-
Obamacare Implodes
May 15, 2013 | 41 comments
-
Obama’s Rising Inequality
May 8, 2013 | 101 comments
-
Downsize the Liberals
May 1, 2013 | 53 comments
-
Fight Back! Privatize the FAA!
April 24, 2013 | 65 comments
-
Fallacies and Charades
April 17, 2013 | 14 comments
Political Hay
The New Big Picture
The ball is now in Paul Ryan’s court to produce a dramatic, shock therapy budget. The grassroots are expecting nothing less.
(Page 2 of 3)
If there is backroom resistance from the old bulls, the time has come to out them. Ryan needs to take chances. Propose the right budget. If the Republicans don’t follow, then the devil take the hindmost.
The House Republican majority doesn’t need the Senate. It can adopt its own budget. Let Harry Reid stew in his simple-minded confusion. The House Republicans can make their budget stick, if they stick to it in Appropriations bills, and refuse to move off. If they don’t agree to spend, then it doesn’t get spent.
Will Obama force a government shutdown? The Democrat party-controlled media has sold a false story of the Gingrich-Clinton budget battle and shutdown. Gingrich won the substance of that battle. That is where the late 1990s massive budget surpluses came from. Clinton appeared to have won the politics only because Dole was 20 years stale by 1996.
I say shut the whole thing down for two years if we have to, and let’s get on with the 2012 presidential election. Put everything on autopilot except national defense. Freeze EPA, by nullifying its budget for two years if necessary. The politics of today is worlds apart even from the 1990s. Ryan and the Republicans would be grassroots heroes if they did this, and Obama and the Democrats would be revealed as budget busting frauds. My guess is if Ryan and the Republicans stuck to their guns, Obama and the Democrats would cave. If not, so be it. Take it to the voters, and ask America if it really wants to be Greece.
Obama’s Debt Commission v. The Ryan Roadmap
The one positive turn for President Obama is that his debt Commission raised the issue of tax reform, with sharply lower rates. One idea put on the table is an income tax code with just three rates of 8%, 14% and 23%, a better rate structure even than Reagan’s 1986 tax reform with two rates of 15% and 28%. The Debt Commission even raised a possible corporate tax reform with a 26% rate.
I expect President Obama to embrace this intriguing opportunity. That would be good for him, politically and economically, but not good enough, in contrast with the Ryan Roadmap. The Debt Commission tax reform is still a trillion dollar tax increase. It would raise taxes to the highest levels in American history at 21% of GDP, nearly a fifth above the long-run historical average. For all of its talk of spending cuts, the commission actually proposes only $1 in spending reductions for every $2 in tax increases, as reported by the Wall Street Journal on December 3. Under its proposals, the federal budget would still soar to $5 trillion by 2020.
Moreover, all of this fails to take into account realistic estimates of the cost of Obamacare, which will likely soar to two or more times its projected costs, as explained in detail in my Heartland Institute study, The Obamacare Disaster: An Appraisal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. President Obama’s Debt Commission, of course, keeps Obamacare intact, adopting or sharply expanding three entitlement programs.
The Ryan Roadmap includes its own tax reform. After a generous standard deduction of $25,000 for couples and $12,500 for singles, and additional personal exemptions of $3,500 per family member, the tax rate would be 10% for additional income up to $100,000 for couples, $50,000 for singles. A rate of 25% would apply to income after that. Businesses would pay a consumption tax (controversial among conservatives) at a rate of 8.5%, raising as much revenue as today’s corporate tax with its internationally uncompetitive 35% rate.
Moreover, CBO scores the Roadmap as permanently balancing the federal budget at the long-run historical average for federal taxes and spending at 18.6% of GDP, which means the budget will be balanced with no tax increase. The Roadmap would also:
• Achieve full, permanent solvency for Social Security, as scored by CBO.
• Achieve full, permanent solvency for Medicare, as scored by CBO.
• Provide a comprehensive health care safety net for the poor and uninsured that would replace Obamacare at tremendous long-term savings.
• Reduce the national debt by 2060 by 82% from where it would be on our current course.
With sharply lower tax rates, federal spending, and national debt, CBO projects that under the policies of the Roadmap, per capita GDP by 2058 would be nearly 70% higher than under current law. That is an enormous prosperity bonus for the American people.
About the Author
Peter Ferrara is Director of Entitlement and Budget Policy at the Heartland Institute, General Counsel of the American Civil Rights Union, Senior Fellow at the National Center for Policy Analysis, and Senior Policy Advisor on Entitlements and Budget Policy at the National Tax Limitation Foundation. He served in the White House Office of Policy Development under President Reagan, and as Associate Deputy Attorney General of the United States under President George H.W. Bush.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (99) | Leave a comment
More Articles by Peter Ferrara
More Articles From Political Hay
http://spectator.org/archives/2010/12/15/the-new-big-picture
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
Current Issue
- Public Nuisances
- The Demise of Money and Credit
- Her Unrequited Letter
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
Ret. Marine| 12.15.10 @ 6:55AM
What you are talking about here is the confirmation that the d's are the false prophets of their world view, economics and reality. They have created a monster because of a lie and in fact they are the monsters of all the lies we hear daily, (think shuck you shumer, nasty piglousy, dodd, weiner, dem's in general etc. etc.etc.). Its that simple, and the sad part is, most Americans are largely ignorant of these policies they have enacted throughout the years because it does not effect them, as they say, and I have heard it too many times out of my family, friends, enemies, and neighbors alike. Some times the best remedy is hurt. That hurt is coming down the road, and We the People realize it, but who wants to admit the failures let alone do anything constructive about it. What I fear is the liars calling themselves the media, will once again go on another attack for their perceived notion of failed policies, while at the same time "blame" the R's for the disasters the D' are largely responsible for, and as usual, the ignorant fools who voted for ( obamas Bin Ly'n) the theft of this Nations wealth are again going to be used for the excuse of their ignorance's. god this is maddening to say the least, there seems to be a cycle of stupid, lies, stupid lies, dumb and dumber voters, vote for more of the others man's hard work, repeat, repeat. Some one please stop the world, I want off. There appears to be more than enough willing and able thieves among us. And they appear as though they are leaders, leaders of the sons of satan.
Timothy L. Pennell| 12.15.10 @ 9:05AM
What I'd like to know is: What's it gonna take, before the Secret Service obeys their OATH? "To PROTECT and DEFEND the Constitution of the United states of America from ALL ENEMIES, both Foreign and DOMESTIC"?
Barry Soetoro/Barack Hussein Obama/Abu Hussein. whatever name he goes by these days, is doing everything in his power, to bring this country TO IT'S KNEES.
Our Founding Fathers set up this Oath Of Office, and gave us the 2ND AMENDMENT, because they KNEW the EVIL in Men's Hearts. They KNEW that, someday, an ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE would get the reigns of power. That's why the Oath is NOT to the MAN, but, to our CONSTITUTION.
We've been warned. The DOMESTIC ENEMY is here. Now.
What's it gonna take?
Praetorians! Do your job.
"And I saw the BEAST rise from the Sea. And he was given a MOUTH, to speak Haughty and Blasphemous words. And he was allowed to exercise authority for forty two months." Revelation 13-5.
Same guy. Different warning.
Believe it.
Alan Brooks| 12.15.10 @ 1:52PM
White trash hermeneutics and eschatology.
Jed Clampit| 12.15.10 @ 4:28PM
Say something original sans name-calling, Alan.
MikeD| 12.15.10 @ 5:37PM
Even my dog understands it when nobody wants to play with him because he peed on the floor. When are YOU going to get it Alan? Or are you dumber than my dog?
Oregonian| 12.15.10 @ 10:54PM
Mike D,
I couldn't respond for 10 minutes, because I was laughing so hard that the message wasn't readable. Thanks for making my day. I think your dog has a noticeable edge on Alan - even if he doesn't use a dictionary before he barks!
Bud Cole| 12.16.10 @ 12:23AM
So, Alan... what you are illustrating is that you simply dismiss anyone who questions the MOTIVES of this administration as "white trash, religious fatalists"...? Did I miss anything?
Way to display your "open mindedness"... and anti-bigotry, I might add. There's hardly a prejudicial element in your response, after all.
Becoming what you behold to be the "enemy" is the personification of hypocrisy. But, I suspect that hyperbolic, sanctimonious arrogance isn't just a PART of your arsenal - it's practically the lump-sum of it.
RCV| 12.16.10 @ 12:07AM
The job of the Secret Service is to protect our democratically-elected President from nut cases like you. I hope they're on their way there now.
mzk1| 12.18.10 @ 4:33PM
That's the military oath, post-Civil-War, I think. The Secret Service is Treasury, probably now in Homeland Security. The Presidential Protection Service Oath includes the promise to protect the life of the President, "with my life, if necessary".
I always thought that this was a unique request of someone serving in a Democratic Republic.
Purpleguy| 12.18.10 @ 10:54PM
Your ignorance of our sacred Constitution is showing brightly today. There is only one person that takes that oath in this country - and that is the President of the United States. He ALONE is pledged to "To PRESERVE, PROTECT and DEFEND the Constitution of the United states of America from ALL ENEMIES, both Foreign and DOMESTIC"? The President is the only person with the power to protect and defend the Constitution as Commander-in-Chief above all others. And, that kids, is Barack Hussein Obama, President of the United States of America.
Check Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution of the United States if you are so inclined to learn something.
wodiej| 12.15.10 @ 7:07AM
If we had a real constitutional conservative president in the WH, the spending cuts would be much more than what Ryan is proposing. I'll be surprised if he can get Obama to sign off on any. We'll have to wait and see until after the 1st of the year.
Adrian| 12.15.10 @ 4:42PM
Fair Tax. All they need is 100 co-signers and it can be brought to the floor for a vote. They might just have that in January.
Purpleguy| 12.18.10 @ 11:00PM
Why? and Who in the WH? Reagan - nope, Nixon - nope, Eisenhower - nope... who do you mean? None of them were fiscally conservative.
But Ryan may well propose hell on the American people and guarantee the President's Re-election. When you make all those cuts, where are those jobs lost going to come from?
The extended tax cut proposals sure aren't fiscally sound, now are they? Republicans are sure starting on firm footing arent' they? And, they're not even sworn in the House yet as the House Leadership. Perhaps Boehner can cry for the American people to feel sorry for the Republicans who now have to produce... ?
GKPAL| 12.19.10 @ 11:36PM
The jobs come from the private sector, you dummy.
Curly Smith| 12.15.10 @ 7:24AM
It's the 1980 Republican Presidential Primary all over again. On one side we've got Reagan Conservatives who know that cutting taxes and reducing spending will jump start the economy and lead to widespread prosperity. We've already seen 25 years of trickle-down prosperity, we know it works.
On the other side we have George H.W. Bush Establishmentarians who know that higher taxes, bigger government and more regulation will lead to economic prosperity because it never has. They're dedicated to implementing trickle-up poverty. They're the party of "voodoo economics".
We're at the crossroads, we can choose trickle-down prosperity or trickle-up poverty. We can choose freedom or we can choose servitude. Let the statists self-identify and make your choice.
Stephanie| 12.15.10 @ 10:14AM
Bottom up, Top down, Inside out.
Van Jones
Purpleguy| 12.18.10 @ 11:02PM
Did you miss David Stockman, architect of the Reagan economic package? He's all over the airwaves telling us it didn't work, it was all smoke and mirrors. But don't believe the guy who put it all together - believe Rush or Sean or Glenn - they know way more than the Budget Director for Ronald Reagan, huh?
Jon Carry| 12.15.10 @ 7:56AM
This clown was "intellectually overmatched" when Bo the dog moved in. Why does the myth of Obama's intelligence persist? The man is an idiot who can't complete a sentence with out a TelePrompTer.
owyheewine| 12.15.10 @ 9:46AM
I agree that the teleprompter reader in chief has been intellectually overmatched voluminous times. Let's not give credit where it's not due. He's a consummate bullshit artist, nothing more.
I would like to propose that the Federal budget be cut back to 2000 levels. That will get the budget balanced more quickly and give room for the inevitable spending splurges that subsequent congresses will, without a doubt, foist upon us.
Pelligrino| 12.15.10 @ 10:53AM
Gosh, I knew there had to be a big reason we weren't seeing Bo the Belgian Water Hound strutting about anymore. A case of the pooch upstaging his, er, mast*r, Jon? Thus he had to be sidelined? Yeah, I'm with you; the canine wins my vote.
I took personal offense when the brilliant one asked before an assembled body overseas, "I don't know; how do you say that in Austrian?"
Tim the Enchanter| 12.15.10 @ 12:09PM
Quite a pair- the Portuguese Water Hound and the Kenyan Water Head.
Occam's Tool| 12.15.10 @ 6:22PM
Tim, a slight correction: Obama is actually the Fulvous Whistling Duck, Dendrocygna bicolor, a duck native to Kenya. By his feces shall thy know him!
beebop| 12.16.10 @ 6:17AM
And the innocent dog is actually a Portuguese Water Dog and is a member of the Working Group insofar as the classifications for conformation. They are also considered the comedian of the dog world and they have webbed feet to assist in the water.
DebateRight| 12.15.10 @ 1:47PM
I was getting ready to challenge the "intellectually overmatched" remark myself. Obama has been the master of the vague generality, which worked well in the campaign because the media wasn't willing to challenge him. Now he has to take responsibility, although he has tried mightly to avoid doing so for two years, and the fact that he knows next to nothing and has no serious principles is becoming painfully obvious to even the casual observer.
MikeD| 12.15.10 @ 5:43PM
I'm not sure I can agree. If obama acted any stupider he'd have leaves and need watering. But...how about those leaves sticking out of those holes on either side of his head? Naw! Even THAT is an insult to plants.
He can't be as stupid as he appears, therefore, he must be either a puppet of an ex-Nazi like Soros, or a plant by his muslim buddies. I hear about a really great, but terrifying book about just that available on the internet. I think it was at: www.texassaidno.com. I couldn't sleep for a week after reading it. Be afraid; be very afraid. Demoncraps and obama$$hole have proven that they will do ANYTHING to bring us to our knees and grab as much power as they can.
Occam's Tool| 12.15.10 @ 6:23PM
Yes, that was a great book, Mike, by a brilliant and nice man.
Occam's Tool| 12.15.10 @ 6:28PM
Yes, he can be as stupid as he appears. Must disagree slightly with you, Mike. Of course, he is also evil, and anti-American, and the worst President since the current Grand Champion Lord Foul, James Buchanan. Personally, I fear a WMD attack on American soil---we have only been saved so far by dumb luck.
Purpleguy| 12.18.10 @ 11:05PM
Did you miss last January's meeting of the President and the Republicans? If he's overmatched, it sure wasn't anyone in the Republican Congress ... he sliced and diced them to pieces - minus the few episodes you probably saw cut, extracted, and highlighted on Fixed Noise. If you saw the whole session, you'll know what I mean, so don't argue. He burned them all pretty well.
Purpleguyg| 12.18.10 @ 11:06PM
Oh, and no teleprompter was present - totally off the cuff. ... that's how much y'all know. Try and find REAL information before you start blathering like you know all. He was brilliant then and still is....
Libslam| 12.15.10 @ 7:59AM
The cunundrum is that, in order to make insurance competitive, it must be sold across state lines. That means a future congress could actually legally apply the Commerce Clause for interstate commerce, leaving the country ripe for another round of progressive shenanigans.
Deborah D | 12.15.10 @ 8:05AM
Once again, Mr. Ferrara, thanks for your reporting. I guess a true test of whether the Republicans have the guts to get behind Rep. Ryan's brilliance will be what they do with the "crap sandwich" Reid has put on the table as of yesterday. I say shut down the government if they have to. Are there any in the Senate who will stand up to this massive abuse of the taxpayer? Who's being held hostage now? Thanks, Nevada, you've got a gem of a senator there -- one who hates his country. I know you must be proud.
Mimi| 12.15.10 @ 9:13AM
Heh DEB... Thanks for bringing up the latest DEM outrage, the brazen omnibus bill. Our boys should PLAN a WALK-OUT ..and pronto! Otherwise deal with MOODY'S downgrade and increased interest rates.! Can't wait for January, when the ADULTS show up....Boy are we lucky to have the likes of Paul Ryan...we are blessed in this nation...hero's always show up in the nick of time!! Thanks again Peter...and Deb as always..GOOD POST!
MikeD| 12.15.10 @ 5:55PM
If the republicans have any gonads, they will start an investigation into how the demoncraps stole the Nevada election the first day they take over the House; right after they start impeachment proceeding against the messiah. Either the people of Nevada are as stupid as obama and his thugs, or they don't care that their votes were stolen by SEIU and the rest of the union thugs.
It pains me beyond belief, but I just do not see how this Country can be reclaimed by the people unless the corrupt thieves and liars like reid, obama and piglosi are eliminated. We can't even enjoy this most wonderful time of the year because that piece of sh*t reid is plotting and scheming late at night to deal us another mortal blow. How much is enough before we can no longer permit these traitors to continue destroying our country. Remember what Tom Jefferson wrote: "From time to time the tree of liberty must be refreshed by the blood of tyrants. (Patriots) I occasionally imagine the sight of reid and pelosi being ridden out of Washington on a rail covered by hot tar. It's much better than they deserve.
Purpleguy| 12.18.10 @ 11:11PM
Where do you get your information? did you miss the press conference with Republican Senators John Cornyn and John Thune, where they downgraded the Ominbus bill that both of them have added 100's of millions of dollars of earmarks to? They got so rattled, they had to walk off without answering the questions from the press, ala Sharron Angle. That's why she lost in Nevada - They all act like the elite, privileged class that doesn' t have to answer to the people, while the hypocrites say they do... It was classic - and again, if you didn't see it, don't argue, they were on full display in their hypocrisy.
Be sure to examine the Republican version of the Ominbus bill in Mar/April timeframe and the extension of the National Debt ceiling before you presume the Republicans have any intention of cutting the deficit - they won't .
easTexan| 12.15.10 @ 8:13AM
Good analysis, Mr Ferrara. But I was struck by your intellectual comparisons. Now to be sure, Mr. Ryan is known to be super bright in his understanding of the economic mess we're in, and polished too, in his explanation of a proposed road map toward achieving economic common sense. But, as to the president's vaunted intelligence; have we ever seen it on display sans teleprompter?
Spoonman| 12.15.10 @ 10:58AM
Bev, his intelligence is locked in a vault which explains why we never see it on display. The reason he ran for the press briefing with Bill Clinton was do to the lack of a teleprompter. His handlers understand that with the teleprompter, the only word he can utter is "Duh".
Purpleguy| 12.18.10 @ 11:13PM
Yes, see my earlier post about his dressing down of the Republicans last January, sans teleprompter... it was a hoot .. but Im sure u didn't see it on Fixed Noise's agenda filter... too bad, you would have been proud of your President... Pretty good debater.
spoofproof| 12.15.10 @ 8:37AM
The politicians on both sides talk long and loud about the waste, fraud, and abuse but they never, never, never talk about the root cause: The Bureaucracy. The trillions it takes to fund millions of petty bureaucrats enforcing their millions of petty bureaucratic regulations makes the Defense budget look like chump change. The Federal Bureaucracy is 100 times bigger than it needs to be. Shut off the money! Kill the Beast!
Purpleguy| 12.18.10 @ 11:15PM
That's why Republicans will never end the deficit - that's how they think they will starve the beast - screw the people, kill the government... good plan, don't you think. We all go down with the Titanic to make their point. Nice, huh?
Melvin| 12.15.10 @ 8:42AM
If for some reason, a strange twist of fate comes to this Country and we for the first time in many, many years get our fiscal crap in one bag. How do we maintain? I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm sick and damn tired of this emotional, and fiscal roller coaster that we have been on for a number of years now.
I suppose much of this extreme torment, that we are putting ourselves through stems from the myriad of financial schemes brought about by the government, Wall Street, and the Banking cartels.
This mass punishment theory, developed by the powers that be just doesn't work for old homey here. My wife and I have worked all our lives, stayed within our financial means, other than the time I had a lapse of memory with a fraudulent magazine subscription.
We have paid for our house, which was due to my wife's hard work in refinancing the house at a cheaper interest rate for 15 years. Bless her heart she has much more foresight than I. I am too much a creature of habit and not liking change, but her persistence won the day, and now what used to be the montage payment goes directly into her account.
We drive used vehicles and for the first time in years we bought a vehicle over $15,000. Most of our lives I plunked down $4,500 or $5000.00 and we drove them till the wheels fell off, but at least they were paid for.
It is acutally nice now to drive a vehicle that does have heat and air, and a warranty.
I guess the point is, I dreamed just as much of the next guy, but what was in my dreams and the reality of what was in my wallet definitely correlated to each other.
Now, my wife and I are going to be punished because of the failed financial schemes and corruption of Wall Street, banking cartels, and those in government who were directly responsible for creating legislation that allowed these schemes to take place.
Now, we are being told, "As Americans it is our patriotic duty to do our fair share at resolving the crisis that we are in."
Patriotic duty my ass! "While you where living high on the hog, spending money from your Ponzi schemes, and your cozy relationship from sweet heart mortgage deals from Country Wide and others, and now you expect me and my wife who lived frugally over the years, to say to you. Sure buddy bend me over some more so you can screw me even harder."
Here is my message to our government, Wall Street and the banking cartels.
"Fu*$ you, you got yourselves into the position that you are in from no help from me. You screwed it up and now you!!!! deal with it and leave me the Sam hell alone. Because if you don't, the poor tax man that comes knocking at my door with an open palm in one hand and a shotgun in the other. Lets just say he or she won't leave in the same condition that they came in. "
Ken (Old Texican) | 12.15.10 @ 9:03AM
Peter,
Thank you again.
I must point you and all of our conversationalists to a complimentary article over at American Thinker this morning.
Something about "Fear is the only thing that can save us"
Yesterday, I got an email from a stockholder that blew my mind "Stansberry's investment advisory"
See contact info below.
From: DailyWealth Premium
These are the guys who have been on the money...two years in advance of EVERYBODY.
They are frightened about the next twelve months being the decider for our whole system...forever.
please run them down and give us your take on their conclusions.
Alan Brooks| 12.15.10 @ 1:49PM
DWP:
scare tactics, Tex.
Peppermint Tea| 12.15.10 @ 9:14AM
Ryan should endlessly repeat the mantra "costly and unnecessary" every time a liberal, media, president says what he is proposing will ruin the country.
HUD, Ag, Dept of Energy, Michelle's food police, 95% of TSA, the czars, student loans, congressional pay, etc. All "costly and unnecessary."
Purpleguy| 12.18.10 @ 11:18PM
You mean like "Star Wars", F-22 Raptor? How about Medicare prescription Drug benefit? How about the Alaskan Bridge to Nowhere? All Republican promoted costly and unnecessary items. The Republicans will never cut anything, they will just fund what they like instead of what Democrats like. They have no cajones, you'll see.
Jay Dee| 12.19.10 @ 7:12PM
Purpleguy does it make you feel important to come in three days after the original posts and drop your little zingers, and I do mean little.
The bridge to nowhere went...........no where. Your pal Kennedy was co sponsor on the Medicare Prescription Drug plan and he wanted it to be double the final bill.
You need to drop your little zingers when the adults are in the room.
donserge| 12.15.10 @ 9:25AM
Why no mention of completely eliminating so-called "base line budgeting?" And THEN cutting Departments and programs. ...
Timothy L. Pennell| 12.15.10 @ 9:32AM
I challenge your assertion that this is the "first time in his life, Barry Soetoro is Intellectually Overmatched". I've seen no evidence of "Intellect" from this man.
Does an ITELLECTUAL bring a Teleprompter to a 5TH GRADE CLASSROOM? Does he think that there are "57 States, with 3 more to go"? Does he go out and "FETCH" someone else, to hold HIS Press Conference?
He's an IDEOLOGUE. That's all he is. And a LIAR. He can LIE with the best of them. Why, look who he got to help him. ANOTHER Pathological Liar.
Does an Intellectual give 10 Minute, rambling, incoherent 'answers' to simple questions? I thought that 'Brevity was the soul of wit'?
He's a CON MAN. He's the MUSIC MAN. He's the MONO RAIL SALESMAN. He's the CARNIVAL BARKER.
He's a B*LLSH*T ARTIST.
I see NOTHING Intellectual about THAT.
Sunlight is the best disinfectant. And guys like Paul Ryan, Dr. Coburn, Darrell Issa, Mike Pence and others, will shine enough light to send this America Hating COCKROACH, back to the shadows from where he came.
The 1st time in his life he's been Intellectually Overmatched. Let's see his COLLEGE GRADES!
Oh. I forgot. They're SEALED in a VAULT in Hawaii.
Maybe he is smart, after all?
Purpleguy| 12.18.10 @ 11:21PM
Another Faux News watcher that missed the dressing down the President gave the Republicans a year ago, SANS teleprompter. He made hash out of them - but im sure you heard nothing of it on Fox, did ya? The great uninformed propaganda swallowing masses... sad, very sad.
Jay Dee| 12.19.10 @ 7:15PM
You really need to get over your fixation with the Prez showing up at the Repub retreat. I watched it on C-Span, the channel the adults watch.
Nice to see you finally learned how to spell Fox.
beebop| 12.15.10 @ 9:33AM
Wonderful, thoughtful piece.
May I just add that I am frightened to death for our nation?
Wes in MT| 12.15.10 @ 9:55AM
If the current republicans can cave so quickly and give in to so much needless pork for a mere 24 month extension of the tax rates, then we need to see if obama care covers add-a-set-octomy, cuz this current crop have lost theirs.
Youfamissim| 12.15.10 @ 10:11AM
When did the constitution authorize the government to steal/tax more from one man and less from another? US Poverty - is a condition that "primarily" arises in people who are incapable of negotiating life without assistance. A low IQ, married to a handout and an excuse to do nothing = lotsa children learning how to behave like mommy and daddy. Why anyone who is incapable of providing for themselves, brings another life into their failed existence escapes me and in no way enables them, or others acting upon their behalf, to extort more of my income. This scenario is at the core of America's debt. Unless, and until, Americans refuse to care for people who refuse to care for themselves - all the other troubles and costs will continue and expand. The so called Poor are not asked to care for themselves and qualifying for assistance is easy - particularly when those employed assisting the needy know each person they assist creates Job Security for them. There is no disincentive to welfare - NONE - that is not installed by parents. So long as differential treatment of tax payers exists, the poor will vote for the person who promises them a pay increase - class warfare. Only when every American is Taxed will they bargain and vote fairly. Welfare MUST come with restrictions - Birth Control while receiving assistance is number 1. Some people get upset seeing poor people. SO what! These same people demand others pay to remove the blight from their view. Despite the many things done for them, the poor continue to behave in ways that exacerbate their poverty and they are not asked or required to stop the behaviors. Most of the Progressive agenda is tied to assisting the Poor - The Poor is used to gin up compassion. Progressive use the Jesus Club to compel action and enable theft - "What would Jesus think of you wanting to keep your money when these poor poor people need help?" Progressives want to eliminate Christianity, So why pay attention to their corrupt pleas? Eff them! Ending welfare and requiring the able bodied to fend for themselves is requisite to cure the economic ills we face. There is no other path - welfare - in all its many forms constitutes over half of the US budget. End welfare and Progressive lose their only bargaining chip - buying votes from the people they enslave with their welfare programs.
DRed| 12.15.10 @ 1:26PM
The 16th Amendment?
Welfare comes with restrictions. Look it up.
Petronius| 12.15.10 @ 10:18AM
The entitlement programs deemed untouchable are precisely those programs which must be ABOLISHED. But that is not possible in the least.
What can be done is to reform Social Security using the recipe proposed by Peter Brimelow in his Forbes Charticle of 1985. Medicare reimbursements can be rescheduled once market forces are reintroduced into the system. Medicaid must be scrapped. Health services for the poor should be provided as they were over half a century ago when most physicians worked in the public health systems of their states and cities one or two days each month. They attended whoever came through the door gratis though token payment was required from those who could pay something. But the municipal hospitals are now gone along with the clinics. Reestablish open door clinics in most of our teaching hospitals separate from the ER's and contract for beds there also with operating funds from the states or local tax sources. These institutions and doctors will get direct 100% tax credits at all levels for providing indigent care. Then we can put the Health Care Finance Administrators on the unemployment line. When did bean counters ever do so much as put a band aid on scratch? This will also put an end to mediscammers. my mother got called constantly by these weasels who tried to push walkers, crutches, diabetic supplies, (she wasn't) and whatever else they couldn't sell along with their "free claim service". They were after her Social Security number so they could falsify claims. Only then will we get any cost control.
Department of Education: get rid of it. Schooling is the purview of parents. Teaching services at all levels should be individually contracted for. A majority of school board members should also be parents, not politicians.
Department of Commerce: Eliminate everything except oversight of international trade. Some things will always be contraband.
Department of Agriculture: a real nest of vipers who's heads should be chopped off a.s.a.p. They indulge themselves in really nasty collusion with corporate interests like Monsanto who sue farmers in Federal Courts over unlicensed use of their seed products which the accused never used by claiming that these defendants were getting them free for the use of if any property within 20 miles of theirs purchased and brought in crops by wind pollenation.
The EPA should have only one mission: oversight
and mediation concerning disputes between states over industrial pollution of toxic man made byproducts. Repeal all laws and regulations they have over Our vehicles, HVAC, pressurized household products, compulsory recycling, toilet tank volume, light bulbs, private land use, and foolish prohibitions like lead pigments in artists oil paints. Above all they are to have no say in the use of lead and any of its alloys used in the manufacture of ammunition, fishing tackle. marine fittings, diving gear or the like. Regulation of the Endangered Species Act should be transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Service to be regulated Only in the wild. The same should go for game species too. If somebody with a lake on his own property wants to hunt waterfowl there with lead shot, so mote it be.
That's enough for now. We'll brew some more T.E.A. later.
Purpleguy| 12.18.10 @ 11:27PM
Too bad you can't really go "Back to the Future" in the 1880's ... you'd love it.
As the population grows, more, not less, regulation is needed. If you liked child labor, abusive working conditions for all, slaughterhouse diseased infected meat being served, college only for the wealthy and connected, and a life expectancy in the 50's, then go for it ... that's for you .... Be gone reactionary fool.... Try living in the modern world and stop being selfish and self-centered .. didn't Mommy teach you to play fair and share?
Melvin| 12.15.10 @ 10:23AM
Come on now people, all this negative talk is going to make John Boehner tear up again. He's in an extremely fragile state right now.
Nancy Pelosi might have to let little Johnny rest his head on her shoulder while she strokes his spray tanned face, gently whispering into his ear. "It OK Johnny everything is going to be all right. Grandma Nancy is going to make everything as right as rain." "Steny, you ready, get ready to stick him while he's asleep."
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.15.10 @ 10:46AM
Melvin,
Please get off the New Speaker's butt. You can see and hear the "sob heard around the world" from Mr. Boehner on NRO today. (scroll down a bit)
Hey, I've been known to choke up thinking or speaking about what my forebears went through to allow me the opportunities I have had.
I am the guy you want in your foxhole, Melvin. But when the battle is over, I get to cry for the wasted lives...on both sides...OK?
I am praying for Mr. Boehner and the other Republicans...to do their very best to avoid the "events" I write about. I'm not sure they can.
The man has just come in from the "wilderness" of minority. Give him a chance, OK?
Thank you, sir.
Robster| 12.16.10 @ 3:20PM
Amen to that Ken. Prayer is what will ultimately save our country and our Speaker. He is a man with a heart, someone whose likes has not been seen in our Congress for a very long time.,
Darudz| 12.15.10 @ 10:33AM
What we need in the WH next is another Calvin Coolege. I've been fascinated about him and his philosophy of government after visiting his Vermont birth place this autumn.
Mayor of Melonville| 12.15.10 @ 3:58PM
Darudz: apparently when you visited the VT birthplace you didn't learn how to spell his name. It's "Coolidge".
Purpleguy| 12.18.10 @ 11:28PM
Are you sure GW Bush wasn't Coolidge reincarnated...? Both left us with bubbles that collapsed the economy - they were so great.
Christopher| 12.15.10 @ 10:59AM
Great article. We are now expecting more from a congressman than from the president, majority and minority leaders, and speaker of the house. We expect Ryan to reform the tax code, and balance the budget. And he has a proposal to do it!
Disagree that this is the first time Obama has been intellectually overmatched. We don't know his college and law school grades, or his LSAT for law school, or his SAT for college. He has not written any law review articles or other law articles. He has two books, and the rumor was the Bill Ayers helped with one. What is the basis for crediting Obama with such a high intellect? He reads all his speeches, and stumbles in question and answer formats.
Oldefarte| 12.15.10 @ 11:01AM
Typical great, great article, Peter! I will respectfully disagree with the idea of sparing Medicaid, which needs to be replaced with a government system of low cost, training hospitals for the indigent [staffed by medical students, interns/residents, and degreed MD's willing to accept fixed/low cost salaries]. Also, what if the government has to shut down [the only people damaged from same would again be the indigents that government primarily serve]? Since Boles [Clinton lacky] was chairman of the defecit reduction committee, I would not even consider their recommendations. Additionally, the uncupling of the mortgage interest deduction from taxes might be a necessity, since liberals/Democrats have historically [since 1977's CRA] invaded same for residential welfare purposes and which has now resulted in the credit/housing collapse. As you indicated, what's needed overall is a REVOLUTION of sorts that will completely dismantle the current governmental system and replace same with a balanced, lower cost [to taxpayers] model. Thanks again!!!!!!!!!
A. C. Santore| 12.15.10 @ 11:35AM
When are we going to learn that, to the so-called "Progressives," the truth is what they say it is, and not what we know it is.
Purpleguy| 12.18.10 @ 11:29PM
Now who told you that - Rush? Fox Noise? :0)
Old Joe| 12.15.10 @ 11:40AM
Some random general thoughts on the article and our situation in general:
1. Great article with one exception – I agree that BO has been intellectually overmatched in countless meetings his entire life.
2. If WikiLeaks can steal and publish our state Department secrets and can hacker attack Visa-MasterCard, then why can’t other hackers do the same at Harvard and Columbia so we can see BO’s transcripts?
3. Same comment on his birth certificate.
4. Privatization of Social Security is the only answer. Chile did it many years ago and it has been a great success. Are we too proud as a nation to learn from another country’s politicians or are our politicians just too greedy for power to consider real reform?
5. After 30+ plus years selling into the healthcare industry I know there must be a 1000 ways to cut healthcare cost. Our government stands in the way of those cuts because they like the power. One example, Veteran’s Hospitals. Why eligible veterans can’t be issued a VA benefits card allowing them to get VA healthcare at their local hospital is beyond me. The VA, just like Medicare and Medicaid, could contract for the reimbursement rates. Better care for the veterans and lower cost for the taxpayers. We don’t need all that duplicate bricks and mortar.
6. I am afraid that the new Republicans will act like the old Republicans. The old guard will slap them around and hold their perks until they simply join all the other pigs at the trough. I hope and pray I am wrong.
7. All welfare programs should come with conditions. Let’s have drug testing for all recipients of any government support to include government housing, food stamps, and Medicaid. You want the money; you have to agree to the test. Male recipients of support should be subject to DNA testing. Women after having their first welfare child should be required to have the sterilization implant to receive any support. Check the DNA of the child, cross reference to the males, find the father, and a vasectomy is then required. Draconian measure for sure but I am tired of paying $10,000 to birth the child, $150,000 to raise the child to adulthood, $100,000 to try the adult, and then $30,000 per year for the next 45 years to incarcerate the adult. That doesn’t even touch on the damage to the economy and pain these people cause before getting to the incarceration point.
8. The Fair Tax is the only way our economic system can be fixed. If we won’t do that then change the system so everyone, including the low and middle income population has to pay taxes. I am tired of 47% percent of our population riding on the backs of the other 53%. Let them feel the tax pain too.
Ok, enough of my ranting. Once again, a great article.
Melvin| 12.15.10 @ 11:45AM
I'm sorry Ken, I tend to disagree with your opinion of the prospective Speaker. Please keep in mind that I'm only speaking for myself.
I trusted the GOP in 1994, and too many times I gave them the benefit of the doubt. I keep giving myself false assurances that, the Republicans were going to stand and support Republican, Conservative values, and John Boehner was akin to this.
I gave the Republicans the benefit of the doubt again in 2000 and 2004, and it gave this Country nothing but fiscal misery.
No, Ken I'm sorry, I will hold John Boehner's feet and every other Republican in the Leadership feet to the fire every second of every day, because it will take a very, very, very long time to gain my trust again.
They bargained away every set of fiscal core principles they ever had all in order to be invited to the Christmas Parties.
I am rude and crude with my opinion of the New Speaker, maybe. Instead of hammering home in a message of what the Country needs is Republican fiscal Conservatism. He enters into a dialog of his man feelings. I don't give a tinkers damn about John's man feelings, I do give a damn about the fiscal destruction of this Country and how he plans to fix it.
I'll start believing in the Republican leadership again when I start seeing Democrats squealing like stuck pigs away from the Federal trough. But as I see it right now, they're all still happy as Pork Pig and that includes prominent Republicans.
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.15.10 @ 12:10PM
Melvin,
I hear you sir...I hear you.
(keep in mind that whatever he highlights right now in the lame duck...the Demos will bust their butts to de-rail it.
Be just a little patient, OK?)
Redstateboy| 12.15.10 @ 12:13PM
don't hear the Liber-uls much saying it's all George W. Bush's fault anymore.
idalily| 12.15.10 @ 3:58PM
They'll think of something. Trust me, a new whipping boy will be found. I hope it's Obama so we can watch the blame game while munching Schadenfreude popcorn.
james wilson| 12.15.10 @ 12:32PM
Yes. It must be about more than a single policy, it must be part of a vision. The federal government and it's budget is a target rich environment. Knock the chucks out from under that wagon and watch this beast gain momentum going back down the hill, crushing scads of scribblers, wonks, and tyrants on it's way.
JP| 12.15.10 @ 1:16PM
As everyone knows, the real place to cut spending is in entitlements. And the average senior will fight Congress tooth and nail in order to keep the status quo as long as possible. Besides Medicare and Social Security, Medicaid is the fastest growing entitlement. And this program is scheduled to surpass defence spending by 2015, if not sooner. All other spending, save interest on the debt is small potatoes.
The Dems will likely demogogue the entitlements issue. I'm not sure if they will succeed, as the federal government will approach 50% of the GDP is things continue much longer. It could actually happen sooner if the US loses its AAA bond rating and must pay higher interest on its debt.
There simply isn't enough accumulated wealth in this nation to support the kind of income redistribution the Progressives and thier minions demand. The rich could simply take thier money and leave (actually many are doing just that. Residence Visas are at an all time back log in US embassies in Europe and parts of East Africa).
uncleFred| 12.15.10 @ 5:54PM
Social Security is not an "entitlement" it's an obligation based on earnings extracted from law abiding individuals at the point of a gun and stolen by the government under color of law. I don't believe any thinking person wants to keep the status quo on social security, but any solution must address the simple fact that all of us are responsible for allowing this theft, and that any fix must reasonably protect people who have had their retirements stolen. Sit down sometime and calculate what someone with an average taxable annual income of $30,000 would have in assets if their 6.2% and their employers 6.2% had been invested in ordinary T-bills and compounded over 40 years. The scope of this fraud is truly astonishing.
This is not income redistribution, it was their money "placed in a trust fund", which was repeatedly embezzled by the congress. Now the bill is coming due. Some method of settlement that reflects this fact, even if people end up with 20 cents on their dollar, must be put forward. Otherwise, we are just another bunch of thieves.
simon templar| 12.16.10 @ 1:34PM
Uncle Fred...Excellent points! Honest, accurate and original thinking!
Purpleguy| 12.18.10 @ 11:33PM
Remove the ceiling on FICA withholding and raise the retirement age to 70 gradually over the next 80 years, and problem is solved - as long as Congress keeps their bloody hands off the money. We have way bigger problems than Social Security. It is solvent, as you say.
Mojo Risin| 12.15.10 @ 2:27PM
Everything Obonehead has done is monumentally counterproductive, it's not working. His and his minions economic philosophy is tried and true, it's guaranteed failure.
If there was a way to remove Obonehead, set him aside, put him on ice, until the next election, then maybe there could be some progress made to extract America from the children's hour.
Reid is out-of-his-mind waiting until the last possible instant to get on with urgent legislation, but since he is guaranteed the next 6 years with his most undeserved reelection, what is there to loose. Katy-bar-the-door, Harry is on a mission... Another 2000 page bill that no one will read, with the threat to hold congress over past the new year and Obonehead threatening to postpone his most luxurious Hawaiian vacation , hoping to hold republicans hostage---Call their bluff!!!
Purpleguy| 12.18.10 @ 11:34PM
Yeah, ignore all the economists, left right and center that agree that Bush before him and Obama kept us from another Great Depression. Ignore them, so you can criticize the Black Man.
Perusha| 12.15.10 @ 2:30PM
I look forward to all your articles, Mr. Ferrara, and this one was, as usual, great.
Taking as much of a “Man from Mars” view, though, as possible, I was recently reminded of an always true fact inherent in human nature---
If one doesn’t bother to attend to the political “garden”, then they have to simply take what they get.
What is the percentage of eligible voters who take the time to cast their ballot? And, maybe even more pertinent to this point, how many spend any but the minimal time to study the issues and the candidates, and thus decide on someone who is proven to be for their freedom-loving best interests?
Personally, the behemoth that is big government has ALREADY “won”, a la the honest reaction Obama had to the “losers”. I sadly note this, and thus think that the best we can hope for is more of the same old same old that has been the historical pattern of Republicans---
Rear guard action: MERELY.
Anybody who really believes that it is even possible to stop the steamrolling big government “Machine” is either too young or ignorant.
Consider the NFL.
The 49ers, under the command of the “genius” Bill Walsh, was the first team to install the West Coast offense, and given the rules of the day---less free agency---he was able to draft and trade for the best players to run that system. It didn’t hurt that he was brilliant at plucking hidden gems from small colleges, like Jerry Rice, also.
And, now, and ever since Walsh, the NFL ADAPTED---many of his coaches and successful schemes were able to “spread the word”, so that the NFL is now a combination of old school Pittsburgh Steeler hard nosed defense AND a more wide open offense.
Just so, wrt American politics.
The “system” includes all the well trained politicians, especially the successful ones who’ve risen to the top; the bureaucracy---federal AND state AND city AND local---which has grow much faster than the private sector; the growing number of Americans who get more and more of their “goodies” from the government; and most damningly, the ever present cohort of people who just don’t pay attention or/and don’t vote.
Who’s left?
A rump “state”, admittedly more and more vocal, using the “new” media of talk radio, blogging, etc, which is trying to make the case for the productive class of winners, a class that seems to shrink, day by day, as more and more people join the big government “ship of state”----witness the loss of jobs in the private sector and the growth of them in the public one.
I wouldn’t be too hopeful about any change in this trend, my friends.
Here’s my macro economic prediction---
What matters, as Milton Friedman correctly instructed us, is the total spending by government—whether paid for by taxes or borrowing.
Go ahead and add up the percentage of ALL forms of government spending, and factor in the future payments to the baby boomers and retirees on the government dole, and you can kiss goodbye the historical 18.6% federal tax rate of revenue collected.
The REAL action is in this realm---Obama et al have gone for the gusto, and their goal of 21% is, it seems to me, already cooked in the future “cake” of our economy.
Oh yeah---the REAL story is this:
Our semi-capitalistic system can only grow, and increase our standard of living, if there are PROFITS. Think of America as one gigantic machine, which starts a year in one state, and after working for a year, the machine is hopefully maintained AND improved, and there is some production left over and not consumed.
The fight is over these “left overs”, and given the demographical analysis from above, I surmise that a larger part of this American profit will go to the big government takers.
In short, say the economic system has 3% growth. The takers are in such a “won” state of likely permanent power, that they will “legally” steal, say half of it, and allow the makers to keep less of their own created wealth.
Maybe they’ll end up lecturing the makers that they should be happy that they get to keep anything, at all.
Oh, wait---
That’s where we are NOW!
DTCOfAZ| 12.15.10 @ 2:46PM
If the Republicans can carry the spirit of the Tea Party, the Party of the People that brought them victory, and follow the Roadmap, we will prevail. NO compromises, no b.s on earmarks. Be wise.
Goverment shut down to save money? So be it.
There are several actions that we need to look at and seriously lay-out a plan to execute:
1 . Defund Obamacare when waiting on the verdict of the lawsuits from 20 states.
2. Get rid of EAP - the job killer entity.
3. Reform the entitlement programs such as Medicaid -- take a look on the pregnancy, for example. How much state fund that we allow to pay for a person who doesn't want to go get a job, but keep creating babies and relying on the welfare funds for years? Will the state fund continue to be allowed to pay for the children of illigal immigrants for public school and lunches as well as their healthcare?
4. Get rid of CBO: that organization comprised a bunch of jokes that could not even produce a non-biased financial report for the American people.
5. NO federal funding for the state of CA
6. NO federal funding for NPR
The last two steps are:
7. Investigate Sebelius
8. Investigate Holder
Can't wait 'till January 2011 to see the positive results.. We can hope for the positive results.
Adrian| 12.15.10 @ 4:45PM
Sadly, only the lame income tax was mentioned with tax reform. Does the writer not understnad the grassroots want the FAIR TAX? We don;t want Income tax reform, we want the income tax and all taxes eliminated and replaced with the Fair Tax.
The writer needs to research the conservative a little bit more and get out of DC...
Melvin| 12.15.10 @ 2:53PM
The bastards with Republican support passed this fiscal monster. Jesus Christ, we're doomed. Over a trillion dollars that we don't have. Who the hell is going to loan us that kind of money?
The Senate and the House completely violated the Constitution.
They're going to Hawaii on vacation and we're going to the soup line. We can't let this stand people, we can't let it stand......................
Mojo Risin| 12.15.10 @ 3:04PM
You are correct my good man!!!
Nose Hit| 12.15.10 @ 3:23PM
Say "What"?
1. SAYING it is so makes it so.
2. Those who know don't SAY, those who SAY, don't know.
3. Wherof one can't SAY, thereof one must be silent.
4. What do you SAY?
5. SAY it isn't so!
6. SAY's Law SAYS so.
7. Parting the read SAY.
8. I can't SAY.
9. SAY away little girl.
10. Who can SAY?
11. Who SAYS?
12. SAY what?
13. SAY away!
14. SAY and play!
15. If I may SAY so.
16. SAY the wide see.
17. A grave SAYING arose.
18. Emptiness is SAYING.
19. Stay and SAY a while.
20. SAY it with flowers.
21. That SAYS it all!
22. SAY no more!
23. Ticking SAYINGS go off!
24. SAYINGS become trite---they lose their SAYING power.
25. It's just SAY so.
26. Many may SAY, I play.
27. The SAYING of the day---play!
28. A ray of SAY muns.
29. SAY a ray away.
30. Pay in SAYINGS.
31. A SAY a day keeps the ray on beam.
32. Un-SAY it!
33. Away all SAYINGS!
34. All SAYINGS wink.
35. Dark SAYINGS move slowly.
36. This SAYING is a lie.
37. If I do SAY so.
38. Time SAYS for no one.
39. No place for SAY so's.
40. A heavenly SAY---MY LIFE!
41. Inside-out SAYS the mystery.
42. Behind every SAYING is a hole.
43. Holes SAY a whole lot.
44. Liars SAY it all.
45. That SAYS the cake!
46. SAY inside the circle.
47. When one SAYS X, one SAYS not-X.
48. SAYING does the splits.
49. SAYING balances on see-saws.
50. SAYING teeth bite back.
51. SAY it with pith.
52. The fan SAYS in one place.
53. SAY it away!
54. Give way to the SAY!
55. May I SAY you?
56. My SAY lays you.
57. SAY it out----loud!
58. A quiet SAYING whispers in the wind.
59. Many are called---few SAY.
60. Mother may I---SAY?
61. SAY it perfectly---be still.
62. SAY it in circles.
63. Artificial SAYINGS---illusions.
64. Before every SAY is a may.
65. Surround your SAY in rays.
66. Found a SAYING in a volcano.
67. Ecstatic SAYINGS are risque.
68. Chance your day---SAY it!.
69. Go along with the flow---SAY it over and over
and......
70. Walk with SAYING power.
71. SAY the same---integrity.
72. Some have SAY-feet, I have SAY on the brain!
73. Take this SAY and drink it!
74. Tickling SAYING laugh.
75. Caring SAYINGS hug away.
76. Death SAYS nothing.
77. Life SAYS---"Guess who?"
78. SAYING is cheap.
79. SAY and do-----or, else!
80. We're hiding in SAYINGS!
81. SAY it like it is!
82. Need falsies? I should SAY so!
83. Solitary SAYINGS---unheard of.
84. Need I SAY more?
85. SAY no more!
86. Need a SAYING?
87. Dial 123-4567 for a SAYING.
88. Kill it with a SAY so.
89. SAYING so turns on go-go dancers.
90. Dance the SAY away!
91. Clean up your SAYING act!
92. Faded SAYINGS are in style.
93. And I SAY it, SAY it, yes I do!
94. SAY-imate? Screw it all!
95. My SAY-scape glistens.
96. Sparky SAYINGS perk up.
97. My SAYINGS jump for joy.
98. SAY above the fray.
99. SAY-men never SAY no---they don't know how.
100. Mixed up SAYINGS are clear.
101. My SAYINGS reflect each other.
102. This is the first SAYING.
103. SAY down the law.
104. Rise up, and SAY!
105. SAY away, Sam!
106. Those who can SAY---those who can't, listen and
weep.
107. Bury this SAYING deep!
108. Deep SAYINGS need fresh air.
109. New SAYINGS are infinity speaking.
110. Letting-go scares SAYINGS to life.
111. SAY, do, and have = be.
112. If I am to SAY, I must be unafraid.
113. Boundaries SAY enough, for now, and now, and now,
.....
114. Super SAYINGS leap buildings and go to the stars.
115. Keep it all together---use super-SAY!
116. Going for the gold? SAY at home.
117. Too many SAYINGS spoil the child---of all!
118. Words SAY it all!
119. Un-stoppable SAYING----TV!
120. SAY it with power.
121. Flower-power SAYS---love.
122. Solipsists can't SAY spit!
123. I SAY Narcissus is a reflexive jerk.
124. Old crones collapse on hoary SAYINGS.
125. Reincarnation SAYS---"Let's do it again, in the
road!"
126. Atheists just SAY no----GOD.
127. Einstein SAYS--- E(at) = M(e) x c(see me!) squared.
128. Hot dogs and mustard SAY---nostalgia.
129. Atlanteans SAY---Oh no!
130. Clinton SAYS---"Only in Arkansas"
131. "Sports" SAYS---don't you dare grow up!
132. Liberals SAY---people are such fools!
133. Buddha SAYS----
134. Eating SAYS----bigger is better.
135. Infinite choices of what to do next (Now this!)
SAYS---help!
136. Brainwashed people SAY---I'm not brainwashed!
137. Well-chewed SAYINGS are swallowed without
difficulty.
138. Painful SAYINGS are ignored.
139. Music, "om"-like waverings of the atmosphere,
make SAYING impotent.
140. "Silence is golden" SAYS nothing, or, it all.
141. SAY in 10 words or less what is in between
nothing and all.
142. It takes time to SAY---killing or filling time?
143. All SAYING is circular; or is it square, or cubic,
or...
144. SAYINGS have a "point" of view.
145. SAY comes from "see"---look it up.
146. See what I mean---my SAY!
147. I mean to see---all SAYING!
148. Wash your SAYING right out of my hair!
149. Mouthpieces SAY anything for money---their freedom.
150. A pleasing SAYING has to sound good---pet "me"!
151. Digging through SAYINGS is hard work, but gems that
strike (you) are worth the effort.
152. Cooking words over time creates new SAYINGS.
153. Water SAYS---bathe!
154. Ads repeating SAYINGS machine gun us down!
155. SAYING power rules the air waves---goodbye freedom.
156. Unwitting slaves SAY---I'm free!
157. Death SAYS---Free at last!
158. War SAYS---stay awake, or die!
159. Forming SAYINGS can be bad form.
160. Processing a SAYING is timeless.
161. Born to SAY---and to endure SAYERS: humans.
162. Go on a SAYING fast---don't think!
163. Breathe in all SAYINGS; don't forget to exhale--be
hale!
164. Trees SAY in one place, for a time---enjoy,
Roquentin!
165. Time to SAY---so long: I am very long, and wide and
deep.
hans wahlen| 12.15.10 @ 3:28PM
i am not sure but wasnt al gore who cast the deciding vote that gave us the tax raise that bush is being credited with cutting?
davelnaf| 12.15.10 @ 3:38PM
For two years Obama and his bots did everything they could to “gorge the beast”—meaning us—in the expectation that this would bring on their beloved VAT. It hasn’t worked out that way. The dems’ only hope of avoiding another 2010 in 2012 is to help downsize government and reduce spending.
If we don’t get meaningful change in Washington over the next two years we’ll be putting the new two thousand page budget on the political grave of every dem and RINO up for reelection in 2012 in lieu of flowers. That this thing could pass says way too much about how different this Democratic Party is from the one that existed just twenty years ago.
Jim Stagg| 12.15.10 @ 3:51PM
Thanks, Peter. Agree with you completely. Now, what does it take to wake up the old bulls in the Repub party to do the right thing? I've threatened mine (GA) with the loss of votes.....as many as I can affect....but their response is hot air. Krauthammer was right, this tax deal faked them out. They should have waited until January for a better deal with NO PORK!
aware| 12.15.10 @ 4:37PM
"Reduce the national debt by 2060 by 82%"
Now that's really radical(NOT), does Ryan think we have that long? Does anybody? Debt issuance in November a record 150.4 billion.
December 14th Federal Reserve lost 7.9 billion, 6 more days like that and their 57 billion dollar "capital reserve" goes poof.
Maybe 30 years ago this might have been a plan.
The current "tax deal" should be proof that it is now impossible to cut spending.
After they get finished pillaging and the banker's pockets are full of bonuses it will be "austerity" for the rest of you.
Something is around the corner but it ain't prosperity. This article, like Ryan's plan, is full of wishful thinking.
BDM| 12.15.10 @ 5:02PM
He had me with everything except the cut all spending "except defense" statement. No way there's not enough fat there that we can't cut defense spending back to 2007 levels.
PCP Smoker| 12.15.10 @ 11:10PM
Would not mind shutting it down for 2 years, but the representative from Janesville, WI might disagree with that. He voted for TARP and now endorses the pork laden tax deal. We need to primary Paul Ryan.
best selller books | 12.15.10 @ 11:52PM
Can't wait 'till January 2011 to see the positive results.. We can hope for the positive results.
Sonny| 12.16.10 @ 1:56AM
Exactly.. How can America have a real recovery, when the leader, Obama, and his obamacratic cronies, are purposely stifling, dismantling, and destroying, Freedom, Liberty, the U.S. Constitution, the Free Market Capitalist system. and the very Independent Republic of America itself, piece by piece..
The only way to fully recover from Obama, is to get rid of Obama, period.!!! Obama, Obamacare, everything, Lock, Stock, and Barrel.!!!
Then, and only then, can America start to recover, restore, and become prosperous and Free, once again.!! Just like with President Reagan, when we threw out Jimmy Carter.!!!
It's the same scenario all over again. But this time, we are on the brink of Bankruptcy and Insolvency, thanks to Obama, not to mention his promise of his transformation of America, into a Socialist Marxist State..
Jim| 12.16.10 @ 11:35AM
I agree completely that the baseline should be the 2007 budget. However, without some serious downsizing, we will NEVER get our house in order. I propose that we start with the 2007 budget and enact 4% spending reduction per year from there until the Federal budget is 20% of it's current size (adjusted for inflation). The cuts could be achieved largely through attrition. Don't replace federal employees that retire. The government could adjust the pie as necessary, even hiring for some services, as long as the overall 4% cuts were maintained. That would necessarily require steeper cuts in some areas. Use block grants as necessary to provide an orderly transition back to the states, but ultimately divest DOE, HUD and other services back to the states where they belong.
The Federal government would need to determine the 6-8 things that it should be doing (border control, immigration, military, etc.) and return other functions not enumerated in the Constitution back to the states.
This would allow the Federal government to do the best possible job on its' core competencies, leaving the states to manage their own priorities and budgets.
By the way, this would allow the House and Senate to reduce their time in Washington by 80% as well. It would get us back to the citizen legislature that the Framers of the Constitution intended. If it can't be done in 3 months, then it doesn't need to be done.
Rob| 12.17.10 @ 1:31AM
Jim, I'm not so sure about a 3-month time in Washington for Congress, because that would seem to give more power to the Congressional staff and bureaucrats, and it would take a considerable amount of time for Congress to develop appropriate strategies for permanently downsizing the federal behemoth. But I agree enthuiastically with everything else you wrote, and can see in any case that your last paragraph represents a long-term goal to be considered down the road, not immediately. I think that a hiring freeze followed by attrition is realistic. In the absence of a hiring freeze, any pension fund liability could continue to grow. I'd suggest additionally decertifying the SEIU and National Educational Association as these organizations are devoted to increasing the size and cost of the federal government, and the latter is also in favor of having "family planning" (abortion) clinics in public schools. Reducing the ability of the public employees' unions to bankrupt this nation represents a serious challenge. Requiring independent audits of their pension funds might help.
led display | 12.17.10 @ 3:11AM
And for three years now, President Obama and Baghdad Bob–style sycophant propagandists from the Center for American Progress have been telling us that it was the Bush tax cuts that caused the financial crisis. As I have explained before, this is Marxian economics, Groucho, not Karl. If the Bush tax cuts caused the financial crisis, then why, pray tell, are we extending them now?
? what the meanning~
mzk1| 12.18.10 @ 4:37PM
He means, why do the Democrats want to extend the tax cuts, at least for the lower and middle classes, if the tax cuts (according to the Democrats) caused the economic crisis?
mzk1| 12.18.10 @ 4:38PM
Fascinating article.
Christian Louboutin | 6.23.11 @ 6:07AM
Events have moved so fast in the post-election fallout that the last seven days have seen the political cards completely reshuffled. A new big picture has emerged of the political and economic battleground for the next two years.