The American Spectator : What Makes Us Great?

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What Makes Us Great?

By Fred Lucas on 5.6.11 @ 6:08AM

Government “investment” in Democratic party building?

President Barack Obama has yet to adopt a slogan for his 2012 reelection bid, but he does seem to be warming up to a theme, or at least a formula: Spending equals greatness.

That’s not to say the president does not realize spending restraint is necessary to avoid a fiscal crisis. Rather — at least based on a reemerging theme — Obama seems to think American greatness is directly tied to government spending.

Most recently, on April 28 in New York, Obama told his base at a fundraising event of the Democratic National Committee, “I’m not going to reduce our deficit by sacrificing the things that always made up great as a people.”

Those would be what? He continued, “I’m not going to sacrifice investments in education. I’m not going to make scholarships harder to get and more expensive for young people. I’m not going to sacrifice the safety of our highways or our airports. I’m not going to sacrifice clean air and clean water. I’m not going to sacrifice clean energy at a time when we need to free ourselves from dependence on foreign oil, and folks are getting killed at the pump.”

“Investments” are another name for spending. But the federal government did not “always” spend money on those things that have “always made America great.”

“There’s more than one way to mortgage America’s future,” Obama continued at the New York event. “We mortgage that future if we don’t get a handle on our deficit and debt, but we also mortgage it if we’re not investing in those things that will assure the promise of the American Dream for the next generation.”

Thus, the American Dream cannot be accomplished without government spending?

This was an extension of what Obama said when he delivered his alternative fiscal plan to Rep. Paul Ryan’s proposal, talking specifically about Social Security, unemployment insurance, Medicare and Medicaid.

“We are a better country because of these commitments,” Obama told a crowd on April 13 at George Washington University. “I’ll go further — we would not be a great country without those commitments.”

An audacious statement considering two of those programs — Medicare and Medicaid — did not exist before 1965. Social Security and unemployment insurance were products of the New Deal. So what of the United States from 1776 to 1935? It was OK, but then really became great after the Great Society?

To be clear, in the GWU speech, and the several others at DNC events, he acknowledged American individualism and entrepreneurship as a factor in America’s greatness.

“The America we know is great not because of our skyscrapers or the size of our GDP,” Obama told a DNC gathering on April 21 in San Francisco. “It’s because we’ve been able to keep two ideas together at the same time. The first idea is that we are all individuals endowed with certain inalienable rights and liberties; that we are self-reliant; we are entrepreneurs. We don’t expect others to do for us what we can do for ourselves, and we don’t really like people telling us what to do. But the second idea, just as important is that we’re all in this together; that we look out for one another; that I am my brother’s keeper; that I am my sister’s keeper.”

That is a fair and even moral point that most Americans should agree with, aside from the debate on what role the federal government has in achieving being our brother’s keeper. But the president has effectively said America would not be great without New Deal or Great Society programs that are less than a century old. Such thinking sounds almost like a conservative parody of liberalism.

The next day in Culver City, Calif., Obama pushed the message that America could not be prosperous without government spending.

“But let me tell you something. I will not reduce our deficit by sacrificing the things that have always made America great, the things that have made Americans prosper,” the president said, before talking again of “investments” in education, scientific research, green energy and highway safety.

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About the Author

Fred Lucas is the White House correspondent for CNSNews.com.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (161) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 5.6.11 @ 6:31AM

Actually, the private sector had a big hand in Osama's demise.

The private sector manufactured the uniforms, the weapons and ammunition and the transportation.

Although Obama believes in big government it's an illusion to state it's helping anyone.

Since the War on Poverty commenced we are at 9 trillion and have only moved the poverty scale higher.

That would appear to indicate that big government is not the answer.

Big government has produced big budgets. Those budgets are filled with kickbacks and corruption

Obama's stimulus is nothing but a slick money laundering scheme where stimulus money is being used to prop up corrupt local governments then the funds find their way back into Democratic coffers.

In that sense Obama is adhering to a long term American practice. Buying the public's vote with the public's money.

Spoonman| 5.6.11 @ 7:07AM

Big budgets, big spending and huge deficits that someday will need to be repaid! Now setting the stage to provide big, big inflation while continuing to devalue the dollar robbing every American (slacker, worker, poor or rich) with an insidious, invisible tax on not only their existing income but also devaluing anything that they have managed to save over their lifetime.

This is what OBama's hope and change gets you!

jon b| 5.7.11 @ 4:08PM

Oh please! When is reality going to be a part of your repertoire? "W's" and Reagan's spending caused over 10 times more debt in America than all other Presidents combined. The last fiscal conservative we've had is Bill Clinton, but then none of you are real conservatives except in name only

LiveFreeOrDie| 5.7.11 @ 10:23PM

Reality? Obama added more in debt last month than was borrowed in all of 2007. The failure known as stimulus will cost more than the entire Iraq war. Obama's projected spending will be at least 25% of GDP from now on!

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:18AM

jon b have you been in a coma for the last 2 years? If so I can understand your stupidity, but if not then pull your head out and listen to LiveFreeOrDie he's spot on!!! As far as Clinton it was the Republican Congress that balanced the budget. You're boy said it couldn't be done and then took credit for it.

mark costa | 5.9.11 @ 6:59PM

excellent comment!!

John Navratil| 5.6.11 @ 11:37AM

Bill Hussein O'Stalin,

Poverty can NEVER be eliminated in America as its definition is political. It is defined as lacking a socially acceptable amount of money or possessions. It originally was set at three times the cost of a complete nutritionally balanced diet but has changed over time.

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 7:40PM

"Investments" are another name for spending. But the federal government did not "always" spend money on those things that have "always made America great." -- actually, since we became a world power, yes it has - in fact that's one thing that has made this country great - the great middle class was helped in it's creation by government limiting the "robber barons" of the 19th century and excesses of the Wall Street honchos that lead to the Great Depression. Now, this country has also had an entrepreneurial spirit and a "can-do" attitude. But not until the government gave the people a hand by creating the environment where they could thrive, did we have the middle class that sets us apart as an exceptional country.
Do you really think the wealthy and the corporate world cared to help the poor become middle class? If so, how?

Dagney Taggert| 5.6.11 @ 9:59PM

I'll tell you how, through attrition. Leftist love to view the lower classes as static. But American exceptionalism is based on the fact that many move their way through the class ranks as they are allowed to succeed.
Do you really think there is another economic system that fosters individual success up through the class ranks? If so, which one?

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 10:43PM

No there isn't, as long as we keep the upper classes from becoming the aristocracy and keeping the rest down as laborers to the rich.

jothepro| 5.7.11 @ 10:26AM

Hey Purpleguy,
Your ignorance is astounding !!!!!!!!!!

Purpleguy| 5.7.11 @ 3:01PM

so which one are you - rich or laborer? do you get a paycheck or on the dole?

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:19AM

25% of the 200K jobs recently created jobs were hamburger flipper jobs. Thanks to Obama good jobs have gone to China and Europe.

Gardenia Smith| 5.8.11 @ 9:35AM

Thanks to Obama?!! Short memory: more jobs were sent abroad during the 90's & 00's (GWB's watch) than any other period. Yes, it's the Republicans who increased the migration of jobs in India, Bangladesh, China, etc. Obama has been trying to undo Bush's damage for 2 years, and it's a very tough job! This is the smartest president we've had in decades, if not ever. And for those anti-government, do not use public schools and roads. And continue dreaming you will all be very one day rich because the promiscuous Ayn Rand said so. Yeah, right.

Mark Costa| 5.10.11 @ 11:05PM

Yea i love all those shovel ready jobs that is just
a monstrasal of kick backs to Obumers lobbist.
and his 17 Trillion dollar debt that will de-valuate
the US currency. anywhere he goes he has the least experience in the room and he's running our
country(in the ground) No gardenia he is a terrible
president
Pls name the places he is bringing jobs back(you cannot include government jobs) for that matter,
name one thing he has done to help the economy
You are nothing but a Liberal Duesch Bag!!!

BNebr| 5.9.11 @ 1:28AM

Hey Purpleguy.....after years of trying to open my own business, I found someone who did what I wanted to do and he helped me do it. He did it for some equity but I soon bought him out and now I'm doing just fine. In fact, I have some guys that work for me that are now partners. Soon they'll be doing their own thing and the government never had a hand in it. By the way, my company has had over 2,500 full and part time employees over the past 15 years.

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 11:11AM

Oh yes, the MORON decares his stupid/incompetence as being a typical GOVEMINT employee being pushed down by private industry intelligent creators of income. He's too stupid and inept to garner sufficient income and pi**es, moans and groans accordingly concerning his own inadequaticies. These welfare workers, community -orgainzer types are always complaining about THE MAN keeping them down in the hole, and fail to acknowledge their inept nature to either sufficiently provide for themselves and their families [and therefore GOVEMINT dependent]!!!!!!!!!

Purpleguy| 5.7.11 @ 3:02PM

how's the social security check these days, old one?

Negro X| 5.8.11 @ 7:30PM

More class warfare jibberish, find a better argument.

fmm| 5.8.11 @ 9:35AM

If you would change your words of "upper class aristocracy" to big government, you would be spot on purp.

Mark Costa| 5.9.11 @ 6:54PM

luv you ,guy. great stomach punch

Darin| 5.6.11 @ 6:44AM

Even more disturbing is a comment Obama made during his budget speech a couple weeks ago (the one where he invited Rep Ryan and than slammed him).

Obama said he wants to "reduce expenditures in the tax code." Most don't understand what this means. Obama believe EVERYTHING you earn is the property of the government, and he wants to reduce the amount you are "allowed" to keep (the "expenditure" part). If more people really understood this, the discussion of the 2012 election would be over.

Michael Tomlinson| 5.6.11 @ 7:07AM

Darin you're spot on. This is code language for tax increases and hitting the middle class hard by ending the mortgage and charitable deductions.

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 7:41PM

Oh, really? Guess you haven't looked at Paul Ryan's plan very closely - what do you think "closing loopholes in the tax code" is ? that is reducing tax expenditures.

investorcs| 5.7.11 @ 12:37AM

You deliberately leave out information. Ryan's tax code also reduces the overall rate and flattens it out. This keeps overall tax revenues the same, while effectively raising the qualitative aspects of what people do with their own money.

Purpleguy| 5.7.11 @ 3:04PM

flattens it out - hmmmm, let's see to 25% for all - do you pay more than 25% effective (ya know, after all your deductions, etc. are taken off) tax rate? No? then you have a tax increase my little timmy... you've been hoodwinked.

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:21AM

It is Obama and Democrats who brag they're going to end the mortgage and charitable deductions so they can give more subsidies to rich Democrats in "green energy" and fund Brazilian oil.

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 11:24AM

You are a MORON! The Ryan plan is all about REDUCING GOVERNMENT SPENDING [ie block granting MEDICAID that will limit/reduce this welfare that taxpayers pay for]. '''''Tax loopholes'''' are income exemptions to elements/persons/industries etc for the purpose of providing tax relief to same in order to monitarily assist same [ie mortgage interest deductions that facilitate home ownership]. Want to talk LOOPHOLES, moron? Let's discuss the
$billions provided to GM/Chrysler in federal bailout money, and that now the GOVEMINT has disclosed it intent to divest of all of its previously acquired stock holdings of same that will leave the TAXPAYERS [who fund GOVEMINT] with an $8 BILLION loss [waste of taxpayers' money]. And why did yo GOVEMINT bailout GM etc? So OBAMER could benefit his GD labor unions buddies, that's why, MORON!!!!!!!!!!!!

Purpleguy| 5.7.11 @ 5:08PM

Are you that dense? Why don't you ask the millions of workers in this country that still have jobs BECAUSE the auto companies were helped.
If you're really upset about bailouts, why don't you focus on GW Bush's bailout of Wall Street - TARP remember? He's the President who signed that disaster - not President Obama who got Osama.

And, did you bother to check your effective tax rate? If, with any deductions or tax credits, your effective tax rate is less than 25% (and over 90% of the taxpayers are under 25%), Ryan's plan will raise your taxes! Raise your taxes! Oh, and give the tax breaks to the wealthiest - again. Wake up and learn something, and stop drinking their KoolAid.

C.K. Amos| 5.7.11 @ 7:30PM

"He's [Bush is] the President who signed that disaster . . ."

Perhaps you've also forgotten Obama's attraction for TARP?

Then-Senator Obama voted in the fall of 2008 for the original TARP.

Then, as president-elect, he sought even more money.

From ABC News, Jan. 13, 2009, dateline Washington, D.C.: "President-elect Barack Obama told Democratic senators in a closed lunch today that he needs the second $350 billion authorized by Congress as part of the TARP legislation last year [2008] and that he'll veto any move by Congress to cut that funding off."

" . . . - not President Obama who got Osama."

Oh, please, no need to be a twit.

The process started in the Bush administration. And the funding of the special ops groups continued.

Barack Obama just happened to be at the juncture of time and circumstance when he could "get" Obama.

And thanks to waterboarding----you know, that Bush-era interrogation technique that Obama loathes and ordered discontinued within hours of taking office----information gained helped track bin Laden, leading to his death.

From what's been reported, Obama agonized over that decision to kill bin Laden just as he did for the months it took him to make a decision to support our troops in Afghanistan.

One more thing: Obama showed no guts doing what he did. Any American president would have done--would have known to do or would have had some advisers who would instruct him so--what Obama did.

It took courage for Bush and his administration, but particularly him, to take the years of insults, undermining and hyper-partisanship insults and obstruction by the Democrats to continue as he did with his campaign on terrorism.

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:27AM

If you think hamburger flipper jobs our good jobs then you've got to love Barack Obama (62,000 or 25% of the most recent 244,000 created by the private sector were at McDonalds). Thank God for the waiver from Obamacare or those jobs wouldn't have been created.

Pupleguy it was Obama who bailed out GM and Chrysler and screwed the bond holders and rewrote bankruptcy law by fiat.

If were going to tally up kills of Muslim terrorists Bush is #1 with a bullet. I'm guessing you're talking about the same Obama who turned Egypt over to the Muslim Brotherhood and is aiding al Qaeda in Libya.

Dagney Taggert| 5.6.11 @ 7:06AM

We need to call this clown on his use of the word "investments" instead of "spending." It's slowly becoming an adapted buzzword of the Liberal Media Complex. As this gets woven into the Complex's narrative, more and more dupes that make up our electorate will become numb to the dangers of overspending, accepting the concept as a necessary evil.

As a guy who makes a living investing and advising others on investing, I take exception to the bastardization of this concept. It's an investment when capital goes in and there is a measurable return on your capital WITHOUT a continued need to add more capital. A well-run portfolio of investments also measures the returns of one position versus another and weeds out the underperforming ones in an effort to maximize returns.

There is no re-evaluation of government programs like Social Security and Medicare--"investments" that are not sustainable on their own in the liberal's "portfolio." Then again they aren't "investing" their own capital, they have an unending stream of our money.

I feel like I'm watching an unethical, untalented stockbroker bilking his rich client. Broker buys bad stocks, holds them forever under the guise of "we're in it for the long run," and client blindly follows. Broker won't admit his mistakes, and continues to average down in a loser--wed to the narrative out of pride. Client stupidly continues to send the checks, buying into the narrative and not noticing he is badly underperforming.

The USA needs to fire it's broker. Then again, the SEC is also the ignorant client in this case, so I can't imagine we're going to see a subpoena anytime soon.

Regardless, we conservatives need to do all we can to expose this use of the word "investment" to trick the masses into bad portfolio management.

Ned| 5.6.11 @ 9:57AM

Even worse is his/their consistent conflation of government spending and tax cuts. It is NOT "spending" by the government to allow me to keep my own money through lower rates or deductions!!

Gardenia Smith| 5.8.11 @ 9:39AM

Funny to notice the aggressive tone used by wingnuts. Morons, etc. And the racism is so evident.

Trinacria| 5.6.11 @ 2:26PM

Spot on, DT. An investment, by definition, is the placement of capital at risk with the aim of generating a return for the investor. In the case of Obama's "investments", the government "invests" our money and someone who has placed nothing at risk reaps all the gains. By this definition, a bank heist is nothing more than an investment, as the thief is simply investing the bank's money for them and another entity (the thief) reaps all the returns. The thief, according to Obammy's view of investing, is entitled to reap the gains from this investment, as we're all better off when we "share the wealth".

Occam's Tool| 5.6.11 @ 6:15PM

Barack Obama is the perfect example of Orwellian political language. If you look at Orwell's essay on Newspeak (the appendix to 1984), you can see that Obama is essentially co-opting its purpose.

Occam's Tool| 5.6.11 @ 6:16PM

Beautiful, T.

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 7:44PM

Did you go to college? Was it an expense or an investment in your ability to make more money and have a better life? Ridiculous arguments about spending you have. Is a house an investment or an expense? How about your car? Now, that could be an expense, unless it is an investment that allows you to get to work. See how easy that is? Was it that painful to understand?

Dagney Taggert| 5.6.11 @ 10:03PM

A house is an investment because it appreciates in value if individual homeowners work at it. Why do you think public housing eventually turns to crap? Spending on public housing vs. investing in one's own property. Car = expense because it depriciates in value.

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 10:46PM

Wow - you don't think anything you buy is an "investment" in improving your life and those around you? Who said public housing was an investment? We're talking education, clean energy, etc. as investments in the future. Your arguments are way old.

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:29AM

"Clean energy" is a rip off of taxpayers to funnel money into Democrat politicians and their family members pockets. Oh, it does go to China, Vietnam and Europe too.

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 11:29AM

You are a MORON! A house, car, education are things YOU as a private individual [or your family] PAYS FOR. YO GOVEMINT does NOT PAY FOR anything, therefore ther is NO INVESTMENT. FYI, the definition of INVESTMENT is to PUT MONEY INTO A PROJECT FOR A '''''PROFIT''''', fool! GOVEMENT does not produce/make/own etc anything [the people/taxpayers do so], so therefore the GOVEMINT cannot ''''''INVEST'''''anything, dumbars!!!!!!

Purpleguy| 5.7.11 @ 5:11PM

Social Security and Medicare aren't investments - they are part of the social safety net that allows older Americans to live with dignity. Investments generate income or appreciate over time. Education, infrastructure improvements, scientific research & medical research, job training, etc. Items that better the population or the basis of our economy.
It's a shame you can't see what's good for America - it sure isn't giving Sean Hannity, Rush Loudmouth and Glenn Beck a tax cut.

MoeBlotz| 5.6.11 @ 7:10AM

Well deserved victory lap? Do you think Barry's predecessor would have flown round the country to promote himself in such a way? Would the late President Reagan? If BHO has his way,if we do not want to be our brother's and sister's keeper,he will use all the power of the federal government to force us into that role.

Anthony| 5.6.11 @ 9:15AM

Moe, When Obozo said Bin Laden was not a trophy to be exploited, our Muslim Marxist in Chief was speaking with leftist double tongue.
Obozo has done nothing but use Osama as a trophy this entire week, as he peacock struts around America, finally showing up at Ground Zero, albeit 3 years too late.
If Bush dared do this, the members of the Order of Lewinsky (LSM) would be screaming holy hell about this shit-kicking cowboy.
The next two years are going to be sickening. We damn well better unite behind a stong candidate who will take on this Muslim Marxist.

RCV| 5.6.11 @ 1:54PM

If only Bush had dared to do this....

Stan Redmond| 5.6.11 @ 3:40PM

Does anyone remember Bush's reaction to capturing Saddam Hussein or the killing of Uday and Qusay?

I don't....hmmm....

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 7:46PM

"Do you think Barry's predecessor would have flown round the country to promote himself in such a way?" Yes, off course Bush did - "Mission Accomplished" - or have you forgotten - 2 months into the 8 year Iraq war - guess he didn't ... but Obama did - he got Osama. Oh, and don't forget " You're doing a heckuva job, Brownie" while he congratulated the horse trainer for ruining FEMA.

MoeBlotz| 5.6.11 @ 8:18PM

USS Abraham Lincoln accomplished its mission off the Afghanistan coast and the commander in chief landed on the ship's flight deck to welcome home our sailors.It had nowt to do with the war in Iraq. Obama did not nail Osama,the policies put in place by the despicable "W" and carried on by Barry enabled our warriors to locate the mass murderer. BHO never acknowledged that. What does FEMA have to do with the subject at hand?

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 10:50PM

Nice talking points .. invented after it blew up in Bush's face - it just so happened be a coincidence with the cessation of major battle in Iraq? Yeah, right. The fool was trying to make political hay from the end of major activities in Iraq, like he did right after 9/11 at ground zero. Didn't endear him to America - it backfired when we saw it for what it was - crass politics.

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 11:32AM

No MORON, he/El Chosen One DID NOT get Osama.......THE NAVY-SEAL TEAM 6 MEMBERS DID. Was Barry on that helicopter with them perhaps? No he was eatin natchocheese and moonpies with MICHELLEMYBELLE in the oval office watching same on satillite TV!!!!!!!

Newsel| 5.7.11 @ 4:02PM

Just a minor point but no one was watching "same on satellite TV. Just pure grandstanding on the part of the Obione publicists...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/new.....20772825,0

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:30AM

Thank God for CIA waterboarding!!!!! The interrogrators and SEALS were the real heroes.

Michael Tomlinson| 5.6.11 @ 7:12AM

Obama's 2012 campaign slogan should be "The Status Quo Forever or Until China Takes Over."

Purpleguy| 5.7.11 @ 5:14PM

Really? Now, who do you think is chanting "Drill, baby, drill" and taking us backward to old technologies for energy production? Ahh, Sarah "I can see Russia from my house" Palin, Newt "you can trust me now, I'm to old to cheat on my wife" Gingrich or Mitt "I'm a flip flopper from Kerryville" Romney, that's who. Following them will take us right where China wants us - wake up.

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:33AM

Idiot who is it that wants to give Brazil billions of American taxpayer's dollars for their oil industry (i.e., George Soros)? You're boy Barack. Guess he's taking us backwards and he's trying to turn us into a Third World nation.

fmm| 5.8.11 @ 9:47AM

purp - please earn your money by posting more - it is better comedy than the comedy channel on cable

Intelligent Design| 5.6.11 @ 7:47AM

The goal of Obama and his fellow Demo-Socialists is to have as many people as possible dependent on the federal government, in order to buy and keep votes with higher taxes and crushing public debt. They are succeeding, and thereby undermining capitalism and freedom. To borrow from the title of Robert Kennedy's book about the mob and the teamsters' union, the Demo-Socialists are "The Enemy Within".

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 7:47PM

And, yet more people became dependent on the Federal Government under Bush than any recent predecessor or successor ... hmmm, makes your head spin, don't it?

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 11:34AM

BULLEXCREMENT! As Joe W. rightfully screamed out at the SOTU address.....YOU [PIGS] LIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Purpleguy| 5.7.11 @ 5:15PM

Do you ever deal in factual evidence or just pull it out of you a**?

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:35AM

25% (62,000) of the most recent 244,000 jobs created were hamburger flipper jobs. That's facts Democrats don't want the public to know. Under Obama 5 million good jobs have totally disappeared. Billions in "green energy" dollars wasted by the Federal gov't have gone to China. BRILLIANT!

Brian Mc| 5.6.11 @ 7:59AM

If we don't like the return for our labors, we either retool our abilities or find other employers to work for. As I watch my spending power shrink by the day, I wonder on a broader scale, where I can go?

Orville and Wilbur would still be repairing bicycles under the alien's watch.

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 7:48PM

If the investments the President talks about come about or continue, you will have more options, then if they don't.

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 11:38AM

Yeah, moron, those GOVEMINT INVESTMENTS in AFL-CIO dominated GM/Crysler, in [un]STIMULUS, in WELFARECARE, in Interior's prevention of oil drilling permits, in those windmill powered automobiles, etc. Yeah, right, AND THE GD COW JUMPED OVER THE MOON; WHILE THE DISH RAN AWAY WITH THE SPOON [no doubt the taxpayers' spoon]!!!!!!!

Purpleguy| 5.7.11 @ 5:19PM

Where's the jobs, Mr Boehner?
Abortion-Abolition, Medicare on Life support, No aid-Medicaid , F* the environment, educationless legislation - but not one job in the bunch. Good show those Republican'ts friends of yours.

C.K. Amos| 5.7.11 @ 7:42PM

It's daffy and perhaps even a bit demented to believe that in the almost-four months since John Boehner becaame Speaker of the House, he would've produced jobs.

Just because Obama has never meant what he said--in 2008, in 2009, in 2010 and apparently in 2011--remember the SOTU address?--about jobs and economy being his top priority, deflecting Obama's failure to Boehner is sophormoric at best.

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:36AM

62,000 of the 244,000 jobs created were hamburger flipper jobs. No retooling necessary. Great job Barack.

Carol| 5.6.11 @ 8:00AM

I believe Obama has already stolen the next election.

And a warning to my conservative friends:

You see how Obama is ignoring Texas because they didn't vote for him - the same will happen with Obamacare.

You didn't vote for the SOB you won't receive any healthcare.

I pray the men and women of the U.S. military past and present save us from the evil bastard.

We are sinking fast and it's going to take an army to save us.

Believe me - Obama has his Civilian Domestic Army growing by leaps and bounds - and he has access to all military weaponry.

Intelligent Design| 5.6.11 @ 12:04PM

Obama doesn't have a "prayer" of getting re-elected. The polls don't even begin to show how disgusted people really are, and ready for "Change". Donald Duck could beat Obama just by saying "quack quack" over and over again. Senate Democrats are on the same sinking ship. They are in denial after November 2010.

RCV| 5.6.11 @ 1:56PM

You're going to be a very surprised and disappointed boy on the day after the election 2012.

Occam's Tool| 5.6.11 @ 6:18PM

Dear RCV,

just remember you're on the hook for 50 bucks if Obama loses. Of course, if Paul is nominated for the Republicans, I may have to vote for the other guy, as Paul is to the left of Obama on terrorist issues.

Clint| 5.8.11 @ 2:04PM

On October 10, 2001, Congressman Ron Paul led the effort in Congress to give President Bush the tools he needed to capture, dead or alive, Osama bin Laden and the other terrorists responsible for September 11th. Dr. Paul introduced on that day H.R. 3076 - The September 11 Marque and Reprisal Act of 2001.

If passed, that legislation would have given President Bush an additional weapon against bin Laden. If Dr. Paul's legislation had passed in 2001, it is likely bin Laden would not have been around until last Sunday.

Also, Dr.Ron Paul Voted for The Resolution to go into Afghanistan.

" Ron Paul is one of the outstanding leaders fighting for a stronger national defense. As a former Air Force officer, he knows well the needs of our armed forces, and he always puts them first. We need to keep him fighting for our country."
-Ronald Reagan

Stan Redmond| 5.6.11 @ 3:45PM

hope and change. hope and change.
yes we can yes we can yes we can

Newsel| 5.7.11 @ 4:04PM

Do not take that for granted - get out there and make sure that the D. Duck beats Obione.....

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 7:51PM

Wait - Texas needs Federal help - Really? Thought that's the Lone Star State?
BTW- Texas reaps far more from the Federal coffers than it gives to the Federal govt. You can actually look that up, instead of spouting BS.

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 11:41AM

Really, moron? How much oil/gasoline/natural gasoline does Massachusetts, Vermont, Delaware, New York produce? Hey but they sure do recieve a lot of GOVEMINT AID/BENEFITS, huh? Ever hear of Am-Track of the northeast? Take your BULLEXCREMENT AND GO VISIT THE NYT WEBSITE INSTEAD OF HERE!!!!!

Purpleguy| 5.7.11 @ 5:38PM

Once again, you didn't look it up, did you?

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:39AM

Moron for merely partisan political reason Texas is being allowed to burn. Not only that to save Cairo, IL a derelict community millions of acres of Missouri farmland was ruined as well as hundreds of hardworking families lost their homes. BRILLIANT Barack!

C.K. Amos| 5.7.11 @ 7:44PM

Obama's CDA will get it's a** kicked if its members are stupid enough to follow Obama.

hardcard| 5.6.11 @ 8:24AM

"What a revoltin' developement this is !" Chester A. Reilly

Winterhawk| 5.6.11 @ 8:48AM

It is no longer the democrat party. It is the communist party. Many more of them are coming out of the closet. I'm surprised there are so many in our government. That is not good.

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 7:51PM

Idiotic paranoia.

SrMcCarthy| 5.6.11 @ 8:22PM

Are you,or have you ever been a member of the communist party?

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 10:51PM

No way ... Ex-military here, but I can think for myself - how about you?

Carol| 5.7.11 @ 10:10AM

Now I know what the purple stands for.

http://defeatcommunism.com/pro.....-goes-full

Newsel| 5.7.11 @ 4:08PM

GREAT - its a keeper. Just love the purple "T" shirts...

Purpleguy| 5.7.11 @ 5:39PM

Purple Heart you ditz - and your welcome for my service to protect your Republicant a**

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:42AM

If you actually have a Purple Heart good on you, but why not share you're name so we can verify your claim. As you know Democrats have worked hard to denigrate military service and protect frauds who claim to be war heroes. So forgive us for being a bit uncertain of your cliam.

skip| 5.8.11 @ 10:54AM

Not to mention purple heart recipients never, ever, talk about it under any circumstances. You can't even get one of them to acknowledge they should have received it.

With two exceptions, the unintelligent and dishonest idiot poster above and John Kerry.

Ore Gone| 5.8.11 @ 5:33PM

Which countries military is that? As a communist it must have been hard to take the oath.

Negro X| 5.8.11 @ 7:29PM

Purpletroll,
back to lying about being in the military again? You were exposed before as a fraud, do we have to do it all over again? Just post what your controllers tell you and don't attempt to look intelligent by adding your own commentary.

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 11:45AM

'''''Idiotic paranoia'''' are words used by typical extremists, domestic terrorists LOSERS [who no doubt use phrases like TEABAGGING, RACISM, etc; when they're too stupid to properly communicate their inadequate thought processes]!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

C.K. Amos| 5.7.11 @ 7:46PM

Of course, those who consider themselves to be in the Progressive Ruling Class--also known as the Democrat Party--would object to their cabal being called "communist."

After all, the reality in which they exist differs hugely from everyone else's.

And, of course you know, words mean only what they decide they mean.

Redstateboy| 5.6.11 @ 8:57AM

the Nat'l Labor Relations Board is telling Boeing they cannot begin an operation in a Conservative Red State - SC. I watched last nights debate and I think any one of those men on the stage will rip Das Messiah a new one and This Boeing thing?? At some point... Someone, even from the lame stream media, is going to ask Hussein to explain what that's all about and what could he possibly say?

Anthony| 5.6.11 @ 9:06AM

The Obozo Campaign theme for 2012 is America is great because of ME, MY and I.There you have it Mr. Lucas, next question.

JP| 5.6.11 @ 9:19AM

I don't think Carnegie, or Rockefeller woke up one days and asked, "What makes America great?"

Our society is so self-conscious, ironic, and jaded that we lost what the German poet Schiller once referred to, "niave consciousness". He contrasted that with sentimental consciousness. Schiller coined these terms concerning poetry. But, they can aslo apply to societies. Using his ideas, the US has matured to the sentimental stage. Many look back with fondness to the generations that made up this nation. Those past generations did so without consciously being aware of what they were doing. They just did. And they did it with all the weaknesses, cruelty, and messiness that is part of being human. I think most Americans would just like to get on with life and live it. This coda in our history known as the Progressive Era has run its course.

Today's Progressives believe with the kind of faith that only clerics and bureaucratic elites can possess that they can micro-manage every single human under thier "control". They've gone beyond the sentimental and evolved into the oppressive. They are what Nietzsche called, "The Last Man". While thier credentials and background appear to be worldy and cosmpolitan, beneath that veneer lies the soul of a petty, narrow minded, and neurotic schoolmaster. This is what the "governing class" looks like.

Greatness is a subjective term. It is similar to what the late Justice Potter Stewart quipped concerning pornography. He said, "I can't define pornography. But I do know it when I see it."

Finally, we should also keep in mind what another great American said about our government, money and power. PJ O'Rourke wrote, "Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys."

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 7:55PM

Au contraire, conservatism is dying and the Republicans know it... you just don't yet. We've been a socialist state for over 80 years and u aren't going to change it. If the government is not for the people, by the people and of the people - what would you have - dictatorship.

MoeBlotz| 5.6.11 @ 8:27PM

Your last sentence is correct. The tea party patriots are determined to stop the march to socialism and dictatorship by using the ballot box . The hated Tricky Dick was right,the great silent majority is speaking.

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 10:52PM

We are socialist already - that ship has sailed. and the Tea Party is dying... seen the latest rallies?

C.K. Amos| 5.7.11 @ 8:29PM

I know that you think that by making such outrageous assertions, you may help bring such fantasy to reality.

Won't work.

And just because the puppet media started that fantasy that the Tea Party is disappearing is, on its face, even more reason to discount such rumor.

But keep believing that.

You and your ilk will find--as will some RINOs currently in Congress-- come next year during the campaigning and then at the polls, how very alive the Tea Party and conservatives have been.

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 11:48AM

Wait till November of 2012 [that's next year moron] and see what conservatives/Republicans/indipendents do to REVERSE the domestic-terrorism, extremely radical, socialistic policies of the current dictatorial regime currently running this country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Purpleguy| 5.7.11 @ 5:40PM

You can't - Bush left behind too many secret tools to screw the American people....

C.K. Amos| 5.7.11 @ 8:26PM

Nice try, but wrong.

- - - - - - -

From Gallup on June 15, 2009: "'Conservatives' Are Single-Largest Ideological Group"

"Percentage of 'liberals' higher this decade than in early '90s"

Dateline: PRINCETON, NJ -- Thus far in 2009, 40% of Americans interviewed in national Gallup Poll surveys describe their political views as conservative, 35% as moderate, and 21% as liberal. This represents a slight increase for conservatism in the U.S. since 2008, returning it to a level last seen in 2004. The 21% calling themselves liberal is in line with findings throughout this decade, but is up from the 1990s.

These annual figures are based on multiple national Gallup surveys conducted each year, in some cases encompassing more than 40,000 interviews. The 2009 data are based on 10 separate surveys conducted from January through May. Thus, the margins of error around each year's figures are quite small, and changes of only two percentage points are statistically significant.

- - - - - - - -

From Gallup, June 25, 2010: "In 2010, Conservatives Still Outnumber Moderates, Liberals"

"Last year's increase in conservatism among independents is holding"

Dateline: PRINCETON, NJ -- Conservatives have maintained their leading position among U.S. ideological groups in the first half of 2010. Gallup finds 42% of Americans describing themselves as either very conservative or conservative. This is up slightly from the 40% seen for all of 2009 and contrasts with the 20% calling themselves liberal or very liberal.

The 2010 results are based on eight Gallup and USA Today/Gallup surveys conducted from January through June, encompassing interviews with more than 8,000 U.S. adults. The 42% identifying as conservative represents a continuation of the slight but statistically significant edge conservatives achieved over moderates in 2009. Should that figure hold for all of 2010, it would represent the highest annual percentage identifying as conservative in Gallup's history of measuring ideology with this wording, dating to 1992. . .

Bottom Line

The ideological orientation of Americans seen thus far in 2010 would represent a record-high level of conservatism (since at least 1992) if it is maintained for the full year. This follows an increase in the percentage of conservatives in 2009 that was fueled by heightened conservatism among independents, a pattern that continues today.

- - - - - - - - -

From Gallup, February 25, 2011: "Mississippi Rates as the Most Conservative U.S. State"

The conservative political label continues to prevail by a significant margin in most of the U.S. states.

Additionally, ideological identification has been largely stable in recent years even though there has been greater change in party affiliation at the state level.

The 2010 elections brought more politicians who are conservative into office at the state level, and some of the results are evident in the approaches state governments are taking to deal with their biggest challenges, such as attempts to cut pay or benefits of unionized state workers to address revenue shortfalls and budget deficits.

- - - - - - --

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:43AM

Again you're speaking out of your ass the most recent studies don't support your claim, but like most DemocRATS facts are an inconvenience to be ignored.

Dee See| 5.6.11 @ 9:32AM

---Great piece.

Meanwhile, speaking of the world media Fukishima cover up, DO catch that item about
the retired nuclear official in Kent England
whose found radiation readings off the chart
in his backyard garden. He even got radiation
burns on his arms and hands.
(Check Out Alan Watt on Youtube 'Humiliation
of Information' part 2 on Youtube for details)

Remember, England's more than twice as far
from the source than we are.

Remember also kiddies, though you'll never hear about it in our media, Fukishima is expected to spew
for the next 10 months ---AT LEAST.

NOW, back to your usual DENIAL munchies...

Dustoff| 5.6.11 @ 9:39AM

Jezzzzzzzzzzz your such a nut.

Did you go to school to be this way?

Melvin| 5.6.11 @ 10:36AM

So that is where my rash came from. I had such high hopes of that tin foil thong providing more protection than it did.
Hmm I did think it odd that the Squirrels were getting as big as house cats, and have begun being carnivorous. Buggers tried to attack me the other day.
And come to think we used to be worried about Climate Change.

Redstateboy| 5.6.11 @ 9:42AM

since some have tossed in ideas for a Hussein campaign slogan: "Keep the Change."

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 7:56PM

Obama got Osama - I like that one

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 11:50AM

No fool, Navy Seal Team 6 'got Osama'. Yo boy doesn't even have the guts to release the photos for public viewing!!!!!!!

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:47AM

I don't think Obama fast roped into the compound. Fortunately, Bush allowed the CIA to do what needed to be done to get the intel to eventually get Obama.

Here are some real facts. In Bush's first 2 years gas went down 8%. In the same time period under Obama it went up 55%. Unemployment under Bush was 4-5%. Under Obama unemployment is 9-10%.

Relish that 4% bump. 57% of Americans disapprove of Obama's handling of the economy that's reality. It's the economy stupid!!!!

Mike| 5.6.11 @ 9:44AM

To quote Bugs Bunny

"What a maroon"

Mike Johnston
SFC USA (RET)

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:48AM

Mike that is one of my favorite quotes!!! Bravo Zulu

John | 5.6.11 @ 9:53AM

The author conveniently fails to mention the reckless big spending under the liberal Bush Administration including adding Medicare part D, nor did he mention Paul Ryan’s previous bailout and liberal voting record – he cannot be trusted. This is the real problem today – we do not have a conservative media instead we have a GOP media, especially the talk-radio conservative phonies.

Yes we need to cut the reckless spending but NOT in defense. We have a downsized and weak military and need more not less major weapons and an increased manpower. I doubt we could win a real war now against any formidable power.

In addition, America will never be great again unless it has a thriving middle class and makes things. Yet the so-called conservative GOP and their talk-radio allies pounced on Trump when he promotes leveling the trade playing field on communist China. Our founders were for a self-reliant country and were dead set against so-called free trade especially with hostile powers.
Cheap foreign labor via sweetheart trade deals and H1-B visas is really international back-door socialism – a race to the bottom as today’s 9% unemployment shows.

We need a new American-first, patriotic media to be great again so the real truth is given to Americans.

Maddox| 5.6.11 @ 10:57AM

If the average dim(Dem) voters who believe government will take care of them could understand the level of theft, money laundering, and treason perpetrated by the Democratic party, and the repercussions coming, those crooks would have to flee Washington. The illusory carrot being waved will win them another election cycle and that will be the end of the little freedom that remains. It didn't have to be this way but sloth and greed are winning.

Pete| 5.6.11 @ 11:09AM

"The first idea is that we are all individuals endowed with certain inalienable rights and liberties" - How could he say that with a straight face? He is truly a gifted liar.

LarryK| 5.6.11 @ 11:29AM

1. In God We Trust
2. Law - Constitution
3. Individualism
4. Private Property rights
5. Capitalism

Need I say more?

Al Adab| 5.6.11 @ 1:34PM

That covers it well, Larry.

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 7:59PM

Yep, and the left would not argue with that - the wealthy would however. They expect special breaks from Congress and the government - ever hear of Lobbyists? They ain't there for their health, kiddo. Now who do you think wants tax cuts and tax breaks for the rich? Hmmm? Stop drinking the Kool Aid and wake up - the R's have hoodwinked you.

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 11:52AM

The lobbyists want tax breaks because they .....EARNED IT, moron [unlike yo GOVEMINT that doesn't earn anything, only steals (ie taxiation) it]!!!!!!!!

C.K. Amos| 5.7.11 @ 8:41PM

"- ever hear of Lobbyists?"

As a matter of fact, yes.

Look, do some research or something, anything, to replace your liberal talking points with something having substance.

Lobbyists funnel money to both parties, just as major corporations, for the most part, give money to both parties.

Regarding your admonition to stop drinking the Republican Kool-Aid: Thanks for the laugh from someone, you, whose posts read like they could've been written by Chris Matthews, Larry O'Donnell, Rachel Maddow, Bill Maher, Ed Schultz, etc., or the White House and/or DNC propaganda machines, as well as penned by main contributors/site managers at Daily Kos, Puffington Host, etc.

George S| 5.6.11 @ 11:33AM

Economics for ~~Dummies~~ Community Organizers:

Investments

Investments are voluntary transactions that have an expectation of return in value greater than the amount invested. Therefore, tax dollars are not investments because: a) they are not voluntary; and b) the return provided is for the politician, not the taxpayer.

Taxes, therefore, are fees for service. Governments are instituted to provide an environment for free men to engage in commerce without being swindled or forcefully robbed. Private property ownership or freedom cannot exist without this critical asset -- protection. Thus, our taxes are like insurance policies - -we pay our premiums every year yet we do not consume the services of government unless needed. When they are needed, they are there. That is an investment in the sense that you are protecting your private property's value against fraud and robbery the same way a fire insurance premium protects against destruction by fire.

Entitlements are not investments or fees for service, they are in another category. They simply transfer money from one pocket to another and there is no benefit to the payer. The payer does not see that money grow to his advantage; nor is he getting services in return; nor is he purchasing any peace of mind with an insurance policy. What then, is the purpose? The recipient gets money without having to work for it. And all he has to do is vote for the entities that (continually) give it to him. What's more is that the beneficiaries care not a bit if the entities are subverting the Constitution to keep the entitlement going. In fact, they will even vote for politicians who promise to rape the Constitution to protect their "benefit" (see next chapter). Once that happens, then investment takes on a new meaning: money needed to insure Democrat electoral success.

So what have we learned? Investments in government spending creates a political climate where continual confiscation of wealth is necessary to insure reelection and no longer to insure private property. In fact private property is now coveted by government for it is a source of money to pay entitlements. We now come full circle from paying government to insure our freedom to relinquishing our freedom to pay for government.

Jack London| 5.6.11 @ 2:19PM

Just maybe, George, a more equal society would have say less crime and be more highly educated, which would be huge benefits to the 'entitlement payer'. As far as I'm concerned it's anti-American to discard people who are born into great disadvantage. Once you abolish say free state education - which you surely do - you won't have much of a nation any more to complain about.

Occam's Tool| 5.6.11 @ 6:20PM

Dear Jack,

Britain is far less safe than we are SINCE the entitlement state was established. Refer to Dalrymple's Life at The Bottom.

I can also attest New Zealand was far less safe than Minnesota.

Jack London| 5.7.11 @ 2:43PM

Sure - I hear life in the slums of Victorian Britain was so pleasant. The problem with poor old Britain is we've exported our brutal capitalist culture there - it's the relative poverty gap that creates destructive societies.

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 8:05PM

We have learned nothing from you. "Investments are voluntary transactions that have an expectation of return in value greater than the amount invested. Therefore, tax dollars are not investments because: a) they are not voluntary; and b) the return provided is for the politician, not the taxpayer." -- you were doing fine until you become ideological. Tax dollars used to improve the country ARE investments because they promote the general welfare and for the common good. Ever hear of the Interstate Highway? The Hoover Dam? The National Park System? How about the Air Traffic Control System? How about the GI Bill? How about the Space program? How about the Panama Canal - although we did give it back to Panama? Surely I've hit something you use or even need. All provided to you by TAX DOLLARS and the positive improvements to American Life brought to you by your elected officials - the Government.

Jack London| 5.7.11 @ 6:39AM

There's also a con trick from the right about the word 'entitlement'. The real entitlement culture lies in those who often by accident, trickery and theft own vast wealth and rely on their minions such as the folk at AmSpec to defend to the end their right not to have it taxed more fairly.

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 11:59AM

No fool, investments are the placement of PRIVATE INDUSTRY moneys into business ventures in order to make PROFITS. Yo GOVEMINT does not produce/own/make/manufacture anything [it steals-taxes[spends taxpayers' moneys], so it is impossible for it to INVEST anything. Investments imply PROFIT, and yo GOVEMINT is a PUBLIC [not a PRIVATE] ENTITY which does not make PROFITS. Yo GOVEMINT taxes/steals the money it recieves from TAXPAYERS, then SPENDS [not INVESTS] same. To invest, one must OWN that which is being invested, and since government does not own anything [its people do], ther is no INVESTMENT, moron!!!!!!!!!

Newsel| 5.7.11 @ 4:13PM

Purpleguy is a troll intent on wind up....no one can be that crass deliberately - can they?

Al Adab| 5.6.11 @ 11:44AM

Reward your friends and punish your enemies, said Andrew Jackson. Well, this Chicago bunch certainly knows how to play that game. Look at the waivers, the spending, the laws mandating purchase of products from favored companies, and so on. There is a word for this incestuous relationship between business and government.

What made America great and set it apart from other nations (and still to some extent does) is the independance of the citizens and their daily activity from government control and interference. We have less of that these days and such a situation is fraught with peril for the greater goal of Liberty.

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 8:06PM

Ah, it has always been and thus will always be - to the winner belongs the spoils - do you want to regulate that?

MoeBlotz| 5.6.11 @ 8:34PM

Caveat emptor.

Ed| 5.6.11 @ 12:37PM

If Obama's 2012 campaign needs a theme song, how about using an old Beach Boys tune?

"And we'll have fun, fun, fun,
'till our daddy takes the Visa away..."

Redstateboy| 5.6.11 @ 4:22PM

Ed... and let's not forget Hussein's own personal favorite: "Papa was a rolling stone" by the Temptations.

Oldefarte| 5.6.11 @ 1:15PM

I'll take Fred's analysis one step further. In El Chosen One's worldview, this country is great because it confiscates/taxes the fruit of its income producers' labor and thereafter transfers same to the indigents of this nation. It's called WELFARE and its provider is GOVERNMENT. Chosen is declaring that he will not relinquish this dispensing by government of welfare without a political fight. Why, simply because that is the sole political agenda of the DEMOCRATIC PARTY, that's why? Democrats use the enforcement power of government [controlled by same Democrats] to play God to the impoverished elements of our society in order to obtain their votes for Democrats in return. As they propagandize, I [meaning Democrats through government] am GOD that grants its manna/governmental benefits to the poor, the downtrodden, the sick, the infirmed, etc; and I GD WELL DEMAND THAT YOU PAY FOR SAID BENEFITS BY VOTING FOR DEMOCRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 8:07PM

Written by a Social Security receiving, Medicare dependent old fart.

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 10:57AM

Written by a typical socialist/communist/radically extremist, domestic terrorist DEMOCRAT who no doubt politically supports the trojun-horsed non-American sympathizer-in-chief. As to SS and Medicare, MORON, I ''''''PAID FOR'''''' [and am NOT DEPENDENT UPON but do receive since I PAID FOR Social Security and Medicare] same for theirty-five years of payroll deductions, unlike your friends/comrades that are DEPENDENT upon '''''MEDICAID'''' [which I also PAID FOR dumbars, along with all other TAXPAYERS]. These MEDICAID'''''GOVERNMENTAL WELFARE'''''' benefits to your friends [and no doubt yourself also] are a complete waste of taxpayers' money forcably paid to the ''''GOVMINT'''' , along with other welfare social support systems ie AFFORDABLE HOMES, AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN, FOOD STAMPS, PUBLIC EDUCATION FOR MORONS-GRADUATES, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION [for welfare recipients who don't own automobiles] etc that are all paid for by TAXPAYERS, moron. Yo GOVMINT doesn't produce,manufacture, or produce anything, fool, but simply in ''''''DEPENDENT'''''upon the hard work, income production and forced TAXIATION for it monetary receipts. YO GOVEMINT is in essence a WELFARE RECIPIENT from TAXPAYERS, and therefore is '''''DEPENDENT''''on same for its WELFARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike Gabel| 5.6.11 @ 5:49PM

What makes the USA great? Simple, we strive for liberty and to defeat tyranny.

Occam's Tool| 5.6.11 @ 6:21PM

Dear Mr. Gabel:

well played.

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 8:08PM

Couldn't agree more. Good show! the Left salutes you!

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 10:59AM

GO TO HADES AND COPULATE OFF!!!!!!!!!

Byron| 5.6.11 @ 7:32PM

Airplanes, Lightbulbs, automobiles, power stations, art, medicine, discoveries, we have a lot to be sorry for, so feel guilty!

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 7:38PM

MoeBlotz| 5.6.11 @ 8:37PM

By creating jobs for sorry arse holes like you.

Purpleguy| 5.6.11 @ 10:54PM

And you too apparently - since you are brainwashed to believe the powerful, elected and connected have YOUR interests at heart. Right, yeah, right.

Oldefarte| 5.7.11 @ 11:06AM

Moron, yo GOVEMINT is/was formed/created by the PEOPLE, not the other way around, dumbars! GOVEMINT doesn't create/produce anything, it simple steals/robs from income producers that do. So if anything is a ''''ROBBER BARON''''stupid, it's yo GOVEMINT. Most/all GOVEMINT workers are typical public school GRADUWAITS that are too stupid to think, to produce, to initiate, to understand, to accompolish anything; who receive exorbatant salaries/benefits/pensions that are PAID by TAXPAYERS and received by MORONS. You no doubt are one of these GOVEMINT IMPOYUES, huh???????????

PerryM| 5.8.11 @ 10:21AM

Wow, a world class Liberal.

Sadly America is full of them, the majority of adult Americans now hold their hand out and expect a government check, more than 50% of them get some form of government check.

Government is a non-profit organization, actually a looser organization, but for every $1 they spend they must steal $2 from someone else, squander $1 processing pork, and that last $1 is used to buy the vote of the American with their hand out.

America has become a socialist country and expect more of the Liberal mind set - "steal from the rich and buy votes of the poor".

America, sadly, needs a depression to get us out of this - maybe we will learn a lesson for a few years before guys like this Liberal poster demand more money in their hands from your wallet......

Dee See| 5.6.11 @ 8:28PM

"Religion is the key to history.
Among the Protestants, indeed, among
the Christians, ONLY the Calvinists had
the faculty of self-government, and ONLY
the Calvinists would fight----"
-Lord Acton

"John Calvin was America's REAL founding
father."
-George Bancroft
America's FIRST historian emeritus
1830

Keep following the Globalists, the biz nihilists,
the franchise slum pimps, EUGENISTS and
capstone creeps.

----Just keep a goin'

------AND don't forget to take your
Rockefeller meds!

RWinks| 5.7.11 @ 1:25PM

One might find BHO's assertion that we are "our brother's keeper" if he had ever given even one thin dime to any of his many impoverished relatives.

BO is a guy who can't tell the difference between charity and theft. Not the kind of guy I'd care to have for a neighbor. What's yours is his because "We're all in this together".

Who Knows?| 5.7.11 @ 6:11PM

I just did a quick and dirty perusal of the comments on this article.

Didn't have to read too many of them, EXCEPT the one named "Purpleguy".

All you have to know about this person is that he or she has a LOT of free time, which means?

Too many people, it seems to me, need to GET A LIFE.

I enjoy laying my own spit out on the comments area of this site, but, hey---twenty or thirty COMMENTS, to as many people as you can bug?

Reminds me of this stupid argument I foolishly allowed myself to have, last week, as I was trying to relax in a hot therapy pool.

This 500 pound "kid", about 25, was going on and on with another guy, about 18, displaying his "superior knowledge", mostly about history and the navy.

Eventually, having to listen to this boob, who obviously was a loser and also THOUGHT he was smart and all-knowing, I couldn't help but ask him if he read the Wall Street Journal.

Pertinent to Purpleguy, and whom ever, even ME, I relayed the following putdown = joke to this guy, who is probably on the take, supported by the government:

You may look like a fool, but why open your mouth and remove all doubt?

However, in all helpful seriousness, my best query to him was, "If you like the navy so much, WHY DON'T YOU JOIN IT?"

Ah, so many takers with an "I deserve it!" attitude!

Reality eventually bites, and people like him will sooner or later be in wheel chairs, and then dead from suicidal behavior, in particular sticking the poison, high fructose corn syrup into their GROWING body, on a regular basis.

Grow up, Conservatives!

EAT RIGHT, or else!

martin j smith| 5.8.11 @ 8:21AM

Our ability to survive such slime as Obama.

Michael Tomlinson| 5.8.11 @ 8:51AM

Of the 244,000 liberals are touting as evidence the Obama economy is rebounding 25% or 62,000 were hamburger flipper jobs that were only possible, because McDonalds got a waiver from Obamacare. That tells you how bad Obama's policies really are.

PerryM| 5.8.11 @ 10:14AM

Liberals/Communists/Marxists/Socialists/Obama all believe that legalized larceny is how all governments work - he isn't about to change.

You must steal from "the rich" and squander that money by buying votes of "the poor" - that's how all governments work.

Chicago is no different.

America is no different................

Wayne | 5.8.11 @ 12:01PM

The purpose of all of Obama's pitches is to make the value of the government approach 1 as the value of the individual approaches 0. Even his slogan, "together we thrive" implies that alone you do nothing and the government represents all of us. Obama is a collectivist, and the individual is irrelevant to the collectivist. Capitalism is bad as it represents the will of individuals. Big government is good as it represents the will of the collective.

To keep the collective on track, it requires ruling elite who are "more equal than others". They get special treatment, much as the queen bee does in the hive.

These ruling elite hate the Tea Party, as they see it as an uprising of individualism and therefore a cancer.

Jon | 5.8.11 @ 2:48PM

Spending equals greatness? It does not seem all that long ago he was addressing people on the Facebook talk about the importance of "Shared Responsibility", which basically seemed to mean, you sort it out yourself because the government is not paying anymore.

martin j smith| 5.8.11 @ 4:13PM

On the surface there have in my lifetime been two versions of America as a "Great Country" The FDR type which actually has a love for this country while believing that government does things best versus the Conservative side which believes the exact opposite--that is the People do things best when government gets out of the way.

However now what we have is a side that I would label a mixture of Socialist,Communist Fascistic--under the Banners of Lenin,Marx, and Hitler who Hate this country,plan to destroy us and want to be in total control versus those that oppose such an agenda namely Conservatives,Tea Party types and many average citizens.

As far as i am concerned too much has already been made of the killing of Bin Ladin hiding the really ugly underbelly of what Obama is doing along with his allies.
Then we have a Republican leadership that appears to be either cowards or complicit in destroying this country.

What makes this country great are those who see what Obama and RINOS are doing and are pushing back. That is what makes America great !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ore Gone| 5.8.11 @ 5:40PM

My wife refers to this as the Great Awakening! More people everyday are finally seeing what is going on and are shocked to see the direction they are trying to take us. These same socialists (communists) are coming out in the open for the first time in many years. They have been hiding in the Democratic party and now are coming out as Progressives. The true Democrats have been pushed aside or co-opted and have found themselves unwanted in their own party. The Progressives need to be forced out of the Democrat Party and left to swing impotently in the winds of politics and then scurry back under the rock where they came from.

Dee See| 5.8.11 @ 10:22PM

"We are using MASSIVE third world
(largely muslim) immigration to destroy
British culture once and for all forever..."
-TONY BLAIR
(from Daily Mail cited by Alan Watt
'Annihilation of Britain' on Youtube)

AS just months ago Janet Napolitano
secretly signed some 80 MILLION Mexicans
into 'Trusted Traveller' (ie Green Card)
status -----so goes America.

NOW, back to your playoffs, pornography, Walmart wampum and, most of all ---DENIAL.

Replica | 5.9.11 @ 11:14PM

America has become a socialist country and expect more of the Liberal mind set - "steal from the rich and buy votes of the poor".

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