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AMERICAN FLUTE

By: Wayne Brown
In a recent speech in Ohio, Obama stated, “Together there is not one problem we cannot solve”. That sounds like something that a leader might say as he begins to introduce potential solutions to his listening audience. It is a point of emphasis used to say that our collective effort far outweighs that of any individual effort. It becomes the rally cry for those involved to band together and move forward toward eradicating the problem. And, yes, all that would be true if indeed those words had been spoken by a true leader but in this case they were not, they were spoken by a man who occupies the office of the President of the United States who has failed at leadership at every turn since taking office in 2008. On that basis, what purpose can employing such a statement hold for this President?
Obama rose to his high office on the back of promises made yet never completed. He sold “change” like hot dog vendors shout their wares at the afternoon baseball game yet he was never really challenged to back it up or produce anything. The statement noted above contains plenty of messages but they have little or nothing to do with leadership or inspiring people to do the right thing. Obama uses the statement for one reason and that becomes clear when you look at his actions. He wants the majority of Americans to latch on to his direction of movement without questioning it. Using the word “together”, he cites the sense of belonging; of being a part of something bigger than the individual. He wants people to act on their sense and need for belonging. He also wants to issue the assurance that problems will be addressed and eliminated but leaves the specifics off the table. His need is for momentum among the masses in a blind direction more so than support in solving problem or eliminating an obstacle. For the moment, he is the “Pied Piper” calling to the children to blindly follow him out of the city to God knows where. The question then becomes, “are the children too stupid to ask or question?” He is counting on the fact that they will be too enthralled with the music to question the destination or fate. Remember the 2008 mantra…”Yes We Can”….”Yes We Can What?”
Obama hawked the concept of “change” throughout his initial attempt to gain the presidency. He spoke of “fundamental transformation” and how Americans could work together to make America great again. He used a lot of “feel good” talk which was backed up by nothing of substance. Unfortunately, neither the American public of 2008 nor the mainstream media raised any real challenge to the meaning behind his words. Once in office, it became clear that he had only two real intentions in terms of change…bigger, ever-growing government and spending beyond the scope of any ever witnessed in the history of the country.
The re-election process is maturing and once the Republicans identify a nominee, the head to head battle for the Presidency will be on for 2012. Obama cannot run on the record of his accomplishments, that fact is crystal clear. He cannot run on the promise of “hope and change” as he has already had almost a full term in office to demonstrate that strategy. Little has taken place and what has certainly does not represent progress or improvement in terms of sustaining our country under the framework of the Constitution and the Rule of Law. Essentially, the only measurable accomplishment of the first term in office of the Obama Administration is an approximate 20% expansion in the size of the federal government, healthcare legislation which when fully enacted will cost the taxpayers far more than any previous programs and likely provide less care in the process, and an added six trillion or more dollars to the ever-tilting scales of the national debt. In essence, anything related to the past four years is bankrupt in terms of giving an elective edge to Obama.
That said, Obama is left come up with new strategies which will most certainly be creations from the Saul Alinsky play-book, “Rules For Radicals”. To boil Mr. Alinsky’s theories down to a state of simplicity, one can simply assume that nothing is as it appears it if it comes from the brain trust of that philosophy. Given that Obama admittedly worships at the Alinsky altar, one can be quite sure Alinsky will play into the 2012 campaign strategy for Obama. In fact, we are already getting a taste of it. Obama has harped on the rich and generally stirred the pot of class envy and resentment at every turn in the past few months. Now he comes forward with the statement, “Together there is no problem we cannot solve”. Remember, nothing is as it appears and such is the case here. Obama on the one hand is calling for a collective effort to eliminate our problems; while on the other hand, he is inserting divisiveness or envy between Americans. Stir in a bit of unrest and violence from the “Occupy” crowd as the election draws near and we have the recipe for an unstable climate in which far too many Americans resist making any change at all.
Obama will toss “hope and change” into the ditch as a used commodity of past elections and move on to talk of solidarity and new directions for the country. In his normal way, he will never really tell you where he intends to go other than to hint at the “utopia” that America could be if only enough of us will behind his campaign and send him back to office for another term. That additional term will allow him the time he needs to unite Americans in a common effort toward making America great again. Remember that nothing is as it seems thus we can easily assume that nothing has really changed with Obama except that he is replacing the components or “buzz-words” of his campaign. No matter, all of it is simply campaign rhetoric and will be tossed aside once his re-election is assured. He then can get on with the agenda that he put in place early on in his first term…that of growing government to be the central entity in the lives of Americans; spending our way to prosperity, and generally destroying the middle class of the country so that the only thing left is the “haves” and the “have-nots”. Government will continue to domineer over the private sector; the economy will continue to languish in stagnation leaving unemployment at higher than tolerable numbers and more and more Americans will begin to feel the pain of a country bound to the depths of bankruptcy led by a bankrupt leader with every intention of breaking the back of capitalism and eliminating individual initiative and success in our society.
Nothing is as it seems. We have listened to Obama talk about how he would get Washington working again like it should be only to see a full first term go by without one annual budget for the federal government being past; watch time and again as Congress “temporarily” extends some deadline because no one can find a basis of compromise within their politics to take precedence over stubborn, bull-headed career politicians. From Obama & Company’s perspective, it is beneath the dignity of the President to referee or attempt to shape the Congressional politics for the best interest of America. It is unfortunate for therein lies the one opportunity in which Obama could demonstrate some level of leadership to the American people. Instead, he will distance himself from that involvement, spend his time on the golf course or taking vacations and assume that all the short-comings of his administration will be laid at the feet of those who serve in Congress which is probably a pretty good bet if I understand the American public like I think I do. From Obama’s perspective, his journey to greatness could have reached even loftier heights had he not been hamstrung by a dysfunctional legislative branch incapable of acting on the best interest of America.
So the carrot dangles out there having been issued forth on the tongue of President Obama. “Together there is no problem we cannot solve”. The carrot dangles like a baited-hook in front of a hungry trout. Hanging there until that moment when the fish takes the bait and the hook gets set to reel it in. The 2012 campaign for leadership and unity has been launched by the President and he stands waiting for the public to board his bus once again and ride through another term with him. Nothing is as it seems and no one better understands that than Obama as he baits the hook once again and waits for the fish.
How successful will this new effort be for 2012? That answer depends greatly on how the opposition approaches the election process. If the Republicans allow Obama to set the tone in the race and work solely on the basis of responding to his calls, then it can only work in his favor. The opposition has the means, the facts, and the ability to go after Obama with a full-frontal assault keeping his lack of accomplishment and miserable leadership record in the forefront at every juncture and keeping him and his handlers on the defensive. That message needs to be there every single day at every single opportunity for the American public to absorb and dwell upon. Then as Obama comes forth spewing his new words of unity and leadership, the public can measure it against the backdrop of the realities of his first term in office. Some might recall the attacks of Bill Clinton on George Bush Sr. with a focus on the economy in that historic election year when everyone was convinced that the incumbent could not lose. “It’s the economy, stupid”, was the phrase designed to keep Clinton and company on focus and on message and it was effective.
A second element to consider and a very real possibility is a possible splintering within the conservative ranks. Given Ron Paul’s mediocre performance in Iowa, it is likely that his campaign for the Republican nomination will slowly drift into the sunset as more and more states sort out the nominee process. Now, if Mr. Paul was a true conservative who really cared about “conservative values” being re-instilled in the country, he nor any other conservative for that matter would not contemplate running for the office of the President as an independent. If that should happen, America will see the “conservative voter base” splinter between the Republican nominee and some smaller faction willing to support the independent. In the end, the effect will be nothing more than a “spoiler” role just like the one played by Ross Perot when George Bush Sr. went down in defeat. If that scenario takes place, Obama will never leave the White House in 2012 and America may eventually be only a forgotten memory lost in the mass rumble of financial destruction and socialist manipulation.
Anytime a politician tells us that “together there is no problem we cannot solve”, we need to be looking for the other shoe to fall. To let that statement stand on its own is simple to prop up the false promise of assurance that good things will happen without ever receiving any factual assurance as to “how” or “at what costs”? It is time that someone began asking the hard questions of those seeking to serve America and demanding that answers be forthcoming in great detail. At one time, Americans could count on the media to carry that mantra…those days are over. No longer is the media part of the solution…it is part of the problem. One only has to witness their foaming at the mouth over the President’s speaking of those words noted above to realize it. The magic flute is already playing its tune.
©Copyright WBrown2012. All Rights Reserved.
4 Jan 2012
Comments
Thanks Wayne. Let's hope for better days, better attitudes and better communication, while we recommit to preserving all of life's blessings, peacefully.
No response, Wayne?
On edit: That's what America was, Wayne, and I celebrate her; but it's the America that's divided and SINKING now that we both morn and need to repair—together.
Wayne, I have no disagreements with anything you've expressed and of course your vote and voice counts. I wouldn't want you to abandon your core principles or want to trample on anyone's rights given by the Constitution.
An analogy: A democracy is a kind of navigational balancing act on a boat that sustains us in all kinds of seas and weather conditions. There can only be one captain and one crew—chosen by the majority of its passengers.
With this in mind, and without fixing any blame on previous captains and crews or present ones—I get it. You think Obama is not a very good captain and you have no confidence in his seamanship.
I would argue that I have no confidence in the present candidates who want to replace him. None of them have captained our vessel ever—especially in the raging storms and seas Obama has been forced to sail in. Moreover, our ship is still for the most part intact even with a sometimes mutinous crew.
I've tried to convey my rationale for staying with Obama without stepping on any toes because you seemed sincere in your curiosity about my genuine view.
I vaguely recall a line that said: We are all angels with one wing, some have left wings and others have right wings—but the ONLY way we can ever fly is to embrace the other who has the wing we don't have.
That's what America was, Wayne, and I celebrate her; but it's the America that's divided and dying now that we both morn and need to repair—together.
"And all I can say to you LH, is right back atcha...and many of you others on "that side if the aisle" as well...
If you think you come of as just people with a different point of view, but no hatred, think again."
Here's proof that some people will never learn. Doesn't surprise me at all. I tried. I'm done.
We're not alone, IMO...never was nor ever will be.
And all I can say to you LH, is right back atcha...and many of you others on "that side if the aisle" as well...
If you think you come of as just people with a different point of view, but no hatred, think again.
From the North Pole to the South Pole there is evidence that the current monetary system is broke beyond repair. No solutions can be found if we look to Big Governments - nor Big Business. The solution lies in each of us as individuals realizing "it is time for mankind to give up the struggle to survive, and learn to love life and love living" .... to look to Big Business or Big Government to be a solution - will only delay the corrections society as a whole requires. :-) That's the flute we need to be playing!
Lh & Wayne- Thanks for the sincere and rational retorts above and the new comity is a most welcomed surprise. You're dead-nuts right of course—labels, exaggerations and accusations only promote agitation which disrupts communication and a meeting of minds.
Sadly, the further out your opponent sits on the opposite end of the political seesaw, the further out YOU are forced to sit in order to compensate and maintain a relative balance.
Wrt:"@Wizard of Whimsy...Okay! JC, Allah, and Spiritual Enlightenment. Now, tell us, which one of them was the clincher in getting you in bed with Obama? WB"
I sense a sarcastic tone in this, however, in candor, Wayne, Obama has been a disappointment to me because he was conciliatory to those who overtly declared they would do everything to make sure he was defeated. R's play hardball and take the game as a battle to the death with the "The Great Satan=The Liberal Establishment."
Nevertheless, I view Obama's behaviors, infinitely more "Christian" and ethical than the behaviors of his opponents in Congress and the right wing pundits who have lied and misinformed the American public for political gain.
Enlightenment hasn't anything to do with "being in bed with Obama." We suffered for eight excruciating years with a prep-school bully who swaggered around as a Texas good 'ol boy. He (and the arrogant fools who manipulated him) brought America, the government, politics, the economy and the Constitution to the present impasse. By no stretch of the imagination was it solely Obama.
All this said, however, I don't see any of it as crucial at this point. No matter how much one rails about socialism or capitalism, religion or evil, greed or prosperity, the facts tell all of us all that there is "good capitalism" and there is "bad capitalism," genuine Christian behavior and phony religious behavior, good governmental behavior and bad governmental behavior, good leadership and bad leadership.
What I read in this thread was not remotely objective or reasonable in terms of recognizing the varying degrees and distinctions of the issues and facts. There was no genuine effort to be fair or tolerant of an opposing view.
Personally, I thought: "Okay, you want to politically mud wrestle—no holds barred?" Fine! So I fought with the same kind of attitude. But I've never taken "the game" seriously or have I seen it as a fight with 'the Devil" that has to be won or "God and the good guys" will lose and all will be lost. I know you are all well intentioned and mean well—but a great many injustices have occurred by the well-meaning. Although I would insult, ridicule and condescend consciously, at times, I got the impression that your side was doing it "unconsciously"—that is to say, I got the sense you weren't even recognizing your own biases and prejudices.
To find out, I tried to provoke you into anger and emotion to see what you were made of. I retained the mask of The Wizard to put you even more off balance and was able to discern quite a lot from your projections about whom you think I am. (By the way, I really enjoyed the comment about me being a "young kid in my mother's basement!")
FYI Department: I keep my Wizard persona because I have worked for the State Department and may do so again—so my anonymity will remain. I share this information, not to try and impress, but to share the facts.
I heard a radio interview with Ben Kingsley, who played Gandhi and he mentioned a quote, inaccurately attributed to Gandhi, that actually came from the movie's screen-writer: "An "eye for an eye" makes the whole world go blind!"
I think this to be sage advice for all of us—liberal or conservative, believer or non-believer. America is at the precipice and I'm looking for the "aware people" who understand and appreciate this fact.
We don't need anymore reckless and inflexible fanatics who can't compromise their principle for the good of America.
That's all I really wish to say.
LMC, I have no idea if there are others trying to get you thrown off HP. It honestly wouldn't surprise me if there were but I can assure you I'm NOT one of them. If you're pointing your finger at me, you're wasting time aiming in the wrong direction, lady.
You wrote: "And for what? My politcal views?"
Perhaps it's not your political views, LMC, but rather your attitude and presentation. Here's the impression I got from dealing with you months ago. You can take or leave it. I really could not care less but here goes.
Your posts say it all, LMC. You're one pissed off individual, devoid of all happiness, and you hate everything and everybody. You HATE yourself, your life, your job, your boss, Republicans, Conservatives, Bush, Cheney, Corporations, Israel....the list goes on and on and on. You say you don't hate but it certainly appears that way? It's certainly the impression you gave me! Maybe others got the same impression. Think about it.
You seem like you might be an intelligent person, LMC, but it's lost COMPLETELY in your holier-than-thou presentation and attitude that, frankly, makes you seem more than a little nuts sometimes. That's not intended as a insult, just an observation.
As for me, yes, I have some faults and can be a REAL SMARTASS when I want to be. Liberals tend to bring that out of me. At least I try to make my posts in hubs and forums focus on the subject matter presented. I don't always succeed but I try. You, on the other hand, are like the parent who's ALWAYS screaming and I just tune you out.
You probably won't like what I wrote here, LMC, but it was and is my impression and, frankly, it's a waste. I would much rather have a conversation and maybe even learn something. I've also been known to teach a thing or two as well.
Again, take it or leave it. I care not which and you can look elsewhere on the blame game. When it comes to you, my 'give a damn' broke a long time ago.
Now, I apologize to Wayne for taking up space on his comments section. I'm sorry, Wayne, for going completely off subject.
Oh ok...you didn't say many people have a problem with me, and it remains to be seen what can be done about it. But it's not up to YOU ALONE. So--I assume there are others....in fact, I know there are.
No use putting time and effort into writing hubs because they get flagged and voted down.
Always banned in forums, even my sock-puppet banned for life.
And for what? My politcal views?
And you all just go on your merry ways insulting and smearing. Must be nice.
"So, how many if you are working to get me kicked off here?"
The paranoia has set in. Not I, LMC. I will say it doesn't surprise me given you attitude and presentation.
LH, thanks for your response—more later.
Good grief, Wayne you are soooo verbose—you need a good editor who'll spank your big ego as often as necessary—IMHO . . . and with all due respect to your passion and skills.
But more importantly, I'm playing a different game here than you may think I'm playing. And I don't mean that with any condescension.
I may be mistaken and you may prove me wrong with some things poorly expressed on my part, or with me losing patience and directly insulting you, but in all sincerity, my intent was to focus on the behaviors and the personas—not the genuine human beings behind the bravado and the repartee.
I admit to intentionally riling you all up, because I found your attitudes so knee-jerk and typical of the Texas culture—namely: a swaggering machismo and anti-intelectual, religiosity that I experienced all too often when I was in the Air Force there and in Mississippi.
Sufficed to say, with regard to my 'beliefs," I have come to a time in my life when I see them for the illusions that they are. And I am not using "illusions" in a pejorative sense here, but rather in the Hindu sense of "maya." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_(illusion))
I minored in religious philosophy in my undergraduate studies and, as mentioned before, I love all religions—but as ideas that can only point to enlightenment and awareness of the sacred in life—which is essentially human love, kindness and sacrifice.
I have to go now but I'm sure I'll get whacked for any and all in this post—especially Wikipedia—so be it and have a ball!
Here's a chart on how gvt programs work: compare it to a corporation, where the bulk goes to the ceo.
http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/01/chart-da...
But here's where gvt sux: facilitaing these policies! Tax cuts for wealthy, leading to tax increases on the middle!
FACT: The top 1% saw a 278% increase in real income from 1979 to 2007. The middle 60% had an increase of less than 40%
"As for LMC's frustration with attitudes, she has one of the biggest ones here and more than a few are just as frustrated with her and it. I count myself as one. That may or may not get fixed but, then again, it's not all up to only me."
So, how many if you are working to get me kicked off here? You Constitution-Loving people--except for the 1st, 4th and 8th amendments?
I respect that, Wizard, as a person's religion and how they may or may not practice it is a very personal thing.
I do believe in Capitalism, not Socialism. I, too, believe we should be good stewards of what God gave us, realizing that, if we are, God will take care of us and what He has created.
As for LMC's frustration with attitudes, she has one of the biggest ones here and more than a few are just as frustrated with her and it. I count myself as one. That may or may not get fixed but, then again, it's not all up to only me.
As for Mr. Starr, he doesn't need me to speak up for him but I will say he is a good man. A kind and gentle soul. He's like anyone else here on HP. He wants to be treated with the respect he's earned. I won't pretend to speak for Mr. Starr but I have a feeling if you do that, you'll get the same in return. You two won't always agree but you'll have some good, spirited conversations and, if you'll keep an open mind, you'll learn a thing or two.
Longhunter, to answer your question—I believe in Christ, Allah, The Tao and Enlightenment. I'll sleep with any of them in order to grow spiritually, in love, kindness and respect for the entire Universe.
I find I can't believe in capitalism or socialism, but rather believe we should be stewards of every aspect of nature that sustains us as well as all creatures and beings on this sad and beautiful little planet of ours.
That is not to say I don't agree with lovemychris's frustration with the attitudes around here.
I'll presume that Will doesn't speak for you, LH.
You and I have one thing in common, Wiz...neither one of us know what the hell you're babbling about.
Hate? Where did I say hate? You can't handle a simple conversation. You don't listen, only condemn.
I'm not perfect, LMC, but I am forgiven.
As for the insults, is it Christ-like to sling an occasional one here or there? Nope, but I decided a while back to give as good as I get. I tried turning the other cheek and got it slapped as well. I decided to fight back. If you don't like it or the truth, that's your problem.
As for hating Christians, I first thought you did so as a hobby but then I remembered from dealing with you in the past that you hate EVERYTHING including yourself and your own life so Christians are just another thing on your LOOOOOONG list.
Me and Wizzer got a few things to work out but at least I think we might come around to being able to have a reasonable debate. You, on the other hand, are a lost cause.
Oh, wait, was that an insult? NAAAAA, just being honest. Can you handle it?
Why believe and then don't follow the mandates???
Insulting people is Christ-Like? Give me a break! That's why people don't like Christians...they use it to pat their own back without actually displaying the Spirit of it.
You have them pegged Whiz.
No insult, Wizzy, just a personal observation.
On your question, as a Christian, I don't put Jesus Christ in a category. From what I know of Him, He would shun both sides. It's only us as humans that take sides. As one of those humans and a believer in Jesus Christ, I do find it odd to see a Liberal bring Him up even though you did so only in trying to put me and other Conservatives down. That doesn't surprise me in the least.
Before I go further, I want to ask you something, Wizzer. You can answer or not. That's up to you.
Since you brought Him up, are you a believer in Jesus Christ?
lovemycris - You just gave them the perfect opportunity to evade my question with an insult—another thing they like to do while they blame you for the behavior.
You just gotta wonder if Liberals drool when they type this crap.
"More evasions—you challenge me, call me out, I respond and then you try to interrogate me without addressing the issues behind your conservative stance. You're rigging the game, fellas—but then that's what you do . . . and then accuse me of doing it."
This!!They do it all the time!
BTW....my grandmother never worked, yet collected social security.
My mother worked part-time, after us kids were grown: she's collecting my dad's SS.
AND--after 4 years, you use up all that you ever put in.
so...this notion of earned money is correct, up to a point. If you live 4 years after collecting, you are "on the dole". As my mother is, as my gramma was...and so was yours.
So, don't tell me they deserve it and poor moms with kids do not.
Or poor families.
Or veterans of war.
Or the unemployed.
Disabled.
Any number of others who need a hand. We should be providing MORE!
After all, Bachman got $250,000!
"You have got to be kidding about Obama. Longhunter!"
Nope, not in the least, Wizz.
Okay. Replace the Jihadi with Jesus Christ and his willingness to be crucified for his beliefs—especially his beliefs as they relate to his sermon on the Mount.
Are NEO-Con's beliefs closer to Jesus' ideology or is a liberal's beliefs closer?
You have got to be kidding about Obama. Longhunter!
"...you may well see it as a "blanket comparison" because of the examples I used."
Wizzy, might I suggest you use a comparison that doesn't compare Conservatives to murdering Islamic extremist anymore than ALL Liberals should be compared to Hitler.
Some Conservatives may be rigid in the beliefs but certainly no more rigid than what you and others have put on display here for all to see.
For this thing called America to work, there has to be flexibility on both sides. That's something that's sorely lacking from both sides of the aisle in Congress but even more so from President Barack Hussein Obama.
More evasions—you challenge me, call me out, I respond and then you try to interrogate me without addressing the issues behind your conservative stance. You're rigging the game, fellas—but then that's what you do . . . and then accuse me of doing it.
There doesn't seem to be an original idea among all of you—just parroting of reactionary boilerplate.
"The Jihadi sees only true-believers or infidels. The Neo-Cons see it all in terms of money=power and poverty=weakness."
And the liberals see...what?
Why did you leave them out?
No, Longhunter, you may well see it as a "blanket comparison" because of the examples I used.
Nevertheless, I'm making an observation that a commitment to one overarching ideology makes people dangerous because , after a while, they only see their own ideological idea in a kind of binary game of good & bad and they are inflexible in their beliefs.
The Jihadi sees only true-believers or infidels. The Neo-Cons see it all in terms of money=power and poverty=weakness.
This kind of inflexibility makes governing impossible with war and destruction (physical, political, economic, theological) inevitable.
So what you're doing is making a blanket comparison of all Conservatives to "a jihadist who dies for Allah in the next world," like to the people who were responsible for 3,000 American murders on 9-11-01.
That would be like someone saying "all Liberals are little Hitlers because they tend to dislike our support of Israel and the killing of millions of Jews wasn't enough in their opinion."
Am I to believe you'd agree with that assessment as well, Wizzer, since it's obvious from your postings you're a Liberal.
No boys it's not an indictment, it's a perception of some peoples' behavior and mindset as it relates to ideology and politics.
You either understand it or you don't. You either agree with it wholly, in part or not at all.
You either see yourself in it or you don't.
It's not as simplistic as "Obama is a socialist and therefore evil to America."
Sorry to give you something more mentally taxing than you are normally accustomed to on the Rush Limbaugh Show.
He probably doesn't have the guts, Wayne. He might prove me wrong, hiding behind the anonymity of his HP avatar. We'll have to see if Wizzy will step up. It would be something new for him, if he does.
Nothing is more dangerous than a dogmatist who can only retain one idea in his head—whether that fanatic be a jihadist who dies for Allah in the next world or a NeoCon whose God is money and power in this world.
Thank you, Ms. Blair, for your kind words.
The troll and his friends, as you so rightfully refer to them, have screamed and spewed their way into the Book of Irrelevant and Unwanted as their demagoguery grows with each posting. Eventually they'll fall by the wayside as the useless and delusional "individuals" that they've made themselves into. IMHO, the sooner the better.
You just can't fix crazy.
My mom recently told me about this new medical procedure they are working on--laser something, will cost $50,000 to do, and medicare will pay for it!
Reminds me of Romney when he was gvr here in Mass . He cut masshealth eye and teeth care for kids, but didn't mind that tax-payers foot the bill for a 78 yr old man to have a new procedure, so he could "get back on the golf course".
Yeah....I'd say from experience....all you anti-socialists really don't mind socialism, as long as it's directed where YOU want it to go!
Let me geuss.....you people deserve your social security and medicare: socialism
Big oil and gas and mega-farms deserve subsidies: socialism
Romney's company deserved for tax monies to bail it out,then reaping huge profits: high-way robbery
Israel deserves 8 mil + a day: socialism for another country!
300,000 Americans who are worth a mil or more deserve tax breaks: reverse robin-hood
Companies deserve tax breaks to move jobs overseas:socialism and anti-Americanism
....But don't you dare talk about unemployment insurance and food stamps for those whose jobs were sacrificed on the alter of 52-mil-a-year CEO's: No Good Bums
Is that about right?
Shame on you!
Thank you, Wayne -- hope folks like you can keep going and keep us all from the drain of socialist destruction. I'm mad as hell -- obviously -- but in no way am I qualified to state my case as effectively as you guys do. There's a lot of folks out here like me -- we know what we want to happen, how we want it to happen and what results we want to see. We don't however, have good, grounded information as to what's happened or exactly why it's happened and are in no way expert enough to defend what we know, want or hope to see. I'm one of those persons who knew this was all wrong and going the wrong way from the get-go -- but wasn't informed enough to present an intelligent case. If one's gonna get in the fray (in my opinion) you gotta be horseback and I'm still ridin' a Shetland. So -- it's my great pleasure to have you guys speak up for me. I'm gaining knowledge daily -- might just pop out of the chute any day now! LOL! Best, Sis
Wayne, Will, Frog, Longhunter -- just a tip of this old lady's 10-gallon Stetson (I got one of them hats, too and damned proud to wear it) to all of you for your patience and persistence in dealing so effectively with the troll and his friends. It's folks like you, who'll stand up and be counted, who are going to make the difference in turning the mess our country's in around. Thank you. Sis
That's the best you could come up with, Wizzy? Why am I not surprised?
I guess there's no cure for the 'liberal idea' disease except maturity and honesty with oneself. Obviously, in your case, we'll be waiting a while for you to gain both.
Will, thanks for a tip of your ten-gallon hat to my tactics.
Longhunter, if your only tool is a hammer—every solution is a nail—you're a one trick pony!
The 'liberal idea' IS a weakness, a mental disease that festers in the minds of the lazy that won't do for themselves but rather do all they can to suck the life blood out an economy and society, waiting for the government to give them a handout.
hyperbole
Noun
1) A way of emphasizing what you are saying by describing it as far more extreme than it really is
An example:
"The 'liberal' idea makes room for human weakness, for the bare desperation of what it is to be alive in this world, for the underdog and those who struggle for justice but don't want to live in the fear that breeds hate and blame and the exclusion of everything different."
Wayne, keep dancing with your delusions, it's of no concern to me.
I can't help it if appealing to hate and fear is a commercial success in your America.
The 'liberal' idea makes room for human weakness, for the bare desperation of what it is to be alive in this world, for the underdog and those who struggle for justice but don't want to live in the fear that breeds hate and blame and the exclusion of everything different.
What ties it all together? Big Oil.
"I left wondering whether 6,000 Americans might prove to have died in New York for the royal family of Saud, or oil, or both. But I didn't have much more than insider dinner gossip to go on. I get my analysis from the standard all-American news outlets. And they've been too focused on a) anthrax and smallpox, or b) the intricacies of Muslim fanaticism, to throw any reporters at the murky ways in which international oil politics and its big players have a stake in what's unfolding.
A quick Nexis search brought up a raft of interesting leads that would keep me busy for 10 years if the economics of this war was my beat. But only two articles in the American media since September 11 have tried to describe how Big Oil might benefit from a cleanup of terrorists and other anti-American elements in the Central Asia region. One was by James Ridgeway of the Village Voice. The other was by a Hearst writer based in Paris and it was picked up only in the San Francisco Chronicle.
In other words, only the Left is connecting the dots of what the Russians have called "The Great Game" -- how oil underneath the 'stans' fits into the new world order. Here's just a small slice of what ought to provoke deeper research by American reporters with resources and talent.
The Carlyle connection means that George Bush Senior is on the payroll from private interests that have defense business before the government, while his son is president. Hmmm. As Charles Lewis of the Washington-based Center for Public Integrity has put it, "in a really peculiar way, George W. Bush could, some day, benefit financially from his own administration's decisions, through his father's investments. And that to me is a jaw-dropper."
TPC-" 'splain to me Lucy!"
Actually, if truth be told, there's plenty of blame to go around. Though I was shocked the American public were taken in, I can understand it because Reagan was a likable snake-oil salesman and he believed his pitch.
I tend to trace America's present war of political division on the Bork and Thomas hearings. The D's were arrogant and foolish and pushed the right wing into a holy jihad with the birth of the reactionary think-tanks (like Cato and AEI ) funded by powerful money interests.
The Right, always better at playing dirty, knew exactly how to game the system with corporate lobby money coupled with lies, distractions and phony morality.
Mix this with a ruthlessly meretricious media billionaire, like Rupert Murdoch and deceitful demagogues like Limbaugh, Beck and Hannity, it had to become the political cesspool we are all forced to swim in today.
Wizard:
Look how they can't see that much of the domestic and foreign messes we're in can be laid solidly at the feet of "St. Ronnie"
lovemychris-You shouldn't expect deluded people to acknowledge the truth about their heroes and demagogues. You'd have more success getting cats to bark like dogs.
"I think Bush was working with Bin Laden. In fact, he was: Carlyle Group."
It's official. Time to call the people in the long, white coats.
I think Bush was working with Bin Laden. In fact, he was: Carlyle Group.
And don't you worry about Romney...he has all the Conservative Moxie now.
Repeal Roe v Wade,
Let corporations rule,
Let Israel have whatever Bibi wants: including our soldiers to fight in Iran,
No regs on business,
No regs on banks,
Regs on females, gays and immigrants
Rich get richer,
Poor get poorer,
Middle class becomes poorer still.
He's got it down!
Hmmm, lying us into an invasion and using torture.....what principles?
Oh I know: "Mr. Vice President, 82%of the country disagrees with you"
Cheney: "So"
Unitary Executive, The Constitution is just a piece of paper, Bin-Laden? He's not even on my radar, Mission Accomplished!, Nucular Nucular Nucular.....yeah, what a beacon of morality and virtue.oooops, i just threw up my pretzels!
Or you have the principes of your new man, Romney: "Corporations are people too, you betcha"
I have 2 words for you: Jeff Perry. Romney supports him. Cofer Black, pres of Blackwater. Bain Capital....really research it, as well as his sons.
And don't forget to go back to grade school; like you did with Obama.
And ask him where he was during Vietnam--you remember Russsshhhh: Pot-Smoking Draft-Dodger (about Clinton)
Cause you know you're fair and balanced, only care about America.
Knuckle-dragging cowboys united in ignorance and anger—what a team!
(snicker!)
BTW, conservatives were very upset with Bush and the wild spending spree, asking if he had lost his veto pen!
But he was a real penny-pincher compared to Obama!
"You can't add Bushco's spending onto Obama's, and call it Obama's fault!"
Nobody is. The debt when Bush left office is the combined debt accumulated by ALL PRESIDENTS SINCE WASHINGTON!
Barack Obama is well on track to more than double that in his first term!
You rock, Lady!
You can't add Bushco's spending onto Obama's, and call it Obama's fault!
Obama put Bushco's 2 "wars" and medicare bill for big pharma on the budget--W left it on the tab.
And I want to get corporations out of making policy. Get crapitalism out of homes, heating, healthcare, food, education.
Make your money selling things people WANT, not things people NEED.
Your policies nearly did us in: we don't want to give you the power to finish the deal.
You cannot serve 2 masters.....PERIOD!
You chose the wrong Master.
true that Will! that IS a fact.
"So far as Will Starr's first comment....WTF? Back that up! Provide links and data!!!"
Sure:
"...by the end of his first term, Obama will have added as much debt as all the prior 43 presidents combined -- that was accurate enough to earn a Mostly True from PolitiFact."
Bashing Obama is perfectly fine, and I do it all of the time.
So far as Will Starr's first comment....WTF? Back that up! Provide links and data!!!
I've never yet seen ANYTHING showing that the Obama admin has created the debt that the previous amoral Bush Admin did.
Listen, I'm not a fan of B.H.O. - but I damn sure can't support much of anything done by the W.Bush admin, the murderous corporate war monger administration that Obama continued on with the same policies of...oh hell no.
In fact, the reason why I do not support Obama is because he's too similar to Bush. But everything I've ever seen shows that W. Bush created more debt than has Obama.
One of the major things that bothers me about Obama is that he's such a persuasive speaker who never backs anything up - the PERFECT person to continue on with the hideous policies of George W. Bush.
Again:
"The 'change' that the left talks about is the total destruction of capitalistic and prosperous America, and the tearing down of our borders. The 'change' they want is a militarily weak, socialist America so they no longer feel guilty over our success and strength.
But if we ask them directly what they mean by 'change' all we get are evasions. That's why they speak in riddles and attack others."
Then they prove me right about their hatred of the capitalism that made America great:
"Neo-con-captialism=maximize my stock options and profits at the expense of everything, even the planet that sustains us!
Neo-con-captialism=screw the public, they're free-loaders!
Neo-con-captialism=So let's NOT "change" a good thing!"
See?
I'm beginning to think LMC has come up with yet another alter personality and it's none other than Wizzer, the Wizard of Whimsy. She did it once before. Perhaps she's done it again.
My how defensive we can become when we identify with . . .
Neo-con-captialism=maximize my stock options and profits at the expense of everything, even the planet that sustains us!
Neo-con-captialism=screw the public, they're free-loaders!
Neo-con-captialism=So let's NOT "change" a good thing!
The 'change' that the left talks about is the total destruction of capitalistic and prosperous America, and the tearing down of our borders. The 'change' they want is a militarily weak, socialist America so they no longer feel guilty over our success and strength.
But if we ask them directly what they mean by 'change' all we get are evasions. That's why they speak in riddles and attack others.
lovemychris- Neo-Conservatives hate change because that's what progressive movements represent—even when it's for the better of the American majority. They fought to preserve slavery, Jim Crow, immigration and anything they see as a threat to their ideology and 'piece of the pie."
They're ruthless, deceitful and they have no concern for the destruction of others' lives—as long as they preserve their way of life and most of all their bank accounts, nothing else matters to them.
Their refusal to accept change also carries the seeds of their demise because change is constant and eternal—especially when what they adhere to is unjust, cruel and ignorant—like all of their enslaving causes mentioned above.
A perfect example of my thesis is the gerrymandering going on in the four new congressional districts in Texas, where the increase in the Hispanic population hinders their balance of power in Congress.
The history of America and the reason for our Constitution is really about preventing the gangsters and extortionists from stacking the deck of democracy—which, sadly, has been occurring and accelerating at an ever alarming rate ever since Barry Goldwater and the John Birchers learned how to appeal to the greedy, the fearful and the ignorant in our country.
LMC - It is the establishment who wants to continue all the excessive spending and expansion of the federal government who fear the TPM. Things need to change where we spend what we take in, maybe even spend less, and cut the size of the federal government and make it what the Constitution says it should be - "a limited federal government" with only the enumerated powers that are contained therein. When people start fearing adhering to the document that is the law of this land then that's pathetic. Those two things - fiscal responsibility and adherence to the US Constitution - are the cornerstone of the TPM. If those principles are feared then I suggest that people get rid of their stinkin' thinkin' as my old friend Zig Zigler is fond of saying.
I'm like Wayne, I've thought that way long before the advent of the TPM. Why? Because I've actually paid taxes for years on end as I watch the idiots on Capitol Hill waste my hard earned dollars over and over again. I'm sick of watching it myself and fed up with all the political BS that I see going on up there.
The Frog
Now you see why most people don't like Liberals and Democrats.
They want to change this country into something totally different from what our founding fathers created, thus shredding our Constitution.
Here's a clue: WE WON'T LET YOU!!!
Now you see why people don't like the Tea Party.
And why this country will never be united.
Some people think they own it.
here's a clue: you don't.
And you still have no substance, Wiz. You consistently exemplify the left's ability to type a lot words and still say nothing. The sooner you realize that, the sooner we'll be rid of you.
More group-think, hey boys? You never disappoint and consistently exemplify GWB's "low expectations of bigotry."
Wayne - Intelligence? If what he writes is a measure of intelligence then we're all in big trouble. He seems intent on having the last word, as trolls are wanting to do, but other than that I'm not sure where he is adding anything of value to the conversation and content of your writing.
The Frog
We may know nothing about you other than what you've spewed here, on other hubs, and in the forums, Wizzer, but it's given us all a real good impression of who you are thus the reason for the things being said.
Simply put, we all have the impression you don't know your butt from a hole in the ground. You're a person who's only capable of slinging insults but you have no real substance, thus inconsequential.
This is great, I feel like I'm in a game of Indian Poker with dimwits and dupes—no wonder I'm accused of arrogance.
Nothing is known of me, personally, by this crowd, yet they hurl their imagined projections and accusations—always about how lazy I am or that I make personal attacks as they relentlessly vilify me.
I really hope the unjaundiced readers out there are having as much fun with this "confederacy of dunces" as I am!
Whizzy - What most of us here really "hate" is the type of ignorance you have on open display. Get off your butt and take the bull by the horns and work hard and you just might succeed. You know, become a tax payer and productive citizen, that sort of thing.
We all make choices and have to live with the results of those choices. That's the American way. Success or failure is measured by the individual and what they are made of. If you need a Nanny then hire one.
Will - You have to have a position to state one.
The Frog
So let me guess, Wizzer, we're suppose to give you and others too lazy to work all our money, thus freeing us of that fear of loosing it?
To your way of thinking, it's do anything so you don't have to leave mom's basement and work. Right? Does your mom bring you your mail at the same time she brings you your milk and cookies?
"Obviously, the only thing you know, Will, is your own hatred."
See? Another personal attack. That's his entire MO. He never states his own position on anything.
Troll.
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