These are all from thinkprogress from the last couple of days. When you read through them it just proves how far to the wacko side the r’s have gone and continue to go.
By l3wis
27 thoughts on “Just How Wacko is the Right Wing? Click Away . . . (H/T – Helga)”
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Well at least one Democrat had a moment of honesty in the process:
“There ain’t no rules here, we’re trying to accomplish something. . . .All this talk about rules. . . .When the deal goes down . . . we make ’em up as we go along.”
Rep. Alcee Hastings D-FL
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OGM0ZjlhMDRkMzBmM2ZhMmY4MmExOTNhMWM5NDUyMTk=
Great post Lewis.
I guess you missed Boehner’s little speech tonight Sy. Whatta guy. And then there is the republican congressman who yelled out “baby killer.” Nothing like keeping it classy.
We should have given the Republicans a middle finger and passed this thing 9 months ago (when it was a better bill). Too much dinking around. Last night at work people were freaking out about the passage (some for, some against) I basically said this, “Oh settle down, this won’t take affect for another 4-8 years, and it will become some convidluted by then, and manipulated it won’t amount to a hill of beans.
The GOP has already promised to campaign to get it repealed – and if they get someone in office to beat Obama (and the possibility of that happening continue to grow each and every day), there is a good chance we will never see any of these changes either way.
My only question is – since the CBO says this will save something like $1 Trillion off the national debt over 10 years… why are the Republicans fighting against it so hard? I thought they were the party that was about fiscal integrity while the Democrats were supposed to the ones increasing the debt rather than the opposite.
Some will argue – but I’m convinced the primary reason Republicans are against this is because the Democrats had the idea, and if this works…the Dems will be rubbing it in the faces of the Reps for the next decade or two which will cost the GOP a lot of votes and a lot of seats.
I won’t claim to know if the bill is good or bad… from what I’ve seen it is a little of both, but it seems we are long since past the time that something needed to be done, and since the GOP wasn’t willing to do a damn thing about healthcare while they held both houses of Congress along with the Oval Office… well I think they sort of missed their opportunity to complain.
Some will argue – but I’m convinced the primary reason Republicans are against this is because the Democrats had the idea, and if this works…the Dems will be rubbing it in the faces of the Reps for the next decade or two which will cost the GOP a lot of votes and a lot of seats.
This is exactly why the GOP raised an army of ignorant morons to mindlessly protest the bill. It’s about a victory for their team, not about serving their constituants.
If anyone disagrees, ask a teabagger what they think the health care bill actually does. Chances are, they’ll tell you it’s a socialist plot to take over the health care industry and that Obama is intentionally destroying this country.
For the record, I believe a lot of the opposition to the Iraq war was the same thing. Raise an army of ignorant (though slightly younger, thinner, and stinkier) morons to protest something they knew little about in order to force a political victory for the “team”.
SSDD
The tea party protesters don’t need to go any further than “We can’t afford it” and “It was a power grab made possible by sleazy backroom deals.” Both 100% true on the merits. Both also run 100% contrary to Obama’s central theme he campaigned on.
Unlike Iraq or Afghanistan, you never had a majority of both sides on record for not only authorizing the use of force but funding it up to this day. Unfortunately, we’ve had experience with these matters so it was somewhat predictable what the associated costs are & were. This new monstrosity of Health Care is unprecedented and will simply bankrupt this country. It’s no coincidence our Nation’s paper has just been downgraded by Moodys.
Moreover, you now have an about face on Iraq by many of those same pols who crucified Bush & Cheney when they were in office. They’ve very quietly adapted the prior Admin’s strategy and kept many of the Generals and their Sec. of Defense. Ever notice you don’t see the running body count that much any more? Hell the Admin. is saying Iraq might just turn out to be one of Obama’s (yes that Obama) greatest acheivements. Go fuckin figure.
You won’t see anything like that from the Republicans moving forward, they will run and win on restoring some sense of fiscal responsibility to DC.
Oops…”you never had a majority ” should read “you had a majority” my bad.
BTW…this whole “reduce’s the deficit” line is a lie. Since no one has put an accurate calculation together on what this bill & the “fixes” will eventually cost:
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Republican Leader
United States Senate
Dear Senator McConnell:
This letter is in preliminary response to your inquiry of March 19 requesting an updated analysis by the Office of the Actuary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (as passed by the Senate) as it would be modified by the “Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 4872, the Reconciliation Act of 2010†(as released by the House Committee on Rules on March 18).
In your letter, you requested that we provide the updated actuarial estimates in time for your review prior to the expected House debate and vote on this legislation on March 21,2010. I regret that my staff and I will not be able to prepare our analysis within this very tight time frame, due to the complexity of the legislation.
Sincerely,
Richard. S. Foster
Chief Actuary
http://mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=487d1fe3-c60f-44da-a8b9-4876a6cc039f&ContentType_id=c19bc7a5-2bb9-4a73-b2ab-3c1b5191a72b&Group_id=0fd6ddca-6a05-4b26-8710-a0b7b59a8f1f&MonthDisplay=3&YearDisplay=2010
I believe a lot of the opposition to the Iraq war was the same thing. Raise an army of ignorant (though slightly younger, thinner, and stinkier) morons to protest something they knew little about in order to force a political victory for the “teamâ€.
~GoD
I know a lot of people who opposed the Iraq war from day one. They were, and are, none of the above. Nice try.
Back about the time Poly was suiting up to fight overseas, the top Actuary of the Federal Govt. predicted Medicare Part A costs would be $9 billion in 1990. It turned out to be more than 66 billion.
That’s 733% off the mark. If we’re lucky they’ll only be halfway as bad this time, although they could easily end up being 2 x 3 worse.
I know it’s fun to point at the shiny objects of who’s yelling what, but that’s what they want you to focus on.
and L3wis, 9 months ago it was the Dems’ division, not the Reps, who couldn’t get this done. It took 9 months of handing out blank checks, twisting arms, lying & making empty promises to idiots (ie Stupak) who were gullible enough to buy them.
I’ll give Herseth credit though, she stood firm and did the right thing. Too bad she’s now on the White House & the Speaker’s shit list from now on.
Sy: BTW…this whole “reduce’s the deficit†line is a lie.
Funny how people love to cite the CBO… right up until the point the CBO says something they disagree with.
Sorry Sy, but the CBO is about as non-partisan as you can get. They don’t manipulate numbers to make one side look better or worse, and although their estimates are just that (estimates), they are probably as close to a non-biased guessitmate as we can expect to get. Maybe in a decade we will find they are wrong but $200 Billion… who really knows, but they could be wrong in either direction, so only time will tell.
The fearmongering surrounding this reform is simply amazing to me. Lines like it “will simply bankrupt this country” are comical at best and only show how out of touch some people are. Maybe we should just move to a totally single payer system to avoid bankruptcy then… seems to work just fine for Canada and Costa Rica.
Costner:
“seems to work just fine for Canada and Costa Rica.”
So when I compare Sioux Falls to Omaha or Detroit you lose your lunch, yet somehow this moronic comparision somehow works for you?
And when exactly, specifically has our Govt. ever issued a long term cost projection on an entitlement that was anything but severely understimated?
I could never be referred to “stinky†as I bathe upwards of 2 to 4 times per day, but when I made waves against the Iraq war I was thinner and younger, but was also labeled unpatriotic and un-American.
Providing healthcare for millions without, and putting in place, efforts to help the people of our nation afford and obtain insurance is THE MOST AMERICAN thing I can think of.
Business owners and Republicans are upset because it will probably cost those more to do business, BUT, employers OWE it to their employees to help take care of them.
As I have said all along, I would GLADLY pay higher taxes, to help keep our nation healthy and have piece of mind if they do become sick, they won’t loose everything.
I know a lot of people who opposed the Iraq war from day one. They were, and are, none of the above. Nice try.
And just like the health care debate, there are reasonable people who have opposed this bill from the start. Not sure what you think I was “trying” to do.
But would you characterize Code Pink or Cindy Sheehan as reasonable people? How about all the dumb kids out protesting the war based on idiotic propaganda about our troops’ behavior?
Unlike Iraq or Afghanistan, you never had a majority of both sides on record for not only authorizing the use of force but funding it up to this day. Unfortunately, we’ve had experience with these matters so it was somewhat predictable what the associated costs are & were.
My comment had nothing to do with the war itself or, for that matter, the health care bill. It was about the morons protesting them. None of those teabaggers spitting on congresscritters or hurling epithets probably had any idea what is really in the HC bill. They’re just there protesting congress on their break from warning us that the “president is near” (a little Blazing Saddles joke for ya).
Just like a lot of the dirty hippies protesting the war had probably never met a soldier.
Sy: So when I compare Sioux Falls to Omaha or Detroit you lose your lunch, yet somehow this moronic comparision somehow works for you?
Depends on the comparison being used. When I have questioned your comparison to Detroit for instance it was based upon the fact that the mass exodus in Detroit has nothing to do with the fact that they failed to build an Events Center and was all to do with their dependence upon a single industry.
When it comes to healthcare, comparing the US to Canada isn’t really that much of a stretch as we share much in common. Sure we have a much large population, but we also have a much larger tax base. If you have specific reasons why this comparison is flawed they by all means let me know… there may be some merit to it.
But are you really going to continue being upset about your silly comparison to Detroit being called into question? And if you didn’t catch the little joke about Costa Rica then just let it continue over your head and move on.
Sy: And when exactly, specifically has our Govt. ever issued a long term cost projection on an entitlement that was anything but severely understimated?
Interesting question Sy – and I honestly have no idea what the answer would be. It is easy to say they always underestimate, but I know it is also easy to say people are quick to point out those occasions while ignoring the times it went the other way.
I seem to recall a debate where Larry Diedrich cited a newspaper article stating there were government estimates that said Social Security would be ‘broke’ within 10 years – but he then went on to explain the article he was citing was from the 1960s.
More recently, we’ve seen TARP funds and loans to automakers being paid back to the federal treasury well ahead of schedule and with interest added, thus the original government estimates were clearly pessimistic.
I’m sure if you cared to look you could find a lot of estimatse that were wrong in either direction. Sometimes it is because they were just bad at estimating, other times market forces changed, often it might be because the original estimate didn’t include costs or benefits that transpired later due to additional legislation etc.
Either way the CBO is still the best idea we have for a true nonpartisan guess. Heck, even if they are wrong by 50% that still leaves us with a $500 Billion reduction in the national debt over 10 years, so it is tough to complain about that one.
Costner:
“Detroit has nothing to do with the fact that they failed to build an Events Center”
And you are as wrong today as you were then, as that wasn’t my point. I was comparing Detroit’s reliance on one industry (autos) as similar to how Sioux Fall’s economy emerged(ag/meatpacking).
You didn’t buy that, citing the vast difference between Detroits’ and SF population. Although we can see plainly see how selective you are in applying those differences since now they don’t matter vis a vis Health Care systems.
Costner:
“And if you didn’t catch the little joke about Costa Rica then just let it continue over your head and move on.”
Kinda like how you took the hyperbole of Sioux Falls turning into a mini-Detroit seriously as well. I wasn’t even the one who originally raised it, that would be Plaintiff Guy. I ‘spose he’s just lucky your not infatuated with him as you are me.
Costner:
“comparing the US to Canada isn’t really that much of a stretch as we share much in common.”
Except when someone of power, like a Senator needs emergency specialized treatment they don’t run over the border like the Canadians do. Canada also doesn’t have our immigration problem, nor do they spend hardly any money on Defense, as historic alliances with us, the French and the Brits don’t warrant them to.
A better comparision is Canada to California. As they are about the same size population and GDP. Cali, of course, also has taken some of the initial steps towards Socialized medicine and as of today they are $40 billion in the red with 12.5% Unemployment, waiting patiently on their Federal Bailout.
Just like a lot of the dirty hippies protesting the war had probably never met a soldier.
GoD
I don’t think you quite get it yet Dude. Those dirty hippies you so lovingly refer to had brothers, family, and loved ones in that war. Don’t you see? That is exactly why they protested it. Of course, people your age seem to think anyone who protested the Vietnam war was a pot smokin unkempt hippie. While I was gone, my wife protested that war. She, along with millions of others just like her, were none of what you would pass along as a “typical” ’60’s protester.
Sy: I ‘spose he’s just lucky your not infatuated with him as you are me.
Wow… just what is the psi rating on that head of yours… because it seems to be a tad overinflated.
Honestly Sy – I don’t care about you any more than any of the other 135,000 residents of our fine city. The only reason I end up responding to you more often than some of the others on this board is simply because you are just blatantly wrong so much more often.
Nothing personal though. I’m sure you are in fact that important to someone who has actually met you… maybe a sibling, a child, or a bartender at TommyJacks – take your pick.
Sy: I ‘spose he’s just lucky your not infatuated with him as you are me.
costner: I’m sure you are in fact that important to someone who has actually met you… maybe a sibling, a child, or a bartender at TommyJacks – take your pick.
Oh God costner. Stop it. You’re such a snarker. I can hardly control myself.
Sy:
Maybe if you fired off some homoerotic anecdotes about boy scout leaders costner would find you more endearing. Afterall, that’s the kind of snarkiness that endears costner to Eggberts brand of entertainment. Maybe just throw in a few senior weiner or penis jokes now and then.
😉
snark….snark
First step, of course, is admitting the problem, Costner. You’re obviously not there yet, and that’s okay. Remember denial isn’t just a river in Egypt.
Just think, the mental help you so desperately need will now be available for free, or at least funded by the producers of the Country like yours truly. Right along with many other wonderful procedures like implants, extenstions, nip & tucks..things that can transform the girliest of men into, well whatever.
Someday soon you’ll like what you see in the mirror.
“Any jackass can kick a barn down, but it takes a carpenter to build one.” President Lyndon Johnson.
This quote could apply to all of the childish squabbling that has been going on in DC for the last several years. It seems like every year the politicians sound and act like they belong on the playground of an elementary school.
First step, of course, is admitting the problem, Costner.
Actually, shouldn’t the first step be understanding what problem some other idiot thinks exists in the first place?
It’s understandable you’re upset due to the passage of the healthcare bill, but don’t fret – maybe they can get you some free anti-anxiety drugs to treat that. I hear Xanax does wonders for people like you.
Costner:
“Actually, shouldn’t the first step be understanding what problem some other idiot thinks exists in the first place?”
Right…It’s all in my head. Never mind the first thing you did this morning was to log on here to fling that weak ass copycat zinger at me.
Did you even go to bed last night or were you up all night in your cape dancing around to OMD in your basement while that poor girl screamed for help?
You still think this is all about you Sy? Pretty high opinion of yourself I’d say.
I also have no idea what OMD is… but then again I don’t really care either. However since you seem so concerned how I spend my days (you and Poly apparently share the same interests), I can tell you the first thing I did this morning was nothing to do with South Dacola, nor was this the first topic I read… but enjoy your rather myopic world view if that helps you get through the day.
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. You know, they did that one “If You Leave” song for Pretty In Pink.