I wonder, why didn't any US mainstream media cover this?
Pretty sure they would have covered a similar blunder by the last President.
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Brilliant
Rush Limbaugh needed Barack Obama to become President. Nothing brings out the best in Rush as an administration with opposing policies who also appear to be losing their footing (see: Clinton). I've always found Rush entertaining, but sometimes his commentary really bothered me, so I didn't listen much. Having Obama in the White House, though, has me tuning in more often.
He's taken to referring to everything the President says as "what Obama's telepropmpter told him to say." Honestly, the first time he said it, I just did a double take, but the second I laughed so hard I thought I was going to run my hybrid off the road.
Now, Obama's teleprompter has a blog.
If we can avoid universal health care and much damage to the economy, this is going to be a very entertaining 4 years.
He's taken to referring to everything the President says as "what Obama's telepropmpter told him to say." Honestly, the first time he said it, I just did a double take, but the second I laughed so hard I thought I was going to run my hybrid off the road.
Now, Obama's teleprompter has a blog.
If we can avoid universal health care and much damage to the economy, this is going to be a very entertaining 4 years.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Awesome Rant
The AVI has a message for our friends on the left.
All this especilaly fitting the nitwits in Congress threatening to take action against specific individuals, even as they WROTE IN THE LAW that AIG had to honor it's contracts.
This gets scarier by the minute.
You have believed that politicians saying nice things to people who are oppressed - and insisting that everyone else say nice things - is more important than the downtrodden having actual jobs and dignity. You have believed that people having stuff collectively is worth more than self-respect. You have voted for that and you have gotten it, and when it tanks, you must not think it is some accidental misfortune.
You have believed that regular people will not get good things unless government makes it happen. You take it as a given that something called the market will treat people unfairly, and civil servants, not perfect but well-meaning, are needed to prevent abuse. You have thrown your lot in with the idea that the government is far less corrupt than private industry, and have hired that fox to guard the henhouse. This is exactly where Pelosi, Reid, Obama, Rangel, Dodd, et alia are taking us. When government corruption prevents recovery, it is not because you have had the bad luck to elect a few bad apples in with the good folk.
All this especilaly fitting the nitwits in Congress threatening to take action against specific individuals, even as they WROTE IN THE LAW that AIG had to honor it's contracts.
This gets scarier by the minute.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Maths, who needs them?
More jovial posts, because really, how can you not laugh.
The first step: Spend $800 Billion.
So this must mean raising taxes, which as we know always works so well to increase revenue (just ask the Teflon Leprechan).
Those mean old rich.
The best part, these two sentences are together. How can anyone think this is serious?
Obama will touch on his efforts to restore fiscal discipline at a White House fiscal policy summit on Monday and in an address to Congress on Tuesday. On Thursday he plans to send at least a summary of his first budget request to Capitol Hill. The bottom line, said an administration official Saturday, is to halve the federal deficit to $533 billion by the time his first term ends in 2013. He inherited a deficit of about $1.3 trillion from former President George W. Bush.
The first step: Spend $800 Billion.
So this must mean raising taxes, which as we know always works so well to increase revenue (just ask the Teflon Leprechan).
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the president has not yet released his budget for the fiscal year 2010, which begins Oct. 1, said the deficit will be shrunk by scaling back Iraq war spending, ending the temporary tax breaks enacted by the Bush administration for those making $250,000 or more a year, and streamlining government.
Those mean old rich.
The best part, these two sentences are together. How can anyone think this is serious?
Obama has pledged to make deficit reduction a priority both as a candidate and a president. But he also has said economic recovery must come first.
Last week, he signed into law the $787 billion stimulus measure that is meant to create jobs but certainly will add to the nation's skyrocketing national debt. He also is implementing the $700 billion financial sector rescue passed on Bush's watch; about $75 billion of which is being used toward Obama's plan to help homeowners facing foreclosure.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Solution
I've figured out the solution to the economic "crisis". I, alone, can save 500,000,000 jobs.
End Social Security. That's all. No stimulus package needed.
Think about it. You immediately give every working person 12% more money each year to spend. It's a "progressive" tax cut, as the rich don't pay as much as a percentage (the cutoff for wages taxed is about $100k). You also give people the option to take a lump sum of what they have paid in, or leave it for when they retire. Those who are already retired and drawing Social Security payments would not be affected, as they just draw down the Trust Fund (assuming it exists. If not, I'm pretty sure the total liability of retired people isn't the $1 Trillion the 'stimulus' package will cost).
Sure, you'd have to iron out some details for people nearing retirement, but all in all, I think it would work. I'd even be willing to forgo the lump sum - they can keep what they have, so maybe have a cutoff of age 40, where if you are under 40, the government keeps what they took, if you are over 50 you have the option to stay in the program.
Think of how well that would stimulate the Economy! And give us a little freedom back.
Real Change.
End Social Security. That's all. No stimulus package needed.
Think about it. You immediately give every working person 12% more money each year to spend. It's a "progressive" tax cut, as the rich don't pay as much as a percentage (the cutoff for wages taxed is about $100k). You also give people the option to take a lump sum of what they have paid in, or leave it for when they retire. Those who are already retired and drawing Social Security payments would not be affected, as they just draw down the Trust Fund (assuming it exists. If not, I'm pretty sure the total liability of retired people isn't the $1 Trillion the 'stimulus' package will cost).
Sure, you'd have to iron out some details for people nearing retirement, but all in all, I think it would work. I'd even be willing to forgo the lump sum - they can keep what they have, so maybe have a cutoff of age 40, where if you are under 40, the government keeps what they took, if you are over 50 you have the option to stay in the program.
Think of how well that would stimulate the Economy! And give us a little freedom back.
Real Change.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Seriously. Simpletons
How do these idiots get elected?
Yes, that's correct. If we don't Do Something, we will lose more jobs than there are people in the United States. This truly is an unprecedented economic catastrophy, eliminating the jobs of people who do not yet exist.
And this wasn't a one off. She said it multiple times.
Yes, that's correct. If we don't Do Something, we will lose more jobs than there are people in the United States. This truly is an unprecedented economic catastrophy, eliminating the jobs of people who do not yet exist.
And this wasn't a one off. She said it multiple times.
Self fulfilling..
Talking us into a depression at Coyote Blog. Interesting employment stat included.
To add some anectdotal evidence: I deal with a couple of small business owners on a regular basis, as well as some very large organizations. All of them are having trouble hiring.
That's right.
Seocnd hand, through them, I'm hearing an awful lot about people cutting back and slowing growth in anticipation of poor results. Business is fine, but they are cutting back anyway.
I think all this doom and gloom talk might have something to do with that behavior.
To add some anectdotal evidence: I deal with a couple of small business owners on a regular basis, as well as some very large organizations. All of them are having trouble hiring.
That's right.
Seocnd hand, through them, I'm hearing an awful lot about people cutting back and slowing growth in anticipation of poor results. Business is fine, but they are cutting back anyway.
I think all this doom and gloom talk might have something to do with that behavior.
Simpletons
So much has been said about the insane spending bill about to be passed, I don't really have that much more to add, other than to remark we are governed by simpletons.
This kind of stuff amazes me. It amazes me it gets said, it amazes me people buy it.
Which is what Congress should be doing. Nothing, other than cutting taxes. That's the only thing they can do to help the economy. The rest of it has to play out, and it will.
(By the way, this isn't the 'worst economy since the depression'. It isn't even close. But the more our President says it is, the more people act like it is, as he is the Messiah.)
This kind of stuff amazes me. It amazes me it gets said, it amazes me people buy it.
President Barack Obama pounded Republicans Saturday for policies that fueled the economic crisis, while welcoming a Senate deal on his stimulus bill that ideologically split lawmakers hope to finish by mid-month.Doesn't anyone understand this bill is the policies of the last 8 years, just more? Anybody realise the actual 'stimulating' spending (without going into too much detail on why government spending isn't any more stimulating than non government spending) is on the back end of the bill, at the same time we'll be coming out of the recession if we do nothing?
Obama said quick action on the package was imperative to avoid catastrophe and praised the group of moderate senators from both political parties for coming up with a compromise.
Senate Democrats agreed late Friday to trim spending proposals and support tax cuts in a roughly $800 billion bill. They rolled back an earlier $937 billion proposal by culling what critics, mostly Republicans, called billions of dollars in unwarranted spending.
Which is what Congress should be doing. Nothing, other than cutting taxes. That's the only thing they can do to help the economy. The rest of it has to play out, and it will.
(By the way, this isn't the 'worst economy since the depression'. It isn't even close. But the more our President says it is, the more people act like it is, as he is the Messiah.)
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Getting what you asked for
To quote a quite popular radio host (with whom I disagree quite often): Elections have consequences.
Republicans can complain all they want - this is their doing. This starts with the election of G. W. Bush in 2000, his reelection in 2004, and the nomination of McCain in 2008. Now, we have a President and a Congress who (rightfully) claim 'they won', and now will do what they want to do.
You want to make a statement? You want to get things under control? First, stop them. Stop helping load pork into these bills, and fillibuster them in the Senate. Second, recognize the big government Republicans in your midst, and get them out of office in the primary elections in 2010.
Of course, the treatment of Ron Paul shows us where the Republicans really stand, so I'm not holding my breath; I'm working on finding ways to ensure I can maintain my standard of living regardless of how much money the government takes from me.
By the way, on the "how much of an idiot do you really think I am" front:
18 months is 2010, you moron.
Also, best combination of sentences I've seen today:
*Chuckle* He said "package".
This stimulus bill is a bad thing. Plain and simple. It's loaded with pork (seriously, how does funding for contraceptives stimulate the economy?) and pet projects, and doesn't include the single most important stimulus: letting people keep more of their money. Taking my money and sending it to people who don't pay taxes doesn't stimulate the economy.
Republicans can complain all they want - this is their doing. This starts with the election of G. W. Bush in 2000, his reelection in 2004, and the nomination of McCain in 2008. Now, we have a President and a Congress who (rightfully) claim 'they won', and now will do what they want to do.
You want to make a statement? You want to get things under control? First, stop them. Stop helping load pork into these bills, and fillibuster them in the Senate. Second, recognize the big government Republicans in your midst, and get them out of office in the primary elections in 2010.
Of course, the treatment of Ron Paul shows us where the Republicans really stand, so I'm not holding my breath; I'm working on finding ways to ensure I can maintain my standard of living regardless of how much money the government takes from me.
By the way, on the "how much of an idiot do you really think I am" front:
Reid said a Congressional Budget Office report that says the stimulus funds won’t be pumped into the economy until 2010 doesn’t provide an accurate picture.
Republicans have used the report to back up their argument against a near $1 trillion package. But Reid said Obama Office of Management and Budget director Peter Orszag told them CBO only analyzed 40 percent of the bill.
He also said Orszag guaranteed “that at least 75 percent of the bill would go directly into the economy within the first 18 months.”
18 months is 2010, you moron.
Also, best combination of sentences I've seen today:
“How can you spend hundreds of millions of dollars on contraceptives?” Boehner asked. “How does that stimulate the economy?”
Boehner said congressional Republicans are also concerned about the size of the package.
*Chuckle* He said "package".
This stimulus bill is a bad thing. Plain and simple. It's loaded with pork (seriously, how does funding for contraceptives stimulate the economy?) and pet projects, and doesn't include the single most important stimulus: letting people keep more of their money. Taking my money and sending it to people who don't pay taxes doesn't stimulate the economy.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
She "does not disagree"
Under the mayor of Baltimore's guidance, the city's top attorney is looking into making the taxpayers of the city pay for her legal defense.
Seriously, these folks have no shame. The goal is to put the policy on the books as soon as possible. Gee, I wonder why.
How about we compromise: want the city to pick up the tab, use the Public Defender's office. Seems those of us footing the bill ought to be able to pick the lawyers.
Seriously, these folks have no shame. The goal is to put the policy on the books as soon as possible. Gee, I wonder why.
How about we compromise: want the city to pick up the tab, use the Public Defender's office. Seems those of us footing the bill ought to be able to pick the lawyers.
So far, so good
Two days in, and I'm pretty happy with President Obama's actions.
Yesterday, he made it clear he was reversing the course of government in keeping everything a secret by instructing his staff to find ways to better comply with FOA requests (a 180 of the Bush Administration's policy).
Today, he issued orders to close Gitmo and secret CIA prisons and to stop using torture. The new top intelligence dude said no more warrantless wiretapping. Seems the Obamanator read him some Constitutions.
Yeah, I know he's still working on the 'stimulus' package that's a pork laiden travesty, but were we going to do any better on that front with anyone else?
Yesterday, he made it clear he was reversing the course of government in keeping everything a secret by instructing his staff to find ways to better comply with FOA requests (a 180 of the Bush Administration's policy).
Today, he issued orders to close Gitmo and secret CIA prisons and to stop using torture. The new top intelligence dude said no more warrantless wiretapping. Seems the Obamanator read him some Constitutions.
Yeah, I know he's still working on the 'stimulus' package that's a pork laiden travesty, but were we going to do any better on that front with anyone else?
Well said
A message from an inauguration party pooper.
I didn't see much of the coverage, as I didn't take the day off from producing goods and services that build wealth for my company, thus building wealth for shareholders, etc. What I did see was embarrassing.
I agree, if someone held a gun to my head and made me pick between Obama and McCain (thank goodness they didn't and I had a Libertarian on the ballot), I would have voted for Obama. My main concern isn't so much the creeping socialism or the insane 'stimulus' package, it's the troubling behavior of the media. The One can do no wrong. He is what you want Him to be. I fear the media may not fairly cover the inevitable missteps, mistakes, and unpopular choices. They certainly won't point out where He continues the "failed" policies of the Bush administration, for example.
They haven't pointed out the people he's putting in his cabinet are insiders, not agents of change. They are ignoring (as did the Senate) legitimate issues with Hilliary Clinton's fundraising and conflicts of interest, they are ignoring the tax cheat who is going to run the Treasury, and they ignored an Attorney general who supported freeing actual terrorists from prison. (This isn't necessarily a shot at the new President. He's a political animal, and he owes some people).
We are going to more and more have to rely on alternative media... I hope everyone realises that.
I didn't see much of the coverage, as I didn't take the day off from producing goods and services that build wealth for my company, thus building wealth for shareholders, etc. What I did see was embarrassing.
I agree, if someone held a gun to my head and made me pick between Obama and McCain (thank goodness they didn't and I had a Libertarian on the ballot), I would have voted for Obama. My main concern isn't so much the creeping socialism or the insane 'stimulus' package, it's the troubling behavior of the media. The One can do no wrong. He is what you want Him to be. I fear the media may not fairly cover the inevitable missteps, mistakes, and unpopular choices. They certainly won't point out where He continues the "failed" policies of the Bush administration, for example.
They haven't pointed out the people he's putting in his cabinet are insiders, not agents of change. They are ignoring (as did the Senate) legitimate issues with Hilliary Clinton's fundraising and conflicts of interest, they are ignoring the tax cheat who is going to run the Treasury, and they ignored an Attorney general who supported freeing actual terrorists from prison. (This isn't necessarily a shot at the new President. He's a political animal, and he owes some people).
We are going to more and more have to rely on alternative media... I hope everyone realises that.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Doughnuts and Abortion
From the WTF files: The American Life League is upset because Krispy Kreme is giving away one free doughnut of customers' choice on January 20th, Inauguration Day.
Why?
Freedom of choice = Abortion. Republicans, take note. We can't take you seriously if you continue to pander to these folks... this might be why Mr. Obama is about to be President. (Of course, removing freedom of choice is part of the Republican philosophy, not just abortion.)
Hat tip: The Slackmistress via Twitter
Why?
"The unfortunate reality of a post-Roe v. Wade America is that 'choice' is synonymous with abortion access, and celebration of 'freedom of choice' is a tacit endorsement of abortion rights on demand," the group's president, Judie Brown said in a statement.
Freedom of choice = Abortion. Republicans, take note. We can't take you seriously if you continue to pander to these folks... this might be why Mr. Obama is about to be President. (Of course, removing freedom of choice is part of the Republican philosophy, not just abortion.)
Hat tip: The Slackmistress via Twitter
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Because poor outcomes means we need more solutions
Scott Gottlieb asks the question that generates the above answer. It's a good editorial, even if it's meanspirited.
It isn't about good outcomes.
It isn't about good outcomes.
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