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still just me 06-13-2008 10:14 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:32:06 -0500, Joe <joe@nospam.hits-buffalo.com>
wrote:

>And while National Defense (or Offense if we're to use your words) is
>quite expensive, it is at least a constitutional role of the Federal
>government, while many of the things they are spending gobs of OUR
>money on are absolutely NOT.


No, it's not. The Constitution provides for National Defense. There
was no Constitutional basis to attack Iraq.

still just me 06-13-2008 10:23 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:22:03 -0500, Peaceful Bill
<snails.pace@highspeedturtles.net> wrote:

>> Please vote for more Republicans if you like uncontrolled spending
>> without the revenue to fund it.

>
>Sorry, that argument doesn't fly. The Dems are in control of both
>houses. They are responsible for the budget.


Puleeze. How long have "the Dems" been "in control" of the Congress?
Add to that the fact that they are the lamest party around and can't
push anything through that has the slightest opposition.

Sorry, but Bush bears full responsibility for the massive overspending
that has taken place and bankrupted us since 2000. Too bad he didn't
get any economics lessons from his Dad.

When you decide to pull your head out of the two-party system and look
at reality, you'll have a better feel for what's really been
happening.

still just me 06-13-2008 10:25 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:09:27 -0500, dbu <nospam@nospam.moc> wrote:

>
> I say good!! Congress has passed nothing but pork. Good thing we have
>a president who can strike a veto pen. Thankyou GWB.


You might want to check into that statement a little closer. Let me
know which spending bills Bush has vetoed.

Joe 06-13-2008 10:56 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On 2008-06-14, still just me <wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:32:06 -0500, Joe <joe@nospam.hits-buffalo.com>
> wrote:
>
>>And while National Defense (or Offense if we're to use your words) is
>>quite expensive, it is at least a constitutional role of the Federal
>>government, while many of the things they are spending gobs of OUR
>>money on are absolutely NOT.

>
> No, it's not. The Constitution provides for National Defense. There
> was no Constitutional basis to attack Iraq.


Why bother to quote at all if you're just going to ignore wholesale
sections of the post?

As I said, Iraq (and Afghanistan) could be considered National Defense
simply for the fact that they are keeping the Islamic Terror
organizations too busy to come over here...

Like it or not, the President declared war, and the Congress approved
it.

--
Joe - Linux User #449481/Ubuntu User #19733
joe at hits - buffalo dot com
"Hate is baggage, life is too short to go around pissed off all the
time..." - Danny, American History X

Joe 06-13-2008 10:58 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On 2008-06-14, still just me <wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:22:03 -0500, Peaceful Bill
><snails.pace@highspeedturtles.net> wrote:
>
>>> Please vote for more Republicans if you like uncontrolled spending
>>> without the revenue to fund it.

>>
>>Sorry, that argument doesn't fly. The Dems are in control of both
>>houses. They are responsible for the budget.

>
> Puleeze. How long have "the Dems" been "in control" of the Congress?
> Add to that the fact that they are the lamest party around and can't
> push anything through that has the slightest opposition.
>
> Sorry, but Bush bears full responsibility for the massive overspending
> that has taken place and bankrupted us since 2000. Too bad he didn't
> get any economics lessons from his Dad.
>
> When you decide to pull your head out of the two-party system and look
> at reality, you'll have a better feel for what's really been
> happening.


On this, we are in total agreement. Bush has not done a damn thing to
reduce overall spending, and the rare few cuts he has made have been
in areas where the money is at least justifiable.

Neither of the Parties running of this country has a ing clue, we
are just about due to blow the whole thing up and start from
scratch...


--
Joe - Linux User #449481/Ubuntu User #19733
joe at hits - buffalo dot com
"Hate is baggage, life is too short to go around pissed off all the
time..." - Danny, American History X

Joe 06-13-2008 10:59 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On 2008-06-14, still just me <wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:09:27 -0500, dbu <nospam@nospam.moc> wrote:
>
>>
>> I say good!! Congress has passed nothing but pork. Good thing we have
>>a president who can strike a veto pen. Thankyou GWB.

>
> You might want to check into that statement a little closer. Let me
> know which spending bills Bush has vetoed.


LOL. I think he has vetoed 10 bills in total, and I can't recall a
single one of them being a spending bill.

--
Joe - Linux User #449481/Ubuntu User #19733
joe at hits - buffalo dot com
"Hate is baggage, life is too short to go around pissed off all the
time..." - Danny, American History X

Gordon McGrew 06-13-2008 11:12 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:52:05 -0500, Peaceful Bill
<snails.pace@highspeedturtles.net> wrote:

>dgk wrote:
>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 05:46:21 -0500, Joe <joe@nospam.hits-buffalo.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On 2008-06-12, Gib Bogle <bogle@ihug.too.much.spam.co.nz> wrote:
>>>> Joe wrote:
>>>>> On 2008-06-08, still just me <wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>>>> On Sat, 07 Jun 2008 00:14:08 -0500, Joe <joe@nospam.hits-buffalo.com>
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "The solution to any problem is NEVER more taxes."
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> This is the silly statement to which I responded. It isn't over my head.
>>>>>>> Clearly, it is...
>>>>>> Someone call George Bush I and let him know about this ('cause he's
>>>>>> the one that recognized that Reagan's excesses could only be paid down
>>>>>> with new taxes...)
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Notice that Bush II decided to follow Reagan's path of record setting
>>>>>> deficits - thereby insuring that his successor will have to do what
>>>>>> his Dad did to pay down more record deficits.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>> Again, I never said that I was against taxes. I said I was against
>>>>> punitive taxes. <snip>
>>>> Actually, you said: "The solution to any problem is NEVER more taxes."
>>> Right. We already have plenty as it is. Get a dictionary. Look up
>>> "More". I'll wait for you.

>>
>> Maybe we should stop sending troops all over the world to protect the
>> investments of the wealthy. Since we spend more on offense than the
>> rest of the world combined, spending less would mean lower taxes. The
>> rich can go protect their investments themselves, using their kids.

>
>Investments of the wealthy??!!??!! ROTFLMAO. Yeah, wealthy, if you
>consider living in the U.S. wealthy.
>
>I think you need to do a little homework.
>
>The $$ cost of the wars we're fighting is insignificant compared to the
>cost of entitlement programs, Medicare and Social Security. Entitlement
>programs cost hundreds of times that of funding the war.
>
>Want to reduce taxes? Start by eliminating some of the entitlement
>programs.


Right now, Social Security is bringing in more money than it is paying
out. The surplus is being used to pay for (among other things) the
war on Iraq. If we stopped collecting social security tomorrow, we
would either have to borrow more money on the open market (aka the
Chinese) or raise other taxes to cover the shortfall. Medicare is
also funded by a separate tax.

I don't know how old you are or what your financial situation is.
However, if you are lucky you will someday reach the age of 65. Maybe
you will have enough money that you won't need Social Security. But I
doubt you would be able to afford private health insurance, even if
you could get it.

If you have at lest $10 million in the bank to self insure, your
position on this issue is rational. Selfish but rational. If you are
of more modest means, you have been drinking the neocon Koolaid. Wake
up.





>
>It makes sense to eliminate as much taxation as possible, then to start
>cutting the entitlement programs to match the tax cuts. Then start
>cutting again and eliminating programs again. Repeat. Tax revenues
>will actually increase due to the economic stimulii tax cuts produce.
>
>The current tax structure places a heavy and uncompetitive burden on
>businesses. They have trouble competing globally unless the dollar is
>weak. The current weak dollar makes U.S. business competitive globally
>by lowering the cost of their merchandise and/or services.
>
>But from your post, you would not seem to have any clue about economics.


Mike hunt 06-14-2008 07:22 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
Get real, every bill he vetoed was vetoed because of excess spending by
non-germane amendments inserted into legislation like the defense spending
bills

"still just me" <wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:nta654d2hc76l37rom3vahu3lhtev96gi4@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:09:27 -0500, dbu <nospam@nospam.moc> wrote:
>
>>
>> I say good!! Congress has passed nothing but pork. Good thing we have
>>a president who can strike a veto pen. Thankyou GWB.

>
> You might want to check into that statement a little closer. Let me
> know which spending bills Bush has vetoed.




Mike hunt 06-14-2008 07:30 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
Where do you come up with that idea? SS funds, by law from day one, have
always been held in US government bonds, there are no SS funds

"Gordon McGrew" <RgEmMcOgVrEew@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:15d654d07bd8phcuvvqfdds0d71krjnq99@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:52:05 -0500, Peaceful Bill
> <snails.pace@highspeedturtles.net> wrote:
>
>>dgk wrote:
>>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 05:46:21 -0500, Joe <joe@nospam.hits-buffalo.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 2008-06-12, Gib Bogle <bogle@ihug.too.much.spam.co.nz> wrote:
>>>>> Joe wrote:
>>>>>> On 2008-06-08, still just me <wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>>>>> On Sat, 07 Jun 2008 00:14:08 -0500, Joe
>>>>>>> <joe@nospam.hits-buffalo.com>
>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> "The solution to any problem is NEVER more taxes."
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> This is the silly statement to which I responded. It isn't over
>>>>>>>>> my head.
>>>>>>>> Clearly, it is...
>>>>>>> Someone call George Bush I and let him know about this ('cause he's
>>>>>>> the one that recognized that Reagan's excesses could only be paid
>>>>>>> down
>>>>>>> with new taxes...)
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Notice that Bush II decided to follow Reagan's path of record
>>>>>>> setting
>>>>>>> deficits - thereby insuring that his successor will have to do what
>>>>>>> his Dad did to pay down more record deficits.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> Again, I never said that I was against taxes. I said I was against
>>>>>> punitive taxes. <snip>
>>>>> Actually, you said: "The solution to any problem is NEVER more taxes."
>>>> Right. We already have plenty as it is. Get a dictionary. Look up
>>>> "More". I'll wait for you.
>>>
>>> Maybe we should stop sending troops all over the world to protect the
>>> investments of the wealthy. Since we spend more on offense than the
>>> rest of the world combined, spending less would mean lower taxes. The
>>> rich can go protect their investments themselves, using their kids.

>>
>>Investments of the wealthy??!!??!! ROTFLMAO. Yeah, wealthy, if you
>>consider living in the U.S. wealthy.
>>
>>I think you need to do a little homework.
>>
>>The $$ cost of the wars we're fighting is insignificant compared to the
>>cost of entitlement programs, Medicare and Social Security. Entitlement
>>programs cost hundreds of times that of funding the war.
>>
>>Want to reduce taxes? Start by eliminating some of the entitlement
>>programs.

>
> Right now, Social Security is bringing in more money than it is paying
> out. The surplus is being used to pay for (among other things) the
> war on Iraq. If we stopped collecting social security tomorrow, we
> would either have to borrow more money on the open market (aka the
> Chinese) or raise other taxes to cover the shortfall. Medicare is
> also funded by a separate tax.
>
> I don't know how old you are or what your financial situation is.
> However, if you are lucky you will someday reach the age of 65. Maybe
> you will have enough money that you won't need Social Security. But I
> doubt you would be able to afford private health insurance, even if
> you could get it.
>
> If you have at lest $10 million in the bank to self insure, your
> position on this issue is rational. Selfish but rational. If you are
> of more modest means, you have been drinking the neocon Koolaid. Wake
> up.
>
>
>
>
>
>>
>>It makes sense to eliminate as much taxation as possible, then to start
>>cutting the entitlement programs to match the tax cuts. Then start
>>cutting again and eliminating programs again. Repeat. Tax revenues
>>will actually increase due to the economic stimulii tax cuts produce.
>>
>>The current tax structure places a heavy and uncompetitive burden on
>>businesses. They have trouble competing globally unless the dollar is
>>weak. The current weak dollar makes U.S. business competitive globally
>>by lowering the cost of their merchandise and/or services.
>>
>>But from your post, you would not seem to have any clue about economics.




L Alpert 06-14-2008 07:52 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 

"Bill Putney" <bptn@kinez.net> wrote in message
news:6b0qrmF38rhjvU2@mid.individual.net...
> Art wrote:
>> I suppose we could continue to let the market fix the problem.
>> Sure worked well over the last 30 years...... lol
>>
>> Republicans claim that government doesn't work. When they win
>> office they prove it.
>>
>> What kills me is the assumption that the market and private
>> industry is so efficient. Explain Enron to me please.....

>
> It's real simple - it was an extremely unethical company. One out
> of how many?
>
> Bill Putney
> (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
> address with the letter 'x')


The one that we know about, anyway.



Gordon McGrew 06-14-2008 08:15 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:59:34 GMT, still just me
<wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:

>On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:22:08 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com>
>wrote:
>
>>You've fallen for the big con.
>>
>>The cut of the top rate from 70% down to 28%, by Reagan, did stimulate
>>the economy, but it was too far of a cut and Reagan eventually raised
>>taxes, as did Bush Sr, and Clinton. The result was an eventual balancing
>>of the budget during the Clinton administration. Bush Sr. can blame his
>>very minor tax increase on his loss in 1992.

>
>>Just how low do you think taxes should be cut? Do you believe that there
>>a lower limit where they no longer produce any stimulus? Or do you
>>believe, along with the neo-cons, that bankrupting the country through
>>massive deficit spending is the preferred path to take.

>
>Silly boy. Don't you know that Reagan and Bush II were _forced_ into
>the massive, record setting, deficit spending by the Democrats? Just
>check the RNC blogs and talk shows - it's all there.


There was a time when they could have convinced the general public of
this, but people seem to be waking up. Nothing like $4 gas and the
prospect of job and healthcare loss coming on the same day to clear
the mind.

>>I suggest you read _THE BIG CON_ The True Story of How Washington Got
>>Hoodwinked and Hijacked by Crackpot Economics, by Jonathan Chait.

>
>I'd disagree that it's "crackpot economics" but the "con" is massive.
>There's a clear group of powerful neo-cons at/influencing the
>RNC/party who clearly know there's nothing to their alleged economic
>"theories". They're smart people, they can read statistics. But, they
>put hold up a good front and have the most remarkable marketing and
>sales team ever.
>
>Their only goal is to put more money in their already fat robber-baron
>like pockets through massive government spending economically directed
>to them and through tax and regulatory policies designed to put
>billions into their pockets (not ours). They don't give two hoots
>about the USA and will sell the country out in a NY second if it
>benefits them personally (examples available).


Watch for them to flee the country with their money as soon as they
think taxes might rise for them.

>Meanwhile, their marketeers and sales staff cleverly sell these tax
>cuts as benefitting the small guy (they do, but in a very small
>relative way). They also sell to various other causes & crowds through
>alleged social and patriotic goals, none of which are really important
>to them as long as they can fill their pockets fuller. Note how they
>are willing to sell out any principle (patriotism, liberty,
>conservatism, loyalty, honesty, etc, etc) if it will make more money
>from them.


One sign that you are being lied to is when the rationale changes but
the proposed action doesn't. When Bush ran for President, he favored
a big tax cut because the budget was running a surplus and it was only
fair to give the money back (never mind the huge Republican debt.)
When the economy weakened and the surplus vanished, we had to have a
big tax cut to stimulate the economy. Even though the tax cut was
long term and the economists (with conservative blessing) had long
disparaged use of fiscal policy to regulate the economy.

>But, unfortunately most people don't read and certainly aren't clever
>enough to read between the lines. Not to mention, the Democrats are
>hardly a viable alternative to the neo-consfor most folks - being
>beleaguered by well meaning, but often mis-guided, ideological goals
>at the expense of pragmatism (at least they're sincere though :-)


I am a firm proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is
less evil.

CharlesTheCurmudgeon 06-14-2008 08:34 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 

"Gordon McGrew" <RgEmMcOgVrEew@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:f2e654lbbfmbuqd2hgjgscml4jm0gfmt1e@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:59:34 GMT, still just me
> <wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>>On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:22:08 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com>
>>wrote:
>>
>>>You've fallen for the big con.
>>>
>>>The cut of the top rate from 70% down to 28%, by Reagan, did stimulate
>>>the economy, but it was too far of a cut and Reagan eventually raised
>>>taxes, as did Bush Sr, and Clinton. The result was an eventual balancing
>>>of the budget during the Clinton administration. Bush Sr. can blame his
>>>very minor tax increase on his loss in 1992.

>>
>>>Just how low do you think taxes should be cut? Do you believe that there
>>>a lower limit where they no longer produce any stimulus? Or do you
>>>believe, along with the neo-cons, that bankrupting the country through
>>>massive deficit spending is the preferred path to take.

>>
>>Silly boy. Don't you know that Reagan and Bush II were _forced_ into
>>the massive, record setting, deficit spending by the Democrats? Just
>>check the RNC blogs and talk shows - it's all there.

>
> There was a time when they could have convinced the general public of
> this, but people seem to be waking up. Nothing like $4 gas and the
> prospect of job and healthcare loss coming on the same day to clear
> the mind.
>
>>>I suggest you read _THE BIG CON_ The True Story of How Washington Got
>>>Hoodwinked and Hijacked by Crackpot Economics, by Jonathan Chait.

>>
>>I'd disagree that it's "crackpot economics" but the "con" is massive.
>>There's a clear group of powerful neo-cons at/influencing the
>>RNC/party who clearly know there's nothing to their alleged economic
>>"theories". They're smart people, they can read statistics. But, they
>>put hold up a good front and have the most remarkable marketing and
>>sales team ever.
>>
>>Their only goal is to put more money in their already fat robber-baron
>>like pockets through massive government spending economically directed
>>to them and through tax and regulatory policies designed to put
>>billions into their pockets (not ours). They don't give two hoots
>>about the USA and will sell the country out in a NY second if it
>>benefits them personally (examples available).

>
> Watch for them to flee the country with their money as soon as they
> think taxes might rise for them.
>
>>Meanwhile, their marketeers and sales staff cleverly sell these tax
>>cuts as benefitting the small guy (they do, but in a very small
>>relative way). They also sell to various other causes & crowds through
>>alleged social and patriotic goals, none of which are really important
>>to them as long as they can fill their pockets fuller. Note how they
>>are willing to sell out any principle (patriotism, liberty,
>>conservatism, loyalty, honesty, etc, etc) if it will make more money
>>from them.

>
> One sign that you are being lied to is when the rationale changes but
> the proposed action doesn't. When Bush ran for President, he favored
> a big tax cut because the budget was running a surplus and it was only
> fair to give the money back (never mind the huge Republican debt.)
> When the economy weakened and the surplus vanished, we had to have a
> big tax cut to stimulate the economy. Even though the tax cut was
> long term and the economists (with conservative blessing) had long
> disparaged use of fiscal policy to regulate the economy.
>
>>But, unfortunately most people don't read and certainly aren't clever
>>enough to read between the lines. Not to mention, the Democrats are
>>hardly a viable alternative to the neo-consfor most folks - being
>>beleaguered by well meaning, but often mis-guided, ideological goals
>>at the expense of pragmatism (at least they're sincere though :-)

>
> I am a firm proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is
> less evil.


And I'm a proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is still
EVIL. Bill Clinton was the most morally deficient president we've had in my
lifetime. As I often said, the best president Chinese money could buy. The
only reason he actually was able to pay down the debt was the
Republican-controlled Congress finally refused to spend money on entitlement
programs without limit. (Thanks, LBJ for bankrupting the country
financially and morally. The SECOND worst president in my lifetime.) The
US Government is not supposed to be a sow with 250 million teats. Please
reread the Preamble. Provide for the COMMON defense, promote the GENERAL
welfare.

Charles the Curmudgeon


Jeff 06-14-2008 08:40 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
CharlesTheCurmudgeon wrote:
>
> "Gordon McGrew" <RgEmMcOgVrEew@mindspring.com> wrote in message
> news:f2e654lbbfmbuqd2hgjgscml4jm0gfmt1e@4ax.com...
>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:59:34 GMT, still just me
>> <wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:22:08 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> You've fallen for the big con.
>>>>
>>>> The cut of the top rate from 70% down to 28%, by Reagan, did stimulate
>>>> the economy, but it was too far of a cut and Reagan eventually raised
>>>> taxes, as did Bush Sr, and Clinton. The result was an eventual
>>>> balancing
>>>> of the budget during the Clinton administration. Bush Sr. can blame his
>>>> very minor tax increase on his loss in 1992.
>>>
>>>> Just how low do you think taxes should be cut? Do you believe that
>>>> there
>>>> a lower limit where they no longer produce any stimulus? Or do you
>>>> believe, along with the neo-cons, that bankrupting the country through
>>>> massive deficit spending is the preferred path to take.
>>>
>>> Silly boy. Don't you know that Reagan and Bush II were _forced_ into
>>> the massive, record setting, deficit spending by the Democrats? Just
>>> check the RNC blogs and talk shows - it's all there.

>>
>> There was a time when they could have convinced the general public of
>> this, but people seem to be waking up. Nothing like $4 gas and the
>> prospect of job and healthcare loss coming on the same day to clear
>> the mind.
>>
>>>> I suggest you read _THE BIG CON_ The True Story of How Washington Got
>>>> Hoodwinked and Hijacked by Crackpot Economics, by Jonathan Chait.
>>>
>>> I'd disagree that it's "crackpot economics" but the "con" is massive.
>>> There's a clear group of powerful neo-cons at/influencing the
>>> RNC/party who clearly know there's nothing to their alleged economic
>>> "theories". They're smart people, they can read statistics. But, they
>>> put hold up a good front and have the most remarkable marketing and
>>> sales team ever.
>>>
>>> Their only goal is to put more money in their already fat robber-baron
>>> like pockets through massive government spending economically directed
>>> to them and through tax and regulatory policies designed to put
>>> billions into their pockets (not ours). They don't give two hoots
>>> about the USA and will sell the country out in a NY second if it
>>> benefits them personally (examples available).

>>
>> Watch for them to flee the country with their money as soon as they
>> think taxes might rise for them.
>>
>>> Meanwhile, their marketeers and sales staff cleverly sell these tax
>>> cuts as benefitting the small guy (they do, but in a very small
>>> relative way). They also sell to various other causes & crowds through
>>> alleged social and patriotic goals, none of which are really important
>>> to them as long as they can fill their pockets fuller. Note how they
>>> are willing to sell out any principle (patriotism, liberty,
>>> conservatism, loyalty, honesty, etc, etc) if it will make more money
>>> from them.

>>
>> One sign that you are being lied to is when the rationale changes but
>> the proposed action doesn't. When Bush ran for President, he favored
>> a big tax cut because the budget was running a surplus and it was only
>> fair to give the money back (never mind the huge Republican debt.)
>> When the economy weakened and the surplus vanished, we had to have a
>> big tax cut to stimulate the economy. Even though the tax cut was
>> long term and the economists (with conservative blessing) had long
>> disparaged use of fiscal policy to regulate the economy.
>>
>>> But, unfortunately most people don't read and certainly aren't clever
>>> enough to read between the lines. Not to mention, the Democrats are
>>> hardly a viable alternative to the neo-consfor most folks - being
>>> beleaguered by well meaning, but often mis-guided, ideological goals
>>> at the expense of pragmatism (at least they're sincere though :-)

>>
>> I am a firm proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is
>> less evil.

>
> And I'm a proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is still
> EVIL. Bill Clinton was the most morally deficient president we've had
> in my lifetime.


He didn't send thousands of US troops to their deaths in Iraq. Nor did
his actions lead to disruption of millions of lives of Americans and
their families who had to fight in Iraq, had family members (husbands,
wives, brothers, sisters, parents) go to Iraq multiple times, nor did he
disrupt a country based on shaky intelligence.

> As I often said, the best president Chinese money could
> buy. The only reason he actually was able to pay down the debt was the
> Republican-controlled Congress finally refused to spend money on
> entitlement programs without limit. (Thanks, LBJ for bankrupting the
> country financially and morally. The SECOND worst president in my
> lifetime.) The US Government is not supposed to be a sow with 250
> million teats. Please reread the Preamble. Provide for the COMMON
> defense, promote the GENERAL welfare.
>
> Charles the Curmudgeon


Gordon McGrew 06-14-2008 09:20 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:32:06 -0500, Joe <joe@nospam.hits-buffalo.com>
wrote:

>On 2008-06-12, dgk <dgk@somewhere.com> wrote:
>
>> Maybe we should stop sending troops all over the world to protect the
>> investments of the wealthy. Since we spend more on offense than the
>> rest of the world combined, spending less would mean lower taxes. The
>> rich can go protect their investments themselves, using their kids.

>
>I am all for investigating any way to decrease spending.
>
>In most cases, these nasty little wars are more of a defense than an
>offense, though. Let's face facts, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
>are doing a great job in keeping the bulk of the community
>tied up. When those actions are done, you will see a marked increase
>in Islamic terrorism in North America.


I am pretty skeptical of this. Certainly hitting al Qaeda in
Afghanistan was a no brainer and very disruptive of their operations.
Unfortunately, instead of focusing on that, we got distracted with
Iraq which had little to do with international terrorism.

I don't buy the "flypaper" argument - that we are attracting
terrorists to Iraq so we can fight them there. The overwhelming
majority of who we have been fighting in Iraq are Iraqis who either
hate us for invading their country or Shiite radicals who used to hate
Saddam but now hate us for dominating their country. It doesn't seem
likely that a cell of terrorists ready, willing and able to attack on
US soil would be deterred because we are waging war in Iraq or
Afghanistan. Most of the 9-11 hijackers were Saudis. Osama bin Laden
is a Saudi currently living in Pakistan.

Prior to 9-11, Osama stated three objectives for his organization: 1.
Force the US to abandon military bases in Saudi Arabia which he saw as
a desecration of the holy land. 2. Draw the US into a war in the
Middle East where they could be punished for their offenses against
Islam. 3. Drive oil prices to $144 a barrel as lower prices
constituted US/Western theft of Islamic wealth. With the help of his
accomplice, George Bush, he has achieved goals 1 and 2 and is within a
few dollars of achieving number 3.

Except for the two attacks on the WTC over the last 15 years, I am
hard pressed to think of any Islamic attacks in the US.
Given this spotty record, it is impossible to say what effect our
adventures in the Middle East have had or will have in the future.

Klark Kent 06-14-2008 09:37 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
In message
news:0e01f052-5a9c-4e9b-becc-557ce419fceb@z24g2000prf.googlegroups.com,
"larry moe 'n curly" <larrymoencurly@my-deja.com> burned some brain cells
writing:

>
>
> Klark Kent wrote:
>
>> In message news:wbb4k.7598$uE5.3573@flpi144.ffdc.sbc.com, SMS
>> <scharf.steven@geemail.com> burned some brain cells writing:

>
>> > Just how low do you think taxes should be cut?

>>
>> This is a two-part question. First the national debt must be paid
>> off.

>
> The national debt never has to be paid off


If you lack of conscience permits theft from voiceless future generations.

> Interest on the national debt is a transfer of wealth
> from the poor to the rich


Interest on the national debt is a transfer of wealth from the US to China.

> and currently amounts to roughly (very
> roughly) $1,000 a person annually. Lowering the debt/GDP ratio will
> allow for interest rates to be lower, and that can't be bad for
> consumers and business.


Interest rates are already ridiculously low, not because of debt but
because Ben Bernancke won't stop printing money out of thin air.

>> In order to do that you can either raise taxes or cut spending. Since
>> it has been established that raising taxes is detrimental to the
>> economy, spending cuts are the way to go.

>
> It has not been established that raising taxes is always or even
> usually detrimental to the economy.


And the name of a nation that taxed itself into prosperity is....?

___________________________

Didn't think so.

>> Spending cuts also make it easier to accomplish the
>> post-national-debt-payoff phase: eliminating the income tax
>> completely.

>
> Spending cuts are difficult because powerful politicians are behind
> spending, especially the most wasteful spending.


Politicians are only as powerful as the voters who elect them. Put more
people like Jeff Flake and Ron Paul into Congress and spending will return
to reasonable, constitutional levels.

> Also taxes can be
> hard to cut without incurring deficits.


Which is why spending needs to be cut, first and deeply.

>> > Do you believe that there a lower limit where they no longer produce
>> > any stimulus?

>>
>> No. Elimination of the income tax would be the best thing that could
>> be done to stimulate the economy, and it would result in revenue to
>> the government equivalent to 1999 levels.

>
> Cite proof from someone who has a good track record of forecasting
> revenue.


Such numbers can be found in any World Almanac or on the CBO website.

> Cutting taxes hasn't resulted in revenue gains unless the
> top marginal rate was very high or the average rate was very, very
> high, and neither situation exists today.


I didn't say I wanted to CUT the tax RATE; I want to ELIMINATE the income
tax COMPLETELY and replace it with NOTHING.

> Any tax cuts will have to
> be accompanied by some spending cuts to avoid deficits.


Yep.

Kevin 06-14-2008 11:01 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
Jeff <kidsdoc2000@hotmail.com> wrote in news:J_O4k.4311$WH.301@trndny05:

> CharlesTheCurmudgeon wrote:
>>
>> "Gordon McGrew" <RgEmMcOgVrEew@mindspring.com> wrote in message
>> news:f2e654lbbfmbuqd2hgjgscml4jm0gfmt1e@4ax.com...
>>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:59:34 GMT, still just me
>>> <wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:22:08 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> You've fallen for the big con.
>>>>>
>>>>> The cut of the top rate from 70% down to 28%, by Reagan, did
>>>>> stimulate the economy, but it was too far of a cut and Reagan
>>>>> eventually raised taxes, as did Bush Sr, and Clinton. The result
>>>>> was an eventual balancing
>>>>> of the budget during the Clinton administration. Bush Sr. can
>>>>> blame his very minor tax increase on his loss in 1992.
>>>>
>>>>> Just how low do you think taxes should be cut? Do you believe that
>>>>> there
>>>>> a lower limit where they no longer produce any stimulus? Or do you
>>>>> believe, along with the neo-cons, that bankrupting the country
>>>>> through massive deficit spending is the preferred path to take.
>>>>
>>>> Silly boy. Don't you know that Reagan and Bush II were _forced_
>>>> into the massive, record setting, deficit spending by the
>>>> Democrats? Just check the RNC blogs and talk shows - it's all
>>>> there.
>>>
>>> There was a time when they could have convinced the general public
>>> of this, but people seem to be waking up. Nothing like $4 gas and
>>> the prospect of job and healthcare loss coming on the same day to
>>> clear the mind.
>>>
>>>>> I suggest you read _THE BIG CON_ The True Story of How Washington
>>>>> Got Hoodwinked and Hijacked by Crackpot Economics, by Jonathan
>>>>> Chait.
>>>>
>>>> I'd disagree that it's "crackpot economics" but the "con" is
>>>> massive. There's a clear group of powerful neo-cons at/influencing
>>>> the RNC/party who clearly know there's nothing to their alleged
>>>> economic "theories". They're smart people, they can read
>>>> statistics. But, they put hold up a good front and have the most
>>>> remarkable marketing and sales team ever.
>>>>
>>>> Their only goal is to put more money in their already fat
>>>> robber-baron like pockets through massive government spending
>>>> economically directed to them and through tax and regulatory
>>>> policies designed to put billions into their pockets (not ours).
>>>> They don't give two hoots about the USA and will sell the country
>>>> out in a NY second if it benefits them personally (examples
>>>> available).
>>>
>>> Watch for them to flee the country with their money as soon as they
>>> think taxes might rise for them.
>>>
>>>> Meanwhile, their marketeers and sales staff cleverly sell these tax
>>>> cuts as benefitting the small guy (they do, but in a very small
>>>> relative way). They also sell to various other causes & crowds
>>>> through alleged social and patriotic goals, none of which are
>>>> really important to them as long as they can fill their pockets
>>>> fuller. Note how they are willing to sell out any principle
>>>> (patriotism, liberty, conservatism, loyalty, honesty, etc, etc) if
>>>> it will make more money from them.
>>>
>>> One sign that you are being lied to is when the rationale changes
>>> but the proposed action doesn't. When Bush ran for President, he
>>> favored a big tax cut because the budget was running a surplus and
>>> it was only fair to give the money back (never mind the huge
>>> Republican debt.) When the economy weakened and the surplus
>>> vanished, we had to have a big tax cut to stimulate the economy.
>>> Even though the tax cut was long term and the economists (with
>>> conservative blessing) had long disparaged use of fiscal policy to
>>> regulate the economy.
>>>
>>>> But, unfortunately most people don't read and certainly aren't
>>>> clever enough to read between the lines. Not to mention, the
>>>> Democrats are hardly a viable alternative to the neo-consfor most
>>>> folks - being beleaguered by well meaning, but often mis-guided,
>>>> ideological goals at the expense of pragmatism (at least they're
>>>> sincere though :-)
>>>
>>> I am a firm proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is
>>> less evil.

>>
>> And I'm a proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is
>> still EVIL. Bill Clinton was the most morally deficient president
>> we've had in my lifetime.

>
> He didn't send thousands of US troops to their deaths in Iraq. Nor did
> his actions lead to disruption of millions of lives of Americans and
> their families who had to fight in Iraq, had family members (husbands,
> wives, brothers, sisters, parents) go to Iraq multiple times, nor did
> he disrupt a country based on shaky intelligence.


WOW apparently you can`t remember crap. Clinton put us into more
military situtations than any other pres has ever done. We are still in
most of then too. none of them were for our defence. He was getting a
blow job at the same time he was on the phone sending troups into harms
way for Fuc*ing nothing to do with our defence. he cut military spending
at the very same time he was deploying more troups than since the viet
nam screwup. KB

>
>> As I often said, the best president Chinese money could
>> buy. The only reason he actually was able to pay down the debt was
>> the Republican-controlled Congress finally refused to spend money on
>> entitlement programs without limit. (Thanks, LBJ for bankrupting the
>> country financially and morally. The SECOND worst president in my
>> lifetime.) The US Government is not supposed to be a sow with 250
>> million teats. Please reread the Preamble. Provide for the COMMON
>> defense, promote the GENERAL welfare.
>>
>> Charles the Curmudgeon

>




--
THUNDERSNAKE #9

Protect your rights or "Lose" them
The 2nd Admendment guarantees the others

Gordon McGrew 06-14-2008 01:18 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:47:13 -0400, David Starr
<davestarr@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

>On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:02:16 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:
>
>>Bill Putney wrote:
>>> SMS wrote:
>>>
>>>> ...Or do you believe, along with the neo-cons, that bankrupting the
>>>> country through massive deficit spending is the preferred path to take.
>>>
>>> Why yes - we believe that bankrupting the country is the answer.

>>
>>Please vote for more Republicans if you like uncontrolled spending
>>without the revenue to fund it.

>
>Or vote for the Democrats for uncontrolled spending AND taxation.


At least it is more fiscally responsible and you get some benefit from
it.

Gordon McGrew 06-14-2008 01:34 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:34:51 -0500, "CharlesTheCurmudgeon"
<CharlesTheCurmudgeon@comcast.net> wrote:

>
>"Gordon McGrew" <RgEmMcOgVrEew@mindspring.com> wrote in message
>news:f2e654lbbfmbuqd2hgjgscml4jm0gfmt1e@4ax.com.. .
>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:59:34 GMT, still just me
>> <wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>>>On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:22:08 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com>
>>>wrote:
>>>
>>>>You've fallen for the big con.
>>>>
>>>>The cut of the top rate from 70% down to 28%, by Reagan, did stimulate
>>>>the economy, but it was too far of a cut and Reagan eventually raised
>>>>taxes, as did Bush Sr, and Clinton. The result was an eventual balancing
>>>>of the budget during the Clinton administration. Bush Sr. can blame his
>>>>very minor tax increase on his loss in 1992.
>>>
>>>>Just how low do you think taxes should be cut? Do you believe that there
>>>>a lower limit where they no longer produce any stimulus? Or do you
>>>>believe, along with the neo-cons, that bankrupting the country through
>>>>massive deficit spending is the preferred path to take.
>>>
>>>Silly boy. Don't you know that Reagan and Bush II were _forced_ into
>>>the massive, record setting, deficit spending by the Democrats? Just
>>>check the RNC blogs and talk shows - it's all there.

>>
>> There was a time when they could have convinced the general public of
>> this, but people seem to be waking up. Nothing like $4 gas and the
>> prospect of job and healthcare loss coming on the same day to clear
>> the mind.
>>
>>>>I suggest you read _THE BIG CON_ The True Story of How Washington Got
>>>>Hoodwinked and Hijacked by Crackpot Economics, by Jonathan Chait.
>>>
>>>I'd disagree that it's "crackpot economics" but the "con" is massive.
>>>There's a clear group of powerful neo-cons at/influencing the
>>>RNC/party who clearly know there's nothing to their alleged economic
>>>"theories". They're smart people, they can read statistics. But, they
>>>put hold up a good front and have the most remarkable marketing and
>>>sales team ever.
>>>
>>>Their only goal is to put more money in their already fat robber-baron
>>>like pockets through massive government spending economically directed
>>>to them and through tax and regulatory policies designed to put
>>>billions into their pockets (not ours). They don't give two hoots
>>>about the USA and will sell the country out in a NY second if it
>>>benefits them personally (examples available).

>>
>> Watch for them to flee the country with their money as soon as they
>> think taxes might rise for them.
>>
>>>Meanwhile, their marketeers and sales staff cleverly sell these tax
>>>cuts as benefitting the small guy (they do, but in a very small
>>>relative way). They also sell to various other causes & crowds through
>>>alleged social and patriotic goals, none of which are really important
>>>to them as long as they can fill their pockets fuller. Note how they
>>>are willing to sell out any principle (patriotism, liberty,
>>>conservatism, loyalty, honesty, etc, etc) if it will make more money
>>>from them.

>>
>> One sign that you are being lied to is when the rationale changes but
>> the proposed action doesn't. When Bush ran for President, he favored
>> a big tax cut because the budget was running a surplus and it was only
>> fair to give the money back (never mind the huge Republican debt.)
>> When the economy weakened and the surplus vanished, we had to have a
>> big tax cut to stimulate the economy. Even though the tax cut was
>> long term and the economists (with conservative blessing) had long
>> disparaged use of fiscal policy to regulate the economy.
>>
>>>But, unfortunately most people don't read and certainly aren't clever
>>>enough to read between the lines. Not to mention, the Democrats are
>>>hardly a viable alternative to the neo-consfor most folks - being
>>>beleaguered by well meaning, but often mis-guided, ideological goals
>>>at the expense of pragmatism (at least they're sincere though :-)

>>
>> I am a firm proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is
>> less evil.

>
>And I'm a proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is still
>EVIL. Bill Clinton was the most morally deficient president we've had in my
>lifetime. As I often said, the best president Chinese money could buy. The
>only reason he actually was able to pay down the debt was the
>Republican-controlled Congress finally refused to spend money on entitlement
>programs without limit.


You really don't know WTF you are talking about. Entitlement
programs, by definition, are immune to the whims of the Congressional
appropriation process. These include Social Security and Medicare.
The only significant change to these benefits in recent years was the
Republican directed Medicare Drug Plan which provides meager and
confusing benefits at outrageous cost to the taxpayer and obscene
profits to the drug companies. Even the Republicans wouldn't have
voted for this if the Bust Administration hadn't lied about the cost
and twisted their arms to the breaking point.

> (Thanks, LBJ for bankrupting the country
>financially and morally. The SECOND worst president in my lifetime.) The
>US Government is not supposed to be a sow with 250 million teats. Please
>reread the Preamble. Provide for the COMMON defense, promote the GENERAL
>welfare.


If everyone in America is a piglet by your analogy, then it sounds
like the GENERAL welfare is being promoted.

Bill Putney 06-14-2008 01:44 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
Gordon McGrew wrote:
> On Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:47:13 -0400, David Starr
> <davestarr@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:02:16 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Bill Putney wrote:
>>>> SMS wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> ...Or do you believe, along with the neo-cons, that bankrupting the
>>>>> country through massive deficit spending is the preferred path to take.
>>>> Why yes - we believe that bankrupting the country is the answer.
>>> Please vote for more Republicans if you like uncontrolled spending
>>> without the revenue to fund it.

>> Or vote for the Democrats for uncontrolled spending AND taxation.

>
> At least it is more fiscally responsible and you get some benefit from
> it.


The benefit is...?

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

Bill Putney 06-14-2008 01:49 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
Gordon McGrew wrote:
> On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:34:51 -0500, "CharlesTheCurmudgeon"
> <CharlesTheCurmudgeon@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> "Gordon McGrew" <RgEmMcOgVrEew@mindspring.com> wrote in message
>> news:f2e654lbbfmbuqd2hgjgscml4jm0gfmt1e@4ax.com...
>>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:59:34 GMT, still just me
>>> <wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:22:08 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> You've fallen for the big con.
>>>>>
>>>>> The cut of the top rate from 70% down to 28%, by Reagan, did stimulate
>>>>> the economy, but it was too far of a cut and Reagan eventually raised
>>>>> taxes, as did Bush Sr, and Clinton. The result was an eventual balancing
>>>>> of the budget during the Clinton administration. Bush Sr. can blame his
>>>>> very minor tax increase on his loss in 1992.
>>>>> Just how low do you think taxes should be cut? Do you believe that there
>>>>> a lower limit where they no longer produce any stimulus? Or do you
>>>>> believe, along with the neo-cons, that bankrupting the country through
>>>>> massive deficit spending is the preferred path to take.
>>>> Silly boy. Don't you know that Reagan and Bush II were _forced_ into
>>>> the massive, record setting, deficit spending by the Democrats? Just
>>>> check the RNC blogs and talk shows - it's all there.
>>> There was a time when they could have convinced the general public of
>>> this, but people seem to be waking up. Nothing like $4 gas and the
>>> prospect of job and healthcare loss coming on the same day to clear
>>> the mind.
>>>
>>>>> I suggest you read _THE BIG CON_ The True Story of How Washington Got
>>>>> Hoodwinked and Hijacked by Crackpot Economics, by Jonathan Chait.
>>>> I'd disagree that it's "crackpot economics" but the "con" is massive.
>>>> There's a clear group of powerful neo-cons at/influencing the
>>>> RNC/party who clearly know there's nothing to their alleged economic
>>>> "theories". They're smart people, they can read statistics. But, they
>>>> put hold up a good front and have the most remarkable marketing and
>>>> sales team ever.
>>>>
>>>> Their only goal is to put more money in their already fat robber-baron
>>>> like pockets through massive government spending economically directed
>>>> to them and through tax and regulatory policies designed to put
>>>> billions into their pockets (not ours). They don't give two hoots
>>>> about the USA and will sell the country out in a NY second if it
>>>> benefits them personally (examples available).
>>> Watch for them to flee the country with their money as soon as they
>>> think taxes might rise for them.
>>>
>>>> Meanwhile, their marketeers and sales staff cleverly sell these tax
>>>> cuts as benefitting the small guy (they do, but in a very small
>>>> relative way). They also sell to various other causes & crowds through
>>>> alleged social and patriotic goals, none of which are really important
>>>> to them as long as they can fill their pockets fuller. Note how they
>>>> are willing to sell out any principle (patriotism, liberty,
>>>> conservatism, loyalty, honesty, etc, etc) if it will make more money
>>> >from them.
>>>
>>> One sign that you are being lied to is when the rationale changes but
>>> the proposed action doesn't. When Bush ran for President, he favored
>>> a big tax cut because the budget was running a surplus and it was only
>>> fair to give the money back (never mind the huge Republican debt.)
>>> When the economy weakened and the surplus vanished, we had to have a
>>> big tax cut to stimulate the economy. Even though the tax cut was
>>> long term and the economists (with conservative blessing) had long
>>> disparaged use of fiscal policy to regulate the economy.
>>>
>>>> But, unfortunately most people don't read and certainly aren't clever
>>>> enough to read between the lines. Not to mention, the Democrats are
>>>> hardly a viable alternative to the neo-consfor most folks - being
>>>> beleaguered by well meaning, but often mis-guided, ideological goals
>>>> at the expense of pragmatism (at least they're sincere though :-)
>>> I am a firm proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is
>>> less evil.

>> And I'm a proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is still
>> EVIL. Bill Clinton was the most morally deficient president we've had in my
>> lifetime. As I often said, the best president Chinese money could buy. The
>> only reason he actually was able to pay down the debt was the
>> Republican-controlled Congress finally refused to spend money on entitlement
>> programs without limit.

>
> You really don't know WTF you are talking about. Entitlement
> programs, by definition, are immune to the whims of the Congressional
> appropriation process. These include Social Security and Medicare.
> The only significant change to these benefits in recent years was the
> Republican directed Medicare Drug Plan which provides meager and
> confusing benefits at outrageous cost to the taxpayer and obscene
> profits to the drug companies. Even the Republicans wouldn't have
> voted for this if the Bust Administration hadn't lied about the cost
> and twisted their arms to the breaking point.
>
>> (Thanks, LBJ for bankrupting the country
>> financially and morally. The SECOND worst president in my lifetime.) The
>> US Government is not supposed to be a sow with 250 million teats. Please
>> reread the Preamble. Provide for the COMMON defense, promote the GENERAL
>> welfare.

>
> If everyone in America is a piglet by your analogy, then it sounds
> like the GENERAL welfare is being promoted.


No - only that of those sucking on the teats and not those going out and
working for what they get. The term "welfare" has a bastardized meaning
today due to gubmint programs. Originally it simply meant wellbeing -
not programs of handouts.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

Gordon McGrew 06-14-2008 05:13 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:30:44 -0400, "Mike hunt" <mikehunt22@lycos.com>
wrote:

>Where do you come up with that idea? SS funds, by law from day one, have
>always been held in US government bonds, there are no SS funds


I don't know why I even bother answering your incoherent, half
comments.

There certainly are SS funds. Yes they are invested in government
bonds which is how the government funds things it can't afford like
the war in Iraq.

Do you mean to imply that the government bonds are not secure? That
may ultimately prove to be the case if the Republicans keep running
things.

>>>Want to reduce taxes? Start by eliminating some of the entitlement
>>>programs.

>>
>> Right now, Social Security is bringing in more money than it is paying
>> out. The surplus is being used to pay for (among other things) the
>> war on Iraq. If we stopped collecting social security tomorrow, we
>> would either have to borrow more money on the open market (aka the
>> Chinese) or raise other taxes to cover the shortfall. Medicare is
>> also funded by a separate tax.
>>
>> I don't know how old you are or what your financial situation is.
>> However, if you are lucky you will someday reach the age of 65. Maybe
>> you will have enough money that you won't need Social Security. But I
>> doubt you would be able to afford private health insurance, even if
>> you could get it.
>>
>> If you have at lest $10 million in the bank to self insure, your
>> position on this issue is rational. Selfish but rational. If you are
>> of more modest means, you have been drinking the neocon Koolaid. Wake
>> up.
>>


CharlesTheCurmudgeon 06-14-2008 08:28 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 

"Bill Putney" <bptn@kinez.net> wrote in message
news:6biekjF39rbb2U1@mid.individual.net...
> Gordon McGrew wrote:
>> On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:34:51 -0500, "CharlesTheCurmudgeon"
>> <CharlesTheCurmudgeon@comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>>> "Gordon McGrew" <RgEmMcOgVrEew@mindspring.com> wrote in message
>>> news:f2e654lbbfmbuqd2hgjgscml4jm0gfmt1e@4ax.com...
>>>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:59:34 GMT, still just me
>>>> <wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:22:08 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> You've fallen for the big con.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The cut of the top rate from 70% down to 28%, by Reagan, did
>>>>>> stimulate
>>>>>> the economy, but it was too far of a cut and Reagan eventually raised
>>>>>> taxes, as did Bush Sr, and Clinton. The result was an eventual
>>>>>> balancing
>>>>>> of the budget during the Clinton administration. Bush Sr. can blame
>>>>>> his
>>>>>> very minor tax increase on his loss in 1992.
>>>>>> Just how low do you think taxes should be cut? Do you believe that
>>>>>> there
>>>>>> a lower limit where they no longer produce any stimulus? Or do you
>>>>>> believe, along with the neo-cons, that bankrupting the country
>>>>>> through
>>>>>> massive deficit spending is the preferred path to take.
>>>>> Silly boy. Don't you know that Reagan and Bush II were _forced_ into
>>>>> the massive, record setting, deficit spending by the Democrats? Just
>>>>> check the RNC blogs and talk shows - it's all there.
>>>> There was a time when they could have convinced the general public of
>>>> this, but people seem to be waking up. Nothing like $4 gas and the
>>>> prospect of job and healthcare loss coming on the same day to clear
>>>> the mind.
>>>>
>>>>>> I suggest you read _THE BIG CON_ The True Story of How Washington Got
>>>>>> Hoodwinked and Hijacked by Crackpot Economics, by Jonathan Chait.
>>>>> I'd disagree that it's "crackpot economics" but the "con" is massive.
>>>>> There's a clear group of powerful neo-cons at/influencing the
>>>>> RNC/party who clearly know there's nothing to their alleged economic
>>>>> "theories". They're smart people, they can read statistics. But, they
>>>>> put hold up a good front and have the most remarkable marketing and
>>>>> sales team ever.
>>>>>
>>>>> Their only goal is to put more money in their already fat robber-baron
>>>>> like pockets through massive government spending economically directed
>>>>> to them and through tax and regulatory policies designed to put
>>>>> billions into their pockets (not ours). They don't give two hoots
>>>>> about the USA and will sell the country out in a NY second if it
>>>>> benefits them personally (examples available).
>>>> Watch for them to flee the country with their money as soon as they
>>>> think taxes might rise for them.
>>>>
>>>>> Meanwhile, their marketeers and sales staff cleverly sell these tax
>>>>> cuts as benefitting the small guy (they do, but in a very small
>>>>> relative way). They also sell to various other causes & crowds through
>>>>> alleged social and patriotic goals, none of which are really important
>>>>> to them as long as they can fill their pockets fuller. Note how they
>>>>> are willing to sell out any principle (patriotism, liberty,
>>>>> conservatism, loyalty, honesty, etc, etc) if it will make more money
>>>> >from them.
>>>>
>>>> One sign that you are being lied to is when the rationale changes but
>>>> the proposed action doesn't. When Bush ran for President, he favored
>>>> a big tax cut because the budget was running a surplus and it was only
>>>> fair to give the money back (never mind the huge Republican debt.)
>>>> When the economy weakened and the surplus vanished, we had to have a
>>>> big tax cut to stimulate the economy. Even though the tax cut was
>>>> long term and the economists (with conservative blessing) had long
>>>> disparaged use of fiscal policy to regulate the economy.
>>>>
>>>>> But, unfortunately most people don't read and certainly aren't clever
>>>>> enough to read between the lines. Not to mention, the Democrats are
>>>>> hardly a viable alternative to the neo-consfor most folks - being
>>>>> beleaguered by well meaning, but often mis-guided, ideological goals
>>>>> at the expense of pragmatism (at least they're sincere though :-)
>>>> I am a firm proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is
>>>> less evil.
>>> And I'm a proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is still
>>> EVIL. Bill Clinton was the most morally deficient president we've had
>>> in my lifetime. As I often said, the best president Chinese money could
>>> buy. The only reason he actually was able to pay down the debt was the
>>> Republican-controlled Congress finally refused to spend money on
>>> entitlement programs without limit.

>>
>> You really don't know WTF you are talking about. Entitlement
>> programs, by definition, are immune to the whims of the Congressional
>> appropriation process. These include Social Security and Medicare.
>> The only significant change to these benefits in recent years was the
>> Republican directed Medicare Drug Plan which provides meager and
>> confusing benefits at outrageous cost to the taxpayer and obscene
>> profits to the drug companies. Even the Republicans wouldn't have
>> voted for this if the Bust Administration hadn't lied about the cost
>> and twisted their arms to the breaking point.
>>
>>> (Thanks, LBJ for bankrupting the country financially and morally. The
>>> SECOND worst president in my lifetime.) The US Government is not
>>> supposed to be a sow with 250 million teats. Please reread the
>>> Preamble. Provide for the COMMON defense, promote the GENERAL welfare.

>>
>> If everyone in America is a piglet by your analogy, then it sounds
>> like the GENERAL welfare is being promoted.

>
> No - only that of those sucking on the teats and not those going out and
> working for what they get. The term "welfare" has a bastardized meaning
> today due to gubmint programs. Originally it simply meant wellbeing - not
> programs of handouts.
>
> Bill Putney
> (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my address
> with the letter 'x')


And Gordon McScrew hasn't noticed I don't even bother to reply to his
liberal rantings. If Gordon McScrew and JoeNoBedroom are indicative of
what the average American are thinking, then as a country, we're done for.
And I'm finding more and more 'common' people are thinking like them.

Charles the Curmudgeon.


still just me 06-14-2008 09:09 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:13:31 -0500, Gordon McGrew
<RgEmMcOgVrEew@mindspring.com> wrote:

>I don't know why I even bother answering your incoherent, half
>comments.
>
>There certainly are SS funds. Yes they are invested in government
>bonds which is how the government funds things it can't afford like
>the war in Iraq.
>
>Do you mean to imply that the government bonds are not secure? That
>may ultimately prove to be the case if the Republicans keep running
>things.


I don't think he understands the other half of the equation i.s. where
the money goes when some entity buys a gov't bond/bill.



still just me 06-14-2008 09:16 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 08:20:15 -0500, Gordon McGrew
<RgEmMcOgVrEew@mindspring.com> wrote:

>I am pretty skeptical of this. Certainly hitting al Qaeda in
>Afghanistan was a no brainer and very disruptive of their operations.
>Unfortunately, instead of focusing on that, we got distracted with
>Iraq which had little to do with international terrorism.


Distracted isn't the word I would use. Afghanistan was a brilliant
move - we had almost the entire world, including most Arab countries,
united against terrorism. It was a legitimate defense of our country
and a worldwide offense against terrorism. Iraq was the polar
opposite.

>I don't buy the "flypaper" argument - that we are attracting
>terrorists to Iraq so we can fight them there. The overwhelming
>majority of who we have been fighting in Iraq are Iraqis who either
>hate us for invading their country or Shiite radicals who used to hate
>Saddam but now hate us for dominating their country. It doesn't seem
>likely that a cell of terrorists ready, willing and able to attack on
>US soil would be deterred because we are waging war in Iraq or
>Afghanistan. Most of the 9-11 hijackers were Saudis. Osama bin Laden
>is a Saudi currently living in Pakistan.


I don't know about any flypaper arguments - but the fact is that there
was no Al Queda presence in Iraq, despite what Bush, Cheney, and their
lackeys stated over and over again (and Cheney is still doing it).

>Prior to 9-11, Osama stated three objectives for his organization: 1.
>Force the US to abandon military bases in Saudi Arabia which he saw as
>a desecration of the holy land. 2. Draw the US into a war in the
>Middle East where they could be punished for their offenses against
>Islam. 3. Drive oil prices to $144 a barrel as lower prices
>constituted US/Western theft of Islamic wealth. With the help of his
>accomplice, George Bush, he has achieved goals 1 and 2 and is within a
>few dollars of achieving number 3.


Actually, he hit number 3.

>Except for the two attacks on the WTC over the last 15 years, I am
>hard pressed to think of any Islamic attacks in the US.
>Given this spotty record, it is impossible to say what effect our
>adventures in the Middle East have had or will have in the future.


I'll say this: GWB's foreign policy, Iraq certainly included, has been
the worst of any President in history. It will take 50 years to
restore our credibility and get any respect in the world. He's been a
nightmare post Afghanistan.

still just me 06-14-2008 09:49 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:34:51 -0500, "CharlesTheCurmudgeon"
<CharlesTheCurmudgeon@comcast.net> wrote:

>And I'm a proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is still
>EVIL. Bill Clinton was the most morally deficient president we've had in my
>lifetime. As I often said, the best president Chinese money could buy. The
>only reason he actually was able to pay down the debt was the
>Republican-controlled Congress finally refused to spend money on entitlement
>programs without limit. (Thanks, LBJ for bankrupting the country
>financially and morally. The SECOND worst president in my lifetime.) The
>US Government is not supposed to be a sow with 250 million teats. Please
>reread the Preamble. Provide for the COMMON defense, promote the GENERAL
>welfare.
>
>Charles the Curmudgeon


I'm no fan of the fornicator, but if you're giving the Republican
Congress the credit for balancing the budget, then you have to give
them the blame for the last 8 years of outrageous deficit spending.

I'd also be interested in why the two Presidents with the largest
deficit spending in history (Reagan and Bush) spent so much when they
enjoyed Republican Congresses for much of their dual terms.


still just me 06-14-2008 09:52 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:22:05 -0400, "Mike hunt" <mikehunt22@lycos.com>
wrote:

>Get real, every bill he vetoed was vetoed because of excess spending by
>non-germane amendments inserted into legislation like the defense spending
>bills


Really? You might want to do a little more reading.

still just me 06-14-2008 09:52 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:58:48 -0500, Joe <joe@nospam.hits-buffalo.com>
wrote:

>
>Neither of the Parties running of this country has a ing clue, we
>are just about due to blow the whole thing up and start from
>scratch...


I can agree with you on the first part. I'm not much for blowing
things up, but I'll jump in for "start from scratch".


still just me 06-14-2008 10:00 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:56:32 -0500, Joe <joe@nospam.hits-buffalo.com>
wrote:

>Why bother to quote at all if you're just going to ignore wholesale
>sections of the post?
>
>As I said, Iraq (and Afghanistan) could be considered National Defense
>simply for the fact that they are keeping the Islamic Terror
>organizations too busy to come over here...
>
>Like it or not, the President declared war, and the Congress approved
>it.


The President does not declare war. he asks Congress to declare war.
In the case of Iraq, neither happened. The primary reason was that
there was no clear basis for declaring war and Bush knew it all to
well. To avoid the opposition that would certainly have been loud, he
never sought the formal declaration.

Gordon McGrew 06-14-2008 10:37 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:28:30 -0500, "CharlesTheCurmudgeon"
<CharlesTheCurmudgeon@comcast.net> wrote:

>
>"Bill Putney" <bptn@kinez.net> wrote in message
>news:6biekjF39rbb2U1@mid.individual.net...
>> Gordon McGrew wrote:
>>> On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:34:51 -0500, "CharlesTheCurmudgeon"
>>> <CharlesTheCurmudgeon@comcast.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> "Gordon McGrew" <RgEmMcOgVrEew@mindspring.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:f2e654lbbfmbuqd2hgjgscml4jm0gfmt1e@4ax.com...
>>>>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:59:34 GMT, still just me
>>>>> <wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:22:08 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com>
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> You've fallen for the big con.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The cut of the top rate from 70% down to 28%, by Reagan, did
>>>>>>> stimulate
>>>>>>> the economy, but it was too far of a cut and Reagan eventually raised
>>>>>>> taxes, as did Bush Sr, and Clinton. The result was an eventual
>>>>>>> balancing
>>>>>>> of the budget during the Clinton administration. Bush Sr. can blame
>>>>>>> his
>>>>>>> very minor tax increase on his loss in 1992.
>>>>>>> Just how low do you think taxes should be cut? Do you believe that
>>>>>>> there
>>>>>>> a lower limit where they no longer produce any stimulus? Or do you
>>>>>>> believe, along with the neo-cons, that bankrupting the country
>>>>>>> through
>>>>>>> massive deficit spending is the preferred path to take.
>>>>>> Silly boy. Don't you know that Reagan and Bush II were _forced_ into
>>>>>> the massive, record setting, deficit spending by the Democrats? Just
>>>>>> check the RNC blogs and talk shows - it's all there.
>>>>> There was a time when they could have convinced the general public of
>>>>> this, but people seem to be waking up. Nothing like $4 gas and the
>>>>> prospect of job and healthcare loss coming on the same day to clear
>>>>> the mind.
>>>>>
>>>>>>> I suggest you read _THE BIG CON_ The True Story of How Washington Got
>>>>>>> Hoodwinked and Hijacked by Crackpot Economics, by Jonathan Chait.
>>>>>> I'd disagree that it's "crackpot economics" but the "con" is massive.
>>>>>> There's a clear group of powerful neo-cons at/influencing the
>>>>>> RNC/party who clearly know there's nothing to their alleged economic
>>>>>> "theories". They're smart people, they can read statistics. But, they
>>>>>> put hold up a good front and have the most remarkable marketing and
>>>>>> sales team ever.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Their only goal is to put more money in their already fat robber-baron
>>>>>> like pockets through massive government spending economically directed
>>>>>> to them and through tax and regulatory policies designed to put
>>>>>> billions into their pockets (not ours). They don't give two hoots
>>>>>> about the USA and will sell the country out in a NY second if it
>>>>>> benefits them personally (examples available).
>>>>> Watch for them to flee the country with their money as soon as they
>>>>> think taxes might rise for them.
>>>>>
>>>>>> Meanwhile, their marketeers and sales staff cleverly sell these tax
>>>>>> cuts as benefitting the small guy (they do, but in a very small
>>>>>> relative way). They also sell to various other causes & crowds through
>>>>>> alleged social and patriotic goals, none of which are really important
>>>>>> to them as long as they can fill their pockets fuller. Note how they
>>>>>> are willing to sell out any principle (patriotism, liberty,
>>>>>> conservatism, loyalty, honesty, etc, etc) if it will make more money
>>>>> >from them.
>>>>>
>>>>> One sign that you are being lied to is when the rationale changes but
>>>>> the proposed action doesn't. When Bush ran for President, he favored
>>>>> a big tax cut because the budget was running a surplus and it was only
>>>>> fair to give the money back (never mind the huge Republican debt.)
>>>>> When the economy weakened and the surplus vanished, we had to have a
>>>>> big tax cut to stimulate the economy. Even though the tax cut was
>>>>> long term and the economists (with conservative blessing) had long
>>>>> disparaged use of fiscal policy to regulate the economy.
>>>>>
>>>>>> But, unfortunately most people don't read and certainly aren't clever
>>>>>> enough to read between the lines. Not to mention, the Democrats are
>>>>>> hardly a viable alternative to the neo-consfor most folks - being
>>>>>> beleaguered by well meaning, but often mis-guided, ideological goals
>>>>>> at the expense of pragmatism (at least they're sincere though :-)
>>>>> I am a firm proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is
>>>>> less evil.
>>>> And I'm a proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is still
>>>> EVIL. Bill Clinton was the most morally deficient president we've had
>>>> in my lifetime. As I often said, the best president Chinese money could
>>>> buy. The only reason he actually was able to pay down the debt was the
>>>> Republican-controlled Congress finally refused to spend money on
>>>> entitlement programs without limit.
>>>
>>> You really don't know WTF you are talking about. Entitlement
>>> programs, by definition, are immune to the whims of the Congressional
>>> appropriation process. These include Social Security and Medicare.
>>> The only significant change to these benefits in recent years was the
>>> Republican directed Medicare Drug Plan which provides meager and
>>> confusing benefits at outrageous cost to the taxpayer and obscene
>>> profits to the drug companies. Even the Republicans wouldn't have
>>> voted for this if the Bust Administration hadn't lied about the cost
>>> and twisted their arms to the breaking point.
>>>
>>>> (Thanks, LBJ for bankrupting the country financially and morally. The
>>>> SECOND worst president in my lifetime.) The US Government is not
>>>> supposed to be a sow with 250 million teats. Please reread the
>>>> Preamble. Provide for the COMMON defense, promote the GENERAL welfare.
>>>
>>> If everyone in America is a piglet by your analogy, then it sounds
>>> like the GENERAL welfare is being promoted.

>>
>> No - only that of those sucking on the teats and not those going out and
>> working for what they get. The term "welfare" has a bastardized meaning
>> today due to gubmint programs. Originally it simply meant wellbeing - not
>> programs of handouts.
>>
>> Bill Putney
>> (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my address
>> with the letter 'x')

>
>And Gordon McScrew hasn't noticed I don't even bother to reply to his
>liberal rantings. If Gordon McScrew and JoeNoBedroom are indicative of
>what the average American are thinking, then as a country, we're done for.
>And I'm finding more and more 'common' people are thinking like them.
>
>Charles the Curmudgeon.


Obviously your thinking is stunted at the 7th Grade level. As for
what the average American is thinking, you found that out two years
ago and you are going to learn it again this November. Americans are
waking up to the fact that you right wing fanatics are screwing them
into the ground with your corporate-greed-is-good philosophy.


Gordon McGrew 06-14-2008 10:41 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:44:50 -0400, Bill Putney <bptn@kinez.net>
wrote:

>Gordon McGrew wrote:
>> On Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:47:13 -0400, David Starr
>> <davestarr@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>
>>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:02:16 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Bill Putney wrote:
>>>>> SMS wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> ...Or do you believe, along with the neo-cons, that bankrupting the
>>>>>> country through massive deficit spending is the preferred path to take.
>>>>> Why yes - we believe that bankrupting the country is the answer.
>>>> Please vote for more Republicans if you like uncontrolled spending
>>>> without the revenue to fund it.
>>> Or vote for the Democrats for uncontrolled spending AND taxation.

>>
>> At least it is more fiscally responsible and you get some benefit from
>> it.

>
>The benefit is...?


Hopefully universal healthcare, although it will probably take ten or
twenty years to full institute.






Norm De Plume 06-15-2008 08:17 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 


CharlesTheCurmudgeon wrote:

> Bill Clinton was the most morally deficient president we've had in my lifetime.


How did you die before January, 2001?



Norm De Plume 06-15-2008 08:31 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 


CharlesTheCurmudgeon wrote:

> And Gordon McScrew hasn't noticed I don't even bother to reply to his
> liberal rantings. If Gordon McScrew and JoeNoBedroom are indicative of
> what the average American are thinking, then as a country, we're done for.
> And I'm finding more and more 'common' people are thinking like them.


Unlike intellectually superior people like yourself who still live
with Mom?




Bill Putney 06-15-2008 08:54 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
CharlesTheCurmudgeon wrote:
>
> "Bill Putney" <bptn@kinez.net> wrote in message
> news:6biekjF39rbb2U1@mid.individual.net...
>> Gordon McGrew wrote:
>>> On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:34:51 -0500, "CharlesTheCurmudgeon"
>>> <CharlesTheCurmudgeon@comcast.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> "Gordon McGrew" <RgEmMcOgVrEew@mindspring.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:f2e654lbbfmbuqd2hgjgscml4jm0gfmt1e@4ax.com...
>>>>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:59:34 GMT, still just me
>>>>> <wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:22:08 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com>
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> You've fallen for the big con.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The cut of the top rate from 70% down to 28%, by Reagan, did
>>>>>>> stimulate
>>>>>>> the economy, but it was too far of a cut and Reagan eventually
>>>>>>> raised
>>>>>>> taxes, as did Bush Sr, and Clinton. The result was an eventual
>>>>>>> balancing
>>>>>>> of the budget during the Clinton administration. Bush Sr. can
>>>>>>> blame his
>>>>>>> very minor tax increase on his loss in 1992.
>>>>>>> Just how low do you think taxes should be cut? Do you believe
>>>>>>> that there
>>>>>>> a lower limit where they no longer produce any stimulus? Or do you
>>>>>>> believe, along with the neo-cons, that bankrupting the country
>>>>>>> through
>>>>>>> massive deficit spending is the preferred path to take.
>>>>>> Silly boy. Don't you know that Reagan and Bush II were _forced_ into
>>>>>> the massive, record setting, deficit spending by the Democrats? Just
>>>>>> check the RNC blogs and talk shows - it's all there.
>>>>> There was a time when they could have convinced the general public of
>>>>> this, but people seem to be waking up. Nothing like $4 gas and the
>>>>> prospect of job and healthcare loss coming on the same day to clear
>>>>> the mind.
>>>>>
>>>>>>> I suggest you read _THE BIG CON_ The True Story of How Washington
>>>>>>> Got
>>>>>>> Hoodwinked and Hijacked by Crackpot Economics, by Jonathan Chait.
>>>>>> I'd disagree that it's "crackpot economics" but the "con" is massive.
>>>>>> There's a clear group of powerful neo-cons at/influencing the
>>>>>> RNC/party who clearly know there's nothing to their alleged economic
>>>>>> "theories". They're smart people, they can read statistics. But, they
>>>>>> put hold up a good front and have the most remarkable marketing and
>>>>>> sales team ever.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Their only goal is to put more money in their already fat
>>>>>> robber-baron
>>>>>> like pockets through massive government spending economically
>>>>>> directed
>>>>>> to them and through tax and regulatory policies designed to put
>>>>>> billions into their pockets (not ours). They don't give two hoots
>>>>>> about the USA and will sell the country out in a NY second if it
>>>>>> benefits them personally (examples available).
>>>>> Watch for them to flee the country with their money as soon as they
>>>>> think taxes might rise for them.
>>>>>
>>>>>> Meanwhile, their marketeers and sales staff cleverly sell these tax
>>>>>> cuts as benefitting the small guy (they do, but in a very small
>>>>>> relative way). They also sell to various other causes & crowds
>>>>>> through
>>>>>> alleged social and patriotic goals, none of which are really
>>>>>> important
>>>>>> to them as long as they can fill their pockets fuller. Note how they
>>>>>> are willing to sell out any principle (patriotism, liberty,
>>>>>> conservatism, loyalty, honesty, etc, etc) if it will make more money
>>>>> >from them.
>>>>>
>>>>> One sign that you are being lied to is when the rationale changes but
>>>>> the proposed action doesn't. When Bush ran for President, he favored
>>>>> a big tax cut because the budget was running a surplus and it was only
>>>>> fair to give the money back (never mind the huge Republican debt.)
>>>>> When the economy weakened and the surplus vanished, we had to have a
>>>>> big tax cut to stimulate the economy. Even though the tax cut was
>>>>> long term and the economists (with conservative blessing) had long
>>>>> disparaged use of fiscal policy to regulate the economy.
>>>>>
>>>>>> But, unfortunately most people don't read and certainly aren't clever
>>>>>> enough to read between the lines. Not to mention, the Democrats are
>>>>>> hardly a viable alternative to the neo-consfor most folks - being
>>>>>> beleaguered by well meaning, but often mis-guided, ideological goals
>>>>>> at the expense of pragmatism (at least they're sincere though :-)
>>>>> I am a firm proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is
>>>>> less evil.
>>>> And I'm a proponent of the theory that the lesser of two evils is
>>>> still EVIL. Bill Clinton was the most morally deficient president
>>>> we've had in my lifetime. As I often said, the best president
>>>> Chinese money could buy. The only reason he actually was able to
>>>> pay down the debt was the Republican-controlled Congress finally
>>>> refused to spend money on entitlement programs without limit.
>>>
>>> You really don't know WTF you are talking about. Entitlement
>>> programs, by definition, are immune to the whims of the Congressional
>>> appropriation process. These include Social Security and Medicare.
>>> The only significant change to these benefits in recent years was the
>>> Republican directed Medicare Drug Plan which provides meager and
>>> confusing benefits at outrageous cost to the taxpayer and obscene
>>> profits to the drug companies. Even the Republicans wouldn't have
>>> voted for this if the Bust Administration hadn't lied about the cost
>>> and twisted their arms to the breaking point.
>>>
>>>> (Thanks, LBJ for bankrupting the country financially and morally.
>>>> The SECOND worst president in my lifetime.) The US Government is
>>>> not supposed to be a sow with 250 million teats. Please reread the
>>>> Preamble. Provide for the COMMON defense, promote the GENERAL welfare.
>>>
>>> If everyone in America is a piglet by your analogy, then it sounds
>>> like the GENERAL welfare is being promoted.

>>
>> No - only that of those sucking on the teats and not those going out
>> and working for what they get. The term "welfare" has a bastardized
>> meaning today due to gubmint programs. Originally it simply meant
>> wellbeing - not programs of handouts.
>>
>> Bill Putney
>> (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
>> address with the letter 'x')

>
> And Gordon McScrew hasn't noticed I don't even bother to reply to his
> liberal rantings. If Gordon McScrew and JoeNoBedroom are indicative of
> what the average American are thinking, then as a country, we're done
> for. And I'm finding more and more 'common' people are thinking like them.
>
> Charles the Curmudgeon.


I fear that you are right about that. We will know if Obama gets
elected. The fact that it's a toss up at this point that he might may
have the same implication. And in what ways will McCain be much better
in certain categories?

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

Bill Putney 06-15-2008 09:09 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
Gordon McGrew wrote:
> On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:44:50 -0400, Bill Putney <bptn@kinez.net>
> wrote:
>
>> Gordon McGrew wrote:
>>> On Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:47:13 -0400, David Starr
>>> <davestarr@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:02:16 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Bill Putney wrote:
>>>>>> SMS wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ...Or do you believe, along with the neo-cons, that bankrupting the
>>>>>>> country through massive deficit spending is the preferred path to take.
>>>>>> Why yes - we believe that bankrupting the country is the answer.
>>>>> Please vote for more Republicans if you like uncontrolled spending
>>>>> without the revenue to fund it.
>>>> Or vote for the Democrats for uncontrolled spending AND taxation.
>>> At least it is more fiscally responsible and you get some benefit from
>>> it.

>> The benefit is...?

>
> Hopefully universal healthcare, although it will probably take ten or
> twenty years to full institute.


That is not a benefit IMO. I know we have problems (in healthcare), but
gubmint-run universal healthcare is not the answer. It will be worse
than what we have now. There are programs in place now to cover the
otherwise uninsured.

What else?

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

Peaceful Bill 06-15-2008 09:15 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
Jeff wrote:
>
>
> Thank him for what? Bush vetoed 10 bills, including two stem cell
> research bills, two children's health insurance bills, a US Farm bill
> (2008), an appropriations bills for NIH, the DOE and related programs, a
> water resources bill and the rest were related to the Defense Department
> or Intelligence activities. Two of the vetos (water-resources bill and
> Farm bill) were overridden by Congress.


They were the only two worth reconsideration. The rest were just crap
spending without merit.




still just me 06-15-2008 10:46 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:15:14 -0500, Peaceful Bill
<snails.pace@highspeedturtles.net> wrote:

>>
>>
>> Thank him for what? Bush vetoed 10 bills, including two stem cell
>> research bills, two children's health insurance bills, a US Farm bill
>> (2008), an appropriations bills for NIH, the DOE and related programs, a
>> water resources bill and the rest were related to the Defense Department
>> or Intelligence activities. Two of the vetos (water-resources bill and
>> Farm bill) were overridden by Congress.

>
>They were the only two worth reconsideration. The rest were just crap
>spending without merit.


Really? Which do you object to, stem cell research on unfertilized
eggs or insurance for children?



still just me 06-15-2008 10:55 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
On Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:09:31 -0400, Bill Putney <bptn@kinez.net>
wrote:

>That is not a benefit IMO. I know we have problems (in healthcare), but
>gubmint-run universal healthcare is not the answer. It will be worse
>than what we have now.


But what we have now needs serious reform. Healthcare is a service
system, not an insurance system, yet we have insurance companies
taking a major chuck out of the middle and limiting needed care based
on purely monetary motives. We can't fix that when the people in power
are in the pocket of the insurance companies.

>There are programs in place now to cover the
>otherwise uninsured.


You are sadly misinformed.

There are few programs for the uninsured. The only "programs" in most
states are the fact that if you show up in an emergency room they are
obligated to treat you.

Klark Kent 06-15-2008 10:57 AM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
In message news:voaa549prrsn6cqrc7jd6t2of32hhjrgga@4ax.com, still just me
<wheeledBobNOSPAM@yahoo.com> burned some brain cells writing:

> On Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:15:14 -0500, Peaceful Bill
><snails.pace@highspeedturtles.net> wrote:
>
>>>
>>>
>>> Thank him for what? Bush vetoed 10 bills, including two stem cell
>>> research bills, two children's health insurance bills, a US Farm bill
>>> (2008), an appropriations bills for NIH, the DOE and related
>>> programs, a water resources bill and the rest were related to the
>>> Defense Department or Intelligence activities. Two of the vetos
>>> (water-resources bill and Farm bill) were overridden by Congress.

>>
>>They were the only two worth reconsideration. The rest were just crap
>>spending without merit.

>
> Really? Which do you object to, stem cell research on unfertilized
> eggs or insurance for children?


Which is authorized by the Constitution? Specific Article and Section,
please.

Bill Putney 06-15-2008 08:11 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
still just me wrote:
> On Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:15:14 -0500, Peaceful Bill
> <snails.pace@highspeedturtles.net> wrote:
>
>>>
>>> Thank him for what? Bush vetoed 10 bills, including two stem cell
>>> research bills, two children's health insurance bills, a US Farm bill
>>> (2008), an appropriations bills for NIH, the DOE and related programs, a
>>> water resources bill and the rest were related to the Defense Department
>>> or Intelligence activities. Two of the vetos (water-resources bill and
>>> Farm bill) were overridden by Congress.

>> They were the only two worth reconsideration. The rest were just crap
>> spending without merit.

>
> Really? Which do you object to, stem cell research on unfertilized
> eggs or insurance for children?


The two you mention are bogus for reasons that anyone who is the
slightest bit aware knows. I'll let you figure it out (you probably
already know the answers but pretend not to).

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

Bill Putney 06-15-2008 08:14 PM

Re: OT Cheney - Cutting Gas Tax Stupid
 
still just me wrote:
> On Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:09:31 -0400, Bill Putney <bptn@kinez.net>
> wrote:
>
>> That is not a benefit IMO. I know we have problems (in healthcare), but
>> gubmint-run universal healthcare is not the answer. It will be worse
>> than what we have now.

>
> But what we have now needs serious reform. Healthcare is a service
> system, not an insurance system, yet we have insurance companies
> taking a major chuck out of the middle and limiting needed care based
> on purely monetary motives. We can't fix that when the people in power
> are in the pocket of the insurance companies.


Read what I wrote.

>> There are programs in place now to cover the
>> otherwise uninsured.

>
> You are sadly misinformed.
>
> There are few programs for the uninsured. The only "programs" in most
> states are the fact that if you show up in an emergency room they are
> obligated to treat you.


You are grossly ignorant about that which you write.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')


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