Political Insider

By Romola Eaton

August 25, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

You may have booed Heath for his football performance, but if you are smart you will listen to his sensible style of governing our country.

By Richard

August 25, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

He believes in socialism. Please explain.

By Asand

August 25, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

As a Vols fan and life long traditionalist I have to wonder how Shuler turned into a socialist. Another one bites the dust, but thankfully, more than 75% of the country is the opposite.

By C from Marietta

August 25, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Romola, Who is more intelligent? Someone who believes in personal responsibility OR Someone who believes that the govt should take care of our every need? I would say the govt taking care of our every need encourages laziness and inhibits ambition. So, I would say the person that believes in personal responbility and does’nt need the govt to live and care of themselves.

By Common Sense

August 25, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Random application of the word “socialist” to anything or anyone not specifically endorsed by the GOP, NRA, or Dobson’s “Focus on the Family” witch hunt crowd is SO last century. Here’s a free clue for you: The government takes your money anyway. Even when you get a tax cut, the corporations what get even bigger tax cuts still raise their prices, so either way, YOU PAY for something you don’t get. Trying to mend what’s broken and make the government work more efficiently to the benefit of working taxpayers (as opposed to those whose wealth is predicated on things besides work), is COMMON SENSE, not socialism. If you have some ideas for reducing waste and improving efficiency, please share. (Warning: some idiot will call you a socialist.) If not, let someone else who actually cares give it a try.

By Rick

August 25, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

It is sad that the “party” is more important than the views of the individual. It seems that the politicians think they work for the parties and not the people.

By Victor Stalin, Jr.

August 25, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Heath has turned a good college career as a top notch QB into a US congressman that wants this country to be revolutionalized into a great socialist power.

Romola, how in the world do you consider letting the government control everything, be a sensible style to follow? That man is a moron and a UT alum to boot - so double whammy right there.

By David

August 25, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Does he not Rep. Western North Carolina? Maybe he should move to Tenn. Sense he’s so proud of that Weak Legg. He left for the Vols.

By Greg

August 25, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Commons Sense - I agree, but my guess is C from Marietta and Asand are lost causes. From their posts, it appears they are droids in the right wing army. Here’s how you spot them… Every election cycle they will call all democrats socialists, say or imply they are un-american and claim that, if elected, they will ruin the country. When pushed for specifics you’ll find only more rhetoric and very little substance. I am a believer in many of the conservative goals, but am so tired of the conservative droids and so much public discourse being based on name calling and rhetoric.

By Her's a Thought!

August 25, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

If socialism means asking the people who (in their infinite wisdom) elected a moron to two terms - who then spent more money than any President in the history of the Us and drove the budget into a realm from which we may never recover - to now pay the bills … then I will take all the socialism you can give me in the America sense. i do not want anything akin to the Russian version. We need to get the wise folsk who placed this enormous burden on us to now pay the piper. We can not have McBush elected - we can not solve the issues created by the present level of thinking with yet more of the same. DUH!

By C from Marietta

August 25, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Greg,

Did I ever call anyone a socialist? Did I every call anyone unamerican? Read my post.I love to see liberals call names and when they get the same they cry. BTW.. I am not Republican I am LIbertarin. I believer in limited Govt. Name calling is very inmature and lacks class.

By Greg

August 25, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

C - in your post you clearly implied that Romla was wrong for believing in someone who thinks government “should take care of our every need”. That appears to be calling him a socialist. Sure, you didn’t say the word, but come on!?!?!. Liberterian droid? Even worse because you believe in this unrealistic, every man for himself world. Humans just are not like that. We are social beings and depend on social networks for survival. yes, governments can get too inefficient and social safety nets can be abused and de-motivate some, but I (and I think most americans) also don’t want to see someone who labors their entire life at minimum wage (many from my own family) be left without basic healthcare and enough income live on.

By Bill

August 25, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

“Common Sense” has none. Grow up kid

By Greg

August 25, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Bill - that’s classic! call someone dumb and the only evidence you give that you are smart is call them kid (implying that you are older and wiser). Have any actual wisdom to impart?

By Greg

August 25, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Bill - that’s classic! call someone dumb and the only evidence you give that you are smart is call them kid (implying that you are older and wiser). Have any actual wisdom to impart?

By Bill

August 25, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

“from each according to his ability and to each according to his need” = Marxism and the current philosophy of the Demonrat party. Check and mate.

By Bill

August 25, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

“from each according to his ability and to each according to his need” = Marxism and the current philosophy of the Demonrat party. Check and mate.

By Bill

August 25, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

“from each according to his ability and to each according to his need” = Marxism and the current philosophy of the Demonrat party. Check and mate.

By Greg

August 25, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Bill - I really thought you nailed it, but when I checked the Democratic party platform this quote wasn’t there??? Hey, how does the world look in black and white?

By Bill

August 25, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Dear Moron Greg, The exact words are not there but the economic planks are the same as the quote. Maybe your mommy can explain it to you.

By Frank Fact Check

August 25, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

National Journal and other publications rank Schuler as one of the most conservative Democrats. I would call him a moderate in the South and a conservative up in New England. If you have Pelosi on one end and Westmoreland on the other, that gives a lot of room in the middle.

By Thespis

August 25, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

I really had no idea that I had been living in a Communist Country all of these years. It seems to me that guys like Bill, who end a comment with “Check and Mate” have been the kind that have been running this country for the last eight years. In that time they have built a debt that will 1) take enormous government resources (AKA tax revenue for the slow on the right) to service much less pay off AND 2) that is largely owned by foreign countries, the foremost of which is China. Now since China is Communist and they now own at least (a large) part of us then I suppose Bill’s logic seems to fit.

Seriously though. The GOP cut taxes and then spent like drunken sailors for the last eight years and now are looking to bring out the same old labels and call anyone who does not look and act in lockstep with them a socialist. There are very serious infrastructure problems facing this country and those problems are not going to solved with the voodoo economics of supply side idiocy or sliming every voice of dissent with ill-informed (and incorrect) allegations of socialism.

By Thespis

August 25, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

I really had no idea that I had been living in a Communist Country all of these years. It seems to me that guys like Bill, who end a comment with “Check and Mate” have been the kind that have been running this country for the last eight years. In that time they have built a debt that will 1) take enormous government resources (AKA tax revenue for the slow on the right) to service much less pay off AND 2) that is largely owned by foreign countries, the foremost of which is China. Now since China is Communist and they now own at least (a large) part of us then I suppose Bill’s logic seems to fit.

Seriously though. The GOP cut taxes and then spent like drunken sailors for the last eight years and now are looking to bring out the same old labels and call anyone who does not look and act in lockstep with them a socialist. There are very serious infrastructure problems facing this country and those problems are not going to solved with the voodoo economics of supply side idiocy or sliming every voice of dissent with ill-informed (and incorrect) allegations of socialism.

By Greg

August 25, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Bill - I don’t think there is anything I can add to that response. Thanks for helping me prove my point about the conservative droids…

By dawgsarejokes

August 25, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

He was a loser in sports so he may as well carry it over to politics.

By BlueMoon

August 25, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

The lack of common sense on here is really worrisome. For the dems on here…even the republican “voters” are not happy with the republican “politicians” but at least we can call them out. Yes, they cut taxes and brought in record money to the fed but spent way too much money. Now, I realize a lot of that money was spent on programs initiated by the dem’s as well as the pubs but I’ll give you that one, just because I’m nice.

The credit crisis was brought on by the policies of the Clinton administration making it easier for low income families to get home loans and make the american dream of home ownership a reality. It sounds good, but when you extend hundred of thousands of loans out to people with bad credit you get what you have today. Now, in a couple of years now that the banks have tightened up to the old standards people will start barking to do the same thing for low income families and people and we’ll start the circle all over again.

Now, since when have Americans asked the phrase, “What can my country do for me?” Instead of “What can I do for my country?” Now this is un-American and anyone that wants a national health care system run by the largest conglomerate on earth (our federal government) should not be allowed to live here. We have the best health care in the world and I do not want to be waiting 6 months on an MRI that I could’ve normally gotten within 24 hours. Doctors are leaving Canada in record numbers. Why don’t you ask them how that system is working out for them?

The fact is, all of the government social programs end up hurting EVERY American because it creates a dependent state and leaves personal accountability out of the equation entirely. Are there time when welfare is needed? Of course, but don’t keep giving it out to someone who keeps having babies so they don’t have to work.

And one last one to really make the dems scratch their head….when a recent poll was given out to 500 overseas firms what their stance would be if the US instituted the Fair Tax 400 of them said they would invest/build/expand into the US. Why? Because right now the US has the 2nd largest corporate tax rate in the world. And dems wonder why jobs are moving overseas. Brilliant.

By Damn the Man

August 25, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

God, the Cons will try and twist anything to promote “The New Fascism”.

Wasn’t Bush the one promoting the fact that home ownership boomed under his administation? Can you say “lax lending laws”? Or “more fallout from deregulation”? Or perhaps “Bush Housing Bubble” is more to your taste?

Yes, Canadian doctors are flleing to the United States in record numbers. That must be why there’s a doctor shortage in Canada. Oh, wait, that’s in the United States, not Canada. Also, every poll shows that Canadians and Britians are more satisfied with thier health care systems than Americans. Wonder why that is. Maybe because the only time you have to wait for care there is for elective procedures. More Con Myths debunked. Please leave your donations as you exit.

One last myth to debunk: Since over 70% of U.S. corporation haven’t paid one penny in corporate tax in the past 5 years, how can the U.S. have the second highest corporate taxes in the world? Easy, Cons keep the nominal rate high so they have a convenient strawman to cry about, but put so many loopholes in the corparate tax code that hardly anyone ever pays it. Why else do corporate taxes account for less than half as much of the percentsge of total taxes collected by the U.S. government that it did just 30 years ago?

You want government off your back? Elect Libertarians. Dems and Cons will micromanage you to your grave.

By Bitter EX democrackkk

August 25, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

the football player, Shuler, has been challenged to DEBATE HIS challenger, the intellectual Dr. Carl Mumpower of Asheville! Shuler seems SCARED to death to DEBATE Dr. Mumpower (with good reason!)

Dr. Mumpower is already done more for WNC that Shuler has even thought of! We in WNC hope that Shuler is a one termer…and YES he SHOULD move to Tennessee where his real estate bidness operates!!!

Shuler cannot hold court in the presence of the good Dr. Mumpower!!! GO CARL !!!

www.Mumpower08.com

By Greg

August 25, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Blue Moon

Credit Crisis - Strange that you blame this on government!?!? What policies exactly caused financial institutions to abandon common sense and dig themselves into this hole? I recall Clinton specifically focusing on a strategy that lowered both bond yields and short/mid term interest rates in an attempt to open up the economy and spur investment. Yes, including investment in homes. Is it this open market, pro-business, “Republican” (at least if you believe republican rhetoric) policy that caused the problem?

A national healthacare system - Americans, even vast majority of left leaning liberals, don’t want a one size fits all healthcare system where everyone treated the same and that’s not even what’s being debated. A system that ensures basic healthcare for all and allows those with means to pay more for higher levels of care (short times to get MRI?!) is something I think most Americans want. Mis-representing the debate and calling those that dis-agree un-american and saying they shouldn’t live here, huh? When did you perfect your understanding of what is/isn’t American?

Every social program hurts every American - This is just a dumb statement. As the child of a single mother working very hard at 2 jobs to raise 3 kids I know first hand how much both government and private help meant to get through some very hard years. I and my siblings are productive, tax paying and very appreciative adults. Most humans want some level of a social net and believe that society as a whole is stronger with one. We can certainly debate how much, but it is ridiculous to believe that we will accept citizens starving or children dying in the name of a dogmatic belief in “individual responsibility.

Fair Tax - Agree major tax reform is needed and the fair tax seems to be a good approach to at least debate seriously.

By Ima Former Crook

August 25, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Call Shuler whatever you want but the voters replaced an out and out crook with an honest person (Shuler).

OT:I read 4-5 newspapers/day and the AJC has the fewest chances to comment and the sorriest in delayed time of postings!

By KenS67

August 25, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

There is no government like ‘no government’!

Don’t re-elect ANYONE!!

By Hamad Meander

August 25, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

The most glaring flaw in Mr. Shuler as a politician is his spearheading of the return of the 55 MPH speed limit. This is ridiculous and would cause governments to go crazy on revenue from speeding tickets. It has been proven many times that 55 MPH was dangerous as it was too slow to keep driver’s attention alert.

I know if I had to drive that slow on rural interstates, I would be fighting the nods pretty severely.

We’ve got energy problems in this country, but it’s not because we drive too fast. It’s because we pay 700 billion dollars a year for foreign oil that could be spent domestically on energy sources in the USA. But the democrats and environmental weinies won’t allow drilling, refineries, or anything positive to be done.

Can you elieve that now they are fighting wind power because they say it makes people sick? What a bunch of freaks!

The democrats (Heath Shuler included) will not do anything to positively affect the energy crisis in the USA. A combination of conservation and energy development is the right plan, but they are only interested in one side of that.

By Aaron Burr V. Mexico

August 25, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Hey, I’m all for Drilling, and Refineries and Wind Farms and Massive Tax Breaks For Solar Panels and Government subsidies for non food based biofuels and Yuca Mountain and Nuclear Power Plants and I’m a democrat.

What I am NOT in favor of is ‘drill fer oil’ as a battle cry by a bunch of Republicans who have no interest in making this country secure by making us less dependent on foreign oil by demanding we drill in ANWAR and refusing to negotiate by including other options besides ‘drill fer oil!’

The Gang of 10 aside, most Redumblicans don’t care about making this country secure, they just care about being right.

By Sheeple

August 25, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

For Damn The Man can you please enlighten us on how government run healthcare will be better managed than private. Also if healthcare should be free shouldn’t food, housing and water?

If you think waiting at the doctor’s office takes forever now just wait until the govt runs it.

Heath Shuler might be a conservative democrat, but he votes with Pelosi.

The Gang of Ten is a Gang of Sad Sacks with little conviction.

The Repubs have done very little to deserve re-election - sadly the dems have even done less.

I am voting for Buckley!

By FinanceBuzz

August 25, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

If you think government healthcare is so great, so ask some vets about the VA. We have seen the stories of how poorly some of the VAs hospitals are run. And I remember this perception being there before BUsh, so don’t use this as yet another “bash Bush” opportunity Dems. If that is what happens when the government runs healthcare, I want no part of it.

I do not like much of anything that Comrade Obama stands for. However, I realize that politicians are politicians and will not be drastically different in thow they govern. That being said, the damage the Dems could do to our healthcare really does concern me. All these folks that have drunk the Kool-Aid could be on the verge of killing the patient to treat a broken arm.

By Ricky

August 25, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

The Republican party sold its soul when it traded ‘conservative’ for ‘selfish.’

Bob Barr ‘08

By Aaron Burr V. Mexico

August 25, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

I totally agree. I also think the Libertarian Party sold its soul when it traded ‘libertarian’ for ‘guy who sues churches to get into a debate.’

Obama ‘08

By Aaron Burr V. Mexico

August 25, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

Market driven health care is better than government health care.

But Market driven health care where the insurance companies are protected from law suits by the government, given the veneer of legitimacy by federal agencies that don’t do their job, and then have our interest sold to the highest bidder by the Republican party, then Government health care becomes better than Republican Health Care.

Every other first world country in the world has better health care than we do unless you’re rich. Period. Some have government health care, some have private health care, but they’re ALL better than what we have now.

And yeah the VA sucks. But that’s run by Republicans too.

By DD

August 25, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Those who voted for Bush need to start a new party. They can call it moronism..

By Michael

August 25, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

A moron and a UT fan. What a wreck!

By Generalisimo

August 25, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

I’ll take socialism over fascism any day.

By Generalisimo

August 25, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

I’ll take socialism over fascism any day.

By Craig

August 25, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Shuler honest? Look into the land deals his family benefits from…with ties to committees Shuler oversees. Looks like his government and TVA connections pay off for Shuler’s family and friends. Not even in office long and he’s already offering the spoils of corruption. He fits in quite nicely with Nancy, Barry, and Harry.

By Aaron Burr V. Mexico

August 25, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Fascists?

Republicans aren’t Fascists….

They utterly completely incompetent dittohead lick spittle moronic Fascists.

They couldn’t lick a Godwin’s boots much less actually be as competent as one.