President Barack Obama - Term 1 and 2 Thread

[Saint John]

OBAMA: 'I'd like to work my way around Congress'...


Barry Manilow on Ron Paul: 'I agree with just about everything he says'...

Jack Blades made fun of Manilow last night. But I kept my cool.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

OBAMA: 'I'd like to work my way around Congress'...


Barry Manilow on Ron Paul: 'I agree with just about everything he says'...

Hells bells , Im glad I don't base my musical choices on who agrees with me politically- If I did I be spending the whole damn evening listening to O Mandy and I write the songs. sheesh

[conversationpc]

OBAMA: 'I'd like to work my way around Congress'...


Barry Manilow on Ron Paul: 'I agree with just about everything he says'...

Jack Blades made fun of Manilow last night. But I kept my cool.

Now I like Jack Blades even more than I already did. Sounds like a smart guy.

[Seven Wishes2]

NR tore it up in Atlanta Friday night, although the glaring omission of "Eddie" and the fact that neither Jack nor Kelly ONCE mentioned the brilliant no CD is just simply incomprehensible and indefensible.

[donnaplease]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- It's not just millionaires who'd pay more under President Barack Obama's latest plan to combat the deficit.

Air travelers, federal workers, military retirees, wealthier Medicare beneficiaries and people taking out new mortgages are among those who would pay more than $130 billion in government revenues raised through new or increased fees.

Airline passengers would see their federal security fees double from $5 to $10 for a nonstop round-trip flight and triple to $15 by 2017, raising $25 billion over the coming decade. Federal workers would face an additional 1.2 percentage point deduction from their paychecks to contribute $21 billion more for their pensions over the same period. Military retirees would pay a $200 fee upon turning 65 to have the government pay their out-of-pocket Medicare expenses. They'd also pay more for non-generic prescription drugs.

And it'll cost corporate jet owners a new $100 fee for each flight.

Not sure I have a problem with any of that, but... I want to see it used to combat what we're already dealing with instead of using it to give the govt more to splurge with.

[Seven Wishes2]

Donna, without increased revenues, essential basic programs needed to create jobs won't exist. Don't believe the GOP propaganda on this one. Reagan raised taxes seven times because he knew revenues had to increase if expenditures increased. Eight years of taxing the rich at record-low rates - since many of the ultra-rich subsist on capital gains, they wind up paying a rate of 15% or less on every penny they make - has doubled the unemployment rate and turned a budget surplus into a massive deficit.

[RedWingFan]

Donna, without increased revenues, essential basic programs needed to create jobs won't exist.

Yep, Corporations and business owners don't create jobs, government "essential basic programs" do.

We're already seeing how well that's working.

[Seven Wishes2]

Wound't it be nice if we could trim the fat without purging the government of its ability to create jobs and stimulate the economy?

[Seven Wishes2]

Those 10% of households make 90% of the money.

Who's fool are you?

[RossValoryRocks]

Those 10% of households make 90% of the money.

Who's fool are you?

Who are you or some politician to decide that they keep to much of the money they EARN through investment, their job or what have you???? Who are you, and your tax&redistribute buddies to decide that some company is making too much money and should be forced to give more of it up???

They already pay far more in taxes that anyone else, and NOW you are your ilk want to take even more above that? How about you and all the libs in the country just donate and extra $1000 or 2???

Oh and you STILL never answered what their "fair" share should be as a percentage. 70%, 80%, 90%??? What would be FAIR to you?

[slucero]

[donnaplease]

Donna, without increased revenues, essential basic programs needed to create jobs won't exist. Don't believe the GOP propaganda on this one. Reagan raised taxes seven times because he knew revenues had to increase if expenditures increased. Eight years of taxing the rich at record-low rates - since many of the ultra-rich subsist on capital gains, they wind up paying a rate of 15% or less on every penny they make - has doubled the unemployment rate and turned a budget surplus into a massive deficit.

What essential basic programs are you referring to? I don't believe in the concept that government creates job. You tell me not to believe the GOP propaganda and then repeat the democratic talking points. I'm so effin' sick of the finger pointing.

Daniel, I've been curious to see your answer to Stu's question about what you consider to be "fair". That question gets asked a lot, and the talking heads won't answer it. How can you tell someone that they're not being fair if you don't define what fair is?

[Seven Wishes2]

Why debate a point that could never come to fruition since there's not a Courtney Love-in-a-mosh-pit's chance in hell we'll ever have a "fair tax".

The math is simple. With the loopholes the GOP put in place during the Bush years, as well as the tax breaks for the rich, unemployment has more than doubled, and the middle class - which creates demand and drives the economy - has the lowest share of the overall wealth in America since the Great Depression.

The Republican plan DOES NOT WORK. It does NOT create jobs. Period. And the average multi-millionaire pays approximately 17% now, compared to 24% under Clinton (after all the loopholes are exhausted).

EIGHTY PERCENT of government revenue goes towards (mainly) Medicare payments, and other social security programs. The only way to trim trillions off the deficit at once is to literally shut down the Justice Department, the Pentagon, and eliminate funding for the military. Literally.

Know the facts before you barf up your Limbaugh spooge.

[donnaplease]

Why debate a point that could never come to fruition since there's not a Courtney Love-in-a-mosh-pit's chance in hell we'll ever have a "fair tax".

The math is simple. With the loopholes the GOP put in place during the Bush years, as well as the tax breaks for the rich, unemployment has more than doubled, and the middle class - which creates demand and drives the economy - has the lowest share of the overall wealth in America since the Great Depression.

The Republican plan DOES NOT WORK. It does NOT create jobs. Period. And the average multi-millionaire pays approximately 17% now, compared to 24% under Clinton (after all the loopholes are exhausted).

EIGHTY PERCENT of government revenue goes towards (mainly) Medicare payments, and other social security programs. The only way to trim trillions off the deficit at once is to literally shut down the Justice Department, the Pentagon, and eliminate funding for the military. Literally.

Know the facts before you barf up your Limbaugh spooge.

Unfortunately, facts are in the eye of the beholder. Thanks for the insult though, you just proved that you can't carry on a sensible discussion ~ typical liberal bullshit.
Oh, and maybe you should share that 'fair tax' viewpoint with your liberal pals, since THEY are the ones who suggest a "fair share" is the responsibility of every wealthy american.

[Seven Wishes2]

Um, Donna...I just provided facts, for one...and I wasn't referring to you.

My post was ENTIRELY filled with facts.

Typical REPUBLICAN to ignore facts so as to continue to spew lies - and stand by as GOP policies destroy America.

[RossValoryRocks]

Why debate a point that could never come to fruition since there's not a Courtney Love-in-a-mosh-pit's chance in hell we'll ever have a "fair tax".

The math is simple. With the loopholes the GOP put in place during the Bush years, as well as the tax breaks for the rich, unemployment has more than doubled, and the middle class - which creates demand and drives the economy - has the lowest share of the overall wealth in America since the Great Depression.

The Republican plan DOES NOT WORK. It does NOT create jobs. Period. And the average multi-millionaire pays approximately 17% now, compared to 24% under Clinton (after all the loopholes are exhausted).

EIGHTY PERCENT of government revenue goes towards (mainly) Medicare payments, and other social security programs. The only way to trim trillions off the deficit at once is to literally shut down the Justice Department, the Pentagon, and eliminate funding for the military. Literally.

Know the facts before you barf up your Limbaugh spooge.

I agree with cutting loopholes, especially the loopholes that allow people who paid no income taxes to get a big fat refund...but you danced around the question...what is "FAIR" in your eyes? Oh and better go back and check who puts loopsholes in...it's not just Republicans...not even close. ALL politicians do it.

So tell me...WHAT is fair??? As FF pointed out, the reason the multi-millionaires pay only 17% or so, is they have been taxed on every dollar they invest previously, and are now living on the capital gains...which is taxed far lower...as it should be.

[Monker]

Why debate a point that could never come to fruition since there's not a Courtney Love-in-a-mosh-pit's chance in hell we'll ever have a "fair tax".

The math is simple. With the loopholes the GOP put in place during the Bush years, as well as the tax breaks for the rich, unemployment has more than doubled, and the middle class - which creates demand and drives the economy - has the lowest share of the overall wealth in America since the Great Depression.

The Republican plan DOES NOT WORK. It does NOT create jobs. Period. And the average multi-millionaire pays approximately 17% now, compared to 24% under Clinton (after all the loopholes are exhausted).

EIGHTY PERCENT of government revenue goes towards (mainly) Medicare payments, and other social security programs. The only way to trim trillions off the deficit at once is to literally shut down the Justice Department, the Pentagon, and eliminate funding for the military. Literally.

Know the facts before you barf up your Limbaugh spooge.

I agree with cutting loopholes, especially the loopholes that allow people who paid no income taxes to get a big fat refund...but you danced around the question...what is "FAIR" in your eyes? Oh and better go back and check who puts loopsholes in...it's not just Republicans...not even close. ALL politicians do it.

So tell me...WHAT is fair??? As FF pointed out, the reason the multi-millionaires pay only 17% or so, is they have been taxed on every dollar they invest previously, and are now living on the capital gains...which is taxed far lower...as it should be.

Capital Gains is no different then interest income. That has NOT been taxed, and should be reported as income in the same way that your interest on your savings is reported. There is absolutely no reason to count it any different. I've been saying that for years.

Capital Gains should be eliminated. When you sell your stock the net gain should be added to your income and taxed the same as everything else. THAT is fair.

[Behshad]

Why debate a point that could never come to fruition since there's not a Courtney Love-in-a-mosh-pit's chance in hell we'll ever have a "fair tax".

The math is simple. With the loopholes the GOP put in place during the Bush years, as well as the tax breaks for the rich, unemployment has more than doubled, and the middle class - which creates demand and drives the economy - has the lowest share of the overall wealth in America since the Great Depression.

The Republican plan DOES NOT WORK. It does NOT create jobs. Period. And the average multi-millionaire pays approximately 17% now, compared to 24% under Clinton (after all the loopholes are exhausted).

EIGHTY PERCENT of government revenue goes towards (mainly) Medicare payments, and other social security programs. The only way to trim trillions off the deficit at once is to literally shut down the Justice Department, the Pentagon, and eliminate funding for the military. Literally.

Know the facts before you barf up your Liberal nonsense spooge.

Dude...really...from the AP article above that we were discussing....in bold....and red...

There may be individual millionaires who pay taxes at rates lower than middle-income workers. In 2009, 1,470 households filed tax returns with incomes above $1 million yet paid no federal income tax, according to the Internal Revenue Service. But that's less than 1 percent of the nearly 237,000 returns with incomes above $1 million.

This year, households making more than $1 million will pay an average of 29.1 percent of their income in federal taxes, including income taxes, payroll taxes and other taxes, according to the Tax Policy Center, a Washington think tank.

Households making between $50,000 and $75,000 will pay an average of 15 percent of their income in federal taxes.

Lower-income households will pay less. For example, households making between $40,000 and $50,000 will pay an average of 12.5 percent of their income in federal taxes. Households making between $20,000 and $30,000 will pay 5.7 percent.

The latest IRS figures are a few years older — and limited to federal income taxes — but show much the same thing. In 2009, taxpayers who made $1 million or more paid on average 24.4 percent of their income in federal income taxes, according to the IRS.

Those making $100,000 to $125,000 paid on average 9.9 percent in federal income taxes. Those making $50,000 to $60,000 paid an average of 6.3 percent.

Say it with me 29.1%....29.1%...29.1%...29.1%....Twenty Nine point One Percent!!!

One thing you failed to point out. OTHER TAXES. that 29.1% also includes the SALES taxes that millionaires pay, so when they buy a 300k Benz they will pay a hefty sales tax that neither you or I or anyone but Uncle Sam gets benefits from

[Behshad]

God what an embarassment this guy is for The U.S.of A.....




OBAMA WAVES IN GROUP PHOTO: A BREACH OF DIPLOMATIC PROTOCOL?






He totally blocks out the dudes face, what an arrogant asshole...

he wouldnt have to do this, if the chinese guy next to him wouldve listened to him and not shown up for the pic !

[Memorex]

It's kind of weird, but that's about it. I'm sure the internet world will put plenty of captions below it. But how many of us have been unprepared at the moment a picture is taken? Kind of small to be beating someone up over.

The question is - did he want to be waving in the picture? The answer is of course not. Therefore it's an accident and it should be a chuckle, not a cause for concern about how America looks.

[Behshad]

Happy, pappi!?

[Seven Wishes2]

As bad news piles up for the Democrats, I asked a top Democratic strategist if it were possible that President Obama might “pull a Lyndon Johnson” and soberly face the cameras, telling America that he has decided that the demands of partisan politics are interfering with his efforts to right our economy and that he has decided to withdraw to devote full time to our recovery. His answer: “Yes. It’s possible. If things continue as they are and have not turned around by January, it is certainly possible.”

Just looking at Michelle Obama’s unsmiling face during her husband’s recent speech to Congress triggered an insight: These folks aren’t having fun anymore.

Obama, whose insistence on passing a healthcare law that the courts will probably throw out cost his party the House, will now cost his party the Senate too. Indeed, it is even possible that the Republicans win 60 seats.

Currently, there are strong Republican candidates in 12 seats now held by Democrats. All could win in a 10- to 15-point landslide (which is shaping up). They include: Virginia (George Allen), Florida (Adam Hasner), New Mexico (probably Rep. Steve Pearce), Montana (Rep. Denny Rehberg), North Dakota (Rep. Rick Berg), Nebraska (Jon Bruning), Missouri (Sarah Steelman would be the best), Michigan (Pete Hoekstra), Ohio (Josh Mandel would be best), Wisconsin (Tommy Thompson or one of the others), Pennsylvania (Tim Burns would be great) and Connecticut (Chris Shays — better than Linda McMahon).

If all win, the GOP is only one vote shy of the filibuster-proof 60-member majority in the Senate. The final seats could come if strong challenges shape up in West Virginia, New Jersey, Washington state, Minnesota and Maryland. And, with Obama this far behind, they probably will.

Keep telling yourself that shit if it makes you feel better. The GOP is held on a much lower regard nationally than the Democrats at this point in time.

[RedWingFan]

Keep telling yourself that shit if it makes you feel better. The GOP is held on a much lower regard nationally than the Democrats at this point in time.

Nationally doesn't mean "in your house".

It certainly doesn't include NY-9 that was a seat held by Democrats for the last 90 years.

Pull your head out of your ass 7.

[RossValoryRocks]

Why debate a point that could never come to fruition since there's not a Courtney Love-in-a-mosh-pit's chance in hell we'll ever have a "fair tax".

The math is simple. With the loopholes the GOP put in place during the Bush years, as well as the tax breaks for the rich, unemployment has more than doubled, and the middle class - which creates demand and drives the economy - has the lowest share of the overall wealth in America since the Great Depression.

The Republican plan DOES NOT WORK. It does NOT create jobs. Period. And the average multi-millionaire pays approximately 17% now, compared to 24% under Clinton (after all the loopholes are exhausted).

EIGHTY PERCENT of government revenue goes towards (mainly) Medicare payments, and other social security programs. The only way to trim trillions off the deficit at once is to literally shut down the Justice Department, the Pentagon, and eliminate funding for the military. Literally.

Know the facts before you barf up your Limbaugh spooge.

I agree with cutting loopholes, especially the loopholes that allow people who paid no income taxes to get a big fat refund...but you danced around the question...what is "FAIR" in your eyes? Oh and better go back and check who puts loopsholes in...it's not just Republicans...not even close. ALL politicians do it.

So tell me...WHAT is fair??? As FF pointed out, the reason the multi-millionaires pay only 17% or so, is they have been taxed on every dollar they invest previously, and are now living on the capital gains...which is taxed far lower...as it should be.

Capital Gains is no different then interest income. That has NOT been taxed, and should be reported as income in the same way that your interest on your savings is reported. There is absolutely no reason to count it any different. I've been saying that for years.

Capital Gains should be eliminated. When you sell your stock the net gain should be added to your income and taxed the same as everything else. THAT is fair.

Yeah Monker...do what you say and watch the capital investments dry up, killing business. People who invest money, especially at the level they can live on the capital gains, take risks in doing so and for the most part tie up their money for very long periods in order to realize any gains...part of the reward for taking those risks is that you get taxed a lower level...thereby spuring investment.

What you want to do would KILL investment. Period. End of Story.

Once again if you feel you don't pay enough please send in extra monies to the government...no one is stopping you.

[S2M]

For such allegedly smart people, I see alot of dumb rhetoric being spewed here....how about instead of taxing the rich more, how about we concentrate on getting that 40% that pay ZERO taxes to pay THEIR share.

I've not heard one person, save myself, talk about the Fairtax proposition, or H.R. 25.

[Behshad]

For such allegedly smart people , I see alot of dumb rhetoric being spewed here....how about instead of taxing the rich more, how about we concentrate on getting that 40% that pay ZERO taxes to pay THEIR share.

I've not heard one person, save myself, talk about the Fairtax proposition, or H.R. 25.

Nice.


Where & who are the 40% who pay ZERO taxes. Also YOU shouldn't complain if they raise the taxes on people that make $1M or more , should you ?!

[Seven Wishes2]

I hate to tell you this, but payroll taxes are taxes, too. Once you've paid the absolute maximum of $1,206 you don't pay another penny, regardless of how much money you make. That means a family of four living on $35,000 pays the same amount of payroll taxes as Bill Gates.

If you forced the middle class to pay more taxes, the economy would literally stall and die, S2M. I thought you were smarter than that. The middle class drives demand, period. And that demand creates jobs, period. Tax breaks for the very wealthy does NOT create jobs, period. That is irrefutable.

[RossValoryRocks]

I hate to tell you this, but payroll taxes are taxes, too. Once you've paid the absolute maximum of $1,206 you don't pay another penny, regardless of how much money you make. That means a family of four living on $35,000 pays the same amount of payroll taxes as Bill Gates.

If you forced the middle class to pay more taxes, the economy would literally stall and die, S2M. I thought you were smarter than that. The middle class drives demand, period. And that demand creates jobs, period. Tax breaks for the very wealthy does NOT create jobs, period. That is irrefutable.

What complete and utter bullshit...The wealthy are the ones that invest big money in new ventures...well that was until Obama put 1/2 a billion into a failing company...they invest and create things like Facebook, Google etc etc...You know...VENTURE CAPITALISTS. They create new businesses and create jobs.

You really are an economic disaster waiting to happen. Quit sucking on the tit of the "government is all we need" liberal tripe and really learn how economics works man.

EDIT: I need to actually agree with the raising the taxes on the middle class is stupid...but the FAIR TAX woudn't do that. Now...raise the SS so EVERY dollar of someones income is taxed about 106K is fine by me.

[Seven Wishes2]

OK, Stu...so why is it that since the marginal rate was lowered under Bush, that unemployment has more than doubled, the deficit has tripled, and the GDP has plummeted?

BTW, I have an MBA with an emphasis in economics, so I DO know how economics work. Some perspectives are subjectives, but there are absolutes. There has never been a period in American history where GDP improved over what it otherwise would have with a decrease in the marginal tax rate and hence revenues.

Giving ordinary people money to spend is what creates jobs and businesses - not putting more money into the hands of the ultra-rich. If it did, unemployment would be closer to Clinton levels of 3.9%. This is the basic precept of demand-side economics - and it works. In a consumer-driven economy designed to serve people, regular people with money in their pockets is what keeps everything going.

[S2M]

I hate to tell you this, but payroll taxes are taxes, too. Once you've paid the absolute maximum of $1,206 you don't pay another penny, regardless of how much money you make. That means a family of four living on $35,000 pays the same amount of payroll taxes as Bill Gates.

If you forced the middle class to pay more taxes, the economy would literally stall and die, S2M. I thought you were smarter than that. The middle class drives demand, period. And that demand creates jobs, period. Tax breaks for the very wealthy does NOT create jobs, period. That is irrefutable.

I have no idea what your post is in response to, 7. Go read Neil Boortz's book on the Fairtax. I don't think you have a firm enough grasp of it's concepts. It is NOT a flat tax. It is a national sales tax that hits ANYBODY who purchases...taps into the illegal immigrant sector, and anybody else currently skirting income tax. Less loopholes, no winners and losers, IRS disolved(once 16th amendment is repealed), and everybody pays the same amount - 23%.