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Ben Stein's Diary
Dearly Beloved
Here’s what’s been happening this side of the cliff.
It is Friday night, very late, here in Beverly Hills. I think I’ll just keep you posted on what’s going on.
I was up late last night, as I am almost every night, watching a documentary about World War II and the incredible heroism of the American GI’s, sailors, Marines, pilots, Merchant Marine in aid of saving the world from the scourge of Nazi racism and murder and militarist, racist Japan. Everyone in America worked together to win the war — blacks and whites, men and women, north and south, east and west — all worked together. Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, old and young — all toiled together.
Now, we cannot get any meaningful cooperation in Washington to get the deficit under control. I hope I am wrong, but what I see is this: There is a bad spirit of no compromise on both sides: the leftists do not want any cuts in entitlements; the GOP does not want to raise taxes at all.
I sympathize with both sides. Poor people do need help from the rich. That’s just common morality. It is also common sense that when men and women get dependent on government help, they stop working and become long-term dependent. That is what is happening right now all over America and it is desperately harmful. We want a fast-growing, powerful America. But we won’t get it with a large population that lives in idle dependency. So, I see where the wish to cut spending on entitlements comes from.
However, a basic fact: The rich and the very rich can and must pay more taxes. They are not really rich if they cannot afford to pay more tax. I know many rich people who genuinely think they should not have to pay ANY tax. That’s a deeply unfortunate attitude. The tax system is largely about transferring wealth from the rich to the poor, and I have no problem with that as long as the money does not go to building a tyrannical, dictatorial government, or, again, an immense dependent, violent, drug-addicted, passive class.
Plus, the sad fact is that we will go broke if we do not raise taxes and rein in spending drastically. We are racing towards national calamity as the result of a fundamental, immense bias towards spending money we simply print. This way lies disaster.
I keep thinking that a good spirit, an attitude of gratitude for America, would save a lot of problems. But instead we get hatred and no compromise. Well, there is always prayer. I do laugh a lot, though, when I recall Mr. Obama saying in 2008 that he would end “partisan bickering.” Nice try. Actually, now that I think of it, I don’t recall his trying at all. Did I miss that?
I had Fox in the morning and then came home, had a nap, and then took a lovely family from Canada who are visiting me out to Malibu. They were awed by the sunset, as well they should have been. Blue and gray and red and yellow and orange exploded across the seascape. It was a miracle. The sunset through the palms and cedars next to our house was breathtaking.
We had stopped at a Pavilions Grocery to buy some roasted chicken. A simply beautiful fairly young (maybe 40) young woman smiled at me. I talked to her for a few minutes.
She told me she was named Ferrari, like the car. She is from Malibu but she’s been traveling the world for the past few years with her husband, who is a guitarist for an Irish rock band. She is, she said, a writer, but she didn’t really write. She worked with crystal and she had just gotten in a huge shipment.
“Really?” I asked her. “Do you make jewelry out of it?”
“I like to work with metaphysical minerals,” she said. “I love to tap their spiritual powers to make beauty.”
Okay. Well, as we used to say, “Keep coming back. It works if you work it.”
At our home in Malibu, I took a long nap with my Julie Goodgirl. Then we had our roasted chicken, stuffing, peas, and cupcakes. It took no time at all to make and was delicious. Pre-made food is getting better day by day. The Pavilions Cornbread Stuffing is heavenly.
Then my guests and I did the dishes. I don’t have an electric dishwasher in Malibu so I do the dishes by hand. It takes no time at all and I LOVE doing it. It reminds me of my Pop working his way through Williams washing dishes. In a frat that did not take Jews. He didn’t mind at all. He was just happy to have a job. I know I’ve said it before, but it’s important.
About the Author
Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist, and lawyer living in Beverly Hills and Malibu. He writes “Ben Stein’s Diary” for every issue of The American Spectator.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (128) | Leave a comment
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Frank Drackman| 12.28.12 @ 8:44AM
Ben, thats twice in 2 posts you've mentioned "5 Guys" what happen, the "Clear Eyes" gig clear up?(get it?)
Wanta talk about crimes, all "Clear Eyes" does is provide a temporary vasoconstrictive effect, followed by an even more prominent vasodilation, leading to even redder eyes, its a Vicious(Grrrrr!) Circle!!!
OK, it might get you through a sobriety checkpoint, not that I know anything about that.
Checkpoints I mean, not Sobriety.
"Best Looking Family on the Planet"???
Just the Planet? Not the Solar System, Milky Way Galaxy, "Local" Group of Galaxies.
What did your Jailbird friend do anyway...
Don't make me read it in the Enquirer.
Frank
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 11:01AM
Ruth's Chris is not that expensive comparatively, Ben. I've eaten in more expensive restaurants in Copenhagen. Manny's Steakhouse, in Minneapolis, is more expensive, but I love Ruth's Chris steaks, although now I eat my wife's carefully ordered in grass fed beef tenderloin pieces that she carefully prepares. Better mix of omega fatty acids.
Jailbird friend cheated people out of EIGHT MILLION dollars, Frank. Unlike you and me, who are MDs, Benjy is a bottom feeding Hollyweird lawyer.
I mention all of this not to discuss how wealthy I am (I am not; I am comfortable, but I like hotdogs---NOT FIVE GUYS---they do great hamburgers, not hotdogs---best hot dogs ever was Fluky's in Chi, best hamburger's is Casper and Runyon's The Nook in St. Paul), but to simply note how NAUSEATINGLY ANNOYING discussing stuff like this is. Quin, who lives in Mobile, has been to the Ruth's Chris there (if not, Quin, I'll be happy to take you there sometime when I visit my inlaws), but he talks about stuff.
By the way, Benjy, nice job raising a worthless parasite. Remember the bit about "teaching to fish?" You should have sent the mom through law school so she could be a more efficient parasite.
Frank Drackman| 12.28.12 @ 11:49AM
You know where you can get a good steak?
"Western Sizzlin" right off of exit 62, I-85, Opelika, Alabama, a mere Stone's Throw from the home of the 2010 BCS CHAMPION AUBURN TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey, its where all the Lee County/Opelika/Alabama State Troopers eat, and those GOB's know good food, am I right?amIright?amIright?
and you can feed 2 and tip the Amazingly Beautiful,
OK, more like "Sadly Morbidly Obese at 18" waitress with the change...
Frank
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 12:41PM
Ruth's Chris in B'ham. Awesome. Ask for the Cardiac Special---have them SOAK the steak in butter.
Frank Drackman| 12.28.12 @ 1:07PM
umm thats sort of gross,
and not in the way that Cunnilinguis sounds gross the first time you hear about it, I mean, I like Steak, and I like Butter, but Butter on a Steak? why not something really decadent like ice cream???
but hey at least one of the finest Cardiac Surgery Department in the World's a short ambulance ride away...
Frank
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 6:10PM
Garlic butter, Frank. That's how they make their steaks. One day I'll be coming back down to 'Bama to visit my family there.
I'll let you know when. Maybe we can take the wives to RC's. It is a great place for an anniversary celebration.
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 8:01PM
My recommendation at RC's in B'ham or Mobile, by the way, is the Ribeye, medium. Trust ME, Quin and Frank, you will want to soak it in Garlic Butter, which then comes sizzling to your table.
Had a nurse I dated ONCE (first date, no chemistry---polite enough lady). Saw her again about 10 years later. She was the nurse working the ICU where my SAINTLY mother-in-law was dying (no sarcasm--my mother in law WAS the most Saintly woman I have ever seen walk this planet)--we briefly chatted, quite pleasantly, and she said she remembered our date because I had taken her to Ruth's Chris---I did not recognize her. She then went back to making my mother-in-law's departure from this Earth as peaceful as possible (she succeeded, as did the wonderful docs at St. Vincent's), and I went back to starting to miss my Mother-in-law terribly, as I do to this day.
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 8:59PM
Ben Stein's economic skills are respected by one set of especially skilled professionals: From Time Magazine 1999:
"Though he maintains his role as a Pepperdine law professor, an author of 17 books and a contributor to Slate, The American Spectator and the Washington Post, the smartest man on basic cable is most animated when talking about Hollywood and its beautiful women. Perhaps Stein's oddest avocation is being a financial guru to hookers. "Aside from practicing pimps, nobody knows as many call girls as I do," he says. It began when Stein was a columnist for the Journal, spending his afternoons by the pool in his West Hollywood apartment building, which was populated by call girls. "I think I put a couple of them in Berkshire Hathaway and made them a lot of money," he says. His skills are so well known, he boasts, that pros he's never met spot him at bars and ask about mutual funds.
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magaz.....z2GOzQXDPg"
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 9:04PM
The article mentioned, as well, how Ben is tortured by his losses on Win Ben Stein's Money: his $250/hr psychiatrist has him carry notes telling himself that he is smart even when he loses (not bad CBT, by the way)"---
it would have been a pleasure kicking his ass on the show. I thought about doing it, but, given the fact that it would have been a week off, I would have lost more money than I would have made on the show.
But I could have worn all Black, crushed my opponents and beaten the snot out of Ben, but then I couldn't have posted here---I would be too memorable.
What are we going to do without TLP?
Pecos Pete| 12.29.12 @ 7:19AM
OT: I agree. Where is Tim? I'm having trouble concentrating without his needling keeping me straight.
Occam's Tool| 12.29.12 @ 5:38PM
Write to the Comments to the editor site and demand TLP back! I just did. Tim, you rock and roll, baby!
Pecos Pete| 12.29.12 @ 7:49PM
BBT! (Bring Back Tim!)
To Free Tim, send an email to editor@spectator.org. Like OT above, I just did.
Joellen| 12.30.12 @ 8:02AM
DONE!
Goldwater Girl| 12.31.12 @ 12:29PM
I sent an email to that address and it bounced back as undeliverable. I checked the contact page, and the address is correct. Wonder if they are receiving a volume they cannot handle?
Aristocat| 12.29.12 @ 1:52AM
You're not funny, Frank, you're disgusting.
Kingofthenet| 12.29.12 @ 6:51PM
I make a fantastic Beef Stew, pretty much how you would make beef stew, but I use seared,cubed Filet Mignon for the beef, yeah it costs more, but the flavor is worth it.
SUBVET| 12.31.12 @ 9:48AM
Cat..........get a life just like the TV if you don't like what you see just switch channels.
Sara L| 12.31.12 @ 12:16PM
I knew I didn't like you, Frank. It's so easy to do, with your constant criticism, hatefulness and nastiness. But to bring up Auburn's national championship at this point in time is just embarrassing.
Occam's Tool, you are no better. There are people in American prisons who committed no crimes. What you believe is irrelevant. They have families who are completely innocent, yet they suffer, even the little children. Try to get over your own self-righteousness. You have no idea what you are talking about.
chuck| 12.31.12 @ 3:11PM
You need to let go of your hate, Sara.
Goldwater Girl| 12.31.12 @ 3:22PM
Sara,
Anna K called and said you had better have your hate speech research completed or Obama won't fund the project again.
Sara L| 1.1.13 @ 9:47AM
You know, chuck, you are right. I don't normally feel so offended and never before have I given voice to my anger. It's just that I've been reading Ben Stein in American Spectator since his son was a small child. My son is about the same age: 40. It's been a long time and I still know just how he felt then.
Also I know a man in federal prison who was railroaded by the Justice Department in concert with environmentalists and our local newspaper (as much propaganda as MSNBC). I don't know the friend of Stein, nor his situation. But I know it's an infuriating spectacle to see innocent people go to prison for years. There's no DNA test for white collar crimes.
I'm as conservative as they come. I'm angry about Obama's re-election and especially his environmental agenda, which is based on myths and which makes the life of small businesses so much harder.
And so, I ask forgiveness for my outburst.
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 9:12PM
TLP is banned, but Cheesehead Jack gets to write this with no repercussions:
"...That got the Zionist goon squad in Haifa up in arms. We Americans are never to hold anyone of their tribe accountable for their actions. "
Bring Back my friend TLP. Greatest Man in Detroit.
Jack in Wi| 12.29.12 @ 1:01AM
Occam: You have advocated mass murder and genocide of millions, many times on this site. Yet you are still allowed to comment here. I have never advocated anything but peace and the Truth. You just can't seem to stand those 2 things. Well after all you are one of the lying Zionist goons who hang around here. Shalom: The Truth will set you free.
Occam's Tool| 12.29.12 @ 5:24PM
"Well, after all, you are one of the..." clear punctuation is an aid to clear thinking, Nazi boy.
Oh, and by the way---The Packers suck.
Occam's Tool| 12.29.12 @ 5:33PM
You have advocated destroying the "racist pimple," Jack. Please. Go and bend over and spread cheek for your totalitarian masters, verbally abuse those who spend their lifeblood defending your worthless despicable oxygen stealing hide, and leave decent humans alone.
Packers Suck!
chuck| 12.29.12 @ 9:10AM
Just damn! That royal sucks!
TLP was edgy, raw, sometimes over the top, but was always, well most of the time, spot-on. Pulled no punches.
YO, AS! We'll trade you Jackass, Vtwit, Purp, and another liberal troll to-be-named-later, for TLP!
FREE TLP!
Joellen| 12.29.12 @ 9:40AM
Occam I am just saying TLP isnt from Detroit - he's a northern boy from CT who'se a big Giants fan - I am just saying.
BTW - I think he is aware and thankful that he is well missed by his friends here - let's do what Pecos Pete declared after your comments write BBT!
And on a side note - what a lovely testimony to your Mother In Law - how great is that!
CJW| 12.29.12 @ 9:54AM
Joellen
Don't know if and why TLP was banned.
If T reading, have a happy new year, and get back.
And a happy new year to you Joellen.
Joellen| 12.29.12 @ 12:13PM
You too CJW - and that sauce is ready when you are! GOD Bless you in 2013.
Joellen| 12.29.12 @ 12:15PM
AND BRING BACK TLP!
Occam's Tool| 12.29.12 @ 5:31PM
Joellen: you are a sweet and good person from your writings. Thank you.
I was married to my fantastic wife for 9 and 1/2 years before that Saintly Lady (My Mother in Law) passed away. We had exactly ZERO arguments in that time, and I am NOT of a Saintly and Patient disposition, as one can tell from my writings (Jack, I do support Carpet Bombing Iran---they are owed it for their flagrant breach of international law in 1979)---but she was (Jack, Packers will be crushed by the Vikes tomorrow). The nicest and best person I ever met in my life, and my wife agrees.
Aristocat| 12.29.12 @ 2:01AM
OK, Benny, go to sleep now and sweet dreams.
Al Brooks, BleedingHeartlib | 12.28.12 @ 6:10PM
Ben is a good raconteur-- this is poignant read.
A whole lot better than his writing Gulf residents ought to have accepted the BP spill because we need oil... doesn't look in print.
Al Brooks, BleedingHeartlib | 12.28.12 @ 6:12PM
doesn't look good in a newspaper that "victims out to accept tragedy" even if it is true.
Aristocat| 12.29.12 @ 1:49AM
Yes, Ben, go to sleep now...
Love,
Cat
Appleby| 12.28.12 @ 9:05AM
Thank you, Ben Stein, for reminding me again that you are wealthy and I am not ... and by the way, you might want to re-read Matthew Chapter 6, that part where Jesus says not to blow trumpets on the s treet corner to announce your charity to the world, lest folks may know how generous you are.
I wish you a Happy 2013 and may all your houses, cars, planes, trains and investments live on to praise your name.
Frank Drackman| 12.28.12 @ 10:45AM
Well Appleby(Love your "Sportszone" BTW),
Me and Ben don't worship your Sandal Wearing Pacifist Hey-Zeuss, so blow us.
And when I bought my overpriced McMansion in the overpriced Atlanta Suburbs back in 2003, when the ink on the Bush Error Tax Cuts was barely dry, and the thought of a Black Muslim President being the one to get Bin Laden was as rediculous as Notre Dame getting to a BCS championship game...
I PAID CASH!!!!!!!!, thats right, $500,000 in a Suitcase just like Pablo Escobar.
Umm OK, I wrote a check, still, same principle.
Don't be poor, its UnAmerican, get out there, Work, Invest, Steel $8million like Ben's Buddy...
Frank
Stormzeye| 12.28.12 @ 1:46PM
Appleby, your resentment of Ben's wealth, all of it earned through his effort and talent, is unseemly and so mean-spirited as to call into question your supposed conservatism. Show some compassion for a man obviously in pain over his friend's condition and live your religion rather than just preaching it.
Appleby| 12.31.12 @ 7:35AM
I have wealthy relatives. Unlike Ben, they don't spend their days telling us how rich they are and how WE ought to ante up and care for The Poor. They are my example and I follow it. Incidentally, I am glad TLP has been banned. A man who urged me to kill myself because I did not support his chosen candidate for President is not a nice man.
Alan's Girl| 12.28.12 @ 1:50PM
Appleby, I agree. It's gotten to the point where I don't even read Ben's work anymore, just the comments. If I need a reminder that I am not wealthy, I can look many other places & not get nearly as agitated.
holmegm| 12.28.12 @ 9:18AM
I really do wonder what the editors are thinking, continuing to publish this column.
Is it *really* just all about the page views - we post our annoyed comments, thus loading the page (and the ads) again? If so, porn would probably get you even more page views. And have more of a plot.
SeymourGlass| 12.28.12 @ 4:16PM
"Is it *really* just all about the page views"?
Of course it is. And this is much more moral than porn - this is political discourse!
By the way, Frank, I stuck up for you earlier today. A friend who also reads AS suggested you weren't worthy of wiping Ben Stein's ass. I disagreed. You are indeed worthy.
Jack in Wi| 12.28.12 @ 9:44AM
Ben have a happy New Year. With all due respect do you ever eat a meal at home? Home cooking is the best way to save money and poundage on the belly. You could save a fortune if either you or your wife learned how to cook. You might feel heathier as well.
Frank Drackman| 12.28.12 @ 9:45AM
OK, Ben, since you won't tell us the gory details, let me go all Jules Winfield and "retort".
What does Marcellus Wallace Look Like!!!?????
Best I can tell from my Sleuthing(google)Barron stole some $8million in a Fonzie Scheme...
Hey, beats Schlepping that much from a bank, how much does $8million weigh anyway?
Ben? Ben? Ben?
I like my Fat Cats the old fashioned way, like Scrooge McDuck, diving into Olympic sized pools filled with Greenbacks.
Hey Ben, if I steal $8million will you write a heartstring tugging article about me?
Frank
Albert Constantine Jr.| 12.28.12 @ 10:18AM
The answer to the question:
"He's big, he's black..."
Apparently, Barron Thomas' Ponzi scheme (if the original Ponzi copyrighted and trademarked his name, he might have collected enough in royalties by now to pay off his investors) involved buying used aircraft, refurbishing them, and selling them at higher prices. Maybe he was hoping to get a reality show out of the deal, as well.
(Of course, Mr. Winfield's follow up question to young Brett aka Brad might now be asked about Mr. Thomas, given his current status as a guest of the State of Arizona, and that state's spotty compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act).
Frank Drackman| 12.28.12 @ 10:24AM
"DOES HE LOOK LIKE A B-WORD?
Then why you try to F-Word him, Brett? Cause Marcellus Wallace doesn't like to be F-Worded by anybody except Mrs. Wallace"
And was Uma Thurman the hottest Heroin OD ever or what? Mrs. D and me even used to do a little roll playing, where I'd get my Cardiac Needle,and....
Umm, yeah, so he was convicted for doing what millions of used car dealers do everyday.....
Frank
Albert Constantine Jr.| 12.28.12 @ 11:04AM
While I have not familiarized myself with all of the details of the indictment or trial transcript, his business plan was to do what the used car dealers do. In reality (to the extent that a jury's verdict resembles reality) he apparently took his investors' money, spent it on things other than airplanes, and did not deliver the returns he contracted to deliver, and was not Too Big to Fail.
In other words, he was like Ponzi, or what the Social Security Administration will be in a few years (though if he actually bought those airplanes, like the US Government, Barron Thomas could've had an air force to protect himself from all of the angry investors clamoring to get their money back).
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 6:13PM
In short, his friend committed criminal fraud. Fraud is something that Ben is used to, as he proclaims all the time that raising tax rates (and thereby reducing business activity) will raise tax revenues, when everyone knows it will do the opposite.
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 7:53PM
Keep in mind that Ben said he was voting for Ralph Nader for President in 2008, and endorsed Al Franken for senate that same year.
Anthony, you are quite wonderful, and all of my lawyer slams NEVER include you, sir. A true exemplar of the term Juris Doctor.
What will we do without TLP?
Anthony| 12.28.12 @ 8:25PM
Well OT, first we must truly ascertain TLP's status before we rush to conclusions. An old lawyerly habit that tends to avoid unnecessary unpleasentries.
If indeed our Tim has been banished for certain indesretions, I'm sure our friends at TAS would entertain our entreaties on Tim's behalf.
After all, we are not Communists.
Occam's Tool| 12.29.12 @ 5:25PM
I agree, Anthony, but how do we find out?
Bill8472| 12.28.12 @ 10:25AM
"Guests?" Oh Ben, I know you're distressed about your friend serving time in prison, but come on...
Anthony| 12.28.12 @ 10:41AM
It's bad enough reading Stein's dreck, but to read a letter to a felon friend full of insider references is beyond the pale.
Stein treats TAS readers like most leftists do, what a deal for us. Can't wait to see what 2013 brings us from Stein's shrink.
So Stein, if you need to cut back for your old age, try eating at home, as Jack suggested, and cut out your shrink. I don' think you're getting much of a benefit from him. Talk to your dog instead, it's cheaper, and you get a lick at the end of the session. I bet your shrink doesn't do that? On second thought, don't tell us.
Also, I think it's safe to cut this loser off Stein, she can't abort a soon to be unemployed college grad, now can she?
Oh, and be grateful Stein, your pal Dominique Strass Kahn should have been in prison as well as your pal Barron. I guess Barron's leftist bona fides weren't sufficient to have the justice system look the other way, as the Manhatten D.A. did with Kahn.
Oh well Ben, the D.A. saved you a couple of 44 cent stamps at least, so look on the bright side.
Frank Drackman| 12.28.12 @ 10:48AM
Eat at Home? just how does that save money?
Hey at least you don't have to tip the guys at 5 Guys...
Its like last year, Mrs. Drackman said she wanted to go somewhere she'd never been before, I said "Try the Kitchen!!!!!!!!"
Frank "My Wife Fake? Please" Drackman
Bill8472| 12.28.12 @ 12:37PM
I live in what remains a fairly inexpensive place to reside in. For me and my wife, a fairly ordinary supper at a chain restaurant like On The Border or Olive Garden, without alcoholic beverages runs in the $30-$40 dollar range with tip.
For $30 or $40, even at today's inflated grocery prices, we could buy enough food for both of us to have supper for several days, at least 3 or 4 meals.
chuck| 12.29.12 @ 9:25AM
Coupons! When my wife and I moved into our home, a foreclosure we bought and renovated, our kitchen was not finished for the first month we lived here. We had to eat out every night, and we rarely spent more than $20 for the 2 of us. No fast food either. Lots of Mexican, good and cheap, Chili's 2 for $20, local family places, usually $6-7 a plate. No places rich guys like Ben would go, but cheap eats. And coupons, a lot of buy 1/ get 1 free, or buy 1/ got half off the second. Tough times for businesses leads to great deals for consumers.
FREE TLP!
JohnD| 12.31.12 @ 9:07AM
BTW, Drack, and Bill: Thanx for the tips on a good M1911. Saturday I bought a WWII vintage Colt G.I. M1911 .45 ACP (private sale, no waiting period, got to fondle it right away). I am taking it to the range tomorrow. Paid much more than $500, but its the genuine article, not a replica. It was my Christmas present to myself.
Bill8472| 1.2.13 @ 9:21AM
Enjoy it. May I hector you a bit by saying you should become proficient with it? Nah, you know about that!
Practice, practice, practice!
SUBVET| 12.31.12 @ 10:01AM
Not in CA.................
JohnD| 12.31.12 @ 11:01AM
Not even close. I am also licensed by my State's Police as a collector, which required a background check, and it exempts me from many of the State's gun purchasing restrictions.
SUBVET| 12.31.12 @ 12:09PM
John.........I am looking for a Sig Sauer P229 Elite 40 cal.
JohnD| 12.31.12 @ 1:14PM
That will give you very adequate stopping power in a nice compact size, easy for concealed carry. I liked the .40 S&W when I got to fire my cousin's Glock at the range. Sig Sauer makes very high quality weapons.
Personally I like the old stuff, and I collect, and even restore old firearms to operating condition and then take them to the range for sport shooting. Restoring these weapons and shooting them "peacefully" is my strange way of honoring the men who carried these venerable, historic weapons.
Bill8472| 1.2.13 @ 9:25AM
Can you fix a rusted-out main spring on a Remingon New Model 1858? The barrel is a little rough but it looks shootable - it probably hasn't been cleaned in 100 years. My dad owned it before me, and he told me it wasn't shootable but he never said why. I cleaned it over New Year's and it looks a thousand times better than it did, but there's no doubt the nipples need to be replaced, it needs a new spring so it can cock and release, but it seems otherwise to be sound.
Rhoetus| 1.1.13 @ 1:05PM
Ha ha! My wife is the Queen of "Take Out"!
ArmyAviator| 12.28.12 @ 10:50AM
Thanks, Ben. As rich as you are, I'm surprised that you claim to be a Republican. With your constant reminders of just how rich you are, wouldn't you be more comfortable with Barbara, or Steven, or some of your other WEALTHY and LIBERAL Jewish friends? I know you want to pay more taxes, but I don't you putz!
BAC83| 12.28.12 @ 11:05AM
Mr. Stein- several ?s 1) how did BT avoid federal charges 2) will he have to payback his victims 3) did you put any of your vast wealth (of which you never stop reminding us) in to BTs con 4) is his mother in prison- Ma Thomas and the Barron gang
Goldwater Girl| 12.28.12 @ 11:08AM
don't know about you guys, but it's days like this when I really miss TLP. Where is he hiding?
Albert Constantine Jr.| 12.28.12 @ 11:26AM
TLP has apparently been banned by the site.
Joellen| 12.28.12 @ 12:24PM
SAY WHAT ALBERT - is this true? If so, why?
Drunken Sailor| 12.28.12 @ 12:46PM
So much a conservative site supporting the first amendment. Go figure.
CJW| 12.28.12 @ 5:04PM
Why?
Albert Constantine Jr.| 12.28.12 @ 10:15PM
To all who have asked:
I am uncertain as to why TLP was banned. The last time that he appeared, shortly thereafter, Anna K. from Emory U. and her fellow trolls (Edward Ed White, etc.) were complaining; put forth "TPL" and then he was gone. His e-mail to me on 122412 was that he was Banned.
Pecos Pete| 12.29.12 @ 7:32AM
Tim should NOT be banned. Tim created conversation, discussion and was fun. I betcha he was banned for starting the Game, the Contest. On the other hand, TAS could well have banned Tim for his honesty.
Joellen| 12.29.12 @ 7:48AM
Pete, I agree with you on all accounts. It is truly disappointing that an allege conservative website would remove someone, that most of us respected, because of a few who didnt. Why is it that it is always the conservative who has to be compromise?
In these times when few have the courage to say it like it is such as Tim does, TAS should respect the fact that many of their commentors actually responded to Tim and thus enhanced their own articles.
Tim should NOT be banned. Put this down as another voice who wishes to be heard. Bring Tim back and allow him to opine as every American has the right to do.
One more thing, lets not forget how someone impersonated TLP and put those vile things out right before Christmas. Someone has been wanting to shut Tim up for a while - must ask yourselves why?
SUBVET| 12.31.12 @ 10:16AM
Joellen..........you ask why ? This is the wave of the future ....crush the truth it's only the beginning.
Tim .........my brother no one like's to hear the truth least of all some on this site. What we have here is a restriction on the first amendment over a few colored words.
Free TIM........
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 6:28PM
But, he's the best among us!!!! How the heck did he get banned? I'm a foul potty mouth when upset and nobody's EVER suggested banning to me.
The viciousness towards Ben, Paul, comes from a number of problems from a number of his opinions: first, his idiocy regarding proper treatment of the mentally ill; second, his insistence that tax rates should go up in the middle of a recession; third, his litigation friendly attitude towards businesses, except when it involves his friends or him; fourth, his constant worries about money when it is obvious that he's a sybaritic idiot who obviously spends much more than his income should allow as the cause of his "penuriousness;" fifth, his complete lack of business sense, which does not prohibit him grandly commenting on the economy; sixth, the Hollywood hideousness of his morals which comes through despite his best intentions to cover it up; and seventh, that he is a living example of the Lawyer joke which goes (for example) as follows: (Anthony and RCV and the Big E are all exceptions from this) (con't)
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 6:29PM
Comment to Paul Mcgrath, continued:
"Q. What's the difference between Ben Stein, Esq. and a Catfish? "
"A. One's a scum sucking, botton dwelling dirt eater, and the other one's a fish."
I used to watch him on his gameshow, and 7 times out of 10 I would have kicked his ass. And for those who say, "well, you never did that type of thing in a real competition," my response is that I was the best player on TCU's Varsity College Bowl team in 1984, and single handedly kicked the Aggies' asses for them. Yes, I would have kicked Ben's rear, and he would have had to smooch this MD's Hairy Hebraic Hinder.
Ahem. What I mean to say, Paul, is that you, unlike me, are a charitable man and one of Nature's Finest Gentlemen, as is evident from your comments. I, on the other hand, am a barely controlled Wolverine.
In addition, his continued wealth comments while pleading poverty are nauseating and crap. I graduated from Medical School $80 K in debt. Ben's education was fully paid for by his wealthy father, I am sure.
Anthony| 12.28.12 @ 6:53PM
OT, OT have mercy on us. Ben Stein, Esq. is a dagger in the heart many of us honest practioners of the law.
And no, the book of honest lawyers is not smaller than the book of Italian war heros!!
That said, if you are Frankie are planning steak dinners, I'd like to demonstrate that not all of us are blood suckers, and if an ambulance does happen to stream by, I pledge to remain seated until the check arives, then you and Frank can fight over my share.
Not that we haven't earned the scorn of the American public.
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 7:32PM
I deliberately excepted you, friend Anthony. I would gladly buy you the steak should you show up at RCs with Frank and me there.
Dear Paul: 1) look up "Psychiatric drugs and Ben Stein" on this site.
2) Ben is a big fan of suing businesses. Look up "Ben Stein and Tort Reform."
3) The difference between you and I commenting on the economy and business and Ben doing this is that Ben claims to be a trained economist. Oops.
4) I know I'm rich compared to Africans. I give thanks for a nation run by the Constitution (still). I do NOT believe that all cultures are equal.
5) he repeats endlessly balloon juice on how bad, etc. he is, and how thankful he is, yet his behaviors and his statements do not jive with his supposed thankfulness. My job, to a lesser degree than an attorney I suppose, but still significantly, is to note logical errors and flaws in patients' statements in the hope of motivating them for change. Ben does NOT sound genuine to me, and his logical flaws are too numerous to discuss without nausea.
6) Finally, Mr. McGrath---you give him far too much credit, and yourself far too little. THAT is the mark of a true Gentleman, and why you are much more worthy of admiration than Ben. (That comment applies to you, too, Anthony).
Some quotes below.
Anthony| 12.28.12 @ 8:13PM
Yes you did my friend, as I just discovered re-reading your previous post. Mille grazie.
And, I am truly humbled by your most recent generous comments directed at yours truly.
I need directons and potential dates. This occasion with you and Frank could almost make 2013 tolerable.
In fact, I am so humbled, I couldn't possibly skip out on the check when it arrives. Besides, Frank would have put a boot on my car tires to insure I would not revert to my lawyerly instincts.
Occam's Tool| 12.29.12 @ 5:42PM
Primus, I have to get the wife to agree to go to Alabama with me. Reminds her too much of her mother (see comments about that Saintly Lady from me). Once that is done, we can make arrangements to meet at RCs at some point. I'm not sure if it is possible. But I need to see the B'ham Botanical garden and the B'ham Zoo again sometime, and check out the quirkiness that is Five Points.
Paul McGrath| 12.28.12 @ 7:05PM
But you're wrong, Occam.
1. I don't remember what his views are regarding the mentally ill. I disagree with a lot of people in my life and on this site.
2. I completely disagree with Mr. Stein as it regards his instistence that tax rates go up. I completely disagree with many of my friends on this subject. Many of my friends, and your friends, are liberal.
3. I don't know what you mean by litigation-friendly towards business, but if you disagree with Mr. Stein, I probably do, too.
4. I worry about my wealth, you worry about your wealth, Mr. Stein worries about his wealth. All of us worry about our well-being, and none of us will ever be rich enough not to. And to practically every single person living in Africa, we--you and I Occam--are ridiculously wealthy.
5. I don't have any business sense either. I comment on the economy all the time. Grandly.
(cont.)
Paul McGrath| 12.28.12 @ 7:09PM
6. As to his morals? He is perhaps the most moral living man I have ever encountered, because he is unfailingly, relentlessly honest about himself and his life and his obvious shortcomings. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US has obvious shortcomings. Few of us admit to them. Mr. Stein humbly acknowledges his shortcomings every time he prints something here.
This is why he is so valuable. He is thankful for every little thing that he has in his life--as we all should be--and terrified that in the eyes of God he does not deserve what he has and that he is not living up to what he has been given.
He is no poorer or richer, duller or brighter, better or worse, than any of us, Mr. Occam. As he would be the first to admit.
Occam's Tool| 12.29.12 @ 5:26PM
Paul: if fate kicked me in the 'Nads, you seem like a great friend to have. Happy New Year, sir, although we disagree on Ben, I respect/admire your kindness and compassion.
Paul McGrath| 12.29.12 @ 10:47PM
Happy New Year to you, too, Mr. Occam. You're a great guy and your posts are intelligent and informative and hilarious. If I am ever in northern Minnesota I am going to be sure to track you down, and if you are ever, ever, EVER, anywhere near San Francisco, let me know. I am not averse to belting down a few--as my maudlin posts might occasionally suggest--and would love to belt down a few with you!
Rhoetus| 12.28.12 @ 11:45AM
Ben, If I'm ever arrested it's a frame-up job. Please call Jerry Spence for me and and be sure to write as I will return these kindnesses 1000 fold. May God Bless, have a healthy & prosperous 2013.
Paul McGrath| 12.28.12 @ 11:55AM
I really don't understand all of the viciousness here. He's a journalist, okay? He writes about his life in an honest and sometimes painfully honest way, which is exactly what a journalist is supposed to do.
Keep up the good work, Ben. I, for one, greatly appreciate what you do.
holmegm| 12.28.12 @ 2:24PM
I don't think it is viciousness; it is more frustration.
Stein has become ever more rambling. He seems to have lost the plot on economics. He's not sounding particularly conservative anymore, except for being anti-abortion. He very frequently comes off as being a vapid jet setter, all the while cluelessly unaware, or even vehemently denying, that he is rich. He creepily comments on the good looks of every waitress and teenage daughter whom he runs into.
The "wow, Hollywood guy is actually a conservative!" schtick was kind of cool, twenty years ago. It's getting a bit stale.
Hey, he, and the TAS editors, are the ones who insist on his doing all this in public. It is legitimate to criticize.
Rhoetus| 12.28.12 @ 5:31PM
Ben is the last honest "Liberal", I really like him even when he's wrong on issues: taxation, spending and his illogical affection for the bureaucracy.
SUBVET| 12.31.12 @ 10:30AM
Paul..........viciousness you say "he writes about his life in an honest and somtines painfully way, which is exactly what a journalist is supposed to do".
Paul ....it sounds like our resident TAS "Paul Harvey"........TLP.
Tim..........my prayers for your release.
Norman Conquest| 12.28.12 @ 12:11PM
It is a sign of the success you will have as a public speaker and as a minister that you summon up such love for a fellow human in your Spartan circumstances. Your empathy really knows no bounds. I bow down to your superior strength as a human being.........
What a load of unmitigated codswallop. Tell that the investors your buddy cheated and stole from.
The presence of this atrocious buffoon, Stein, and his loathsome column on Spectator diminishes the whole site.
Denver Todd| 12.28.12 @ 12:12PM
That is interesting how Mr. Stein offered to support the family if the mother didn't have an abortion. Forever sure is a long time. The other side of that coin is if the mother went to Ben and told him she would have an abortion unless he paid up. We call that extortion. For some reason, it still smells like extortion. Not sure what I would do in similar circumstances though. Maybe I would have said to J, "If it is all about money, give me the baby after it is born and I will raise it or find a loving couple who will." Something tells me that J wouldn't have agreed. She would have felt that if she can't raise the baby, nobody will. Sort of like how a jealous ex-husband says "If I can't have you, nobody will."
Drunken Sailor| 12.28.12 @ 12:50PM
Dead on. After reading the article and seeing how quick she is to spend other peoples money I have to wonder about the wisdom of supporting her. Ben, she is the perfect example of goverment not caring how much something cost because it isn't their money.
Does the "J" stand for Jewish Princess? At least make her hold a job for goodness sake, then pitch in if needed. Otherwise you have just successfully created another parasite. Congratulations!
Goldwater Girl| 12.28.12 @ 1:44PM
I guess the Spectator hasn't noticed that the number of views, as well as comments, is greatly diminished, with the absence of TLP's razor wit. Let's see how they do with the likes of Anna K from Emory U, and the rest of her hate speech police. This is Bullshit! There, now ban me TAS!
Joellen| 12.28.12 @ 6:49PM
I am with you Goldwater Girl! Who is Anna K and why does she have say as to who can and cannot be heard on this website!
If I recall correctly she led her shepple onto this website and they portrayed themselves in a hateful way. No one got angry - in fact, everyone responded in a commendable way - where was the TAS Police for that?
What another disappointment from a "conservative" venue.
Again, I am with Goldwater Girl - BRING BACK TLP or else!
Pecos Pete| 12.29.12 @ 7:36AM
BBT! Bring Back TLP! I'm gonna use this in all of my comments in the future.
CJW| 12.29.12 @ 9:56AM
FREE TLP!
Stkman| 12.31.12 @ 6:39PM
I didn't respond to her politely. I called her or whoever she or he is, a liar. When hate speech is only what you politically disagree with than you are a liar if that is what you beleive in. She, he or whoever AnnaK is claimed Tim wanted to see the President get killed. He never said that. He said he didn't care, there's a huge difference.
People like AnnaK are dangerous. They are dangerous because they want to play God. What's even more dangerous if for a site like Am Spec to cowar down to a sicko like AnnaK. Remeber Am Spec and Ben Stein, when you dis-avow readers from your site, who will be left to support you when the AnnaK's come for you? Bring Tim back or say goodbye to me. I will not associate myself with cowards or those who falsely claim they beleive in the first ammendment then baan those who speak their mind. Bring him back and apologize to him.
Seek| 12.31.12 @ 1:22PM
Razor wit? Virtually all of TLP's comments amounted to either insults, threats of bodily harm or both. For the record, I wasn't among those who ratted him out. But I do ask my fellow conservatives: Whatever happened to the idea of conservatives as the home of polite gentlemen?
Stkman| 12.31.12 @ 6:44PM
Tim is a conservative who seems to be ahead of his time Seek. You see he refuses to turn the other cheeck. Liberals will spit and piss on you until you stand up to them. Liberals are nothing more than schoolyard bullies and they run like little girls the first time you punch them in the nose. Tim, like a few others of us here are tired of talk. We are ready for action, and we want you liberals to know it.
Gentlemen, you mean like in that sick house of the Senate? The United States Senate destroyed the word and definition of gentelmen when it elected Harry Reid, a known liar as it's leader.
Tim is a patriot, being a gentleman would be a step or two down.
Priest Laker | 12.28.12 @ 2:05PM
Thank you, Ben, for your letter to Barron. We read your earlier piece re: his plight and it is soothing to know about his good works and staying the man you described before.
From the Lake...Fred & Pecky
....and if you want a glimpse of Hill's deck in the winter....hit: www.priestlaker.com
Cobalt| 12.28.12 @ 5:02PM
"Every time I bother to read one of this bagel-gobblers idiotic columns I think of buying a new lampshade and paying the gas bill."
This post is very offensive.
Apparently, anti-Semitism is alive and well on Planet Earth.
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 6:33PM
Norman: Frank and I are Jewish, ya know. We both eat bagels and we both think Ben is FOS.
It is more his California lawyerness and Hollywood celebrity (D-list) rather than his belonging to the children of Abraham that doom him. Egg bagels are quite good, I don't care who you are. I must agree with my friend Cobalt, below. An apolgy is in some order. Not to Ben, he deserves the crap. But to the Conservative Jews here.
Hardcard| 12.28.12 @ 3:38PM
Gee Benny thats's tough stuff but if you can't do the time don't do the cheating, scamming, dishonest, and evil crime.
Thurston Howell III| 12.28.12 @ 4:24PM
Ben,
Times are hard. I had to sell my Malibu property at a loss, not to mention one of my beloved custom built Gulfstreams. But, thankfully, I still have my yacht (anchored next to Sen Kerry's), as well as my manse in the Hamptons and my chalets in Switzerland and the Allgau.
With regards to places to sup: there are quite a few nice bistros where one can get a decent meal and bubbly for under $800. And if one is desperate, just go to the Cosmos Club in DC.
Well, I must be off. My friend Pierre and his wife have a table for me and my escort at the Georges Cinq where we will partake in a quick lobster snack (served with a bottle of 60 year old Hock) before hitting the tables.
Bon nuit.
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 6:34PM
Thurston: need a loan for the Baccarat table, old topknot?
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 8:20PM
This is how Ben responds to people screwing him over $300,000---remember his friend screwed people out of $8 million:
"By THE DEADLINE TEAM | Wednesday January 11, 2012 @ 9:21pm PST
inShare.5Comments 99 Economist and writer and humorist and actor Ben Stein has filed suit against Kyocera Corp and advertising agency Seiter & Miller alleging that an agreement for him to appear in TV commercials was illegally breached because of his personal and political beliefs about global warming. Stein’s memorable jacket-and-tie deadpan persona has figured in numerous TV commercials and appearances. Not to mention his iconic turn in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. According to Stein’s suit, Grace Jao of Seiter & Miller in December 2010 contacted his agent Marcia Hurwitz of Innovative Artists about appearing in commercials for Kyocera printer products and about speaking at a company function.
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 8:21PM
Con't:
Over the course of about five weeks, the suit claims, the parties reached an agreement on all significant deal points including payment of Stein’s fee of $300,000 for shooting the commercials and for the speaking engagement. The circumstances led Hurwitz to believe the deal was done, the suit says, and Stein planned accordingly.
Early in February 2011 Jao contacted Hurwitz, the suit says, to inform the agent that questions had been raised over Stein’s beliefs about global warming and the environment and whether they were “sufficiently conventional and politically correct for Kyocera,” according to language in the suit.
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 8:23PM
Con't:
Hurwitz told Jao that as far as she was concerned the deal was done, the suit said, and Stein’s political and scientific views were not part of his contract for extolling the company’s printers. Stein told Hurwitz to inform the defendants that he was extremely concerned with environmental issues but he was no means certain that global warming was manmade. He also told her to inform the defendants that it was a matter of his religious beliefs that God and not man controlled the weather.
On February 16, 2011, Livingston Miller, president of the ad agency, informed Hurwitz via email that the agency had decided to “withdraw its offer” even though negotiations had resulted in an acceptance of the offer and other stipulations. The reason? According to the suit, because of “Ben’s official positions on various policy issues that appear on the web of which we have only lately become aware.” Kyocera and the agency Seiter & Miller then hired a Ben Stein lookalike, the suit alleges, and dressed him with a tie, sport jacket and glasses and brazenly misappropriated Stein’s public persona for commercials — thereby intentionally inflicting emotional distress on Stein.
Occam's Tool| 12.28.12 @ 8:29PM
Con't: In addition to breach of contract and breach of good faith and fair dealing, Stein’s suit charges Kyocera, Seiter & Miller and associated individuals of illegal religious discrimination and with wrongful discharge for political expression, which are illegal under California law. Stein seeks the sum of $300,000 for work he agreed to do, attorney fees and court costs and punitive damages."
Now, Ben was perfectly within his rights to sue those bastards. In fact, I hope he wins.
That being said,though, wailing about his friend's wonderfulness when the man cheated people out of 8 Meelyon Dollars seems a bit much.
Skipping lightly to a completely different subject:
Frank, seriously, another steak you MUST try is the Greek steak at the Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer, AL.
NB: Bright Star's Tenderloin of Beef - Greek Style (10 oz)29.95
Large Beef Tenders are Cut into Generous Steaks, Then Marinated Hours in a Special Sauce Consisting of Oregano, Garlic, Lemon, Olive Oil and Butter in Just the Right Blend."
Note the Butter and Garlic sauce. Frank, trust me on this one, pal.
sdfhlk | 12.28.12 @ 8:37PM
Merry Christmas,NBA ,NFL 2012
William R. Barker | 12.28.12 @ 10:44PM
Ben... jettison the deadbeats.
Save your generosity for those who deserve it.
Notice, I'm not saying cut down on your charitable giving; rather, I'm saying rationalize it.
air max en france | 12.29.12 @ 3:57AM
It is a sign of the success you will have as a public speaker and as a minister that you summon up such love for a fellow human in your Spartan circumstances. Your empathy really knows no bounds. I bow down to your superior strength as a human being.
Big Buckeye| 12.29.12 @ 8:15AM
Paul wrote very positive letters to the Philistines about God's love while imprisoned. In a time of despair or crisis, it is good to read them and get some perspective on your situation. A first century Turkish prison probably wasn't very good.
And how lucky is that young lady to have been saved from the clutches of the abortion mill. I hope she is pro-life and helps the movement. How many more could be saved with such a great gift.
Jeff1000| 12.29.12 @ 6:02PM
TLP's a great talent. I guess TAS "elites" just can't tolerate an unwashed commenter exposing how little talent they have.
All the best to you Tim, hope to see you around somewhere. God bless.
Appleby| 12.31.12 @ 7:32AM
Sorry Ben, but you lost me when you took out the gun and put it to the head of "The Rich" -- while not including yourself. The answer to that question was once given by Someone much greater than Harry Reid: "Go and sell everything you have, and give to the Poor, and come follow Me." And like you, the person He was addressing went home with a sign, and kept his Goodies for himself, because he was very rich.
Cynicon Implant| 12.31.12 @ 8:01AM
Does Stein even read his own stuff? In one article he says that we need to pay more taxes to help the poor AND that we have too many "poor" who are just sucking off the govt teat and not caring about being productive. Is that who you say we have to help Ben? Why?
Anthony| 12.31.12 @ 9:48AM
"They are not really rich if they cannot afford to pay more taxes". So says the oracle of Beverly Hills, Ben "clear eyes" Stein.
What a false dichotomy brought to you by a guy who spends more on shrink bills a year than most families spend on groceries.
Memo to Stein: Yes, they are really rich, and yes, they can afford to pay more, but that doesn't mean they have to because of decades of leftist redistribuionist policies, simply because leftist mob rule demands it. Got it Stein?
Please Emmett, chuck this fool once and for all. Leave this neurotic nebbish hypocrite to his own devises and no longer subject us to his gilded edged guilt trips!!!
Norman Conquest| 12.31.12 @ 11:37AM
"I had Fox in the morning and then came home, had a nap, and then took a lovely family from Canada who are visiting me out to Malibu. They were awed by the sunset, as well they should have been. Blue and gray and red and yellow and orange exploded across the seascape. It was a miracle. The sunset through the palms and cedars next to our house was breathtaking.
We had stopped at a Pavilions Grocery to buy some roasted chicken. A simply beautiful fairly young (maybe 40) young woman smiled at me. I talked to her for a few minutes."
If the Spectator is going to continue to publish the bagel-eater's moronic musings, at least edit them! I had a Fox this morning? Not the one with the roasted chicken presumably.
Brian Richard Allen | 1.4.13 @ 3:00PM
Mr Stein had FoxNews (work, that is) in the morning and, thank God, not PMSNBC.
Capiche, Cafone?
holmegm| 12.31.12 @ 11:44AM
"The tax system is largely about transferring wealth from the rich to the poor, and I have no problem with that as long as the money does not go to building a tyrannical, dictatorial government, or, again, an immense dependent, violent, drug-addicted, passive class."
But ... that's exactly what *did* happen.
So you have no problem with it, except for how it actually works.
1ConservativeUSA| 12.31.12 @ 11:51AM
So many misstatements and misconceptions regarding raising taxes on "the rich".
Conservatives don't believe in raising taxes on ANYONE because it does not address or solve our problems.
First, trying to define "the rich" is a loser's game (see Obama) and it is un-American (see Obama again). Next, raising taxes does not promote economic growth. Finally, rasing taxes will never be enough to close the deficit cause by a tax dollar and power addicted federal government.
When we learned that raising taxes on those greedy enough to make $250K per year ("the rich" according to the perpetual class warrior Obama) only pays for a week of government spending, how can we even make a serious argument for it? How do we accept Obama's argument as being even remotely intelligent?
Ronsch| 12.31.12 @ 12:48PM
Well, Ben, why don't you just cut a check for everything except for $250K (or is it $100K, as I cannot keep up with NerObama's definition of "rich") so that you can pay your "fair share."
E B | 12.31.12 @ 3:44PM
I used to live in South Chicago, somewhat similar to Detroit. Education and its availability do not make a difference. You can take a man out of the slums, but it won't make a difference if you don't take the slums out of the man. That's God's job, if we let him. Doesn't matter what religion you practice, I've found that truth everywhere. And it helps a lot to be born in a culture that values education.
Now that you bring up Bibles in jails, watch out! The liberals are after them too!
Lastly, if I ever meet a politician again who is as serious about spending cuts as Romney is, I will be very well pleased.
www.conservativemormonmom.blogspot.com
Bob Grant| 12.31.12 @ 7:05PM
Well Ben,
Happy new year!
You wanted those tax increases and you will soon get em.
Now, the pressing question is this: will you and your friends frequent Bob's Big Boy, the gourmet grocery stores, and Five Guys as often as you did before the tax increase?...or will the wonderful people working at those places suffer because you now have no choice but to hide your money in tax shelters?
Think about it this way, Ben. Look how many wonderful, Venus-like, intoxicating women will be unemployed because you have to pay more in taxes.
Oh well, there's always another destination for you to travel to to get your mind off these things.
air max en france | 1.2.13 @ 3:17AM
There is a bad spirit of no compromise on both sides: the leftists do not want any cuts in entitlements; the GOP does not want to raise taxes at a
Brian Richard Allen | 1.4.13 @ 2:47PM
.... We stopped at the Bob’s Big Boy in Calimesa for some fabulous sandwiches. A group of eight of us had a fine dinner for about $100 ....
The other evening a group of seven comprised of five of our friends and my wife and I had an around twelve course dinner near the home we keep in Chiang Mai, Thaland. The bill was for 1,300 Baht. About $42.00! Had already enjoyed a scrumptious lunch that day at a little restaurant across the street. Thirty Baht. Less than One Dollar.
And way clear of the areas of interest of the Norks and Mad Mullahs and of every other psychopath with a rocket and designs upon the electro-magnetic pulse with which those maniacal basta*ds will likely -- now their creature's stolen another "election" and is in our president's office and is destroying our beloved fraternal republic's Constitution, our institutions and our military -- quite soon, destroy America.
sineperde | 1.10.13 @ 5:17AM
Now, the pressing question is this: can you and your friends frequent Bob's massive Boy, the connoisseur grocery stores, and 5 Guys as typically as you probably did before the tax increase?...or can the howling individuals functioning at those places suffer as a result of you currently don't have any selection however to cover your cash in tax shelters?
www.kanal6.net