The American Spectator : Hands Off the Obamacare Slush Fund

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Washington Prowler

Hands Off the Obamacare Slush Fund

By The Prowler on 3.16.11 @ 6:09AM

Why has the GOP House leadership blocked Reps. King and Bachmann’s efforts to defund Obamacare implementation?

Speaker of the House John Boehner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and House Republican Whip Kevin McCarthy have consistently blocked efforts by Reps. Steve King and Michele Bachmann to defund the so-called “Obamacare slush fund” via the continuing resolution or House spending bills, despite being told by House Republican leadership staff that they could do so under current House rules.

“There is no way we can include their [Bachmann and King’s] amendment; it would just bog us down and undercut the leadership goal of getting real cutting done through negotiations with Democrats and the White House,” says a leadership aide, sticking to talking points generated out of Cantor’s office after Tuesday’s vote in the House to extend funding for government through early April.

Bachmann and King have been pressing to zero out the $105 billion that funds the Obama Administration’s implementation of the president’s health care plan.

Despite broad support among the American public for Congress to draw back spending on Obamacare, it has done nothing to remove the $105 billion that the previous Congress had allocated. Under the terms of the funding allocation, about $5 billion is budgeted for implementation purposes in FY2011, while another $100 billion has been appropriated for FY2012 through 2020.

Staff for McCarthy privately attempted to distance their boss from Boehner and Cantor. “[McCarthy] is not opposed to finding a way to zero out the implementation funding,” said an aide. “But if the majority leader and Speaker don’t want it, the whip isn’t in a position to push too hard. But let’s be clear, there is nothing to all the hooey about how leadership is supporting funding of Obamacare, because we aren’t bending to every whim of King and Queen Michele.”

In fact, House leadership is. According to sources familiar with discussions among House Republican leadership, Boehner and Cantor were informed by GOP leadership staff that it would have been “relatively easy” to gain the necessary votes to change House rules to allow the Bachmann-King amendment to be included in the continuing resolution. “It has been done in the past without a lot of sound and fury,” says a current House member. “You change the rules and then you include the amendment that you want now that the rules have been changed. I don’t know why this situation is any different.”

Instead of playing the parliamentary gambit, Boehner and Cantor pressed for a vote on the spending and whipped more than half of the freshman Republican class to vote with them, leaving their Tea Party supporters back home wondering how their representatives could so quickly break with their constituencies.

For Boehner and Cantor’s part, they have promised Republicans a vote on the Bachmann-King amendment as a stand-alone bill. The only problem: such a bill has no chance of passage in the Senate with a Democrat majority.

“This vote gives us the ability to say we voted to defund the slush fund, where it goes from there doesn’t really matter,” says an aide to Cantor. “We just want this off the table so we can get to some serious budget negotiations, not political stunts.”

Letter to the Editor View all comments (212) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

joedoc| 3.16.11 @ 6:19AM

"There is no way we can include their [Bachmann and King's] amendment; it would just bog us down and undercut the leadership goal of getting real cutting done through negotiations with Democrats and the White House," says a leadership aide. When in the past two years have the Democrats done any serious negotiating wiith the Republicans? In the words of the POTUS,"We won" or how about "Get to the back of the bus". The Republicans should do what the Democrats have done to them. Leave them out of negotiations unless they are serious about real cuts.

mames| 3.16.11 @ 5:50PM

Boehner and Cantor are spineless politicos. They are and always have been unable to actually do what they say they will. IE Cantor and TARP and auto bailout. It is amazing that they can still walk around upright or have ever sired children. Maybe that is why Boehner is always crying? Lets get them out of office the very next chance we have.

Sean| 3.16.11 @ 11:13PM

This is what you get with neocons in leadership positions.

Good Captain| 3.17.11 @ 12:18PM

Perhaps he/they are NINO's (NeoCon in Name Only's) but I don't believe leadership's value go much beyond just right of center. They talk often as strong conservatives, but their actions clearly demonstrate that conservatives they are not.

The Moral Majority| 3.17.11 @ 7:56AM

Why don't our elected officials get this? They have too much invested in retaining their jobs...throw everyone of the repubs OUT except the 54!

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 3.16.11 @ 6:19AM

So far all we've had are political stunts.

Watch the debt ceiling vote. If the debt ceiling is raised all cuts are illusory and the Ruling Class rides again.

Daisy| 3.16.11 @ 10:17PM

I've never trusted Cantor; he's slippery. Cutting ObamaCare's $105 billion slush fund doesn't sound like a political stunt to me. Get rid of RINOs.

Deborah D | 3.16.11 @ 6:42AM

Do statesmen exist? Do any members of Congress believe in the oath they take to "'support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic"?

We need men and women of courage to save this country from those who would steal from it and make us all paupers in a third world nation. If those who wish to drag us down aren't domestic enemies, I don't know what enemies are.

Al Adab| 3.16.11 @ 11:28AM

Morning D:
This is simply the latest manifestation in a long line of disappointments the Conservative Movement has suffered at the hands of the GOP. How many times can we afford to fight this battle against the "accomodationists" within the party? It goes on everywhere today. From Rockefeller to Romney (father) to Bush 41 to these folks on it goes. Can we "take arms against this sea of troubles and by opposing end them"? Whatever the ultimate outcome Conservatives must continue to stand for principle over pragmatism. If nothing else, history will remember that once there were those who chose Liberty over Tyranny.

Deborah D | 3.16.11 @ 12:30PM

Amen, Al. I'm not sure how much this republic can take when those in charge don't seem to care whether the country survives or not. I keep thinking...what do they see as the result? If America's not strong...which evil fills the void? I fear for my kids' futures. I see the disaster in Japan, and I wonder...what disaster will finally bring us down. It can't be too far in the future as those who think they're so smart just plod along like we've got all the time in the world.

The Moral Majority| 3.17.11 @ 8:00AM

We CAN take back this country, but first we need to make every GOP except those 54 know their jobs are in peril. Send pick slip letters to YOUR rep if they do not stand with us then they must be voted OUT. This revolution must begin at the ballot box and the internet. FILL their inboxes with PINK SLIP NOTICES

Jacobite| 3.17.11 @ 4:37PM

This is another example oof RINOs in action. But it's also another example of not paying attention to candidates character. John Beener tears up at every opportunity. Who on earth would expect a guy like that to be a merciless warrior? Stereotypes are usually correct -- don't believe anything diferent and you'll always beat the odds. Mitch Daniels has some bizarre story about his ex/current wife. Of course this guy doesn't care about social issues -- look at his life. Newt is a smart guy, but his character likewise is sadly lacking. Watch out Newt, Catholics only get one spouse. As long as voters fall for the BS that only moderate candidates can win, politics is hopeless. As Patrick Henry warned us, those folks crying "peace! peace!" are the problem, not the solution.

Carol| 3.16.11 @ 6:47AM

Boehner obviously wants Obamacare implemented.

He needs to be replaced by someone who thinks like the majority of Americans.

Boehner is not fit for the leadership position he was put in.

He is no different from Piglosi but she had balls.

Boehner has a sponge for a spine.

JmsA| 3.16.11 @ 8:58AM

Hear, hear!

PaulyD| 3.16.11 @ 10:53AM

We all knew Boehner and Cantor had RINO spots. Now they are starting to show. It was only a matter of time. They have to go too.

Albert| 3.16.11 @ 11:18AM

Agreed. Dump Boehner. We demand a new Speaker!

Pelligrino| 3.16.11 @ 7:37PM

Agreed, Albert. Boehner is toast. Time to dump the chump. He's had 9 weeks to prove his mettle. He has none. There are consequences for being a chump (and crybaby).

The GOP Housee of Reps could be rolling back LOTS of Executive branch idiocacy of the past 26 months. I'm just seeing inaction.

Dump the Boehner. Now! (Cantor too! What a loser.)

The Moral Majority| 3.17.11 @ 8:05AM

OK, let's fill his inbox with pink slips http://www.speaker.gov/Contact/

Jude Bonham| 3.16.11 @ 6:33PM

Carol....as much as it pains me to say it...you are absolutely right. Boehner has been the epitome
of disappointment. He and freakin' Cantor are going
to be held accountable by a very pissed-off electorate. This lost opportunity really say's everything I need to know about Boehner. I remember him shouting on the House floor on the
eve of the HC vote, "hell no we don't!!" "hell no we don't!!" What a disappointment this 2011 congress is. I have lost all faith in the House leadership. Somehow...Michelle Bachmann and Steve King, I just cannot help but believe, that they will get their just reward for standing with the American "!!!ELECTORATE!!!!!"

Bulgaricus| 3.16.11 @ 7:09AM

I would completely agree w/ Carol. We need to get rid of people like Boehner & Cantor. They will just be business as usual people.

John Daniel| 3.16.11 @ 7:12AM

Business as usual within the beltway. Republicrats and Demicans protecting turf, guarding sinecures and bringing back bacon to the district. Never let principle get in the way of a deal....

Mike | 3.16.11 @ 9:02AM

Bringing back the bacon. Apparently, Boehner, McConnell and Cantor understand that more of their constituents want this (and are organized and lobbying for the bacon) than want to see the TEA Party agenda implementented.

Your problem, Daniel, is not the Republicats and the Demicans. Its your fellow citizens.

John Daniel| 3.16.11 @ 10:26AM

Well, P.J. O'Rouke did write that we get a Parliament of Whores because we elect them. Maybe, just maybe, the time has come to lead and let the sheep follow.

Mike | 3.16.11 @ 3:28PM

Maybe. We'll see.

**posttenebraslux**| 3.16.11 @ 7:16AM

Cry all you want Boehner, you are toast.

Mike | 3.16.11 @ 9:03AM

Do the voters in his district know this?

Pelligrino| 3.16.11 @ 7:40PM

The voters in Virginia's district in and around Richmond (Eric Cantor's district) are mobilizing. He will be primaried as it stands now. He has no clue what he's doing.

And I can see no reason to support him.

Daisy| 3.16.11 @ 10:19PM

I've never trusted Cantor, I hope you're able to get rid of him.

Mimi| 3.16.11 @ 7:18AM

The 54 names of yesterdays vote, was read on the Mark Levin show last night.....I was in awe!!
The true PATRIOTS..one after another!
The Republican leadership....should know...this one issue will be a severe mark on any effort and credibility they wish to enjoy... they darn better change course and quick.
After the Supreme court gives its verdict on the Obama-care bill...Then and only then should any funds be made available... If the Dem's hold -up the decision..so be it!
Boehner, Cantor and McCarthy have got off on the WRONG foot...Weakness the 2010 voters will not tolerate and literally this 105 billion is getting more famous by the day....a millstone....Boy are we MAD out here!!!!

Ken in Tyler| 3.16.11 @ 10:03AM

Those Reps who understand the word principle which includes mine, Louie Gohmert (God bless 'em!) are still too few to control the outcome. The current "leadership in the Republican party will have to be thrown out if there is to be any hope of improvement. One can only pray that there is time to do this before the fiscal collapse of our currency and the enslavement of our offspring.

The Moral Majority| 3.17.11 @ 8:12AM

email fill the inboxes of all the 54 FOR their support and the others with pink slips!
http://www.speaker.gov/Contact/

Eddie| 3.17.11 @ 12:39PM

Yup. Time to go RINO hunting this upcoming political season. Let's get REAL conservatives (whether they be independent, Repubs or even, OMG, Demoncrats!) into the peoples seats. First - they must be vetted: Cut spending/reduce government, pro small business and strong defense. PERIOD. DO NOT WAIVER. The majority of Americans will vote politicians into office who have PROVEN, BY THEIR ACTIONS not just lip (Obama) service THAT THEY BELIEVE AND HAVE FOLLOWED THAT SYSTEM OF GOV'T. Amen. Enough of these spineless "Republicans". These bozos are as true to their "conservative beliefs" as Peggy Noonan is a real conservative. Later...

Melvin| 3.16.11 @ 7:31AM

Here is a thought to chew on for a while. I forget where and which politician said this, "It would be better to tweak Obama Care than to repeal it."
It is appearing more and more that the Republican leadership has made a deal with the devil so to speak.
On the outside we'll openly condemn Obama Care, but behind closed caucus doors, we'll work out a deal, that appeals to moderates and independents, and you Democrats keep your far left legions in line by promising them single payer health care.
Implementing Obama Care in the above scenario is a win win for both sides.
I really hate to think of it this way, but that is the way the winds are unfortunately blowing now. Maybe I was right about Johnny boy, I really would like to give him the benefit of the doubt but he is making it increasingly difficult to do so.

Grzmlyk| 3.16.11 @ 8:24AM

Yes, the dirty little secret is that establishment Republicans are no different than Dems. In reality the two parties function like that old Warner Brothers cartoon in which the sheepdog and the wolf are locked in mortal combat during working hours - the wolf wants to eat the sheep and the sheepdog wants to protect them. But when the 5:00 bell rings, they're good buddies, pals, compadres.

Or maybe politics is really just like professional wrestling - all of the intrigue, the conflict, the blood feuds are just theater; in "real life," the performers are bound tightly by their common pursuit of the almighty dollar.

The sole purpose of government has become to dole out freebies - paid for by taxpayers, of course - to various groups. And the reason for that is these weasels want to keep their cushy, powerful gigs as government-paid leeches.

This is treason. Boehner and Cantor and their fellow crooks must be expunged. They have crossed the Rubicon and betrayed the cause that put them in power. In other words, GOP business as usual.

It will be a cold day in hell before I defend any of these crooks.

Al Adab| 3.16.11 @ 1:50PM

You got it Grz. The GOP has always opposed the Conservative Movement as it posed a threat to establisment position and power. When our office holders (guardians of our Liberty) seek only to pad their own nest, representative government is threatened. Conservatives must maintain our devotion to Liberty so that even should we lose, history will record that brave men once sought Freedom over Statism even at personal cost. That example may yet serve so that someday a people will reawaken the ideal and Freedom will once again be restored to the world.

JOE OLIVA| 3.16.11 @ 3:19PM

In the past I have argued against the lesser of two evils approach, and all I heard was - We can't afford to not elect more Republicans because a third party will split the vote and allow the Dems to remain in control.

Well, now you have the proof. The establishment elites in the GOP are no better. They have perfected the art of duping us into believing we have no other choice, nowhere else to go.

I have had it and no Republican will get my vote ever again. I would rather that, when the country goes down, I can say I voted for principle, not another lesser of two evils GOP candidate. You can all cry about it but it is the truth. We were scammed once again but for this one patriot, it is the last time.

If you want to gain a different result, you must act differently. There is the Constitution Party, and you also would do well to check out the people over at "Get Out Of Our House"( goooh.com).

I used to post a lot over at TownHall.com, and that was where most of the diehard GOP folks reside. They constantly told me during the 2008 campaign that we needed to stick together and vote Republican. What a joke.

Very likely, this is also a GOP home base, but nonetheless, I will fight against the Republican Party again and again until we finally get to the point where we recognize that the future of freedom and Constitutional self government
is not in the Republican Party.

Is that all we have to offer to our kids and grandkids who are getting totally screwed by the idiots? What a sorrow!!

The Moral Majority| 3.17.11 @ 8:19AM

i agree and have voted for the best canidate, regardless of party. I am hearing more talk show hosts leave the GOP and threaten a third party. I joined the conservative party as well.
but first, lets all go to Boerner's email box with pink slips. This WORKED during the last election FOR the GOP, now let't take it to them!
http://www.speaker.gov/Contact/

JOE OLIVA| 3.16.11 @ 3:47PM

Well, now you have the proof. The establishment elites in the GOP are no better. They have perfected the art of duping us into believing we have no other choice, nowhere else to go.

If you want to gain a different result, you must act differently. There is the Constitution Party, and you also would do well to check out the people over at "Get Out Of Our House"( goooh.com).

Is that all we have to offer to our kids and grandkids who are getting totally screwed by the idiots? What a sorrow!!

Al Adab| 3.16.11 @ 6:56PM

While the GOP and the Conservative Movement are somewhat congruent, they are by no means synonomous. The Left like to portray it that way since it furthers their agenda. We Conservatives should recall that only when we preponderate in the GOP does the party enjoy success. We have followed the accomodationists too many times to defeat to follow them again.

Mitch Angoop| 3.16.11 @ 8:40AM

Dear Mr. Boehner,
This open letter is being sent to you for the purpose of making you understand, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you were sent to Washington to do a job. That job is to balance the federal budget in such a way that certain other American priorities will also be addressed; namely the unwanted encroachment of a mistrusted government into our lives and the clearly stated move toward socialism being driven by our fraudulent president barack obama.

This is not difficult to understand. You are in your current position BECAUSE the majority of Americans put you there with their votes last November. In Wisconsin, we are all watching the evil that the democrats and their union thugs are perpetrating on all of us. What they are doing is nothing less than a violent overthrow of the legitimately elected government of Wisconsin. They should have been crushed by overwhelming force, but, as courageous as Governor Walker has shown to be, he should have called out the National Guard and arrested every person who was not a resident of Wisconsin.

We are in a war. If you are not able to see this, then you are in the way. Either do what you were sent to do, or get out of the way and let a more courageous person do it. Do NOT underestimate the level of anger and frustration in our nation. For better or worse, you are seen as the solution to our problem. You were placed in your position with a considerable amount of skeptcism because of the unfortunate history of the republican party that has revealed its collective lack of courage and its failure to be dedicated to the people's wishes. Frankly, Sir, you are neither trusted nor believed BECAUSE of the cowardly history of you and your party. If you do not do what you were sent to do, circumstances could quickly move past your power to control them. America is angry. If you do not deliver, you will learn the hard way what will come next. That is something that none of us want to see; but Americans may be left with no choice.

Anthony| 3.16.11 @ 9:12AM

An excellent letter Mitch, except one problem, Mr. Boehner and his cronies are not at war, not even close.
And while Boehner is Speaker because of millions of us, that message does not compute in Washington. Boehner is a company man, and that company is government.
Boehner and the boys will tinker at the edges, schedule phony votes to show "resolve" but the company will move forward and the monster will continue to grow.
We are looking for a general, Boehner is just the janitor.

Mike D.| 3.16.11 @ 1:26PM

First rule of the game in DC is to NEVER threaten the existence(status quo) of the game.

Pelligrino| 3.16.11 @ 11:42PM

I am not disagreeing, Mike D. BUT...that was the old days. A new day is here....

Old rule(s) doesn't/don't apply any more.

Thank you, Mitch and Anthony.

It will be civil (extremely angered, purposeful, & energetic, but civil); there is no time left. Boehner & Cantor have to do a 180 degrees shift -- NOW!

The Moral Majority| 3.17.11 @ 8:26AM

Excellent point The problem with the conservative movement in this country is that it is disjointed. WE are all aiming our arrows at different targets and are annoying mosquitoes not challenging enough to bother to swat. http://www.speaker.gov/Contact/ lets' all start with more pink slips

jothepro| 3.16.11 @ 7:33AM

It looks like here we go again. Nobody said this would be easy. It will take time to wash away the stench of the ruling class.

Mike | 3.16.11 @ 9:04AM

The ruling class. You mean the duly elected officials in our democratic republic?

Deborah D | 3.16.11 @ 10:08AM

RINO alert!

Ken in Tyler| 3.16.11 @ 10:09AM

The Ruling Class. Precisely stated and a great title as well. Read the book by Angelo Codevilla. It goes a long way toward explaining what happens to our reps when they begin to sink in the Swamp.

disdained constituent| 3.16.11 @ 10:09AM

The duly elected officials in our representative republic are elected based upon responsible voters' best info to date. As these officials chalk up more history, be it offensive, we will vote the stench out. Over and over and over... Congressmens' jobs are not for life. They are there to preserve Constitutional priciples and at the discretion of responsible citizen voters.

BRING ON TERM LIMITS!!!

Mike | 3.16.11 @ 3:00PM

I guess that you don't agree with George Will who argues that term limits deny the voters the right to return a person they like to Congress for as long as they continue to like him or her.

Personally, I would love to see term limits for Michelle Bachmann. I doubt the folks in her district agree with me.

YeloStalyn| 3.16.11 @ 3:49PM

Term limits are a means to ensure we have citizen polticians, not professional ones. Besides... what stops the people from electing someone else who also carries the same beleifs they do? If a liked and respected member of Congress were term limited, the distric could, would, and/or should simply elect another from among their ranks who will continue to put forth the ideas and wishes of said people.

Mike | 3.16.11 @ 4:03PM

"If a liked and respected member of Congress were term limited, the distric could, would, and/or should simply elect another from among their ranks who will continue to put forth the ideas and wishes of said people."

Then, what is the point? Why not leave the person who knows how to get the job done in office instead of sending a novice who has to learn the ropes?

Incumbents get voted out of office all the time. Isn't that the story of the last three elections?

YeloStalyn| 3.16.11 @ 5:58PM

First... it prevents long term exposure to power. Second, it ensures that our represtatives are not far removed from being "one of us."

As for incumbants being voted out "all the time"... well, historically that's just not true. Incumbancy brings with it, historically, about an 80% relection rate, IIRC. Granted, things may be (HOPEFULLY) shifting.

So, without limits, you have pleanty of opportunity for things to go really really bad. With term limits, you can still have all the benifits of a great Rep. with a dampened threat to the people's well being.

The Bruce| 3.16.11 @ 11:11PM

Simple answer? The longer they're left in the swamp the more corrupted they become.

Anthony| 3.16.11 @ 4:57PM

If Mike is correct in his summary of Will's argument against term limits, then Will's task masters over at ABC are pulling hard on his choke collar, or, he is finally admitting his bias in favor of the ruling class.
If this is indeed Will's position, it is intellectually bankrupt. Will damn well knows that the deck is stacked for incumbants, especially with PAC $$ and help from the congressional campaign committees, whose solicitations we receive daily. Hence, the carnard that people are merely returning those they like is an intellectual fraud. It's pure bull****.
Both Will and Krauthammer have really gone over to the establishment. Last night, Krauthammer defended Boehner and dismissed calls for deeper cuts as reckless. Both have been dismissive of Palin and Bachmann in particularily onerous and personal attacks.
Until Mark Levin's show the other night, I was unaware that during the Reagan revolution, Will supported Howard Baker and Krauthammer was writing speechs for Mondale. I think that tell us all we need to know about how precient these conservative " intellects" were, and how much smarter they were than us.
As far as I am concerned, they now have joined the club of R frauds led by Colin Powell and David Brooks.
P.S. Mike, Nobody agrees with you, period.

YeloStalyn| 3.16.11 @ 6:00PM

Now, now... let's be honest.

Elected crooks and cronies agree with him. And the entailing power structure. And pretty much all that is wrong with our current system.

So to say "nobody" is not true... us conservatives must always protect truth even among our own ranks.

:-)

Pelligrino| 3.17.11 @ 12:02AM

Anthony, I am going to say unequivically, you're correct. For both C. Krauthammer and G. Will, there's 'shelf-lifes' have LONG ago expired.

Sure, a good witticism here or there to keep them palpable for the boob tube set....But I don't trust them one iota.

They are not the voices our nation needs. Nor are they the ones to inform on who is and who isn't an acceptable candidate.

Those two are also the 'establishment,' the very cancer in our national soul.

Old Minstrelman| 3.17.11 @ 2:27AM

Mike,
I agree, although I am not as big a fan of George Will as I once was, he is right on this.

Am I wrong in assuming that you and I agree on little else politically? Still I commend you for your understanding and comprehension of correct principles.

I am thankful for Michele Bachmann's reelection as you probably are for the return of Barney Frank, among others that I would be clearly opposed to.

You are so right on this one, that it causes me to be alarmed that there are so few numbers of an "Informed Electorate" to discern the proper role of government and understand this principle of our Constitutional Republic.

It is intended that the power of the purse be given to the people (electorate) by limiting the lower house (Congress) to two year terms, for the intended purpose of term- extending or term-limiting at the ballot box dependent on good or bad behavior respectively.

The Founders intended there be term limits at the ballot box. An informed electorate is inherent for it's intended effectiveness. The Genius of The Founding Fathers is completely misunderstood by the average intellect due to lack of "Critical Thinking".

The statist school system is in place to discourage critical thinking. These so-called educators are there for the purpose of teaching "what to think" and not "how to think".

YeloStalyn| 3.17.11 @ 12:40PM

Nothing about term limits runs contrary to the political philosophy of the republic. Nor are they contrary to the Founder's ideas of representation. They are, more accurately, a codification of what the Founder's would beleive to be the prefered form of Congressman... the one who does it for a sense of service, not for a job or career or lifetime. Washington didn't want to be part of the government after the war, but he did begrudingly. He served and limited himself because he knew it was not right for one man to have power over others for any lengthy period of time... even if that power is willingly vested to him by those same people.

To imply that those who favor term limits are illinformed is a bit low. Like I posted above in this post and earlier, there is zero harm to the republic or representative democracy to have term limits but there is pleanty to gain.

DieFledermaus| 3.16.11 @ 5:49PM

Boehner and Cantor were duly elected by those in their districts. That didn't hand them the leadership positions they have. The ruling elites did.

It's time to hold another vote for Speaker.

Anthony| 3.16.11 @ 6:32PM

Ah Mikey, don't look now, but those "duly elected officals in our democratic republic" are the R majority in Wisconsin, that the union trolls are trying to recall because they don't like them doing what they were elected to do in Nov.
The ruling class of RINOs in Washington, on the other hand, are governing against the will of the people who elected them in Nov.
Big difference troll.

martin j smith| 3.16.11 @ 7:35AM

You know the recall idea is very appealing to me. Lets "recall" our current leadership by first building for opposition to their tactics especaily thru voter demands on the newly elected freshman to vote against amny more CRz and simultaneously let B * McC know we are against their leadership. Resign !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Richard Baker| 3.16.11 @ 7:56AM

Spineless. These folks seem to be more concerned with their own careers than the future of the country. The Speaker and his lieutenants seem to think that parliamentary maneuvering is more important than getting the job done. What a waste of the country they are. Are they that unaware of the fiscal crisis coming?

Mike D.| 3.16.11 @ 8:01AM

Whats the surprise here, this gutless party shows why courage is absent like water in the Sahara. Not surprised at all. The Demo-repubs have to be purged and the house leader needs something to cry about, his @ss sent packing!!! If the Demo-Repubs don't deliver then its time for a legit third party. Its US who will save this country from these sheisters, not them. The debt limit WILL be raised, the money will continue to be printed, the deficits will continue to skyrocket and the train wreck will come. No surprise. This party needs another dose of the night of the long knives at the voting booth.

The Moral Majority| 3.17.11 @ 8:36AM

PINK slip him http://www.speaker.gov/Contact/

big bob| 3.16.11 @ 8:02AM

My rep, Barletta, refused to say how he was going to vote right up to the day of the vote. Every one of the Pennsylvania republican reps, except 1 voted FOR the CR. Joe Pitts did NOT. He is the only one I will support from now on. This issue shows what an empty shirt Boehner is and separates the players from the observers. Bachmann and King are there to win. God Bless them. The rest need to be "traded"....

Paul W. Baker| 3.16.11 @ 2:39PM

JOE PITTS has always kept his word with his constituents. I live in Arizona now, but knew Joe well when in Pennsylvania.
Boehner had better get his act together or those of us that thought he would do the right thing will not support him or the rest of the lousy Republican leadership that we have now. We have this one chance and we are blowing it!! Stop the BULL and get rid of Obamacare and the rest of the Dems. programs.

The Moral Majority| 3.17.11 @ 8:38AM

RETURN the PINK SLIP
http://www.speaker.gov/Contact/

Lawrence Boccardi| 3.16.11 @ 8:05AM

Since Judge Roger Vinson ruled Obamacare unconstitutional, it is a violation of the law to fund it. Back to Carol's comment about Pelosi and balls, as far as I can see, there are only two Repubs with "them", and they are both women!

missbosslady| 3.16.11 @ 8:12AM

King and Queen Michelle? Really?

Looks like the aide has given away the mind set with that statement.

So, leadership thinks, that two reps that are dilligently trying to do exactly what the people want and expect, should be mocked. Interesting.

You gotta love these establishment types, they just don't get it.

Well, kudos to the freshman 54!

Boehner and Cantor better man up! The American people don't want wishy-washy, establishment lip service, we want action.

The Moral Majority| 3.17.11 @ 8:39AM

RETURN the PINK SLIP
http://www.speaker.gov/Contact/

Chalkdust| 3.16.11 @ 8:17AM

Now the Republican leadership doesn't think we're serious! While all the video/print media and some of the talk radio media is focused elsewhere, the Republican Congressional crowd thinks they can get a nut reduction without anybody noticing.
As a counter-point to that mode of thinking, the folks in Miami-Dade area just said,"see ya later" to a Republican Mayor who acted like a demoncrat. We can do the same to NoBoner and his gang of gutless wonders.

Ret. Marine| 3.16.11 @ 8:19AM

Come on guys don't be so hard on Boehner or Canter, what we see here is two who are playing by the rules, not like the last CONgress's loose and sloppy insults to We the People. "We have to pass the bill to see what's in it?" Are you guys here so short in your memories to forget that gem. With the Demonrats in control of the Senate of all things and you want to tar and feather the two playing by the rules, please grow up will ya.

John Daniel| 3.16.11 @ 8:32AM

Sometimes you have to take a stand and leave the niceties of corporate collegiality aside. It's called "leadership."

Melvin| 3.16.11 @ 8:46AM

For the most part, you are correct. But playing by the rules bit the Republicans in the backside numerous times, in which they came up short on certain legislation.
King George III wanted us to play by his rules and we didn't and we all know how that turned out.
Someone said I forgot who, "Our Constitution is not a suicide pact."
You know this Ret. Marine sometimes in battle bold actions and decisions to need be done to win the day. Playing it safe doesn't always get results.
I just really hope that Harry hasn't made John and the rest of the old school Rep leadership so gun shy, that it influences their course of action too much.

PaulyD| 3.16.11 @ 11:03AM

They could include the amendment and still play by the rules. Boehner and Cantor are compromising in the tradition of all "politicans" vice leaders. But what politicians don't understand that principled leaders do, is that this type of compromise means going down to defeat without even a fight.

Doing the right thing on principle is always right in the long run. You may lose a short term political battle, but in this case, you would have the support of the electorate.

The defunding could easily win in the House. Only the Senate stands in the way. Why compromise now? Let the Senate take the fall.
Only a "ruling class politican" throws in the towel early.

Old Soldier| 3.16.11 @ 12:24PM

What good are rules when only one side plays by them? More like a handicap.

Old Minstrelman| 3.17.11 @ 4:14AM

Dear Ret. Marine,

Thank tou for your service to our country, but try to comprehend the seriousness of what is being discussed here in spite of the lack of critical thinking exhibited so far.

Boehner and Cantor have betrayed the American people and the freedom that you served to protect. Their actions have been intentional to make sure that Obamacare does not lose its "In Limbo Funding" during this transitional period of determing it's illegality in the courts. They are hiding behind rules that they (RINO'S AND DEMINO'S) created collectively. They are not bound by these rules unless by their own choosing.

As Former Congressman Ernest J. Istook testified these rules can and have been waived in excess of a hundred twenty times to rescind funding of other previously funded programs and should have been waived in light of being un-constitutional and the magnitude of this atrocity.

If wording had been included to rescind the funding of Obamacare in the Continuing Resolution, then that would have been final , The Senate and/or Obama would have had no say in the matter. Obamacare would have been defunded once and for all. Now try to stay with me on this. The RINO'S in Congress (Boehner, Cantor, Rogers, McCarthy, etc;) and their Lackey's the RINO Media (Will, Krauthammer,Medved, and "Little red Rino" (David) Brooks, are stunned to find out that the (hayseeds) you and I and others are figuring out that their promise to bring to vote, just for "principles sake" a stand alone "Defund Obamacare Bill" is empty and hollow because such bill would have to go to the Senate just to die.

What I am saying is, because the House has the power of appropriations they could have used that power to rescind the funding in the Continuing Resolution (CR). Since they did not excercise their authority to do so, then the RINO Leadership has betrayed the American people once again.

May their names live in the "Hall of Infamy" forever for being linked to the "Boehner/Cantor/RINO Leadership/Obama HealthCare Betrayal Bill of 2011.

Ret. Marine| 3.17.11 @ 9:12AM

I understand all of your points, all too well. The fact still remains the R's have been sent a message, if you act like the dishonesty the d's are and always have been at in regards to rules, is it better to be the one who is right or wrong, no matter which topic in one's life to chose to attach it to? One must first have principles in order to stand on them. I know full well what is at stake here, but the simple fact is this healthscare is UNCONSTITUTIONAL and that my friend will not change the fact of this hurry up and wait attitude of the RINO's or demonrats. They have been sent a message and have not learned from it, that I'll freely acknowledge, but notice how many RINO's are still being paid and bought for and by whom, the dependent class, i.e. the victim class and their voice has been and still the loudest among us all. God I hate to say this but, I have picked a side which I believe to be one of my best judgement, and I will not relinquish to the evil doers, not now or ever. One day soon there will be a backlash of the likes this Country has never witnessed and as for me, I am a straight-shooter and I know who the target of my frustrations are, they will not go unnoticed by this Ret. Marine. Best wishes to you and yours, Semper Fi.

Old Minstrelman| 3.17.11 @ 10:26PM

Dear Ret. Marine
Sempir Fi, to you sir.
Myself being a direct descendant of a USN 77th Sea Bee (attached to the Marine Corps) on Guadalcanal and Bougainville and numerous other islands in the Pacific, you have my utmost respect and admiration.
Knowing the determination and tenacity of a US Marine first hand, somehow I had the premonition that you could express yourself with more clarity and coherency if you were prodded just a little. My apologies, if my first reply to your post was a little offensive to you, but it is good to see you taking a firm stand.
I do hope the "backlash" that you are referring. will be manifested in the Republican and Democrat caucuses and conventions that will be happening early next year.If we shall save this Nation before the "backlash" that I suspect that you are referring, then we must arm ourselves with facts and knowledge and promote learning and educating of those in our midst who possess the gift of "Fleet of Mouth". May I request your intellectual participation in this last ditch operation?
Look at the "Silver Lining" of the RINO Leadership continuing to perpetuate these Treasonous Acts. It has gotten the attention of countless Americans, such as yourself, and they are fired up as never before. We have an opportunity to promote correspondence between the Congress and their constituents as has never been conceived to this point in time.
It's time to overwhelm them with letters and email and phone calls. Here's a tip: Always precede an email or a letter to their staff in D.C. followed by a polite (on your part) phone call first.. If you cannot get a response to your liking, or if their staffers are rude and contentious and insulting, then document that and mention it in your letter. You may be amazed at the amount of insults that you may suffer at the hands of these D.C. Staffers. Never, never get down and dirty with them. Remember, they have caller ID too. Always be polite, they are probably recording and tracing your call. Don't be disheartened. Just more fodder for the fire that you are going to stoke under their RINO rotten A___es, that you are going to expose in Townhall Meetings and nominating committees, and caucuses and conventions.
Always write the letter as if it has the possibility of an OPEN LETTER with the potential of embarassing them, if said letter should be published as a Letter to the Editor or Tea Party Newsletter. Be Polite, maybe with a little good-humored snarkiness just to keep it interesting, but always, always, BE POLITE.
I am not a member of any Tea Party affiliation, with that said, I do not withhold my gratitude and admiration of these courageous an bold (but sometimes misguided) American Patriots. But rather I congratulate their victories and encourage them when they are right, and try to point out the pitfalls and traps that are being laid down by interlopers and infiltrators, already in their midst, who recognize the potential of this vast and growing voting block and will try to Hijack and dilute the effectiveness of these grassroots voters.
I am looking forward to next years mid-term Congressional primaries with anxious anticipation. I intend to perpetuate the phrases TPIR's and TPID's (Tea Party Improved Candidates) to be as well known and understood and commonplace, just as much so as the dreaded RINO's are known and understood for who they are.
With the help of Conservative Republicans who have already embraced the Tea Party and the influence of the Libertarian and Constitution Parties, inasmuch as they espouse correct understanding of Constitutional Principles and "THE PROPER ROLE OF GOVERNMENT". This could be a mid-term campaign for an ocean tide of change.
Anybody espousing, more or less than this should be observed and considered as interlopers and "little rino's" to be shunned and excommunicated from all meetings and functions.Believe me, you will be able to discern the truth of these interlopers when cold the light of day is shinining on them.. Most especially be wary of the Article V. Con-Con infiltrators.
Now let's get to work and have some fun at the expense of the RINO'S. Semper Fi.

John - TMF| 3.16.11 @ 8:21AM

This is really simple and the commentators are mistaken. Their tactics will result in a Democrat majority and a 2nd term for Obozo in 2012.

If there are no continuing resolutions.. there is a goverment shutdown... (yeah.. yeah.. yeah.. I hear you... sort of tire of it since it is the functional equivalent of the mad scream before jamming on the accelerator and slamming the car into the wall because you hate the rules of the road...) the GOP will get the blame.

This is what the people on the Hill, who actually do know something that you don't want to... KNOW...

1. If the government shuts down, the Republicans will get blamed. This is an absolute guarantee. The media is owned by the Democrats, and 35% of the voting public is on the "dole". The backlash would be crippling.

2. The numbers say that the Tea Party is only about 20-25% of the voting population, and though it is a significant segment of the GOP voting block at the moment... It is no where near powerful enough to overcome the 35% of government dependents plus the government unions... The very rational political calculation is that the blood in the streets will be GOP not Dem.

3. The real numbers say that most people want cuts... but don't REALLY WANT CUTS... what they want is for the problem to go away, and have the "rich" pay for it.

4. Y'all are loud voices in a small phone booth, and the feeding frenzy is getting suicidal. A very large plurality of the electorate is heavily dependent on some sort of government handout, or power and prestige provided by government employment.

A brinksman's game of attaching that massive "real" cut - as desirable as it is fiscally- is a calculation that has a low percentage rate of return on the investment. (That is the way the leadership sees it... and they have proof that their calculation is correct.)

The GOP does not have a majority in the Senate. It does not have the White House. It is three steps from passing any repeal of the slush fund... Senate, Presidency, 2/3 majority in both houses to override a veto.

AND NO... the Democrats are NOT scared of the TEA PARTY... maybe they should be... but they are actually feeding it... because they see the TEA PARTY splitting their opposition, and guaranteeing them a dependent plurality in the electorate, and a permanent majority for the Dems in government until whatever happens, happens...

The GOP leadership is NOT going to tempt that fate.

They are going to wait for the Supreme Court to rule the entire mess unconstitutional, hopefully before the end of Obummer's first term. It is actually the best chance of ending the issue once and for all.

And yes in 2013 if the GOP gets the House, Senate, and Presidency... they probably won't have a filibuster proof majority in the Senate... and the Dems will shut down everything just like they did to W. AND THEN get to blame the GOP.

Plus ca change, plus ca le meme chose...

-John - TMF

WL| 3.16.11 @ 8:48AM

You submit several good points; however, those good points have been given as reasons for playing the weakest card in the deck for YEARS. I too, have subscribed to your way of thinking in the past, and can respect it's rationality. However, let me pose a few questions for your consideration:

1. Do you notice that the liberal media has been that way for many many many many years and will likely stay that way for many many more? Of course you do...so obviously waiting until the Hindenberg flies again and rises from it's inferno (i.e. the media gets friendly to us) is not exactly an option is it? NO, so as for me...I chose to stake out some ground and let the country choose rise or ruin.

2. Do you realize that people will NEVER want to sacrifice? Do you realize that human nature is garbage and they will always fight to avoid cuts for themselves? If so, then when exactly do you think they will suddenly approve of our cutting the budget etc??? That my friend is a ship that isn't coming in.

3. Do you realize that strong leadership can change the situation? Do you realize that strong communication can influence people? For instance, imagine if Barack Obama would have been prime minister instead of W. Churchill? Do you think Britain would have fought the Germans? SO NO, I will not accept that the current climate THAT HAS BEEN CREATED BY MEALY MOUTHED REPUBLICANS is a certain static state of affairs. GUTS SIR, GUTS.

4. How in the world are we ever going to do ANYTHING with fellow Republicans who are always SCARED? ANSWER: We are not. I am ashamed to be a Republican most of the time because most of you people are spineless cowards. Always worried about what the Democrats are going to do, what they are going to say, what blame you will get, whose gonna criticize us, what the big bad Democrats are gonna spin in their media blah blah blah...

YOU SIR, as Reagan mentioned would get along really well with "one commentator who stated that he would rather live on his knees than die on his feet." NOT ME.

Lastly, if any of us were to listen to your quibbling dribble then the lesson we should take from it is this....

NO MATTER HOW MANY REPUBLICANS WE ELECT...
NO MATTER HOW DESPARATE THE SITUATION IS...
NO MATTER WHAT PRINCIPLES TELL US...
NO MATTER WHAT REALITY DEMANDS...
NO MATTER WHAT THE CONSEQUENCES...
JUST CHALK UP YOUR VOTE TO WASTED...
BECAUSE NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION....
THE REPUBLICAN PARTY WILL COWER DOWN IN THE CORNER AND DECLARE THEMSELVES LOSERS EVEN AFTER WINNING LANDSLIDE ELECTIONS!!!!!!

TO HECK WITH YOU.

missbosslady| 3.16.11 @ 9:02AM

Yeah Baby!

WL, you said a mouthful!

We are sick of it. We don't want to take it anymore.

As with all things, there will be some who get it, and some who don't.

I'm tired of the lip service. I want action.

A very specific message was sent in November.

Messrs. Boehner and Cantor would do well to heed that message.

I Survived Arlen Specter| 3.16.11 @ 9:16AM

Thank you WL for putting into words my exact thoughts better than I ever could. Unfortunately too many value a meaningless Republican majority which will surrender to Democrats bacause they don't want to fight. Republican does not mean conservative. Which is why I tear my hair out each & every time Republican voters sell out their principles & elect RINO after RINO after RINO. God is the only hope this nation has left. The Stupid Party & their RINOs are utterly worthless. Take care WL & God bless!

Paul W. Baker| 3.16.11 @ 5:26PM

WL
You are absolutely right. Our side, getting nothing done because we may be blamed for it, is ridiculous. We will be blamed for anything that happens that isn't on the Democrat agenda. We will not win the popularity contests in this climate and we should ignore trying. I know Boehner and co. want to make sure WE follow the rules after all the nuisance issues the Democrats have trapped us with, but when we do, we should insist that as much of the problem goes down with our decision as possible........we may not win all the time, but at least let's give it a consistent good college try!! LEAD or get out of the way!

Mimi| 3.16.11 @ 9:22AM

GET REAL...Did you ever hear of PRINCIPLE...OF DOING THE RIGHT THING?
Don't tell me those who would do courageous things number those in a PHONE-BOOTH. We are in Historic times... the country is at stake. We call upon our elected to do BRAVE things and take a stand.....No more "AS USUAL " and that means all of you top to bottom. Because we have a WEAK president and his corrupt PARTY, you have been called upon to rise to GLORY almost beyond your strength..... WE, AMERICA have your back! AND...may God GO WITH YOU ALL!!!

John - TMF| 3.16.11 @ 9:50AM

"Half a league half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred:
'Forward, the Light Brigade!
Charge for the guns' he said:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
...
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
While horse & hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro' the jaws of Death,
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.

When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wonder'd.
Honour the charge they made!
Honour the Light Brigade,
Noble six hundred! " -- Alfred Lord Tennyson

History has lessons for us all. TEA PARTY = H.Ross Perot = William Jefferson Blythe Clinton... = 2nd term for Barrak Hussein Obama Soetoro Dunham?

BANZAI!!! Daniel-sen... Banai...

-TMF

Tom Osterman| 3.16.11 @ 11:11AM

George H. W. Bush + broken "No new taxes" pledge = first term for Clinton. George W. Bush + "compassionate conservatism" + "deficits don't matter" = first term for Obama.

At what point do moderates concede that they lack credibility with the base?

I Survived Arlen Specter| 3.16.11 @ 11:59AM

Tom, "moderates" or RINOs are after credibility. They are after political power. Just like the left, RINOs couldn't give a damn about the best interests of the country. Accumulating political power is all that matters. Coming from Pennsylvania, home of Arlen Specter I know this all too well. Take care Tom & God bless!

I Survived Arlen Specter| 3.16.11 @ 12:02PM

Excuse my typing. That should have read "moderates" or RINOs are not after credibility.

Michael L. Hauschild| 3.16.11 @ 11:38AM

The only one that needs a history lesson is you, John TMF. The Charge of the Light Brigade was a small battle in the Crimea campaign, singular and one of very few lost by the "allies." The Russians won that small engagement, but lost that war big time.

Al Adab| 3.16.11 @ 12:43PM

"This is the way the world ends,
Not with a bang, but a whimper."

TennesseeVolunteer| 3.16.11 @ 8:26AM

All of them are on a very short leash. I have no time for Parliamentary games. The only way we can expect these pols to get the budget down is to restore 2006 spending or a 20% cut of federal spending across the board.
By the by, my company designs framing and structural attachment systems to buildings for solar farms. the President of the company I am dealing with told me that his minority company has been told that there will be billions upon billions of solar money available to them in 2012!
Reelection funds anyone?

WL| 3.16.11 @ 8:28AM

Ret. Marine,

I see your point sir, BUT, do you notice how there is a-l-w-a-y-s an excuse (i.e. well articulated reason for NOT doing what they were elected to do), and secondly do you see how these republicans LOVE to charge undefended lines (i.e. a standalone bill with no chance of passage).........

These people can change the rules legally...and should do so. Pick some ground and hold it.

But they won't, because once again we are watching the good cops do their magic in the grand Good Cop/Bad Cop routine we have been watching for a L-O-N-G T-I-M-E....

NOT IMPRESSED SO FAR REPUBS...AND MY SMALL BUT STEADY STREAM OF CONTRIBUTIONS IS STILL ON HOLD SINCE NOVEMBER. When I told some RNC telebeggar that I would wait to see the results from this congress before donating ANY more money....

I'm still waiting.

margee| 3.16.11 @ 8:31AM

Nice to know Cantor's office views de-funding Obamacare as a "political stunt". When will they act like REPUBLICANS are the majority and start doing the will of the people who sent them there? They don't have to compromise!! This is absolutely NOT what we voted for in November.

Redstateboy| 3.16.11 @ 8:34AM

"Entrenched" ! That's the only word that comes to me. I've been too busy struggling in the Land of Hussein - trying to keep the Wolves from the door on the pitance I now earn (after Pelosi/Reid/Hussein destroyed the economy) to pay too close attention but I'd bet (what little money I have) that Tennessee's Jimmy Duncan voted with the majority. Good ole boy-don't make waves-Duncan. I know, at the risk of sounding like a Rube but... Can someone help me here??? Is there truly, 100%, a 105 Billion dollars set aside for the implimentation for HusseinCare?? No smoke and mirrors? No Joke??

Ken in Tyler| 3.16.11 @ 10:18AM

Sad but true. Buried deep within the bill. Multiyear funding. One of those things SanFranNan was referring to when she said in effect, You can't read my bill until after we pass it 'cause there's so much crap in here that if the public knew, there'd be torches and pitchforks on the mall tomorrow.

Mr ED| 3.16.11 @ 8:39AM

Self-important, self-serving ruling-class RINO scum doing what they always do. This a good object lesson in how this country has gotten to where it is. It appears that the difference-only-in-degree check-pants RINOs will have to be dumped in the political dustbin of history along side their partners-in-crime the Lib-Dems.

The privileged elites will not easily give up their own vision of themselves as enlightened despots who must retain a firm grip on the "little people" who desperately require their brilliant and indespensible cleverness. They pat each other on the back, telling themselves how wise and noble they are in using some clever procedural vote or in their timing of events but, as usual, they are nothing but feckless self-serving elite scum who will act shocked, hurt and pained when they are thrown from office by a combination of energized Dems and conservatives disgusted with their attempts at being too clever by half.

Anthony| 3.16.11 @ 8:53AM

When Pelosi was in charge and Boehner was sitting in the corner like the good little boy that he is, it appears Boehner was paying attention.
He's learned a few tricks from Pelosi and Reid on how to ignore the will of the people and schedule votes to avoid further comments from the public.
Feckless doesn't even begin to describe these cowards. Obozo has nothing to fear from the Rs in congress, they are putty in his hands.
If we don't find a real leader to take control of this party of whimps in 2012, then maybe we'll just have to do it ourselves. Washington IS the problem.
Mr. Boehner, you disgust me.

I Survived Arlen Specter| 3.16.11 @ 9:00AM

Paging all the folks who shout "It's better to vote for a RINO who will vote with us 50% of the time than elect a Democrat who will never vote with us!" each & every election. The spineless RINO "leadership" of The Stupid Party thank you for your support. When will it become clear that any majority of spineless, unprincipled RINOs is no different than a Democrat majority? Limbaugh hit the nail on the head yesterday when he stated that conservatives will form a 3rd Party if The Stupid Party don't do what they were elected to do. RINO = leftist Democrat without a spine. The RINO "leadership" has no intention of defunding Obamacare. They might offend the left, fence sitting "independents", & the Obama-run media if they do. The Stupid Party "leadership" are about as useful as a one-legged man in an a$$ kicking contest.

Paul W. Baker| 3.16.11 @ 5:46PM

I, too, have survived Arlen Specter, but, sadly, I devoted a full day campaigning with him when he ran for the Senate the first time around. One of the most wasted and regrettable days of my life.
I agree with Rush that the Tea Party will not tolerate this wishy washy Republican "leadership" for much longer. If there is a 3rd Party, the only victor will be the Democrats.....at least initially.
The Republican Party that many of us knew and loved has been corrupted by RINO"s and Dem-leaning fellow-travelers and we all know that we can't trust them for anything substantial. Senator Jim DeMint has a way of picking Republicans that ARE already making a difference.....let's help him find more of them and take this country back with the Two-Party system that we still have. A third party is NOT the answer.

Dixie Pixie| 3.16.11 @ 9:15AM

The rather obvious conclusion is that Boehner, Cantor and McCarthy are on the Democratic Party payroll. Since the Democratic virtually owns the government at all levels that is a distinct possibility.

Sparky| 3.16.11 @ 9:55AM

Oh, I don't think they are on the Democratic party payroll - but it is likely they are on the pharmaceutical industry lobbyists' payroll big time. Big Pharma wants Obamacare.

Dixie Pixie| 3.16.11 @ 10:27AM

Greetings, You are rather Sparky today.

One thing is certain, the Republican Leadership is not on the TEA Party payroll nor even in the neighborhood.
Follow the money going to the leadership and you will find the "string pullers".

Michael L. Hauschild| 3.16.11 @ 11:40AM

The people that instrumented this capitulation will be on NO payrole come 2012.

Dixie Pixie| 3.16.11 @ 1:22PM

Greetings Anthony and Ned

I don't think there is any daylight between your positions and mine.
When Boehner and companions paychecks are cut by public union employees who reports to a Democratic Party apparatchiks, then there is no difference between the two positions.

I do disagree on the concept that we are shareholders in government.
That concept implies that government owes something of value to its people and the people own the government and all its assets.
Also the concept implies government is in a position that the shareholders have a right to set the terms of the social contract and is in the dominate position of social control.

Government has repeatedly stated the opposite is true in all cases.
Government makes the rules and enforces them at its whim, thus controlling the social contract at all levels.
Government at all levels have made it clear that government owes nothing to the people, not even the competence performance of its duties.
Government has made it clear that it has a unlimited credit card payable by the people and government has first call on the peoples assets.

May I submit that we are stuck socially somewhere between a serf and a chump.

Every two years the Ruling Class consents to give the people a partial say in who rules.
All else the Federal, State and local governments control for the benefit of the Ruling Class.
Thank you for very little Arizona, aka...for John McCain.

Dixie Pixie| 3.16.11 @ 1:29PM

May the Moderator forgive me for my errors.
The above comments were accidentally posted before Anthony and Ned's comments.
It should be after their comments as my comments are a reply to theirs.

Anthony| 3.16.11 @ 10:41AM

You're close Dixie. Boehner and the boys aren't on the Democrat payroll, they're on the government payroll. Perhaps as you also pointed out, a distinction w/o a difference.
This corporation is dying and there is no more bailout money. We are no longer in the production business, we're in the welfare business. Obozo is the CEO, Reid and Pelosi are his trusted CFOs. Boehner, as previously mentioned, is the janitor. We the people are the shareholders.
It appears we have one last shot of getting things back on the tract created by our founders. We need a corporate shakeup big time in 2012. If in 2012 the above are not fired and new leaders in place, then I'm afraid the shareholders will have no choice but to shut the company down.
Memo to the janitor: In the mean time, any strategy that begins with the words compromise, negotiations, and democrats is a non starter. Either you get out your mop and do some real cleaning up, or we'll find another janitor. You're on probation Boehner.

Ned| 3.16.11 @ 11:05AM

Not a Democrat payroll, a *big government* payroll... which, for all intents and purposes is the same thing... their protestations against the opposition party are meaningless, because they all believe in the same thing - big government - and only differ in how to clothe the monster.

Dixie Pixie| 3.16.11 @ 1:25PM

Greetings Anthony and Ned

May I submit that we are stuck socially somewhere between a serf and a chump.

Mike | 3.16.11 @ 3:34PM

Any chance you meant McConnell, Dixie? Or, has old Joe been prematurely resurrected and, having seen the light, become a Democrat?

Dixie Pixie| 3.16.11 @ 6:24PM

My thinking is, if the TEA Party had made a clean sweep of the Rinos in the 2010, then the Republican Leadership would know better than to blow off the Republican base.
Because of John McCain, the leadership has a model of pretending to be conservative during the election and reverting to democratic lite thereafter.
McCain is proof the wishes of the TEA Party conservatives can be ignored between elections.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.16.11 @ 9:51AM

“The Republican party, to be sure, gives lip-service to States’ Rights but deeds are what count” --Barry AuH2O

Replace "state's rights" with "cutting spending" and you will have an idea what Mr. AuH20 would think of these spineless saps.

Al Adab| 3.16.11 @ 1:59PM

The great man with the glasses (may God rest his soul) gave us an example of courage when he ran his quixotic (know all the while he would lose big) campaign sacrificing his career and reputation for the good of the Conservative Movement. Twice since then we have succeeded, once in 1980 and again in 1994. Is there one more win left to us or do we face a long slow fall into a dark night of tyranny for which future generations will curse our name?

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.16.11 @ 9:52AM

Boehner going to start crying in 3...2...1..

Walking Horse| 3.16.11 @ 10:07AM

This is looking more and more like another confirmation of Anthony Codevilla's thesis of "Ruling Class" v. "Country Class".

Matthew Quigley| 3.16.11 @ 10:15AM

"Boner" Boehner, McCarthy and Cantor are just three Beltway weasels...and we all knew this before they went into "leadership." Bachmann should have been Majority Leader and ol' Boner should have just been shut out entirely!

sailorman | 3.16.11 @ 10:22AM

Political A**Holes one and all.

Mike | 3.16.11 @ 3:35PM

And trust me folks, sailorman knows all about A**Holes, one and all.

martin j smith| 3.16.11 @ 10:23AM

I think it is time to take a chance on being a strong leader and being straight with the American People.
What is required is a person who is the spokesperson of the Republican Party who gets on TV lets day Fox ( that would be the only reasonable place ) and make a statement directly to the American voter.
This statement in summary should explain the deficit and how Obamacare will destroy any attempt to revive our economy. The speaker must explain what the differences between Obama and his Democrat Socialists and us. In stark and honest terms in black and white so to speak put it quite openly. Do you want a Socialist State or do you want American Freedom as we have known it ? More broadly do you want a country that comes back to greatness or one that will be in poverty ?
Point to Europe: Greece,France,Great Britain, etc. and in fact the USSof R and how these systems failed and that ours will fail as well. And in point of fact one can also cite Japan.
As in 2010 but I believe even more plainly the choice should be laid out: What future do you want for your country. By allowing ourselves to play according to the Left's rules, we will be losers.
But, by being hones and straight with the American people about our economy we will have a chance to win. I believe its not only about Obamacare its about energy, its about inflation, its about national security and I do believe unlike the coward John McC and GWB who broughgt us to this place we are in we need someone who talks like s/he wants us to win.

Old Joe| 3.16.11 @ 10:23AM

I am with all of you who are calling for more bold action by Republican leadership. However, I also am calling for more intelligent leadership too and maybe that is what we are getting but don’t know it.

The Democrat party has basically been an agent of the Communist party for over 65 years when Roosevelt’s administration was filled with secret party members and sympathizers. They would have loved to declare America a Communist dictatorship in 1945 but they knew that they could not do so without an armed revolution. So, instead they implemented a strategy of small increments. Now, after 65 years they have moved us to socialism. As mentioned earlier, nearly 50% of our population receives some sort of federal help. Maybe the Republican leadership has taken this lesson to heart and is in the process of implementing small increments in the other direction. We are not going to completely tame this government beast in one election, especially when 2/3s of the trainers are working against the plan.

As to the continuing resolutions, I like them and I think they are working. So far in two resolutions $10 billion has been cut from the budget. I will take a cut of $5 billion every week until the next budget is in place. Remember, Republican house leadership has only been in place for 2 months. This is not a sprint, it is a marathon. And if we don’t see continued significant progress over the next year, we can vote them out in the primaries.

Ken in Tyler| 3.16.11 @ 12:55PM

Five billion a DAY won't get the job done. Now approaching 2,000 Billion deficit a year. All "off-budget" and supplementals considered, it probably exceeds that now. That's just spending in excess of income- not total spending. 100% of "discretionary" spending could be cancelled and we'd STILL have a deficit. Somebody PLEASE stand up and tell America the truth and vow to return Congress to Article I, Section 8. Tragically it won't happen until the majority of Americans once again love Liberty more than security and our reps love the Constitution more than reelection.

martin j smith| 3.16.11 @ 10:32AM

There are tow matters well maybe three: The first is that these CRz can only go just so far and eventually the S will hit the F. Second Obamacare--that is a real problem among many others. There will have to be a confrontation sooner or later and it will be sooner. Finally at some point and it will have to be fairly soon the Rzzz will have to explain to the American people what is going on here as I noted above. The reason for that is to make future political moves credible with voters because they can say: See, we told you so !!!" I would guess that in LESS THAN SIX MONTHS this confrontation will happen and I suspect LESS THAN SIX MONTHS. WHY ? ITS ABOUT THE ELECTION BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doctor Right| 3.16.11 @ 10:54AM

I am THIS close from changing my voter registration cared from "R" to "I"...Seriously.

Albert| 3.16.11 @ 11:22AM

Do it!!! I did 15 years ago. I have not seen any reason to re-register Republican since then. Maybe what we REALLY need is to register "T" instead of "R".

LiveFreeOrDie| 3.16.11 @ 1:32PM

Ditto

Al Adab| 3.16.11 @ 2:50PM

Perhaps we might try "T" or "C". Nonetheless certainly our dollar contributions should go to personally selected candidates NOT to the RNC.

Ned| 3.16.11 @ 11:35AM

How about from "R" to "FO"... ? - the "O" designating "Off", of course...

LMajito| 3.16.11 @ 11:03AM

i stated before the elections that all of these folks who have been in leadership positions before need to be ejected...they're no good and the old wise maxim 'a bad apple spoils the whole basket' is true here...we will need about 4-5 election cycles where the old carcasses are removed...wh, senate and congress...they all need to go...otherwise is back to bidness as usual daddio

Ken in Tyler| 3.16.11 @ 1:05PM

We don't have 4-5 election cycles until the horse droppings make violent contact with the rapidly rotating blades. The entire financial system rests precariously on the public's confidence in FRN's which are in truth worth less than the cost of printing them. We either get busy correcting this looming didaster now or kiss it all goodbye.

Clint| 3.16.11 @ 11:08AM

"NAPOLITANO: Does the speaker of the House of Representatives in your view, Jack Hunter, recognize that he would be the minority leader of the Republicans had it not been for the tea party voters, the tea party supporters, and now, the tea party members of Congress?

HUNTER: I hope he realizes that. He must realize that, but that's sort of the point. You know, John Boehner was there when George W. Bush was doubling the size of government and doubling the national debt. Now, a lot of these Republicans are saying they've learned their lesson. They're not going back to their old tricks, but we're not seeing that. Is John Boehner going to step up and be for serious subs (ph) into cuts? You know, Senator Rand Paul has suggested we cut $500 billion."

TruthSayer| 3.16.11 @ 11:16AM

Boehner and Co. will never get it. They are too worried about retaining power than to see the coming economic calamity. They do not have the vision or courage to do what is necessary, painful, and right. Tea Partiers, libertarians, and Constitutional Conservatives are outnumbered by the moochers and people on the dole. This fact gives Boehner an excuse to do the wrong thing.

Unfortunately, the US economy is heading for complete collapse and default. Only then, in the midst of hyperinflation or severe depression, will Boehner and Co. realize the gravity of the situation. It will be too late.

This period will be painful for all Americans, and our children will be subject to the horrors of economic disaster. All thanks to the feckless leaders in Washington. Hopefully during that time of economic calamity (coming sooner than you think) Americans can re-build a constitutional representative federal republic in the image of our Founding. However, Boehner will be remembered for his monumental failure and weakness.

Malcolmia| 3.16.11 @ 11:18AM

I am not sure of this, but wasn't Boehner elected by the House? Could they not replace him, then?

martin j smith| 3.16.11 @ 11:22AM

I think the important things are to let Boehner and McConnell know that voters are unhappy and want action. That the freshman folks be told that they are being watched and that 20-25% of an electorate make make or break an election. What I think is needed is a sober and honest discussion with American voters about the economy what their choices are and the consequences. Make the case and then let the voters decide what they see.

Bob Miller| 3.16.11 @ 11:24AM

Get Pence out of mothballs to replace Boehner.

jolizoom| 3.16.11 @ 9:00PM

Don't you mean obama?

ann| 3.16.11 @ 11:46AM

The republicans are just whimps. I had a strange feeling this would happen to them. They are afraid to take bold steps because they are more concerned about their re-election than they are about the country. I am still a republican, but not too proud at the moment.

SeattleBred| 3.16.11 @ 11:49AM

"...says an aide to Cantor. "We just want this off the table so we can get to some serious budget negotiations, not political stunts."
Cutting $105 billion from the budget is a political stunt?

Sean| 3.16.11 @ 9:19PM

It is to a Neocon.

dnha14| 3.16.11 @ 11:58AM

I'm taking my copy of "Young Guns" and giving it back to the bookstore. Hopefully Ryan is distancing himself from his two other gunslingers. If he's not, then shame on him. Cantor and McCarthy should be ashamed of themselves. What the heck was the last election all about? More Republican cave-ins? Hey House Republicans, for your info it was a much bigger mandate than Obama could ever have claimed. Get to work.

George S| 3.16.11 @ 12:06PM

The House rules are to be followed come hell or high water but the Constitution can be ignored since it is a living document and must change with the times.

DanH in Alaska| 3.16.11 @ 1:22PM

Geo. You win the thread!

RCV| 3.16.11 @ 12:15PM

Ah, the disillusionment has set in, as predicted, among those who thought November augered in a new dawn.

dnha14| 3.16.11 @ 12:20PM

Yes, but now we know for sure that the Democrats and Republicans actually are the same party. We gave them one last chance to prove to us that it wasn't true, but so far they have flunked miserably.

Steve A| 3.16.11 @ 2:38PM

RCV, I think those potassium iodide tablets are clouding your thinking....:)

RCV| 3.16.11 @ 5:15PM

Steve - I think you're blinded by the nuclear glow!

timothy farley| 3.16.11 @ 12:23PM

pathetic display by the republican leadership....can't wait for 2012 elections.....nothing will ever change without true constitutional conservatives.

Clint| 3.16.11 @ 12:25PM

"HUNTER: Well, if it's politics and usual in Washington and that's what we've seen, that's been the problem, then what we believe in, sort of, traditionally conservative Barry Goldwater-esque libertarian brand of republicanism is not going to go anywhere as long as those guys are in control and not doing what the tea party wants them to. You'd asked me earlier, does somebody like Speaker Boehner realize that the tea party is who put him into that chair that he's sitting in.

NAPOLITANO: Right.

HUNTER: He better realize it or the tea party is going to target people like him. That's the beauty of the tea party movement. For decades, conservative, so-called conservative Republicans are saying they're going to step up, they're going to do something about our debt and deficits, they'd never do.

The tea party is seeing through the nonsense, seeing through the charade that is the Republican Party, and hopefully, the question you ask what will happen to these guys? The tea party will target them just like they did their opponents in the primaries and general election. That's what needs to happen. It's the beauty of the tea party, quite frankly."

Pat| 3.16.11 @ 12:49PM

The Prowler wrote this? Ladies, check that your bedroom curtains are tightly drawn, someone who calls himself “The Prowler” definitely has “issues”. And so quickly have the Republicans lost the fire in their bellies, they would also demand and - in consideration of their recent victory - feel entitled to a piece of the monetary action, exotic cars, swimming pools – did we really think the corruption in Washington would cease because we booted out Ali Baba and his 40 Thieves to make room for Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men? In our sober moments, we knew better than that but hope is fundamentally a good thing, so we chose hope. This article illustrates American politics at the top of its game – a political comedy is being staged for our benefit so us weary taxpayers will continue to believe in the Two Party system, and all while the vast spoils of victory are quickly divided.

Recall, a short time past, when Obama controlled both the House and the Senate? Recall also when Obama was bailing out his union friends in Detroit, his banker friends on Wall St. or trying to pass his Stimulus Bill – and recall as well how he railed against the impotent Republicans for trying to stop him, for opposing his emergency plans. Observers were mystified as to why he didn’t just press ahead immediately, he controlled all the necessary votes. But the script called for an embattled president struggling to make things right.

The outcome, as we now know, was pre-ordained, taxpayer money would flow to Obama and his allies, but the farce played out in the media was very necessary. Now, with new tenants occupying Sherwood Forest, Bachman and King were chosen to play the unruly Rebels in this one act comedy and for an undisclosed sum - while Boehner, Cantor and McCarthy are the voices of reason urging caution and deliberation before precipitous action is launched. In the end, enormous sums of money remain there for the taking but this “R” rated show is very necessary to placate us taxpayers – would you please pass the popcorn?

Wayne | 3.16.11 @ 12:53PM

The GOP lusts for the power too. So they are trying to manipulate a win yet keep the power. They are running interference for ObamaCare so they can be the ones controlling us.

Time to form a new party and invite the tea party republicans to join. Let the old guard marginalize itself.

MarkR| 3.16.11 @ 3:21PM

Amen!

Oldefarte| 3.16.11 @ 1:08PM

This is the first I'm hearing of this, and it's definitely a game-breaker [and BS besides]. Pilosi/Democrats continuously put in excrement into their suasage, and some of it made its was to final passage. As Bachmann originally indicated, if the $105 billion is extracted immediately our of WELFARECARE, that overshadows the $61 billion that there seeking as budget reductions by $44 billion. Paul wants $500 billion in cuts, has backed off to now $200 billion, while Palin said she agrees with the $500 billion [all of which makes their $61 billion chicken-feed-wise]. Now Boehner/Cantor are crawfishing on Backmann's/King's $105 billion amendment....WTF! Smells to me like Boehner's/Cantor' apprehensions maybe more to do with WELFARECARE'S survival, than with budget reduction?? As stated correctly, even if Boehner/Cantor/House include the $105 billion in budget reduction legislation, it'll get killed in the Senate by Democrats who controll same, and if not, El Chosen One has his veto pen no doubt next to his golf clubs and basketball shoes; BUT the whole point is that Republican had better indicate their insistance on making a LINE IN THE SAND stand on this, or the Tea Partiers will form their own party and field candidates for November 2012. These Republican leaders had better wake up and smell their roses before its too late.....November of 2010 was no ONE SHOT DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

335blues| 3.16.11 @ 1:10PM

Well it's pretty obvious the republican leadership is corrupted by Jacobin principles, and put no stock in conservative principles. When will it be time for a new party? The republican party started out as a third party, and maybe it has outlived its usefulness. It is beginning to smell like an outreach of the marxist democrat party. The arrogance of boehner, cantor and mccarthy is disgusting.

Yosemeti Sam| 3.16.11 @ 1:34PM

Um, are their respective phones off their hooks in Boehners' and Cantors' offices?

LK| 3.16.11 @ 1:41PM

I have to confess that I once again allowed myself to believe that this time the GOP was ready to lead the fight to save the nation. I was taken in by the smooth presentations of "The Young Guns". Let's face it a party who's last two "leaders" are Hastert & Boehner ,is by definition moribund. We are in for a protracted struggle. Let's hope we can gain a majority, and pick leaders worthy of the cause, before we lose this great republic.

John M| 3.16.11 @ 7:37PM

Exactly what I was thinking - There's so little difference between the two. Hastert II, and this is after some years in the wilderness. But really, what were we to reasonably expect from this ilk notwithstanding their half-hearted claim to being the re-born, energized, "we've learned our lesson" party?

Primary these guys.

Bubba from Little Rock| 3.16.11 @ 1:53PM

Newsflash: Boehner and Cantor are RINO squishes. Primary Them. And if that doesn't work, Third Party them. They Must be replaced.

Tammy Faye Boehner| 3.16.11 @ 1:54PM

But its for the children!

(suckers)

Dixie Pixie| 3.16.11 @ 2:15PM

The funny thing is if the Republican Leadership had submitted a Balanced Budget by cutting $1.7 trillion, there would be no difference from the current budget situation.
But the Republicans could take credit for trying.

Instead they took the Democrats at their word and got nothing when the usual Democratic betrayal occurred.
Now the Republican Leadership has pissed off the Republican base and got nothing for their efforts.
The Democrats have the full Democrat budget passed while the Republican Leadership gets the blame.
Just wanted the Democrats wanted.
The Stupid Party lives down to their reputation again.

Al Adab| 3.16.11 @ 2:47PM

Truly it is a failure of courage, a failure to sieze a grand historical moment and turn it to the advantage of Liberty. Thus passes the GOP into the dustbin. At least future generations, while they curse our names, will recall that once an embattled group stood against the wall for their Freedom. Perhaps, we can but pray, one day others will rediscover the glory of Liberty and restore it once again to a world dark with tyranny.

MarkR| 3.16.11 @ 2:56PM

Boehner and Cantor are just typical. Typical pols who see their own position as absolutely necessary. Yes absolutely necessary people doing the kobuki dance with the dems. Its disgusting. Principle doesnt matter- all that matters is maintaining their vaulted positions and working inside the beltway apparatus. It will take this country going under to have the necessary changes take place. I love how they are so politically correct when they say that if they did this it would be a stunt and the REAL work of cutting the budget wouldnt get done. Its a farce. They hate Bachmann and King and Palin because they are unconventional and willing to part with Washington clap trap hand holding with their supposed enemies and trust me the dems are the ENEMIES because they believe spending and spending and spending is the answer and there is NO limit. --Also stopping the government wouldnt be 1995 redux as this aint then and there was no tea party and the public wasnt in the place they are in now. Is Walker the only commander with any bal-s?!

concernedamerican| 3.16.11 @ 3:12PM

me thinks our republic began its deterioration the day we made holding public office a full time gig!!!

Pelligrino| 3.16.11 @ 7:58PM

Correct, ConcernedAmerican.

Until we do like some state legislatures (Texas does this very well) and LIMIT the total number of days in Washington, D.C., yes, they will bamboozle and work until Christmas Eve (the Harry Reid stunt), run up massive deficits, sit in their rears, preen for Fox, sell their souls, rip us off, etc.

My motion: A maximum of 70 days of legistlating, meetings, concerences, & Washington, D.C. presence per year for ALL in the legislative branch.

Is there a "second?"

Reduction of salaries by 60% so that all of them must still work and retain normal jobs -- like all other Americans.

We'll save because they won't need the staffers, clerks, et al. in D.C. to serve their daily malfeasance.

(AND this will also hurt the efforts of the armies of lobbyists -- the ones really running our country)

somnolence| 3.16.11 @ 4:08PM

Ohio and Virginia, are you having second thoughts yet about the two aforementioned appeasers, Cantor and Boehner?

Dan| 3.16.11 @ 4:36PM

BOEHNER = PELOSI LITE

A.C.Guard| 3.16.11 @ 4:39PM

If the Republicans can not unseat Boehner before 2012 they will be out again after the election. This man is a disaster for the Republicans, but great for the Dems.

Seestraight| 3.16.11 @ 5:44PM

Boehner and Cantor should be drawn, quartered, and thrown out with the trash. It should be done very loudly by the Tea Partiers in Ohio and Virginia starting now. The press would love to hear those rumblings and it might just wake them up...... or at least make Boehner cry.

Brian| 3.16.11 @ 5:49PM

Neither Boehner nor Cantor have any balls. They now have lost my support. What a couple of cowards.

Jay Hill| 3.16.11 @ 5:49PM

i do not know why the leadership is pussy-footing around this - don't they realize that if the dems EVER get back in pawer in the congress (God forbid) that they will cram everything and anything right up the GOP's butt whenever and whatever they want - you were sent there to do a job - if the Speaker and the Majority Leader are toooo engrained in DC politics than maybe 2012 will be time to get rid of them!

Kyle | 3.16.11 @ 6:33PM

"But if the majority leader and Speaker don't want it, the whip isn't in a position to push too hard. But let's be clear, there is nothing to all the hooey about how leadership is supporting funding of Obamacare, because we aren't bending to every whim of King and Queen Michele."

These GOP aides must be working too hard or something. Look at the way they talk down about Steve King and Michele Bachmann; King and Queen Michele? C'mon, they wouldn't talk this way about Obama. I know one thing for sure, there are some seriously uptight jerks lurking in the GOP. The leadership IS funding Obamacare, they just did it yesterday.

rdman| 3.16.11 @ 6:35PM

No surprise here... I wrote the following over a year ago. Time to clean house (no pun intended) and fumigate the place:

The Hapless, Insecure Career Establishment Republicans

With very few exceptions, the career Republican fears if they act too aggressively, they may jeopardize their pursuit to be part of the Washington DC Ruling Elitist Clique and will suffer some sort punishment as a result. As a result, they become prey to intense anxiety, seeking reassurances that, no matter what they have done in the past, their pursuit to be accepted by the DC Ruling Elitist Clique is still a possibility, revealing a frightened, insecure, spineless person beneath the facade of the tough authoritarian.

Career Republicans who exhibited blustering toughness during election cycles, even projecting that they no longer need to be accepted by the DC Ruling Elitists, once elected and seated now shift abruptly. Almost tearful and obsequious, they become frustrated and disgusted with themselves for not being tough enough to stand on their own two feet to defend themselves, to be independent, to stand on their principles. They feel cowardly because they have not had the spine to sustain their blustering toughness.

Career Republicans become ineffective because their self-disparagement and insecurity which creates intense feelings of inferiority and worthlessness. Their indecision and evasiveness has now deteriorated into massive insecurity and anxiety, convincing them that they are incompetent and unable to do anything effective on their own. They can only marginally function with the hope of being accepted by the Ruling Elitist Clique by “morbid clinging” dependency.

The longer career Republicans remain seated, the more worthless they become, whining and complaining and disparaging themselves to the extent that they weaken whatever remaining influence they have, becoming an emotional drain on their constituents and everyone else around them. Their despondency has the uncanny ability to induce their anxieties and negativity into others, virtually forcing their constituents to make other choices in their voting booths.

NaturalBorn Texican| 3.16.11 @ 6:45PM

I don't care HOW they defund Obamarama care...I just want them to do it NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quit pussyfootin' around, people!!!!!!

THOMAS MANNING| 3.16.11 @ 7:20PM

Speaker Boehner, Eric Cantor and Kevin McCarthy and the Republican Party are actually - ahead in game - and are playing like they are losing. The above leadership should either get in the game and PLAY TO WIN or get off the court and let those who play with skill, smarts and passion to win lead the team going forward. We cannot afford to have wimps out their playing for small leads when it is critical that we win at any cost.

Simone| 3.16.11 @ 7:27PM

WHY would any Rational GOP Leadership NEGOTIATE with these DEMs? Did the nearly $1 Trillion Stimulus Bill; Bailouts to the UAW via GM and Chrysler; Federalized Student Loan Program; the Rapid Growth of Nat'l Debt; the Legislative Process that delivered Obamacare and an Ever- Expanding IRS, ETC., actually IMPRESS the GOP or INTIMIDATE THEM to act so MEEKLY ???

Pelligrino| 3.16.11 @ 7:48PM

--- THIS now is the NEXT Rick Santelli moment --
Who -- from the people -- is going to step to a microphone and again call for massive April 15th Tea Parties around the nation?

"We've had it!" "We're done with the Republican Party and its ship of fools!"

I want to know. Who has the voice, the courage, the stamina, and the SOUL to do it?

It is time to show that fervor again because we've got give or take 185 GOP RINOs that need to be running for their (political) lives.

Let's beat the drums, gather the people, & shout the House of Reps. leadership OUT of the leadership.

Post here if you know of an upcoming Tea Party rally in your region. Thank you.

VBMax| 3.16.11 @ 8:49PM

Indian River County Florida
Tea Party Rally
Friday March 25 5-7 pm
County Fairgrounds (Vero Beach)
The time is now!

no_obama_2012| 3.16.11 @ 8:00PM

I think we need to circulate a petition to getting signatures to see how many people would be receptive to a Third Party. If we could get enough signatures it might show Boehner, McCarthy, and Cantor that people are serious. We want leadership that has the integrity and the will to stand up to the Dems instead of caving in.

no_obama_2012| 3.16.11 @ 8:27PM

I read on the Hill today Schumer has told Boehner he shouldn't let the Tea Party have so much influence. Evidently, Boehner is more interested in pleasing the Dems.

voted against carter| 3.16.11 @ 8:31PM

Speaker,

I do not know how to say this any other way. No disrespect intended. I fully support you,... BUT,..

GROW A PAIR WILL YOU!!???

Go ahead and let the Dumb-O-cRATs shut down the Government. NO BUDGET COMPROMISE.

BE THE PARTY OF "NOT just NO,.. HELL NO!!!" WE CAN NOT AFFORD ANY MORE SPENDING.

I DO NOT spend money I do NOT HAVE.

The world will NOT end if you do not increase the debt ceiling. DO NOT INCREASE THE DEBY CEILING. PERIOD.

PLEASE,.. please stand up to the dumb-O-cRATs. DO NOT compromise with them on ANYTHING.

Thank you,
best regards,

Nite| 3.16.11 @ 8:46PM

A third party will benefit no one except the Democrats and we will be worse off than we are now. The House leadership can not get everything changed immediately, they only took over 3 months ago. A lot of things will be blocked in the Senate and vetoed by Obama. If Republicans take the Senate and President in 2012, then we can get major things done. Obamacare has more tentacles than anyone could possibly imagine. There is no telling what is located in those 6000 pages of rules. The House has to pick it apart bit by bit, and that is not the only thing they are working on. Give them time.

Burt| 3.16.11 @ 8:56PM

Bonehead, Cantor, Ryan are alls scred of the Healthcare lobbyist group that is headed by a former Ted kenny aide. She wants Obamacare and Bone head is a Lobbyists best buddy .
Its all about the lobbyist wishes not the voters.

Michael St. John| 3.16.11 @ 9:45PM

Boehner and Cantor - recall them! If it Fails then vote them out - but also do an investigation on all thier direct reports and black list them from the Rep. Senate & House future hiring potentials!

Impeach Don't Wait| 3.16.11 @ 10:09PM

"it would just bog us down and undercut the leadership goal of getting real cutting done through negotiations with Democrats and the White House,"

You're kidding me right? "Real cutting" done through NEGOTIATIONS WITH DEMOCRATS AND THE WHITE HOUSE!??? What planet are they on???

Next election...

Retired_CSI| 3.16.11 @ 10:36PM

The Republicans better get their heads out of their asses before much longer or the Tea Party needs to make the move to become an "official political party" to replace the Grand Old Party.....which party apparently IS NOT listening to the voters who elected them to office this past November. Shape up or you will be sent home the next election cycle...period!

The Bruce| 3.16.11 @ 10:56PM

Boehner doesn't consider $105B a real cut? Did I wake up in an alternate universe?

The idea that he refuses to de-fund anything on Obamacare makes me extremely suspicious, especially given all the hype he made about killing it during the election cycle.

BackToBasics| 3.17.11 @ 12:31AM

Whether majority or minority status, the Repub leadership remains always a mushy insider establishment. It seems more comfortable "talking and compromising" with Democrats than it does with evangelicals and / or Tea Party patriots.

BackToBasics| 3.17.11 @ 12:36AM

To word it a little better - It seems more comfortable "talking and compromising" with Democrats than it does with listening to and acting on the behalf of evangelicals and / or Tea Party patriots who voted them into power.

Jack| 3.17.11 @ 12:35AM

The real enemies here are the Progressives and BO. We have plenty of time for squabbling after they are removed from power. Focus People! The progressive trolls are egging you on to split what vote we have.

Emma| 3.17.11 @ 2:19AM

Apparently they're ok with the obamacare slush fund. If they weren't, they would do something about it. We just gotta start believing our lyin' eyes, that's all there's to it.

Gatorjoe| 3.17.11 @ 2:36AM

The Democratics used raw power to get this slush
fund included in Obamacare, when they were in the majority in the House. Now that the Repubs
control the House ( the originator of all budget and funding legislation), there is nothing wrong with them changing House rules to pay back the Democratics, tit for tat. The Speaker and the Whip had better listen up, or they are gonna find themselves in deep kimchi.

wodiej| 3.17.11 @ 8:16AM

Someone didn't get the memo Nov. 2010.

Morgan| 3.17.11 @ 10:40AM

Don't they get it yet?

The WH is not going to engage in "serious budget negotiations". They are not going to agree to any significant cuts that would harm any of their constituencies. If Harry Reid's appeal on behalf of the cowboy poetry festival did not make that clear then they are simply too blind to see.

The problem is 2012. Obama's principal concern is getting reelected, and so he is positioning himself as the defender of all things warm and fuzzy. He's letting the Republicans be the ones to tell the American public to "eat your spinach". The GOP "leadership" is increasingly unwilling to play that role because of their own election prospects. And so, here we are.

There is only one way I can think of to force the Dems to do anything serious, and that is to freeze the debt ceiling so that actual choices have to be made as to what will and will not be paid for. Until that happens, the budget "discussion" will not get past the old "Beltway 2-step".

ann woodward| 3.17.11 @ 12:26PM

Excuse me, I have to look up the office phone number of Boehner and Cantor. I need to hear why they aren't ditching this slush fund into the Potomac. Why don't you call them also?

eddie the geek| 3.17.11 @ 2:09PM

With folks like Boehner and Cantor leading the GOP, what's the point of having a majority? Well it's a pretty safe bet that they won't. Nancy Pelosi wasn't afraid to fight for what she wanted; the GOP is rolling over without a fight. And many of the tea-party-backed freshmen are lining up behind the leadership as reliable rubber stamps. We have ZERO chance for real change in Washington with Cantor and Boehner in leadership.

Erik Osbun| 3.17.11 @ 2:16PM

The thing called "Obamacare" is a threat to our freedoms and pocketbooks in the long term. Purge its funding and THEN demand that the rest of the budget be slashed maximally to the point of stopping all government functions. I know Mr. Boehner knows a lot, but there are the priorities of freedom before pocketbook.

NaturalBorn Texican| 3.17.11 @ 3:52PM

Starting now let's go for a clean sweep.

Let's find people of integrity that love America and want to see her continue to be the best in the world. Let's find new faces to replace the old-line GOP, the RHINOS, the promise breakers with new dedicated, savy, commonsensical, and ETHICAL human beings into to office. People who can be relied upong KEEPING THEIR WORD and GETTING THE JOB DONE NOW!!!

If there is anything left to govern by the time Obama and his czars are dumped.

Ash McGonigal| 3.17.11 @ 5:33PM

In answer to the question posed by the headline:

Because it doesn't freaking exist, you dictionary definitions of the phrase 'lunatic fringe.'

Milt| 3.17.11 @ 7:41PM

The longer funding stays in place, the more difficult it will be to change any facet of the plan. This must be stopped now, or we can forget any substantive changes to it in the future. The fact that an amendment would be more likely to get through the Senage and POTUS than a stand-alone bill. Obviously, House leadership is more interested in grandstanding than in actually doing the people's will.

Wilma Gilbert| 3.17.11 @ 9:02PM

Well I guess Mr Boehner will get to cry some more, We are sick and tired of of the big dogs acting like democrats, if November didnt get to them last time, well there will be another day. What is it going to take for those guys to know we dont care if they shut the Goverment down, We have already let Sen Mc Connell know how we feel about him and after all these years unless he changes big time we will not only not vote for him but work tooth and nail against him. As for King and Michelle they have more guts than all of congress put together, I will not be sending my contribution to the Party it will go to the ones that deserve it Thanks Mrs Gilbert

Achilles Toejam| 3.17.11 @ 11:46PM

Roger that Wilma, after the November election I remember Boehner saying that the voters didn't trust the Republicans either and that they send a clear message, well it took a little longer than the Democrats but the leadership of the Republican Party has now forgotten. A lot of people in the tea party were wondering about a third-party and said they didn't trust the Republicans much more than the Democrats but I think the majority wanted to give the Republicans one last chance!

The Democratic Party has been taken over by the Saul Alinsky rules for radicals left that's deluded by the utopian dream of a perfect society, that they rule over! They will destroy America in an attempt to achieve it. We can't afford to screw around with the spineless neocons or whatever the hell they are, we need to purge the Republican leadership and place patriots like King and Bockman in those positions because I don't think the current leadership gets it!

James River Buoy| 3.18.11 @ 12:56AM

Let's face it: taxpayers are funding a House and Senate of Neros fiddling while Rome burns, and the entire country of Japan -- our strongest ally -- is dying! And of course, our mighty President is vacationing once again -- this time for a week in Brazil.

shipley130| 3.18.11 @ 7:32PM

Write Speaker Boehner and ask him to help defund Obamacare. Obamacare needs to have a moritorium just like Obama did with oil drilling. Two should play that game.

Richard Baker| 3.20.11 @ 12:41PM

As a Virginian now living in Florida, Cantor is a disgrace to the Old Dominion. Maybe he should seek a friendship/alliance with the embarrassment from Fairfax County, Jim Moran.

wholesale beads | 3.29.11 @ 3:58AM

http://www.zacoo.com/

Sage Wolf| 3.29.11 @ 9:55AM

Boehner & Cantor must go, right now! They are a couple of fools! They are not doing what we elected them to do! STOP OBAMACARE NOW!

Do not negotiate with Democrats - just refuse to raise the debt ceiling and the spending cuts problem is solved!

Creative Recreation | 8.10.11 @ 11:56PM

is good

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