New Romney Ads Are Troubling
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Mississippi Delta bluesman Robert Johnson died of strychnine poisoning near Greenwood, Miss., on Aug. 16, 1938, at the age of 27.
Legend has it that the devil favored Johnson with exceptional musical prowess and promised to make him famous in exchange for the young bluesman's soul at a crossroads near Dockery Plantation outside of Cleveland, Miss.
That legend drew attention to an obscure talent and sold a lot of records by appealing to our fascination with what a man might sacrifice for personal ambition.
Though Johnson had little trouble supporting himself as a performer from 1932 until his untimely demise, he was all but forgotten until recordings from sessions conducted in a hotel room in San Antonio, Texas, in 1936 were discovered in 1961. By 1986, with a little help from the devil, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2012 he's known the world over.
I think of Robert Johnson when I hear the "President Mitt Romney, Day 1" ads. The third task promised by the ad, approved by Mitt Romney, is, "President Romney issues order to begin replacing Obamacare with commonsense health care reform."
Former Gov. Romney wants the presidency so much that he is determined to dismantle a law deliberately patterned after his signature achievement as governor of Massachusetts - the thing that distinguished him and fueled his rise to prominence on the national stage.
What must it feel like for a proud and intelligent man to have to renounce what he should be proudest of in favor of more "commonsense" solutions?
The other two promises made in the ad are equally troubling, but for different reasons.
His promise to create jobs by approving the Keystone XL pipeline project raises a couple of issues. First, there's no clear consensus as to what kind of job creator that project would be. A study by the Cornell ILR Global Labor Institute suggests that the pipeline could kill more jobs than it creates.
Second, it invites us to examine Romney's record as a job creator when he was governor of Massachusetts. Sadly, over those four years his state ranked 47th among the states in job creation.
The second Day 1 promise the ad makes is for tax cuts and reforms "that reward job creators, not punish them."
Can we dispense with that inane phrase, "job creators"? I'm happy for rich people. I work for them more personally and more directly than a lot of people do, and they've been nothing but gracious. But most rich people, at some point, owe their riches to selling goods and services to working people like the rest of us.
In fact, there's an awfully strong case that the most prolific job creator in the history of the world was the American middle class from 1946 until 1979, when we started reforming tax codes to favor "job creators." If having to pay taxes at a rate their parents could only dream of is what's keeping "job creators" from creating jobs, then American labor is doomed - and we have been.
No one begrudges Mr. Romney his wealth. This country has a long history of wealthy populists - Franklin Roosevelt, Nelson Rockefeller, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, the Kennedys. But if Mitt Romney looks at his peers and thinks he's seeing America, if that's who he's governing for, then that's a serious disconnect. That's a problem.
More likely, Romney - like John McCain in 2008 - is caught up in a game that requires him to sacrifice the distinctions that made him stand out in favor of the conformity his party requires. He has very publicly shifted his stance on immigration, climate change and women's reproductive rights in order to secure the office he covets, the office his backers covet for him, and the influence they covet for themselves.
But by far, his biggest flop is his repudiation of the Affordable Health Care Act.
Romney once said of the reform he helped craft, "If Massachusetts succeeds in implementing it, then that will be a model for the nation."
Now it's the law of the land, and in his zeal to do anything to win our country's highest office, the former governor is campaigning hard against his proudest accomplishment.
The "Day 1" ad plays again on TV, but there's another soundtrack coming from the back of my mind. It's Robert Johnson mournfully wailing, "I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees ..."
Kevin Smith lives in Aberdeen. Contact him at kevinasmith@gmx.com.
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Comments
bufordsplay 12 months ago
You know Mr. Smith it is interesting when you, the left, insinuate that the rich don't work for their money and that they do not create jobs. Everybody who spends or invests their money is a job creater Mr. Smith. And flip flops? Barack Obama is a walking lie with ears. Everything about him is a lie. He has destroyed more wealth and jobs than any man in american history and he is going to be defeated by any means short of dragging him and Michelle out of the White House by their feet with their heads bouncing off the steps.
DaveyNC 12 months ago
Tell the truth, Kevin. Do you really think that the healthcare act, as enacted, is good law?
Because it's not. It was passed over the very loud objections of the American people, it was cut and pasted together to clear that hurdle and its passage resulted in a complete reconstruction of Congress. It has contributed to the very high level of uncertainty in the business climate and that uncertainty has worsened and extended the recession. The existence of that act has all but guaranteed that in the future we will all either work for temp agencies or as independent contractors. It puts an artificial cap on the number of employees a company will hire at 24, because that 25th employee will require immense amounts of cost to meet its requirements. Sure, companies will get bigger, but many will strain mightily to remain under that cap for as long as possible. Read how French companies react to their government's ridiculous requirements: http://goo.gl/1JkUz
I say it takes a smart man to look at that and understand what a failure it is. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with what Romney did in Mass. Implementing such a law at a state level is completely appropriate, if that is the will of the voters in Mass. And Obamacare may be modeled on Romneycare, but beyond that, the two things are not even close to the same. I do not understand the need of the Left to impose their views on every single person in the country. Let Mass. and Illinois and Vermont and California have mandatory health care and let them pay for it and get whatever benefits out of it that they can. And let all the other states develop and implement whatever solution is best for them. We'll watch as Illinois and California continue to collapse Greece style.
If, as Obama says, gay marriage is a matter for the states to decide, why isn't health care?
Guy_Forks 12 months ago
Mr. Smith, your understanding of economics is false. The idea that the middle class consumption is somehow responsible for the wealth of your so called "rich people" is based on Marx, a fool. Like so many foolish ideas it's short sighted. In this case you assume that there is a fixed amount of wealth. (zero sum game theory) The truth is that "job creators" should be called wealth creators. Because when they provide a good or service, they create surplus. Another way, the economy is like your beautiful mother, it brings bounty and energy where once there was nothing. Then it's all on you to make the best of your life (surplus).
Just ask one of your clients, the "rich people", but before you do, why don't you look up the definition of "rich", apply it, and see if currency is what makes your clients rich.
FYI: The Bible and God commands Christians to accumulate wealth:
Ecclesiastes 10:19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.
truthmatterstome2 12 months ago
Romney will have one less thing to do, on his first day as President, after the US Supreme Court overturns Obama care. If Romney doesn't win, then the question is what will Obama do on the first day of his new term? He has already dissed congress. Will he be able to get a budget passed? Will he come up with a lawful health care agenda? What about jobs for the 200,000 men and women who will be rifted from the military? He can't rely on green energy because his liberal base is concerned that some birds may be endangered. He can't promise reduced interest rates for student loans because those students are demanding that the loans be forgiven. He won't be having daily speeches for fundraising, because he will be a lame duck. China will own the White House. Iran will own a bomb. Most new jobs will be minimum wage. There will be more rifts between the classes. The South will continue to be described as ignorant by Democrats. The press will be somewhat more critical of the President because he will not be seeking reelection. What's left for him? All that he proclaims as his strengths become his weaknesses. So why re-elect him?
fugitiveguy 12 months ago
Kevin is troubled? You kiddin me?
Thatcher 12 months ago
Kevin Smith-- "No one begrudges Mr. Romney for his wealth." Uh, Mr. Smith...you obviously haven't been paying close attention: liberals begrudge Romney for his wealth, as well as anyone else in the "1%." Just ask your President.
skylinefirepest 12 months ago
Funny that Obama talks nasty about multi-millionaires...of which he is one!
velocity 12 months ago
Why not just go with an old tried and true lynching...your sheets must be back from the cleaners by now.
velocity 12 months ago
the real funny thing is how you (skylinefirepest) and your friends can't seem to read or listen. The problem that Obama and others have with "millionaires" is that they don't pay their fair share. Many Millionaires/Billionaires SHARE this view...it is only the "i gotta have more than anyone else no matter wwhat it takes" mentality (easily tied to a lack of self-esteem) who support GOP type of wealth creation.
DaveyNC 12 months ago
Hey velocity? What, exactly, is a "fair share" for someone to pay? 20%? 40%? 80%?
If you are going to make that statement, that millionaires don't pay their fair share, then you must have some idea of what is fair. Enlighten us. What's fair for the guy down the street who owns a car dealership or an insurance agency or who develops real estate to pay?
MikeNC 12 months ago
Velocity, 42% of Americans are taking more than their "fair share" from the rest of us and they didn't even have to contribute a dime. Now what is so UNFAIR about that?? Diane
fugitiveguy 12 months ago
"Hey velocity? What, exactly, is a "fair share" for someone to pay? 20%? 40%? 80%?"
Its funny. Such a simple question yet the lefties cannot ever seem to answer it. How silly can the left be when 50% pay no federal income taxes. As if the fed government could ever be satiated financially. Its not what is going in our bucket, its all the holes in the bottom that is the problem.
MikeNC 12 months ago
Well let's see whose coveting: It's taken Obama 3 1/2 years to "evolve" to supporting same sex marriage. Magically this evolution was completed about 24 hours before flying off to Clooney's home for his $40,000 a plate dinner and approx. 48 hours after Sheriff Joe "did Obama's thinkin" for him. Diane
Thatcher 12 months ago
velocity-- Liberals will never define what they mean by "fair share." The term is a useless slogan, nothing more. "Fair share" is determined by the tax code, and no, it isn't fair...I pay about 34% of my income to the feds, while almost 50% of taxpayers pay zero...nothing. You seem to have a strange definition of "fair." But your slogan is so cool.
truthmatterstome2 12 months ago
There's nothing "cool" about expecting others to pay your way. If you go on the cheap, you can't afford to beg for more.
Thatcher 12 months ago
truthmatterstome2-- I have met my twin.
skylinefirepest 12 months ago
Velocity...was your first comment accusing me of racism perhaps?? Because if it was, what EXACTLY IS YOUR REASON??? Or are you just another stinking liberal that can't cover Obama's sorry lack of a positive record as potus without the old tried and true racism charge?? Put up or shut up, Vel. Tell me what it is that I said that was racist not only about your sorry lying excuse of a leader but anyone else? Your idol has no business experience, has created czars for everything under the sun, has lowered our respect in the world, has killed our economy, has no idea how to produce jobs ( since he's never really held a productive job! ), has lowered our debt rating, has lowered the potency of our military, you want me to go on for a couple of hours?? Obama sucks to put it mildly and we'll put him out on HIS RACIST BUTT shortly. Why do I call Obammer racist...could it be his interference in things that are not his concern such as "a beer with the nasty policeman" or his "kid that would look like Trayvon"???
fugitiveguy 12 months ago
Who would have thunk the race card was so versatile that it could also be played by white liberals?
Thatcher 12 months ago
fugitiveguy-- Humor me while I play the race card on you: you're a racist who hates everyone including blacks, hispanics, etc. I said it. It is true. (This logic brought to you by JIMHEIMFOR PRESIDENT).
clarabelle 12 months ago
"DaveyNC - Do you really think that the healthcare act, as enacted, is good law? Because it's not. It was passed over the very loud objections of the American people"
What a bunch of HOT air - as usual. It was passed over the objections of obstructionist republicans - you know - the ones that complain about everything but have no solutions for anything - kinda just like you davey!
clarabelle 12 months ago
"Thatcher - velocity-- Liberals will never define what they mean by "fair share." The term is a useless slogan, nothing more. "Fair share" is determined by the tax code, and no, it isn't fair...I pay about 34% of my income to the feds, while almost 50% of taxpayers pay zero...nothing. "
Yes - and I will wager you would never trade places with the other 50% who dont pay any taxes because they dont make enough!
thatcher - i always thought better of you - but you are simply like all the rest of the do no wrong right wingers!
skylinefirepest 12 months ago
I see that when we ask Velocity to put up or shut up he or she can't hack the truth!!! Typical brainless Liberal behavior.
Thatcher 12 months ago
clarabelle-- When a liberal uses slogans like "fair share," it has been my experience that the liberal typically will refuse to define the term...as is happening on this thread right now. I favor the Fair Tax, under which no one would pay taxes on their income. Yet, since we have an income tax, I simply believe that every taxpayer should have to pay something in federal taxes...even if it is just a dollar. Right now, about 50% of taxpayers are rowing the boat, and the remaining 50% are riding along just watching us row. Perhaps you can understand how we feel when the non-rowers, using the slogan "fair share," yell at us to row faster. Hope that helps. Cheers!
JD 12 months ago
Right now, about 50% of taxpayers are rowing the boat, and the remaining 50% are riding along just watching us row. Perhaps you can understand how we feel when the non-rowers, using the slogan "fair share," yell at us to row faster. Hope that helps. Cheers!
Try again here is a good reason why your premise is wrong Thatcher.
it's not like they are cheating the system, you just can't take blood from a stone.
Thatcher 12 months ago
JD-- My premise is not wrong: it is a fact. http://ntu.org/tax-basics/who-pays-income-taxes.html. http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/story/2011-10-06/income-tax-nonpayment/50676912/1. And from your favorite source, NPR: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125997180. Of course, feel free to post a link showing this IRS data is incorrect. Or you can post videos entitled "You Serious." Your choice. We will give them the attention they deserve.
JD 12 months ago
You give me a lot of attention and always take the time to respond Snatch, I appreciate it. People need to see the difference between a Jeffersonian Republican and a Neo-Con RINO like yourself.
Thatcher 12 months ago
JD-- Actually, you responded to my post to clarabelle, and I followed up and responded to you. And your reference to me as "Snatch" is hilarious. How do you find the time to make up such wacky and zany things? I'll bet you are da bomb at karaoke parties! And then you call me a "Neo-Con RINO." Wow. I didn't know you could be both. Uh, I noticed you didn't respond to my posted links establishing that almost 50% of workers pay zero federal income tax. Why is that?
JD 12 months ago
Nor did you watch my video or enjoy my links. But thanks for the reply Snatch. Do you want to keep trying to derail the board or stick to one subject?
Thatcher 12 months ago
It is always better to prepare for a debate by reading actual facts. Otherwise, you have nothing to offer, and in the worst cases, you are reduced to lashing out wildly and calling people "Snatch."
JD 12 months ago
YAY another reply from Snatcher. Just adding up those posts counts now! Sure which town hall you want to meet in and have a 'debate'?
Thatcher 12 months ago
JD-- In fairness, you couldn't debate JimHeim. Although you'd probably tie with him for 1st place: making up facts.
Bill 12 months ago
Everybody talks about being fair, there is no right answer in being fair. That's why Ron Paul wanted the fair tax, weather it's 2%, 10%, or 20% percent we all pay the same. But we never would get rid of the IRS to many goverment workers, and it's all about the money. Please read (or go to youtube ) and read the book The Creature Of Jekyll Island. it is how we got in trouble with our money system in this world in the first place.
It all common sense, but for most people all they think about is themselves they never look at the whole picture. We as Americans have the right to work or not to work its our choice, but we have to undrstand the old saying nothing is free. I learn that you have to cross the fence from time to time.
I have work for companies that have promise you the world and then 25 years later they suck you dry. I also was in a union and I learned that unions suck you dry also ( all they are is a business) but if it wasn't for the unions we would not have any middle class in this county today. I wish I made $ 75,000 to $ 100,000 what everyone thinks union people workers make. It's not all true what we read in the papers or see on the tv. The average union worker most likely dosen't even make $ 40,000 a year.
AFCHIEF 12 months ago
JD, see your following the liberal way, if you can't produce factual content resort to name calling.
JD 12 months ago
I like how you (Snather) and your 4 alt accounts are mad, stay that way and keep running. Offense meant Snatch you couldn't beat a 5 yr old in a staring contest let alone a debate. Enjoy some Buddy and start backing a candidate that can win and not just complain with no solutions. (Like yourself).
And AFChief- A. Have you ever noticed that we haven't won a war since the Air Force became its own service? I guess they're the military equivalent of France!
B. The Air Force doesn't have traditions; only habits.
JD 12 months ago
Romney's bankruptcy rate was 25%. According to the Wall Street Journal, the average Bankruptcy rate for venture capital firms (like Bain) is 5% to 8%.
Romney's bankruptcy rate is 4 to 5-times worse than average for a private equity firm
Bain Capital made a total $776 million bankrupting 8 companies.
AMPAD - Profit: $102 million - Bankrupt: 2002
The $776 million represents more than half their profits during the period.
All 8 deals were Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs).
They borrowed an average of $300 million against the assets of these companies.
They paid themselves an average of $100 million in consulting fees from the loans.
So each new company was saddled with an average of $300 million in New Debt which virtually guaranteed they would fail.
AFCHIEF 12 months ago
JD, still slamming the military how patriotic.
By the way defend this on Obamanation
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=FsNNt8GZ2YA
JD 12 months ago
And keep ignoring the facts with derailment of the board zoomie.
A new soldier was on sentry duty at the main gate. His orders were clear; no car was to enter unless it had a special sticker on the windshield. A big Army car came up with a general seated in the back.
The sentry said, "Halt, who goes there?"
The chauffeur, a corporal, says, "General Wheeler."
"I'm sorry, I can't let you through. You've got to have a sticker on the windshield."
The general said, "Drive on!"
The sentry said, "Hold it! You really can't come through. I have orders to shoot if you try driving in without a sticker."
The general repeated, "I'm telling you, son, drive on."
The sentry walked up to the rear window and said, "General, I'm new at this. Do I shoot you or the driver?"
AFCHIEF 12 months ago
JD, you must be related to Chris Hayes, he hates the military along with your other liberals
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/325647
geoffcutler 11 months, 4 weeks ago
Kevin, you'd be troubling except that we're now brilliantly aware, because you guys couldn't bluff your way out of a paper bag, of the hand of American Socialists. With Romney, we call.