The American Spectator : Death Trap Democrats

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Death Trap Democrats

By Peter Ferrara on 4.13.11 @ 6:08AM

Obamacare means premature death for Americans, as Nancy P. and Debbie W-S will learn soon enough.

Despite November’s New Deal magnitude political earthquake, surviving House Democrats just laughed off their historic 63 seat loss and reelected ultra-left San Francisco Democrat Nancy Pelosi as House Minority Leader, a position she will now apparently hold for life. Somehow Democrats are convinced that the American people will come to realize the error of their ways and turn to embrace taxation that seizes most of their money for the government to spend, rejecting traditional American prosperity. Good luck with that.

But Democrats have now repeated the folly by choosing Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) to head the Democratic National Committee. Schultz is just as left wing as Pelosi, but less soft spoken and even more transparently unreasoned.

Schultz wasted no time in demonstrating this. She said regarding the Medicare reforms in Paul Ryan’s House GOP budget plan, “No longer would Medicare be a guarantee of health insurance coverage. Instead Medicare would become little more than a discount card. This plan would literally be a death trap for seniors.”

But it was Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Nancy Pelosi, and the rest of the House Democrats who already voted for the death trap for seniors in whooping through Obamacare during their temporary and final House majority of last year. The best that can be said of them is that now that they have passed the bill they still don’t understand what is in it.

The Deadly Democrat Medicare Cuts

While the Democrats still do not understand what they have done with Obamacare, the government’s actuaries and accountants do, and have been telling us in official government publications and documents. The 2010 Financial Statement of the United States Government, published by the Treasury Department in December, is the most clear. That report discloses repeatedly in several tables of data that the total of future cuts in payments to doctors and hospitals under Medicare as provided in current law due to Obamacare and President Obama’s Medicare reimbursement policies is $15 trillion!

Indeed, the Treasury report effectively touts the draconian Medicare cuts due to Obamacare, stating, “The 2010 projection is lower than the 2009 projection in every year of the projection period almost entirely as a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is projected to significantly lower Medicare spending and raise receipts.”

That $15 trillion is such a big number that it is hard to understand what it means. But the government’s own actuaries and accountants have been explaining that as well. Medicare’s Chief Actuary reports that even before these cuts already two-thirds of hospitals were losing money on Medicare patients. With $15 trillion in future cuts, health providers will either have to withdraw from serving Medicare patients, or eventually go into bankruptcy. The unworkable, draconian effect of these Medicare cuts is why the U.S. Government Accountability Office issued a disclaimer of opinion on the Statement of Social Insurance component of the federal government’s 2010 Financial Statement, saying, “Unless providers could reduce their cost per service correspondingly, through productivity improvements, or other steps, they would eventually become unwilling or unable to treat Medicare beneficiaries.”

Ryan’s Reforms Are Better for Seniors

Unlike Ryan’s Medicare reforms, the draconian, unworkable, Obamacare cuts to Medicare apply to seniors already retired today. Ryan exempts from any change all seniors retired today and everyone over age 55.

For future, new retirees starting in 2022, seniors will enjoy the freedom to choose private health insurance coverage from among a menu of guaranteed, government approved and regulated plans. Exactly the contrary to Schultz’s uninformed criticisms, Medicare would precisely be a guarantee of health insurance coverage. The problem that the socialist Schultz has is that this would be private health insurance coverage.

Seniors won’t have that problem. Under Ryan’s reforms, all of Medicare would be like the popular Medicare Advantage program, under which one fourth of seniors have already chosen a private insurer for superior Medicare coverage. It would be the same as well as the health insurance system that federal employees enjoy, where workers each choose among a menu of private health insurance alternatives.

Under Ryan’s reforms, each senior would enjoy control over $15,000 for the year to start to devote to the private health insurance of their choice. That amount would also grow each year under an index of price growth. Yes, more well-off seniors may pay more over time for their coverage than under the current system. That is where the cost savings come from. But it is not a matter over which reasonable people can differ that taxpayers cannot afford the current Medicare system, with its unfunded liabilities rapidly growing towards $100 trillion.

In addition, the Ryan plan would provide more each year for lower income seniors to protect them from rising costs. More would be paid as well for those who were sicker so that plans could finance their more expensive care.

Ryan’s brilliant plan also harnesses the competition and innovation of the free market to provide better coverage for seniors at lower cost. Private insurers will compete to find ways to reduce costs for seniors, and innovate with different benefits to better serve and attract customers. Seniors would be free to choose Health Savings Accounts for their coverage, which would maximize patient power and control over their own health care, with powerful market incentives to control and reduce costs. In the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, precisely these market mechanisms were proven to reduce health costs 40% below projections, while Medicare Advantage shows how market competition leads to better benefits for seniors. Of course, the socialists like Pelosi and Schultz that run today’s Democrat party do not understand any of this.

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About the Author

Peter Ferrara is Director of Entitlement and Budget Policy at the Heartland Institute, General Counsel of the American Civil Rights Union, Senior Fellow at the National Center for Policy Analysis, and Senior Policy Advisor on Entitlements and Budget Policy at the National Tax Limitation Foundation. He served in the White House Office of Policy Development under President Reagan, and as Associate Deputy Attorney General of the United States under President George H.W. Bush.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (145) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Timothy L. Pennell| 4.13.11 @ 7:22AM

Here's the problem with your premise. The REPUBLICANS. The Stupid Party. The Pussy Party.
The American People are STUPID. I've seen the T.V. Guide. I know what's on the Television.
How else do you explain the fact that the Democrats have been mouthing the same LIES, for 40 Years. "They wanna KILL WOMEN." "They hate Poor People." "6 Million Seniors will STARVE."
They pull out the same Playbook every election. Their dire prophesies never come true. But they use again the next time.
Do the Republicans ever take the time to TELL the American People this? Do they ever come out and say: "Same old B.S. every election. They're a broken record, and since they HAVE NO PLANS for this Country, they have to try and Scare the hell out of the most vulnerable Americans. Last I looked, nobody was shoving DOG FOOD down anybody's Grandmother's Mouth."
Simple, right?
We had a LANDSLIDE victory, in November. Boehner and company, are pissing it away. We will not forget. And the next time this POS is crying, it won't be because he's the Speaker of the House. It'll be because HE'S NOT!

Maddox| 4.13.11 @ 8:04AM

Strong words, but absolutely true.

vtwin| 4.13.11 @ 9:43AM

Transferring Medicaid to the for-profit healthcare insurance industry is going to save money?
The medical cost for seniors plus profits is less costly than medical costs alone?
Sure, and tax cuts for the wealthy will increase tax revenues.

JoshINHB| 4.13.11 @ 10:26AM

Transferring Medicaid to the for-profit healthcare insurance industry is going to save money?

Competition - how does it work?

vtwin| 4.13.11 @ 11:17AM

Like the Real Estate and Home Mortgage industries the Healthcare Insurance industry's profits are percentage- based. So, is it not in the Healthcare Insurance industry interest to see increasing medical costs?

George S| 4.13.11 @ 10:59AM

No, Medicare already saves money for the government: it does not reimburse providers in full for services rendered. So hospitals and doctors make up the difference with you, the private insurance policy holder. You, in turn, do not care because all you see is a thirty dollar copay. That's why non-profit insurance company premiums are practically identical to for-profit companies. And it is also why hospitals bill your insurance company $55,000 for a C-section but will bill you $18,000 if you tell them you're cutting a check.

vtwin| 4.13.11 @ 11:30AM

So, if the Medicare Insurance saves money for seniors by paying less for services over private-sector insurance providers than Paul Ryan’s plan to privatize Medicare will have to cost taxpayers or seniors more or provide less services?

George S| 4.13.11 @ 11:52AM

Did you Read the Ryan proposal? If you did you will see that it offers the ability to supplement coverage by private insurance, thus relieving the taxpayer burden. That's why it is despised by you liberals -- it slowly removes government control over people's lives.

Ghastlyone| 4.13.11 @ 11:17AM

Quit being a fuckin retard Vtwin.

You know damn well, as well as every one else here, that competition in a free market society is what breeds higher quality products for a cheaper price. Not fucking government regulated monopolies (like Obamacare, USPS, etc.). Quit posting dumb ass shit, like your talking point bumper sticker slogans such as "tax cuts for the wealthy" nonsense.

vtwin| 4.13.11 @ 11:55AM

I agree competition would lower costs in the absence of insurance but the insurance industry profits on the margins therefore the incentive for higher profits is from higher not lower costs.

George S| 4.13.11 @ 12:12PM

Again, you side step a critical question: why do NON-PROFIT insurance companies charge practically the same for identical coverage as for-profit insurance companies?

Old Soldier| 4.13.11 @ 12:46PM

You forget - "profit" is the dirtiest word in the English language to a leftist.

Ghastlyone| 4.13.11 @ 1:17PM

Yeah exactly. God fuckin forbid a business actually make a "profit"

Maybe Vtwin and all these other worthless leftists would be ok with working all week for no paycheck.

Impeach Don't Wait| 4.13.11 @ 3:51PM

I WANT my health care providers to make a good profit. They will find ways to provide better service and thereby get more customers! Those who provide the worst service will fail! That's the magic of competition. Those who provide the best service at the lowest prices will succeed and grow. And as they're making good money... less chance they'll "ration" my care. Works for me!

Grzmlyk| 4.13.11 @ 1:59PM

Well, Old Soldier, it's only a dirty word if it's honestly earned in the marketplace.

If it's the result of a utopian scam, a la Al Gore's ill-gotten billions, or through monopolizing and manipulating markets a la George Soros, or through promulgating propaganda a la Michael Moore, or through crony capitalism a la Jeffrey Immelt or Goldman Sachs or GM, then "profit" is a GOOD word.

Funny. I don't notice any wealthy leftists actually giving up enough of their own profits that they have to live less than luxurious lives. See, it's ok to live large as long as you say the right things about OTHER people's money. That's all you have to do: Talk. Right, VTWIT?

That's because all money earned by conservatives and the non-elite in this country is actually the government's money, according to leftists.

You mow somebody's lawn and the homeowner pays you $25, unless you're connected to some muckety muck in the regime, you had damned well better turn it over to Big Brother and Big Brother will decide how much - if any - HE will allow you to keep. You may have earned that money by the sweat of your brow, but that sweat and that brow belong to the state, and don't you ever forget it!

On the other hand, if you're a leftist, YOU deserve to be swimming in wealth because you're one of the GOOD people. You care. And you just can't put a price on caring, can you?

And that poor schmuck across the street trying to keep his hamburger stand open?

He's an evil, greedy bastard who'd better turn over every dime he makes to the insatiable government or thieves like VTWIT will be only too happy to empty his wallet for him, go through his pockets and then frog march him to prison while they go out to dinner on his dime.

Grzmlyk| 4.13.11 @ 12:09PM

Sure, and government programs are ALWAYS more efficient than the free market! That's why low level bureaucrats like VTWIT take home $400,000 a year for no-show jobs!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

The rapist speaks!

Uli Kunkel| 4.13.11 @ 1:22PM

V-twin, is that Flathead, Panhead, Shovelhead, or more likely, KNUCKLEHEAD???!!!

Oldefarte| 4.13.11 @ 1:27PM

Moron, Ryan's proposal is not going to turn over Medicaid to insurance companies; but will BLOCK GRANT to states a FIXED PAYMENT AMOUNT [as opposed to today's unlimited amount paid]. Gump was correct, obviously!!!!!

vtwin| 4.13.11 @ 2:00PM

We’re talking about Medicare not Medicaid. You do know the difference?

Albert| 4.13.11 @ 3:01PM

Does it matter? Both are flatly unconstitutional.

mames| 4.13.11 @ 4:32PM

That is the bottom line. There a complete limitation on the Feds via the constitution. Any President or congressperson who signs a bill knowingly that is contrary to the limitations is either dumber than dirt or a scum bag trying to circumvent the law of the land. ' Dont like the law? Then craft an amendment and get it passed. That is the legal way to do things. BUT an open amendment process for greater taxation for social programs will be a real loser which is why the cum bags circumvent the legal process at every turn. These are not Americans they are socialist in american clothing.

Oldefarte| 4.14.11 @ 3:11PM

Obviously you don't know the difference. Oh, the 'we' appears to be YOU against EVERYBODY ESLE, moron! Oh, dumbars Ryan also proposes block granting MEDICARE to people under 55 also. Were you aware of that, imbicile????????

Oldefarte| 4.14.11 @ 3:14PM

Wait, MORON, you said your were talking about Medicare? [vtwin| 4.13.11 @ 9:43AM
Transferring Medicaid to the for-profit healthcare insurance industry is going to save money?]

Michael Tomlinson| 4.14.11 @ 4:06AM

Moron the highest tax revenues were under Presidents Reagan and Bush (43) who cut taxes. They are collapsing under the failed Obama policies that destroyed 5 million jobs and is bankrupting America.

ENOUGH ROPE| 4.13.11 @ 6:59PM

Obama is a LIAR. When will 70% to 80% of those who voted for him discover that he is a SMILING LIAR?

Pelosi, Wasserman, Nadler, Schumer, and Reid are LIARS also, but lack BO's smile.

Mike D.| 4.13.11 @ 8:34AM

Can't disagree with any of this. Until you get warriors who understand whats at stake and fight this thing down and dirty, then its run to retreat again another day. As far as the American people, again agree, look at the mental state of american TV, nuff said. We live in whats called the information age, where facts and figures are seconds away and I have never seen an ignorant(almost willfully so) population more so now than any other time in my life. When I was a kid in the 60's we could run circles around most adults nowadays when it came to world events or awareness of things going on around us. You have revolutionary "ends justify the means" marxists in one party and go along to get along and keep my career going vaginas in the other.

Grzmlyk| 4.13.11 @ 9:24AM

No, Timothy, the truth is, we WILL forget. And pronto.

Because monetizing the debt works as a PR scam. Debasing the currency is effective in convincing people that we're on the road to recovery. The phony stock market surge is a palliative that will soothe the savage conservative breast - until the music stops of course, but who cares about that? What matters is TODAY.

As a body politic, we've spoken; we'd rather embrace the false consciousness of denial. We'd rather sink under the weight of the nanny state, with the orchestra playing on cheerfully, as we slip below the waves - than fix this country. It's just tooooo hard, and the NY Times might write something mean about career politicians if they want to, you know, DO something to save the ship.

And even though we've already hit the iceberg, and even though the fate of the ship of state is already sealed, Republicans will basically do nothing.

Because what's important for the GOP is that we always remain polite; god forbid we get our white gloves dirty. God forbid we upset the apple cart. God forbid we deal with the fact that the water level is rising under our feet.

The truth is that Republicans as a group will never do more than nibble around the edges of liberalism. That's what the mainstream media wants. And anyone who doesn't think the mainstream media is still setting the table for what is and what isn't in the American consciousness, I would point out the difference in impact between Abu Ghraib, which was a relatively minor incident that almost singlhandedly brought down George Bush, and the Afghanistan "kill team" non-scandal, in which soldiers were murdering Afghani civilians they thought were sympathetic to the Taliban.

According to the Washington Times:

The New York Times mentioned Abu Ghraib in 2,072 stories, 446 times on A1. It’s mentioned the “kill team” photos from Der Spiegel just four times; none on A1. A Lexis-Nexis search shows just one NYT mention of the words “kill team.”

The mainstream media is still calling the tune. And the GOP is still dancing to it. We let liberals name the game, make the rules, select the playing field and choose the referees -- and then we're suprised when we never win?

Every damned Republican elected to the U.S. Congress - with a couple of notable exceptions - ought to have "I Surrender" tattooed on his or her forehead the second after the swearing-in ceremony.

Anthony| 4.13.11 @ 9:37AM

Grzmlyk, Brilliant and astute as always. All of what you say is true, the key line in your analysis, however, is "when the music stops".
The music is about to stop soon, and when it does, all the corrupt pillars of liberalism, including and especially, the cesspool known as Washington will be swept away, along with the pathetic R establishment.
We have one election cycle left before total and complete chaos.

Grzmlyk| 4.13.11 @ 9:52AM

Thanks, Anthony:

I believe a total breakdown is imminent - the complete collapse of America.

Democrats are whining about funding for cowboy poetry festivals, and Republicans are promsing that most of the changes in the safety net will be imperceptible.

But when the shit hits the fan - and when the dollar is rejected as the world's reserve currency will be the moment - we aren't going to be worrying about cowboy poetry or cooing to nervous nellies about how we can put the nanny state on a diet without its losing any weight.

We'll be having people kill each other in the streets for bread. We'll be overrun by gangs and lawlessness. Islam will pounce.

And even though the country will be gone, and even though we'll be dealing with widespread poverty, disease and the total breakdown of society as we knew it, I will at least be happy to see some of our politicians' headless corpses dragged through the streets by Muslims whose asses they kissed just weeks before.

vtwin| 4.13.11 @ 10:13AM

Let me guess, you’re really going to the miss Glenn Beck?

Grzmlyk| 4.13.11 @ 10:26AM

No, but I won't miss you, either, rapist.

And gee, I never got the money you owe me.

Guess that was lost in the mail, eh, crook?

Grzmlyk| 4.13.11 @ 10:37AM

This from a man who believes rape should not only be legal, but carried out as government policy.

By the way, rapist, please list for me the things Glenn Beck has said that are untrue.

You don't even know what Glenn Beck has said - because your talking points from the Huffington Post (or is it the Daily Kos) don't delve that deeply; you're just told to go out and invoke the words "Glenn Beck" and bingo, your argument is made.

As always, intellectual rigor is entirely absent from cretins like you.

Please list for me the assertions Beck has made that are proveably false. And provide actual quotes from Beck, please - not Lawrence O'Donnell's interpretation of something he heard Bill Maher remember Ezra Klein as having said that Beck might have said.

What's that? Crickets?

Ken (Old Texican)| 4.13.11 @ 11:06AM

GRZ
Did you buy my book "Texas Said NO"?
If so, Part Two "America Alone Said NO!"
Should be on the way to you...no charge.

If you didn't buy it you can get both for $10 at
www.americaalonesaidno.com
In the book, I put forty years experience with Islam and Democrats into play in a "fictional" prophecy of Worl War IV.
best regards

Mike D.| 4.13.11 @ 11:43AM

Ken, I don't think its going to be fictional much longer.

Ken (Old Texican)| 4.13.11 @ 12:49PM

I hear you, Mike...
That's why I busted my tail to get both part out as an E-book quickly while my publisher kills some trees to get it on paper.

Ghastlyone| 4.13.11 @ 12:29PM

Don't waste your breath Grzmlyk, you won't get any Glenn Beck quotes out of a leftist, proving he lies.

Beck is the new cool talking point to use now days. What's amazing though, is most these worthless leftists out there have never read one thing Beck has ever published. They'll throw out stuff like Beck's "cupcake" demonstration as reason to write him off as a loon., because it was something that was fed to them on Hardball the night prior.

Grzmlyk| 4.13.11 @ 2:16PM

You are right, GhastlyOne.

I may not be a fan of Beck's personality - and I'm not - and I don't watch his show often; but the times I've seen it, I have never seen anything he's said factually refuted.

But if you're a lickspittle of the Daily Kos or the Huffington Post or Media Matters or The Daily Beast or MSNBC or CNN or the NY Times or the Washington Post or NPR or ABC/CBS/NBC or Reuters or AP or Gannett, all you have to do is say the name "Glenn Beck" and you have, I suppose, completely paralyzed your conservative prey.

just as all you have to do is utter the words "Sarah Palin" in order to discountmarket economics and the freedom of the individual.

Who needs facts? As the Washington Post said, even if liberals get the facts wrong, they're very confident that the "narrative" is right. So just invoke the name of a favorite target of the left, and that ipso facto is supposed to be argument enough against any conservative principle.

Meanwhile, Obama's not fit to shine Sarah Palin's shoes.

Then again, that's the only job he comes close to being qualified for.

Ghastlyone| 4.13.11 @ 3:55PM

The reason Beck is so hated by the left, is because he's an educator. They despise people like him.

If any one of them ever did happen to read one of his books, they would collapse on the ground, violently convulsing while foaming at the mouth.

Anthony| 4.13.11 @ 10:49AM

Well Grzmlyk, don't forget the laws of unintended consequences. The one variable, in your otherwise spot on analysis, is the American Military.
It's no wonder Obozo and the left hate it so, and seek its demise as we speak. The military is the one entity Obozo cannot corrupt completely. (I hope) It contains a high number of patriots and folks who know how to kick ass.
How ironic that the American left may very well bring about that which it has so dreded since the days of the "evil" McCarthy hearings; a real "Seven Days in May".
God forbid, but a real possibility given the insanity that rules Washington today. But let's hope the military arrives a tad late, such that a few lefty heads will roll before the cavalry arrives!! P.S. I'd include Boehner, but his head is too small.

Grzmlyk| 4.13.11 @ 11:01AM

Anthony, I recently saw Seven Days in May - I wouldn't mind such a scenario at all.

However, I think it speaks to the institutional stability and honor of these men that I don't foresee that as a real possibility; their respect for what America used to be - its institutions, its traditions and the constitution, specifically - I think would preclude that.

However, I must say that the military brass has disappointed me mightily of late - what General George Casey said about Major Hasan's rampage - essentially that it was a small price to pay for a military that genuflected before the false god of "diversity"- stunned and demoralized me. And what Petraeus recently said about the Koran burning minister - that changed my opinion of Petraeus indelibly. George Patton he ain't.

Alas, I fear that our military is becoming thoroughly feminized; I'm just waiting for the Rules of Engagement to call for cease fires whenever Oprah is on the air.

Ken (Old Texican)| 4.13.11 @ 11:08AM

Grz
please see my reply above.

Anthony| 4.13.11 @ 11:28AM

Military brass can be as spineless, timid, and career focused as other government bureaucrats, true. ( Can you say Wesley Clark and Colin Powell?) And their respect for civilian government is a credit to their honor and professionalism.
The feminization of the military is a function of the civilian government that creates these moronic policies and insists on their implimentation.
However, if things collapse, watch them shuck off their green eyeshades, tear up the Nancy Pelosi military handbook, and watch their instinctual juices flow.

Mike D.| 4.13.11 @ 11:54AM

A lot of these high brass are career minded save asses like most of the politicians they mingle with. The Chesty Pullers are few and far between. The high brass of the military will get their chance to decide what they stand for, we'll see how many back the oath they took to defend the constitution. Thats the moment that seperates the men from the boys in history.

The Old Chief| 4.14.11 @ 3:16PM

Never mind the brass. Look to the old soldiers in the ranks. That is where you will find the real patriots.

Grzmlyk| 4.13.11 @ 12:00PM

I sincerely hope you are right.

But I fear the military is now thoroughly infected with the virus of liberal false consciousness. Maybe not the rank and file, but the chain of command has been completely compromised by the enemy.

skip| 4.13.11 @ 12:49PM

Grzmlyk & Anthony

Anyone with a shred of intelligence and honesty know how awesome you both consistently post.

Any chance of saving the America we know will likely come down to the military when the economic disaster inevitably occurs.

A four-star told me of a mass exodus of officers, the good ones of quality and integrity. This was a result of Clinton and 'don't ask don't tell' a decade and a half ago or so. These officers already hated having a commander-in-chief as despicable a shit as Clinton, and that policy caused them to conclude it just wasn't worth it anymore. I imagine none of them could have thought an even worse commander-in-chief and policy possible.

The prognosis is grim.

Anthony| 4.13.11 @ 2:15PM

Muchas gracias, senor skip. Oops, sorry, just practicing in case I need to slip into Mexico, to put food on the table, when the collapse comes, doing jobs Mexicans won't do.
Seriously skip, surely there is a Gen. Marshall or an Admn. Nimitz, still left in our magnificant military.
I pray that is the case.

Grzmlyk| 4.13.11 @ 2:29PM

As Anthony says, muchos gracias.

I think the volunteer army has suffered a great deal, unfortunately, from the liberal agenda ever since Viet Nam.

And in truth, truly gifted generals, like every other specialist on the planet, are rare; one hopes the confluence of time and circumstance would produce a great leader, but of course all of our previous wars have proven that greatness is a rare commodity; how many generals did Lincoln have to go through before he hit upon Grant?

It's too bad that the civilian command has been determined to leech out every last shred of war-making ability from our army and replace it with a Peace Corps look alike whose only contact with the enemy will consist of hugs, and whose leaders are not soldiers but feckless, toadying diplomats with their fingers forever held out in the wind. That never ends well.

I have no idea what our imminent collapse will look like, or whether martial law will be declared or whether even mutiny against the Enemy-of-the-State in Chief Obama is likely.

But I know this: I'd love to see him and his cronies meet the same fate of past tyrants like Mussolini and Hitler.

Metaphorically, of course.

skip| 4.13.11 @ 3:12PM

Hola, Dos Equis o Tecate, por favor?

Our hope rests in a military universal mindset that transcends current events that finds liberals as repulsive as this future poor humble gringo cantina bartender wannabe does.

Grzmlyk| 4.13.11 @ 3:27PM

I'm hoping that, before the country collapses completely, I can enroll in one of Obama's jobs training programs and learn to become a gardner on some Mexican drug lord's estate.

But why should I learn to speak Spanish? Since America accommodates illegal aliens by offering all of our goods and services in Spanish, shouldn't the Mexicans bloody well return the favor and learn to speak English when we cross the border to do the jobs that, as Anthony says, Mexicans just won't do?

If things play out well, by the time the Muslims get here to behead us (legally, of course, thanks to Sharia Law), most of us will already be in Mexico and the only beheadings will have to be carried out on "undocumented workers."

Wouldn't THAT be an awkward situation? To have one of liberalism's favorite victim groups perpetrate a genocide on another of liberalism's favorite victim groups? Who the heck are they going to root for?

skip| 4.13.11 @ 3:44PM

Here I have been forever in awe of your commentating abilities and you ask me that?

I figure learning and speaking spanish will be mandatory in any attempt to hide my norte americano roots, since norte americanos will be the laughingstock of the world, for losing not only their sovereignty, not only their liberties, not only their enjoyment of social rights, not only their enjoyment of political rights, not only their enjoyment of economic rights, but because they lost all this and much more by being outsmarted by liberals for crying out loud.

skip| 4.13.11 @ 4:39PM

Actually, you might be on to our only real hope.

Sharia Law.

Can you imagine how quickly the two featured in this article will be beheaded? Only the speed of light will be a faster known phenomena. The jihadists will quickly note how utterly despicable all liberals are, and it will be a regular 'deloppadanogga' fest or whatever it's called. While this happens conservatives and military unite to rout the jihadists...

Big night, the idiot in chief is going to solve our deficit problem. I've got to find my '74 Three Dog Night 'Greatest Hits' album and cue side 2 song 5 to play during his speech.

Oldefarte| 4.13.11 @ 1:49PM

I agree with your thesis 150%, but remember that all this [D's, R's, the military,etc] are a reflection of, and controlled by WE THE PEOPLE. We are in this horrible current condition which you describe because, as Forrest Gump declared, STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES. WE voted for Obama and Democrats, who now forcibly control our military [aka Casey's diversity etc]. WE are consumers of TV, movies, newspapers etc which are controlled by LIBERALS and DEMOCRATS. The finger of blame should be pointed at the mirror!!!!!!!

mames| 4.13.11 @ 10:24AM

SO TRUE. Our problem is not THEM it is US. Guys like Boehner who mouth false allegiance to the TEA Party and then collapse like toilet paper under water are the problem. The phony bastard even gave away the leverage of shutting down the government because he has no cogent persistent argument to refute the dems when they cry foul with its shut down. The facts are we need to take over our party once and for all and begin so by using the primaries to get rid of the dead wood. There is absolutely nothing more pitifully disgusting than a RINO. WE need more folks like Wisc gov, Bachman, etc..

Oldefarte| 4.13.11 @ 1:53PM

You are 90% correct, except that the principal problem is not R's/Boehner etc but rather DEMOCRATS. Eliminate/reduce D's and our problems [defecits, debt, same sex marriage, diversity in the military, governmental excesses, etc] will eventually disappear!!!!!!!!

old white guy| 4.14.11 @ 3:40PM

sorry oldefarte once something gets put on the books it stays there. we are screwed.

Oldefarte| 4.13.11 @ 1:21PM

The main problem is not the Republicans so much as THE STUPID, IMBICILIC VOTERS, who historically vote for a Kennedy, Gore, Pilosi, Schumer, Reid, Rangel, Conyers, Obama, etc. Forrest was right.....PEOPLE ARE STUPID!!!!!

Mike D.| 4.13.11 @ 2:07PM

They are stupid for a reason, i.e. an education system that has been dumbed down and compromised by leftist idiology. Where being a ward of the government and others $$ is your entitlement and right. Where moral values have been scorned and laughed at. Where celebrity worship is a cult religion. Where materialism is the source of all happiness. Where blissful ignorance of anything outside our little self-worship created existences is accepted. Its an offshoot of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. Instead its where the majority of the population of Rome fiddled while Rome burned. I have never thought I would see such self inflicted suicide of a once great nation. Rotted and gutted from the inside. And to add to the insanity, some have the belief that the very Government who are destroying the country are the way out of the abyss. Now, ladies and gentlemen, IS INSANITY.

Agent Rose| 4.13.11 @ 2:23PM

You are absolutely right about Boehner (and Cantor and McConnell) don't they realize what a precarious position they are in?

Don't they realize we are ready for a third party?

Albert| 4.13.11 @ 3:03PM

So, why did the Repubs in Congress make Crybaby Boehner the Speaker? Because he was "next in line"?!

old white guy| 4.14.11 @ 3:37PM

ditto

martin j smith| 4.13.11 @ 7:32AM

I agree that theRepublican leadership are either stupid or currupt. They may be both for all I care. I also agree that there are MANY not all MANY stupid Americans of all stripes that vote. Yet, 2010 was a great election year. Why ? Because enough people were not so stupid.
The MESSAGE is extremely important and brings me back to the STUPID or CURRUPT Republican Leadershit. Tea Party adn Conservatives may have to do the PR MESSAGING WITH OR WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADERS.

Oldefarte| 4.13.11 @ 1:57PM

Martin, it's not so much the Republicans but the Democrats that are the problem, and same can be solved by cancelling newspaper subscriptions, non-viewing of TV [Hollywood produced] shows and movies, and not voting for Democrats at either the local, state of national level!!!!!!!!

Agent Rose| 4.13.11 @ 2:25PM

Don't even go NEAR the Republicans to get the message out. They obviously are incapable of doing so. Of course a little courage would be a tremendous asset.

winterhawk| 4.13.11 @ 8:12AM

Two of the more criminal members of the commie party.

WRTolkas| 4.13.11 @ 8:16AM

Dear Mr. Pennell and Mr. smith,

I fully agree with your statements. The temporary Speaker of the House and the Republican leadership have not grasped that THIS IS WAR. Not an arms struggle but a fight for the social and economic future of this country. The current Republican leadership will wimp their way into the next election. We need a Rambo or a Conan in leadership. Remember what is best in life: "Crush your enemies; see them driven before you...." I am very frustrated with what I'm witnessing.

AnyoneButNewt| 4.13.11 @ 8:16AM

Pelosi is an out-of-touch rich bitch, and Reid is a human toothache. I'm quite happy to let them be the faces of the democratic party. I hope Pelosi and Senatorette Babs Boxer hold many press conferences the next twelve months.

Larry| 4.13.11 @ 8:55AM

Call her "Senator" please. She worked so hard to achieve that position. :-)

mames| 4.13.11 @ 10:29AM

And why do so many of these dem broads looks so freakin' sour? Even with all the silly putty and botox Pelosi can't hide her ugliness, it seems to ooze from their pores. How would you like to be married to one of those two creeps eh? I pity the poor children and grand children of these women! What a heritage to have to live down. There is nothing uglier than an entitled woman.

Oldefarte| 4.13.11 @ 2:01PM

And what do these politicians all have in common? You guessed it....they're all Democrats, just as are Schumer, Rangel, Obama, Conyers, etc. Concentrate on the word DEMOCRATS and stop focusing on that of REPUBLICANS!!!!!!!!!

Mike D.| 4.13.11 @ 3:02PM

This leftist lunatical bitch is why San Francisco should be declared an intelligence free zone. Wearing a chain of golfballs around one's neck should be illegal in that zone as well.

skip| 4.13.11 @ 3:28PM

Newtophobe (may everyone be)

I think I understand your true feelings about 'Nazi Pelosi'.

What am I to make of your omission of the other 'beauty' pictured in this article, 'Dumbie Syphilis Test - Ridiculous Stalag Kraut', from your list of hideous crones?

SilentNoMore| 4.13.11 @ 8:42AM

Pipe's comments about a "failed health care payment system" fails to take into account one huge issue: malpractice lawsuit fears amongst providers and hospitals. This is a very real and powerful force that also drives costs and care. How is it possible for a provider to rationally "ration" care when the threat of a lawsuit hangs over every decision? If a doctor withholds lifesaving measures that a patient desires simply because of cost, that doctor is going directly against not only the law, but the Hippocratic Oath.

Getting paid more for doing less? That is just ridiculous. I will speak from first hand experience that the vast majority of patients that demand expensive and often unnecessary care are those who are not paying a dime for it, i.e. the entitlement crowd. Those on government programs or who have no insurance and have no intention of paying their bills are the primary abusers of the system. Obamacare/Romneycare not only expand on this abuse, but in reality strip the providers of any real possibility of deterring it.

As the old Marxist maxim goes: “The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and inflation.” Similarly, the way to crush the health care system is to grind the providers between the millstones of rationed care and frivolous lawsuits fears. But just like every other socialist program and ideal, they will kill the goose that laid the golden egg, and we will all suffer as a result.

Mike D.| 4.13.11 @ 8:49AM

Quote from Nazi Pelosi recently:

"But the fact is that elections shouldn't matter as much as they do...But when it comes to a place where there doesn't seem to be shared values then that can be problematic for the country, as I think you can see right now"

Let me define "shared values" as Marxist doctrine as practiced by limousine leftists like this lunatic from Leninland. This broad is a piece of work.

Anthony| 4.13.11 @ 9:50AM

Pelosi may turn out to be prophetic after all.
If the Washington establishment, both Ds and Rs, continue with this insanity that is destroying the fabric of this nation, while pushing America further towards the abyss of fiscal and political instability, it may indeed come to pass that the folks with the pitchforks will arrive in Washington and not give a damn about any election result.

Oldefarte| 4.13.11 @ 2:08PM

You're 90% correct, but the word ENTITLEMENTS incorrectly includes MEDICARE whose recipients [like those of SS] have PAID FOR their healthcare coverage through a lifetime of payroll/income deductions, and who are ONLY ELIGIBLE for their Medicare benefits after reaching the age of 65 years [unlike MEDICAID]. As stated, layers/lawsuits need to be entirely eliminated/excluded from medical care/health insurance; but the governmental welfare of freebeeism only applies to MEDICAID, not MEDICARE!!!!!!!!!!

Lullabys, Legends and Lies| 4.13.11 @ 8:49AM

Nancy Pelosi sold the the Democratic Party brand so damn well in 2010, it's really hard to believe they'd replace her as the face of the Death Party, with this untested upstart Debbie Wasserman Schultz. I've watched Nancy Pelosi's compare the Republican Party to Hitler, Mao, and Stalin (and Ted Bundy once too) for years now (and nobody does it better than her). And I've seen Debbie Wasserman Shultz for long enough now too, to know this, you Ma'am, you are no Nancy Pelosi!! Whoever it really is, that's really in charge, and makes the "big" decisions for the direction that the Democratic Party is going has got to be the biggest retard of the bunch (Soros?). Keep up the good work dumbass, the Folks are really flocking to you in droves now!!

Fore!!,.......... more years!!

That's the President's newest re-election slogan!!

Oldefarte| 4.13.11 @ 2:10PM

Amen, LLL, you said a mouth full....truthfully!!!!

The Bishop| 4.13.11 @ 8:52AM

I couldn't agree more about the stupidity and spinelessness of the Republican Party national leadership. And, this logical advantage that they could hold will be further eroded if the one at the top of the ticket in 2012 is the same one who signed the proto-type of Obamacare into law in Massachusetts. The Repubs never seem to learn anything. DC is indeed thoroughly corrupting.

Mike D.| 4.13.11 @ 9:03AM

If Romney is the party candidate, them you WILL ge four more years of Obamao Jr. I will not vote for Romney. Another party hack retread like McCain and Dole. Uh uh.

mames| 4.13.11 @ 10:35AM

Consider the abject arrogance of Romney even attempting a run in thee face of his socialism in MA. Most would be too embarrassed to do so but not these self centered narcissistic creeps. Take your money spoiled little Romney boy and spend it on something helpful like a new toy. At least someone would earn a living making it.

Oldefarte| 4.13.11 @ 2:17PM

Amen to you guys re: Romney. Although he is business-professionally qualified probably, his Romneycare would be a political gift to El Chosen that would keep on giving. Trump is now making waves of inyourfaceism regarding the birth certificate issue, China etc that is what is politically needed, and Bachmann, West etc could add to that solution. We've got plenty of time until 2012, so just sit tight. Don't critisize these R's too severely, but direct same instead at D's rightfully [who are the real source of defecit/debt etc problems]. The only solution is to nominate and vote in the right people!!!!!!

Melvin| 4.13.11 @ 8:56AM

This is why a Conservative Political Party needs to be created.

Mike D.| 4.13.11 @ 9:42AM

There's going to be if this party of ruling(you know the one, where the women have all the balls) class bunch of cowards doesn't stand its ground.

mames| 4.13.11 @ 10:43AM

Go to your local Rep group and hammer the hell out of the miriad of country clubbers that are running it. THAT is the way to take this party back to a Constitutionally Limited Republic stand. THERE you will see the face of the true GOP. A bunch of go along to get along good 'ole boys and their bored wives. You will not find one intact vertebrae among 'em and if you challenge them with the facts of their cowardice and complicity in the decline of this country be prepared to fight back verbally - they know all the pat responses which makes it even easier. You know the lines, "he/she isn't electable, we got the best we could, people will think we are crazy if we do that, we cant solve the problem that quickly, we have to be practical, where's my mommy :).....". Get out to those party locations and take over the locals first.

Oldefarte| 4.13.11 @ 2:23PM

Amen! Being 65, for once in my entire life, I'm beginning to see a tidal shift in politics. The tea partiers are real heroes and patriots, and God bless 'em. Now the discussions on defect/debt reduction [not increases from social legislations]. I'm encouraged and hopeful. As stated, blog/talk to family, friends, church members, work associates, etc, and the successes of 11/2010 will increase going forward!!!!!!!

Anthony| 4.13.11 @ 8:56AM

Mr. Ferrara, You talk about Ryan's reforms as if what has just transpired with the Obozo /Boehner phony "government shutdown" and fake budget cuts didn't happen.
How can any American take anything said in Washington seriously, including Mr. Ryan, whom I believe to be sincere, yet is surrounded by liars and deceivers.
Funny, the entire media is AWOL today on the Boehner lies about $39B in cuts, as if this collossal lie never happened. Is this the new media paradigm we now operate under?
Obozo and Boehner are just different sides of the same coin, they have no credibililty. Boehner, in his lies to America and his party, has no honor, and in perpetuating this fraud, has lost his one vital asset, the one we all cherish, OUR WORD.
Sorry, I believe nothing now coming out of Washington about the debt ceiling and the Ryan budget. They will contain more Washington accounting tricks, budget gimmicks, and phantom cuts.
Washington is one big sewer of lies.

Oldefarte| 4.13.11 @ 2:25PM

True, but at least the discussion is now on decreases [not increases] in governmental spending!!!!!!!!!

Anthony| 4.13.11 @ 7:36PM

Olde my friend, whom I enjoy reading your posts daily, not if you listened to Obozo's speech today, or the Rs intention to cave on the debt ceiling.

Oldefarte| 4.14.11 @ 3:00PM

Anthony, no way am I caving, just being painfully truthful. If possible, I'd almost completely eliminate the federal government [except for an adequate military]. I'm the most financially tight/prudent/Scroogish/conservative individual ever born, and unfortionately [or fortionately] I'm only one vote and not in charge. IMO, government is mostly worthless!!!!!!

Susan| 4.13.11 @ 9:13AM

Obviously you don't participate in the Medicare RX program; first year $25 a month, no copay for generics; 2nd year $28 and $4; this year $32 a month and $11 copay for generic drugs; IN ONE YEAR NEARLY A TRIPLING OF JUST THE COPAY; PLUS THEY CLAIM THE DRUGS HE USES COST THEM $60 MEANWHILE THEY WOULD COST HIM FOR THE SAME TIME PERIOD AT MOST $36 SO MONTHLY PLUS COPAY, HE IS PAYING MORE THAN IF JUST BOUGHT THEM PLUS GETS TO THE DONUT HOLE 3X FASTER BECAUSE THEY LIE ABOUT THEIR COST

and you think that's fabulous? think again

Stefan Stackhouse| 4.13.11 @ 9:16AM

Modern medicine is expensive, and getting more so - at least anything above and beyond the types of simple treatments that a nurse practitioner or physician assistant can administer, or a prescription of generic drugs. Somebody is going to have to pay for it.

I've paid the Medicare tax out of my wages all my life. I don't expect the next generation of wage earners to pay any more than I have, but I do expect them to pay no less. That is only fair.

This means that we are on course for a substantial gap to develop between Medicare revenues and Medicare expenses. There is one, and only one, logical solution to this problem: Medicare beneficiaries have to pay more. Beneficiaries already have to pay each month for parts B and D. They may simply have to pay more. Up to now, part A has been "free". That may have to change, and there may have to be a monthly charge for that as well.

Sorry, I know that this is going to be painful, especially for those who can least afford it. I would suggest that they add a checkoff box to the tax return so that people who want to can direct some money to a fund that can provide some assistance with these additional costs to the poorest beneficiaries. This could go a long way toward reducing the pain.

vtwin| 4.13.11 @ 10:04AM

Stefan Stackhouse , the country is not $14 trillion in debt because of “rising medical costs" or Medicare. The truth is the Medicare tax that you “paid the out of your wages all your life” has accumulated a surplus as have your Social Security taxes. No, the source of the nation’s debt is the irresponsible tax cuts on the highest income earners that Bush and the Republicans pushed through Congress when they were in the majority in both houses.

mames| 4.13.11 @ 10:49AM

Explain yourself just throwing out that weak talking point without an explanation is knee jerk. GO ahead tax all the rich take away all their money and you will not be able STILL to fund this run away govt, you friggin idiot.

"tax the rich, feed the poor, till there are no rich no more". 10 years after

Grzmlyk| 4.13.11 @ 11:40AM

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess that VTWIN the RAPIST did not take an economics class in high school.

I mght have said "college," but surely nobody can graduate any college with such a puerile world view.

Then again, that's the indoctrination of our education system at work; its goal is not to produce thinking individuals who will contribute to society; its goal is to produce thieves and professional victims who will take, take, take and tear down what's left of this country's institutions in the name of greed, vanity and/or criminal intent.

No doubt our resident rapist VTWIT believes in perpetual motion machines.

The lack of intellect in his posts is matched only by the blatant criminality with which he steals bread from other people's mouths so that he can eat till he bursts.

Funny how these frauds and thieves never put thier own money where their mouths are, isn't it?

Albert| 4.13.11 @ 3:10PM

"I mght have said "college," but surely nobody can graduate any college with such a puerile world view."

Oh, yes they can. And I have met them. And so have you. Just think about it.

VTwin is a very stubborn individual. He stubbornly clings to the socialist fable because he was brought up that way and can't bring himself to admit his lifelong worldview is ridiculous. He thinks "drinkin' whiskey from a bottle of wine" is a true story.

George S| 4.13.11 @ 10:52AM

No, we are in debt because those who do not own property or pay income taxes have an equal vote with those who do.

vtwin| 4.13.11 @ 1:15PM

Conservatives would not only deprive the poor and elderly of medical care but their democratic franchise to?

vtwin| 4.13.11 @ 1:40PM

Conservatives would not only deprive the poor and elderly of medical care but their democratic franchise to?

skip| 4.13.11 @ 2:03PM

vtwin vtwin vtwin

The Founding Fathers understood democracy was just another form of tyranny, and vociferously condemned it as such.

The Founding Fathers created a Constitutional Republic.

In a Constitutional Republic a body of citizens is entitled to vote. In order to be in the body of citizens entitled to vote an individual must meet certain criteria.

Individuals not meeting the criteria would only be deprived of depriving the exercise of the liberties of those meeting the criteria.

Hey, tell all of us again how our economic troubles were caused by the Bush tax cuts that resulted in the amount of income tax paid by the 'rich' into the treasury to increase as a share of overall income tax revenue.

Albert| 4.13.11 @ 3:12PM

So, you think it is right and proper for the non-working to vote to take away the private property of the working? Democracy in action! The Constitution describes a Republic, not a Democracy.

George S| 4.13.11 @ 3:16PM

Now you're getting it. The same way public sector unions deprive the taxpayers their "democratic franchise" by not letting taxpayers vote on their contracts. Or, when the UAW negotiates with GM, the taxpayers have no say (as it should be -- but not when GM can no longer afford to pay and the taxpayers bailout those contracts. No democratic franchise there, either.)

The poor (non-property owners who are not invested in this country) have no business voting my checking account, they should be grateful for what they get, not indignant because we are holding back too much. Same for the elderly -- let their kids take care of them or use their savings. Speaking of the elderly, what happens if they cannot pay their property taxes? Their wrinkled old asses get evicted is what. Where is your compassion for that?

Skippy| 4.13.11 @ 3:28PM

Of course we would.
And the franchise of felons, illegal aliens, dead Chicagoans, etc.
Democracy is slavery of the few to the whims of the many.
We have a Republic, if we can keep it...

Grzmlyk| 4.13.11 @ 11:23AM

Gee, what a shock that a recipient of stolen goods bitches about laws against theft.

Hey, you rapist, there's nothing but pixie dust and IOU's in those "trust funds." Try paying your electric bill with anything that's in those lock boxes, moron.

Oh that's right - you don't pay your electric bill. WE do.

Just so you know, a promissory note is NOT legal tender.

tj| 4.13.11 @ 12:26PM

DO you tell untruths???

JP| 4.13.11 @ 1:30PM

Nope twin, you're wrong. In just 2 years President Obama, Sen Reid and Pelosi added $5 trillion. Our debt went from $9 trillion to $14 trillion. And it had nothing to do with taxes. Ethanol farmers, teachers, public state employees, contractors, Green Energy, federal bureaucrats, universities, private research firms, college students, grad students, a whole host of public advocacy groups, Chrysler, GM, AIG, and selected foreign firms all fed at the trough of this spending orgy.

But, I have a solution. Since the Dems are so enamoured of Bill Clinton, I suggest we adobt the final Clinton balanced budget (1999-2000) and make it the official budget of 2012. And that would include the pre-Bush tax cuts. Clinton's 1999-2000 budget was appox $1.8 trillion. That means we would have to cut some $2 trillion out -excluding the the debt interest. Which means out spending would have to be reduced to $1.4 trillion. That in itself would give us a $4 trillion surplus (plus what other surpluses the expired Bush Tax cuts bring in). All surpluses would be paid directly to Treasury. Treasury would take the excess surplus money and pay down the debt obligations.

Problem solved. Of course, all of those goodies you guys love to enjoy at taxpayer's expense will go bye-bye. We will just have enough money for defense, Medicare, and Medicaid.

vtwin| 4.13.11 @ 1:53PM

Sorry, but Obama inherited the deficits from Bush. Obama failure was NOT ending the Bush tax cut.

“On Jan. 7, 2009, two weeks before Obama took office, the Congressional Budget Office reported that the deficit for fiscal year 2009 was projected to be $1.2 trillion.”

http://www.politifact.com/trut.....istration/

Skippy| 4.13.11 @ 3:42PM

Damn that Booosh!
He wrecked the world just so Prince Bambo would look incompetent.
I say we go to his house and shake that extra 2 trillion outta him!
That damn Boosh!

Grzmlyk| 4.13.11 @ 3:53PM

Gee, who would have guessed a lying, thieving, ignorant, propaganda-spouting rapist would go to a liberal "fact" checking outfit to support his arguments?

If you didn't like Bush's $1.2 trillion debt, why do you love Obama's $5 trillion (and counting)?

Let me guess - when a Democrat is in office the laws of gravity are suspended! Keynesians unite! Borrow money to get out of debt and then blame the inevitable resulting disaster on Republicans!

Above all, you lying, thieving, ignorant, propaganda-spouting rapist, you are a coward.

mames| 4.13.11 @ 4:38PM

HELLO, Mc vtwin is anybody in there?

JP| 4.13.11 @ 4:47PM

Please, vtwin use the CBO and OMB numbers and not some blog.

Bush's stimulus added $187 billion. TARP I and II (which Obama voted for as a Senator and signed as law) accounts for $700 billion, of which all but $250 billion have been repaid (what happened to the rest?). Since Jan 2009, here's what Obama has borrowed:

$1 trillion for the Stimulus (includes $200 billion in interest)
$ 800 billion in unemployment compensation
$ 600 billion in increased education funding
$ 250 billion for additional infrastructure costs
$700 billion in additional funds for Green Energy subsidies, block grants, venture capital
$150 billion for increased federal workforce salaries and benefits
$120 billion for ObamaCare implementation costs
$170 billion added to HHS funding
Those were additional spending items Obama requested.

George True| 4.13.11 @ 4:46PM

Vtwin, you remind me of a parrot, simply repeating things it has heard. It is a matter of incontrovertible fact that the Bush tax cuts INCREASED federal revenues. It is in the congressional record, why don't you look it up, as I did?

It is also an undeniable fact that the Bush tax cuts gave the "middle class" (those earning between 30K and 70K a year) a tax cut of 40-50%. The so-called "rich" got by far the smallest tax cut, which averaged about 7-8%. This is also in the federal register. It is also on the IRS website. You could look that up also, as I have done.

The worn-out narrative about about the Bush tax cuts being a tax cut for the "rich", was always an outrageous lie. The "rich" got only a fraction of the cut in marginal tax rates that the middle class did. And those earning less than 28K per year got a cut in their tax rate of 100%. These are stubborn little things known as facts. Facts that are easily verifiable just by perusing a few government websites.

Your leftist/Marxist puppet masters know that their mantra of "Bush tax cut for the rich" is a bald-faced lie. But leftists never let the truth get in the way of a good narrative if it can be successfully peddled to an unsuspecting public who typically pay scant attention to politics or public policy issues.

As far as you personally are concerned, there are only two possibilities. Either you have been completely misinformed up to this point by your puppet masters, or you know these things were not true, but you decided to lie anyway to support the collectivist narrative. I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, and assume you are merely an uninformed, misinformed drone who does not ever bother to check things out for yourself. This would not be hard for me to believe, as most of what you post here is almost always 100% false. Provably false.

But if you ever come here again and post the lie about the Bush tax cuts I will know that you are willfully, intentionally, and purposely lying in order to advance a false narrative, and what's more, everybody else here will know it too.

You know something, Vtwin. The truth has a power all its own. Many, many of us who self-identify as conservative or libertarian in our understanding of things arrived at this point over many years. And both the reason and the way that we got here is that we were searching for the truth. We were yearning to know that which is ACTUALLY true, and not that which we were told was true by an intermediary. We reached a point where we wanted to know the truth of things REGARDLESS of where that might lead us. That's a hard journey to make. It requires a willingness to re-examine every pre-conceived notion, and every belief we have ever held. Furthermore, it requires a willingness to discard long-held cherished beliefs if revealed knowledge shows those beliefs to be in error. And this is the hardest thing to do, because to let go of such beliefs requires that you be willing to discard part of your identity, as the image that we have of ourselves is based in large part on the things we believe in.

Many of us here have made that journey. You have not. It is apparent from the way you parrot leftist narratives that you have not yet examined what you believe and WHY you believe what you believe. It is also evident that you do not verify simple facts for yourself.

Do you post comments here with the intention of lying to people, Vtwin? I urge you to pose that question to yourself. If you can honestly answer to yourself that you do not intentionally lie to others, then I would further urge you to begin the journey of searching for the truth of things no matter where that truth might lead you. Down that road ultimately lies freedom.

skip| 4.13.11 @ 5:25PM

I am convinced vtwin is the single smartest conservative poster here.

He is not only wrong 100% of the time, he is perfectly wrong in that his claim invariably is the exact opposite of the truth.

Every.

Single.

Time.

Many of us then post numerous facts proving he is exactly perfectly wrong and why.

vtwin not only efficiently brings the truth out into the open, he effectively brings out a massive amount of it.

vtwin is the epitome of a conservative poster bringing forth the truth in a manner no one can ignore.

He's so good at it everyone is convinced he is just a 'liberal troll'.

And he's so good at it no one as of yet has even remotely suspected that he is really a she.

The Bruce| 4.13.11 @ 11:46PM

Vtwin, the era of the Bush tax cuts is over. They were extended last December by Obama and the Democrats. Let's be intellectually honest and call them the Obama tax cuts, okay?

Revenues to the government increased to record highs under those tax cuts. The problem is that spending increased dramatically. When Bush came into office, the national debt was a little over $5T. When he left it was $9T. Two years into office, Obama has racked it up to $14T.

The problem was back then, as it is today, not a lack of taxation (higher taxes actually decreases revenues), it's the insane spending.

Oldefarte| 4.13.11 @ 2:34PM

Your comments are noteworthy, but the problem is not with Medicare per se, which is only an extension of the health insurance problems in general [which along with medical services are simply too damned expensive, and the reasons for same are many]. Governmental entitlements/welfare should be limited to Medicaid, and not include Medicare [the latter recipients PAY FOR their benefits, whereas the former DO NOT PAY FOR theirs]. The government has previously stolen/''''BORROWED'''' $trillions from the SS/Medicare trust fund, and the initial solution is for the government to PAY BACK THAT AMOUNT THAT IS DUE TO THE SS/MEDICARE TRUST FUND BENEFICIARIES. Thereafter, the solutions lie in completely uncapping/de-limiting all wages/income from the SS/Medicare taxiation [with an op-out for wealthy income earners if desired]!!!!!!!!!!

squalis| 4.13.11 @ 9:41AM

AMA and AARP sold their soul to the devil.

Idealogue| 4.13.11 @ 9:43AM

With all due respect to Mr Ferrara medicare itself is a socialist idea. For Mr. Ferrara to call Mr. Ryan's plan a good solution is tantamount to saying a little rat poison in the bloodstream is a good solution to having rat poison in the bloodstream. Why can't we just flush all this social tampering to the States where it belongs. Get the federal government back to its core constitutional purpose of defending the states and promoting commerce among the states and foreign nations.

FastJohnny| 4.13.11 @ 9:52AM

"But there is no way the American people are going to vote for the loss of traditional American freedom and prosperity, and the decline of America that would represent. Even core, base constituencies that the Democrats are relying on for bushels of votes are not for that."

I hope you are correct. I don't think I can take another 4 years of this lunacy. Never in my life have I thought about leaving the US, until the recent past. The only thing that is keeping me is the fact that I am an American, I would rather stay and fix things and where would I go to raise my daughter? I mean what other place in the world could substitute for the American Way...none.

Mimi| 4.13.11 @ 10:10AM

An envious Obama will today come out with a decrease in SPENDING plan. Leaks have come out that it will be,....DEFENSE, HIGHER TAXES,and SOC. SECURITY. He is bent on bringing this great nation to its knees...as NASA is readying for the MUSEUM so goes our GREAT MILITARY. His PLAN...quickly devised ...ARE you READY???
Peter...always there , every week with facts, figures and TRUTH ....Thanks again....Can't wait for your take on "O"'S plan!!!

LibertyAtStake | 4.13.11 @ 10:30AM

This what it comes down to for the 2012 setup: Will a majority of Americans apply the intellectual rigor toward understanding "Ryan's careful, well thought-out reforms" *or* will a majority fall (again) for Demo-Hack fear mongering? You seem to have more faith in today's electorate than I do. I hope for the sake of the republic you are more right than I am on this.

d(^_^)b
http://libertyatstake.blogspot.com/
"Because the Only Good Progressive is a Failed Progressive"

martin j smith| 4.13.11 @ 10:54AM

When it comes to economics most voters have no clue. Their views are based on a perceptio or belief ( never mind facts) that a party or both party's see( underline ) to be behaving nicely. So its not that the amount of money cut is so small it is that they agreed to the IDEA of a cut. And, if say Obama offers x Republicans ( Conservatives Tea Party etc ) are expect then offer y which will lead to a miraculous compromise and everyone sing horaaaayyyyyy for us WE WIN . And then the voters are happy too. This is what I surmise from polls related to recent budget issues. Are they or the voters to be believed. I do not know.

Oldefarte| 4.13.11 @ 2:39PM

Martin, if a runaway horse is headed in the wrong direction, you first have to get it turned around into the right direction, then you can whip the hell out of it and make it giddyup in the direction that you want. We're in the turn around phase, and hopefully after November of 2012, we can proced to the giddyup phase!!!!!!!!!

Ken (Old Texican)| 4.13.11 @ 11:25AM

Mr. Ferrara,
thanks again. Senator DeMint used the term "unwinding" all this stuff. Even he understands that it can't be done with fell swoop...
...unless there is a major catastrophe.
I fully expect one...soon.

Ernie Taormina| 4.13.11 @ 12:46PM

Good Lord, I hope you're right.

Ken (Old Texican)| 4.13.11 @ 12:56PM

Ernie,
Hell, I have already outlined it. Check out my book's website.
www.americaalonesaidno.com

Who Knows?| 4.13.11 @ 1:29PM

Thanks again for a fine article, Mr. Ferrara.

I have two points.

That hoary cliché, about making laws and sausage being similar, came to mind when I read this health care stuff---by the way, it seems to this almost 69-year-old that Americans have been debating this subject all my adult life.

In the early 60’s I actually worked in my uncle’s sausage and hot dog factory in Portland, Oregon. And, believe me, my insider’s report is---never eat a hot dog!

Just so, it is blatantly easy to comprehend what goes into making laws, never more so than when we have such “law = hot dog” makers like Pelosi shooting out so much exposing nonsense.

Here’s another memory---to make sausage, the ingredients are necessarily squirted out a high-pressure container into some kind of thin membrane, and then tied off at the appropriate intervals.

Well, I’ll never forget this one worker who had the misfortune of having part of his brain blown away when the machine blew up. He gave physical meaning to the phrase, “He’s not all there.”

I just wonder if maybe something like this isn’t going on, NOW.

Indeed, it seems to me that those half-human leaders of the donkey party have ALREADY had most of their brains blasted away. And, anyway, it could be that the MACHINE is about to really explode, in D.C.

Secondly, Ferrara’s point about how medical professionals get paid to help their customers, ‘er patients, also revived another old memory.

Incentives matter, no? Also, moral hazard must always be taken into account, especially in this putatively “individual responsibility” nation of America.

Well, it’s long seemed to me that the whole western health care “system” went over the cliff, and has been falling closer and closer to finally hitting a suicidal bottom, in a logical conclusion of its inherent contrary premises.

In China, doctors supposedly get paid to keep you well, so if you’re sick, they don’t get anything.

In America, when you are sick, you PAY the doctor to heal you.

The incentives are bassackwards!

In any case, even though no man is an island, ultimately we are each BODILY, and MENTALLY, and in every other dimension responsible for creating whatever state of health or dis-ease that is our present condition.

Yes, moral hazard + incentives = the summary of the American “health care” situation.

In real estate, OPM, or other people’s money, or leverage, is the “magic” way to wealth---or, at least it used to be!

In terms of the “profit” of the body, OPE, or other people’s energy, known as “doctors caring for you”, has lost its magic.

Next time you see your doctor for whatever ailment you’ve achieved, why don’t you ask him or her who THEIR doctor is, and get an appointment with them?

Or, better yet, DO IT YOURSELF!

Agent Rose| 4.13.11 @ 2:20PM

This is well reasoned and accurate. Of course Paul Ryan's plan is better than the Democrats' plan. For that matter Humpty Dumpty's plan would be better than the Democrats' plan.

THE PRECISE PROBLEM is not the plans and the dirth of leadership. It is their communication skills. The Republicans need to go on a retreat somewhere with professionals and LEARN HOW TO COMMUNICATE.

Trump is able to do that.
Christie is able to do that.

Can't the Republicans see this?

Wayne | 4.13.11 @ 2:31PM

Yes ObamaCare is a death sentence for seniors. So I am not praising ObamaCare one bit when I saw Ryan's plan is ALSO a death sentence.

It is common knowledge that 40 percent of you medical costs will come in you last 6 months of life. That means simply that NO ONE wants to insure you in those last 6 months. NO ONE. The rates for a senior entering what likely will be entering his last year of life will be hundreds of thousands of dollars and possible in the millions, depending on what disease he has. $15000 will not begin to pay for it.

The Bruce| 4.14.11 @ 12:13AM

Look, it's easy to talk about the costs of the "last six months" in hindsight. It's another think, in the present, for a doctor or insurance company or Medicare to know when the patient has six months left.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that we can't accurately assess when a person has reached the doorstep of those last six months.

Kingofthenet| 4.13.11 @ 2:38PM

Here is some ABSOLUTE truths: NO insurance plan covers EVERYTHING from anyone. Granny wants some weird treatment with a .01% success rate? PAY FOR IT YOURSELF! Granny wants an operation that her doctor things isn't in her best interest, same thing. When did people in this country suddenly believe that because they have insurance they get whatever they want? or never pay for 'Cadillac' service? Insurance is a floor not a ceiling.

Oldefarte| 4.13.11 @ 2:41PM

In conclusion on this subject, THANKS PETER FOR YOUR TYPICALLY INFORMATIVE/INTERESTING EDITORIAL!!!!

Joe D.| 4.13.11 @ 2:47PM

I hope you are right, Peter. However, there are alot of stupid people out there. We should have gotten control of both houses in 2010. But we did not. They cheat and steal elections with the best of third world countries as well.

Kingofthenet| 4.13.11 @ 3:21PM

If the Govt. or Private Insurance doesn't pay for my food, is that a Death Sentence too? or is it time to crack open the piggy bank? Same for Hip Replacements on 90 yo Cancer patients.

Britney Hilton| 4.13.11 @ 4:08PM

I'm voting for Obama in 2012 'cause he's sexy. Barbara Walters said so.

Anthony| 4.13.11 @ 5:04PM

April 13, 2011, a day of American infamy.
We had two major blows to our republic; the first was Obozo's speech, in which he delcared war on self sufficency, limited government, and market forces capitalism.
Today, Obozo said America's greatness flows from our social welfare programs, not self sufficiency and productivity in the private sector. Today, Obozo declared that all money is really the government's, and that which we keep is a drain on government entitlements. Today, Obozo declared war on the productive class.
The second blow was watching these incredible morons in congress exchange positions that each side took in 2006 on raising the debt ceiling.
Obozo, Reid, Hoyer, et al now"regret" their 06 positions, (which they suffered no consequences for, imagine that) and now claim that raising the debt ceiling is vital to America's interest. All with a straight face!!! These people are not only insane, they're shameless.
The Rs, including Boehner and Cantor, who clamed in 06 that raising the debt ceiling would lead to economic chaos, now are willing to raise the debt ceiling to quell the fears of the markets.
Folks, this tells us all we need to know about those who govern in Washington. They are all morally and intellectually corrupt to the core.
America is in mortal danger and absent a miracle, we are done. We need another Mt. Rushmore face in 2012, if we last that long.

Nite| 4.13.11 @ 9:31PM

Ryan's plan is obviously better than Obmacare. Nearly anything is better than that. However, the article states Seniors could utilize Health Savings Accounts. These accounts are not useful for the elderly or families with a member that has a chronic disease. The elderly are considered toss away people just like those who are disabled in some capacity.

Yosemeti Sam| 4.13.11 @ 10:47PM

Um, do this Shultz now get the loan of the Pelosi turbo-charged BROOM?

JFGalt| 4.14.11 @ 8:00AM

I regularly voted against Little Debbie in Florida. She was useless but she had an army of seniors that she kept scared that would always vote her back in. People just don't learn and Debbie is looking to be the next Pelosi when she gets the chance. They are about power not helping anyone except themselves.

shipley130| 4.14.11 @ 5:11PM

Wasserman-Schultz is an a-hole, thru and thru. She couldn't seem to grasp the concept that military members are just as much in danger as her precious homosexuals. I guess the Fort Hood, shooting, the shooting at recruiter's offices, etc isn't enough evidence. She is gross, gross, gross.

Dee See| 4.15.11 @ 11:27PM

The stated, ON RECORD, agendas of the capstone 'shadow government' (i.e. the REAL government) Agenda 21 Club of Rome, UNESCO
et al is population 'easing' (i.e. extermination) to the tune of 80-90% by any and all means
by 2100.

They also call for 100 MILLION Americans
to be exterminated by 2050.

"THOU SHALT NOT KILL"

-what part of this situtation don't we understand?

Claire Solt| 4.27.11 @ 10:00AM

HERE IS A LITTLE MORE INFO. Here in col West land (ie S Fl) Schultz who has represented the Jewish retirees of Boca Raton was challenged by a popular conservative talk show host. She out ethnicized Schultz being Jewish and Hispanic. The polls must have very unfavorable to Schultz. Hence the DC Dems rescued her from the ignomy of defeat by giving her the DNC.

Creative Recreation | 8.10.11 @ 10:23PM

is good

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