Althouse: "Since getting wiped out in the 2010 election and failing in their massively-financed recall elections, Wisconsin’s Democrats have embarked on a permanent temper tantrum."

September 9, 2011

"Since getting wiped out in the 2010 election and failing in their massively-financed recall elections, Wisconsin’s Democrats have embarked on a permanent temper tantrum."

"Like little children, they apparently intend to stamp their feet and hold their breath until they get their way. Most recently, they infiltrated and disrupted a Rotary meeting at which Paul Ryan was speaking. More than forty policemen were needed to keep the unruly Democrats under control; they escorted twenty from the Rotary meeting and arrested three."

Video at the link — to Power Line, via Instpundit ("WISCONSIN CRACKUP... So much for that civility crap they were preaching after Tucson").

Why am I getting my Wisconsin news through Instapundit and Power Line? I read at least 3 Wisconsin news sites every day.

You don't have to answer that. It's a rhetorical question. I'm being sober and civil. In Wisconsin. Even though I think the "civility crap" is bullshit.

88 comments:

traditionalguy said...: Next thing they will start throwing rotten cheese and spoiled brats at speakers.

The dumb Wisconsin Klan is way behind the learning curve.

Masks and violence are not that hard to learn.; 9/9/11, 10:24 AM
pauldar said...: Their faces ought to be a pretty damn lovely shade of blue by now.; 9/9/11, 10:26 AM
MadisonMan said...: There are likely former Republican Senators who would argue that the recalls did not fail.; 9/9/11, 10:27 AM
Levi Starks said...: "if we can't have our way then no one else can either"; 9/9/11, 10:29 AM
Jana said...: @MadisonMan

Of course they would! But the perception by the wider audience is that they failed, mainly because they set their sights so high and mismanaged expectations.

It's the way of the left; overpromise and underdeliver.; 9/9/11, 10:30 AM
MadisonMan said...: Jana, you're being unnecessarily restrictive. Overpromise and underdeliver is the way of both parties.; 9/9/11, 10:40 AM
Anonymous said...: Madisonman, you're spewing the same old tripe, yes 2 Senators were replaced in traditionally blue districts, but a recall is not forever. For all the crying liberals did over the re-districting, you obviously expect that the Republicans will regain those seats, and more, in the coming elections. Get used to it, we won, taxpayers rule, and we will continue to save WI from lefty bullies and demagogues.; 9/9/11, 10:43 AM
Known Unknown said...: Democrats: Overpromise and never deliver — Stimulus! Jobs! Shovel Ready!

Republicans: Overpromise and deliver the exact opposite — financial restraint! fiscal sanity!; 9/9/11, 10:43 AM
Anonymous said...: When you say that you think "the 'civility crap' is" B.S.,

do you mean that you agree with Instapundit (that the Dems' calls for civility were always an effort at partisan political gain, not meant sincerely), which is what I THINK it is,

or that you disagree with Instapundit (and believe that the calls for civility after Tucson were never meant to have any partisan political benefit for Dems)?; 9/9/11, 10:43 AM
The Dude said...: That's what democracy looks like!; 9/9/11, 10:47 AM
garage mahal said...: Ask a question of your Rep and get thrown to the ground and arrested. Not surprising Powertools agree with fascist thug behavior like that, but can you imagine the ear splitting shrieking if a Tea Partier was thrown to the ground and arrested for asking questions?; 9/9/11, 10:56 AM
TosaGuy said...: The blues won one blue seat and are renting a red seat for a year. They get the opportunity to temper the political process for a bit, but will they try to do that or will they stonewall on what normally is bipartisan legislation? I spoke way back in February that the Dem politicans are shooting themselves in the foot because none of them became the face of the Walker opposition and thus a natural candidate to run against him. Instead the protests and the mob (and their rhetorical excess) became the face of the opposition to the point that you average WI independent, who many not like Walker's methods, but certainly do not like the radicalism of the mob.

Of those throwing a tantrum....they have never voted GOP and never will so why should the GOP treat them as relevant as these protest types continue to marginalize themselves with childish antics?; 9/9/11, 10:59 AM
dbp said...: If the questioners were not invited by the Rotary Club, then they were trespassing and should have been arrested and charged with that crime.; 9/9/11, 11:11 AM
edutcher said...: The Democrats have been on a permanent temper tantrum since Antietam.; 9/9/11, 11:18 AM
Hoosier Daddy said...: When AREN'T Democrats throwing temper tantrums and the perpetual victim?

Maybe they should trade in the donkey mascot for a pacifier; 9/9/11, 11:19 AM
Christopher in MA said...: "Not surprising Powertools agree with fascist thug behavior like that. . ."

Funny, garage, I don't recall you calling Ken Gladney's beatdown "fascist thug behavior." I guess because he's a teabagger - and a runaway from the plantation to boot - he had it coming, right?

Whatever. Go ahead, Democrats, keep on screaming. You're in for a big surpise when you find out we're sick of being the wimpy parent who finally gives in to your shrieks and gives you your own cell phone. Wait for the elections, and you may find we're old-fashioned disciplinarians who're going to cut up your credit cards, garnish your allowance and put a boot in your fat asses.; 9/9/11, 11:20 AM
Anonymous said...: I watched the video of the aged infant interrupting Ryan's speech and getting hauled out by the police. If there was a question in there anywhere, I didn't catch it. He might have gotten away with the harangue anyway if only he'd waited for the designated Q&A period at the end.; 9/9/11, 11:20 AM
Joanna said...: Paul Ryan charges $15 for a fundraiser and he's a criminal. Obama charges 2000x that and he's a saint. Way to go, WI.; 9/9/11, 11:20 AM
kjbe said...: It's my understanding that these folks paid $15 per, just as everyone else did, to get in to this luncheon. It's not as though Ryan's been holding open town halls, anyway. How are these folks suppose to petition their rep? This seems eerily similar to what town halls looked like a couple of years ago.; 9/9/11, 11:22 AM
Anonymous said...: The event wasn't a fundraiser. The $15 went not to Ryan but to the local Rotary Club who'd invited him, to cover their expenses.; 9/9/11, 11:27 AM
garage mahal said...: Funny, garage, I don't recall you calling Ken Gladney's beatdown "fascist thug behavior.

Because there was no beatdown. The lawsuit was a complete fraud brought on by frauds. It took the jury 40 minutes to find the SEIU members not guilty. Got any other utterly stupid comparisons?; 9/9/11, 11:28 AM
Curious George said...: Dear leftards:

Please don't ever stop! You can make the difference! Wisconsin is on your side!; 9/9/11, 11:42 AM
Christopher in MA said...: "It took the jury 40 minutes to find the SEIU members not guilty."

Oh, you mean because of the unnamed "surprise witness" who claimed Gladney started the fight? The one who just happens to be an SEIU thug herself? The one who was seen walking into camera range after the assault? The one who came forward two years after the fact? That kind of "not guilty?"

Pfft. Keep chugging that kool-aid, garage.; 9/9/11, 11:52 AM
WineSlob said...: Civility in Their Malleability is Hostility
Volutility and No Accountability
Inevitability of Inability
Incandescent Incredibility
Instability and Incompatibility with Humility.; 9/9/11, 11:55 AM
TMink said...: To call them the Wisconsin Klan is to miss an important geographic note. They are more accurately referred to as the Madison Klan.

Trey; 9/9/11, 11:57 AM
garage mahal said...: Pfft. Keep chugging that kool-aid, garage.

Give it up. You and goofy friends that pushed this nonsense look like the complete fools they are.

Not guilty. 40 minutes. LOL; 9/9/11, 11:57 AM
SunnyJ said...: Why is that the Progs idea of democracy always appears to involve closing down someone else's free speech. They do not wait their turn to take the floor, have their say and let others have theirs. They insist on the high drama of shout downs.

I attended several town hall meetings all over the state a few years back. Yes, I saw Tea Party or conservatives flooding the town halls and confronting their reps...but, I also saw them sit patiently for several hours and listen to those that didn't agree..only demanding answers when they the reps or others didn't answer the questions. There was cheering and applause, and boo's when they didn't agree. But, there was no ranting, drownding out others opinions with noise, profinity, Hitler signs etc.

I've attended several Progs demonstrations and one after the other I've seen their democracy look like threats, attempts to stop others from speeking or hearing, threats, signs about Hitler comparisons, lynchings etc.

It was not hard for me to figure out where I wanted to come down on these versions of our democratic republic.; 9/9/11, 12:02 PM
Anonymous said...: It's my understanding that these folks paid $15 per, just as everyone else did, to get in to this luncheon. It's not as though Ryan's been holding open town halls, anyway. How are these folks suppose to petition their rep? This seems eerily similar to what town halls looked like a couple of years ago.

He has held about 15 to 20 other town halls. I know that and I don't even live there. Try to keep up.; 9/9/11, 12:03 PM
SunnyJ said...: On the Ripon WI discussion it was first a failed Quaker type commune community and then home to the Republican party...and remember the party's have shifted their positions and definitions several times over the life of our nation.

There is a great small private college there, with a service philosophy and the usual progs meme found in liberal arts education. However, how interesting to find an emerging Young Republicans group on campus...and at their well attended Sat football games, a crowd in camoflage and cowboy hats cheering their young men on the field.

Times they are a changing...; 9/9/11, 12:08 PM
Anonymous said...: Try to keep up? Hell, you're being kind. It's clear Kit's not behind - just a liar.; 9/9/11, 12:08 PM
Richard Dolan said...: "Why am I getting my Wisconsin news through Instapundit and Power Line? I read at least 3 Wisconsin news sites every day."

I'd call that progress. There was never a time when the news was delivered without political spin, boht in the way it was reported and in the decision about what to report. It's just that, now, with so many different sources, everyone notices the spin. More to celebrate in the rise of alternatives than in decrying the limitations of what was always quite limited.; 9/9/11, 12:14 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: Rotary International and local Rotary Clubs are not public forums.

Unless the meeting has been advertised and announced as a public event, you either need to be a dues paying member or have to invited by a member to attend a meeting.

The people who want to barge in on private events are trespassing. If the Rotary Club charged for an open meeting (probably to cover the cost of lunch) then they are at fault and should never do that again.

Either way, it doesn't excuse the incivility and rudeness of the attendees who do the typical yelling, screaming and trying to talk over the speaker routine in order to shut out other people's right to speech.

Rude, inconsiderate, assholes.; 9/9/11, 12:18 PM
FleetUSA said...: You seem to perform the same function as the site in MN "Minnesota Democrats Exposed".

Thank you for your service. My next Amazon buy will be via this site.; 9/9/11, 12:25 PM
Anonymous said...: There's nothing at all wrong with a local group opening one of their luncheons to the public when they have a prominent guest and charging admission. I'm sure it's done all the time. Most of the problem here was that Ryan's appearance was pre-spun by his opponents as "Ryan charges $15 to ask him a question at a town hall!" Neither the Rotary's explicit statement on their website that this was NOT a town hall format, nor the handout they distributed at the door explaining the rules of conduct, was enough to get through to people. I doubt that they'll be trying this again, but they didn't do anything wrong.; 9/9/11, 12:30 PM
garage mahal said...: Rotary International and local Rotary Clubs are not public forums.

This was open to the public, if you paid $15. A 71 yr old man was telling Ryan he paid into Medicare and he was tossed, thrown to the ground, and arrested before he finished his sentence. And this smug arrogant creep made jokes about it. But he'll sip $700 wine in D.C. with people with ideas how to get rid of Medicare. There comes a point where even Republicans won't tolerate the utter disdain for his constituents that Ryan clearly shows.; 9/9/11, 12:32 PM
Christopher in MA said...: "Not guilty. 40 minutes. LOL."

Now, that's the kind of sharp, incisive political analysis you can't get on any other blog. Bravo.

And with that, I'm out. I've got to crank out two chapters of my next novel (cough cough). Hope you all have a great weekend.

wv - "yanchun." When Yan gets drunk in Australia.; 9/9/11, 12:35 PM
Anonymous said...: Mr Gladney’s first reaction?

“I couldn’t beat them; I didn’t have the resources they had.
They had all the money in the world and the backing…
I’m just an average man.”

To make a long sad story short: The Prosecutor was rookie, at his first jury trial… the Judge who was going on vacation tomorrow rushed the trial so he could leave on time, the union thugs had paid union lawyers… the court audience was packed with union activists: teachers, union members talking trash about the victim, planning future protests, claiming the victim had received Tea Party money when the thugs who beat him were actually paid Union agitators.

The conclusions, in my humble opinion: Today was the day justice died in black America ~ all the advances of the Civil Rights movement, affirmative action, the Great Society and the billions of dollars spent trying to rectify the sins of the past have been erased. Today, white men who called a black man a son of a n****r before they beat him into the pavement and sent him to the hospital were found innocent in St Louis, Missouri. Why did they beat this man? Because he dared to try to support his family by selling T-shirts in the wrong venue.; 9/9/11, 12:41 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: Rotary International and local Rotary Clubs are not public forums.

This was open to the public, if you paid $15.

That doesn't make it a public forum.

If I pay $15 to go the movies does that give me the right to stand up in front of the screen and yell out critiques of the movie or scream out the plot and ruin the experience for everyone else. Do I get to yell FIRE FIRE in the movie because I paid my money.

They were also instructed on the rules of the event and how to act. The cretins decided that they don't have to play by the rules.; 9/9/11, 12:50 PM
Carol_Herman said...: Vaudeville died. This, too, shall die.

Meanwhile, Obama picked up another $500-billion debt increase.

And, in the future? Just to make things "interesting" ... I'll bet that Pelosi retires, rather than runs, in 2012.

If you don't think demoraps know how to stir the pot, then "keep hope alive."; 9/9/11, 12:54 PM
garage mahal said...: They were also instructed on the rules of the event and how to act. The cretins decided that they don't have to play by the rules.

Don't ask Princess any questions he doesn't like. That's your rules, I'm sure.; 9/9/11, 1:03 PM
Anonymous said...: When someone's giving a speech, save your questions until the end. That's everyone's rules, except for a few loudmouthed assholes.; 9/9/11, 1:08 PM
Michael said...: I think the 71 year old deserved it. We are taking lessons from J Hoffa and are just getting the hang of it, so if he was just roughed up a little, comrade we will do better next time. Like thos cool longshoremen in Washington state who cut the brake lines on the train and dumped the grain while they held the guards hostage. We arent to that stage yet but we are getting there,comrade,we are getting there.; 9/9/11, 1:11 PM
Hoosier Daddy said...: I see the usual suspects are on their period again.; 9/9/11, 1:16 PM
garage mahal said...: I think the 71 year old deserved it

Of course you do. You're a delicate little flower just like Princess.

I don't *do* questions! What the fuck do I care about someone else's Medicare?; 9/9/11, 1:19 PM
Christopher in MA said...: "Don't ask Princess any questions he doesn't like."

You mean like your jug-eared, coke-snorting, weed-puffing SCOAMF?

Holy jumping Elvis H. Presley on a pogo stick, garage - I could hear the irony meter detonate through the damn internet.; 9/9/11, 1:24 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: What the fuck do I care about someone else's Medicare?

Yes. What DO you care.

As stated... even IN a public forum the speaker speaks....THEN there is a question and answer period where ONE person at a time gets to ask a question in a limited time period. Meaning questions and not additional speeches. You want to have a speech host your own forum.

THEN the speaker gets to answer the question while everyone shuts up and listens.

THEN another question, and another answer.

Rinse and repeat.

You act like your mother let you out in public before or taught you any manners.

:-P; 9/9/11, 1:25 PM
garage mahal said...: Yes. What DO you care.

Because I'm not selfish asshole like you? Besides, I live here, that could be a friend or a neighbor. Why do you care?; 9/9/11, 1:35 PM
Anonymous said...: Outrage selective... Didja know Congresswoman Gwyn Moore did a similar event that charged $17.50 for lunch?

Outrage over that event? Zero.

Just another example of the hate left throwig a tantrum.; 9/9/11, 1:36 PM
sorepaw said...: It's just as well that the unit known as Garage is a cheaply programmed robotroll.

If Garage were a real person, he'd be a thug.; 9/9/11, 1:49 PM
Michael said...: The president could shootnthhe pope and comrade Garage would have a quick "yes,but...". There is nothing,absolutely nothing,done by the left from union thuggery to Stalin that he will not defend. Nothing. It is stunning to see.; 9/9/11, 1:58 PM
LilyBart said...: I expect the violence will start soon (if it hasn't already); 9/9/11, 2:03 PM
garage mahal said...: It's stunning garage defends these fictitious events in my head. Like shootnthhe pope!; 9/9/11, 2:03 PM
X said...: hey Gramps, the democratically elected government stole the money you paid into medicare and social security. That must have been what the electorate wanted. maybe next time you should vote for more fiscally responsible politicians. in the meantime, feel free to dig up the pols that lied to you.; 9/9/11, 2:09 PM
Blue@9 said...: But he'll sip $700 wine in D.C.

Yeah, if he were friends with Michelle he could drink it for free. On Air Force One!; 9/9/11, 2:11 PM
Hoosier Daddy said...: "... Because I'm not selfish asshole like you?.."

Garage has a point. Like all liberals, he's very generous with other people's money.

The asshole part is open to interpretation.; 9/9/11, 2:36 PM
Hoosier Daddy said...: "... Yeah, if he were friends with Michelle he could drink it for free. On Air Force One!.."

On the way to Martha's Vineyard with the rest of the rich who don't pay their fair share.; 9/9/11, 2:38 PM
garage mahal said...: Garage has a point. Like all liberals, he's very generous with other people's money.

It's not someone else's money, do-do. It's HIS money he's paid into the system all his life. Jesus.; 9/9/11, 2:50 PM
Anonymous said...: It's not someone else's money, do-do. It's HIS money he's paid into the system all his life. Jesus.

No, it's not. Once again, you prove that you just do NOT pay attention...; 9/9/11, 2:56 PM
garage mahal said...: No, it's not

The money he has contributed his whole life to Medicare belongs to.....? Paul Ryan?; 9/9/11, 3:05 PM
X said...: it was his money once. the pols of the past stole it and he knew it but didn't care. he figured the taxpayers of the future would pony up. maybe we will, maybe we won't. he should have chosen more wisely if he did not want to be in this position. I'm feeling less bound by promises others made to others at my expense all the time.; 9/9/11, 3:09 PM
Anonymous said...: I'm feeling less bound by promises others made to others at my expense all the time.

BINGO. Pay attention this time, Garage.; 9/9/11, 3:26 PM
garage mahal said...: BINGO. Pay attention this time, Garage.

Did you have anything remotely substantive? What the hell are you babbling about?; 9/9/11, 3:32 PM
Hoosier Daddy said...: "... The money he has contributed his whole life to Medicare belongs to.....? Paul Ryan?..."

Nope, to those collecting it before him. Like what I'm paying now is paying for him, its not going into my personal Medicare fund.

That's the problem with liberals, you don't know how the system you created works.; 9/9/11, 3:44 PM
garage mahal said...: You can't qualify for any benefits until you are 65. He's been paying for your parents and grandparents benefits. Still not sure what your point is, if any, why he isn't entitled to benefits he's paid into.; 9/9/11, 3:56 PM
Hoosier Daddy said...: "... Still not sure what your point is, if any, why he isn't entitled to benefits he's paid into..."

My remaing parent is his age. They paid into Medicare for their parents who likely paid liitle or nothing into it. I'm now paying into it for him. He's entitled to benefits right up to the point we run out of money to pay for them.

Again you don't understand how Medicare works.; 9/9/11, 4:09 PM
dbp said...: The entitlement mentality is part of the problem. Too many people act as if these laws are like laws of nature which cannot be changed.

Congress could abolish SS or Medicare tomorrow. The money we all paid-in is gone, it has been spent. You don't get it back.; 9/9/11, 4:12 PM
Hoosier Daddy said...: That's why Democrats won't go for means testing SS because they spent the last half century insisting its a retirement plan from Uncle Sam.

Lots of blue hairs who have investment income would go postal if they had to take less or none at all. Ask any retiree, especially those with means and they'll damn well tell you its theirs cause they damn well paid into it.; 9/9/11, 4:18 PM
garage mahal said...: Again you don't understand how Medicare works.

I do. It's not too difficult to grasp. Your point, and others here, seems to be that Paul Ryan can kill it anytime he wants. Whatever. Nothing new.; 9/9/11, 4:26 PM
Hoosier Daddy said...: "... I do. It's not too difficult to grasp..."

Evidently it is for you.

"...Your point, and others here, seems to be that Paul Ryan can kill it anytime he wants..."

Well no, that's not my point. Ryan, can't do anything other than try and get mathematic neanderthals to grasp we are out of money to pay for all these programs.

"...Whatever..."

Did you do the W with your fingers?; 9/9/11, 4:36 PM
garage mahal said...: That's why Democrats won't go for means testing SS because they spent the last half century insisting its a retirement plan from Uncle Sam.

Means testing would save very little money because there aren't many rich old people to begin with. Not enough to make any significant difference.; 9/9/11, 4:37 PM
Anonymous said...: Hold on. I thought wanting to hold on to your own money was supposed to be Bad. Something to do with the thread of American history or something. Isn't it time for Medicare recipients to make one of those Shared Sacrifices that are all the rage nowadays?; 9/9/11, 4:38 PM
garage mahal said...: Shared sacrifice is all the rage? Where?; 9/9/11, 4:41 PM
Hoosier Daddy said...: "... Means testing would save very little money because there aren't many rich old people to begin with. Not enough to make any significant difference...."

Who said rich? I just said people with means. That could mean some 30 year union retiree collecting a pension just doesn't get as much as say, a 30 year retiree with no pension.

I know a retired cop from CA collecting $4000 a month from his pension and in a couple years will be getting another $1500 a month from SS.

Think he should be means tested?; 9/9/11, 4:47 PM
Michael said...: Comrade Garage: Shared sacrifice is the top two percent of taxpayers shouldering the burden for half of the tax paying cohort. Fifty percent do not share in the sacrifice because they pay no federal income tax. They pay other kinds of tax but they do not pay federal income tax. They do not share in the sacrifice. They ride in the wagon and do not help to pull it. If the left and the president would put the country before politics we could get something done that would fix this mess. The left is done, comrade, done.; 9/9/11, 4:48 PM
Hoosier Daddy said...: "... Shared sacrifice is all the rage? Where?.."

Good question. Obama just wants to raise taxes on the group footing 60% of the load.; 9/9/11, 4:50 PM
garage mahal said...: That could mean some 30 year union retiree collecting a pension just doesn't get as much as say, a 30 year retiree with no pension.

That already happens. Your SS gets reduced, or offset, 2/3 of the pension that you are collecting. I know any government pension benefits at least are offset that way. So I don't see how your cop friend can collect that SS. [he wasn't paying into SS from his checks]. At least to my understanding anyway.; 9/9/11, 4:56 PM
Hoosier Daddy said...: "... So I don't see how your cop friend can collect that SS. [he wasn't paying into SS from his checks]. At least to my understanding anyway..."

My old man was a county cop and paid into SS and collected it.; 9/9/11, 5:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Google is your mortal enemy.

OK, so that was last February. Now we know that everything the loopy taxation-is-theft Libertarian Party member down the block ever said about the sanctity of property is true-- but only if the property is received as a transfer payment.; 9/9/11, 5:01 PM
garage mahal said...: My old man was a county cop and paid into SS and collected it.

Again, to my understanding, he didn't collect a full pension then.

Maybe Zrimnsek knows more than I, he's a government employee I believe.; 9/9/11, 5:28 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: Your point, and others here, seems to be that Paul Ryan can kill it anytime he wants

No one besides YOU has made that point.

Not even Ryan has made that point.

The point is that if we do not make some changes to the program it will die.

Means testing is one change that would do good.

Another that would be even better would be to disengage Medicare from Medicaid. Medicaid is what is sucking the money out of the system. Medicaid is WELFARE and should never have been part of the MediCARE system.

Third would be to crack down on the rampant fraud in both Medicare but ESPECIALLY in Medicaid if you are not going to cut it lose from the program that we have all paid into.; 9/9/11, 5:57 PM
garage mahal said...: Means testing is one change that would do good.

It would accomplish next to nothing, in either Medicare or SS. If you want to save Medicare bring down the cost of health care.; 9/9/11, 6:01 PM
sorepaw said...: The unit called Garage hasn't been equipped with modules to recognize and respond to aarguments that Social Security and Medicare are neither insurance programs nor retirement plans:

Still not sure what your point is, if any, why he isn't entitled to benefits he's paid into.

He got taxed to pay for other people's benefits.

He may or may not receive benefits when the time comes, because other people will have to be taxed to pay for them.

By the time that he is eligible, Congress may have reined these programs in, or abolished them.

And legally, it's all up to Congress. Congress isn't under any obligation to provide "benefits that he's paid into."

Most likely, Congress won't abolish Social Security and Medicare in the near future.

It isn't even likely that Congress will enact an orderly wind-up of these programs, working toward future abolition.

But if Congress doesn't rein them both in, we're going to see the United States government in default on its debt.

Just like Greece is about to be defaulting, but on a much bigger scale.; 9/9/11, 6:20 PM
sorepaw said...: That bargain-basement programming hasn't provided Garage with a module for means-testing.

It would accomplish next to nothing, in either Medicare or SS.

The actual numbers are worth consulting. Not that the unit called Garage is either interested or capable...

Above and beyond any cost savings from means-testing, it would make it obvious, even to the dense and to the oblivious, that Social Security and Medicare are welfare programs.

This is the actual reason that so-called liberals are dead-set against means-testing.; 9/9/11, 6:26 PM
garage mahal said...: U.S. default on its debt. Like Greece!
What an idiot.; 9/9/11, 6:27 PM
geokstr said...: garage mahal said...
Don't ask Princess any questions he doesn't like. That's your rules, I'm sure.

Talk about princesses - who is it that has all the questions screened in advance, has handpicked "questioners" who are often Democratic operatives, and even limits the attendance at his "town halls" to pre-selected attendees?

Why - Emperor-in-Chief Obama - that's who.

I can recall only a couple times he took unscripted questions: Joe the Plumber and that Tea Party guy several weeks ago both asked fair questions, without shouting or screaming, and Obama made big-time Freudian slips.

And that 71 year old claiming he paid into Medicare all his life? He probably was under the impression that Ryan's plan would do something to his Medicare, because he's been lied to repeatedly by the Democrats and their Lewinskys in the media. Ryan's plan does not touch Medicare for anyone 55 and older.

Does every Democrat/leftist lie every time their lips move? Probably not, because it must be assumed that sometimes there are other things they might be doing besides talking when there lips are working it.; 9/9/11, 6:47 PM
SunnyJ said...: @garage...I can't think that you really don't see the issue with SS? Millions paid in very small amounts and collect very large amounts for very long times...it goes ok for awhile because 100's are pulling the wagon and 10's are in the wagon. Demographics change and now 100's are in the wagon and only 10's are pulling it. The math just does not work.

It's a ponzi scheme...though begun with good intentions...still a ponzi scheme. Put a little in, collect a bunch out because those paying in see you collecting so they think they will. In the meantime dishonest politicians start borrowing the money for this and that, and now compounded with the demographics the money is not there.

You do really get that though right?

Now, if they paid in to their own accounts with their name on it like they do in Chile, and a few counties in TX that opted out...then they would have what was paid in and what it made.

I do taxes and health care triage in my rural neighborhood for my elders and I've sat down and showed them the math, the actual amounts they paid in over their lives for SS and Medicare and they see that it doesn't cover what they collect for more than a few years...or in the case of Medicare until one hospital stay. Then they realize how many young people are paying that for them. They worked very hard, we want to care for them...but the math is still the math.

I don't accept that conservatives and libertarians like my rural neighbors are not compassionate and caring of our elders or those in need. We do it and balance the checkbook. They are not mutually exclusive as the left's red herring argument would have you think.; 9/9/11, 7:00 PM
1775OGG said...: The Wisconsin Dems are going to be holding a picnic in Port Washington, on the hill in the park near the breakwater. Heck, I'll bet they even build a bonfire there too.; 9/9/11, 7:06 PM
Steve Koch said...: Garage,

Do you have some video you can link to that shows how the 70 year old guy behaved and was handled? That would allow people to decide for themselves who's right and who's wrong in this incident.; 9/10/11, 2:38 AM