Statements on the Strength of America
January 29th, 2008 at 09:14am Mark Noonan
From last night’s State of the Union:
In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our nation great. As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the course of history. We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens. And so in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free peoples to make wise decisions, and empower them to improve their lives for their futures.
So, how do the Democrats view America?
So let me remind you tonight that change will not be easy. That change will take time. There will be setbacks, and false starts, and sometimes we will make mistakes. But as hard as it may seem, we cannot lose hope. Because there are people all across this country who are counting us; who can’t afford another four years without health care or good schools or decent wages because our leaders couldn’t come together and get it done.
I know that we have to change our education program from the federal level and I know that we’ve got to create a better partnership between Washington and Connecticut and Hartford and all of the other communities here. We can do this. There is so much yearning in our country to be part of something bigger than ourselves again. We can provide a really positive view of our future together and we can ask everybody to be a part of it. It’s not just about electing a president and passing legislation through the Congress. It’s about what each and every one of us will do.
We need a president who will take these powers on and fight to get you your voice back, and your government back. We need a president who is going to fight every day to make sure that all Americans can find good jobs, save for the future, and be guaranteed health care and retirement security. We need a president who is going to lift up the middle class. That is why today, I am proposing my Middle Class Rising agenda, a comprehensive plan to help hardworking families get ahead, and make sure that all Americans have a fair shot at the American Dream.
In a nutshell: President Bush says to rely upon the American people; Obama, Clinton and Edwards say the American people need a vast federal government to do it for the American people. These are the three Democrats who propose to replace President Bush - who propose, in the end, to replace a man who believes in America and Americans, with a man (or woman) who has no faith in the people to do for themselves. How are the 2008 GOPers in contrast?
Republicans for Change believe in small government. Governments should be restrained so that the freedoms and vitality of individuals and enterprises can be unleashed. Compared to free markets and free enterprises, government is slow to act, wasteful, duplicative, bureaucratic, inefficient, ineffective, and unresponsive. Have I left anything out? Other than that, government isn’t all bad.
My friends, I know we are facing challenging economic times, and we must be responsive to the concerns of Americans who fear they are being left behind in the global economy. But nothing is inevitable in our country. We are the captains of our fate. We can overcome any challenge as long as we keep our courage, and stand by our defense of free markets, low taxes, and small government that have made America the greatest land of opportunity in the world.
Americans need tax relief as well, which is why I will eliminate the death tax, index the Alternative Minimum Tax to inflation and target it for elimination. I will simplify the tax code to an optional one-page form. I will also expand tax-free health savings accounts as part of a larger proposal to make health care more affordable.
I believe one of the reasons Republicans lost control of Congress in 2006 was because of excessive spending in the years leading up to that election. Over the last decade, nondefense spending has increased 72 percent, and this year Washington spent nearly $24,000 for every household in America.
Controlling spending must be a chief executive’s priority.
So, the top three are also believers in the ability of Americans to make it on their own. Who do you want as your next President - someone who proposes to wipe your nose for you, or someone who proposes to get the heck out of your way?
Your choice, America - make it well.
Entry Filed under: Campaign 2008, Democrats, Republicans
88 Comments
1. Rana Quijotesca | January 29th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Wait… Rudy Giuliani is in the top 3? Hasn’t he lost every major contest thus far to Ron Paul?
2. Jack Demaris | January 29th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Well said Mark! Last night I thought our leader was fantastic! It’s a shame we can’t have him for another eight years. His promise to try to make our tax cuts permanent should have been welcome to all Americans. Whether you’re a direct beneficiary of lower tax rates, like I and other members of the upper class are, or you’re in the lower classes but getting a check for $250, we all benefit. And let’s stop this nonsense about trying to get out of Iraq! The private companies that are in there are making money hand over foot, and as far as wars go, we’ve only lost 3500 or so lives so far (and mostly from the lower classes who don’t make that much of a difference economically), so it’s been well worth it.
Hail to the Chief!!
3. TiredofLibBullShit | January 29th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Nothing new. Same old liberal mantra. For example, let them hear what they want, then seek total control and if it fails leave them with nothing and blame others ie. Hillary-care.
The libs think that America is great because of the power of geovernment. Others, believe America is great because of the people and opportunities. But to the libs, opportunity can only come from government with them at the helm.
Typical and pathetic - the USELESS IDIOTS will fall for it every time.
4. John Edwards » Blog&hellip | January 29th, 2008 at 10:22 am
[...] Mark Noonan wrote an interesting post today on Statements on the Strength of AmericaHere’s a quick excerptIt’s not just about electing a president and passing legislation through the Congress. It’s about what each and every one of us will do. John Edwards:. We need a president who will take these powers on and fight to get you your voice … [...]
5. Mitt Romney » State&hellip | January 29th, 2008 at 10:47 am
[...] justdotchristina wrote an interesting post today on Statements on the Strength of AmericaHere’s a quick excerptHow are the 2008 GOPers in contrast? Mitt Romney: Republicans for Change believe in small government. [...]
6. Jay Gaultieri | January 29th, 2008 at 10:50 am
What SMALL government? Who’s trying to ban and burn books? Republicans. Who expanded the Federal government more than anyone since LBJ? Bush. Who wants Grandma thrown in jail rather than allow her to go to Canada to save 50 bucks on her prescriptions? Republicans. Who instituted a massive bureaucratic mess of a socialized medicine prescription plan paid for by the taxpayers? Bush. Who screams bloody murder when the Supreme Court rules what two adults do behind closed doors is their own business? Republicans. Who calls for the head of anyone who asks where those billions of dollars in American cash that flooded Iraq in 2003 disappeared too? Republicans. Who wants to keep funding a useless federal abstinence education program that doesn’t work? Republicans. Who is currently suing states that want to enact their own auto emission standards and health care programs? Bush.
I could go on forever, but let’s get real and throw that “Republicans are for smaller government” mantra in the trash where it belongs.
7. Romney » Statements&hellip | January 29th, 2008 at 10:51 am
[...] ElephantBiz - Republican and Conservative political analysis, review and opinion wrote an interesting post today on Statements on the Strength of AmericaHere’s a quick excerptHow are the 2008 GOPers in contrast? Mitt Romney: Republicans for Change believe in small government. [...]
8. SteaM | January 29th, 2008 at 11:06 am
My friends and I are in our late 20s and in to our 30s.
We do not have high paying jobs. For the most part we are doing well and living fairly comfortably. However we all cut back as much as we can where we can. We also have, in some instances, had to double up on living together to save money. Guys and their ladies that they are dating have decided, in two cases, to move in together more because it would save them money. Had they had a choice they may have decided to retain their own personal independent residence. But in times likes these when money is tight you do what you have to do.
All of us live from pay check to pay check. Just last week one of my friends broke her wrist while she was roller skating. A simple accident and a standard procedure in terms of getting it fixed up at the hospital. The only problem? Her insurance at her new job had not taken effect and wouldn’t for less than two weeks. This means she will have to pay around $5000 for this. Maybe more, we aren’t sure yet.
This is devistating to them as they will have to take out a loan to pay for it. Saving the rest for the essentials, fuel to get to and from work and the grocery store and money for food, bills, and other debt like house payments, car payments, and credit cards.
I had an hearing nerve damaged one night at a show I was attending. Sure, I should’ve worn hearing protection but I wasn’t and the nerve was damaged. I went to a hearing specialist and was seen by the department supervisor as every one else was at lunch and they wanted to see me and make sure I was OK. After a short visit and a few hearing tests I was given my diagnosis and it was informative and important. Giving me the precautions I need to take and letting me know what my status is. I had an HSA account at the time with my insurance. They told me at the front desk that it would be no more than $25. So I could afford that to have my hearing checked, it’s important. In the end I spent 5 months slowly paying off the $350 bill I recieved.
This put me way behind as I live paycheck to paycheck.
We middle income 20s and 30s average tax paying Joes cannot afford these medical expenses.
What are you saying then Mark? To me and my friends. What say you? If we are to do something about this ourselves then what are we to do? Should I have told the young lady to just bight the bullet and set her own wrist since she cannot afford a doctor and that that is somehow her fault? That I should not be able to go see a hearing doctor and get a check up and hearing test for $25? Do you think it’s OK that I, or my friends, as we are already low on money, should have to pay so much for such standard medical procedures?
9. JD | January 29th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Well stated in your comment, Jack Demaris. You took the words right out of my mouth.
10. Barack Obama » Stat&hellip | January 29th, 2008 at 11:18 am
[...] Mere Rhetoric wrote an interesting post today on Statements on the Strength of AmericaHere’s a quick excerptSo, how do the Democrats view America? Barack Obama: So let me remind you tonight that change will not be easy. That change will take time. [...]
11. Rudy Giuliani » Sta&hellip | January 29th, 2008 at 11:38 am
[...] World and Global Politics Blog wrote an interesting post today on Statements on the Strength of AmericaHere’s a quick excerptRudy Giuliani: Americans need tax relief as well, which is why I will eliminate the death tax, index the Alternative Minimum Tax to inflation… [...]
12. Bill Brasky | January 29th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Democrats are falling on their faces again. I haven’t seen such a large group of people saying so little in so many words since high school English.
“we’ve only lost 3500 or so lives so far (and mostly from the lower classes who don’t make that much of a difference economically), so it’s been well worth it.”
I’m praying for the soul of everything alive in this world that you are not being serious.
http://www.cafepress.com/nostupidpeople
13. Marty13 | January 29th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Bill, Jack’s post should have come with the instructions: to be read with “tongue firmly in cheek.”
Regarding your second comment….. who are you, Charlton Heston?
14. Bill Brasky | January 29th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I’m Bill Brasky. I once scissor-kicked Angela Lansbury.
15. Timmy J. Rooter | January 29th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Don’t you find it sad that steam looks to the government to solve his problems?
Eugene McCarthy famously said that he wasn’t aware that so many poor people dreamed of being rich people. Want to stop living paycheck to paycheck? Do something about it.
16. Sunny | January 29th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
In a nutshell: President Bush says to rely upon the American people; Obama, Clinton and Edwards say the American people need a vast federal government to do it for the American people. These are the three Democrats who propose to replace President Bush - who propose, in the end, to replace a man who believes in America and Americans, with a man (or woman) who has no faith in the people to do for themselves. How are the 2008 GOPers in contrast?
My interpretation of the statements made by the Democrats apparently is not the same as yours. I don’t believe that any of the Democratic candidates have lost faith in the American people but do understand that there are those who are struggling with everyday issues - increased fuel costs, increased food costs, medical insurance that is so expensive they cannot afford it, college for their kids that has increased in costs with few grants or low interest loans, the cost of housing - just to list a few concerns. These are people who do work - some two jobs just to keep their heads above water. What is your solution for the health care crises? Do you pay for your own premiums for heath care? Do we just let these people (adults and children) do without health care? There are some very callous responses here, but the issues are very real to many Americans. We send millions of dollars in aid to Israel, which does have a national health care program. You do not seem to have a problem that we provide aid to a foreign country for such assistance, but we here in American should never need any financial assistance for anything. The sad truth is that there are way too many who cannot meet their basic needs in this economy today. What do we do with these low class Americans who cannot afford to meet all of their basic needs?
17. SteaM | January 29th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I am not “poor”. I make $28,000 a year. Most of my friends are in the area of $20k to $30k. We are all living paycheck to paycheck. It’s not like we are whining because our income from McDonalds isn’t good enough to live off of. But, to be fair, I think that if you are going to hold a full time job then you should have the right to affordable health care and affordable fuel and food. You know, the essentials.
What is wrong with you, Sunny. You actually think we want to be rich? I don’t want to be rich so you can keep that assumption and I’d thank you very much to not judge people so.
All I want is to be happy and have enough money to live comfortably. To afford seeing the doctor to stay healthy and afford to purchase healthy food.
18. SteaM | January 29th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
What should I do if I cannot afford to see a doctor or drive to work? Not see the doctor and quit my job? See the doctor and not have any heat? Or have heat, see the doctor, and eat peanut butter and jelly for every meal (which is not enough nutrition which leads to health problems which people cannot afford)?
Do something about it? What do you want me to do? You lazy folks who love your Applebees and your McDonalds drive in sure to love that people are willing to work their for minimum wage so that you can have inconvenience. How many of you have worked that drive thru? I did for two years.
19. Bill Brasky | January 29th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
“Do something about it.”
Easier said than done, but I agree that whining isn’t a solution. I’ve had similar difficulties in terms of medical needs, but I don’t whine about it because there really is nothing I CAN do about it. Because of my medical history it’s cheaper for me to pay everything out-of-pocket than have private insurance. I live paycheck to paycheck but I’m content because I have (some) job security, which is more than most people I know can say. My only beef is that I work for a state institution and I don’t get benefits. I don’t think that’s fair, but whatever. When I get promoted that should change.
20. SteaM | January 29th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
If we believe in “the right to pursue happiness” then consider this.
You are not exactly entitled said happiness. However our ensured the right to pursue happiness.
But who’s to decide what “pursue” means?
A definition is: to find or employ measures to obtain or accomplish: gain
Ok, so you guys are telling all of the American citizens who are struggling right now that they are not employing measures enough to accomplish, gain, or obtain said happiness in their lives. Right?
It’s not the high cost of medical bills, paying taxes, the high cost of fuel or food or rent or housing or (for God’s sake we need this sometimes) even entertainment or going out to eat or internet service… no, of course, non of these things are our fault. We should just get better jobs, duh!
I just don’t think that’s fair. I thought the United States was better than that.
21. SteaM | January 29th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Maybe it’s the 2 trillion dollars that we are going to spend on Iraq that has people a bit upset when you tell them to do something about being unable to afford the basics?
22. Magnum Serpentine | January 29th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
The United States spends 4.3 Trillion dollars on the military. The nation that comes in second on Defense spending spends 125 billion.
Think of what we could do if we cut our spending on the military to 250 billion. thats still twice as much as the number 2 nation.
That would make a huge tax cut or we could build hundreds of Hospitals, Schools, build millions of people homes to name a few.
george can’t afford to pay 30 billion dollars over 10 years for health care for children, but he can spend 150 million dollars a day on a war in Iraq.
“… The World Wonders.” Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, Pacific Theater, World War 2, 1945
23. Timmy J. Rooter | January 29th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Bill,
No one said it would be easy. But, whining about your misfortune and blaming the President any President ain’t gonna put bread on your plate.
Have I ever worked in a fast food joint? Sonny, I’ve cleaned more public toilets than you’ve ever seen; I’ve served people with a smile on my face for the better part of a half century; I own three of those businesses you discribe, I have more respect for any of my employees because I know they’re trying to improve their lives.
Don’t whine to me about how hard it is, poor baby. Life isn’t fair get used to it!
24. Bill Brasky | January 29th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
And technically PB & J is enough nutrition. It has plenty of fat, calories, protein, and fiber. Drink a glass of milk with it and you get tons of vitamins and other nutrients you need. So pay the heating bill, go see the doctor (hopefully for something more than sniffles), eat your PB & J, and be thankful that you have a roof over your head and a job that pays worth a damn. I’m speaking from experience here. I learned a long time ago that life can really suck sometimes, but complaining about it only made me feel better for a fraction of a second and made others hate me. Life doesn’t suck so bad when you stop thinking about how much it sucks. Stay positive! I make less money than I have debt (mostly college loans) and life has yet to get me down!
25. Timmy J. Rooter | January 29th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
My post was directed at steam, sorry Bill.
26. Mark Noonan | January 29th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
SteaM,
And I wasn’t living paycheck to paycheck in my 20’s? There weren’t periods of time in the days of my youth where I had no medical insurance? There wasn’t those times when I lived with roomies?
Get hurt? Go to the doctor - the hospital has to treat you. Get the bill - pay it as best you can; they’re not going to send you to jail, or even sue you, if you say to them “hey, all I can send is $20.00 a month”.
Money a bit tight? Get a roomie - its not so bad; sure, you might end up being the guy who cleans up the place, but perhaps the roomie will get a really cool car which will help on Friday nights.
Of course, if you do want someone to wipe your nose for you, then that is your business - you won’t be the first person to become servile.
27. Mark Noonan | January 29th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
A general message to you liberals:
Life is to be lived - all of it, right now, today. You have your life - what will you do with it today? You might be dead tomorrow, so make today the best you can.
Don’t whine and worry about how things aren’t perfect or that they might, indeed, get worse in the future…you might not be there to endure it.
For crying out loud - ask God to put a little love in your heart and get out there and have some of the tremendous fun which is just there for the taking….once upon a time, St. Francis used to be delighted on those days when he couldn’t get anything to eat because it gave him a chance to fast for the greater glory of God. Not saying that you should be saints, but you should give thanks in all things.
28. Bill Brasky | January 29th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Mark–
Thanks for expressing what I couldn’t seem to, minus the liberal label. Everyone from every walk of life and viewpoint could benefit from being thankful for the life they have today. Each day I say a prayer which echoes this:
Let us rise up and be thankful,
for if we didn’t learn a lot today,
at least we learned a little,
and if we didn’t learn a little,
at least we didn’t get sick,
and if we got sick,
at least we didn’t die;
so let us all be thankful.
29. SteaM | January 29th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
You are attacking my examples rather than getting my point.
I don’t think people deserve to get everything for free.
But people who I know for a fact have lived their entire lives with unlimited resources and high-profile parents helping them get what they want, like President Bush, should not be representing me as the leader of my representative government. I don’t believe that he is capable of seeing my perspective since he’s never lived my life. His was much easier.. well, until he attacked Iraq. That made things a bit complicated.
30. SteaM | January 29th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
And, guys, just because I disagree with my government which is entirely my right and the founding fathers said it is my duty as a citizen, does not mean I am not happy in my life. I have never been happier.
But to sit back and let the leadership of this country do whatever it wants without questioning it is shameful and excludes you from being a part of your government and what it does.
31. Magnum Serpentine | January 29th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Mark
I had some friends who paid all they could afford to a hospital each month. They kept getting notices that they had fallen behind on their payments.
The hospital sued and now they take home about 1/4th of their paycheck the rest goes to the hospital.
32. Kahn | January 29th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
SteaM - to your first post. So, are you arguing that I making $150,000 a year and as such in the top 5% of taxpayers and paying 80% of the taxes should pay your medical bills and the bills of your friend despite my mortgage, the kid in college, and all the rest?
It is what you’re saying. Yes it is, think about it.
33. TiredofLibBullShit | January 29th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
“But people who I know for a fact have lived their entire lives with unlimited resources and high-profile parents helping them get what they want, like President Bush, should not be representing me as the leader of my representative government.”
Well SteaM, who can represent you? The vast majority of politicians have unlimited resources and had had parents helping them get what they want. So, who will be able to represent you with you strict criteria?
My parents had little, but they provided for me and my brother. They made sure we had what they did not. We all sacrificed so my brother and I could go to private school. I want to provide my children what I did not have - it’s human nature (in most cases).
Who will represent you….a person who had selfish parents that told their kids you are on your own, other than provided a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs and food, but no other support whatsoever?
Just curious - do you have anyone in mind?
34. plainjane | January 29th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Get real. You have to walk the talk. Repugs lost the last election because they stuffed their mouths with big government pork, wiped out the surplus entrusted to them, and left their isolationist roots to begin nation building to the tune of $2 trillion. Spare us the individuality speeches. There will be plenty of Repugs with out stretched hands accepting borrowed money from President Bush’s stimulus plan.
35. TiredofLibBullShit | January 29th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
My wife has health problems and with thousands in hospital bills, we were able to make arrangements with them to pay monthly. We did it. If we missed a payment, they contacted us quickly. Only if you consistently miss payments (after making these arrangements) and avoid their calls then action is taken. This was at a well known hospital in the New Orleans area. Worked out great, but we were able to do it, with some sacrifice and the right priorities.
36. Kahn | January 29th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
plainjane, that is no justification at all. Your post reads more like, “hey, I’m going to rob this store. I’m sure Republicans will also - I’m sure because I don’t like them.”
Iraq was because we believed they were a threat. But on the spending, well yah. You may have noticed the arguments among Republicans here over what to do about it. But that doesn’t mean we’d support any of the leading Democrats who are all espousing very very socialist ideas.
My dad was a janitor who had a stroke in his early 40’s. You want education and insurance? Join the Marine Corps like I did. After the Corps, I went to college while working and through a series of jobs have done well.
I’m sick of the whining and crying from the left. Essentially - you all want me to pay your bills. Go to hell. Join the military, work two jobs, put down the bong.
37. neocon | January 29th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
“Put down the bong” - Kahn
Priceless.
38. SteaM | January 29th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
<blockquote)32. Kahn | January 29th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
SteaM - to your first post. So, are you arguing that I making $150,000 a year and as such in the top 5% of taxpayers and paying 80% of the taxes should pay your medical bills and the bills of your friend despite my mortgage, the kid in college, and all the rest?
It is what you’re saying. Yes it is, think about it.
Nope, I’m only saying that medical costs are too high. That’s a problem. How do republicans plan on making that situation better?
It’s not so much whether they have a lot of money or not. People can have plenty of money and not be blinded to reality.
I have Obama in mind. Of my current choices I see him as one who can identify with us regular folks.
Listen, this is not about my own personal issues or even the rest of you and your personal stories. I am making a point that as a country we cannot afford more of the same. Republicans, no matter who the nominee is, will be more of the same. The Republicans in Congress, more of the same.
This is not about me whining about medical bills. I am just saying that we will all, republican or democrat, feel the effects of the Bush administration and GOP led 109th Congress for a while now. At least until something changes. Who do you guys see as actually fixing things in Washington? Mitt Romney or John McCain or Mike Huckabee? I just don’t see how anyone in the republican party except maybe McCain, who is too old in my opinion to president, will bring about change. Even if he did his collegues in Congress wouldn’t allow it. Niether would his special interests. He’s be in trouble and we’d be gridlocked in terms of progress.
39. keefer | January 29th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Wait… Rudy Giuliani is in the top 3? Hasn’t he lost every major contest thus far to Ron Paul?
We ignore Ron Paul; he has the intellect of Dennis Kookcinich and Al Sharkton…
40. keefer | January 29th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Do you think it’s OK that I, or my friends, as we are already low on money, should have to pay so much for such standard medical procedures?
Such standard medical procedures? Sure, everyone breaks their wrists skating, and others blow out a nerve at a concert. Get over it; both of you did stupid things, and taxpayers shouldn’t be responsible for your medical bills.
btw, why should I have to pay so much for my car? Shouldn’t the government pay for that too? How ’bout my house? My food?
You libs can’t do for yourselves; you need the nannies in D.C. to wipe your arses. How pathetic…
41. SteaM | January 29th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Keefer,
No, you are twisting this into something it is not. I am not asking for anyone to pay for my stuff. I am perfectly willing to accept responsiblity and pay for it anyway I can.
It is that it costs so much that people are unable to afford it. You can buy a cheap car for $200. But when it comes to seeing a doctor for simple stuff it’s like paying $450,000 for a 1989 Ford Tempo with 250,000 miles on it.
42. TiredofLibBullShit | January 29th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Hmmm…why do we have to pay so much for medical procedures and tests?
Could ambulance chasing lawyers have anything to do with that? Why do doctors and hospitals have to spend so much time covering their asses? Nowadays, if a doctor does not order a test right away, instead of waiting for other test results, and this delays treatment, lawyers like John Edwards will be banging on the doors with a subpoena.
Government red tape, mandates, cover-their-ass procedures and tests and uncontrolled regulation is the reason for high medical costs.
43. keefer | January 29th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Government red tape, mandates, cover-their-ass procedures and tests and uncontrolled regulation is the reason for high medical costs.
Period.dot.bingo!
There’s your answer, SteaM, and government is very responsible for high medical costs. And all these offers of universal health care, free to all, are a bunch of crap. Somebody’s gotta pay for it. You will. It’ll come out of your paycheck, every payday. And the health care you receive will be far inferior to what’s available today.
The free market should be allowed to run health care; not the government; not the HMO’s…
44. Mark Noonan | January 29th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Magnum,
That is not a correct story - sorry, but I’m calling you on that…there’s no judge on God’s green earth who would leave someone with only 1/4 of their income.
45. Mark Noonan | January 29th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
SteaM,
You’ll still need to explain who in America is allowed to Represent you…
46. neocon | January 29th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
SteaM,
To bring medical costs down, had you ever considered removing the layers of regulation rather than adding to them?
If we were to institute mandatory arbitration to get rid of the lawyers and let doctors promote their services and compete with each other, in addition to addressing the insurance requirements, costs would begin to come in line with what customers are willing and able to pay. The more layers of legislators, insurance execs and lawyers, the more the costs go up. And that will get only get worse with UHC, only to the overall taxpayers expense.
47. keefer | January 29th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
How many of you have worked that drive thru? I did for two years.
And you were paid more than minimum wage, too.
SteaM, you should try living in Europe if you think fuel prices are high here. I’ll be living there soon; I’m buying a bike!
48. Dennis | January 29th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Just another example of how rhetoric alone doesn’t mean much. We remember (at least some of us do) Mr. Bush’s rhetoric from past SOTU speeches and his first inauguration. What the heck happened to all that conservative boilerplate?
Mr. Bush inherited a $236 billion surplus and will leave office with $3.5 trillion in new debt. Middle class incomes increased more than $6,000 between 1993 and 2001, but median household incomes dropped over $1,000 since Bush took office. And health-care premiums have doubled, from about $6,000 to $12,000 per family. Federal government has become more bloated and meddlesome than ever in history.
This doesn’t even address the way the Bush administration has polarized the nation here at home, hobbled the military’s readiness and eviscerated moral respect for America abroad.
Point one: you look at a person’s record. What did Mr. Bush actually accomplish on his own before coming to the White House? His string of business failures and nepotistic entry into politics should have clued true conservatives not to expect much from this man.
Point two: Mr. Bush doesn’t write his own speeches. We all have heard what happens when he speaks extemporaneously. Last night he read the words of a hired speechwriter. Why would anyone be impressed by more artificial rhetoric from a man with a record as Mr. Bush’s?
49. Jeremiah | January 29th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
to sit back and let the leadership of this country do whatever it wants without questioning it is shameful–SteaM.
No surprise, this coming from a Liberal, talking about the Greatest President in the entire history of the United States.
What if Obama were President? Would you question Obama’s “leadership” if he were President?
What about Hillary? Would you question Hillary’s “leadership” if she were President?
What about now? Do you question them now, that they are seeking a nomination for President?
–Jeremiah–
50. neocon | January 29th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Dennis,
How refreshing. We all haven’t heard and previously debunked all of that propaganda years ago.
You’re a little late to the party. Try and regurgitate newer propaganda, mmmm k?
And you obviously muyst be new to this blog, you’re light years behind everyone.
51. Kahn | January 29th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
It is not the job of government to make medical bills smaller. By the way, frivolous lawsuits help make them higher, thank John Edwards for that.
What do you think we should do? Lessen medical standards? Tell pharmaceutical companies to spend millions developing drugs and then give them away for free? How about we limit doctors salaries? Hell, limit nurses and janitors and administrative peoples salaries while we’re at it?
While we’re at it. Food cost too much. Lets make it cost less. Cars? Way too much. And Gas, too much. Movies and football game? Too much. Let’s control everything. That’s the only way this can work.
Hey! Look at me! I’m a democratic candidate for president!
52. Dennis | January 29th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Neocon - this blog is about the speeches. And who really is catapulting propaganda here? Let’s just deal with known facts.
Anyone wants somebody with proven business creds in a new GOP admin had better look at Mitt Romney. One might dispute his philosophy of government, but his record stands for itself. Unlike the fellow we’ve had.
But then there are speechmakers, and the easily impressed - always best to see if the words match the deeds…
What use are these people’s wits
who let themselves be led
by speechmakers, in crowds,
without considering
how many fools and thieves
they are among, and how few
choose the good?
The best choose progress
toward one thing, a name
forever honored by the gods,
while others eat their way
toward sleep like nameless oxen.
- Heraclitus
53. Jeremiah | January 29th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Dennis,
There’s only One who can lead - Jesus Christ - The King of kings.
I don’t want a President who leads by his own ideals, but by example.
–Jeremiah–
54. neocon | January 29th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Dennis,
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Your posts lack substance and original thought. Keep trying.
55. awesomecoolderek | January 29th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Steam, you’re not winning many votes here. For example, yesterday screamed this:
“He is not a “kid” and Hillary is far from ditzy and calling her that is childish, sophomoric, and hateful and you should be ashamed that people like yourself are dragging our democracy down to those levels.”
…but a day earlier, you said this:
“At least we have two good choices rather than an old man, a baptist preacher, a mormon, and a 9ui11ani (mr american’s mayor who is slime and would rather just take over the world and keep us in fear with 911 statements).”
I’m sorry, but you are childish, immature, hateful… AND a hypocrite. How dare you get upset over someone labeling Obama as a “kid” - when a day earlier you called McCain “an old man.” Thank you, thank you for giving us all a perfect example of ignorance and hate.
56. Tom | January 29th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
First, Bush: You can’t believe anything he says. The man is a liar…blah, blah, blah litany of liberal lies about President Bush, conservatism and Christianity…(Ed. Note; we’re really rather tired of this sort of thing, so it won’t be allowed to stand on the blog. We’re having some really nice discussions today, right and left, about the issues which matter, not regurgitated talking points from the past 7 years)
57. Dennis | January 29th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Well spoken, Jeremiah. I can do nothing but agree with you there.
Of course down here we have to choose human heads of state - but I also look for one who follows Christ’s perfect example of service and sacrifice. Neither brilliant rhetoric nor belligerence can trump that.
blessings d
58. phnx | January 29th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I don’t think SteaM’s description of McCain was out of hate. However his statements do demonstrate considerable thoughtless hypocrisy resulting from his youth and inexperience.
Unfortunately SteaM is representative of his age group which tests high on self esteem and low on marketable skills. Posts like his and some of the other leftist trolls are evidence to me that we need to institute mandatory military service for every male graduating from high school, to make men out of these boys.
SteaM, don’t take that as an insult as much as an observation of mine, having interviewed many of your peers.
You are under the mistaken impression that you and your friends are the only ones who have lived paycheck to paycheck, or had to sacrifice. Be thankful you weren’t born in Zimbawe. At least you have it within YOUR POWER to change your circumstances. But its your choice.
I missed the part of the Constitution where healthcare is a right of citizenship. Don’t expect the government to pay for it. Get a job that does, or increase your level of education and get a better job so you can pay for it yourself.
Its time to grow up.
“A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have” Thomas Jefferson
59. Dennis | January 29th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Neocon, your moniker betrays you. The world has moved from grandiose fantasy back to reality.
Was it only three, four years ago that one of your people told Ron Suskind that guys like me were ”in what we call the reality-based community,” which he defined as people who ”believe that solutions emerge from your judicious study of discernible reality.”
”That’s not the way the world really works anymore,” he continued. ”We’re an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality. And while you’re studying that reality — judiciously, as you will — we’ll act again, creating other new realities, which you can study too, and that’s how things will sort out. We’re history’s actors . . . and you, all of you, will be left to just study what we do.” http://tinyurl.com/hotkq
We here in the reality-based community see where that has gotten us - as has most of the nation by now. We’re looking for a head of state that understands the limitations of military power and the possibilities of diplomacy and human compassion.
That doesn’t mean going soft in the head - it means more than ever a hard-nosed understanding of human nature and how it actually plays out in the sphere of statecraft and government.
The neoconservativism of four years ago is just plain depleted. If that puts you to sleep - then sweet dreams, bro.
60. Kahn | January 29th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Tom,
“the fascist agenda of these large corporations and their politician puppets.”???
“Un-elected, self appointed aristocratic pretenders think that authoritarian government, neocolonial trade deals and use of our military as a mercenary force for corporate interests”???
“They operate using bribery, racketeering, fraud and abuse of power.”????
Well it’s good to see that John Edwards has the loony space cadet vote locked down. Did your dorm have a contest to see who could up with the biggest pile of crap joke blog post of the day or something?
phnx - good post. Well said. I remember sitting in a hole eating from a c-ration can (I pre-date “MRE’s”) in the pouring rain when my buddy turned to me and said “man, it doesn’t get better than this!”
61. Mark Noonan | January 30th, 2008 at 12:20 am
Dennis,
Liberal compassion? That would be where we leave the Arab people to their fate because we’d prefer to have good relations with the EU…
62. Tom | January 30th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Barack Obama is a former labor organizer…blah, blah, blah small entry into long, tiresome liberal litany of lies about President Bush (Ed. Note; really, we’re not going to have this - the blog was getting too cluttered with such nonsense, and its going to stop).
63. Tom | January 30th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Kahn:
Looney space cadet?…blah, blah, blah desperate attempt to change the subject and make the thread yet another pissing match rather than a discussion…(Ed. Note; we win, its our blog).
64. Tom | January 30th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Ha ha ha! … blah, blah, blah I won’t go on subject, I won’t go on subject, I won’t go on subject and now I’ll hold my breath till my face turns blue…(Ed. Note; really, its our blog - get your own, if you don’t like it)
65. Tom | January 30th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Hey editor…blah, blah, blah another tiresome effort to change the subject (Ed. Note; there is this thread, you see, and it has a subject…stick to it).
66. Tom | January 30th, 2008 at 12:57 am
Kahn #51:
It’s not the place of the government to charter corporations that put profit before public interest, since public interest is the PRIMARY reason for granting the privilidge of incorporation.
Profit is just an incentive. It’s not an entitlement.
And if you like an economy dominated by the free market, then why take the side of government-chartered organizations which dominate the economy?
An economy dominated by government-chartered organizations isn’t a free market, it’s a socialist one. Worse than that, the TYPE of socialism favored by the interconnected boards of the corporate elite is the type favored by Mussolini and Hitler.
If you were a republican, you would favor corporations that don’t allow multiple corporate titles and perpetual majority shareholding, since eliminating those anti-republican practices would EXPAND the franchise of corporate power.
67. Mark Noonan | January 30th, 2008 at 1:11 am
Tom,
Good points - but we can’t just willy-nilly undo the corporate monters we’ve created. As a Mindless Cog in the multi-national I work for, I’ve seen firsthand how purblind large corporations can be, but it serves no one to claim that they are deliberate malfactors - collective stupidity covers it far better than nefarious plotting.
As I’ve said elsewhere, I’ve picked up Chesterton’s ancient “distributionism” as my economic model - the concept that a family should be, as far as possible, self-sufficient. Once upon a time, this was done by most families being freeholders of small farms - we’ll never get back to that, but we can use the economic mechanisms to hand to enable the family to become economically self-sufficient at least at some point in the life of the family (say, by the time the head of the family is in his 50’s).
And this is where it becomes vital to follow the GOP’s economic model rather than the Democrats - because the Democrats are for big government, the close ally of big corporation. Might as well turn ourselves over to Citibank as turn ourselves over to HillaryCare. Much better to empower the people to gain the resources they need to thumb their noses at both Mega-corp and Mega-gov.
68. Tom | January 30th, 2008 at 1:12 am
OK, let’s talk victory…blah, blah, blah another attempt to change the subject (Ed. Note - you did ok in one comment, friend, keep on track with that sort of thing and leave the off-topic polemics for Daily Kos, ok?)
69. Tom | January 30th, 2008 at 1:33 am
Mark:
Did I say willy nilly?
I don’t think that I did. But at least you recognize that there is a problem and that we must do something about it.
I don’t favor getting rid of corporations, or trying to undo their influence on society. What I favor is expanding the franchise of corporate power and instituting republican checks and balances both within corporations, and external to them.
You’re right: We can’t look to the government to take over corporations. What good would that do?
But, while I oppose the government running corporations, I still think that some areas of human transaction are best suited to institutions that are not profit-driven, and health care is one of them.
I don’t think there is a good case for leaving health care in the hands of for-profit institutions. Non-profit institutions could do the job, and there’s little benefit for us all to leave payment for health care in individual hands. It’s not efficient. It doesn’t give us the benefit of economy of scale.
I favor tossing the whole health insurance industry aside and making payment for health care a government subsidized transaction. No need to have the government run health care any more than they already do. Just let the government pay for it. We would pay less than we do now, and the whole scheme of payment would be simplified.
Medicare and Medicaid aren’t good examples to measure how government paid health care would operate, either, since those systems are subject to the same for-profit mechanisms that the rest of the industry suffers from. Worse, they have been systematically privatized over the last few years.
Our health care costs are running at 15% inflation every single year. That’s unsustainable and other systems that are universal don’t have that kind of outrageous inflation. From a competitiveness view, it’s screwing us big time.
70. Tom | January 30th, 2008 at 1:41 am
Editor #68:
That post was entirely on topic. (Ed. Note - just as an aside, complaints about comment policy are ruthlessly ignored).
71. Tom | January 30th, 2008 at 1:48 am
Well, enjoy being a fascist. (Ed. Note; a fascist wouldn’t allow you to comment at all).
72. Mark Noonan | January 30th, 2008 at 1:52 am
Tom,
Won’t work - make the government pay for it sounds fine, but whomever pays the piper calls the tune; what is to be paid for, how much, under what circumstances? Therein lies the bureaucracy you’ll need for a government-run health care system and all you’ll have done is replace mostly-incompetant corporations with a government entity which has a vested interest in being entirely incompetant (governments don’t actually get brownie points for solving problems but for APPEARING to solve them).
Family self-sufficiency - that is the key; to revive, in modern, post-industrial form, the smallholding family unit of old. Some times the best way to ensure progress is to turn ’round and head back to where you first went off course. Inventing a corporation wasn’t where we first went wrong - where we first went wrong is when it was decided that large entities are superior to small entities. I know that in economics there is the economy of scale - and, yes, when you have the Very Large Corporation of America (hat tip to Monty Python for that) you can make widgets cheaper than a the Very Small Company of Akron, but the long-term cost is, I beleve, in excess of the immediate cost savings. Small is, indeed, beautiful.
A corporation isn’t the problem - a corporation run out of some international financial capitol which proposes to run a small branch office in BFE, that is the problem - there’s no way the corporate headquarters can really know the particular needs and dynamics of the locality, just as government can’t konw these needs, either. A family, however, knows what it needs - and if they are economically self-sufficient, then they’ll be able to obtain their needs from other small providers who have a good idea of what the locals want.
The first step in reviving smallholders is to free up the people to build up capital - to make Mom and Pop mini-capitalists. They won’t be billionaires, but they don’t need to be - they just need enough economic indepdendence to pay for home, food and other basics without having to mortgage themselves to a bank or an employer. This requires the retention of the free market and, indeed, it requires us to tinker as little as possible with the way things are - the only thing needing a major shift is Social Security, because therein lies the resources to allow the people to build up perosnal, family wealth to the point where the family can face the large corporations and large government and say, “buzz off”.
73. Kahn | January 30th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Mark,
Just looking over the nights comments from “Tom”.
“Tom” can’t be a single person. The only explanation is that he’s a committee of maniacs drinking beer and sprinkling mescaline on their anchovy pizzas. No one person could be that loony or inconsistent.
74. SteaM | January 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am
awesomecoolderek,
Thank you for pointing out my hypocrisy in post #55.
I wonder. Was it worth it to expend the amount of time spent proving that I made a hypocritical statement? Because you could have taken that amount of time to see my point. Yes. I was getting angry because and so I called Gulliani (9u11ini or whatever) because it is satire based on his disgusting overuse of the fact that he was mayor during 911. He bungled his duties that day. His poor decisions prior to that day caused the a disruption in the effectiveness of the emergency responders that day. He even put the main headquarters for emergency operations in World Trade Center #7 which was eventually destroyed (somehow) when it was burning and it collapsed. His people told him that it was going to be an obvious target if it were located there which would render it useless and cause problems if there were another attack on the Towers. This chance of another attack was considered to be likely as it had been a previous target already. Yet, Rudy did it anyway and it was destroyed.
As for my comment dubbing Senator John McCain an “old man”. That was a low blow when you put it next to my comment regarding someone calling Obama a “kid”. However, again, I was getting pretty frustrated as I was completely outnumbered by a bunch of silly people who don’t like what I have to say on here. When I say “silly” I mean people who keep saying that my facts are “lies” or “taling points”. They say stuff that is false on here so much and us “lefties” keep telling them they are incorrect and giving facts to back it up. When this keeps happening the only logical conclusion one can come to is that those persons are not credible. They do not do their homework except to find spin that backs up their backwards and false conclusions. When they present these false items as “facts” their fellow pro-Bush friends pick up these statements and they spread like wildfire. To their families. Their friends. Their coworkers. All this does is confuse people who do not take the time to fact check what they here. And there are too many of those types of people who think only what they have picked up in conversations and from television and radio rather than having the knowledge before hand to hear, digest, and immediatly throw up a red flag and say: “wait, that is not true. This (etc etc) is what actually happened.” They can then (or should) question that person or source of information and decide if they should trust that source any more or not.
So attack me all you want for being a hypocrite. Go for it. I’m not perfect and you won’t hurt my feelings saying so. Attack my generation for trying to turn off the boob tube and trying to educate itself as it watchs it’s precious American Democracy fall apart on their watch.
Attack me, or maybe, take a few moments to consider what the real problem is in this country. Who has had more of an effect on what is known as a constitutional crisis? Me or President George W. Bush , his Administration, and the GOP-led 109th Congress.
75. Herkimer X. Arbuthnot | January 30th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
It’s time you join LibAnon.
76. SteaM | January 30th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Herkimer X. Arbuthnot,
So Herkimer, I do not actually believe those things so feel free to move on to the next thing to attack me on or maybe actually address what I am talking about which is that health care is expensive and I don’t know why.
You guys say well there’s too many lawyers who are making it expensive followed by saying that government should step in and fix it. This is in response to me saying that government should do something and you guys telling me that I should do something about it myself and leave government out of it.
Am I confused or are you guys just talking circles?
I mean if we are to remove government from everything then why the heck do we even need a government to begin with? Besides, I thought our government was supposed to be designed so that We The People are entitled and empowed and encouraged to participate in an self-governing system where The People run their country not the Kings or dictators or corporations or even the military.
77. Herkimer X. Arbuthnot | January 30th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Edmund Burke condemned the advent and the method of the French Revolution
Edmund Burke; condemned the French revolution as the “politics of reason” will always end in blood.
The government does a fine job of printing money, delivering the mail, and blowing things up. The tenants of laizzes faire capitalism (and, by extension paleoconservatives) demand (in an ironic twist) government intervention in capitalistic endeavors be curtailed and limited to restriction of predatory practices in an effort to reduce the monetary impact of the intervention.
In terms you might understand; Just what the hell’s the matter with you boy? Don’t you realize the more you have your precious government involve itself in your life the more it’s going to cost you?
You think the government can bring down the cost of health-care delivery? On what alternate universe has the government ever cut costs?
And since when is it the government’s responsibility to make sure you can afford anything? Here in California driving isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity! Our beloved government has jacked up the price of commuting with every thing they touch from the repressive taxes they charge for the vehicles, gasoline, tires (don’t forget the excise tax; a tax on a tax on something that has already been taxed!) to the permits, licenses, and fees they charge us for the privilege of being table to get to work.
Don’t look to the goverment to make your life easier; invent something, start a business, sell ideas, write a book, or work for someone else and spend your life bitching about how unfair everything is.
By the way, the evil “corporations” are people; taxpaying people that employ other taxpaying people, insure your retirement and your standard of living.
78. Kahn | January 31st, 2008 at 1:09 am
wow. HXA, post more. I haven’t seen anyone post like that since Almiranta. Sadly, I haven’t seen her post here lately.
79. SteaM | January 31st, 2008 at 9:42 am
HXA,
In attempt to make an example to prove a larger point I have lost you. This is not about me personally or my friends and family. Even though I was just giving a few examples of what millions of actual real people deal with in this country.
You guys cannot possibly see the overall big picture that I am exhaustively failing to paint. Oh well, I tried.
Either way, HXA, in your attempt to “put me in my place” you have told me to sit down and shut up. To sit back and let my government spiral out of control and watch my fellow Americans fall into a habit of letting it happen with no cares in the world.
We get the government we deserve. I don’t have to take it sitting down and I don’t have to shut up and let it happen.
And, yes, I realize that corporations are people who run a business and employ others. I respect them for their hard work, why wouldn’t I? I honestly think that is brilliant and amazing that ConocoPhillips, even when people are broke and losing their homes, still increased profits 37% in the 4th quarter of 2007. Congratulations to them. That’s a net income of 4.4 billion just for that quarter. How incredible!
California taxes you to death for driving. Do you have an alternative? I ride my bike to work everyday, in the ice and snow and rain. But I live 4 blocks from job. Let’s switch our positions here and I’ll speak like you have to me: Quit whining and move closer to your job if it’s such a pain to even drive a car in California.
80. Herkimer X. Arbuthnot | January 31st, 2008 at 11:30 am
Feeling powerless? Wanting to engage, make a difference, and affect change? I recommend Power to the People by Laura Ingraham.
People will always make stupid decisions; buy a house they can’t afford, get a loan by lying on the application, lose a job by acts of malfeasance, misrepresentation and misconduct. Sad (sucks to be them) and avoidable.
Sometime bad things happen to good people; work for years to see your company go out of business; get passed over for promotions (like Diana Powe) repeatedly; find yourself fighting the good fight to have the cheaters and liars win while you lose with dignity.
The good die young, so they say; and knowing I’ll live forever as a result is little consolation. Tragedy happens, life’s a bitch, and we get happiness where we can find it.
What does any of that have to do with ConocoPhillips? They made a profit, good for them, wish I had thought to buy stock, I didn’t, sucks to be me.
Here’s a question for you; you make $20 - something/year. A guy, no a lady in your office with less experience and less education gets a raise and suddenly makes $30 – something/year. How does that affect you?
While you’re pondering that I’ll point out that no one suggested you “sit down and shut up.” Yet, to a man (no misogynic implication intended) we told you do stop whining and do something.
Now, back to the question, how does it affect you? It doesn’t! You make what you make, she makes what she makes. Unhappy about it? Quit, start a company, hire her at $40,000/year then fire her after she brags about her new job to the other drones where you used to work.
Success is the greatest revenge.
81. Herkimer X. Arbuthnot | January 31st, 2008 at 11:34 am
Kahn,
I’ve been reading these pages since the B4B days and recently started offering up my ideas, that’s the greatest complement I could ever have imagined. The little lady from Wyoming, formerly Colorado, is my hero.
82. SteaM | January 31st, 2008 at 12:38 pm
HXK,
Laura Ingrahm? Pfft… nope. No thank you. I’d rather read something with actual substance rather than right wing opinion-fest.
I will do something about it. I will not vote for a republican for president. I will not vote for a republican for my state senator (already got McCaskill in there so we accomplished that last year) nor will I vote for a republican for governor or state rep.
While you tell the millions of us who are in the same boat, some better or worse than others, to do something about it. This is what you are going to get. No more republicans in office. Because as hard as we try to get somewhere the Republicans create legislation that works against us. So say goodbye to your party.
83. SteaM | January 31st, 2008 at 12:43 pm
And, as for that $600 check from the government? I don’t want it. I don’t think that’s going to fix the problem nor do I think we can afford it with the 2 trillion dollars war that Bush chose to drag us into.
Take back your money. It’s an insult to think it will actually help us here. All I will do is drop it on my debt and it will make a little dent. How will that stimulate the economy? It will take away from the credit card company’s profits. Company’s that make some of the biggest contributions to Bush’s party.
84. Herkimer X. Arbuthnot | January 31st, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Won’t read? Can’t help you then, son. Revel in your ignorance and continue on your sad life of quiet desperation. Good luck with that.
85. Timmy J. Rooter | January 31st, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Every loser has an excuse, what’s yours?
86. SteaM | January 31st, 2008 at 1:42 pm
HXA,
I will and do read all the time. I read books by historians with exceptional political knowledge not right-wing jokers like Laura.
If you want me to buy what you are selling you might try to reference someone a little more credible.
87. Herkimer X. Arbuthnot | January 31st, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Laura
And what have you accomplished with your life?
Revel in your ignorance.
88. phnx | February 1st, 2008 at 7:27 pm
SteaM,
Don’t need your $600 check…send it back.
However I doubt you will.
Rich liberals rich Bill and Hillary and all the Hollywood elites, also claim to be more than willing to pay higher taxes…but somehow they never voluntarily send in money, taking every tax deduction they can.
You dems a long on rhetoric and short on action.