COLLECTIVE MADNESS


“Soft despotism is a term coined by Alexis de Tocqueville describing the state into which a country overrun by "a network of small complicated rules" might degrade. Soft despotism is different from despotism (also called 'hard despotism') in the sense that it is not obvious to the people."

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Not so great

160 comments:

  1. Gun owners, do any of you own a shotgun like that?

    ReplyDelete
  2. No. Not me.
    .........

    September 26, 2013
    Obama Has Dismantled America
    By Pamela Geller



    ****And so, during the Muslim massacre at a Nairobi mall, whom did Kenyan officials call for help? They called Israel. Obama is Kenyan, with close relatives in the country. It is his native land, the country where his father was born. So you might think he would have sent help, but his father (and stepfather) were Muslim; perhaps that is why he always comes down on the side of the jihad.
    Where is the media coverage? This is Obama's native land -- where is his condemnation of the vicious sharia? His silence is sanction and support.****


    Read more: http://www.americanthinker.com/2013/09/obama_has_dismantled_america.html#ixzz2fzVhsJi4
    Follow us: @AmericanThinker on Twitter | AmericanThinker on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was an Israeli building, the mall in kenya.

      Just another reason the mall and its customers may have been targeted.
      The mall and those customers were supporting, economically, the "Enemy of the terrorists.
      The "Enemy" of Islam.

      The terrorists taking note of the words of Mosha Dayan and taking them to heart.

      The method of collective punishment so far has proved effective.
      Moshe Dayan



      What proved effective for the Goose, should work for the Gander, too.

      The Israeli have set the standard, there are no innocents.
      It had seemed an effective tactic, until it was turned upon them, then they screamed foul.

      Delete
    2. rat slips down another level in Hell, wanting o so wanting to say "Kill all the Jews".

      I'm going to bed, a promising discussion about shotguns having been 'highjacked'.

      Delete
    3. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    4. I did not bring up the Israeli interests in kenya, some
      Anonymous posting did.

      Why were the Israeli called, they owned the building.
      Why was the building targeted, it is owned by Israeli.

      Why would the terrorists consider the Israeli owned mall a legitimate target of attack ...

      The method of collective punishment so far has proved effective.
      Moshe Dayan


      Delete
    5. Target the mall and the terrorist get two birds with one assault.

      The terrorist were able to attack Kenyan and Israeli interests at one and the same location.
      Both of those nations being avid in their pursuit of Islamoid terrorists outside of their own borders.

      Delete
    6. Or better yet?

      it's time to ban the rat.

      Delete
  3. First .22 at age 10.

    First shotgun at age 12, single shot 20 gauge.

    I've had 410s, 28, 20, 16, and 12 gauge.

    Double barrel side by side and over under, pumps, single shots, automatics.

    Bet I've had 20 shotguns in my life, all for upland game birds or ducks/geese.

    Never one like that.

    Favorite was an Ithaca pump. There was a time there when I couldn't miss with that wonderful lovable shotgun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ithaca 20 gauge pump.

      Take sights off, use your eyes and shoot where you look......becomes part of you, without thought......

      :)

      Delete
  4. How funny/sad/absurd is this --

    ****The Iranian delegation may be pariahs inside the UN building, but they've found at least one friend during their visit to New York - Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

    Farrakhan and his entourage attended a dinner party hosted by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday night. Rouhani’s dinner party was held on the second floor of the One UN Hotel, where the Iranian delegation is staying, and at the same time as President Obama’s party at the Waldorf Astoria just blocks away.

    The private dinner party was held just hours after Rouhani’s speech to the general assembly.

    Farrakhan and his massive entourage and private security detail were seen departing the hotel around 10 p.m. Tuesday. Pedestrian traffic was stopped while the minister and his group piled into various cars with lights and sirens and New Jersey license plates.****

    http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/09/25/farrakhan-new-black-panthers-attend-un-party-hosted-by-iranians/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Where is the proof, the reporting that would indicate the Iranians are considered a pariah in the UN.

      The Russians, Chinese, Indians, Japanese all do business with Iran, The Russians and Chinese consult with them and protect Iran at the UN, just as the US does for Israel.

      Based upon past votes, it is the Israeli that would be considered the pariah, not the Iranians. Factor the number of times a veto wielding Security Council member has had to veto Resolutions of condemnation, the object of those condemnations would have to be consideredf the pariah nation.

      Votes in the General Assembly would stand as proof that the FOX News description of Iran as a pariah at the UN to be bogus, pure propaganda spewed at the bequest of their Saudi Arabian owners..

      Delete
    2. FOX News spins like a top, for their Saudi Arabian rulers and masters.

      Delete
    3. The fact that Israel ignores UN Resolution 34/89 just a preliminary indication of why they are considered a pariah nation, at the UN.

      http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/UN/unga34_89.html

      Delete
    4. And have been for decades, now.

      Delete
    5. Then, hit the road motherfucker.

      Delete
    6. Naw.

      I am just suggesting that Rat is toxic and should be banned or this blog should end.

      Now go back to your corn fuel obsession

      Delete
    7. But how fitting your colorful language.

      Just yesterday you said that bob and I are the only ones to call you "injun". Of course I only did that to RESPOND to your insults.

      You are correct. The native Americans if they had a change to KNOW you? Would disown you as a vulgar, spineless coward.

      One who lacks a moral compass and has no real soul or ethics.

      Back at ya...

      Delete
    8. "Spineless Coward?"

      I didn't see your "Israeli Passport-packing ass" in Vietnam (or, in any other war in which American Patriots have fought.)

      Delete
    9. No "Soul or Ethics?"

      Funny how those on this blog that have never served can't wait to send my kids, and grandkids to fight and die (and kill people that have never done me, or mine, any harm) in foreign wars for the benefit of certain foreign politicians.

      Delete
    10. The quot stands right up for censorship, rufus.

      He has no faith in freedom.
      He does not see the light of liberty.

      He is an Israeli.

      Through and through.

      Delete
    11. He does not condemn Israel for its complicity in genocide, in the Americas.

      As an American, he is a fraud.

      Delete
    12. Rufus IIThu Sep 26, 10:43:00 AM EDT
      "Spineless Coward?"

      I didn't see your "Israeli Passport-packing ass" in Vietnam (or, in any other war in which American Patriots have fought.)


      Sorry old man, Too young to be there, but there is a name on a black wall in DC who you DISGRACE with your nonsense, but I doubt you'd understand.

      And for the 100th time. I do not hold any passport but my American one. Again your slurs show what a soulless shit you are

      Delete
    13. Rufus IIThu Sep 26, 10:51:00 AM EDT
      No "Soul or Ethics?"

      Funny how those on this blog that have never served can't wait to send my kids, and grandkids to fight and die (and kill people that have never done me, or mine, any harm) in foreign wars for the benefit of certain foreign politicians.



      It's my kids and grandkids also as I am as American as you. Regardless if you like it or not. As for your assertion that American wars are fought for anyone but American interests? You are dumber than I thought.

      Delete
    14. desert ratThu Sep 26, 11:07:00 AM EDT
      He does not condemn Israel for its complicity in genocide, in the Americas.

      As an American, he is a fraud.




      This coming from a self admitted criminal?

      Let's see, you bragged that you worked for Ollie North as a civilian contractor teaching the little brown people to murder those who opposed them.

      You harass, threaten and stalk people on this blog to the point we had to notify the AZ FBI about your threats.

      You claim to have a source inside the AZ FBI who gave you secret intel on ongoing investigations concerning national security threats, for which you bragged on this blog that the mole you have could be in legal trouble for telling you these things.

      You have stated that you have been "checked" out and are in the clear from your Police/FBI sources and yet, you broke the law again by telling us (and me) that I was under investigation for a national security issue.

      It seems Rat you are center of the shit storm, you mislead, you lie, you distort.

      You rant about Israel, Jews, Judaism, aipac.

      You are insane.

      This is why you should be banned or this blog should simply end.

      you are a disgrace as a human being. But you know that and love it.

      that speaks VOLUMES to your lack of character.

      Delete
    15. You are a fraud, quot.

      At least twice the quot has claimed to have an Israeli pass port.
      Now he is in denial, again.

      Must be the water, or it could be the large quantities of parve chocolate he ingests.

      Delete
    16. And yes Rufus,

      Spineless coward.

      What you did or didnt do in a war 40 years ago? Who knows. We really dont have access to your file.

      But when it comes to today. You are a spineless coward.

      Afraid of your shadow.

      Afraid of standing tall against the evil in the world.

      So now go and apologize wrong things you did in Nam.....

      Delete
    17. Show me a single rant by the desert rat, quot, let alone one about Jews.

      You are melting down ...
      Your emotions have become unhinged.

      You are lost on an ocean of dispair
      While I bask in the Sea of Tranquility

      Delete
    18. You are correct about one thing, quot.

      The desert rat is a character.

      Delete
    19. Having a hard time keeping your lies together, sparky?

      You, yourself, referenced your Israeli passport.

      And, you referred to yourself as an old, balding man. Which really isn't important; a patriot can wear a uniform for a couple of years even if there is no war going on.

      Delete
    20. "I'm An Asshole - and Damn Proud of it".

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_KDAicF0Yo

      Delete
    21. Did I use your name, quot, when i spoke of further investigations by the ATF, no.

      You just projected yourself into the story.

      the guilty flee when no man pursueth

      Your busted, again!

      har-dee-harhar!

      Delete
    22. Pardon me ...

      It should have read

      You"re busted, again

      mea culpa

      ;-)

      Delete
    23. http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/359524/how-obamacare-will-subsidize-abortion-chuck-donovan

      How Obamacare Will Subsidize Abortion

      An analysis by the Charlotte Lozier Institute published this week suggests that the number of abortions that will be heavily subsidized via federal premium tax credits and Medicaid expansion is likely to be between 71,000 and 111,500 per year. This approaches one in ten abortions performed in the United States.

      Wow 1 MILLION abortions a year in America. Legal murder of American citizens, what a great nation...

      Delete
    24. desert ratThu Sep 26, 11:28:00 AM EDT
      Show me a single rant by the desert rat, quot, let alone one about Jews.


      Please show me ONE statement that says I have an Israeli passport..

      Go ahead we are waiting.

      And while we are at it...

      Go ahead and post the complete and specific post about Hitler. You know the one you MISQUOTE on purpose time and time again?

      The question is why?

      Why do you lie?

      What do you misdirect, twist distort statement out of context?

      Are you that shallow that you have to "win" even a useless argument?

      I guess it speaks to your mental condition.

      Not to worry though your life as a pot smoking, gun toting cowboy will keep you away from most of the population. Thus saying them the pain of meeting or knowing you.

      Delete
  5. College to host orgasm workshop for female undergrads.....drudge

    Wonder what graduate workshop is like, hardeharhar.

    ReplyDelete
  6. "GUNS FOR GANGBANGERS - IT'S THEIR RIGHT!!"

    000rah

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually, ash, they have a right to be part of a well organized militia.

      Delete
    2. That is the "Right" that the 2nd Amendment protects and it is the "Right" that the Federal and State governments have abridged

      Delete
    3. Surely it is a comical day in hell when Ash makes more sense than rat.

      What the bangers have a right to is having their guns confiscated upon the commission of a crime and a jail cell.

      The State governments are the proper venue for a well organized militia.

      rat wants to be a Commandante down there at the bowling alley.

      Delete
    4. I was a member of the Idaho militia for years. Obtained the rank of member of the Idaho militia. We was a kinda laid back militia. All orderly though. No bowling alley meetings. No self appointed Commandantes. Not a rat among us. I'm out of it now, it's a young man's game, the militia.

      Delete
    5. Most Bangers haven't been convicted of a crime.

      Delete
    6. Though, I must say, it is good to see that anon is in favor of background checks.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous can't even read, let alone comprehend the finer points of the 2nd Amendment.

      The Idaho militia was not well organized, as a supposed member he never attended a meeting, the militia never held a drill.
      The Idaho militia does not constitute a citizens militia as provided by the provisions of the 2nd Amendment, it is just another governmental fraud to dis-empower the foolish Farmer Fudds that call Idaho home.

      Delete
    8. .

      That is the "Right" that the 2nd Amendment protects and it is the "Right" that the Federal and State governments have abridged

      Not so. The Constitution grants SCOTUS the role of interpreter or the Constitution and the laws of the land.

      Article III Section 2

      The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority...

      We are were we are today because SCOTUS says that is were we are. There are a number of SCOTUS rulings I disagree with; however, my views the same as yours amount to zip with regard to the laws of the land or the Constitution. What you have offered us is an opinion and until you convince 5 out of 9 justices to support that opinion it is no more than a fart in the wind.

      .

      Delete
    9. That is true enough, Q.
      In the above I was just stating the opinion of the desert rat.

      desert rat will never be a be a SCOTUS judge.
      No, the desert rat will be satisfied to just be another voice in the peanut gallery.

      Only NAZIs,Communists, other assorted tyrants and of course our Israeli want to control the background noise of the crowd, as well as the political agenda of nations.

      desert rat enjoys the show, stirring the pot.
      Watching 'em make the sausage is good enough for me..

      Nothing quite like the smell of Kabuki in the morning!

      Delete
    10. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    11. .

      Jeez, rat, first you assume multiple personas and now you are talking of yourself in the third person.

      You gotsa try and keep it together.

      .

      Delete
    12. Oh, Q, like Hamdon this desert rat is a character in an ongoing story.

      Been working on it for years now,

      desert rat is NOT my name. Not even an alias.
      More of a nome de plume than a nom de guerre.

      Sort of like Mark Twain, only not as capitalized.

      Delete
  7. Blessed are peacemakers, those men of moderation that seek compromise and understanding ...

    By Andrea Mitchell and Tracy Connor, NBC News

    ...

    "The Nazis carried out a massacre that cannot be denied, especially against the Jewish people," he said in an informal conversation with a small group of U.S. reporters, including NBC News.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "He" being ...

      Iranian President Hassan Rouhani

      Blessed man, he is moving the US away from the prospect of confrontation and war, using his influence in Syria to guide the Assad regime to the negotiating table. If only the terrorists in Syria would agree to meet and negotiate a political settlement, then peace would have a chance to flourish, prosperity could spread.

      If not for the engrained haterd of the Salfarist terrorists for all things free, peace could have its chance!.

      Delete
  8. The Iranian president expressed the need for caution.

    "We have no problem shaking Mr. Obama's hand or negotiating but we need a plan of action to ensure these meetings create the conclusions that we want,"
    he said. "We did not have enough time to make it happen.

    "We never have a problem shaking Mr. Obama's hand,"
    he added. "It was two days ago that the U.S. proposed a meeting and we were not opposed.

    "This is a very sensitive subject. We have not talked at that level for 35 years. We must take these steps carefully."


    Moderation and caution.
    A wise choice made by the Iranian people,

    Blessed are the peacemakers, long may they reign!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Uncle 'hani is nice.

      child

      Delete
    2. So you admit he is your uncle, he is certainly not mine.

      Delete
    3. Are you currently a Muslim as well as a family member of the Rouhani clan?
      Or have you gone apostate on Islam?

      Other than having family there, do you have any other connections with Islam?
      Do you launder money for your uncle?

      Delete
    4. Hey Farmer Fudd, this Rouhani is he the father of your new niece?

      You garner family members like some people collect dogs.

      Delete
    5. .

      Alfred E. proclaims "What me worry".

      .

      Delete
  9. It's unimportant whether Rouhani is "nice," or a prick. What is important is whether Iran is ready to "deal."

    ReplyDelete
  10. They isn't.

    .........

    SUNNY TV!!!!

    New Episode

    Ted Cruz Peels Obama's Banana

    http://dailycaller.com/2013/09/26/sunny-tv-ted-cruz-peels-obamas-banana-video/

    ReplyDelete
  11. A blessed soul, Mr Rouhani agrees with Mr Reagan about the elimination of nuclear weapons from the world.
    He calls for implementation of UN Resolution 34/89 by the Israeli government.
    Mr Rouhani standing four square for the principles the UN was found to protect!



    UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Iran's new president is calling on Israel to join an international treaty banning the spread of nuclear weapons.

    Thursday's comments by Iranian President Hasan Rouhani come hours before a meeting that will mark the highest-level direct contact in six years between the United States and Iran over Tehran's disputed nuclear activities.

    Israel is the only Mideast nation that has not signed the landmark 1979 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and Rouhani says that has prevented the region from establishing a nuclear-free zone.

    He says no nation should possess nuclear weapons.

    Iran was the first nation to speak at a United Nations meeting on nuclear disarmament on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

    ReplyDelete
  12. .

    The GOP continues to look like fools. Knowing they have already lost on tying an Obamacare delay to a continuing resolution on the budget, now they are talking about tying the same amendment to the debt-limit increase, an even more lame brained approach.

    Of all the things the GOP could be talking about right now they continue to push this issue.

    Obama is the luckiest man in the world.

    From now on, I call him 'Lucky'.

    .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. “Shallow men believe in luck or in circumstance. Strong men believe in cause and effect.”
      ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

      :):):):)

      Delete
    2. “I'm a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it”
      ― Thomas Jefferson

      :):):):)

      Delete

    3. “People always call it luck when you’ve acted more sensibly than they have. ”
      ― Anne Tyler

      :):):):)

      Delete
    4. “Luck is the residue of design.”
      ― John Milton

      That should about do it, for "Lucky" Barry O'bumble...

      hardeharhar!

      Delete
    5. You have pointed out just how good the man is.

      hardeharhar indeed!

      Delete
    6. .

      The hollow laughter of the anonymous anonymi. A nothing.

      Did Obama cause the Republican leadership in Congress, men that were there years before him?
      Do you really believe Boehner's stupidity was the result of Obama's hard work?
      Could anyone act less sensibly than the Republican leadership?
      Did Obama design a situation where the GOP continues to make fools of themselves?

      Only a fool would think so. Only a fool would not recognize that GOP leadership is its own worst enemy.

      Go back to your googling of Bartlett's Familiar Quotations fool.

      .

      Delete
  13. SHITFULL says:

    Anonymous can't even read, let alone comprehend the finer points of the 2nd Amendment.

    hardehar har har

    There are several versions of the text of the Second Amendment, each with capitalization or punctuation differences. Differences exist between the drafted and ratified copies, the signed copies on display, and various published transcriptions.[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] The importance (or lack thereof) of these differences has been the source of debate regarding the meaning and interpretation of amendment, particularly regarding the importance of the prefatory clause.

    One version was passed by the Congress,[17][18][19][20][21]

    As passed by the Congress and preserved in the National Archives:[22]

    A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

    As ratified by the States and authenticated by Thomas Jefferson, then-Secretary of State:[23]

    A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

    The original hand-written copy of the Bill of Rights, approved by the House and Senate, was prepared by scribe William Lambert and resides in the National Archives.

    SHITFULL doesn't seem to realize there ARE no fine points in the Amendment. What 'fine points' there are will be found in Court decisions.

    And this is supposed to be SHITFULL'S area of expertise.

    The Amendment is simple.

    The interpretation is simple as well if you read the literature of the era.

    ReplyDelete
  14. desert ratThu Sep 26, 10:49:00 AM EDT
    Hey Farmer Fudd, this Rouhani is he the father of your new niece?

    You garner family members like some people collect dogs.

    She is at the Max Planck Institute of Brain Science, and has to decide whether to stay there for awhile or go for her PhD.

    Meanwhile you are here.

    You are an embarrassment to the human race.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great accomplishment, about your only one.

      She came from a village in India, has done this all by herself. She does brain imaging at Max Planck, related to blindness. They have offered her a full time job. The choice is between that or PhD studies in USA.

      You are not worthy to shine her shoes.

      Delete
    2. You KNOW your name?

      Really?

      Are you sure?

      Delete
  15. I find this constant about rat.

    He always puts down his betters.

    Whether they be Jews, or a Hindu woman from India.

    out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ;-)

      And lovin' every minute of it!

      AHHH HA!

      Delete
    2. Some seek to create dialogue, some seek to create peace. Then there are those that seek only to destroy, tear down and cause chaos.

      Delete
    3. Jewish villages were built in the place of Arab villages. You do not even know the names of these Arab villages, and I do not blame you because geography books no longer exist.

      Delete
  16. Top Wall Street executives get some of the best health coverage on the planet. Cruz's wife, Heidi Nelson Cruz, is a regional head of a Goldman Sachs division.

    According to a 2009 New York Times report, top executive officers and managing directors at the bank participate in a health care program that costs Goldman more than $40,000 in premiums for each particpant’s family annually.


    Somehow, it doesn't feel like that should be legal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sounds like Cruz is on the Goldman payroll for approx. $20,000.00/yr.

      Delete
    2. .

      With the initial statement. Haven't a clue about Cruz.

      .

      Delete
    3. The original statement was about Cruz, dumbshit.

      Delete
    4. Oh, Mr Cru is on the payroll of Goldman Sucks, for more than just the health insurance coverage. He has claim to half of her income from Goldman Sucks.

      In the United States there are nine community property states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. ...

      Community property is an interesting legality.
      Remember, money is considered property ...

      A U.S. state-level legal distinction of a married individual's assets. Property acquired by either spouse during the course of a marriage is considered community property.

      What's his is hers, what's hers is his.
      Unless garnered through inheritance, that property stands separate, at least in AZ.
      But income, whether from salary or investment is jointly earned, in Community Property states, of which Mr Cruz is a citizen of.

      In Texas, Goldman Sucks is paying the "Community" of Mr & Mrs Cruz.
      Of that there is legal precedent, as long as they remain married and legal residents of Texas..


      Delete
    5. .

      My goodness, pardon me.

      ...$40,000 in premiums for each particpant’s family annually.

      This was the part you put in bold, one assumes, to emphasize. I hadn't seen the emphasis you put Cruz in the second post. I merely assumed that you were emphasizing the $40,000, another indication of your liberal leanings.

      .

      Delete
    6. An editorial revision ...
      salary or investment is jointly earned, in Community Property states, of which Mr Cruz is a citizen of....

      Need to scratch "citizen" and replace with "resident"

      ... salary or investment is jointly earned, in Community Property states, of which Mr Cruz is a resident of.

      Delete
    7. Mr Cruz directly benefits from Goldman Sucks, if the health insurance is $40,000, just think what the salary and bonuses amount to.

      He has legal claim to half of it.

      Delete
    8. I seem to always assume a bit more comprehension on your part, Quirk, than experience would suggest is justified.

      Delete
    9. I'm not so naïve that I'm not aware that they all do it. It just seems so distasteful that this is the man railing against the possibility of affordable healthcare for those that are too poor, or unhealthy to have any insurance at all.

      Delete
    10. Seems eminently unjust that Mr & Mrs Cruz get that $40,000 in health care benefits tax free.

      While if a self-employed person just went out an bought himself that same amount of coverage, they'd have to do it with after tax dollars. No deduction allowed for that expense.

      Delete
    11. He is another "Tea Party" scoundrel, rufus.

      Riding the disaffected Middle Class as hard as he can, for all he can get.

      It is part of their culture, at Goldman Sucks.

      His marketing is superb, right off Madison Avenue.

      First I've heard that he was part of the Goldman Sucks family, it does explain much of what he has been doing.

      Delete
    12. Yeah, same here. And, it does explain a lot.

      Delete
    13. Did they play the commercial,...

      "Senator Cruz advocates abolishing the IRS, please send him money to help",

      ... out your way?.

      Delete
    14. :) Nah, they knows we're all broke out here. Trollin' for money in Mississippi would be like "goin' fishing in your bathtub."

      Delete
    15. Here’s how Thoma puts it:


      Rising inequality and differential exposure to economic risk has caused one group to see themselves as the “makers” in society who provide for the rest and pay most of the bills, and the other group as “takers” who get all the benefits. The upper strata wonders, “Why should we pay for social insurance when we get little or none of the benefits?” and this leads to an attack on these programs.

      So he links the debt ceiling fight to the influence of the wealthy, who want to dismantle the welfare state because it’s nothing to them, and they want lower taxes. One could add that the very inequality that distances the rich from ordinary concerns gives them increased power, and so makes their anti-welfare-state views far more influential.

      How, then, are things even worse than he says? Because many of the rich are selective in their opposition to government helping the unlucky. They’re against stuff like food stamps and unemployment benefits; but bailing out Wall Street? Yay!

      Seriously. Charlie Munger says that we should “thank God” for the bailouts, but that ordinary people fallen on hard times should “suck it in and cope.” AIG’s CEO — the CEO of a bailed out firm! — says that complaints about bonuses to executives at such firms are just as bad as lynchings (I am not making this up.)

      The point is that the superrich have not gone Galt on us — not really, even if they imagine they have. It’s much closer to pure class warfare, a defense of the right of the privileged to keep and extend their privileges. It’s not Ayn Rand, it’s Ancien Régime.

      Yes, this was Paul Krugman, commenting on an article in Mark Thomas's " Economist View" blog.

      Delete
  17. DAMASCUS, Syria Russia offered on Thursday to provide troops to guard facilities where Syria's chemical weapons would be destroyed, as U.N. inspectors prepared to continue their probe on the use of such agents in the country's civil war.

    Also Thursday, a mortar shell slammed into the Iraqi consulate building in central Damascus, killing one person and wounding three, Syrian state media reported.

    In Moscow, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Russia is ready to ensure security and help guard facilities, once the chemical weapons are stored for destruction in Syria. He spoke just hours after another Russian deputy foreign minister, Gennady Gatilov, told The Associated Press that the U.N. Security Council is just two days away from agreeing on a resolution that would require Damascus to dismantle its chemical weapons stockpiles.

    Gatilov said the resolution will include a reference to Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which allows for military and nonmilitary action in the interest of peace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. .

      Not good if the resolutions has a Chapter 7 reference in it. That's all anyone who wants military action need to parse it into an authorization for military action.

      .

      Delete
    2. Not good for the anti-war at any cost crowd.
      Not so good for Putin and Assad.
      Not so good for Rouhani and Iran

      Certainly puts Obama in the drivers seat.
      With a UN authorization, he could by-pass Congress for at least 90 days.

      That Obama, he sure is on "Lucky" fella.

      Delete
    3. That Obama, he sure is ONE "Lucky" fella.

      Delete
    4. .


      You are right. it's the rest of us who are screwed.


      .

      Delete


  18. (HLN) -- George Zimmerman's estranged wife said Thursday that while she respects the jury's not guilty verdict in his second-degree murder trial, she now has doubts about his innocence.

    "I believe the evidence, but this revelation in my life has really helped me to take the blinders off and start to see things differently," Shellie Zimmerman told NBC's Matt Lauer on the "Today" show. Zimmerman was referring to the couple's struggles since the verdict, including an ugly spat earlier this month that resulted in police being called -- and headlines being made.

    "I think anyone would doubt that innocence because I don't know the person that I have been married to," she said.


    ReplyDelete
  19. the Rouhani initiative is a last, best chance to end Iran's nuclear program without military conflict, and there are reasons to view this new opening as credible:

    Rouhani won election in an upset because sanctions aimed at the nuclear program are biting. Iran's oil revenue is down 58% by U.S. estimates, and a Gallup poll found 50% of Iranians struggling to pay for food and shelter. Rouhani promised improvement, which can come only in exchange for nuclear concessions. His initiative is precisely the result the U.S. and its allies have sought.

    Rouhani has credibility on the nuclear issue. In 2004, as Iran's nuclear negotiator, he persuaded Iran's leadership to suspend uranium enrichment in hopes of getting a breakthrough in negotiations — only to be sent into political exile when diplomacy failed. A similar concession now would add substance to Rouhani's words.

    To nearly universal surprise, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has publicly backed Rouhani's initiative, ordering Iran's Revolutionary Guards to stay out of his way and, as Obama noted, issuing a fatwa against nuclear weapons.

    The nuclear maneuvering has come with other confidence-building signals. In stark contrast to the Holocaust-denying Amadinejad, Rouhani offered a greeting to Jews on Rosh Hashanah, and the regime has freed political prisoners.

    No one would be surprised if all this seeming good news eventually melted away, as happened in 2004. Khamenei isn't any less hostile to U.S. interests now than he was then, and no one knows his endgame — good reason to respond with caution.

    But there is a parallel danger to keep in mind as well: that those who benefit from perpetual U.S./Iranian hostility will kill the initiative even if it proves promising.

    Rouhani will have his hands full trying to fend off the country's hard-liners. His decision to avoid a stage-managed encounter with Obama at the U.N. Tuesday signaled as much.

    Obama, meanwhile, will have to contend with two allies — Israel and Saudi Arabia — who are eager to have the U.S. attack and press for regime change, which the president said he does not seek. They'll likely try to define anything short of total Iranian capitulation as failure, knowing that such an outcome is impossible.

    Rather, the best hope is to get a verifiable agreement that Iran is abandoning its nuclear weapons program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions and the removal of any threat of attack.

    Other sources of tension, notably Iran's support for terrorism, will need to be dealt with separately.

    That can be seen as an unsatisfying half-loaf, like removing Syria's chemical weapons without ending its civil war. But it also would attain a top U.S. priority and avoid a very dangerous war — not an opportunity to be blithely turned away.

    USA TODAY's editorial opinions are decided by its Editorial Board

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cursed are those that would lead the US into another unneeded war in the Middle East

      Obama, meanwhile, will have to contend with two allies — Israel and Saudi Arabia — who are eager to have the U.S. attack and press for regime change, which the president said he does not seek. They'll likely try to define anything short of total Iranian capitulation as failure, knowing that such an outcome is impossible.

      Damn those that would not allow for moderation and reconciliation.

      Delete
    2. Neville ChamberlainThu Sep 26, 06:57:00 PM EDT

      If I had only listened to Churchill, think of the MILLIONS of lives that I could have saved.

      Cursed are those to stupid to learn from history.

      Totalitarian nations are not to be compromised with.

      Delete
    3. Lord Chamberlain did not have 5,113 nuclear warheads in his arsenal.
      Lord Chamberlain did not a dozen carrir battle groups at his disposal.

      If he had listened to Churchill, he'd have had a bigger navy, a better Army.

      Th US did listen to Winston, we are prepared to deal from a position of strength.
      That was Neville major error, he did not have a 5,113 to NONE advantage.

      Delete
    4. Obama would Never Nuke Iran, everThu Sep 26, 10:51:00 PM EDT

      Once Iran breaks out and will have several dozen.

      At last count it only take ONE EMP over America to send 1/3 of America back to the 11th century.

      Your Stat's are meaningless.

      Delete
    5. No, they are not.
      The iranians do not have the lift capaciy to put a EMP over the US.

      That's a scientific fact.

      You are afraid of shadows.
      Man up, grow a pair of balls.

      We have nothing to fear but fear itself.

      We in the US are exceptional, my guess is that you Israeli passport holders are not.

      Delete
    6. Besides that after the three years that Bibi tells US it will take for the Iranians to build their first weapon has passed,...

      Mr "Lucky" Obama won't be president any more.

      Delete
    7. Your lack of creativity speaks volumes.

      You are the reason that 4 box cutters could be successful in turning planes into guided missiles.

      you play checkers while the enemies of the west play chess.

      you sir are a moron.

      Delete
    8. The timeline for Iran to go "live" is 6 months.

      Delete
  20. This one's for you, Q.

    But take note ...
    It is speaking of the GLOBAL middle class, not that of the United States.
    I would suggest reading the entire article, it is informative and does seem to present a controversial perspective of the how, why and wherefores of the current global economy and coming trends.

    The great credit bubble may have burst, but the age of oversupply hasn't ended -- and won't anytime soon. Abundant labor, excess capital, and cheap money are here to stay.

    The expanding savings accounts of an exploding middle class represent only one reason, among others, that cheap money is going to keep flowing. Exports are another, as in the past. In fact, in the five years since the financial crisis, the foreign-currency reserve holdings of emerging countries have more than doubled, according to the IMF.

    Via extraordinary monetary-easing measures, the developed world's central banks have turned trillions of dollars of financial investments into so much cash that it is metaphorically bulging out of the pockets of banks and other investors. Yet it is not getting lent and it is not getting invested in new capacity. Why?

    In a nutshell, the reason that the enormous ocean of liquidity is not being deployed is that there is so much global supply and excess capacity of labor, plants, equipment, and goods and services relative to present demand that there is little reason for private-sector investment in the development of additional capacity to produce additional supply.

    What we have on our hands is a supply-side nightmare scenario.


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/businessdesk/2013/09/a-supply-side-nightmare-scenar.html


      A Supply Side Nightmare Scenario

      By Daniel Alpert

      The fall of the Iron and Bamboo curtains helped double the global labor supply.

      Delete
    2. And, there is one, and only one, answer.

      In a nutshell: Raise taxes on the wealthy, and distribute to the poor. Call it Socialism, call it Communism, call it whatever you want; but, that is the only way the deal will work out.

      Delete
    3. A clarification: A massive jobs project would qualify as "distribution to the poor." For instance, building 3,000 ethanol biorefineries. :)

      Delete
    4. .

      Perhaps, it is a controversial perspective, rat, but not to me. Much of it I have been saying for the past couple years, some of it I have been saying since 2009-2010.

      The 2008 financial crisis was a disaster for two reasons. The first, the significant downturn in economic activity, is obvious. But second, over the past five years, I've noticed trends that were in the past cyclical seemed to have turned secular. For instance, when we were growing up there was a certain loyalty to the workforce ingrained in American companies. During downturns, labor was the last cost to be cut and people were the first to come back as things got better. Today it's different.

      A good chunk of the cash, possibly most of it, currently setting on the balance sheets of American companies is the result of cost cutting over the past five years. And today, labor is the 'first' thing to be cut not the last. With the continuing high unemployment rate and the excess labor noted in your article wages are squeezed. This in turn squeezes demand which in turn squeezes growth which in turn inhibits job growth. It is a circular clusterfuck although those at the top barely feel it little while those below suck wind.

      To suggest raising taxes on the rich is 'the answer' is just silly. While I have no problem having the rich pay more taxes it is hardly the answer. First, there is just no enough money there to do the job. Second, all you would be doing is turning the money over to the government, a government that has already proved itself incompetent and incapable of creating growth in the economy. This is a fact nitwits like Krugman forget.

      Wealth transfer may provide social benefits but it doesn't create growth.

      What we need is jobs. To gets jobs you need increased demand and growth.

      Stimulus programs over the past 5 years haven't done it. The FED's policies have done nothing more than create an asset bubble in the markets and exacerbate the growing income disparity in the US. Bernanke assumes the FED's policies are the reason interest rates have remained low when in fact the struggling economy is the reason rates are low. Worse, Ben argues the supply side fiction that if the rich get richer and companies get more profitable it will all trickle down to the hoi paloi. Ben is a nitwit. He, like Obama is lucky. He will be getting out before the house of cards he built comes tumbling comes tumbling down.

      How do we get the growth we need? You've got me.

      Stimulus. A good idea five years ago but poorly executed. Any new stimulus, since it comes out of the incompetence and corruption that is OZ, will likely be just as ineffective, a waste of money. If there had been a real emphasis on jobs from the beginning and an effective stimulus program it might have helped. But maybe not. Who knows at this point?

      Other than there being more liquidity today, IMO, absolutely nothing has changed in the last five years except that there are less people employed in full time work and we are deeper in debt. Zero key players, in the banks, AIG, Fannie/Freddie, rating agencies, etc. have gone to jail. Elizabeth Warren made a push for regulation reform but we ended up with zip. To Big To Fail is now even To Bigger To Fail. The same jokers are still in OZ .

      My hope is that time and the business cycle, even an elongated one, will eventually turn things around.

      I don't put much hope in moonbeams and ethanol refineries.

      .


      Delete
    5. Quirk wrote:

      " Bernanke assumes the FED's policies are the reason interest rates have remained low when in fact the struggling economy is the reason rates are low. "

      Recent events contradict this view. When 'the market' expected tapering to occur rates spiked. When tapering didn't happen the rates immediately began to fall.

      Delete
    6. Past Governments have put Millions of people to work when jobs were needed. The Transcontinental Railroad System. The TVA. Hoover Dam. NASA. The Interstate Highway System. To name a few. Huge projects, that the government did very well.

      WWII. The government fought a world war, and won it handily. The Government runs Social Security, and Medicare. Does a great job, there.

      Delete
    7. As for "moonbeams," well, I don't know much about that.

      BUT, over just a couple of years, almost without giving it a second thought, we eliminated about 20% of the foreign oil used for gasoline.

      Eliminating the other 80% of foreign oil imports, and taking about half of those jobs back from China would go a long way to getting us back from the brink.

      Delete
    8. .

      Mea culpa, Ash. I said interest rates and what I really meant was inflation rate, primarily the core rate which is what seems to me to be what Ben concentrates on.

      .

      Delete
    9. .

      Past governments...

      You make my point. It wasn't this government. It wasn't this Congress.

      We've seen what these guys have done or rather haven't done in the past five years.

      .

      Delete
    10. Internally produced ethanol could replace those imports.
      There are 3 million acres or so that the Federals pay people not to grow crops on.

      Switch grass or sweet sorghum could be grown on those acres, harvested and distilled in local plants, as rufus has described.

      A couple hundred million dollars would not be leaving the country each day, but would instead be recycled into our own economy. Paying farmers, distillers and construction and maintenance workers across the land.
      Any technical problems with regard the ethanol in automobiles would be overwhelmed by technology and time.

      It would lead to a global economic boom, as the oil market would reapply the oil the US was not importing to other markets, at lower cost. End the sanctions against Iran, another 1.5 million barrels of oil would also flood the market, driving prices down.

      Even with a Drill Baby Drill policy, with the US now pumping more crude than ever before, it is not enough to wean the US of the imported oil teat. The overall impact of rufus's proposal is far greater than one would realize at first glance.

      It is about ripples in the pool of economic growth and weaning the US off the evil of buying Wahhabi oil..

      Delete
  21. JOHN DOYLE

    Breaking Bad: A savage attack on American capitalism?

    The most astonishing, most discussed and popular quality-TV series of our time will end this weekend when Breaking Bad reaches its final episode (Sunday, AMC, 9 p.m. ET).

    Breaking Bad has dominated the conversation about television for weeks and that conversation has mostly been about the plot twists, Oh-My-God moments and intricacies of taking the characters to an ending. Second guessing the events in the downward spiral of Walter White’s life of crime, nitpicking at his wife Skyler’s reactions. That’s the gist of the discussion. It has all been internal – about the insides of the beast that is Breaking Bad, not the external whole of the series as it closes.

    Let’s step back and attempt an assessment of what it’s about. As any student of the show will know, creator Vince Gilligan has summarized his mission with the series as “turning Mr. Chips into Scarface.” It’s a nifty synopsis for the creator, enabling him to bat away outsider analysis. It contains two handy pop-culture references. There is the solid integrity of the quiet schoolteacher Mr. Chips told in movies and TV versions of the story. And there is our recollection of Al Pacino as Tony Montana, the Cuban refugee who becomes a monster, consuming all around him, conquering the cocaine trade.

    But Breaking Bad is more than a pop culture concoction cleverly linking two familiar, iconic figures from the movies. It’s a savage attack on American capitalism.

    It starts as an illumination of the contemporary American middle class. Walter White is a high school chemistry teacher in Albuquerque, N.M., sinking under the burden of his situation. On his 50th birthday he’s doing a job his students despise, he has a son with cerebral palsy, a pregnant wife and then he’s diagnosed with cancer. Worried about medical bills and leaving his family with great debt, he applies his chemistry skills to cooking meth for one big pay-off.

    Sucked in, he wants more. And he wants more because his eyes are opened to how America really operates. A fast-food chicken chain is actually a distribution system for drugs. The cheap, addictive product sold for vast profit isn’t chicken. Such is the Byzantine corruption that infests the seemingly benign capitalist enterprise of fast food that a German multinational company backs it, in full knowledge of the drug trade it disguises.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And why? Because greed is what fuels capitalism. When Walter grasps this, he embraces greed utterly. He discovers how easy it is to sacrifice everything – family, colleagues and friends – when driven by the greed to succeed, to be at the top. No amount of money is enough for him. There’s always more to be made, another market to conquer, a competitor to crush. You could say Walter begins by making a career shift when faced with a crisis, duly becomes a careerist and then, over time, becomes a corporation. Breaking Bad is a parable about entrepreneurship, the very basis of American capitalism. Entrepreneur eventually becomes corporation, which is what the entrepreneur wants, and with that, loses all humanity.

      It was also said The Sopranos was a story about American capitalism, and it was to some extent – a lament for the old days when lawless, frontier-style capitalist enterprise was the Mob’s domain. Then the Mob was reduced to small-scale crime and ugly brutality and, like American industrial greatness, it was utterly diminished. Tony was the last of his kind. But Tony was a criminal to begin with. Walter White isn’t a relic, the last of his kind. As a schoolteacher, he was a relic but his journey on Breaking Bad is that of a new man, a man who sees how the system works and loves it. Will this parable end in a lesson about the utter destructiveness of the raw capitalism that Walter has embraced and enjoyed? We’ll find out on Sunday just how bleak it is.

      There are other themes, too, of course. It’s possible to read the destruction of Jesse’s soul as the collapse of a millennial’s naiveté when faced with the reality of the brutal working world where money is actually made. He wasn’t made for this.

      But the core theme is Walter White and money. Only money matters in this tale about what contemporary American capitalism is and what kind of America it has unleashed."

      http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/breaking-bad-a-savage-attack-on-american-capitalism/article14508135/#dashboard/follows/

      Delete
    2. Breaking Bad is about ripples in the pool of evil.

      Nothing more, nothing less.

      Religious philosophy.

      Delete
  22. The House GOP's debt limit bill -- obtained by the National Review -- isn't a serious governing document. It's not even a plausible opening bid. It's a cry for help.

    In return for a one-year suspension of the debt ceiling, House Republicans are demanding a yearlong delay of Obamacare, Rep. Paul Ryan’s tax reform plan, the Keystone XL pipeline, more offshore oil drilling, more drilling on federally protected lands, rewriting of ash coal regulations, a suspension of the Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to regulate carbon emissions, more power over the regulatory process in general, reform of the federal employee retirement program, an overhaul of the Dodd-Frank financial regulations, more power over the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s budget, repeal of the Social Services Block Grant, more means-testing in Medicare, repeal of the Public Health trust fund, and more.

    It's tempting to think that this is Boehner teaching his conference a lesson. They told him what they wanted, and he's going to let them have it -- good and hard. House Republicans are walking into the debt-ceiling negotiations with an opening bid that makes them look ridiculous. This looks like an Onion parody of what the House's debt-ceiling demands might be. It's a wonder it's not written in comic sans.

    But this is really the

    ReplyDelete
  23. "A recently released YouGov poll shows that Americans overwhelming believe Russian President Vladimir Putin has been far more effective during the Syrian chemical weapons crisis than President Obama... 49% v. 25%.

    Americans continue to support Israel far more than they do either Putin or Obama. All the tedious bloviating to the contrary changes nothing. It does call into question the motives of buffoons.

    It is a great day. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Each day is better than the last, allen.

      Hope the same is true for you.

      Delete
  24. Libya is a failed state, if "state" is even applicable.

    Egypt is a failed state that has not recognized its plight. It's strategic reserves of foodstuffs can be measured in days; it has vehicle fuel sufficient for about a month, assuming no war.

    Syria is history.

    Lebanon is a failed state, incapable of maintaining order within its own borders.

    Jordan is quiescent.

    Saudi Arabia is now the de facto ally of Israel, both having an interest in dehorning Iran.

    Israel now has the time and opportunity to concentrate on Hezbollah. With Hezbollah bogged down in Syria, its potential for mischief is greatly reduced as are its reserves.

    Yes, it is a beautiful day in the neighborhood. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Israel/Saudi Axis is a matter of reality.
      Has been for years

      Delete
    2. Fellers that lay with camel herders get up with fleas.

      :):):):)

      Delete
  25. The world misses the old America, the one before the crash—the crashes—of the past dozen years.

    That is the takeaway from conversations the past week in New York, where world leaders gathered for the annual U.N. General Assembly session. Our friends, and we have many, speak almost poignantly of the dynamism, excellence, exuberance and leadership of the nation they had, for so many years, judged themselves against, been inspired by, attempted to emulate, resented.

    ReplyDelete
  26. On this date in 1960, the first televised debate between two presidential candidates took place. Legend says those listening on the radio thought Vice President Richard Nixon won, while those watching on TV thought the winner was the young senator from Massachusetts, John Kennedy.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Some folk are just "Lucky"

    Most of Syria’s toxins can be destroyed more easily than officials initially thought
    By Joby Warrick, E-mail the writer

    U.S. and Russian officials now believe that the vast majority of Syria’s nerve agent stockpile consists of “unweaponized” liquid precursors that could be neutralized relatively quickly, lowering the risk that the toxins could be hidden away by the regime or stolen by terrorists.

    A confidential assessment by the two governments also concludes that Syria’s entire arsenal could be destroyed in about nine months, assuming that Syrian officials honor promises to surrender control of its chemical assets to international inspectors, according to two people briefed on the analysis.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Russia has offered to send troops to Syria to guard sites where chemical weapons are to be destroyed, under a disarmament plan expected to be announced in the next few days.

    Sergei Ryabkov, a deputy foreign minister, said that other former Soviet republics which were part of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation would also deploy soldiers to provide security for an international team of weapons inspectors who would oversee the task of destroying Syria's stockpile of poison gases and nerve agents.

    The alliance includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

    Ryabkov said that Moscow would not allow the Syrian arsenal to be transferred to Russia for dismantling.

    "We believe that it should be dismantled on Syrian territory," Ryabkov was quoted as saying while attending an arms show in Nizhny Tagil. "We undoubtedly won't deal with it. We believe that the process of its destruction could be efficiently organised on the territory of Syria."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/26/russia-guard-syria-chemical-weapons-sites

      Delete
  29. Someone said Obama is a Jew. Given the results of his foreign policy so far, one would almost have to agree. MB banned in Egypt, Libya dysfunctional, Syria in tres partes divesa est.....so far not bad for a man that hasn't a clue what he is doing. Iran remains as the biggie.

    ReplyDelete
  30. A French climber scaling a glacier off Mont Blanc got more than satisfaction for his efforts when he stumbled across a treasure trove of emeralds, rubies and sapphires that had been buried for decades.

    The jewels, estimated to be worth up to $332,000, lay hidden in a metal box that was on board an Indian plane that crashed in the desolate landscape some 50 years ago.

    ReplyDelete
  31. After his narrow defeat by Gerald Ford at the Kansas City convention in 1976, Ronald Reagan was seen as a has-been.

    Came the Carter-Torrijos treaties of 1977, however, which gave away the Panama Canal, and the old cowboy strapped on his guns:

    “We bought it. We paid for it. It’s ours. And we’re gonna keep it.”

    America loved it. Bill Buckley said we must recognize reality and transfer the canal. GOP Senate leader Howard Baker was the toast of the city as he led 16 Republicans to vote with Jimmy Carter. The treaties were approved.

    Reagan’s consolation prize? The presidency of the United States.

    Voters in New Hampshire in 1980, remembering his lonely stand, rewarded Reagan with a decisive victory over George H. W. Bush, who had defeated Reagan in Iowa. When Howard Baker came in, he was greeted as “Panama Howie,” and did not survive the primary.

    The Republican war over whether to bow to the seemingly inevitable and fund Obamacare is a Panama Canal issue. How one votes here may decisively affect one’s career.

    Ted Cruz may have, as Richard Nixon used to say, “broken his pick” in the Republican caucus. Yet, on Obamacare, his analysis is right, his instincts are right, his disposition to fight is right.

    These are more important matters than the news that he is out of the running for the Mr. Congeniality award on Capitol Hill.

    If Obamacare is funded, the subsidies starting in January will constitute a morphine drip from which America’s health-care system will not recover. If not stopped now, Obamacare is forever.

    Senate Republicans should be asking themselves why Cruz and Rand Paul, two newcomers to the Senate of decidedly different temperaments, are being talked of as credible candidates in the presidential primaries of 2016.

    Answer: Both are clear in their convictions, unapologetic about them and willing to break some china to achieve them. And that part of America upon which the GOP depends most is increasingly frustrated and angry with those who run the national party.

    {…}

    ReplyDelete

  32. {…}

    Who is putting the U.S. economy at risk to protect a bollixed program the American people do not want and Congress would never approve if they voted on it today?

    What House Republicans have lacked is not courage, but a political and communications strategy.

    Having provided a continuing resolution to fund the government, except Obamacare, the House should next begin passing CRs – one for each department. A CR to fund defense and veterans affairs. A CR to fund state, the CIA and Homeland Security. A CR for justice, transportation, energy, etc. One every day.

    Would Harry Reid refuse to fund the U.S. Army and Navy unless John Boehner’s House stuffs Obamacare into the defense budget?

    Do Republicans really feel incapable of winning this argument?

    Are Republicans so tongue-tied they cannot convince America of the truth: They have already voted to fund the government.

    If Republicans capitulate and lose this battle, and this unwanted mess passes into law, there is something deeply wrong with the party.

    Two weeks ago, a brave Congress, listening to America, stood up and told Obama: Your red lines be damned; we’re not voting for war on Syria.

    Now House Republicans need to tell the country: Come hell or high water, we’re not voting to fund Obamacare. We will pass a CR on everything else in the budget, but Obamacare is not coming out of this House alive.


    Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/09/republicans-fix-bayonets/#MvSW4qC87qLVPwGF.99

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, the truth is the Republicans have no desire to win the argument.
      They want the Federal jurisdiction to expand into the health care system.
      They just do not want to tell you that.

      They, like Senator McCain will tell the US electorate how had he fought, for 25 days he fought he Affordable Care Act.
      He and his lost the vote, then. He thinks they would and will lose the vote today.

      That to "Stand on Principle" , given the problems that the GOP has with communication assure them of taking the blame with the electorate.

      As to the Syria War resolution ...
      Obama will get a UN authorization to attack Syria within the week.
      He won't need Congress after that.
      "Lucky" Barry O'bumble


      Delete
    2. The Affordable Care Act was a Heritage Foundation proposal.
      It was the Mitt Romney alternative to "Single Payer".

      Kabuki dancing ....

      Delete
    3. ****No, the truth is the Republicans have no desire to win the argument.
      They want the Federal jurisdiction to expand into the health care system.
      They just do not want to tell you that.****

      And that is why they all voted against it in the first instance.

      SHITFULL at his best!!!!


      hahahahahahhaaahhhahaha!!!!

      Delete
    4. Not at all, Farmer Fudd, the Republicans were made irrelevant to the vote, by their own incompetence..
      They could vote any way the wished, and the legislation was going to pass, regardless.
      The Republicans had done so poorly in 2008 they had become irrelevant to the process.
      Could not even mount a filibuster in the Senate, their numbers were so inconsequential.

      Their votes in Congress were a matter of Kabuki theater.
      Their presence in Congress, what we could call "Window Dressing"


      If you did have a brain, it would be smaller than a gnats.
      You can still order that implant @ Brains-R-Us.com.
      Double your cognitive capacity if you call in the next ten minutes.

      Delete
    5. And then, in the news now ...

      Surprise! Obamacare foe Cruz votes with Democrats on spending plan

      The rare 100-0 vote on a procedural step means the spending measure that would avoid a partial government shutdown next week now can be amended by Senate Democrats to restore funding for President Barack Obama's signature health care reforms, which had been eliminated last week by House Republicans.

      However, Cruz came under strong criticism from fellow Republicans for that strategy, which called for GOP senators to filibuster the House measure that -- in its original form -- would defund programs under the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010 and upheld by the Supreme Court last year.
      ....
      The confusion of Cruz's strategy was apparent Wednesday when he voted with Democrats for the Senate to take up the measure less than two hours after his marathon speech against it that began Tuesday afternoon and continued overnight and through the morning.

      However, nothing in Cruz's words or actions preceding the vote indicated that was his intention. Instead, he had urged his colleagues to unite against the spending plan, saying voting for it was tantamount to supporting Obamacare.

      "Any senator who votes (to move forward with debate on the House measure) is voting to give Harry Reid the authority to fund Obamacare," Cruz told Bash on Monday.

      Delete
    6. Let's check that again ...

      Republican Senator from Texas, Mr Cruz said ...

      "Any senator who votes (to move forward with debate on the House measure) is voting to give Harry Reid the authority to fund Obamacare," Cruz told Bash on Monday.

      The Mr Cruz and every other Republican Senator voted ...
      to give Harry Reid the authority to fund Obamacare,"

      That is the position of the Republicans in the Senate, loud and clear, without any doubt.

      Every single one of them voted to give Harry Reid the authority to fund Obamacare,"
      According to the Senator from Texas, Republican Ted Cruz.

      Wake up and smell reality Farmer Fudd.

      Delete
    7. Not even Mr Ted Cruz z, Republican from Texas would stand in the way of giving Harry Reid the authority to fund ObamaCare, even after staging a 21 filibuster.

      His entire performance, purve Kabuki.

      Delete
    8. ... staging a 21 HOUR filibuster.

      You do know, Farmer Fudd, that I had wanted to hire you to proof read.
      You do have that Lit degree, but none of the technological skill sets required for the entry level position, sorry.

      If you get some training, I may be able reconsider....

      Delete
  33. :)

    It's the Law, Deuce; Congress is obligated to fund it, until such time as the Law is Repealed.

    Besides, it's no longer just Obamacare. Now, the list includes virtually every wet dream the Pubs have had in the last five years (including "net neutrality?")

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A partial list includes

      In return for a one-year suspension of the debt ceiling, House Republicans are demanding a yearlong delay of Obamacare,

      Rep. Paul Ryan’s tax reform plan,

      the Keystone XL pipeline,

      more offshore oil drilling,

      more drilling on federally protected lands,

      rewriting of ash coal regulations,

      a suspension of the Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to regulate carbon emissions,

      more power over the regulatory process in general,

      reform of the federal employee retirement program,

      an overhaul of the Dodd-Frank financial regulations,

      more power over the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s budget,

      repeal of the Social Services Block Grant,

      more means-testing in Medicare,

      repeal of the Public Health trust fund, and more.

      Delete
    2. The GOP is doing the Kabuki dance, rufus.
      Got to be able to tell the "Tea Partiers" that, well, we tried ...

      No calls to repeal Medicare Part B, are there?
      That's because the GOP likes that the Federals are in the health care funding system

      No calls to change the baseline budgeting formula to remove the 6-7% built in annual increase in Federal spending.
      The GOP loves the increases in Federal spending.

      The GOP, they are doing the Kabuki dance.

      Creating volatility in the stock market does wonders for brokers and traders, like Goldman Sucks.



      Delete
    3. McCain does have many failings, but he can count noses.

      The media will not blame "Lucky" Barry O'bumble.

      Obama will "guarantee" that the Social Security checks go in the mail and direct deposit.

      He can always mint a few Platinum plated coins and save the economy from the Republicans.

      Delete
  34. Cruz and Paul, they are the outliers, they are Republican in Name Only.

    ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Senator Cruz voted against his own filibuster ...
      .
      That is the move of a Kabuki master ..

      All the TV face time, with no voting record of dissent.

      Ride 'em hard, use 'em for all you can.

      Here you go, rufus, this i mr Cruz cruising for dollars in Sun Ciy, AZ.
      FOX News had this running for quite a while,

      Senator Cruz needs your help to abolish the IRS ....
      Call in the next ten minutes!

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGT_4QSVUQk

      Delete
  35. When Adele Allen's family and friends arrived for a first cuddle with her newborn son, they could be forgiven for feeling a little squeamish. Although baby Ulysses was a healthy little boy, he had a rather unusual companion at night - his umbilical cord and placenta.

    'We knew we were doing the right thing having an unassisted lotus birth, but our parents were worried and that in turn made me feel stressed,' says Adele.

    Given the warning from the Royal College of Obstetricians about the risk of infection from lotus births, especially for babies without ready access to medical care, it seems their family's concern was far from misplaced.

    ReplyDelete
  36. .

    It appears that the five permanent members of the Security Council have come up with a draft on Syria that is ready to be presented to the other council members. It does mention Chapter 7 but any action taken under that chapter would require another resolution be passed by the Security Council. Evidently, Kerry insisted the wording include a reference to Chapter 7, but as with other issues mentioned here tonight, the word kabuki comes to mind. It appears Russia and/or China could veto any use of military force.

    The draft resolution, seen by the Associated Press, makes clear that there is no trigger for enforcement measures if Syria fails to comply. Instead, it states that the Security Council will “impose measures under Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter,” which will require a second resolution.

    Chapter 7 allows for military and nonmilitary actions to promote peace and security. Russia, Syria’s most powerful ally, had opposed any reference to it. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held hastily scheduled talks Thursday afternoon to resolve several last-minute disputes on the text.



    From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130926/NATION/309260151#ixzz2g4caupdN

    .

    ReplyDelete
  37. .

    This should be interesting. Jaime Dimon met with Holder today in an effort to buy his and J.P. Morgan's way out of various lawsuits the FEDs have going against the bank

    Dimon is the darling of Wall Street. CNBC thinks he's a god. The 'money honey' crosses her legs and swoons every time she talks about him. The fact that the bank is a criminal organization? Well...

    Holder on the other hand has been accused of being a weak sister and letting all the crooks who brought us 2008 skate. He doesn't have that much time left to try and develop some type of legacy.

    This should be fun. Will the bank be fined? How much? Will they admit guilt? Will there be any criminal charges?

    Where's Elliot Spitzer when you need him? Or better yet, Nancy Grace.


    Finance “is the only field in America where you can commit fraud with impunity and even after you get caught, you can buy your way out of it. And not with your money, mind you, but with shareholders’ money,” said William Black, a former bank regulator who teaches law at the University of Missouri at Kansas City.

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/jpmorgan-chief-dimon-meets-with-justice-department/2013/09/26/0d4d2034-26be-11e3-b3e9-d97fb087acd6_story.html

    .

    ReplyDelete
  38. .

    The Obama administration has indicated that it will sign the UN arms-trade treaty. Senator James Inhofe says that the treaty will be 'dead in the water' if it reaches the Senate for ratification.

    Here is just one reason why,

    This document -- which is still in draft form and, so far as I can tell, available to the public only through a third-party website -- would have nations require licenses and training for gun ownership, cap the number of guns each person may own, limit magazine size to ten rounds, institute a seven-day waiting period, and demand that gun owners commit in writing to storing their guns locked and unloaded. It also suggests that gun owners might be required to allow "periodic inspections" of their property to ensure they are storing their weapons in a government-approved manner. (Seriously. Page 11.)

    :)

    http://www.realclearpolicy.com/blog/2013/09/25/what_the_arms_trade_treaty_actually_says_664.html

    .

    ReplyDelete