Home > Thinking Right > Archives > 2009 > February > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USOn the road to socialism
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You have to hand it to Barack Obama and to the Democrats who run Congress.
They do have a vision and in short order will have placed this nation so firmly on the road to European-style socialism that three decades of occasional efforts by conservatives to check the power of the central government will be wiped away.
Universal health care provided at taxpayer expense? It’s coming. Heavy regulation of business and commerce? It’s coming. Every kooky idea the left ever wanted to impose on American industry (cap-and-trade) is coming.
Outlining his vision before a joint session of Congress, President Obama could have been the clueless campus radical of the 60s promising revolution without any idea of how a free-market economy works. Somebody — the rich 2 percent of tax filers making more than $250,000 — will pay for it and everybody else will get free pizzas, fine rides and complete relief from worry. He was purposefully vague about how the nation will afford the left’s vision while cutting the deficit in half by the end of his first term. Oh, but no worry. He’s “already identified $2 trillion in savings over the next decade.”
As Georgia’s former Gov. Marvin Griffin used to say: “Everybody who believes that pick up a bale of cotton and follow me.” It’s a pipe dream, on the order of the promised “savings” that come down the road when advocacy groups are clamoring for substantial sums to be “invested” in some program they’re pushing — smoking cessation campaigns, for example.
Obama Democrats are pursuing agendas that will wreck the American economy and drive offshore the manufacturing that’s not owned or subsidized by taxpayers. In the Republican response, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal pointed out the obvious: Irresponsible expansion of government will “increase our taxes down the line and saddle future generations with debt.”
The left was frustrated for eight years, angry that a war on terrorism had side-tracked their ambitions. That pent-up frustration now erupts and before there’s another election that’ll check their power, they’ll get HillaryCare, cap-and-trade and everything else on their agenda. Then they’ll turn their sights, as President Obama declared last night, to public education.
Rest assured, what they can do for the economy and for individual initiative, they can do too for local schools.
Services »
Comments
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this
“You have to hand it to Barack Obama and to the Democrats who run Congress.” Correct, put your hands up, and don’t make any sudden moves.
“Government has only two ways of getting money other than raising taxes. It can go into the money market and borrow, competing with its own citizens and driving up interest rates, which it has done, or it can print money, and it’s done that. Both methods are inflationary.” Ronaldus Maximus.
Stock market We note the Obama administration plans to do everything except reduce the footprint of government, making it the “anti-Reagan.” And we recall that the stock market – our best measure of the future health of the economy – more than doubled in the Reagan years, from 950.68 1/20/2001 to 2235.36 1/20/2009. The Reagan tax cuts continued to drive the stock market for another decade, during which period there was no meaningful action to undercut that huge change in the government take. (Indeed, does anyone remember now that Bill Clinton and the Republican Congress greatly reduced Federal welfare spending?) On November 1, 1994, before the republicans took Congress, the Dow closed at 3739.23. On November 7, 2006, hours before the democrats retook Congress, the Dow closed at 12, 156.77. In contrast, since October 1, 2008 when the likelihood of President Obama and a democrat Congress became manifest, the market has fallen from 10,831.07 to yesterday’s 7,350.94, a drop of 32%. The Obama people have expressed their desire to restore the tax levels that existed at the height of the Clinton administration, and seemingly the stock market is going there too. The people with “skin in the game,” to borrow the leftists’s latest catch-phrase, are voting, with their feet. Change we can believe in.
“More regulation” is a form of dedicated “tax and spend,” one that compels companies to pay potentially-unlimited amounts to accomplish particular overlord purposes. Such limitless dedicated “tax and spend” laws are enough to break a General Motors, as CAFE proved. Now President Obama proposes to work such wonder on all industry in “pollution,” with an imitation of the European “cap and trade” system that collapsed in a quagmire of corruption. A reasonable forecast is regional shortages in energy production, spot shortages in goods production due to the efficiencies lost in diminished freedom, and exponentially higher prices for all. Everything in Obamanomics seems to be dedicated to generate large pools from which graft can be extracted and favors dispensed. This is so obvious that President Obama had to warn the governors and mayors to not take their cut, that he was keeping it all for the national thieves.
Were you aware that the unemployment rate has gone up 60% since Nancy Pelosi proclaimed intention to allow the Bush tax cuts to expire? The intellectual flaw of all Obamanomics is “static analysis.” The new overlords assume that businesses do not react to higher costs imposed by government, whether imposed by tax or by regulation. In a service-based economy, the only place that businesses can reduce costs is “employment,” as that is the only “raw material” in its product. So when Congress chooses to compel businesses to divert revenues to government (and thus away from “production,”) that decision will have a measurable human cost. As we have seen since the Pelosicrats proclaimed an end to the Bush tax cuts.
Unemployment November 2007, one year after the democrats seized control of Congress: 4.7%.
Unemployment today: 7.6%, a 60% increase (2.9% change/4.7%) in the unemployment rate. Our forecast is that number will continue to rise, as the date of the actual expiration of the cuts approaches. Change we can believe in.
By Peadawg
February 25, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this
Like McCain said, “this is not change we can believe in.” AMEN!!!
Why should I have to pay other people’s mortgages when they shouldn’t be living in a $500,000 house on a $35,000 yearly salary in the first place? Why should I have to pay for other people’s mistakes?
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this
Before we get on to the next democrat spending- and regulating-spree, we pause to note the leftists are always good for a laugh. The “Democratic Policy Committee” releases an accounting to show that Georgia gets $4 billion of the $800+ billion “stimulus.” $1.6 billion of those funds are earmarked for grants to schools and hospitals for energy efficiency and combined heat and power system projects. “Stimulus” for the HVAC guys but seemingly nobody else. Everything else is either welfare or a grant to expand government. 1/200th of the total “stimulus” money is all Georgia sees, and that sounds like chump change to me. The productive Sunbelt subsidizes the crumbling Rustbelt. Change we can believe in.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this
In a brief, but related, follow-up to yesterday’s topic Tennessee Governor Bredesen (D) on the “stimulus” unemployment monies: “We are evaluating this piece of money, whether it makes sense for us to take it. We may well be one of the states that say we can’t take on that portion of it.” The Rustbelt imposes its policies on the dynamic Sunbelt. Change we can believe in.
By BoneHead
February 25, 2009 9:34 AM | Link to this
I think hell just froze over. I agree with Jim…..
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
February 25, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this
The Reich that put us in the poor house is now trying to stop us from getting out. The necessity for the stimuli emanates from the theft perpetrated by the Republinazis. George W. Hitler and Satan spent for an unnecessary war, allowed cronies to steal at will and put us into this deep cave of a deficit. Obama will lead us out, no thanks to you bums!
By Bill Shipp
February 25, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this
This is a one-question quiz on Georgia government. Only Gov. Sonny Perdue knows the right answer. Pay attention.
Here’s the question: In the midst of Georgia’s worst economic crisis in 75 years - unemployment is at a record high, so are foreclosures - why would the governor of the Empire State of the South decide now is the best time to reorganize the state highway board?
OK, select an answer:
A. The board is a tangled mess. Board members regularly engage in side deals with lawmakers. Transportation planning is a bigger joke than water planning, and we used to think water planning was the mother of all jokes.
B. The governor ought to control the highway board, aka the transportation board, and mostly remove the legislature from the process of electing the highway board members. Corruption might drop off like a melting ice cap.
C. Perdue is being urged to join several other Republican governors in turning down billions of federal tax dollars to stimulate state economies. When the “just say no” governors become too insistent, Perdue can say, “I don’t have time for that now. I’m too busy reorganizing the state highway board.” See? A perfect excuse.
The board that Perdue proposes would put the governor squarely in charge of transportation. The governor alone would be empowered to hire and fire a commissioner of transportation.
Perdue has said he wants to run the transportation department like a business. He has said that about state government before. For the same reason, he hired a battalion of retired bankers to become his key assistants in the Gold Dome. These bankers, by the way, are mostly the ones who helped Bank of America become what it is today.
Opponents of the Perdue plan say it is nothing more than a naked power grab. Naked? That may be too harsh, but this much is true: Until now, the governor has shown little interest in comprehensive highway policy. He flies over traffic jams whenever possible, and he never looks down.
With so many things already on his plate, Perdue may have to hire additional personnel to run the board and the transportation department. How can Gov. Sonny run a financially strapped state plus his own personal finances, which include a mysterious $21 million note, and still have time to sort out Georgia’s transportation needs? Friends, it can’t be done. Sonny needs to recruit another banker or two to help him. Bankers looking for new careers are available everywhere these days.
By the way, the Perdue transportation plan abolishes the geographic balance of highway districts and the rule requiring equal expenditure of highway funds in districts throughout the state.
You may say, “Speaker Romeo Richardson and his merry crew of legislators are certain to vote down the governor’s plan. They don’t want the governor horning in on highway business.”
You may be wrong. If the General Assembly kills Perdue’s plan, the governor may withhold any new funding to build roads. And traffic will continue to get worse, assuming anybody has jobs to go to.
Legal beagles say Perdue’s plan also contravenes the separation-of-powers doctrine, and furthermore …
Wait a minute! Have we lost our minds? Is reshuffling an already ineffectual highway board the most vital issue at hand? I don’t think so.
Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida, a solid Republican, has the right idea. Gov. Perdue, cooperate with President Obama’s team and get as much “stim” money as possible for your state. Let those other screwball GOP governors ride off into the sunset, bragging they refused every federal dollar - just before their states went into bankruptcy. And, for the time being (probably the remainder of your term), concentrate on getting us economically viable again. After all, Georgia was doing pretty well until you and the other elephants rose to power. You sort of owe it to us to put things back in place and make the cash registers ring again. Just forget about reshuffling those boxes on a piece of poster board, captioned “Sonny’s Terrific New Plan for Reorganizing the Transportation Board.”
P.S: If it weren’t for this recession, Sonny, I would be squarely on your side. The highway board needs reorganizing. It is the worst muddle in state government, and that’s no small accomplishment.
By Curious Observer
February 25, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this
Oh, put a sock in it, knuckle-draggers. So we don’t need no gummint regulation after we’ve seen American consumers robbed of savings and health by the lack of oversight of the financial market and the food industry? Would you like a peanut butter sandwich? We don’t need health care for 40 million people who wait until their conditions are critical before going to a hospital and sticking us with the bill anyway? And the way to prosperity is to continue shoveling tax cuts to the highest earners in the entire country—all the while we moan about the mounting deficit?
Get used to some change. You lost the election. No one is willing to put up with more of the crap you’ve foisted on the American public for the past eight years.
By John
February 25, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
Same old Republicans..All talk,no action. Still calling everyone a communist if they don’t agree with them. Still talking about breaks for the rich. Still talking about what Reagan would have done. Still talking about welfare and food stamps. Is there anything positive you have on the table?
By Producer
February 25, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this
I saw an editorial cartoon the other day that showed a tombstone for capitalism with RIP on it. Dead on target. This is what happens when we prop up and subsidize the weak, non-prodcutive, undeserving members of this population. Enough fleas on a dog and the dog will die. Congratulations!
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this
Dear Algonquin @ 9:40, if I read your post correctly you advise us to ignore the man behind the curtain?
Dear Curious @ 9:47, you can’t handle the truth.
By CMS
February 25, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this
Jim please help me understand something. If republicans vehemently reject Obama’s stimulus bill, what logical alternative would they suggest? As an independent I haven’t heard one yet.
By Leon
February 25, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this
Rag,
I know a cerebration like this could never enter your indefectible brain but…. what if you’re wrong? Then what? (moment of turgid silence ensues)
That’s what I thought.
By Peter
February 25, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this
Well Jim..
Seems like Obama is a better way than the Imperialistic Kingship that George Bush, and Dick Cheney had in place.
HA HA HA……to this idiot statement !…….
“The left was frustrated for eight years, angry that a war on terrorism had side-tracked their ambitions.”
What you really mean Jim………AMERICAN’S are fed up of the “Excuse” to Make up a WAR…..based on “Faulty Intelligence”………and the screwing the American People got with that WAR !
By the way Jim……. America is not safer because of that Made up War !
So Bush league and the Republican’s along with Wasting American Money, has actually made America Less Safe !
Go…… Jim GO…… SPIN, SPIN, SPIN……. as you are the Dizzy Dinosaur !
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 10:01 AM | Link to this
Thomas Sowell: “There is far more to fear from this administration than its amateurism in governing. The urgency with which it has rushed through a monumental spending bill, whose actual spending will not be completed even after 2010, ought to set off alarm bells among those who are not in thrall to the euphoria of Obama’s presidency. The urgency was real, even if the reason given was phony. President Obama’s chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, let slip a valuable clue when he said that a crisis should not go to waste, that a crisis is an opportunity to do things that you could not do otherwise. Think about the utter cynicism of that. During a crisis, a panicked public will let you get away with things you couldn’t get away with otherwise. A corollary of that is that you had better act quickly while the crisis is at hand, without Congressional hearings or public debates about what you are doing. Above all, you must act before the economy begins to recover on its own.
“The party line is that the market has failed so disastrously that only the government can save us. It is proclaimed in Washington and echoed in the media. The last thing the administration can risk is delay that could allow the market to begin recovering on its own. That would undermine, if not destroy, a golden opportunity to restructure the American economy in ways that would allow politicians to micro-manage other sectors of the economy the way they have micro-managed the housing market into disaster.”
Walter Williams: “[W]hat is the driving force that explains how millions of people manage to cooperate to get 60,000 different items to your supermarket?
“Most of them don’t give a hoot about you and me, some of them might hate Americans, but they serve us well and they do so voluntarily. The bottom line motivation for the cooperation is people are in it for themselves; they want more profits, wages, interest and rent, or to use today’s silly talk — people are greedy. Adam Smith, the father of economics, captured the essence of this wonderful human cooperation when he said, ‘He (the businessman) generally, indeed, neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows how much he is promoting it. … He intends only his own security; and by directing that industry in such a manner as its produce may be of the greatest value, he intends only his own gain.’ Adam Smith continues, ‘He is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. … By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it.’ And later he adds, ‘It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.’
“If you have doubts about Adam Smith’s prediction, ask yourself which areas of our lives are we the most satisfied and those with most complaints. Would they be profit motivated arenas such supermarkets, video or clothing stores, or be nonprofit motivated government-operated arenas such as public schools, postal delivery or motor vehicle registration? By the way, how many of you would be in favor of Congress running our supermarkets?”
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this
Dear CMS @ 9:56, “If republicans vehemently reject Obama’s stimulus bill, what logical alternative would they suggest? As an independent I haven’t heard one yet.” It is not rocket science: the economy would recover almost immediately with rescission of the “stimulus” and renewal of the Bush tax cuts. The entire collapse arises from government micro-management of the private economy, about to be compounded by government sucking the capital/lifeblood out of the private economy. I have yet to see a rational proof that Leviathan spends more intelligently than private people making private decisions.
Dear Leon @ 9:58, as my logorrhea amply demonstrates, I constantly review and reconsider everything. But even with constant reconsideration I return to the same fundamental findings. I would respectfully consider any logical suggestion where my arguments err.
By Davo
February 25, 2009 10:10 AM | Link to this
Well that was a jolly rant you had there, JW.
One question that comes to mind is ‘How could such an inept, wishy-washy bunch of liberals…who obviously want to drive us towards socialism, have gotten into this position of power in the first place?
Oh yeah….it’s because the republicans failed to lead and continue to fail to impress. Nobody deserves more thanks for the Obama presidency and the liberal congress than the republican party.
So who caused this great socialism Jim, the dems who always wanted it or the GOP who just gave it away?
Back to the wilderness…and don’t come out til you say something nice about Ron Paul.
By Steven Daedalus
February 25, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this
Why do Republicans hate America? Why do they want us to fail and self-destruct? Why did they get us in this mess we are in and now try to obstruct? Why, why, why? Because they are self serving dolts and Wooten loves them, they are really to be pitied.
By Dusty
February 25, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this
Jim Wooten gives us the straight facts without the golden touch of socialism. That golden touch is pure loss of independence. Socialists take most of your money. They make your health decisions. They brain wash your children. They “regulate” your job because all jobs are government. They are too spineless to fight against our enemies. They will give you FREE ghettos in which to live. That is the golden touch of socialism.
How can Americans who, in our past history, rejected royal government, indenture, slavery, and debtor’s prison now wish to return to shades of past injustice? Socialism is NOT freedom. It is rule by someone other than yourself. THINK, folks! If you don’t, someone is going to do it for you without you in mind.
I refuse to think like a socialist. We now have a silver tongued orator leading you into the socalled EASY Way OUT so he says. (He says “hard” but insinuates “easy/only”.) I will never go AGAINST independence even if it is wrapped in the “gold” of socialism.
By Recreational flatuence
February 25, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
My wife supports the concept of universal health care. The reason is that she’s seen insurance grow more costly, while covering less. We pay as much in insurance of various flavors as we do in taxes.
I’m about ready to become a hermit and see how much of our food we can grow on our paid-for homestead on 3.5 acres. I’ll use the horses to plow.
By Do The Math
February 25, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
Sure, the country has moved significantly to the left, and you are blaming democrats for this who are not suprisingly liberal. Wow what a revalation!
What you are not writing about is that Republicans trashed the economy with out of control spending and deregulation of the financial markets that led to widespread private sector corruption. Republicans did this to themselves nobody helped them.
It will get worse for Republicans long before it gets better becuase they don’t have any ideas that are different then the completely failed policies of the last eight years.
Look out for 1010, more lost seats coming.
By ron
February 25, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this
Good morning,That Obama and the Democrats are going to fail seems pretty apparent to me.Unless ,of course,there are new accounting tricks that I don’t know about.That Jindal is going to be the salvation is far less apparent.That conservatives are actually going to be conservative in the future and rein in government is not in the game plan.Jindal is Governor of Louisiana,and Governors there have a long history of not doing so well.He may not even be a viable candidate in 4 years.
Reid,Pelosi and crew have waited a long time to get their agendas enacted and they’re going to enact them and to hell with the consequences.If the country goes broke because of their actions,no big deal to them.They’ll go home and write their memoirs,like countless thousands before them,leaving the rest of us to pick up the pieces.
By Chris Broe
February 25, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this
Last night, February 24, 2009, a date that will live in infirmary, our new president did suddenly and deliberately declare war on the United State’s health care system. A system which provides neither health, nor care, but instead provided the mind altering drugs which lead to the rise of the Right under the fascist ramblings of a finatic talk radio host named Rush Limbaugh upon whose shoulders all of our troubles rest, an against who’s constituency we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.
Jklol
By Ga Values
February 25, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this
In the early ‘70’s I worked as an summer intern for a Dow Jones Industrial. During that period I published a study that basically moved all our manufacturing off shore not because it cost less but because our government gave incentives to do so. Since then our country has lost most of our manufacturing base, I do not see how we can recover with an economy based of flipping burgers and selling worthless bonds. We can thank the lobbyist from the chamber of commerce fot that.
As for Universal Health care we as a society are already paying for it but not getting it. The way the system works now there is not insurance only a system that collects premiums until you get sick, at which point they drive the premiums up to the point where it is unaffordable for most people.
By Maureen Dowd
February 25, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this
Talk about being teed off.
The economy is croaking and bankers are still partying at a golf tournament here on our dime.
It’s a good argument for nationalization, or better yet, internationalization. Outsource the jobs of these perfidious, oblivious bank executives to Bangalore; Bollywood bashes have to cost less than Hollywood ones.
The entertainment Web site TMZ broke the story Tuesday that Northern Trust of Chicago, which got $1.5 billion in bailout money and then laid off 450 workers, flew hundreds of clients and employees to Los Angeles last week and treated them to four days of posh hotel rooms, salmon and filet mignon dinners, music concerts, a PGA golf tournament at the Riviera Country Club with Mercedes shuttle rides and Tiffany swag bags.
“A rep from the PGA told us Northern Trust wrote one big, fat check in order to sponsor the event,” TMZ reported.
Northern No Trust had a lavish dinner at the Ritz Carlton on Wednesday with a concert by Chicago (at a $100,000 fee); rented a private hangar at the Santa Monica Airport on Thursday for another big dinner with a gig by Earth, Wind & Fire, and closed down the House of Blues on Sunset Strip on Saturday (at a cost of $50,000) for a dinner and serenade by Sheryl Crow.
In the ignoble tradition of rockers who sing for huge sums to sketchy people when we’re not looking, Crow — in her stint as a federal employee — warbled these lyrics to the oblivious revelers:
“Slow down, you’re gonna crash, Baby, you’re a-screaming it’s a blast, blast, blast Look out babe, you’ve got your blinders on … But there’s a new cat in town He’s got high payin’ friends Thinks he’s gonna change history.”
Northern Untrustworthy even offered junketeers the chance to attend a seminar on the credit crunch where they could no doubt learn that the U.S. government is just the latest way to finance your deals and keep your office swathed in $87,000 area rugs.
In what is now an established idiotic ritual of rationalization, the bank put out a letter noting that it “did not seek the government’s investment” even though it took it, and that it had raised $3 million for the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce Charity Foundation and other nonprofits. They riposted that they have a contract to do it every year for five years; but this isn’t every year.
The bank cloaks itself in a philanthropic glow while wasting our money, acting like the American Cancer Society when in fact it’s a cancer on American society.
It asserted that it earned an operating net income of $641 million last year and acted as though it did Americans a favor by taking federal cash.
I would ask Northern No Trust: If you’re totally solvent, why are you taking my tax dollars? If you’re not totally solvent, why are you giving my tax dollars to Sheryl Crow?
Coming in a moment when skeptical and angry Americans watched A.I.G., Citigroup, General Motors and Chrysler — firms that had already been given a federal steroid injection — get back in line for more billions, the golf scandal was just one more sign that the bailed-out rich are different from you and me: their appetites are unquenchable and their culture is uneducable.
President Obama served them notice on Tuesday night in his Congressional address, saying: “This time, C.E.O.’s won’t be able to use taxpayer money to pad their paychecks or buy fancy drapes or disappear on a private jet. Those days are over.”
But will they notice?
John “Antique Commode” Thain had to be ordered by a judge to tell Andrew Cuomo’s investigators which Merrill Lynch employees got those $3.6 billion in bonuses that Thain illicitly shoved through as his firm was failing and being taken over by Bank of America with the help of a $45 billion bailout. Kenneth Lewis, the Bank of America C.E.O., made the absurd assertion to Congress that his bank had “no authority” to stop the bonuses, even though he knew about them beforehand.
“They find out they’re $7 billion off on the estimate of losses for the fourth quarter and they never think maybe we should go back and adjust these bonuses?” Cuomo told me, as Thain was finally responding to investigators on Tuesday at the New York attorney general’s office. “He refused to answer questions on the basis that ‘the Bank of America didn’t want me to.’ You can take the Fifth Amendment or you can answer questions. But there’s no Bank of America privilege. The Bank of America doesn’t substitute for the Constitution. And who’s the Bank of America, by the way?”
He gets incensed about how ingrained, indoctrinated and insensitive the ex-masters of the universe are. “They think of themselves as kings and queens,” he said. And they’re not ready to abdicate.
By Redneck Convert
February 25, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this
Well, Sister Dusty and me got about the same IQ because I agree with everything she says. We don’t need no socialism. We need to get out there and scramble and fight for our food and housing and doctoring and may the best man or woman win. If we just let more people starve or die we wouldn’t have so many poor people we got to take care of with our taxes. Which is just govmint stealing.
That’s our opinion and it’s very true. Have a good day everybody.
By Chris Broe
February 25, 2009 10:40 AM | Link to this
The object of health care insurance in America is to keep shareholders well. Sick people are the enemy. doctors are the fallguys. drugs are the allies. money is the object.
How can a nation be 200 years old without the people rising up and taking over? I thought that’s what we did in 1776. Obama is our leader. He is saying all the right things. The discredited and properly vilified Right have not been completely annihilated; only defeated. They are waving their fists, standing behind their fallen leader McCain, who mugs defiance from his seat, and vogues revenge with body posture, eyebrow arches, and puffed cheeks.
We must not falter, or be afraid, against the final onslaught by the vestiges of the Evangelical Right who seek our destruction. Indeed we must rally every day in unaltered states of unison and declare that if our new country should last two entire terms, THIS is our finest hour.
Jklol
By Peter
February 25, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this
Hey Jim………. This is exactly How America has been treated by the Republican’s and their desire to not have Industry checked……..
U.S. salmonella outbreak count hits 666 people sickened
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – An outbreak of salmonella food poisoning traced to peanut products has sickened 666 people and is continuing despite one of the biggest food recalls in U.S. history, health officials said on Tuesday.
But the outbreak of salmonella is still only linked to nine deaths, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement.
“To date, 19 clusters of infections in five states have been reported in schools and other institutions, such as long-term care facilities and hospitals. King Nut brand peanut butter was present in all facilities,” the CDC said in a statement.
King Nut is produced by Peanut Corporation of America, which has gone into bankruptcy and closed two plants in Georgia and Texas after inspectors traced the salmonella outbreaks to them.
Its peanuts were not used in name brands of peanut butter but were ingredients in a wide range of products from peanut butter crackers to dog treats and bird seed.
“To date, more than 2,100 products in 17 categories have been voluntarily recalled by more than 200 companies, and the list continues to grow,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a statement.
FBI officials in Atlanta and Virginia said earlier this week they had joined the FDA in a criminal investigation of the company.
Members of Congress have pledged to reform the FDA’s food inspection program.
Yes thousands of American’s have been sickened and lots have died over the course of the Bush Administration, as they choose to make money having WAR, over safe guarding and helping the American Public !
By Reality Check
February 25, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this
Peadawg @9:25am.
Please give me one real example of someone making 35K living in a 500K house. That is another lie being passed off as the truth by the fools on the right. A bigger culprit is the large investors that over purchased multlpe homes in order to flip them or the developers that flooded the market with more houses than could be sold or lived in or built a million Condos in the city of Atlanta that they borrowed money to build, and can’t sell. But That would mean pointing the finger at some in the business community. But I forget…. Business is ALWAYS right
By Dusty
February 25, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this
Does everyone know that Maureen Dowd is about as far left as one can get off the road?
Whomever is putting her stuff on Wooten’s blog cannot think for themselves. How about writing your own ideas instead of stuffing up the place with biased Democratic journalists like Dowd and Bill Shipp?
By Dusty
February 25, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this
Dear RedNeck convert,10:37 ] I’d rather eat tainted peanut butter than think like you.
Go hide beneath your undercover. Besides, you can’t even hit a golf ball, the true measure of a man. Go vote socialism, you ol’ goat. You need somebody caring for you.
By Copyleft
February 25, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this
The far right really has fallen behind, haven’t they? They have NO clue why they lost the 2006 and 2008 elections (hint: you’ve lost touch with Real AmericansTM).
And they’re still trotting out the “socialism” scare-word, even though it completely failed them in the 2008 campaign season.
Give it up, Wootenites; the “socialism” boogeyman just isn’t scaring anybody but you. Public roads and libraries are socialism; the police force is socialism; and the national healthcare we so desperately want and need to implement, for sound economic reasons, is socialism too.
Guess what? That doesn’t bother us! It only bothers the people who lost on that very point. America has MovedOn.
By Jim Jess
February 25, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this
Bill Shipp lost his grip on reality long ago. Didn’t he even listen to what some of the governors were saying about some of this stimulus money? Certain “pots” of money may require changes in state law that will mean tax increases for citizens after the money runs out in a couple of years. Money from Washington often has strings attached. You should know that Bill. Go back and take Political Science 101 and start listening to all of the facts about a story instead of just “shooting from the hip.” And very little of this is about Democrats and Republicans. It’s about ideas and policy.
By Peter
February 25, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this
Wow Dusty…..Amazing comment………..But I know you are really not telling the truth…….
“By Dusty
February 25, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this
Dear RedNeck convert,10:37 ] I’d rather eat tainted peanut butter than think like you. “
Heck the guy from the Peanut Butter Factory, would not eat his own product…….
Comments like this show how OFF BASE Republican’s really are……… I guess you would have your kids and Grand Kids eat the tainted Peanut Butter as well ?
That is Correct……… Dusty says Abortion is Wrong…..BUT Dying from Eating Tainted Peanut Butter is OK in her eyes !
Typical Republican agenda…..don’t protect American’s !
By Peanut Man
February 25, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this
Dusty 10:51 AM
How much money did SXABY CHAMBLISS take from Peanut Corporation of America and what did they get for it?
By Boots
February 25, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this
A. Lincoln said, “He has a right to cricize, who has a heart to help.”
In this terrible crisis, we have as abundance of critics and obstructionists, but few who are willing to put self-interest aside and do what is in the best interest of the country.
Republicans are acting like spoiled, petulant children. \
What a dang shame.
This behavior will keep Republicans on the margins —- the last vestiges and dying gasps of a bye-gone age in the south —- fueled by right-wing ideoology espoused by Christian fundamentalists.
By Big Bucks GOP
February 25, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this
American International Group, the insurance giant bailed out by the United States government last year, has received a preliminary offer of $11 billion from MetLife for its American Life Insurance Company subsidiary, The New York Times said, citing people with knowledge of the discussions.
But the offer might slip to about $8 billion, as more becomes known about how the global downturn is affecting the unit, called Alico, which has operations in more than 55 countries.
Moreover, A.I.G.’s need for capital appears to be growing so quickly that $8 billion, or even $11 billion, would not come close to filling the hole. A.I.G. is expected to report fourth-quarter losses of perhaps $60 billion early next week, and losses on that scale could initiate a domino effect like the one that flattened the company last September.
The situation appears to leave A.I.G. with two distasteful options, The Times said: selling prized assets to competitors or handing over a big part of its business to the federal government.
By Melody Dareing
February 25, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this
Ok, I’ll admit that President Obama sounded good. He said the things everyone appears to want to hear. Most Americans will get tax cuts. Everyone will get good healthcare and education. People will have jobs again. Life will be great.
However, I have heard it all before and one thing experience has taught me is that such talk usually preceeds calamities.
Pres. Jimmy Carter said much of the same thing when he was campaigning and elected. At the age of 7, I believed him. He was going to make all of our problems go away and help those who need help. What we got was soaring interest rates, a gas shortage and Americans taken as hostages in Iran.
Government can’t, and shouldn’t, solve everything. However, it is clear that considering the state of America’s current economy, it should do something. But what something? The road the government should take should focus on inspiring people to do better for themselves, inspire people to start companies, hire workers and participate in their communities. Truthfully, that wouldn’t cost nearly as much as the current price tag of the stimulus.
Honestly, there are some very minor changes that could be made in government policy that would amount to substantial improvements in the economy, healthcare, education and many other problems. Quite simply, if the regulations that are already in place are enforced, many of the situations contributing to the economy’s downfall wouldn’t have happened. My question is how will the President oversee all the new requirements is mandating over bailed-out companies if the government can’t enforce current regulations?
Then again, some regulations—-especially those regarding small business—-could be done away with and amount to signficant improvements in the economy.
Obama is correct about one thing. This has been 30 or 40 years in the making. From Carter’s failed policies to trickle-down economics under Reagan to the failed savings in loans under Clinton to the current ponzi schemes. This is a disaster which has been brewing under both Democrats and Republicans for a long time.
I just hope it won’t take 30 or 40 years to fix it. It could take longer if all of Obama’s plans are implemented.
Obama
By Churchill's MOM
February 25, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
Jim hope the Cox family doesn’t read this:
Hearst said Tuesday that it would close or sell The San Francisco Chronicle unless it could wring concessions from its unions, raising the prospect of San Francisco becoming the largest city in the country to lose its dominant newspaper.
By Big Bucks GOP
February 25, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this
Faulty internal controls at Merrill led to an understatement of losses of more than $500 million, The Financial Times reported, citing the firm’s annual report.
By Big Bucks GOP
February 25, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this
Hedge funds investing in emerging markets finished 2008 with their worst performance in 19 years, declining a cumulative 37 percent.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this
Dear Boots @ 11:30, what do you call someone who keeps trying old failed policies expecting a different result? We would agree that Obama seeks to replicate the policies that gave us the 15 year business disruption that flavored the administration of FDR, and that Obama emulates the policies that made Jimmy Carter the symbol of modern leftism. Some of us do have a heart to help, but others lack the head to hear.
By Debbie
February 25, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this
Join the Atlanta Tea Party Protest!!
Friday, February 27th 12:00 Noon
Georgia Capitol - Washington St Entrance
As a result of Rick Santelli’s rant on CNBC earlier this week, there is now a nationwide movement to hold tea parties at various locations throughout the US in order to protest the Obama Administration’s economic policies and liberal spending bills! Talk about bipartisan support…this movement is full of bipartisan support!
The bottom line is that we the people are fed up with the shenanigans of Washington! This movement is the beginning of having our voices heard and taking back our government ! There will be more events scheduled this spring and summer.
To move quickly with this effort, FreedomWorks, Americans For Prosperity, Top Conservatives on Twitter, Smart Girl Politics, the DontGo Movement, Americans for Tax Reform, the Heartland Institute, and American Spectator Magazine have joined forces to announce a “Nationwide Chicago Tea Party”, to be held on Friday, February 27 at noon EST. The tea party will be held simultaneously at locations around the US.
If you would like to participate or assist with this event, please contact me. We definitely want this event to be successful and the more people in attendance, the bigger statement we make and the more successful we will be in having our voices heard!
The very constitution that created the greatest country on earth is the same one that affords us the freedom to speak our minds and create change. We do not have to succumb to irresponsibility, irrational thinking, poor decision making, and deficient level of representation by the leadership in Washington. Enough is enough. This mind-numbing game needs to end!! It is time to take back America. We are fortunate to have some great political leaders behind us who are trying to make a difference, but they appear to be in the minority, so it is time for us to rally behind them and the larger cause.
Bring signs to send a message. Make sure your signs are in big letters.
We are collcting tea bags to send to the White House in protest of the Stimulus Bill and Housing Bailout
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
Dear Melody @ 11:30, a point of order, “tickle down” economics is when the government takes taxpayer money and gives corporate welfare to friends of Nancy, expecting it to stimulate the economy.
By CJ
February 25, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
Republicans had 8 years to get it right, and they didn’t. Until you all can come up with a better idea, pipe it!
By Copyleft
February 25, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this
Too easy, Ragnar!
“What do you call someone who keeps trying old failed policies expecting a different result?”
I’d call them a supply-sider, of course!
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this
Dear CJ @ 11:45, actually republicans got it right from 1994 through 2006. It is only since democrats took over that the economy has gone into free fall.
By Reality Check
February 25, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this
Debbie @ 11:43
OH PLEASE COME TO MY PROTEST PLEASE BRING A SIGN!! WRITE YOU LETTERS IN BIG BRIGHT CRAYONS!!! Give me a break!!!!!
By Dusty
February 25, 2009 12:00 PM | Link to this
For the confused and confounded:
Peter, I have never mentioned abortions. Never!
Peanut Man, Saxby Chambliss probably got nothing but information from Peanut Corporation of America. The senator is part of the Congressional Committee on Agriculture and PEANUTS are grown on FARMS. (Farms=agriculture) There. You got it? Please stop the dumb repetetive questions or I shall be forced to call you Peanut Brain.
By ron
February 25, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this
Dear Mr.Wooten—-I wholeheartedly agree with you that money spent on smoking cessation campaigns is a waste.I would much rather see the money go toward passing laws that outlaw anyone smoking within 500 feet of where I’m trying to breathe.A thousand feet would be better,but I’m willing to compromise. I agree with smokers that they have a right to smoke,just as they have a right to use a toilet,but that tobacco smoke should be contained,just as sewage is,to keep it from contaminating the populace as a whole.
By cranky old man
February 25, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this
I work for a major airline that is almost entirely non-unionized, and management wants to keep it that way. I recall a story a co-worker told me about a meeting he attended years ago when management was trying to beat back a unionization drive. He said a grizzled old mechanic stood up and asked an executive if he had an employment contract with the company. The executive said he did. Then the mechanic asked, “Well, if you think it’s such a good idea for YOU to have a contract, then why isn’t it a good idea for US to have a contract also?”
Truth be told, we haven’t actually needed a union. We’ve taken hits to our wages and benefits, but so has the rest of the industry, union or not. The threat of unionization has been sufficient thus far to keep management from completely Wal-Marting us. But I also know that if every other major airline did not have unions fighting to keep wages as high as possible, our own would have taken a much worse hit.
I think this is at the heart of economic debates between conservatives and liberals: CONTROL. Conservatives believe power should always be held by those who “know how to wield it responsibly.” They should never have to bargain with their inferiors. If the sweaty unwashed masses ever get the upper hand, they’ll immediately loot the mansions to pay for bread and circuses. They conveniently ignore the fact that those mansions were built and furnished with wealth created by the labor of the masses. And, much as they’d like to deny it, much of that wealth can be traced back to government activity at some point in pipeline.
I’ve lived in Europe, and the word “socialism” doesn’t make me hide under the bed clutching my gun and my teddy bear. People over there seem to live pretty well. I’m not talking about Eastern European command economies of the Cold War era. I mean Western Europe, where the economy is essentially capitalist, but the working class is not reduced to scurrying for any subsistence job they can get. They don’t have to line up for minimum-wage jobs like famine relief victims jockeying for position at the tailgate of a UN truck. They have the luxury of holding out for a decent job, which forces employers to pay better wages to attract workers.
By Big Bucks GOP
February 25, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this
Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this
Dear CJ @ 11:45, actually republicans got it right from 1994 through 2006. It is only since democrats took over that the economy has gone into free fall.
What years did George Bush produce a balanced budget?
By Peter
February 25, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this
Hey Dusty……… You don’t have to mention abortions …..part of the Republican Right wing mantra…… a woman can get raped…and she has no “Rights” according to the Right !
“By Dusty
February 25, 2009 12:00 PM | Link to this
For the confused and confounded:
Peter, I have never mentioned abortions. Never!”
So eating Tainted Peanut Butter, and the possible death it may bring is a good thing ?
Keeping Corporations in check is BAD…. the “Republican Mantra”…….
Let the markets figure it all out …….. No matter who it hurts…….especially American’s for gosh sake….. !
By Peanut Man
February 25, 2009 12:20 PM | Link to this
Dusty 12:00 PM
I assume you don’t know. Hint look in the Pork Section of the TARP act to see a big peanut warehouse subsidy that SAXBY CHAMBLISS put in for Peanut Corporation of America. Did Saxby vote for the TARP bill, I forget?
By Dusty
February 25, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this
Dear ron,
I am sending you a copy of “Puff the Magic Dragon”. You are leading a mighty battle against the horrors of smoking. Maybe ol’ Puff will make you have pity on fire breathers.
Just kidding,’cause nobody at my house smokes and they never will. I see the poor puffers standing outside their workplace just to get a few smokes. Maybe they should try the cure I got.
When I was in grammar school, my friend and I sat on the back steps of my home, rolled some dried grass from the yard with notebook paper, lit it and inhaled! We nearly choked. I have never tried smoking again. My mother saw us but did not mention it. The perfect cure!!
By Dusty
February 25, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this
Oh my goodness,
Saxby tried to get something for peanut farmers when all the pigs were at the trough. Shame on Saxby. Trying to get something for Georgia farmers.
Not sure about the TARP bill but Chambliss certainly was not a RINO like the three Republican Musketeers who banished their swords and then voted for Obama’s Gigantic Debt-driven Stimulus bill. That means we all get PEANUTS for paychecks. Hope you liked that buttering-up, Peanut Brain.
By NotsoImpressed
February 25, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this
Although some of the rhetoric is thoughtful and well worded the general tone of hatred from the democranuts is similar to the verbage used to foster communism, is this where the “change” is taking us?. “Let’s move beyond socialism and go directly to communism!” “Every man and woman deserves everything! Make the rich pay so we can have what they earned! We demand equality! We don’t have to earn it, it is our right to have it! Just give it to us!”
Your ignorance of the vital issues
By Socialist
February 25, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
Socialism refers to a broad set of economic theories of social organization advocating public or state ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, and a society characterized by equal opportunities for all individuals, with a fair or egalitarian method of compensation.
In other words, we already are socialists. Japan owns our real estate and China controls the distribution of our goods.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this
Dear Cranky @ 12:05, “Conservatives believe power should always be held by those who “know how to wield it responsibly.” I respectfully believe you have it backwards. Leftists are the ones who believe they know better than the rest of us how our money should be spent, and thus feel compelled to take it away from us and spend it for us.
Dear Bucks @ 12:08, great question, gives us a teaching moment here. You know, as well as I, that Presidents have to spend whatever Congress says; they don’t even have the right to stop spending in an emergency. The correct question is, “when has a democrat house of representatives” - where revenue bills must originate, democrats in control for 54 of the past 66 years - “proposed a balanced budget?” Another good question is, since 1932, how many years have republicans controlled the house of representatives during a recession? I used to think the answer was “1,” mistakenly thinking there was a recession early in the term of George W Bush; our friend jm set me straight on that one. The answer is “0.” And while we chat, I wish to salute you, for cataloguing the victims of the largest tax increase in the history of the world. You are doing God’s work, by showing the effects of the democrat congress since 2006.
By Peanut Man
February 25, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this
Dusty 12:32 PM
What a joke, Saxby not a RINO.. While all 7 Republican Congressmen voted against the TARP Saxby voted for it. Saxby got over $2.5 million from banks, insurance companies and lawyers. Is Saxby a RINO? Well Hell YES
By BoneHead
February 25, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this
I really wish some of you liberal knuckle heads would wake up. You keep bashing W for stupid spending over 8 years, yet you bless the even stupider spending of the big pay off stimulus bill. The Obamination of America has surpassed the W 8 year spending in less than 30 days, with money we don’t have and we can’t even borrow. Where is the outrage? Yet this is some how OK with the liberals????? Where is the logic? If you really want a stimulus package, balance the budget, that will make the dollar strong again, and us with it.
By thaDeetz
February 25, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this
All we hear from the left these days is vile insult, repeated hyperbole and a complete lack of any reasoned debate.
All the supposed arguments they make are thin and easy to refute.
I guess that is the ‘real’ reason they are in favor of a new Fairness Doctrine, or Localism.
This un-Constitutional censorship will control talk radio in addition to curtailing political speech on the internet.
Back-door, bureaucratic restrictions on the 1st Amendment will not be met with the same, civil tone usually found on the right.
By Big Bucks GOP
February 25, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
Ragnar Danneskjöld 12:59 PM
My Father told me “When in a hole quit digging” too bad you have not learned that simple rule.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 1:24 PM | Link to this
Dear Bucks @ 12:08, you prompted a great question: within the George W. Bush years, what percentage of budget deficits arose in the six years there was a republican congress, and what percentage arose in the two years there was a democrat congress? One would anticipate that the numbers ought to be 75/25, or maybe even slightly higher for the period of slowness at the start of the Bush administration. But, the answers: 69% and 31%. http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/99xx/doc9957/Historicaltables09-web.XLS Looks like the democrats have greatly accelerated the fiscal deterioration.
By Watts Up
February 25, 2009 1:29 PM | Link to this
On the road to socialism or fascism? I believe the latter is more in line of what the Obamabots want for this nation. Perhaps the most ironic clause about the election is that it was the young ignorant college kids who pushed Obama over to victory. All because he was cool; smooth; said BIG (but meaningless) words like “Change”; was young; was hip to the latest tech fads. Well congratulations kids, you just ruined your future. They wanted change, they got it buddy.
Who was president in 1997 again?
“NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell on Wednesday as President Barack Obama’s first address to Congress shed little new light on how he plans to stabilize the economy and shore up banks, and gloomy home sales data fed the negative sentiment.”
“Obama said in his speech on Tuesday night the United States would emerge stronger from the ongoing crisis, but investors found little in what he said to spur buying after the market’s rebound on Tuesday from 1997 lows.”
Everything started going to hell in a handbasket when Demos won the congressional election in 2006. Now Obama & the Pelosicrats together will finish the job and re-invent America into their ideologies. We will all have limited freedoms in the near future, especially those of us who wish to speak out against this horrid movement to the left in this nation. Remember when the moonbats screamed that dissent was good? Dissent was healthy? Dissent was patriotic? Now these same liberal moonbats tards are calling it anger speech which should shut up. I’m sorry. I don’t think so.
Even old man Byrd knows something is wrong:
“Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), the longest-serving Democratic senator, is criticizing President Obama’s appointment of White House “czars” to oversee federal policy, saying these executive positions amount to a power grab by the executive branch.”
“In a letter to Obama on Wednesday, Byrd complained about Obama’s decision to create White House offices on health reform, urban affairs policy, and energy and climate change. Byrd said such positions “can threaten the Constitutional system of checks and balances. At the worst, White House staff have taken direction and control of programmatic areas that are the statutory responsibility of Senate-confirmed officials.”
And finally, what’s a little non-biased media comment. Maybe this is why PMSNBC is dead last in ratings along with that beady-eyed mealy mouthed libtard Keith Olbermann:
“As Gov. Jindal prepares to give the Republican response to Obama’s address, an MSNBC host or producer was heard off camera muttering “Oh God.” The remark came after host Keith Olbermann paused the panel’s discussion as Gov. Jindal was walking to the camera.”
Nah, left wingnut media bias is a neo-con myth - like why none of them are bringing up ZERO support in the stimulus bill for New Orleans rebuilding and those STILL displaced. But it appears New Orleans is on track to being her old self again after all:
“NEW ORLEANS - A Mardi Gras parade erupted into chaos on Fat Tuesday when a series of gunshots struck seven people, including a toddler. The child was not seriously injured and two suspects were in custody, police said.”
“The shootings happened near the Garden District about 1:40 p.m. after the last major parade of the celebration, Rex, had ended. A stream of truck floats that follow the parade were passing by when gunfire broke out.”
“It sounded like a string of fireworks, so I knew it was more than one shooter,” said Toni Labat, 29, a limousine company manager. She was with her two children, a 2-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl.”
By Big Bucks GOP
February 25, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this
Ragnar Danneskjöld 1:24 PM
My Father told me “When in a hole quit digging” too bad you have not learned that simple rule.
By Get a life
February 25, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this
Jim Wooten wouldn’t know a socialist if one got in bed with him. I thought you were going to retire. Please do.
Ragweed Danneskjold needs to have his visa revoked. He should be arrested for masquerading as an intellectual. Two of his most astute conclusions: 1. the stock market is down 32% since the likelihood of a Democratic president became apparent; a totally asinine conclusion. 2. Unemployment is up 60% since Nancy Pelosi mentioned letting the Bush tax cuts expire. Oh, that explains everything. Thank you Ragweed, that PHd. you got is really kicking in now.
And to tha Ditz…. There is no need for the fairness doctrine. Talk radio is stronger than ever and it didn’t make one bit of difference in the election. The new leader of the Republican party Rush Limbaugh, thrice married, ex drug addict with no children knows all about family values and what is right for Americans. With him leading the party the comeback is a sure thing.
To all of us….we should get a life and stay off these blogs.
By Ga Values
February 25, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this
Georgia Power Company is lobbying hard for SB-31 because it will make consumers pay IN ADVANCE for the construction of new nuclear power generators at Plant Vogtle. Not only that, ratepayers (that’s us) would begin paying a guaranteed 11.5% profit NOW for the plants that won’t go online until 2017 at the earliest.
SB-31 is called The Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act, and that’s what it will do — make the citizens of Georgia finance in advance the construction and profit on new nuclear power plants. It’s understandable why Georgia Power’s well-paid lobbyists are leaning on your state Representative to pass the bill — it would relieve Georgia Power of any risk in building the plants.
The only way to prevent SB-31 from picking your pocket is by calling your state Representative NOW. Our Legislative Director, Jason Pye, tells me a vote may come as early as this afternoon, and certainly by the end of this week.
If you are like most people, you’re not sure who your state Representative is. You can find out at http://www.votesmart.org/officialstate.php?statename=Georgia&state_code=GA&go2.x=11&go2.y=8 — just enter your zip code in the search box and click “GO”.
Once you know WHO your state Representative is, you can find their contact information at http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/house/alpha.html. If your Rep has an email address it is listed there. To get their phone number, click on the “Fact Sheet” link.
The vote can come as early as this afternoon. If voters do not call their Representatives, this bill will pass and we all will be poorer for it. Please, please, PLEASE — CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE NOW! Tell them to vote “NO” on SB-31.
You can stop this boondoggle with a phone call or two. Please, DO IT NOW!
By REPUBLICANS EVIL TIME IS UP
February 25, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this
JIMBO ITS GOOD THAT OBAMA IS WIPING OUT THE NEO-NAZI PROPAGANDA MACHINE BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE DONE BY THE HICK FROM TEXAS,AND THE STUPID BLIND GEORGIA REBELS WHO ARE STILL POOR,AND BUSH IS RICHER AND BACK AT CRAWFORD TX,NOT WORRYING ABOUT HOW HE PUT YOU HICKS IN A POORER HOUSE,THAN WHEN CLINTON WAS IN OFFICE,AND OYEAH JIMBO YOU FORGOT ABOUT THE HITLER TYPE EUROPEAN GOVERNMENT THAT BUSH AND CHENEY WAS RUNNING.
P.S.WHEN YOU POINT THE FINGER,YOU HAVE 10 FINGERS POINTING BACK AT YOU!
By Jackie
February 25, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
The so-called conservatives are up in arms again because they think they have found a one-word description for problem-solving.
Socialism they scream! Socialism will be the one thing that will start the eventual demise of this country.
Let’s look at the use of Social Security and when it was brought into the American lexicon. I do believe it was started in the 1930’s as a backstop for the elderly that did not have pensions or other means of economic maintenance.
Student loans are another form of socialism, don’t you think? Paying taxes to send your children to public schools are socialist in nature.
Medicare and Medicaid are other items that can be thought of as socialist programs.
The country has continued to grow and prosper despite Social Security and other socialist programs.
Please look at Australia, who has a policy where the citizens pay 2.5% of their income in taxes for health care. With that, they have no other costs with anything that is needed relating to their health care. We did not mention Canada, Great Britain, Japan or Cuba.
The USA is rated by the World Health Organization to have the 17th best health care system in the world. Even Cuba has a better system relating to number of live births.
Wonder why the so-called conservatives can not understand the USA is the only industrialized country in the world where health care is based upon PROFIT!
Is that Socialist or Fascist?
By E Shockley
February 25, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten: You wrote, “Obama Democrats are pursuing agendas that will wreck the American economy and drive offshore the manufacturing that’s not owned or subsidized by taxpayers.” Would you not agree that the American economy has barely survived a train wreck that had Pres. Bush and Republican Congress in the locomotive- emphasis on first syllable as descriptive of the lot of them. Please wake up and remember the immediate past.
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
February 25, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this
To all of us….we should get a life and stay off these blogs.
there you have it-I’m out!
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this
Dear Ga Values @ 1:53, good afternoon, I assume Jim will eventually do an essay on the Ga Power advance funding bill. I favor paying ahead rather than doing it all on debt. That leftist philosophy of making our kids pay for everything grates on me.
By Jake
February 25, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
Ragnar - Exclkuding the WWII years the five largest deficits as a % of GDP in history were 2008, 2004, 1983, 1985, and 1986. Are you sure you didn’t mean John Birch society neo-facist philosphy? After all, the traitor Reagan was the biggest advocate of defiict spending.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this
Dear Get @ 1:49, “Ragweed Danneskjold needs to have his visa revoked. He should be arrested for masquerading as an intellectual. Two of his most astute conclusions: 1. the stock market is down 32% since the likelihood of a Democratic president became apparent; a totally asinine conclusion. 2. Unemployment is up 60% since Nancy Pelosi mentioned letting the Bush tax cuts expire. Oh, that explains everything.” We often observe that conservatives serve facts, and leftists serve epithets. Leftists have trouble dealing with hard, verifiable facts.
Dear Jake @ 2:29, why do you omit the WW2 years but include the Islamist war years in your analysis? More to the point, why do you focus on “deficit” instead of changes in non-defense spending, where the true waste arises?
By cranky old man
February 25, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
Ragnar at 12:59,
I see your point. I guess it’s a matter of whom you trust more (or mistrust less). We’ve had 28 years of progressively more trust of those at the top in the private sector. Less regulation and less funding to enforce the regulations that remain. I think we’re seeing the results of that trust expressed in the current state of the economy. And, while I’m certainly not suggesting that our public servants, particularly the elected variety, are free from corruption, I am suggesting that they are less likely (notice I did not say UNlikely) to put the almighty dollar ahead of the public interest.
I should note I’m not so much in favor of government handouts as I am in giving bargaining clout to employees.
And as for “leftists knowing how best to spend our money”, sometimes that is actually the case. If that’s the only way schools, roads, hospitals, pensions, and clean drinking water are likely to get funded.
By Southern Democrat
February 25, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
Greetings, all,
I came back briefly yesterday, but did not get a chance to follow up. I must say, though, that the tone of both Mr. Wooten’s commentary today and my good friend Jbmlaw’s postings seem about 3 ticks past gentleman’s conversation. I’m not quite sure what has everyone riled up into a lather, but I hope that my fellow RCers had a pleasant and reflective Ash Wednesday.
President Obama’s speech last night was magnificent and I have confidence that the economy will turn around within the next 12 months. Gov. Jindal’s response was (in stark contrast to his well-spoken and crafty answers on the talk shows) absolutely abysmal. There is no way that a man who looks that uncomfortable in his own skin and talks to America like 4 year olds will be president.
The GOP’s decision with Steele, Jindal, and Palin to move to the right and “return to the party’s roots” will continue to win the party votes in the Southeast and lose all nationwide elections.
The country wants (dare I say demands) a centrist, pragmatic government with a loyal opposition. It has rejected the GOP leadership’s politics of destruction… new leadership will arise from the ashes and return the party to prominence.
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
February 25, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this
After all, the traitor Reagan was the biggest advocate of defiict spending
Jake, you are completely correct about that old fool Reagan. He is the second worst president in history. George W. Hitler is in first place but just barely.
By Peter
February 25, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this
Well looks like Jim is against good Public education………
“Then they’ll turn their sights, as President Obama declared last night, to public education.”
Keeping folks stupid is a “Republican Family Value” !
Please folks do not learn, and Please, Please, Please do not think for yourself !
As we saw in the last election………. the South, which are amongst the worst educated states of all……….. are Very Pro Republican !
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
February 25, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this
Peter, if you have an opportunity to do so, watch a documentary called, “Right America: Feeling Wronged.” It’s fascinating and frightening. It gives insight into the lack of significant thought that is the hallmark of the Reich-wing that Wooten, Rush and other fascists love to manipulate.
By oldpunk
February 25, 2009 3:26 PM | Link to this
OK Wooten here is a scenario to help you understand the health care situation: the AJC decides its time for a change and lets Wooten go - just after his entire family is diagnosed with cancer. No other paper will have him so he decides to write a book. He goes looking for that ‘free-market’ health care he so loves to write about. Quotes: $5000/month; $6000/month, “sorry sir we cant cover you” and laughter. And he goes to work for Sonny and keeps complaining about socialist health care.
By Chris Broe
February 25, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this
Last night, February 24, 2009, a date that will live in infirmary, our new president did suddenly and deliberately declare war on the United State’s health care system - a system which provides neither health, nor care, but instead provided the mind altering drugs which lead to the rise of the Right under the fascist ramblings of a ruined-mind talk radio host named Rush Limbaugh upon whose shoulders all of our troubles rest, and against who’s constituency we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.
Witnesses say they heard Rush shouting, “Gore, uh, Gore, uh, Gore, uh”, as he tried to ridicule both health care and global warming. (the dirty rat)
By Conservatives for America
February 25, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this
Jim Wooten will be speaking at the Atlanta Young Republican meeting tonight at 7pm. The meeting will be at the 5 Seasons Brewing Company in Sandy Springs.
By Peter
February 25, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this
Hey Thank you……..By Algonquin J. Calhoun
“Peter, if you have an opportunity to do so, watch a documentary called, “Right America: Feeling Wronged.” It’s fascinating and frightening. It gives insight into the lack of significant thought that is the hallmark of the Reich-wing that Wooten, Rush and other fascists love to manipulate.”
I had already seen… “Iraq for Sale” …. and that was really truly enlightening…… seeing companies take Employees on vacations and charge American Taxpayers for it…… I seems it didn’t matter what they spent the money on….as long as they spent, they got to Bill the American People.
Soldiers electrocuted and die while taking showers, the American People getting charged $100.00 per soldier to wash their clothes……and most of the facilities Soldiers are bathing at, have Rancid water…….
But Hey Republican’s don’t care about that…..as long as the War time stocks they own go up !
Right wingers don’t care about the Billion’s Bush and Cheney wasted……..as long as People in America didn’t get any of it…….Thus the cry about “Socialism”……. the whole country could fail, and Guys like Rush, and Jim, would be happy !
The real Joke is they call themselves American’s……HA HA HA !
By Dusty
February 25, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this
P’nut Man, 1:04
Where do you get your personal financial information on Saxby Chambliss? Does he send you a financial report evey month so you can twist it against him?
You really need to worry about some of your Democratic senators such as Rangel, Burris (Yes, he’s one of yours)Dodd, Frank, and a few others. I haven’t heard anyone but you making claims against Chambliss. Why is that?
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
February 25, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this
Dear Southern @ 2:55, welcome back, and we look forward to substantive commentary from you.
By jim is a caveman
February 25, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this
Here is a transcript of Jim’s speech for tonight: Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, socialism. Yada, yada, yada, my band of conservatives, yada, yada, yada, school vouchers. Zoinks, socialized medicine. blah, blah, more roads. blimey, tax cuts. yada, yada, yada, no regulation of business, no unions, yada. blah, blah, Obama very bad man. yada, yada, socialism, no soup or benefits or education for you, average tax payer. Thanks and good night. No one even has to attend. If you do, bring your pillows.
By BoneHead
February 25, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
Let’s see if you lefties can find the lie here “I am glad we passed this stimulus package with no pork” For those of you who can’t spot the lie is Obama’s words in the quote. The truth is that 80% of that package is pork, earmarks or bribery. Do to the transparency of this administration it was promised to be posed on line BEFORE a vote is taken, I am still waiting….ooppps too late. Do you think any dimacrats read it before they voted for it…? NOT
By jim is a caveman
February 25, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
Oops, I left out twelve stale ideas, several Reagan platitudes and an homage to Dubya the terrorist strategerist.
By Road Scholar
February 25, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this
Jim, based on your column’s name today “On the road to socialism”, are you making a movie with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby ? If you can’t stand Obama,and the Democrats, Delta is ready when you are!
By Peanut Man
February 25, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this
Dusty 4:05 PM
hope this is not over your head
http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/industries.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00002685
By Dusty
February 25, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this
Good Grief, Ragnar,
Southern Democrat is about as enjoyable and informative as a case of poison ivy. All itch and scratch and nothing you want to keep.
“Can’t we all just get along?” can be carried too far unless you want to be Mr. Congeniality. I guess I cannot get excited over someone who makes pronouncemnts such as “the GOP leadership’s politics of destruction”. How can you admire someone so blindly misguided?
By jim is a caveman
February 25, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this
That’s why we have such trouble admiring you, Dusty.
By Dusty
February 25, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this
P’nut Brain @4:33
Your link was not over my head even though you scraped it up from under your shoe.
In the first place, I am sure this link was to a liberal information slot made to work against Saxby Chambliss mainly because he is a Republican.
In the second place, whom did you expect to send funds for Saxby’s re-elction? Hollywood? People and companies connected to Agriculture support people who are influential in AGRICULTURE. Chambliss probaly supplied those figures. No secret. So what’s new? Any figures on Democrats? Any more bids on vacant Senate seats or will Burris stay? Do keep in touch.
By Dusty
February 25, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this
Don’t even try with the admiration, caveman. I hate phonies.
By jim is a caveman
February 25, 2009 5:02 PM | Link to this
Ah, poor Dusty. Read the post again. There was no admiration there.
By Helpme
February 25, 2009 5:03 PM | Link to this
Do you stimulus sheeple really believe that money comes free? It doesn’t. For all of those programs it creates, it will be up to the states to pay for them after 2 years. So, just as the country may be climbing out of this whole, the states will be in a bigger one. I doubt anyone who is posting, including myself, has read the stimulus, but if you believe the Obama koolaid that there isn’t pork, you are wrong. He has to return a lot of favors for getting elected and you can bet will we see lots of pork in the our future. it is time for Americas, including govt and business, to take fiscal responsibility for their decisions and start working towards a positive future. it is easy to blame Bush, but you know, we elected ALL of these folks - including the Pelosi and the Dem Congress who haven’t done a thing in 2+years. WE need to be the watchdogs. WE need to make the adjustments to correct our path. WE are ultimately responsible. WE should not and cannot rely on the govt to fix our problems. WE must do it. Now, that is change that I can believe in!
By Rod
February 25, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this
Some interesting posts. Where was Jim when we spent billions and billions on the war to find WMDs that didn’t exist. Imagine if we had all that money!
By Me
February 25, 2009 5:23 PM | Link to this
Good god would you just let the socialism crap go already?? The majority of this country voted for the man … deal with it and shut up.
By get a life
February 25, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this
Hey Ragnar, I voted for Bush twice so if that makes me a leftist then so be it. Can you define leftist for me? Speaking of dealing with facts; Your conclusions on why things are where they are leave out most of the facts. You POV lacks objectivity and is purley ideologically driven. You are bright enough to twist the facts into any conclusion you wish but that is pretty easy to see through. Now go watch Sean Hannity because he does the same thing.
By Fabian J. Cook
February 25, 2009 5:28 PM | Link to this
I just don’t get how you can say this is socialism…what else can we do..I don’t understand why the last bailout wasn’t being attacked like this one is…it’s not fair..give President Obama a chance before you claim what he hasn’t done..he’s only been in office for a month and a week….chill out…
By Me
February 25, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this
Excellent point, Rod … and I might add … not only where was Jim, but where all of the other hypocrites who are crying foul over this.
By Peanut Man
February 25, 2009 5:41 PM | Link to this
Dusty 4:56 PM
The link from a non partison group using forms that Saxby is required to file show that he took $3.3 million from Banks, Insurance companies and Lawyers before he voted for the TARP. Saxby sold us out it is just that simple, you can not get around the simple facts
By ron
February 25, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this
Dear get a life.——I too voted for Bush twice.That makes me a foolist,I guess.But then again,the choice between a bad Bush and a bad Gore Or Kerry wasn’t hard to make.
By Avery
February 25, 2009 5:47 PM | Link to this
How ironic that the GOP is screaming about fiscal irresponsibility after they spent a cool trillion in Iraq over the past 8 years and attempted to pass $3 trillion in tax cuts as an alternative to the current stimulus package.
It would be funny if there weren’t so many hypocritical morons on here defending it.
By Independent Voter
February 25, 2009 5:50 PM | Link to this
I’m still waiting for the GOP to:
=> Admit it was there legislative agenda of loosening regulation during the last 2 years of Clinton and first 6 years of Bush that got us into this problem and,
=> That they have a solution that is other than being the “loyal opposition”.
Honestly, the GOP had no problem supporting running huge deficits and allowing a legislative environment that didn’t keep the corporate world in check, even after Enron. The fact that the GOP is whining instead of offering substantive solutions is exactly what the Dems have done over the last 8 years. Thank God I live in America where I’m not forced to join a party.
By catlady
February 25, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this
How come it is “socialism” when THEY “don’t deserve it” but it is not socialism when it is ME because “I deserve it?”
Dusty: for most of us, the words Saxby Chambliss makes us want to throw up. So we try not to mention his name. One of the biggest clunkers of all time, not to mention a lazy, lying cheat. And that is on a GOOD day.
By MHS
February 25, 2009 5:55 PM | Link to this
Blaming Bush for faulty intelligence is fair enough I suppose. However, blaming him for this lack of regulation is incorrect and squarely belongs on the shoulders of Bill Clinton, Robert Rubin, Chris Dodd, and Barney Frank. Of course Democrats like to blame Bush for everything and high-five each other. The facts are the Democrats have a lot to do with the situation we are in but you will never hear them admit that. The big question is are they making it worse? Time will tell. Most investors are certainly sitting on the sidelines because they don’t have confidence in Obama and the daily rule changes.
By Dusty
February 25, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this
Dear Rod,5:14
Suppose those weapons of mass destruction had been in Iraq? And suppose Bush did nothing about them? Would you still be here blogging away against our protective measures? I doubt it.
The CIA reported what they thought were wmds. REMEMBER? Democrats in Congress voted to stop Iraq just like all the Republicans.
You are so smart looking backwards. Anybody can do that. Fortunately for us, Bush protected us from terrorists no matter where they were. He was brave enough to protect this country every way he could.
Your lack of appreciation tells us a lot.
By Common Sense Liberalism
February 25, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this
it would now seem that the same party who over the last 8 years got us into this mess is now trying to foil any efforts to get us out because they are so bitter in their loss to that “Arab Socialist” who now occupies the Oval Office. Thank God that Georgia does not represent the national consensus.
By Robert
February 25, 2009 5:58 PM | Link to this
Jim, in that your Republican heroes and their market-will-regulate-itself philosophy are the ones who drove this country, and planet, to the edge of disaster, it seems a little disingenuous to complain about any effort to set things right. Yes, the Obama initiatives will have negative consequences, but frankly, you guys deserve everything you get, except redemption. You’re a decent guy, but you should shut up and salute.
By Jeff
February 25, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this
Truth is: Sonny Perdue and the Republicans in this State are closet Socialists. Just take a look at the breakdown of the Atlanta Gas Light base charges for Natural Gas. My charges were over 25 percent last month. Did you know that part of the charge was a tax for social responsibility, along with other bogus taxes? Sonny is two-faced. This was the result of de-regulation. We need to re-regulate and make Atlanta Gas Light and the gas companies pay billions back to the consumers.
By Jeff
February 25, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this
Truth is: Sonny Perdue and the Republicans in this State are closet Socialists. Just take a look at the breakdown of the Atlanta Gas Light base charges for Natural Gas. My charges were over 25 percent last month. Did you know that part of the charge was a tax for social responsibility, along with other bogus taxes? Sonny is two-faced. This was the result of de-regulation. We need to re-regulate and make Atlanta Gas Light and the gas companies pay billions back to the consumers. The only problem is that the socialist taxes are going back to the companies that line these crooks pockets. Ask Sonny how much money is going into his pocket in South Georgia through his unethical and possibly illegal dealings.
By Chris Broe
February 25, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this
Grading Wooten: Style over Substance
Wooten used a reference to 60’s Campus Radicals in his piece. He implied that Campus Radicals couldn’t possibly promise revolution if they didn’t even know how a free market economy works. ( I know I could just stop there, and you’d all understand the C+ he got, but this is too good, and this critique should effectively destroy any vestige of credibility he has with any possible lurker that could still be out there, so here goes:
Wooten has never written convincingly that he understands our economy, nor is he able to communicate that understanding to the reader. At least he doesn’t use the word Keynesian in ever blog.
Worse, there no connection between unrequited revolution and ponzi schemes. He has no premise other than that which is gleaned from a blindly constructed style of writing.
C+
By Jeff
February 25, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this
Truth is: Sonny Perdue and the Republicans in this State are closet Socialists. Just take a look at the breakdown of the Atlanta Gas Light base charges for Natural Gas. My charges were over 25 percent last month. Did you know that part of the charge was a tax for social responsibility, along with other bogus taxes? Sonny is two-faced. This was the result of de-regulation. We need to re-regulate and make Atlanta Gas Light and the gas companies pay billions back to the consumers. The only problem is that the socialist taxes are going back to the companies that line these crooks pockets. Ask Sonny how much money is going into his pocket in South Georgia through his unethical and possibly illegal dealings.
By catlady
February 25, 2009 6:08 PM | Link to this
Bobby Jindal: Sarah Palin with a penis?
By Common Sense Liberalism
February 25, 2009 6:12 PM | Link to this
it would now seem that the same party who over the last 8 years got us into this mess is now trying to foil any efforts to get us out because they are so bitter in their loss to that “Arab Socialist” who now occupies the Oval Office. Thank God that Georgia does not represent the national consensus.
By Dusty
February 25, 2009 7:05 PM | Link to this
Dear Catlady,
Any Republican makes liberals want to throw up, In fact, most liberal posts sounds like that is what they are doing. Not a pretty sight.
I hope you are happy now that your Nirvana has arrived. I hope your grandchildren will also be happy when they are still paying on the debt Obama dropped on us this week.
And..NO, Bush did not do this big one which is bigger than any money he spent. This is Obama’s lil gift. Go ahead and claim it. None of the real Republicans would vote for it.
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
February 26, 2009 8:07 AM | Link to this
Krusty, we’re having to spend these huge amounts to revitalize the economy George W. Hitler decimated with his incompetence. Get a clue! The Republinazi party is to blame for this mess and Obama will clean it up. You didn’t worry about the trillions GWH spent on the quagmire of his own making, Iraq. Spare us any more of your clownisms.
By REPUBLICANS EVIL TIME IS UP
February 26, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this
GOOD MORNING PEOPLE! NOTICE THAT THESE RIGHTWING NUT CASES BEING THE COWARD NEO-NAZIS GOP REBEL HATING PUNK LOSERS THAT THEY ARE,HAVENT SAID ANYTHING ABOUT THE SUGAR PLANT IN SAVANNAH BLOWING UP, OR ANYTHING ABOUT THE DEATH BEING SENT OUT OF BLAKELY,GA PEANUT FACTORY,IF THIS WAS DONE UNDER MAX CLELAND A REAL WAR HERO,YOU EVIL TRAITORS ON THE OTHER SIDE WOULD BE CALLING FOR HIS HEAD,SUXBY SHAMELESS HAS COST FAMILIES THEIR LOVE ONES BUT I DONT HEAR ONE WORD COMING FROM YOU FAKE BIBLE THUMPING HICKS,BUSH LIED CHENEY TRIED TO KILL HIS LAWYER BECAUSE HE DIDNT WANT TO CONTINUE ON WITH THE EVIL AND THE LIES.
THE REAL SOCIALIST ARE PHIL GREEDY,TOM AT ANY PRICE,SUXBY SHAMELESS,JOHNNY BOY,AND SONNY PERDONT,BUT WATCH AND SEE THE GOOD OLE BOYS SELL YOU DUMB REDNECKS OUT AGAIN,WHILE SUXBY IS ON HIS YACHT LAUGHING AT YOU FOOLS.
P.S.REMEMEBER SOLD YOU HICKS OUT WITH THE REBEL FLAG,NOW HIM AND SUXBY GOING TO SECRETLY DEAL WITH OBAMA TO FUTHER SELL YOU BLIND HICKS OUT AGAIN PRICELESS!
By Big Bucks GOP
February 26, 2009 8:35 AM | Link to this
Dusty 7:05 PM
You have to be a man, no woman is this stupid.
By cc
February 26, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this
better than the extreme road to socialism that bush and republicans want, you know, a religious state. all religious governments are extreme examples of socialism. and what they have in germany and sweden for governments is much better than what they have for governments in iran. and just because a government is christian or islamic won’t make a difference, it would still be a strong arm religious state. now for all those people that are afraid of the word socialism and don’t think they can tolkerate it, i ask them ‘aren’t you a patriot? don’t you care about finding a cure? aren’t you a bulldog fan?’. just 3 quick examples of socialism: the new york fire dept., don’t you support and praise the heroes of 9/11? well, the new york fire dept. is technically a socialist entity. don’t you support our troops during the time of war? well, again, a standing army, socialism, why even a militia is a form of socialism. get all those people to work together against breast cancer, more socialism. and uga, that’s right dem dawgs, bunch of socialists. that’s right, uga state created, stated funded and state regulated, more socialists. we wouldn’t even need to be having the argument about socialism if healthcare hadn’t been so messed up by the greed of ceo’s and drug and medical companies over the last 30 years. all the people that republicans have supported. it’s time that republicans support America first before their party. their behavior these last few weeks has been horrible and no where near patriotic or christian. this countries in trouble and we need to stop the greed at the top that is ruining everything.
By Churchill's MOM
February 26, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this
catlady 6:08 PM
If we are smart our next President will not have a penis. Will you join me in working for Sara Palin.
By BoneHead
February 26, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this
Everyone seems to forget, for 6 years of Bush all went fine, with the economy, then 2 years ago the dimacrats took over congress. Two years ago is when the economy went south. Makes you go Hmmmmmmm
By suz
February 26, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this
Boy, these Republicans are sure sore that they don’t have control any longer. This means that they can’t continue to bilk citizens out of thier money.
The more they listen to their hero Shawn Hannity the more kool aid they drink. Wake up boys the party os over.
By Atlantan
February 26, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this
Obama, Nancy and Harry are out of control. America will not be better off because they passed through DC. They are set on bankrupting America. Still better to see the left for what it is - my only hope is the experiment will only last 24 months. For such smart people they certainly ignore history.
Thank you Obama Supporters and Democrats
Serfdom You Can Believe In
By BoneHead
February 26, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this
SUZ, you need to get something between your years, The Obama Administration just spent in one month more than the GOP did in 8 years…Obama just bilked the citizens and your children and grand children, are you that ignorant?
By First Sergeant
February 26, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this
Debbie
February 25, 2009 11:43 AM wrote:
“The very constitution that created the greatest country on earth is the same one that affords us the freedom to speak our minds and create change. We do not have to succumb to irresponsibility, irrational thinking, poor decision making, and deficient level of representation by the leadership in Washington.”
Why now? Where were you and your supporters when the previous administration drugged us down this road with their irresponsibility, irrational thinking, poor decision making, etc… Was is OK then, that people were losing their jobs in record numbers, soldiers and civilians were being killed in Iraq for a war which never should have been waged, no-bid contracts, the total disregard for our constitution, lack of social security reform, etc… Where were you people when the previous administration asked for and got an approved $850 billion bailout package which has done nothing to improve the fiscasl situation of American citizens? I guess that was fine with you folks, because you never raised your “ugly heads.”Yes, I could go on, but I’m sure you know where I’m headed. However, now we have an administration who is acting “responsibly”, making “rational decisions”, and by most accounts “is represented by some of the best and established public servants in the business, but yet now, you want to protest? Why don’t you call it what it really is about? You know what? It will be very interesting to see if there is any representation of diversity at “your protest.” What a joke!!!
By IC Atlanta
February 26, 2009 1:36 PM | Link to this
First Sargent - you must be off the meds today.
By bearcasey
February 27, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this
Of course, you forget to mention that George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Karl Rove and Newt Gingrich have the economic acumen of a Bulgarian shoe factory manager. Name a free enterprise endeavor that any of these toads ever led to a profit. Didn’t think so!
By bearcasey
February 27, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this
I have three words for the “fat cats”: The Russian Revolution.
By GA VALUES
February 27, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, thanks for sounding the alarm that Obama wants to regulate business and commerce. As we all know, big business doesn’t need to be regulated. What’s good for the boys on Wall Street is good for America!