The GOP: Death by "Duh."
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GOP urges "Slow down on stimulus bill."
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As a registered Independent, I decide whom to vote for, and form my political opinions, based on the actions and words of our various representatives, not on the dictations of a particular party. So I am doubly amazed by the Republican House and Senate's current actions. I would have expected them to be as helpful as possible - or at the very least, cooperative - in getting this stimulus bill passed and putting it into action as quickly to help get this country out of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. A crisis created, by the way, during Bush's presidency. But they would seem to be bent on the opposite as they continue to oppose and hold up this desperately needed bill at every opportunity, keeping it languishing in a frustratingly typical GOP quagmire.
The Grand Old Party seem incapable of learning from their past mistakes or even taking responsibility for them. After GW's first four disastrous years, they put him back into office for a second term!
Is it not the very definition of insanity to repeatedly make the same mistake, each time expecting a different outcome?
Now they seem determined to keep the current president from fixing those mistakes. Not only will they not do anything to fix the problem, they are hindering the attempts of others to do so.
Not on their watch, by God!
But... their watch is over. And why have they been making getting this bill passed so difficult?
Are these politicians so myopically stubborn that they do not care what the citizens of this country are going through? Have they so quickly forgotten the dismal approval rating of their president, and by proxy, their brand of politics? Are they completely unaware that public opinion of them, and patience for their BS, is wearing thinner by the second? I foresee, in future House and Senate elections, their numbers steadily dwindling. A new age of global politics is dawning and the crusty old war-horses of the GOP are determined to keep it at bay for as long as is humanly possible.
Last week a guest columnist remarked, in a local paper, "Why does anyone even listen to Republicans any more?"
Can we get an "Image Make-over" for an entire political party? Are the Queer Eye guys still doing that?
Click here if you are interested in seeing/reading President Obama's stimulus bill in it's entirety.
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I don't want to generalize all Republicans as supporting business-as-usual politics, and I know many of them are just as frustrated by the current shenanigans (I've been waiting years to be able to use that word!) as everyone else, so I welcome any and all political opinions.
I ask only that you please keep it civil.
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"Doing nothing is not an option." -President Barack Obama
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President Obama: This is a "Full-Blown Crisis."
President Obama in Elkhart, Indiana
President Obama takes stimulus pitch to prime-time
The Stimulus Bill in the News
- Obama to sign homebuyer, jobless bill assistancePark Hills Daily Journal3 hours ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is set to sign a $24 billion economic stimulus bill providing tax incentives to prospective homebuyers and extending unemployment benefits to the longtime jobless who have been left behind as the economy veers toward recovery.
- Obama signs homebuyer, jobless bill assistancePark Hills Daily Journal3 hours ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama signed a $24 billion economic stimulus bill into law Friday, giving tax incentives to prospective homebuyers and additional jobless benefits to those idled by the business slump.
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Comments
Thank you, asbender, for commenting, and you did not take too long. That's what the comments are for, and it was brave to say what you did. Bravo! You're right that what matters is how you vote. One reason for officially switching parties: I think if you were to do that it would help to send the national message that Republicans are no longer happy with their representatives or with being Replican.
What am I doing here? I'm not even an American! I could try and just leave a sarcastic remark (wink) but I might end up eating my own whatever for I know not the first thing about the Grand Old Party! So... is that a typo in your response to asbender's comment or you realy meant Replican? :D
CW, I usually do not like to take part in political or religious hubs because of course there is usually a huge fight over who's opinion is right, and honestly I just don't feel like I want to waste my team arguing with someone. I do feel that I have to reply to this one. I, like you am a registered Independent, so I vote for the person I think is best suited for the job. I have voted republican and democratic, depending on the person and the position. I have friends who are dems, and reps, and value everyones opinion, I can see what every side has to say and look at it objectively. On this issue I am probably taking an unpopular stance. I feel that the senate should read the entire bill. Yes, I know that this will cause stalls, but honestly would you sign something into law that you had not read in it's entirety? I understand that the bill is about 1500 pages long, and that is very long indeed, but I don't think gambling with that amount of money is a good idea. I understand that people are loosing their jobs, believe me, I get that, but what good does it do if we are spending a bunch of money on stuff that will not affect the growing problem of job cuts? This is our money, we need to spend it wisely, we need to know that the money being spent is being used to create more jobs, strengthen our economy, and rushing through it may not be the answer. I wonder what if we pass this bill and we spend all this money and people are still losing their jobs, then what? Do we spend more money? I'm no financial wiz but this can't be a smart move. I'm sorry that I took up so much comment room, but seriously, I just think we need to think this over, read the bill, find out where that money is going and how it is being spent. I think it is the only responsible thing to do.
Nice Hub!
Gwendymom, It's understandable to be concerned about the recovery program. I agree that the Senate and House should do whatever it takes to get the best bill possible. I'm sure there are items in it that many or most people would agree with. However, what we all should consider is the likely alternative without the stimulus--a deeper and more prolonged recession or depression. Also, it's important to recognize the fact that the earnings and production lost in a recession (3.9 million currently unemployed) are lost forever, never to be recovered. The stimulus or recovery package is costing the taxpayers a lot and is increasing the already too big national debt--however, we will be getting lasting value from many of the expenditures--improved roads, bridges, schools, etc. It's not the equivalent of blowing the money at the candy store or local pub. The money will be well spent if it turns the economy around.
Ralph, I am not saying do not pass the bill, or we don't need the stimulus package, what I am saying is read it. Know where the money is going. Has anyone read it? I just think that if we are going to spend it then shouldn't we know where it is going?
I agree. I heard somewhere that anyone can read the bills on line. I confess, I haven't tried. Absolutely we should know where i'ts going. Obama did point out that the bills contain no earmarks. I'm sure they do contain items that some may not like. These may differ from person to person.
Ralph I have found the link and will post it here, If CW, does not want it posted here he can delete my comment, But I believe he (CW) is a fair man and will let the comment be posted. I am just wanting everyone to know where their money is going, I swear if one more bank exec takes a luxury vacation on my dollar I'm gonna go postal.
I commend the 3 Republicans who voted in favor of the stimulus package. Susan Collins (R-Maine) has been on the news a lot and she represents the best of what senators should be. She talks about reading the bill in its humongous entirety. Why only 3 would be willing to cross the aisle and vote in favor? That's the $64,000 question.
It seems to be a basic problem of ideology. Republicans stand for smaller government, less intrusion into citizens' lives (except in certain issues such as reproductive rights -- but we won't go there today). Republicans also staunchly believe in a free market system and the system's ability to correct/regulate itself. I can only assume they are still in huge denial as to the reality of our economy. I would suggest that each Senator take a visit back to his/her home state -- and tour the carnage of the previous administration. Maybe if they see how their constituents are really suffering, how many businesses are closing, they might be willing to put aside their ideological pride and vote practical instead of partisan.
Great hub, CW. BTW, that quote about doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome. That is the definition of INSANITY. Insanity is treatable -- if you're WILLING.
-Cris, ha-ha! That's a typo, smart-ass (wink). Of course you can voice an opinion. The world has just as much stake in our affairs as we have in theirs. I, personally, would be very interested in hearing your opinion. -Gwendy, you have a valid point. After all, look at what has already been done with the money given to banks and corporations. But, to be fair, that was not during Obama's "watch." From what I've heard of the contents of the bill - and I certainly haven't read all 1500 (!!!) pages either, but I do trust that man and his cabinet who put it forth (that's very weird for me to say!). From what I've seen, the Republicans seem only interesting in whittling it down. Presently, education funding has been cut. I'm no wiz either, but I believe education to be a smart expense - both financially and morally. -Ralph, well spoken, sir. I need add nothing to that. -Gwendy, I'm pretty sure all involved in Congress have read the bill. Presently, their main concern is in cutting it. And what they are cutting are needed things. Also, of course you can post the link there. In fact, I'm going to also post it in the above text. As for bank execs taking luxury vacations (in Vegas); I hate to tell you, but they already are. Again, the money their stealing, I mean using, was given to them during Bush's watch - and Obama is pissed about it.
PS Gwendy, I really like the way you objectively look at all sides of an issue - and candidate. This country definitely needs more Independents. Perhaps more in Washington DC.
This just in (Hubby came running in to tell me). The package has passed the Senate. Vote was 66 to 33 or thereabouts. So more Republicans did the right thing. Hooray!
-MM, I thought it might be INSANITY, but hey, I took creative liberties... can I do that? I LOVE your idea of having the Republicans visit their home towns. That's the best plan I've heard yet.
I've also been constantly asking myself WHY so many Reps are against this stimulus bill. I came up with three possibilities: 1} Major Denial, we're talking head AND shoulders in the sand and loudly singing "La-la-la-la!" 2} They're absolutely clueless as to the reality of current affairs, in which case they need to be booted from Washington DC as soon as possible., or 3} Current, business-as-usual politics are, and have been, very profitable for them.
Am I close? ...anyone?
-MM, I heard that about an hour ago. The stipulation was the sacrifice of educational funding, right?
when did republicans become satan and Obama the messiah?
Wow CW, I would never put that must trust into anybody, no matter who they are. How do we know who has read it? I have not heard many say that they have read it. I just don't think going in with blinders on are the thing to do.
Neither are Satan or Messiah - at least not to me. But I do believe that those voting on the bill have read it. I believe that this is where all of their nitpicking is coming from. I typically have absolute zero trust in politicians (and most medical personnel), but for some reason, I trust this man. I am as amazed by that as you are.
I have heard what he has said and the way he has said it. It's what I've been waiting to hear (and never figured I would) from a president all of my life.
-MM, I changed "idiocy" to "insanity." Yeah, I'm easy.
Here's an analogy. How can our representatives in Washington vote to invade a country (Iraq) based on limited, and, as it turns out erroneous evidence but cannot vote to fix our own country??
MM, I have news for you, mistakes have been made, and they will be made again. Obama is a human, so therefore it is his nature. BTW have you read the stimulus plan?
Republicans have been doing a great job at giving our rich people an extra boost and we all know rich people are the only ones who count and are able to provide jobs. We are lucky we live in a country where the rich are so considerate of the people that they will allow their wealth to trickle down. thumbs up to those republican politicians who stand by the motto of "the economy will fix itself". At least they stand up and fight, not like these free giving socialist democrats who give into everything. wink.
GT, what I am saying is that everyone should read and understand the stimulus package before just blindly saying that this is the thing to do. It just seems stupid to just say ok, I vote for it because a politician says thats the right thing to do.
GM- I agree with you. I think both sides are guilty as they continue to play by the political lines. Its sad that out of all those senators only three republicans thought on their own and absolutely no democrat did, I think that's the frustrating thing about all this and CW does have a good point, Obama is going to get big points for trying and I am very impressed as he continues to go to town halls and reach out to the american people. It will be the end of republicans if they continue to fight him in everything.
-MM, good question, and from what I understand, nobody "voted" to invade Iraq (except of course for his cronies). It was protested winthin his cabinet, by the citizens of this country, and world-wide. GeeDuh (Bush) holds sole responsibility for that atrocity.
-Goldentoad, ha-ha. Don't look now, but I think you're dripping sarcasm...
-Gwendy, you're missing one vital detail. WE aren't voting for it at all. Whether we read it or not. It was finally approved, not by us, but by Washington. And this kind of action is exactly why he was elected president. He's doing (or trying to do) what he promised he would do. Again, this is why he voted into the presidency.
If you have doubts, I think you should by all means read the stimulus bill and present your questions or objections to your Senator. That's what they're there for.
-GT, is it not possible that this is exactly what all the Dems want? I admit, it's a little odd that none of them raised any questions. But they're probably just over-joyed to have some common sense back at the helm. I know I am.
CW- I don't know, call it my mistrust of politicians, but I don't think most demos read anything and the same goes for republicans, they just went for their party line and that was it. its going to be hard to break both parties of their usual business but I'm glad Obama is calling it like it is, its not perfect, its not guaranteed, but we gotta do something now.
In my Hub No Quarter I make a few suggestions of what the GOP could be trying to/have achieved through this and a few strategic manuevers the Demos can use to knock the wind out of these long over suffered political throwbacks. I by the way am a register Cascadian Seperatist. HAIL CASCADIA!
-GT, you're probably right, after all, it's been so long since there's been any integrity in the White House. I'm going to continue to be optomistic and hope it catches on. No matter what, it's a hell of a lot better than it was.
-Horatio, I have no idea what a Cascadian Seperatist is, but I'm glad you commented here. Thank you. The more diverse the input, the better. Any possibility of getting those suggestions to whom they are intended... and getting them listen?
Hear, hear! I too am a registered independent (hey, independents rock!). I don't usually get involved in the political or religious discussions here either, but have a little. When everyone was so happy about Obama being elected (Hey, I voted for him too...and against Blogvonovith or whatever the hell his name is) but I cautioned at the time, it doesn't matter how righteous or dedicated, how altrustic or just plain right the new president is, it is very hard to get anything accomplished in Washington. The old boy networks, parties looking out for their own regardless of who it might hurt, etc, Washington and politics are full of red tape, dark alleys, and more people behind the scenes with lots of strings to pull than is known by you or I. I just hope this works out, and I've decided--for better or worse--to place my hope with Obama.
P.S. If the republicans visited their home towns, they would be dining with the richest people in town at the nearest exclusive country club, all the while warning of the impending Democrat crises--that can only be stopped by campaign contributions to the republican party...and their self, of course.
Great job!
CW, I posted a comment earlier and it disapperared, my computer has been acting up and have had trouble with it all day. Anyway What the comment said was that senators are voted in and they have to be responsible for to the people that put them in office, which means me, you, and everyone else who votes. So in essesnce they are voting for us. I still think that they need to be informed. To vote with not knowing what you are voting for is irresponsible.
I sent an abreviated message to my ConDel and to the President not stating the various ways they could throw the bill in the Republican's faces but told them to let the opposition filibuster it, saying if they are going to obstruct regardless give them nothing. All the changes made to that bill were not worth the three votes. And when the three so-called moderate republicans who crossed the aisle for that say that by removing money for school construction they actually saved all the money for other education that would have been lost to the filibuster; they fail to acknowledge that they could have voted to end debate but against the bill they didn't have to block it.
CR: Truth is most business people at those country clubs would tell the Repub Reps to get their heads out of their asses and get the economy back on track if they want another fund raiser at the club house. Local republican politicians support the stim it's only congress that is running against it.
I thought that's who we were talking about "going back." Presumably, the locals are already there. Oh, well. I hope you're right.
Constant
I say anything to jumpstart a sagging economy is a good start. And since it passed, apparently many share my sentiment whatever their political persuasion. Besides any change in government is beginning reform, beginning reform is the seed for any revolution - and you're all ready for a revolution, right? But that's just me.
Btw, replicans are what the call the human clones in Blade Runner. Os was it replicants? :D
-Christoph, I can't argue that. I, too am painfully aware of all the BS going on in W.D.C. and I know I can't even begin to imagine the true horrors. And, like you, I'm hoping Obama will begin to catch on, and maybe even inspire the ushering in of a new integrity in Washington. Ridiculous, I know, but hey, one can hope.
-Gwendy, I'm not argueing that, and I agree with you. And I STILL think that they've read the bill - it IS their job, no? Can we move on, now? And I hope you're right about Senators feeling a responsibility towards the people who put them there, I just haven't seen a lot of it. I THINK Oregon has a good. As for anyone else, don't know.
-Cris, yes. Revolution a LONG overdue. But I feel (and hope) it is beginning now. I forget, was it really republicans? I haven't seen that movie in a couple years.
-Horation, if it's feasable, maybe it'll actually be looked at.
i checked, the human clones in Blade Runner are called Replicants :D
Oh... Republicans would have been funny, eh?
Virtually no one in Congress reads any bill. Congress works under the committee system, and members rely on the their committee members as to what the bill truly contains. Every legislature has lawyers who do the actual writing of the bills in legalese. Have you ever read your insurance policy? You can read it word for word, but you still won't know what you are legally entitled to until a court tells you. Unless you are a member of a political party, you have no say in what legislation gets discussed and made law. Being "independent" simply means you have no input. My views on this are contained in this hub: http://hubpages.com/hub/Two-PartySystem That's why Republicans will fight Obama at every turn, and that's why Democrats will put their faith in Obama's plan. We don't need to read the bill, we need to be sure our leaders are working for us. We don't have control, we only have our vote.
Well spoken, William. Thank you for clearing that up. -Gwendy, you were right!- So, if I've got this right, the bill is read by lawyers who then advice their clients about the content?
I don't understand about having no input, though. I've always been an Independent and I receive all the same ballots on all of the issues as everyone else does, and I vote on them. Are my votes not counted because I'm an Independent?
Of course your vote counts, CW, but in our two-party system, which I heartily endorse, the political parties pretty much decide the issues in their caucuses. Independents are pretty much left out in the cold. Party members have their say on the issues and the party of the majority most often has enough votes to pass the legislation. The other party may negotiate some concessions, as they've done in the Rescue Package, but Independents can only choose to vote with one party or the other. Although I am a Democrat, I have great respect for Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who often votes with the Democrats. The lawyers, by the way, are government attorneys who put the legislators' ideas in legal language required to avoid conflict with other laws.
OK, got it. I often vote with Democrats, too, but not always. I'm going to stay an Independent because being registered with either party would give an incorrect representation of my politics. I suppose if I were more into politics I'd want to register with one or the other, but I'm not. The whole thing is so convoluted that it makes my eye balls spin... even something as supposedly simple as voting.
The problem with a so called democracy is that elected representatives espouse their own and their party's willl (in that order). the views of the people wo elected them become irrelevant. We have the technology to get each and every voter to tell their elected representatives how to vote by texting and totalling the votes. If the reps then simply coveyed the will of their respective electorates it would be possible to a have a fair democracy. Just a thought! Also power broking corruption and self interest would also dissapear!
Sixty, I think that's an incredible idea! And I think you should write to Obama and suggest it to him. What's the worst that could happen?... and he just might agree! Our democracy ("so-called") is in dire need of high tech updating.
In the United States, we have what's often referred to as a "representative democracy." What we actually have is a republic. It's not really a democracy in the true sense of the word. If we used technology to allow each voter to cast his ballot on every issue, we wouldn't need a representative in Congress. But who would want to be a congressman who only tallies votes and has no say of his own? The truth is we don't even vote for president -- we vote for electors in each state who cast their ballots for president in the electoral college. That's why we've had several presidents who won the popular vote but lost the election (just think of Al Gore!) Although the system is far from perfect, toying with it now could get us all in a lot of trouble.
Would that the Republicans had been so picky over the last endorsements the past 8 years. They might hold a thimblefull of credibility now. However, they have done nothing but stonewall action. They didn't bother to pass regulations when helping Wall Street or ignoring Wall Street; they didn't bother to think about tracking the billions that have flowed into Iraq or other countries, but when it comes to helping the average American on the ground, they demand time. They had their time. They need to step up to the plate and help Americans. If this plan is not perfect, and it's not, they'll get the chance to write another one. We're not done yet.
Instead, when they let the ignorance and inflammatory remarks of people like Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Shawn Hannity tell blatant lies and act like they speak for the Republicans, they have only themselves to blame for their current demise and image. When people like McCain who can't speak for 10 minutes without contradicting themselves and making insane remarks, when they let un-prepared and un-educated people like Sarah Palin embarass them time and time again, they will struggle explaining how they are right for America.
It's not a matter of politics, I'm ready to move on and get over the Republican's blank endorsement of Bushantics.
But, we will not let them repeat History.
Death by Duh is a great title, one they have proven worthy of for years. Many of their remarks from would-be leaders have been close to treason, if you ask me.
William and Marisue, I completely agree with both you - and William, the whole electoral college voting system has seemed particularly wrong to me. Why the hell are we voting for president if it doesn't really determine who's put into office. My God, we're stupid!
Anyway, just watched an excellent show on CNBC titled "House of Cards." Hope you guys got to see it. It explained that, much to my chagrin, GeeDuh is not responsible for the current financial crisis. The King of Illiteracy has much to answer for, but this isn't one of them.
PS: Here's some video on House of Cards: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11li6Iw4TeY
Isn't it funny when the chips are down the politicians all say "it wasn't me" but if any thing good happens they say "gee what good boy am I"!
Oh yeah, very typical, but this didn't come from Bush, or I wouldn't have believed a word. And while he may not be directly responsible, he certainly did nothing to try to fix it, either.
Oh well I guess he was more concerned with oil and Iraq for about 7.5 years.
Clearly. The glaring difference in what he, and now Obama, believe their job description as president to be is night and day.
Get rid of the rrepublcans! Hell yeah!
asbender says:
10 months ago
Hanging head low as I confess, I am a registered Republican. Why? Because my family has always been that way and I just am, registered that way, that is. My mom proudly changed parties this year and seems much happier. Me, I just don't think it matters how I register. Isn't how I vote more important? I am proud to say I voted entirely Democrat this year. In my very small, rural community this was needed. We got rid of our Congressman who still has not let go of his loss. Sore loser is all I can say. Oh, wait, good riddance, too. And, this is not just the worst crisis since the Great Depression, it is worse THAN the Great Depression. But don't say that too loudly, people will panic. Sorry for talking so much, but it did feel good to share. Thanks!