To Mitt and Newt: Knock It Off
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Memo to Messrs Gingrich and Romney: While we understand each of you wants to be the Republican nominee, the stakes are too high this year for you two to be attacking each other on your blind investments in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. We want to know how you're going to beat President Obama.
We don't want to hear, Mr. Romney, about how you'd fire someone in your administration who wants to civilize the moon. Mr. Gingrich, we don't think Mr. Romney is anti-immigration.
Just days ago, America was treated to a State of the Union address by the president that was a bold and clear message that he will double down on all the big-government interventionist failures of his administration, and that he will use the tactics of pitting certain segments of American society against others to do it.
It's critical that you understand this now, and not later, because extraordinary as it is, Mr. Obama has tapped into the resentment felt by the unemployed and the supposed have-nots in American society, and glomming onto the momentum of the OWS movement, is prepared to use these voters as pawns in a political gambit to win re-election.
He has successfully deflected attention away from the fact that it is his own policy failures that keep the unemployed out of a job, or those with low incomes from getting ahead, and has shifted that blame to land squarely on the private sector.
In a cynical and insulting ploy upon the American people, this president has a considerable portion of America actually believing that the freedoms and personal opportunities granted by the free market are now the root cause of their personal misfortune, and that only government can step in to level the playing field, redistribute the wealth, and make their lives better.
When you consider that virtually all current polling data has Mr. Obama running neck-and-neck with you guys, you simply don't have the luxury of time to beat each other up with meaningless and petty personal issues that do nothing to tell Americans how dangerous it would be to give Mr. Obama a second term.
We need a clear explanation from you about how the stagnancy of our economy and its inability to get back on a growth track is the direct result of big government and Keynesian economic principles of taxing and spending, which cripples our chances for a robust recovery.
Remind those of us contemplating a vote for Obama that if the liberal playbook for income equality was actually going to make individual lives better, that would have occurred a long time ago. Point to the failures of Johnson's "Great Society." Home in on the malaise of the Carter years and connect the misery indexes of his administration to those of today.
Remind voters it wasn't until Ronald Reagan backed the government out of our daily lives, reduced taxes across the board, and unshackled the private sector from punitive regulations that a dynamic economic recovery occurred.
Tie in Obama's European-styled socialist agenda to Europe's failed economies. Bring up Greece on a daily basis.
Tell us how Mr. Obama's plan to tax millionaires no less than 30 percent on their income will affect capital gains tax revenues and what it will do to personal investment in the stock market.
Ask the unemployed how a president who says he wants to put Americans back to work could possibly deny the construction of the Keystone pipeline.
These are the types of issues voters need the Republican nominees to discuss, and at this juncture in the run-up to the presidential election, there is no reason that the Republicans shouldn't be speaking in one strong political voice, despite their slight differences on individual issues. This election, more than any other, is about two distinct political ideologies. And the focus needs to stay there.
Voters need to understand that if President Obama wins a second term - and at this juncture, that looks confoundedly possible - there will be nothing to stop him from doing everything in his power to (as you might say, Newt) radically, fundamentally and profoundly alter America as we know it. Please work on the incumbent, not each other.
Geoff Cutler is owner of Cutler Tree LLC in Southern Pines and is a regular contributor to The Pilot and PineStraw magazine. Contact him at geoffcutler@ embarq mail.com.
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Comments
ProudYankee 1 year, 3 months ago
To Mitt and Newt; ignore Geoff, keep tearing each other up. The entertainment value is priceless.
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
I'm with Proud Yankee on this one. I'm buying popcorn in bulk and enjoying the never ending clown show.
We want to know how you're going to beat President Obama--because your proposed policies are unimportant. Not that you have any, other than what you think your audience du jour wants to hear.
You know why these guys are going after each other, Geoff? Because that's all they've got. They have no principles, no vision, no real plans at all. Their entire focus is not building anything, it's tearing down.
This part is particularly rich: he will use the tactics of pitting certain segments of American society against others to do it.
Actually, the one who's been banging the "don't vote for the rich guy" drum the loudest is your hero, Newt. But don't worry...if he beats Romney, he'll claim that he never said any of the things he's said and that anyone who quotes his exact words is lying, because he's changed his mind.
DaveyNC 1 year, 3 months ago
Excellent piece, Geoff. One small quibble, though, with this statement:
"He has successfully deflected attention away from the fact that it is his own policy failures that keep the unemployed out of a job, or those with low incomes from getting ahead, and has shifted that blame to land squarely on the private sector."
Not so sure about that. He got zero bounce after the SOTU: http://goo.gl/n0U2v
He's running his yapper, people are hearing it and seemingly dismissing what he says.
I want the contestants to fight, but you're right, Newt is a bit out of control at this point. Romney not much better. Fight hard, fight clean!
nothingspecial 1 year, 3 months ago
Gosh, Geoff you're so right on target with this one again! Our four candidates have an opportunity to unite in putting out clear alternatives to this administration, keeping the focus on that, and allowing the people to keep their eyes on what is ultimately needed, while at the same time deciding upon the right candidate. Otherwise one will win the title for our side but lose the race. I think Newt is reacting to a mountain of attacks from Mitt's forces - attacks that will completely destroy Newt's chances unless he either gets out or fights them.
Bentpan 1 year, 3 months ago
While I agree Mr. Cutler, that the bitter and frequently inaccurate attacks between candidates only benefit the current President, This is a part of the process ,in a few months we will have a clearly defined candidate and those that view the Obama Administration as a complete and dismal failure will coalesce behind that candidate. This years election will hopefully see the end of not only the Obama presidency but Reids' leadership of the Senate and maintaining control of the house which if anything are the more important objectives.
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
the bitter and frequently inaccurate attacks between candidates only benefit the current President, This is a part of the process ,
Lies and hatred..for the GOP, they're not a bug, they're a feature!
PBinNC 1 year, 3 months ago
I don't know what people find "fun" about politics these days. Too much nastiness, not enough positives. Of course it's hard to say what you want to accomplish as President as long as there's the stalemate with Congress so nothing gets done. And talk about "four" Republican candidates, I can't feature how anyone could vote for someone who says that a pregnancy as a result of rape should be called a "gift." (Santorum) I didn't believe it when I read it, then saw the video. So it's probably down to the two you refer to, Geoff, but they sure are doing their level best to kill each other off!
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
Actually, Geoff ought to be talking to the GOP establishment about "knocking it off." They're lining up to cut Newtie off at the knees. Notice how everyone who ever worked with Gingrich hates his guts?
The look on Bob Dole's face when asked if Gingrich has a chance was priceless:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7396509n
JER 1 year, 3 months ago
So Geoff, you seem to have all the answers, are a Washington outsider (except when you are attending fancy diners and rubbing elbows with the rich and powerful in Washington), have all that down home charm and ah shucks demeanor....why not throw your hat in right now. You seem to try to keep the name calling and ugliness to a minimum, so you would be a real breath of fresh air during the debates. So go ahead, put your words into actions. If the Obama administration is as bad as you say, beating him should be no problem for you. You say you don't have the money to compete? There are zillions of right wing dollars looking for anybody but the current crop of contenders. They don't care who it is, they just want someone like you, who has all the answers and can beat Obama. You can start by explaining how you, as a local small business owner, have been able to apply your principals and ideas into creating jobs and eliminating some of the poverty in your area of influence. You could outline how Obamacare is not necessary with your employees because you provide them with all the health care they will require and at an affordable price, since you help pay part of their premiums. So give it a go, what have you got to loose?
JER 1 year, 3 months ago
Dusty, your comments about the GOP establishment cutting Newt off at the knees reminds me of one of the best quotes ever from a politician; Gingrich once asked Bob Dole why everyone seemed to take an instant dislike to him (Newt). Dole responded "Because it saves time".
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
JER: That's brilliant.
Come on. Geoff, throw that hat in the ring. Your fellow wingnuts insist that the country is so bad off that absolutely anyone can beat Obama, so you should be a shoo-in, right?
nothingspecial 1 year, 3 months ago
It's been pathetic how folks from whichever side/who knows have been searching high and low for anyone who didn't like Newt and for any of his past quotes that might be construed as critical of Reagan. Who doesn't have someone in their past who could say they dislike them, especially anyone who has been a mover and shaker in the world? Especially ex-wives - that report was sure credible. Geoff is the smart one for not having the drive or whatever it takes to want to have to put self and family thru that.
geoffcutler 1 year, 3 months ago
Thanks for the advice, JER...I'll mull it over.
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
nothingspecialakajustpassingby: they didn't have to look "high and low" for people who'd worked with Gingrich who didn't like him. There are plenty of REPUBLICANS who can't stand him.
"There's all types of leaders. Leaders that instill confidence. Leaders that are somewhat abrupt and brisk. Leaders that have one standard for the people that they’re leading and a different standard for themselves. I just found his leadership lacking, and I’m not going to go into greater detail than that." Sen. Tom Coburn
"Newt Gingrich was a disaster as speaker. Everything was self-centered. There was a lack of intellectual discipline." Rep. Peter King
Then there's the right wing pundits who have dissed him: George Will, Charles Krauthammer, David Brooks, Ross Douthat, Ann Coulter....you do know who those people are, right?
Now Newt says he's in it till the convention. Awesome. RUN NEWT RUN!
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
While we're on the subject:
Newt and Dwight from the Office: This Explains Everything.
nothingspecial 1 year, 3 months ago
Im a Harley Man, you know President Obama, W Bush, Bill Clinton, etc. have detractors in the millions too, right. Most of us have learned that that "fact" doesn't necessarily always impact our opinion of the man.
DR: "nothingspecialakajustpassingby" - Many of us take from this, despite protests or explanations otherwise that I either hurt your feelings in similar fashion to JPB or that any disagreement with you between the ranges of JPB and I equals the same thing to you. Whichever it is, sorry.
Thatcher 1 year, 3 months ago
My, my. Some folks here seem to like posting about candidates from the party they hate. Out of the 18 posts so far, one guy has already posted 6 times (almost 70% of total posts...[this is a joke...but if you are a liberal, get out your calculator, then call me a hater]). I LOVE the Youtube links with what the Republican candidates have said in the last 20 years while serving in Congress or governing a state. Funny, though...I've never seen one Democrat ever post a link to show what Obama actually did "organizing" communities. Still don't know which communities he "organized". Still don't know who paid him to "organize" these communities. Surely there are Youtube links for this, right? Irregardless (rim shot!), there is no doubt in my mind that the economic skills gained from such "organizing" will lead this nation to prosperity in less than a year. Ok, 2 years. 3? Well, with 4 more years, this "organizing" science will take hold. I can't wait.
Thatcher 1 year, 3 months ago
Shhhhh! Nevermind how those "organized" communities are doing today. Thriving, no doubt.
teufelhunden 1 year, 3 months ago
DR-Too funny...Newt & Dwight!!! hahahaha
Geoff-great article and my sentiments exactly.
Yukonjohn 1 year, 3 months ago
I still cannot understand how Americans KNOW that the President's policies are a failure. They KNOW that the two frontrunners are a joke, and Rick Santorum is too religious to be even a possibility as a candidate. Why do they not think Ron Paul is NOT the answer. I think all the Repub candidates think his fiscal policy is superb. His social plan is perfect and will add to our coffers, and if we get out of these stupid places around the globe, trying to be the world's policeman, we would have surpluses everywhere!! Just escapes me why most Americans do not see this.
Bflat 1 year, 3 months ago
@DR- Besides wingnut, I now have added "sock puppet" to my entertainment ...ummm I mean political vocabulary. I, too, have the popcorn and peanuts ready for the show.
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
Most of us have learned that that "fact" doesn't necessarily always impact our opinion of the man.
Wingnuttery in a nutshell. Facts? Who needs them? Just put quotes around the word, ignore any facts that are inconvenient, and continue falling for the grifter of the week. It's the right wing equivalent of putting your hands over your ears and going "NANANANANAAAA I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"
(Waiting now for the inevitable "No, YOU are!" reply from one of the brain dead right wing zombie legion. )
Many of us take from this, despite protests or explanations otherwise that I either hurt your feelings in similar fashion to JPB or that any disagreement with you between the ranges of JPB and I equals the same thing to you.
That's because "many of you" don't know what words mean. Or don't care.
@DR- Besides wingnut, I now have added "sock puppet" to my entertainment ...ummm I mean political vocabulary.
Glad to help. I am, at heart, an educator.
Courseaire 1 year, 3 months ago
I see the debates between Mitt & Newt as no different than the debates that took place between Obama & Clinton in 2008. Once either Mitt, Newt or Ron are elected as the GOP candidate, then the others will be supporting them 100%. As a reference: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/21/debate.main/index.html
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
Well, at least neither Newt's nor Mitt's supporters can scream at the cameras about "inadequate black males", claim every criticism is a "slap in the face" to women or "throwing them under the bus" or say that the other one "should be bringing them coffee."
We also haven't heard either side's supporters make the false claim that there's a tape of the other candidate's wife talking about "whitey". So you got that goin' for you.
jgc 1 year, 3 months ago
Geoff, unfortunately what we are seeing (and you describing) is political campaigning at its lowest, and unforetunately it will only get worse.
However, if you are going to slam the president (which is your right), to gain credibility,back up your statements/opinions with facts. Without the facts, your message is in the same category as all the smear advertising we are witnessing and will only get worse.
Despite what your opinion was of the state of the union address, it did receive a 91% approval rating by the public (83% approval on his economic proposals).
Also:
Polls show The president is ahead of Romney by 6-8%, Gingrich by 12%+ The president's approval rating is rising (48% and above his disapproval rating) while Congress is between 9-13% (Republicans in Congress can't even get a positive approval rating from their base--conservative republicans).
Jobs: When the president took office, the economic job growth was -700K per month, a trend that took time to reverse into it's current positive trend.
Also, the Keystone project, that was killed because of reckless/insufficient assessment on the environmental impact, especially to ground water. Why rush into something until sufficient due diligence is done?
Your rallying cry against the president, without facts becomes undermined and is nothing more than an emotional plea. We can't govern on emotion
geoffcutler 1 year, 3 months ago
Yes jgc...this is an excellent low unemployment economy led by a pro-growth minimalist, reduced spending, low tax president. Whatever you think. The problem with the facts you so desire and think I left out, is that depending on where you look, you can get the right answers to suit your views. For example, Romney is ahead of Obama in a poll I saw just this morning. If you think Obama's economy is good for the country ...good for you. There will be no changing your mind no matter what I, or anyone else says.
native 1 year, 3 months ago
Utill the R party has a goal other than "Obama must not be a two term President" they can forget it. I received a letter from the R party (2 pages) and the only thing it said was. "send us some money so we can make sure Obama is a one term President" That is not a platform...............
jgc 1 year, 3 months ago
Geoff,
where did I state this is an excellent low employment economy? Our economy is weak, no doubt, but there are positive trends in manufacturing and new job numbers (weak, but positive). This complex economy can't be fixed with the flip of a switch, it's more like turning around an aircraft carrier. Probably the biggest drag on the economy is the housing market, which still will be sickly for several years after a foolish bonanza that can be rooted to decisions by the Clinton and Bush II adminstrations. The president's proposal on allowing refinancing for homeowners to the record low interest rates is a start (it would save the average homeowner about $3,300 a year, which frees up some personal capital for spending...........spurring economic growth). But that is only a start, there is plenty more to do. Elsewhere, we need to generate revenue, which will require tax reform across all incomes.
JER 1 year, 3 months ago
jgc and native: Thank you for your insightful comments.
geoffcutler 1 year, 3 months ago
Okay...let'see if I understand. The Affordable Housing Act started under Carter, perpetuated by Clinton, and then allowed to continue unchecked under W, who knew there was serious problems, will now be fixed by continuing to lower interest rates to make houses "affordable" to the same folks who defaulted on the last sets of loans, the people who now don't have jobs, or can't afford the loans in the first place. In other words, don't fix or scrap F&F, just keep following the same models that led ultimately to the housing market failure in the first place. Sounds like a plan!
I suppose it makes no sense to rent a home until such a point that one is actually in a financial positon to buy one? Or is it that when governemnt tries to redistribute wealth, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again?
jgc 1 year, 3 months ago
Geoff, the current proposal is for existing homeowners that are in good standing with their mortages, the idea is to simplifying the process/qualification to allow these very credit-worthy homeowners (which under current standards they can't) to free-up some cash every month sound like pretty sound economics
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
jgc and native: Thank you for your insightful comments.
Seconded. Like a breath of fresh air.
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
Utill the R party has a goal other than "Obama must not be a two term President" they can forget it. I received a letter from the R party (2 pages) and the only thing it said was. "send us some money so we can make sure Obama is a one term President" That is not a platform...............
What else are they going to run on? THEIR economic record (since the crash actually happened under He Who Must not Be Named)? Killing bin Laden? Ending a strategically disastrous war? They have no plan to make anything better, except a return to the before-crash policies that got us here in the first place.
No, all they have to offer is "everything sucks and it's Obama's fault." Look for every bit of good news to be derided and downplayed, because "things are not getting any better" is the Republican platform. That and hating the gays and Latinos. That's it. That's all they've got. Fear and hate, hate and fear.
nothingspecial 1 year, 3 months ago
DR: "No, all they have to offer is "everything sucks and it's Obama's fault."
Dusty, you know very well that that above statement by you is not true. There have been literally hundreds of articles and commentaries about what the Republicans, Conservatives, Tea Party, and Libertarians are proposing as alternatives to the President's policies or proposals, especially during the past year. There have admittedly also been articles stating what you observe, calling for a one term presidency, that things suck and that the President is to blame.
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
The Republican Platform by dustyrhoades
Thatcher 1 year, 3 months ago
Perhaps the most persuasive post I've seen in the last 16 seconds.
geoffcutler 1 year, 3 months ago
And NS, we tend to recognize the shortcomings of our leaders instead of following them blindly when they are utter failures.
Thatcher 1 year, 3 months ago
Well said, Geoff! Just stop being a "hater." (Liberals have decided that "hater" is a word they can use to win the election...unless it's a "hater" of deficits and debt.). Great job!
jgc 1 year, 3 months ago
Thatcher, let's see
Reagan (2 terms) raised the debt ceiling 17 times: increasing our debt 299% George HW Bush (1 term) raised the debt ceiling 4 times: increasing the debt 48% Clinton (2 terms) raised the debt ceiling 4 times: increasing it 44% George W Bush (2 terms) raised the debt ceiling 7 times: increasing the debt 90% Barack Obama (3/4 term) raised the debt ceiling 3 times increasing the debt 25%
Thatcher 1 year, 3 months ago
jgc-- No, let's see. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyLmru.... There's your guy. From $9 trillion to $16.4 trillion in debt in just 3 years. Patriotic. Of course. http://cnsnews.com/news/article/obama-has-now-increased-debt-more-all-presidents-george-washington-through-george-hw. Try your percentages again. But that was a very nice try! Good for you!
nothingspecial 1 year, 3 months ago
Thatcher, Courseaire, Geoff, and JER, you all rule Pilot posts. I come back again and again to catch up on you all with awe and enjoyment! There is no match for your mergings of character, wisdom and humor.
geoffcutler 1 year, 3 months ago
jgc...I'm reading again both Reagan's diaries and his autobiograhy "An American Life" right now. Would you care for those facts you were looking for now about the difference between the recovery of this economy and what Reagan did after the Carter years?
Thatcher 1 year, 3 months ago
jgc-- Your post perhaps explains why liberals believe Obamacare will add nothing to the deficit and debt (and in fact, cut both). Probably by the same percentages you referenced in your first post!
jgc 1 year, 3 months ago
Here you go Thatcher
http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/moneymatters/tp/5-Presidents-Who-Raised-The-Debt-Limit.htm
geoffcutler 1 year, 3 months ago
Thanks NS...but you're right there with us, and always have pertinent and honest stuff to say.
Nezumi 1 year, 3 months ago
jgc, you know better than to believe that bastion of liberal disinformation: about.com!
jgc 1 year, 3 months ago
Thatcher, Obamacare? Where did that come from in these posts? Besides it's the Congressional Budget Office that says Obamacare will reduce the deficit
Nezumi, that's not commentary on the link, just factual numbers
Nezumi 1 year, 3 months ago
jgc - I was being facetious :)
Thatcher 1 year, 3 months ago
nothingspecial-- To be mentioned in the same breath as Courseaire, Geoff, and JER (my favorite, and the most intelligent liberal on this site), is quite an honor. Thank you. I was simply trying to get jgc to reveal the mathematical formula which can be used to make a debt increase of $9 trillion to $16.4 trillion in just 3 years as a debt increase of only 25%. jgc is calling MC7 now to confirm the details. Regardless, we will be called "haters" for insisting on using proper math. Thanks again for your kind words.
geoffcutler 1 year, 3 months ago
What fascinates me about the response to this piece is that our leftist friends agree that Romney and Gingrich are carrying on like a couple of fools, like I pointed out, (and they love it, like it somehow means they'll lose,) but haven't yet been able to come up with a word to defend the other half of the article, which points out that Obama is an utter failure. Good God!....Even one of the poster boys of liberalism, Juan Williams, was saying today how Obama has nothing to run on because he hasn't done anything.
AFCHIEF 1 year, 3 months ago
This sums it all up.
AFCHIEF 1 year, 3 months ago
Dusty once again playing the race card because conservatives and independents don't like a Half Black muslim president
Thatcher 1 year, 3 months ago
jgc (17 minutes ago)-- You do understand that there's a difference in raising the debt limit, and the amount of debt that's incurred, right? If someone raises the debt limit by $20 billion, and does so 8 years in a row, he's increased the debt by $160 billion. Obama has increased the debt from $9 TRILLION to $16.4 TRILLION in 3 years. Please, tell us what percentage increase this represents, in your opinion.
moonchild7 1 year, 3 months ago
Oh Geoff....those LOONEYTUNE Repub's are such great entertainment on these slow winter days. Jokers, all of them, so don't tell them to stop it! I really loved it when Ron Paul at one of the debates said that we needed to get our Troops out of Afghanistan and everywhere and he was BOOED! BOOED?! Are they even real human beings sitting in those seats at the debates? Here's all a person neededs to know about America's money problems: Reagan lowered the tax rates for the rich from 70% to 30%. So then Clinton raised them back up to 35%. So then Bush lowered them again to anywhere from 10%-25%. Clinton gave Bush a $236 Billion Surplus and he Squandered it BIG TIME!!!!!! When he left office it was a $6 Trillion Hell HOLE!!!!!! For anyone to think America can turn itself around in just 3 yrs isn't thinking clearly, if at all. We are NOT EDUCATING the people in this country anymore. That's why we are falling behind..pure and simple. Oh, plus the RICH robbing us blind.
geoffcutler 1 year, 3 months ago
Oh...Moon...best leave looney tunes alone....
JER 1 year, 3 months ago
Early reports from Florida have Gingrich being Newtralized. Ron Paul has returned from Maine and is overseeing the loading of the much hated candidate and his faithful #3 onto a NASA rocket at the Kennedy Space Center for the trip to the moon. As it turns out, Gingrich was right. Twelve temporary jobs were created to accomplish the upcoming liftoff, which will see Gingrich wearing a helmet designed to match the one that Mrs. Gingrich has been wearing at all the campaign stops.
geoffcutler 1 year, 3 months ago
As long as Obama's president, and turning down the opportunity for 20,000+ jobs in an 8.6 percent unemployment market, you really don't have a lot room to make jokes about the Republican candidates, or their wives.
Courseaire 1 year, 3 months ago
Forget your bad math percentages & how many time the ceiling was raised and let's look at the actual numbers: Reagan & GW1 were responsible for $3.3 over 12 years (or $.275/year), GW2 was responsible for $5 over 8 years (or $.625/year) and BO is responsible for $7 over 3 years (or $2.3/year) with BO avg over three times what Georgie's was. BO is $2 trillion more than GW2, in fact he's almost equal to Reagan, GW1 & GW2 combined over 20 year period. So now tell me which of the Presidents were the most frugal with our tax dollars paid by everyone, except the rich?. And Thank You NS!
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
Dusty once again playing the race card because conservatives and independents don't like a Half Black muslim president
Heh. Well, not all conservatives nor independents are racists, but thanks for confirming that you are.
The AF is better off without you.
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
I really loved it when Ron Paul at one of the debates said that we needed to get our Troops out of Afghanistan and everywhere and he was BOOED! BOOED?!
But ask some of the wingnuts here about Afghanistan and they'll be shrieking about OBAMA SAID HE'D END THE WAR! WHY ISN'T HE ENDING THE WAR!??? HUH!!!?
Same way they were all about keeping Gitmo open under Dubbya, but now it's OBAMA SAID HE'D CLOSE GITMO! CLOSE GITMO NOW! if he did what they asked it would be HALF BLACK MUSLIM TURNS TERRORISTS LOOSE! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!
It's that doublethink again.
jgc 1 year, 3 months ago
http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2011/10/us-debt-accumulation-by-president/
Courseaire 1 year, 3 months ago
Today's Race Card:
AFCHIEF 1 year, 3 months ago
So Dusty,what did I say that was racist. Obama is half black. His name is BARACK HUESSEIN OBAMA. Not quite Christian, Baptist, Catholic, etc
Arestorer 1 year, 3 months ago
AFCHIEF23 minutes ago
So Dusty,what did I say that was racist. Obama is half black. His name is BARACK HUESSEIN OBAMA. Not quite Christian, Baptist, Catholic, etc
Do you comprehend, even what you say?
Hembloche 1 year, 3 months ago
Got it. Obama has a funny name so he obviously can't be a christian... Now, if you Reps out there would actually focus on real issues instead of the side show crap it'd be alot easier to take you serious. This is directed at ppl like AFCHIEF.
Courseaire 1 year, 3 months ago
As a very conservative individual, I also take offense to the Chief's statement, as would most conservatives and Republicans, so don't lump us with him.
Hembloche 1 year, 3 months ago
Ya, i caught myself at the end there. I realize that the vast majority of Reps aren't like that.
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
As a very conservative individual, I also take offense to the Chief's statement, as would most conservatives and Republicans, so don't lump us with him.
Thank you for being one of the very few conservatives who's willing to speak up against it.
I realize that the vast majority of Reps aren't like that.
No, but an awful lot are complicit.
JER 1 year, 3 months ago
Geoffcutler: I'm only working with the material available to me.
moonchild7 1 year, 3 months ago
Geoff, if President Obama is such a FAILURE, then why has the Dow Jones gained more than 50% of it's value since he took office? Why? That's only happened under 4 other Presidents: FDR, Clinton, Coolidge, and Eisenhower. You guys really have an awful case of Tunnel Vision that's hurting America in the worst sort of ways and you need to stop it. Utter Failure? Who "got" OBL? Who's the first President to have Health Care passed? Romney can run away from his health care plan for MA but he definately can't hide. President Obama will be bringing it up constantly to Romney if he is the Repub nominee. And AFCHIEF, Is the name Desmond Mpilo TuTu familiar to you? He is an Anglican Priest from South Africa. Keyword: Anglican, that's just about as Christian as you can get. Don't you think? Christianity transcends names. You do that too, don't you?
BigE 1 year, 3 months ago
Yikes! So much misinformation!
Reagan "reduced taxes across the board" ???? Dude, he RAISED taxes 11 times and asked a crowd in Georgia, "Do you think the millionaire ought to pay more in taxes than the bus driver or less?" The first President Bush raised taxes to help manage a growing deficit and cost himself a re-election but helped the country. It's funny how taxes have been successfully used historically in this country to overcome the inherent unfairness of the distribution of wealth in the so-called free market. Yet, since Cheney/Bush decided to sell out our country to the top 0.5%, any attempt to correct this misdeed is claimed to be class warfare. I know, Mitt thinks that these things should only be talked about quietly and behind closed doors but the reality is the "good old days" were a result of a strong middle class and more progressive tax code. Class warfare has been conducted for the last several decades as the rich have bought more favorable policies and enjoyed a growing slice of the pie while everyone else got nothing. Ask David Stockman (R) Reagan's budget Director, or Alan Simpson (R), or Bob Dole (R) what they think of the "tax jihadist" Grover Norquist? I know, they are Socialists! You geniuses on the right claim that Obama wants us to be like the Europeans, well again, you got that backwards. The Europeans are going to starve the beast (through austerity programs) and put themselves in another recession in 2012. The data is there for all whose eyes are open to see. Once again, ideology and politics will trump the laws of economics and the ignorant will be fooled into walking off the side of the cliff while pounding their righteous chests.
geoffcutler 1 year, 3 months ago
Probably because the stock market is an indicator of current and expected corporate earnings, and the market may have dropped far below where it should have in the 09 crash due to panic about failing banks etc. The more important question is why unemployment remains as high as it is.
I do not see Obama's health care law as either good for the doctor/patient relationship, quality and timeliness of care, nor will governemnt beaurocrats be able to run this new gargantuan entitlement without further breaking the national bank. Current estimates of $2.6 trillion are just a start. And...wasn't the whole idea to lower costs?
Not worried about any of the Republicans debating this president with this dismal a record on domestic issues and stagnant economy.
Obama has done well with and deserves credit for certain aspects of foreign policy. His only bright spot.
BigE 1 year, 3 months ago
Unemployment remains high because demand has not returned to pre-housing crash levels. No demand, no jobs. A high percentage of households considered the appreciation in their homes as disposible income. Homes are no longer appreciating thus they have less money to spend. Fix the average American's balance sheet and the economy will start improving further.
Republicans cut revenues and radically increased spending then handed the mess over to a Democratic president who they could blame for their mischief. It's been a strategy for a long time. (See Irving Kristol, 1980.) Heck, it's well documented that a 25+ year Republican Congressional staffer quit last year because he was appalled at the Republican strategy to subvert Democracy, create government bureaucracy so that Americans would become anti-govenment and vote for the party that advocates small government (but never implements that philosophy).
moonchild7 1 year, 3 months ago
I said this on another post a couple of weeks ago; that on a recent vacation to the Northeast I saw nothing but building and more building, plus traffic jams going over bridges that have raised fairs, thru tunnels that have dramatically raised fairs and on turnpikes that have all raised fees. I saw new housing developments, car dealerships, shopping centers, government offices and ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER being built. I saw all of this happening in every state, from here to New York, and D.C. This is not the entire U.S. but this area has a population of over 30 million that stretches from NC to CT. Perhaps this is a bit of a "bellwether" to which way our country is going. One World Trade Center is now the most expensive skyscaper ever built at $3.8 Billion. I assume they have the money to keep it going. The lights were still on when I was up there! Unemployment is still high because perhaps a lot of people aren't getting the training or education they need to get a job. When I was in the WorkFirst Program we would "assess" our clients needs and if they needed more training or schooling we would see that they got it. Of course too much of our manufacturing base was sent overseas. We helped to make China more prosperous which is a good thing but there are obviously some TRADE discrepencies that need fixing. I think Richard Nixon decided the United States needed to start being "nice" to the Chinese. Wasn't he a Republican?
Courseaire 1 year, 3 months ago
I now understand that it's not Clinton's fault, it's not Bush's fault and it's certainly not Obama's fault. Once Moonchild7 left the WorkFirst Program, America went downhill. She's the reason for all the poor people being out of work and staying on welfare. Moonie, please go back to work and save us all. Maybe we can petition Potus to name you "Welfare Czar" to bring back America as we knew it.
JER 1 year, 3 months ago
The basic problem of creating jobs in this country was on display in microcosm last week on the TV reality show "Shark Tank" on ABC. The segment featuring the gentleman from western North Carolina who had developed a aftermarket item for use on pickup trucks showcased the problem with capitalism in a way everyone should be able to understand. Was I the only one on here who saw this episode?
Courseaire 1 year, 3 months ago
Sorry JER, I got too wrapped up in Bayou Billionaires and My Big Redneck Vacations, so missed it.
Nezumi 1 year, 3 months ago
I hear there is now Cajun Pawn Stars...
moonchild7 1 year, 3 months ago
Thanks Courseaire, I really loved that job but I wouldn't want to be the "Welfare Czar." rather perhaps the "WORK CZAR"....I'd get my 'Work Camp" going right away, Good SOCIALIST that I am. That's supposed to be a joke. But anytime I could give my client advise on how to do better, be more successful, or how to GET OFF WELFARE, I would do it. I semi-retired after a lot of yrs helping others, As much as I loved it, it was the times I had to work those 24 hr shifts that did me in. We need to be more supportive of the local small business creators at this stage since the BIG Corporations are not really trust-worthy anymore.
cantstandya 1 year, 3 months ago
The campaign has the odor of a outhouse door on a shrimp boat,both stink up the stage with the crap the keep throwing out to see if it will stick,this is not politics it's a cage match of two over weight and out of shape fighters,sad to watch and to think one could end up leading this country.
jgc 1 year, 3 months ago
Geoff, why the high unemployment? The driving force in the economic boom we had was driven by the housing market. With a shrinking manufacturing base, construction (especially housing, but also commercial and light commercial as a domino effect of the housing boom and urban sprawl). now, with the housing market implosion, the job market for construction vanished, leading to further shrinking of the jobs market that served these workers. Recovery in housing construction is years away (commercial construction is in an even worse condition) until the current market glut of what's out there is absorbed.
To create jobs we need to either invest in long needed infrastructure projects, invest in retraining the work force (long term solution) or create new industries.
Infrastructure investment requires government spending, which is a huge bone of contention. You reference the Keystone project, yes, it may be a worthwhile project generating (I'll use your numbers) 20,000 jobs, but at what cost? Without thorough investigation on the environmental and other long term impacts, a rash decision may turn into a long term disaster. History shows that economies can be fixed, but environmental damage is permanent and left as a burden for the next generation--and I worry about the world my children will face (I know from experience having lived in upper NY State and the "dead lakes" from pollution/contamination that killed quality of life, communities and regional economies long before the mass exodus to cheaper labor).
New technologies include alternative energy, which, unfortunately we have allowed China to lap the field. I know of 6 companies I do business with in solar and wind technology who abandoned operation here because they could not get tax breaks and incentives from Washington (Washington focus is on big oil) and they moved operations to China, transferring 60,000 jobs.
I don't have the answers, but the approach needs to be balanced for long and short term and will require government investment (both long term and short term). To accomplish this, the government needs to increase revenue (true tax reform and tax equity). Unfortunately our perverted priorities of politics, for all involved, work against this, leaving us stuck in the mess we are in.
dustyrhoades 1 year, 3 months ago
Back on topic: I see Newt the Magic Wingnut got his behind kicked in Florida, but he vows to continue the fight. Excellent.
See, I know it's the conventional wisdom that after the nomination, everyone kisses and makes up. This is usually possible because the nastiest things that one campaign says about the other are done by surrogates or staffers. But I don't recall the candidates themselves getting quite this nasty and personal with one another. This isn't Bush I calling Reagan's plans "voodoo economics". This is Newt flat out calling Romney a liar, and Romney calling Newt unethical. They're both right, of course, but I don't see this leading to a rousing chorus of "Kum Ba Yah" at the convention.
Now, it is true, that after Obama sewed up the nomination, a contingent of unhinged Clinton supporters (known as PUMAs, for "Party Unity My Ass") were very noisy and bitter. But the main difference between the Republicans and the Democrats these days is that the Democrats haven't put their farthest fringes in control of the party (anyone who tells you Obama is a "leftist" clearly doesn't know any real leftists). The clowns have been running the GOP circus for a while now, and it's never pretty when clowns turn mean.
geoffcutler 1 year, 3 months ago
jgc... you've got some reading to do. You sound reasonable, but you apparantly have no clue about what caused the housing market crash.
nothingspecial 1 year, 3 months ago
DR: "But the main difference between the Republicans and the Democrats these days is that the Democrats haven't put their farthest fringes in control of the party"
A very uninformed opinion, nevertheless being dishonestly used in the hopes of convincing folks that normal is no longer the majority opinion.
To you Dusty, and others "far right" equates holding the opinions that faith is an important foundation for our country, that abortion on demand is wrong, that our country is headed in the wrong direction and spending too much money, that the federal government needs to seriously shrink, and that there should be more choice for Americans in education, among other things. If anyone will even briefly research the above opinions they will find that more Americans side with them than their alternatives.
JER 1 year, 3 months ago
Courseaire and Nezumi: Your humorous put down to my post about "Shark Tank" is unfortunate. It contained a very important lesson that would have changed your views had you seen it.