tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post7799966668390713987..comments2023-10-03T07:01:41.144-05:00Comments on Always On Watch: Semper Vigilans: How To Call Obama's Bluff?Always On Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-21054793048881354812011-07-23T11:30:38.027-05:002011-07-23T11:30:38.027-05:001389,
The economy is going to tank again -- no mat...1389,<br />The economy is going to tank again -- no matter what happens with these debt talks.<br /><br />Right now, with his speech of yesterday, Obama has successfully put the blame on the GOP. The GOP needs a pr firm to teach them how to shift the blame back onto Obama, where it belongs. He's been in office long enough that he should own this mess.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-81920025381919604622011-07-23T10:40:09.428-05:002011-07-23T10:40:09.428-05:00I say call his bluff NOW - even though he doesn...I say call his bluff NOW - even though he doesn't know he's bluffing.<br /><br />We're grownups. We can deal with the consequences now. The sooner we put a stop to this runaway spending, the better.1389https://www.blogger.com/profile/04335705483244616965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-20384242446150356202011-07-18T15:24:11.621-05:002011-07-18T15:24:11.621-05:00Damien,
That "discussion" I cited was so...Damien,<br />That "discussion" I cited was so unbelievably crude that I was stunned.<br /><br />Now, I'm almost 60 years old and no prude. But I do know the boundaries of good taste and acceptable conversation.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-84722664447326882762011-07-18T10:56:52.759-05:002011-07-18T10:56:52.759-05:00AOW, that is the side of Bill Maher that I rather ...AOW, that is the side of Bill Maher that I rather dispise. I made the comment above simply because though I dislike so much and his political stance, he does often argue in a very clear and blunt manner that when correctly targeted is good. I do not watch his program but rather read some of his comments.<br /><br />As for that discussion, I find it simply sick.D Charles QChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17805304737361014277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-17710840843099691602011-07-18T05:26:03.891-05:002011-07-18T05:26:03.891-05:00Damien,
You mentioned Bill Maher.
I just found TH...Damien,<br />You mentioned Bill Maher.<br /><br />I just found <a href="http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2011/07/16/real-time-guests-discuss-having-violent-hate-sex-michele-bachmann-and#ixzz1SJA8scUq" rel="nofollow">THIS</a>, which destroys Maher's integrity as host. Why did he allow that discussion to continue?Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-39112308577903989742011-07-17T19:41:14.656-05:002011-07-17T19:41:14.656-05:00The platform of Obama is nothing like socialism at...<i>The platform of Obama is nothing like socialism at all and if anything is constantly heading for the middle-ground in an attempt to appease or garner centre-right voters and middle-America.</i><br /><br />Obamacare was not centre right nor middle America. Stick to what you know. We don't want British Healthcare. British Healthcare is NOT middle America. In America, socialized medicine IS socialism.<br /><br />As for the rest of your comments, I recommend you stay out of American politics. It's obvious that you know NOTHING of them.Speedy Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01640242783952822072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-78565279421409206042011-07-17T14:34:32.106-05:002011-07-17T14:34:32.106-05:00Speedy G, I agree with Maher, Obama is not a Socia...Speedy G, I agree with Maher, Obama is not a Socialist and those that push that line really are simply "wishing" he was. He may have started off with socialist ideals - that is also very much the way youth from the left side start, but his agenda has been everything but.<br /><br />Remember, I am a Brit and have been an active member of the British Conservative Party since the early 70s. We know what Socialism is, the British Labour Party is officially a socialist party. The platform of Obama is nothing like socialism at all and if anything is constantly heading for the middle-ground in an attempt to appease or garner centre-right voters and middle-America. In fact all Democratic Presidents end-up that way.<br /><br />Also, there is no European Welfare State, that is an urban myth that lives in the minds of self-deluding far-right America as a scare tactic. There are certainly disasterous welfare states that the left created in various countries but you should not forget that the welfare system in a number of European countries not only makes life in the US look third-world but these countries remain economically sounder as well.D Charles QChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17805304737361014277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-33588877528989911192011-07-17T10:47:57.284-05:002011-07-17T10:47:57.284-05:00Obama is a socialist. Anyone who DENIES that is e...Obama is a socialist. Anyone who DENIES that is either stupid, or EVIL (deliberately LYING to you, ie - Bill Maher).<br /><br />He was the "<a href="http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/10/archives_prove_obama_was_a_new.html" rel="nofollow">New Party</a>" candidate in his first election in Chicago (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Socialists_of_America" rel="nofollow">Democratic Socialists of America</a>). And as a US Senator, he endorsed and campaigned FOR <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernie_Sanders" rel="nofollow">Bernie Sanders</a> candidacy <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIlIpOkRh2A" rel="nofollow">in Vermont</a>.<br /><br />America does not want to become a Eurotrash Welfare State, but that is precisely the "change" that Barack Obama has always sought.Speedy Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01640242783952822072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-26356560940330317252011-07-17T07:23:55.332-05:002011-07-17T07:23:55.332-05:00Damien,
I do wonder if the majority here are just ...Damien,<br /><i>I do wonder if the majority here are just on a bash-Obama for the sake of it.</i><br /><br />Typical of the blogosphere. We're in the pre-election frenzies.<br /><br />Your definition of Left and Right doesn't seem to be the American definition of those terms.<br /><br /><i>he has proven to be more of a Statesman, cool, collective and poltically a showman than W.Bush and Clinton</i><br /><br />I wouldn't say "statesman," but I agree with the rest of that portion of your comment.<br /><br />One reason that Obama won in 2008: bashing the GWB administration. Sadly, America is no longer a nation of ideas -- as a whole. Most voters are all consumed with sound and sight bytes. In the long run, that particular change may well have done permanent damage to America.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-14436109847994453122011-07-17T06:57:36.892-05:002011-07-17T06:57:36.892-05:00AOW,
CNN, Sky and France24 along with the press ...AOW, <br /><br />CNN, Sky and France24 along with the press that I have been reading took the image in a different view - a President under stress and human.<br /><br />When Reagan walked oout in Iceland both sides of politics were very angry with him saying that he risked peace itself by letting his emotions run. In his other walk out it was his "integrity" that was targetted. If Obama walked out because his "integrity" was under attack you would be all over him as "weak".<br /><br />My point is I think there is way to much "Obama this" and "Obama that", there is to much petty picking and the fact is that he is simply a man who has to manage a lot. I disagree with his economics and his social agenda but he has proven to be more of a Statesman, cool, collective and poltically a showman than W.Bush and Clinton and only Bush Senior came across better because he gave the "we are at business" image.<br /><br />I do wonder if the majority here are just on a bash-Obama for the sake of it.<br /><br />Last night there was the very left Bill Maher on CNN with that very annoying tabloid-scum Peers and though of course I do not support his views much at all, I like his reality check. He said two simple realities that are forgotten constantly by everyone from both sides of politics. The first is that those who brand Obama a socialist are foolish and stupid. He is about as liberal and centrist as is possible without becoming centre-right. The second is that all the shouting about debts and taxes from the right at present is equally questionable considering that the previous Administration turned a surplus economy into a massive debt that is still unequalled today and when asked, Cheney said "debt?, there is nothing wrong with debt....".<br /><br />Concentrate on the holes, schisms, unfication of policy and a candidate amongst the Right and then prove yourselves the better alternative.D Charles QChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17805304737361014277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-59132014536464898652011-07-17T04:15:36.686-05:002011-07-17T04:15:36.686-05:00Damien,
The difference is that Reagan didn't c...Damien,<br />The difference is that Reagan didn't come across as scolder-in-chief.<br /><br />I suppose that many of Obama's supporters see his temper flares as shows of strength.<br /><br />But some Obama supporters whom I personally know don't see those temper flares that way. One even said to me, "Who are we kidding? He's going to cave. He shouldn't be looking petulant." <br /><br />A lot of politics is indeed showmanship. But Obama needs to be aware that the image of "the angry black man" doesn't play well and unify America.<br /><br />Those two Reagan displays of temper didn't come across as petulance. In fact, it is interesting that most people today don't remember them. Perhaps Obama's displays won't be remembered, either. Time will tell.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-19184575221576055732011-07-16T19:34:42.297-05:002011-07-16T19:34:42.297-05:00Z says "....did anybody ever see Ronald Reaga...Z says "....did anybody ever see Ronald Reagan lose his temper so badly that he left a meeting?"<br /><br />Actually I can recall at least two times and it was not difficult to find links. He did so in Sacramento and at Dissarmament talks in Iceland. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1316/is_10_32/ai_66495295/<br />https://diva.sfsu.edu/collections/sfbatv/bundles/187218<br />http://digitaljournalist.org/issue0407/souza.htmlD Charles QChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17805304737361014277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-28975388337386821282011-07-16T15:10:00.417-05:002011-07-16T15:10:00.417-05:00Excellent points! Will link.Excellent points! Will link.Stogiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05852841950131130696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-59075567427977748342011-07-16T13:37:15.898-05:002011-07-16T13:37:15.898-05:00But let's be honest here.
Yes lets. The Ryan...<i>But let's be honest here.</i><br /><br />Yes lets. The <a href="http://www.newser.com/story/116503/house-passes-ryan-plan-all-democrats-vote-no.html" rel="nofollow">Ryan Plan</a> for Medicare cuts has been on the table for months. The Obama plan for Social Security cuts still hasn't passed from lips (last week) to paper (never).<br /><br />Acta non verba.-FJ the Dangerous and Extreme MAGA Jewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16745768408538827278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-36415112037740442932011-07-16T13:29:01.434-05:002011-07-16T13:29:01.434-05:00ps - Obama's not even collecting the taxes he ...ps - Obama's not even collecting the taxes he already has on the books (Social Security). Sorry, but Obama needs to either enforce the current laws on the books, or get out of town!-FJ the Dangerous and Extreme MAGA Jewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16745768408538827278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-63124050483551188782011-07-16T13:25:22.999-05:002011-07-16T13:25:22.999-05:00FJ, are you saying that President Reagan did not s...<i>FJ, are you saying that President Reagan did not sign the biggest tax increase in US History at that time, as reported by Forbes .</i><br /><br />The data doesn't lie (as I posted it). By CUTTING tax rates, Reagan raised tax revenues. And if THAT constituted the "biggest tax increase" in history, then may we have many, MANY more such "tax revenue (not rate) increases."<br /><br /><i>Obama is talking about closing loopholes, not raising any marginal rates</i><br /><br />LOL! He wants to raise tax RATES for high income people. The precise OPPOSITE of what Reagan did, and this will kill the recovery, prevent job formation as well as DESTROY future tax revenues and increase the deficit.<br /><br /><i>Obama offered to cut Social Security</i>... lol! And when did he do that? Not in the budget he submitted to Congress. Not in the budget that the last Congress NEVER got around to writing.<br /><br /><i>GOP said pound sand if it included closing tax loopholes.</i><br /><br />The GOP has said, "close all the loopholes you want, only you can't RAISE tax rates or invent new taxes for singling out wealthy people for increased taxation so that you can increase spending. No new spending allowed." <br /><br />It's really simple. The gop is saying, "Now is not the time for the Left to invent and spend on new entitlements.-FJ the Dangerous and Extreme MAGA Jewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16745768408538827278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-66959074981613057162011-07-16T12:03:46.159-05:002011-07-16T12:03:46.159-05:00FJ, are you saying that President Reagan did not s...FJ, are you saying that President Reagan did not sign the biggest tax increase in US History at that time, as reported by Forbes [a conservative publication] and many others?<br /><br />But let's be honest here.<br /><br />Obama is talking about closing loopholes, not raising any marginal rates.<br /><br />Even the economist, another conservative publication is calling the GOP a bunch of lunatics.<br /><br />Obama offered to cut Social Security and the GOP said pound sand if it included closing tax loopholes.<br /><br />Don't you think Reagan would have taken that deal?Dave Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16777087329254991970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-16969400950525851242011-07-16T07:09:43.397-05:002011-07-16T07:09:43.397-05:00We conservatives often say, "We need a Ronald...We conservatives often say, "We need a Ronald Reagan."<br /><br />Do we see even a possibility of such a leader to run in 2012?Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-6071720138638290652011-07-16T06:44:09.106-05:002011-07-16T06:44:09.106-05:00Thersites,
Compassionate Conservatism is a PROVEN ...Thersites,<br /><i>Compassionate Conservatism is a PROVEN failure. </i><br /><br />I've seen the following equation:<br /><br />compassionate conservatism = neoliberalismAlways On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-5843339326849017382011-07-16T06:42:48.422-05:002011-07-16T06:42:48.422-05:00FJ,
the share of income taxes paid by the bottom 5...FJ,<br /><i>the share of income taxes paid by the bottom 50 percent of taxpayers dropped from 7.5 percent in 1981 to 5.7 percent in 1988</i><br /><br />And during that time, many of us funded our IRA's, as a result.<br /><br />I also went out and did some buying.<br /><br />Right now, retail sales are languishing -- in part because the rise in gasoline prices and food prices, and in part because there is a feeling of doom and insecurity about the American economy. To a certain extent, our economy runs on optimism and confidence; right now, those two qualities are lacking.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-44033539332420802212011-07-16T06:37:26.778-05:002011-07-16T06:37:26.778-05:00Mark,
I can't afford to live in this current ...Mark,<br /><i><br />I can't afford to live in this current economy.</i><br /><br />I know what you mean!<br /><br />I dread the coming heating-oil bills.<br /><br />Those close in within the D.C. area aren't really feeling much pinch right now. All those government salaries, both federal and local! Now, if those federal-worker checks didn't go out, there'd be a meltdown as folks here in the D.C. area typically live from paycheck to paycheck. They've always believed that their checks are oh-so-secure, along with built-in step raises.<br /><br />Obama hasn't emphasized that federal salaries could be in jeopardy should the federal budget suffer a real meltdown.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-21417619622239656732011-07-16T06:36:24.328-05:002011-07-16T06:36:24.328-05:00Are you aware that as President, Reagan passed the...<i>Are you aware that as President, Reagan passed the then largest tax increase in the history of the US?</i><br /><br />lol!<br /><br />The facts, Reagan cut tax rates... and look <a href="http://www.house.gov/jec/fiscal/tx-grwth/reagtxct/fig-1.gif" rel="nofollow">what REALLY happened</a>:<br /><br /><i> The share of the income tax burden borne by the top 10 percent of taxpayers increased from 48.0 percent in 1981 to 57.2 percent in 1988. Meanwhile, the share of income taxes paid by the bottom 50 percent of taxpayers dropped from 7.5 percent in 1981 to 5.7 percent in 1988.<br /><br /> A middle class of taxpayers can be defined as those between the 50th percentile and the 95th percentile (those earning between $18,367 and $72,735 in 1988). Between 1981 and 1988, the income tax burden of the middle class declined from 57.5 percent in 1981 to 48.7 percent in 1988. This 8.8 percentage point decline in middle class tax burden is entirely accounted for by the increase borne by the top one percent.<br /><br /> Several conclusions follow from these data. First of all, reduction in high marginal tax rates can induce taxpayers to lessen their reliance on tax shelters and tax avoidance, and expose more of their income to taxation. The result in this case was a 51 percent increase in real tax payments by the top one percent. Meanwhile, the tax rate reduction reduced the tax payments of middle class and poor taxpayers. The net effect was a marked shift in the tax burden toward the top 1 percent amounting to about 10 percentage points. Lower top marginal tax rates had encouraged these taxpayers to generate more taxable income. </i>-FJ the Dangerous and Extreme MAGA Jewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16745768408538827278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-45659234082148625712011-07-16T06:33:58.634-05:002011-07-16T06:33:58.634-05:00More fearmongering and hysteria -- this time from ...<a href="http://ibloga.blogspot.com/2011/07/harrys-hysteria.html" rel="nofollow">More fearmongering and hysteria</a> -- this time from Harry Reid.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-30174296184025465742011-07-16T06:32:27.385-05:002011-07-16T06:32:27.385-05:00Damien,
Reagan was The Great Communicator and didn...Damien,<br />Reagan was The Great Communicator and didn't come across as scolder-in-chief. As far as I know, he didn't have temper tantrums. Obama doesn't have those same communication skills and, therefore, polarizes America even more.<br /><br />Some GOP candidates were elected in 2010 on the basis of not raising taxes. These candidates know that, as the situation is presently framed, if they vote for more taxes, they'll be voted out in 2012. Hence, the battle lines have been drawn.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-35578375626291485312011-07-16T06:29:13.416-05:002011-07-16T06:29:13.416-05:00Watcher,
there's still a chance Obama may pull...Watcher,<br /><i>there's still a chance Obama may pull a rabbit out of his golf-cap in the next 18 months</i><br /><br />Possible, yes. Likely, no.<br /><br />Good point about Obama coming out of nowhere. It is too soon to tell who will be the GOP candidate for 2012.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.com