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The Current Crisis

Revolt of the Masses

By on 5.27.10 @ 6:08AM

America is at a historic turning point.

WASHINGTON — Owing to the promotion tour for my new book, After the Hangover: The Conservatives’ Road to Recovery, I have been meeting with what the intelligentsia once called “the masses.” They read books. They pay taxes. They attend lectures. Oh, and by the way, they are now a lot more prosperous and even more civilized than the intelligentsia, today’s version of which are actually anti-intellectual and occasionally only semi-literate.

The reason that “the masses” are a lot more prosperous and even civilized is that they have been participating in our free-market economy for years. It has made their lives easier, and they recognize it. As Arthur Brooks, the urbane president of the American Enterprise Institute, demonstrates in his new book, The Battle: How the Fight Between Free Enterprise and Big Government Will Shape America’s Future, seventy percent of Americans favor free enterprise, with only a glum thirty percent turning their tremulous palms up to the nanny state.

At any rate, after talking with thousands of ordinary Americans on talk radio and at book receptions, I have come to the conclusion that America has arrived at a historic turning point. It is not just that Tea Partiers are revolting against big government. It is something more. Usually a revolt against big government has meant that restive Americans wanted their taxes lowered, but as for cutting government back they were vague. They favored economies but certainly no cutbacks in their entitlements — a loaded word, that, entitled to whom from what? — or government subsidies. What makes this a historic moment is that growing numbers of Americans now accept that they too are going to have to forego at least some of their so-called entitlements. They recognize that the budget crisis is that grave.

For well over a decade simple demographics suggested that a budget crisis loomed for such programs as Social Security. Yet our politicians — as the phrase had it — merely kicked the can down the road. We have now arrived at the end of the road. What hastened our arrival at this dead end was the profligacy of the most inexperienced and left-wing president in American history. Budgetary overhang was ominous when the Prophet Obama arrived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Then he confected the Troubled Asset Relief Program, a $787 billion stimulus package, a hugely imbalanced budget, and his trillion-dollar healthcare monstrosity that he lyrically promised would save a trillion dollars. All told, it has been the largest increase in federal spending since World War II.

During times of growth, federal spending is usually in the neighborhood of 20 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). It is now rising from 21 percent of GDP to 25 percent. As a percentage of GDP, the national debt will double within a decade unless the citizenry gets control of the budget. From my travels among the citizenry, I have come to the conclusion that Americans are they are ready to do so. This fall they will elect representatives who will cut their entitlements. That will be a new day in American politics.

As Michael Barone points out in the Washington Examiner,“It has long been a maxim of political scientists that American voters are ideologically conservative and operationally liberal.” That has changed. In a pungent line he observes, “pork is not kosher,” and he goes on to observe that “the political scientists’ maxim seems out of date.” From my recent experience on the book tour, he is right.

If the Republicans take the House of Representatives this autumn as I think they will, the Republican leadership had best arrive with plans to undo President Obama’s folly. Equally important they had best have plans to cut entitlements and other spending in such a way as to avert our present rendezvous with bankruptcy. I am confident they can. In After the Hangover I outline a plan for fiscal solvency. Before you accuse me of boasting, let me hasten to add that I lifted much of that plan from Congressman Paul Ryan’s “Roadmap for America’s Future.” It is posted on his website and ready to be implemented. If I did not believe that, I would not have pilfered it. This might have been an act of grand larceny, but it was the grand larceny of a patriot.

About the Author

R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr. is the founder and editor in chief of The American Spectator. He is the author of The Death of Liberalism, published by Thomas Nelson Inc. His previous books include the New York Times bestseller Boy Clinton: the Political Biography; The Impeachment of William Jefferson Clinton; The Liberal Crack-Up; The Conservative Crack-Up; Public Nuisances; The Future that Doesn’t Work: Social Democracy’s Failure in Britain; Madame Hillary: The Dark Road to the White House; The Clinton Crack-Up; and After the Hangover: The Conservatives’ Road to Recovery.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (140) |

Deborah D | 5.27.10 @ 7:26AM

Yes, Mr. Tyrrell, you are correct (as is Mr. Barone, excellent article that). Most boomers I know didn't expect Social Security to there for them (especially the younger ones), so we've tried to save for our retirement -- as Obama and company try to ruin the stock market (and outrageous hints that they want to take over our 401K's -- hilarious since there's not much left after their shenanigans anyway!)

The younger boomers are a lot more practical than the ones who were on the fringes of that unnamed generation between the boomers and the "greatest" generation that brought all of the unrest of the 1960's. Hopefully, their independence and hard work won't be in vain.

I like the sign Sarah Palin saw at a Tea Party event -- "I can see November from my house." It can't get here soon enough. Time to pull up the bootstraps, folks, because this truly is "for the children."

Andrea Walden| 5.27.10 @ 7:27AM

I agree with your article, but I would like to add that, in reality, Republicans had better be prepared to undo 70 years of folly, starting with Social Security. There will never be another chance like this one. This is it. If the Republicans retake both the Senate and the House, then we can view that as one big fat mandate to redo or undo Madicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.

Howard| 5.27.10 @ 11:06AM

I'm not sure the GOP has the stones to tackle entitlements. They need to!! I read in the WSJ today that Tiny Tim Geithner wants more "stimulus" here as well as in Europe. It will only shorten the Road To Perdition.

Melinda| 5.27.10 @ 12:34PM

Are we witnessing the death rattle of Marxism or the last gasps of what everyone willfully pretended was Capitalism?

If the latter, I'm not certain Capitalism can withstand Republican care.

Bram| 5.27.10 @ 1:19PM

I too have doubts about the GOP. They sure didn't cut anything last time around.

When George Bush cried "charge" and took a run at Social Security in 2005, the Republicans in Congress all watched the Democrats and the press crucify him without uttering a peep. The most cowardly thing I've ever seen.

It is the last chance for the GOP. Betray us this time and you will be replaced by a real conservative party so fast you won't believe it.

Nobama| 5.27.10 @ 2:27PM

W was a disappointment, too. He excelled as a wartime president, but his domestic policy leadership skills were poor.

He certainly left the Republican Party in worse condition than he found it.

Please, no more Bush candidates--EVER!

Warrior | 5.27.10 @ 5:11PM

I would revisit your assertion that he was an excellent wartime president. Afghanistan was left incomplete while he attempted to nation build in Iraq. War it to annihilate your enemies. When they are fought limited as W did they drag out needlessly. Keeping them in Iraq as a "police force" is a misuse of the military.

It took two large bombs to end WWII. Unfortunately, this was the last time we had leaders that were willing to do what it takes to win wars.

Nobama| 5.27.10 @ 5:57PM

I'm not real big on nation building, either. I was PO'd about "compassionate conservative" too.
What a load of RINO crap.

I do give GWB credit for no post 9/11 attacks on American soil, though.

C Meacham| 5.29.10 @ 6:51AM

The entitlement unwind can be accomplished through capitalism! Structure tax credits for providers and eliminate withholding. One thing I think is just as critical is fixing the union situation. Correcting JFK's screw up and forbidding government unions is first. Doing away with crazy retirement benefits is second. Passing federal programs down to the states is last. No unfunded mandates ANYWHERE!

Tim*| 5.27.10 @ 7:35AM

Cut Big Government's Public Spending Of Private America's Tax Money.

The Tea Party Rebellion Escalates .

We Can See November From Our House !

Ret. Marine| 5.27.10 @ 7:37AM

The grand larceny of the patriots is 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Without any question this Ave should be correctly re-named "District of Corrupt Ave. It is not hard to figure their intent and the way in which they are doing it is beyond treason. There are many who would be called by themselves as Patriots, donot be fooled by their foolishness. These towers of corrupt high mindedness are in need of being called out for their crimes against this humanity known as the citizens of this Nation.
This coming mid-term elections will be no different than the usual event of lies, deciets, pandering, behind the scene deal making, political pay-off and election fraud already in the making by those who currently hold the seats of there powerful corruption.
I wish I were as hopeful as many in the dream of reality. I have no doubt the change needed is in the air with the American citizens, it is the others that trouble me the most. I often wonder why there seems to more than usual that are gaming the system for the advantage while the honest brokers of the truths we see in front of us are hardly mentioned in polite conversation or, for that matter, in public dialoge.
Say what you want and believe about the Republican party, but the American Patriots reconize them as the opposite of the same coin as the Democrat party. They still think good words to our uninformed ears are going to get them elected and in the majority by the next cycle. I have a few hints for them if they believe this is business as usual, it will not be, nor are We the People uninformed as they think. Both parties are guilty as charged, both have out-used their usefulness to the average American tax payer, they have been around too long and there are better ways to get things done other than the same-ol'e same-ol'e rhetoric, blah, blah, blah, bullshale. It's time for a reintroduction of the old principles and values of our forefathers. The time is almost at our doorsteps when we will have to face the same challanges and moral obligation to the futherence of these United States and our children and their children. Pray for some spiritual guidence in the months ahead, short of God's intervention, evilness has a shadow over these lands.

crookedwren| 5.27.10 @ 10:22AM

Ret. Marine, I think you're right.

Our own household has grown by a son and new daughter-in-law. They are young and indoctrinated (for which -- in son's case -- I shoulder a good deal of blame).

There are some names that can't be spoken aloud when we want household peace, including Glenn Beck. At 5 pm., these two young people, if home, will disappear. Not that they've ever watched him. Not that they've listened to his radio show.

Can't mention AZ. Can't mention much about Obama.

Sometimes, I begin to understand what households in some areas of TN and other southern states must have been like in the 1850s and early 1860s, before the first shots were fired.

And that frightens me.

I want so much to undo the damage I've done, living in political and historical ignorance for much of my life -- and passing that stupidity on to my children.

But, unlike them, I have a perspective on Marxism, Socialism, Communism that they cannot have. I lived during the time of the Soviet Union, saw the pictures of the long lines for a loaf of bread, heard the stories of artists and intelligentsia being executed or exiled to Siberia, recognized that a guaranteed job from the government means governmental control of a life, something that is anathema to most Americans.

I met Maoists in Oahu in the summer of 1971. They pretended to be anti-war youth. After getting to know them a bit, they showed their spots. Their "bible": Mao's little red book. I was appalled and told them what I thought of their duplicity. I was incredibly naive -- but didn't learn my lesson for years.

I grew up with Cuban refugees, the first ones who came. And while I was a bit of a pacifist and "liberal," I was NEVER a Marxist or a Progressive. Never. I was what now might be called a Conservative Dem.

And I know now that Joseph McCarthy was tormented by Soviet agents and their unwitting friends in our media and Marxists and Progressives in our government.

But these young people are indeed indoctrinated and cannot hear these things. They excuse and defend what they cannot even really comprehend.

I read Whittaker Chambers. We are indeed in a struggle that cannot be resolved by politicians. This struggle can only be won at the hands of patriots, true patriots. I pray we'll have some true patriots running for office in November -- and beyond.

In the meantime, I keep watching that Glenn Beck -- planning to be in D.C. on 8/28. I keep reading Spectator and Trevor Loudon's New Zeal Blog (which, if you haven't seen, you should -- his Obama files contain the best research around on Obama's links and ties). I keep praying.

Evil is casting a shadow on our dear United States, a shadow that Whittaker Chambers knew so well.

We have a spiritual battle on our hands, not just a political one.

I think the time is here. Now. We're in the beginning stages of the struggle. And I pray God's guidance for us -- and pray for some strong, honest patriots to lead us well and truly through the fray.

Yes. We have a moral obligation -- as you say -- to protect the inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, rights given to us by our Creator. We must pass them on to our posterity.

We owe it to them -- as well as to our fathers who have fought in ages past.

SoCon| 5.27.10 @ 11:22AM

Great post, crookedwren. Teach by example, your son will get it eventually. He's luckier than most, he's got you as a role model. In the end, though, it doesn't really matter what he thinks--you know what you have to do. You're not alone.

Glenn Beck's something, isn't he? I'd love to be in D.C. on August 28 with a million or more American patriots. I know why he's overwhelmed by emotion sometimes; he knows that we are so very close to losing our liberty and our Republic.
I watch him every day and I read the books he recommends; Glenn's a servant of the Lord.

With the passage of the Banking "Reform" Act now in Congress, the government will control 60% of our economy; the Progressive structure is nearly in place, just a "crisis" is needed to make it fully operational, kind of like a match is needed to set dry brush ablaze.

We're in BIG trouble; I just hope there's still time to save our country. I've got the Lord on speed-dial, we won't make it without Him--that I know for sure.

Ret. Marine| 5.31.10 @ 6:42AM

Thank you for your kind words. As in anything that troubles the soul, an acknowledgement of the problem is first in the steps of being a human being, next in line is to forgive one's self for the errors and the next is to continue on the path of correction and use it as an example for others to learn of for the mistakes of our youth. I am glad to see you open up and acknowledge there are problems with all of us to a certain extent. Forgiveness of one's mistakes and rendering them correct is what life is suppose to be. Unlike our over-see-er's of the marxist utopian la-la land mentality we would do our friends, neighbors and family alike a hugh favor by the lessons. Good luck to you and yours. Keep the faith.

TennesseeVolunteer| 5.27.10 @ 7:38AM

Huzzah! Emmett, Huzzah!
Nov. 2, 2010 will be know as the "Second Independence Day" of America. In fifty years, people will read about the millions of voters who came out to rewrite the direction of our History. they will write about how we guarded the polls against the militants who are shielded by our arrogant and lawless Justice dept. About how our government at the very top showered stimulus money on themselves, their cronies and the poor in order to garner power, about how they used terms like racism and environmentalism to mislead the people. We are living in one of the true historic eras of America's history that will be compared to the Revolution, both World Wars, the great Depression and the Big Red Machine! (Sorry, I couldn't help it.)
God bless to you, Emmett, and the American Spectator, Patriots all!

bluecollarbytes| 5.27.10 @ 7:42AM

'Prophet' Obama must be Opposed at his roots or Republicans will simply make their calculated deals with his messianic complex when/if they retake power. The voters are key to insisting that Obama's disastrous actions, and inattention (to the Private Incomes and Wealth Creation activities that make this country work as desired.) be opposed in full.

martin j smith| 5.27.10 @ 7:47AM

If the maxim: First do no harm" applies to medicine it also applies in politics as well. But there is another more important one: First Win then act. So im the meantime the crucial thing is to channel the anger at the democrat left agenda into votes against
as many as possible. here are a few mistakes to avoid; do not be overly optimistic, do not crucify primary opponents--run to win not to kill. find as much common ground with others who are disaffected but not Conservative or republicans
and finally do not let the democrat left determine the agenda, the language or the standards to which candidates are held. Finally plan for guerrilla warfare to fight fraud,smears,bullying including outright threats etc. This a tall order but that is the reality. Its more like planning the Invasion or Normandy with all the pitfalls and such.

Curly Smith| 5.27.10 @ 8:11AM

ClintonCare failed because the masses still remembered Reagan at the Brandenburg Gate in West Germany saying "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall". The Democrats in 1993 thought that was all passé, so they ran to Clinton screaming "Mr. President, rebuild the wall". The masses revolted. Or, as Peter Jennings said, they "threw a temper tantrum".

Then 15 years and much indoctrination later, the Democrats ran to Obama screaming "Mr. President, rebuild the wall!". As so, working in secret like their Stasi idols, they set about rebuilding the wall. They almost succeeded. But, before they could set the capstone and install the razor wire, the masses revolted.

The question that the Republicans have yet to answer, is whether they intend to "tear down the wall" or replace the capstone with a cornice.

martine22| 5.27.10 @ 8:37AM

Yes it can be done. Ryan has a plan. And look at Gov. Chris Christie. That's what we need! I'm praying for it.

ColoradoWest| 5.27.10 @ 9:35AM

I so enjoy Mr. Tyrrell's writing...and no he's not paying me to say that.

Michael L. Hauschild| 5.27.10 @ 9:41AM

"Republicans" taking back the legislature did not do any thing positive in the past, why do you think it will do any good in November? What we really need to do is replace all of the SHIT's (Still Here Ignoring Tyrrell).

John Navratil| 5.27.10 @ 9:48AM

Mr. Hauschild,

There are two big differences THIS November.

(1) The old guard is being tossed off the parapet (e.g. Bob Bennett) along with a number of the ossified Lib (e.g. Dodd, Obey, et al).

(2) The electorate is, as the Big O put it, all Wee-wee-ed up.

Ken (Old Texican)| 5.27.10 @ 10:11AM

Michael,

You are as worthless as teats on a male hog.

You whine and bellyache and point the finger...

How about you SHOW us the path out of the woods?
Seriously, spend the time and effort to tell us how to begin, rather than plopping down on the ground and screaming "we are lost...we are doomed".

Go for it, Guy. We are anxiously waiting for you to rescue us.

Deborah D | 5.27.10 @ 10:24AM

He's just trying to discourage us, Ken. We know the act, and we ain't applauding it. Get off the stage! As Iacocca said, "lead, follow or get out of the way." This is a No Whine Zone!

Ammo Guy| 5.27.10 @ 10:36AM

Bingo Ken, spot on riposte - this all harks back to TR's comment about the credit going to the man in the arena rather than the critic or the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. Mr. Hauschild can ignore Mr. Tyrrell at his peril - RET has been writing cogently and coherently about all matters conservative for more than 40 years and has yet to "go wobbly" as another grande dame of the movement would put it. He is without a doubt the senior statesman amongst conservative writers now that WFB has passed on and I wish him many more good years with which to skewer the swells who wish to rule us.

W.L. barton| 5.30.10 @ 4:16PM

First take away social security and Medicaid from old farts like Texicanned.
And take away the right to vote from women, since bimbos can not discern between brains and heart.
Women have ruined Corproate America with their bogus affirmative action, and never happened "sexual harrasment " lies, that force companies to defend themselves.
Yes let us return to the "original" Constitution, since i am white, and own property, i will not be bothered one bit.

froobsih| 5.30.10 @ 10:35PM

The last sentence as argument does not follow from the antecedent. Opposition to quotas and male expressiveness does not required restricting women's right to vote. True, many women have used the vote to destroy the republic, but let us not ignore there very many male allies. Business is an eager supporter of the sex harrassment hoax, as by suppressing male expressions of sexuality, it increaes corporate discipline and thus productivity. It also enables corporations to further encourage women to divorce their husbands, who are distractions, and marry their jobs instead. A divorced female, or homosexualist, a are the most devoted serfs a business enterprise can have.

ZerObama| 5.31.10 @ 11:54PM

White liberal males like those in the Kennedy family are the most destructive population group in our country.

They use identity politics to garner power and control. It's not gender or race that's the problem, Barton--it's ideology. Marxist ideology.

Don't be a moron.

Ken (Old Texican)| 5.27.10 @ 10:26AM

Yes Mr. Tyrrell.

We "masses" are already revolting.

(I had to write it...I just had to.)(smile)

...But we really are in the process of revolting as I write. http://judgeroy.wordpress.com

Except for the Bolsheviks, most revolting does not begin with guns. In our case the revolt has coalesced around Sarah, and Rush et al, and you guys here at The Spectator.
Thank you

JS| 5.27.10 @ 1:36PM

Ken,

I enjoy reading your posts. They make a great deal of sense. One of the questions I have is, will the current regime nullify either the upcoming election or the 2012 election if they don't get the results they want?

My next question is, when does this go from a 'cold war', one of words and rhetoric, to a 'hot' or shooting war? You and I are in a good place (being in Texas), but this administration has declared war on our state. They have sent in OSHA people to harrass businesses, they have sent in BATFE agents to harrass legitimate firearms dealers, they have made up stories about the exportation of firearms from Texas to mexico, and they took over the state permitting policy for oil refineries yesterday. That's right, they did it just yesterday. When is enough, enough?

Deborah D. | 5.27.10 @ 2:17PM

Wow, JS. I didn't know Obama and company has been persecuting your state. This administration gets scarier and scarier as time goes on. The most frightening time in this country in my living memory.

Nobama| 5.27.10 @ 2:29PM

Oh, I think Obama's tentacles are everywhere--they're just quiet about it.

Ken (Old Texican)| 5.27.10 @ 2:29PM

JS,
Hi! Welcome to the conversation.

Before I reply, please read my article at :
http://judgeroy.wordpress.com

....read it?

Well, several dozen million other people have as well.
As CEO of not one , but TWO, fortune size companies, part of my job was to gaze into the "crystal ball" one or two years into the future.

I was very.....very..... good at it.

If the feds screw with our refineries.....they can freeze three quarters of the country in the dark if they choose to do so.
Fireearms?
Hell, anyone with a lick of sense is already fully stocked...with ammo and etc.

I do not recognize your screen name, but I am on record here and elsewhere to the degree that I am a target.
Fortunately...the Texas Rangers are on my speed-dial.
They are "oathkeepers.org".

When the " self identified feds" kicked on my door last month...at three in the morning...the Rangers sent the cherry-tops and the "feds" went away.

I do not know the reality. Was it simply intimidation? I honestly do not know.

I won't be shut up though....unless they jail me or shoot me. If a few days go by without me here, take a memo.

"Fear" is now in my rear-view-mirror. Screw 'em.
Now I am pissed.
They can kill me but they cannot eat me. Screw 'em.

SoCon| 5.27.10 @ 2:31PM

Spoken like a true American Patriot. Long live Texas!
Long live good American men like you, Ken.

Louis Jenkins| 5.27.10 @ 5:04PM

Your website has really grown. Good work Ken.

Sir Thomas Frank| 5.27.10 @ 10:36AM

Why don't you demmed silly peasants simply shut up, pay your taxes, and stop questioning your betters? King George has the right idea.

The Ghost of George Fitzhugh| 5.27.10 @ 11:02AM

Indeed, Sir Thomas. When I was alive I tried to warn Americans about the folly of their "freedom" fetish. There are always trouble makers stirring up the unwashed and making a once-docile servile class resentful of those truly fit to govern. Come to your senses, Americans! The Plantation is your friend; the Plantation loves you; the Plantation takes care of its own. No one likes uppity malcontents.

To learn more, see my book, still in print:

http://www.amazon.com/Cannibal.....amp;sr=1-1

Dathan, Hebrew Overseer| 5.27.10 @ 11:08AM

Yeah, you guys. It's like in my day with that Moses and his brother Aaron getting the rabble all stirred up. I tried to tell them they were better off staying with the Pharoah and not getting all worked up about this "freedom" malarkey. The Pharoah took care of them. Once they got out on their own in the desert, I tried to tell them. "Where's yer freedom nowwwwww? " Nyaaahhh. . . .

Michael L. Hauschild| 5.27.10 @ 10:36AM

Your enthusiasm concerning November is warranted. But I have been through this all before with the “Contract with America.” Within a month, all those “freshman” were dutifully shuffled to the back row in the committees, the seniority status quo rolled on oblivious to all those campaign promises, and the train wreck continued. You can field the most honorable candidate possible, place him in the hog wallow of the beltway and he will either “turn” or suffer the most heinous blow to the chosen, being ignored. We desperately need candidates that will change the legislative process, not candidates whose resume is only a position paper. The electorate waxes and wanes, but the electors enter a system whose only vector is toward corruption, entitlement, and preservation of office. I have witnessed this so many times, candidates I have given up considerable portions of my life for “evolve,” their abandonment of the principles we elected them to uphold become secondary. Sometimes they even gleefully surrender, caught up in the new notoriety, their justifications being, ”You just don’t understand how it is; I know what I am doing; you don’t understand what it is like here.”
If you doubt this find me one politician who, having run on the pledge of term limits, remained true to his pledge. Find me a politician who, after being defeated, does not desperately seek return to the limelight. Should you be successful this fall, and I am sure there will be a change of faces, pray for our Nation that the new bosses are not “just like the old bosses.

ROBERT HARKINS| 5.27.10 @ 1:34PM

Excellent point Mr. Hauschild. Conservatives are invariably betrayed by Republicans. When out of power, Republicans repeat the words "conservative" as if it were a sacred mantra. When in power they legislate, steal pork, raise taxes, engage in scandals, and mindlessly expand the power and reach of the socialist state precisely as do the Democrats.

I give you George Bush for example who squandered more money on socialist programs than did the late Lyndon B. Johnson on the tragedy he named the Great Society.

He forced down the throats of the American people a Medicare Supplement Act for which not a penny had been set aside for funding.

When Medelyn, an illegal who raped, tortured and brutally slaughtered two adolescent girls returning from school, Bush ordered the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to bow to the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice and free this illegal on the technicality that he did not confer with an official from the Mexican embassy. The Supreme Court struck his order down.

But someone tell me he is a conservative.

If conservatives are to save this country from destruction we must insist on conservatives and seek the impeachment or recall of those who simply lie through their teeth to be elected.

We must reject any Republican who engages the same Orwellian New Speak as do Democrats. The most recent example of a good word used to masque rank duplicity, was the old Bush's use of a single word "Compassionate" Conservatism, to embrace and expand a socialist state and to excise from his staff anyone remotely conservative.

We must not be Republicans anymore though we should of course vote Republican. But with a dire warning, with insistence on a specific pledge to conservatism and a specific repudiation of the welfare state. We must secure promises that Republicans will not simply and dishonestly as in the past merely tinker with a Welfare State that requires, if America is to survive, dismantlement.

Those who betray conservative principles must be pointed out, ostracized and finally voted out. Nor should they be forgiven. It is too late in the day to tolerate the presence or return of traitors.

Charles R. Williams| 5.30.10 @ 1:36PM

The Contract with America Congress did some good in the 1995-2000 period. Discretionary spending was constrained. Welfare reform was enacted. Unfortunately the Congress got out-maneuvered by Clinton and the MSM on the business of shutting down the federal government. They got distracted by the impeachment issue - apparently half the people think a president guilty of perjury and obstruction of justice should not be impeached.

Then along came Bush - Obama-lite, at least with respect to domestic policy. The Congress was corrupted by pork, the achievements of 1995-2000 were squandered. Our nation's resources were wasted on nation-building fantasies in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Today, 90% of the Democrats and 50% of the Republicans are committed to growing the welfare state and peddling political influence. 10% of the Democrats and 10% of the Republicans are lunatic fringe people. The hope of the country lies in the Paul Ryans of the Republican Party - the kind of people who voted against TARP on principle. If conservatives and moderates will fall behind the principled half of the Republican Party, there is a chance that the America we love can be rescued.

One big lesson of the Bush years is that the size and scope of the federal government is so great that politicians, left and right, are inevitably corrupted. We cannot just throw the bums out. We must find a way to live with a federal government that is small enough to keep us a free people.

Michael L. Hauschild| 5.27.10 @ 10:38AM

My response above was to John Navratil.

Ken (Old Texican)| 5.27.10 @ 10:49AM

Michael,
I will say it again in case you missed it.

Michael,

You are as worthless as teats on a male hog.

You whine and bellyache and point the finger...

How about you SHOW us the path out of the woods?
Seriously, spend the time and effort to tell us how to begin, rather than plopping down on the ground and screaming "we are lost...we are doomed".

Go for it, Guy. We are anxiously waiting for you to rescue us.

SoCon| 5.27.10 @ 11:34AM

Michael, I don't know if you have children, but how can you give in and give up when their lives and futures are at stake? I can't and I won't; I would rather die than sit quietly and watch Marxists destroy our country.
Our parents and grandparents fought and some even died so that we could be free, how can we not do the same for our children? Where is your courage, your grit?

Not on my watch, damn it!

Michael L. Hauschild| 5.27.10 @ 12:30PM

I really have not “given up,” my active participation in this is deferred due to the fact that I take care of my invalid mother. Trust me, if I could be out in the trenches I would, but for the moment my participation can only be financial, and in that vein I regularly contribute to candidates. I will wager that I have spent more time holding signs while marching in Summer Parades than most here have spent blogging. For the sake of everyone here that seems to be cranky this morning, I will throw a little more gas on the fire and list them since 2008: Thompson, Romney, Palin numerous times, Rubio, Bachman, Hoffman, Brown and I am seriously considering sending money to defeat McCain. All I have enumerated to, and despite the spirited discussion this morning is that sending “your” candidate to Washington (or an “R” candidate) is not always the answer. What is really needed is to produce candidates that are willing to give their “life” for our country. They must pledge to serve a specific time, first the term they were elected for and then as educators for the next crop of elected. They must pledge to serve in office and “work” for the refinement of the system while in Washington and for a specific time after they depart. The most important aspect a candidate must pledge is a vow of financial abstinence, no enhancement of income due to office. No lobbying for a decade, no stock market ventures, and no further “next step” office initiation. All I have stated here, and I have been correct, is that we must change the legislative beltway “norm” and you cannot accomplish that by a simple roster purge.

SoCon| 5.27.10 @ 2:22PM

I've read your comments on AmSpec for a long time, Michael, and I know you're a good guy. My comments were only meant to encourage others--and myself, too, quite frankly.

What a good man you are to take care of your ailing mom; she must be quite a woman to have reared a lovely son like you. God bless you, Sir.

Ken (Old Texican)| 5.27.10 @ 2:38PM

Michael,
Coward!

"I cain't join the posse! I got a sick momma at home."
Joint the posse, or shut the hell up!

SoCon| 5.27.10 @ 2:45PM

Man you're on fire, Ken. I wouldn't want to knock on your door today.

Take care of yourself--watch your BP, okay?

Michael L. Hauschild| 5.27.10 @ 3:25PM

SoCon, thanks for the kind words. My mother is 90 she is doing well as could be expected and is an avid conservative as am I. I bring her an absentee ballot for every election which she dutifully fills out as she thinks that it is her “duty.” I really cannot fathom what is going on with the old texican today but I suspect he inadvertently smoked one of the Oval Office souvenir cigars left over from the Clinton era, an era it is rumored that he engineered by the way. Want to really get him going? Ask him if he has any old Ross Perot bumper stickers lying around.

And for my public service contribution today which will save many of you much irritation. (See Ken, I’m doing something.)

REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this month.

REMINDER..... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing
companies and you will start to receive sales calls.

.... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:
888-382-1222.
It is the National DO NOT CALL list It will only take a minute of your
time.. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell
phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different
phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON .. It takes about 20 seconds.

https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx>
https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx

SoCon| 5.27.10 @ 3:41PM

Ken's a good guy, too; he's just worried.
He's not alone.

Curly Smith| 5.27.10 @ 7:06PM

I'm sorry but the cell phone information is an urban legend - and it's false. See here, if desired:
http://www.snopes.com/politics.....ell411.asp

You can certainly add your cell phone to the DO NOT CALL list but you won't get sales calls if you don't.

martin musculus| 5.28.10 @ 11:06AM

Ken,
Micheal is doing the correct thing.
As a Texan myself, I say you're all hat.
We won't win this w/o CORRECTLY IDing those who are false patriots, who like the snotty kid McCain, claim Constitutionalist Blood, but have Progressivism flowing through their bodies.
Don't get me wrong: they actually DO have Constitutionalism's Blood -- in a jar on their desk, the gathered flow from numerous back-stabbings.

This they take out every election, to smeer on and claim they "love the Constitution, too!"

We'll win this by teaching our neighbors about our history and about the Founders, converting at street-level. If you really want to claim to be fighting, do that.

BTW: I'm writing this from a hospital bed, recovering from (my 3rd) stroke. I've ignited interest in the Founding Father from a young Hippy (he's only 67, after all...) who had the other bed. Am I not fighting because I'm not waving a sign?
Money represents life-energy, ie TIME, our most precious endowment. Giving money, if done well, is as good as anything except voting and teaching.

SoCon| 5.28.10 @ 1:59PM

God bless you, Martin. Get well soon; we need more Texas patriots like you!

Martin Musculus| 5.29.10 @ 3:08PM

Thanks, SoCon for the kind sentiment... I'm told to "get my affairs in order", that I've not got very long left -- but I'm LDS and I've accepted I am not breaking the 10-decade mark...

Anyway, under the "whole-life" system our overseers are adopting, I'm only worth $1.15 in expenditures [grin].

My son Mike along with his formidable wife, leads the family now -- they are hard-boiled Constitutionalists, the strongest such of all my hildren... and their children are exceedingly strong leaders. They know the history the Progressives have broomed, and they teach it to their peers. Those peers aren't as lost as MSM & others would have you believe. When they find out the Truth, the Progressive cause will be lost on them: I've seen it.

So, Sir: I am content. I am LDS, and I know my Savior Lives. It matters not what these louses do to me: that which is important *can't* be touched.

My children *will* win, along with the other Patriots I leave behind.

But again, thank you very much!

SoCon| 5.31.10 @ 11:58PM

You've done good, Martin, and you've earned some rest and relaxation. Sounds like you have a wonderful family.

God speed.

Anthony| 5.27.10 @ 10:56AM

Bob's on the mark again!! Yep, many of us "bitter clingers" not only read books, blogs, websites, and other repositories of information, we have degrees, both college and post college. And those of us who don't have degrees, have more common sense than all of Washington combined. Many of us are also practiced in the fine art skills of survival, including weaponary.
So, as Bob points out, we are on the precipice of major change in America. We will take back our country from the America hating uber-left. We will do it starting this November, and remove the Nobel laureate in 2012. And if our friends on the Left take exception to this, we'll just have to remind them that we "bitter clingers" know how to multi-task; that is, we can vote and revolt at the same time.

dcd| 5.27.10 @ 11:04AM

There is a lot more to federal spending than medicare and social security. If the republicans want to convince voters that this time they actually do intend some fiscal restraint they will have to hack away atheir favorite pieces of pork. Those red state farm subsidies and military boondoggles have got to go.

SoCon| 5.27.10 @ 11:35AM

Yup, EVERYTHING'S on the table!

east texas country boy| 5.27.10 @ 11:36AM

I commend the thought of multi-tasking espoused by Anthony, however, my fear is that it will require more might than right (vote). We are facing a group of people who will stop at nothing to beat us into submission. I have never been so incensed as I was at the Maryland SEIU incident. It is a good thing that those folks were not in Texas and on my door step with my child inside deathly afraid because I fear there would have been bloodshel if they did not remove themselves at my first request.

mike mccoy| 5.27.10 @ 11:48AM

My Dear Friends and patriots: The Hispanic population is swinging sharply to the left. The black voter is 97% in Obama's corner. Young men and women in the universities are profoundly convinced that Obama is Moses.
The only thing that would save us is a rebellion on the part of the 60+ population. Take a liberal senior to lunch and don't mention politics. They will engage you in a political conversation and then you can enlighten them.

SoCon| 5.27.10 @ 11:53AM

I don't care what the odds are; I know we can triumph if we stick together. It doesn't matter anyway--who is willing to live with the Marxist boot on his/her neck?

Nick| 5.28.10 @ 12:57AM

SoCon,

Excellent!
Very well put.

Two great quotes from the "Untouchables":

"Never stop, never stop fighting till the fight is done."

"[...] they pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. That's the Chicago way [...]"

Lazarus Long| 5.27.10 @ 11:51AM

"Sire, the peasants are revolting!"

"Yes, they sointanly are."

Lazarus Long| 5.27.10 @ 11:52AM

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Thorvald| 5.27.10 @ 12:10PM

I wish I could be confident we can resist the increasing political entropy the Left wants for us. Case in point: in a better age, Americans would have stormed the Whitehouse after Monica's blue dress surfaced. Moreover, a lady calling the Limbaugh program put a graver concern this way a couple of months ago: "Why aren't they more afraid of us?"

d0n| 5.27.10 @ 1:48PM

How about a Constitutinal amedment limiting Federal non-military spending to 5% of GDP?

L. Banks| 5.27.10 @ 2:00PM

I concur that American's are growing more restly with this administration and the follies that have been fostered on the tax payers by the President and his cronies. Communications are faster today so news spreads regardless of its veracity. If you are dissatisfied with the Republican Party than get in their and run at the local level yourself or start participating and supporting candidates you feel express your philosophy of government. It is not only time for speaking out, but getting out and becoming engaged.

Most people today really have no idea what is going on because they live in their own world and do not want to know. They support the President and his cronies and policies because they have been brain washed in the schools and by their peers or by their own desire to be right...you name it. However, the American citizens who are waking up are doing so because they want to know the truth. They want to understand what is happening to their country. They want to ensure the future for themselves and their children so they are questioning. In learning the truth about Obama and his socialist, progressive cronies, the citizens become more agitated and search for ways to chanel their energy. Those who begin to participate may choose the Tea Parties or other demonstrations and they are labeled - racists. I don't know about you, but I am tired of defending myself from others who want to stick a label on me for my beliefs in the rights of the U.S. citizen over those who are not. I am tired of everything being about race and not about laws, truth, moral values and the constitution. Most of all I am tired of our own leaders supporting and giving a platform to those who do not honor the rights of the individual in their own country and then have the gall to call us racists. I believe the spirit and the determination of the American citizens will prevail. I also believe prayer for this country will help us all.

Northern Rebel| 5.27.10 @ 2:40PM

If the republicans do take the house, the first thing they can do is become the party of no more.

That is:

NO MORE$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!

Maobama can't do anything without spending our money. If we deny him that opportunity, it can jumpstart the overall reversal of our march towards European style facsism.

If we fail, then he is on a path to emulate FDR, as one of yesterday's writers documented.

By that I mean, repeal the amendment that keeps him from running for a 3rd, 4th, or 5th term. Only a fool doesn't think that is his ultimate goal.

wolf| 5.27.10 @ 2:44PM

i read all your true felt comments with emphety..both pro & con..perhaps way back..when our nat'l debt was just a mere few billion..there should have been "mass revolt" and heads rolling...now that we are at the bottom of the well and not a rope in sight...we collectively think we can climb out by sheer will and determination...sarah will save us..yeah right..the days of political solutions is gone and never to return...wish as we might..the simpler times and lines are gone...we are alone...and drifting without any bay in sight...
the president of Mexico decides our internal policies and proclaims them in an extreme tenor voice for all to hear...without any fear of rebuttal or doubt in any area of his far reaching grasp...and he is cheered by the rich and powerful..we have no borders they scream with glee!!
indeed!!

for such events & actions to be dreamed of would have caused room-filled laughter long ago..now to laugh may cause the accusations of racism to be heard loud and clear...

readiness is all

JmsA| 5.27.10 @ 3:48PM

There's a great awakening afoot. Great essay, Mr. Tyrrell, and great posts by everyone in response.

A.M. Mallett| 5.27.10 @ 4:16PM

the folly cannot be undone until 2012 unless the Republicans end up with a veto proof majority.

Dan| 5.27.10 @ 5:17PM

I do not understand what is stopping the "masses" from taking to the streets by the hundreds of thousands to overthrow this Kenyan born, Muslim, communist president who will forever ruin the United States if left to finish his term.

Purpleguy| 5.27.10 @ 6:49PM

Because the "masses" don't believe that unpatriotic screed written in this article.

Truthyness| 5.27.10 @ 6:58PM

It's particularly hilarious when a purple shirted SEIU thug loving Marxist whines about the patriotism of someone like RET.

Stop hiding behind the flag, moron; Progressive Marxists like you treat the Constitution like toilet paper. Dumbass libtard.

Purpleguy| 5.27.10 @ 11:12PM

And, you would prefer I hide behind my Mommy, like you? I stand up for the flag and our country and stand for the right of people like you to express your opinion, regardless of how idiotic you sound. The question is, if you love this country, why don't you?

Nick| 5.27.10 @ 11:32PM

Too bad the flag you stand-up for, PurpleJackass, has a hammer and sickle in it!

Nobama| 5.28.10 @ 12:05AM

Zing! Another troll smackdown by Nick.

Bydand76| 5.28.10 @ 5:56AM

Where did you serve at Purple?
Where did you fight for our country?
When at any time have you ever done anything besides prove how big of a progressive dumb ass you are by posting nonsensical meanderings on a Conservative/Libertarian daily?

Be very careful with your answer Purple!

Pro Libertate!

A.C.Guard| 5.27.10 @ 5:22PM

In addition to getting rid of Obama, the "masses" must insure the next congress is staffed by patriots who care about America, more than they care about their own power. This type of leader does not exist today on either side of the aisle.

Purpleguy| 5.27.10 @ 6:51PM

Good luck with that ... the only way I can see that happening is if the Constitution is amended to give Senators 2 or 3 terms and Congressmen 5 - 8 terms, and that's it. Too many are entrenched and make serving their country their full-time occupation, which it never was intended to be.

Nate| 5.27.10 @ 7:00PM

You mean like the former KKK Kleagle, Robert Byrd, democrat senator from WV?

Purpleguy| 5.27.10 @ 11:07PM

Yep, or Grandpa "I'm no Maverick" McCain, Republican has-been. Or Kay "I'm no woman" Hutchinson.

Troll Watch| 5.27.10 @ 11:58PM

The catamite finally arrived. Good to hear from you purpleboy.

Nate| 5.28.10 @ 12:08AM

At least the Republicans didn't wear the Hood and terrorize innocent black folks like democrat Senator Byrdy boy, one of yours, moron. Bigot.

Purpleguy| 5.30.10 @ 2:12AM

You have plenty of ahole racists on your side dingbat. Strom Thurmond comes to mind, but many, many Democrats in the '60's switched to Republican because the Republicans fought the Voting Rights and Civil Rights acts, while the Democrats gave those to the minorities in this country. Any wonder 90% of African Americans vote Democratic? All the racists switched parties, except poor ol' Byrd. So the whole South is racist Republicans, and we have 1 ... hmmm. yep good point. Stop the hate, Nate.

Nate| 6.1.10 @ 12:07AM

The Civil Rights Acts couldn't have passed without Republicans, moron. Byrd is still a proud DEMOCRAT, the only former KKK Kleagle in the senate.

Republicans STOPPED slavery, segregation, Jim Crow laws and lynchings--all creations of the DEMOCRAT party. Sure you're ashamed of your hateful racist past--you should be--but it won't help assuage your terrible guilt by lying and trying to blame DEMOCRATS' RACISM on us.

Now go out and find another 14 year old kid to terrorize, asshole.

Len| 5.27.10 @ 5:56PM

If those plans don't include a return to the US constitution, it's all meaningless. Jim DeMint one of the supposedly more conservative GOPers voted for extended unemployment benefits, among others, for which no delegated power in the US constitution authorizes. I'll lay good money that better than 90% of GOPers take no time to read the US constitution, the ratification debates or bother to familiarize themselves with the underlying principles that were commonly understood by those framing the US constitution.
Now I know most conservatives understand that the US constitution authorizes no enactments of socio-economic wealth redistribution by force, and certainly despise those who speak of a living constitution, but where in the US constitution is there authority for military bases overseas, or policing the world, or ratifying treaties to protect other countries rather than the common defense the US constitution speaks of?
Where is there authority in the US constitution to conduct a war on drugs? Under the tenth amendment such a thing remains the purview of the states.
Oh, and here's a good one when will the GOPers acknowledge Lincoln's unconstitutional war on sovereign states and the ratified at gunpoint reconstruction amendments? And please??, don't think that I'm somehow advocating racism or a return to slavery, just because I'm willing to point out that despite the fact that the only purpose of the federal government was to benefit the states and not rule over them that Lincoln and the North essentially told the south "no you are our property, same as the slaves you own yourselves".
Let's not forget the unconstitutional federal reserve and the fiat money in place to enable an oligarchy funnel money upward, and subsidies for businesses and farmers.

Purpleguy| 5.27.10 @ 6:39PM

" he confected the Troubled Asset Relief Program" - well, now that's a lie... GW Bush and Henry Paulson did that little ditty...

"As a percentage of GDP, the national debt will double within a decade unless the citizenry gets control of the budget" - and, yet, it doubled in GW Bush's less than 8 years. NOW you're concerned? Check out who the culprits really have been, if you are REALLY concerned about debt - http://zfacts.com/p/318.html ...

"Equally important they had best have plans to cut entitlements and other spending in such a way as to avert our present rendezvous with bankruptcy." - some cuts are fine, as long as they are accompanied by some tax increases as well. We need both to offset the huge debt we have run up. It would be good if the government would pay back the IOU to the Social Security Trust Fund, for stealing the SocSec's money, which would eliminate the SocSec budget issue for quite a while.

Remember, you pay for Social Security and Medicare, as does your employer. "Entitlement" is a bullshit word... it is insurance premium you pay in to the government to have you insured when the time comes you need it. Calling them "Entitlements" makes it sound like you are being given something for nothing... if our leaders haven't funded them properly, don't take it out on the people who paid in and need them now and in the near future.

Hopefully, y'all can see the validity in that argument - and not let greed, or fear of government, or whatever gets in your head - and not throw Grandma to the curb....

Len| 5.27.10 @ 6:54PM

Straight out of the Social Security propaganda manual. However, when asked in a legal setting the government has always confessed that these entitlements are taxes.
Even if these things were insurance, who has given the federal government the authority to force me to put in to these plans? I no longer have the right to self determination and to plan for my own future? I am now the property of the federal government and may only do what they allow me to do, and buy and own what they approve of?
Then of course there is the fact there are many who are getting something for nothing, that many retirees who could otherwise work and provide for themselves and produce are now sitting at home depending on others. Yes, folks this year Social Security officially went into the red, not that the money was even there in the first place.

Nate| 5.27.10 @ 7:02PM

I thought that TARP loans have been mostly repaid--except for the GM losers, that is.

Purpleguy| 5.30.10 @ 2:08AM

Tell the Republicans to pay back money they stole from the Soc Security Trust Fund. Pay off the IOU's they've given the Soc Security Trust Fund, and it's solvent for 50 years. Drip.

Nate| 6.1.10 @ 12:09AM

You Marxist aholes are raiding the Treasury now.
We'll stop you and Oilbama in November, thief.

Democrats--the party of Spill, Baby, Spill.

RCV| 5.27.10 @ 6:57PM

I hate to rain on the parade, but I wouldn't count on the GOP taking control of either house in November. They will make the usual off-year gains the party out-of-power does, but they will be wholly unable to translate disaffection into election results. Indeed, if anything, the tea party fervor will boomarang on the GOP: independent Crist will win in Florida, as Bennett may in Utah if he runs. Rand Paul's self-destruction has already begun. The reality is that the Tea Party movement is drawing from the GOP. Those of us who supported Barack Obama will continue to do so, and indeed, redouble our efforts as we did in 2008.

Truthyness| 5.27.10 @ 7:10PM

What a pantload of Progressive Marxist crap! What are you smokin' libtard?
Obama's approvals are at 42% and his (former) Independent supporters have left by the droves.

Unemployment is at a stratospheric 10%!

Even liberals are attacking the clown for his dereliction of duty regarding the ecological disaster in the Gulf and corruption charges are being lobbed at him by the Left and the Right.

If anything, Republicans' chances are looking up!

Purpleguy| 5.27.10 @ 11:03PM

Try 46% idiot ... Gallup Poll in the last 2 days. Even Rasmussen, your side, has him at 45% approval... You lie, as you people always do.

Gee, I wonder who relaxed the regulations on the oil industry that created this disaster in the Gulf in the first place? Could it be President and Vice President of Oil, Inc, Bubblehead and his sidekick Darth Vader? (Bush/Cheney in other words). Why aren't they out there defending their industry that f'd up? Hell, the Republicans can't even mount a challenge against DADT ... they're spineless jellyfish led by ol' Turtleface McConnell himself. And, Michael "Lesbian Bondage Bar" Steele is a real showstopper to win elections ... Yep, you Republicans are on the move - you lost 8 of 9 special House elections since Obama was sworn in, but yep, you're on your way up... Even Scott Brown has fizzled out on the Tea Baggers . Ha! Yep a party to reckon with...

Nick| 5.27.10 @ 11:27PM

It was at 42% approval two days ago, PurpleJackass. 4% is such a HUGE difference, isn't it?

Disapproval is at 53%!
Only 26% of you morons "strongly approve" of O'Bama's job performance.

What does he have to do earn your scorn? Sink a Greenpeace boat? Or worse, become Pro-Life?

SoCon| 5.28.10 @ 12:21AM

Poor PG/Liberal Reader--the pathetic troll must be desperate! Scrounging for 4! points.

My, how the mighty have fallen!

Purpleguy| 5.28.10 @ 4:29PM

Wow ... no responses to Bush/Cheney ... so you all agree? And, no responses to all the Republican losses, 8 of 9 special Congressional Elections (and Hawaii only lost because of 2 Democrats to 1 Republican who didn't get the majority of the vote - the 2 Democrats did) ... Yep things are looking up for the bat-shit crazy genocidal douche-bags in the Repuglican party...

Nick| 5.28.10 @ 5:55PM

This from the same twit who thinks John Marshall was the first chief justice of the Supreme Court. And, doesn't know that Virginia governors only serve for one term.

PurpleJackass, you are an embarrassment to liberals.

SoCon| 5.28.10 @ 6:31PM

Bush/Cheney aren't in office anymore, dumbtard. Guess you haven't noticed.

I thought you liberals were supposed to be pro-environment! It took you losers SIX WEEKS to 'partially' repair the ruptured well that gushed more than 140 MILLION gallons of oil into the Gulf!!

Your party will pay for your stupid treachery. You dirtballs gave BP nearly 6 weeks to try and repair the well and save some bucks when you should have made them cap it immediately! I can see that Stupid Salazar backed up his stupid, inflammatory rhetoric of keeping his boot on BP's neck.

The terrible destruction of the fragile eco-systems in the Gulf is on YOUR heads, jackass.

Democrats lied and the Gulf died.

Purpleguy| 5.30.10 @ 2:06AM

Are you really this stupid? "you should have made them cap it immediately!" -- Oh, really, and why doesn't the industry know how to cap the well? I thought you don't want the government to intervene in the free market? This isn't an invasion after all... It was President and Vice President of Oil, Inc. that removed the lack of regulations from the Oil companies. And, yes, this is yet another mess from those two assklowns that has to be cleaned up.

Katrina was different - The Government has a central role in hurricane, tornado, earthquake impact. FEMA IS supposed to give hurricane relief, and has the equipment, people and expertise to do it - Bush slept while 1800 people died - and the hurricane was expected for days. On the other hand ... the government has never been charged with drilling or fixing an oil well. They simply don't have the equipment or expertise --- the free market is on display for what the greedy corporate bastards wreak when the yolk of regulation is removed - thanks BabyBush and Darth Vader! BP is to blame. The government should and is organizing the cleanup and protection of our shores, however.

Nate| 6.1.10 @ 12:14AM

Yeah, moron, Katrina was different because GWB had no control over Mother Nature, but you Corruptocrats gave BP (Barack's Problem) a pass and your corruption came back and bit you on the ass! Even democrats are turning on the Bamster who voted 'present' when the oil rig blew.

NerObama fiddled and the Gulf died. The House and Senate are ours now!

Tim*| 5.28.10 @ 12:12AM

" The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Thursday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-two percent (42%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -16 "

Truthyness| 5.28.10 @ 12:13AM

Eat it, PurpleTurd; you know Obammy is gonna take a huge negative hit for his absolutely incompetent, near criminal mishandling of this ecological disaster.

Obama played while the Gulf Coast strangled in oil.
And that doesn't include his administration's numerous bribes to democrat candidates.

I smell IMPEACHMENT in the air!

Ken (Old Texican)| 5.27.10 @ 7:16PM

Michael, SoCon,

Yep!
It is going to get very rough, if the posse fails to show up.
1861 anyone?

I would be very happy to see a "sludge-foot" reversal of our communist, (pardon the shorthand), direction.

Bottom line, folks...it is going to be votes...or bullets.
It won't be so much fun to be congress critters, when votes are overruled by a bullet in the head.

I am trying my very best to guide us around bullets in the head of congress critters. OK?

Presidents get the Secret Service, and they are splendid...but Presidents and their families are imprisoned, as they are protected from the wrath of whack-jobs.

Conversely,
Congress critters ENJOY dropping by their favorite bar on the way home...no Secret Service.
They enjoy lunches all over DC...no Secret Service.

Would you want your congress critter shot by a hot-head because of a vote...either pro or con?

I don't think any of us want that...(well, MOST of us don't want that.)

Folks,
In our form of government, the congress critters have to represent MOST of their constituents. One whack-job can end that...pretty easily.

Please...think about that for moment.

Every single constituent has a unique ...unique...set of requirements.
Do we shoot our congress critters for a mis-vote on "our" requirements?
Goodness, I hope not.

For well over two hundred years we have given "grace" to our congress critters.
Nevertheless,
As a body...they sell us into slavery?

POP!

Ran / Si Vis Pacem | 5.27.10 @ 8:16PM

Ken,
Off-topic - and do forgive me for asking, but have you seen "Bob" the wonderboy hereabouts lately?
Cheers

SoCon| 5.27.10 @ 9:31PM

Bob's been gone for a while now. The snobby, deceitful dumbtard just couldn't take the constant flogging he received here, I guess.
I would say YOU took the lead in that regard, Ran. I'm still laughing at some of your red-hot posts directed at the nincompoop.

Nick was great. too.

Nick| 5.27.10 @ 11:09PM

Thanks, SoCon, you are too kind.

I'd like to think I had some small part in getting Bob to stop bothering us all with his inanities.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
(Don't forget to fly your flag, everyone.)

Troll Watch| 5.27.10 @ 11:54PM

One day Bob accidentally left his name, Robert Vollowitz. Nick expressed some amusement, gave an email address and that was the last we heard. There is a troll working the boards under RCV today. Nick, did you notice a middle initial?

SoCon| 5.28.10 @ 12:19AM

Good catch, Troll Watch! I do remember Nick outing the old Bobster. lol
Brilliant work, Nick--you've made us proud.

RCV--I did see that jackass! haha

Nick| 5.28.10 @ 12:46AM

SoCon,

Thank you so much. You flatter me!

Nick| 5.28.10 @ 12:44AM

Troll Watch,

No, I did not catch that, at all! I don't remember a middle initial.

If it is 3/5 Bob, he won't be able to make it for long without telling someone to look at a graph or "real" data.

Skunks never change their stripes.

Mediator| 6.21.10 @ 3:33PM

Interesting, guys. I see you boys are playing dirty. We are talking politcal debate here, not personal ganglike attacks. Hey, I have an idea . . . why don't all of you boys give us your real names, and we can publish what we find in our searches here.
Ultimately, your strategy of attack is greatly delegitimizing this forum.
Now, quit this waste and get back to debating, already.

Geeeez.

Small Foot| 5.27.10 @ 8:42PM

We are a pair of the 60's+ crowd. We sa this coming and prepared as best as we could. Obama is indeed a foreigner hired to bring us down by the destruction of our Constitution, economy, family and Christian heritage. When they come for our guns their first surprise raid may succeed with the tactics we know they will use. After that, we will be awake, ready, and willing to die in lieu of being hearded into one of the Communists holding areas they have built with the tax money we have paid to an illegal, private corporation (IRS).
The only hope for our country is that enough people become enlightened like you people that have written these magnificent blogs, get their heads out of their T.V. sets, and help us restore our
Country and way of life through prayer, work, and contributions.
May God bless you all.

Sam| 5.28.10 @ 2:43AM

Thanks for your post, Small Foot; there are lots of us folks out here!

Purpleguy| 5.28.10 @ 4:19PM

I wonder what you would have said if Hillary had won the election ...? It sure wouldn't have been Grandpa McCain in any case ...

SoCon| 5.28.10 @ 6:43PM

If Hillary (another Alinskyite) had pulled the same kind of Marxist BS as Obama we'd say the same thing, moron.

You really should seek professional help for your racist demons, Liberal Screeder; they're making you crazy (crazier).

Purpleguy| 5.30.10 @ 1:55AM

Racist? Who said anything about race? Only you did, secret Racist that you are. Marxist - what did you think about Reagan giving amnesty to 3 Million Illegals? Was that free market?

Me crazy - pulease - I'm not the bat-shit ultra right wing nut like you ...

Nate| 6.1.10 @ 12:17AM

Liberals like you are the ugliest racists of all, you maintain today's DEMOCRAT plantations--the inner cities.

WAKE UP| 5.29.10 @ 1:08AM

TIPPING POINT COMING

Matt Heath| 5.30.10 @ 12:26AM

I like Mr. Tyrrell's book, but one quibble...he seems to advocate T. Boone Picken's energy plan, which is not a very good plan and Pickens appears to be a little dishonest about his financial interests in natural gas and windpower, both of which happen to be his "solution" to our energy problem.

Matt Heath| 5.30.10 @ 12:29AM

T. Boone Hard-Wired for Subsidies
by Jerry Taylor

Virtually every claim made by T. Boone Pickens to justify the lavish subsidies he is seeking for his wind energy investments is flat wrong.

First, oil imports are not the cause of high gasoline prices. On the contrary, oil imports serve to keep gasoline prices down. After all, we import oil for a reason; it's cheaper than the domestic alternative. If we were to restrict our energy diet to energy produced in the United States, it would make domestic energy producers (like Mr. Pickens) far richer and energy consumers (the rest of us) far poorer, and GDP would be reduced as well. While one can understand why Mr. Pickens is attracted to the idea of "energy independence," for the rest of us, keeping the country open to imported goods is pro-consumer whether we're talking about oil, steel, textiles, or athletic shoes.

Second, we are no more forced to rely on the "good will" of foreign oil producers when we shop for petroleum than we are forced to rely on the "good will" of supermarkets when we shop for eggs and milk. Oil producers export crude oil because it's a great way to make money—and for many, the only way to make money. And once that oil is in the global marketplace, market actors, not oil producers, dictate where it goes. Hence, we are betting on producer greed ... which is a pretty safe bet.

Third, if wind energy were a sensible economic investment, it would not need the lavish federal and state subsidies already in place or the additional largesse sought after by Mr. Pickens. Likewise, if compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles are an economically sensible alternative to conventional gasoline powered vehicles, then no government "master plan" is necessary to deliver them to market. Price signals will induce investors to invest and consumers to buy without government having to lift a finger. The same goes for all the other energy-related R&D Mr. Pickens would like the taxpayer to dole out. If that R&D is promising, it will be pursued whether government subsidizes it or not.

Fourth, if reducing our carbon footprint is the goal, then the most direct and efficient means of reducing that footprint is to impose a tax on carbon emissions and then leave it to the market to sort out how to most efficiently order affairs under those new prices. Maybe it will mean windmills and CNG, but maybe not. Perhaps it will mean more nuclear power, new hydrogen-powered fuel cells, "clean" coal, the emergence of cellulosic ethanol, battery-powered cars or hybrids—or a continuation of the existing energy base but less consumption as a consequence.

Of course, if the market were to go into any of those directions, Mr. Pickens would be out a lot of money, which is probably why Mr. Pickens wants to hard-wire the market to consume the things he's investing in and have the government lavish him with subsidies in the course of doing so. I wish Mr. Pickens well in the course of his wind energy business, but I see no reason why taxpayers, ratepayers, or consumers ought to be forced to sacrifice in order to fatten his already ample bank account.

Grant| 5.30.10 @ 3:57PM

I'm not quite as clever as many of the commenters here, so I'll borrow my response from a group called Muse:

Rise up and take the power back, it's time that
The fat cats had a heart attack, you know that
Their time is coming to an end
We have to unify and watch our flag ascend

They will not force us
They will stop degrading us
They will not control us
We will be victorious

- allons-y

W. L. Barton| 5.30.10 @ 4:08PM

Thanks you to Bush, chene, Rumsfeld, and the rest of you gutless wonders for killing off our best and brightest, all for oil profits.
Scum like you, which in my humble opinion is all you armchair warriors are, will all end up in Hell on the day the Lord's Book of Life is read.
You Goats will go left, while true Christians will go right, separating the wheat from the chaff.
But hey, you have a good time with you money now, and do not take my word for it.
Jesus said "the rich have had their reward". so when the dead children from Mi Lai, and the ones dying daily since March, 2003, will rise to meet the Lord, while you will go to your father the Devil.
God can and might spare you, but arrogance like the kind seen in your faces, probably leaves you incapable of repentance.

Jeremiah| 6.1.10 @ 12:27AM

What OIL PROFITS? We're talking major brain damage here, Barton. YOURS!

WAKE UP| 5.30.10 @ 6:00PM

W.L.Barton: how lucky you are to be able to say that about your own country and its leaders, in comfort and safety. I suggest you chill out and occupy soyourself making a list of the countries in the world where such criticism produces entirely predictable results ending in the permanent silence of the critic. It's a long list, so be prepared to spend some time. And while you're at it, see if you can find some Christian humility in yourself to thank your God for providing those men who have kept your country safe since 9/11. Because, under the present one, the critic-silencing circumstances I've described above are coming ever closer to you, day by day. There are none so blind as those who cannot see.

Matt Heath| 5.30.10 @ 6:46PM

I never understood this argument that conservatives who supported the Iraq War are "chickenhawks" or "armchair warriors." Nobody voted for Bush to specifically go to war with Iraq. I think suggesting it was a "war for oil" is kind of smearing the soldier's accomplishments, and removing Saddam in Iraq was a good thing (and something most Democrats voted for, including Kerry, Hiillary, and John Edwards). If you are going to diss our soldier's accomplishments with silly baseless compiracy theories, you are the one lacking in character.

WAKE UP| 5.30.10 @ 7:31PM

"Nobody voted for Bush to specifically go to war with Iraq" True. And nobody voted for Bush specifically to have 9/11 happen only weeks later, after being planned during Clinton's watch (an event that big isn't planned and executed overnight). Iraq was a RESPONSE to 9/11, which every REAL man understands viscerally.
It may have been the wrong response, which can be debated, and if neccessary corrected, in a healthy robust, SAFE democracy. Which still beats the hell out of making weird, Islamic -dhimmi, mea culpa speeches in Cairo that NOBODY voted for.

Charles R. Williams| 5.31.10 @ 8:28AM

Bush sold the war on the grounds that Iraq had WMD and had connections to 9/11. The first turned out to be false and the second was dubious from the beginning. The war was necessary but not for the reasons given by the administration. And it was not necessary to stay in Iraq to build democracy there - although this costly effort may yet turn out to be a success.

WAKE UP| 5.31.10 @ 4:38PM

And the fact remains that there have been more Islamic attacks in/on America under Obama since Cairo, than under Bush after 9/11 and Iraq .

Jeremiah| 6.1.10 @ 12:23AM

And don't forget the feckless bastard who pretended to be POTUS before GWB.

Clinton's dereliction of duty caused 9/11; the disgraced Sandy Bergler stuffed the proof of Clinton's treachery (that he stole from the National Archives) down his pants.

dki| 7.1.10 @ 3:58AM

beijing massage

Louis Vttion handbags | 12.9.10 @ 2:19AM

Would you be so understanding if two or three armed KKK members treated black voters in the same threatening way? Hmmmmm?

And if not, why not, Sue? Careful, your ugly liberal bigotry toward white folks is showing. Shame on you, hypocrite.

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