World Politics

[Oldman]

who resents the union worker..Everyone but other union workers? The anti union talk these days is the anti labor dreams of people like the Kochs..It quickly becomes anti everyone but just a few...A few that you and scott are not a part of. anti you too

The view from the box of mirrors you're sitting in is getting foggy...everyone is starting to look like "them".

 

[Hugh Januss]

Don't do it at someone else's expense. No matter how much you may disagree with them.

I just deleted like 7 posts in here. We need to be less insulting and less taunting in the arguments here. There's no reason to do that, when we have shown that everyone here is capable of civil discourse when they want to.

Stay on the high road people.

It's the politics thread, is there really any "highroad", and as we have seen in cycling "highroad" can mean more than one thing, anyway.

 

[redtreviso]

The view from the box of mirrors you're sitting in is getting foggy...everyone is starting to look like "them".

There's a thread at velonews you might like..anti teachers..it is about 9-1 anti..About 9 never gave it a thought before Scott Walker (R-TB-RAND)

 

[Bala Verde]

In the Washington Post, an interesting piece (see atRunning in the red: How the U.S., on the road to surplus, detoured to massive debt:

"But routine increases in defense and domestic spending account for only about 15 percent of the financial deterioration, according to a new analysis of CBO data.

The biggest culprit, by far, has been an erosion of tax revenue triggered largely by two recessions and multiple rounds of tax cuts. Together, the economy and the tax bills enacted under former president George W. Bush, and to a lesser extent by President Obama, wiped out $6.3 trillion in anticipated revenue. That’s nearly half of the $12.7 trillion swing from projected surpluses to real debt. "

 

[Anonymous]

In the Washington Post, an interesting piece (see atRunning in the red: How the U.S., on the road to surplus, detoured to massive debt:

"But routine increases in defense and domestic spending account for only about 15 percent of the financial deterioration, according to a new analysis of CBO data.

The biggest culprit, by far, has been an erosion of tax revenue triggered largely by two recessions and multiple rounds of tax cuts. Together, the economy and the tax bills enacted under former president George W. Bush, and to a lesser extent by President Obama, wiped out $6.3 trillion in anticipated revenue. That’s nearly half of the $12.7 trillion swing from projected surpluses to real debt. "

wiped out $6.3 trillion in anticipated revenue

I'd like to know a little more about this anticipated revenue. Is this a CBO number? Does this 'anticipated revenue' take in to account less economic activity usually associated with higher taxes?

Would it surprise anyone to know that, since 1930, the US has experienced deficit spending in all but eight years over this period of time and only once since 1961 have we run a surplus? Additionally, would it surprise anyone to know that roughly 2/3rds of the total federal spending is for mandatory items (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Interest on national debt)?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/budget-2010/

We have a hole deep enough now that there will have to be a combination of tax increases, military budget cuts and cuts in entitlements (probably for future generations). My fear is the "new normal" for the US will be 8 - 9% unemployment for a decade or more. If this holds the growth in GNP will be 2 -3% per year (if that) and will compound budgetary pressures.

It's probably a good time for a restructuring of the federal tax code. Perhaps a low flat rate for everyone above a threshold combined with a national sales tax. I am convinced our tax code does not work and one of the solutions will be to get at things like underground economies coupled with a rate of taxation that doesn't change every couple of years.

 

[redtreviso]

Republicans want it both ways

""Ever since Bin Laden was killed, they have lined up at microphones & cameras, all taking turns reminding us all that it's mostly because of the 7 years that Bush pursued (hah!) bin Laden.. and that because of the groundwork they laid, bin Laden was found by a "lucky" Obama, who benefited from all that came before.

They are totally unwilling to admit that Obama acted boldly and intelligently, where they had careened wildly and unsuccessfully, before pretending that they didn't even care if bin laden was apprehended.

They carefully lay out the importance of Bush's 7 years of preparation and how it's vitally responsible for what happened last weekend... it laid the all important foundation that Obama built upon..




and yet....


the financial debacle they created, never happened, and all our financial problems began on Jan 21, 2009, and BushCo had nothing at all to do with any of it..
""

 

[Oldman]

There's a thread at velonews you might like..anti teachers..it is about 9-1 anti..About 9 never gave it a thought before Scott Walker (R-TB-RAND)

Now you're on to something specific and we agree. The jihad against the teacher's union is pure politics. They vote en bloc for the Dems and the Republicans can't count on them or the ever-increasing immigrant population. While educational reform will always be an issue the teachers still respond to local demands and the School Voucher folks are still playing to the Evangelical Christians...

 

[Bala Verde]

I'd like to know a little more about this anticipated revenue. Is this a CBO number? Does this 'anticipated revenue' take in to account less economic activity usually associated with higher taxes?

I don't know you would have to consult the CBO report. But yes, it's a fair question how they came to that number.

Would it surprise anyone to know that, since 1930, the US has experienced deficit spending in all but eight years over this period of time and only once since 1961 have we run a surplus? Additionally, would it surprise anyone to know that roughly 2/3rds of the total federal spending is for mandatory items (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Interest on national debt)?

I think the piece debunks the myth of an "explosion" of debt, and that, if structural measures had been taken (prudently) over the last years, the current problems wouldn't have been half as bad. These remedies would most likely be on the taxation side of the equation, as experts could have predicted with reasonable accuracy, that government expenses would gradually increase over the years. Not matching that with increased revenues would have resulted in higher debts no matter what. Ultimately the debt issue was accelerated by the financial crisis (growth down/collapses, hence tax revenues down).

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/budget-2010/

We have a hole deep enough now that there will have to be a combination of tax increases, military budget cuts and cuts in entitlements (probably for future generations). My fear is the "new normal" for the US will be 8 - 9% unemployment for a decade or more. If this holds the growth in GNP will be 2 -3% per year (if that) and will compound budgetary pressures.

Most likely on the remedies. Regarding the unemployment rate, I don't have a clue. Given that the recovery is slow, there seems to be little chance that people will get hired at a faster rate then "new" people entering the labor market. Profits for many companies have remained surprisingly strong, so it seems that a lot have managed to do more with less. I don't see where employment will come from, although the USA has a pretty resilient market, which has shown to rebound quickly. High oil prices and a lagging Europe don't help, and I wouldn't be too confident about a series of trade agreements Congress has indicated it would take up.

It's probably a good time for a restructuring of the federal tax code. Perhaps a low flat rate for everyone above a threshold combined with a national sales tax. I am convinced our tax code does not work and one of the solutions will be to get at things like underground economies coupled with a rate of taxation that doesn't change every couple of years.

Restructuring certainly, although I don't know if flat tax rate is the solution. Get rid of the sales tax and replace it with VAT. The US tax code is the most confusing thing I have ever seen, but that's what you get when lobbyists are allowed to contribute to writing the tax code. There is an exemption for everything imaginable, and if you don't have a CPA on staff you would probably not even know how to claim them.

Congress should make it a goal to bankrupt turbo-tax...

 

[redtreviso]

""A Clear Creek ISD teacher has been placed on administrative leave after being accused of making insensitive comments to a Muslim student about the death of Osama bin Laden.

The Clear Brook High School teacher is accused of profiling a student in his ninth-grade algebra class Monday by telling the girl, "I bet that you're grieving." ""

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7549067.html

 

[redtreviso]

""A Clear Creek ISD teacher has been placed on administrative leave after being accused of making insensitive comments to a Muslim student about the death of Osama bin Laden.

The Clear Brook High School teacher is accused of profiling a student in his ninth-grade algebra class Monday by telling the girl, "I bet that you're grieving." ""

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7549067.html

""According to one parent at Clear Brook High School in Houston who spoke about the incident to a local ABC affiliate, the teacher also said, "I heard about your uncle's death."""

 

[patricknd]

""A Clear Creek ISD teacher has been placed on administrative leave after being accused of making insensitive comments to a Muslim student about the death of Osama bin Laden.

The Clear Brook High School teacher is accused of profiling a student in his ninth-grade algebra class Monday by telling the girl, "I bet that you're grieving." ""

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7549067.html

""According to one parent at Clear Brook High School in Houston who spoke about the incident to a local ABC affiliate, the teacher also said, "I heard about your uncle's death."""

maybe he was acting under union orders

 

[redtreviso]

Fort Worth Socialist Library

""The word “public” has been removed from the name of the Fort Worth Library. Why? Simply put, to keep up with the times. In today’s day and age, the word “public” implies a place that, at one time, might have been viewed as institutional and restrictive. All are welcome at the Fort Worth Library. By removing one word with a potentially negative connotation, the Library aims to appear more welcoming and accessible to all.""

http://onthecommons.org/all-hail-public-library

 

[patricknd]

Fort Worth Socialist Library

""The word “public” has been removed from the name of the Fort Worth Library. Why? Simply put, to keep up with the times. In today’s day and age, the word “public” implies a place that, at one time, might have been viewed as institutional and restrictive. All are welcome at the Fort Worth Library. By removing one word with a potentially negative connotation, the Library aims to appear more welcoming and accessible to all.""

http://onthecommons.org/all-hail-public-library

that's insane !!!!

 

[redtreviso]

maybe he was acting under union orders

It is just another case of "numerous incidents of conservative teachers being persecuted for their views"

 

[Anonymous]

Nancy Pelosi, Sept 7, 2006

Even if [Osama bin Laden] is caught tomorrow, it is five years too late. He has done more damage the longer he has been out there. But, in fact, the damage that he has done ... is done. And even to capture him now I don't think makes us any safer.

Nancy Pelosi, May 2, 2011

The death of Osama bin Laden marks the most significant development in our fight against al-Qaida. ... I salute President Obama, his national security team, Director Panetta, our men and women in the intelligence community and military, and other nations who supported this effort for their leadership in achieving this major accomplishment. ... The death of Osama bin Laden is historic....

 

[redtreviso]

Nancy Pelosi, Sept 7, 2006




Nancy Pelosi, May 2, 2011

Is this the best the Heritage Foundation can do?

 

[Anonymous]

Is this the best the Heritage Foundation can do?

It's from the daily kos.

 

[redtreviso]

It's from the daily kos.

right..and I am looking for stuff at freerepublic

 

[Anonymous]

right..and I am looking for stuff at freerepublic

So..... Pelosi's contrasting comments? Anything??









<crickets>

 

[The Hitch]

Nancy Pelosi, Sept 7, 2006




Nancy Pelosi, May 2, 2011

Hah. Caught red handed. Game set and match.

 

[patricknd]

Hah. Caught red handed. Game set and match.

red handed. was that intentional?

 

[flicker]

So..... Pelosi's contrasting comments? Anything??


Stuff like that typical politicspeak. If it is negitive about Pelosi you heard it on Fox News or Rush Limbaugh, or Micheal Savage they hate her, she ruined the country, had to many babies, kook, etc.
football.

In the grand scheme of things Osama is nothing now but a US political



<crickets>

Stuff like that typical politicspeak. If it is negitive about Pelosi you heard it on Fox News or Rush Limbaugh, or Micheal Savage they hate her, she ruined the country, had to many babies, kook, etc.
football.

In the grand scheme of things Osama is nothing now but a US political football.

 

[Anonymous]

Stuff like that typical politicspeak. If it is negitive about Pelosi you heard it on Fox News or Rush Limbaugh, or Micheal Savage they hate her, she ruined the country, had to many babies, kook, etc.
football.

In the grand scheme of things Osama is nothing now but a US political football.

Thanks for the super in-depth analysis.

 

[flicker]

Thanks for the super in-depth analysis.

Sorry Scott, only Barrus can hut my one feeling.

 

[Anonymous]

Hah. Caught red handed. Game set and match.

For her it's not about what's right or wrong. It's about expediency and winning. Government is her religion.

There are a slew of these self-serving elites in Washington DC. It's as if the moment they get off they airplane they become corruptable d-bags interested only in power and re-election.