The American Spectator

Daffy| 3.24.10 @ 6:29AM

You know what republicans, heck the media, are failing to acknowledge about the heath bill, is the education part. If all these doctors are going to leave they need to make sure there will be replacements. Check the scope on the education legislation in the health bill

http://wendygdphillips.wordpre.....03/22/the-“other”-bill/

Gaye Franks| 3.24.10 @ 12:23PM

It is ok to compare Obumo with LBJ. Did most of you know that LBJ owned Southland Corporation, who traded as 7-11 convenience stores and were always over priced? He buffered his pockets with our dollars. I agree, Obumbo is very much like LBJ but not as transparent.

Mike| 3.24.10 @ 2:17PM

Poor GAY....

Alan Brooks| 3.24.10 @ 5:05PM

"Obumbo is very much like LBJ but not as transparent."

Obama is not a true monster like LBJ, who bungled Vietnam as badly as he could. Now, many of Obama's people are gullible, but not the president himself. He is a winner, and that is all that matters.
The above piece is good; but please, no Readers Digest sh*t at AS: save it for Granny and Gramps; save it for your kids and grandkids-- they are captive audiences. No Norman Vincent Peale:

'day by day, we are learning the political way'

Only if you mean millions of days.

victor| 3.24.10 @ 7:07PM

Alan:
"Obama is not a true monster like LBJ, who bungled Vietnam as badly as he could"

And Obama is NOT bungling things as badly as he can?

Alan Brooks| 3.24.10 @ 7:35PM

Well, if what certain people (and that is not to say you, because I don't know you, Vic, or anyone else at AS well) want is to bankrupt the welfare state, then isn't today's game plan the way to go?
That isn't merely being facetious; how long have these dialogues/monologues on the welfare state-- bigger than Sweden ever could be-- been going on? since 1965? 1933?

Vic, it never ends. until we eventually (one might hazard a guess) have to go on austerity. And America is used to living high off the hog, as we all know. I don't 'believe' in predicting the future any more. But when I look in the future< I see one thing for sure: a Byzantine, labyrinth of a government, sending checks to everyone-- even those who HATE the STATE.

Byzantine is correct.

Alan Brooks| 3.24.10 @ 8:04PM

...no, wait: byzantine, small case 'b';
Virtually everyone wants less to be given to someone ELSE's well-off Gran & Gramps.

"We hate the state, but the old folks want a new car, and an extra trip to Martinique."

psmitten| 3.24.10 @ 11:58PM

No. Only checks to those of us who are not in prison as a result of the 30 year corrupt corporate imbezzlement of America's Wealth through the corporate purchase of the American Legal System and the Corp-owned members of Congress. Don't know if you'll qualify or not. Your thoughts?

Ed in Texas| 3.25.10 @ 9:34AM

My thought is you need to enable (inable?) your spell checker before you engage (ingage?) in another diatribe. It detracts from your Left wing rant to find a lack of ability to spell. Not that it is unexpected, rather the reverse.

psmitten| 3.24.10 @ 11:48PM

please share your certain colorful palate of evidence of this strange measure of a man. I insist.

JimP| 3.24.10 @ 6:42AM

Hopefully you sent this column to ALL your contacts inside the Beltway who are allegedly 'counting chickens'. The rest of us do not need to read it. Have you read the comment threads since Sunday on conservative blogs? The real world conservatives need a morale boost and some optimistic leadership that has a plan (for an example, see Jeff Lord's column fm yesterday). So please expend your energy on who ever the people are who think we have won as of Sunday last, and not write columns that will only add to the malaise I've been reading among the rest of the conservative movement. No one outside the Beltway is getting over confident. Many think there is no longer any hope, that we are doomed and tomorrow or next week Obama's Brown Shirts will be rolling through the streets in Panzers to round everyone up and send them to the gas chambers. I'm not one of the doom and gloomers myself, but columns like this one only add to the defeatist atmosphere.

Rick V.| 3.24.10 @ 8:15AM

Jim,
You're right, it's hard enough to sustain any optimism when even supposedly conservative writers warn us it's only going to get worse - we already know that, thank you. However, liberals are not the only ones who feel "emboldened" by the Kenyan prince's socialist triumph. The Tea Party folks are only the crest of the wave; the real revolution will follow like a tsunami. So, people wanted change? Just watch.

R Martin| 3.24.10 @ 8:57AM

Obams's healthcare victory is not a cause for pessimism; it is a call to arms. Consider how the patriots of 16th century America dealt with British oppression and, against very long odds, planned, organized, rose-up and prevailed against the oppressors. They didn't just defeat the British; they created an enduring system of government which is now under attack. We need to do the same thing again.

R Martin| 3.24.10 @ 9:03AM

Sorry, 18th century.

Alan Brooks| 3.24.10 @ 8:08PM

"Sorry, 18th century."

You were almost right the first time: the patriots of 16th century America dealt with SPANISH oppression, but don't tell Latinos that-- it might harm their self esteem..

psmitten| 3.24.10 @ 11:22PM

don't forget that Native American oppression that our brave 16th century patriots dealt with!! THAT was a BFD!!

Publius_Publius| 3.26.10 @ 8:24PM

When one looks at the comparisons, re: indian industriousness and Spanish (Mexican) industriousness, vs American industriousness, it is obvious that it was the right thing to do.

Check out Thomas Sowell's book:

Cultures and Conquests

For greater understanding of the advancement of the human condition.

Or...you can sit there with your thumb up your fat ass and write stupid and irrelevant crap.

psmitten| 3.24.10 @ 11:28PM

You 'conservatives' believe you have the brainpower, manpower and firepower to overcome the democratic voting process in this country? Of Course Not!! You are all just a bunch of whining, tantrum-throwing sore loosers who don't give a damn if you bring about unjust violence against our law abiding citizens and duly elected leaders. You're a big joke who will be seriously awakened if anyone actually does something criminally stupid.

LStockta| 3.25.10 @ 5:50PM

It is spelled: loser. NOT LOOSER
Looser as you have so eloquently spelled it, is loose (antonym of tight).
To "lose" is the antonym of win. Might I suggest a dictionary for future posts to blogs

Bill J| 3.25.10 @ 8:43PM

Are you sure that he knows what a dictionary is???

Publius_Publius| 3.26.10 @ 8:29PM

Oh...it's a he??? The friggen chickification of the male gender that's going on..

psmitten| 3.24.10 @ 11:31PM

Sooooo If the UK tries to colonize us again ....? we should fight ? your statement is very confusing.

Mike| 3.24.10 @ 11:56AM

I do hope and pray that EVERYONE will join the Tea Party movement and watch and listen to the likes of Limbaugh, Beck and Hannity. Because by doing that, we the middle class and the poor will be CERTAIN of another victory in 2012. All they do is vomit hatred, fear and lies. They'll get their ratings for sure, but that's about all...

Alan Brooks| 3.24.10 @ 8:11PM

"the middle class and the poor will be CERTAIN of another victory in 2012"

Who pays most for America's outmoded postmodernist skool system, Mike?
Look in the mirror, sucker.

Alan Brooks| 3.24.10 @ 8:13PM

... or is it a post-postmodernist skool sistem?
Cain't hardly keep up with the latest twist.

Mike| 3.25.10 @ 11:20AM

Have you been mixing your medications?

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 4:05PM

In my county I do with my property taxes.

Lindaisan| 3.24.10 @ 9:41PM

You obviously drink the Chairman's koolaid and has your vision blurred and your brain paralyzed. Just in case you didn't know, this HEALTHcare that Obama claims to have delivered to US middle class? It's a hoax. I challenge you to find the line/statute/article/ in the bill where it's defined. You know what he just signed a bill to FORCE you and me to BUY insurance. Get informed. Perhaps if you actually LISTENED to what Limbaugh, Beck et al say, you would comprehend the economic devastation that this IDIOT (escaped from some Kenyan village) has in store for America. As an import, and no i didn't come in the belly of a truck, I flew, I am apalled at how gullible, naive and bordering on ignorant 52% of American are. Obama is LYING straight to their faces & they can't tell.Pathetic, it's taking ALL of us down....=(

psmitten| 3.24.10 @ 11:18PM

awww.

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 4:11PM

Very persuasive argument.
The bill creates insurance exchanges; a republican idea. In fact, 200 republican sponsored amendments are in the bill.
It is bipartisan in nature (the 200 rep amendments), but republicans refused to vote for it. All of them. For political reasons (to deny Obama a win). The bill is flawed, but a step (a very small one) towards actually reforming the insurance industry. They are still exempt from anti-trust laws, and republicans got to love that, right?
So, what do the republicans in congress really care about, electoral victory or the well-being of their constituents?
We know the answer to that one.

Enigmaticaluna| 4.5.10 @ 1:13PM

It's stupid for people to think that this Health plan will help those that been call for... the poor.. what poor? if this was so good, how can they don't take part of it, or why Muslims are exempt, or other groups of people? This bill have everything except Health, but for most have "Control" this administration is about two things only, "Control you and power over you" until Americans don't start getting together as Americans, nothing will be change, for most parts that is the intent, this issue and others is not about republicans and democrats, this is about FREEDOM (yours) against Tyranny (to you).
In dictatorship is how started, the people naive and blind believe the government when they talk them, it's for you, we care about your safety and your health... they ask people to report nature, race, health problems (because we will help you) they found where everyone was, divide people in groups, and "eliminate"those with health or mental problems. I should know, have live 17 years of dictatorship. This you have today in USA is not about race, nor if Barry is democrat or not, this is about the very existence of this Nation, people better wake up, understand that the intent is to have a dictatorship here. USA is the last bastion of freedom for the human kind, if they put USA in it's knees, the rest of the world will suffer. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE! after all it's your life.

Publius_Publius| 3.26.10 @ 8:44PM

Don't look now doofus, but the Tea Party Movement and the Conservative Movement are the middle class. It's why we've had republican presidents for most of the last 40 years and republican congress' for 13 out of the last 16 years. And that, with the democ-rats having almost complete control of the means of disseminating information. Now with the alternative media to expose the leftism/statism of the democ-rats on a daily basis, it's only going to get worse for the commies. Note that even with the dem media putting their shoulders to 'health-fare', 65% of the American people didn't want it. What should be even more worrisome to the 'rats is that ordinary democrats (Lenin referred to them as useful idiots, ignorant of the Party's true agenda) were also fairly strongly against the socialization of 1/6 of our economy. Of course on top of the socialization that has already unconstitutionally taken place over the years.

GayeFranks| 3.24.10 @ 12:26PM

RICK: Let me know when we can stop that "wave", as I would just love to be there when "it" falls.

lagiusmeatius| 3.24.10 @ 5:23PM

Calling Obama a socialist because he passed some legislature to reduce insurance company abuse is pretty un-intelligent. Even if Obama was a socialist, it wouldn't matter. Every citizen in this country, including the president, is allowed to think with their own ideologies. People say "socialism" as if it is a bad thing. It is just a different ideology. Health care reform is a goal that many presidents have had since Roosevelt, Truman, etc. Do you want to claim that all of those other presidents are socialists as well? Even if you do, so what, they are entitled to do what they think is best for the country. That is why we as a people voted him into office. We voted him in, through our democracy. This is something fundamental, that is far more important. We voted him in, and our legislative body voted on this bill--and it passed. Just because it was a partisan vote (with over 200 republican amendments/ideas) doesn't mean that it wasn't voted in properly. It was a close vote, but its the process of democracy and voting in general that we have held for over 200 years, and was used appropriately. I feel sorry for many Republicans who are on the wrong side of making history. Fear tactics didn't work, and now they are pissed off even more! Let's focus on what this bill will do positively for the nation, like help out people (including my sister) with pre-existing conditions, extend coverage to children to 26 years of age, tax credits given to small businesses to allow them to afford this healthcare for their employees, etc. Stop focusing on process (which I might add is not unprecedented by Republicans). I got an email from "Spectator" that said "Obama goes Nuclear!", even though the "nuclear option" and "reconciliation" are two different things (look it up). The amount of mis-information coming from many Republicans, and Fox News is unbelievable. I stand on both political sides with many issues, but as for health care reform--I side with Obama on this one. Regardless, of whether people like him or not. I didn't vote for him (I voted for Nader), but the nation did as a majority--and we must respect that decision and respect the president. As a dream for many decades now, health care reform is moving in the correct direction for the American people for the first time in history. Health care should be a right, not a privelege. I love you all, and peace be with you.

Peace, -Lagius

Cato| 3.24.10 @ 6:14PM

Lagius, our compassionate soldiers fed chocolate bars to the liberated concentration camp victims in 1944. And why not? Starving prisoners - GIs with chocolate? It soon become apparent this was not the proper approach and many survivors of the Nazis did not survive American largess. Compassion could not did not trump biology.

Nor will it trump economics. Consider America a house that's just received a foreclosure notice from the bank. The democratic solution has been to build an in-ground pool in the backyard.

One side wants to argue health care as a right, the other as a privilege. It's neither. It's a commodity. It is something you purchase, like soap or BMWs. I can afford soap, but nothing in the 7 Class. Perhaps I have a right to a BMW? If I do, then someone in Germany is going to have to fork over a car to me, gratis. I prefer black.

Same with health care - if it IS your right, then some doctor, some nurse, some hospital is going to have to give you care FOR FREE. For you, not them. That's referred to as an encumbered right. People who have the fruits of their labors taken from them without compensation are commonly referred to as slaves. How long do you think this will last?

Without adding a single doctor, nurse, hospital, lab or surgery center, we're going to send in 20 million new patients. Of course the feds are paying the bill with our money, and they pay very very badly. So badly many doctors have closed their practices to new Medicare/Medicaid patients. How long will these doctors will remain doctors when their office visits double and their pay is cut in half? You tell me.

When our bond rating collapses, when doctors flee the profession, when our debt load cuts into the Constitutional duties Congress must fund, cui bono?

I am glad you believe we are entering some golden age of free free free health care, living wages, and all the other wonderful trappings of a truly socialist regime. Perhaps the Easter Bunny can deliver it all to us in a few weeks?

I love you too, snookums.

psmitten| 3.25.10 @ 12:17AM

Cato - you echo your namesake 'thought tank' Hoover economics and McCarthy 'fear the fear' vision for this great country. Can you tell me how ... how in the world .. you can stay so "shielded" from modern thought. What were you paying attention to for the past ten years? Can you even remember? Golf? Your stock portfolio? Do you play bridge? Active influential social/business scene? office politics? an affair? the possibilities are endless. Would you share your perspective on the past ten years?
THAT would be meaningful. Unlike the diatribe to which I respond.

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 4:18PM

There is so much to debunk here, let me just pick an easy one: "Same with health care - if it IS your right, then some doctor, some nurse, some hospital is going to have to give you care FOR FREE. For you, not them. That's referred to as an encumbered right. People who have the fruits of their labors taken from them without compensation are commonly referred to as slaves. How long do you think this will last?

What is the current law regarding an accident victim (or heart attack; pick your medical emergency) brought into the emergency room?
Current FEDERAL law is the hospital/nurses/doctors have to treat that person regardless of ability to pay (or citizenship, for that matter)
Under this scenario is healthcare a right, a privilege or a commodity?
The answer, clearly, is it is a Federally mandated right.

JimE| 3.24.10 @ 6:44PM

Sorry Lagius troll, the bill is not about health care. It's about control, if the bill was so good why all the bribes and scams, it doesn't take 2000+ pages to writes a good bill. BTW, 26 year olds are not children but you are a useful idiot.

psmitten| 3.25.10 @ 12:24AM

dear jimmie,
No, silly, dontcha see?? This bill is about all those trolls wanting everything for free ... No dammit ... this bill is about CONTROL ... NO SLACKERS! ... NO NO it's all about HEALTHCONTROL!! no no it's all THOSE LAZY BUMS no no no HealthControl TYRANNY

what a bunch of dicks

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 4:22PM

Sorry Lagius troll, the bill is not about health care

Almost right. This bill is about insurance reform, but related to healthcare.

26 year olds are not children but you are a useful idiot.

True; current regulations allow insuring dependents until age 23. This would extend that 3 years.
Why do you even care about who is paying for someone else's insurance?

JimP| 3.24.10 @ 9:34PM

LOL. Why on earth did you post this comment? This isn't 'The Malibu Head Shop Blog'. This is a meat eater site. You know, Alpha Male stuff. I appreciate you taking the time to comment but your 'Can't we all just get along and appreciate eachother' history lesson isn't useful given the current zeitgeist. It's no longer the Age of Aquarius. Freedom is on the line.

psmitten| 3.24.10 @ 11:00PM

You are indeed the most self-contradictory and uneducated person on this thread so far. Perhaps a lesson on internet idea-sharing would be good for starters ... then you might look at your self described motives. Who is in the wrong place?

JimP| 3.25.10 @ 9:48AM

Glad to know that I, and the others you admonished, got under your skin. See how I/We have provoked dialogue? We are aiding you in expanding your mind by reading comments with which you strongly disagree. After all, what is the point of you and Lagius... being here if we simply go along with you. No. Vigorous debate is in order. Is that not what you are about? Am I doing anything other than "sharing ideas" with Lagius...?

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 4:25PM

Vigorous debate is in order
Yes, here's a paste up of the previous 'vigorous debate'
LOL. Why on earth did you post this comment? This isn't 'The Malibu Head Shop Blog'. This is a meat eater site. You know, Alpha Male stuff. I appreciate you taking the time to comment but your 'Can't we all just get along and appreciate eachother' history lesson isn't useful given the current zeitgeist. It's no longer the Age of Aquarius. Freedom is on the line.

Was there a statement of fact or opinion in that statement that we should be 'debating'?

Lindaisan| 3.24.10 @ 9:48PM

Listen the Era of peaceniks is over and in case you are too young to remember SOCIALISM is BAD. It is the predecessor to economic disaster because it takes away something that made America Unique: the hidden incentive of wealth creation that came from your right to private property & the fruit of your labor. Governments DON"t produce anything. It's you & me. When there's NO incentive, productivity decreases. On top of that the brand of Progressive Socialism that Obama has been OVERTLY advertising (the left just doesn't remeber what this has done to the world) is what triggered and degenerated into totalitarian regimes. This guy is after POWER.
Answer 3 questions:
What line in the bill provides Healthcare Insurance to those in need?
Why would Obama & Congress exempt themselves from this MARVELOUS system?
Why did the insurance Co. stock go thru the roof the next day after signing the bill?

T-H-I-N-K please, don't FEEL. You are taking the whole country down. Obama LIES to our faces and I can prove that to you.

psmitten| 3.24.10 @ 11:04PM

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah
the past ten years didn't happen blah blah blah

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 4:31PM

You add nothing to the conversation. Make a cogent point or go away.

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 4:30PM

I'm confused.
Are you saying Obama is a socialist
"On top of that the brand of Progressive Socialism that Obama has been OVERTLY advertising"

Or a fascist:
"Why did the insurance Co. stock go thru the roof the next day after signing the bill? "
Or a corporatist.
If he's against capitalism (socialist) why did he give the insurance companies (and doctors, and nurses, and cna's etc) 32 million new customers?
Please explain.

Boxwood| 3.25.10 @ 5:10PM

For DanMingo - I'll be glad to help you with your confusion. Obama is all about control of the people by government. He says he doesn't want to take over the banks, car industry, healthcare and then promptly proceeds to do just that. He says what he needs to say to dupe useful idiots (Marx's term, not mind) such as yourself. He believes that a strongly centralized government is the way to go. In his own words, he has said that he has always surrounded himself with leftists and radicals and his leanings have always leaned towards Marxism. Ever heard of Karl Marx Dan????? These are Obama's words, not mine. Go buy one of his books and read it for yourself. It's in there for anyone to read. Next, fascist. Well, yes because Socialism and Fascism are essentially the same thing. Guess what Hitler (a fascist) called himself - a Social Progressive. And I think we all know where Social Progressivism got Germany. Not to mention the Jews. Gee, how many Democrats have I heard refer to themselves as just that, including Obama himself????????? Next, capitalism. If he were really a capitalist, he wouldn't be in favor of government control of everything and everybody. I shouldn't have to explain that but you seem so confused. Explain to me Dan how health care will be more accessible and affordable with 32 million new customers but no increase in the number of doctors and other health care professionals??? Hmmmmm????? Ever heard of supply and demand????? In fact, doctors and health care professionals are retiring and running for the hills because of this. People will rethink careers as doctors and nurses because of this, and we already have a shortage of them!!! The Mayo Institute has just announced they will no longer be taking Medicare/Medicaid patients because the payback isn't worth it. And you think GOVERNMENT, which manages to bungle and bankrupt everything it touches, will inspire young people to go into health care as a profession??? You are either very naive or not very intelligent.

DanMingo| 3.26.10 @ 11:55AM

He says he doesn't want to take over the banks, car industry, healthcare and then promptly proceeds to do just that.
Banks???"
He hasn't taken over the banks; they have taken over our gov't.
Car industry???
We bailed them out. We probably should not have. No disagreement there.
Healthcare industry???
No way. In no way do the current changes constitute a 'government takeover' of the healthcare system, and here is why.
First, this is Insurance industry reform, and giving them 32 million new customers is hardly a takeover.
Give me an example of where this legislation constitutes a 'takeover' of healthcare. That's a debunked right wing meme used to scare the uninformed.

Explain to me Dan how health care will be more accessible and affordable with 32 million new customers but no increase in the number of doctors and other health care professionals

You ASSUME there will be no increase in health care professionals. You may be right, but it's a guess based on assumptions you cannot know to be true. If the plan includes tuition repayment in exchange for a commitment to public service (like we do with teachers) then it's an attractive proposition for medical students.
I understand also that provisions in the new bill increases compensation to medicare providers, which should help.
Look, the system has problems, and this bill has problems, but at least, after 40 or more years of inaction, these issues are being addressed.
If the opposition party were more interested in solving problems, and less interested in playing party politics, we would have had a better bill.

Enigmaticaluna| 4.5.10 @ 1:42PM

Well, how can he or anyone pay so many millions of money that do not exist? do anyone understand economics, if you make money, the money everyone else have, devalue because it's more money in circulation(?) if we're in debt with China by trillions of dollars, how can they give money's we don't have? and how that money is going to be paid if just about less than 5% of the Country is wealthy, (including all elite and liberals, who don't paid taxes) who you think is paying for all of this thing? may sound good for some to think that he is doing a great job, what he's doing is cover with one hand, what the other is do, while in everyone face, he's destroying this Country, because people is to worry about their own ass and pity, they don't think about what is best for this Nation and why this Nation was called the " Greater in the World" was not because bailouts, but because the people have the change to became anything they want, because freedom make people to dream. Socialist? ah, you guys are wrong, he's not socialist, but far more something even worse.
Someone say that people vote for him... really? do you see what happen in this Health issue? if something is great, why bribes, twist arms, threats, dirty publicity to destroy the opponent... what is wrong with people? do you don't understand that they taking your Country from you? look the truth of Cuba in their health plan, the truth of Europe and their socialist life, ( I'm European) look to what is going on, because the Political correctness, European Countries are been take over by Muslims, terrorist attacks is a daily thing, even if the news will not tell you, they don't want you to know, The people of England is fighting against the corruption, the same Americans, but people still deny the truth, because they are brain wash. Do you think those that support Barry, that he care's for you? he is destroying this Nation in their Core values, forcing Christians to pay for the killing of human life, with the excuse of a health plan that have everything but health, ask the elderly people, and how their pension goes down, and their medicaid as well. I take care those old folks, and it's not pretty. It's two things that this bill will kill, the future of this Nation, with the unborn, and the knowledge of history with the old. Now, think what is left, as the schools are indoctrinating the kids... this is NOT about you, this is not because they care of you, this is and has been only about one thing. CONTROL, POWER... and you are in the way... if you look around you will understand that your Country is at the brick to collapse if you don't do something, specially UNITE, you have the opportunity because you have open waves for information, be inform not bias, think that this is against AMERICANS, not ideologies, party's, but what is and has been the strength of this Nation, your Constitution and Bill of Rights, that give you FREEDOM, prosperity and the pursue of Happiness, it's your responsibility and in your hands, why them you expect for those that work hard to give to those that don't move a finger to create anything? eventually the honey will be gone, and everyone will depend on the government, the government want your land, think what is happening in California with the farmers, the government cut the water, the land will be dry, no way to survive with out help, gov. help by buying the land, and people will have the water, working in their land for the government. How you think happen in Venezuela, Cuba, China and other dictatorship Countries? with socialism you will own nothing, and to many illegals and haters, will destroy the little has left good in this Nation. You must UNITE as Americans you have a Muslim President, understand that, it's not about race, it's not about his color, it's about your freedom and to see what really is happening in the USA. it's YOUR COUNTRY, it's no Country with out people, YOU ARE YOUR COUNTRY, you're the one to be destroy. So Stand up, because they do coming for you... no scare tactic, just the simple truth. You are been use to divide, if Americans are not UNITE, they will destroy you, divide and conquer, so using the race card, fear and propaganda, will be the best for the people, to stay in constant argument, while they taking over all you ever have and what this Nation is.. YOU!

CJNGuy| 3.24.10 @ 10:36PM

Yet another progressive troll who's feeling his oats this week . . . show's over, folks, move along . . .

psmitten| 3.24.10 @ 11:06PM

and who, exactly, made you the thread-monitor?

Greg Mann| 3.25.10 @ 8:47AM

People 26 years old are not children.

Publius_Publius| 3.26.10 @ 8:47PM

It's hard to know which country you're from, but the Constitution of the United States of America, in no uncertain terms OUTLAWS socialism.

psmitten| 3.24.10 @ 11:36PM

calm the fuck down, buddy. You're mixing it all up. This Healthcare reform that regulates Insurance Cos and provides medical care to Americans who are unable to get care ... this IS change. This American Healthcare Reform Law IS what change looks like. ok?thnx

DL| 3.25.10 @ 2:00PM

Let's see, JimP mentions Obama's Brown Shirts and Panzers while Rick V. describes a socialitst's triumph. Such is the conundrum of the right wing's diatribe against a president trying to accomplish something, despite the millions of dollars spent to derail him, despite a total lack of civility and productive input from Republicans. Progressives are doing the hard work of governing - something we want them to do by the way - and the right wing resorts to name calling, shouts out racial and homophibic epithets, spits on members of Congress, threatens the families of legislators, vandalizes the offices of legislators, openly distributes the address of a legislator so he and his family can be intimidated (and refuses to remove the web post when the address is actually a relative's). You are not an opposition, you are anarchists. I do not know what will happen in November. I pray that you are not victorious, for the sake of society and our country.

DebC| 3.27.10 @ 12:01PM

Yes, unfortunately the 'progressives' in charge are counting on U.S. to use pitchforks and start lynching politicians. Then they impose 'martial law', take away our pitchforks and put a terrorist label on us as they throw us in sub-standard Gitmo style detention centers.
But beware, they are counting on the amnesty bill about to be 'Pipe-lined' through Congress in the same fashion as the HC bill was so that the Dems will sweep all elections in November with the support of all there newly patriated illegals...

Howard| 3.24.10 @ 9:16AM

JimP, I am somewhat optimistic because, the GOP has appeared to find its voice. I thought the "Big 3" of Boehner, Cantor, and Ryan were immensely articulate, logical and attractive in style. A problem historically for the GOP has been more leaders with the charisma of Bob Dole rather than Ronald Reagan. After all, in less than a year, we have gone from being written off like the Whigs, to a chance to accomplish real Conservative policies and principles. Sure, there is much work to do; the Mainstream Media always has us in their cross hairs. And Pelosi and Reid are cagey foes. But, I like our chances much more than a year ago.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 7:07PM

We have to keep the importance of charisma in perspective. Yes it helps get you elected. It shouldn't but that's the state of affairs with the voting public. However, Bob Dole, despite his lack of charisma, was a decent person, a wounded WWII veteran, and while he is a republican liberal, a far, far better choice for the United States than BJ Klinton could ever hope to be.

psmitten| 3.24.10 @ 11:09PM

big 3? this is what you've got? small minded bigots who long for days gone bye .. decades gone bye? open your eyes. GOP has never been closer to Whig status than today.

Patrick| 3.24.10 @ 12:01PM

The only way to stop the progressive cancer in DC is to kill it, or cut it from the body

D Pohl| 3.24.10 @ 12:09PM

Like many disappointed citizens about the healthcare passing, I was surfing online and came across this site www.StopTheLooters.com. I found the site's view as bold and really believe lot of us when push comes to shove we will act bodly.

psmitten| 3.24.10 @ 11:12PM

Do you have cancer? Then YOU Thank GOD in heaven above for ObamaCare ! Or should I read and report this as a death threat?

emo| 3.25.10 @ 12:32AM

MD Anderson and St Jude have done well without Obamcare. Where is the NHS equivalent?

Obamacare will create lines for cancer treatment just like in Canada and death rates will rise

WM| 3.24.10 @ 4:03PM

Wow, we must not be on the same sites. From what I am reading, people are fired up everywhere. There is some hand-wringing from the usual doom-and-gloom crowd, but most people seem ready to go to war. Marc is right about this being a war.

JimP| 3.24.10 @ 9:23PM

I guess not, or I hit on columns with all the depressed suicidal conservatives making comments. I am bouyed by the responses here and your comment. Thanks for the info, WM.

psmitten| 3.24.10 @ 11:42PM

follow marc follow marc follow marc follow marc you are following marc. follow glenn follow glenn follow glenn follow glenn follow rush follow rush follow rush follow sean follow sean follow sean follow sean follow marc follow marc follow follow follow follow follow where... do you really care?

Alan Brooks| 3.24.10 @ 5:10PM

'and not write columns that will only add to the malaise"

There are too many gullible cons, too. Self -deception and naivite' affect cons as well as progressives (if real progressivism exists, one must hastlily add). I'll say it again and again: you wont know a decent state in your lifetimes-- such is the one thing libertopians have right.

Libertarians are pigheads, but they are no fools.

psmitten| 3.24.10 @ 11:16PM

what, exactly, is the difference? Pigheads vs fools? I don't see it.

Alan Brooks| 3.24.10 @ 8:35PM

"And unlike Carter, Obama is a streetwise [snip]"

So Obama isn't as pampered as he is thought to be? Since when is 'streetwise' similar to the coddled-- out-of-touch-with-red-blooded-America-- silver spoon he is almost universally presented as?
Not where I "come from".

A.Jurgensen| 3.25.10 @ 6:55AM

The Frightwing of the GOP is going to bury the Republican party. The threats against Democratic congressmen are being taken seriously. I expect we shall see some arrests soon. Yes, free speech but with that there are consequences.

Publius_Publius| 3.26.10 @ 8:52PM

Wanna bet the arrests are of democ-rat operatives?

sagman888| 3.24.10 @ 6:47AM

OBAMA: OK, next up, immigration. I want a bill on my desk Tuesday making all our undocumented guests citizens and giving them the right to vote for Democrats.

EMANUEL: Problem, sir. Our side is so drunk with victory, we're having trouble keeping people in line.

REID: He's right. We don't have 60 in the Senate, and Senator Byrd will not yield on Reconciliation unless we meet his demand.

OBAMA: What demand??

AXELROD: When he dies, his embalmed body becomes Permanent Senate President pro tempore.

OBAMA: Agreed. We'll fit the man's body with a recorder that says, ''The Gentleman from Alabama is out of order,'' or whatever, when somebody squeezes his stomach.

REID: Sir, that makes a dead man third in line of succession. But fine. Probably do a better job than your current Number 2.

BIDEN: Watch you f****** mouth, Harry.

AXELROD: Tom Harkin's off the reservation, too, sir. Demands Bushes 41, 43 and Reagan be retroactively impeached.

OBAMA: Counteroffer. We’ll do George W. and Cheney. Take it or leave it. Anybody else on our side feeling his oats?

REID: Senoras Boxer and Feinstein. Negotiations to make California a Mexican province are almost complete, and they want that 100 billion Hillary promised them to smooth the transition. Kerry wants 100 million for a crash program in follicle regeneration at MIT.

OBAMA: Man, you never really know people until they get a taste of power. I . . . .

MICHELLE: Hold off on Landrieu’s package. There’s a rumor about her and Tiger. You hear me, Barack?

Deborah D| 3.24.10 @ 8:26AM

Thanks for the levity, sagman888. Laughter is the best medicine -- so let's all make fools of these fools before they entrench themselves to forever make fools of the American people.

"If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stomping on a human face -- forever." George Orwell

Tim| 3.24.10 @ 9:42AM

"If you want a picture of America's PC future, imagine a bunny slipper stomping on a white man's face -- forever."

Deborah D| 3.24.10 @ 2:34PM

Funny...I think.

psmitten| 3.25.10 @ 12:35AM

gawd debbie, hun ... you always read things so backwards? dyslexic? uneducated? misinformed? unwell? lied to? That crap is funny like shooting wolves from helicopters is funny. We call that 'loveless' fun or 'godless' fun. You should be careful, dear.

Bulwark| 3.24.10 @ 11:12AM

We need Robert Byrd to be wheeled and or carried into the Senate chamber, arm stretched to the heavens, holding his precious US Constitution. In a "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" moment, he can deliver a ripping "hell no" speech and then expire on the Senate floor.

I'm sure Harry Reid will then say " So sorry he's dead, now how soon can we get the next guy in here."

psmitten| 3.25.10 @ 12:45AM

bullwark please ... while deferring? minimizing? John Boehner's viral u-tube "hell no" speech on the House floor - you jump to an unnecessarily cruel characterization of an American Senator. Why, again? Are you guys really just the mindless testosterone junkies you sound like? Does none of this merit any thoughtful consideration and study?

Willy| 3.24.10 @ 11:17AM

This would be funny, if it were not so near to the truth. God help us all.

carl| 3.24.10 @ 11:30AM

cute - reminds me of a Nixon tape

Alan Brooks| 3.24.10 @ 5:25PM

Jeb Bush: "Looks like the 'bama might screw it up."

Advisor: "Long time to November 2012."

Jeb Bush: "Nah, we can mess him up good, like that Richardson b-i-t-c-h."

Advisor: "but the country might suffer too much."

Jeb Bush: "don't you remember what Mom said?: 'All America must be ruled by a Bush.' "

Advisor: "um, Barbara-- er, I mean, Mom-- didn't mean that LITERALLY, Jeb.

Jeb Bush: "Well, I do! Now off you go, I want a report next month on how 'bama can be sabotaged without destroying America completely, you pissant."

Advisor: "You mean, just damage America badly so 'bama will be as unpopular as Jimmuh?"

Jeb Bush: "Now you're cooking with gas, boy. That's what I pay you for."

Advisor: "well, it might be done, but it'll be tough to damage America in today's economic world without taking the risk of it going belly-up, as the USSR did."

Jeb Bush: " 'Bush family Uber Alles', you punk! Now get off your posterior and MOTIVATE, or I'll pay you by the hour!"

psmitten| 3.25.10 @ 12:48AM

cancel the book tour, turdblossom!!

Lindaisan| 3.24.10 @ 9:51PM

Now that's the spirit!! LOL....=) good one

Kenny| 3.24.10 @ 6:47AM

Marc Rotterman is so right here.

Give the devil his due. Barack Hussein Obama is a true believer of the Left.

And what have we had but saps like Bush, McCain, Rommney and the rest -- with the exception of Palin -- who have no clue of the game afoot.

pugsley| 3.24.10 @ 10:33AM

Kenny-sometimes I wonder if Bush, McCain, and Romney aren't in on it?

TLM| 3.24.10 @ 11:00AM

B, M, and R are in on it. They are Progressive Republicans. Obama and his crowd are Progressive Democrats. The Progressives have not limited themselves to the Democrat Party. They have also infiltrated the Republicans. We can no longer support a person just because he has an -R after his name. We need to judge him by his actions, past and present, and not let what party he belongs to cloud our thinking. The Progressives are very patient and very sly.

marys| 3.24.10 @ 11:40AM

TLM- you're very RIGHT! I hope ALL Americans will take heed and pay attention and vote correctly in 2010 and 2012.

Patrick| 3.24.10 @ 12:12PM

TLM
good to see there is one here that understands what is afoot. If any politician says they are progressive, John McCain, or liberal or any other word they use to describe this cancerous plague. They should be supplied with a gun to blow their own brainless head all over the walls of congress on national TV

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 1:24PM

Yes, "progressive" is a code word for communist, the commies in fact coined it as a euphemism, and yes McCain is a liberal republican, but to infer that McCain and Obumba are same, same, is to border on delusional and insanity. Only wingnut Ron Paulists would make the claim, and then probably only after a few joints.

Thorvald| 3.24.10 @ 3:01PM

That's not as unreasonable as it sounds, for McCain, anyway. God bless him for his military service, but all he had to do to defeat the Commies was to expose the Commies. If he didn't know about the birther issues, the dualer issues, the 100% NARAL rating, the ACORN involvement, the campaign financing fiddles, and on and on and on, he should have. I think he chose to ignore all of them, with the predictable result.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 7:12PM

Agreed that McCain isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.

psmitten| 3.25.10 @ 12:50AM

palin is exceptional

Cris Worth| 3.24.10 @ 7:45AM

Romney has called for repeal of ObamaCare titled "Prescription for Repeal" along with donations to his PAC..."Free and Strong America" to get the deed done. First things first governor petition Bay State citizens to repeal your own health care plan aka RomneyCare. Governor Mitt is quite the political bumbler and hypocrite first he tries to convince us he is social conservative and obviously he's not. Now he wants gullible citizens to make campaign contributions to something he's against but effectively for since RomneyCare is the blue print for ObamaCare.

Patrick| 3.24.10 @ 12:16PM

RIGHT ON CRIS
A progressive is the cancer in every party. It must be either cut or burned out of existance.

psmitten| 3.25.10 @ 12:58AM

Patrick,
As a liberal progressive Democrat and an American Citizen, protected under the rule of law of the United States of America, I believe that your statement is a direct threat of violence to me.
Care to restate your feelings in a legal way?

Publius_Publius| 3.26.10 @ 8:55PM

If terrorists are protected under the Constitution, I'm sure you communists are too.

TennesseeVolunteer| 3.24.10 @ 7:49AM

Marc, come spend some time with the Natural Patriots in fly over country. Your article is welcome but extremely late to the party.
What your next article should focus on is the fact that the media is doing everything they can to shut down the very voices that you want to speak up.
The next day after the bill the MSM and even Fox were filling the airwaves with the story of "Baby Killer" and the supposed racist comments of the Tea Partiers. We, the great unwashed, know exactly what we are dealing with when it comes to this administration and the liberal congress. In fact, we're not too happy with the Republicans who fiddled while all of the Social Security funds were wasted on other entitlements all these years.
We know exactly what is coming. Do you think all those guns are flying off the shelf because we don't understand exactly what is coming if this Marxist train doesn't go off the tracks. (I don't own a gun but the gun store parking lots are full)
Whenever the Dems win something, we are told to not complain too loudly because people won't listen to us. Buddy, the lines in America are pretty much already drawn. You have the Marxist leftist elite leading those who vote for their own entitlements to make everything fair....and you have the rest of us: people who have worked all their lives and see that they won't get any aort of Social Security because it is bankrupt, our 401K's are worth half of what they were, our homes are worth 25% less than they were and we know that if the economy doesn't turn around soon, the number of unemployed will explode.
Marc, we are coming in November. We are making plans. We are taking full measure of our enemy....Big government that both sides put into power. A Socialist administration whose overreach even offends big government Republicans. A complicit, elite media. An unconscious segment of the population who do not understand real economics and believe that government money is always going to be there.
Yeah, Marc, we know. We know that writing letters, emails, phone calls, tea parties, town halls and marches on Washington are ignored and don't work anymore. We understand that in a Republic our next and most powerful step is the voting box. Many of us understand that if the vote in November does not save this country that the country we will have then will not ever resemble America again. We know, We understand the stakes, we always have. It is only now that the Republican rocket scientists in Washington are beginning to understand.
What we both can say now with a heavy heart is that we don't want to predict what happens if the Republic is not righted soon. They mean to pass Amnesty and Cap and Trade before November. If they do, small business in America will be over. We are dancing on the head of a pin. Everyone held on through 2009 but now we have no credit, no sales and the tax man cometh. Most of us will do anything we can to make it to November. We can see the turnaround if America rights itself. But if people vote themselves a congress of entitlements, many of us will have to close because we will be out of money, credit and customers. Then, it is home gardens, one car, shutting off rooms in our houses etc.
Yeah, Marc, we get it.

ncatty| 3.24.10 @ 9:47AM

Raleigh, NC is fly-over country,

jon| 3.24.10 @ 11:19AM

amen.

Mary S| 3.24.10 @ 11:52AM

Hey Tennessee... So TRUE. So scary. Time for Americans to stand up, turn off the TV, get off the couch, get out and WORK to get this righted. The time is short, the risks are high and the end game is our LAST CHANCE. If you hate what's going on, and want your life and your Country back, it won't just drop in your lap... Pay attention. Wake Up. Lets get out there and FIGHT for this Republic. The time is NOW.

Blackwatch| 3.24.10 @ 7:57PM

Time for Civil Disobediance to Save America. Arrest the democrat Congress. get 500 citizens to march on their local criminal democrate congress person and place them under citizens arrest for crimes against the Constitution. Be prepared to be arrested your self. film it and put it on YOUTUBE.

psmitten| 3.25.10 @ 1:01AM

you people make me laugh.

Patrick | 3.24.10 @ 12:30PM

Tennessee
You say you get it and understand what is going on. Yet you have no guns. It is folks like you that will be fodder for the progressives. You should have many guns and a years worth of ammo for each. They will have no problem leading you to their concentration camps. No guns, you will protect nothing of you or your families. Those with the guns will take it from you with a gun in their hand. I can't believe someone from the patron state of killing stuff has no guns. Progressives love sheeple like yourself. ARM YOURSELF OR PARISH IN THE HELL OBAMAs REGIME PLANS FOR AMERICA.

wolf| 3.24.10 @ 1:47PM

who is it exactly you are going to be shooting...

harrycat| 3.24.10 @ 2:48PM

Surely what is need is more and bigger guns, hell, howitzers, tank, missles. More, more, more. Then we can kill everyone who doesn't agree with us.

psmitten| 3.25.10 @ 1:08AM

Patrick, you uneducated loudmouth,
bite your blasphemous tongue, you warmonger. Call your own state some awful untrue name ... jackass. Tennessee is the Volunteer State for a Very Good Reason. They Volunteered to fight with the UNION ARMY in the war between the states aka the Civil War - to save the Union. ASSHOLE

Publius_Publius| 3.25.10 @ 8:27PM

You must be a "Progressive", since you are extremely history challenged. It's why "progressives" don't know shit about the Constitution. It appears that you are actually the uneducated loudmouth and ASSHOLE!

Yvonne G| 3.24.10 @ 1:45PM

I have lived in 2 socialist communist countries, and needlss to say it is the worst form of government known to man. The people are on a waiting list for ayear to see a Doctor. They let the older folks die. It is so bad, that no one wants to live under government control. You people who think this is a wonderful plan, you will be surprised at the leftists and what they plan to do to you. Next thing on the agenda, your religion will go, and so many people will not be allowed to pray . I am telling you--- it was so bad in the Socialist countries, we could hardly wait to be transferred back to the states. Ob ama is a dictator and he will do anything to change this country to fascism. I would never5 hasve voted for the ding-bat. He never had an honest job in his life. His parents were atheists---can you see where he is coming from? Out with that dizzy Biden. If he had a brain he would be dangerous.Can you imagine a a Congressmen talking with a filthy mouth like that? Do you know where this country is headed with people like that? Sorry I am a partiotic American who believes in free enterprise. Congress has NO CLASS AT ALL. Look at them. Amtrak is broke, the post Office is broke, Social Security is broke, Medicare is broke, look at the running of the wars---and you think those stupid Democrats and the government can run the country?????Think again.

Brian| 3.24.10 @ 2:53PM

Obadiah, his servants. There shall, in that time, be rumors of things going astray, erm, and there shall be a great confusion as to where things really are, and nobody will really know where lieth those little things wi-- with the sort of raffia work base that has an attachment. At this time, a friend shall lose his friend's hammer and the young shall not know where lieth the things possessed by their fathers that their fathers put there only just the night before, about eight o'clock. Yea, it is written in the book of Cyril that, in that time, shall the third one...

Scott| 3.24.10 @ 5:42PM

What 2 countries were they? Or were they just the dreaded "socialist countries"?

Boo Hoo Teabaggers| 3.24.10 @ 6:46PM

Yeah - name the countries, or GTFO.

emo| 3.25.10 @ 12:35AM

What a loser you are Boo Hoo. Resorting to profanity when confronted by the real horrors on socialism. Your pathetic socialist utopia will never be realized. Youll just become angrier and angrier and more miserable

psmitten| 3.25.10 @ 1:14AM

emo,
funny, you're really the only ones angry .. and we never did really see 'eye to eye' .. it's not you .. it's us.

Boo Hoo Teabaggers| 3.25.10 @ 10:46AM

An "emo" is calling me a loser. Oh, the irony.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 2:18PM

It seems we are being forced into an armed revolution for sure, if the Constitution, ragged and torn and on life-support as it is, is to be preserved in some form at all. Maybe a TAX REVOLUTION would be a way to stave off an armed revolution. Taxes is were marxism/socialism/communism lives. Of course tax money eventually disappears in one of these totalitarian schemes, due to the disincentive, war on business, loss of freedom, etc., but by that time the country is beyond saving.

When "progressives" tout this new welfare entity known as "universal healthcare", as needed to give the "poor" healthcare (which of course by law they already have), and tax the hell out of the "rich" to pay for it (the major providers of capital and jobs), they are basically admitting, that like affirmative action before it, it's another form of black reparations. Beyond that, it fulfills the marxist tenet of wealth redistribution. Remember the NPR interview Obumba gave in Chicago, where he chastised the Founding Fathers, and lamented that the Constitution didn't provide for redistribution. A clear admission that he knows redistribution of wealth is unconstitutional. All entitlement programs are unconstitutional. The Constitution has always been viewed as an obstruction to the "progressives." They hold nothing but contempt for it. This dates back to 1932. If you want to follow the "progressiveness" of the commiecrats, regularly peruse the American Communist Party (CPUSA) Website. You will readily see that the two parties are today one and the same. CPUSA has been endorsing the commiecrats for the last decade at least. Ideologically they are on the same page. If you want to connect the dots on the democ-rat party's gradual merge with the Communist Party, ongoing since 1932, check out the Venona Decrypts and FBI files that have been gradually declassified since 1995. There are many other good books that further document this sameness of ideology, right down to the stalinist tactics.

The financial troubles, high taxes, etc., that we have today, the high degree of socialism we already have, we have to a great degree LBJ to blame. Having said that, compared to Obumba, LBJ was a piker. Obumba is a true marxist and America hater. If you've ever wondered what tyranny looks like, wonder no longer, today you are seeing it up close and personal!!

Erik| 3.24.10 @ 9:17PM

Dear, Dear Tennessee Volunteer, Your 401 (k) got whacked by people who make $50,000,000.00 per year and pay no income tax. Your home value got whacked by the same crowd. Are you stupid or are you in some ironic way just trying to mock those who are?

martin j smith| 3.24.10 @ 7:51AM

Anyone who ran in 2008 on the republican side should not be considered for president in 2012.
We ned new blood, youngish, un afraid and willing to state the case for our Liberty while calling out Obama on his lies.( oh yeah, Pelosi and reid too )
Anyone who even hints at toying with deals with the current Democrat Party should be given the heave ho.( politically speaking of course )

Cris Worth| 3.24.10 @ 8:17AM

I recommend you email that health care guru Willard R. the former gov of Mass. and tell him so.

kestrel| 3.24.10 @ 7:55AM

No-one on our side is good enough because everyone on our side is wasting time "Hoping" someone will come along that the Democrats and their butt kissing media friends won't trash. That and the fact the Republicans keep trying to fight terrorist tactics with "Roberts Rules of Order". Either way, our side hasn't figured out the Democrats are the enemy within and need to fought as such. The Democrats are under no such illusion and they are winning because to them, that's all that matters. Our side is too worried about our image and what people might say if we beat the snot out of the Democrats. For all the so called smart people on our side, I haven't seen one person with the guts to engage the fight other than Sarah Palin, and what does our side do? Bad mouth Sarah. Yea, that's the ticket!

Patrick| 3.24.10 @ 12:40PM

Kestrel Those that attack Sarah are afraid of what she represents, along with those who like her views of what government is suppossed to be. Progressives are not exclussive to the democrats. Progressives are the cancer that has become DC

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 1:55PM

Sarah represents all of America whose median IQ falls below average -- people who do not value knowledge, education, or facts and who base their ideology totally on religion and other belief systems.

cuban pete| 3.24.10 @ 2:09PM

Sarah is a muslim democrat?

Scott| 3.24.10 @ 5:44PM

No, an uber-religious evangelical faux conservative. Almost as bad.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 7:21PM

Your just mad because a couple of anecdotal and one recent scientific study has found that conservatives in general and specifically the poorest evangelicals gave more to charity than the richest liberals. Niggardly reprobates those liberals.

JimE| 3.24.10 @ 6:47PM

Bob, sound like you are describing progressives, no debating, tree worshipping, believing a negro shyster is a god.

harrycat| 3.24.10 @ 2:52PM

SP has shown that she couldn't run a PTA committee. Good legs though. Wink. Wink.

Scott| 3.24.10 @ 5:45PM

Yes, I am afraid of what she represents. One step away from a theocratic version of Idiocracy.

Scott| 3.24.10 @ 5:46PM

Try Eric Cantor and Paul Ryan. Both about 8,000 times more qualified than Palin.

Melvin| 3.24.10 @ 7:57AM

The larger issue here is education, education, education. I'm not talking the government run school type, I'm talking about what exactly Marc Rotterman is talking about.
More often than enough Conservatives are allot of the time based on emotion. Not that this is a bad thing, but this emotion needs to be channeled into a precise message.
Right now, there is in inordinate amount of fracture within the Conservative movement. Albeit is closed considerably since 2006.
Much of the education that Conservatives have picked up has been either on their own or from withing the small groups and or Tea Party Organizations in which the Left has declared open season on.
In would be very helpful if an organization would organize this fractured network of Conservative groups, through a clearing house of information, messaging and expanding the knowledge base in easy to understand, not legalize in what Barrack Obama is exactly up to.
A coalition if you will needs and should be built so that the American people can start building defense works against the forces of the Liberal Left.
Not only building defensive networks against this scourge, but behind these works and army can be formed, educated, and eventually march out the gates of Conservatism and push the Liberals into the sea all the way to Europe.
Conservatives got complacent and bitchy after Reagan and now the army must be rebuilt.

Mary S| 3.24.10 @ 11:55AM

PERFECTLY STATED. Read, Listen, Learn. Educate yourself and get involved. And get BACK to your Churches. We need all the help we can muster.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 2:31PM

Nonsensical bullcrap!

alphonse| 3.24.10 @ 8:29AM

the real villioan is piglosi, she got thios bill passed with payoffs and bribes and instructed the messiah to twist the arms of others.

By himslef, the messiah can get nothing done,

this horrible bill is the work of president piglosi, the real power in dc

Tim| 3.24.10 @ 8:30AM

We,Tea Party Rebels Never Underestimated The Self-Absorbed Alinsky Acolyte .

We Will " REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER ! "

We Show Up On November 2nd !

maverick muse| 3.24.10 @ 9:06AM

Yes, remember to disdain every Alinsky disciple seeking election.

Beware the Alinksy fashioned neoconservative(R) eschewing the Classical Liberal ethics of our founders, calling socialism "centrist", trumping the Tea Party as "radical" for expecting elected officials and government employees to actually sustain the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. Neoconservatives(R) run "Egyptian Sales" as well as Obama's crowd to ravage the gullible and empower unconstitutional federal socialism in turn.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 2:34PM

You're stuck on stupid!

Mattled| 3.24.10 @ 8:34AM

There is no way in hell he can get away with anything let alone get elected without the complicit media.

We need to target the media. They create nothing---they destroy. Anything non-liberal that is. While they are propping up Dear Leader---they destroy freedom.

Why can't someone start a movement to expose then media for what they are?

Look at the two or three billboards that have gotten media exposure across the country?

Let's start with Couric, Williams and Sawyer with their faces across a billboard with "Enemies of the US" splashed across. Then go from there.

It's the media folks---the media---without their 5 BILLION dollar PR machine every day----Odingo would be in Kenya with his cousin.

MikeBee| 3.24.10 @ 11:55AM

Mattled,
The best way to hurt the mainstraim media is to ensure that they receive no funding because of you (by "you," I mean anyone who reads this). If you buy a daily or weekly newspaper today which is liberal, cancel your membership. If you watch TV news which is liberal, even if all you care about is the local weather forecast, STOP watching that news. TV news receives its funding from advertisers, who must pay rates according to a station's or show's listenership or viewership. Let the 20% of America which is liberal watch and read this garbage. The liberal media's funding will drop severely, and they will be forced to close, unable to keep themselves going. The least effective liberal newspaper is the liberal newspaper which can't afford to keep printing their trash.

Mary S| 3.24.10 @ 12:00PM

You are correct. WE can do this if we learn who the real enemies are. Be very careful what products we buy, what channels we watch. AND, boycott the movie theaters... We could cripple Hollywood in a short time if we do this. I haven't seen a movie either in a theater or rental in years. We gotta do this. Sean Penn can go to hell with Michael fat ass Moore.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 2:40PM

This to a great deal is being done. For years polls and studies have shown that the people are on to the media a being leftist. And the lefty media is being hurt, that's why Obumba suggested Federally subsidizing them. At the same time the commiecrats are doing everything they can to try to hurt FOX. And it's also the reason FOX is beating the crap out of the old leftist media. The old media is nothing more or less than the press organ of the democrap party.

Boo Hoo Teabaggers| 3.24.10 @ 7:28PM

Yeah. Instead, just hang out on this website with your fellow crackpots, each reinforcing the others' crackpot beliefs. That's the trouble with the internet - extremists like the ones posting here used to be dialed back by the normalizing influence of mainstream society. Now you spend all day in your Montana cabins, convincing each other that the government really is hell bent on destroying America.

Blackwatch| 3.24.10 @ 8:05PM

No we don't want to destroy America. We just want you to die off into extinction along with Stalin, Hitler, Pol Pot, Ernesto Che Guevara, and all of the other demonic scum throughout history that wanted to force feed crap to their people. Can't you just leave people alone? Why do you have to control everything? That's a mental disorder you know.

Boo Hoo Teabaggers| 3.24.10 @ 8:10PM

Erm . . . read much? Read that last sentence again. I didn't say you wanted to destroy America, did I? Ok, I accept your apology.

You are, however, enemies of freedom and liberty.

emo| 3.25.10 @ 12:38AM

Boo Hoo:

Do you have anything intelligent to say at all?

Tell me why socialism is a better system for wealth creation and innovation.

Boo Hoo Teabaggers| 3.25.10 @ 10:53AM

You want me to justify your backwards misunderstanding of what is going on?

One way in which guaranteed health care is better for wealth creation and innovation is that it promotes entrepreneurship. If you'd ever done anything other than work for someone else, you'd know how difficult it is for entrepreneurs to get decent health care coverage. This discourages innovation and wealth creation.

Publius_Publius| 3.25.10 @ 9:08PM

LOL...this is from one of the stupidest people to be elected to the House of Representatives ever, and this dummy goes out and repeats it. Dumber than a friggen board Nancy Pelosi a few days back said..that this new welfare program (that they call healthcare) would allow people to be able to quit their day job and persue such things as art, writing, or picture taking, without the worry of giving up their healthcare. This kind of thinking is reprobative enough, but the Bill doesn't stipulate that loafers can't do the same thing. You can bet that when the loafers of the country heard ol Pelosi say that, their eyes got big and wide and begin thinking Christmas had come early.

We know from nearly 100 years of empirical history, all over the world, that socialism kills incentive and creativity. And we have over 200 years of empirical evidence with our capitalist system which serves to illuminate just how awful, decrepit, and abysmal that socialism is. The U. S., the nation which was the largest practitioner of capitalism, the one most identified with capitalism, is the one that is the surviving super power. The one that is the most free, has the largest GDP, is the most benevolent, furnishes the inspiration for the world, furnishes the military to protect other freedom loving people, employs the largest percentage of it's people, etc. The peoples of much of the rest of the world would be very happy to live as well as America's poor. Socialism destroys incentive and creativity, jobs and lives. As practiced by American democ-rats it follows marxism to a tee: socialism, redistribution of wealth, class warfare/class envy.

Today on the Senate floor Max Baukus (D-MT) explained that the purpose of this Bill they just passed (universal healthcare) was to redistribute the wealth. Which of course is the same thing Obumba told Joe the Plumber during the late campaign. Yes, yes, yes, the democ-rats are unambiguously Marxists.

Boo Hoo Teabaggers| 3.27.10 @ 2:58AM

Your comment is too long and rambling to read. Suffice to say, from the first paragraph and a half I made it through, I gather you have no idea what is in this health care bill. If you think this is socialized medicine, you don't know socialism.

You will never embrace health care reform. Fortunately for America, though, a majority of the electorate will before November. So the best I can offer you at this point is some advice: always warm the pot before brewing, and never add milk to the tea - always put the milk in first.

To quote Bill Maher - I enjoyed watching the bullies of the right lose this one.

Siegfried X| 3.24.10 @ 8:46AM

Obama can't accomplish anything else unless "moderate" Republicans help him. He doesn't have the votes, the 60 votes necessary in the Senate.

So it's all up to the RINOs.

Patrick| 3.24.10 @ 12:48PM

He and the rest of his cancer need only 50 with 1 from his butt buddy biden.

Bostonian| 3.24.10 @ 8:52AM

Good column, but I think "beward" should be "beware".

maverick muse| 3.24.10 @ 8:54AM

Yes. Obama's Socialists are boldly corrupt. Audacity is nothing to admire unless you are a criminal who gets away with mugging, maiming, rape, plunder and murder.

2010 Election MATTERS!

Obama's corruption of the Oval Office must be impeached by the coming Republican majority, at which time Pelosi will no longer be House Speaker, and Reid will be gone from the Senate.

I would hope that the Republicans would organize NOW to assign who will tackle and perfect which legislative challenge to attain the united goal to rescind unconstitutional legislation. If the 2010 newly elected Republicans are party pimps for their own piece of the taxpayer pie, we are doomed. We need Constitutional Conservatives ready to unite the Republican Party to rescind the unconstitutional legislation and impeach Obama for his unconstitutional crimes of fraud against the nation. Biden can be manipulated to a play on a more fairly represented platform, and Pelosi will be gone. With a Republican Majority in Congress, they'll control the vote for the appointed vice president, as well as the vote sustaining coming Supreme Court nominees.

I wonder that the Supreme Court waits for a citizen to file a complaint prior to determining a law to be unconstitutional. After the Civil War when Congress reinstated an income tax, the Supreme Court immediately struck it down as unconstitutional. (No thanks to the socialist Democrat and Progressive Parties organizing a constitutional amendment permitting an income tax accepted by the people because most only paid 1% rate.)

All of our medical histories, blood and DNA will be on file in electronic form, easily plundered by corrupt authorities and measly employees in government as well as white collar professional thieves. The flagrant fraud and corruption that already exists stealing tax funds from Medicare/Medicaid (the most lucrative and least prosecuted organized crime in America) was not addressed in this monstrous health care law. We ain't seen nothing yet.

The federal fox guarding the hen house will only devour the victim wronged by the system itself.

Note well the vaccines that the federal government will ORDER all to comply and take. Today headlines an unacceptable pig DNA virus in an infant vaccine already administered to millions of babies. That particular vaccine is only one of MANY that were never deemed necessary 50 years ago, and still are nothing but promotions from the pharmaceutical industry for THEIR profit. Many of these vaccines are for illnesses that do not affect the general population and certainly are not contagious, illnesses that result from filthy life styles, illnesses that are TREATABLE IF they occur. Every vaccine and drug has negative side effects. The infant vaccines for mumps, measles and whooping cough are understandable because those deathly illnesses are contagious and do occur during childhood. Shots and vaccines and prescriptions or treatments should never be mandated with fines and prison for noncompliance. NEVER grant assent to federal authoritarians (unconstitutional abuse of limited powers) to order your compliance and to submit your babies to a slew of vaccines when their tiny bodies are unable to survive without negative side effects that augment compared to those effects in adults.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/.....amp;pos=13

“Once files are in electronic form, the crime scales up quickly,” said Dixon, whose group analyzed a decade of consumer data from the Federal Trade Commission and medical identity theft cases from the Department of Justice.
“Once you aggregate and put data in one place it’s easier for you to see it but it’s also easier for a criminal to see and use it,” said Scott Mitic, chief executive officer of Redwood City, California-based TrustedID, a consumer data-protection firm. “The digitization of medical records over the next years is certainly going to make this more of an issue.”

Patrick| 3.24.10 @ 1:03PM

They can't get what no doctor has. I don't go to any healthcare facility. Drs. prescribe medicines who's side effects will kill you or produce some new ailment worse than what it was to fix. The FDA is such a corrupt and defunct government agency it should be closed down and every employee sent to the unemployment roles, and barred from the medical industry for life.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 2:48PM

The biggest reason for high healthcare costs is due to government intrusion. Government intrusion, meddling, and manipulating is the cause of untold misery and malfunction.

Bill snarky| 3.24.10 @ 8:59AM

Every day I read more and more of the progressives and their tactics and just how far they have gone and are planning on going to strip away our constitutional rights. Conservatives, middle class, and the mainstream America need to stand up and be counted, throw away the chains of apathy and be counted. We need support those that are trying to protect us from the progressives and we need to voice our views every time we get a chance plus seek out opportunities to be heard at any venue we can.

Blackwatch | 3.24.10 @ 8:08PM

spread the word through civil disobedience. Arrest your local democrat congress person on April 15, 2010 for crimes against the Constitution. Use your authority for a citizems arrest. Slap in irons with 500 of your friends, and parade the scum through the streets. Make a statement! Get arrested too--that's part of civil disobediance. good luck.

JP| 3.24.10 @ 9:05AM

The author is both right and wrong. Here is why he is right:

1)Using ObamaCare as a templete, the President and Pelosi will attempt to ram through both a modified version of Cap and Trade and Amnesty. They've already indicated that they might just use a combination of Reconcilliation and the Slaughter Rule to get these 2 bills through before the election recess. Do not think for a minute that the President will rest on his laurels.

2)Today begins the day in which the President, his allies in Congress, the MSM, and the punditocracy will begin a massive PR campaign to convince moderates, independents, and seniors that ObamaCare is just great. They've already got thier talking points lined up, and with the first of the tax hikes still 6-8 months off they will say that the GOP is fearmongering. They will present a solid wall of disinformation, and this disinformation will be relentless in its message. Look for the likes of Gergen, Frum, and Brookes (perhaps even Noonan) to join them.

The timeline will be aggresive (now through November); but, the ultimate goal is to destroy whatever political momentuem the GOP has going into the elections, while at the same time ramming through more bills that the majority of this nation do not want. Can they do it?

Here's why he is wrong:

1)The Congressional Dems are both exhausted and uneasy. The Blue Dogs and so-called moderates essientially showed thier true colors during the ObamaCare fight. They were easily rolled, paid-off and intimidated. The Stupak 12 would have been better off surrendering in Feb than holding out so long only to be rolled late in the game. I would not be surprised if 30-40 House Dems lost thier seats in November.

2)The Medicare cuts are so big and occur so early (as compared to other features of the bill), that it will be quite difficult if not impossible for the Dems spin. Most of the subsidies that the Dems will be mentioning the next few months come at the expense of Medicare. The GOP is already pointing this out, and if they're smart will continue to pound home this theme.

2)As stated above, the Senate and House Dems just went through Hell, and the President will be asking them not only to re-enter it, but must do it again at a much quicker pace. I don't think the rank and file Congressmen have the energy to do this in the face of a fierce campagin season. It will be almost impossible for Pelosi and Reid to offer the kind of kickbacks and pay-offs they did with ObamaCare. If the GOP offers the same kind of resistence, it will be extremely difficult for the Dems to keep thier coalitions together. The mid-term clock is ticking.

Of course, the GOP could fall apart on both amnesty and Cap and Trade. Lindsay Gramm is co-authoring the legislation with Kerry. And already the Senate GOP is backing off on repeal of the individual mandates (see Senator Corburn). Much could still go wrong on the GOP side. However, McConnell and Ryan both have sounded a very sensible slogan: Repeal and Replace. A GOP alternative is beginning to form and get traction. The GOP must also reiterate the salient theme for this season: Medicare cuts. This will cut across party lines, and if the seniors abandon the Dems (which they will), Obama's coalition will fall apart and face a massacre of epic proportions this November. It will be the end of the Anionted One. Without his Congressional majorities, Obama can do nothing.

Roy| 3.24.10 @ 9:08AM

Of course they won a great victory. That victory was won in November 2008 when they got 60 votes in the Senate(with liberal help from Acorn-driven vote fraud in Minnesota).

Given that, this "reform" bill shouldn't have been this hard to pass. It only seems like a great victory because they managed to push it through even after Scott Brown's win in Massachusetts. Though I must say, Republicans wouldn't have even done that.

Becky| 3.24.10 @ 9:19AM

Sometimes when you win you lose.

I don't think anything the author wrote was new.

LBJ did not win so much he could run for re-election, and today with the Texas textbook debate, his wins may be scrutinized in the classroom.

History always takes the long view, and because something is historic doesn't mean it is good or bad.

carl| 3.24.10 @ 11:48AM

I may be naive but I believe LBJ was an honorable man who dropped out for his stated reason.

History is history when the people writing it (or rewriting it) say it is, and the terms "good" and "bad" are switched around to fit their agenda.

Patrick| 3.24.10 @ 1:24PM

carl
Yes you are naive. LBJ was a moron. He followed Kennedys' lead after he was killed to steal from Social Security. With the lie that there was so much money in SS that we (the government) will never use it all for what it was intended. So we (the government) can use some of the "surplus" to offset the national debt, Kennedys own words on National TV. Every time money was stolen from SS it was a progressive Democrat that introduced the needed legislation for the continued theft from the so called safe locked box of SS. And that is a fact history can't argue with. No matter how much the progressives try to change the facts. Progressives will lie, cheat, steal, and yes even kill a president to achieve the ends they want.

DanMingo| 3.26.10 @ 12:04PM

The federal government has been borrowing from social security since 1983.
http://www.youdebate.com/DEBAT.....aiding.HTM

That means it was Saint Ronnie the first who began stealing our SS.

Ohiolad| 3.24.10 @ 9:20AM

I completely agree with the author that it is a grave mistake to underestimate this particular opponent. Those who continue to describe Obama as naïve or incompetent do so under the implicit assumption that he still wants, as we do, what is best for the country. He does not. And he knows exactly what he is doing. He is a modern-day Julius Caesar, who with cunning and guile is trying to overthrow the Republic. Unfortunately, there are few like Cicero in Congress who have the intellect to realize what is happening or the rhetorical skill to present a coherent opposition.

Patrick| 3.24.10 @ 1:38PM

Ohiolad
WELL SAID. This so called black president grew up hating this country for the precieved wrongs against his welfare raised childhood in Hawaii. Having grown up in Hawaii in the 50's -70's I can see why someone of his ilk would grow up hating this country and spend his life studing how to destroy a country that would let his poor self be treated so badly.. He and those that follow his sick path want the destruction of America at any cost. They are the proof that some people should never have taken the drugs of that period for they have no good brain cells left

jprkzoo| 3.24.10 @ 9:33AM

The author makes a good point........ i.e.
“Know thy enemy and know thy self and you will win a hundred battles.”
Sun Tzu Wu

Tony in Central PA| 3.24.10 @ 9:40AM

I agree with the author. I find this whole scenario very disturbing. I'm 48 and I can't remember a time when our government did something that is so profound, far - reaching and unpopular ( and bragged about their accomplishment ). There is no recognition or concern that I can detect from this Administration over the reality that the American public is not on board with their plans for our future. There were a lot of things this Administration could have done to ease concerns about the way this health care legislation was passed and they didn't. This President didn't even keep his own promises about how he would accomplish health care reform.

I think this is only the beginning from this Administration. The Democratic majority that allowed this to happen have little to lose politically from pursuing Cap and Trade, Immigration Reform and a host of other unpopular measures certain to result in the transformation of America into something totally unrecognizable to its Founders.

This country no longer needs Conservatives. It needs Revolutionairies.

Wesley Mouch| 3.24.10 @ 12:57PM

I don't know, the banker's bailout back in '08 was pretty unpopular. Set a lot of precedent too with the too big to fail crap. Pretty profound & far reaching.

Patrick| 3.24.10 @ 1:51PM

The whole thing is the progressives don't give a ratsass what America wants. They will do what any progressive would, call those who aren't as sick as they names. For they know America doesn't like any of this they don't care. THE END JUSTIFIES THE MEANS, LIE, CHEAT, STEAL and if the people don't like it tuff. Pass a law to shut them up, if that don't work imprison or kill the loudist and the rest of the sheeple will fall into line. The only problem,they forget where we come from and it is their necks that will be in the noose

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 2:54PM

It's because they are elitists and totalitarians.

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 4:43PM

pursuing Cap and Trade, Immigration Reform and a host of other unpopular measures certain to result in the transformation of America into something totally unrecognizable to its Founders.
Ronald Reagan had some ideas about immigration reform. Here they are from his 1986 Immigration and Control act:
From an article written by Ed Meese, Reagans AG.
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=18399
He's actually arguing against immigration reform, but goes on to list key elements of the bill, which Reagan supported.

"He also agreed with the legislation in adjusting the status of immigrants—even if they had entered illegally—who were law-abiding long-term residents, many of whom had children in the United States. Illegal immigrants who could establish that they had resided in America continuously for five years would be granted temporary resident status, which could be upgraded to permanent residency after 18 months and, after another five years, to citizenship. It wasn’t automatic. They had to pay application fees, learn to speak English, understand American civics, pass a medical exam and register for military selective service. Those with convictions for a felony or three misdemeanors were ineligible.

Grzmlyk| 3.24.10 @ 9:43AM

This article is right on the money.

I hear some conservative pundits gleefully celebrating in a perverse way: You made your bed, Dems, now you have to lie in it!!! Yeah! We'll kick your asses in November! Your corrupt overreaching has finally been exposed!"

Do NOT count on it. First off, one thing this article points out is that Repubs always fight like girls - they view these things from management perspective and observe Marquis of Queensbury rules, and then proceed to get slaughtered in the face of the no-holds-barred streetfighting the Dems invariably go to as a first resort (e.g., Health Care Summit). And the mainstream media assiduously protects the left's flanks.

Second, this is an ENTITLEMENT. Entitlements are narcotics that never fail to ensnare otherwise rational people. Look at our popular culture and our youth. By and large, this is the world they want.

I also find it appalling that one of our chief arguments against this entitlement has been that it will take away from another entitlement. I understand it, but it is a tacit approval of the entitlement mentality in general - and ultimately it is faulty reasoning.

As to the comment above, I'm not so sure that the Medicare cut is going to happen at all or will not be sufficiently masked so as to lull seniors back into placid contentment - and besides, many are tiring of the fight, not just the Dems. And as long as the Dems hold all the levers and switches and the printing presses and the tax laws - and, again, have the full cover of the mainstream media in which to carry out their machinations - I'm not so sure this whole thing just doesn't fade away in the near term.

And we all know that, for the most part, the judiciary as a whole will declare just about anything coming from the left as constitutional. So, unfortunately, these lawsuits may be quixotic tilting at windmills. Right now, this is the law of the land.

Yes, Tea Party momentum could build. If Obama presses forward with Cap & Trade and Illegal Immigration, that may be the tonic we need to remain riled up. I certainly hope so. But it's just as possible that pop-culture's anti-capitalist tide will continue to swell and that newly-minted "Obamericans" will be more than happy vote Democrat.

This will stand until the aggregate mass of those in the cart exceeds the ability of those pulling the cart to continue pulling and even the lies of politicians and media can't hide that fact.

And it IS a victory for the Dems and for socialism. Any pundit who is doing an end-zone dance and preening about how the Dems have just committed suicide would be well advised to look at the lessons of history - Peyton Manning wasn't the quarterback celebrating after this year's Super Bowl.

Tim| 3.24.10 @ 11:30AM

Seconded.

Left Winger| 3.24.10 @ 12:15PM

You've made my day. I realize now that we have won and the fight is over. Thanks alphabet. I didn't think it would be so easy.

Grzmlyk| 3.24.10 @ 12:46PM

Now that you've reached Nirvana, Left Wingnut, there's really no need to remain on the planet, so why don't you assmble all your friends and, for once in your life, do the right thing?

The end of liberalism is always collapse. The die is cast. You, too, will suffer the consquences.

Left Winger| 3.24.10 @ 1:17PM

That is very inspiring. It will no doubt rally all your friends.

Grzmlyk| 3.24.10 @ 1:42PM

Viva la revolucion, as your hero, Che Guevara, would say.

I say the sooner the better.

We'll be coming for whatever the IRS leaves of you.

Oh wait. Let me guess: You're one of the parasites, right?

Left Winger| 3.24.10 @ 1:53PM

That is not much of a vision. Nobody will follow you with that.

Grzmlyk| 3.24.10 @ 2:11PM

That is not much of a response. Nobody will be swayed by you with that.

Didn't the Daily Kos provide you with talking points when they sent you and the others over here?

Hey, just out of curiosity, what did you hit Uncle Sam up for this month? Just between you and me.

Clif| 3.24.10 @ 2:31PM

Grzmlyk,

It is time to knock off the woe is me talk and get back into the fight. We had our three days of mourning. In the end all the losers can get together and decide who predicted it first. You'll find Toddard and Bob there. I plan on fighting until the end and always coming up with a plan to do so. A smart guy like you is valued and needed. It isn't time to surrender, it is the time to come up with the next move. Tim and lawyerchik1 have it right.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 3:15PM

Let's not lose sight of the fact that the mourning is not for Patriotic Americans loosing this one battle, the mourning is for the tremendous damage that's been done to the Constitution and our Republic. Many of us have been engaged in this Culture War for decades, and if we hadn't the United States would look like Europe today. The soft belly of socialism, weak and vacillating, unable to fend off the muslim unslaught, unable to defend itself against terrorism. Unable to provide it's people decent and timely healthcare, unable to provide it's people adequate jobs, or freedom (they think they're free). The left will not win this Culture War, the people will awake from their deep slumber, or it may take a hot civil war in the end, but they will not win.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 3:17PM

losing even.

Grzmlyk| 3.24.10 @ 3:30PM

Clif, read my posts. I said it is time to overthrow the regime.

My point is not "woe is me." This is how human nature unfolds: In a republic like ours, "the people" vote themselves goodies until fiscal collapse occurs. Alexander Tytler made this observation almost 300 years ago.

My point is that we have passed the tipping point. Even prior to Obamacare, our entitlement system was unsustainable. Obamacare has only accelerated the timetable.

However, the fallout from that has yet to impact most Americans. It hasn't changed people's day-to-day lives yet. As a result, the likelihood is that, in the NEAR TERM - i.e., until the locomotive goes over the cliff - many Americans will be narcotized by the new entitlement, and many others - a growing demographic of indoctrinated youth (see Left Winger's posts above) and soon-to-be legal aliens - along with our long-since corrupted justice system and the left's media cheerleaders - will allow inertia to prevail. It's not about "we few" holding the fort or voting in conservatives. It's too late for that.

And of course a conservative, once elected, often miraculously turns into a RINO in office anyway - this is the way poltics works: Bring Home the Bacon. People spout off about a third party - it's not about party names, it's about human nature; a preponderance of Tea Party members might be voted into office and, were we not so close to the precipice already, 10 years down the road they would be indistinguishable from the corrupt Republicans they replaced.

When the system collapses - when the locomotive is over the edge (and we are very close) - THAT'S when a critical mass will rise up and join those of us who are already fighting.

Don't forget, 54 million people voted for Obama. A lot of those people are still true believers.

This is not about self pity or hand wringing. It's about the physics of polticial tectonics. We can no more stop the collapse than one can jump in front of the locomotive and stop it - regardless of how sincerely he wants to.

Overthrow is the only way out, but until we have critical mass of people who have come around - not because we've won them over with arguments but because they have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their way of life - we will not prevail.

Them's the facts as I see them.

Clif| 3.24.10 @ 3:46PM

Then go to your cave and wait. I'll be keeping busy.

Grzmlyk| 3.24.10 @ 3:55PM

Just out of curiosity, what is it you'll be doing?

Grzmlyk| 3.24.10 @ 4:23PM

. . . AND silence.

Just as I thought.

Talk is cheap.

my friend Grz| 3.24.10 @ 5:34PM

I like you Grz. You are good egg. Remember that one? I know you are telling the truth. You are explaining it like you always do, with excellence. You have the "seeing eye", lol. You are explaining the physics of political tectonics! That's it, it's what you're doing. I get it.
Well done.

Grzmlyk| 3.24.10 @ 6:49PM

Thanks, MFG.

Yes, I love the phrase "good egg." I use it myself in special instances.

Lots of folks make noise on this and other sites about how they're loading up their shotguns and are prepared to take up arms. But there's a yawning chasm between saying it and doing it.

I think the revolution, when it comes, will be like those we've seen in Eastern Europe: Overwhelming numbers obviating the need for violence.

That's my hope, anyway!

mfG| 3.24.10 @ 7:15PM

You're welcome. You used the good egg once to me.
But yes, a yawning chasm there is because the people are still oblivious, but not all, I know. And you do too. They are still so content in their comfortable surroundings. When they feel the grit and pain when the economy collapses, then maybe. I said recently that Obama's plan is to get us all dependent on the government, and then pull the rug out. Can you say soup lines? Can it get that bad? I do fear so but like you said that is what it might take. But I do not want it to come to that!

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 7:31PM

Only 28% of the citizenry wanted to throw off the chains of King George.

my friend Grz| 3.24.10 @ 8:44PM

I'm little and a female but you can count on me to fight, like as in Annie git yer guns style! If it comes to that. I better start training now so I can shoot straight!
I'll be there on the front lines with you men, if you'll let me be!

Grzmlyk| 3.25.10 @ 12:39AM

Suddenly, I'm far more intrigued by you, MFG (what with you being female AND conservative AND witty).

Be still my beating heart!

I'm a sucker for a sexy psyche.

Patrick| 3.24.10 @ 1:58PM

left winger winning a fight or two does not make for winning the war.

Tim| 3.24.10 @ 10:08AM

"You shouldn't underestimate an enemy, but it is just as fatal to overestimate him."

Gen. George S. Patton, Jr.

lawyerchik1| 3.24.10 @ 10:14AM

As Dick Morris pointed out today, "In defeat: defiance; In war: resolution."

cuban pete| 3.24.10 @ 2:14PM

I didn't hear his comments but I hope he gave Winston credit.

martin j smith| 3.24.10 @ 10:39AM

Grumbling is OK but winning elections is a better focus. How to win / Here is an idea: Republicans or Conservatives should set up a contest for those who come up with creative tactics to deal with the Democrat Party and the MSM. Because of the dangerous behavior of the Democrat Left, all contributors and even the winner should not be made public. Its the idea that counts. One thing to consider in so doing: The Democrat methodology is predicable in its method, its the timing and the specifics that sometimes not obvious.
More importantlly is the need to go on offense, this is where this "contest" can be interesting and creative.

Tim| 3.24.10 @ 10:54AM

ACORN Rebranding : " in New York City the ACORN office now has a new sign: “New York Communities for Change.” In Massachusetts, the “new” ACORN group, called “New England United for Justice” lists Maude Hurd as its president, the same Maude Hurd who serves as president for ACORN itself. Matthew Vadum, an investigator for the Capital Research Center, points out that ACORN Housing has changed its name to Affordable Housing Centers of America, Inc., and other ACORN-connected groups include Arkansas Community Organizations, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, and Missourians for Reform Empowerment. “This is a trick, a public relations trick to dupe Congress and the American people to think they have gone away and that have not,” says Vadum. “The same people are running the new chapters that have sprung up and in some cases, out of the same offices.”

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 3:21PM

As AlGore once famously said: a tiger can't change it's spots....

Caribman| 3.24.10 @ 10:57AM

Good and more importantly, a realistic analysis.

This victory has emboldened the left and they will have many talking points to defend prior to November. The Republicans will be labeled more aggressively as the party of "NO" against the middle and welfare classes.
You cannot forget the massive support of the corrupt main stream media led by the New York Times and Associated Press supporting every socialist/liberal position. The welfare class, unions and academia also have their positions to defend.

Having said that there is also the euphoria of the initial victory of the passage of healthcare which is the same as the Nov 2008 capture of the White House by the Democrats. It was downhill every month after that.

Soon the reality will continue to hit home. New Home sales "unexpectedly" dropped by 2.2% in February. Unemployment is still 9.7%. The dollar is a joke and Obama is still borrowing $1.5 billion annually.

One unexpected issue can totally derail Obama and the liberal as they are barely balancing on the log.

Conservatives must not be caught between irrational exuberance or dispair.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 3:30PM

When you study the history of the period 1920 to 1960 you find that the American media by and large, led by such "news" entities as the NY Slimes and the Washington Compost, were infatuated if not inthralled with communism. Today they are much further to the left than then. USA Today, Time, Newsweek, US News, NPR, PBS, are mouthpieces for communism/marxism. Like federally funded abortion, NPR and PBS need to be defunded.

JJ| 3.24.10 @ 11:09AM

yes, yes, yes, we know Obama. His mentor was a racist preacher and he wants European Socialism. But to stop Obama you must first defeat the LIBERAL MEDIA that is cheerleading for him and moving what he wants along.

TAKE AMERICA BACK FROM THE LIBERAL MEDIA THAT IS FLUSHING US DOWN THE TOILET. Then Obama will be nothing.

Liz| 3.24.10 @ 11:11AM

we ARE at war against the liberals and muslims and if you don't believe it we have a liberal Muslim President who isn't even a citizen

Wesley Mouch| 3.24.10 @ 12:59PM

I'm so mad about it I'm voluntarily giving up my Medicare Part D entitlement.

MaryS| 3.24.10 @ 1:51PM

LIZ, Check out James David Manning-Columbia University, and also John C. Drew. His citizenship is highly suspect!

martin j smith| 3.24.10 @ 11:13AM

Caribman is correct about not getting bent out of shape. Here is an example of what that means: When a Democrat politician or the MSM come up some cockamamee remark or accusation or poll with unbelievable numbers don't act or react as if this never happended before. Sometimes it is really strange to see reactions that seem to indicate that this is first time that this occurs: speicifically the Tea Party Demo slur or the fake poll of Gallop and USA today. These are to be expected. What are needed are an offense which can open up the slime that occurs in the Democrat Party from Obama on down such as payoffs, bribes and threats.

martin J smith| 3.24.10 @ 11:15AM

One more thing: Respect your enemy--does not mean you agree,like or tolerate their ideas for yourselves. It means being realistic about what tactics,methods, etc should used to win--that is the goal.

Hessie L. Harris| 3.24.10 @ 11:15AM

Sorry, the truth hurts but it can also set you free and our freedom is being challenged. The message in this article is that "They" do not play by the same rules we do and if we want to hold on to our country, we had better change or adjust our approach. Here! Here!

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 3:38PM

The first thing that has to happen is we have to start calling them the communists that they are! With all the documentation now at our disposal, our quiesy elected republican representatives have to start calling spade a spade. People will then maybe start paying attention and doing some research. Although I believe polls and demonstrations (rare for non-communists) is a good sign people are waking up and becoming active.

MKS| 3.24.10 @ 11:17AM

Marc Rotterman provides a much-needed warning in this article, and I appreciate his work. I think that President Obama may see himself as a modern-day Lincoln. Implementing these social programs are his equivalent to saving the Union, and so he goes about it with great determination - viewing his goal as so important that it is worth using non-constitutional procedures, promises, threats, and whatever is necessary. His goals will, however, damage the Union greatly - but that is not what he believes. He has a mission, powerful people who back him in that mission, and skill in politics - everything, except an understanding of what makes people free, and what motivates innovation, excellence and acts of kindness. We had better prepare ourselves if we are to oppose the Democrats effectively; they are going the wrong way - in some aspects an evil way - but they are "progressives," and they are making "progress" in that wrong way.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 3:41PM

Please, please don't use Obumba's name in the same paragraph with Mr Lincoln. UGH!!! Obumba would save the 20% at the expense of the 80%.

DanMingo| 3.26.10 @ 12:07PM

Mr. Lincoln famously said "Government should do for the people what the people cannot do for themselves."
Just saying.

Publius_Publius| 3.26.10 @ 9:15PM

If you read all of Lincoln you would know that this statement wasn't open ended. Lincoln wrote enthusiastically of the Founding Fathers and the Constitution. So he knew the Constitution outlawed socialism and he said this:

"Don't tear down your neighbor's house because he has one and you don't, but rather use his example and build your own. "

Just saying.

Holden McGroin| 3.24.10 @ 11:17AM

We might also do well to recognize our enemies in disguise - Glen Beck for example. He is but an ego-driven opportunist who saw the rising tide of conservatism and rode thw wave to fortune. But in order to ingratiate himself with the left ( and have lunch with George Clooney, about which he swooned like a schoolgirl with a crush) he has attacked people who question Obama's place of birth, people who denounce islam, and viciously smeared the statesman Geert Wilders as a hateful 'fascist'. So, don't assume that people who get rich off the conservative movement, necessarily believe in it.

Fla Jim| 3.24.10 @ 12:09PM

Excellent point, Holden. I've always been suspicious of Beck because of his Libertarianism, although he denies it. As well, it's difficult to understand Hannity's deep affection for Joe Lieberman, a man entirely without scruples.

However, they can be helpful in the short term in delivering a good portion of the conservative message, unlike Sen Cornyn who simply wanted to amend the healthcare monstrosity and then issued a half-baked 'clarification' that he really wanted repeal.

Clearly, our enemies are any of those with a 'D' following their names. It doesn't matter how socially conservative they claim to be, the fact is that they support the party of anti-Americanism and must be defeated by whatever means available. If that entails using some methods that the country club Republicans find distateful, then they're welcome to retire and leave the field to the real fighters. There must be no compromise, no 'reaching across the aisle,' or enlarging the tent to accommodate doubters. There are plenty of them in the Democrat party; we don't need any more in the GOP.

The conservative message, wherever it has been coherently presented, has always prevailed. If that wasn't so, why would traitors to the cause like Specter, McCain, and Bob Bennett of UT always retreat to a conservative position just before every election? They're among the other enemies who must be defeated in the primaries. Here in Fla, we're about to run RINO Charlie Crist out of town on a rail.

We know our enemies. No quarter, no mercy.

Grzmlyk| 3.24.10 @ 1:13PM

I agree with you 100 percent, Holden - and that was without knowing about the Clooney thing. Eesh.

Beck is attempting to triangulate himself "above the fray" (i.e., "this isn't about right or left, conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrate" - huh?). And a glance at the guy's "pre-patriot" history is very instructive.

There is a calculated quality to everything Beck does - from his ostentatious tears to his redemption to his books and on and on. He is a megalomaniac, and we already have one of those as president.

To the extent Beck reveals the truth about progressives and brings other inconvenient facts to the fore, he is extremely useful. But I don't like it when he assume the role of Teacher and I am uncomfortable seeing him develop a "following." he is, and should remain, a sideshow within a movement that requires real leadership.

I also agree with Fla Jim.

This marxist victory will hasten the collapse of the rotten edifice that has usurped American Exceptionalism.

While it is true that in the short-term this is indeed a "big fucking deal," as our eloquent VP just characterized it, it is also true that Obamacare's pasage has ensured the eventuality of a second American Revolution.

We might as well raze the structure and start rebuilding now.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 3:43PM

His slander of Geert Wilders was especially egregious.

mavigozler| 3.24.10 @ 11:19AM

I would like to know what the growing number of headcases in the right-wing is intent on doing. Of course, that includes The American Spectator staff and its readership. There has been talk of "keeping the powder dry," building up larders and arsenals, and civil war.

What do (you/the) right wing kooks--the ever-growing number of them---plan on doing? We members of the left--the intellectual class, and not being cheek-turners---would like to know if you plan on resorting to the bullet instead of the ballot. Y'all give a holler about whatcha plan on doin', ya hear now?

Fla Jim| 3.24.10 @ 12:29PM

Pseudo-intellectual is the correct term If you were a true intellectual, you'd understand that leftist arguments are absurd and their practices have proven unworkable everywhere they've been tried. You pseudo-intellectuals like to ignore history, though. It's so inconvenient.

You ignore that those who brought you the ballot are those who first had to resort to the bullet for that privilege.

You also ignore that you didn't win the last couple of elections; we lost because many stayed home, disgusted by representatives elected by us who compromised with you and your ilk (more history that is confusing to you).

mavigozler| 3.24.10 @ 2:52PM

You also ignore that you didn't win the last couple of elections; we lost because many stayed home, disgusted by representatives elected by us who compromised with you and your ilk (more history that is confusing to you).

One would think that by these words, the last time you were pleased with what the government was doing was when there was a Democrat in the White House and Republicans in charge of Congress. You know, when the budget was in the black, the national debt was being paid down, and both Gingrich and Clinton struck a deal on welfare reform which included the Personal Responsibility acts (going after deadbeat dads).

Well, if the American voters are really so God-damned stupid as to forget what Bush-Cheney did to them just less than two years ago, and they decide to put the Republicans back in charge of the Congress in November, and this combination again manages to raise taxes and reduce spending to eliminate deficits and pay down the debt again, perhaps you inbred hillbillies of the right would be comfortable with a Constitutional amendment that always keeps a Democrat in the White House and the GOP in the hands of Congress?

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 3:47PM

Actually, mavigozler sounds ike a narcissist without a musket.

Amanda| 3.25.10 @ 5:55AM

The left is using tactics that would make Stalin proud. The American people are not going to stand by and see their country destroyed by a tin pot Chicago gangsta. Fortunately, the left has pretty much disarmed themselves. And the military is pretty much a conservative entity that's very well trained and unlike the left believes the oath it made to the US Constitution. All this and the fact that the Obama administration has gone out of it's way to alienate and discredit every security and enforcement agency in the country (CIA, FBI, Secret Service)makes it look even better still.

Tom Degan| 3.24.10 @ 11:22AM

The Conservatives will whine, but that's what they do best. They'll whine just as they whined when Lyndon signed into law the Voting Rights Act of 1965, or the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Just as they whined when Harry Truman desegregated the army in 1947, or when Franklin D. Roosevelt brought Social Security into being in 1935. They'll whine just like they did when Woodrow Wilson tried to form the League of Nations in 1919 - or when Abraham Lincoln ended the institution of slavery in 1863! They whine a lot. Did you ever notice that?

Tom Degan
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 4:08PM

You prove that the only history commiecrats know is revisionist history (propaganda).

Lincoln was a republican. Abolitionists were not only republicans, but the religious right of their day. It was democrats who apposed emancipation. In 1964 it was again republicans who helped overcome a democ-rat filibuster to get the Civil Rights Act passed into law. That filibuster was led by Robert Byrd (D-WV) who still is a democ-rat senator. Republicans voted in higher percentages in both the House and the Senate than democ-rats to pass that law. Al Gore Sr was a segregationist, so was Klinton's mentor, William Fullbright. The KKK was organized by democ-rats to kill and punish blacks and republicans.

Historically, blacks were republicans, until around not quite midway throught the 20th century when democ-rats decided to create a plantation for and lure Blacks who they felt were usless, except for voting purposes. The soft bigotry of low expectations. Republicans always lean towards the U.S. Constitution, and of course specific welfare is unconstitutional. That's where republicans and Blacks parted company. Republicans didn't leave Blacks, Blacks left the Republican Party for the carrot dangled in their face. The destruction of the Black family today is the direct result. Unfortunately for Blacks and the Nation, but good for democ-rats, is that Blacks have now become the impetus for democ-rats to undermine our Constitution and Republic and start us towards communism.

Amanda| 3.26.10 @ 7:11PM

You are a victim of the liberal rewriting of history. You need to read a real history book and not rely on those leftist professors with an agenda of creating brainless parrots simply repeating misinformation. I guess the liberals believe that if they repeat something often enough people will believe it. Sort of like the liberals telling us over and over that Sarah Jessica Parker is beautiful when everyone knows she looks like Jimmy Durante.

1st off - Lincoln was a Republican. 2nd. More Republicans supported the Voting Rights Act than the Democrats - also know as the Dixie Crats. 3rd. More Republicans voted for Civil Right legislation than Democrats.

Slavery, Jim Crow Laws and Segregation were all Democrat institutions. Democrats were against emancipation of Blacks and found other ways of enslaving them by instituting Jim Crow Laws ,Segregation, and Welfare. The last was the absolute most destructibve to black Americans and did to them what even slavery (another Democrat institution) couldn't do - destroy the black family. By making it a condition that no woman and children would be eligible for welfare with an able bodied man in the home created serial monogomy and out of wedlock births. Thanks to liberals that cancer has spread to all segments of the population.

Robert Barker| 3.24.10 @ 11:25AM

Obama is no socialist.. He is surrounded by Wall Street types and voted for the bank bailout along with EVERY Republican in congress... Are they Socialist? Where do you idiots get off calling him such things? Is it in Vogue to knock the black man in white circles? Marxist my rear he is a straight ahead capitalist but your too dumb to know the difference. Every civilized country in the world has health care for the uninsured and rightly so... Even Rome had a corn dole... Every advanced culture has poverty assisstance and all you miscreants need to wake up and smell the truth..

Melvin| 3.24.10 @ 11:34AM

Well Robert,
Yes, every civilized country that has a single payer health care is system is either broke or going broke. An example would be England, England as the most abysmal health care as far as treatment, after-care, and follow-up in the single payer system.
This is been well documented and this fact you cannot deny.
Canadian politicians are coming to the United States for their major health care because they know that their socialized system is a failure, and Conservative Canadian politicians have said so.
France during a massive heat wave some time ago, let thousands of seniors die from the heat because they were housed in sub-standard facilities staffed by lazy and arrogant union staffers who were more interested of going on holiday than taking care of those seniors.
Lastly, you can stop beating Conservatives up with the racist club it has no validity and you damn well know it.
You need to clean up your own back yard racially that it is, before you go and start judging others.

Wesley Mouch| 3.24.10 @ 1:02PM

We're broke too. Have been for at least a few years, mathematically impossible to pay of the debt. Healthcare for everybody doesn't have anything to do with being broke obviously.

Pat| 3.24.10 @ 2:35PM

Well, USA was only a few short years ago in a reasonable debt/GDP ratio... we are now hurtling over the cliff to 3rd world debtor status and Obama has just poured on the gas. One conlcusion though is this: WE CANNOT AFFORD OBAMACARE, ERGO IT WON'T LAST, ERGO THIS IS NOT 'HISTORIC' LIKE SOCIAL SECURITY, IT IS "HISTORIC" LIKE GALLIPOLI OR CHINA'S GREAT LEAP FORWARD. IT IS A MASSIVE DISASTER-IN-THE-MAKING.

Best comment on the thread so far: "Obams's healthcare victory is not a cause for pessimism; it is a call to arms."

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 4:51PM

The CBO estimates it will reduce the deficit. The CBO is non-partisan (which does not make them prescient) and independently assesses the economic cost of legislation.
When the CBO estimated the 2001 Bush tax cut would increase the deficit by over $1 trillion, were you writing inflammatory letters to AS?

Bill Pullen| 3.26.10 @ 12:13PM

Well, USA was only a few short years ago in a reasonable debt/GDP ratio
When GWB took office he had a $200+ billion surplus.
He turned that into trillions in debt.

Amanda| 3.26.10 @ 7:26PM

Obama is beyond a Socialist. He's an outright Facist comparable to Hitler. He's certainly using Hitler's playbook.

Misty| 3.24.10 @ 11:25AM

I saw a mention of pc as i read your remarks. Has anyone noticed that the census decided that white people have no herritage nor backrounds of any kind, we are merely a color. Now theres PC for you.

Misty| 3.24.10 @ 11:25AM

I saw a mention of pc as i read your remarks. Has anyone noticed that the census decided that white people have no herritage nor backrounds of any kind, we are merely a color. Now theres PC for you.

PolishKnight| 3.24.10 @ 11:26AM

In some ways, I'm honestly excited. Fabian socialism has always been about putting the tanks into first gear and having RINOs such as McCain set up speed bumps.

LBJ was a special situation since opponents to the so-called civil rights act were tied to Jim Crow. Senior citizens were an amazingly powerful, legal special interest voting group.

Obama isn't out to model the USA after Europe. As I love to remind the few remaining traditional liberals out there, Europe is full of white people. For now. They're modeling their utopian society after Argentina and Venezuala. Corrupt capitalist billionaires in their machine gun surrounded compounds leaving only to go to Europe or the states to vacation and walk around freely because they fear kidnapping in their own third world backyards they helped create. Obama dreams of being one of the cool guys living in the gated communities (with his buddy Jeremiah Wright.)

I have yet to find a leftist willing to accept the truth that their utopian dream is totally out of the question and that the best they can do is drag successful free market/capitalist cultures down to avoid admitting they were wrong. They hurl a few insults and walk away. Perhaps they don't care simply because they often don't have children due to their dysfunctional belief system. Conservatives have to be more pragmatic. Going to war is something you think twice about when you strive to provide a stable environment for your kids and community.

It's not war we need to think about, although it's useful to put into perspective we've BEEN at war for some time now, but rather preserving, and even building and growing, our own culture as an alternative to the apocalyptic utoprian fantasies of the left.

While the left's victory is significant it offers a major opportunity: If the right can reverse this mess, then it shoots to hell the "ratchet" theory of fabianism that has so emboldened the left for a century where they may lose their own lives and political careers, but they get 72 ambassadorships in the afterlife. If the left can not only be slowed down but reversed, then the RINO's such as McCain will have nothing to offer us.

ExConServative| 3.24.10 @ 4:31PM

"Going to war is something you think twice about when you strive to provide a stable environment for your kids and community."

Um... Never mind, it's not worth arguing with irrational true believers. The insanity on this site is staggering.

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 4:56PM

Going to war is something you think twice about when you strive to provide a stable environment for your kids and community.
Yeah, like that whole Iraq war thing.
You are right about one thing though; they clearly were not out to provide a stable environment for our kids or community.
And you don't have to go to S. America to find 'corrupt capitalist billionaires'. We have plenty right here.

fred lapides| 3.24.10 @ 11:28AM

I understand what you are trying to say, but it was John McCain, just yesterday, who stated publicly that from now on there will be no cooperation with the Democrats or White House. Sort of political, too, no?

quickjustice| 3.24.10 @ 11:28AM

I agree with your characterization of President Obama, but not with your strategy. At bottom, President Obama is making a moral argument about the relationship between government and the American people.

Ronald Reagan knew how to make a moral argument for conservatism. Current day conservatives have lost that skill. Invoking Reagan's name isn't the same as seizing the moral high ground. Obama's forces already are half way up Little Round Top, and nothing stands between them and the moral high ground at present.

"It'll cost too much money" doesn't resonate with an electorate for whom expense has been disconnected from government benefits for seventy years.

Conservatives: find your moral footing first. I suggest arguments along the lines of "insuring 32,000,000 Americans without providing the doctors necessary to treat them is a sham that will lead, not just to shortages, but to outright denial of care". That's the truth, and it's immoral, but all I hear is incoherent mumbling from conservatives about the cost of Obamacare to their purses. That's a loser, and at the moment, my fellow conservatives, we're losers.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 7:40PM

You're just a poor listener.

Miguel Saavader| 3.24.10 @ 11:28AM

"I Love my Country, but fear my Government."

This is not a political thing, nor is it an American thing ... should we all turn to 'Social Justice' and become like the countries in Europe that our forefathers risked everything for to escape? We were leaders of the world ~ people everywhere looked to us to do the right thing, and we were the hope of freedom from all these other government 'intrusions.' We were proud to be as independent, and as American as we could be ... we were unique and exceptional in the world. Suddenly after many years we wake up and find the Republic is in danger ... and do we go back to sleep, or???

The physician often asks the question of, 'Is this the disease or the symptoms of another disease, deeper, more invasive ... Which do we treat, here and now? The symptoms, or the actual disease. So how do we fight this deep, invasive disease of Europe ...? Governmental welfare Statism ...

We read, we talk, we understand how we got here, and we try to get back to where we are truly from. We help those in need individually. We never forget, we vote, and we promote delegates who understand they go to any office as 'Representatives of the People' and are accountable to them. They are not a class unto themselves, but there for a short representative time 'for us.'

Read the original documents, true history, see the compassion, understanding, truth, honesty, and the old "American way." Become tenacious, say what you mean, mean what you say, and STAND-UP for what you truly believe.

The Health Care Bill was signed into law on 23 March, 2010 … Significant because on 23 March, 1775 Patrick Henry at St. John’s Church in Richmond VA gave his famous speech ending with “Give me Liberty or give me Death. Read the speech, we are back there again ~ it is a call “To civic Action.”

John Bailo| 3.24.10 @ 11:31AM

Here's the mistake Republicans/Conservatives are making. They see it as Government intruding on people's lives. However, The People see the Health Care Industry as already intruding with high insurance costs, high COBRA during job loss. Therefore, the Democrats are seen as balancing the power between the industry and government with the little guy hopefully getting a break. We Republicans need to change and adapt.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 7:48PM

Republicans have to point out that the high costs are caused by government mandates, regulations and the many hoops care providers, insurers, drug companies and citizens have to jump through. It's a nightmare. And speaking of nightmares, think about the IRS and the TAX Code the left has given us. Now they're planning to have the IRS administer this welfare program, tracking people's finances/taxes, making sure they have bought mandatory insurance and issuing fines for failure to do so. There are almost more words in this behemoth health welfare program as there is in the federal tax code.

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 4:58PM

Republicans have to point out that the high costs are caused by government mandates, regulations and the many hoops care providers, insurers, drug companies and citizens have to jump through.
You forgot the 30% upcharge for insurance company administrative costs.

Publius_Publius| 3.25.10 @ 9:32PM

You have to quit going to google for your misinformation. It runs between 3% and 20% accross the country, which would be reduced even more if it could be purchased across state lines, injecting more competition into the system. And no...the so-called public option (single payer) won't add competition, since the government doesn't have to make a profit, they only have to raise taxes (people pay taxes) to remain solvent. The public option is simply a strategy for the commiecrats to eventually drive private insurance companies out of business. The commiecrats look at this Bill, in it's present form without the public option, as they do with gun control/confiscation legislation, as a foot in the door. The present Bill does however have a mechanism to eventually destroy private insurance anyhow and that is in compelling insurance companies to issue health insurance to people with pre-existing conditions. Of course the insurance companies are going to try to survive, and the only way they can do that is to raise premiums. Look, nobody is this stupid, the 'rats have to be trying to run the U.S. into the ground on purpose.

Johnny| 3.26.10 @ 12:24PM

Physicians for a national health program disagree with you.
The U.S. spends twice as much as other industrialized nations on health care, $8,160 per capita. Yet our system performs poorly in comparison and still leaves 46.3 million without health coverage and millions more inadequately covered.

This is because private insurance bureaucracy and paperwork consume one-third (31 percent) of every health care dollar. Streamlining payment through a single nonprofit payer would save more than $400 billion per year, enough to provide comprehensive, high-quality coverage for all Americans.

Rick Thorne| 3.24.10 @ 11:33AM

MY CHRISTIAN WEBSITE WAS BANNED BY FACEBOOK!
GO TO http://web.mac.com/rthorne2/Si.....D_MINISTRY!.html

MattZ| 3.24.10 @ 11:33AM

A win is a win, and it's all over but the crying now.

Lies about healthcare legislation didn't work.
Threats about healthcare legislation didn't work.
Needless procedural objections toward healthcare legislation didn't work.

The right-wing really earned its loser status on this one. You all best savour it.
MZ

Melvin| 3.24.10 @ 11:36AM

Explain yourself about, "The Lies." What lies?

MattZ| 3.24.10 @ 11:52AM

Death panels, which are nonexistent.

Explodes the deficit, when the CBO says quite the opposite.

Government takeover, which isn't really an apt title for an enormous (~$70 B) giveaway to the private insurance industry.

Raiding seniors' care, which is also a hypocritical claim since the right-wing is no champion of medicare, and the system needs a drastic overhaul.

March to socialism, which is so stupid only an avid reader of this site would actually take it seriously.

Govt chooses your doctor, which is a disingenuous exaggeration if I've ever heard one.

Extreme rationing of care, which is listed nowhere in the legislation and seems to be a phantasm that only hysterical people unfamiliar with the rest of the industrialized world can see.

Long waiting times for serious illnesses, which will not occur.

It's also worth pointing out that these are the fallacies proffered by "sensible" voices in the Republican party. I could go on for an hour if you wanted me to list the wing-nutty stuff.

All lies, manipulation, or outright fabrication.
MZ

Miguel Saavader| 3.24.10 @ 12:45PM

Hmm, a panel of govt health care experts, who have a electronic copy of your medical record, who judge on 'cost effectiveness' procedures. Contained within the Stimulus bill ... and sounds like a panel of "some" sort to me. Grandma is going to have to die.

CBO scored that this entire bill (with that second 'fix' which is currently going through the Senate) at the most would save 124 billion over 10 years and will cost up-wards in the 2.4 TRILLION range. Get deficit reduction right. And that 'assumes' that all these fixes to Medicare will actually pass 'in the future.' It is smoke and mirrors (Kabuki) ... chance of it happening at best ~ slim to none. Check Massachusetts debt on health care issues for a 'feel' of it ... it is 4x of what they 'projected' ...

Govt take~over? Let's see HHS has access to your bank records? IRS is going to fine you, or withhold from you tax refund if you don't have a govt 'approved' medical plan ~ never mind YOU will have to have mammogram, drug rehab, and disabilities insurance coverage when (I hope you don't) have those issues. You WILL have them. I am sure the women just love paying for prostate exams also.

On Medicare: You think taking money from an already dying program, and putting it else where is saving Medicare? Especially when we are already spending from the lock-box IOU's of it and the system is being drained because there are more users than payers?

March to Socialism: That a government should own and run factories (GM, Chrysler, banks, Insurance Co's ~ Pay Czar), Hospitals (Health Care legislation), Schools (Educational Czar, NEA and Govt run Loan program) with people sharing in work and products (Social Justice or redistribution of wealth) ... (that is a classic definition of Socialism with the parentheses of our govt. at work).

Choose your Dr ... Only certain Dr's will accept this program, so you will not have a real choice. About 20% are going to leave the business because of the govt getting between their patients and their diagnosis. (back to those digitized health records and those pesky panels). The Govt is going to monitor what these health care providers actually provide, and if it does not meet the Govt standards, they get docked. Oh, and if you are a young woman under the age of 24, expect a visit from your local govt social service worker and some 'home care assistance,' and it doesn't matter if you are married, doing fine or not.

Obviously you haven't listened well ~ a well formed group of Physicians are taking up practice in Costa Rica to get away from this system. With a reduction of physicians and more patients what do you think is going to happen ~ I'll tell you, longer waits, shorter visits, and exclusion of patients due to only 24 hours in one day. i.e. rationing by 'other means.' (overworked, under paid, and no freedom of alternative choice).

Longer wait for more complex services (see above).

I will not say you are buying the fabrications on the other side, but you lack a little common sense ...

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 5:01PM

Obviously you haven't listened well ~ a well formed group of Physicians are taking up practice in Costa Rica to get away from this system.

HaHa. Costa Rica has 'government run healthcare'. I think single payer.
Tell those doctors to take Rush with them.

Publius_Publius| 3.25.10 @ 9:41PM

HaHa, it wasn't going to be Costa Rica healthcare.

DanMingo| 3.26.10 @ 12:20PM

Then they will have to compete against free healthcare.
Here, they face no such competition. Yet.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 7:54PM

You have either been propagandized or are the propagandist. I went through every one of your items, and you are incorrect on them all. But you sound like a koolaid drinker, so I think you are one of those emotional basketcases who enjoy the warm soothing feeling of having smoke blown up your ass!

Nolann Ryann| 3.24.10 @ 11:50AM

No dumbass, you savor your higher taxes, less efficient health care system and the on coming train that is single payer health care. When you are sitting in an emergency room for 8 hours while your appendix bursts then you'll be able to savor the moment.

If you want to categorize lies, let's start with the bazillion spewed from the mouth of the anointed one, but you're probably too stupid to even research the basic facts of this entire debacle. Every one of his sob stories was bogus as were all the lies about deficit reduction etc. Go ahead and run your victory lap, because you'll get mugged before someone has the chance to get a flag for you to display on the track.

MattZ| 3.24.10 @ 11:55AM

I'm also savouring your ability to be a tough guy over the Internet. I'm impressed!

Seriously, though, do you really think that EVERY OTHER INDUSTRIALIZED NATION is 100% wrong for deciding that health care is a human right?

If so, then I don't know what to tell you. *You* are Nero, and Rome *is* burning.
MZ

Miguel Saavadera| 3.24.10 @ 12:59PM

People have risked death by bomb, gun, shark, cold, and extra extremes etc., to get away from those OTHER 'so called' INDUSTRIALIZED NATIONS ...

The people of France looked westward for a Republic, but only got a democracy. Look at the freedoms that we, and we alone have and you are willing to turn this Constitutional Republic into Europe? IF you desire that, please move there (I've been, and I'm back to at least some privacy, and freedom ~ perhaps the last bastion of it in the world).

Our system is so bad that the elites of those INDUSTRIALIZED NATIONS come here for procedures and health care ... the rest of them in the average category get to wait, get denied, or receive a placebo to just keep quiet and die off.

When we foul up our system where do we go? Don't know about you, but I'm going to India on vacation & and some medical procedures ... at least I STILL HAVE THE FREEDOM to do that ... the poor will still be poor, but with fewer options because the pool will be fuller, and the rich will still be able to jet off somewhere else, and the middle class will have been reduced to 'nearly poor,' pissed off and fighting for survival.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 8:01PM

Right on Miguel, those 'other' countries he so much admires (but the asshole won't move there) are light years behind the United States in about everything. Our healthcare system dwarfs any other healthcare system in the world. There are industrialized countries, 3rd world countries and then there is the United States of America. We are NOT where we are in the world because we adopted socialism/marxism. But those countries are.

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 5:07PM

Americans spend twice as much, on average, for their healthcare as compared to these 'third world' countries you deride.
America is ranked 37th in the world based on healthcare outcomes.
For you slower readers, it's like this.
36 other countries get better healthcare outcomes than do Americans, and they pay half as much (in total cost, and as a % of GDP) as we do.
We pay more, but it's not better. Get it?
We currently have a system of capitalism with socialist aspects (SS, Medicare, police fire protection, etc).
Americans are wrong to think that because we pay the most for healthcare, then we have the 'best' healthcare. We don't.

There are industrialized countries, 3rd world countries and then there is the United States of America.
YUP

Publius_Publius| 3.25.10 @ 9:38PM

And....hey there's blue cheese on the moon. If you get your information from communist front groups like, media matters, daily kooks, moveon.ugh, etc., you're gonna continue to look like an idiot. If you peruse some of the sites and blogs where Canadians and Europeans gather you will get the straight dope from the people effected.

DanMingo| 3.26.10 @ 12:28PM

The U.S. spends twice as much as other industrialized nations on health care, $8,160 per capita. Yet our system performs poorly in comparison and still leaves 46.3 million without health coverage and millions more inadequately covered.

This is because private insurance bureaucracy and paperwork consume one-third (31 percent) of every health care dollar. Streamlining payment through a single nonprofit payer would save more than $400 billion per year, enough to provide comprehensive, high-quality coverage for all Americans.
From Physicians for a National Health Program.

JimE| 3.24.10 @ 6:59PM

Sorry Mattz idiot boy, I live in country with socialized health care and guess what, I'm not under any under obligation to opt into the government plan and I can use private hospitals and private insurance.
Socialized health care is not what obama is pushing troll. If I used the government system I would have to pay 30% of the costs with my private insurance I pay 23%. The hospitals here make their money off the government by scheduling what could be done in one appointment into four appointments. The country is Japan.

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 5:09PM

I live in country with socialized health care and guess what, I'm not under any under obligation to opt into the government plan and I can use private hospitals and private insurance.

So why did republicans resist this type of system, where there is a public option competing with the private sector?

Nick| 3.25.10 @ 7:36PM

DanMingo,

Because we are Americans, that's why!

We are the best country in the world.
That is why everybody around the world wants to move here.

Publius_Publius| 3.25.10 @ 9:44PM

I answered this for you just up a little ways, I'll cut and paste it for you again:

You have to quit going to google for your misinformation. It runs between 3% and 20% accross the country, which would be reduced even more if it could be purchased across state lines, injecting more competition into the system. And no...the so-called public option (single payer) won't add competition, since the government doesn't have to make a profit, they only have to raise taxes (people pay taxes) to remain solvent. The public option is simply a strategy for the commiecrats to eventually drive private insurance companies out of business. The commiecrats look at this Bill, in it's present form without the public option, as they do with gun control/confiscation legislation, as a foot in the door. The present Bill does however have a mechanism to eventually destroy private insurance anyhow and that is in compelling insurance companies to issue health insurance to people with pre-existing conditions. Of course the insurance companies are going to try to survive, and the only way they can do that is to raise premiums. Look, nobody is this stupid, the 'rats have to be trying to run the U.S. into the ground on purpose.

DanMingo| 3.26.10 @ 12:34PM

Oh, cut and paste time again? Okay.
The U.S. spends twice as much as other industrialized nations on health care, $8,160 per capita. Yet our system performs poorly in comparison and still leaves 46.3 million without health coverage and millions more inadequately covered.

This is because private insurance bureaucracy and paperwork consume one-third (31 percent) of every health care dollar. Streamlining payment through a single nonprofit payer would save more than $400 billion per year, enough to provide comprehensive, high-quality coverage for all Americans.

Pubius_Publius| 3.26.10 @ 10:49PM

LOL...you're a fool if you think that any entity in the private sector is more bureaucratic than the federal government. Only 29 cents of every federal tax dollar collected goes towards the intended program. The rest is eaten up in the bureaucracy and administration. So even if your 31 % were correct, which it isn't (see above), the private sector eats the government's lunch. Remember this axiom, if you want a good product or something to work efficiently, if you want inventivness and entrepreneurship, make it profitable. The prospect of profit is a strong incentive. Not only that, but the need to be profitable causes good products, good customer service and competition. Government business is the opposite, it's not concerned about profit, customer service or competition at all. Which also makes it slow to respond to inequity. If it provides a poor product, or intrinsic inefficiency, tough titty. The people charged with oversite are government bureaucrats who have no particular stake in it. Not every federal employee or elected official is corrupt, incompetent or disinterested, but too many thousands are. If government programs are failing, (which would lead private sector business into insolvency), the government just has to increase taxes and throw more money at it. And they will always have the left media and left party to provide cover for it. In fact the leftists in government absolutely love 'base-line budgeting', where funding for programs is automatically increased by a certain percentage every year, regardless how much the program is failing or regardless of whether or not the additional funding is even necessary. Socialists are the biggest obstacle to weeding out failing programs and wasted money, because losing a program is like a stake driven through their heart. There's never enough government programs or tax money for socialists. Their appetite for these things is insatiable. And as we just saw with the health welfare program, it wasn't about healthcare, but rather redistribution of wealth (class warfare). It was about power. The more people on the public dole, the more dependent they are on guberm't, e.g., the party who administers to them on the plantation. Watch now for the european (their favorite model, but they won't move there) VAT tax to appear in the U.S. Well...yeah they're in love with Castro, Ortega, Chavez and Zelaya too, but...oh and of course their favorite despot Che Guevara, but...oh yeah, remember how they went apoplectic when Reagan called the Soviet Union the 'Evil Empire', or how they were apologists for Stalin's purges, but they really hold european socialism close to their heart. I think they particularly like how the europeans, weakened considerably by socialism, always roll over for the first tyrant that comes along.

Now 44% of the people in this country don't pay any federal income tax. So those people, you may be one of them, probably don't care since it's no skin off their backs. In fact a comprehensive study released in 2008 found that 35% (no I'm not missing that it's 44% today) of the people didn't pay any federal income tax, and worse, those people wanted taxes raised on the one's who were paying. And of course the top 5% of wage earners are paying close to 70% of the tax burden these days. Now tell me, which political party do you suppose the large majority of those 33% or 44% are voting for? I mean the one's who have enough energy to get off their asses and vote.

Your 46.3 million uninsured figure is grossly inflated. Even the commiecrats were using a 35 million figure at the end. But more than half of that figure were people who could afford insurance, but because they were young and healthy elected to spend their money elsewhere and illegal aliens. The true figure of people who wanted insurance, but couldn't get it was in the neighborhood of 12 million. The next step now for the commies is to get those illegals citizenship so they can (legally) vote commiecrat. It makes no difference one way or the other to ACORN.

Our present healthcare system is the best performing healthcare system in the world. You are either extremely naive, or extremely propagandized.

carl| 3.24.10 @ 12:13PM

Don't stoop. You might be mistaken for Biden. Anyway, responding to someone with a MattZ mindset is akin to discussing theology with concrete -- or health care with bureaucrats.

carl| 3.24.10 @ 12:00PM

Which lies were those? The perceived ones about the lies, or the ones about the lies of the lies? {:)

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 8:05PM

I believe he's talking about those lying liars, the 'crats.

Buster Bunns| 3.24.10 @ 11:34AM

Good post and well put. What Republicans need to be doing is wheeling out their policy wonks like Paul Ryan, Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich and come up with an alternative plan for America we can buy into and they will stick to. Right now "NO" does not cut it.

Gerald Stephens| 3.24.10 @ 11:36AM

VICTORY...

Where I come from those who celebrate hollow victory are fools.

JimP (2nd comment above) has articulated the real world status.

Gerald Stephens
Hartford, CT

uncle curmudgeon| 3.24.10 @ 12:14PM

Good points here; and, yes, "No!" is a perfectly good answere to the lies, theft, and yes, murder that are bundled into this still evolving dog's breakfast of a "law". And yes, outlining the criminality of BHO & CO is an important part of the coming fight. But without an "In stead of..." the GOP will go the way of the Whigs. The national party leadership needs to get over itself. The task at hand is not to pick the old pratt from the social committee of the no-jews-allowed country club who gets to shoot off the small brass cannon to start this year's Labor Day golf tournament. Is it Jerry's turn? Bob's? Maverick's? You clowns are picking the next POTUS; get it? You hated Goldwater, who supplied you with your soul, and you slunk from Reagan who was your mighty right arm. Your constituency is in full war-paint and ready to dump this load of tea into the harbor. So, Republicans, Republicans, wearfore art thou? He or she is out there somewhere, and our country needs thei service as never before. "O! Say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave?"

Tondaleo| 3.24.10 @ 11:40AM

The biggest single problem faced by those of us on the right is the media. In spite of FOX and the internet, most Americans still get their information from the MSM. Let's face it, the MSM elected Obama, and they continue to cover for him. Until this situation changes, we are screwed.

CeCe Grimes| 3.24.10 @ 11:42AM

Get a life all you hypocritical conservatives. President Obama is not of the lower intellect that you people are use to dealing with , so get past it. He bright , he's for middle America and will be a great President. You are just too blind sided by the uneducated nitwits at Fox News. If you want an intelligent conversation about the Facts please do not listen to crazed people like Glenn Beck or Rush or Sean . They wouldn't know the truth if it hit them in the face and if they did know it to be true they would never report it. They are all sick and if anyone wants to know what is happening to America all you have to do is tune into Fox and you'll have your answer. Those lunatics are brainwashing the uneducated people in America with their high school mentality. God help us all if they were in power. I realize it's hard for backwoods people to understand things in life other than guns, a pick-uptruck and a six pack of beer, but we now have a president who is smart enough and cares enough to be a 21st century President and move us ahead instead backwards.

Cece Grimes

Petronius| 3.24.10 @ 12:13PM

B O a 21st century president? Bravo Sierra! He's a Leveler. Welcome to the 17th century!
"All men level. None greater than any other."
The Leveler Papers 1640

Samuel Adams| 3.24.10 @ 12:57PM

Ok, I'll bite. Let's have a policy discussion. I'd like to ask you a couple questions to start things off...

1) Is Medicare solvent over the next 20 years?
2) If we are going to finance the bulk of this bill from a 1/2 trillion in medicare savings, please list 2 concrete and realizable areas of savings.

We'll start there and move the debate along.

See, no guns, epithets, mudslinging, spitting, just two easy questions.

Miguel Saavadera| 3.24.10 @ 1:26PM

Sam, I'll add to your great points ... look at the following three (3) Govt run programs ~ and judge on our abilities over the last 100 years:
1) Medicare ~ going broke, is probably past the point of being 'fixable.'
2) VA ~ a poor system for those who fought for our freedoms. Not where a Veteran of any service really desires to go.
3) BIA ~ (clinics/hospitals) this is where all citizens should look, because this is where we are going. i.e. not enough doctors, medical supplies, and medicines ... long waits, poor quality, etc.,

We need to realized that, 'A government that can give to you can just as easily take it away' .... sorry, I do not like being a slave to any government ...

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 8:35PM

A government that gives to you has to first take it away from you. And unfortunately when they give it back they only give back $0.29 of every dollar they take. That's right only 29 cents of every federal dollar confiscated from the citizenry via taxes ever goes into the proposed programs. The federal government is a collosal failure at competence and efficiency. The left is ok with that because in their infantile minds it's taking from the reviled "rich" and redistributing it to the "poor." Of course you can only squeeze so much blood out of a turnip. Even if the theory weren't so immoral there is no way a program that takes over 1/6 of the U.S. economy can be financed by the so-called rich alone, we are all going to be paying through the nose for a 3rd class healthcare system. That is if the extra and totally unfare buden of taxation on the "rich" who by and large are the one's who provide the capital for investment, and the jobs and industry and pay the bulk of the taxes in the country don't go bust or move their operations out of country. One of the lessons of Reagan and Bush, and to a lessor degree from Harding and JFK, is that cutting taxes jump starts the economy, increases federal revenues exponentially, reduces joblessness and inflation, and infuses vigor in industry. All things leftists hate, because it's hard for them to undermine the American system when things are going great. That's why they and their media spent so much time and effort for 6 of Bush's 8 years talking down the economy. An economy that was robust, but of course had the seeds sown by Karter and reinforced by Klinton called the CRA (community reinvestment act), that forced lending institutions into subprime lending. Which would cause a housing bubble and then bust. Lesson: keep commiecrats as far away from governance as humanly possible.

USPatriotguy| 3.24.10 @ 11:43AM

Beware the mob on the Right!

They are known to spit on elected officials, hurl racial epithets, foam at the mouth, and beat a non-stop nonstop drum of hatred and bigotry. A party that has erected a safe house for fear, bigotry and intolerance cannot serve the best interests of our country.

k962| 3.24.10 @ 11:45AM

Expose the progressives for who they are, be vigilant otherwise they will steal all you have in the name of "goodness".

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 8:50PM

All the while hurling racial accusations at you in wild-eyed frenzy (Hitler is their favorite), foam at the mouth, kick and stomp, censor opposing viewpoints by forcefully shutting down free speech, and otherwise act like classless reprobates. If you are a military person and are unfortunate enough to fall into ther company they will spit on you, call you a baby killer, aid and abet your enemy and try to get the funding for your equipment and sustenance stopped. These miscreants are the most unpatriotic American hating bastards you will ever have the misfortune of seeing or hearing. That they exist is repugnant to decent and honorable people.

joseph paolucci| 3.24.10 @ 11:46AM

Very good piece. Obama will ride a wave of popularity just by doing something "big." Conservatives will be marginalized as racist, elitist or both. We need effective spokespeople who can communicate our message to Independents who like Obama personally, but question his policies. And keep in mind the power of the incumbency. The best we may be able to do is check a two-term Obama with a Republican Congress.

levotb| 3.24.10 @ 11:47AM

JimP is bang on. This piece by Rotterman isn't telling us anything we don't already know and in fact, it is somewhat disguising the most important issue before us now that Obamacare is law--Amnesty. Here's how Rotterman describes it:

"And make no mistake about it -- Barack Obama's next agenda item is 'immigration reform' which, unless it is defeated, will further broaden the Left's constituency, strengthen the unions, and undermine the rule of law."

I have no quarrel with what he says, only with what he DOESN'T say. Beltway/mainstream conservatives are uneasy with the term "Amnesty" because it ticks off their big business friends and golfing buds who are donors to Romney's, McCain's and Armey's powerful pacs (Ever wondered how the Tea Partiers affected Scott Brown's win in MA? Well, it wasn't exactly the Tea Partiers...it was McCain and Romney, McCain being off-stage at Brown's celebratory acceptance speech event as we found out later).

JimP has it right. There IS a sense of doom and gloom in the hearts of non-Beltwayer conservatives, real conservatives like yours truly. Some of us had hoped that the lawsuits by Birther lawyers would amount to discovery, yet none have to this day. The hope WAS...in spite of his super majority in the House and Senate and the help of wussie, weasel RINOs like Graham, Snowe, Collins and McCain, Amnesty, Obamacare and other country-destroying insanity bills would be deemed "null and void" by nature of the Birther lawyers forcing Zero to show that he was a usurper. Well, it hasn't happened and isn't likely to happen. No judge is willing to have the entire Democrat Party and their pressure groups come down on them. Every bill conservatives in the House have tried to pass requiring proof of citizenship has been tabled by the Dems. The only hope are the States and up to now, none as far as I can tell have passed laws requiring proof of citizenship for Federal candidates and there is some doubt as to how these would stand up in court.

Amnesty, not Obamacare, is the REAL menace, the REAL danger now. Why? Because, whereas most Beltwayers still believe in the Tooth Fairy concept that there are "11 million illegals" in the U.S., truth be told the number is between 30 and 40 million and growing every day (Have any of you seen the hidden videos at americanpatrol.com showing illegals marching right into the U.S. on the Amnesty Trail?). Try between 5,000 and 10,000 per day breaking in, not being caught. Are the Beltway conservatives really so foolhardy to believe the bunk continued to be put out by the likes of Karl Rove and McCain that "Republicans mustn't lose the Latino vote" when they (the GOP) never had them to begin with? Amnesty means not only the Mexicanization of America in a leap unimaginable to most of us from the Mexicanization already happening due to the anchor baby phenomenon, but it also means the end of the GOP and the end of The United States of America. This is not "doom and gloom", fellow Patriots. This is fact. It's all in the numbers. We already have 1.5 t0 3 million illegals breaking into the U.S. and not leaving every year. Amnesty will beget another 60 to 100 million. It must be stopped!

Susan Brei| 3.24.10 @ 12:01PM

If Barack is smart (and he is), he'll leave issues like gay rights and immigration reform for his second term. Between now and November, he should make it clear that the Iraq War is ending, he should create jobs, and he should pass financial reforms that will make the middle-class feel protected from predatory lending. If he and the Dems do these things, I doubt they'll lose many seats in all but the most extremist districts.

Publus_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 9:01PM

It's interesting that when the CRA was instituted and especially when Klinton had his AG Janet Reno put the force of law behind it, the commiecrats were calling it 'discriminatory lending', the inference being that lending institutioins weren't lending to Black people because they were racist (everything about the left is race). Lenders of course were just being fiscally responsible, they weren't rascists. Then when this subprime lending created a huge bubble which was destined to burst, and it did, then the left quick changed horses and it became, 'preditory lending'. What a bunch of bastards. They had caused the whole damn thing.

Susan Brei| 3.25.10 @ 12:51AM

I liked the nineties. Seinfeld and the X-Files were on the air. Paying 3.00 for a Starbucks Latte seemed reasonable. Nirvana was on the radio. Everyone was making money in the Internet and housing booms. It was great.

That said, I don't think any of it was due to Clinton. As a liberal, I didn't really like the Clintons all that much. Hillary was a Goldwater Girl in her teens. They were from Arkansas, and basically created "free trade" agreements for the Wal-Mart Corporation... resulting in the exportation of our industrial sector to other countries. Clinton signed a bill limiting welfare. He and Hillary botched their attempt at health care. He was kind of a Republican in disguise, I hate to say.

I concede that it was his administration that began to wear down age-old financial regulations that kept the industry comparmentalized (and thus, safe). It's probably why housing shot up at that time, and why there was so much investment money floating around in the Internet business. I think Republicans continued Bill Clinton's legacy during the Bush Administration, taking deregulation to dangerous extremes.

I don't compare Bill Clinton to Obama. They're apples and oranges. Much of what Obama campaigned for were proposals to fix Clinton/Bush era mistakes. Politics and politics, however, and you don't s--t where you sleep, so of course Bush is going to get the criticism from Dems. It's the same reason Republicans blame the TARP program on Obama.

Lloyd Revalee| 3.24.10 @ 11:48AM

I only hope it's not too late! Obama told lus time and time again that he would chsnge our government, that he was Muslim, and that he was a socialist. And he still was elected. There are those that still swear that he is not Muslim, but a Christian, even though he said in writing "If a conflict should arise i will have to side with my Muslim friends", or something to that effect. Get a copy of his "Audicity of Hope", or red "Dreams of My Father". The latter of which was written to express his views, as he never even knew his father.

Publius_Publius| 3.24.10 @ 9:52PM

Obumba made several freudian slips during the campaign....he referred to the U.S. as having 57 states....he referred to his muslim faith to Stephenopolous....and he said: "people, we live in the greatest nation on earth, come join me and help me change it". Further, as pointed out above, he said that when the shit hits the fan I stand with the muslims. Notice he has been cozying up to the muslims, while throwing Israel under the bus. Democ-rats have long been antagonistic towards Israel, it's an integral part of their fascism. Since the are America haters, they will side with whomever hates America...be it leftists in europe, communists everywhere, terrorists....their modus operandi is: the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

davelnaf| 3.24.10 @ 11:48AM

It’s safe to say that the people that really believe in what Obama wants to do are the ones squirreled away in the usual liberal-progressive squirrel holes. These people came out in droves in ’08 to vote for their Chosen One. As a onetime deal they were joined by the people they disdain the most: the people that do the real work in this country and it is unlikely that these people will vote in significant numbers for Obama again. It’s also safe to say that Democrats in Congress that got their votes last time will also not get too many of them again in November.

It goes without saying that a decisive percentage of the votes that will sweep dems out of Congress in November will come from people who were not energized enough to vote in ’08. These people and the ones that feel they have been had by Obama and company will turn out in droves to vote dems out of Congress and after the election they will only feel disappointment over the fact that more Democrats were not up for re-election.

Democrats can con themselves into believing that between now and November the people angered by Obamacare will do a lotus-eater transformation and learn to love it. They should instead find ways to keep up the energy of their rank and file: dependence addled voting blocks, people with a union job, people that work for the Federal government, or people with a safe and secure position in a liberal-progressive squirrel hole. Their stalwart support will at least cheer up defeated dems after the slaughter in November and this might even encourage the survivors to stay in politics.

Joseph Meyer| 3.24.10 @ 11:49AM

V.T.O. !!!!
(VOTE THEM OUT)

jem

Miguel Saavadera| 3.24.10 @ 1:35PM

V.T. A.O. (Vote them ALL out) ...

Time to refresh the pool of liberty with those who are not of the Political Class ~ and who have read the original Constitution and ALL its supporting documents i.e. the foundation of the Nation.

Susan Brei| 3.24.10 @ 11:51AM

Whoo hoo! People are going to love this health care reform, especially when they see that small businesses are able to keep their employees enrolled, parents are able to keep their kids on their insurance until 26, and kids with pre-existing conditions are not rejected for coverage. The funny thing is, this bill is really just expansion and regulation of our current free-market system, not a socialist takeover (with the exception of Medicaid expansion to slightly more poor people). Once the Iraq War ends and some new jobs are created, Barack and the Dems will be in a great place politically! Yay!

I'm an American, I love European-style socialism, and I'd love for my country to move in that direction. A mix of capitalism and sensible socialism and regulation is my favorite system, and my vote counts. My fear, that one of you right-wing extremist weirdos are going to start shooting politicians because you can't stand the democratic process when it's not working in your favor. I live in the reddest state in the union (Utah), and I'll definitely be doing what I can do keep a portion of our reps blue in November.

Tony in Central PA| 3.24.10 @ 12:38PM

Do you think Obama campaigned with the promise to bring European - style socialism to America and replace the Constitution ?
Do you think most of the people who voted for this President wanted " European - style socialism " here ?
If you've actually paid attention the trajectory of Western Europe over the past few decades, I don't know how you can conclude it will be anything more than an historical footnote that preceded the Islamist societies that will replace it.

Susan Brei| 3.24.10 @ 1:19PM

I don't know what "everyone" wanted, but I would love a government that provides universal health care, along with social security, day care vouchers, stellar public schools, free college, and vastly expanded public transit/rail systems instead of further investment in roads/suburbia. I don't think universal health care is any less constitutional than social security (we already have Medicare). I also don't think European/New Zealand-style socialism has ANYTHING to do with their Muslim immigration problem. I'm sure it has a LOT more to do with the fact that European countries are closer in proximity to the Middle East, aren't having big enough families, can't keep up with the influx, and have cultural ties to those regions via old empirical stakes.

How did you tie the two together in your mind? Many Muslim countries aren't socialist. In fact, many represent the kind of government-less, religous, theocratic free-for-all that right-wing Christians seem to want to replace OUR government with... only from a Christian perspective.

ExConServative| 3.24.10 @ 4:35PM

Perfectly stated. It's funny how the right-wingers in this country fail to realize how much they have in common with philosophically with those Middle Eastern fiefdoms this country has been propping up for decades.

David| 3.24.10 @ 11:53AM

In this entire health care debate, the repubs never made an issue of the fact that congress, the executive, and federal employees will NOT have to live under this new plan. That is something that the average nimwit voter can understand and it would have resonated with the public. The conservatives should have used this issue to shame the democrats (not that they are capable of feeling shame or embarrassment). The repubs didn't make an issue of it because they get the same type of health care as the democrats and will continue to get it when the leave office.

Again, I say just wait until racial politics is injected into the health care plan. It is a certainty that will happen.

NJK| 3.24.10 @ 11:54AM

"The administration, and its allies in the mainstream media will echo Obama's belief that he is transformative figure and that healthcare legislation is akin to the historic Civil Rights Act of the 1960s."

And what will they do, when the Supreme Court makes this legislation null and void?

The ACLJ and the Thomas Moore Law Center have both filed already. Please give to both, this travesty has to be stopped. I never thought an Indonesian citizen would be allowed to get away with destorying this nation from within.
http://www.aclj.org/
You can google Thomas Moore Law Center, I could only put two links here.

You can join in the lawsuit from the ACLJ by filling out the form and mailing it in. They are joining with State Attorney Generals from around the country also. If you are interested following is a clip from 3/22/10 of Jay Sekulow with the ACLJ on the Michael Savage Show. It is very intersting and informative about the Constitutional issues.
http://www.trn1.com/savage-live

Susan Brei| 3.25.10 @ 12:57AM

I guarantee you that's not going to happen. The whole lawsuit thing is just another Republican political ploy. In November, they get to add the "we fought it as best we could" argument to their portfolio of b.s., and you'll be there to lap it up I'm sure.

martin j smith| 3.24.10 @ 11:55AM

First off, ANY one who claims to be fearful of this government and does not vote in Never is a fool. This is not one of those optional activities. Second, the energy for getting a bigger turn out is anger and there is a lot of that. What is needed is to channel the anger, educate voters who are not informed and expose the lies

martin j smith| 3.24.10 @ 11:55AM

First off, ANY one who claims to be fearful of this government and does not vote in Never is a fool. This is not one of those optional activities. Second, the energy for getting a bigger turn out is anger and there is a lot of that. What is needed is to channel the anger, educate voters who are not informed and expose the lies

Archer| 3.24.10 @ 11:59AM

Where everybody comes from, people love a winner and people don't like a loser. Go ahead, campaign away. You'll sound like losers, and people who sound like losers don't win, and people who win tend to keep winning. It's just the way things are. You'd do a lot better to say "Wow, we sure learned a LESSON from THAT! We're the NEW REPUBLICANS now, and we're nicer and don't hold with Glenn Beck, Tea Partiers, etc. etc." You'll be lying, of course, but it's a better approach.

Susan Brei| 3.24.10 @ 12:08PM

I agree. The Republicans should reinvent themselves... dump the Becks and Limbaughs and re-embrace older, cooler politicians like Goldwater. At least HE practiced what he preached. The social conservative thing isn't working anymore, because its ALWAYS at odds with fiscal and constitutional conservatism. It's an unhealthy marriage of ideals.

Smiley Face Cahoots| 3.25.10 @ 9:22PM

Mayor Ed Koch to Susan: "WRONG!"

b6fn| 3.24.10 @ 12:02PM

1st,pray for our country,THAT is our most powerful weapon,and 2nd,yet again,the question remains,WHAT the H_____ will it take to get this guy impeached??? How many more treasonous actions must he shove down & up us before we demand that he be impeached. Do we really have the luxury of waiting till 2012 to vote his lying,muslim,marxist "axis" of power out???? He & ALL who support him are deluded & disgusting,& will rue the day eventually for their vote for change,because his policies WILL negatively impact them as well,since they are not part of his "elite" cadre,& their "rights" are just as infringed upon as the rest of us. And the Constitution applies to ALL,regardless of mezmerizing rhetoric,lies,manipulation & collusion of the media.God bless America and have mercy upon us.

Petronius| 3.24.10 @ 12:02PM

The Republicans cannot win politically because They Don't Want To. Republicans have never gone to Washington to govern, but to line their pockets and make it in that town. They will gain a few seats come November but not control, as the demoncrats will run shill candidates in Republican primaries and dilute the Conservative vote; Again!!. Three times conservatives have joined the Republican Party in Missouri to try to get control away from the moneybag plutocrats who hold the gavels. When we outvoted them in caucuses, they recessed the sessions, got in their Caddy Fleetwoods, and ran off. All they care about is their money. And they are totally in concert with the Demoncrats on the issue of preventing anybody outside their circle of snobs from accumulating any. Even if they win this fall, they will betray us again!! Their dirty secret is, they like socialism just as much as the liberals because it is such a convenient vehicle for keeping undesirables, (US), in our places as serfs.

David| 3.24.10 @ 12:05PM

Mattz, CeCe you are a morons. You are the one who believes the lies of the democrats. Name one program that has not cost tenfold over what the intitial projections were?

Okay, we won't call them death panels. We'll just call them panels of bureaucrats who will decide who gets what treatment and when - not you or your doctor. I thought the leftist elitists were all for government staying out of health care decision? I thought health care decisions were between the patient, the doctor, the patient's family, and the patients spiritual advisor? Oh, that's right - that's only when you are killing an innocent child in the womb.

And if the flippin' MSM were honest, every person in the country would know that the Prime Minister of Canda just had his open heart surgery in Miami last month. He was criticized by Canadians for coming here to which he responded: "It is my heart, my health, and my decision. I did not give up my right to get the best health care when I became a politician." He further explained, "If I had had the surgery in Canada, I would have been criticized for jumping to the front of the line." There won't be waiting lists? Ya'll are idiots.

So, you flippin' leftist/Marxist/elitists, I am sure you won't let the facts get in the way of your opinions - you never have and never will.

Wesley Mouch| 3.24.10 @ 1:12PM

It wasn't the Prime Minister. It was the Premier of Newfoundland. It'd be like a governor of a state. A big difference. Just so you know, the health bill just signed doesn't bring anything close to Canadian single payer healthcare to the US. I seriously doubt people will notice any difference if you already have coverage. But, these are opinions of a Marxist elitist who never gets his facts straight.

DAnMingo | 3.25.10 @ 5:20PM

Name one program that has not cost tenfold over what the intitial projections were?
The Iraq war?
Bush tax cuts?
War in Afghanistan?

Actually, until just recently, the SS program took in more than it paid out. It had been doing this for many years, and should have been solvent for another 50 years or more. Unfortunately the money wasn't 'banked'; politicians used that lock box money for whatever spending projects they wished, leaving behind treasury bills (IOUs).
I still trust government over insurance companies.

k962| 3.24.10 @ 12:07PM

This says it all!

Also - on WJR (Detroit 760 am) this morning the host (Paul W. Smith) interviewed John Dingell (D). When asked why the bill doesn't kick in until 2014, Dingell replied "We have to setup the administrative offices first. Then we can control the people".

Arm| 3.24.10 @ 12:09PM

Remember that the vice president has powerful ties to the banking/money/power people.
Like in 1928, certain Banks pulled back Credit & Loans - business' had to cut jobs - the unemployed & hungry were more prone to socialist promises no matter what the cost!
Look at what preceeded the events of history!

ronald stephenson| 3.24.10 @ 12:09PM

I have to agree and we have all been duped by some of the greatest con men on the planet, including our own representatives. They took the bait on the abortion issue and really got distracted. Stupack is a master gamesman, and we played right into their hands on this one. No amount of theats about the fall elections had any impact, and the wise politicians just know that by Fall, most will have forgotten what had happened. Then, with the help of the Manchild hitting the bricks to calm down the unwashed, one wonders what the emboldened liberals will take up next.
Fastening you seatbelts will not help you when you are being crushed.

Gordon Glenn| 3.24.10 @ 12:16PM

We HAVE to start taking government power away from Washington and give it back to the states. This can only be accomplished by first taking power away from the Congress itself by enacting term limits (two terms). These clowns are not rock stars and don't deserve to have their coach airfare paid to commute from home let alone ride on private jets. Conservatives need to take control of Congress and the WH by aggressively campaigning on dismantling the federal government AND scaling back entitlement programs. I believe that NOW is a unique time in history to take our country back to the principles of our founders

Freeranger| 3.24.10 @ 12:16PM

Have you heard about the new Obama policy? It's called the Defense of Racial and Religious Justice Act. It will take all guns from whites and given them all to black Muslims.

Jack| 3.24.10 @ 12:22PM

Again the answer is bring real conservetism back to the Republican party. Ideas suceed where emotion burns out.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 12:25PM

Obama, Pelosi, and Reid are tyrants and scoundrels of the most base sort.

This action is virtually unprecedented in American history. It is blatantly unconstitutional given a) that Article I, Section 8 gives no such express or implied powers to mandate health insurance to Congress and b) Article I, Section 7 specifically requires that a bill be sent to the president only when it has passed both House and Senate and furthermore that revenue-generating bills---remember those tax increases in the Senate version?---MUST originate in the House, not the Senate. Further, it flies in the face of the electorate which is 2/3 opposed to the government takeover of the healthcare sector.

Obama has crossed the Rubicon.

We have only to determine to depose him or to meekly accept our subjugation to him./

There is no other choice.

Kevin Barrington| 3.24.10 @ 12:27PM

All this article represents is the hysterical shrieks of the privileged men-cubs who feel their mammon-based divine right to rule has been threatened for the first time in years. These baritoned-voiced bullies have had a toy taken away from them - the fact that it has a dangerous made in China lead paint is irrelevant - and they have been sent to bed without T-bones so that others may have soup.
Look at Iraq - America was becoming an irrational, dangerous, increasingly disliked, global bully.
Obama is changing that.
Deal with it.
The rest of the world is still having to deal with Bush.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 12:31PM

No, Adjective Girl, this is about Democrats enslaving Americans as they have sought endlessly to do since their accursed band first appeared to steal ballots.

Listen to one of your own leaders---John Dingell:

http://www.americanthinker.com.....ong_t.html

"Control the people." That is the true aim.

It is the weak, stupid, and unworthy who accept their shackles.

TKP| 3.24.10 @ 12:31PM

A - feaking - MEN !!
President, Congress, Senate - Reagan NEVER had all 3 - yet was able to use the "bully pulpit"

We have to make the positive case - in some ways it appears our most effective Administrations have had the opposite party in power - I suppose it forces the Executive to "make the case", and not get intelectually, or morally lazy.

I spend 2 weeks a month in London - NOONE here is cheering on the US to recreate NHS.

Tony in Central PA| 3.24.10 @ 12:32PM

I'll ask this question again, even though I've never received an answer to it from an Obama supporter. Do you think this President kept his promises about how he would accomplish health care reform ?

Susan Brei| 3.24.10 @ 1:09PM

I think he gave it his best shot. We on the Left would have LOVED it if he'd leveraged his political capital following the election to force a SINGLE-PAYER system through the Senate and House. Instead, stepped back, and asked our Democratic majorities to work with Republicans to draft bi-partisan legislation. The Dems gave up Single Payer and Public Option programs immediately, knowing Republicans wouldn't support them anyway, and then they wasted time on bipartisan efforts with a party that chose to obstruct rather than cooperate.

It's not Obama's fault that the Republicans wouldn't play ball, that they chose to filibuster everything from the most insignificant bill to his cabinet selections. He gave them plenty of opportunities. The Republicans have used the filibuster in an inappropriate and unprecedented way in the past year, creating a situation where it takes a 60 vote supermajority to pass ANYTHING. That's not the way the Senate was intended to work.

If Obama had RAMMED the health care bill down the throats of Americans the way you claim, he would have created in the White House the way the Clintons did in the nineties. Then, he would have used his popularity and supermajority to pass it without Republican input. It wouldn't have taken a year to get this done!

I definitely think Obama made a huge effort to make good on his campaign promises. He invested more time trying to involve a dysfunctional, idealess, obstructionist minority group of Republicans than I would have, that's for sure.

Tony in Central PA| 3.24.10 @ 2:23PM

I would again remind you of the promises out of this President's own mouth in 2008 about televised C - SPAN hearings where everybody would have a seat at the table and the details hashed out before a national audience. Nobody forced him to say these things and they turned out to be lies. In fact, there was an effort to rush it through in a manner very similar to the ARRA. Do you think there are legitimate reasons to lie about something so big and improtant in a nation with a representative government? Do the American people need to be ruled by an oligarchy for their own good ?

As far as the " Blame the GOP " business, save it. The Democrats tried and were unable to pass it with a Supermajority because of their own resistance. This Administration needed bribes and threats for its own party as well as procedural trickery to accomplish something the public clearly didn't want. You didn't need the GOP and why would you even want them ? If it is such a great bill, why share credit ?

Susan Brei| 3.25.10 @ 1:11AM

I wasn't aware that a claim could "turn out to be a lie". When my weatherwoman tells me it's going to be beautiful tomorrow, and it ends up raining, it means she was wrong. She did her best to predict a situation based on the information she has, but I wouldn't say her forecast "turned out to be a lie"! What strange logic you operate on.

The fact is, Republicans had PLENTY of opportunities to play along. Remember when the bill was held up in Baucus's Senate Finance Committee? It took them months to create legislation, Republicans were overrepresented on the committee, and in the end, Snow was the only Republican who voted to approve HER OWN BILL! Republicans just didn't play ball. Didn't want to. Why? If a bipartisan health care bill passed in the first few months of Obama's term, it would make him look spectacular, and make them look like pawns.

Don't pretend Republicans didn't get a fair shake. They are the minority party. They vote no on everything. They have used the filibuster more than any previous Congress. They're the ones that chose to give Obama the finger, not the other way around.

Tony in Central PA| 3.25.10 @ 11:01AM

The Republicans didn't need a " fair shake " for this bill to pass. It didn't pass with a Supermajority because it has unpopular provisions and bad math. The GOP had little to do with why the Dem's could pass it with a 2/3's majority. Blaming them is a meaningless distraction.

One other thing I'd like to ask, why should America emulate European Socialist nations ? Do you want us to share the same kind of fate ?

CMD in Texas| 3.24.10 @ 12:34PM

If Obama is such a Leftist and will not uphold the Constitution, then why hasn't Congress started impeachment procedures? Seriously, he took an oath to uphold the Constitution. The guy knows what the Constitution is and what it stand for but he continues to treat it like yesterday's newspaper. The current administration is going socialist...something Ronald Reagan killed in the old USSR. Therefore, before Obama makes us all comrades...let us Impeachment Comic-Czar Obama!!

Susan Brei| 3.24.10 @ 12:55PM

Ronald Reagan "helped" end an extreme form of socialism better known as "communism". Like any extreme ideaology, it was doomed to failure anyway. You should remember that when you promote extreme right-wing capitalist ideologies. The only systems that really work are blended systems, where opposing ideologies keep one another in check while at the same time sealing holes in their respective systemic weaknesses.

CMD in Texas| 3.24.10 @ 1:37PM

One "ism" leads to another. So communism is one step from socialism...it's all in the eye of the beholder! We are all capitalist in that we buy and sell (eBay) "things." Right-wing? To ask for impeachment is not right-wing...ask Bill Clinton...it's a way our Founders gave us to rid us of an executive who abuses their power for reasons such as treason, bribery (sound familiar) and other high crimes (The US Constitution Article 2 Section 4). Enough said!

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 5:25PM

Your confusion between socialism and communism is understandable considering the usual sources of information being utilized here, but it's ironic that you bring Reagan into a conversation about socialism, because Saint Ronnie gave us the biggest tax increase in American history when he raised SS taxes on the middle class.

Jack Kinch(1uncle)| 3.24.10 @ 12:39PM

We should the fight demos as dirty as they fight. Back door. Get 2/3 s of the states to pass constitutional amendment stopping congress from spending our taxes on any special interest groups.This should stop breeding the dumb-duhs on welfare and improve our schools at the same time. Also eventually cut crime.

mama| 3.24.10 @ 12:39PM

As a concerned citizen I would like to know what has been spent on Obama's running around the world and even in the U.S. The news media isn't reporting the small items that the middle class would be interested in.

tom delayhole| 3.24.10 @ 12:46PM

You right wingers are a hoot. Please, don't ever change.

Boo Hoo Teabaggers| 3.24.10 @ 3:03PM

Did we sound this rabidly crazy when we were railing against Bush? Because if we did, I'm embarrassed now.

Ralph Averill| 3.24.10 @ 12:49PM

"the Obama administration will try to position him as a modern day LBJ -- getting things done for the middle class and the poor."
So Coservatives and Republicans should position themselves as servants of the rich and powerful; a position for which there is enormous historical evidence.
"We cannot count on a bad economy to propel us to a majority..." Especially since the crash started under a Republican president, after years of Republican control of all three arms of the government. (see above.) Tens of millions of voters remember this and bear no grudge for Obama for failing to instantly clean up the incredible mess, everywhere, left in the wake of the Bush Administration.
"Republicans have, in the past, viewed campaigns from a 'management perspective.' "
Karl Rove has no equal in cut-throat, take no prisoners campaign "management". Misinformation, lies, character assination were his stock-in-trade.
The Democrats passed health care because they were under enormous pressure from their constituents, millions and millions of them, to do just that. Many, myself included, believe it didn't go far enough; single payer is the goal, and we'll get it some day. But I'll take half a loaf, for the moment.
Know this; Mr. Rotterman is right; the Congressional Democrats are no longer the spineless whimps who grovelled under George Bush. We will take this victory and run with it to financial/banking services reform, immigration reform, and getting Israel to wake up and smell the coffee.
It's our country too.

Herman Munster| 3.24.10 @ 12:53PM

"First the liberal establishment went after Rush Limbaugh and for months now -- former Vice President Dick Cheney. The Left and progressives' newest devil is Glenn Beck and by extension the Fox News network."

So Limbaugh and Cheney have not been angrily and aggressively attacking their opponents for for the last TEN years? These 2 guys are victims? Limbaugh and Cheney are just technocratic wonks who politely debate policy?

These two and now Beck have massively increased the amount of insulting, demagogic, paranoid attacks on political foes (including many, many Republicans) and thus have really changed the tone for political debate in the U.S. The tone is now vicious and rancorous thanks to these three guys. And AS thinks these three guys really victims? Or are they cultural Warriors (very, very rich cultural warrriors) defending the values of conservative America by using scorn and demagoguery to attack their foes? Of course it is the latter. And they get to do it, free speech and all. But enough with the victim garbarge, American Spectator. "Ooh, I am a poor trod-upon white male in America who is entire existence is threatened by this Orwellian liberal machine"

Oooh, so scary that liberal establishment like some commentator at MSNBC. Sooo scary.

Tony in Central PA| 3.24.10 @ 1:00PM

To all of the liberals thumping their collective chests today : do you think your President is an hoset man ? Do you care ?

Tony in Central PA| 3.24.10 @ 1:33PM

I meant " honest man " as far as Obama ?
How about the Democrats who voted for this plan ? Did they vote out of moral conviction or out of response to bribes and threats ?

psutopgun| 3.24.10 @ 12:55PM

This is one of the better articles I have read. Make no mistake, Obama will do ANYTHING to be re-elected. If they get through Amnesty, prisoner vote and the bill that would open voting even if you don't register we are in trouble. Americans, we are in a fight for our children and countrys' future AND THE OPPOSITION HAS NOT RULES NO MORALS.

Roy Sarra| 3.24.10 @ 12:55PM

Excelent points! These wonderful commmunists will stop at nothing to acheive their ends. Do I need to mention the millions of their constituents that were killed or sent to teh camps.
I hope the Republicans understand what they are up against.

David | 3.24.10 @ 12:57PM

Mama, I too am disgusted with Obama's constant campaigning. The economy is in the tank and Bam Bam is spending a fortune. The flippin' guy never stay in the White House and Oval Office. What happened to making announcements from the Rose Garden? Every time he has something to say, he has to go to another city to say it.

I know from personal experience the waste he is causing. I used to do volunteer work (on the advance team) for Bush the elder when he used to come to Houston (his home). The security, number of other people, Air Force One, another huge transport plane, two fighter jets that stay in the air when AFO lands, the helicopter, the car pool, the bomb dogs, etc. And, that was before 9/11 - no telling how much more is involved now. Plus, Bam Bam has more security than any prez in history. I don't begrudge him that - sure wouldn't want anything to happen to our first black prez.

Congress ought to put the brakes on his fast traveling as_. Even if he cut his travel in half, he would still travel much more than any other prez. He is wasting the taxpayers' money and congress should put a stop to it.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 12:58PM

Oh, those Democrats are for the little guy alright.

That's why their leaders are millionaires, their financial supporters are millionaires (particularly lawyers and Hollywood types but also plenty of Fortune 100 corporate executives), and they continually exempt themselves from their "wealth redistributing" legislation.

If their healthcare reform's so wonderful, why did the Democrats shoot down the GOP amendment to sign Congress up for it?

What's scary is how silly and spurious liberal "arguments" are.

George S| 3.24.10 @ 12:59PM

What difference does it make if the Left is emboldened? As long as the polls are open this November, they will be voted out.

To use a military analogy, it is very difficult for a leader to motivate an attacking force; however, defenders will motivate themselves when their backs are against the wall. The term "fighting to the death" applies to defenders, for they have everything to lose and nowhere to go. No matter how motivated the attacking force is, they will suffer horribly when faced with defenders who have everything to lose.

The Left is emboldened? That still won't save them, for we are fighting for our lives.

Mike P| 3.24.10 @ 1:00PM

Three Questions:

1. Can Republcians win without a postive uplifting unifiying message and by campaigning based on a central theme of attack and negativity toward Pres. Obama?

2. Can Republicans appeal to younger generations of educated, increasingly diverse voters with an endless drum beat about how things ain't what they used to be and how we need to return to a fictionalized stylized vision of limited federal government as it existed in a pre-industrial agrarian country of 3.9 million people (including 600,000 salves) 230 years ago?

Really?

Gene| 3.24.10 @ 1:00PM

http://politifact.com/truth-o-.....alth-care-

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 1:09PM

Mike-

Don't pull an Obama---that was two questions, not three.

1. Yes. What was Pelosi and Reid's "uplifting, positive message" prior to the 2006 elections? They didn't have one. Moreover, Pelosi said they didn't need one--they were running against Bush. She was correct. We will be correct because the vast majority of Americans loathe Obama.

2. The youth vote never turns out. The Democrat Party supported slavery then and supports it now---doesn't seem to hurt them with their voters, does it.

The real question is, "Can Democrats survive without the middle class?" The answer is "No."

They have lost it, probably for good.

Tom in Michigan| 3.24.10 @ 1:11PM

Marc is correct on many points including immigration "reform" as the next Leftist gambit (creating 15-20 million grateful new "citizen/voters"). He is terribly wrong, however on one key point. The Obamaviks' goal is not the creation of a nation "modeled after European socialism." Rather, it is the creation of something much more evil; a one-party dictatorship of the Left. V.I. Lenin said; "The goal of socialism is communism." The steps we are seeing now are just the beginning. Having now suborned the legislative process; first a quasi- and then a complete totalitarian state (first perceived as benign) cannot be far behind.

Can't happen in America? Well, as Marc said; don't underestimate Obama. He has already shown us cards by surrounding himself with avowed Marxists.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 1:17PM

Yes, amnesty for illegals is next, probably followed with felon voting.

If the electorate can't reliably be counted on to support Democrats, Democrats will vote themselves a new electorate.

Also look for continuing efforts to disenfranchise American servicemen, who overwhelmingly vote against Democrats, not wanting to die for Democrat stupidity.

Wesley Mouch| 3.24.10 @ 1:21PM

My money's on mandatory abortions for white people as next on the agenda.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 1:24PM

That is the aim of the environmentalist movement, isn't it?

But it wouldn't be aimed at whites anway. As Ruth Bader Ginsberg noted, Roe v. Wade was all about getting rid of people "we had too many of".

John| 3.24.10 @ 1:23PM

Despite some realism at the start, the self delusion of much of Marc's column, let alone many of the more zany comments from hard right conservatives, suggest Obama is reading Sun Tsu and conservatives are not. The fact is, he's completely out maneuvered the GOP and after 14 months of OTT rhetoric about Waterloo's and suchlike, firmly positioned it in the public mind as the party of NO. No plans, not fit to govern. Now he's about to repeat the trick with financial regulatory reform which will, contrary to Marc's opinion, be his next major item of legislation. So for the next six months were going be watching the Republican fight to the death to defend the bankers.....good luck with that one.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 1:28PM

Boy, are you deluded John!

How did you fail to notice that the top bankers on Wall Street are DEMOCRATS?

Goldman Sachs---whence Obama's economic team came---is a Democrat farm team.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are where Democrats park to cash in between administration gigs.

Citigroup was created for Bob Rubin to make a bundle during the last bout of financial "reform".

Do you really not know where Democrat money comes from?

Do you really think the GOP is so stupid as to defend Democrat donors?

(Well, okay, as to the last question, you may be right....)

Jane Smith| 3.24.10 @ 1:42PM

This has pointed out how deep and pervasive the corruption in our government is. We must be vigilant when dealing with both parties, but try to find the good people. But most of all we must pray to the God to led our founding fathers to create for us the republic we started with.

P Aaronson| 3.24.10 @ 1:42PM

I'm an American living in the UK, and I've also spent some time in Canada, so believe me, I know from experience what socialized medicine is. The health care reform passed by the House doesn't bear even the remotest resemblance to socialized medicine. On the other hand, Medicare is pretty much the same as socialized medicine. So if you're genuinely worried about government control of health care delivery, it's Medicare you should be trying to repeal, not ObamaCare.

Wesley Mouch| 3.24.10 @ 1:57PM

but the Republicans increased Medicare with Part D a few years back, so that means Medicare is OK & not socialist. Right?

Tom in Michigan| 3.24.10 @ 2:22PM

Here’s the Leftist Medicare/Social Security red herring . Both Medicare and Social Security passed with broad bipartisan support. Should the majority of Americans decide on one form of government or a certain economic direction or a major bipartisan legislative initiative via legal and due process; so be it. Obamacare was rammed through via the most outrageous and corrupt subornment on of legislative process in American history on a strictly one-party, party-line vote. This trope is as absurd an assertion as the weak "auto insurance" gambit whereby the Left compares compulsory auto insurance, related to the purely voluntary act of driving a car with the compulsions behind Obamacare’s mandates to purchase health insurance. Nobody’s falling for it any longer.

Wesley Mouch| 3.24.10 @ 2:35PM

I don't care if any Democrat supported Part D. It is an unaffordable entitlement that should never had been proposed. The fact that it was without any pissing & moaning & the sky is falling from the Republicans tells me all I need to know about them. Republicans are fine with big government so long as they are doing the governing. You guys are up in arms about the process, seems like sour grapes is all. The partisanship plays to the strength of those who find it easier to rule you when you fight amongst yourselves. Meanwhile you are being robbed blind by BOTH sides.

Charles R. Williams| 3.24.10 @ 2:21PM

You have a point. However, Obamacare puts the mechanisms in place to put the squeeze on health care quality and these mechanisms will go into action when health care costs explode - and they will explode. The end point is Medicare for all. You will complain all you want to the politicians about health care issues and it will make no difference. Some bureaucrat or committee will do the squeeze on some kind of "objective" criteria and you will be powerless to overrule them.

Since our country is nearly broke, the squeeze will come sooner rather than later.

Oldefarte| 3.24.10 @ 1:46PM

Marc, BRAVO and KUDOS for your truthful accurate, editorial! The left has been in existence for my lifetime, but has now come OUT OF THE CLOSET with Obama's election. It used to be the sudelty of the Kennedys, Johnson, Clinton,etc; but November 2008's election mandated their going fro the jugular in their quest for ultimate political power. Republicans' traditional downfall has been their Queenbury Rules personae/methods, which has resulted in their defeats. Many proclaim that to fight dirty, streetwise against the left will fail, but the opposite is true. Against the left's ranting of one-wordism such as racism,etc; conservatives must fight mean and hard [and dirty]. The survival of this country is at stake!!!!

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 2:09PM

All of you need to take your rabies shots. Republicans have devolved into a party of religious extremists and those of us who are true fiscal conservatives who support limited government and reductions in entitlements like social security and medicare have no commonality with the party anymore. True fiscal conservatives see the debt -- in which both Republicans and Democrats create -- as our country's enemy. Republicans create debt with tax cuts and Democrats create debt with spending, but money is fungible and it really doesn't matter much how you create the debt. You guys that use name calling like "socialist" or "marxist" or support idiots like Palin should get your missing teeth fixed and get those cars on your front lawn off of those cinder blocks.

Republicans need to get off of the social bandwagon of religious fundamentalism and create a sound, fiscally conservative plan that will lower our debt, make our government smaller, and build a strong country for our children. If they become a strong party with a SINGULAR focus and plans (which they don't have now), then they will get the votes. Most of middle America hates the name calling -- and it is middle America (now independents), that will decide elections in the future because they are the largest party, not Dems or Repubs.

John II| 3.24.10 @ 3:00PM

"Most of middle America hates the name calling . . ."
Well, I don't know what figures you have in mind to support that contention, Roberto. After all, judicious name-calling is fun and entertaining, or it wouldn't be practiced and enjoyed by such a broad spectrum of humanity, Americanos especially.

For example, I wouldn't much care to be called rabid, but I rather enjoy being told to take my rabies shots. I would shrug off being called a red-neck, but I'm charmed by the image of cars-on-cinder-blocks on my front lawn--although I would refine the insult to "cars-on-cinder-blocks amid the brown weeds in your front yard" (which is a pretty accurate description of the kinds of neighbors I have, being a low-paid teacher and all).

With a little more practice, Roberto, you could be a first-class name-caller. But I would say to all conservatives, fiscal and social alike, that they need to appeal to the GREAT MIDDLE CLASS with creative name-calling against a common foe so as to call forth chuckles with their votes against the progressive renegade. Down with socialism! Up with humor! Yea, though I walk in the shadow of the Obamanation, I say as a socio-cultural-religious-fiscal conservative hombre that without high humor and elegant cat-calls to match our eternal vigilance, we are finished. I pass on . . .

Boo Hoo Teabaggers| 3.24.10 @ 3:11PM

Now that's the kind of Republicanism I can respect. I disagree, but respect the point of view. The rest of you whack jobs should take note.

Can we start disqualifying electors based on missing teeth? Now there's change I could believe in.

Nick| 3.24.10 @ 4:19PM

Only if we can also disqualify electors who reek of body odor and loco weed.

Boo Hoo Teabaggers| 3.24.10 @ 6:41PM

That's fair. Deal.

Nick| 3.24.10 @ 7:13PM

You Lose!

75% of the democrat party is made up of old hippies.

Another 10% are anarchist types, who Soros pays to attend protest marches.

I'll bet President Dither, Rahmbo the Ballerina, and Axelrod are smoking a bong right now!

Jordan Lund| 3.24.10 @ 2:11PM

You guys do know that the only President to give amnesty to illegal aliens was Ronald Reagan, right?

Tom in Michigan| 3.24.10 @ 2:55PM

Reportage regarding the so-called Reagan "amnesty" (The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986) is typical of how the Left perennially lies and twists or distorts the facts to justify their insidious agenda.
The Reagan Amnesty wasn’t for ALL Illegal aliens, there were many requirements that had to be met for illegals to be eligible including certain residency requirements, no felony convictions, less than three misdemeanor convictions, medical examinations, etc. Furthermore, the so-called "amnesty" did not confer citizenship but rather merely granted temporary residence to illegals who were willing to come forth and be identified. Those who chose to continue to hide in the shadows, for whatever reason were SOL.
Additionally, any subsequent adjustment to permanent residency status for thus temporarily legalized Illegals was in no way automatic. They first had to be legalized as temporary workers and then subsequently earn permanent status by applying between eighteen and thirty months after following the aforementioned procedures and being granted temporary US residency. Illegals also had to pay a fee to be legalized as temporary residents before the process could even be initiated. Normal work permit requirements (“Green cards”) also had to be met.
The text of The Act NEVER contained the term “amnesty.”
On the other hand, the coming “Obama amnesty” will aim to grant blanket amnesty with the intent of creating 15-20 million new Democrat “voters.” The Democrats will likely create a bit of legislative goobledegook, much like Obamacare that any principled person would reject on its lack of merit alone. Masters of deceit that they are however, the Left will paint Obama amnesty opponents as racists thereby ensuring that grateful former illegals, now “citizens” will vote for Democrats in perpetuity. This is a key part of the long-term Leftist plan to create a one-party state.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 2:12PM

We ran a big debt for WWII, Bob---should we have let the Imperial Japanese own the Pacific, the Nazis own Europe and balanced the budget instead?

And I presume since debt is the enemy you favor rapacious taxation in order to pay down the debt quickly, right?

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 2:24PM

Running a debt for self-preservation is far different than running a debt for entitlements. The former is a short term action where winning will pay off your debts and the latter just keeps on growing with no end. Do you really disagree? If someone attacks, you will find no fiercer combatant than me. I actually joined the Army to fight for our country. Did you? We should not have gone into Iraq -- they did not attack us. But I would still kick the living daylights out of the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

In terms of reducing the debt, I look at the spending side. If we think that we should spend the money, then we should pay for it. The only way to get people to realize how much the government is costing them is to have them pay for the goodies. If you or I ran our personal finances like the government, we'd be filing for bankruptcy continually. We need a plan to pay for the services we want. I would cut spending and also raise taxes to lower the debt. Once people feel the pain, perhaps they'd be more amenable to cutting programs.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 2:31PM

I am an Air Force Academy graduate and an Air Force veteran, Bob. As a matter of fact, I was on the ground in Turkey when Saddam Hussein did in fact attack us. He fired SAMs at our aircraft enforcing the No Fly Zone as part of the ceasefire.

I was also there when Hussein once again violated the ceasefire by moving armored divisions into Kurdish areas. As a matter of fact, I was collocated with an Army aviation brigade.

At the same time, Hussein set up terrorist training camps in Iraq through which the 9/11 bombers processed, including a hijacking training camp complete with a 747.

Imagine how much money could have been saved had we enforced the ceasefire THEN instead of waiting for 9/11!

You are a liberal, Bob. The tell is in the "We need a plan to pay for the services we want."

Ahem.

You will look in vain in the Constitution of the United States to see so open-ended a definition of government as "providing services".

Your last line is pure naivete. Raising taxes increases expectations of services, it doesn't diminish them. That is why the Democrats risk their seats to jack up taxes.

Also, you fail to note the minority of citizens who pay federal taxes. A majority of Americans now does not. What incentive do they have to do anything but vote more money out of other people's pockets?

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 2:40PM

We went into Iraq because of WMD. Even Rove admitted we wouldn't have gone in if they didn't have WMD.

If you are not willing to pay for the services you get, then you are NOT a fiscal conservative.

I volunteered many years before you in Vietnam. You might have a different view of things if you faced your enemy on the ground - eyeball to eyeball as I've done. I sometimes think it would be good training for you flyboys to directly face the enemy. That said, I do value the service of anyone who volunteers.

Again, cutting taxes has not worked. It does not stimulate the economy and it increases the debt substantially. You should actually study the data:

http://www.data360.org/dsg.asp.....oup_Id=230

http://zfacts.com/p/318.html

You need to support your ideology with facts. That's the problem of you so-called conservatives -- you don't know how to analyze the data.

You and your ilk are NOT fiscal conservatives, you are religious extremists who value belief and not reason.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 3:07PM

Thank you for your service, Bob, if not for your presumption, given I have said nothing whatsoever about facing the enemy nor about my religious convictions or lack thereof.

Cutting taxes worked just find in the largest postwar boom---were you around in the 80s?

Government spending does not stimulate the economy, as we're learning yet again right this moment.

I do stats for a living, Bob, I'm very well acquainted with the facts. You need to go back and look at marginal tax rates. We'll wait.

WMD was merely one element in our going into Iraq, as Bush repeatedly stated. Your assertion that it was the ONLY reason is simply false. Had Hussein complied with the 1991 ceasefire I doubt we would have gone in at all.

As for the WMD, we've found plenty of it. We have reason to believe more was shipped to Syria, much as Hussein sent his air force to Iran before the first Gulf War. Talk to some Army folks, Bob.

Or do you believe our folks suited up in MOPP 4 in the desert heat just for grins?

Or that all those dead Kurds faked nerve gas symptoms?

Meanwhile, you might want to acquaint yourself with conservatism. May I suggest Edmund Burke's "Reflections on the Revolution in France" as a starting point?

Fiscal conservatism does not equal "balanced budget". We could confiscate the wealth of everyone over the median income and throw it against the debt for some time and achieve zero debt and a balanced budget---we would be socialist to the core in so doing.

Before you drum people out of conservatism, you'll need to know what conservatism IS.

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 3:54PM

Well, Teflon, if you do stats for a living, then show me the data! I don't want to see selected periods of time, I want to see graphs adjusted for inflation so we can see trends. As for marginal tax rates, here's a chart from the Heritage Foundation (conservative, you know):

http://www.heritage.org/Budget.....cline.aspx

If reducing taxes were stimulative, you'd see a rise in income, right?????

Are you really any good at statistics?

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 4:14PM

Heritage.org has already done the work for me, Bob---why don't you take a look at the top chart?

Note that income AS A % OF GDP does not decline when tax rates are slashed, nor do they rise precipitously when tax rates are raised dramatically.

This tells us something very telling of the hypothesis that you jack up tax rates to retire debt---it's false. You can see it in the chart quite clearly. Were your theory true, income as pct of GDP should rise in conjunction with tax rate increases. This is in fact the "static scoring" assumption the CBO employs. As we see at this very moment, revenues in fact are falling well below CBO projections. The reason for this is quite simple---taxing $1 never brings $1 into the federal coffers but rather less than $1. People respond to tax increases by finding ways not have to pay taxes---earning less to get to a lower bracket, taking advantage of shelters, etc.

What this particular chart cannot tell you, however, is what happens to GDP as a result of tax cuts. You need to look at the change in GDP over time to see that. Why not take a look at heritage.org and see what that looks like? Pick any period you like, but make sure you compare apples to apples for the marginal tax rates for the same period.

What you'll find is GDP growth accelerates after tax cuts. It was true in the 60s when JFK did it. True in the 80s when Reagan did it. Had Reagan NOT cut taxes, the deficit would have been worse, not better. The trouble was skyrocketing spending, not declining revenue (revenue in fact increased due to strong GDP growth).

And yes, all numbers are inflation-adjusted.

Grzmlyk| 3.24.10 @ 7:31PM

Teflon93, you are my hero of the day. Great job.

Bob is a sad, lonely crackpot. Depending on the day, he fought in Nam (care to tell us specifics, Bob?), ran a Fortune 500 company (although he insists that 1) tax policy never affects corporate strategy and 2 minimum wage is a non-issue because companies can just pass along the higher costs to their customers with impunity!) and Went to Harvard. What's next, Bob? Storm the beaches at Normandy, did you? Advise Kennedy not to get involved in the Bay of Pigs? Convince Gorbechev to embrace glasnost? Bob is the Zellig of trolls!!!

Hey bob, why don't you tell us again how well the housing market's doing in 2010 as you predicted a year ago?

I know, I know - even when you're wrong, you're right.

Kinda like the New York Times - some stories are just TOO good to fact check!

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 8:48PM

Thanks, Grzmlyk---you're too kind. I'm not up on Bobian history, but as for my earlier particulars, I was the logistics guy for C4-Forward in Diyarbakir, Turkey back in '96. 12th Aviation Brigade, Eagle Flight was the Army unit I was teamed with supporting SF troops in Zakho, Iraq. I was there when we airlifted the Peshmurgha families out to Guam---they had been serving as bodyguards and guides and would have been slaughtered by Saddam had they stayed behind.

That's why it chaps my butt when somebody claims Saddam didn't attack the U.S. He tried to shoot down our aircraft all the time, violated the ceasefire incessantly, and interfered with NGO aid workers providing humanitarian assistance to the Kurds constantly. The terrorist training camps, profiteering off oil-for-food, and WMD development were just icing on the cake.

Not to mention attempting to assassinate George H.W. Bush when he went to Kuwait, but hey, attacks on Republican presidents don't really count as acts of war, do they?

Grzmlyk| 3.25.10 @ 1:00AM

Though my reply is very late, I just want to say I respect the hell out of you. I hate it when conservative interviewers do the reflexive "thank you for your service" as a pro forma exercise akin to uttering "Gesundheit" after someone sneezes but, well, thank you for your service.

I agree with yout totally about Saddam - the fact the the liberals won the propaganda war on that whole thing is what disheartened me so thoroughly - and turned me into an incipient conservative activitist.

Bob has this bizarre obsession with calling himself a "true conservative," but he's really just a whack job and a poser. Seriously, the guy is unhinged. He obsesses about a handful of charts and data and ignores the context those data represent. He misreads pretty much everything, starting with what GDP means.

You, on the other hand, exude REALITY. You lived reality, you comprehend reality and you understand that statistics are a snapshot that require a context.

Bob counts on people here being intimidated by his arrogated sense of "expertise." But, honestly, take away the bluster, and the sheer lunacy of his conclusions can be explained only by mental illness.

But because he puts himself out here, he gets no quarter from me, and it's sheer delight to read your devastating deconstructions of his bullshit.

Thank you again, Teflon93.

Teflon93| 3.25.10 @ 2:22PM

Thank you, Grzmlyk---you're much too kind.

I don't understand Bob and the liberals' need to argue from authority. Facts are facts regardless of who is speaking them; authority only lends credibility in narrow areas of expertise when one cannot ascertain facts easily or thoroughly.

My having served in the military doesn't change the fact that Saddam Hussein attempted to assassinate ex-President Bush, nor Saddam's repeated violations of the Gulf War ceasefire, nor his attacks upon our troops and his support for terrorism. Anyone can look these facts up and point them out; they are facts regardless of whether the person relaying them never served a day in the armed forces.

With liberals, authority is ALL that matters. They continue to carry the banner for global warming although the facts are against them, not even bothering anymore to falsify data.

They support Obamacare for much the same reason. Stupak and company fell into the party line because they fear Nancy Pelosi more than God and love her more than principle. She is authority to them.

The media trumpets whatever Obama says on any given day for the same reason. It doesn't matter if it blatantly contradicts what he said the day before or whether it currently contradicts his actions. Obama is a leftist in power; that is all they care about.

They project their own lemming-like drive to follow the lefty leader onto conservatives. As the Tea Party movement demonstrates, though, conservatives are an eclectic bunch who don't tend to unite under hegemonic leaders. Aside from Dan's bake sale, when has Rush Limbaugh ever gotten conservatives to do anything? When has Newt Gingrich? Tom Delay?

Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid, on the other hand, can get Democrats to piss away their political careers with some arm twisting and minor handouts. They can get liberals to stand up and salute legislation which hasn't even been written. They've gotten the ACLU to swallow federal government access to personal healthcare records, an unprecedented intrusion into privacy!

Bob's repeated arguments from authority claimed but never established strike me as genetically liberal. That he does so baldly makes me wonder if "fiscally conservative" isn't just the usual lefty dodge for "I want you to pay for my pot."

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 5:34PM

True in the 80s when Reagan did it. Had Reagan NOT cut taxes, the deficit would have been worse, not better.

Ronald Reagan gave us the largest tax INCREASE in American history.
From Forbes:
http://www.forbes.com/2009/02/.....taxes.html

According to a recent Treasury Department study, Ronald Reagan proposed the largest peacetime tax increase in American history as part of a budget deal to get the federal deficit under control. The Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) of 1982 was signed into law on Sept. 3, and most of its provisions took effect on Jan. 1, 1983.
Interestingly, these tax increases were criticized because they occurred during a recession, and it was thought the increases would further cripple the economy.
Rep. Newt Gingrich said at the time : "I think it will make the economy sicker."
He was wrong (again).
From the article:
"the economy's growth rates after TEFRA took effect were among the fastest in history.
Aren't you some kind of economist or something?
This stuff is easy to google; try it.

Kevin Barrington | 3.26.10 @ 1:26PM

The dead Kurds were gassed indeed. Gas was provided to Saddam to combat Iranian human waves.
Not just arms but intelligence was provided to Saddam by his US backers- Donald Rumsfeld - being a noteworthy one.
Re the GAS - the US knew the amount and how much of it had passed the sell-by date cos Reagan supplied the shit.
Same way the jihadists like Hekmaytar were armed by US>
And now he is up there with Bin Laden on the hit list.
Bush junior decided to back the Sunnis against the winners of the Iraq war - the Shites and their Iranian colleagues.
Now which branch fills the ranks of Al Qaeda?
Sunnis of course.
Go figure.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 2:15PM

You do realize, Jordan, that the President does not create legislation?

It was the Democrat congress which gave us the illegal alien amnesty. Reagan signed it. He neither wrote the bill nor sought it; he acceded to it.

And he did so, btw, on the promise that it was a one-time deal never to be repeated.

So why are we repeating it?

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 5:40PM

It was the Democrat congress which gave us the illegal alien amnesty. Reagan signed it. He neither wrote the bill nor sought it; he acceded to it.
You really should check out that google, you can learn all kinds of stuff like :"He also agreed with the legislation in adjusting the status of immigrants—even if they had entered illegally—who were law-abiding long-term residents, many of whom had children in the United States. Illegal immigrants who could establish that they had resided in America continuously for five years would be granted temporary resident status, which could be upgraded to permanent residency after 18 months and, after another five years, to citizenship. It wasn’t automatic. They had to pay application fees, learn to speak English, understand American civics, pass a medical exam and register for military selective service. Those with convictions for a felony or three misdemeanors were ineligible.
That was Edwin Meese talking about Reagan's view at the time of the legislation.

David| 3.24.10 @ 2:18PM

For a hundred years the progressives have laid the framework for the subjugation of this nation to socialism and politicians wittingly and not, joined in. Entitlements have bought off a goodly portion of our society and with Obamacare, the rest. I'm not sure what, if anything, can be done as our representatives don't listen and they feel they can rule with impunity. That being said, I'm old enough to have traveled and seen the detritus and misery left in the wake of progressivism throughout the world and cannot in good conscience standby idly and let it happen here. I start by wearing a shirt that says, "I will not go silently into tyranny" and the rest I'll make up as I go.

Susan Grant| 3.24.10 @ 2:28PM

If we are to win in November, we MUST begin calling the left wing radicals that now occupy OUR White House and are destroying OUR Congress and Senate, what they truly are and that is COMMUNISTS. NO MORE MR. NICE WITH REFFERING TO THEM AS LIBERALS, PROGRESSIVES OR MODERATES, CALL LIKE WE SEE EM AND THE WAY THEY ACT, THEY ARE COMMUNISTS.

Amanda| 3.26.10 @ 9:22PM

That's all fine but no one wants to see half their salary go to these social welfare programs.

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 2:32PM

David,

The fundamental problem is systemic. We have a political system where people get elected by giving their constituents goodies and by getting donations from special interest groups. You can't get elected on a platform of cutting spending because when someone asks where you are going to cut, it ends up hurting your districts.

The place to start is not with Dems or Repubs, but with changing the systemic influences. Term limits are a good start and then cutting out all local projects from federal budgets. No more local parks, bike trails, etc. Those expenses should be borne by communities and states.

One of the larger budget items is keeping open military bases and plants that produce military equipment. Many Republicans argue for keeping plants open for equipment we don't need. But if they let those plants close, they won't get reelected.

First, change the structure.

Tim| 3.24.10 @ 2:34PM

Under the 1986 Law passed by Congress and signed by Reagan " They had to pay application fees, learn to speak English, understand American civics, pass a medical exam and register for military selective service. Those with convictions for a felony or three misdemeanors were ineligible.There was extensive document fraud, and the number of people applying for amnesty far exceeded projections. And there was a failure of political will to enforce new laws against employers. After a brief slowdown, illegal immigration returned to high levels and continued unabated, forming the nucleus of today’s large population of illegal aliens. "

Why would Americans allow themselves to be Sucker Punched again.

The progressives| 3.24.10 @ 2:43PM

Do you know that you all mostly sound like a bunch of deranged lunatic terrorists that are going to crash into a federal building somewhere. Keep it up, so the sane half of America will prevail in 2012. Peace out.

Thanks, the progressives.

David| 3.24.10 @ 2:47PM

I am not the same David who posted at 2:18 pm. I am the David who has two earlier posts.

Bob, why is it that we can't be both fiscally conservative and socially conservative? Morons like you are the reason we end up with McCains, Specters, Grahams, Hutchisons, Crists, etc. They and you are the ones who screw up the repub party. There are many social conservatives who are not motivated by religion. Those are the honest folks who actually look at the devastating results a lack of moral and ethicial behavior produces.

P Aaronson, why don't you list some of the major differences that you claim exist between the U.S. passed health care bill and what they have in the UK and Canada? We know all three systems will have price control, panel and committees of bureaucrats to decide who gets what care and when, so what exactly are the differences that convince you our's will be a better system.

It has been widely reported that one-third of physicians say they will stop practicing medicine or retire early rather than hassle with the new system. The same happened in UK and Canada and that is why there are waiting lines. Here, the baby boomers are starting to retire, and we will need more caregivers, not fewer.

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 2:58PM

"Bob, why is it that we can't be both fiscally conservative and socially conservative?"

There are a few of you that are, but not many. I think the problem lies in the fact that if you are a true social conservative, you value belief over reason. That leads you down the path of not looking at the data when it conflicts with your belief systems.

For example, all of the macroeconomic data shows that tax cuts are not stimulative to the economy. But instead of actually studying the data, you rely on the belief that when more money is in your pocket, you'll spend it more wisely. Well, the numbers just don't back you up.

Another recent example has to do with healthcare. Social conservatives railed against the Medicare cuts in the Obama plan simply because it came from Obama. However, a true fiscal conservative actually wants to reduce entitlements like Medicare and would have supported that provision instead of using an ideological argument about Medicare advantage.

Thus, I consider people like you the real morons in this game. And by the way, I couldn't support McCain, or Crist, or Graham because they are simply panderers and certainly not fiscal conservatives. I did support Romney and gave his campaign some money. My favorite politician is now Paul Ryan if that gives you some sense of where I stand. He's the only one with an actual plan to reduce entitlement spending over time. He's intelligent as well. I don't agree with him on social issues, but for me, they are certainly secondary.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 3:14PM

Yeah, Bob, YOU'RE the true conservative here. Obamacare's fine with you just so long as those unfortunates who pay federal taxes get raped to pay for it.

Take a look at what just happened in Seattle, Bob. THIS is the future under Obamacare:

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/88971742.html

But hey, having government employees kill your grandchild without so much as a permission slip is okay---so long as it's paid for, right?

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 3:58PM

Hey, Teflon, if you've read ANY of my posts you'd know I was against this legislation. A fiscal conservative is concerned with cost, not ideology. We spend 17% of our GDP on health care which means we are not competitive with other countries. We need to lower this cost to about 10% to be competitive again so we can create jobs in the manufacturing sector where there is a significant job multiplier. You do know what that means, don't you? That means we have to cut medicare, social security, doc pay and we have to let people die when they get old unless they can afford to pay for the machines themselves. Teflon, you really aren't a fiscal conservative, are you.....

Nick| 3.24.10 @ 4:01PM

Pay no attention to 3/5 Bob's comments, folks.

For those who don't know, he is known as 3/5 Bob, because until last June, he thought that blacks had 3/5 of a vote, under the original U.S. Constitution.

He also doesn't know the scientific fact of when human biological life begins because he is unsure of when "ensoulment" happens.

He also claimed he translated the Bible from the original Aramaic when he was a teenager.

He is a pseudo-intellectual and an anti-Christian bigot.

Don't waste your time arguing with him.

Ken (Old Texican)| 3.24.10 @ 3:09PM

Well folks,
I believe this conversation demonstrates just how tough this war is going to be.

There really are some silly la la land people in our country aren't there?
There are many others that truly are useful idiots along with their communist, (pardon the shorthand), employers helpers here.

One would think that these whack jobs could simply look around themselves and see that money doesn't magically grow on government trees; that it is taken from we who have earned it.

Their ignorance does seem to be bullet-proof though.
I am personally glad they come here to help us sharpen our mental swords.

Tim| 3.24.10 @ 3:11PM

We'll see ya on November 2nd and see who votes against your progressives' socialism .

Boo Hoo Teabaggers| 3.24.10 @ 3:18PM

Come November 2, The Educated One will be riding high again as he marks the first quarter of his presidency. Come November 2012, the vast majority of people will have realized that health care reform benefits everybody. God will be in His heaven, and all will be right with the world.

CMD in Texas| 3.25.10 @ 11:48AM

Mr. Boo Hoo...you are right! The "Educated One" being the American Public has learned what a FARCE Obama is and will be! His Chicago style politics…his Pinocchio truth telling…his socialist agenda…his lack of scruples…have shown us who to vote for in 2010 and 2012. He knows how to use the US Constitution to break it down. He is dishonest but sold you on Hope and Change…and you’ll see the Hope after we Change some of the US Representatives in 2010 and Obama in 2012. As an Independent voter, I did NOT vote for him having no faith in an unknown. As an Independent voter, I will vote out my Representative in 2010 and vote out the Obama-nation in 2012.

Kevin Barrington| 3.24.10 @ 3:23PM

This point is really sinister:

"Unlike Jimmy Carter, Obama is a true believer, someone who understands that transforming policy translates into votes "

Imagine seeking votes.

But check this real linguistic, moral and political sleight of hand:
"Barack Obama's next agenda item is "immigration reform" which, unless it is defeated, will further broaden the Left's constituency, strengthen the unions, and undermine the rule of law."

Reform and legislation will "undermine the rule of law."????

I think the issue of contention is the "rule of mulah"

Tony in Central PA| 3.24.10 @ 3:55PM

The article is referencing the desire by the Left to create dependency in order to consolidate their support. If you have any historical arguments that can refute this from, say, the last 50 - 70 years let's hear them.
Alexander Tytler remarked that dependency was the last stage for the citizens of a democracy before it reverted to bondage.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Tony in Central PA| 3.24.10 @ 3:57PM

I may have misattributed the quote. It could have been Henning Webb Prentiss. I'll check when I have time.

Tim| 3.24.10 @ 3:28PM

" Yet most economists seem to agree that tax cuts really do provide a stimulus. The real reason may be that they provide flexibility: people who want to consume more can use their tax cut for that purpose; people who want to save more can use theirs to buy up the new government bonds. This is the perfect scenario during a recession, when prior over-investment has resulted in bloated inventory levels and poor private investment opportunities. "

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 4:02PM

Half of all economists work in either government or are political economists. The macroeconomic data does not support that rhetoric. Have you seen any of these economists actually show you charts and data? No, because they are paid for supporting their employers point of view.

Here's the chart of inflation adjusted GDP over time. Please show me how the Reagan tax cuts stimulated the economy....

http://www.data360.org/dsg.asp.....oup_Id=230

The fact that most of you believe the nonsense you are told indicates you never learned how to think critically.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 4:41PM

How about 25 straight quarters of GDP growth?

That's from the Reagan tax cuts impacting Q4 1982 through the end of his presidency:

1982 Q4 $5,189.8 0.09%
1983 Q1 $5,253.8 1.23%
1983 Q2 $5,372.3 2.26%
1983 Q3 $5,478.4 1.97%
1983 Q4 $5,590.5 2.05%
1984 Q1 $5,699.8 1.96%
1984 Q2 $5,797.9 1.72%
1984 Q3 $5,854.3 0.97%
1984 Q4 $5,902.4 0.82%
1985 Q1 $5,956.9 0.92%
1985 Q2 $6,007.8 0.85%
1985 Q3 $6,101.7 1.56%
1985 Q4 $6,148.6 0.77%
1986 Q1 $6,207.4 0.96%
1986 Q2 $6,232.0 0.40%
1986 Q3 $6,291.7 0.96%
1986 Q4 $6,323.4 0.50%
1987 Q1 $6,365.0 0.66%
1987 Q2 $6,435.0 1.10%
1987 Q3 $6,493.4 0.91%
1987 Q4 $6,606.8 1.75%
1988 Q1 $6,639.1 0.49%
1988 Q2 $6,723.5 1.27%
1988 Q3 $6,759.4 0.53%
1988 Q4 $6,848.6 1.32%

Last column is quarter-over-quarter growth. You'll remember that prior to this Reagan gave Paul Volcker the green light to really hammer inflation.

Reagan did what folks like Bob said couldn't be done---simultaneously reduce inflation, interest rates, unemployment, and produce economic growth.

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 5:32PM

Teflon, I thought you said you worked with statistics. Here is the entire chart of GDP growth:

http://www.data360.org/dsg.asp.....oup_Id=230

You'll notice there is no change in the rate of change for the slope of the curve from before Reagan to after Reagan. Didn't you ever learn how to do analysis???? You can't be that dumb, can you? Using selected data to make your point is disingenuous. That's why people should look at all the data -- before, during, and after an event. If I were you, I'd ask for a refund for any of those statistics courses you took.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 8:07PM

Bob, you might want to zoom in.

Look at the numbers. Note 25 straight quarters of positive growth, month over month over month.

I'll stack my IQ against yours any day, Bob.

Of course, I'll have to explain standard deviation to you in order to do so.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 8:34PM

Let me put it even more simply.

During Carter's administration, the average quarter-over-quarter GDP growth was 0.8 percent.

From the time Reagan's tax cuts went into effect until the end of his presidency, that same growth was 1.12 pct---sustained for 25 quarters (That's over 6 years). Mind you, the Reagan boom represented an almost 40% increase in GDP growth. Prior to these tax cuts the average was negative 0.27 pct growth during the horrible 1981-2 recession. Indeed, that's what got Reagan's tax cuts moved through the House.

See National Review's excellent "The Real Reagan Record" for how this impacted individuals.

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 5:50PM

Correct about the growth in GDP (in general) but wrong about the reason. Tax increases, as I referred to in an earlier post, gave the Reagan era economy the growth spurt
Again, from Forbes magazine (not a lefty publication):
Ronald Reagan proposed the largest peacetime tax increase in American history as part of a budget deal to get the federal deficit under control. The Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) of 1982 was signed into law on Sept. 3, and most of its provisions took effect on Jan. 1, 1983.
http://www.forbes.com/2009/02/.....taxes.html
If you have the expertise to refute the author of this article, have at it. It is unequivocal in it's statement that tax increases (significant ones) are what brought about GDP growth under Reagan. They (tax increases) also gave us a good economy under Clinton.

Teflon93| 3.25.10 @ 7:18PM

Look at the Heritage chart.

The top marginal tax rate dropped precipitously under Reagan. THAT is what fueled the Reagan boom, 25 straight quarters of economic growth.

Taking money out of the private sector does NOT spur growth, it retards it.

Keynes has been completely and utterly discredited. Indeed, he was discredited when the Smoot-Hawley Tariff passed.

DanMingo| 3.26.10 @ 12:38PM

Reagan lowered the top marginal rate, but he raised taxes on the middle class (largest tax increase in US history). Even so, it was his tax increases, not cuts, that are given credit for the economic growth of the period.

Tim| 3.24.10 @ 3:46PM

Gee ! What Educated One ?
Obooboo looks like an Affirmative Action Boy ,who is hiding his undergraduate records from Occidental and Columbia and was NOT listed on the publicly listed honors . That means his GPA was somewhere from a 3.3 down to 2.o ,Sport.
Do your homework , Buffoon !

Truth to Power| 3.24.10 @ 3:57PM

I believe his GPA is less than George W. Bush's. If it was even a hundredth higher we would probably know it. When you invest so much in convincing the public that GWB was stupid and that credentials are the only measure of intelligence, you have painted yourself into the liberal corner. Gore, Kerry and now Obama are a pretty dim group. It is a pretty deluded group that thinks they are being led by intellects.

Nick| 3.24.10 @ 6:28PM

Does anyone believe graduating from Harvard is supposed to be some kind of accomplishment?

Boo Hoo Teabaggers| 3.24.10 @ 6:58PM

"I believe his GPA is less than George W. Bush's."

Who needs facts when you have "belief"?

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 8:36PM

Like your belief that Obama's smarter besides his inability to speak to children without a teleprompter, his belief that the U.S. has 57 states, and his complete ignorance of basic math?

But it was the same thing with John Kerry, wasn't it? Oh, how chagrined the Democrats were when they discovered his grades were worse than Bush's!

Boo Hoo Teabaggers| 3.24.10 @ 11:20PM

Wow. If only you could cook up a substantive criticism of The Educated One. It's not like you'd need any evidence or anything, based on these criticisms.

Well, that's not entirely fair to you. He does indeed use a teleprompter. You know, whenever one of you teabaggers pulls out the teleprompter argument, I know I've just won the argument. Because that really is the best you've got, isn't it.

Bush rarely used a teleprompter. Because he couldn't read.

CMD in Texas| 3.25.10 @ 11:59AM

Mr. Boo Hoo...right again! How can anyone criticize Obama? ACORN lawyers, SEIU lackey, Sol Alinksy disciple, are we getting close to socialism. No, we can’t criticize a good socialist…just pray that he doesn’t convert this country into his image…very similar to a hammer and sickle! Obama can thank God for the “Bill of Rights” otherwise; he couldn’t feed you the Hope and Change baloney you eat! Please read the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights…we do not live in an Obama socialist state. They give you and me the right to CRITICIZE each other and Obama!!

Teflon93| 3.25.10 @ 2:24PM

Bush was a fighter pilot on a century-series interceptor. That took more smarts---and more guts---than you have, friend.

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 4:05PM

Did he graduate with honors from Harvard Law?

At Harvard Law School, Obama graduated Magna Cum Laude, which, according to the Havard Law School website, is awarded to the top 10% of Harvard Law School students.

Also at Harvard Law School, Obama was accepted as one of 85-90 Editors of the Harvard Law Review, out of an estimated 1,000 students from the 2L and 3L classes that might have sought this honor. Obama was also elected President of the Law Review, which according to a Harvard Law spokesperson is not based at all on academics, but on other measures as would occur in any club.

cci| 3.24.10 @ 3:46PM

When 'conservatives' again become Conservative across the board, instead of the Smorgasbord, we will have Liberty again.

When 'conservatives' are ready get off the 'They want to kill us' constant refrain of the never-ending war on Liberty (otherwise known as the war on 'terror'), we will again have Freedom.

When 'conservatives' are ready again to be about Liberty and Freedom instead of picking and choosing what Liberties they want to keep as opposed to those they are willing give away - via over-bloated bureaucracies like the Department of Homeland Security and the attendant phony war on 'terror'.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 4:00PM

Ahh, I see---it's the minority of Americans who call themselves "conservative" who are the trouble, and not the majority who do not.

Hint: a vast majority of Americans oppose Obamacare, yet have had it foisted upon us anyway.

How's that fit the narrative, cci?

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 4:07PM

For a guy who is supposed to look at the numbers, you certainly fail, Teflon. About 1/3 of the people who oppose Obamacare think it is NOT LIBERAL ENOUGH. They wanted universal, government paid, healthcare.

How does that fit your narrative, Teflon?

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 4:46PM

Boy, Bob, you really can't think critically, can you?

cci blames conservatives for the Democrats assault on our liberty. I point out:

a) a majority of Americans---60%---do not classify themselves as conservative;

b) a majority of Americans---more than 60%---oppose Obamacare;

By which point I show that conservatives are hardly to blame for this outrage---indeed, we are firmly in the majority opposing it.

At which point Bob hits the CAPS LOCK and loses the thread entirely.

Bob, the fact that a portion of the 60% opposing Obamacare are left wing nutjobs reinforces my point: conservatives cannot possibly be the cause for this assault on liberty. We simply lack the numbers.

So the answer to your question is, "Perfectly."

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 5:35PM

Again, Teflon, it seems as if you don't know how to do analysis. Look deeper in the data. 52% of that sample say they like Obamacare or it is not liberal enough while 47% use the conservative argument. Do you really want to count the 13% that said the legislation wasn't liberal enough in your group?

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 8:08PM

I'll have to type more slowly for Bob.

Reread the last post, Bob. As slowly as you like. We'll wait.

Nick| 3.24.10 @ 4:12PM

Pay no attention to 3/5 Bob's comments, folks.

For those who don't know, he is known as 3/5 Bob, because until last June, he thought that blacks had 3/5 of a vote, under the original U.S. Constitution.

He also doesn't know the scientific fact of when human biological life begins because he is unsure of when "ensoulment" happens.

He also claimed he translated the Bible from the original Aramaic when he was a teenager.

He is a pseudo-intellectual and an anti-Christian bigot.

Don't waste your time arguing with him.

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 4:14PM

1/5 Nick....

Doesn't know the Constitution....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T.....compromise
Doesn't understand science....
Doesn't know anything about Biblical Aramaic....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Aramaic
Doesn't know enough to make any relevant comments.....

Talk about wasting time?????

Hmmm....

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 4:48PM

Bob, where in Article 1 is Congress given the power to mandate health insurance?

Where in Article 1 does it say revenue bills originate in the Senate?

Where in Article 1 does it say a bill may pass one house but not the other and be signed by the President?

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 5:38PM

You can make the same argument for Medicare and Social Security. Are you in favor of getting rid of both of them or do you just want to be inconsistent?

Just for the record, I'm a fiscal conservative and don't support the concept of a mandate. We don't disagree on that issue. Why must you believe that if a person questions some basic assumptions, they are your ideological opposite? You must be a bit more sophisticated than that????

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 8:12PM

Yes, I'm for getting rid of both of them. Baby Boomers are bankrupting us through these programs.

You do care about bankruptcy, right?

But if you stop and think a moment, Bob, you might see why there is no such thing as a "fiscal conservative."

How much would the federal budget be without entitlement programs?

How much would the deficit be if they were eliminated?

Getting it now, Bob? Smaller government costs less. The answer isn't to jack up taxes to support Leviathan, it's to eliminate Leviathan.

It isn't about "paying for the services we want", but rather about government only doing specifically what the Constitution allows---particularly Article 1 section 8.

THAT's conservatism---funding the unconstitutional welfare state isn't.

Is there any chance of this happening?

Not short of another revolution I'm afraid.

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 5:58PM

But if you stop and think a moment, Bob, you might see why there is no such thing as a "fiscal conservative."

How much would the federal budget be without entitlement programs?

How much would the deficit be if they were eliminated?

Getting it now, Bob? Smaller government costs less. The answer isn't to jack up taxes to support Leviathan, it's to eliminate Leviathan.
http://spectator.org/archives/.....ent_250240
Many of the same Republicans who today complain about Obama's spending voted for every pork-barrel project proposed by any Republican during the years they controlled Congress, as well as voting for a vast expansion of Medicare spending in 2003 when the program was already bankrupt.
But when Republicans claim that higher taxes will destroy the economy, they should be reminded that they made the same argument in 1982 and 1993 and that the actual economic results were the opposite of what they predicted. And when they denounce Obama's health plan for expanding the size of government, they should be asked how they voted on the Medicare bill in 2003.

Nick| 3.25.10 @ 6:03PM

DanMingo,

Your back!

Oliver North is an American hero!
And President Reagan got away with it! Ha-ha!
And, he might be on the fifty-dollary bill someday. And Mt. Rushmore, too.

Nick| 3.24.10 @ 4:21PM

3/5 Bob,

Thinks the Constitution gave blacks 3/5 of a vote....
Thinks "ensoulment" is a scientific term....
Thinks there are Bibles in Aramaic around to be translated....
Doesn't know much of anything, except how to manipulate economic data....
Doesn't persuade anyone on this website....

Why would anybody read his tripe?

Tim| 3.24.10 @ 4:31PM

Actually , it's awarded to the top 10 percent , excluding Summas ,the precious few who get A to A+

That doesn't answer Obama's hiding his undergraduate records and The Affirmative Action question.

Quite odd , as president of the Harvard Law Review and a law professor in Chicago, Senator Barack Obama refined his legal thinking, but left a scant paper trail. His name doesn't appear on any legal scholarship. (only one unsigned was found )
What's Obama hiding ? Hmmmm ?

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 4:49PM

How stupid does Obama have to be to NOT get straight As at Harvard?

Once you get in, everyone with a pulse gets As.

Nick| 3.24.10 @ 7:04PM

Does anyone believe graduating from Harvard is supposed to be some kind of accomplishment?

Starbucks Smart | 3.24.10 @ 8:19PM

LOL!

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 8:37PM

No, getting in is the accomplishment, and not much of one if you're politically connected.

Anyone know how Obama got in?

Anyone know how he paid for it when he did?

David | 3.24.10 @ 4:33PM

Hey Bob, if Bam Bam is so smart, while has he sealed ALL of his academic records? Why can't anyone find a Law Review article that he wrote while editor? He is a phony and a fake. Also, I have seen articles written by people who claim to have been at Columbia at the same Obama attended. Even after talking to classmates at a class reunion, not one, hear that, not one person ever remembers seeing him on campus or taking a class with him. Strange, huh. Every presidential candidate in recent memory has released their school records. Boy Obama gets another pass.

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 5:43PM

Bush and Cheney and Palin released their school records? Really??? Can you give me a link? The Washington Post got grades from selected courses from a confidential source, but they were not given to them by the candidates. Please prove me wrong!!!!

Boo Hoo Teabaggers| 3.24.10 @ 6:51PM

David's right. I heard it on Glen Beck, so it must be true.

Edmund James| 3.24.10 @ 4:41PM

The Democrats prepared for this. They won congress and the senate because of the financial crisis. The Republicans know their voters but how about new voters, the youth at all the colleges and so forth? Tea Parties, Townhall gatherings, the Internet, etc. But particularly the GOP has to overcome academe at the universities, as well the leftist organizatiions, and spreading the word, that drastic socialism has infiltrated America rather than wise incremental changes.

WAKE UP| 3.24.10 @ 4:50PM

The only way to reform immigration right now is to (1) stop all immigration dead in its tracks (2) repatriate all obvious undesirables (3) ringfence the countries of origin

James Lawrence| 3.24.10 @ 5:06PM

in order to beat the enemy, use their tactics against them. Obama has groups of people ( thinkers, experts, pragmatists) come together, break down the issue into parts and then form work groups to brainstorm ideas. Within a short period of time they are reconvened and report their conclusions. All of these things are completed in a day or less. Speed is the important factor as details are put together. Speed,Speed,Speed!!! Without that all is lost. All of the energies put forth by the Tea Party groups and all others who shout out and wring their hands must be funneled to a common purpose. Using the internet to form these brain trusts must be accomplished to stop the madness.

Tim| 3.24.10 @ 5:20PM

While Tax Cuts offer stimulus , notice how the liberal apologists avoid The Elephant In The Middle Of The Room , Cutting Federal Government Spending .

This is Basic Economics , Not Rocket Science.

Kevin Barrington| 3.25.10 @ 1:52PM

Providing health care is hardly the foundation stone on which 'a culture of dependency' is built. And those so concerned about government spending should perhaps focus their attention on the war in Iraq and the vast sums wasted, not to mention the terrifying damage done to America's image, as a result of that deadly deception: the weapon of mass destruction.
Re the damage, ponder upon this one example.
People in Iran came out in numbers of up to one million to show their sympathy/empathy with the US post 9/11.
This is the herd of elephants coralled into the room by Bush.
And the consequences of his time in power, tragically, makes providing healthcare far more urgent.

Tim| 3.24.10 @ 5:35PM

Uh oh ,Sport !
Even Democrat cited Mark Zandi of Moody's admits tax cuts stimulate the economy.
His chart says temporary cuts can stimulate the economy $1.29 for every dollar spent.

You're up !

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 5:46PM

Tim, please show me the data. I don't believe either liberal or conservative economists because they are paid for their point of view. That's why I analyze the data myself.

Please present some sort of inflation adjusted graph including pre and post data to prove your point.

I've shown you the GDP data and from a macroeconomic basis, it shows absolutely no significant stimulation for any tax cut event. You're up....

Bob| 3.24.10 @ 5:51PM

By the way, here is Mark Zandi's full document on the relative merits of tax cuts versus stimulus spending. You should look at Table 1.

http://www.economy.com/mark-za.....imulus.pdf

If you really want to make dumb statements, go right ahead...

Nick| 3.24.10 @ 6:02PM

Pay no attention to 3/5 Bob's comments, folks.

For those who don't know, he is known as 3/5 Bob, because until last June, he thought that blacks had 3/5 of a vote, under the original U.S. Constitution.

He also doesn't know the scientific fact of when human biological life begins because he is unsure of when "ensoulment" happens.

He also claimed he translated the Bible from the original Aramaic when he was a teenager.

He is a pseudo-intellectual and an anti-Christian bigot.

Don't waste your time arguing with him.

Does anyone believe graduating from Harvard is supposed to be some kind of accomplishment?

Tim| 3.24.10 @ 6:03PM

Do Your Homework !
That Mark Zandi Chart is in his own " Fiscal Economic Bang for the Buck ".

Come back when you've done your homework .

Tim | 3.24.10 @ 6:10PM

I've read it Sport.

You're the pseudo-sage who wrote ," For example, all of the macroeconomic data shows that tax cuts are not stimulative to the economy. "
I rebutted that statement .

royrogers| 3.24.10 @ 7:32PM

With all this "socialism" talk we've forgotten a more insidious danger--Fascism! The alliance of government with big business, the wealthy and other powerful entities is frightening.
1. The Bush war in Iraq has proceeded without a penny of the cost coming from the wealthiest in America. They've actually benefited from the vast production used in the wars.
2. The middle class has been stripped of its power and wealth (such as it is) by giving it all up in members of the military sent off to war (where do you think they all come from?) and in money taken from health, education and infrastructure sent to pay Haliburton et al for electrocuting our soldiers.
3. Big Business buying up Congress and the Supreme Court (Big Pharma, Big Insurance, Big Banks, Big Finance...).

We'd better remember that a strong middle class makes this country strong. A lot of the unbridled anti-government rhetoric seems destined more to destroy the middle class of this country, handing it over to Wall Street. Who jacked up our health insurance? Who pigged out on our need for gasoline? Who has reduced the benefits that used to come with a job? Who are the business interests behind the Tea Party? Who has taken education money and spread it among huge corporations that benefit from continued war?
We're cutting off our noses, people!

royrogers| 3.24.10 @ 7:33PM

With all this "socialism" talk we've forgotten a more insidious danger--Fascism! The alliance of government with big business, the wealthy and other powerful entities is frightening.
1. The Bush war in Iraq has proceeded without a penny of the cost coming from the wealthiest in America. They've actually benefited from the vast production used in the wars.
2. The middle class has been stripped of its power and wealth (such as it is) by giving it all up in members of the military sent off to war (where do you think they all come from?) and in money taken from health, education and infrastructure sent to pay Haliburton et al for electrocuting our soldiers.
3. Big Business buying up Congress and the Supreme Court (Big Pharma, Big Insurance, Big Banks, Big Finance...).

We'd better remember that a strong middle class makes this country strong. A lot of the unbridled anti-government rhetoric seems destined more to destroy the middle class of this country, handing it over to Wall Street. Who jacked up our health insurance? Who pigged out on our need for gasoline? Who has reduced the benefits that used to come with a job? Who are the business interests behind the Tea Party? Who has taken education money and spread it among huge corporations that benefit from continued war?
We're cutting off our noses, people!

Wesley Mouch| 3.24.10 @ 9:15PM

You nailed it.

Coming here to read & post is enjoyable for me once again as I see more sensible posts & less neocon talking points. Who knows, we might even get a political movement started that actually represents the most productive part of our society, the middle class.

Richard| 3.25.10 @ 2:28PM

The only part of your point I agree on is the middle class part. Both are dangerous--Big businesss and Big labor. Both are dangerous--fascism and socialism/communism. The liberals are controlled by the latter.

I have seen a lack of middle-ground in the health care debate. Obama for all his poise and posturing, does not have the answer for health care. Neither is the answer in leaving it the way it is. So, I don't hear one peep about negotiating a middle-of-the-road solution to this problem! Not one! The same goes for the immigration debate! Either we have one side demanding to send all illegal immigrants back to their origin countries, costing untold dollars or we see those who support 100 percent amnesty! Folks, none is the answer!

Obama has promised bi-partisanship. That hasn't happened! In fact, it's worse than that during Bush's tenure! The fault doesn't just lie with Obama, it also lies with his staff.

Maybe, we should just elect a third party who will take all the moderates from both sides of the aisle so not one of the majors will win.

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 6:02PM

You do realize the recently passed bill had 200 republican sponsored amendments, right?

Margie| 3.25.10 @ 9:10PM

No third party. Not a good idea. Just nominate conservatives in the Republican party. That's how we will win. Don't you think so? Otherwise it'll just split the vote, like Ross Perot did, and gave us Clinton! Ugh.

DanMingo| 3.26.10 @ 12:42PM

Clinton! Ugh.
Yes, we could not endure another 8 years of peace and prosperity like we had in the Clinton years.
Bring back Bush.

Anonymous| 3.24.10 @ 7:47PM

For leftists (like with Vince Lombardi) winning isn't everything, it's the only thing. They'd scarifice their mother or spouse to win, so they'll just keep on going... they won one, that's good enough for them. They rat bastards don't care if people hate them-- that's what power's for, to punish the ungrateful people who don't like and obey them (or who even aren't unfriendly but just not sufficiently useful any more).

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 6:03PM

For leftists (like with Vince Lombardi) winning isn't everything, it's the only thing.

Yeah, that's why the republicans fought to get in 200 amendments to the bill, only to vote against their own amendments to score political points with their 'base'.

Teflon93| 3.24.10 @ 8:19PM

Fascism is socialism with a better wardrobe.

A pen| 3.24.10 @ 8:52PM

Release this schmucks college papers and you'll see who the traitors call eligible. The only thing this man is interested in is the creation of an authentarian state where the chosen elite will dictate fairness and the courts will keep order and liberty to still walk to work for free.

Amanda| 3.26.10 @ 9:29PM

Obama want's to destroy the US. Here's what he wrote in a Columbia University Paper as reported by the Obama Timeline:
http://www.colony14.net/id41.html

Obama writes an anti-war article for Columbia University’s magazine, Sundial. “Breaking the War Mentality” contains grammatical errors, atrocious punctuation, bad spelling, and contradictory statements. Even the best English teachers would be hard-pressed to diagram this distorted and confused sentence from Obama’s article: “When Peter Tosh sings that ‘everybody’s asking for peace, but nobody’s asking for justice,’ one is forced to wonder whether disarmament or arms control ensues, severed from economic and political issues, might be another instance of focusing on the symptoms of a problem instead of the disease itself.” In the article Obama bemoans the fact that the military’s introduction of additional Pershing II and Cruise Missiles will “cut down (the) warning time for the Soviets to less than ten minutes,” suggesting that Obama apparently prefers a U.S. policy that gives the Soviets as much advance warning as possible in order to provide them with a better chance of defeating the United States. [990]

Erik| 3.24.10 @ 9:07PM

Face it. Glen Beck is a raving lunatic. The fact that he looks like an adult version of Bart Simpson is his one redeeming feature. It's also more than a bit odd that Rushbo is exactly the same now as he was before he went into rehab for addition to heroin-like pain-killers. Did you get a really close look at his face and especially his eyes when he ripped into the 11 year old boy whose mother had just died? What's the story Rush? Tell us. We're as forgiving as you are. You have nothing to fear by being honest. If you need professional help you should get it.

Wesley Mouch| 3.24.10 @ 9:18PM

I thought boss Limbaugh was moving to Costa Rica so he could partake of the high quality health care. That would be universal healthcare BTW chuckleheads. Fool of a neocon.

Lush Rimbaugh| 3.25.10 @ 6:05PM

If you need professional help you should get it.

Or young dominican boys.

Wankel| 3.24.10 @ 9:10PM

I guess this means that McCain will run again in 2012.

hardmanb| 3.24.10 @ 9:17PM

The left knows that Obamacare will inevitably produce huge deficits.

To pay for them, they are already hinting at the necessity of a european-style VAT (Value Added Tax) on Everything we consume. Then they will really have the money and can spend it on anything they want.

Carol| 3.24.10 @ 10:03PM

Republicans and conservatives have to use the same tactics as the left.

TELL THE PEOPLE WHAT OBAMA AND THE DEMOCRATS ARE DOING TO US. TELL THE POOR, THE MIDDLE CLASS, EVERYBODY THAT THE DEMOCRATS ARE NOT THEIR FRIENDS. THAT THEY ARE DELIBERATELY TURNING THEM INTO WELFARE RECIPIENTS FOR LIFE.

This is war and the Republicans have to quit playing nice.

BIPARTISANSHIP IS DEAD.

Richard| 3.25.10 @ 2:18PM

Yep, it is dead. Sadly, I believe America is dying unless we can get some good fiscal conservatives winning races and the only true ones can be found within the GOP.

We have to play as ONE. The only way to beat this opponent is by unifying, not dividing.

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Jeff B| 3.24.10 @ 10:32PM

"In short, we must campaign against the Left as if we were at war. ... To win, we must understand our opponents and maneuver according to circumstance. "

We are...and we will.

Yes, conservatives need to “outline and define” Obama and his cohorts et al.(actually Obama has done much of the work for us) It is necessary, and make it stick. But note I said conservatives not Republicans. Republicans can say anything they want and will. Conservatives must define this guy. And along with campaigning and governing as one and the same to O-Team, he must have an enemy – enter Beck, Fox etc.—all the time, someone for media to focus on and DEFINE, someone to demonize nonstop. They have a list of possible candidates and have done the opposition research.

And what is RNC doing? Fundraising -- "This is great for fundraising." So you have the left who vows never let a crisis go to waste, and Republicans that never met a problem they couldn't raise money with. Except they have no real incentive to solve the problems – on either side. First plan of action is get out of office anyone not onboard.

Repubs can drop the “management perspective” because they ain’t managing it, well if at all. And I don’t know that this can be “managed”. The people can do that though. Something else, it cannot be done by fiscal conservatives and market optimization. We are deep in the cultural and social areas – thanks to the left – so don’t tell social conservatives to go way. It is by ignorance we got here.

Richard| 3.25.10 @ 2:14PM

Jeff B., I agree with you 100 percent. I am mainly an Independent who is conservative and mostly, the Democrats are wrong on this one.

However, Jeff, one thing bothers me: America cannot afford another few years of liberal leadership. As much as I hate to say it, but the only ones who can possibly beat the Democrats (if they're to play a fair game) would be the GOP. Right now is not the time to make the same mistakes in '08, for that would surely lead to the Democrats winning yet again.

ROYROGERS| 3.26.10 @ 12:17PM

I absolutely cannot wait to see how conservatives will address the pitiful level of education in the US vs. the rest of the first world. Say, why don't we cut taxes on the wealthy some more, cut services to the poor, give corporations more "person" rights and send more middle class kids off to war. That'll solve the problem... Won't it?

Jeff B| 3.24.10 @ 10:39PM

Carol, yes: "THAT THEY ARE DELIBERATELY TURNING THEM INTO WELFARE RECIPIENTS FOR LIFE. "

They are making them SLAVES...making us all slaves. There, I feel better. We cannot sugar-coat it either.

DanMingo| 3.25.10 @ 6:09PM

They are making them SLAVES...making us all slaves
Yes, like ALL the other people who live in civilized countries are SLAVES, because they ALL have universal healthcare, and we don't.
We are FREE FREE FREE
of affordable healthcare.

Christopher Holland| 3.24.10 @ 11:20PM

In 1812 Napoleon Bonaparte won the Battle of Borodino and captured Moscow. A lot of good that did him. I reckon Obama has just won his Borodino - enjoy it will it lasts. It wont be long before he finds out about Margaret Thatcher's view of socialists - 'eventually they run out of other people's money'

nick| 3.24.10 @ 11:22PM

LOSERS

and Howell Raines is not discredited - he writes now about checking sources, what fox does not DO!

Yosemeti Sam| 3.25.10 @ 3:41AM

Shiver me timbers:

" ... Obama and his allies view governing and campaigning in the same context -- "winning" means all out war and by any means necessary...."

Well then, as the Duke would aver - fill your hands, you sons of bitches!

Yosemeti Sam| 3.25.10 @ 3:41AM

Shiver me timbers:

" ... Obama and his allies view governing and campaigning in the same context -- "winning" means all out war and by any means necessary...."

Well then, as the Duke would aver - fill your hands, you sons of bitches!

ABEO| 3.25.10 @ 5:35AM

Obama is a great president.

Richard| 3.25.10 @ 2:07PM

...who cheated to get what he wanted. Also, this is coming from an Independent who is not committed to either party.

Amanda| 3.25.10 @ 5:42AM

For all intent and purposes Obama is a corrupt Dictator who is going to be impossible to remove. It's going to be next to impossible to win an election, any election, since the radical left will do everything, legal and illegal, to win. Expect Amnesty reform - millions of new Democratic voters - we can thank Republican Lindsey Graham for giving the left this excuse with his idiotic proposal of card check,- the policing of the American people ; Universal Voter Registration; Illegal Immigration registration; Felons voting; etc. ACORN didn't disappear they've simply splintered off into dozens of other groups who will be out in force the next election and be a lot more difficult to police or prosecute.

Vic Soldat| 3.25.10 @ 6:51AM

As a conservative, living in Massachusetts, I know what it's like to be up against long odds. What I do is write letters to the editors of area newspapers,and seek out conservative candidates, nationwide, not just in Mass., to support financially. Republicans need not only highlight what is wrong with the "progressive" agenda, we/they need to educate the voters about alternatives that do not require state control. Conservatives need to stay angry and vocal. Republicans, especially , need to return to constitutional principles.

Nick| 3.25.10 @ 11:53AM

Boob Hoo,

You Lose!

75% of the democrat party is made up of old hippies.

Another 10% are anarchist types, who Soros pays to attend protest marches.

I'll bet President Dither, Rahmbo the Ballerina, and Axelrod are smoking a bong right now!

Jeff| 3.25.10 @ 3:55PM

No America loses.
Conservatives outnumber liberals in all states. Little more than 2o % call themselves liberal. But still they and Soros’ money goose-step onward. All they had was Party recognition, and now we see what that Party really means.

David| 3.25.10 @ 12:57PM

Bob, you don't recall the Bush-Kerry general election when we learned that Bush actually had a slightly higher GPA than Kerry?

You don't recall that the country was treated to Bush's record when he was training to fly fighter jets?

In this last election, you don't recall that we learned that McCain was near the bottom of his class at the military academy?

Show us your records Bam Bam! Show us at least one law review article. Name some of the people you attended classes with at Columbia. Who was your roommate if you lived on campus?

Amanda| 3.26.10 @ 9:35PM

http://www.colony14.net/id41.html
Looking for evidence of Obama’s past, Fox News contacted 400 Columbia students from that period but none remembered Obama. Wayne Allyn Root was, like Obama, a political science major at Columbia who also graduated in 1983. In 2008 Root says of Obama, “I don’t know a single person at Columbia that knows him, and they all know me. I don’t have a classmate who ever knew Barack Obama at Columbia. Ever! Nobody recalls him. I’m not exaggerating, I’m not kidding.” Root adds that he was also, like Obama, “Class of ’83 political science, pre-law” and says, “You don’t get more exact than that. Never met him in my life, don’t know anyone who ever met him. At the class reunion, our 20th reunion five years ago, 20th reunion, who was asked to be the speaker of the class? Me. No one ever heard of Barack! Who was he, and five years ago, nobody even knew who he was… the guy who writes the class notes, who’s kind of the, as we say in New York, the macha who knows everybody, has yet to find a person, a human who ever met him. Is that not strange? It’s very strange…” Obama’s photograph does not appear in the school’s yearbook, and Obama consistently declines requests to talk about his years at Columbia, provide school records, or provide the name of any former classmates or friends while at Columbia. [332, 346, 1182]

Kevin Barrington| 3.25.10 @ 2:00PM

Why do those who proclaim such concern about the government spending implications of Obama's healthcare moves not seem to be terrified by the cost, and not just financial, of that gargantuan act of deception: The weapon of mass destruction.

Teflon93| 3.25.10 @ 2:26PM

What costs more, Kevin---the Iraq War or Medicare/Medicaid?

DanMingo| 3.26.10 @ 12:46PM

What costs more, Kevin---the Iraq War or Medicare/Medicaid?
Well, let's see. We pay for medicare/medicaid with payroll deductions, so, although maybe underfunded, we do pay for these.
War in Iraq; unfunded, not included in the budget, paid for with borrowed money, and we gain nothing at all from it.
I'll take the medicare, please.

Teflon93| 3.26.10 @ 1:59PM

Spoken like someone who's never seen the federal budget.

Hint: take expenditure in real dollars over time as a % of GDP.

Government spending exploded with entitlements.

Indeed, even in times of war, the entitlement portion of the budget absolutely dwarfs military expenditure since the Great Society.

Thanks for the good laugh regarding "self-funding" entitlement programs, though, especially as Social Security went bankrupt this week.

Wonder where the government will be getting the money to pay those IOUs?

Richard| 3.25.10 @ 2:04PM

Sorry, I can't call this a victory. Cheating does not equate into wins. Just ask any sports Joe out there. Steroids have been used time and time again in sports and what was the result? A stiff fine and suspension, which was very adiquate. In High School sports, some "victories" have been taken away when discovered that their main players used some performance-enhancing drug to be able to be stronger and score more often.

Our president cheated his way to victory; so did Congress. Should we, the voter give them a free pass because they won on paper? Were the Democrats even winners? Conversely, were the Republicans losers? Many liberals would like to think so and even are bold to claim that in America, nobody acts like a "sore-loser". However, to be a "sore-loser", one has to lose first and lose in a fair game. That didn't happen. In reality, the Republicans really didn't lose and despite what the WH, Congress, and the media says, the GOP didn't lose and would've won had this game be played right--without the backroom deals with only liberal Democrats invited, the lies, the briberies, etc. If none of that would have happened, I believe everybody in America--yes, including the furthest Left would know in their heart of hearts that this bill would have lost along with Obama and the Democratic majority.

We can't forget to remind voters of that too.

Margie| 3.25.10 @ 9:06PM

I agree, great points! It wasn't a fair game to begin with. It was all back room deals, literally.
So many came out afterwards blaming the Republicans for it. I was one person who said whaaa? Not ONE Republican voted for the "Health Care" bill.
It's the same thing with Obama's election. I like to remind people about how if the dead Democrats (and other zombies) didn't vote for him, and there was no ACORN, he wouldn't be sitting on his fantasy throne right now.
Vote Republican!!

DanMingo | 3.26.10 @ 12:50PM

he wouldn't be sitting on his fantasy throne right now.
Fantasy is believing that because mickey mouse registered to vote, he actually got to vote. You do know they ask for identification when you vote, right? If you were really concerned about election fraud you'd be blogging about Ohio 2004. Verifiable vote stealing vs your imaginary Acorn stole the vote.
Not ONE Republican voted for the "Health Care" bill.
Even though they had 200 amendments added to the bill. They won't even support their own legislation. And you approve?

California70| 3.26.10 @ 3:50AM

Richard,
Need I remind you that "the furthest Left" as you comment, is the socialist/marxist? The socialit/Marxist politician doesn't give a crap about you, me or any of us. I certainly hope you have a full grasp of that fact. All they care about is pushing their agenda to change this Country to be socialist/marxist.
Is that what you want your children to live in? A Country with a government that can say "who can live, and who can die?
Isn't that why the puritans left England in the first place? A King, or in this particular case, a DICTATOR, with a big ego, can say who lives, and who dies.
For instance, if one of 70 or older, it costs too much to keep them alive and they no longer are considered a productive contributor to society, wella....none of the medical care for them that might keep them well and functioning for another 10 years. Just let them die. That what Rahm Emmanuel's brother, the good doctor believes. Haven't you ever read his books? He is another
Dr. Mengala just like in Hitler's days. I happen to live in Hitler's days, and believe me, this is very errie....dej a vu all over again.

Perhaps you guys aren't old enough to remember. I am!

Amanda| 3.26.10 @ 9:55PM

This is a must read:
Understanding Obama: The Making of a Fuehrer
http://www.faithfreedom.org/obama.html

Robert Chamberlain| 3.25.10 @ 3:58PM

What ever happened to Dr.Orly Taitz Esq. law suit to force Obama to submit his birth certificate, school and passport records as proof of his citizenship? Why isn't the heat being put on this issue? We all know what the answer is and if it were to besolved most of these problems would go away easily and America could go back to being America. The Answer is to back Dr. Orly Taitz Esq. in her quest.

royrogers| 3.26.10 @ 12:22PM

I guess you don't have health insurance, don't send your kids to school, aren't interested in the potholes in the street, couldn't care less whether there's a fire department or not, or whether there's lead or poisonous chemicals in your food or in your kids'toys from China. We don't need no stinkin' government to watch over those things!

DanMingo| 3.26.10 @ 12:54PM

Seriously? You think Orly Taitz has credibility even though the courts have rebuffed all of her attempts and claims.
Let it go. He is the legitimate President. He's not going anywhere before 2012, and probably not until2016.
You have a better chance to win the presidency than Orly has of proving the president is 'illegitimate'

Amanda | 3.26.10 @ 10:41PM

Orly Taitz was slapped with a huge fine for bringing, what the judge call, irresponsible lawsuits. She's still trying though. According to the Obama Timeline, Israel and Great Britain, both believe Obongo was born in Mombassa,Kenya. Also, according to the author, Obama's own administration, admits Obama is not a natural born citizen.: http://www.colony14.net/id41.html

One of Obama’s Web sites, FightTheSmears.com, affirms, “When Barack Obama Jr. was born on Aug. 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Kenya was a British colony, still part of the United Kingdom’s dwindling empire. As a Kenyan native, Barack Obama Sr. was a British subject whose citizenship status was governed by The British Nationality Act of 1948. That same act governed the status of Obama Sr.’s children. Since Sen. Obama has neither renounced his U.S. citizenship nor sworn an oath of allegiance to Kenya, his Kenyan citizenship automatically expired on Aug. 4, 1982.” This statement by the Obama campaign admits that he was a British citizen at birth and thus had dual citizenship (even if he was born in the United States) With dual citizenship and split loyalties at birth, Obama is arguably not a natural born citizen and is ineligible to serve as president of the United States. [507]

Article 2, Section 1, Clause 5 of the U.S. Constitution states that “No person except a natural born Citizen or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution shall be eligible to the Office of President.” The grandfather clause portion of the rule refers only to those persons who were living in the United States at the time the Constitution was ratified in 1787, and is therefore irrelevant to living Americans. Thus, for all people alive today, the Constitution requires that “No person except a natural born Citizen shall be eligible to the Office of President.” [923]

Some have argued that Section 1 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution allows Obama to serve as president. The relevant part reads, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” This Amendment was meant to prevent the Supreme Court from ruling as unconstitutional the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which granted citizenship to former slaves. Nothing in the 14th Amendment, however, changes the requirement that a president must be a natural born citizen, rather than simply a citizen or a naturalized citizen. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was born in Austria, is a naturalized citizen, but he cannot legally serve as president because he is not a natural born citizen. The 14th Amendment notwithstanding, an individual can serve as president only if he or she is a natural born citizen of the United States. (Note that the term natural born citizen appears in the U.S. Constitution only in Article 2, Section 1, Clause 5.) [509, 923]

CML| 3.25.10 @ 4:17PM

Funny the article uses the phrase ' by any means necessary' . That is a famous quote by Malcolm X who Obama stated he deeply admired in his book.
Malcolm X also said tehre would never be "equality" for minorities until America was destroyed as we know it and rebuilt. Malcolm X was an angry man and so is this President, they both feel they have many scores to settle. Be afraid, very afraid.

John Morris| 3.26.10 @ 12:51AM

The thing is that Obama's obvious anger and extreme views are so unjustified. Malcolm X had a good deal to be angry about as did the early civil rights leaders. Given all that has happened since including Obama's popular election as president and basically elite backround, what's his beef?

Also all the years since have only increased the massive evidence of socialist and statist failures in dozens of states made up of any and all of the world's races and peoples.

Socialists in 1930 might have had some excuse of ignorance.

California70| 3.26.10 @ 3:59AM

The "beef" is and has always been the same. It has never changed. Not even with Obama's election. They are getting even for whatever they think has been done to them. Don't you get it? We inocents are the "naive stupid types". We think because we elected the first Black President, everything is now normal, no more hard feelings. Well, you guys better get a grip. The Country is not changing within the Constitution of the USA. But, it is very much in keeping with the Constitution of the USSR.

This just goes to show you who stupid the electorate really is. You were all mad at Bush ( I didn't care for him either), but from now on, ple-e-e-e-ze, when someone is running for office in America, be SMART ENOUGH to ask the right questions, i.e., "Just what kind of change did you have in mind? Hope? Hope for what? The American people don't expect their politicians to be specific. That is a BIG MISTAKE!!

All you people out their ....STOP BUYING THE FARM!

DanMingo| 3.26.10 @ 12:56PM

They are getting even for whatever they think has been done to them.
would that be his black half getting even with his white half?
Ignorance is bliss.

Amanda| 3.26.10 @ 10:47PM

The beef is that BO mother and her family were radical communists who hated this country. Even BO's grandfather, Stanley Dunham, was suspected of sabotage against the US during WWII.

What's even more ironic is that Obama's Muslim Kenya relatives were slave holders, never slaves. Talk about a disconnect between him and American Blacks.
It's all in this article here: http://www.colony14.net/id41.html

John Morris| 3.25.10 @ 5:22PM

I haven't come close to following all the comments on this thread. From what we can tell so far, equating Obama with mainsteam European Socialists is not too accurate. In those cases, policies like Obama is advocating had broad -if misguided initial support. What we have here, sadly is something much more common in the third world. Yes, Obama was elected by a solid majority but only by posing somewhat as a moderate. His willingness to ram through policies that are so obviously unpopular and use any means to do so along with his heavy use of Czars, executive orders and the like is Third world. Add to this, what seems to be an open disgust with freedom of speech and any opposition and you have a very scary guy.

cALIFORNIA70| 3.26.10 @ 4:03AM

You are completely correct in you assessment. Well said.

DanMingo| 3.26.10 @ 12:59PM

what seems to be an open disgust with freedom of speech and any opposition and you have a very scary guy.
Examples please of Obama's disgust with free speech.

Nick| 3.26.10 @ 3:34PM

DanMingo,

How did you miss all of President Dither's attacks on Rush last year?

Lattie| 3.26.10 @ 10:53PM

Yep! You hit the mark! Maybe Obama is the anti-Christ and Wright the false prophet? They're both certainly evil, that's for sure.

Rubicon| 3.25.10 @ 5:33PM

The left is emboldened. That is why I advocate for conservatives to take video equipment w/ them to any & every event. Video it. Because I suspect the supposed hate acts when Democrats were entering to vote for health care legislation & at offices recently, are all part of a plan. Yes, the left does organize stuff like this. If you know unions, you know they plan attacks ahead of time. For 1 & one half years the Tea Partiers did nothing violent. Now, all of the sudden, they are evil incarnate? I think not & I suspect the effort by leftist media minions will be to create a portrayal of evil as part of their efforts to save Democrats in congress. A far stretch? Wanna really bet on it? I say, be prepared. That way when edited video hits the airwaves, they can be discredited.
When the Showdown in Searchlight takes place the legacy media will be out in full force w/ edited interviews & I bet they find every kook they can to portray the Tea Party as a problem.
Counter them with real life video we can use to show they are participating in the leftist movement.

California70| 3.26.10 @ 4:10AM

Rubicon,
Very smart, good advice for all of us. You are absolutely correct. This is being done by the unions or their ilk. The Tea Partiers have been very respectful from the beginning. They would not "all of a sudden" do stupid things like this. For one thing, these are mostly older people. Didn't you happen to hear on the news today, they even picked up their trash and left the area CLEAN!!!

Tell me of one left-winger, radical like Van Jones and his ilk that would have enough RESPECT to display that kind of behavior? Only older people have that kind of respect. And, people with respect, don't hurl dirty names and do "LOW CLASS" things like that. They were brought up in a time when you were taught "how to behave in public in a proper manner".

Latisha| 3.27.10 @ 12:17AM

You should have said, they'' plant the kooks!!!

John Morris| 3.25.10 @ 5:47PM

I just want to say one thing about party identification which I think relates. It's a very sad statement but I think in the world as is today, a lot of people like small business owners just don't want to rock the boat by making themselves a target. Many cities and states are run Chicago style, by political machines from both parties. Of course, the left is worse, but really non objective government power is huge and voting registration is public.

More and more of America is getting like our college campuses and that's how they want it.

Teflon93| 3.25.10 @ 6:41PM

John, please identify those cities and states which are dominated by the GOP "machines".

John Morris| 3.25.10 @ 8:36PM

I did say the Democrats had the dominant machines, but if I had to answer, I might guess stuff like the old Al Damato Long Island machine. (Which was very much about big spending and bloated government)

The point is that both parties till at least very recently in most states have been about a big and very powerful government handing out favors and cash and bringing home the bacon. The sum total power is good reason for any person with a minority opinion to lay low and not make waves.

John Morris| 3.25.10 @ 8:53PM

Perhaps I was paranoid but it was certainly my feeling when I lived in New York State that it was controled by corupt defacto compact between Democrats and a club of insider big government Republicans, many of whom had roots in the Nelson Rockefeller crowd.

Teflon93| 3.26.10 @ 9:23AM

The GOP machines died in the 60s, John.

Democrat machines control the urban areas. Rural and suburban areas are too decentralized for machine politics.

There's no need to temper criticism of Democrat felonies with fictional GOP misdemeanors.

royrogers| 3.26.10 @ 12:40PM

Whoa, Teflon. It almost sounds like the only"machines" are Democratic! Hey, John! I bet Teflon never lived in NY!! Teflon, Al D'Amato personified the insider machine!! (and, apparently, still does)

Teflon93| 3.26.10 @ 1:56PM

Nope, I have never lived in NY.

What precisely did D'Amato control?

Which cities?

John Morris| 3.26.10 @ 7:01PM

Just Google Alfonse Damato, or Joseph Bruno. Damato's base was in Nassau County, NY but his power was statewide. But before thare was Damato, there was Nelson Rockefeller, a huge government statist in charge of a massive patronage system.

While called a suburb, Nassau County would by any population and density comparisons qualify as a city at least in the U.S. and a big one at that.

We need to stop acting like every Republican is great--too often they have been a falsely labeled product.

John Morris| 3.26.10 @ 7:54PM

Nassau County is a suburban county in the New York Metropolitan Area east of New York City in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2000 census, the population was 1,334,544.

Over 1.3 million in one county. Compare that to say the 11 counties considered in the Pittsburgh Metro area which combined have I think less than 2 million.

Nassau County is a city.

4,652/sq mi (1,796/km²) Nassau County density per square mile.

From what I can tell, Nassau's average density level is greater than Houston's

3,828/sq mi (1,471/km2)

Anyway, my point is that lots of folks these days just don't think it's wise to so expose their political views. My own are basically, Libertarian or Libertarian, Republican. Registering as a Libertarian is a red flag for a tax audit. You are saying that you are not part of the approved system.

Nick| 3.25.10 @ 6:05PM

DanMingo,

Your back!

Oliver North is an American hero!
And President Reagan got away with it! Ha-ha!
And, he might be on the fifty-dollary bill someday. And Mt. Rushmore, too.

DanMingo| 3.26.10 @ 1:03PM

Hail to the thief.

Nick| 3.26.10 @ 1:29PM

It took you a whole day to come up with THAT?

Pretty sad, DanMingo.

Or, did it take you a day to calm down after you ran amok?

Oliver North is walking around free today, making lots of money. What are you doing today?

California70| 3.26.10 @ 3:30AM

Dear Mr. Rotterman,
This is an excellent article and I do hope the politicians on the "right" will understand. You are exactly correct in you very astitute assessment of the "hard-left".
They have a social/marxist philosophy that is diametrically opposed the the Constitution of the United States of America.

Noir| 3.26.10 @ 3:48AM

Good Lord! MAN UP PEOPLE! Stop whining and complaining like a bunch of little girls. That's exactly what the left wants us to do - wringing our hands with a "woe is me" attitude? Are we AMERICANS or what?!! You aid them in conditioning yourselves with this attitude to be able to swallow the crapola that the left will try and feed you and then even YOU will start believing them. We need to stick to our founding principles and fight them. They won a big battle but NOT THE WAR and don't forget that! This will not stand and it is NOT over.

Teflon93| 3.26.10 @ 9:24AM

Okay---but first name one repealed entitlement program.

ROYROGERS| 3.26.10 @ 12:45PM

Right, Noir! Let's give our government back to the banks, insurance companies, Wall Street, NRA, Big Pharma and Big Oil. Get government out of our hair!

Anna| 3.27.10 @ 12:29AM

Actually, we have to fight them at their own game. Subterfuge, infiltration, and running conservative candidates masquerading as liberals. Isn't that what was done to the GOP? McCain and Specter come to mind.

Brian| 3.26.10 @ 6:29AM

Repubs will milk this issue for ten years then turn and start calling Tea Party folk "kooks on the fringe". Heck, repubs will probably vote for more funding for Bill Moyers on PBS this year to spread the word on how wonderful Obamacare is.

OKC| 3.26.10 @ 10:53AM

Any President who take a Republic to a Socialist government and eventurally a Communistic government, and denouces that we are no longer a Christian nation, when in fact, this nation was founded on Christian principles, should be impreached

Manny| 3.27.10 @ 12:32AM

Someone should start a website with a petition to "Impeach Obama for Sabotage'

Ggigian| 3.27.10 @ 11:54AM

Blu-ray video converter Ultimate is actually an 3-in-one software including Blu-ray Ripper, DVD Ripper, Video Converter

Osamas Pajamas| 3.27.10 @ 3:17PM

OhBummer's Healthcare Hijacking is nothing more than an atrocious act of vandalism, in the wake of which he struts around like the cxck-o-the-walk, arrogantly crowing that he has gotten away with this crime. He challenges those who would repeal this mess, daring them to lose votes in that enterprise, but one must remember that those who favor the Healthcare Hijacking would have voted for OhBummer and the OhBummer Wrecking Crew in any case. Perhaps OhBummer had better find a country with which we do not have an extradition treaty and start transferring his millions of dollars there now, as insurance against justice.

Louis Vttion handbags| 12.9.10 @ 2:14AM

OhBummer's Healthcare Hijacking is nothing more than an atrocious act of vandalism, in the wake of which he struts around like the cxck-o-the-walk, arrogantly crowing that he has gotten away with this crime. He challenges those who would repeal this mess, daring them to lose votes in that enterprise, but one must remember that those who favor the Healthcare Hijacking would have voted for OhBummer and the OhBummer Wrecking Crew in any case. Perhaps OhBummer had better find a country with which we do not have an extradition treaty and start transferring his millions of dollars there now, as insurance against justice.