As Mike posted below the king of all entitlement programs has passed, and its a dark day in our history. But all is not lost and John Hinderaker notes a few reasons to be a little less depressed:
But there are many reasons for optimism. Here are a few:
* The health care battle is just beginning. Next, the Senate will try to enact the House’s “fixes” to the original Senate bill. Some Senators say that won’t happen. If not, then President Obama has the option of signing the original Senate bill–now passed by the House–Cornhusker Kickback and all. I assume he would do that, but the resulting blowback from House Democrats, not to mention the American people, would be something to behold.
* The health care bill’s taxes will go into effect promptly, but its substantive provisions are, for the most part, deferred for four years. This means that we have plenty of time to repeal the legislation. Sure, it will take a new Congress and new President. But repealing this disaster of a bill will by a rallying cry for the American people for years to come. Moreover, even if the Republicans only take over the House in November, and not the Senate, won’t it be possible to throw roadblocks in the way of the bill’s implementation? Won’t budget appropriations be necessary to sustain the various federal tentacles the bill seeks to establish? What will happen if the House simply refuses to fund them?
* I’ve never been prouder to be a Republican. The party’s Congressional leaders have fought this battle to the end on behalf of the American people–with intelligence, toughness, persistence and good humor. The contrast between the parties has never been starker than in today’s debate. If any intelligent Democrats were watching–there must be some left–they had to be embarrassed for their party.
* Paul Ryan has emerged as one of the conservative movement’s strongest spokesmen. In the years to come, I think we will hear the words “I’m a Paul Ryan Republican” with increasing frequency.
* The health care debate has energized the conservative movement and awoken the sleeping giant, that is, the American people. The Democrats misinterpreted their electoral victories in 2006 and 2008 as a mandate for socialism. Now a majority of voters are intent on disabusing them of that misapprehension. Just about all of the political energy today is on the right–a remarkable fact, only sixteen months after the Democrats’ high-water mark in November 2008.
* Barack Obama has used his political capital–pretty much all of it–on unpopular legislation that will continue to rile the voters for years to come. As a result, Obama is a remarkably unpopular second-year President. And he hasn’t even experienced any bad luck yet. It is hard to see how he will be able to regain his footing.
And he we have many legal challenges to this come. After you read through those legal challenges there are two must see videos of Rep. Paul Ryan and Mike Pence.
Rep. John Boehner:
“ … whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”
Nancy Pelosi comes to us in humility and with pride… get the bimbo a dictionary.
@RatDog:
AMEN! Now That is what I am talking about. To paraphrase Thomas Pain, are we fair weather Patriots or are we in this for the long haul? Load for Bear folks and fasten your seat belts it’s gonna be a wild ride between now and November.
Mike, it’s nice you provide us with Hinderaker’s happy face, but reality isn’t so glossy
1: The reconciliation bill passing, or not passing, is irrelevant. The Senate’s version of HR 3590 is the law of the land. All any reconciliation bill would accomplish… if it passes… is tweaking bad law. It the public option survives the Senate vote, tweaked for the worse.
2: Repeal what? Like mid terms will bring a veto proof majority for the GOP?? The only hope of repeal is in the courts. And oh, BTW, what money they collect for benefits we don’t get will not be returned.
3: Can say as I agree with GOP pride. They did stand united, and not falter. But then their alternatives did not see enough daylight either.
4: I will agree with Paul Ryan’s rising star status.
5: Conservative moment energized? Yes. But then Obama’s election was bound to do that since he never campaigned on being a centrist. And once the population got a taste of his big social welfare government answers, they were bound to wake up… unless, of course, the public education push for social justice has finally gotten to the majority of the population. Unfortunately, when the reality really hits home in the pocketbooks, and increasing debt and deficit, that loser will be long gone. We’ll be stuck with the repercussions while he pats himself on the back for “remaking” America.
6: I may agree that Obama has expended much political capital. However the trickery and backroom methods for legislation has created a new procedural path. This will happen again and again, despite unpopular poll numbers. And I will also point out that his approval poll numbers will remain low, but his “personal” poll numbers high. Why? Why person on the other end of the phone is going to say they don’t approve of the historic first black POTUS and risk being accused of being a racist?
Unlike Hinderaker, I’ll turn my “hope” for “change” in state filed lawsuits and constitutional amendments. Oh yes, and pray that Obama goes for a very looooooooong foreign trip so we don’t have to look at his mug, and listen to the BS daily. But that’s already been promised not to happen.
Heh:
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I hope no one misses Boehner’s video above. I’ll put it here in case you did:
I am so very proud of the fight our GOP leadership has waged this past year. They were dealt a very lousy hand of cards and yet managed to cripple this Obamanation while helping to launch a nationwide movement that will ultimately bring about it’s repeal and replacement.
Our leaders deserve our full support as we gear up for the battle in 2010!
@MataHarley: You’re not confusing me with Curt are you? I should be so lucky!
Get the Bimbo a brain! In reference to Pelosi, I am suffering from exhaustion and toxic shock syndrome.
@Mike’s America: Gosh darn, I did. Using all that happy face stuff comes from you, our resident FA cheerleader. LOL!
But then, my comments weren’t to you or Curt as author, as much as they were to Hinderaker.
The tax increases won’t be deferred for a few years – they’ll kick in quickly, and there’s no consitutional questions there. The new investment surtax is another bullet fired at America’s savers. One has to wonder why anyone would bother working hard to do well in school, get a good job, and save for the future. Washington to high-achievers: spend everything you earn on conspicuous consumption, because if you save your money, we’ll take it through inflation, taxes, or both. I wonder if we’ll see a wave of retirements among high-income professionals with enough savings to do so and yet another reason not to keep working. Dual-income couples will have a good reason for one spouse to stop working, if it gets them below the government’s new income limits. The effective marginal tax rate for anyone with savings will be higher than in Canada if you live in a high-tax state like California or New York. A thousand small John Galt moments could be unleashed.
@MataHarley: I’ll remember the “cheerleader” routine next time I get tagged by our lefty haters.
Somehow I doubt they would agree with you.
@Doug
Funny you should mention that. My inner Galt started 7 months ago, and if it stays bad, even my teenagers can retire before they ever have a job.
I don’t expect any ground to made in repealing this abomination anytime soon, but there is a major benefit here – it passed. Democrats have given Republicans a gift beyond measure: the passage of a deeply unpopular bill on partisan lines in an election year. On top of that, let’s not forget the arrogance Obama and company displayed throughout this process, as well as their ignoring real issues like the economy. I’ll gladly take Democrats suffering in the short-term and undoing this mess long-term.
Spidey, you have an excellent point, they have created a point blank target of themselves. The economy is in the sewers and Obama is going to tax the rest of it into oblivion, without this Murtha Sandwich they were sitting ducks and now, with this favoritism to unions and the non-producers, they are plucked.
I think when the GOP gets out in the streets and starts talking about what repeal would mean (like reinstating the pre-existing conditions rules, prohibiting interstate health insurance sales, eliminating the prohibition on abortion funding, reinstating the donut hole on the Medicare drug bill, and stripping health insurance from 32 million people) . . . think all will be really swell! Go for it cons! Never ever ever ever give up!
Say YES to the donut hole!
Say YES to no insurance for 32 million people!
Say YES to pre-existing conditions bars!
Do you people understand how deranged you seem? You are going to repeal the Medicare cuts and increase the spending? And pay for it with what? Is there now a Majic Medicare Fairie who spins toilet paper into dollars to fund conservative health care proposals?
And you are going to eliminate the new taxes at the same time you are raising the Medicare spending? How the frak is that going to work, budgetwise?
There is an utter lack of seriousness among you cons which is only outstripped by the utter lack of class. Cursing on the House floor, calling a pro-life Democrat a “baby killer”, calling another Congressman a “faggot” and referring to Congressmen as “nigger” . . . you people have lost your ever loving minds. AND THE WORST PART? You morons did it on live TV and in front of reporters, so all the world can see. That creaking sound you hear is the last of the GOPer moderates handing in their party passes and walking out the door. Kiss Olympia Snowe goodbye, idiots! Couldn’t have happened to a nicer crew!
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Al Sharpton got in on the act in an interview with FOX News saying Americans voted for socialism –
http://furtheradventuresofindigored.blogspot.com/2010/03/sharpton-admits-to-socialist-obama.html
Let’s add some more confusion, shall we?
RBOB – You better come up with some proof about the F and N words. You slime-balls enjoy throwing statements like that out and have nothing to back it up. Now, just for the record, because you posted that statement on this site, please post your proof right here, right now. Time is a-ticking – start posting.
Madalyn
Curt,
You say you are a “proud” republican. Are you “proud” that the republicans have passed up the democrats in pork barrel add-ons to bills. They now have more pork barrel money in the bills than the democrats. Can you be “proud” of that?
I have never belonged to a political party. Partly because I never got involved in politics until a few years ago. Mostly because I don’t see enough in either party to want to belong to them.
I have been trying to get politicians from both party to pass certain laws that I think ALL of the tax paying citizens can agree with. Others have tried to get some of these passed and failed. Some of them are listed below. If you agree with any of them, ask your republican politician to make it a bill and see how far you get with that idea.
SOCIAL SECURITY
Put it in a separate account that can only go to Social Security retirees and NOBODY ELSE.
POLITICAL CRIMES TRIBUNAL (PROSECUTE THE POLITICIANS)
A “Political Crimes Tribunal” should be established to catch and punish politicians who use their office for their own purpose. It would be just like the “War Crimes Tribunal.” It would only go after politicians who misuse their office, and there would be no “Statute Of Limitations.” It would have to be non–politicians, and the funding would have to be guaranteed so the politicians can’t vote not to fund it. This would be a good example of how the “Fund it by the numbers” would guarantee them the money.
FEDERAL BUDGET (FUNDED BY THE NUMBER)
The Federal budget should be funded by the numbers. Every agency, committee, etc., would have a numerical rating. The military would be #1. It would be the only #1. They are the ones keeping me free. I want them to have whatever they need to keep keeping me free. The Veteran’s Administration would be included as #1. I want the ones who lost a part of themselves keeping me free to live the best life they can under their circumstance.
After #1 is funded they would go to #2, #3, #4, etc., until the money runs out or all are funded. If the money runs out before the higher numbers get funded, that is it. No more money means nobody else gets any. The rest of us have to live this way. Why shouldn’t my government have to live under the same standards? “Don’t spend more than you have.” Any Federal agency that thinks they have been cut short on money will look at any pork barrel add-on the other agencies will get and ask that they be removed.
POLITICIANS (Paid a percentage of the GDP)
They should be paid a percentage of the GNP. If the economy goes up, so does their pay. If it goes down, so does their pay. Then they would have an incentive to keep the economy going.
BILLS IN CONGRESS (VOTED ON IN ORDER OF INTRODUCTION)
The way it works now is one person in the House and one person in the Senate decide when a bill comes up for a vote. If that person thinks there are enough votes for the way they want the vote to go, they will introduce it for a vote. If not, they can hold it until they think there are enough votes to go the way that person wants.
Each bill should be put up for a vote in order of introduction. They could vote to delay the bill if they feel more time is needed to review it.
BILLS IN CONGRESS (WRITTEN IN 5TH GRADE ENGLISH)
One state or town legislature requires this. I don’t remember which one it was. I heard a radio talk show host read a bill that was introduced in that legislature. Then he read it after it was written in 5th grade English. It was much easier to understand.
FEDERAL AGENCIES (EXPIRATION DATE FOR EACH)
There are committees and government agencies created for a certain purpose that the purpose they were created no longer exist, and that funding is still provided for these. Things like this need to stop.
Each federal agency, committee, etc., will have an expiration date. Congress should have to vote to keep or close each one. Whatever the shortest term is in congress, that is how often all of the politicians will have to vote to keep or close each one. They must vote. No excuses not to. They will vote yes, no, or undecided. The items will be spread over the shortest term so they can’t be grouped and voted on all at the same time. Each one will be separate.
Each politician will be given information about the agency, committee, etc., and they must give their yes, no, or undecided vote. This way each politician will learn of all the agencies, committees, etc., in the federal government and how much money each one receives, and then they can decide if it should stay in existence. This would also encourage them to have as few as possible so they don’t have to keep voting on them each term.
POLITICIANS (THEY PAY THEIR OWN BILLS)
Their paycheck would be several million dollars because they will pay all of their own expenses. They will pay the wages of their employees, air flights, and any perks they want. If they can operate efficiently they can keep any money left over.
FAIR TAX
Pass the Fair Tax which does away with ALL FEDRAL TAXES and replaces it with a Federal sales tax. No IRS or Federal income tax forms to fill out, EVER. You pay your taxes each time you buy something NEW. The receipt will also show you just how much you are paying in Federal taxes on each purchase.
The wealthy will pay their share because they will be buying higher priced items, but they will still be paying the same percent tax. The illegals will be paying taxes this way to. They don’t pay ANY taxes now. The bill is in Congress now.
@ BRob
Really? Here’s the video of the CBC walking through the tea party protestors. Tell me where you hear that racial epithet. There were tons of camera crews out there, I haven’t seen video from any of these news outlets or other bloggers saying it happened. I’d like to see the proof.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SCs6pSE8_I&feature=player_embedded
Now, if there were people doing this that were part of the tea party, they’re just (a). ignorant, (b). Alinsky plants or (c). ignorant.
Now you can go back and enjoy your socialized medicine. Well you can four years from now after you’ve made a substantial down payment. I just hope they come after the lawyers next. Can’t think of a nicer group of people to get the socialist sickle.
Still waiting RBob – tick tock tick tock
Madalyn
@Smorgasbord: Curt never said he was “proud” to be a Republican. All that stuff in the blockquotes? That’s the words of the reporter, John Hinderaker. You’re attributing his words to Curt in error.
Curt has remained mum on any “pride”. Probably because if any of us complains, the wrath of Mike’sA comes down mightily…
…..ducks and runs….
@Smorgasbord: I don’t know about Curt, But I am not proud to be a Republican. I AM DAMN PROUD TO BE A REPUBLICAN! The GOP is the home of conservatism and the only and last best hope we have to save our country from socialism.
You can play that “Republicans are just as bad” game until the cows come home. Just one problem: IT’S NOT TRUE!
Just look at the deficit under Pelosi and Obama and compare it to that of Bush and the GOP Congress. If you care about fiscal discpline this chart says it all:
Perpetuating this false myth that Republicans are just as bad does nothing but enable Democrats to keep on doing what they are doing.
If you really want to get rid of Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Barack Hussein Obama you have NO CHOICE but to vote Republican.
And if you love your country that’s exactly what you will do and you’ll also stop bitching about it!
Shape up!
@ Madalyn
BRob’s got nothing. If there were video of Tea Partier’s hurling slurs, the MSM would be running a non-stop loop of it. Big Journalism reports that they contacted the Capitoal Hill PD and asked if a complaint had been filed and if they were investigating. There hasn’t and they are not. Meanwhile, read this awesome post by Lloyd Marcus: (I would ask BRob to read it, but it’s not from Soro’s, so he won’t).
http://bigjournalism.com/lmarcus/2010/03/19/liberal-media-attempts-to-brand-tea-parties-racist-fails/#more-37926
@MataHarley #22:
@Mike’s America #23:
@Wordsmith:
@MataHarley:
You bet I cut a nice fat Hickory Switch today and I am not afraid to use it.
Yesterday was the defining moment for why RINO hunting is not only stupid but dangerous. The entire nation is now in the grip of a socialist makeover melee the likes of which we have never seen and might never have seen if the so-called “true conservatives” didn’t have a constant burr up their butt.
And if any of them want to come in here and pull that RINO crap today all I can say is “make my day.”
Someone mentioned RINO crap?
@Aye Chihuahua: Fanning the flames?
@MataHarley: Thanks for correcting me. I hate to be wrong, but I WANT to be corrected if I am. I hadn’t been to bed yet when I read the article. Thanks again.
@Mike’s America: I didn’t say republicans are just as bad as democrats. I said the republicans have outspend the democrats on pork barrel spending.
I have voted for republicans about 99.99999% of the time. I don’t want to be a member because they still won’t put Social Security in a separate account where ONLY retirees can get it, don’t want to kick the illegals out any more because their business contributors won’t let them, have their billions of dollars in pork, etc.
We need to come up with a way to take the money needed to campaign out of the process. If they don’t have to take money from someone or companies, they won’t have to pay them back with favors after the election. The only ones they would have to pay back would be the ones who voted for them.
@Smorgasbord: I have been active in politics since I was the age 16 when I helped campaign for Reagan in 84 in my High School and I am a registered Republican and not ashamed at all about that registration. Is the party perfect? Nope, and they never will be as long as human’s reside in the party. There are plenty of Republicans I don’t like, who have different views on issues then I do, who vote a different way then I would want them to but as a whole yes, I am proud of the party. To be honest with you I did not believe we would even come this close to stopping ObamaCare and it was because of Republicans like Pence and Ryan, and conservatives who didn’t just sit on their hands, that we came so far. So I give the party a lot of credit for the job they did.
I have never just rubberstamped my vote and if you had read my posts over the years you would see that I disliked McCain as a candidate and did my best to stop him from becoming the nominee but once he WAS the nominee I also did my best to try and get him elected President because I understood what Obama would do.
And here we are.
So yes, I’m proud to be a Republican. I do my part in trying to turn the party around to being more fiscally responsible but there is no way in hell a Democrat is a better option, yet to see one and doubt I ever will. That party’s view on foreign policy, on homeland security, on the economy, immigration, and the entitlement society is counter to everything I believe in.
Speaking of “deranged”….
Obviously, after months of trying to present the other side of actually trying to control the costs of providing medical service, vs price fixing insurance premiums and slashing payments to providers, billy bob remains clueless.
No surprise.
Nor a surprise that he also spins what he doesn’t hear, chooses not to hear, and/or doesn’t comprehend with his singular brain cell what he hears, in order to spin the O’propaganda.
And of course there’s a fairy that Obama believes in, spinning toilet paper into dollars. His name is Bernanke, busy keeping the Reserve basement printing prices going 24/7 to pay for Obama’s spending habits.
Yo billy bob… your hero’s going on tour to talk about health care. Why? Because he is well aware that the nation doesn’t like it, that it’s the first time in history such an entitlement package has passed with NO input (the Senate bill) from the minority party, AND WITH NOT EVEN THE SUPERMAJORITY IN SUPPORT.
So he’s got a year and a half tour package all lined up to try and convince the nation that what they just stuck up our rear ends is a suppository we’re all just gonna learn to love. uh huh….
Since you’re such a second rate attorney, and think you’re a terrific spinmeister, maybe he’s got a slot of you on his propagand bus?
@Smorgasbord: Take the money out of campaigns?
The only way to do that is to have the federal goverment takeover the financing of campaigns.
Are you REALLY suggesting yet another government takeover, this time of the entire political process?
Come on!
I’m sorry if you damn the GOP for not proposing that we toss every illegal alien out of the country. You and I both know that’s not going to happen. But if you recall, Bush did a far better job of enforcing immigration law than open borders Obama who has STOPPED the aggressive enforcement of immigration law.
Once again, you have a clear choice between the GOP which enforces immigration law and the Dems who openly look the other way.
And you still want to damn the GOP?
How smart is that?
Really?
Finally, I’m going to repeat what Curt said above and see if it sinks in with some of you folks:
@Curt: I didn’t get involved in politics until I was 62 or 63, and I am 64 now. I am part of the problem that the country is in the shape it is because I set back and thought the ones in office were there because they knew best how to run the country. Thank you for getting involved as young as you were.
I have been to a lot of the protests in DC and other towns, been to both the House and Senate buildings, and donated one time to the republican party to try to keep Obama out. I didn’t want McCain either.
One complaint I have with the republican party is that after I donated to them they put me down as being a republican. I had to write them twice to have them remove my name, and I have asked them twice how they can make someone a member when they didn’t fill out an application.
Keep up your good work and I am trying to catch up to you.
@Mike’s America: Let me have some fantasies before I die. One is to have the PERFECT government where EVERY politician does what is best for the county without thinking of themselves. Please don’t burst my bubble.
When we have a system where it takes hundreds of millions of dollars to get elected, and you have to promise those who give big amounts what they want, you get a government that puts money raising first. The wealthy donate to BOTH parties so that either way, they win. This needs to change.
I didn’t condemn (I don’t use cuss words) the republican party. If you reread my post I said I have voted republican about 99.99999% of the time. I have been to almost all of the major protests in DC and other towns. I have called all three of my liberal politicians several times, have sent them their PINK SLIP, and even got to ask my senator Arlen Specter, “Did you get your PINK SLIP?” as he walked past me during one protest in DC.
He wouldn’t look at me with my HUGH sign giving liberals their PINK SLIP, and he had a mean look on his face as he walked right past me. He could have at least greeted me.
I am not a church goer, but I have wondered for many years why we use so many cuss words in general public now. People used to respect kids, women, and preachers and not cuss in front of them. Now I hear parents brag about their baby saying their first cuss word.
As I have mentioned to other people, I am one of the reasons this country is in the shape it is because I set back and let it happen. I am trying to make up for lost time, but on my retirement money there isn’t much left after the bills are paid, but I too am trying to get as many republicans in office as I can.
@Smorgasbord: I’m prepared to be forgiving and apologize if you thought I was too harsh with you. I’ve got a short fuse today after dealing with some of these crazy libs.
But really, this fantasy of yours is just that. And it’s that dangerous utopianism that distracts us from the practical advancement of possible conservatism.
As far as getting the money out of politics, it’s impossible.
How do you tell someone they can’t spend their own money to express their right to free speech?
I am in favor of letting people contribute but with full disclosure.
I’m also open to a wider discussion of this difficult issue but I don’t want to get sidetracked from dealing with the immediate need to defeat liberals in November.
@Smorgasbord:
Our society really has gotten a lot more crass. It is irritating to be out in a public area and in proximity of people who talk loud enough, using improper language. What if I were out with a family? Or kids are nearby? Sure, words are being said that most kids have probably heard before. But still…inappropriate. I think people have just lost all sense of what is decent and how to behave and conduct oneself in public as opposed to amongst locker-room buddies…while still in the locker room. People are loud and obnoxious in movie theaters, in restaurants, everywhere! Not all people, mind you; but a significant portion of our population.
The worst are those who use the eff word in every single sentence!
I personally don’t cuss, either. I don’t know why, but I just don’t. ‘Cept when I’m by myself, out of earshot of anyone.
@Wordsmith: I was on the beach Saturday and this drunk spring breaker ran past a family shouting the “F” word at his friends nearby. The lady called him on it and he dismissed her with a “whatever.”
What an ass. Probably an Obama voter.
Yeah, I will not tolerate it when there are kids nearby. I try to be as polite as possible. Sometimes it works, and other times you get into some heated exchanges.
Oh, and the only other time I cuss is when I’m about to kick someone’s @$$.
@Wordsmith: Whaaaa? You the master of tolerance and forebearance are kicking asses?
I’m a lot nicer over the internet and behind the wheel than I am in person, in real life.
In non-pixelated life, I don’t cuss much at all. But spending time in the virtual world, and having to deal with unthinking-twits, brings back the old salty tongue (fingers?).
Sometimes in large waves.
My Dad (73 now) has never been a political hound. He’s a scientist at heart, and thinks all politicians are basically the same, so he always voted like his Dad did…Democrat… “For the little guy.”
Well he used to, anyway.
As of these last few months, he’s like an old version of Mike, and we sometimes need to calm him down.
Old fart has got up to speed in no time flat!
He has quite the social network of astronomers and old IBM programmers, and I have a feeling the word is being spread in his realm faster than a viral video.
@Wordsmith: I have trouble believing you aren’t just as nice and tolerant in person.
@Patvann: Who you calling an old fart?
I’m callin my Dad an old fart, ya middle-aged fart.
Having him go from 50 some-odd years of lazily voting Dem, to sounding like YOU is weird.
@Patvann: I’m hoping more and more people will wake up and turn away from the Democratic Party, which no longer seems to be the party of liberals but of the far left.
@Mike’s America: Mike, I am nice in real life. I don’t go around looking for fights. And I’m short and don’t have an intimidating physical presence. I try to defuse potential fights by saying things that tend to be disarming and unexpected. Most people are just full of bluster and really don’t want to escalate into violence. Being nice, launching into invectives, and being willing to engage in violence aren’t incompatible…I can do all that and still be a swell, tolerant guy.
But my online persona comes across as far nicer, only because you can’t see the froth and foam around my mouth as I type out a very courteous, respectful-toned rebuttal/counter-point.
I have always felt that using a disarming ‘country boy smile’ just before you unleash an overhand right, sucker punch to the mouth, to be both effective and charming.
@Mike’s America: I agree with setting our priorities on what to do first. Let’s made sure Obama doesn’t get crowned king and we get the budget under control.
@Wordsmith:
I first heard that word in high school, asked my dad what it meant when I got home and was pretty embarassed when he explained it. There was never any cursing in our home, dad’s simple lesson, “if it’s not in your head it won’t come out of your mouth.”
He must have had a pretty pure mind, his cursing consisted of “sweet buttermilk.” I’ve never been as patient or in control of my thoughts and mouth and depending on my mood will let a few things slip.
You are a deep thinker and have patience and control, your responses are like a ray of sunshine, I would never believe that anything you might say or do would not be a reasonable response to whatever situation you are confronted with.
BTW, thanks for the emoticons, Curt!
@ Wordsmith
Funny you should mention that. My wife decided to go back to school a few years ago. She’s always wanted to be a nurse and we are at the point where we can get by on one income. God knows you don’t want to make too much money in this environment. She went to class yesterday and one lady made the comment, “can you believe those idiots passed the bill.” Some of the other girls in class were equally irate, but there were a couple of known Obamabots in the class that turned around and asked “what bill?” Figures. My wife doesn’t talk much about politics and since she’s Latina, everyone assumes she’s a democrat. She weighed in and told the Obamabots exactly what to expect from socialized medicine, especially the part about how little the nurses get paid. She lived in Mexico until she was 16, so she has first hand experience. That got the Obamabot’s attention.
She also said about half the people in her classes that voted for Obama and were so happy about change weren’t expecting this kind of change. They aren’t so happy now. Guess they’re wondering where the unicorns and rainbows are.
I find being 6’4″ and 230 typically keeps “discussions” from getting to the hitting stage.
-But I find I’m not very tolerant of a**holes, and usually express my displeasure rther quickly.
@Patvann:
Happy belated Birthday Big Guy!
You must have drawn the short straw, was dreading the original 3-18 date, sorry it happened on your special day. Now I see Nasty Pelosi 
was born on my beloved Grandmother’s birthday, 
ugh! no two women could be so different.
@Missy
Thanks!
I take solace in the fact that I share my day with William Shatner.
Plus, because it’s 2 days before my wife’s b-day, I have NEVER forgot hers.
PATVANN you are quick on a draw as an arrow you said it right
bye
@Smorgasbord: The best answer to restoring fiscal discipline and getting the budget under control is to remove Democrats, including Obama from power.
Republicans may have been big spenders in their time but they are pikers compared to Pelosi, Reid and Obama.
@Wordsmith: What would be ideal is if the country was divided up into sections, each one with their own values and rules and each of us picks the area we want.
@Smorgasbord: You mean like the Balkans where everyone is divided by tribe and family? No thanks.
The great thing about America is the “melting pot” which makes us all Americans.
Or it least it used to be before the multiculturalists decided to celebrate our differences and not our unity.
You can see what a mess that has caused.
@Wordsmith: I don’t have the body to defend my mouth either. I have always been able to talk my way out of disputes. I have learned two ways to disarm someone who might be looking for a fight with me: (1) When they go into calling you names, agree with them. It throws them completely off guard. (2) After they have gone through there long line of names they call you, pick one of them, such as stupid, look right in their face, and forcefully say, “I’m not stupid!!!” They don’t know what to say next because you have only denied being ONE of the names they have called you.
The expression, “Your mother wears combat boots” doesn’t work any more because a lot of mothers DO wear combat boots, and their kids are proud of it. I haven’t heard that one for many years.
@Patvann l’ve got you all beat on birthdays. Mine is on Veteran's Day (I still call it that). As I was growing up I used to tell people, "They were so happy when I was born, they just quit fighting." As I got older I found out that Veteran's Day is for World War I, not World War II, so I quit saying it.
My ex-wife's birthday was 17 days AFTER mine, so I never forgot her’s either.
@Mikeâ��s America: I’m hoping the republicans will go back to their original “less government” mentality. I used to use the upper case “R” when I wrote Republican and the lower case “d” for democrat because I felt they deserved the respect for trying to REDUCE the size of government.
One thing ALL republicans can do is start calling the USA a REPUBLIC instead of a democracy. The propaganda media calls it a democracy because republic reminds us of republicans, and the propaganda media doesn’t want to do that.
At last Saturday’s ObamaCare protest I mentioned to a 16-17 year old boy that we need to call the USA the republic that it is. He asked me, “What is a republic?” I had to explain in to him. CALL THE USA A REPUBLIC.
I am reposting some things I posted earlier and sent into the republican party that they should be doing, and doing these things would get people to vote republican. Some are my ideas, some are other’s ideas. If you like ANY of them please pass them along to your Federal representative.
SOCIAL SECURITY
Put it in a separate account that can only go to Social Security retirees and NOBODY ELSE.
POLITICAL CRIMES TRIBUNAL (PROSECUTE THE POLITICIANS)
A “Political Crimes Tribunal” should be established to catch and punish politicians who use their office for their own purpose. It would be just like the “War Crimes Tribunal.” It would only go after politicians who misuse their office, and there would be no “Statute Of Limitations.” It would have to be non–politicians, and the funding would have to be guaranteed so the politicians can’t vote not to fund it. This would be a good example of how the “Fund it by the numbers” would guarantee them the money.
FEDERAL BUDGET (FUNDED BY THE NUMBER)
The Federal budget should be funded by the numbers. Every agency, committee, etc., would have a numerical rating. The military would be #1. It would be the only #1. They are the ones keeping me free. I want them to have whatever they need to keep keeping me free. The Veteran’s Administration would be included as #1. I want the ones who lost a part of themselves keeping me free to live the best life they can under their circumstance.
After #1 is funded they would go to #2, #3, #4, etc., until the money runs out or all are funded. If the money runs out before the higher numbers get funded, that is it. No more money means nobody else gets any. The rest of us have to live this way. Why shouldn’t my government have to live under the same standards? “Don’t spend more than you have.” Any Federal agency that thinks they have been cut short on money will look at any pork barrel add-on the other agencies will get and ask that they be removed.
POLITICIANS (Paid a percentage of the GNP)
They should be paid a percentage of the GNP. If the economy goes up, so does their pay. If it goes down, so does their pay. Then they would have an incentive to keep the economy going.
BILLS IN CONGRESS (VOTED ON IN ORDER OF INTRODUCTION)
The way it works now is one person in the House and one person in the Senate decide when a bill comes up for a vote. If that person thinks there are enough votes for the way they want the vote to go, they will introduce it for a vote. If not, they can hold it until they think there are enough votes to go the way that person wants.
Each bill should be put up for a vote in order of introduction. They could vote to delay the bill if they feel more time is needed to review it.
BILLS IN CONGRESS (WRITTEN IN 5TH GRADE ENGLISH)
One state or town legislature requires this. I don�t remember which one it was. I heard a radio talk show host read a bill that was introduced in that legislature. Then he read it after it was written in 5th grade english. It was much easier to understand.
FEDERAL AGENCIES (EXPIRATION DATE FOR EACH)
There are committees and government agencies created for a certain purpose that the purpose they were created no longer exist, and that funding is still provided for these. Things like this need to stop.
Each federal agency, committee, etc., will have an expiration date. Congress should have to vote to keep or close each one. Whatever the shortest term is in congress, that is how often all of the politicians will have to vote to keep or close each one. They must vote. No excuses not to. They will vote yes, no, or undecided. The items will be spread over the shortest term so they can’t be grouped and voted on all at the same time. Each one will be separate.
Each politician will be given information about the agency, committee, etc., and they must give their yes, no, or undecided vote. This way each politician will learn of all the agencies, committees, etc., in the federal government and how much money each one receives, and then they can decide if it should stay in existence. This would also encourage them to have as few as possible so they don’t have to keep voting on them each term.
POLITICIANS (THEY PAY THEIR OWN BILLS)
Their paycheck would be several million dollars because they will pay all of their own expenses. They will pay the wages of their employees, air flights, and any perks they want. If they can operate efficiently they can keep any money left over.
FAIR TAX
Pass the Fair Tax which does away with ALL FEDRAL TAXES and replaces it with a Federal sales tax. No IRS or Federal income tax forms to fill out, EVER. You pay your taxes each time you buy something NEW. The receipt will also show you just how much you are paying in Federal taxes on each purchase.
The wealthy will pay their share because they will be buying higher priced items, but they will still be paying the same percent tax. The illegals will be paying taxes this way to. They don’t pay ANY taxes now. The bill is in Congress now.
@Mike’s America: I was just using that as an example. Sometimes, to explain my thoughts, I pretend I am the king of my kingdom and anything I say becomes law.
You always have the people who complain about everything. In my fantasy kingdom I would have it divided up in sections. Each of my subjects would pick their own area, starting with NO rules whatsoever, to almost everything being regulated. That way each person lives in EXACTLY the environment they want, and all the people in that area have the same ideas.
What most of us Americans forget is that most of the USA was built by immigrants who were used to hard work and low pay and came to America for the right to become rich. Look in our history books. A high percentage of our wealthiest citizens came to the USA without any money and couldn’t speak English.