Hmmmmmmmmmm.......... yep, they have me convinced......... to fight them once again at the ballot box for the survival of our country!!!
Posted by: bearmanUSMC at March 16, 2006 12:14 AM
Are the Democrats trying to energize their base, or put them in a coma? Same old, same old. Yawn.
Posted by: Freedom1 at March 16, 2006 12:31 AM
Thank God I am no longer one of them. One of my regrets in life was helping to elect Democrats in ohio during the time of Glenn, Celeste and Metzenbaum My first real GOP vote was for Reagan, my most pleasureable vote was voting against Joel Hyatt, Howard's son-in-law
Posted by: Paul at March 16, 2006 12:33 AM
But I thought that Social Security was just fine!!!! They said so not too long ago. Hmmmmmmm
Posted by: MagicalPat at March 16, 2006 12:43 AM
The Bush Agenda:
Bankrupt the Federal Government
Enrich Oil and Energy Conglomerates
Allow Increased Pollution
Artificially Shift Wealth Upward
Decrease Funding for College Students
Endless Wars With No Real Goal
General Neglect for the Commons
Cronyism
Religious Fanaticism
Assualt on Science
Culture of Corruption
General Incompetence
Unchecked Executive Power
No I can't say that Democrats are much better. They are weak when confronting this reckless Adminstration and fail to thwart the destructive policies of morally bankrupt policies.
The real losers are the American people.
Wade
Posted by: Wade at March 16, 2006 01:47 AM
Although this time and it's the same mantra from the less.
More taxes, more government, "we know better than you do", etc, etc.
I cannot believe they could not come up with something better. Then again, when you spend 6 years of doing nothing but bashing one person 24/7/365 it is hard to get other things done so maybe we should give them a break.
Posted by: Jim at March 16, 2006 02:13 AM
Matt-
Once again, you've confused your bum with your elbow.
Discouraging outsourcing leads to unemployment? For whom, Indians?
Who wanted to bankrupt social security? Thank god Bush failed at that. But then he fails at most businesses, ventures, wars, sobriety tests etc. So we're used to it.
Providing health care for Americans? How terrible! I don't know about you, but providing socialized health care for millions who can't afford high premiums on private care would would.....um, make us healthier and happier? (If done correctly, obviously)
Being energy independent in ten years, while extremely ambitious, is a great idea and even the man in the shrine next to your bed supports this idea too. It won't ruin business, it will simply force business to change and evolve. Stagnant business practices are not healthy to economies anyway.
Taxes should absolutely be raised. Not only do we have to cover the costs of this expensive war, but in order to provide better programs for the people of this country, we have to charge more (see: Sweden).
Matt, as always, your truthiness is in the way of the truth.
Posted by: PurpleJay at March 16, 2006 05:03 AM
Purple Haze is hereby promoted to B4B's resident kook socialist. He/she/it lauds Marx as the great economist.
Matt, you left out the hidden agenda--impeachment.
New DemocRAT slogan: Vote for change in 2006; we're going to take your money and your president...
Posted by: keefer at March 16, 2006 05:33 AM
This is great! Right after I get my "free" health insurance I am going to start a national movement to force everyone else to pay for my auto insurance, and then my home owners insurance. Man, this stuff is expensive anynmore and I really do need it. What happens if I get into an accident, whose gonna pay for all damamge?
THIS IS MY CIVIL RIGHT!
Posted by: Porter Jervis at March 16, 2006 05:53 AM
Keefer-
As always, you bring a keen intellect to our conversations. Impeachment doesn't have to be a hidden agenda. I'll vocalize it because I think the President is a crook. I've already gone over the reasons several times, so I won't bore you with the details even though you could certainly due to hear them again and allow them to get past that oversized speedbump that you use to discern fact from fiction called your brain.
Since you didn't actually argue any points that I made (shocker), and jumped right to the "you're a pinko Marxist" sidetrack, then I have nothing else for you.
Jervis-
Your use of less-than-subtle sarcasm is not lost on me (though you may have to remind Keefer from time to time that you're using it). But remember that it is, in fact, the right of every American to be healthy. The middle class and the rich should not be the only citizens who have access to good medical care. We are the richest and most powerful country in the world, so wouldn't it be progressive (since it works in several other countries) to be able to provide this service to our people? Sure, it's an undertaking, but so has every other social program that has successfully turned the USA into an international powerhouse of finance and (most of the time) civil rights protection.
Secondly, don't kid yourself that other insurances are not socialized and regulated. In fact, it's the law in most states that you must have insurance to drive. You must wear a seatbelt because if you go through the windshield, then everyone must pay for your costs anyway- that is why those laws were passed. Also, some employers offer health benefits as a part of the perks of a job. is this not moving toward a socialist scenario? Why am I such a 'Marxist', not that most of these people have even ever read him, because I want to continue the trend?
So, why not just take the business out of it and provide basic health insurance (don't fall down that slippery slope and say that car insurance will be changed too- it's not necessary) and raise taxes slightly to support it. When you need it, maybe you'll be happy that you payed for it.
Posted by: PurpleJay at March 16, 2006 06:55 AM
Yep Purplejay, it will only take slight tax raises to have universal healthcare. It will will be great given the governments record with V.A. hospitals. This is a big loser, please keep running with it.
Posted by: Rich at March 16, 2006 08:55 AM
Matt, there have been 27 raises in the minimum wage between 1938 and 1997. To my understanding, we are still a democracy and not a socialist state. http://www.dol.gov/esa/minwage/chart.htm
Since 1938, the span between 1997 to 2006 has been the longest period of time without an increase in the minimum wage, but how can we compete with China and India if we overpay our least qualified workers?
Posted by: Barneyg2000 at March 16, 2006 08:59 AM
Matt, universal healthcare exists today in the US. We all pay for healthcare either though taxes (Medicare and Medicaid) or through decreased earning or higher prices for products and services (privately or employee funded healthcare). The current debate is over efficiency and quality.
The US ranks 185th out of 226 countries in infant mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 births). Most if not all of the 41 countries that do a better job of keeping their babies alive have universal healthcare. The list 41 includes Cuba, Canada, all EU countries and Japan.
The US ranks 48th in life expectancy. Again the people in 47 countries that offer universal healthcare live longer than we do in the US.
Did you know that we employ more administers to process insurance and Medicare/Medicaid paperwork than doctor and nurses?
Clearly our healthcare system does not work.
Posted by: Barneyg2000 at March 16, 2006 10:28 AM
I know you people here believe that a Democratic government would be a disaster but, be honest for a minute, how could anyone do worse than what we've got running the show now?
So let me get this straight, the dems tax and spend (untrue historically but that's what you think) and the GOP borrows and spends. The only difference I see is that with the GOP, we have to pay back with interest. Great!
There is the same perception about size of government and entitlements. Here again, the GOP is the clear leader.
So exactly what is it that you like about these morons?
Posted by: 3moreyears at March 16, 2006 12:04 PM
P.S.
I also think that if you look at the shift from federal to state/local taxes, you will also see that you taxes have gone up. I know mine have.
Posted by: 3moreyears at March 16, 2006 12:24 PM
This is about the 10th "contract for america" that pelosi has put out - they only problem is, is that pelosi has her signature on it.
I guess we will have to see if Pelosi allows those that work in her hotel to go union.
She's the richest member of congress - she should not be allowed to devise a plan when she is unable to feel "our pain".
It will fail becaue Pelosi is a failure!
Posted by: semby at March 16, 2006 12:47 PM
Any new taxes and tax hikes will be known as the "Bush Bankruptcy Prevention Tax" or simply the "Bush Tax."
Wade
Posted by: wade at March 16, 2006 12:57 PM
The real losers are the American people.
Wade
Posted by: Wade at March 16, 2006 01:47 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glad you think so highly of the American people Wade! You are a wonderfully prime example of why you guys will NEVER win!!!
Posted by: bearmanUSMC at March 16, 2006 05:17 PM
I still don't understand why liberals think that government can run things better than business.
Heath care is such a mess because someone else is paying most of it and decides what gets paid and how much.
If it was left to the market, prices would be competitive. It is that way in every other market. Even many elective medical processes are dirt cheap now. Lasik 10 years ago was out of the reach of most Americans. Now with competition, you get get your eyes done for $500/each and one year to pay same as cash. Try that with your brain tumor removal surgery.
You guys need to let go of the fantasy that goverment is going to make everything okay. It can't. Its been tried over and over, and just like a lie, no matter how many times you say it, it will never become truth.
Posted by: Porter Jervis at March 16, 2006 06:25 PM
It does NOT logically flow that since previous attempts at universal health care have been bogged down with bureaucracy, or have been burdened by a faulty system, that it can't work. It's far too valuable to the health of our nation to not work. We have stopped being progressive and we must give up our love affair with what is now only a dream of pure capitalism.
Posted by: PurpleJay at March 17, 2006 06:39 AM
How are we going to pay for the Bush Agenda? As a social conservative... I wonder.
Posted by: shhazam4 at March 17, 2006 02:26 PM
This is yet another area where I tend to side with Republicans. I hate unions! While I'm not saying we should outlaw them, unions were created many years ago due to horribly low wages, poor working conditions, etc. At this point in time, union members are overpaid, and are part of the reason jobs are moving overseas. And working conditions are governed by other government entities.
I heard a story on conservative talk radio, and yes, you'd never believe I listen to that after reading my blog. Nevertheless, I learned that Caterpillar, a near local company turned from the brink of bancruptcy to thriving financially simply by closing their union plants, and opening new plants. If a company treats their employees fairly, they have no need to unionize.
That said, with all the troubles the auto industry is having, I would like to see them follow in the footsteps of Caterpillar. I know many troubles in this area first-hand as I am a former overpaid union employee and also an under-employed automotive engineer.
If you want something that will make your blood boil, see my blog at http://captainron3476.blogspot.com Don't say I didn't warn you!
Posted by:
Captain Ron at March 20, 2006 08:19 PM
Hmmmmmmmmmm.......... yep, they have me convinced......... to fight them once again at the ballot box for the survival of our country!!!
Are the Democrats trying to energize their base, or put them in a coma? Same old, same old. Yawn.
Thank God I am no longer one of them. One of my regrets in life was helping to elect Democrats in ohio during the time of Glenn, Celeste and Metzenbaum My first real GOP vote was for Reagan, my most pleasureable vote was voting against Joel Hyatt, Howard's son-in-law
But I thought that Social Security was just fine!!!! They said so not too long ago. Hmmmmmmm
The Bush Agenda:
Bankrupt the Federal Government
Enrich Oil and Energy Conglomerates
Allow Increased Pollution
Artificially Shift Wealth Upward
Decrease Funding for College Students
Endless Wars With No Real Goal
General Neglect for the Commons
Cronyism
Religious Fanaticism
Assualt on Science
Culture of Corruption
General Incompetence
Unchecked Executive Power
No I can't say that Democrats are much better. They are weak when confronting this reckless Adminstration and fail to thwart the destructive policies of morally bankrupt policies.
The real losers are the American people.
Wade
Although this time and it's the same mantra from the less.
More taxes, more government, "we know better than you do", etc, etc.
I cannot believe they could not come up with something better. Then again, when you spend 6 years of doing nothing but bashing one person 24/7/365 it is hard to get other things done so maybe we should give them a break.
Matt-
Once again, you've confused your bum with your elbow.
Discouraging outsourcing leads to unemployment? For whom, Indians?
Who wanted to bankrupt social security? Thank god Bush failed at that. But then he fails at most businesses, ventures, wars, sobriety tests etc. So we're used to it.
Providing health care for Americans? How terrible! I don't know about you, but providing socialized health care for millions who can't afford high premiums on private care would would.....um, make us healthier and happier? (If done correctly, obviously)
Being energy independent in ten years, while extremely ambitious, is a great idea and even the man in the shrine next to your bed supports this idea too. It won't ruin business, it will simply force business to change and evolve. Stagnant business practices are not healthy to economies anyway.
Taxes should absolutely be raised. Not only do we have to cover the costs of this expensive war, but in order to provide better programs for the people of this country, we have to charge more (see: Sweden).
Matt, as always, your truthiness is in the way of the truth.
Purple Haze is hereby promoted to B4B's resident kook socialist. He/she/it lauds Marx as the great economist.
Matt, you left out the hidden agenda--impeachment.
New DemocRAT slogan: Vote for change in 2006; we're going to take your money and your president...
This is great! Right after I get my "free" health insurance I am going to start a national movement to force everyone else to pay for my auto insurance, and then my home owners insurance. Man, this stuff is expensive anynmore and I really do need it. What happens if I get into an accident, whose gonna pay for all damamge?
THIS IS MY CIVIL RIGHT!
Keefer-
As always, you bring a keen intellect to our conversations. Impeachment doesn't have to be a hidden agenda. I'll vocalize it because I think the President is a crook. I've already gone over the reasons several times, so I won't bore you with the details even though you could certainly due to hear them again and allow them to get past that oversized speedbump that you use to discern fact from fiction called your brain.
Since you didn't actually argue any points that I made (shocker), and jumped right to the "you're a pinko Marxist" sidetrack, then I have nothing else for you.
Jervis-
Your use of less-than-subtle sarcasm is not lost on me (though you may have to remind Keefer from time to time that you're using it). But remember that it is, in fact, the right of every American to be healthy. The middle class and the rich should not be the only citizens who have access to good medical care. We are the richest and most powerful country in the world, so wouldn't it be progressive (since it works in several other countries) to be able to provide this service to our people? Sure, it's an undertaking, but so has every other social program that has successfully turned the USA into an international powerhouse of finance and (most of the time) civil rights protection.
Secondly, don't kid yourself that other insurances are not socialized and regulated. In fact, it's the law in most states that you must have insurance to drive. You must wear a seatbelt because if you go through the windshield, then everyone must pay for your costs anyway- that is why those laws were passed. Also, some employers offer health benefits as a part of the perks of a job. is this not moving toward a socialist scenario? Why am I such a 'Marxist', not that most of these people have even ever read him, because I want to continue the trend?
So, why not just take the business out of it and provide basic health insurance (don't fall down that slippery slope and say that car insurance will be changed too- it's not necessary) and raise taxes slightly to support it. When you need it, maybe you'll be happy that you payed for it.
Yep Purplejay, it will only take slight tax raises to have universal healthcare. It will will be great given the governments record with V.A. hospitals. This is a big loser, please keep running with it.
Matt, there have been 27 raises in the minimum wage between 1938 and 1997. To my understanding, we are still a democracy and not a socialist state. http://www.dol.gov/esa/minwage/chart.htm
Since 1938, the span between 1997 to 2006 has been the longest period of time without an increase in the minimum wage, but how can we compete with China and India if we overpay our least qualified workers?
Matt, universal healthcare exists today in the US. We all pay for healthcare either though taxes (Medicare and Medicaid) or through decreased earning or higher prices for products and services (privately or employee funded healthcare). The current debate is over efficiency and quality.
The US ranks 185th out of 226 countries in infant mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 births). Most if not all of the 41 countries that do a better job of keeping their babies alive have universal healthcare. The list 41 includes Cuba, Canada, all EU countries and Japan.
The US ranks 48th in life expectancy. Again the people in 47 countries that offer universal healthcare live longer than we do in the US.
Did you know that we employ more administers to process insurance and Medicare/Medicaid paperwork than doctor and nurses?
Clearly our healthcare system does not work.
I know you people here believe that a Democratic government would be a disaster but, be honest for a minute, how could anyone do worse than what we've got running the show now?
So let me get this straight, the dems tax and spend (untrue historically but that's what you think) and the GOP borrows and spends. The only difference I see is that with the GOP, we have to pay back with interest. Great!
There is the same perception about size of government and entitlements. Here again, the GOP is the clear leader.
So exactly what is it that you like about these morons?
P.S.
I also think that if you look at the shift from federal to state/local taxes, you will also see that you taxes have gone up. I know mine have.
This is about the 10th "contract for america" that pelosi has put out - they only problem is, is that pelosi has her signature on it.
I guess we will have to see if Pelosi allows those that work in her hotel to go union.
She's the richest member of congress - she should not be allowed to devise a plan when she is unable to feel "our pain".
It will fail becaue Pelosi is a failure!
Any new taxes and tax hikes will be known as the "Bush Bankruptcy Prevention Tax" or simply the "Bush Tax."
Wade
The real losers are the American people.
Wade
Posted by: Wade at March 16, 2006 01:47 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glad you think so highly of the American people Wade! You are a wonderfully prime example of why you guys will NEVER win!!!
I still don't understand why liberals think that government can run things better than business.
Heath care is such a mess because someone else is paying most of it and decides what gets paid and how much.
If it was left to the market, prices would be competitive. It is that way in every other market. Even many elective medical processes are dirt cheap now. Lasik 10 years ago was out of the reach of most Americans. Now with competition, you get get your eyes done for $500/each and one year to pay same as cash. Try that with your brain tumor removal surgery.
You guys need to let go of the fantasy that goverment is going to make everything okay. It can't. Its been tried over and over, and just like a lie, no matter how many times you say it, it will never become truth.
It does NOT logically flow that since previous attempts at universal health care have been bogged down with bureaucracy, or have been burdened by a faulty system, that it can't work. It's far too valuable to the health of our nation to not work. We have stopped being progressive and we must give up our love affair with what is now only a dream of pure capitalism.
How are we going to pay for the Bush Agenda? As a social conservative... I wonder.
This is yet another area where I tend to side with Republicans. I hate unions! While I'm not saying we should outlaw them, unions were created many years ago due to horribly low wages, poor working conditions, etc. At this point in time, union members are overpaid, and are part of the reason jobs are moving overseas. And working conditions are governed by other government entities.
I heard a story on conservative talk radio, and yes, you'd never believe I listen to that after reading my blog. Nevertheless, I learned that Caterpillar, a near local company turned from the brink of bancruptcy to thriving financially simply by closing their union plants, and opening new plants. If a company treats their employees fairly, they have no need to unionize.
That said, with all the troubles the auto industry is having, I would like to see them follow in the footsteps of Caterpillar. I know many troubles in this area first-hand as I am a former overpaid union employee and also an under-employed automotive engineer.
If you want something that will make your blood boil, see my blog at http://captainron3476.blogspot.com Don't say I didn't warn you!