President Barack Obama - Term 1 and 2 Thread

[hoagiepete]

Another kick in the nuits from the One.....

The $328,835 snapshots of an Air Force One backup plane buzzing lower Manhattan last week will not be shown to the public, the White House said yesterday.

"We have no plans to release them," an aide to President Obama told The Post, refusing to comment further.

The sole purpose of the secret photo-op, which sent thousands of New Yorkers running for cover, was to take new publicity shots of the presidential jet over the city.

"The photos . . . are classified -- that's ridiculous," Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., said.

The photos have not technically been "classified," a White House aide said, but they are being kept from public view.

New Yorkers said they could not understand how a president who shares intimate snapshots from the White House could justify keeping these secret.

"So we're not gonna see the fruits of this cruel joke?" said Frank Antonelli, 39, one of the Wall Street traders spooked by last week's flyover.

"I'm not surprised. Obama . . . wouldn't further all the bad publicity by putting out those pictures."

Wonder what was really going on with that flyby?

Heard an inept photographer forgot to put film...er...a memory disc...in the camera.

[Eric]

http://www.americanthinker.com/edward_bernard_glick/

[Rockindeano]

FF, how many right winged sites can you possibly throw at us and hope of them sticking?

Pathetic dude.

[donnaplease]

I've given up. I've come to a conclusion about politics...I have my own set of fundamentals and beliefs, and so do the rest of you. I believe in working hard for my paycheck, and always have. I don't believe that when I EARN money, that I should have the government take it away from me and give it to someone else who hasn't. That's wealth redistribution. I'm not against paying reasonable taxes. If someone out there wants money, I think they should go out and earn it! Some of you disagree, and that's fine...that's how you believe. No point in getting upset about it. It is what it is.

Here's an idea... why don't we enact a law that allows employers to pay everyone the exact same salary, regardless of what job they perform. Whether you're a brain surgeon or a janitor, you're equally as important in your work, and as a human being you deserve to earn the exact same money. Never mind that you've gone to college, worked hard, put lots of extra time in, who the heck do you think you are to expect that you can earn and keep your income??? (Now, before someone wants to slam me for suggesting a janitor is not a worthwhile job to have, I don't believe that at all. But... obviously the skill level of a janitor is not the same as that of a brain surgeon, and I'm only using those two as examples).

Honestly I have less problem with the taxes than I do with someone suggesting that I'm not a good person because I'm against wealth redistribution. Someone once told me that it was the 'christian' thing to do, trying to use my faith against me. Guess what, God doesn't force us to tithe against our will. I just believe that our society will continue to deteriorate if we do not hold people accountable for their own 'stuff'.

Someone very smart said one time... "own your own poo". That can have more meanings than the stupid actions of Assof & Co and the J-boys.

[The Sushi Hunter]

Here's an idea... why don't we enact a law that allows employers to pay everyone the exact same salary, regardless of what job they perform. Whether you're a brain surgeon or a janitor, you're equally as important in your work, and as a human being you deserve to earn the exact same money. Never mind that you've gone to college, worked hard, put lots of extra time in, who the heck do you think you are to expect that you can earn and keep your income??? (Now, before someone wants to slam me for suggesting a janitor is not a worthwhile job to have, I don't believe that at all. But... obviously the skill level of a janitor is not the same as that of a brain surgeon, and I'm only using those two as examples).

Honestly I have less problem with the taxes than I do with someone suggesting that I'm not a good person because I'm against wealth redistribution. Someone once told me that it was the 'christian' thing to do, trying to use my faith against me. Guess what, God doesn't force us to tithe against our will. I just believe that our society will continue to deteriorate if we do not hold people accountable for their own 'stuff'.

Someone very smart said one time... "own your own poo". That can have more meanings than the stupid actions of Assof & Co and the J-boys.

I think that would be like a concept that the communist countries have. Second, I'm very dissapointed with America's tax system. Not only do they tax you when you earn your money, they also tax you when you spend your money. And then at the end of the year, if they've not taxed you enough, they tax you again by April 15th. If they spent the money they are taking more wise, I'd not feel so bad about it. But they spend alot of the money on really stupid shit.

[donnaplease]

Here's an idea... why don't we enact a law that allows employers to pay everyone the exact same salary, regardless of what job they perform. Whether you're a brain surgeon or a janitor, you're equally as important in your work, and as a human being you deserve to earn the exact same money. Never mind that you've gone to college, worked hard, put lots of extra time in, who the heck do you think you are to expect that you can earn and keep your income??? (Now, before someone wants to slam me for suggesting a janitor is not a worthwhile job to have, I don't believe that at all. But... obviously the skill level of a janitor is not the same as that of a brain surgeon, and I'm only using those two as examples).

Honestly I have less problem with the taxes than I do with someone suggesting that I'm not a good person because I'm against wealth redistribution. Someone once told me that it was the 'christian' thing to do, trying to use my faith against me. Guess what, God doesn't force us to tithe against our will. I just believe that our society will continue to deteriorate if we do not hold people accountable for their own 'stuff'.

Someone very smart said one time... "own your own poo". That can have more meanings than the stupid actions of Assof & Co and the J-boys.

I think that would be like a concept that the communist countries have. Second, I'm very dissapointed with America's tax system. Not only do they tax you when you earn your money, they also tax you when you spend your money. And then at the end of the year, if they've not taxed you enough, they tax you again by April 15th. If they spent the money they are taking more wise, I'd not feel so bad about it. But they spend alot of the money on really stupid shit.

AMEN, brutha!!!

[G.I.Jim]

Here's an idea... why don't we enact a law that allows employers to pay everyone the exact same salary, regardless of what job they perform. Whether you're a brain surgeon or a janitor, you're equally as important in your work, and as a human being you deserve to earn the exact same money. Never mind that you've gone to college, worked hard, put lots of extra time in, who the heck do you think you are to expect that you can earn and keep your income??? (Now, before someone wants to slam me for suggesting a janitor is not a worthwhile job to have, I don't believe that at all. But... obviously the skill level of a janitor is not the same as that of a brain surgeon, and I'm only using those two as examples).

Honestly I have less problem with the taxes than I do with someone suggesting that I'm not a good person because I'm against wealth redistribution. Someone once told me that it was the 'christian' thing to do, trying to use my faith against me. Guess what, God doesn't force us to tithe against our will. I just believe that our society will continue to deteriorate if we do not hold people accountable for their own 'stuff'.

Someone very smart said one time... "own your own poo". That can have more meanings than the stupid actions of Assof & Co and the J-boys.

I think that would be like a concept that the communist countries have. Second, I'm very dissapointed with America's tax system. Not only do they tax you when you earn your money, they also tax you when you spend your money. And then at the end of the year, if they've not taxed you enough, they tax you again by April 15th. If they spent the money they are taking more wise, I'd not feel so bad about it. But they spend alot of the money on really stupid shit.

I agree, but you forgot the most important tax of all....inheritance tax. I think I'm calling it the wrong name, it may be called the "Estate Tax"? Either way, Democrats are going to be taking 50% of your inheritance (I believe starting this year). Your family members paid taxes on that money their entire lives...that's not enough??? Now the government is going to take 50%. If that isn't wealth redistribution I don't know what is. This really makes me sick to think about, and this administration should all hang their hats and call it a day. Who do they think they are???

[G.I.Jim]

I hope Lou Gramm is praying for our administration right now!

[journey361]

NTHROUGHTHEOUTDOOR

[G.I.Jim]

NTHROUGHTHEOUTDOOR

Nice!

[The_Noble_Cause]

I agree, but you forgot the most important tax of all....inheritance tax. I think I'm calling it the wrong name, it may be called the "Estate Tax"? Either way, Democrats are going to be taking 50% of your inheritance (I believe starting this year). Your family members paid taxes on that money their entire lives...that's not enough??? Now the government is going to take 50%. If that isn't wealth redistribution I don't know what is. This really makes me sick to think about, and this administration should all hang their hats and call it a day. Who do they think they are???

And at just what point were you going to mention that the estate tax exempts estates under $7 million per couple or $3.5 million per individual?
In other words, 1 of every 400 people who die.
Planning to fall into big money sometime in the near future, are ya?

[RossValoryRocks]

I agree, but you forgot the most important tax of all....inheritance tax. I think I'm calling it the wrong name, it may be called the "Estate Tax"? Either way, Democrats are going to be taking 50% of your inheritance (I believe starting this year). Your family members paid taxes on that money their entire lives...that's not enough??? Now the government is going to take 50%. If that isn't wealth redistribution I don't know what is. This really makes me sick to think about, and this administration should all hang their hats and call it a day. Who do they think they are???

And at just what point were you going to mention that the estate tax exempts estates under $7 million per couple or $3.5 million per individual?
In other words, 1 of every 400 people who die.
Planning to fall into big money sometime in the near future, are ya?

Ahh vacation was nice...but now I am back...Deano Bruce kicked ass...I am going to email you a bunch of pics...anyways...

Who cares who it exempts...every dollar has already been taxed...multiple times...it is WRONG WRONG WRONG. I know I know...it's "legal" but again...many "legal" things are not morally right...and many "illegal" things are...

I just love how good the liberal are at spending other peoples money.

If you like taxes so much...just voluntarily give more than you a required to do...in fact every liberal should do that just to show the world how good they are!

And before you bring up Bush, or any other republican president for that matter...ALL politicians are good at spending other peoples money...doesn't matter the side they are on.

I am speaking about wanks like you that advocate taking something someone else has earned and using it for whatever. In the non-political world that is called THEFT...but hey...pass a new tax law and make it legal! WOOHOO!

[The_Noble_Cause]

Honestly I have less problem with the taxes than I do with someone suggesting that I'm not a good person because I'm against wealth redistribution.

"Redistributing wealth" seems to be the Right's favorite new byword for giving money to "others" - y'know, those cadillac driving welfare queens.
Why weren't you tea-baggers out in full force when Bush was "re-distributing wealth" on silly worthless shit like federal marriage initiatives?

[The_Noble_Cause]

Ahh vacation was nice...but now I am back...Deano Bruce kicked ass...I am going to email you a bunch of pics...anyways...

Who cares who it exempts...every dollar has already been taxed...multiple times...it is WRONG WRONG WRONG. I know I know...it's "legal" but again...many "legal" things are not morally right...and many "illegal" things are...

I just love how good the liberal are at spending other peoples money.

If you like taxes so much...just voluntarily give more than you a required to do...in fact every liberal should do that just to show the world how good they are!

And before you bring up Bush, or any other republican president for that matter...ALL politicians are good at spending other peoples money...doesn't matter the side they are on.

I am speaking about wanks like you that advocate taking something someone else has earned and using it for whatever. In the non-political world that is called THEFT...but hey...pass a new tax law and make it legal! WOOHOO!

You've changed the terms of the debate to a general anti-tax diatribe.
Bottom line is, the Democrats are NOT going to be taking half of everyone's inheritance.
Want to start a new debate about our tax system?
Go ahead.
I've pledged support to the idea of a modified fair tax before.

[RossValoryRocks]

Honestly I have less problem with the taxes than I do with someone suggesting that I'm not a good person because I'm against wealth redistribution.

"Redistributing wealth" seems to be the Right's favorite new byword for giving money to "others" - y'know, those cadillac driving welfare queens.
Why weren't you tea-baggers out in full force when Bush was "re-distributing wealth" on silly worthless shit like federal marriage initiatives?

Again...you bring up Bush...your standard Mantra...any of the true conservatives here would tell you they can't stand Bush for that reason.

He spent money like a drunken sailor fresh into port.

I was speaking of YOU and other libs who think it is morally right to take money, as much as you can get, from what other people have earned to do whatever you feel like with.

The "death" tax is the worst of the bunch because all that money has been taxed over and over...and yet is still taken away.

It doesn't matter how much is exempted, it ALL should be.

If I work all my life and manage to leave $50 million to my family...they should get EVERY single dollar because every single dollar has already been taxed.

[RossValoryRocks]

Ahh vacation was nice...but now I am back...Deano Bruce kicked ass...I am going to email you a bunch of pics...anyways...

Who cares who it exempts...every dollar has already been taxed...multiple times...it is WRONG WRONG WRONG. I know I know...it's "legal" but again...many "legal" things are not morally right...and many "illegal" things are...

I just love how good the liberal are at spending other peoples money.

If you like taxes so much...just voluntarily give more than you a required to do...in fact every liberal should do that just to show the world how good they are!

And before you bring up Bush, or any other republican president for that matter...ALL politicians are good at spending other peoples money...doesn't matter the side they are on.

I am speaking about wanks like you that advocate taking something someone else has earned and using it for whatever. In the non-political world that is called THEFT...but hey...pass a new tax law and make it legal! WOOHOO!

You've changed the terms of the debate to a general anti-tax diatribe.
Bottom line is, the Democrats are NOT going to be taking half of everyone's inheritance.
Want to start a new debate about our tax system?
Go ahead.
I've pledged support to the idea of a modified fair tax before.

GOOD...you and I agree...it would get all the drug dealer, prostitutes and tax cheats...but they would have to repeal the 16th amendment...and pass a get a new amendment that says standard "income" cannot be taxed.

Otherwise they would pass the fair tax AND have an income tax...politicans are like that...no matter the party affiliation...if they can get money out of us...they will.

[jrnychick]

I've given up. I've come to a conclusion about politics...I have my own set of fundamentals and beliefs, and so do the rest of you. I believe in working hard for my paycheck, and always have. I don't believe that when I EARN money, that I should have the government take it away from me and give it to someone else who hasn't. That's wealth redistribution. I'm not against paying reasonable taxes. If someone out there wants money, I think they should go out and earn it! Some of you disagree, and that's fine...that's how you believe. No point in getting upset about it. It is what it is.

Here's an idea... why don't we enact a law that allows employers to pay everyone the exact same salary, regardless of what job they perform. Whether you're a brain surgeon or a janitor, you're equally as important in your work, and as a human being you deserve to earn the exact same money. Never mind that you've gone to college, worked hard, put lots of extra time in, who the heck do you think you are to expect that you can earn and keep your income??? (Now, before someone wants to slam me for suggesting a janitor is not a worthwhile job to have, I don't believe that at all. But... obviously the skill level of a janitor is not the same as that of a brain surgeon, and I'm only using those two as examples).

Honestly I have less problem with the taxes than I do with someone suggesting that I'm not a good person because I'm against wealth redistribution. Someone once told me that it was the 'christian' thing to do, trying to use my faith against me. Guess what, God doesn't force us to tithe against our will. I just believe that our society will continue to deteriorate if we do not hold people accountable for their own 'stuff'.

Someone very smart said one time... "own your own poo". That can have more meanings than the stupid actions of Assof & Co and the J-boys.

I agree completely, Donna!

[jrnychick]

I agree, but you forgot the most important tax of all....inheritance tax. I think I'm calling it the wrong name, it may be called the "Estate Tax"? Either way, Democrats are going to be taking 50% of your inheritance (I believe starting this year). Your family members paid taxes on that money their entire lives...that's not enough??? Now the government is going to take 50%. If that isn't wealth redistribution I don't know what is. This really makes me sick to think about, and this administration should all hang their hats and call it a day. Who do they think they are???

And at just what point were you going to mention that the estate tax exempts estates under $7 million per couple or $3.5 million per individual?
In other words, 1 of every 400 people who die.
Planning to fall into big money sometime in the near future, are ya?

Got a question for you, TNC. Is the exempt status for under $7M per couple/$3.5M per individual based on the person who has died, or the person/people receiving the money? I ask because there are probably many families with older people who when their entire net worth is put together (properties, investments, etc), they have more than $3.5M or $7M for a couple.

[Eric]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/w ... 229180.ece

Yeah...Israel's the problem Joe.

[jrnychick]

Honestly I have less problem with the taxes than I do with someone suggesting that I'm not a good person because I'm against wealth redistribution.

"Redistributing wealth" seems to be the Right's favorite new byword for giving money to "others" - y'know, those cadillac driving welfare queens.
Why weren't you tea-baggers out in full force when Bush was "re-distributing wealth" on silly worthless shit like federal marriage initiatives?

I've never been on welfare, but I've never owned a "luxury" car, either. Instead of going to med school, I decided to become a teacher. I chose a profession that would not make me rich. I don't expect the government to try and even things out because my neighbor went to law school and I didn't.

[G.I.Jim]

I agree, but you forgot the most important tax of all....inheritance tax. I think I'm calling it the wrong name, it may be called the "Estate Tax"? Either way, Democrats are going to be taking 50% of your inheritance (I believe starting this year). Your family members paid taxes on that money their entire lives...that's not enough??? Now the government is going to take 50%. If that isn't wealth redistribution I don't know what is. This really makes me sick to think about, and this administration should all hang their hats and call it a day. Who do they think they are???

And at just what point were you going to mention that the estate tax exempts estates under $7 million per couple or $3.5 million per individual?
In other words, 1 of every 400 people who die.
Planning to fall into big money sometime in the near future, are ya?

What difference does the dollar amount make? Did they not pay taxes on that money already? Who cares if everyone's exempt under 100 million? It's not our government's money to take! And to answer your question...no, I don't have rich parents. My parents are very well off, but not rich. Not that it should matter to the government though. So do you believe that the government is entitled to this money?

Oh yeah, and did I mention that LOU GRAMM IS BACK???

[hoagiepete]

I agree, but you forgot the most important tax of all....inheritance tax. I think I'm calling it the wrong name, it may be called the "Estate Tax"? Either way, Democrats are going to be taking 50% of your inheritance (I believe starting this year). Your family members paid taxes on that money their entire lives...that's not enough??? Now the government is going to take 50%. If that isn't wealth redistribution I don't know what is. This really makes me sick to think about, and this administration should all hang their hats and call it a day. Who do they think they are???

And at just what point were you going to mention that the estate tax exempts estates under $7 million per couple or $3.5 million per individual?
In other words, 1 of every 400 people who die.
Planning to fall into big money sometime in the near future, are ya?

So, just because someone was fortunate enough to accumulate $3.5 (which was only increased to this amount in 2009) ...which was taxed several ways as it was accumulating...should have to fork it over to the government to spend...versus going to heirs? It was not mentioned that it is scheduled to go back to only $1M in 2011.

It is a death tax, plain and simple. They are being taxed...because they died. This doesn't seem right.

This may be a lot of jack, but if the money is tied up in a family business, that requires a high degree of capitalization, the tax could cause the company to liquidate, just to pay the tax. If they plan right, they may be able to avoid this, but it still doesn't seem right. It seems most just think about the Kennedy's and the like who inherit a fortune and don't do much to earn it. They ignore the family businesses such as construction companies and farmers and the like that accumulated the assets that are a part of doing doing business and want to pass those businesses along to there kids.

Again...just because you die and have the assets...makes it "right" to have the government take 45% of what remains over the exemption? You can spin it how ever you want...but it doesn't seem right to me.

[jrnychick]

I agree, but you forgot the most important tax of all....inheritance tax. I think I'm calling it the wrong name, it may be called the "Estate Tax"? Either way, Democrats are going to be taking 50% of your inheritance (I believe starting this year). Your family members paid taxes on that money their entire lives...that's not enough??? Now the government is going to take 50%. If that isn't wealth redistribution I don't know what is. This really makes me sick to think about, and this administration should all hang their hats and call it a day. Who do they think they are???

And at just what point were you going to mention that the estate tax exempts estates under $7 million per couple or $3.5 million per individual?
In other words, 1 of every 400 people who die.
Planning to fall into big money sometime in the near future, are ya?

So, just because someone was fortunate enough to accumulate $3.5 (which was only increased to this amount in 2009) ...which was taxed several ways as it was accumulating...should have to fork it over to the government to spend...versus going to heirs? It was not mentioned that it is scheduled to go back to only $1M in 2011.

It is a death tax, plain and simple. They are being taxed...because they died. This doesn't seem right.

This may be a lot of jack, but if the money is tied up in a family business, that requires a high degree of capitalization, the tax could cause the company to liquidate, just to pay the tax. If they plan right, they may be able to avoid this, but it still doesn't seem right. It seems most just think about the Kennedy's and the like who inherit a fortune and don't do much to earn it. They ignore the family businesses such as construction companies and farmers and the like that accumulated the assets that are a part of doing doing business and want to pass those businesses along to there kids.

Again...just because you die and have the assets...makes it "right" to have the government take 45% of what remains over the exemption? You can spin it how ever you want...but it doesn't seem right to me.

I agree completely. If I make $5M and pay taxes on that money, my daughter shouldn't have to pay taxes on whatever is left when she inherits it. The money has already been taxed.

[The_Noble_Cause]

What difference does the dollar amount make?

You said that "Democrats are going to be taking 50% of your inheritance."
This is a lie.
Back in 2004, fewer than 1% of American families were subject to the tax.
Now you are reverting to a generalized "keep the gov't out of my pocketbook" argument that could be extended to our entire graduated tax system.

Did they not pay taxes on that money already?

If you are talking about the inheritors.
No, they did not.

Who cares if everyone's exempt under 100 million?

I do.
A tiny fraction of the wealthiest Americans is not the same thing as what you said.
You are either misinformed or misinforming.

So do you believe that the government is entitled to this money?

At the moment, yes.
Commies like Lincoln (who signed it in to law), Teddy Roosevelt, and Bill Gates, thought so too.
If a blue collar working slob pays state taxes, local taxes, property taxes, gas taxes, sales taxes, Medicare tax, Soc. Security tax, why shouldn't the uber rich pay a tax on their inherited fortunes?
Eliminating the estate tax would starve the treasury of billions and shifts the burden back onto the working class.
Not saying our system's perfect, but for the moment, the estate tax is not a priority.

[Indyjoe]

In January 2011 the Death Tax goes back to $1 million. Not a huge number for home owners, small business owners. A shame some businesses will close and homes lost rather than get passed down.

Makes no sense to me how that "helps" anyone.

[Eric]

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/polit ... 15057.html

Bullies!

[separate_wayz]

I like how the Obama administration leaked -- just prior to April 15 -- that his administration would "show taxpayers more compassion". The story got play all over various news programs.

Today (May 7) we learn that his administration seeks to double the tax law enforcement budget for the IRS.

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRel ... DP20090507

Yeah .... some compassion.

Always remember that everything Obama says comes with an expiration date, and it's probably shorter than the one on the milk carton in your fridge.

[Eric]

http://detnews.com/article/20090507/OPI ... auto-logic

[Rockindeano]

I like how the Obama administration leaked -- just prior to April 15 -- that his administration would "show taxpayers more compassion". The story got play all over various news programs.

Today (May 7) we learn that his administration seeks to double the tax law enforcement budget for the IRS.

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRel ... DP20090507

Yeah .... some compassion.

Good on him. Why should these zillionaires escape paying taxes? Fuck em. Go get their cheating asses and have them pay their share.

[RossValoryRocks]

I like how the Obama administration leaked -- just prior to April 15 -- that his administration would "show taxpayers more compassion". The story got play all over various news programs.

Today (May 7) we learn that his administration seeks to double the tax law enforcement budget for the IRS.

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRel ... DP20090507

Yeah .... some compassion.

Good on him. Why should these zillionaires escape paying taxes? Fuck em. Go get their cheating asses and have them pay their share.

Ya like his cabinet maybe??? Starting with the Sec. Treas.

I think you are missing the point though...She is illustrating the fact that he talks out of both sides of his mouth...as ALL politicians do.