The Republican Party and conservative PACs are beginning to run TV ads that assert, in very dramatic terms, that unless the Bush tax cuts are made permanent, everybody’s income taxes will increase substantially.

These ads indicate that this is what the Obama administration and Democrats in Congress want.

It’s a big lie, and if you keep telling it, enough people will believe it because they hear it so often.

In a July 20 press conference, Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), the third-ranking House Republican, said, “The American people deserve to know that, should Democrats get their way, every income tax bracket will increase on Jan. 1, 2011. Every single one.

“You know, you don’t raise taxes on every American taxpayer during the worst recession in 25 years.” Do Democrats want every tax bracket to rise, as Pence suggests? No.

For months, Democratic officials have said they intend to let only the tax cuts for the wealthiest individuals lapse — $200,000 for individuals and $250,000 for married couples filing jointly — and will advance a plan to make permanent Bush’s 2001 tax cuts for middle-class Americans earning less than $200,000. About two percent of Americans will see their income tax rates increase if Democrats succeed in getting this legislation through Congress.

But will they succeed, or will Republican senators filibuster, arguing that the Democrats are trying to raise “everyone’s” taxes?

Could it possibly be that they want to filibuster so that all of the Bush tax reductions come to an end and everyone’s income taxes increase?

Then they can run against Obama and the Democrats’ tax increases on everyone.

Will we be “vigilante” enough, as (Pilot columnist) Alan Jefferys wants us to be, to notice that if this happens, it will be because of the Republicans?

James Tomashoff

Pinehurst

More like this story

dustyrhoades 2 years, 9 months ago

"...in the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility; because the broad masses of a nation are always more easily corrupted in the deeper strata of their emotional nature than consciously or voluntarily; and thus in the primitive simplicity of their minds they more readily fall victims to the big lie than the small lie, since they themselves often tell small lies in little matters but would be ashamed to resort to large-scale falsehoods. It would never come into their heads to fabricate colossal untruths, and they would not believe that others could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously. Even though the facts which prove this to be so may be brought clearly to their minds, they will still doubt and waver and will continue to think that there may be some other explanation. For the grossly impudent lie always leaves traces behind it, even after it has been nailed down, a fact which is known to all expert liars in this world and to all who conspire together in the art of lying."

—Adolf Hitler , Mein Kampf, vol. I, ch. X[1]

Woody 2 years, 9 months ago

It is not a lie. One of the Bush tax cuts that will expire is the increased child tax credit. This will affect everyone that has children regardless of their tax bracket. Dusty is quoting Hitler now?? - Priceless.

intrepidreader 2 years, 9 months ago

Godwin's Law /prov./ [Usenet] "As a Usenet discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one." There is a tradition in many groups that, once this occurs, that thread is over, and whoever mentioned the Nazis has automatically lost whatever argument was in progress. Godwin's Law thus practically guarantees the existence of an upper bound on thread length in those groups.

Arestorer 2 years, 9 months ago

@Woody Does the present admin. want this credit to expire also,or are you just guessing?

OldSpook 2 years, 9 months ago

Okay, the Demon-crats are still pointing fingers and yelling; "Liar!" Dusty, a confirmed liberal, is now quoting Hitler (very scary) and Obama is sending Ambassador to Hiroshima. Did I wake up in Bazaaro land today? Great joke from Jay Leno: “If you would like to get him (Obama) a gift, he’s registered at Bed, Bath, and Blame it on Bush.”

theonewithsense 2 years, 9 months ago

I promise to pass my increased tax burden along to my employees, in the form of reduced bonuses and reducing the amount of raises next year. It will be easier to pinch the employees than it will to increase fees.

I've got to figure out a way to outsource labor to foreign markets to stay competitive, since that's the best way to stay competitive.

lindy888 2 years, 9 months ago

Bush tax cuts....I don't think any of you know what they are....Why don't you call the Pilot and have them print it... Then say you want it to cease... or to be continue....

RmeMP 2 years, 9 months ago

i am just curious - why do dems and libs want to constantly "punish" the rich? why do they make those who are successful in life and "the american dream" out to be "the devil" of our society? i am nowhere even close to being rich, but i don't think we should punish those who are either. this shows again a need for either a flat tax, or a fair tax; it shouldn't matter how much money anyone makes - we should all pay the same amount in taxes (IMHO)!

BTW, doesn't defining "rich" depend on the local that one person lives in? i guarantee you that what i paid for my 3 bedroom house in moore county NC, is wayyyyy less than what the exact same house would cost in say massachusetts; and the work that i do here, i could make 4x as much in maine.

i'm just saying - depending on where you live, $200k may not be considered rich.

dustyrhoades 2 years, 9 months ago

Steveital, rather than practicing the one big lie, just seems to want to tell a steady succession of them:

"An editorial in the Nikkei newspaper, Japan's leading business daily, said the U.S. representative's attendance is "a far cry from the apology to bombing victims that both cities are hoping for,"

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704657504575411783589560138.html

interpidreader: Godwin's Law does not state that 'whoever mentions the Nazis loses." The Hitler quote is highly appropriate, as it does provide some explanation as to why some people, especially the simple-minded, continue to believe things that are demonstrably not true, just because they can't believe anyone would tell that big a lie.

It also helps if the lie pays into your preconceived notions...witness steveital in this thread, who will believe and spread any falsehood or distortion, so long as it fits into his hate-filled, fearful and paranoid world-view.

Hitler was the archetypal evil genius. He understood how to manipulate the people.

Oh, and Woody?

Obama to Increase Child Care Tax Credit, Elder Care Funding

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/10/35213/obama-increase-child-care-tax-credit-elder-care-funding.html

dustyrhoades 2 years, 9 months ago

More for Woody:

http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/100007974_Tax_cuts_for_richshort-term_gainlong-term_loss.html

"The third part of this debate involves modifications to the Bush tax cuts that were included as part of the economic recovery act enacted last year. These provisions, which modestly expanded the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit, expire at the end of this year, just like the Bush tax cuts. President Obama would make these provisions permanent, while congressional Republicans would not. The result is that the poorest three-fifths of taxpayers would actually pay more in taxes under the Republican approach than under Obama’s plan.

How do Republicans (and conservative Democrats who agree with them) justify their position? One argument they make is that the tax system unfairly burdens the rich and lets the poor off too easily. "

greentara13 2 years, 9 months ago

It is interesting that the people who work the hardest, seem to be punished the most. I'm mainly talking about small business when I write this. They have to work more hours to maintain their business, are taxed more and they are just trying to pursue the 'American Dream'. Big companies and corporations typically get both federal and state tax cuts and perks to move to different states/counties. Why can't it just be fair and level? (yes I know fair is the first part of fairy tale ha ha ha!) I'm starting to look unfavorably at lobbyists and I really can't stand either political party. They only want to argue and not come up with a reasonable notion to work our problems out. I feel like we are dealing with a handful of unruly 5 year olds sometimes. It seems it is the the old boy network regardless which 'side' is elected.

What we need is an Empress/Mother/ Dowager to knock some order into some government official's heads! Yahoo! I'd like to do it! First thing is cut off their allowance, and actually make then clean their rooms for once.

RmeMP 2 years, 9 months ago

james, dusty and everyone else wanting to steal from the rich to give to the poor-

a little information for those who don't know:

if the the bush tax cuts expire on Jan 1, EVERYONES taxes go up - FACT
the democrats are saying that they will only allow the bush tax cuts to be made permanent, if the republicans will allow them to exclude the top two tax brackets - FACT

here is the problem we're facing:

did you know that "the top two tax brackets" cover 50 percent of small business income and about 25 percent of the workforce? so, in the middle of a major recession and with unemplyment at nearly 10%, why would we raise taxes on anyone? why not extend the tax cuts for say 12-24 months and see how the economy stands then?

do you honestly think that nobody knew this tax cut expiration date was coming? why did the democrats, who are in control, wait until 2 months prior to the elections to address this epic situation? well, i guess passing oblunder care (even though a LARGE majority of americans dont want it) was more important huh?

one reason:

MID TERM ELECTIONS!!! this is nothing but a dirty tactic by the failing left to try and paint the republicans as "middle-class haters" - PERIOD.

BigE 2 years, 9 months ago

Although I would like a simplified tax code with zero deductions and a flat tax, I do not get emotional when tax rates or deductions change for the wealthiest Americans. Lets put it in perspective:

I own a small business and used to live in a New England neighborhood where the houses sold for $800K to $1.1MM. We paid property taxes in the $14K to 17K per year ballpark. Most of our neighbors sent their kids to private school, had vacation homes, expensive foreign cars (Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche, etc.), spent $150+ dining out on Friday or Saturday nights, had pools built into the back yard, belonged to private golf clubs, vacationed in exotic locations, etc. My guess is that household income ranged from $200K to $500K per year.

Alternatively, the folks we hired typically earned $25K-$45K (could have been hgher if they were more successful in selling) sometimes could not afford cable TV, had rundown cars, didn't necessarily have health insurance, thought a trip to Florida with the kids was an amazing vacation, and had never eaten at places I would go regularly.

Which group do you think should pay more taxes and could best survive with less discretionary income?

lindy888 2 years, 9 months ago

jmt....I was trying to say excusing you of course....how many of us really know the reality of whats going to happen to all of us when and if this tax law exspires.....Man ...I worked during the time this bill started...It's not so great as most try to make it...you ...I was in sales...have a good year..You pay one hell of a lot more...I can't remember but it was something about going over a percentage in taxable income.....

MikeNC 2 years, 9 months ago

Mr. Tomashoff, To date, there has been no decision on the Democrat Congress part to just eliminate the tax cut on those over $250,000. The fight still continues. Some in congress still want an across the board expiration. Even if Congress agrees to expire the tax cut only on the $250,000 and over crowd, it will have a huge impact. Why? Many small businesses file as a single or joint return, just as we who don't own a business do.

You do need to google "new taxes for 2011" and see what is in store for EVERYONE !! Child credits go from $1,000 per child down to $500.00. Special Needs children who need to attend special schools, their credit dips all the way down to $2500 from the current $14,000 credit. New Tax on medical devices, from a hearing aid to an ace bandage. Penalties for those without hospitalization. Small businesses use to be able to deduct upwards to $250,000 on their equipment for depreciation, the credit now drops to $2500. Stop and think of Restaurants, Landscapers, and others whose equipment gets a lot of abuse in the course of a year. Savings Accounts and CD's taxes go up 5%. Stock dividends tax, up almost 10%. Married couples are now dropped to Single Status Claim Level. And I could go on and on and on... Diane McLellan

dustyrhoades 2 years, 9 months ago

"the source of my information, since you asked, was senate minority leader mitch mcconnell '

well, there's your trouble, right there.

dustyrhoades 2 years, 9 months ago

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2010/aug/04/randy-neugebauer/lawmaker-claims-democrats-want-hit-small-businesse/

Note how many of the statements made in this thread re: taxes and small business were given the most egregious rating on Politifact.org: "Pants on Fire."

RmeMP 2 years, 9 months ago

jimt-

that is NOT a lie - the democrats say they will let the tax credits expire if the republicans refuse to vote for it they way they want - correct? so, then, "should Democrats get their way, every income tax bracket will increase on Jan. 1, 2011. Every single one."

that sir IS THE TRUTH; what is so hard to understand about that? BTW, i will accept your apology now ;)

Arestorer 2 years, 9 months ago

@RmeMP Is it the truth because you say so or do you have any proof? @DIANE Mc I think if a small buisness is deducting 250,000 for equip. they are not a SMALL company. Also if you have Savings accounts,CD's,Stocks and Bonds you can probably afford to pay a little more taxes. Try living next year on 24,000 income.

moonchild7 2 years, 9 months ago

Bush's tax cuts MUST be allowed to expire next year. Totally, not in increments or over several years. Why? Because it is the moral thing to do. Why? Because the standard of living between the rich and the poor in this country is just TOO WIDE!!!!!!! "Pie in the sky" attitudes still want to believe that the rich/wealthy will do the right thing towards those who are less fortunate. Problem is very few of them will "do the right thing". What is the right thing to do? PAY MORE TAXES! The rich have such a "better-than-thou" attitude rooted in the belief that the reason they are rich and YOU aren't is because they are either just special people or have a "special" relationship with GOD. BOGUS, BOGUS, BOGUS. If the Federal Government didn't make them do certain things they never would. The "goodness of the heart" belief doesn't "compute" to many of them. Now, NOT ALL of THEM...but most of them. Taxes will be raised on everyone next yr if the tax cuts are allowed to expire. 15% for those with income up to $70,040 to 38% with income of $384,000(plus). The other incomes are between those. But what is wrong with that picture? What is wrong with that picture and what the BIG LIE is about, is that the rich have something that regular people usually don't have. They have High-priced Lawyers and Accountants to make sure they NEVER pay more than about 10%...maybe 20% at the most. The reason they MUST pay more is also because they can afford it. If anyone reading this is paying more than those rates then get a Lawyer/Accountant fast. Sadly, this is the state of our tax system and I believe those facts/tax loopholes are immoral. If anyone thinks it's not fair for the rich(I believe that those are the ones making $250,000 or more)to have to pay 38% then you really don't know how they are living unbelievably opulant self-absorbed lives.

MikeNC 2 years, 9 months ago

Hi Arestorer, Yes it is FACT, that child credit goes from $1,000 down to $500 and so does any one who has a special needs child who needs to go to a special school. Their credit use to be $14,000, goes down to a credit of $2,500. As I mentioned, just go to the search engine and type in new taxes in 2011 and you will find a host of sites explaining the new tax codes for 2011.

You also state that any company that was able to credit $250,000 of equipment for depreciation, has to surely be making more than $250,000 and therefore able to deal with this. My father was a landscaper. He worked 6 days a week, 10 hours a day, sometimes more. He loaded and unloaded and laid tons of sod in any given week. At the end of the day,(around 6pm) he would come home so dirty, he had to hose himself off outside before going to the shower. By 8 pm, in bed, only to rise at 5 am and start all over again. His pay scale was that of a low middle income wage earner. His tractors took a lot of abuse digging in dirt and sand, removing trees, etc. And a decent tractor ain't cheap and neither are the riding lawn mowers, and neither is the tractor trailer you need to transport the sod hundreds of miles to it's destination.

Also, if YOU do NOT have health insurance by 2011, you may be facing a yearly penalty under the new health care reform bill. this is no scare tactic, it's reality. Check out the new tax codes for 2011, it's all there in black in white. Diane McLellan

JT 2 years, 9 months ago

For anyone interested in a factual well documented description of this issue with full references see http://factcheck.org/2010/08/thompson-wrong-on-tax-cuts-too/

nothingspecial 2 years, 9 months ago

You Democrats love playing Angel and A__holes. The hypocrisy you constantly display is entertaining, if not ever convincing.

You might be forced to keep some of the Bush Tax cuts (though the reason they make no sense for you now is because you can't cut taxes and grow government at the same time). You're committed to making government enormous rather than considering that the alternative would give businesses and free enterprise a chance. I know, Bush grew government too, but nothing like you all are doing.

This comment is not intended to start a senseless debate with folks who already have their minds made, just meant to provide this link to an article that provides some reality to moderate your nonsense.

http://article.nationalreview.com/438989/the-washington-war-on-investment/larry-kudlow

sgmartin 2 years, 9 months ago

Wow. Once again I am floored by a thread in the Pilot. As Jon Stewart noted earlier this week "I give up"! Well for this week anyway. I need to recharge so I can take up the battle for common sense next week and be vigilant looking ahead to November.

dustyrhoades 2 years, 9 months ago

It's amazing to me that Prometheus, for all his verbosity and pomposity, is apparently too dimwitted to realize that quoting Hitler to show the tactic he and his fellow travelers use on a daily basis is not an endorsement of the ideology I'm describing. Stripped of all his pseudo-intellectual blather, all he's coming back with is the usual wingnut retort: "I know YOU are, but what am I?"

dustyrhoades 2 years, 9 months ago

Former G.W. Bush speechwriter David Frum and I would probably disagree on just about everything. But he's one of the few on the Right who's willing to be honest and push back against some of their more ridiculous lies.

In this great piece, he takes on the whole "Obama is a socialist" malarkey:

"Why didn’t Obama—the alleged socialist—fight for the public option? Why didn’t Obama—the alleged socialist—follow the recommendation of many, including Paul Krugman and Rep. David Obey, that the stimulus be much larger than what he ultimately proposed? Why didn’t Obama—the alleged socialist—give the American people just a small taste of real socialism and, at least, temporarily nationalize the large banks? (After all, even George W. Bush’s administration nationalized AIG, the largest insurance company in the world. Is Bush a socialist? Is Ben Bernanke? Is Henry Paulson)? Why didn’t Obama support a financial regulation bill that would actually break up the big banks and link bankers’ compensation to institutional performance? Why didn’t Obama withdraw American forces from Afghanistan as soon as logistically possible—why did he increase American forces there? Wouldn’t the fiscal savings have helped with the “transition” to socialism? I know I know—according to Kurtz, this is all part of the plan. But if this is the plan, the plan doesn’t really make much sense, does it?"

The whole thing is worth a read.

http://www.frumforum.com/obamas-socialist-revolution-comes-up-short

wyethanderson 2 years, 9 months ago

Maybe the current majority party has misunderestimated the situation and should refudiate their intent to raise taxes.

JER 2 years, 9 months ago

Prometheus: You have all the answers yet the country remains imperfect. How can this be? Perhaps you have not disseminated your views to a wide enough audience. Perhaps using the quotes of others is not sufficient to get your points across. Perhaps your beliefs are not totally correct. Whatever the reasons, I am convinced that nothing any of the rest of us offer to the debate will have a snowballs chance in hell of entering your little gray cells for consideration. So type on, your followers await your next pontification.

JER 2 years, 9 months ago

wyethanderson: Good one!!

DaveyNC 2 years, 9 months ago

The tax rates on our lowest earners is going from 10% to 15%, or a 50% increase.

The tax rates on our highest earners is going from 35% to 39.6%, a 13% increase.

Looked at another way, George Bush lowered taxes on our poorest people by 33%. President Obama and the Democrats are about to jack them up by 50%.

Yes, all the tax rates are going up. Read this for more clarification: http://goo.gl/fi0J

Math brings brutal clarity, doesn't it?

MikeNC 2 years, 9 months ago

Prometheus says to dustyroad ......"Here's an idea for your scholarly mind to ponder - how about you address the specific points I made and refute them in a way that would impress us all"...Sounds good and that is the way this forum should work...I don't know if it was intended to work that way however; especially when it comes for liberals to address the key conservative points which are made.

Go visit most any of the active topics today. Some great conservative points have been addressed. Lots of time and effort has gone into the process of making these posts accurate for the reader. And then look at some of the responses...worn out Bush bashing, senseless rant, trying to be witty, but normally look idiotic and demented and no answers or comments to any substance. Question....has obama blamed President Bush yet for inheriting his low approval numbers? Mike

TheNeedle 2 years, 9 months ago

Yawn. Apparently "Prometheus" believes that the written equivalent of a long, boring harangue by a condescending schoolmaster is persuasive.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

JER 2 years, 9 months ago

Prometheus: I found my "insult" to be extremely neat and tidy, unlike your long winded retort. But enough with the name calling. You read the authors who promote your viewpoints, I'll read those that support mine. "Free your mind and the rest of you will follow" is a two way street,sir. Your statement, "voters incorrectly believe that government can fix the problems..." ignores the FACT that we, the people are the government. We, the people elected the current administration to change the course our country had been following under the previous administration. If you are unhappy with the current course, vote for a change. In the meantime, please continue to be a pompous ass since there are a bunch of us that find a lot of entertainment value in it. You asked for an idea from me so here it is: Let's all work together to find solutions for our country. Both liberals and conservatives have good ideas that will help get our country back on course. Take the best from both sides. Working together for the common good is not a socialist "agenda".

MikeNC 2 years, 9 months ago

Good comments James and I'm with you on a successful purge come November. I'd comment further....but you wrapped it up so neat and concise in how most Americans feel today and why....Mike

moonchild7 2 years, 9 months ago

You guys are just NOT quoting the right ones in regards to the taxation of "the people": "While the rich and thrifty will be obliged to contribute largely from the ABUNDANCE OF THEIR MEANS.....No burdens have been imposed on the industrious laborer and mechanic....The food of the poor is untaxed and no one will be affected by the provisions of this bill(first U.S. income tax of 1862)whose living depends solely on his manual labor." ..........Thaddeus Stevens(Republican), US House Of Representatives, 1862 "It is important to this people to grapple with the problems connected with the AMASSING of ENORMOUS FORTUNES and the use of those FORTUNES both corporate and individual in business. We should discriminate in the sharpest way between FORTUNES well-won and FORTUNES ill-won, between those gained as an incident to performing great services to the community as a whole, and those gained in evil fashion by keeping just within the limits of mere law-honesty. ......Theodore Roosevelt(Republican), speaking about the Estate Tax, 1906 "...great care would have to be exercised to see that the income tax was not evaded by the very men whom it was most desirable to have taxed.....as the least desirable of all taxes is the tax which bears heavily upon the honest as compared with the dishonest man." .......Theodore Roosevelt(Republican), 1907 "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesars' and unto God the things that are God's" .......Jesus of Nazareth

moonchild7 2 years, 9 months ago

The median(adjusted for inflation)"real" annual income of Americans in 2007 was $50,233. This is the "basis" or bottom line of how all decisions regarding the taxation of the people need to be addressed. I'm pretty sure that any person who "earns" more than quadruple the average income of most of the other's should be considerd rich. That income is a very good income in the South and not the Northeast; but that cannot be taken into context for this argument. No one is forced to live in the Northeast. Just like no one is forced to have children they can't afford, live in houses they can't afford, charge up items they can't afford, etc., etc. President Obama in 2009 paid $1.8 million in income tax on $5.5 million of income. Bush, in 2007, paid $221,000 on income of $923,807. Dick Cheney must tell his accountant to keep his tax the same no matter what his income is because in the last few years his income has ranged from $2 million to $8 million but has on average only paid $500,000 to the Federal Government. The "morality" that I try to live by is the simple GOLDEN RULE, (sorry that it wasn't anything I thought of): "In everything, do to others what you would want them to do to you" Recentlly I read that several BILLIONAIRE'S are going to give half of their wealth away to Charity. Thats fabulous. Know what else is fabulous? The fact that they will still have a lot of wealth and will probably make more $$$$ to give some of that away too. Life is NOT fair....but everyone should always try to do the right thing and leave this planet and it's people in a much better place, than it was while they were here.--------------------------------------------------------------

JER 2 years, 9 months ago

I can only hope that someday, I am in my boat on the lake and I come across prometheus floundering in the water, getting ready to go under for the third time. As I cruise past him, my only comment will be: " Sorry I can't share my boat with you sir, lest you think I'm a socialist."

JER 2 years, 9 months ago

I'm glad that prometheus bit on my comment about working for the common good. It shows exactly what kind of a person we are dealing with. Anyone who loves team sports is a socialist. Religion is socialism. Any organization with two or more members is socialist. Anyone who agrees with prometheus is a socialist since they are working with him for a common cause. I'm done with this discussion. I'll see you at the voting booth.

TheNeedle 2 years, 9 months ago

"It shows exactly what kind of a person we are dealing with."

It figures that Prometheus would be an Ayn Rand fan. The turgid, nearly unreadable writing, the arrogance and pomposity, the attempt to elevate sociopathy to a political philosophy--P may very well be the reincarnation of that psychotic, vicious hag who one wrote of a convicted serial killer who'd kidnapped, raped, murdered and dismembered a 13 year old girl that he was "a brilliant, unusual, exceptional boy," shimmering with "immense, explicit egotism."

People like Rand (and Prometheus) have elevated lack of compassion to such a fetish that they'd likely be serial killers themselves if they could work up the energy.

TheNeedle 2 years, 9 months ago

You can wrap in it all the pompous verbiage you want, Prometheus, but it's really very simple: Randian Objectivism =sociopathy. That makes you a sociopath.

The fact that you refer to your fellow citizens as "parasites" should be the first clue. It's the same kind of coldness, narcissism, and lack of feeling for humanity that you read in the writings and statements of serial killers.

TheNeedle 2 years, 9 months ago

"I can only hope that someday, I am in my boat on the lake and I come across prometheus floundering in the water, getting ready to go under for the third time. As I cruise past him, my only comment will be: " Sorry I can't share my boat with you sir, lest you think I'm a socialist."

Pray you're not the one drowning. He'd throw you a rock and then spend an hour and a half explaining how he'd done the world a favor by ridding it of another "parasite."

TheNeedle 2 years, 9 months ago

Ayn Rand's "idealized" hero Howard Roark:

"He was born without the ability to consider others."

Sounds pretty sociopathic to me.

Ross 2 years, 9 months ago

Prometheus - please limit your postings as it is warm enough in Moore county :)

TheNeedle 2 years, 9 months ago

""...a lack of regard for the moral or legal standards in the local culture. There is a marked inability to get along with others or abide by societal rules."

Sounds like Ayn Rand's "heroes" all over, who show nothing but contempt for societal rules and mores.

Glibness and Superficial Charm

Unrealistic / Grandiose Sense of Self

Callousness/Lack of Empathy

Yep, yep, yep. That's our Prometheus.

JER 2 years, 9 months ago

"I think I have responded for the last time.." Yea, prometheus has left the building!!! They had to take out one wall to get his head through, but he's gone!!!

moonchild7 2 years, 9 months ago

Oh my, Mr. Prometheus I hope you've gone to your "Anger Management" class. If not, you might think about finding one to attend. Your very old, tired, and sick argument where you seem to believe the adage, "The one who dies with the most toys wins", is inconsistant with the reality of human history. Since the beginning of time men have had an excessive desire to accumulate money, power and prestige. Yet in that same history there is "littered" the burnt, hung, stabbed, shot, mutulated, starved, over-dosed, beaten, etc., etc. remains of kings/queens, conquerors, politicans, robber barrons, slave owners, religious pretenders, bankers, and generals. You seem to be making an argument for anarchy...an anarchy that of course favors the rich because the rich feel they are being "robbed" by the poor. INSANE. Although after reading todays news that the U.S. is becoming a Plutonomy you might get your wish. The rich have an insatiable appetite, that is never quenched, for "owning stuff", and that can only be stopped by LAWS. This is not the freedom that our Founding Fathers had in mind but rather a prison of greed.

OldSpook 2 years, 9 months ago

Perhaps, if the "Holier than thou" left were to offer a consideration to the "Kill em all and let God sort it out" right we might resolve something. The current diatribe, while amusing in a dark way, offers nothing towards finding middle ground.

I believe we can all agree that every legalized American should have; 1) A safe place to dwell. 2) Adequate food and water. 3) Opportunities’ to better themselves. Every legalized American is not entitled to; 1) Cable television. 2) A paycheck every month for doing nothing. (Perhaps going to Sandhills Community College could fill this requirement) 3) Alcohol, cigarettes and illegal drugs on the taxpayer’s dime. I believe we can all also agree that these things cost money to provide. What if our Government were to supply these needs for a period of time? Where is the money to come from? Well before the right destroys this as yet another "socialist" program to overburden their lot and the left raises the taxes to cover the cost, can we look at another solution? How much money are we sending out in "Foreign Aid" every year, along with our jobs, to countries that don't need our money? (Toda, if you have time to research this...please) Perhaps it is time to reconsider our commitment to other countries when our own people are suffering. Also, why don't we end entitlement programs for people who can't pass a drug test? (I really liked that idea last week)

What if the Government were required to budget their income (our taxes) just as we are required to budget our incomes and show responsible stewardship? Final thought, what if we applied these same ideas of stewardship to our elected officials locally?

teufelhunden 2 years, 9 months ago

OldSpook-very reasonable indeed.

moonchild7 2 years, 9 months ago

Oh my again, Prometheus, you are delusional and contradictory all in one long breath. "Live and Let Live." Isn't that Darwinism at it's best? "Survival of the fittest?" The Hunter/Gatherer's coda. Militia men? So you have that "the government is the problem fixation?" That's so funny since the government is us! Oh, right...you do seem to have problems with some of us and how we feel things need to addressed. For some reason I just think that even with a somewhat corrupt government I have a better chance of surviving and living a decent life. With the greedy and powerful rich(who hate paying taxes), they have absolutely no need or reason to listen at all to the "less of us"; people like me would be "put down" at the earliest. No the government is not around to make anyone do anything they don't want to do. They do however have to protect the "weak" from the "strong" or people like you would be paving the roads with human flesh. Why don't you just find an island somewhere so you can live out that "Atlas Shrugged" kinda life.

Tell It Enough — They'll Believe It

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