The American Spectator : The Democrats Jump Off a Cliff

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The Democrats Jump Off a Cliff

By W. James Antle, III on 10.1.10 @ 6:10AM

And into a tax increase. The world according to Obama, Pelosi, and Reid.

Stop me if you've heard this one before. Realizing they are on a collision course with popular opinion in an election year, a bloc of embattled Democrats tries to pull their party back from the ledge. Their rebellion is crushed as just enough Democrats decide to follow their leadership over the cliff to make some item on the liberal wish list a reality. Hilarity -- accompanied by economic ruin -- ensues.

This slapstick comedy debuted during the health care debate. The legislative battle over taxes has become the sequel. Rep. John Adler (D-NJ) led a group of 47 Democrats in demanding the extension of all the investment tax cuts, set to expire at the end of this year. Even such liberals as Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA) asked for a swift vote on preserving the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for people making less than $200,000 a year, ostensibly the Obama administration's position.

Instead congressional Democrats voted to adjourn while leaving the tax issue unresolved, raising the possibility that taxes will in fact rise across the board. They voted to leave town by such a narrow margin that every Democrat who supported adjournment can plausibly be described as the deciding vote for letting the Bush tax cuts become the Obama tax increase. The election is a little more than a month away.

The main objection to keeping the tax cuts is that they'll add to the deficit, a concern that did not prevent the $700 billion bailout, the $787 billion stimulus package or the $1 trillion health care boondoggle. But if so, why keep the tax cuts for the middle class? As economist Alan Viard points out, "The high-income rate reductions provide much greater incentive for investment and other economic activity, relative to revenue loss, than the middle-class tax cuts."

In fact, letting the tax cuts expire for the higher earners will at best save $40 billion per year. Or to put it another way, an amount equal to about half of this year's deficit over the next ten years. Factoring in other tax provisions that benefit those the Democrats deem wealthy can at most add another $30 billion a year. All this is wildly optimistic: the $40-70 billion is a static projection that assumes no one will alter their economic behavior in response to the tax increases or that they will have no negative impact on growth, particularly at the rates most responsive to tax changes. Ending the 2003 tax cuts on capital gains and dividends will likely have a negative influence on revenue.

But with the vote to put off any action on taxes until after the election, none of these technicalities really matter: taxes are scheduled to go up on everyone, not just the rich. "The Democrats have done more to change the rules on gays in the military, to provide amnesty for some illegal immigrants, and to name post offices in the last week than they have done to keep middle-class taxes from rising in the last Congress," observed National Review's Ramesh Ponnuru before launching into a phrase that should be repeated by every Republican candidate this fall: "Taxes are going up for everyone, and it's the Democrats' fault."

Some Democrats no doubt believe that Bill Clinton proved the economy can withstand tax increases. After all, didn't the economy perform better under the Clinton-era tax rates than it is doing now? But this is a non sequitur. Clinton raised taxes during an economic recovery, slowing growth rates but not strangling it entirely. The most rapid growth actually came after the capital-gains tax cut of 1997. In this climate, taxes would be going up as the economy teeters on the brink of a double-dip recession with unemployment rates already approaching 10 percent. Meanwhile, it is very difficult to believe simultaneously in the deficit-reducing Rubinomics of the Clinton years and also the Keynesian pump-priming that has characterized the rest of the Obama administration's fiscal policy.

And let's not forget the politics. The more limited Clinton tax increases were an unmitigated political disaster that helped cost the Democrats control of Congress. Any guess as to how the voters will react to an across-the-board tax increase? Alvin Greene could run successfully as a Republican in such an environment.

Even if the party leadership is indifferent to the whining of their neutered Blue Dogs, one has to imagine that the Democrats will find their way back from the brink on taxes at some point. That is, if it weren't for one inconvenient fact: such an expectation runs counter to the way the Obama-era Democrats have governed in practice.

Call it an adjournment of common sense.

About the Author

W. James Antle, III is associate editor of The American Spectator. You can follow him on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/Jimantle.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (164) | Leave a comment

saleboter| 10.1.10 @ 7:15AM

The democrat clue meter is reading zero

vtwin| 10.1.10 @ 12:53PM

Polls show Americans are evenly divided 49%-48% on extending ALL of the Bush tax-cuts but a clear majority 81% of Americans favor Obama’s plan of limiting those tax-cuts to the first $250,000 of income.

Sorry, this is a winning issue for Democrats.

SpiralArchitect| 10.1.10 @ 1:49PM

Either way, you are still a loser.

Tom| 10.1.10 @ 1:50PM

How is 49-48 a winning issue?

Steve A| 10.1.10 @ 2:03PM

Yeah, let's not examine if it spells continued disaster for the economy, let's look at how it polls for Democrats. Wow! Continued deep thinking from our pal Vgenius.

Fredrick Ward| 10.1.10 @ 2:28PM

That's all he cares about. So long as his party is winning it doesn't matter what their policies will actually do to the country. Many demoidiots can't wait to get their welfare check instead of a pay check. At least that is the way they're voting.

jrjr| 10.1.10 @ 3:48PM

And -- "...to get their welfare check instead of a pay check.." shouldn't be the end of the sentence. A good part of the welfare check (LB Johnson) is coming from borrowed "money" from China.

Shamus| 10.1.10 @ 5:53PM

This raises a peculiar ethical issue.

Are slave laborers in China toiling to support American welfare recipients?

Larry| 10.2.10 @ 9:26PM

In a way, yes. but long term No. Chinese laborers are toiling to support a Govt that is playing America like a fish. America is under the illusion of power. China knows it produces 90% of America's antibiotics and 50% of imported goods and holds 20% of America's debt. America is on the hook and China holds the key. So in effect, China and its workers OWN America.

JP| 10.1.10 @ 2:38PM

If it is such a winning issue why didn't Pelosi and Reid push a floor vote this past Summer? If this is such a winning issue why have 40 House Dems demand the full extension for all taxpayers? Why have 10 Democratic Senators go on record that they favor extending the tax cuts for all taxpayers?

I don't know where you get your numbers, but I can imagine they're about as accurate as Obama's 2009 forecast of unemployment dropping below 8%.

Mark MacInnis| 10.1.10 @ 2:52PM

Sorry, with all the caterwauling and moaning coming out of Congress, it sounds more like a "whining" issue for the democrats....

Shamus| 10.1.10 @ 3:05PM

Exit polling will provide more information on how voters consider the issue of extending the Bush tax cuts. Democrats didn't bring it to a vote prior to the election.

Anthony| 10.1.10 @ 4:19PM

Hey vtwin, welcome back. I have a business trip to San Fran later in the month, I'll be sure to look for you Frisco Hell's Angels. It shouldn't be to hard, you'll be the bikers with the pink plastic streamers coming out of your handlebars and the Michael Jackson trading cards in your spokes.
By the way vtwin, if the brain dead Ds try this class warfare stunt of "tax cuts" for those making less than $250.000, the Obozo Depression will only continue. It's those of us small businesses that gross over $250,000 that make this country work. No money, no employees,, no capital expansion, got that vtwin?
But let's hope after they get their asses kicked in Nov, the lame ducks stick it to America one last time, that'll make Nov 2012 that much SWEETER! See you in San Fran buddy.

Cylar| 10.3.10 @ 5:55AM

If it keeps progressives out of power for a couple of generations, it almost might be worth the economic malaise.

I'm fed up with the American people letting these schlubs back into power over and over again when the Republicans, though not perfect, seemed to have had things humming along fine.

Really, how many times does our country have to learn its lesson, before the Democrat party is simply kicked out of power permanently? Out- where it belongs?

SeattleBruce| 10.1.10 @ 4:57PM

"Sorry, this is a winning issue for Democrats."

Oopsy doopsy - except they decided not to vote for it and adjourn instead.

What say ye?!

Taly d'Haricots| 10.1.10 @ 6:47PM

If everyone agrees that extending the cuts for those making less than $250.0 K is a good idea, why didn't the dims do that?

Pew Research/National Journal scored a different result; 39% feel the failure to extend the tax rate cuts will hurt the economy while only 26% agree with the Obama argument that it helps the economy.

Clearly the lack of action by the dimocrats will cost them in November.

RightWinger| 10.1.10 @ 10:18PM

A winning issue for Democrats is politicians deciding who is "rich" and then seizing the property of these people? The mindset of the leftist is astounding.

KansasGirl| 10.2.10 @ 1:26AM

This is not a winning issue for the Democrats. Why do you think they adjourned? They adjourned because they want ALL the tax cuts to expire. This country is having a meltdown and it is Obama leading the charge.

Charles| 10.2.10 @ 2:40AM

81% of Americans favor Obama's plan of limiting those tax-cuts to the first $250,000 of income? Where did you pull those numbers? Out of your arse?

Those small businesses who earn $250K or more create over 70% of the jobs in this country. Explain to me why we want to cut off our nose to spite our face? Those play the class envy game are incredibly stupid people. No understanding of economics, and taxation.

Get a life. This is a losing strategy for the Democrats only they are too stupid to know it.

Chris| 10.2.10 @ 12:48PM

What polls? Typical liberal pulling numbers out of their @$$ to support a lost cause. Nobody in there right mind wants to take money from themselves (taxes) and give it to the government. The government can't spend a man's money better than himself. Plus, get off taxing the "rich". We know that the democrats definition of rich is anyone who works for a living.

FTM| 10.4.10 @ 12:48AM

Chris is wise.

Seems to me that when President Obama was running for office the definition of "rich" was over 250K, maybe 300K then as time passed the "rich" limit started dropping. Seems to me that I read in the local MSM bird cage liner that the latest Administration definition of "rich" was well under 150K. Spouse and I are getting closer and closer to "rich" all the time.

Bruce| 10.2.10 @ 2:28PM

Uh - it's Saturday. Aren't you supposed to be out in the driveway washing and polishing your 3 wheeler? You need some new BB cards for the spokes too.

tellthetruth| 10.2.10 @ 8:56PM

Cognitive dissonance.

James H. Brown| 10.3.10 @ 2:49PM

Considering the state of education today it is amazing that such a large percentage (49 or 48% agree on extending all cuts. That 81% do not understand that letting the "rich" small business owner put profits back into the business does more then pork for overpaid public employee unions in growing the economy. That is with out calculating the Federal dollars going to salaries of state and local workers also increases the unfund pension obligations of the States.

David| 10.3.10 @ 8:54PM

Sorry, but a majority of American voters wish Obama, Pelosi, and Reid would resign their posts tonight and leave town for good before morning. Dems are screwed, dude. But pass me whatever it is you're smokin'.

Alan Brooks| 10.1.10 @ 7:51PM

"Stop me if you've heard this one before."

Stop please.
We've heard it all before: in '94; in '96;
in 98; in 2000; in 2002; in 2004; in 2006; in 2008.
The more the GOP attempts to limit taxes, the larger government becomes.

KansasGirl| 10.2.10 @ 1:35AM

You state "the more the GOP attempts to limit taxes, the larger government becomes". How is that possible? Please explain.

Bruce| 10.2.10 @ 2:29PM

Brooks is a moonbat liberal. KansasGirl. Liberals don't need cites - if they say it's true ... it must be so.

Alan Brooks| 10.3.10 @ 2:03AM

That's what you SAY, but you know the general elections mean you have to please all sectors of the country by targeting demographically; which means-- for the last two decades-- a compromise GOP president or candidate.
But go ahead, keep botching it, I will vote Democratic.

Cylar| 10.3.10 @ 5:58AM

...and you will keep being on the losing side. Of elections, of history.

The only sad part is that my vote gets cancelled-out by a troll like you. Personally I think anyone who voted for the Dems in the last two elections ought to have his suffrage revoked. Clearly you've proven you can't be trusted to use the ballot responsibly....and voting is NOT a "right."

Alan Brooks| 10.3.10 @ 6:36PM

"I think anyone who voted for the Dems in the last two elections ought to have his suffrage revoked."

Of course you do, you want power more than you want liberty. Good thing my vote cancels out yours.

Alan Brooks| 10.3.10 @ 8:24PM

"The only sad part is that my vote gets cancelled-out"

Are you saying your vote is the only vote that matters?

Cylar| 10.4.10 @ 4:08AM

Yes.

You've proven you can't be trusted. Hand over the car keys, son.

Alan Brooks| 10.4.10 @ 7:25PM

No, since the GOP ran a silly old man in '96 it is the GOP who has been untrustworthy.
You will win in November, but botch it in later years-- you will continue to lack strategic coherence as you don't have an issue such as the Cold War to unify you.

All dressed up with nowhere to go.

figus janus| 10.1.10 @ 7:16AM

Government is like a baby. An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other. -Ronald Reagan
Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. -Ronald Reagan
Did President Reagan know the democrats well or what? No excuses this election cycle. Everyone out and vote. Absentee vote if you have to.

Houston Rao| 10.1.10 @ 10:21AM

Absolutely. Also, each of us has to do what we can to maintain the integrity of the vote. Vote fraud has been the progressives tool of choice everywhere in the world to steal elections.

http://www.foxnews.com/politic.....ote-texas/

1FreeMan| 10.1.10 @ 10:56AM

It is not too late to volunteer at polling sites. Make that call to your local or county election office and find out what you need to do to volunteer. If we are in the polling stations and actively document any fraud we witness we can be part of the solution. Take the day off to protect freedom!!!

KansasGirl| 10.2.10 @ 1:38AM

Houston Rao, you are absolutely spot on. I am going to sign up to become a poll watcher. I will document any irregularities.

Alan Brooks| 10.1.10 @ 8:03PM

"Did President Reagan know the democrats well or what? No excuses this election cycle. Everyone out and vote. Absentee vote if you have to."

You know very well the midterms are more 'local'; whereas the presidential election is, it goes without saying, national-- meaning the GOP will run another compromise Mush candidate in 2012.
Yet again, another George Mush- type presidential candidate will be foisted on the electorate in '12. And, with the cyclical nature of party politics, whichever empty suit the GOP runs in 2016 will very probably win.

'down with big govt (that the GOP doesn't approve of)'

Fredrick Ward| 10.1.10 @ 9:52PM

"'down with big govt (that the GOP doesn't approve of)'"

Libertarianism is what most of the founding fathers of our nation followed in terms of political belief. I fall within this category; as I'm sure many other people here do.

The distinct difference between staunch Republican, or Democrat, supporters and Libertarians is that Libertarians do not consider party politics and loyalty above the true goal of keeping government as small is as absolutely possible. Libertarianism believes that the Federal government should have only enough powers to ensure the security of our nation; protection of our boarders, and interests overseas. The next step in government is the State level. It would have control of police powers, and the judicial system. They exist only to ensure the civil liberties of humanity remain intact.

Therefore, while your comment might be accurate for some here it is most certainly not accurate for all. As a Libertarian, I believe that 99% of the Federal government and State governments need to pulled down to the ground, and all of those who have made a career of politics fired. Clean all of them out, and start from scratch after placing term limits on all elected government offices.

Ret. Marine| 10.2.10 @ 12:51PM

You are only talking about the RINO's and they are toast this mid-term. Once that is accomplished, look for an outstanding candidate for the 1012 election. Either that or there will massive dissent in this country and no matter who wins it will be a looser for all.

Alan Brooks| 10.3.10 @ 2:06AM

You got it: the year 1012.

We are not that different; I am nostalgic sometimes, as well.

Cylar| 10.3.10 @ 6:00AM

Nostalgic for an era when men were ruled by kings, and shown the guillotine if they dared disagree? That's what the world was like in 1012, buddy.

You're a leftist. Of course you're nostalgic for that.

Alan Brooks| 10.3.10 @ 6:42PM

One would think a young turk like you would like the non-welfare states of a thousand years ago; back then if they needed meat they killed an elk or something-- they didn't need food stamps. And since you like to kill so much, you would have been right at home.

My main point is the GOP hasn't done anything substantial since 1991 when the soviet Union dissolved.

Alan Brooks| 10.3.10 @ 6:47PM

...19 years the bungling GOP wasted.

BTW, guillotines weren't invented until many centuries later-- if you were not a victim of bad education, you would know that.

Cylar| 10.4.10 @ 4:09AM

So they didn't chop people's heads off in the Anglo Saxon era? Silly me.

Go to hell.

Chalkdust| 10.1.10 @ 7:21AM

With the demoncrats going home to carry a message of two years worth of achievements in which to boaster a cry to man the battlements and rally the liberals with "Republicans and Fox News are poop-heads and a strong list of the aforementioned achievments will follow."
Obama figures a bunch of lame ducks will not be willing to extent the Bush tax cuts and then his telepromtness will jump into the breach and save the nation with more porkous and 53%(or at least 4% of the looniest) of the nation will go yeah!

Alan Brooks| 10.1.10 @ 8:09PM

"Clearly the lack of action by the dimocrats will cost them in November."

The lack of coherence by the GOP will gain them in 2016.

KansasGirl| 10.2.10 @ 1:48AM

Alan, I disagree. Conservatives are working to purge the GOP RINO's. It's pretty basic actually.

Chalkdust| 10.2.10 @ 7:48AM

I contend Mr. Brooks that the only thing the deamoncrats have to run on is; "poop heads and "smartypants". I further contend that despite brainwashing at the university/collage level, a entire generation of dimocrats with be wiped out by Nov. 2012.

Cylar| 10.3.10 @ 6:01AM

Good to hear you've already conceded that OhBummer is toast in 2012. Welcome to reality.

Alan Brooks| 10.3.10 @ 6:54PM

Sure, everyone now knows the GOP will win big-time a month from now.
But I wrote 2016, not 2012; electoral cycles mean the GOP will almost certainly win in 2016. Which in turn means another chair warming, memoir writing Bush-type presidency.

Cylar| 10.4.10 @ 4:10AM

Get back to me a month from now, then.

coal carrier| 10.1.10 @ 7:23AM

Remember what happened to the president that said, “read my lips, no new taxes”! He went along with Dan Rostenkowski, and the rest democrats, and put taxes on the table. The democrats raised taxes and the president was voted out of office. Will history repeat itself? I can see hope from my house.

Jeff Lee| 10.1.10 @ 12:26PM

He lost and Rostenkowski went to prison.

Alan Brooks| 10.1.10 @ 8:05PM

"He lost"

Yes, but his son did it all over again in hopes of a different outcome.

TR| 10.2.10 @ 1:43PM

Yes, I do remember. Bush's tax cuts gave us 6 years of economic growth in spite of our nation being attacked on 9/11. Then the congress and senate changed hands in Jan '07, became extreme leftist, Bush folded to thier hollow destructive policies. Then the consequences of the Jimmy Carter Community Reinvestment Act that was expanded dramatically by Billary Clinton raised its ugly head. And the housing market collapsed. The economy followed. Great Depression 2.

The experts that predicted the dangerous CRA program, giving home loans to favored political classes (who had no chance of paying back the loans) would cause a collapse of the housing market and the economy in general. And it happened under the watch of Pelosi and Reid. Their failed economic actions has been doubled down by Obama in an apparent attempt to completely collapse the economy to usher in his fascist policy of hope and change. And the fools who voted for him bought it.

Yes, I do remember. And NO ONE with a "D" next to their name will get my vote, my wifes vote, and our two adult childrens vote. We all remember.

Jeff Lee| 10.2.10 @ 3:21PM

Bush 41 raised taxes and lost. Bush 43 cut taxes and won.

Bill| 10.1.10 @ 7:45AM

I can't wait to vote. It is time for these people, who seem to think they can ignore the people who sent them there, to get a dose of reality. Time for them to pack their brown box and hit the door. Time for them to learn that Obama's vision is not the vision of the majority of this nation. Time to vote.. time to send the message.. time to kick some .. well you know . Also when the November for the other libs arrives in two years or so.. they also have a target on their back. Time to vote them out also. We will remember when their November arrives.

Leland| 10.2.10 @ 10:12PM

I have said it before and will say it again- if your state has the laws on the books to have a recall election why wait for the next election? FIRE THEM NOW!! There is no reason to wait! Recall ANY elected official who is not protecting the rights and interests of his constituants!

JP| 10.1.10 @ 7:53AM

The Dems will get hammered in Novemeber. But, I predict they will continue to hold majorities -slim majorities, but majorities none-the-less. The Blue Dogs in the House are doing particularly well. Remember, over 40 Blue Dogs voted against ObamaCare. And after you add in a wave of negative campaigning by the Dems, it is not too difficult to imagine Nancy Pelosi living to see another day as Speaker. She will still have 218-220 votes.

And I think it is only good karma that the Dems retain both Houses as 2011 is surely going to be painfull. None of the Bush Tax Cuts will survive. Once they do expire, Congress must go back to the drawing board are re-write an entire new law to re-implement the tax cuts. And that isnt' going to happen. And, do not forget that Obama's defecit Commission will be filing its report in December. And predictably, the commission will focus only on the defecit and not spending. They will advise not only to let the tax cuts expire, but they will also strongly urge Congress to implement a VAT tax.

So, in 2011 over $700 billion of liquidity will be pulled out of the private sector and put into the public sector (the estimated dollar amount of the tax cuts); more and more of ObamaCare will be implemented, and Congress will attempt to slip in some kind of VAT or consumption tax. All the while, this nation will be swimming in QE and other forms of liquidity. The defecits will be even higher, and the GDP will fall back into negative territory. Who would want to be in power under those conditions. Obama, Reid, and Pelosi will be clueless on what to do next, and the huge defecits will limit thier options.

No, the November elections are only the tip of the iceberg. But, change comes slowly, and the Dems will not give up power without a huge fight. The real change will come in 2012. It will be the Statist's Waterloo. They had an 80 year run. And the only thing they will have to show for it is $15 trillion of debt.

MacDaddy| 10.1.10 @ 2:53PM

I respectfully disagree. the Dems are gonna crash harder than Thurman Munson....

Anthony| 10.1.10 @ 5:22PM

Cruel, very crucl. You must be a Red Sox fan.

TR| 10.2.10 @ 1:47PM

That is just plain nasty.

Thurman Munson was a good, decent man. His death was untimely.

The democraps are an evil, dangerous, marxist party that is based on the violation of the 10th Commandment: Thou shalt not covet. Their entire reason for existence is to covet others property and to whip up envy (coveteous) based behavior and thought in their mindless masses.

Mimi| 10.2.10 @ 7:07PM

JP...For GOD'S sake...Your post was so depressing. Get with the program...The dirt,sleeze and lies campaign of the DEM's will back-fire. Here's my take: Too many people are on high alert, Levin,Beck, etc have taught us well, we're on the road , with truth as our ARMOR...people are coming out of the wood-work in my district... us older political-junkies, are amazed... the new breed of PATRIOTS ..are putting us to shame, man are they GUNG-HO!....and oh Yeh, the "MAN UPSTAIRS"....He's on the CASE...WHY.? AMERICA the FREE ONES are NEEDED for the WORLD he watches over!!!

East Texas Rancher| 10.1.10 @ 8:05AM

And the blatancy with which the Democratic thieves use leads me to believe they are not in fear of the American voter. And you might ask, why wouldn't they be very afraid. The only answer I have is that they expect a "surprise" before the election, a surprise so great the President might declare martial law.
And before you say, no, that cannot happen, start reading headlines about expected terror attack. The talk that Obama's minions use declares we can "absorb" such an attack. Absorb?????
I believe that we will see some event that is of the magnitude the Pres "feels" he must suspend elections for the time being, and it will allow him to wrap the barbed wire around us all the tighter.

East Texas Rancher

geokster from TX| 10.1.10 @ 8:43AM

I can only pray you are wrong sir.

TR| 10.1.10 @ 10:35AM

You verbalize what has been on my mind for weeks. The "absorb an attack" comment put me on edge and the following reports of an imminent attack makes it look coordinated. I put nothing past this marxist idealogue community organizer.

Nate W.| 10.1.10 @ 12:10PM

I'm sick and tired of "absorbing" the faults of this administration!!

Fredrick Ward| 10.1.10 @ 10:59PM

The inevitability of another terrorist attack is akin to a woman turning down chocolate or a foot rub. Therefore, I would not be surprised either way if an attack occurred or not.

The measure of Obama's response will be much like his response to the rest of the defense policy. He will blame past administrations and expect us to suck it up, and let by gones be by gones. He will then tell us how peaceful the Islamic society is. Then he will promptly jump into Air Force One to kiss some Muslim's ass. All the while assuring the Muslim world that he does not intend on retaliating for the attack, and apologizing for apparent past sins of our nation that 'caused' the attack.

Yosemeti Sam| 10.2.10 @ 2:10AM

Absorb?

If such a scenario eventuates - let's see how NRA members respond to the notion of absorption.

Hail to the 2nd Amendment!

tellthetruth| 10.2.10 @ 8:59PM

Time for Obama to "wag the dog"?

Anthony| 10.1.10 @ 8:47AM

Just got an email from our state R committeeman. Seems there is a 3.8% tax on all houses sold,which goes to fund health care, this was just one of the many little taxes inserted in the HCB.
I hope every one in that group shot is out of Washington by 2012.
I can see November from my house!!!

KyMouse| 10.1.10 @ 9:32AM

Where is this abomination taking place, Anthony? In what state? Good grief.

Gert| 10.1.10 @ 10:21AM

It's across the country..it's in the "we have to pass it so we can find out what's in it" Obamacare Law.

SpiralArchitect| 10.1.10 @ 1:56PM

What happened to the lost concept of 'no bill will be signed into law before it has been available for public review for 5 days minimum'.

" I Hope no one notices I Changed my mind on every promise I made to get elected" - B.O. ( he stinks)

Now thats Hope & Change everyone can count on...

How about you V-Troll?

Neanderthal| 10.1.10 @ 10:21AM

It's a national tax, KyMouse.

KyMouse| 10.1.10 @ 12:34PM

Thanks, Anthony, Gert and Neanderthal. I'll start spreading the word to my friends and family.

Anthony| 10.1.10 @ 4:23PM

IT'S NATION WIDE!!! The tax kicks in in 2013 Change we can believe in!!!

Houston Rao| 10.1.10 @ 10:26AM

A correction. There will NOT be a sales tax on real estate transactions; however, there will be a 3.8% tax on investment income above certain limits that will go to fund health care.

This tax will apply under these circumstances:

* An individual has adjusted gross income of over $200,000 ($250,000 for a couple)
* Gains in the sale of a primary residence in excess of the exemptions already in place, which are $250,000 for an individual and $500,000 for a couple. In this case, the tax applies only to the amount exceeding these limits.

Both of these points would have to be true in order to pay the tax. Here’s an example:

If a couple sold a house and had a gain (not sales price) of $600,000 and they exceed the income limits for the year, they would pay 3.8% tax on $100,000 ($600,000 - $500,000 exemption), or $3,800. This tax would go to fund Medicare.

This new Medicare tax will not take effect until January 1, 2013.

Another surprise in the Obamacare. My doctor also said "you have to pass it so you can find out what is in it". He was talking about my stool test though.

Anthony| 10.1.10 @ 4:45PM

Thanks Humphry, I try not to disseminate faulty info. I downloaded info from this site. It appears that I am mostly correct, however the devil is in the details of this Rube Goldberg legislation.
Apparently it is not just a real estate tax, however I note that magic number of $250,000 appears once again. Obozo & his frauds have a fixation on the number 250,000.
Maybe that's the number of mosques worldwide.

vtwin| 10.1.10 @ 1:00PM

Anthony, and nobody knows about it but your state Republican “committeeman?”

Somebody’s lying!

Fredrick Ward| 10.1.10 @ 3:30PM

You might want to start pointing that finger towards your best friend Barack Obama.

TR| 10.1.10 @ 4:03PM

Vmoron, again I ask, rhetorically of course, what kind of an idiot are you? I count three responses, including one that details the tax, and one that posts a link to read for yourself that had info on the Obamatax. All posted before your stupid question.

You are an ignorant individual. Thank you for posting every day to display the mind of a typical liberal...shallow, uninformed, envious, constantly factually and opinionally (?) incorrect.

Ride off on your vespa. You have real motocycles to chase .

Anthony| 10.1.10 @ 4:33PM

No vtwin, many other do know, and will know more. You see, when D Leftist whores pass a 2,000 page bill in the dead of night, with little advance notice, led by your fellow brain-dead speaker from SAN FRAN, who says, " we have to pass the bill to see what's in it", this is what happens.
How pathetic you are Vtwin; Obozo and friends have been lying to you for years and you just chew the cud like a cow.
Let's discuss it over drinks at your biker bar in October, just don't wear leather, I might not be able to contain my laughter.

SeattleBruce| 10.1.10 @ 5:00PM

"Anthony, and nobody knows about it but your state Republican “committeeman?”

Somebody’s lying!"

Hey Vtwin, does Nancy know what's in the bill yet? Why should these sock it to us revelations shock any of us?

Who's lying? Pray tell!

Tom| 10.1.10 @ 3:54PM

That is wrong. Here is info on the tax.

http://www.factcheck.org/2010/.....your-home/

I am still against it.

coal carrier| 10.2.10 @ 8:15AM

I checked this out. And it is a tax on the profit you made on the sale of the home. I assume that it is in addition to the normal capital gains (profit) tax on the sale of the home. Also, when will the housing Czar raise it from 3.8% to 10%? 2014?

Carol| 10.1.10 @ 8:49AM

Those crooks in that picture all belong in jail. Missing are Barack "Insane" Obama and Harry Reid and the rest of his merry maids.

Obama set out to do what he promised he would do TO the American people: SCREW THEM OVER FOR THE WRONGS DONE TO HIS DADDY.

And George Soros.

Doctor Right| 10.1.10 @ 9:04AM

Let's hope that it's a looooong way down to a bottom full of large, jagged rocks...

hunter| 10.1.10 @ 9:18AM

What have these morons done to their own democrat party? Screw their democrat party. The question should be what have these idiots done to our country? The old crow, the wimpish fool and the foreigner will be held accountable in history for time from now on.

SpiralArchitect| 10.1.10 @ 2:02PM

History? Surely you jest.

Have you the slightest notion of what goes into ( read: what is NOT in) current text books from K - university level?

No need to burn books when you control the content of each.

B.O. may be a one "termer" but how long will his term last...

Riots could start from any one of a dozen reasons not limited to lack of food, unemployment voter fraud and on and on.

Let's ponder if one were to plan on it to happen ( if not induce) which would be a perfect invatation for martial law. The Empire would begin.

Fairbanks99| 10.1.10 @ 3:39PM

The Rebel Alliance is well armed. And the Armed Forces will not, for the most part, fire on US citizens. Who will enforce martial law? SIEU?? However, I do agree there could be something nasty ahead of us planned to affect the outcome of the election.

David W| 10.1.10 @ 9:21AM

I'm sorry but you are all wrong. Obama and the Democrats aren't raising taxes. They are just uncutting the tax cuts that are currently in place. Their actions are raising taxes because the taxes were already in place. They are just making them visible.

If you think what I just wrote is stupid and no one would fall for that, just wait. I will bet that MSM and the White House will try to use logic just as twisted to say they haven't raised taxes (maybe they can call it a mandate).

Shamus| 10.1.10 @ 9:51AM

The terminology really doesn't matter. Economists say spending is a better indication of tax policy than rate schedules, as spending is simply future taxation. Politicians like to spin tax issues, but the truth is that there is no set level for tax rates. Since the income tax was created, rates have varied from 1% to 90%.

The debate today is between the Democrats, who favor more spending and higher taxes, and the rest of the people, who don't. If tax and spend is what voters want, they'll have an opportunity to support it at the polls (or not).

Doctor Right| 10.1.10 @ 11:19AM

"uncutting"???

No, you're wrong. Obama IS raising taxes.

He has the chance to maintain the current level with the stroke of a pen. He refuses to do so.

By this refusal, he IS raising taxes. Period. And we will take the blame for the economic downturn that follows.

Doctor Right| 10.1.10 @ 11:20AM

I meant to say "he" will take the blame...NOT "we"...

NOTE to TASOnline:
Can we PLEASE get a darn "EDIT" button on this Forum?!?!?!

RCV| 10.1.10 @ 11:56AM

I second the request!

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.1.10 @ 1:01PM

RCV
My brilliant wife pronounced my working title bad "It sucks!"
The final title will be: "Texas Said No!"

OK, that is pretty clear isn't it? With a little luck, the book will be published online on Monday. I hope "The Last Centurion" percolated your thinking.
The price will be $9.95

RCV| 10.1.10 @ 1:25PM

It's a good read, at least in the beginning. Sometimes the author's political polemics gets tiresome, and sometimes they're just plain naive. (I had to laugh that the Hillary-Clinton-clone who is President had any hesitation about forced innoculations -- you know it would be the libertarian / don't-let-government-tell-me-how-to-run-my-life who would have dithered!)

Look forward to reading your masterwork. Where online can we buy it?

Steve A| 10.1.10 @ 2:23PM

OK,. RCV & Ken are finding common ground apparently. Perhaps there is still hope for civilization! Did not see that one coming.

RCV| 10.1.10 @ 2:50PM

There is hope for civilization, indeed, if we could just stop calling each other names. I like Ken a lot, even if we don't see eye-to-eye on political issues. And you seem to be a pretty rational and decent fellow yourself!

Steve A| 10.1.10 @ 3:54PM

I find myself in complete agreement with everything you just stated. Especially the good stuff about me! Take care & have a good weekend. Always a pleasure & a challenge conversing with RCV. Regards, Steve

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.1.10 @ 9:04PM

RCV
I am wading through all of the tech lingo to get it up by Monday...I hope.

Here is the Foreword, perhaps just to whet your appetite.

"Texas Said No!"

Foreword and Disclaimer
This is copyrighted material. Any pirating efforts will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

This is a work of fiction….Pure speculative fiction. It is also a “Cautionary tale”.
No matter how I played games, the identities of the men and women in this fictional story would be perfectly obvious. The President is the President, and the Senators are the Senators we have.

First, I have never heard any of the named officials in this manuscript utter an expletive as I have fictionally expressed here. The named government officials and Senators and Representatives portrayed here are absolutely splendid Christian men in my estimation, and any thoughts and/or actions I have attributed to them here are purely figments of my imagination. They might not even drink.
Second, given the fictional circumstances, I honestly believe these Senators would lay down their very lives for our country if necessary and just might do the things I attribute to them, given the need.
God knows I bless the “Army of One”, Rush Limbaugh. I have shamelessly placed words in his mouth that he has never uttered, nor perhaps even thought in his innermost being.
This is a story of a plausible existential attack upon our country, and our way of life. I am desperately trying to finish it before the November elections. If I can “think it”, and finish it on time, maybe I can help preserve the shining city on the hill.

God bless America.
Old Texican

vtwin| 10.1.10 @ 1:12PM

It is Mitch McConnell who is blocking Obama's tax cuts by threatening a Republican filibuster in the Senate of Obama's middle class tax-cutting plan which would lower income taxes for ALL American tax payers on the first $250,000 of income.

Shamus| 10.1.10 @ 3:19PM

There is no bill.

If Obama wanted to cut taxes he should have proposed one. He would only have to pick off one Republican to break a filibuster.

This issue looks like political posturing. The rate increases obviously would hurt the economy, but would probably only drop the GDP by 0.5%. Personally, I would rather have a substantive debate about tax reform next year than to put in some half measure this year. The bipartisan commission report will come out in December, and hopefully this will start more meaningful discussions.

JeffW| 10.1.10 @ 3:44PM

Getting your talking points from Gibbs now Vtwin? Republicans can't fillibuster a bill that was never drafted. Republicans were asking for a vote on these cuts but to save their political ass, the Dems punted the ball and hopes no one will notice. Bad Call

TR| 10.1.10 @ 4:17PM

What Obama tax cuts? I have followed this for weeks, and there is no bill. So you are a liar (again).

No bill was presented because Princess Bugeye knew that she would have crashed and burned by the actions of her own party .

Go drink your koolaide and ride into the sunset. You have a lot of peddling to do. Idiot.

Yosemeti Sam| 10.2.10 @ 2:18AM

" ... Princess Bugeye ....."

Almost split my gut!

LOL.

Warrior| 10.1.10 @ 4:59PM

vtwin, you are sad individual who obviously has very limited synaptic functions. There is no such thing, never has been and I dare you to prove any bill or proposal called an Obama tax cut. To make this easy for you, as simple minded as you are. They are trying to extend the Bush tax cuts. If Obama gets them to extend the Bush tax cuts, he has not cut taxes, he has extended what W has already put in place. Can you follow or do I need to use smaller words?

SeattleBruce| 10.1.10 @ 5:02PM

"blocking Obama's tax cuts"

Sorry v, but that was you taking credit for obummer for Bush's tax cuts. What's next are you going to take credit for victory in Iraq?....

Anthony| 10.1.10 @ 5:33PM

Voom, Zoom, the Ds ran out of Washington without passing a budget or passing the Bush tax cut extensions. What a pathetic group of Marxists; the super majority gang that couldn't shoot straight. No wonder Vtwin loves these guys!!
They rode out of town on their tricycles, led by our own biker boy, Vtwin.

Tom| 10.1.10 @ 3:56PM

Obama does not have the power to extend the current tax rates. He cannot sign anything until it is voted on by Congress. The blame lays with them for failing to address the issue before the election.

TR| 10.1.10 @ 4:11PM

Why is it that a tax increase is permanent, but a tax cut has an expiration date?

Any way you look at it David W, everyone's taxes will go up. Period. That is an increase by any definition.

Tricky language, substituting more "pleasant" language for actuality (i.e "choice" instead of the honest term "infanticide" or "child murder") is a speciality of the obfuscating marxist left. They always couch their plans with names like "employee free-choice act" when it actually removes the employee free choice and allows intimidation by force. The democraps are liars and thieves, they are 10th Commandment sinners (covet, envy) and are deserving of a complete wipeout in Nov.

Cylar| 10.3.10 @ 6:10AM

Because getting that tax cut passed required a compromise with the Democrats, who held enough of the Congress back in 2003, to mean that the measure wouldn't pass at all w/o bipartisan support. To get that support, the Repub's had to agree to make the cuts temporary, not permanent.

Now they turn around and try to blame US for the tax cuts expiring. Ho hum. The hypocrisy and lies are as boring and predictable as they are infuriating.

Leland| 10.2.10 @ 10:24PM

All together to whatever tune fits...We did not raise taxes, it is Bushs fault for allowing us to put a sunset on the cuts, it all Bushs fault la la la ...

blackknights1802| 10.1.10 @ 9:46AM

“the whining of their neutered Blue Dogs”

The final vote tally for the Senate version of President Obama's health care reform legislation in the House was 219-212, with 34 Democrats joining all Republicans in opposition.

Madam Nancy did not need their vote to get this passed. I am quite sure she gave them “THE WORD”, that it was Ok for them to vote against it. After all, it is an election year. Now they can go home and say to their constituents that they didn’t vote for the 1 trillion-dollar package. Let’s hope that their constituents can see through the smoke and mirrors, but I doubt it.

Politics, as usual?

Radegunda| 10.1.10 @ 5:33PM

That's why no Democrat should get a pass for having voting against that monstrosity. Every Democrat needs to be voted out for helping enable the destructive agenda of coercive statism.

Then we can work on keeping the Republicans in line.

Leland| 10.2.10 @ 10:25PM

Poop by any other name still smells like poop

Gregory| 10.1.10 @ 10:03AM

Just as Ram Emmanuel would rather be mayor,
Obama will soon prefer to run a hydro electric plant in Idaho. (The one near Moscow.)

Yosemeti Sam| 10.2.10 @ 2:22AM

Where prices will necessarily - skyrocket!

LOL.

Houston Rao| 10.1.10 @ 10:41AM

One thing we need to very aware of is the increasing voter fraud being attempted by ACORN type groups. They have been busy at work here in Houston.

http://www.texaswatchdog.org/2.....7584.story

There is an attached presentation detailing the fraud including pictures of fraudulent registrations.

We have Democrat Bill White running for governor.

If you are in Texas, please let people know.

Jethro| 10.1.10 @ 12:13PM

Obama, Pelosi and Reid..Oh my!

Jack Olson| 10.1.10 @ 12:22PM

One of the taxes which will return Jan. 1st is the marriage penalty in the tax code. The official Democratic platform of 1976 promised to repeal the marriage penalty but with control of both houses of Congress and the Presidency, they refused to do it. The Republicans finally repealed the marriage tax in 2001. Now see what's happening. Not only did the Democrats fail to do what they said 0n this issue, they let the Republicans do it, and now they are prepared to undo the Republicans' keeping of a Democrat promise.

Oldefarte| 10.1.10 @ 12:30PM

To re-emphasize W.James' point, TAXES WILL INCREASE 1/1/11 WHICH IS THE DIRECT RESULT OF THE ACTIONS/INACTIONS OF DEMOCRATS IN CONGRESS! That is precisely what they want to happen, and what they all along planned on happening. They know in November of 2008 whan Obama was elected that they could ram through their budget-busting welfare legislation which would explode the government's deficit/debt; and that they could thereafter [now] PAY FOR same by simply letting Bush's tax cuts expire. They don't have to do anything [the cuts automatically expire 1/1/11] to get the benefit of their needed increase in government revenues from this tax increase. They can then attempt [which Hoyer has now hinted at recently] to blame Republicans for obstruction, and know that their idiotic Democrat constituents will 'stupidly' believe their BS. Their political tactics to increase taxes was planned all along folks, so try and understand how manipulative and corrupt these politicians now in control of your government really are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

tax who| 10.1.10 @ 12:58PM

Can someone please explain to me how the Bush tax cuts were only for the rich, but yet if they let the tax cuts expire, taxes will go up on everyone, including middle and lower income families? Something isn't adding up here, I guess its the new progressive math........

vtwin| 10.1.10 @ 1:35PM

I’ll try Obama and the Democrats in congress, in response to the scheduled expiration of the Bush tax cuts, have offered a plan the make permanent those tax-cuts on for ALL Americans on the first $250,000 of income. However, because of the threatened filibuster by Mitch McConnell and the “just say no“Republicans in the Senate any vote on this tax-cutting legislation will have to wait until after the elections.

SpiralArchitect| 10.1.10 @ 2:08PM

And the moon is made of cheese, right V-troll?

JP| 10.1.10 @ 2:45PM

The problem isn't McConnel who has made no such threat. As a matter of fact, Reid blocked efforts by the GOP to bring the matter (extending the tax cuts to all taxpayers) to a floor vote last summer. The Dems were playing cute in thinking this would be a nice class warefare issue during Oct-Nov. Thier polling said otherwise. Reid and Obama have run from this issue knowing that the voters will hold them responsible. Most voters are more intelligent than you. They know that most small businesses (LLC, S-Corps, etc..) have revenues between $200,000 and $1.5 million, and that the small business owners drawn thier income right from thier business revenues. These are the "rich" people whom you and other Progressives hate. It's also interesting that this issue has hit home for a lot of boutique liberals who own businesses like bed and breakfasts, brewpubs, cafes, art galleries, IT consulting firms, art and graphic design firms, etc.. it just isn't auto repair shops, and small tool and die shops that are posed to get hammered. Even Vermonters understand how thier bottom line flourished under Bush.

c| 10.1.10 @ 3:29PM

the democrats may have a "plan" but they have not submitted an actual bill in congress on the tax issue. instead they rely on the gullible people,like vtwin, to believe they have a master plan tha will tax only the "rich." class warfare.
if you believe that we do not pay enough taxes, then you can send irs a check and encourage all your lefty friends to do the same. you are allowed to pay more than you have to. you do not have to take all the legal deductions.
so, set an example. lead by deed and not empty talk. pay more.

Tom| 10.1.10 @ 3:59PM

Epic fail. No one ever threatened to fillibuster any tax bill. AP which ran the story corrected it.

And how can it be on ALL Americans if it is only for the first 250K of income?

SeattleBruce| 10.1.10 @ 5:07PM

'“just say no“Republicans'

Amen brother. Listen, what's your party done with complete and utter control of the Executive and Legislative branches of governments visa vi the economy?

"It's the economy stupid!" (just quoting - take it personal if you wish...)

Tell your buddies the democRATS to get out of the way of the job creators in this nation - and quit destroying the productivity of families.

Are you and they so heartless toward the poor kids of this nation?

UNREAL!!

Shamus| 10.1.10 @ 6:01PM

Republicans are the party on No.

Democrats are the party of No Jobs.

Fredrick Ward| 10.1.10 @ 11:17PM

Democrats are for the chains they seek to put on our wrists and ankles. The lack of employment serves their greater goal of wide spread control.

Oldefarte| 10.2.10 @ 12:11PM

Tax who, Vtwin's asinine and 'stupidly' repeat of Obama's/Decmocrats' typical propaganda is hopefully understood by you as idiotic. The TRUTH is that the Bush administration designed/had legislated two tax cuts for ALL taxpayers [since its illegal/discriminatory to specifically target tax policy for any designated group]. Now, due to Obama's/Democrats' socialistic [un]stimulus and welfarecare legislation, the federal defecit/debt of the US has doubled/tripled and is unsustainable [this country will end up in bankruptcy if either expenses aren't lowered or taxes raised]. Since they are adverse to cutting expenses [their governmental welfare to their constituents], their only answer is to RAISE TAXES. Since they are socialists, they believe in soaking the so-called rich [defined by them as anyone with a JOB or working to produce INCOME----ie, NOT ON WELFARE]. Therefore they are targeting for a huge tax increase any normal American taxPAYER. These Democrat socialists' game plan is to do nothing to legislate maintaining any of the Bush administration's previous enacted tax decreases, and therefore EVERYONE'S taxes will explode higher effective 1/1/11. This is the truth and nothing but, no matter what any moronic Democrat/Obama sympathizer here tries to spin it otherwise to you!!!!!!!!

FTM| 10.4.10 @ 1:34AM

That's why I predict a military dictatorship here in the US within the next ten years. We have two choices in regards to the national debt, increase revenue via tax increases or to reduce expenditures. I havent heard either party talking about reducing expenditures.

Reducing expenditures without reducing the money paid out to the entitlement class can be accomplished bu the following:

Get the US out of the UN. The US pays 70% of the UN's annual operating budget last I heard.

Get the UN out of the US.

Get the US out of NATO. Why do the Europeans enjoy national health care? The US pays for their national defense. Get the US out of NATO and let the freekin' cheese eating surrender monkeys keep the mother lovin' Russians at arms length for a couple generations. They can figure out how to fund their health care system after they've dealt with the Russians or perhaps they'll just let the Russians do it for them.

Get the US out of Japan and South Korea. For the same reasons that we need to get out of NATO.

Withdraw all US troops from the Middle Ease with the exception of Israel. We don't have any troops in Israel, I know. Embargo every Moslem nation on the planet. The US gets it's oil from Canada and Mexico for the most part. Europe gets it's oil from the Middle East. Let the freekin' Europeans deal with the savages.

Get the US out of NAFTA and GATT and the WTO. Tell our so called "Trading Partners" Japan, China anfd the EU that we love buying their products but that we should at least have equal access to their economies. For example, perhaps the Japanese build better cars that we do. If so then shame on Chrysler, Forn and GM. However I'm very confident that rice farmers in the US could bury Japan under rice. As it is now we can't sell so much as a bag of rice in Japan leagally. Same with wine in the EU. The EU can sell whatever they want here but we can't sell wine in the EU. How can that be?

Speaking of cars, why is it that states here in the US pay the Japanese, Toyotam and Nissan and Honda among others to build cars here via tax incentives and the like and then we turn around and tell the big three that they need to learn to compete. American people really are brain dead to let people systematically dismantle our economy like this.

Basically what it all cooks down to is allowing the entitlement class to vote. Nobody can get elected running on a platform that reduces the size of the entitlement class therefore the entitlement class will continue to expand. Nobody wants to do what is necessary to reduce expenditures therefore the day will come, sooner rather than later, that the big people are going to have to step in and take charge.

Remember, you heard it here forst, the military in this country will step in and suspend the constitution for the duration of the fiscal crisis. We didn't get into the fiscal chrisis in two or three years and we won't get out of the fiscal crisis in a couple of years either. The duration of the crisis will be measured in generations.

FTM| 10.4.10 @ 2:33AM

First let me say that hindsight is more perfect than foresight and it's easy to be a critic. The founders did a marvelous job in designing the Constitution however there are several fatal flaws. The glaringly obious flaws in the constitution in my mind are as follow:

First and most serious, the Constitution does not define who gets to vote, public franchise. The framers left the right of defining public franchise up to the individual states. When, eventually the obvious happens and one state enfranchises the welfare (entitlement) class the floodgate is opened and can not be closed. Bankruptcy follows. Politicians, after the floodgate is opened, have no choice but to pander to their entitled constituencies.

The Constitution does not expressly forbid deficit spending.

The Constitution does not expressly forbid military involvement in foreign wars.

The constitition does define eligability for the several public offices but does not define a vetting authority. As a resuly we have the current case with a sitting President.

There are several other flaws but I don't have tiome to list them. I'm sure that someone can add to the list.

Cylar| 10.3.10 @ 6:13AM

The man you mean is Boenher, not McConnel, first-off. Wrong house.

Second, not keeping the cuts for the wealthier people means no jobs being produced by those same people - i.e. BUSINESS OWNERS which is what most of those people are.

Are you a complete idiot? Oh, wait. Yes. Yes you are. My bad.

Fredrick Ward| 10.1.10 @ 11:10PM

Because, obviously, they were not just tax cuts for the rich. Put simply, the Democrats are exercising their favorite pasttime; lying.

Steve A| 10.1.10 @ 1:40PM

Hey Vgenius, Where is their (the Dems) bill asserting this wonderful solution? Oh, that's right, there is none.

TR| 10.1.10 @ 4:20PM

Steve, the Vespa boy rode back to mom's house from his middle school library, where he posts every day. You won't get a response until mommy checks his homework, and if he did his chores.

Jack Olson| 10.1.10 @ 1:43PM

Prevent the approaching tax increases? The Democrats say, "We'll get to that after the election." Investigate tax evasion by Congressmen Waters and Rangel? "We'll get to that after the election." Review the recommendations of Obama's deficit reduction commission? "We'll get to that after the election." If the Democrats want my vote, they can have it--after the election.

lechevre| 10.1.10 @ 2:52PM

Nancy Pelosi is a 5 star a-hole!!!

Ross Kaminsky| 10.1.10 @ 3:13PM

James,

One important point that I would suggest you missed -- and you're far from alone in missing it -- is when you talk about the economy doing well under Clinton because cyclical forces overwhelmed the negative impact of his tax hikes.

The thing you miss is that by far the best years (in terms of GDP growth and in terms of making a new low in unemployment) of the Clinton years came in the last several years of his term after the GOP forced him into agreeing to a substantial cut in capital gains tax rates.

THAT is the real story of the economy during the Clinton years, not a vague "despite the tax hikes" argument which really doesn't win people over.

http://www.bea.gov/national/ni.....Box=no#Mid

TR| 10.1.10 @ 4:24PM

That little fact is lost on liberals. You and I lived through the 1st two years of the Clinton economy, and we remember the pickup after the Repubs got both houses. Same thing for the economic wipeout when the democruds won both houses in '06. When the Senate and House are democud, we all suffer.

Republican Victory 2010 & 2012!

Radegunda| 10.1.10 @ 5:38PM

Just as they routinely ignore the fact that "the Republicans" have not been running the whole government since Jan. 2007. And they can count on some voters being dumb enough to forget about the whole legislative power--even while they're voting for the legislature and not for the executive.

voted against carter| 10.1.10 @ 10:44PM

I've NEVER been hired by a "poor" person. Just say'n

Ralph Novy| 10.2.10 @ 12:27AM

Mr. Antle:

You know, your piece might make sense if "popular opinion" meant the same thing as "the unlimitedly greedy slobberings of the filthy rich."

It doesn't.

So your piece doesn't.

QED.

Fuck you, you shameless, worthless liar.

The One We've Been Waiting For| 10.2.10 @ 11:05AM

We're buying shrimp, Ralph. Take several breaths Ralphy and stop the profanities. Our trolls must stay on topic and not look like they are mentally ill. I know you are mentally ill but we have given you guidance on how to look like a "normal" human being. Follow those guidelines and you will just look a little nutty. After all you are a troll. Did you see the global warming videos where they blow up children who won't follow the government line? Boy I sure would like to have that button. Can you believe they think we are fascists? Oh well, today I have a full schedule of football and golf. You need to sell the summer of recovery, cash for clunkers (our euphemism for death panels), payoffs for all my friends, crumbs for my labor union buddies and most importantly me. Cap and trade, baby.

Mimi| 10.2.10 @ 8:04PM

RALPHY BOY...Intelligent, creative, artistic use of language can replace vulgar talk...It always takes brains though...It also is much more effective.!! You must do better by me BOY.....

Your soap-loaded....MOTHER

TR| 10.2.10 @ 8:15PM

Nice mouth.

What is your definintion of "the unlimitedly greedy slobberings of the filthy rich."? What a broad brush you use to paint people.

A persons accumulated earnings and wise financial decisions that result in their wealth? Is that what you mean? Or does anyone who has one dollar more than you qualify for your basless venom?

For all to observe: This liberal's posting is a perfect example of the thought process of liberals in general. An unwavery jealousy and envy of success. A violation of the 10th Commandment "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors goods" If liberals spent half as much effort in productive behavior, they might not spend so much time in jealous consuming rage.

Thanks for your articulate post Ralph. You sad sad man.

LeChat| 10.2.10 @ 12:49AM

We need to keep our eyes on the short-term goal here. The Democrat Party must be burned to the ground. If the Republicans don't get the message, they're next.
The long-term goal is to restore the Constitution and get the corruption down to a manageable level. This will take a significant amount of time.

Leland | 10.2.10 @ 10:36PM

RECALL ELECTIONS!!!!!! DON'T WAIT!!!

Siegfried X| 10.3.10 @ 7:25PM

Yes, there should be a cease-fire in the Republican Party from the primaries through the general election. Then RINO-hunting must resume.

Yosemeti Sam| 10.2.10 @ 2:38AM

Love the photo of BHOs' retinue including the - bug-eyed Pelosi.

In for a penny with BHO - in for a pound of hurt!

Jay| 10.2.10 @ 4:07AM

WE THE PEOPLE must act in a decisive and clear way come November. THIS IS IT... It's is the turn back government moment which must be victorious. The entire free future for our families is at stake.

aware| 10.2.10 @ 6:55AM

"The Democrats jump off a cliff"....Wonderful news! Now if we can just get the Republicans to jump too. I hope it is a really high one with lots of jagged rocks below. And maybe some ledges at key places for dismembering effects along the way down.

TR| 10.2.10 @ 2:00PM

That may not be such a bad idea. To my thinking, we have enough, maybe too many, laws.

We should demand that congress only meet after the election for a limited period of, oh, say, 30 days. All budgets and other business must be completed in the time allotted. After 30 days they ALL go home to their jobs (I mean real honest jobs, not political) and they are dismissed until the next election in two years. NO SITTING CONGRESS or SENATE. Part time, 30 days every two years. Can you imagine how much better our lives would be without these idiots constantly trying to justify their bloated salaries and benefits? Eliminate all benefits and salary for senators and congressmen. Voluntary service only. I can only wish......

Cylar| 10.3.10 @ 5:49AM

Am I the only one who finds it amusing that Democrats are suddenly all caught-up with concern about deficits....the moment the subject changes to tax cuts or national defense or border security? I always wonder where this "we can't afford it!' talk is when one among them is proposing to bail out banks or buy old cars or take over the healthcare system.

If the Left did not have double standards, it would have none at all.

fran| 10.3.10 @ 8:35AM

Great contender for President for 2012 - Herman Cain; businessman, Christian, radio professional in Atlanta, and black.

The One We've Been Waiting For| 10.3.10 @ 10:40AM

We're buying shrimp, Ralph and RCV. Finally I have something positive to write. Democrats are job creators. 200,000 Teaparty types show up at the Washington Mall and leave it clean as a whitstle, zero jobs created. 10,000 lefties show at the same location and leave it like a pig sty, dozens of people will be working for a weeks cleaning this up. They call themselves job creators. This is how its done, kind of like that broken window economics thing. Apparently they left the WWII memorial looking like a trash dump. This shows how we love peace except for people we disagree with of course. Now I know we will hear from some that the left are hypocrites and don't care about the environment at all. Our talking point is that we care more about jobs. Summer of recovery, baby.

Mimi| 10.3.10 @ 8:44PM

You would think that this crew would protect the ENVIRONMEMT....hypocrits!!!!
TOO ALL : Great Posting.....29 days!!!

RCV| 10.5.10 @ 12:25PM

That's because all the trash went home when the Tea Party rally broke up.

wodiej| 10.3.10 @ 12:09PM

"Inflation is caused by one thing and it has one answer. It's caused by government spending more than government takes in, and it will go away when government stops doing that and not before." Gov. Ronald Reagan, Nov. 10, 1977