I venture that in Obama's careful calibration of his post-racial America there is always a fear of white fear. He is exquisitely sensitive to white — particularly non-elite white — impressions of his occupancy of the White House. He is eager not to disconcert Middle America, and had blundered only days before in his intervention in the Gates-Crowley affair. This ruffled many whites: They were taken aback, disquieted and were reminded, perhaps, of Obama's remarks about bitter and intolerant small-town voters who cling to their faith and guns, made before the Pennsylvania primary....What bothered me about Biden's presence — as I hinted here — is that it underscored the fact that the President was on Gates's side with respect to the disputed facts of the incident. It reminded us that it wouldn't have worked to have Obama bringing the 2 men together, because Obama had thrown away his potential as a mediator even as he now wants to pose as a mediator. That was all very incoherent, as was the silly remedy of bringing in Biden.
I was not privy to the reasoning behind the decision to draw Biden into the meeting. But I do know that his presence altered the racial chemistry in a crucial way. And in doing so, it allowed President Obama to ensure that he didn't compound those racial fears — incipient, unsettling —that he'd stoked days before when he "acted stupidly."
Well, Biden is next in line for the Presidency, and Obama had (stupidly) vacated the presidential seat for an issue that supposedly demanded presidential attention. (It didn't, but if it did, Obama had disqualified himself to act upon it.) Biden was needed so it wouldn't be 2 men who thought one thing happened against 1 man who thought something else, and then it seemed — Varadarajan saw it this way — that the 2 against 1 problem was 2 black men against 1 white man — that they require (or think we require) racial balancing.
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120 comments:
There was absolutely no other reason for him to be there. Except that it's always good to have a fool to laugh at while drunk.
Couldn't it just be that Biden was hanging around with nothing to do and Obama figured any situation where no one could hear what Biden had to say was a good use of his time?
To quote Jeremy.
DUH!
Of course it was to racially balance the photo op. If they didn't bring in a token white guy, Sgt. Crowley would have been outnumbered by the black guys.
Exactly. Bringing in Biden was to placate morons who wouldn't comprehend that two black guys could talk to one white guy without "ganging up" on him. Same with picking Budweiser. Anything else would cause another grand mal meltdown in the media on it's ramifications.
Biden does usually provide plenty of conversation, and will say something frequently that is so ridiculous everyone will be laughing hysterically. Pres. Obama on tehj other hand is too serious and cannot "lighten" the mood as readily.
Crowley was the body, Obama and Gates provided the frothing, and Biden was the foamy head.
So I wonder if Ann Althouse approves of right wing efforts to disrupt Congressional listening sessions?
This is not an effort to ask questions, which would be fine. This is mob action to disrupt, shout and shut down the listening sessions. And the grassoots wingers are doing just that.
I think Althouse would only disapprove if Democrats did it.
From the person who launched this particular racist take:
I was not privy to the reasoning behind the decision to draw Biden into the meeting. .
No shit, Sherlock. Yet you (and Althouse) proceed to claim racial intent, just making stuff up as you go along.
And Ann Althouse goes right along with stoking the racial resentments.
Conservatism is getting uglier all the time.
Armstrong and Getty said Biden was there so it would be a fair fight if racial violence broke out.
My take on the situation?
Biden’s inclusion made it three suits against one.
But hey, I’m a post-racial kind of guy.
Althouse Hillbilly Alert!
Exactly how many Gates posts has Ann done now?
It should be noted that only older often retired folk like Ann obsess about race. It does not even register with young people.
Exactly how many Gates posts has Ann done now? .
Many. She is desperate to pump up her traffic, which has fallen off, judging from the anemic comment posting.
judging from the anemic comment posting.
It's Monday. I, for one, don't have the energy to take on the righteous indignation of the left.
Biden was there as Obama's affirmative action token white guy. Think of this as a pickup basketball game. Or maybe the NBA.
I just figured Biden was lost and had nowhere else to go.
Yea, having Biden there, to me, was as stupid as Crowley's getting black back-up from his fellow officers for his own credibility:
All it does is underscore the very issue everyone is claiming to be erasing.
Nobody - including our post-racial President, or Professor Gates, supposedly our resident "expert" on such things - seems capable of understanding how to step outside of the racial box.
Is this really so hard to understand?
That's what I want to know at The Macho Response
And AlphaLiberal,
Complaining, now that conservatives are doing what liberals did for the last eight years, ain't gonna win you no support - it just emphasizes your hypocrisy. Diss your own side - demand they play fair and act like human beings who respect the loyal opposition - and then, maybe, you can speak to us. But don't come crying, after you cleaned our clocks in the last elections, because we've called in our own watchmakers.
Oh, and you're a racist. Since you're so up on fixing shit, I thought you'd like to know.
Why was Biden there? Mentally Challenged folks need a seat at the table too.
I am sorry if I offended the mentally challenged.
Maybe the White House was ganging up.
Could have rebalanced the racial aspect by having Crowley invite a friend.
Of course it would have been interesting if Crowley then brought along a AA man or woman.
Alphaliberal: "So I wonder if Ann Althouse approves of right wing efforts to disrupt Congressional listening sessions?"
This is rich. Someone from the end of the ideological spectrum that has made a specialty for 40+ years out of shouting down and intimidating public speakers whose ideology they disagree with, is now indignant that citizens are loudly disagreeing at meeting with their elected officials. Unbelievable hypocrisy. Apparently only liberals have a license to vocally disapprove of something a speaker is saying.
As a conservative, I think it is perfectly appropriate to react with loud shouts of anger and hisses and what-all when a speaker says something outrageous. What I disagree with is loud chanting the prevents a discussion from continuing. To the extent that conservative Americans have done that in recent meetings with their elected officials - and I've only seen one example of it, the rest were of people mometarily reacting with rage when someone like Spector said they needed to "hurry the health care bill through" - I disagree with it and would urge them NOT to learn that particular despicable tactic of the Left. We conservatives are not about silencing the opposition, unlike Leftists. But we are entitled to voice our outrage when an elected official tries to screw us.
MnMark:
I have never taken part in shouting down speakers. That's happened in a few highly publicized cases, mostly on college campuses. My suspicion is it has more to do with hormonal rage (testosterone poisoning) than anything else.
Further, there is nothing like this orchestrated campaign from FreedomWorks and other anti-health care reform groups.
So your hypocrisy charge does not stick.
"the Crack Emceee: makes some shit up:
Complaining, now that conservatives are doing what liberals did for the last eight years, .
Oh, bullshit. Liberals were not disrupting town hall meetings and shouting down speakers, such as happened to Secretary Sebelius.
I do wish we could have had a national conversation on the abuse of police power.
Too many police think that a citizen who doesn't meekly obey every command but asks questions deserves to be tazed, handcuffed or arrested.
Such cops should lose their badges.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPRrHYn3TiU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fizo-sOSE6o&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmByfTKKUV4&feature=related
Gates is black, Obama is 50/50 and Crowley is white, so that's balanced. Joe just wanted a beer.
And God knows...we should pay very close attention to what Tunku Varadarajan thinks.
Or...TRO - "There was absolutely no other reason for him to be there."
You mean, other than being the Vice-President?
And of course, if Biden wasn't there, everybody would be asking...hey! Why isn't Biden there, too? Isn't HE part of the administration?? Is Obama ashamed of Biden? What's the story???
And to quote Dust Bunny: Duh.
Biden was just there to break the ice, maybe tell a few jokes about Indian guys running 7-11s or whatever. Or maybe to talk about how a certain brother is clean and articulate.
The Crack Emcee said..."But don't come crying, after you cleaned our clocks in the last elections, because we've called in our own watchmakers."
WOW!!! COOL!!!
YOU must be some kind of...deep thinker.
If the watches are all good now, explain why Republicans consider Rush Limbaugh as their leader.
Different time zone?
I still find it rather creepy...some guy called Crack Emcee...hanging with a pack of wing nuts, badmouthing the first African American President.
Have you ever seen their "big tent?"
Think you'll ever get to go...inside?
GFL.
"Oh, bullshit. Liberals were not disrupting town hall meetings and shouting down speakers, such as happened to Secretary Sebelius."
I agree.
Maybe somebody here can provide the links to such disruptions.
AlphaLiberal,
"Testosterone poisoning"?
Are you kidding me? Everybody: NewAger Alert!!! NewAger Alert!!!
These creeps are everywhere, except at The Macho Response
Links? Absolutely. But only if you first promise to admit you were wrong, recognize the immensity of the problem, and pledge to work against it, when it is rammed down your throat.
Won't be holding my breath...
"Congressional listening sessions"
Is that what these town halls are called Alpha? We should dutifully go and just listen to the sage wisdom of lifelong govt hacks like Specter or Sebelius or even John McCain?
Now that Booosh is gone, decorum and politeness are all-important. Sit down quietly and listen to your betters.
Not quite sure about the purpose of these listening sessions.
If the Congress people think that the purpose is to tell their constituents what their marching orders are from the Congressional leadership, then I don't think that there are very many people interested. But if the purpose is for Congress critters to see and understand the concerns of their constituents so that they can better represent them in Congress, then I would suggest that this sort of chanting and protesting has a place.
Jeremy and AL just don't like the fact that so many people are so heated about having ObamaCare, Tax and Bribe (aka Cap and Trade), and huge deficit spending to benefit Democratic constituencies rammed through Congress so fast that there was no real debate, or in several instances, a chance to understand the legislation before it was voted upon.
Tunku Varadarajan's explanation makes no sense at all. The only people in America dumb enough to believe that Biden would be on Crowley's side just because he's white are... people like Gates and Obama. Race-obsessed left-wingers.
Biden was there so it was three against one. Fair odds, for a good, honest man like Crowley.
Is someone dissing testosterone?
Testosterone is wonderful. Better than estrogen and crying jags any day.
Jeremey said, "badmouthing the first African American President."
I'm curious, which number African American President may we badmouth without being called creepy?
Also, you libs have heard of Code Pink and other groups who shouted down conservative speakers/politicians haven't you? Granted they weren't nearly as many of them as their are conservatives doing it - nor were they as organized despite being mostly professional protestors - but hey, don't be angry because we're being more successful than they were.
Oh, Jeremy, what are we going to do with you?
"Explain why Republicans consider Rush Limbaugh as their leader."
Um, we don't - he's a radio host. A better question is why does a radio host scare YOU so much?
"Have you ever seen their 'big tent?' Think you'll ever get to go...inside?"
Dude, get a clue: They made me sew the fabric. I'm all over that thing - inside, outside - it's a good place to hide from racists, like you, when you come off with this no-black-can-criticize-the-black-president nonsense. Here, let me put it in a context your racist mind can understand:
He's black. I'm black. So the black thing is cancelled out. Once that happens, all I see is another lousy, lying, conniving politician - and this one fits the bill to-a-tee.
Are we clear, Mr. I'm-the-P.C.-version-of-David Duke?
"Maybe somebody here can provide the links to such disruptions."
That one's too easy - and goes all the way back to 2001:
See? For a long, long time, you libs have been some busy little beavers,...maybe it's from all that "testosterone poisoning",...
Why, you could practically say, it's because that's the liberal's chosen approach that I was compelled to adopt The Macho Response
Re: ObamaCare, Tax and Bribe (aka Cap and Trade),
Overview of ObamaCare HR 3200
Audio interview with OC 3200 reviewer and 2nd interview about climate change including comments on Wall Street futures market carbon trading and who stands to benefit.
Real Player
Windows Media Player
Nichevo said..."Links? Absolutely."
Well, where are they?
"I was not privy to the reasoning behind the decision to draw Biden into the meeting." .
"No shit, Sherlock. Yet you (and Althouse) proceed to claim racial intent, just making stuff up as you go along."
Sorta like... Obama?
Um.. I don't know... ah... all the details... um... but... the police acted stupidly.
Too funny.
I think that Althouse is probably right on this and that it wasn't a matter of racial balancing but a recognition that Obama had taken sides, very publicly, and the meeting would seem like two against one.
Oh - shit - sorry:
There's your link.
There's lots more at The Macho Response
I think Joe Biden is even dumber than Woody, the bartender on Cheers.
The Crack Emcee - (regarding polling that shows the fat man as the leader of the GOP) "Um, we don't - he's a radio host."
Read much? - A USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds, that a 52% majority of those surveyed couldn't come up with a name when asked to specify "the main person" who speaks for Republicans today.
Of those who could, the top response was radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh (13%).
As for the "big tent," you be sure to let me know when blacks become a big part of that tent.
You can (for whatever bizarre reason) suck up to these wing nuts all day long, but you and I both know the GOP could give a flying fuck about YOU or any other people of color for that matter. Most blacks and others of color understand this.
Maybe if you were to read more and talk less?
As to TRO saying: "I'm curious, which number African American President may we badmouth without being called creepy?
I have no problem with anybody badmouthing a President, black or white or brown, but it's just a tad early in this President's tenure to act as if he's already failed...especially considering the situation he inherited.
I also still think it's downright creepy for a black person to denigrate someone of color who has become the first American President, regardless of his politics.
But that's just me.
Biden was there because now the other three guys could feel superior to at least one other dude.
It's never to early to pronounce a President a failure.
Best line of the meeting was when Crowley looked seriously at Biden and said:
"You know, you have the right to remain silent."
AJ Lynch said..."I think Joe Biden is even dumber than Woody, the bartender on Cheers."
Gee, and I bet that would really upset the man.
For a guy who's not that smart he sure has surpassed any kind goals you may have set or attained for yourself, though.
How does your career compare?
Seems like only yesterday that Bill Clinton was our first African-American president.
I just assumed having Biden there was Obama's way to pander to the Martian vote in 2012.
Jeremey said, "but it's just a tad early in this President's tenure to act as if he's already failed...especially considering the situation he inherited."
I'm not acting like he has failed, I am hoping he has - at least as regards socializing health care and this whole cap and trade scheme that will bankrupt America while having no affect on global warming or climate change or whatever the fad label of the moment is. I also hope he fails in a number of other areas that I feel are not in the best interest of America.
And it's my right to do so. Patriotic dissent and all that.
As to his turning the economy around, which is what I assume you are talking about when you fell back on that tired old cliche of "situation inherited," I do hope he has some measure of success in that regard, but I haven't seen any indication of it yet. Yes, the stock market rallied a bit, but that was when they saw his health care proposal take a hit. I doubt it will keep moving up if it passes.
I do wonder at what point does the Bush excuse fade away? Not six months, so is it one year? Two? If he is still around in 2012?
A USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds, that a 52% majority of those surveyed couldn't come up with a name when asked to specify "the main person" who speaks for Republicans today. Of those who could, the top response was radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh (13%).
This is the poll you're talking about. It finds that ten percent of Republicans consider Limbaugh to be the main speaker for the party -- or, in other words, ninety percent of Republicans disagree with the statement "Rush Limbaugh is the main person speaking for the Republican Party today". Limbaugh is tied with New Gingrich for 4th place, behind "No opinion", "Nobody", and "Somebody else". Says it all, really.
Amusingly, the 13% overall figure is due to the fact that 18% of *Democrats* consider Limbaugh the main Republican spokesman. They'd do better if they spent less time listening to what their leaders tell them Republicans think and more time actually asking Republicans. :)
"How does your career compare?"
Stupid question.
Stalin and Mao had great careers while murdering millions. Hitler and Pol Pot, too.
Biden has had a great career, but he's still a bonehead.
That will show you, Crack EmCee. Jeremy knows better than you.
Bleh.
I know I only get a very washed out version of the same thing, being a girl, but nothing makes me want to get violent more than being told that I do not *own* my own opinions or recognize my own best interest.
... because *obviously* my "best interest" is presented by those who feel compelled to condescend to me.
Bleh.
May I borrow that Macho Response?
Pogo said..."Stalin and Mao had great careers while murdering millions. Hitler and Pol Pot, too."
And, par for the course, Pogo rears his pointy little noggin.
AJ says our Vice-President is a fool, I call him on it, ask him how his own illustrious career compares...and the Pogo stick feels a comparison between Hitler and Pol Pot is somehow a good place to start.
And it's interesting that someone would consider the careers of Hitler and Pol Pot's as being..."great?"
Synova said..."That will show you, Crack EmCee. Jeremy knows better than you."
Based on Crack's inane comments, I do know better.
And I know...some of you and your wing nuts buddie's BFF are black.
Right?
Biden was there for the entertainment value. You wouldn't believe some of the shit he says when he gets a beer in him.
Jeremy:
I am quite happy and pleased with my station in life.
Speaking of which, how is El Cajon Community College treating Gene Olson these days? Or is it Santa Monica School of Hair and Basket Weaving?
Biden had a near beer- he does not drink.
So he can't use booze as an excuse when he gets diarreah of the mouth.
The Beer Summit transcript is out at www.jourtegrity.blogspot.com
Revenant - Yeah, 90% say they don't think Rush is the leader, but that's nly because they don't have the fainest idea of who is.
"...no one person dominates even among Republicans who are able to name someone who speaks for their party. Radio talk-show host Limbaugh, former Speaker Gingrich, and former Vice President Cheney -- although at the top of the list -- are all mentioned by only 9% or 10% of Republicans."
When about 19% of the party thinks the fat man and Dick (and I do mean "Dick") are the leaders...I think you have some problems.
And you think this is...good?
Biden is just an opportunistic douche that just wanted in on the photo-op action. That and the chance for a free beer.
AJ Lynch said..."I am quite happy and pleased with my station in life."
Being "happy and pleased with my station in life" has little to do with being successful or intelligent.
You said Biden was a fool and that's nothing more than right wing drivel.
As for this Gene person (talk about a one track mind)...I hope you and others here aren't bothering the poor guy...whoever he is.
TRO "I'm not acting like he has failed, I am hoping he has..."
That's very American of you. Pass it along to those who are unemployed or without health coverage.
TRO - "I do hope he has some measure of success in that regard, but I haven't seen any indication of it yet."
USA TODAY: A huge influx of federal stimulus money to state and local governments more than offset a sharp drop in tax collections, helping to put the brakes on the nation's economic decline, new government data show.
The stimulus funds helped reverse six months of spending declines, pushing state and local government expenditures up 4.8% in the second quarter, reports the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
"The money has caused a very sharp change in the path of the economy, which had been in steep decline," said Chad Stone, chief economist at the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C.
Federal cash is now the No. 1 revenue source for state and local governments, surpassing sales and property taxes, the government data show.
The flood of federal money lifted total revenues by 7.5%, overcoming an 8% drop in tax collections.
Biden was there because his lack of a jacket made Obama's rolled-up sleeves look less odd compared to two guys in suits. And Obama needed to be in sleeves to make the whole thing look less formal.
jeremy said,
"That's very American of you. Pass it along to those who are unemployed or without health coverage."
Just what I expected. It's only "American" of me if I slam Bush or other conservatives for everything they do. Hope a Republican fails - no worries, it's just patriotic dissent. But hope a Democrat doesn't succeed and suddenly I am un-American and hate the poor and sick and unemployed.
Must be nice to have those neat little "check the block" answers when someone challenges you.
Blogger Jeremy said...
Nichevo said..."Links? Absolutely."
Well, where are they?
1) Did you miss the part where I challenged you to act like you cared first? Let me know if I need to restate it in smaller words, or maybe ALL IN CAPS would help.
2) Others have posted and sure 'nuff, you don't care.
3) Aren't you this multiple personality guy who keeps signing in under different names and who keeps having different people sign in under your name? So, um, KTHXBAI.
AlphaLiberal said...
Oh, bullshit. Liberals were not disrupting town hall meetings and shouting down speakers, such as happened to Secretary Sebelius.
Nice bullshit deflection. Besides I'd rather have speakers who are wrong shouted down and shown up for their ideological idiocy than watching liberals/leftists like you sitting quietly and nodding your heads collectively in lemming-like agreement. You are the poster boy for leftist, race whoring morons. You and your ideology have enraptured and entrapped an entire multi-generational class of minorities with the effervescent promise of social/economic fairness called 'justice' for over 50 years with the only return on investment being that you now have an institutionalized leftist democrat party voting bloc for as long as they live. Fuck you and your envy-based ideology. The day your ideology is ground to dust and forgotten on the whisper of history will be a good day.
Obama wanted to prove that we're racists:
"Look at this man. Listen to this man. He is the Vice President of the United States. Now, you tell me. How could that happen unless white men are favored in this country? I tell you, it could not."
Forget Biden's abject badness as a government official, he's got to be the life of any party. I'd invite him to a party. He's entertaining. Rather likable when he's not trying to take over your whole life via the state.
Jeremey quoted, "USA TODAY: A huge influx of federal stimulus money to state and local governments more than offset a sharp drop in tax collections, helping to put the brakes on the nation's economic decline, new government data show.
The stimulus funds helped reverse six months of spending declines, pushing state and local government expenditures up 4.8% in the second quarter, reports the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
"The money has caused a very sharp change in the path of the economy, which had been in steep decline," said Chad Stone, chief economist at the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C.
Federal cash is now the No. 1 revenue source for state and local governments, surpassing sales and property taxes, the government data show.
The flood of federal money lifted total revenues by 7.5%, overcoming an 8% drop in tax collections."
You consider this good news? Federal cash - our tax dollars - is the number one source for state coffers? How does that help out the economy? It's just stealing from Peter to pay Paul. You're just going to raise my federal taxes to pay the states to do the things they were doing with state taxes.
Let's see what the July unemployment numbers say and then you can tell me how successful he's been.
AJ Lynch said...
Jeremy:
I am quite happy and pleased with my station in life.
Speaking of which, how is El Cajon Community College treating Gene Olson these days? Or is it Santa Monica School of Hair and Basket Weaving?
AJ, are you saying Jeremy/Gene works or attends Cuyumaca Community College? Seriously?
BTW Jeremy, Gene or whoever you are, do you really believe that a fool cannot prosper by whatever measure?
I'm sure that Biden's steaks, suits and sleeping partners are as tender and succulent as you can get; but unless he's talking to a bunch of Pak-American voters, a man who gives that remark about the Indian 7-11 owners is prima facie a fool. (If not, he was sure having a Biden moment!)
Boy, wouldn't it be nice to think that only the just, the good, the smart, the kind, the wise, the righteous can get ahead, in America or any other country.
But we only need look at you, who is apparently not servicing donkeys in Tijuana tourist shows (or at least, not apparently dependent upon servicing donkeys, etc., for his income), to know that fools can do just fine.
Jeremy:
There are plenty of big successful companies. Many seem to have a corner office reserved for a Joe Biden type who has no aparent duties or responsibilities. But he lasts years and years anyway.
Many company employees look at that Joe Biden type with the corner office and ask WTF does that guy do and why does he still have a job??
I suspect many commenters here understand what I am saying.
I am certain Joe Biden is a frigging dope - I don't think I said he was a fool.
I think it's pretty clear that competence is not one of the bars you need clear to get elected to public office.
Methadras:
Some sleuth here confidently claimed Jeremy/ Michael/ Luckyoldson is in fact Gene Olson, an instructor at Santa Monica Community or Junior College. Or some place thereabouts.
TRO said..."Just what I expected. It's only "American" of me if I slam Bush or other conservatives for everything they do."
No, I just think the fact that you want Obama to fail is un-American.
I have plenty of liberal friends who never once said they wanted Bush to "fail."
They disagreed with his policies and many decisions, but that is entirely different that wanting a President to literally fail.
You know, if you don't want the health care plan he's proposing, don't fucking buy it.
He's said it over and over again: YOU CAN STAY WHERE YOU ARE.
Or maybe it was Santa Barbara? They sound so similar.
Freeman Hunt said..."I think it's pretty clear that competence is not one of the bars you need clear to get elected to public office."
George W. Bush is a case in point.
AJ - "WTF does that guy do and why does he still have a job??"
Gee, do you think it has anything to do with being elected and re-elected year after year...by the people he serves?
How the fuck did Bush become President?
Nichevo said..."...do you really believe that a fool cannot prosper by whatever measure?"
Never said anything of the kind, there are plenty of examples in business, education, politics and even the military.
I just don't think Biden is a fool.
But that's just my opinion...and obviously the opinion of many others.
Freeman is a perfect example of a fool.
Just read her silly comments.
AJ Lynch said...
Methadras:
Some sleuth here confidently claimed Jeremy/ Michael/ Luckyoldson is in fact Gene Olson, an instructor at Santa Monica Community or Junior College. Or some place thereabouts.
Okay, yeah, I remember that, but when you threw in El Cajon Community College aka Cuyamaca Community College, that threw me for a loop only because I live 5 minutes from there.
5-in-a-row from the community college = Threadkill.
TRO - I quote the article because it IS good news. The only way to keep localities afloat is to inject funds to offset lower tax revenues (pretty basic really). When Reagan drastically lowered taxes the revenues plummeted to such a level, he immediately initiated NEW TAXES at least 4 times before he was through. (Was he a fool or did he do what was necessary to correct course?)
The stimulus funds helped reverse six months of spending declines, pushing state and local government expenditures up 4.8% in the second quarter, reports the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
"The money has caused a very sharp change in the path of the economy, which had been in steep decline," said Chad Stone, chief economist at the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C.
Federal cash is now the No. 1 revenue source for state and local governments, surpassing sales and property taxes, the government data show.
The flood of federal money lifted total revenues by 7.5%, overcoming an 8% drop in tax collections."
Why not take the time to provide yours or the GOP's alternative to the stimulus...and please, not the "we just need to cut taxes" routine again.
Pogo - Suck my dick...again.
19/90 comments = 21.1%
Jeremy said:
"Federal cash is now the No. 1 revenue source for state and local governments, surpassing sales and property taxes, the government data show."
This is not even close to being true. Pennsylvania spends $30 Billion per year in its general fund alone. $10 Billion or more is from personal income taxes, another $10 is from sales taxes,lottery revenue, gas tax etc.
There is no way they get more money from the feds than from the taxes noted above. Even if I added the Spendulus money.
You are still an idiot. Related to the VP perhaps?
When about 19% of the party thinks the fat man and Dick (and I do mean "Dick") are the leaders...
You confused "speaks for the party" with "leads the party". Does Robert Gibbs lead the Obama Administration?
I think you have some problems. And you think this is...good?
I think it is a good thing that none of the Republicans listed in that poll are considered the party spokesman by more than a minority of the party. If I wanted to rally behind an incompetent leader, I'd be a Democrat.
Anyway, your original claim was "Republicans consider Rush Limbaugh as their leader". Since the poll you cited proved you're completely wrong, there really isn't too much to discuss. :)
"Why not take the time to provide yours or the GOP's alternative to the stimulus...and please, not the "we just need to cut taxes" routine again."
Why not? It is historically the best way to raise revenues for government programs. The more taxes are cut the more money there is for people to invest and spend. Jobs are created, salaries increase, revenues increase for businesses and industry, and as a result more and more money is collected despite lower tax rates.
It's science.
Revenant - You can beat it around anyway you want, but as of that polling, more people felt the fat man was leading the party than anyone else.
*Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey: 11% of GOP voters say the conservative radio commentator is the party’s leader. (as in LEADER)
Eighty-one percent (81%) of Republican voters disagree and 8% are undecided in a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
And of course, you know it...but just hate to admit you've got a radio entertainer running the GOP.
I'm Gene Olson. Prove me wrong?
TRO - Obama IS LOWERING TAXES on everybody making less than $250,000...so how does that fit into your plan?
C'mon...provide an alternative to the stimulus plan.
Or better yet...show me ANYTHING the GOP has provided.
Jeremy said...
Pogo - Suck my dick...again.
Another one of your homoerotic delusions. Does your diseased mind know no bounds? Oh wait, liars have no bounds. Hi Gene.
Methadras said..."Another one of your homoerotic delusions."
Not at all.
Much like: YOU can kiss my ass.
OR
Go fuck yourself.
But of course, you already know all about people telling you to fuck off.
AJ Lynch said..."Jeremy said: "Federal cash is now the No. 1 revenue source for state and local governments, surpassing sales and property taxes, the government data show."
I didn't say it, dipstick - The government data shows that to be the case. "The flood of federal money lifted total revenues by 7.5%, overcoming an 8% drop in tax collections."
Jeremy said, "No, I just think the fact that you want Obama to fail is un-American.
I have plenty of liberal friends who never once said they wanted Bush to "fail."
They disagreed with his policies and many decisions, but that is entirely different that wanting a President to literally fail.
You know, if you don't want the health care plan he's proposing, don't fucking buy it.
He's said it over and over again: YOU CAN STAY WHERE YOU ARE."
Please, obviously I don't know your liberal friends but I have several and they ALL wanted Bush to fail. Hell, most of them wished for his death on a daily basis. The main stream liberal media wanted him to fail. The Democratic elite wanted him to fail. And it was no secret. Do I really need to go through an endless list of bloggers and commentators hoping for his failure?
You can't deny history.
And what the hell are you saying when you say "You know, if you don't want the health care plan he's proposing, don't fucking buy it"?
Are you under the impression I will have a fucking, to use your word, choice? If you want socialized health care fine for you, but don't insult my intelligence by saying that Barry and the Dems don't want a single-payer system that everyone will have to use and that everyone will have to pay for. There's five or six videos of them saying exactly that.
The only people who will be able to get private health care will be the rich and Congress. The rest of us are going to have to use it.
MOST Americans, more and more every day, do NOT WANT this plan.
Pogo - "21.1%"
Pretty close to the approval rating for Bush when he left office.
Ironic, huh?
TRO - "The only people who will be able to get private health care will be the rich and Congress. The rest of us are going to have to use it."
Total bullshit.
Provide any links or objective facts to back up that ridiculous lie.
TRO - (As to Bush) "Hell, most of them wished for his death on a daily basis."
You have some very strange friends.
What are your enemies like?
Biggest drop in federal tax revenues in 77 years. Great for the economy.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_plummeting_taxes
Jeremy this is just basic supply and demand.
If the government starts selling health insurance they can do it at a much lower cost because a) they don't have to make a profit to stay in business and b) they can ration health care in any way the wish. This is a fact and it is what happens in Britain, Canada, etc.
Now, if the government can offer health care at lower cost than insurance companies those companies will just go out of business. Businesses will drop their own plans and force people to move to the government plan. Soon there will only be a government plan.
So, since there won't be any private insurance carriers to speak of in the US - anymore than there are in say Canada - only the rich will be able to buy private health care. And of Congress is exempting itself from Barry's bill so they have no worries.
Then again, maybe you and me can just mortgage our houses to get that operation we need. No worries.
TRO said..."Biggest drop in federal tax revenues in 77 years. Great for the economy."
This is a surprise?
Have you ever taken an econ or business course?
"You have some very strange friends."
I won't argue with you there. They are liberals after all.
"This is a surprise?
Have you ever taken an econ or business course?"
No it's not a surprise. That's what happens when you scare the hell out of business. They stop investing. They stop hiring and even lay off. Their employees who are out of work stop spending and buying. Etc.,etc.
And that 10% unemployment number that may hit soon isn't going to help any either.
And yes, I took Econ in college. And some in grad school too.
TRO - Here are a few things relating to when things turned to shit, and who's trying to dig us out:
First of all...the latest report from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) shows that the economy has been in decline for 18 months straight.
(Obama has been President for about 7 months.)
TODAY'S NEWS:
1. TODAY: Across the globe, manufacturing firms are digging out from the worst recession in a lifetime, according to purchasing managers surveys released Monday and over the weekend.
2. A closely-watched gauge of U.S. factory activity likely rose in July but stayed below the level showing expansion, suggesting the economy might start to emerge from recession in the second half of the year.
3. U.S. manufacturing activity should grow next month for the first time since January 2008 as industrial companies work to restock customers' bare shelves, a trade group said Monday.
4. The Institute for Supply Management's better-than-expected report, improving manufacturing data overseas and a surprise jump in U.S. construction spending in June, helped push stock markets higher.
Now, now - all you white folks have got Jeremy all wrong - he's just trying to help.
See, as I was sittin' here eating some chicken (and Jeremy sho knows how much we black folk looove chicken!) it occurs to me that ol' Jeremy was right: Y'all's WHITE! An' based on the power of yo' superior reasonin' abilities, my bein' here has given y'all a perfect opportunity to turn my po' nappy head around, somethin' fierce: Oh, I just don't what to do wit myself without Jeremy around!
But then another thought popped into my sorry head: "Wait - Maybe Jeremy's white, too!" So what kind of WHITE game is this? What to do, what to do,....then I thought:
Fuck it: I'll go back to thinking for myself.
Then I remembered why the Left turns me off so much - including how they develop a very short memory (I gave you a link, which you haven't addressed, fucktard) a twisted reasoning ability (how many times are you going to hypocritically complain about Republican actions Democrats perfected?) and a wild capacity to lie about the bullshit they sling (10% of Republicans make Rush our leader? Are you fucking kidding?).
Jeremy, you're fucking lost, dude. You're promoting racism to fight racism, which is silly. You treat me as a nigger, which no one else on this blog stoops to doing. I can be here - and anywhere else I want to be - because race isn't the issue to us. It's always been the issue for Democrats - and, sadly, they've got a new group to hustle now. That's the truth. Contrary to what you think, I don't need a black entourage wherever I go - it would be "creepy" to me if I did:
How could I ever claim to be an individual?
Jeremy you didn't type this in one of your comments??
"Federal cash is now the No. 1 revenue source for state and local governments, surpassing sales and property taxes, the government data show."
I must be hallucinating then.
Crack Emcee:
You have to be kidding - Jeremy will never believe you are voluntarily relinquishing his role for you as an aggrieved _________(fill in the blank).
Why not a woman at the beer summit? Sarah Palin might have been free if he'd asked.
What about the president of Finland: Tarja Halonen?
A pygmy might have been cute.
Or even a pygmy tarsier (remember those?).
What about a polar bear. Aren't we afraid those are going out of business.
I mean, why weren't all the animals in the ark invited to the beer summit?
Or just a single ladybug on the fourth seat, just to add a different species, as well as some levity.
"He's said it over and over again: YOU CAN STAY WHERE YOU ARE."
And over and over again I haven't believed it.
What he says and what his actions are frequently bear no resemblance to one another.
I don't want to run the car companies...
I will put all bills online for five days before signing them...
I will not use signing statements...
No one making under $250,000 will have their taxes (any taxes) raised...
Jeremy said...
Not at all.
Lie. You have the repressed gay.
Much like: YOU can kiss my ass.
I can't bend down that far. Besides, I just got my teeth cleaned at the dentist today and he said my orthodontia was hair free, so I'd like to keep it that way.
OR
Go fuck yourself.
Normally I wouldn't, but since your mom nor your sister weren't available at the time. Well, you know...
But of course, you already know all about people telling you to fuck off.
Oh sure, especially ones like you that don't like their lies being spit back in their face. You know that feeling anyway, don't you Gene, getting your own junk spit back in your face. Taking advantage of your sister like that, for shame.
The signing statements thing is particularly glaring, since there's really no way to read that other than "he lied".
The signing statements thing is particularly glaring, since there's really no way to read that other than "he lied".
The bit about not raising taxes on people with incomes under $250k pretty much has to count as a lie, too. If he somehow found a way to confiscate ALL of the income above $250,000, it still wouldn't pay for his programs.
Jeremy said, "TRO - Obama IS LOWERING TAXES on everybody making less than $250,000...so how does that fit into your plan?"
He already raised taxes on them with the increase in the cigarette tax. I make way less than $250,000 and my taxes have not gone down, nor will they. Cap and Trade = increase in energy rates and taxes. Socialized health care = increase in taxes.
Man, what planet do you live on that you believe he is going to lower taxes?
TRO, don't bother.
The J-man (aka Lucky/Luckyoldson/Michael/Gene Olson) is unable to have a rational discussion. You might get a more reasoned response from a parrot.
Pogo, I know, but I actually enjoy watching him struggle.
L.E. Lee: "I'm Gene Olson. Prove me wrong?"
I hope so. I really do.
I refuse to believe that Jeremy is Gene Olson because it would be too distressing to imagine him *teaching* anything at all.
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