hmmm freudian slip??? likely not.....

MacDoc, while I dislike Macfury's constant bashing of Pres. Obama, regardless of the thread, I don't think that he meant this in any way other than to say he would "sing the praises" of any Republican candidate who defeated Pres. Obama in Nov. at the polls.

Just read this on CBC.com. Very interesting. A bit late, but interesting none-the-less.

"Ron Paul supporters took control of the Maine Republican Convention and elected a majority slate supporting the Texas congressman to the national convention, party officials said Sunday.

The libertarian candidate's backers also came through in Nevada on the weekend, winning him 22 delegates at the state's Republican convention, compared with three for favourite Mitt Romney.

The results, which are unlikely to slow Romney's march to the nomination in Tampa, Fla., in August, give Paul fresh strength as he continues his campaign."

Some might not agree, but I found this video clip interesting. Hope it helps Pres. Obama. We shall see.

Go - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0OVngTHkNg&feature=youtu.be)

I doubt it will work, except to mobilize people who already believe in Obama. I don't believe Obama has addressed any of the things that this ad claims he has. I will admit that the Admiral who masterminded the Bin Laden assassination did so while President Obama was in office.

I doubt it will work, except to mobilize people who already believe in Obama. I don't believe Obama has addressed any of the things that this ad claims he has. I will admit that the Admiral who masterminded the Bin Laden assassination did so while President Obama was in office.

Well, I am hoping that the message that there was a crisis before Pres. Obama came to office is heard by independents. I still like Frum's analogy that Pres. Bush drove the White House car into a wall, and then as he got out of the burning car, threw the keys to Pres. Obama and said "It's all yours now".

To further the analogy, Obama then got into the car and stepped on the accelerator.

To further the analogy, Obama then got into the car and stepped on the accelerator.

True ......... and drove America out of a possible return to The Great Depression. Not sure what John McCain would have done.

Well, now it's on to the general election in November.

True ......... and drove America out of a possible return to The Great Depression.

Sez you. Like Roosevelt, Obama enacted policies that extended the economic downturn.

Sez you. Like Roosevelt, Obama enacted policies that extended the economic downturn.

I don't feel like arguing with you today, Macfury. Thus, let us agree to disagree with our thoughts about FDR and Pres. Obama. Paix, mon ami.

hmmm freudian slip??? likely not.....

:rolleyes:

Stop.

Tone has been really good around here lately. Please, this is not needed.

MacDoc, while I dislike Macfury's constant bashing of Pres. Obama, regardless of the thread, I don't think that he meant this in any way other than to say he would "sing the praises" of any Republican candidate who defeated Pres. Obama in Nov. at the polls.

:rolleyes:

Stop.

Tone has been really good around here lately. Please, this is not needed.

True. Discussions about American politics are far more refined than the rough and tumble world of discussing Canadian politics. :D:D:D

Paix, mon ami. We shall behave ourselves.

Romney vs. Obama polls are all over the place, although conventional wisdom suggests that Obama should be doing better against Romney at this point as a sitting president.

Romney vs. Obama polls are all over the place, although conventional wisdom suggests that Obama should be doing better against Romney at this point as a sitting president.

True. This is why I think that the election shall go down to the wire ............ with Pres. Obama being reelected. Hopefully, the dog-owners of America will help make this a possibility. We shall see.

Paix, mon ami.

Obama endorses same-sex marriage - The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2012/05/09/gIQAivsWDU_story.html?hpid=z1)

This will be interesting....

Obama endorses same-sex marriage - The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2012/05/09/gIQAivsWDU_story.html?hpid=z1)

This will be interesting....

True. The proverbial "battle lines" are going to be drawn even deeper now that Rick Santorum has backed Mitt Romney.

Personally, I think that Pres. Obama is making the right decision in this endorsement. We shall see the effect of this move comes November.

Paix, mon amie.

I agree he made the right move, and it's certainly the stance I'm in favour of.

Politically, though, it will be very interesting. You're right about the battle lines being drawn.

I agree he made the right move, and it's certainly the stance I'm in favour of.

Politically, though, it will be very interesting. You're right about the battle lines being drawn.

Still, those who oppose this position would not, in all honesty, be voting for Pres. Obama. I don't see this as a move on his part just to get the GLBT votes, but rather, to demonstrate that he is the president of ALL the people in the US, and that US laws, rights and responsibilities, should be extended to all US citizens.

I actually don't see Mitt Romney making a big deal on this move, especially in the debates, in that it will not gain him any support amongst the independent voters. We shall see.

I think this works more as an appeal to the moderate Republicans, who are not happy with Obama but are also against the socially conservative Republican right a la the likes of Palin, Santorum, Bachmann, Perry, etc.

It may also galvanize those who like Obama into ensuring that they actually get out and vote.

I think this works more as an appeal to the moderate Republicans, who are not happy with Obama but are also against the socially conservative Republican right a la the likes of Palin, Santorum, Bachmann, Perry, etc.

It may also galvanize those who like Obama into ensuring that they actually get out and vote.

Very good speculation, Sonal.

I was just listening to the chair of the Republican National Committee comment on this issue. He said that the Republican nominee for president and the Rep. Party would be taking a stand against this policy, and that they would be in support of a Constitutional amendment banning all gay and lesbian marriages; that they would again support the Defense of Marriage Act, affirming the right of states not to recognize same-sex marriages licensed in other states; that they would deny marriage benefits to any couple other than a man/woman marriage; and they would change the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy to deny any gay or lesbian person from serving his/her country in any branch of the military service.

Interesting, but by taking this stance, Pres. Obama is again undertaking the notion of "tikkun olam", which is a Hebrew phrase that means "repairing the world" to help the poor, the hungry, and any person in need of protection.

Paix, mon amie.

I hoped Obama would do something like this. It will help to ensure his defeat in the fall.

I hoped Obama would do something like this. It will help to ensure his defeat in the fall.

We shall see. Taking difficult positions is the mark of a good president. Think of this as his doing what Harry Truman did when he desegregated the US military.

Paix, mon ami.

We shall see. Taking difficult positions is the mark of a good president. Think of this as his doing what Harry Truman did when he desegregated the US military.

Paix, mon ami.

I don't believe the federal government should be involved in this issue at all, and it represents an abuse of federal power over state's rights. It is the mark of an over-reaching president to even comment on this issue. I hold both Bush II and Obama accountable for this, for mis-using their bully pulpit to speak on either side of the issue.

I don't believe the federal government should be involved in this issue at all, and it represents an abuse of federal power over state's rights. It is the mark of an over-reaching president to even comment on this issue. I hold both Bush II and Obama accountable for this, for mis-using their bully pulpit to speak on either side of the issue.

Interesting. Still, this sounds just like Orval Faubus, Gov. of Arkansas in 1957, Ross Barnett, Gov. of Mississippi, in 1962 and George Wallace, Gov. of Alabama, in 1963.

In his inaugural speech, Wallace used the line for which he is best known: “In the name of the greatest people that have ever trod this earth, I draw the line in the dust and toss the gauntlet before the feet of tyranny, and I say segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever."

There are times when a president needs to "over-reach" to protect individuals and groups of people.

I don't agree, Dr. G. Marriage itself should be no concern of the federal government, whereas equality under the law springs directly from the U.S. Constitution. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 merely formalized what was already in the Constitution, emboldened by the Supreme Court in Brown vs. Board of Education.

To have the president weighing in on picayune matters like the definition of marriage demeans the office.

I don't agree, Dr. G. Marriage itself should be no concern of the federal government, whereas equality under the law springs directly from the U.S. Constitution. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 merely formalized what was already in the Constitution, emboldened by the Supreme Court in Brown vs. Board of Education.

To have the president weighing in on picayune matters like the definition of marriage demeans the office.

Personally, while I support this position by Pres. Obama, I too wish that the federal government did not have to get involved in this matter. Still, when certain rights are being denied to a person, or a couple, or a group of people, there is a responsibility of the federal government to protect these people.

"The Civil Rights Act of 1964 merely formalized what was already in the Constitution, emboldened by the Supreme Court in Brown vs. Board of Education." True, but is went on to be specific beyond education, and lead to some of the greatest social legislation since the New Deal.

I wonder how FDR or LBJ would handle this situation if they were president today. I think that both would be more effective than Pres. Obama in getting this idea enacted into law. Still, I give Pres. Obama credit for doing the right thing, albeit a difficult thing. It may, as you say, cost him the election. We shall see.

Paix, mon ami.

We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I would rather be right than President. ~Henry Clay

I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man. ~George Washington

The time is always right to do what is right. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare. ~Mark Twain

Just got this from Pres. Obama's campaign committee.

Stand with the President — Barack Obama (http://www.barackobama.com/stand-with-the-president?source=em12_20120509_bo_act&utm_medium=email&utm_source=obama&utm_campaign=em12_20120509_bo_act)

We shall agree to disagree. The federal government need not be involved at all.

We shall agree to disagree. The federal government need not be involved at all.

Good idea. This way, there is no need to get into a protracted "back and forth" debate. We have made our points well, and have agreed to disagree .......... and have done so in a civil manner. Paix, mon ami.

Top GOP Pollster to GOP: Reverse On Gay Issues - The Dish | By Andrew Sullivan - The Daily Beast (http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2012/05/top-gop-pollster-to-gop-reverse-on-gay-issues.html)

Top GOP Pollster to GOP: Reverse On Gay Issues - The Dish | By Andrew Sullivan - The Daily Beast (http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2012/05/top-gop-pollster-to-gop-reverse-on-gay-issues.html)

An interesting item, Sonal. I think that Romney has backed himself into a corner on this issue, and if he trys to take a more moderate stand, supporters like Rick Santorum will try to force him back into a more hard-line stance. We shall see.

Paix, mon ami.

Santorum to Romney: ‘Step up’ and use ‘potent weapon’ of same sex marriage – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/12/santorum-to-romney-step-up-and-use-potent-weapon-of-same-sex-marriage/?hpt=hp_t2)

The president need not have a stand on gay marriage. It is not a federal matter. Obama has backed himself into a corner, while Romney need only say it should be left to the states. Obama has shored up his shrinking base with his comments, but the win can go to Romney by shutting his trap.

The president need not have a stand on gay marriage. It is not a federal matter. Obama has backed himself into a corner, while Romney need only say it should be left to the states. Obama has shored up his shrinking base with his comments, but the win can go to Romney by shutting his trap.

I suspect the ship "It's not a Federal matter; leave it to individual states" has sailed.

In any case, pleading "states rights" did not ultimately work for the issue of segregated schools. I suspect it will not work here.

I suspect the ship "It's not a Federal matter; leave it to individual states" has sailed.

I don't think your suspicions have any foundation here. But if you think this is a federal matter, what has Obama promised to do about gay marriage?

I suspect the ship "It's not a Federal matter; leave it to individual states" has sailed.

In any case, pleading "states rights" did not ultimately work for the issue of segregated schools. I suspect it will not work here.

Very true, Sonal. This is especially true when there are currently 6 U.S. states that allow same-sex marriage, along with the District of Columbia. However, due to the Defense of Marriage Act, the federal government does not recognize the same-sex marriages in these states.

Still, as Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus on Sunday said the Republican Party stands by dignity and respect for gay Americans, but that those sentiments do not change his opposition to same-sex marriage.

"I don't think it's a matter of civil rights. I think it's just a matter of whether or not we're going to adhere to something that's been historical and religious and legal in this country for many, many years," Priebus said."

Interesting, but the same thing was said about slavery, since slavery was both seen as an "historical" states' right, and defended upon "religious" grounds.

Priebus: Same-sex marriage isn’t a civil rights issue – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/13/priebus-same-sex-marriage-isnt-a-civil-rights-issue/?hpt=hp_t2)

Ron Paul no longer campaigning in primaries - The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/ron-paul-no-longer-campaigning-in-primaries/2012/05/14/gIQACDQHPU_blog.html)

"Texas Rep. Ron Paul (R) announced today that he is scaling back his presidential campaign operation.

He said in a statement that he will continue to fight former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney for delegates at state conventions around the country, but he will no longer spend any money on upcoming primary contests."

In a way I am sad about this announcement. I hope that he is able to speak at the convention. He has earned this as being the one person who did not quit and then quickly throw their support to Romney. We shall see.

Very true, Sonal. This is especially true when there are currently 6 U.S. states that allow same-sex marriage, along with the District of Columbia. However, due to the Defense of Marriage Act, the federal government does not recognize the same-sex marriages in these states.

Still, as Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus on Sunday said the Republican Party stands by dignity and respect for gay Americans, but that those sentiments do not change his opposition to same-sex marriage.

"I don't think it's a matter of civil rights. I think it's just a matter of whether or not we're going to adhere to something that's been historical and religious and legal in this country for many, many years," Priebus said."

Interesting, but the same thing was said about slavery, since slavery was both seen as an "historical" states' right, and defended upon "religious" grounds.

Priebus: Same-sex marriage isn’t a civil rights issue – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/13/priebus-same-sex-marriage-isnt-a-civil-rights-issue/?hpt=hp_t2)

Not all thing remain the same after substitution. I can make a cake with salt instead of sugar--it's simply no longer a cake. Likewise, substituting a man for a woman or a woman for a man does not make such a union a marriage. Let it be classified as something else that allows them to enjoy whatever government benefits they want to apply for.

Not all thing remain the same after substitution. I can make a cake with salt instead of sugar--it's simply no longer a cake. Likewise, substituting a man for a woman or a woman for a man does not make such a union a marriage. Let it be classified as something else that allows them to enjoy whatever government benefits they want to apply for.

Separate but equal?

lol

So removing marriage entirely from the legal system and putting in two persons in a civil union should be very straight forward - pardon the pun.

I'd be all for that....problem is the marriage bigots want their legal cake and eat it too pardon the unpardonable pun:rolleyes:

Separate but equal?

It is not the same thing, so no equality or inequality is implied. Marriage isn't some sort of generic term that you simply apply to whatever you see fit.

So removing marriage entirely from the legal system and putting in two persons in a civil union should be very straight forward - pardon the pun.

I'd be all for that....problem is the marriage bigots want their legal cake and eat it too pardon the unpardonable pun:rolleyes:

Yes. The government need not define marriage. It just needs to define the legal ramifications of all civil unions.

If a gay couple wants to go to a church and that church says that they're "married," so be it. If they want to go to city hall to register their civil union, so be it. Same goes for heterosexual couples. If the definition of marriage changes, it shouldn't do so from the top down, but organically.

An interesting article by David Frum in CNN.com. Very surprised by the contentions they made, in that it has always been the elephant in the room. Sadly, I would have to concur with this view. While I am a Democrat at heart, I feel that without a working two-party system, there is merely gridlock in Congress.

(CNN) -- Last month, two political scientists published one of those rare op-eds that gets the political community talking.

The thesis of the piece was contained in the title: "Let's just say it: The Republicans are the problem."

In case that was not clear enough, the authors elaborated: "We have been studying Washington politics and Congress for more than 40 years, and never have we seen them this dysfunctional.

"In our past writings, we have criticized both parties when we believed it was warranted. Today, however, we have no choice but to acknowledge that the core of the problem lies with the Republican Party.

"The GOP has become an insurgent outlier in American politics. It is ideologically extreme; scornful of compromise; unmoved by conventional understanding of facts, evidence and science; and dismissive of the legitimacy of its political opposition.

"When one party moves this far from the mainstream, it makes it nearly impossible for the political system to deal constructively with the country's challenges."

Fear fueling Republican extremism - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/14/opinion/frum-mann-ornstein/index.html?hpt=hp_c2)

An interesting article by David Frum in CNN.com. Very surprised by the contentions they made, in that it has always been the elephant in the room. Sadly, I would have to concur with this view. While I am a Democrat at heart, I feel that without a working two-party system, there is merely gridlock in Congress.

(CNN) -- Last month, two political scientists published one of those rare op-eds that gets the political community talking.

The thesis of the piece was contained in the title: "Let's just say it: The Republicans are the problem."

In case that was not clear enough, the authors elaborated: "We have been studying Washington politics and Congress for more than 40 years, and never have we seen them this dysfunctional.

"In our past writings, we have criticized both parties when we believed it was warranted. Today, however, we have no choice but to acknowledge that the core of the problem lies with the Republican Party.

"The GOP has become an insurgent outlier in American politics. It is ideologically extreme; scornful of compromise; unmoved by conventional understanding of facts, evidence and science; and dismissive of the legitimacy of its political opposition.

"When one party moves this far from the mainstream, it makes it nearly impossible for the political system to deal constructively with the country's challenges."

Fear fueling Republican extremism - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/14/opinion/frum-mann-ornstein/index.html?hpt=hp_c2)

David Frum has long been a mouthpiece for the Democrat party. This sort of partisan rhetoric doesn't shed any light on the situation. It will thrill Democrats who believe only that "mainstream" is whatever they happen to believe. If Republicans are outliers, why di they trounce the Democrats in mod-terms? It's because the Democrats were outliers.

David Frum has long been a mouthpiece for the Democrat party. This sort of partisan rhetoric doesn't shed any light on the situation. It will thrill Democrats who believe only that "mainstream" is whatever they happen to believe. If Republicans are outliers, why di they trounce the Democrats in mod-terms? It's because the Democrats were outliers.

Well, I think that David Frum, and the Democratic Party, would be surprised about this classification. So, once again, let us agree to disagree. Paix, mon ami.

Well, I think that David Frum, and the Democratic Party, would be surprised about this classification. So, once again, let us agree to disagree. Paix, mon ami.

David Frum has been on the outs with conservatives for years, Dr. G. He's a conservative in everything but the stands he takes on important conservative issues.

David Frum has been on the outs with conservatives for years, Dr. G. He's a conservative in everything but the stands he takes on important conservative issues.

He may be on the "outs" with some conservatives, but he is hardly a spokesperson for the Democratic Party. Pres. Obama is on the outs with some liberals on various issues, but that does not make him a Republican.

Paix, mon ami.

There's a name for such people among Republicans--RINOs, which stands for Republican In Name Only. David Frum is one of those, as was the deposed Senator Dick Lugar.

Obama is on the outs with many Democrats, but his positions have never been conservative.

There's a name for such people among Republicans--RINOs, which stands for Republican In Name Only. David Frum is one of those, as was the deposed Senator Dick Lugar.

Obama is on the outs with many Democrats, but his positions have never been conservative.

Interesting. Well, seems like the Republican Party is becoming a bit too exclusive if your contention is correct.

Still, I like David Frum's views even if I don't agree with them all the time. He writes well and expresses his views just as well.

The Republicans have been cultivating extremism as a political tactic since the 1970's and they've become a party of Bill O'Reilys, Rick Santorums, Michele Bachmanns, and Sara Palins. They embrace ignorance, superstition, fear and violence, and disparage thoughtful consideration, science, learning and tolerance. While they still mouth platitudes about "small government" and "lower taxes" these have become meaningless slogans, as their policies have been consistently about enriching the rich, expanding military interventions abroad, and expanding the police-state at home.

The Republicans really are what is wrong with America. The fact that about half of Americans fall for them is primarily indicative of the fact that the average American does not have the education or the information necessary to see through their lies.

Interesting. Well, seems like the Republican Party is becoming a bit too exclusive if your contention is correct.

A "big tent" will eventually collapse if it exceeds its structural capabilities.

Still, I like David Frum's views even if I don't agree with them all the time. He writes well and expresses his views just as well.

I once respected him, but now no longer like his views. I find them disingenuous and intellectually dishonest, because they're presented within a conservative framework.

The Republicans have been cultivating extremism as a political tactic since the 1970's and they've become a party of Bill O'Reilys, Rick Santorums, Michele Bachmanns, and Sara Palins. They embrace ignorance, superstition, fear and violence, and disparage thoughtful consideration, science, learning and tolerance. While they still mouth platitudes about "small government" and "lower taxes" these have become meaningless slogans, as their policies have been consistently about enriching the rich, expanding military interventions abroad, and expanding the police-state at home.

The Republicans really are what is wrong with America. The fact that about half of Americans fall for them is primarily indicative of the fact that the average American does not have the education or the information necessary to see through their lies.

Interesting points, bryanc. While I would agree with your first paragraph, especially about the cultivation of extremism as a "political tactic", I am not sure I will agree with your last comment about the "average American" and his/her education or "information to see through their lies". I have friends throughout the US who I would consider to be far smarter than me, all of who are voting Republicans. One is a strong support of Ron Paul, one of Rick Perry, two for Newt Gingrich and one who goes from supporting John Kennedy as a boy, working for Robert Kennedy when he ran for Senator in NY State, to openly supporting and working for Ronald Reagan. Of course, one of my best friend's views went from openly supporting Barry Goldwater prior to meeting me to helping me run as a delegate from New York State to the 1968 Democratic convention supporting Gene McCarthy.

So, I would not want to make such a blanket statement that you seem to have made in your last paragraph.

Paix, mon ami.

A "big tent" will eventually collapse if it exceeds its structural capabilities.



I once respected him, but now no longer like his views. I find them disingenuous and intellectually dishonest, because they're presented within a conservative framework.

Guess they need the "big tent" concept, Macfury.

Strange, but I initially did not like DF's views, but now have come to respect him more due to his intelligent manner of expressing his views. Guess, once again, we shall agree to disagree ................. but in a civilized manner. Interesting how this thread has not had the sort of jabs commonly found in the Canadian politics thread.

Paix, mon ami.

Dr. G: I think we all tend to like the guy from across the aisle from our beliefs who surprisingly makes statements we agree with. It's like the occasional time James Carville says something I can support. As humans, we like to find agreement and like-mindedness among our fellow travelers. Even bryanc and I can agree on the value of watching the Three Stooges from time to time.

Dr. G: I think we all tend to like the guy from across the aisle from our beliefs who surprisingly makes statements we agree with. It's like the occasional time James Carville says something I can support. As humans, we like to find agreement and like-mindedness among our fellow travelers. Even bryanc and I can agree on the value of watching the Three Stooges from time to time.

All valid points, Macfury. As I said, we are far more civil in this thread. Invite me the next time you and bryanc watch The Three Stooges .......... I am a fan since I was a little boy. Paix, mon ami.

Read this in the NY Times:

"$800 Million Target for Romney Campaign and Republican Committee

By NICHOLAS CONFESSORE


9:28 p.m. | Updated A new joint fund-raising initiative between Mitt Romney and the Republican National Committee will aim to raise $800 million by November, part of what Mr. Romney’s campaign estimates will be a total of $1 billion spent to defeat President Obama and elect Mr. Romney, a former Massachusetts governor."

$800 Million Target for Romney Campaign and Republican Committee - NYTimes.com (http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/16/800-million-target-for-romney-campaign-and-republican-committee/)

The median income in the United States is about $50,000, so I doubt very many 99 percenters are able to meet the $75,000 minimum that was expected at a recent Romney fundraiser. Did you know the goal of the RNC is to raise $800 million by November? Imagine how many families could be helped if just half of that was used to train people for the new job market, as opposed to being spent to help one guy get hired?

Sadly, Pres. Obama is not immune from this push for funds. Just last week, Obama -- with George Clooney -- raised $15 million in one night. This makes me wonder how in the hell our political process became so distorted that Obama needs this much money to run for re-election.

Campaign finance reform, one of Ron Paul's points, is one specific reason, other than that he is at least honest with his views, why I like him as a politician.

I am still going to vote for Pres. Obama, but this time around, I am not going to send him any money.

You hear the latest? Obama is gay. Must be true, heard it on the radio.

Okay, so let's see now, Obama is a socialist, muslim, homosexual Kenyan.

How did Donald Trump miss that?

Anyway, have a listen to what this guy has to say, it's absolutely hilarious...hmmm, kind'a looks ghay himself don't he?

XzsLDjA1sRY

If Obama is gay... is there anything wrong with that?

If Obama is gay... is there anything wrong with that?

I'd say we're beyond that crap, don't you think?

I'd say we're beyond that crap, don't you think?

I believe so. I wish Obama had been a gay fiscal conservative.

Just read this on CNN.com --

"Powell favors same-sex marriage

CNN's Gregory Wallace

(CNN) - Gen. Colin Powell said Wednesday on CNN's "The Situation Room" that he supports legal same-sex marriage, either at the state or federal level.

"I have no problem with it," he said in the interview, which will air at 5 p.m. ET. "In terms of the legal matter of creating a contract between two people that's called marriage, and allowing them to live together with the protection of law, it seems to me is the way we should be moving in this country. And so I support the president's decision." "

Did not expect this support from him ................ what next, him supporting the reelection of Pres. Obama???? :clap:

oh dear....

Mitt Romney iPhone App, 'With Mitt,' Misspells 'America' (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/30/mitt-romney-iphone-app-with-mitt-america-amercia_n_1555714.html)

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4thpxOvxN1rxqttfo1_400.jpg

oh dear....

Mitt Romney iPhone App, 'With Mitt,' Misspells 'America' (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/30/mitt-romney-iphone-app-with-mitt-america-amercia_n_1555714.html)

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4thpxOvxN1rxqttfo1_400.jpg

Now, now ............. Romney would be elected president to fix the economy and not the education system. :D

his campaign probably outsourced the job to China to save a few bucks.

(which is pretty much what would happen if he was president)

I've held off on pointing out every factual error and spelling error made by Obama or his administration. Do we want to go down this road?

if they are on the level of this gaffe then knock yourself out.

somehow i'm guessing all you'll have are understandable random human errors. nothing up to the level of incompetence demonstrated here. misspelling the name of the country on every splash screen on a political campaign's mobile app is next level.

Apparently not a misspell, he really wants to be president of Amercia (http://www.mediaite.com/online/romneys-campaign-misspelled-america-on-iphone-app-i-endorse-romney-as-president-of-amercia/).

if they are on the level of this gaffe then knock yourself out.

somehow i'm guessing all you'll have are understandable random human errors. nothing up to the level of incompetence demonstrated here. misspelling the name of the country on every splash screen on a political campaign's mobile app is next level.

Obama's personal statement that he had visited all 57 states? That was him personally, not some flunky building an app.

Obama's personal statement that he had visited all 57 states? That was him personally, not some flunky building an app.


somehow i'm guessing all you'll have are understandable random human errors.

difference between a brief mental lapse and something that surely must have been months in development and should have been double/triple checked by his campaign staff.

also...

I've held off on pointing out every factual error and spelling error made by Obama or his administration. Do we want to go down this road?

have you really "held off" on Obama saying 57 states by mistake? i think this must be the third time i've seen you reference it.

difference between a brief mental lapse and something that surely must have been months in development and should have been double/triple checked by his campaign staff.

also...



have you really "held off" on Obama saying 57 states by mistake? i think this must be the third time i've seen you reference it.

Hey, cut Pres. Obama some slack, since according to Donald Trump, he was not even born in America.

Still, so long as Mitt Ronmey can run America like he did Bain Corp., it makes no difference how he spells America ............ since any sort of miscue on an Etch-a-Sketch can easily be corrected with just a shake.

Hey, cut Pres. Obama some slack, since according to Donald Trump, he was not even born in America.

Still, so long as Mitt Ronmey can run America like he did Bain Corp., it makes no difference how he spells America ............ since any sort of miscue on an Etch-a-Sketch can easily be corrected with just a shake.

Unfortunately, we cannot correct four years of Obama's presidency with just a shake. His damage will take years to undo.

Unfortunately, we cannot correct four years of Obama's presidency with just a shake. His damage will take years to undo.

With luck, Mitt Romney will get a full two term presidency ............. and with any further luck and a Republican held Congress, they will do away with the 22nd Amendment, giving Mitt Romney enough time to do as he wants without worrying about what the people want/need, what the Constitution dictates, and what is good for America ..... however you spell this word. After all, it took FDR four terms to clean up the mess caused by Hoover. :D

We shall see.

With luck, Mitt Romney will get a full two term presidency ............. and with any further luck and a Republican held Congress, they will do away with the 22nd Amendment, giving Mitt Romney enough time to do as he wants without worrying about what the people want/need, what the Constitution dictates, and what is good for America ..... however you spell this word. After all, it took FDR four terms to clean up the mess caused by Hoover. :D

We shall see.

It may take only one term to deal with the mess left by FDR.

next time Mitt should just stick to calling the country USA - much less chance of a spelling error.

It may take only one term to deal with the mess left by FDR.

Well, Ike, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush I and II had their chances ............. guess we are going to need the Tea Party to finally put the last nail into the coffin of the New Deal/Great Society .............. which, while helping millions of Americans, has caused great stress upon the wealthy in the US. According to Fox News, Romney now has the support of more billionaires than any other president or presidential candidate in the history of the Republic. Hopefully, this money will help to cover up any faults that Romney might bring to the election. Who knows, he is young enough to go 5+ terms ........... or just do away with presidential elections and run the US like a corporation??? We shall see.

Paix, mon ami.

Well, Ike, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush I and II had their chances ............. guess we are going to need the Tea Party to finally put the last nail into the coffin of the New Deal/Great Society

This is my hope. The Great Society is becoming indistinguishable form a European welfare state--with higher taxes to boot.

This is my hope. The Great Society is becoming indistinguishable form a European welfare state--with higher taxes to boot.

We shall see. Hopefully, they can cut the many social and environmental benefits put in place by LBJ that helped generations of people of all ages, and change around the tax code to place a greater burden upon these people, keep the benefits flowing to the Tea Party supporters while not raising corporate taxes or resorting to the taxation of the super wealthy. It won't be easy for Romney, but if he is strong enough to withstand the overt suffering of millions of Americans, he might just pull it off. We shall see.

Paix, mon ami.

We shall see. Hopefully, they can cut the many social and environmental benefits put in place by LBJ that helped generations of people of all ages, and change around the tax code to place a greater burden upon these people, keep the benefits flowing to the Tea Party supporters while not raising corporate taxes or resorting to the taxation of the super wealthy. It won't be easy for Romney, but if he is strong enough to withstand the overt suffering of millions of Americans, he might just pull it off. We shall see.

Paix, mon ami.

Ahh, the failed Great Experiment which transfers "suffering" from able bodied people to the middle class.

We shall see.

Ahh, the failed Great Experiment which transfers "suffering" from able bodied people to the middle class.

We shall see.

Yes, good point, Macfury. I say, "let them suffer" ............. or at least "let them eat cake". The middle class has suffered enough, and if the upper class should ever feel this pain, then there will less to "trickle down" to the rest of us. The US needs to really stop the flow of red ink. We shall see.

Paix, mon ami.

Apparently not a misspell, he really wants to be president of Amercia (http://www.mediaite.com/online/romneys-campaign-misspelled-america-on-iphone-app-i-endorse-romney-as-president-of-amercia/).

Hey, when Mitt Romney becomes president, he will make singing "Amercia teh Buetiflu" standard practice in US schools, along with prayers ............ and maybe even those weekly spelling tests we all hated. We shall see.

Apparently not a misspell, he really wants to be president of Amercia (http://www.mediaite.com/online/romneys-campaign-misspelled-america-on-iphone-app-i-endorse-romney-as-president-of-amercia/).

At least this proves Donald Trump correct -- Pres. Obama was NOT born in Hawaii, the 50th state in the United States of Amercia.

At least this proves Donald Trump correct -- Pres. Obama was NOT born in Hawaii, the 50th state in the United States of Amercia.

I will say this--the document produced by the White House was clearly not an original certificate. I have no idea why they would further stoke up the debate by providing such an obvious paste-job.

I will say this--the document produced by the White House was clearly not an original certificate. I have no idea why they would further stoke up the debate by providing such an obvious paste-job.

Now CNN and the Gov. of Hawaii are in on this conspiracy/cover-up as well. Wonder if Romney will select Trump as his VP candidate???? If so, the election is his for the asking ............. and Trump can fund his own campaign as well. We shall see.

Paix, mon ami.

Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_c2#/video/politics/2012/05/31/ac-tuchman-birther-conspiracy-theory.cnn)

I believe there is something being covered up, but not the nationality of the president. Would that it would be so easy to flush him from office.

Now CNN and the Gov. of Hawaii are in on this conspiracy/cover-up as well. Wonder if Romney will select Trump as his VP candidate???? If so, the election is his for the asking ............. and Trump can fund his own campaign as well. We shall see.

Paix, mon ami.

Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_c2#/video/politics/2012/05/31/ac-tuchman-birther-conspiracy-theory.cnn)

I believe there is something being covered up, but not the nationality of the president. Would that it would be so easy to flush him from office.

Good point, Macfury. There has to be some reason for his being elected president in the first place. After all, when was the last time a US Senator was elected president??? As well, we all know what happened to JFK, the last US Senator to be elected president.

Still, with Karl Rove coming on board the Romney team to provide his "3-2-1" plan for a Romney presidency, I think that it is becoming clear who shall win in Nov. Not sure if Romney can do all that he is saying he will do on day one, but the sooner he gets the deadbeats off the backs of the US taxpayer, the sooner the country will be back on the right path (no pun intended).

Of course, Romney could select Sarah Palin as his VP running mate and make the election really interesting. I don't see that happening. We shall see.

Have you joined up with "Canadians for a New Amercia"? It is a Superpac to support the Romney cause here in Canada, and to surpress the US vote for Pres. Obama here in Canada by all those pinko American citizens who are eligible to vote in a federal US election.

Paix, mon ami.

Have you joined up with "Canadians for a New Amercia"? It is a Superpac to support the Romney cause here in Canada, and to surpress the US vote for Pres. Obama here in Canada by all those pinko American citizens who are eligible to vote in a federal US election.

I would probably do this, but Obama is doing such a great job of suppressing his own vote. I don't think I could outdo his efforts.

I would probably do this, but Obama is doing such a great job of suppressing his own vote. I don't think I could outdo his efforts.

Still, why not get behind a winner like the rest of us ................ stand up for Amercia, regardless of where you live or your nationality. There will come a time in the near future when, as former Pres. Bush once said, "You are either with us or against us." For me, I would like to be on the winning side to show I have nothing to hide.

Paix, mon ami.

Colbert is the best :)

CZBa6SOCZ1c

Colbert is the best :)

CZBa6SOCZ1c

:lmao::clap::lmao::clap:

Ronmey in 2102 has a nice ring to it ................. :D

Ronmey in 2102 has a nice ring to it ................. :D

Could be a Dynasty of Republicans all the way into the next century. Excellent vision, Dr. G!

Could be a Dynasty of Republicans all the way into the next century.

Given that the Republicans of the last century were far to the Left of current Democrats (let alone current Republicans), and the fact that the U.S. cannot possibly sustain it's culture of consumerism and war-mongering, whatever party occupies the White House in the future is bound to be far to the Left of the current occupant.

Could be a Dynasty of Republicans all the way into the next century. Excellent vision, Dr. G!

Well, Mitt Romney was born on March 12th, 1947. Ronald Reagan was born on February 6, 1911 and became president on January 20, 1981 when he was 69 years of age. So, Romney has the youth to serve two terms ........... at least. If the Republicans can crush the Democrats and take control of the House and Senate, and most of the state houses as well, they could overturn the 22nd Amendment limiting the number of terms for a president to two. Or, he could run as Milt Ronmey and get another two terms, especially if he is able to paraphrase Reagan's classic comment that "In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problems; government is the problem."

He could run on an anti-Obama platform this election, and then run on an anti-Great Society platform in 2016. Then, as Milt Ronmey, he could run on an anti-New Deal platform. He could bring back the "Old Deal" on social darwinism and the robber barons.

Heck, if Elizabeth II is 86, he should be able to go another 4-8 years and become the oldest and longest serving president in the history of the US.

The only problem I foresee is his selecting a real dud of a VP running mate (e.g., Donald Trump), or if Donald Trump turns on him for not selecting him as the VP candidate and "The Donald" brings up the birther issue for Romney/Ronmey, since Mitt Romney was born in Detroit, but Milt Ronmey was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. We shall see.

Given that the Republicans of the last century were far to the Left of current Democrats (let alone current Republicans), and the fact that the U.S. cannot possibly sustain it's culture of consumerism and war-mongering, whatever party occupies the White House in the future is bound to be far to the Left of the current occupant.

At least you admit that the economic decay of the U.S. is the result of a shift to the left over the years,

At least you admit that the economic decay of the U.S. is the result of a shift to the left over the years,

Um... unless you're arguing that the U.S. is in better shape now than it was in the last century, you might want to try re-reading what I posted. Both parties have moved dramatically to the Right in the 50 years, with Obama now firmly to the Right of Republicans of the past.

In this country of ours, so proud, strong and free,
We did things and made things the whole world could see.
But times, they have changed, now we needn't get dirty,
Since Wall Street makes things so many find purty.
It's all different now, thanks to the bankers' ascendance,
Inventing new-paper contraptions, 'fore I finish this sentence!
We'll package and bundle and wager and bet,
What's good for the Street will be good for you yet!
And if things should go wrong and our faces turn pale,
Our most favorite part is, we're too big to fail!
Now cabbies and pickers will pick up the slack,
Your taxes will bring the bankers right back . . .
. . . To the top where we keep spreading good news
Of deregulation and our free-market views!
We know what we're doing, just stop with the rules!
With our proven track record, see, regulation's for fools!
Now we're buying both sides, to do our good bidding.
That whole Democracy thing, surely you're kidding!
With money our speech, the whole world's our play . . .
. . . to make sure we win either way. (http://www.markfiore.com/political-cartoons/watch-economy-wall-street-banks-obama-mitt-romney-animated-video-mark-fiore-political+animation)

Um... unless you're arguing that the U.S. is in better shape now than it was in the last century, you might want to try re-reading what I posted. Both parties have moved dramatically to the Right in the 50 years, with Obama now firmly to the Right of Republicans of the past.

Sorry, that makes utterly no sense.

At least you admit that the economic decay of the U.S. is the result of a shift to the left over the years,

An excellent observation. Look at the economic prosperity of the "Roaring twenties" .......... brought about by Harding and Coolidge, both Republicans. When the Wall Street Crash of 1929 struck less than eight months after he took office, Hoover tried to combat the ensuing Great Depression with public works projects and an increase in the top tax bracket from 25% to 63%, and increases in corporate taxes. Public works and raising the tax rate on wealthy Americans is a leftist ploy, so while Hoover was elected as a Republican, he was really a Democrat in disguise. Roosevelt, with all of his programs, was a socialist/communist, that ruined America, dispite all the people who were saved from starvation and dispair.

Good times returned to America in the 50's with Eisenhower, a Republican ............ and again came back after the Carter-caused recession by Reagan, a real Republican.

Thus, good times are brought about by Republicans and hard times are caused by Democrats.

Fiore, etc.

The U.S. is a deregulated society? Hilarious.

Sorry, that makes utterly no sense.

Many have noted that Obama is functionally to the Right of even recent Republicans (including Reagan (http://triplecrisis.com/how-obama-is-right-of-reagan-on-trade/)). And if you consider his inaction on Gitmo, support for bank bailouts, sustained tax breaks for the rich, etc. He's hard to distinguish from Bush.

However, in their desperate armpit-soaking terror of being unable to distinguish themselves from Democrats, the Republicans continue to move further to the Right, even when it takes them into loony-tunes radical fringe territory.

Many have noted that Obama is functionally to the Right of even recent Republicans (including Reagan (http://triplecrisis.com/how-obama-is-right-of-reagan-on-trade/)). And if you consider his inaction on Gitmo, support for bank bailouts, sustained tax breaks for the rich, etc. He's hard to distinguish from Bush.

Bush pushed the party to the left, not right. Obama doubled Bush's efforts.

Any news from the Bilderberg meeting as to who they chose to be the new president?

Any news from the Bilderberg meeting as to who they chose to be the new president?

The Buffalo Bills.

Sing it...

Hey, Buffalo Bill
What did you kill
Buffalo Bill?

He went out tiger hunting with his elephant and gun
In case of accidents he always took his mom
He's the all American bullet-headed saxon mother's son.
All the children sing

Hey Buffalo Bill
What did you kill
Buffalo Bill?

Deep in the jungle where the mighty tiger lies
Bill and his elephants were taken by surprise
So Captain Marvel zapped in right between the eyes
All the children sing

Hey, Buffalo Bill
What did you kill
Buffalo Bill?

The children asked him if to kill was not a sin
Not when he looked so fierce, his mother butted in
If looks could kill it would have been us instead of him
All the children sing

Hey, Buffalo Bill
What did you kill
Buffalo Bill?

Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_t3#/video/politics/2012/06/02/dnt-obama-writes-excuse.kare)

The boy should get detention for missing school. A president can pardon criminals ................. but not truants.

What a set-up.

What a set-up.

Right ............ while hard working white collar criminals sit and rot in Club Feb prisons. :mad:

I'm happy to see that Governor Scott Walker survived the union-funded effort to recall him in Wisconsin.

as opposed to the Koch brothers/tea party radicals that funded Walker?

sad to see money still buys votes.

sad to see money still buys votes.

Look on the bright side, then--you should be happy that the millions of dollars pouring into the state from unions, Democrats and their associated Super PACs failed to buy enough votes to turn the tide.

because they were easily outspent by Walker and the wealthy industrialists who pull his strings.

Walker's $31 million war chest dwarfs that of his opponent, Milwaukee Mayor and Democrat Tom Barrett, who raised nearly $4 million.

because they were easily outspent by Walker and the wealthy industrialists who pull his strings.

The recall effort was spurred and financed by the unions, particularly the SEIU--so they can be credited with the entire wasteful fiasco of a re-election. However, whoever is pulling Walker's strings is doing a fantastic job! I believe this to be a harbinger of the fall election.

(CNN) – "Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, tea party favorite and son of presidential candidate Ron Paul, officially endorsed Mitt Romney late Thursday night.

"My first choice had always been my father. I campaigned for him when I was 11-years-old. He's still my first pick, but now that the nominating process is over, tonight I'm happy to announce that I'm going to be supporting Gov. Mitt Romney," Rand Paul said on Fox News."

I can just see Ron Paul telling his wife ........ "Son? What son? We have no son."

Rosemont, Illinois (CNN) - "Marco Rubio has repeatedly pushed back against talk of becoming Mitt Romney's running mate. The Florida senator has previously said, "I'm not going to be the vice president," and in another instance suggested former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush for the job.

Despite that, Rubio's name consistently percolates near the top of many potential VP lists.

The latest came on Friday evening, as Rubio won the vice presidential straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference near Chicago."


TRENDING: CPAC attendees prop up Rubio as other potential VPs audition – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/08/rubio-wins-cpac-vp-straw-poll/)

Gus is fully supportive of Pres. Barack Obama, but Gracie wants to sleep on it one more day before she wears one of his re-election pins. We shall see.

There was an assassination attempt on VP Biden this afternoon. Luckily, he followed his Second Amendment rights and was armed himself.

Washington (CNN) - Vice President Joe Biden's cordial annual media picnic turned into an all-out war between the vice president and children of journalists in attendance.

The vice president distributed high-powered water guns to the children gathered at his official residence and identified notable journalists for them to pursue.

A good review of the positive effects of immigration in Canada, and the need for immigration in the US.

Immigration lessons for the U.S. from around the world – Global Public Square - CNN.com Blogs (http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/10/immigration-lessons-for-the-u-s-from-around-the-world/?hpt=hp_c1)

Archie Bunker on Democrats - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fqCS7Y_kME)

:D:D:D

How shall it be celebrated/remembered???

"(CNN) -- Forty years ago this Sunday, the Watergate break-in began the downward spiral of the Richard M. Nixon administration, ending with the disgraced president's resignation a little more than two years later.

On the night of June 17, 1972, the Washington hotel served as a base for an illegal break-in by operatives of the Nixon re-election campaign at the offices of the Democratic National Committee, located in the Watergate office building next door. Five burglars were arrested.

Rookie Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein used leaked information from a source they dubbed "Deep Throat" in hundreds of articles about the ensuing scandal."

40 years later, remembering Watergate scandal's 'Deep Throat' - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/15/politics/watergate-anniversary-felt/index.html)

How shall it be celebrated/remembered???

"(CNN) -- Forty years ago this Sunday, the Watergate break-in began the downward spiral of the Richard M. Nixon administration, ending with the disgraced president's resignation a little more than two years later.

On the night of June 17, 1972, the Washington hotel served as a base for an illegal break-in by operatives of the Nixon re-election campaign at the offices of the Democratic National Committee, located in the Watergate office building next door. Five burglars were arrested.

Rookie Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein used leaked information from a source they dubbed "Deep Throat" in hundreds of articles about the ensuing scandal."

40 years later, remembering Watergate scandal's 'Deep Throat' - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/15/politics/watergate-anniversary-felt/index.html)

I should hope it will be celebrated by throwing Obama out of office in the fall. The two politicians share much in their love of fiat and executive orders.

(CNN) – While his son came out in support for Mitt Romney last week, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas said Tuesday he won't be following suit.

"No. Not ready. No way," Paul said on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" when asked if he was ready to endorse Romney.

Ron Paul: ‘No way’ on being ready to endorse Romney – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/19/ron-paul-no-way-on-being-ready-to-endorse-romney/)

Good for Congressman Paul. He is at least sticking to his beliefs.

If he is going to the convention, why would he endorse anyone?

If he is going to the convention, why would he endorse anyone?

Agreed. Hopefully, he will be allowed to speak at the convention. We shall see. Paix, mon ami.

This just in -- The Supreme Court today upheld the individual health-insurance mandate that is at the heart of President Obama’s landmark health-care law, saying the mandate is permissible under Congress’s taxing authority.

I am sure that some will quickly jump upon this posting, blasting Pres. Obama, et al, but I for one think that it is a good move to help millions upon millions of American citizens. We shall see.

Paix, mes amis.

This just in -- The Supreme Court today upheld the individual health-insurance mandate that is at the heart of President Obama’s landmark health-care law, saying the mandate is permissible under Congress’s taxing authority.

I am sure that some will quickly jump upon this posting, blasting Pres. Obama, et al, but I for one think that it is a good move to help millions upon millions of American citizens. We shall see.

Paix, mes amis.

I agree. I'm very happy with the SCOTUS today.

This just in -- The Supreme Court today upheld the individual health-insurance mandate that is at the heart of President Obama’s landmark health-care law, saying the mandate is permissible under Congress’s taxing authority.

I am sure that some will quickly jump upon this posting, blasting Pres. Obama, et al, but I for one think that it is a good move to help millions upon millions of American citizens. We shall see.

Paix, mes amis.

While the claimed intent was to reduce the impact on hospitals from the uninsured, the fact is that many uninsured Americans simply cannot afford coverage of any kind. The effect is robbing from the poor and giving to the rich.

While the claimed intent was to reduce the impact on hospitals from the uninsured, the fact is that many uninsured Americans simply cannot afford coverage of any kind. The effect is robbing from the poor and giving to the rich.

I believe that as of 2014, the Act expands Medicare eligibility to ensure more low-income Americans have coverage.

I believe that as of 2014, the Act expands Medicare eligibility to ensure more low-income Americans have coverage.

Currently Medicare Plan B cost is $165/month (Perhaps depending on State). Another $45-$65/ month must also be spent on intermediary insurance as no medical providers will attempt to deal directly with Medicare.

Someone who cannot find employment due to pre-existing medical conditions is very unlikely to have $200/month spare income to devote to medical insurance even if the Medicare Gods should decide they are eligible.

Currently Medicare Plan B cost is $165/month (Perhaps depending on State). Another $45-$65/ month must also be spent on intermediary insurance as no medical providers will attempt to deal directly with Medicare.

Someone who cannot find employment due to pre-existing medical conditions is very unlikely to have $200/month spare income to devote to medical insurance even if the Medicare Gods should decide they are eligible.

As of 2014, Insurers are prohibited from discriminating against or charging higher rates due to pre-existing conditions.

I'm not saying the Act is perfect, but it's not like they didn't at least consider some of these issues.

I agree. I'm very happy with the SCOTUS today.

Yes, I too am happy .............. but surprised that they went this way with their decision. I can't help think of the millions of people who will be helped with medical care they would not have had if the decision went the other way.

Paix, mon amie.

Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_t1#/video/us/2012/06/25/gupta-60-year-road-to-obamacare.cnn)

An interesting timeline re medical care for all Americans. That final few seconds of the video reminded me of the signing ceremony that FDR had when he signed Social Secutiry into law. Just think of the millions upon millions of seniors and survivors that helped. Hopefully, this will do the same. We shall see.

the cynic in me can't help but think they did it at the behest of the insurance companies since most of the SC's decisions seem to be corporately motivated as of late.

As of 2014, Insurers are prohibited from discriminating against or charging higher rates due to pre-existing conditions.

I'm not saying the Act is perfect, but it's not like they didn't at least consider some of these issues.

This is insane. If you can by insurance for pre-exisitng conditions, it's not insurance.

This just in -- The Supreme Court today upheld the individual health-insurance mandate that is at the heart of President Obama’s landmark health-care law, saying the mandate is permissible under Congress’s taxing authority.

I am sure that some will quickly jump upon this posting, blasting Pres. Obama, et al, but I for one think that it is a good move to help millions upon millions of American citizens. We shall see.

Paix, mes amis.



It will not help them and will be overturned in the fall.

It will not help them and will be overturned in the fall.

Because of all of these people:

People Who Say They're Moving To Canada Because Of ObamaCare (http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/people-moving-to-canada-because-of-obamacare)

It will not help them and will be overturned in the fall.

Sadly, if Romney does get elected, he intends to do just this. We shall see.

Because of all of these people:

People Who Say They're Moving To Canada Because Of ObamaCare (http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/people-moving-to-canada-because-of-obamacare)

I remember hearing the same sort of thing when George Bush Jr. was elected. We shall see.

It will not help them and will be overturned in the fall.

Here are some who it might help ...........

"As the Supreme Court makes its decision regarding the Affordable Care Act, we talked to just a few of the millions of Americans who will be affected."

The real people behind health care reform (http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2012/06/health/health.care.characters/index.html?hpt=hp_c3)

Sadly, if Romney does get elected, he intends to do just this. We shall see.

Happily, if Romney does get elected, he intends to do just this.

Happily, if Romney does get elected, he intends to do just this.

As I said, we shall see. Paix, mon ami.

Happily, if Romney does get elected, he intends to do just this.

Well, Romney and his supporters can pay for a hell-of-a-lot more attack ads... er... I mean "free speech" than the Democrats, but I don't see this election as a slam dunk.

And, to be honest, I'm kind of surprised; I figured whoever wound up holding the bag after Bush (who will doubtless become known as the worst president in US history), would be a one term president just because no one could survive the blow back from Bush's disastrous decisions. But it looks like Obama may be able to hang on. It'll be interesting to watch.

As people on the government rolls increase to greater than 50%, the likelihood of even a weak Democrat presidential candidate being elected increases. No surprise with these sorts of hand-outs.

As people on the government rolls increase to greater than 50%, the likelihood of even a weak Democrat presidential candidate being elected increases. No surprise with these sorts of hand-outs.

I thought public sector employment was down compared to Bush?

Unbelievable. Or... wait, no, we're talking about the Republicans - completely believable:

Texas GOP’s 2012 Platform Accidentally Opposes Teaching Of ‘Critical Thinking Skills’ (http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/06/texas_gops_2012_platform_accidentally_opposes_teac hing_of_critical_thinking_skills.php)

The Republican Party of Texas’ recently adopted 2012 platform contains a plank that opposes the teaching of “critical thinking skills” in schools. The party says it was a mistake, but is now stuck with the plank until the next state convention in 2014.

The plank in question, on “Knowledge-Based Education,” reads as follows:

We oppose the teaching of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) (values clarification), critical thinking skills and similar programs that are simply a relabeling of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) (mastery learning) which focus on behavior modification and have the purpose of challenging the student’s fixed beliefs and undermining parental authority.

Elsewhere in the document, the platform stipulates that “[e]very Republican is responsible for implementing this platform.”

(TalkingPointsMemo (http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/06/texas_gops_2012_platform_accidentally_opposes_teac hing_of_critical_thinking_skills.php) and DailyKOS (http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/06/27/1101959/-Texas-GOP-Platform-to-ban-teaching-Critical-Thinking-Skills-in-schools-The-stupid-IT-BURNS) and TheDailyTexan (http://www.dailytexanonline.com/blog/update/2012/06/27/critical-update-texas-gop-platform))

Unbelievable. Or... wait, no, we're talking about the Republicans - completely believable:

Texas GOP’s 2012 Platform Accidentally Opposes Teaching Of ‘Critical Thinking Skills’ (http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/06/texas_gops_2012_platform_accidentally_opposes_teac hing_of_critical_thinking_skills.php)



(TalkingPointsMemo (http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/06/texas_gops_2012_platform_accidentally_opposes_teac hing_of_critical_thinking_skills.php) and DailyKOS (http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/06/27/1101959/-Texas-GOP-Platform-to-ban-teaching-Critical-Thinking-Skills-in-schools-The-stupid-IT-BURNS) and TheDailyTexan (http://www.dailytexanonline.com/blog/update/2012/06/27/critical-update-texas-gop-platform))

I tell my students that if you want your students to read/listen/observe/view with a deeper understanding, you need to help them learn to be critical thinkers. Luckily, none of my students are teaching in Texas.

I thought public sector employment was down compared to Bush?

I was referring to welfare-type programs. However, all employment is down under Obama, so I believe what you say is true by default.

Obama recently stated that increased government hiring was necessary to bring the economy back to strength.

Happy 4th of July to one and all, especially those of us who are Americans. Paix, mes amis.

Fiore has posted a nice spoof on the typical TV drug ad lampooning the Republican stance on health care (http://www.markfiore.com/political-cartoons/watch-supreme-court-upholds-obamacare-health-care-republicans-john-roberts-animated-video-mark-fiore-politica) this week.

Adds extra comedic value to the $3B fine GlaxoSmithKline has been hit with for fraudulently marketing (http://www.canadianbusiness.com/article/89988--glaxosmithkline-pleads-guilty-to-health-fraud) it's antidepressants. But who would ever have imagined that the free market would make pushing antidepressants profitable?

Fiore has posted a nice spoof on the typical TV drug ad lampooning the Republican stance on health care (http://www.markfiore.com/political-cartoons/watch-supreme-court-upholds-obamacare-health-care-republicans-john-roberts-animated-video-mark-fiore-politica) this week.

Adds extra comedic value to the $3B fine GlaxoSmithKline has been hit with for fraudulently marketing (http://www.canadianbusiness.com/article/89988--glaxosmithkline-pleads-guilty-to-health-fraud) it's antidepressants. But who would ever have imagined that the free market would make pushing antidepressants profitable?

Neither the free market, nor the heaviest sort of regulation can prevent misbehaviour of individuals. However, public health is universally mismanaged.

http://cdn.svcs.c2.uclick.com/c2/d1c51090a2da012f2fe800163e41dd5b?width=900.0

I enjoy seeing Barackman being beat up. I hope this is a foreshadowing of November.

Abandoning USS Obama.

Socialite, songwriter Denise Rich renounces U.S. citizenship - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/10/politics/denise-rich-citizenship/index.html?eref=igoogledmn_topstories)

Rich's maiden name, Eisenberg, appeared on April 30 in the Federal Registrar's Quarterly Publication of Individuals Who Have Chosen To Expatriate, though she left in November 2011.

By handing in her American passport, tax lawyers say she is able to legally avoid paying significant taxes on her estate.

Rich, 68, is the ex-wife of billionaire commodities trader Marc Rich, who was pardoned in 2001 by then-president Bill Clinton for oil profiteering and tax evasion after he fled to Switzerland. The pardon was considered controversial because of Denise Rich's financial contributions to the Democratic Party and to the Clinton Library.

Wow...crickets. LOL

Wow...crickets. LOL

I'm noting Obamagedoon, but generally the people here only like to post if it looks like Obama is succeeding.

I'm noting Obamagedoon, but generally the people here only like to post if it looks like Obama is succeeding.

I posted this specifically for the dual citizens here who had some concerns about being forced to pay US taxes.

Wow...crickets. LOL

i didn't really see how it had anything to do with Obama TBH.

i didn't really see how it had anything to do with Obama TBH.

Obama wants to increase taxes on a large portion of the population. Some of them are leaving the country.

His massive tax-fueled Obamacare is the largest single tax hike ever inflicted on the American middle class.

A one-two punch to the gut.

actually Obama wants to extend the Bush Tax cuts to the middle class.

I think the story has little to do with Obama, and more to do with the global economic climate :

"Expatriation makes the most sense when asset values are historically low and tax rates are historically low. Her timing may have had something to do with that," tax attorney David S. Miller of Cadwalader, Wickersham, & Taft LLP said.

Typical lawyer deflection...

No, the story is about her not wanting to pay taxes in two countries and is willing to give up one of the world's most desirable citizenships in order to do so...and strangely enough, she's not the only one.

Typical lawyer deflection...


it wasn't HER lawyer who was quoted, just a Tax Lawyer who was lending his expert opinion to the article.


No, the story is about her not wanting to pay taxes in two countries and is willing to give up one of the world's most desirable citizenships in order to do so...and strangely enough, she's not the only one.

i agree completely. it's about that, and not anything about Obama. She already lives in London, in the twilight of her life, and probably settled down there.

The US has brutal tax laws on residents living abroad. It's a financial decision.

As for the "one of the world's most desirable citizenships", Conrad Black renounced his Canadian citizenship for a lousy title...and i'd rate Canadian Citizenship up there as pretty desirable.

People do things for their own reasons, and own self interests all the time.

it wasn't HER lawyer who was quoted, just a Tax Lawyer who was lending his expert opinion to the article.



i agree completely. it's about that, and not anything about Obama. She already lives in London, in the twilight of her life, and probably settled down there.

The US has brutal tax laws on residents living abroad. It's a financial decision.

As for the "one of the world's most desirable citizenships", Conrad Black renounced his Canadian citizenship for a lousy title...and i'd rate Canadian Citizenship up there as pretty desirable.

People do things for their own reasons, and own self interests all the time.

Nothing to see in Obamaville. Move along folks.

it wasn't HER lawyer who was quoted, just a Tax Lawyer who was lending his expert opinion to the article.



i agree completely. it's about that, and not anything about Obama. She already lives in London, in the twilight of her life, and probably settled down there.

The US has brutal tax laws on residents living abroad. It's a financial decision.

As for the "one of the world's most desirable citizenships", Conrad Black renounced his Canadian citizenship for a lousy title...and i'd rate Canadian Citizenship up there as pretty desirable.

People do things for their own reasons, and own self interests all the time.

You are completely right. Throughout several campaigns there has been quite a few instances I can recall where a number of US citizens have publicly made a big show of announcing their desire to leave the US and denounce their US citizenship for some reason or another. If it's for some reasons to protest the republicans, well they're just a bunch socialist whiners. If it's something the democrats have done, suddenly they have good reason! It's a difficult argument to win. If not impossible.

It is true that Obama has stated that if he is brought a bill that extends the tax cuts on the middle class he'll sign it. Period. I think that's pretty clear.

What the big problem is, is he wants to tax the rich as it has been shown many many times that they do NOT pay their fair share, and there is a big campaign to convince everyone that Obama is simply big taxes. When in fact the very people being convinced of this nonsense would be the ones getting the tax cuts (or would be) should the bill ever be agreed on. Sort of what we saw with those tea party demonstrations that had people with no health insurance at all, holding placards denouncing the healthcare plans that he would benefit from, while supporting the obscene tax cuts to the rich (which somehow, we could afford!)

Similar problems here in Canada, where we were told that we all have to wait for our tax cuts when our government has balanced the budget. But boy, the rich sure got theirs with the corporate tax cut, which was supposed to create jobs! Well they took effect a while ago, and w're seeing a slowdown in hiring.

Interesting.

Will wonders never cease - maybe there is some faint hope on the right after all.....

Former Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC) was one of the last of the old guard congressional Republicans; you know, socially moderate, fiscally conservative, and observant of science. He lost his seat in 2010 after getting creamed in the primaries by an ascendent member of the new guard—partly because he refused to renounce his agreement with the scientific fact that human activity is causing global warming.

Now, he's teamed up with one of Ronald Reagan's economic advisers, Art Laffer, to form the Energy and Enterprise Institute, and plans on lobbying for conservative approaches to addressing climate change. Their Big Idea—tax carbon, not income. And get rid of all subsidies for fuel, period.

They're advocating for a scheme that's rather similar to the one favored by renowned NASA scientist Dr. James Hansen (with whom I once discussed these ideas on the Dylan Ratigan show). No sitting Republicans have expressed support for the initiative, and neither Inglis nor Laffer expect any of them to do so anytime soon—the climate change is too toxic an issue in the conservative zeitgeist, they reason. Grist has an interview with Inglis that delves more deeply into the philosophy behind the project.

The whole endeavor may seem rather ineffectual and perhaps in vain now, but it's encouraging to see some outspoken conservative support for addressing climate issues. Momentum has to start building somewhere; it might as well be with a congressman from South Carolina and one of Ronald Reagan's favorite policy wonks.

Ex-GOP Congressman and Reagan's Economic Adviser Call for a Carbon Tax | Digg Topnews (http://digg.com/newsbar/topnews/ex_gop_congressman_and_reagan_s_economic_adviser_c all_for_a_carbon_tax)

Will wonders never cease - maybe there is some faint hope on the right after all.....

If they're calling for a carbon tax, they're not on the right. This is primarily a leftist dogma.

I don't see how a carbon tax is necessarily 'leftist dogma'. It just so happens that many on the right are far more protective of the oil industry and it's massive subsidies.

As macdoc points out, the conservatives actions are rather transparent in their hypocritical moves on wind power.

This is primarily a leftist dogma.

Yes, everyone knows reality has a leftist bias. :rolleyes:

Yes, everyone knows reality has a leftist bias. :rolleyes:

A scientist, bandying about terms like "reality" in this fashion? Shameful!

Good advice tho one thing to be added is stricter regulation on fracking or risk backlash leading to it's banning as several states have done...

http://media.economist.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full-width/images/print-edition/20120714_LDP001_0.jpg

The American economy: Comeback kid | The Economist (http://www.economist.com/node/21558576?spc=scode&spv=xm&ah=9d7f7ab945510a56fa6d37c30b6f1709)

Good advice tho one thing to be added is stricter regulation on fracking or risk backlash leading to it's banning as several states have done...

The individual states should handle this. Obama's interference in these technologies has held back the economy long enough.

Bain Capital shipping Illinois jobs to China - Video on NBCNews.com (http://video.msnbc.msn.com/the-ed-show/48218943#48218943)

Not the best optics for Mitt. It seems here too, despite this notion that somehow prostrating ourselves before the big corporations in the way of huge tax cuts and reverently whispering 'job creation', it isn't working very well at all.

We've been had. Again.

Bain Capital shipping Illinois jobs to China - Video on NBCNews.com (http://video.msnbc.msn.com/the-ed-show/48218943#48218943)

Not the best optics for Mitt. It seems here too, despite this notion that somehow prostrating ourselves before the big corporations in the way of huge tax cuts and reverently whispering 'job creation', it isn't working very well at all.

We've been had. Again.

Well, he was .......... or he wasn't CEO of Bain ............ only his tax returns will tell the tale and those are off limits to the voters. Still, I am betting on the fact that American voters will vote critically again this time around and reelect Pres. Obama. We shall see.

Paix, mon ami.

The purpose of a Carbon Tax is to steal from the poor and give to the rich. You cannot get any more Republican than that.

The challenge for the Republirats is to find a way to avoid calling it a tax, and to expedite transferring the stolen loot directly to their Bankster Masters.

Well, he was .......... or he wasn't CEO of Bain ............ only his tax returns will tell the tale and those are off limits to the voters. Still, I am betting on the fact that American voters will vote critically again this time aroun

Perhaps they are in the same vault as Obama's college transcripts and medical papers...

Perhaps they are in the same vault as Obama's college transcripts and medical papers...

No, since Pres. Obama's "vault" is in the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (http://www.chicagofed.org/webpages/index.cfm)

Mitt Romney is smart ............. all of his tax forms are in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. His accountants in the firm of Dewey, Cheatham and Howe are not Americans, and thus, not subject to American law .......... just like Romney is not subject to tax of this holdings.

Why is Mitt Romney Hiding the Rest of His Tax Returns? - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLBgCIsMkwU&feature=relmfu)

No, since Pres. Obama's "vault" is in the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (http://www.chicagofed.org/webpages/index.cfm)

Is this where he is hiding his transcripts and medical records from the American public? Very interesting.

Is this where he is hiding his transcripts and medical records from the American public? Very interesting.

is it standard procedure for politicians to release that information??

a politician once released his tax returns for the last 12 years when he was running for office. He stated that it should be mandatory and the public should know "how a man conducted himself over the long haul."

That politician was George W. Romney.

Is this where he is hiding his transcripts and medical records from the American public? Very interesting.

Yes. He graduated from Haveyard Law School, and NOT Harvard Law School, and his position as Visiting Law and Government Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School was actually at the Chicago Lawn School. This is the problem with university degrees from prestigeous universities -- their names are in Latin and no one picked up on these spelling miscues. Both are agricultural schools, and this is why he was elected Obama was elected to the Illinois Senate in 1996 from Illinois's 13th District, which at that time spanned Chicago South Side neighborhoods from Hyde Park – Kenwood south to South Shore and west to Chicago Lawn. Notice the neighborhoods -- Kenwood, Hyde Park and Chicago Lawn ................ all related to his university training.

Notice also why Michelle Obama is so interested in the organic vegetable garden beside the West Wing's rose garden. It is all starting to make sense.

Now, if Ron Paul would only shut his mouth and not suggest that Romney reveal his tax records then he might have a good shot at the While House this November. We shall see.

Paix, mon ami.

is it standard procedure for politicians to release that information??

a politician once released his tax returns for the last 12 years when he was running for office. He stated that it should be mandatory and the public should know "how a man conducted himself over the long haul."

That politician was George W. Romney.

Mitt Romney should denouce his father as a traitor to the conservative cause. Just read this on wikipedia, and, if true, shows that George W. was a moderate Republican .......... or far worse, a liberal. :eek:

"Romney entered politics by participating in a state constitutional convention to rewrite the Michigan Constitution during 1961–1962. He was elected Governor of Michigan in 1962 and was re-elected by increasingly large margins in 1964 and 1966. Romney worked to overhaul the state's financial and revenue structure, culminating in Michigan's first state income tax, and greatly expanded the size of state government. Romney was a strong supporter of the American Civil Rights Movement. He briefly represented moderate Republicans against conservative Republican Barry Goldwater during the 1964 U.S. presidential election. He requested the intervention of federal troops during the 1967 Detroit riot."

Why won't Romney release more tax returns? - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/18/opinion/kleinbard-canellos-romney-tax/index.html?hpt=hp_c1)

Two more conservatives who have betrayed the cause set forth by Pres. Calvin Coolidge -- "The business of America is business" .......... and that income tax records are no one's business. It is a record between the indivdual, the IRS and God .............. and on every American bill is the phrase "In God we trust". So, anyone not trusting Mitt Romney and his claim that he has nothing to hide is not trusting God.

Romney is backed into a corner. The longer he doesn't release his previous years returns the more people will speculate on what he is hiding.

of course, if he does release them and it's worse than his 2010 return (where he paid less than 13.9% on 21.6 million.....) he'll be painted as a tax dodger.

brilliant campaign move by the Obama camp.

**edited the tax return numbers

Romney is backed into a corner. The longer he doesn't release his previous years returns the more people will speculate on what he is hiding.

of course, if he does release them and it's worse than his 2010 return (where he paid less than 15% on 40+ million.....) he'll be painted as a tax dodger.

brilliant campaign move by the Obama camp.

He should go on the offensive and claim that Pres. Obama is a draft dodger. Whether this is true or not, it will raise doubt in the mind of many voters.

is it standard procedure for politicians to release that information??

It's considered unusual when they don't. Bill Clinton refused to release his medical records, a source of some speculation.

far less people really care about Obama's medical records, save for a few vocal ones.

But the tax returns of Romney's, well that's making a bigger issue. Though I'm sure his supporters really wish it wouldn't.

far less people really care about Obama's medical records, save for a few vocal ones.

But the tax returns of Romney's, well that's making a bigger issue. Though I'm sure his supporters really wish it wouldn't.

True ............ but Romney supporters need to continue their request for Pres. Obama's medical records, college transcripts, birth certificate, parking tickets, etc, in order to keep the heat away from Romney.

Does big money spell big trouble in campaigns? - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/18/politics/campaign-money/index.html?hpt=hp_t3)

Luckily, Romney has some big spenders on his side and they are willing to help push his agenda .............. and push him all the way to the White House. Not sure where they will push him once he is sworn in, but I am sure that their money will help get them a few minutes of his time. We shall see.

Obama is out-fundrasiing Romney--though with Obama's recent public gaffes, this may change.

Obama is out-fundrasiing Romney--though with Obama's recent public gaffes, this may change.

I am afraid not, Macfury, at least according to Romney's campaign chairman. Still, I think that a key person to silence will be Ron Paul. He can still make things difficult at the convention, and start to raise issues that Romney would rather have buried. As well, I feel that Ron Paul is too principled to allow himself to be bought off with the promised of "good things" coming to Rand Paul in a Romney administration. We shall see.

Obama is out-fundrasiing Romney--though with Obama's recent public gaffes, this may change.

Yes, he was booed when he would not kiss Michelle Obama at a basketball game in Washington, DC, and they were on the "kiss cam". It made papers all over the world, including Enid, OK ............ a key area for any person wishing to be president to win.

Kiss me, Michelle: Obama misses the buss » Opinion » The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK (http://enidnews.com/opinion/x1447689395/Kiss-me-Michelle-Obama-misses-the-buss)

Romney is outspending Obama 2-1.

i'm sure that will get ramped up closer to november.

Romney is outspending Obama 2-1.

i'm sure that will get ramped up closer to november.

True. Romney is now raising ove three times what Pres. Obama is raising, and spending twice what he is spending. Hopefully, the Romney campaign will put out so many negative ads re Pres. Obama that most Democrats will ask themselves "Yes we can .............. can what???"

(CNN) - Restore our Future, the super PAC backing presumptive GOP nominee Mitt Romney, brought in $20 million in June, the group said Monday.

That marks a major jump from last month, when Restore our Future reported bringing in $4.6 million. The spike is not a surprise, however, since the group received a $10 million donation from Sheldon and Miriam Adelson in June."

Pro-Romney super PAC brings in $20 million in June – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/07/16/pro-romney-super-pac-brings-in-20-million-in-june/?iref=allsearch)

Top super PAC donors - Sheldon and Miriam Adelson (1) - CNNMoney (http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/news/economy/1206/gallery.super-pac-donors-politics/index.html)

weeeeee!
;)

weeeeee!
;)

Sounds like Mitt Romney sliding all the way to the bank. Paix, mon ami.

True. Romney is now raising ove three times what Pres. Obama is raising, and spending twice what he is spending. ]

Excellent--they've traded places!

Excellent--they've traded places!

Yes, an excellent position. If Romney can raise more than Pres. Obama, he will have more to spend on negative ads and disinformation. It's a win-win for him. Now, we just have to wait and see who he selects as his VP.

(CNN) "McCain refutes accusations by fellow Republicans about Hillary Clinton aide


Republican Senator John McCain (AZ) took to the Senate floor Wednesday to criticize fellow Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann (MN) and four other Republican members of Congress about their request that various agencies investigate whether the government has been infiltrated by Muslim extremists.

Bachmann is joined in her request by Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Trent Franks (R-AZ), Rep. Thomas Rooney (R-FL) and Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA).

Among the issues they raise is a claim that long-time aide to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin, has three family members connected to the Muslim Brotherhood, and is at risk of being influenced by her family members. The members of Congress want to know how she holds a high level security clearance."


McCain refutes accusations by fellow Republicans about Hillary Clinton aide – CNN Security Clearance - CNN.com Blogs (http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/07/18/mccain-refutes-accusations-by-fellow-republicans-about-hillary-clinton-aide/)

Shades of Sen. Joe McCarthy ........................

Senator McCarthy Claims Communist Infiltration - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maLIXQLxvvA&feature=related)

this after Rep. Allen West claiming there are upwards of 78 to 81 members of the Communist Party sitting in Congress within the Democratic Party.

the modern day Republican party is just bats#@t crazy. no ifs ands or buts about it.

McCarthy was correct, but I don't approve of his investigations.

this after Rep. Allen West claiming there are upwards of 78 to 81 members of the Communist Party sitting in Congress within the Democratic Party.

the modern day Republican party is just bats#@t crazy. no ifs ands or buts about it.

The fear card works. Communists! Muslims! OMG!

Beware! The masses will run in fear over this sort of thing, that's why they do it.

this after Rep. Allen West claiming there are upwards of 78 to 81 members of the Communist Party sitting in Congress within the Democratic Party.

the modern day Republican party is just bats#@t crazy. no ifs ands or buts about it.

McCarthy was correct, but I don't approve of his investigations.

To say that McCarthy was "correct" is like saying that there is someone in the Libertarian Party that donated to The United Way or worked at a local food bank. McCarthy claimed wide spread infiltration of various government and military groups by communists that were directly feeding info to Russia. This was never proven, so he was NOT correct. At least you don't approve of his hearings, which destroyed hundreds if not thousands of lives.

this after Rep. Allen West claiming there are upwards of 78 to 81 members of the Communist Party sitting in Congress within the Democratic Party.

the modern day Republican party is just bats#@t crazy. no ifs ands or buts about it.

The fear card works. Communists! Muslims! OMG!

Beware! The masses will run in fear over this sort of thing, that's why they do it.

All the more reason to get Mitt Romney to select a hard-line right wing social conservative th help him win the election, and then to root out this infestation that is a disease upon American family values. Think of the children!!!!!!!!!!! Oh the humanity.

To say that McCarthy was "correct" is like saying that there is someone in the Libertarian Party that donated to The United Way or worked at a local food bank. McCarthy claimed wide spread infiltration of various government and military groups by communists that were directly feeding info to Russia. This was never proven, so he was NOT correct. At least you don't approve of his hearings, which destroyed hundreds if not thousands of lives.

Correct in that there were Communist sympathizers working in government positions. I have looked at some historical research that indicates a few of the people on one of his lists were actually involved in espionage activities. He should have targeted only those, since espionage is illegal.

he might as well have been correct in that there are corrupt politicians in office too.

he might as well have been correct in that there are corrupt politicians in office too.

It does seem that 95% of our politicians do indeed give the rest a bad name. Of course I may be guilty of understating the problem.

All the more reason to get Mitt Romney to select a hard-line right wing social conservative th help him win the election, and then to root out this infestation that is a disease upon American family values. Think of the children!!!!!!!!!!! Oh the humanity.

Why Dr. G., you're sounding like--YOURSELF, whenever you hear about tax cuts. "Oh the poor!! Think of the children!!!"

Correct in that there were Communist sympathizers working in government positions. I have looked at some historical research that indicates a few of the people on one of his lists were actually involved in espionage activities. He should have targeted only those, since espionage is illegal.

Interesting, since he never did produce the infamous lists with the names of anyone. Granted, they did compile lists of names at the HUAC hearings, but this was mainly hearsay evidence.

Why Dr. G., you're sounding like--YOURSELF, whenever you hear about tax cuts. "Oh the poor!! Think of the children!!!"

No, I am coming over to your way of thinking. Let the children fend for themselves economically, but think of their values first and foremost. Save them from the corrupting forces of non-traditional American values. Then, if their parents are able to feed, clothe, shelter them properly, all the better. As it is written, "For what shall it profit a child, if he shall be fed properly, and lose his or her own traditional values?"

So, I am with you, mon ami. Survival of the fittest ................ long live libertarianism and Social Darwinism.

Paix, mon ami.

Interesting, since he never did produce the infamous lists with the names of anyone. Granted, they did compile lists of names at the HUAC hearings, but this was mainly hearsay evidence.

He referred to two lists, the parameters of which were understood. Eventual declassification of Soviet documents from the period were later examined by such historians as John Earl Haynes. That research indicates that at least 9 of the people on both these lists were involved in supplying information to the Soviets.

He referred to two lists, the parameters of which were understood. Eventual declassification of Soviet documents from the period were later examined by such historians as John Earl Haynes. That research indicates that at least 9 of the people on both these lists were involved in supplying information to the Soviets.

Yes, McCarthy used the Lee lists, which were later discredited by the reports of the Tydings Committee in the Senate. His numbers kept changing, but I will admit that the facts underlying the Alger Hiss situation and the confession of Soviet spy Klaus Fuchs made just the mention of names of a list damning. His browbeating tactics destroyed the personal reputations and careers of countless people who were not involved in the "infiltration" of the US government, or any other political organization. In my opinion, his end NEVER justified the means he used.

Why not agree to disagree on the issue of Joe McCarthy and get back to the current needs of the American political system -- getting rid of the welfare-state socialism that is helping millions of American citizens but tearing apart the fabric of traditional American values.

Yes, McCarthy used the Lee lists, which were later discredited by the reports of the Tydings Committee in the Senate. His numbers kept changing, but I will admit that the facts underlying the Alger Hiss situation and the confession of Soviet spy Klaus Fuchs made just the mention of names of a list damning. His browbeating tactics destroyed the personal reputations and careers of countless people who were not involved in the "infiltration" of the US government, or any other political organization. In my opinion, his end NEVER justified the means he used.

Yes, that's what I said. Some of the people on the Lee list were unprosecuted spies. However, the hearings were not justified--the individuals on the lists should have been charged as spies or left alone.

Yes, that's what I said. Some of the people on the Lee list were unprosecuted spies. However, the hearings were not justified--the individuals on the lists should have been charged as spies or left alone.

Well, we agree on your concluding comment, Macfury. Charge someone with a crime under the law, or don't damn someone with an innuendo that destroys their life.

Paix, mon ami.

On a more modern note, who do you think that MR will name as his VP?

Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_t2#/video/showbiz/2012/07/19/conan-batman-trailer-liberal-propaganda.tbs)

A conspiracy theory in the making????

On a more modern note, who do you think that MR will name as his VP?

I still believe it will be Rubio. The "test marketing" of Condaleeza Rice did not gain widespread support.

http://www.trbimg.com/img-50078a0d/turbine/la-na-tt-romneys-secrets-20120718-001/600

I still believe it will be Rubio. The "test marketing" of Condaleeza Rice did not gain widespread support.

I will say Portman from Ohio ................. and NYC Mayor Bloomberg as the really wildcard, out there, mavrick speculation. We shall see. Paix, mon ami.

la-na-tt-romneys-secrets-20120718-001/600

Ridiculous stuff. Romney is not even the official Republican candidate. At least wait until the convention.

I will say Portman from Ohio ................. and NYC Mayor Bloomberg as the really wildcard, out there, mavrick speculation. We shall see. Paix, mon ami.

Romney promised a conservative candidate--Bloomberg is barely a Republican, let alone a conservative.

Ridiculous stuff. Romney is not even the official Republican candidate. At least wait until the convention.

Do you still think Ron Paul has a chance??? I have a feeling that Romney has this nomination "in the bag". We shall see.

oops.

Do you still think Ron Paul has a chance??? I have a feeling that Romney has this nomination "in the bag". We shall see.

I don't believe that Ron Paul would even accept if the position were offered.

I don't believe that Ron Paul would even accept if the position were offered.

No, I meant Ron Paul for president. You felt that Romney did not have the nomination already. I agree that RP would not be asked to be VP, not with his continued insistence that RM reveal his past tax forms.

oops.

:eek::eek::eek::eek:

Washington (CNN) -- Senate Republicans on Thursday blocked the No.1 item on the president's congressional "to-do-list," refusing to allow a vote on a bill that would give tax breaks for companies that "insource" jobs to the U.S. from overseas while eliminating tax deductions for companies that move jobs abroad.


Good for the Republicans. The best thing that Mitt Romney has going for him is a weak US economy. Stop jobs from coming into the US and you keep the economy weak. A winning combination in my opinion. Next, they should push to put time limits on unemployment insurance, say a week. If you can't find a job in a week, too bad. Survival of the fittest should be the battle cry of the GOP. Social Darwinism shall have a new birth of freedom in the US upon election day.

"Before the tribunal of nature a man has no more right to life than a rattlesnake; he has no more right to liberty than any wild beast; his right to pursuit of happiness is nothing but a license to maintain the struggle for existence..."

—William Graham Sumner

Washington (CNN) -- Senate Republicans on Thursday blocked the No.1 item on the president's congressional "to-do-list," refusing to allow a vote on a bill that would give tax breaks for companies that "insource" jobs to the U.S. from overseas while eliminating tax deductions for companies that move jobs abroad.

I agree with this. The bill would essentially force taxpayers to subsidize the wages of workers who were given "insourced" jobs. Good on the Republicans.

I agree with this. The bill would essentially force taxpayers to subsidize the wages of workers who were given "insourced" jobs. Good on the Republicans.

Right on, Brother. Luckily, it is still a legal loophole to ship jobs off-shore and claim a tax break for these lost jobs. The GOP knows where their priorities lie ............ especially now that they passed a bill to prevent insider trading on Capitol Hill which could still exempt lawmakers' family members from new reporting requirements. So, a lawmaker cannot undertake insider trading but his/her spouse or child may now purchase these shares untouched by the greedy arm of the White House and Pres. Obama.

(CNN) – Republican House Speaker John Boehner called dangerous Thursday a request from members of his own party in Congress to investigate Muslim infiltration in the U.S. government.

Admitting he had not read a letter requesting the investigation, Boehner said "I think accusations like this being thrown around are pretty dangerous."

Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, along with four other Republican members of Congress, formally requested in June that various federal agencies investigate whether the American government has been infiltrated by Muslim extremists.
TRENDING: Boehner calls Bachmann accusations ‘pretty dangerous’ – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/07/19/boehner-calls-bachmann-accusations-pretty-dangerous/)

This could spell trouble ............................. for Rep. Boehner. We shall see.

Right on, Brother. Luckily, it is still a legal loophole to ship jobs off-shore and claim a tax break for these lost jobs.

A company should receive a tax deduction from income as a business cost, whether the cost of labour is on-shore or off.

The GOP knows where their priorities lie ............ especially now that they passed a bill to prevent insider trading on Capitol Hill which could still exempt lawmakers' family members from new reporting requirements. So, a lawmaker cannot undertake insider trading but his/her spouse or child may now purchase these shares untouched by the greedy arm of the White House and Pres. Obama.

Obama signs law banning congressional insider trading - World - CBC News (http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/04/04/obama-stock-act.html)

President Barack Obama has signed legislation barring members of Congress, the president and thousands of federal workers from insider trading and profiting from nonpublic information learned on the job.

Obama signed the Stop Trading On Congressional Knowledge Act, or the STOCK Act, at an event Wednesday morning.

The bipartisan legislation prohibits thousands of individuals —such as the president, vice-president, members of congress, and executive branch workers, and all their family members — from buying and selling securities based on knowledge obtained through their jobs.

The legislation was passed unanimously by the Senate and breezed through the House of Representatives by a margin of 417 to 2. It is the most extensive effort to clamp down on congressional activities in years.

Senator Joseph Lieberman, chief sponsor of the measure, called it “the most significant congressional ethics legislation we’ve adopted in at least five years.”

The STOCK Act requires that any trades of $1,000 or more made on or after July 3 have to be reported to the House and Senate within 45 days. But the House and Senate have two completely different interpretations of that rule.

In the Senate, the Ethics Committee released one page of guidelines last month ruling that members and their spouses and dependent children all have to file reports after they make stock or securities trades. But the House Ethics Committee disagreed.

Its 14-page memo notifies House members and aides covered by the law that their spouses and children aren't covered. The Office of Government Ethics, which oversees all federal executive branch employees, sided with the House, informing its employees that their spouses and children don't need to file these periodic reports.

Both of the lead sponsors of the Senate bill didn't realize the discrepancy until CNN brought it to their attention.
CNN exclusive: Congressional insider trading ban might not apply to families - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/19/politics/stock-act-loophole/index.html)

I agree with this. The bill would essentially force taxpayers to subsidize the wages of workers who were given "insourced" jobs. Good on the Republicans.

except the taxpayer will still be on the hook for more money when that employee who lost his job to sending it overseas needs to collect benefits.

Or job retraining programs, etc. Not all workers can find another job.

Unexpected consequences.

From the same article:

"It was not the intention of the House to differ with the Senate-passed bill with respect to application to spouses and dependent children. We did not believe at the time that we had differed from what the Senate had done," spokesman Doug Heye told CNN.

Heye said after learning from CNN about the difference, they are now looking at ways to fix it.

From the same article:

If the past is an indicator, the intent was to appear to address the issue while doing nothing to restrict the representatives from taking advantage of their situation.

The House Version will prevail and it will be business as usual on Capital Hill.

http://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/481970_3741620256895_402778589_n.jpg

The people who are keen to remove Obama, wish to do so because he is incompetent.

The people who are keen to remove Obama, wish to do so because he is incompetent.

And those who want to keep him in office feel he is doing a good job, under the circumstances.

The people who are keen to remove Obama, wish to do so because he is incompetent.

And some of those people believe the reason Obama is incompetent is because he's a communist...

And some of those people believe the reason Obama is incompetent is because he's a communist...

True .............. but as it was said during the days of Joe McCarthy, "Better dead than red". Still, I see some of Pres. Obama's policies as being more in the area of soft socialism rather than outright communism.

Paix, mon amie.

And some of those people believe the reason Obama is incompetent is because he's a communist...

Possibly because he is a competent communist--the U.S. economy is certainly performing more and more like old-style Russia.

Possibly because he is a competent communist--the U.S. economy is certainly performing more and more like old-style Russia.

The Shrub carefully orchestrated the collapse of the US economy. With the paper shuffling aspect down the tubes and most manufacturing outsourced to China, that left only the Military Industrial Complex. End the wars and what's left is a total collapse. One that may take even longer than the 10 years that were needed to claw out of the last depression.

The Shrub carefully orchestrated the collapse of the US economy. With the paper shuffling aspect down the tubes and most manufacturing outsourced to China, that left only the Military Industrial Complex. End the wars and what's left is a total collapse. One that may take even longer than the 10 years that were needed to claw out of the last depression.

surely Obama could have fixed the biggest financial crisis in US history in a couple years? :lmao:

I'm quite amazed at how many people really don't quite understand what happened.

Comedienne Sarah Silverman has a proposition for one of Mitt Romney's biggest (as yet unindicted) backers....

ndorx_5_mX8

...apparently she's quite serious (http://scissorsheldon.com/)....

This is pretty embarrassing stuff. I wonder what Lou Costello or Lucille Ball thought of the presidential candidates of their respective eras? Seriously, when people begin posting material from a lame ass comic as though it's news, it's a sign that political discourse has faltered considerably.

They should be ashamed of themselves for funning a Mitt Romney supporter like that! Don't they know how serious a business this is?

This is no time for comedy!

...oh, woe is me! I have violated the sacrosanct laws of the thread (as proclaimed by MacFury), posting a non-"news" item to the "American Political Thread". Shall I be cast out, ne'er to post again? I await my fate...

...oh, woe is me! I have violated the sacrosanct laws of the thread (as proclaimed by MacFury), posting a non-"news" item to the "American Political Thread". Shall I be cast out, ne'er to post again? I await my fate...

Nope. You're free to continue to post entertainment news from the ranks of the Hollywood cognoscenti whenever it engages you.

There you go. He has spoketh.

Rest easy.

There you go. He has spoketh.

Rest easy.

I shall, for he knoweth the way out of the wilderness.

Paix, mon ami.

Electoral College tie possible in Obama-Romney race - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/26/politics/electoral-college-tie/index.html?hpt=hp_t2)

So, the House of Representatives could select Romney for president and the Senate could select Biden for VP. Strange .......... but possible.

Don't worry, Dr. G! I believe Romney will score a decisive victory!

Don't worry, Dr. G! I believe Romney will score a decisive victory!

And I believe that Pres. Obama will get just over 300 electoral votes. We shall see.

Paix, mon ami.

Don't worry, Dr. G! I believe Romney will score a decisive victory!

Screenshot taken. Someone's going to be eating major crow come November...

Screenshot taken. Someone's going to be eating major crow come November...

We shall see. I predict a win by Pres. Obama, but admit that it might be close, possibly with only a dozen electoral votes between the two of them. So, my hope for an Obama victory with over 300 electoral votes may not happen, but I stand behind my hope, support and speculation that he WILL win a second terms. We shall see.

Paix, mon ami.

Between the Jim Crow tactics, vote rigging, and the almost bottomless pit of money the Republicans have to spend on this campaign, it's certainly not going to be an easy win for Obama. That being said, I don't think many Americans are stoked about Romney either, so I'll be surprised if it's decisive either way.