Will Bush Cut the Deficit In Half This Year? Only In Fantasy Land…
Will Bush Cut the Deficit In Half This Year? Only In Fantasy Land…
The right-wing blogosphere is crowing about an article in Investors Business Daily that claims that “President Bush may make good on his pledge to cut the deficit in half in 2006 — three years early.”
This is only true in fantasy land. Here’s are the facts:
1. Even accepting the most optimistic predictions, the deficit will not be cut in half. The article asserts that the deficit for this year may end up being $270 billion, or 2.1% of GDP. Even accepting that optimistic assessment, the 2004 deficit was $412 billion or 3.5% of GDP. For those of us living in reality, that’s not cutting the deficit in half.
The White House projected a deficit of $512 billion for 2004, but that never happened. At the time, budget experts warned the number was inflated for political purposes.
2. The budgetary outlook for 2006 has degraded by about $800 billion since Bush took office. In January 2001, the Congressional Budget Office predicted a $505 billion surplus for 2006. The optimistic deficit number pushed by International Business Daily is still $775 billion worse.
It shows a lot about the state of fiscal discipline in the conservative movement that these kind of numbers are cause for celebration.
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It shows a lot about the state of fiscal discipline in the conservative movement ….
It was only ever a sick joke to begin with. Transfer the tax burden onto working families while keeping wages flat. That’s the rightwing agenda.
They won.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:40 am.
Watch the poll numbers rise.
Its a game to the fascist neocons. They love to shove it in our faces. They revel in our stupidity and sheepishness; our willingness to believe anything they say.
Through these little games, they reassert thier control over us and validate the belief in thier own superiority.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:48 amI don’t completly understand. They are saying, the the budget overrun will be half this year what it was last year? I am guessing they probably didn’t include money for Iraq, or Afghanistan. Most likely, the overall budget will not have the same deficit as last year, but the does nothing to bring spending under control, or addressing the huge financial burden the US has been placed in.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:53 amI thought that your budget was supposed to be “balanced”. How do you Americans, with your supposed advanced education, reconcile the fact that your “conservative” government has been operating in the RED (and not just red, but DEEP red) since you put it into power?
I’m sorry, I must have a pre-9/11 mentality. You know, I still think that black is black, that killing innocent people is murder, that torture is heinous and an act of cowardice, and that the bible is a book of theology and not science.
But now I’ll wait to be corrected by the American intelligentsia. You will explain to me how black is actually white, how killing innocent people is “spreading freedom and democracy”, how torture is really not so bad if it is done correctly, and how God is speaking to you and telling you how your “scientists” are blasphemous and instructing you who to hate and kill this week.
Oh yes, and then you’ll explain to me how its really not so simple and cut and dry and that I have to delve into the nuances in order to understand the “new world”. And lastly, of course, you will then attempt to convince me that the whole world owes it existence to the USA and how the world should cut you some slack until you get this whole thing worked out.
If you Americans really want to get the terrorists and evil-doers, then adjust all of you missiles’ firing coordinates by 180 degrees. Hey, it’s your logic, not mine.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:56 amBush promised to cut the budget in half from the 2004 levels.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:57 amNobody in this country’s heartland cares how much debt our children have. As long as they get to feel good about themselves. That’s Reagan’s legacy.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:58 am#6 – That’s an interesting way to look at it, redneck hick, I think you may be right.
June 14th, 2006 at 12:04 pmWed 8:00
Both, Da plane Da plane : This week on Funtasy Island W., played by Foster Brooks, WISHES to makes good on one whole promise, or does he? Tune in; Guest stars Ann Jillian as Laura Bush, Shelly Winters as Karl Rove. Tatoo played by Paul Wolfowitz.
June 14th, 2006 at 12:15 pm“It is important for the human race to spread out into space for the survival of the species,” Hawking said. “Life on Earth is at the ever-increasing risk of being wiped out by a disaster, such as sudden global warming, nuclear war, a genetically engineered virus or other dangers we have not yet thought of.”
-Stephen Hawking.
On another note, I love this guy, Hawking. Do Hawking’s statements make him a liberal moonbat? Or is he just being one of the world’s top scientists.
June 14th, 2006 at 12:23 pmhey judd, off topic, but i’m sorry i missed you at ykos! had no clue you were speaking! will have to see you at ykos07!
June 14th, 2006 at 12:23 pmNot to mention the FACT that Bush’s claims, in the past, about cutting spending and cutting the deficit have been lies, and he just removes more and more spending from being listed in the budget.
For example, Bush doesn’t include Iraq in the budget, and any money he DOES include is intenionally not enough. That is why he keeps going to congress for more. This way he can hype up good numbers, Enron style, and the media has long forgotten his claims when it comes time to ask for more cash.
June 14th, 2006 at 12:23 pmI have to admit my budget looks pretty good if I don’t include my rent and car payment. Maybe I will buy a giant plasma TV soon.
June 14th, 2006 at 12:29 pmAnd people have actually called me selfish for not wanting to bring children into this world… Though lately, as the cost of living goes up and the quality of life goes down I seem to get more understanding than criticism. I actually had to explain to a relative that my not having children was doing her children a favor – less competition for natural resources, jobs, and everything else people are already waging wars over.
June 14th, 2006 at 12:30 pmTattoo – hilarious!
June 14th, 2006 at 12:34 pm#12 The best thing you can do for your personal finances is borrow money every year, and spend it on something that makes you feel ultra-patriotic, thus improving your standard of living. In ten years, cut your amount of borrowing in half and congratulate yourself. Or just say you’ll cut your borrowing in half in ten years. Also, ridicule anyone who suggests a pay-as-you-go policy. (paygo, you pay, they go spend it — clever!)
June 14th, 2006 at 12:41 pmThe data I have is from the Office of Management and Budget at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2007/pdf/hist.pdf
The estimate is that the 2006 fiscal year deficit for the unified budget is approximately $423B. In absolute terms is a history of the world record budget deficit! FY 2005 unified budget deficit was approximately $318B.
If the claim is that the deficit will be cut in half from the previous year, it is demonstrably false. So, cut in have from what year?
Also, there is no possible way in the world with this administration’s fiscal policies that refuses to raise taxes on the wealthiest in this country the deficit will get significantly smaller!
Further, these are unified budget figures that add the Social Security SURPLUS to the “on budget” DEFICIT. Without this accounting deception, the fiscal situation is much, much worse!
June 14th, 2006 at 12:41 pm“The budgetary outlook for 2006 has degraded by about $800 billion since Bush took office.”
What else would you expect from the history of Bush business failures? His particular genius is in using war and religion for personal poltical gain. Fiscal competence has never been in repertoire.
June 14th, 2006 at 12:42 pmi think the republicans just want to get the media to even question the possiblility of that happening. it wont. i think we all need to continiue talking about the growing deficit. I think it should be called the REPUBLICAN DEFICIT.
June 14th, 2006 at 12:45 pmHumanist
You post “you Americans” repeatedly in your post. Kind of ad hominem don’t you think? There are many different kinds of “Americans”, but for argument sake let us just name two: responsible Americans whose disdain for the current administration puts us in the patriotic camp, and those Americans who support the administration put them into the traitor camp. So, please learn the difference and use the qualifiers.
June 14th, 2006 at 12:46 pm#9-For Truth,
As your current system goes, I foresee the following happening to Mr. Hawking:
1. The media will question his credibility and amateurishly and wrongly analyze his theories which will then make them incomprehensible, after which the media will use that confusion as a justification for doubting everything that he says. (circular (il)logic)
2. Your “heartland” won’t even know who this cat is and will therefore assume that he is a science fiction writer.
3. Your Secretary of Science (or whatever cabinet level position is in charge of your science), Reverend Bie Bull Thumper, will denounce Mr. Hawkin’s remarks as “old testament” thinking.
4. Ann Coulter will go on the Today show and claim that Mr. Hawkin is using his disability to garner sympathy and acheive unearned credibility. She’ll try to create some catchy phrase like “he’s using his wheelchair as a crutch…he he he”.
And then, of course, you all will ignore him and then move on to the pressing issues of how to legislate hate for gay people and how to make the burning of cloth – as long as it contains the colors of red, white, and blue – a capital crime.
June 14th, 2006 at 12:53 pm“There are three kinds of lies: Lies, damn lies and statistics.”
Yup, Bushco has all three of those down pat. And who said Bush was a failure at everything he ever did?
June 14th, 2006 at 1:01 pmThis is the link to the recent Stephen Hawking statement referred to in #9 and #20.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/06/14/hawkings_leave_earth/
June 14th, 2006 at 1:07 pmCitizen80203,
So, are those “republican” bullets and bombs that are killing Iraqis? Oh, and I’m sorry, I guess it is only your republican army and CIA that is doing the torturing and kidnapping. And I guess that it is only republicans that are killing the planet, and ignoring the genocide in Africa, and leaving your OWN people to die in New Orleans.
I think that you all have lost your mind. I don’t remember you making such “distinctions” when labeling N.Korea, Iran, and Iraq as the axis of evil. But you expect the world to do so for you? How do you reconcile that?
June 14th, 2006 at 1:08 pmHumanist:
Why do you lump all Americans together as if they’re all one and the same? We might as well lump everyone on the planet together as being responsbile. So why did YOU let this happen?
June 14th, 2006 at 1:22 pmI’m getting good at skipping the posts of condescending Brits who offer criticism, ridicule, patronization and absolutely no viable solution that doesn’t include the use of the very violence we liberals detest. I’m all for solutions that are realistic, non-violent and sincere. And I would most definitely be open to hearing some for a change instead of a daily re-cap on the problems we face as a nation that cannot be surmounted by the few dosen of us in here.
Guess the history of being kicked out of India by a skinny old-man pacifist has already been forgotten. So much for charity beginning at home.
Watch how I ignore the rude ad hominem attacks I will mostly likely get in response…
June 14th, 2006 at 1:25 pmWilly,
I like your idea Willy. Let’s say that we “lump” the world together and call it something catchy like the “United Nations”. And then we’ll run issues that affect the whole planet through this world body so that diplomatic and DEMOCRATIC decisions can be made.
Oh, that’s right, we did do that. And then the Americans ignored the UN and illegally invaded Iraq.
Now that that is settled, let’s address the issue, once again, of there being multiple USAs. So, remind me again, how many USAs are there? And which one is killing all those innocent Iraqis? Which one is torturing people? Which one is spying on its own citizens?
June 14th, 2006 at 1:31 pm“I think that you all have lost your mind. I don’t remember you making such “distinctions†when labeling N.Korea, Iran, and Iraq as the axis of evil. But you expect the world to do so for you?”
Oh, that’s nice. Using the same tactics you disdain; blanket condemnation of people that are clearly “different” humans. So, I think it is safe to label you the “fascist” that you clearly are. No go play elsewhere, we American Progressives have work to do.
June 14th, 2006 at 1:34 pmthe Brits themselves need to take thier government to task over the Iraq war. Tony Blair, and his crew were right next to GWB when the invasion started.
June 14th, 2006 at 1:36 pmUnbelievable,
Here are some ideas for you:
1. Stop paying taxes
2. Participate in a general strike
3. Protest earnestly, even if it causes you to miss the latest episode of American Idol
4. Boycott the corporations that are profiting off of your warring ways
And do not compare yourself to Mr. Gandhi, he had two things that you lack:
June 14th, 2006 at 1:37 pm1. A genuine love of humanity, ALL humanity.
2. Balls
# 23 Humanist:
You should ignore this thing called’unbelievable.’
June 14th, 2006 at 1:39 pmYou will find her to be as verbaly violent as anyone you’ve ever heard.
She is a phony hypocrite who uses Karl Roveian tactics.
DO NOT be lured into her trap–IGNORE HER !!
Now that that is settled, let’s address the issue, once again, of there being multiple USAs. So, remind me again, how many USAs are there? And which one is killing all those innocent Iraqis? Which one is torturing people? Which one is spying on its own citizens?
Comment by Humanist — June 14, 2006 @ 1:31 pm
Well, since you lump all Americans together, what that means is that ALL American citizens are spying on ALL American citizens.
Your arguments are non-sensical. Until you have something useful to contribute, go away!
June 14th, 2006 at 1:40 pmCitizen80203,
I guess your “No Child Left Behind†plan isn’t working out so well. So, let me help you out your ignorance by supplying you with the definition of Fascist:
“somebody who supports or advocates a system of government characterized by dictatorship, centralized control of private enterprise, repression of all opposition, and extreme nationalismâ€
Now, explain how my pointing out that the actions of the United States of America are the responsibility of ALL of its citizens is covered by the above definition. If anything, I would say that the above definition fits the current state of the USA to a “Tâ€. Of course, you have to swap “dictatorship†with “unitary executiveâ€, but I suspect you get the point anyway.
June 14th, 2006 at 1:46 pmWilly,
I’m not the one claiming that there are multiple USAs, you are. And then, when challenged on it specifically, you then point out your own logic flaws and have the audacity to claim that I’m “non-sensical”?
So, just answer the question, which USA is heading up the illegal and immoral invasion of Iraq?
June 14th, 2006 at 1:53 pmHumanist:
Your first paragraph of post #33 makes no sense.
So, just answer the question, which USA is heading up the illegal and immoral invasion of Iraq?
Comment by Humanist — June 14, 2006 @ 1:53 pm
In answer to that question, it’s the one that was aided and abetted by the lapdog Tony Blair, which since all Brits are perfectly identical (using Humanist logic), then this mean YOU are responsible for the illegal and immoral invasion of Iraq. Therefore (according to Humanist logic, again) you have no morals.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:09 pm#34-Willy,
So, you figure that if I were British, or a subject of the UK, that I would be offended by your remarks? I agree wholeheartedly that the British, and the subjects of the UK, are just as much to blame as you Americans.
Should we blame the Italians? Or the Spaniards? Oh, that’s right, they toppled their “lapdog” leaders and either have (Spain) or are (Italy) removed/removing their troops from Iraq.
What’s your next excuse Willy? You are so quick to bash your “leader”, and I use that term loosely, for not taking responsibility (rightfully so, I might add) yet you refuse to accept your responsibility as well. So, either you are a hypocrite or you are just ignorant to your own structure of government. Which is it?
June 14th, 2006 at 2:19 pm#33 – Humanist,
I have read your posts here for some time now and have, until now, let it go because I can somewhat see your point. You seem to lack the understanding, however, that you are preaching to the choir here. The very people you are chastising for supporting the illegal and immoral invasion and occupation of Iraq are, in many cases (myself included) those that have been fighting tooth and nail against it from the beginning. I am a coordinator for my local chapter of Veterans for Common Sense (which has called for immediate and complete withdrawal of American troops from Iraq), don’t support any corporation that has been proven to support the policies or political coffers of the Republican party, orgamnize/attend at least one rally or demonstration every week, and am attempting to affect change. My question to you is:
What have you done to stop the senseless killing of innocent Iraqis?
You seem to fail to realize that, of all the nations involved in the alleged “coalition of the willing”, your country was one of the very few that supported our policy soup to nuts, all the way. What have you done to hold Tony Blair accountable for his complicity in the Iraq fiasco? I think that if you take a step back and actually communicate with some of us in here rather than simply posting ad hominim attacks which also happen to be gross generalizations, you would determine that you have a lot of allies here. I’m an American and a patriot but I’m, first and foremost, a caring human being who gives a shit about the condition of all the peoples of this planet and I believe that many here (some of those you have attacked in your posts for instance) feel exactly the same way. Open your mind to the fact that there is a HUGE disconnect in both of our countries right now between the people in power and the grand majority of the people of our countries. Don’t for a second, however, think that you can come in here and pigeon hole us as supporting the insane policies of our government and not hear about it! If ALL Americans are complicit in Iraq (and I believe, to an extent, that you are correct) then, ALL Britons are also complicit in the same set of violations because you weren’t able to stop your government from aiding and abetting us. Stop with the ad hominem attacks, open your mind, and engage us in dialog. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you learn about Americans as a people.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:25 pmHumanist, what is your nationality? Are you refusing to pay taxes, striking, and boycotting every company?
June 14th, 2006 at 2:26 pmgreen917 and redneck
Humanist is the eunuch troll “IRI”. He recently read Machaivelli’s the “Prince”. We know your GOP scripture eunuch!
June 14th, 2006 at 2:41 pmJudd – thanks for tracking the rightwing response to this rather sad spin from IBD. For more, check out my post at Angrybear.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:49 pmBTW – I did not know Blogs for Bush was still out there basically lying to its readers. Joe and that other free lunch supply side nitwit blogger really got suckered by some obvious spin.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:57 pmgreen917,
You misinterpret me in many ways, so I will do my best to address your points specifically. I explain this so that you will not jump to the immediate conclusion that I am being condescending, but rather I want to be as clear as possible so that you can see that I am engaging in dialog and not just rhetoric.
First off, I am not British, or a subject of the UK and I hold those “free” people responsible for the actions of their government as well. I am a resident of this planet, Earth, just like you are. I do not need labels to define me nor do I allow borders to confine me. I realize this concept is very foreign to you all and that the current state of nationalism that exists in your country makes it difficult to wrap your mind around it. I am not saying this to be insulting, just being clear.
I applaud your personal efforts to end the Iraq invasion atrocity and ask that you double them. A friend, an American mind you, told me once that you cannot mistake effort for success. That’s very profound and entirely correct. Please keep up your efforts, and I hope and pray for your success.
I appreciate that I am preaching to the choir and I realize that I am amongst kindred spirits. Believe me, I continually attempt to post at RedState and you can imagine how that goes. To continue with the church analogy, I am merely seeking answers from the choir as to why they have not thrown their pedophile priest out on his ass. And, how can the choir continue to send their children to the church knowing that the priest is a pedophile? Then, when your child is molested, how can you deflect the responsibility away from yourself and instead blame the parishioners who voted to keep the priest?
As for what I’m personally doing to end this tragedy, I cannot discuss that on your internet or phones, because they are monitored. And no, I am not a terrorist and I would never resort to violence except in the extreme case of self-defense. For the sake of clarity, “self-defense” is a response for when you, your family, or your neighbors and friends are under attack or have been declared war upon. Life must be in immediate danger, not perceived danger or possible danger or a potential future danger.
Now, you claim that you all are doing all that you can. Name the protests that are occurring at this very moment. Tell me how many of you have stopped paying your taxes (which then buy the bombs and bullets that are being used, in your name, to exterminate innocent people)? How many sit-ins are going on? How many of your anti-war protesters were arrested today? Then, for perspective, ask those same questions of your parents in the context of today actually being June 14, 1969 and see what answers you get.
Lastly, watch your news tonight and immediately afterwards tell me how many Iraqis died today. Then explain to me again how Americans are very conscious of their actions and show me that high moral ground upon which you claim to reside.
June 14th, 2006 at 3:08 pm#37,redneck hick– I am a resident of this planet, Earth, just like you. And I am fighting back with every weapon in my arsenal. All of my weapons are non-violent and peaceful, by the way.
#38, Citizen80203 – I see that you admire mr. rove so much that you have adopted his tactics of ignore the message and/or issue and instead do all you can to smear (with falsehoods of course) the messenger. It works on idiots, but not on me and hopefully not on your peers.
June 14th, 2006 at 3:14 pmHumanist:
Since you seem to love to bash others and to blame them for all of the problems in the world, I can only assume that you suffer from low esteem. Perhaps you enjoy trying to antagonize and aggravate others. There are many in this world who do get their jollies that way. If you do have serious political motives in your postings, then most likely you’re wasting your time bashing progressives on this blog. I would think that most who post here may already share your political views. Perhaps you should try to learn not blaming others for the problems in the world. Taking responsibility starts with yourself.
Cheers!
June 14th, 2006 at 3:14 pm#43-Willy,
I take full responsibility for my actions and would never place the blame on others. It is disturbing how offended you act when challenged on the facts and your own actions/inactions.
I am exposing a truth that is obviously most uncomfortable and I get baselessly insulted, smeared, and dismissed. Yet the issue remains ignored. If that’s representative of you politics then, no, I do not share your political views.
As far as blaming others for the problems in the world, I have to challenge that statement. I am blaming Americans for the USA led and operated invasion of Iraq and horrific extermination of Iraqis. Do you expect me to adopt your political tactics and blame the gays instead? Have you no shame or conscience? Have you no honor?
June 14th, 2006 at 3:29 pmHumanist, you’re not pointing out inconvenient truths. You’re not making any sense at all. I can blame Earth for fighting wars, and since you are a resident of planet Earth I can blame you for fighting wars. You also didn’t say if you follow your own advice and not pay taxes.
BTW, you are blaming others for the problems of the world.
June 14th, 2006 at 3:47 pm#45-redneck hick,
Please show me specifically how Earth has declared war upon Iraq, or how it has declared war on itself for that matter. You just continue to blame everyone but yourself for your own actions and inactions. What next, will you blame the man in the moon?
In regard to your “BTW”, I repeat my previous response to that asinine statement:
I am blaming Americans for the USA led and operated invasion of Iraq and horrific extermination of Iraqis.
Now, would you like to challenge that statement or do you not understand your native tongue?
June 14th, 2006 at 3:54 pmI can assist either way.
Humanist:
You’re a hypocrite.
Have a good time blaming others for all the problems of the world. You’re way to negative of a person. Enjoy your misery.
Bye!
June 14th, 2006 at 4:06 pmHumanist
June 14th, 2006 at 4:12 pmThe principal problem you’re having here is that many of the posters cannot digest unpleasant truths in any other form than partisans at a football game. It’s obvious that all the efforts to depose the fascist regime in power have not come to much more than a self-congratulatory convention in Las Vegas and that ultimate success calls for a different strategy.
#46 Humanist,
First tell me you refuse to pay taxes.
Then tell me what you have done to stop the many wars in this world.
Then purvis can tell us all how your efforts have come to something more than “self-congratulatory.”
Humanist, it is obvious you cannot or will not differentiate between people. You blame Americans, all Americans. You cast people together according to which side of the border they live. One could easily blame all of any group for the actions of a few. When you figure out exactly who is doing the things you don’t like, come back and talk to us.
You come here and contribute nothing but self-righteous nonsense.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:18 pm#47-Willy,
Point out any specific instance of me being hypocritical and I will gladly address it with you.
As far as me blaming others for the problems of the world, I will repeat, for the third time, my response to that and invite you to challenge it if you can:
I am blaming Americans for the USA led and operated invasion of Iraq and horrific extermination of Iraqis.
I fail to see how I am being “negative” and would appreciate a specific example. Consequently, I am not in misery. Instead, I am challenging the misery that the USA is inflicting upon Iraq. I do not enjoy that misery in the least. Nor do I accept that misery as it appears that you have.
I’m sorry to see that you are leaving, do you plan to take your ball with you? Or have you become comfortable having no balls? (rhetorical question intended to humorously make a point)
June 14th, 2006 at 4:19 pmLOL no way can Bush cut the deficit in half > he gives too many tax cuts to the rich!
June 14th, 2006 at 4:33 pm#49-redneck hick,
As stated previously, I will not discuss specifically what I am doing to combat this atrocity because your government monitors your communications, including the internet and phone systems apparently. You may consider this evasive, but it is only solid common sense. I’m sorry if you do not see it that way.
And, yes, I do blame ALL Americans for the actions of the USA. Who am I to blame, the Columbians? Do you understand how your system of government works? I don’t think that you do. Somehow, you are under the impression that you, personally, are not responsible for the actions of your government. Is that your understanding?
Who is responsible for the actions of the USA? If not the people, then who? And, if you claim it is the responsibility of just a segment of your country, then please show me the Constitutional amendment that changed your structure from the United States of America (USA) to the Segregated States of America (SSA). Sounds like you want to invoke one of those “statements of understanding” that your president is so fond of using to ignore your own constitution and laws. Am I wrong? If so, then SPECIFICALLY, how?
June 14th, 2006 at 4:34 pmOkay Humanist, you got us. Every single person in the U.S. must approve every action the President takes. If we didn’t approve, he wouldn’t do it. That’s what a democracy is, how clever of you to figure that out. And it’s in the Constitution you say? Then it must be true! Now go back to your mommy. The grownups have things to discuss.
I guess things could be worse. Idiots like Humanist could be in charge. Talk about taking a lot of words to say nothing!
June 14th, 2006 at 4:48 pmAlso, since Columbia sided with Bush on this war, and Columbia is a democracy, yes you could blame the Columbians also if you want to. There’s also some South Pacific Islanders you could blame, Poland, England, Italy, really any member of the “coalition of the willing.”
Or you could blame the specific people who committed the acts, as normal people do.
Or you could move here, become a citizen, and show us all how it’s done. Imagine our embarrassment when you stop the war single-handedly!
June 14th, 2006 at 4:59 pm#53-redneck hick,
Your maturity is on display for all to see.
So, I see that you both do not understand, and even make light of, your own constitution. Your bliss in that regard is killing people. Do you understand that, Mr. Grownup. I guess that gives you something to discuss when you get together with the rest of the grownups over coffee, at Starbucks.
I would like to make one request of your group of intelligentsia, since I am an “idiot”, please instruct me as to what you would like me to tell the grieving Iraqi mother whose child was blown to smithereens before her eyes today. Be specific, though, because “idiots” like me have trouble understanding your advanced generalities.
June 14th, 2006 at 5:00 pm#54-redneck hick,
So now you want someone else to do this for you, how “grownup” of you. Understand this, young man, if enough of you requested it, I would single-handedly end this atrocity. But then, when you crawled out from under your bed and opened your eyes, you probably would not like what you see. That’s what happens when you ignore your obligations, I’m sorry that you do not have the capacity to see that.
June 14th, 2006 at 5:08 pmultimate success calls for a different strategy.
Comment by purvis ames — June 14, 2006 @ 4:12 pm
The issue isn’t that we don’t get the problem. We get it. The issue is the handful of Brits who take joy in repeatedly rubbing noses in it. You all come here and you tell us what’s wrong, but you don’t offer support or thoughtful suggestions on how to fix it without violence.
So, purvis, save the condescention. We know our country is broken. We’re working on changing it – we just can’t do it over night. Why don’t you focus on fixing your own country instead of remnding us of things we already know all too well because we live it.
June 14th, 2006 at 5:14 pmUnbelievable
June 14th, 2006 at 5:32 pmWhy are you calling me a Brit? It’s doubly insulting because I’m an American of Irish extraction.
#57-Unbelievable,
Your moniker is apt, I see that clearly. I see that you have answered the question that I posed to “redneck hick” as to what I should tell the Iraqi mother who saw her child blown to bits today. Let me see if I understood correctly, I’m to say the following:
Dear Iraqi Mother,
In regard to the loss of your child, who was blown into unrecognizable pieces today by our weapons, please don’t mourn. We Americans are aware that we are engaged in an illegal and immoral invasion of your country. We are also aware that due to the baseless and illegal reasons that we have engaged in this invasion that the act that removed your child from existence was, technically, an act of murder.
We regret to inform you that your child also died in vain. However, you can take solace in the fact that we are working on it diligently, 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, here in the USA and hope to have a resolution soon. At the very least, we should see an indication of our progress sometime in November of this year. We cannot make any promises, though, since we made that mistake the November before last.
You see, we have a sophisticated democracy here in the USA and we have to allow it time to perform its function. First we will have to elect new representatives. Then those new representatives will have to join committees. Then those committees will have to debate your issue and come up with a position statement. Then that position statement will be debated on the floor of our House of Representatives. And then there will be a vote on it. I cannot predict the vote but I am hopeful that it will pass and then cause for a gradual withdrawal from your country. If all goes well, we will be completely out of Iraq in a few years.
So, your child was murdered violently but we are trying to work on that right now. Sure, more children will be murdered in the coming days and perhaps you can join a support group to help you to understand all of this. At this stage there should be a rather large group of you.
Enclosed is also a check for you to cash and spend on whatever you wish. The check, in the amount of $500, is formulated based upon a matrix that we have created which we feel adequately compensates you for your loss. If the death was your husband’s, for example, you would have received $2,500 since he is the provider for your family. That’s assuming, of course, that you have more children.
We appreciate your patience in this matter and look forward to continuing to service you as best we can.
Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
June 14th, 2006 at 5:59 pmAmerica
Why are you calling me a Brit? It’s doubly insulting because I’m an American of Irish extraction.
Comment by purvis ames — June 14, 2006 @ 5:32 pm
Good question… See how it sounds from this perspective:
Why are you calling the moderate liberals at TP thick-headed jocks who are out of touch with reality? It’s doubly insulting because we’re Americans who come here to unite with one another for want of solving our country’s problems..
Clear anything up?
June 14th, 2006 at 6:02 pmHumanist, when you go to Iraq you can tell us what you said.
When you personally stop the war you can tell us how to do it.
Until then, you are just complaining and blaming others. And you have no idea of how governments work. Either that or you just come here to complain because you enjoy it.
But hey, I appreciate that you think we are all-powerful and could put a stop to these things if only we set ourselves to the task.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:03 pm#61-redneck hick,
See the letter that I was able to compose above based upon an analysis of the replies that I have received. Let me know if I got anything wrong.
As I said before, if enough of you ask, I will end this for you. Refer yourself to the caveat provided in my previous post.
And, once again, explain to me how blaming American for the actions of the USA is “blaming others”. Also, I understand that your government is “of”, “for”, and “by” the people and that your leaders are freely elected representatives to act on behalf of the people. You state this understanding is incorrect. Please specify where my error is.
Lastly, I would like to discuss this statement of yours:
But hey, I appreciate that you think we are all-powerful and could put a stop to these things if only we set ourselves to the task.
Comment by redneck hick — June 14, 2006 @ 6:03 pm
Yes, I believe that. So did some characters that may be familiar to you, Messrs. Washington, Jackson, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Henry, Hancock, etc…
But I guess such is not the case anymore. Obviously you face much greater dangers than those gentlemen did. Yes, those men risked everything, including their lives and the lives of their family. Your risk must be much greater.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:27 pmThe CBO projected a budget deficit of 300 billion for 2006. Others figured about 270 billion. But government tax receipts have been so huge over the past two years, Michael Englund of Action Economics believes the deficit could go even lower. At 206 billion, it would be cut in half. (Right now it’s on a 230 billion pace) And that would, as the article says, be three years ahead of schedule. So your criticism is a bit of a cheap shot. I do agree that republicans have spent far too much. They’ve behaved like democrats. But the big news-which the left naturally doesn’t want to discuss-is the fact that the record increase in tax revenues has taken place as a result of the tax cuts called for by the President and initiated by the House. Tax revenues increased by 15% last year and 13% so far this year. (Over the previous year) When taxes are lowered, tax revenues increase. The same thing happened when John Kennedy cut taxes. The same thing happened when Ronald Reagan cut taxes. Also, I know the left depends upon its’ “rich not paying their fair share” talking point. But the top 2% of taxpayers are paying over 50% of the taxes. That’s according to the IRS.
June 14th, 2006 at 8:57 pmNonsense.homework.contribute something useful.
Very interesting.
June 15th, 2006 at 2:37 am[...] Second, as ThinkProgress noted, if Bush's fiscal policies hadn't been implemented, we were on track to have a $500 billion surplus for 2006. As TP put it, "The optimistic deficit number pushed by International Business Daily is still $775 billion worse." [...]
June 15th, 2006 at 7:37 pmWhatever happened to logic in the US and the UK?
The twisted logic and justifications used to condone a needless war is almost embarrassingly infantile.
The prime example is 9/11. Terrorists (al Qaeda, bin Laden) hit the Twin Towers on 9/11. Logically, you should be pouring all your resources into a plan to get the SOBs who attacked you. That would be logical. But what possible logic could you invoke to justify the channeling of all resources into the invasion of some country like Iraq which had nothing to do with 9/11 or al Qaeda? In fact, Iraq’s Saddam actually did not even like bin Laden and did not tolerate any terrorists or Islamic fundamentalist troublemakers in his country. And there was the real danger that any attack on an Arab country like Iraq would offer radical Muslims (already exploiting the fact that the US was supporting Israel in the Palestinian conflict) another pretext to continue their terrorist activities in the new battleground presented by an invaded Iraq. But the real rub is that Saddam had become a harmless, has-been dictator, since the US and the UN managed to dismantle 90% of his military arsenal. In addition, UN inspectors were in Iraq and could have stayed there to maintain some sort of control over possible existence or development of WMD. The UN even proposed sending in another contingent of 1500 inspectors, including American inspectors, as a further means of averting Bush’s planned invasion. But, hey, that would be logical. So let’s not do something else. Let’s move ahead with our invasion and use our own emotionally-loaded logic like some cock and bull story about Saddam having weapons of mass destruction, his killing, raping and torturing children and women every day, his links to terrorists, our waging a war over there so that it is not waged here at home (this is how Bush used language that, without openly saying so, was willfully designed to suggest to Americans that Saddam was linked with 9/11; Bush in fact succeeded, as a poll showed at that time that millions of Americans actually believed that Saddam was responsible for 9/11).
Americans are incapable of using real-world logic. They have been brainwashed to the point of believing that white is black and black white. That WMD have in fact been found. That the US went into Iraq to fight the war on terror. Today, it is true that you are fighting terrorists in Iraq, but they were not there before your invasion and Bush is responsible for their presence there; he succeeded in opening the gates of hell so that terrorists of every stripe could use Iraq as a rallying point in a holy war against western infidels. What can one say about a country in which, despite all the news coverage and revelations about Iraq, millions of its citizens still believe that Saddam was behind 9/11. And you won’t get the Administration to state flatly “Iraq and the war in Iraq are not connected in any way with 9/11.â€
Oswald
June 20th, 2006 at 10:35 am