Political Insider

By Tom Becker

November 10, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

The Rabid Right is setting the tone early on about how they’ll spin the Obama Administration.

They want to spend even more of their waning credibility. That’s like taking you football and going home. Remember that? Nobody ever saw that clown again growing up. “Oh Yeah? Well, I’m taking my football and going home.” Remember? that clown never lived it down. Ever.

Same thing here.

Conservatism is dead. Sen Craig played taps, with his flag at half mast.

Remember me? I’m the guy with the well spring of material throughout the campaign.

I’m still here, calling it like I know it is.

Love.

By Tom Becker

November 10, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Obama is a prophesy fulfilling. Obama has a mandate. Obama is fulfulling. Obama is a mandate. Fulfilling. Mandate. Fulfilling…..Mandate…FULFILLING….MANDATE..FULFILLING…MANDATE

I know….U get the bit. did you know you can convert half of your beer hat into a bong and then you’ve got a beer/bong hat?

Hey, this is why we rule the world, and for some reason I cant explain, I know St. Peter will call my name…

morons.

By Fred

November 10, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Wow, With rhetoric like that, I thought that Broun’s quote might have easily been lifted from this week’s issue of The Onion.

BLA-hahaha!

Broun, If such a thing happens, I’ll be the first to sign on to your bandwagon. Fortunately I think the nation can relax in light of your ridiculous remarks.

Reminds me of a Dukes of hazzard episode with Boss Hogg having gone wild again.

BLA-hahaha!

By Tim

November 10, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

It’s no joke. Did anyone check into Obama’s past?? He subscribes to Marxist ideology and has since college. Look at his friends, his staff appointments, his words. It’s there to see if your mind is open, which liberals have trouble with. God help this country.

By Jan

November 10, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Have seen the video. Obama owes the American People an explanation what he means by having to “achieve the national security objectives we’ve set” and the need for “a civilian national security force just as powerful, just a strong, just as well-funded.”

Broun has a point.

By RJ

November 10, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Noise!!! That’s about will Broun will be able to do for the 10th District in a Democratically controlled Congress.

His resounding victory clearly indicates that’s all the District expects.

By jean

November 10, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

who is this idiot!! no doubt he is from georgia! why am i not surprised!!! please go to church on sunday and get healed by your minister, you are in need!! i’ll be praying for you. your constintuents will need you to be in a much better frame of mind if you are to represent them. you may not be fearful but i am of you! i feel sorry for the people you represent, but then again i don’t because they are idiots for voting for you so they get what they get!! worry about the real issues you are hired to be concerned about!! i wonder if you are marxist!! i am scared!!

By Bob

November 10, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

He’s creating a national security force because the Posse Comatitus Act of 1878 prohibits the military form acting in civil affairs. This is his way of having his own military to squash any uprisings to his dictatorship within the country. Next is re-education camps. Maybe even Pol Pot revisited.

By Denise

November 10, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Unlike most people under the age of 50, I actually listened in World History class. I even did some outside reading on Hitler and Germany. Mr. Broun may know what he is talking about.

Many of the ideas that Mr. Obama throws out sound very much like they could have been put forth by Hilter’s “National Socialist German Workers’ Party”.

Do some reading about post WWI Germany. I dare you. What you find may scare you!

History does repeat itself. How can we learn from history if we don’t learn history.

By ManbitesDog

November 10, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

The idea of a civilian security force, with the same resources as our military, is troubling. The potential for confusion, corruption and allegiance to a specific party or groups ideology is too strong.

Not a particularly good idea.

By Val

November 10, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

I notice the leftists have resorted to their favorite tactic, ad hominem attacks. How predictable. Let’s brand anyone who criticizes their beloved leader, as a redneck rube. Yawn.

Let’s focus on the real issue, here:

Why, precisely, would Obama want to create a “civilian national security force, just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded” as the military?

If that very idea doesn’t send shivers down your spine, you have an appalling lack of knowledge about history.

By ManBitesDog

November 10, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

This site has way too much name-calling and far too little serious debate. Nothing intelligent going on here to be useful.

By William

November 10, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

That Barack Obama even suggested the civilian security force proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is abysmally stupid. Trouble is, a whole bunch of voting Americans are abysmally stupid as well. At least the number that voted for him. Obama will be a puppet to his lefist handlers, and if he makes a false move, he will be done in by those same handlers. It will be fun to watch.

By Really?

November 10, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Are people here just stupid or do they just not know how to use google? It took me 3 minutes to research and clarify what Obama is talking about. Turns out THIS IS THE SAME PROGRAM PROPOSED BY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ROBERT GATES. It’s about enlarging the State Department resources of translators, civil engineers, agricultural specialists, etc., etc. — NOT A DOMESTIC MILITARY FORCE. This country will be great once again IN SPITE of idiots like Paul Broun.

By Randal

November 10, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Obama is a Marxist and a Socialist. His dopey followers were so caught up in voting anti-Bush and electing the “first black president blahblahblah” that they didn’t care about the fact that he has a very radical past and very alarming associations. All the idiots heard was “change”. Some people shouldn’t be allowed to vote.

By William

November 10, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

That Barack Obama even suggested the civilian security force proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is abysmally stupid. Trouble is, a whole bunch of voting Americans are abysmally stupid as well. At least the number that voted for him. Obama will be a puppet to his lefist handlers, and if he makes a false move, he will be done in by those same handlers. It will be fun to watch.

By Jason Hodge

November 10, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Socialism is like beer. Once the guy is tipsy with a few drinks of socialism, he starts to think another is an even better idea. “Socialism isn’t dangerous! It’s fun! It’s a way for me to exercise my independence and free-thinking skills! Trying what hasn’t been tried, at least here!”, he says. But in the end, when your country winds up wrapped around a telephone pole, you look back and try to figure out where you lost control. Every drink played a part in the final outcome.

By ReallyNow

November 10, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Are people here just stupid or do they just not know how to use google? It took me 3 minutes to research and clarify what Obama is talking about. Turns out THIS IS THE SAME PROGRAM PROPOSED BY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ROBERT GATES. It’s about enlarging the State Department resources of translators, civil engineers, agricultural specialists, etc., etc. — NOT A DOMESTIC MILITARY FORCE. This country will be great once again IN SPITE of idiots like Paul Broun.

By Jason Hodge

November 10, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Socialism is like beer. Once the guy is tipsy with a few drinks of socialism, he starts to think another is an even better idea. “Socialism isn’t dangerous! It’s fun! It’s a way for me to exercise my independence and free-thinking skills! Trying what hasn’t been tried, at least here!”, he says. But in the end, when your country winds up wrapped around a telephone pole, you look back and try to figure out where you lost control. Every drink played a part in the final outcome.

By angel

November 10, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

hey tim where have you been for the last 8 years, buddy!!!??? why did you not ask GOD to help this country then you fool!! you and jan need to get married you both think alike and aloud that is dangerous!!! why don’t you ask GOD to help you accept what you can not change, which is your heart, and your sick thinking. i know because i used to be just like you both. paranoid by nixon, reagan, bushx2 but i had to pray and just take it and so will you!!

By MA

November 10, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

HEY ANGLE BETTER START LIGHTING CANDLES WITH THOSE PRAYERS

By angel

November 10, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

tim, where the hell have you been for the last 8 years!!!!??? and why did you not ask god to help this country??? you really do not have to answer because i know the reason you did not!!! you are a racist and it is coming to light! you did not ask god when a white man was calling the shots but now all of a sudden your religious!! this country has gone to hell in a handbasket at this currnet administration’s hand and you have the nerve to ask god to help this country!! a little to late!!! thank GOD he helped us without your input!!you need some help, i can tell you what kind, spiritual to get your heart right! i know your problem because i am similiar!! jan this comment goes for you too!! a change has been made and you both need to adjust. live life, be a part of the solution, not part of the problem!!!

By marie

November 10, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

I am not here to sling insults or accusations. I am here to say that I DO fear this. I am a well educated and well read person. I realize that the Housing Bubble and this whole economic mess dates back to the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 and the amendments made during Clinton Era. I also realise that democracy does not die with thunder but a whisper of consent. Mr. Obama DID absolutely call for a national civilian security force and the tone of his speach was not one of similarity to Mr. Robert Gates, he is calling for something a bit more. Perhaps you are not aware that his own site said it would “REQUIRE” “MANDETORY” community service hours for young students (50 hours for students up to highschool) and college students (100 hours per semester/quarter) and senior citizens. I am not opposed to involvement in communities but this leads to something much more sinister and it frightens me. Mr. Emmanuel suggested in his book, “Big Ideas for America” that our youth should be required to do 3 months basic training. Now I greatly support our military and the hard work they put into their service to this Great nation, but it isn’t for everyone. All of these notions are very reminiscent of soviet and german natzi practices. They came to power on a platform of democracy and I don’t know how many people are aware that Natzi is short for “National Socialism”, I do fear us heading that direction. I am not a bumpkin or idiot or unable to use google, I can even google non partisan sites including one that has an unpoluted copy of our great Constitution. Mr. Obama frightens me, at first he enthralled me and then I researched and now I fear. As do many others, the market crashed the day after his election, many more will pull out if he raises capitol gains tax and gas will drastically rise when he uses his executive authority to push through no drilling, and refuses to use coal or nuclear power. I fear we will be lucky to get through this with our democracy intact. At the same time, I can appreciate his success and hope and sincerely pray for his success. For even though I disagree fundamentally with many of his ideas, his success is the success of this nation, his failure will be our failure. As long as he puts his employers, the american people, first and moves forward with caution and consideration, my fears will be unwarrented. And that is what I very deeply hope, for us all, believers and loyal dissenters.

By carl6352

November 10, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

wow!! i can see alot of ob supporters never studied history or were born after the 70’s. all public high schools teach political correctnes history. they give a washed down pablum of history to fit to days pc. also its so boring most kids just play video games or dootle. i was a substitute teacher. you see it in there eyes there thinking lunch or whens the bell going to ring. those are all obama supporters. and like him probably thinks theres 57 states. mistype on the teleprompter. well hes got 2 years then we have all of congress and alot of people in the senate up for re-election. if unemployment starts to rise past 10% and inflation starts to rise past 10% like the carter years.they can only blame themselves bsuh is on his ranch eating a moonpie and drinking a diet dr pepper.

By jean

November 10, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

dear marie, why are you tooting your own horn! i am smart i am well read!! that does not make you right!!! you are a well read, well educated idiot!! yes you and all you racists on this blog. you are defying GOD! i am afraid of you all!! and have been for many decades! when it does not go your way you cry like little babies. when you and your kind put Bush back in office for a second term i just said oh well here we go agin. so i suggest you sit back and enjoy the ride. feels diffrent when the shoe is on the other foot doesn”t it?? have fun with all you paranoia and lies. i will rest good tonight! peace.

By carl6352

November 10, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

wow!! i can see alot of ob supporters never studied history or were born after the 70’s. all public high schools teach political correctnes history. they give a washed down pablum of history to fit to days pc. also its so boring most kids just play video games or dootle. i was a substitute teacher. you see it in there eyes there thinking lunch or whens the bell going to ring. those are all obama supporters. and like him probably thinks theres 57 states. mistype on the teleprompter. well hes got 2 years then we have all of congress and alot of people in the senate up for re-election. if unemployment starts to rise past 10% and inflation starts to rise past 10% like the carter years.they can only blame themselves bsuh is on his ranch eating a moonpie and drinking a diet dr pepper.

By Derek

November 10, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Does it bother anyone that a U.S. Congressman equivocates between the polar opposite ideologies of fascism and Marxism? Stupid people vote for stupid people.

By Derek

November 10, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Does it bother anyone that a U.S. Congressman equivocates between the polar opposite ideologies of fascism and Marxism?

By Ann

November 10, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

I think this says it nicely:

“You Americans are so gullible. No, you won’t accept Communism outright; but we’ll keep feeding you small doses of Socialism until you will finally wake up and find that you already have Communism.” — Nikita Khrushchev

“It stands to reason that where there’s sacrifice, there’s someone collecting sacrificial offerings. Where there’s service, there’s someone being served. The man who speaks to you of sacrifice, speaks of slaves and masters. And intends to be the master.”- Ayn Rand

By Aaron Burr V Mexico

November 10, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

I know more history than most of you people will ever know.

And the truth is, I’ve seen the handwriting on the wall. Want to know why Bush is a monster?

BLACKWATER.

That’s why. If Obama does ‘take over’ its because of all the liberties you people gave Bush to make the Presidency disproportionally powerful.

And it was the Republicans that were saying “We need to investigate Congress for Unamerican activities.”

By Aaron Burr V. Mexico

November 10, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Hey stupid Republicans…it was the REPUBLICANS that suggested the Communist Bail out.

It is the REPUBLICANS that have the color red as their symbol.

It is the REPUBLICANS that put Party above all.

It is the REPUBLICANS that use communist propoganda techniques.

Sorry folks, but Obama has yet to do anything communistic. Bush has been doing it for 8 years and THAT’S WHY YOU LOST.

By jean

November 10, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

hey william you should be so abysmlly stupid!!! i am sure you went to college and graduated wth honors yeah, right!!! don’t hate! you’re an airhead!!

By Derek

November 10, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Does it bother anyone that a U.S. Congressman equivocates between the polar opposite ideologies of fascism and Marxism?

By jean

November 10, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

hey william you should be so abysmlly stupid!!! i am sure you went to college and graduated wth honors yeah, right!!! don’t hate! you’re an airhead!!

By angel

November 10, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

hey randall you talking about me??? too bad you can’t reverse the tide, cause everybody can vote, even your ignorant behind. tough!

By amused

November 10, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

hee, hee, hee!

By Barb

November 10, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

Earth to Rep.Broun: Hello? Maybe you should check what’s in your granola, or whatever it is your handlers throw into your cage. Comments like yours get permanently attached to your name and, unfortunately, to the good people whom you “represent” in Athens; a good deal of whom are now covering their eyes in embarrassment. As with all misanthropic Republicans, within 24 hours, you will be claiming you were “quoted out of context”. Sour grapes, sore loser.

By Jackson

November 10, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

Obama is a U.S. Senator, long ago vetted by Congress and by the FBI for his security clearances. He’s an honors graduate from a pre-eminent law school, who taught U.S. Constitutional law for 12 years at another pre-eminent law school. Nobody who knows him — no Senators, no Congressmen, no law school professors, no former students — nobody — has characterized him as a socialist, a fake, a fraud, or a danger to the United States.

It’s a shame to see inane, baseless speculation about fascism, socialism, and other off-base political foolishness of the right or of the left associated with this man and his name.

By David

November 10, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

It’s funny how Marie wrote something with real content and Jean just spouts nastiness in response. Jean spouted nasitiness to others and seems to not really have anything of substance…

Gosh, Jean, I can’t wait for your response to me… I’m sure it will be brilliant!

By Giggles

November 10, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

This isn’t lunacy, it is entirely possible. Most 20th-century fascist and Marxist dictatorships were brought into power by an ill-informed and hero-worshiping youth vote. His newly elected Chief-of-Staff, Rahm Emanuel, endorsed the same thing, but more explicitly, in his book “A Plan for America.” The campaign was a classic Marxist campaign: his face on large banners in various shadings, references to “change” and “hope”, constant appeals to the youth. It may very well come, and this Broun character may seem like less of a nutball. But I wonder, now that B.O. has so many worshipers, how many will go out of their way to justify his new security force and seek to be a part of it. How many that railed against Bush supposedly seeking to re-institute the draft will fall right in line behind their new leader’s proposals. Many of our youth have been in training to be informants for a long while now, in the public schools and in their relationships. Get ready.

By Rich

November 10, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Fun fact from the AP: Obama was referring to a proposal for a civilian reserve corps that could handle postwar reconstruction efforts such as rebuilding infrastructure — an idea endorsed by the Bush administration. Now you may relax and return to civilized discourse. Obama is not trying to kill you.

By Giggles

November 10, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

This isn’t lunacy, it is entirely possible. Most 20th-century fascist and Marxist dictatorships were brought into power by an ill-informed and hero-worshiping youth vote. His newly elected Chief-of-Staff, Rahm Emanuel, endorsed the same thing, but more explicitly, in his book “A Plan for America.” The campaign was a classic Marxist campaign: his face on large banners in various shadings, references to “change” and “hope”, constant appeals to the youth. It may very well come, and this Broun character may seem like less of a nutball. But I wonder, now that B.O. has so many worshipers, how many will go out of their way to justify his new security force and seek to be a part of it. How many that railed against Bush supposedly seeking to re-institute the draft will fall right in line behind their new leader’s proposals. Many of our youth have been in training to be informants for a long while now, in the public schools and in their relationships. Get ready.

By TommyG

November 10, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

Let’s leave things well enough alone. For 8 years, protests against Bush, complete with burning effigies. What if this was Obama? If Broun has his opinions, let him. If people believe in him, they will vote for him. Their prerogative, just like voting for Obama. Unless you’re a fascist, you should never stop someone from having an opinion.

By theWalrus

November 10, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

Rather than listen to the bizarre rantings of Rep. Broun, I urge you all to read the entire July 2 Colorado Univeristy speech. You can easily find it online.

In his speech Obama pledged that enhanced public service and active citizenship would be a central cause of his presidency. Regarding the “civilian national security force” in the speech, Obama was referring to a proposal for a civilian reserve corps that could handle foreign postwar reconstruction efforts such as rebuilding infrastructure — an idea endorsed by the Bush administration.

The comments by Broun are preposterous, delusional and just plain disgusting and deserves at least a public censure.

By Bruce

November 10, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

More fearmongering by the right - basically, how can they justify anything the Bush administration did, including torture, war profiteering and other un-Christian acts except by fear? How can they even begin to spout truly baseless predications? Oh yes, they’re students of history - but claim Iraq is nothing like Vietnam. Fear. It’s very effective for some. The rest of us, including those who apparently voted for Bush in 2004 but came to their senses this time, can very well keep our eyes open because we’ve already seen the worst Executive abuse of power in our lifetimes. Live with it, and keep on marginalizing yourselves with frankly nuts accusations of what’s coming.

By bobiam

November 10, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

RUN, FEAR, TERROR, HOROR, DIE, BOMB, SCARED, HIDE, FEAR, FEAR, FEAR, FEAR.

Stupid Republican’s. The Jig is UP!

No one trusts you or ANYTHING you psychopaths say.

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. BLESS THE UNICORNS.

By Aaron Burr V. Mexico

November 10, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

Alrighty then, so long as we’re digging up the past….

Most people ask how the Germans were able to be ‘hypnotized’ into following Hitler.

An observer at the Nuremburg trials determined two things above all that led to their seduction.

First, Germans were taught from an early age to obey authority figures.

Second, it was a lack of Empathy. A lack of Empathy is the root of all evil.

Republicans are against ‘the government’ but they’re all about obeying the authority figures in the Party. The are loyal to the party above all. If you are disloyal to the party, you are disloyal to the country. You are a communist. You’re less than human. You’re a monster.

Republicans do not have empathy. They only care about themselves and members of ‘their pack.’ Sometimes that extends to their friends and family, sometimes it even covers members of the Party, but if you aren’t like them, you don’t deserve help. You’re a communist. You’re a THING. You’re less than human.

History moves like a pendulum. Talk about get ready?

If the Republican party as it stands is not destroyed, they will work relentlessly to destroy Obama’s efforts as they did to Clinton 1992-1994, but they will be even more hard core and more virulent than before.

It will not be Obama that will be having control of the schools and the government at the point of a gun.

It will be Republicans.

All hail the Party. The Party is Mother. The Party is Father.

By tom

November 10, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

All this talk about Obama’s supposed extremism plays into the democrats’ hands: it makes conservatives look like a bunch of loony wingnuts. Is Bush a “fascist” for having authorized the use of torture on terror suspects, or permanently holding them at Guantanamo without trial?

By Jill

November 10, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

I support Rep Braun. He uses accurate historical examples and comparisons. Obama should drop this idea. It’s Orwellian. Obama, not Braun, is scaring people everywhere with his National Civilian Security Force that is “just as powerful as the military.”

The MSM doesn’t tell you all Obama said because the media stopped doing its job. Check out u-tube or google it and hear Obama yourself. July 2008, Colorado. The MSM has not been able to surpress this story completely so now they tell you what you should be think about it.

You may insist on denying what you see and hear. You may believe young and old will be merely picking up trash on the side of the road. Consider, Americans are natural volunteers and do not need the government to organize them. Government involvement would end the volunteerism spirit. Obama could put that on his resume.

Any sane person would respond exactly as Rep Braun.

By Rob

November 10, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Specifically, what Rep. Broun said was: “It may sound a bit crazy and off base, but the thing is, he’s the one who proposed this national security force.”

And Broun is exactly right. It DOES sound crazy and off base.

By Eugene

November 10, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

There were over 50 million folks who voted for a guy who finished fourth from the bottom of his class and who chose a VP of intellect and political and general intelligence far beneath his own. Many of these folks listen to a college dropout named Limbaugh who daily spouts ignorance which could have been corrected by reading widely in school instead of dropping out of it. All this leads us to be patient with the many folks who need a knowledge upgrade, an ability to think critically what they hear from Rush or anyone else for that matter. If Rep. Broun knew a fig of the background, character, and history of Barack Obama, he would have not spouted the idiotic things he did. History will help him digest his words. Unfortunately we’ll be hearing more of this kind of garbage from frustrated fringe Republicans for the next eight years. When the facts defeat you, you can only fall back on lies. Let’s pray for the day that Republicans will have the courage to look themselves in the mirror and chart a course that will bless this country.

By Jill

November 10, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

I support Rep Braun. He uses accurate historical examples and comparisons. Obama should drop this idea. It’s Orwellian. Obama, not Braun, is scaring people everywhere with his National Civilian Security Force that is “just as powerful as the military.”

The MSM doesn’t tell you all Obama said because the media stopped doing its job. Check out u-tube or google it and hear Obama yourself. July 2008, Colorado. The MSM has not been able to surpress this story completely so now they tell you what you should be think about it.

You may insist on denying what you see and hear. You may believe young and old will be merely picking up trash on the side of the road. Consider, Americans are natural volunteers and do not need the government to organize them. Government involvement would end the volunteerism spirit. Obama could put that on his resume.

Any sane person would respond exactly as Rep Braun.

By Tom from Colorado

November 10, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Marie, in the spirit you made your comment, I would like to reply. The housing bubble DID NOT date back to the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 and the amendments made during the Clinton era. CRA loans are not going into foreclosure at greater rates than other loans. The 2 biggest factors were the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act by passing Gramm-Leach-Bliley in 1999 and the advent of Credit Default Swaps.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley repealed the federal law that prevented banks from entering the securities and insurance business, something they had been forbidden to do since the Great Depression, for good reason. After the law passed, banks started packaging mortgages into “mortgage-backed securities”. Previously, the banks either had to hold their mortgages to maturity, making money on the interest or sell them to another financial institution. Under these circumstances, great care was taken to qualify buyers and limit the number of risky loans held at any one time. Gramm-Leach-Bliley changed all that. It allowed banks to sell mortgages, package them, sell them and then use the money from the sale to lend again. Since they weren’t holding the mortgages anymore and were making the money from selling of mortgages they loosened their criteria after running out of well qualified buyers.

Credit default swaps were sold like insurance. But many of the people who sold them didn’t keep reasonable reserves in case of actual defaults. And people didn’t have to own loans to buy swaps. I could buy a swap betting that some bank would default. I am supposed to be paid if it does, even though I might be a competitor trying to cause the bank to default. These CDS’s are a type of derivative. During the Clinton years, the woman in charge of the Commodities Futures Trading Commission tried to get the authority to regulate derivatives. She was stopped by Alan Greenspan, first appointed by Ronald Reagan, Robert Rubin, Clinton’s Secretary of the Treasury and Phil Gramm, former Republican Senator from Texas, at the time the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. The law preventing regulation of derivatives was inserted into a 11,000 page appropriations bill that was fully read by almost nobody. It was passed by a Republican Congress and signed by President Clinton.

I’m not trying to say that the Democrats have clean hands. But most of the responsibility belongs with the Republican Congressional majority from 1994 to 2006 and the Bush administrations lack of interest in regulating big business. A good example is the 625 FBI agents pulled away from white-collar crimes after 9/11 that have not yet been replaced.

Mr. Obama DID call for a civilian national security force to augment the military. But what he was talking about was a civilian force to replace soldiers for nation building activities in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and so on. A lot of the work that needs to be done in places like this is work most soldiers aren’t qualified for, like working on getting clean drinking water, medical aid, nutrition, even training police. We DON’T USE THE MILITARY FOR NATIONAL SECURITY IN THE U.S. except in guarding the borders. There’s a little thing called the Posse Commitatus Act that prevents it.

Marie, I know of 2 places that have the kind of basic training you’re talking about. One is Israel, where almost the only way you can get out of it, male or female is due to being a very observant Jew. The other is Switzerland, which has been democratic longer than we have, although they only gave the vote to women recently. Not communist nations, democratic nations. Not sure I’d support it, and not sure that a Democratic Congress would pass it, whatever President-Elect Obama wants.

As far as threats to democracy goes, Marie, you should look at the Patriot Act. You should look at the half million email messages that the White House “lost”. You should look at the Bush administration’s email and telephone interception operations which. You should look at the firing of 8 U.S. Attorneys and ask yourself what the rest were willing to do that prevented them from being fired. A couple of years ago, Republicans were saying “If you’ve done nothing wrong, what are you afraid of?” I wonder if they will feel that way with a Democrat in the White House.

By Steve

November 11, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

I wasn’t really afraid of the bad that Obama could do if elected until I heard the speech about a national security force. WOW - that is scary. Time will only tell how much of a socialist he really is.

By Stargazer

November 11, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

The real disturbing thought is that this could easily happen. Look at how much power the US has handed a guy that has no experience in Foreign Relations, military background or any real faith. Shows just how desperate Americans have become. I do hope that we all keep our eyes open and don’t get too wrapped up in making history that we repeat the worst history ever.

By Star

November 11, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

When I heard that speech that is exactly where my mind went. Listen to the whole speech for yourselves. It is possible that with the United States wanting to make History we could also unfortuntely be repeating history. I just hope everyone keeps their eyes opened and don’t get to wrapped up in Obamamania that they fail to see this.

By WHOLETRUTHY

November 11, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

you will never go broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public…the election proves the point

By Bruce becker

November 11, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

The GOP is over the edge of reality. They lied to get us into Iraq and now they are making up fantasies.

Its time for 60 Senators so we can end the blah blah as policy, and get things done. If we dont like what the Dems do, we can vote someone else in in two years. There will be 31 Senators up for election in 2 years.

VOTE MARTIN and end the blah blah as policy.

Its time for a change. END THE FEAR TALK AND PUT AMERICANS BACK TO WORK.

By js

November 11, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

Obama own words need explaining. We have dozens of law enforcement agencies so why is he talking about making a civilian defense force? why should a domestic agency need to be as powerful and well funded as our nations armed forces? Obama’s words.

By Star

November 11, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

I understood what Obama was saying. And it sent shivers down my spine. Kinda like having History class repeating itself before my eyes. Wow! Strange as it may be it’s possible. Too possible that’s the problem.

With Obama and Democratic control we certainly don’t need to entertain ideas like a Civilian National Securirty Force. The Democrats don’t need anymore power then they have. I do believe Obama is a puppet and has been. He was placed in that position for a reason. They knew they could get American’s that are desperate for change to overlook his past and his views.

Heck everyone even overlooked Ayers and Khalidi and Obama’s lies about that. Mr. Wright and ACORN. Proof is in NY Times Sept.11,2001 and LA Times April 08’. Plenty of videos on the web of Obama at ACORN promoting his presidentcy. And I think we all got the gist on Mr. Wright and Obama’s church of 20 years.

Of course Obama will have more power now to shut down anything LA Times didn’t release to the public including the tape of him, Khalidi and Ayers in 2003. If he can keep that from being played before he was even elected that should show you how much power he has over the press as well.

I just pray that American’s keep their eyes open and don’t get so caught up in this Obamamania that they fail to see what most feel should be precieved as a proceed with caution statements. Broun is just stating his beliefs. It isn’t like he is the only one that thought that or had a daj avue when listening to Obama’s statements.

By Bruce becker

November 11, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

The GOP ended habeas corpus. The GOP USES wiretap against unindicted non-suspects.

The GOP has a policy of allowing no one to challenge if their name is on the no-fly list. There is no civilian review. The no-fly list is a political weapon, not a safety element. Read the End of America, by Naomi Wolf.

Its time for a change. END THE FEAR TALK AND PUT AMERICANS BACK TO WORK. VOTE MARTIN.

By WHOLETRUTHY

November 11, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

you will never go broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public…the election proves the point

By Tom from Colorado

November 11, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

Note to Athens, Georgia residents: Please tell Rep Broun that he should stop smoking conservative crack and switch to marigolds instead. I will talk to the people at Monsters, Inc. and get the 6 foot pink guy in his closet to leave him alone until his next reelection campaign.

Come on people. National Security objectives have to do with what goes on outside the country. The military DO need help with stuff that DOESN’T INVOLVE BREAKING THINGS AND KILLING PEOPLE. Even so, we can’t afford something like this as big as the military.

By Bruce becker

November 11, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

You wrote Heck everyone even overlooked Ayers and Khalidi

No, we ARE aware: McCain’s organization paid Khalidi $448K and Obama and Ayers only paid Khalidi 1/10th that.

We are aware. And Its time for a change. END THE FEAR TALK AND PUT AMERICANS BACK TO WORK. VOTE MARTIN.

By dave

November 11, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Nice how cavalier some of you are in response to a potential threat to our nation. All you can think about is that “your guy won,” not stopping to realize that maybe “your guy” wasn’t who you thought he was.

Our country would always stay on the right track if we would force politicians from BOTH PARTIES to obey the constitution. It’s there for a reason!

By dave

November 11, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

Nice how cavalier some of you are in response to a potential threat to our nation. All you can think about is that “your guy won,” not stopping to realize that maybe “your guy” wasn’t who you thought he was.

Our country would always stay on the right track if we would force politicians from BOTH PARTIES to obey the constitution. It’s there for a reason!

By Tom

November 11, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this

People who are warning of disaster are wasting their time. The horses are gone; it’s too late to talk of shutting the barn door.

Tonight, I read the first believeable account I’ve seen of someone leaving America of foreign shores. I expect to see more in the coming weeks and months; if I could afford it, one of them would be my own.

America is forever changed. Many people think this is a good thing; I’m not speaking to them. Their eyes were shut and ears stopped long ago. I’m speaking to the rest of you, who are lamenting the disaster which has now unfolding: GET OUT WHILE YOU STILL CAN, before restrictions are placed on transferring assets out of the country. There has already been talk of this, so don’t kid yourself.

Good luck.

By Raymond A. Collier

November 11, 2008 2:58 AM | Link to this

It’s interesting to note that after Barack Obama made his remarks about his ““a Civilian National Security Force just as powerful, just a strong, just as well-funded as the Military.”, these remarks & video were placed on his Campaign Website. After people started asking alot of questions, the remark & Video were taken off. President-Elect Obama needs to explain himself. If he does manage to get his “Civilian National Security Force” & it turns into SA (“Nazi Brownshirts”)Units, President Obama is going to have to worry about something more than the Ecomomy & the Democratic Party will be held responsible. The least of their problems will be the next Election! Catch the Drift!!!!!

By zoltar from the planet zenon

November 11, 2008 3:23 AM | Link to this

Greetings Earthlings,

So, you have discovered our plan! We have been secretly capturing humans and replacing them with our ZoBOTs for years!!! Bush is a ZoBot; you can tell by his expressionless face. And now we’ve captured Obama in our diabolical plot to mess with your heads!!

UFO’s are real!!!! BELIEVE IT!!!

By J.

November 11, 2008 6:00 AM | Link to this

Food for thought: Is a national civilian security force just as strong as the military even Constitutional? We already have a National Guard that can be called up by the States. The Constitution clearly states which things the Federal Government has authority over and which the States have authority over leaving the rest to the people. A National Civilian Security Force doing the bidding of the Federal Government in a Gestapo type way would cause another Civil War because many states will not stand for the Federal Government overriding the States authority.

By J.

November 11, 2008 6:03 AM | Link to this

Food for thought: Is a national civilian security force just as strong as the military even Constitutional? We already have a National Guard that can be called up by the States. The Constitution clearly states which things the Federal Government has authority over and which the States have authority over leaving the rest to the people. A National Civilian Security Force doing the bidding of the Federal Government in a Gestapo type way would cause another Civil War because many states will not stand for the Federal Government overriding the States authority.

By J.

November 11, 2008 6:04 AM | Link to this

Food for thought: Is a national civilian security force just as strong as the military even Constitutional? We already have a National Guard that can be called up by the States. The Constitution clearly states which things the Federal Government has authority over and which the States have authority over leaving the rest to the people. A National Civilian Security Force doing the bidding of the Federal Government in a Gestapo type way would cause another Civil War because many states will not stand for the Federal Government overriding the States authority.

By Tom Becker

November 11, 2008 6:25 AM | Link to this

Broun is merely stealing my blogs about Blackwater Mercenaries coming here after Iraq and playing Keystone Kaisers for the gated communities and elite ceo’s.

Under the guise of “security”, these monsters can wreak havoc in our streets.

The pendulum swings both ways. Imagine how horrible it’s going to be when the Obama backlash begins. The right is going to feel entitled to take liberties with our liberties.

The right would rather destroy this country than live in an Obama Administration.

That’s 4 sure, that’s 4 dang sure.

By Keith

November 11, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this

It would take an idiot to ignore Obama in the light shed on his past, issues he has never denied, statements he’s made in the recent past, i.e. his campaign.

The Left can blindly follow him into the future as THEIR savior. I too may follow, but I will keep looking to see where he’s leading before committing myself to any part of his agenda.

By Keith

November 11, 2008 6:55 AM | Link to this

It would take an idiot to ignore Obama in the light shed on his past, issues he has never denied, statements he’s made in the recent past, i.e. his campaign.

The Left can blindly follow him into the future as THEIR savior. I too may follow, but I will keep looking to see where he’s leading before committing myself to any part of his agenda.

By Bill

November 11, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this

There will be bloody rebellion if the Socialist Savior creates a Civilian Confiscation Corps to invade homes, seize guns and march nonbelievers to concentration camps. The 56 million who voted against the Messiah are heavily armed and will fight.

By I See All That Is In Front Of Me

November 11, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Oh Paul. Paul. Don’t forget to tell everyone about the time you were abducted by aliens.

By Youreanidiot

November 11, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Wow, you people continue with your empty jibberish about Obama and change…. you’ve done no research on Obama’s background. You’ve swallowed what the mainstream media has fed you since day one.

Rep. Broun is right. You’re a bunch of fools. Obama works for the same special interests aka JP Morgan Chase Co, Goldman Sachs, Rothschilds… its the same outcome no matter whom is elected. Obama was hand picked!

But there is “hope”. I hope for lots of things. I “hope” the F*ing tooth fairy leaves me money under my pillow.

Wake up America. Stop ascribing to the smoke & mirrors. These people want you in complete submission and/or dead.

By Robert Rumfelt

November 11, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

The United States has about 16,000 law inforcement agencies. We don’t need another one. Our Founding Father’s designed the constitution in such a way that the president couldn’t use the army on it’s own people. The Nantional guard is control by the Governors of each state and is-by design decentalized. This idea of a civilian security force should alarm anyone with even an elementary understanding of our constitution or history. I know this is a recipe for civil unrest and organized opposition should he move forward with this idea.

By Matilda

November 11, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

OH, so we had nothing to worry about from the President who said, “Hand over your civil rights NOW, cede legislative authority to the executive branch, we’ll hold all our meetings in secret, you’ve no right to know ‘cuz I’M THE DECIDER,* and if you ask questions you’re a terr’ist-loving TRAITOR?” Right. Go dig a hole in your backyard for all your cash, and put YOURSELF in there while you’re at it, mmmm-kay? Morons.

By Nita

November 11, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

Apparently, Rep. Broun has been living in the Dark Ages for the past 8 years. Not only is he obviously clueless, he is seemingly a bigot. It is egregious that someone of his apparent caliber holds any type of office in our great country — which only stands to become greater now that a true leader — has REALLY been elected — who has no ulterior motives! Perhaps Broun should do the country a favor and remove himself from office. I’m sure Fred Flintstone would love to have a new golfing buddy.

By CatGut

November 11, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

The sense we are left with here after examining all the facts is that “flintstones” more appropriately describes your news journal, the lowlifes who write it, and by association…the folks who follow it.

By Mrs. Broun

November 11, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

If anyone sees my husband Paul, please send him home. He forgot to take his Lithium this morning.

By I See All That Is In Front Of Me

November 11, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

On a timeline illustrating advancement of the human race, members of the Republican party are to the Flintstones as the Flintstones are to the Jetsons. So, keep up the excellent work, Republicans. You’re well on your way to self-inflicted extinction. Might I suggest that you elect Newt as your new old leader to help further your cause. The whole lot of you can meet in one of your stately mansions and begin your plans for a new contract on America while flirting with each others spouses and other lovers. I look forward to reading all about it once it makes the best-sellers list.

By mginkc

November 11, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

I’m glad I live in KC away from morons like Broun. BTW, there’s a Communist in your closet.

mginkc

By Zorg

November 11, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Zoltar is correct. We have already replaced many earthlings with our Zobats.

Go Zobama!

Meep, Orrp, Brizzzzzzz.

Zorg

By Zorg

November 11, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Zoltar is correct. We have already replaced many earthlings with our Zobats.

BTW, his Zenon name is Zorack Zobama.

Meep, Orrp, Brizzzzzzz.

Zorg

By Jethro

November 11, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Whether ideology, ignorance, or complacency to hearing any logic not one’s own, several comments here seem downright scary. Tom Becker says he’s “calling it like it is with some well spring of info” and that “Obama is a prophesy fulfilling, with a “mandate.” His “Conservatism is dead” sounds like sour grapes from someone that is envious of other’s achievement. Is he simply a communist hopeful for such “change?.” While liberals and such radicals now think they have the “football” and are anxious to impose their will upon America, only time will tell if we are truly a “center-right country” gullible to empty populist promises or really choosing the path of our European forbearers with stagnant growth, cradle to grave socialism where the rich come to America for school, medicine and opportunity. Obama’s written words, associations show his adoption of Marxist ideology thru Alinsky tactics- “create the feeling of hopelessness, then offer change thru organizing the masses and once in power turn that collective good against the wants of any individual.“ Does Tom Becker believe this is best for America? Has he even read Alinsky or Obama’s two autobiographies? Can he give us an example of his hopeful, “capitalism is dead” world that he wants America to be or will he just write insults and glib simplistic statements w/out true substance?

By Keep it real!

November 11, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Funny so many are commenting on Maxism, but yet you find many who believe they need a assault weapon in a modern society.

A regular gun is not enough but a machine gun would really provide something!

So many have lost their mind about the realities of life.

Their are many countries with-out guns period and we cry like babies if someone says we cannot have a machine gun in the house!

By marie

November 11, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Tom, Thank you for you well worded and thought out rebuttal. I greatly appreciate the information, some of it I had not heard before, but much of it I had. I have to say that Clinton himself traced the problems with Frannie and Freddie back to the CRA of 1977 and from my knowledge it doesn’t follow that republicans would try to force banks to loan money to underqualified individuals b/c they tend toward smaller government. That is more along the lines of where I was going. Democrats, Independents, Republicans and Non partisan strategists and economist point to the CRA as a starting off point. Now I in all honesty cannot say for absolute certain where to lay the ultimate blame, just where I deduce it to begin, with my own somewhat limited knowledge, I was not in on the vote or sessions in discussion for any of these bills and there are always several sides to any event. I am aware of the Patriot Act and never mentioned I supported or opposed it, there are parts i disagree with but in my view it is not in the same vein of forcing public financing for wall street, welfare, or national civillian corps that mandate service. I had my concerns with Bush and even more with Clinton and so on, on back. I whole heartedly thank you for you informed and interesting comment.

Jean, I am so sorry that you appear to hold so much anger and hurt inside that you must spew vitriol and poison. You have no idea of the color of my skin or my involvement in civil rights, I may very well be directly descended from Oludah Equino a great hero and you would in no way be able to tell from this page or my post. Nor could you deduce my relationship with my GOD, who teaches me to love regardless of color or creed or actions. And for you to sling racism at people because they fear Marxism is in itself showing that same train of thought. You are hurting your cause by calling names and appear more ignorant because of it. We still live in an America where we can question our politicians, who work for us, and not agree with them. Everyone who doesn’t agree with Obama is not racist nor will you further his cause of Change or help him as he tries re unite this country. We are American before we are democrat, republican or independent, we are one beautiful nation with many faces, and that is one of the things I personally love most. God bless you and keep you.

By Jason

November 11, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

And Republicans can’t seem to figure out how they could have lost.

The future of the party is in good hands with reality-based members like Rep. Broun, R- John Birch Society.

Have to say, nobody throws a tantrum quite like Republicans.

By ES from NY

November 12, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

It’s great that Broun said this. He should be commended. We’ve forgotten what communism is like and Barack Obama has a far-left Marxist record, although he and the media have been spinning the cold hard facts, such as those he made on “major redistributive change” on a radio show in 2001. No one could honestly say that he opposed such change in those remarks, since all he actually said was that he wasn’t optimistic about bringing about such change through the courts, but his defenders somehow did. He ran for State Senate as a democratic socialist sponsored New Party candidate, and had a pro-communist band, the Decemberists, open and close for at a rally (named after a lower-class uprising, they perform the Soviet anthem in Russian). That’s a horrible example for our young people, who don’t know anything about communism, and who are completely divorced from the reality that there are still people on this planet who are live oppressed under one-party dictatorships without any of the freedoms that seem so natural we take them for granted. My own father snuck out of one such paradise, East Germany. Check out “Crisis in the Koreas” for a sense of what communism means.

By ES from NY

November 12, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

It’s great that Broun said this. He should be commended. We’ve forgotten what communism is like and Barack Obama has a far-left Marxist record, although he and the media have been spinning the cold hard facts, such as those he made on “major redistributive change” on a radio show in 2001. No one could honestly say that he opposed such change in those remarks, since all he actually said was that he wasn’t optimistic about bringing about such change through the courts, but his defenders somehow did. He ran for State Senate as a democratic socialist sponsored New Party candidate, and had a pro-communist band, the Decemberists, open and close for at a rally (named after a lower-class uprising, they perform the Soviet anthem in Russian). That’s a horrible example for our young people, who don’t know anything about communism, and who are completely divorced from the reality that there are still people on this planet who are live oppressed under one-party dictatorships without any of the freedoms that seem so natural we take them for granted. My own father snuck out of one such paradise, East Germany. Check out “Crisis in the Koreas” for a sense of what communism means.