John Lennon was right with the song Imagine.
The world needs to stop all this nonsense of whose Godly and who is not and Just Let It Be.
The first Palin supporter I met was the one who said that Palin speaks with the voice of God.
I then pointed out that Obama has referred and mentioned God and Jesus more often in his speeches and debates then I ever heard Sarah Palin talk about either God or Jesus.
He thought about it for a moment and admitted I was right.
I don’t know if I am just getting touchy or finally totally fed up with the brainless denial of reality I encounter:
“to continue to allow those that take advantage to suck off the unemployment benefit teat of the government (the working taxpayer) simply prolongs the problem.
There are many that would gladly be content with a life living off others.
Example….BJ, who thinks that he should be paid not to work.
This must stop“.
This is fox gabby gunk, to justify something that is putting the blame on those who lost their job and not where it belongs.
The figure of five people for every one opening is true and not just for any employment that pays a reasonable wage. It also goes for every minimum wage and part time opening.
The amount that unemployment provides is about half that of a full time 10 an hour job.
It would take me a month and a half to save up enough to pay one months mortgage payment.
FYI Bluejay does not get unemployment, it is his choice not to work and he is not even close to being an example of the unemployed.
Yet those who would rather not face or deal with reality will use him as one.
To justify and ease their conscious at not doing anything to help their fellow Americans.
You know anyone who needs a ditch dug by hand?
By the grace of God I still have two hands!
It is an insult to the term “Human being “ to be supportive of giving tax cuts to the rich and to begrudge workers who have lost their jobs and can not find another the ability to at least try to keep a roof over their family and themselves head.
The me-me of the unemployed are lazy and just wanting the free government money so they do not have to work.
That takes as much denial of reality as to believe all those children at St. Jude got deadly and life threatening cancer so they can get you to send in your money!
And the delusional rant that somehow giving the wealth a personal income tax cut, they will invest it and create jobs when if they had the intent or need to create jobs they will or would with or without a tax cut.
That makes as much sense as if you refused to win the lottery because it would put you in a higher tax bracket!
It rather strikes me as the manufactured rants against the supposed “socialism” of the past 2 years. When 1 out of 7 Americans are living in poverty, you have to do some quick blame-shifting.
In the case of “socialism,” I believe those who folks are simply looking to Latin America and other areas wherein the natural response to wealthy oligarchs has been socialist revolutions. While they are far ahead of the curve on that one, it suggests a chilling trajectory.
PrairiePopulistsAndProgressives.net 
“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” — John Lennon
Imagine if the GOP had memories, held the elected officials with an “R” after their names accountable, could be capable of understanding that humans are worthy and kicking anyone to the curb is wrong.
John Lennon was a dreamer, but not the only one.
Watching that surprise news conference yesterday and when President Obama made one statement it suddenly reminded me of one of favorite memories of a friend.
When Obama made the statement he want to fight and there are some things he will stand his ground and fight for?
********
We all were about to be sixteen and my two best friends and I encounter a girl who as just a year or two younger. We all were talking when the subject turned to karate and the like, the girl said she knew Jujutsu.
David puffed out his chest and stated he had a black belt (Ahh No he did not!) he then said for her to take him to the ground! Her seemed reluctant but he kept it up….. Finally and quite suddenly it was “Wham!”
David was on the ground and in a arm bar, he struggled but could not get out or away.
Finally she let him up, he dusted himself off and said he was not ready and I want to see you try that again!
“Wham!” back on the ground and could not get out or up until she let him!
Once again the same thing and Wham!
After the fourth time my other friend and I took David by the arms and lead him away telling him that it was embarrassing for us if not for him!
Turns out this girl was a military brat and had been raised in Okinawa and she really did have a black belt in Jujutsu!
I was wonder yesterday how many time would Obama be taken to the ground or actually take a hard stance before those around him will finally take him by the arm and lead him away?
ON occasions I would accuse the liberals of hold up a baby to make an issue a matter of humanity even if the issue has nothing to do with babies. It is cheap trick and a bit unethical but a tactic in the Politic game.
But what the Cons did holding the Unemployed hostage is the same as they took that baby and hung it off the Golden gate bridge and threaten to drop it if their demands are not met.
I am going to add on to this and it will be sent to both Senators.
I don;t know if it was that bad or not, but it certainly was crap. I have written to all my legislative representatives, and the RNC, to complain. Not that they give a crap, but it made me feel better.
jerkoffs all
I can state with personal clarity, that things really are that bad out here and that being unemployed is not a matter of choice. American and real people are hurting and needing some minor help just to hold on to the bare essentials.
Yet the Republicans used them to force through tax cuts for the higher income earners.
Using Americans in dire need is amoral and unethical as it would be to have held a baby off a bridge and using that baby as a weapon to get their demands met.
However, one question, to which I do not know the answer:
If the UC extension was so important, why did the Democrats, who are still in power, insist it be brought to vote under rules that required a 2/3 majority, instead of a simple majority? As I said, I don;t know the answer, but sounds like political theater over necessity to me. Anyone who knows the answer, if you would post it, I would certainly like to know.
On The last word, the host took on Mary Landu about her statement that Obama should have known there were forty, fifty or even sixty Democrats that would have stood beside him on the middle class tax cuts!
The host then point out how she and several other during the health care reform put their own agenda above the leading desire for the agenda.
“Herding cats!”
It is almost a sure bet of the agenda of the Republicans that majority and with little exceptions will block vote. That is a simple observation, the Democratic on the other hand are not such a sure thing.
Look what happen with that show vote on the Middle class tax cuts, only 54 Democrats voted for it in the Senate. When the need was for 60, they really do live up to that saying I quoted above.
being unemployed is not a matter of choice. American and real people are hurting and needing some minor help just to hold on to the bare essentials.
I hope you don;t think that I ever thought elsewise. It is indeed bad “out there” and for most, unemployment is not a choice. I know way too many folks that are earnestly seeking employment, without results. Some because of bad decisions on their part, but most, because of the sorry state of our economy.
LOL give me a day and a half and I can list my bad decisions!
First and the beginning is thinking school was a waste of time.
A wise man once said “If you think school is a waste of time.
You are right, it is what ever you think it is!”
I hate that Obama is being forced to give in on the tax break for the rich, but for all the reasons he stated, I grudgingly understand. My husband would like nothing more than for the Dems to hold out and let the tax breaks run out. Then let the GOP fix it. My question on the whole thing is, IF the breaks aren’t extended temporarily what is the chance of the Repubs making them permanent when they take over in January? Wouldn’t it stand to reason that they would revive them? At least if they are extended temporarily there’s still a chance of doing away with them later.
RIP, Elizabeth Edwards. We’re all better persons from your too brief time on this planet.
This gives the phrase “Ugly Americans’ an entirely new meaning. And we dare to call ourselves a Christian Nation when we have people who defend this kind of crap? Yeah, we have a military that cannot tolerate an open gay soldier next to them but they are okay with private military contractors doing this kind of thing.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/08/wikileaks-reveals-that-mi_n_793816.html
Look at the Senate rules to find the answer.
As for political theatre – I remember when Bob Dole changed his vote AFTER THE FACT in order to do his political grandstanding.
that political theatre goes on in both parties.
There is more to the force of the tax cuts then the current Republicans.
Bush knew it was a mistake from the beginning and they knew the trap set by the tax cuts.
Who ever would finally end them will have the same effect as putting a loaded gun in theirs and their parties mouth and pulling the trigger.
No matter if the economy is good or bad all that will be that they ended and increase taxes.
Doing so would be the end of the Obama administration at a time that most of the country already is having doubts about re-electing him.
Secret GOP plan: Push states to declare bankruptcy and smash unions
Dec 7, 2010 13:42 EST
Congressional Republicans appear to be quietly but methodically executing a plan that would a) avoid a federal bailout of spendthrift states and b) cripple public employee unions by pushing cash-strapped states such as California and Illinois to declare bankruptcy. This may be the biggest political battle in Washington, my Capitol Hill sources tell me, of 2011.
That’s why the most intriguing aspect of President Barack Obama’s tax deal with Republicans is what the compromise fails to include — a provision to continue the Build America Bonds program. BABs now account for more than 20 percent of new debt sold by states and local governments thanks to a federal rebate equal to 35 percent of interest costs on the bonds. The subsidy program ends on Dec. 31. And my Reuters colleagues report that a GOP congressional aide said Republicans “have a very firm line on BABS — we are not going to allow them to be included.”
In short, the lack of a BAB program would make it harder for states to borrow to cover a $140 billion budgetary shortfall next year, as estimated by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. The long-term numbers are even scarier. Estimates of states’ unfunded liabilities to pay for retiree benefits range from $750 billion to more than $3 trillion.
http://blogs.reuters.com/james-pethokoukis/2010/12/07/secret-gop-plan-push-states-to-declare-bankruptcy-and-smash-unions/
It wouldn’t be easy to change the law. Public employee unions have traditionally carried great influence with Democrats, even if President Barack Obama’s willingness to freeze their pay on the federal level suggests their clout may be waning. From the Republican perspective, the fiscal crisis on the state level provides a golden opportunity to defund a key Democratic interest group. For the GOP, it’s an economic and political win.
Thank for the information.
I would throw out, say, farm subsidies, in a minute to staunch the fiscal ruin of the state.
Of course in states like Arizona and probably Kansas, the bigger goal will be destroying state government and feeding the privateprison-industrial complex (which apparently was a side goal of SB1070, the “Lookee! There’s a Mexican!” bill).
When it comes to taxes – do you really think any politicians gives a crap?
Seriously – our entire system is corrupt. But the Republicans take it one step further and try to justify it by their being the Party of God. That God must be the Golden Idol of Money at all Cost.
Love this song
On this day of rememberance of John Lennons senseless murder, isn’t it telling that we have another group of people who must have nothing better to do than to demonize the president for not saying the word ‘God’ enough.
I think John Lennon was right with the song Imagine.
The world needs to stop all this nonsense of whose Godly and who is not and Just Let It Be.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/08/michele-bachmann-congressional-prayer-caucus_n_793147.html
The first Palin supporter I met was the one who said that Palin speaks with the voice of God.
I then pointed out that Obama has referred and mentioned God and Jesus more often in his speeches and debates then I ever heard Sarah Palin talk about either God or Jesus.
He thought about it for a moment and admitted I was right.
I don’t know if I am just getting touchy or finally totally fed up with the brainless denial of reality I encounter:
“to continue to allow those that take advantage to suck off the unemployment benefit teat of the government (the working taxpayer) simply prolongs the problem.
There are many that would gladly be content with a life living off others.
Example….BJ, who thinks that he should be paid not to work.
This must stop“.
This is fox gabby gunk, to justify something that is putting the blame on those who lost their job and not where it belongs.
The figure of five people for every one opening is true and not just for any employment that pays a reasonable wage. It also goes for every minimum wage and part time opening.
The amount that unemployment provides is about half that of a full time 10 an hour job.
It would take me a month and a half to save up enough to pay one months mortgage payment.
FYI Bluejay does not get unemployment, it is his choice not to work and he is not even close to being an example of the unemployed.
Yet those who would rather not face or deal with reality will use him as one.
To justify and ease their conscious at not doing anything to help their fellow Americans.
You know anyone who needs a ditch dug by hand?
By the grace of God I still have two hands!
It is an insult to the term “Human being “ to be supportive of giving tax cuts to the rich and to begrudge workers who have lost their jobs and can not find another the ability to at least try to keep a roof over their family and themselves head.
The me-me of the unemployed are lazy and just wanting the free government money so they do not have to work.
That takes as much denial of reality as to believe all those children at St. Jude got deadly and life threatening cancer so they can get you to send in your money!
And the delusional rant that somehow giving the wealth a personal income tax cut, they will invest it and create jobs when if they had the intent or need to create jobs they will or would with or without a tax cut.
That makes as much sense as if you refused to win the lottery because it would put you in a higher tax bracket!
It rather strikes me as the manufactured rants against the supposed “socialism” of the past 2 years. When 1 out of 7 Americans are living in poverty, you have to do some quick blame-shifting.
In the case of “socialism,” I believe those who folks are simply looking to Latin America and other areas wherein the natural response to wealthy oligarchs has been socialist revolutions. While they are far ahead of the curve on that one, it suggests a chilling trajectory.