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Letters, 8/20: President is not to blame

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Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 - 01:06:31 am CDT

In response to the letter “Thanks for nothing” (Aug. 10), the next time you wish to blame a government official for your problems, please make sure you are laying the responsibility at the feet of the correct branch of the government. My copy of the Constitution states that the president’s only input into the final federal budget is to sign or not to sign the budget as it was passed by Congress.

The Congress is responsible for passing all new legislation, which would include that affecting your health, dental, education and retirement plans. If you do not like the budget the Republicans and Democrats in Congress have approved, take your grievance up with them. Do not blame the president.

Governments can only create bureaucracy, they do not create jobs — business creates jobs. The way a government can aid business in the creation of new jobs is to keep taxes low on industry and not overtax the investors.

For your information, an investor is someone who keeps his “Keep Working Until The Day I Die Fund” invested in business hoping to receive a profit on his retirement fund and not in a coffee can buried in the backyard. If you dig your retirement fund up and invest in stocks, and if the “Tax the Wealthy and Spend on the Needy” liberal Democrats let you keep any of the profit from your investment, you will have more in your retirement fund than you will have squirreled away in your coffee can.

Richard Pullman, Hallam

Parks define our city

Lincoln built and steadily maintained parks for the past century. Why would we spend our scarce tax resources on parks? Members of the City Council provide support because they recognize that our park system defines Lincoln’s quality of life.

About half of our businesses come from the service industry. We compete for these businesses with cities on both coasts. Lincoln’s quality of life helps sell our other advantages.

Our parks shape our quality of life. They contribute vitality to our community and its residents. If we fail to support our parks, they become unsafe, poorly maintained and unavailable. This is the sign of a dying city. New businesses ignore dying cities.

Parks bring people together. Ties formed through this sort of community build social capital. This resource provides avenues through which information, values and social expectations flow. Social capital empowers people to tackle communitywide problems. Parks help create social capital.

Parks give us fun, sports, memories, beauty, solitude, quiet, wildlife, nature and children’s places.

What else do parks give us? Respect. Our parks symbolize our community. For years, we proudly pointed to our parks as one of Lincoln’s greatest assets, one of the qualities that places Lincoln at the top of national “livable cities” rankings.

Christie Schwartzkopf Schroff, Lincoln

Get input from health field

Recent headlines have highlighted the dire straits of the Beatrice State Developmental Center as well as problematic issues within the current Medicare/Medicaid system. Meetings have been held, committees formed, legislative investigations are under way, and in the meantime, patient care remains in jeopardy. Further scrutiny reveals that while most investigative committee members do have a common interest in the well-being of fellow mankind, many do not possess intimate knowledge of the medical or mental health profession sufficient to expedite practical solutions.

While committees meet and investigations take place, residents at BSDC are forced to look for new homes (some after years of residing within BSDC) and individuals on Medicare/Medicaid are scrambling to obtain medical and mental health care in a feasible manner. In the meantime, some are lost in the fray. For example, parents who do not have the financial means to pay for private behavioral treatment programs for their children are told by Medicare/Medicaid the youth is not of harm to self (e.g., suicidal or runaway) or others (violent) to the point the needed care is covered by insurance. So the only option is to wait until the behavior escalates to the point of police intervention.

Why individuals who have the capacity and intimate knowledge of the medical and mental health field are not consulted remains a mystery. Americans learned long ago morals cannot be legislated (one need look no further than prison overcrowding to figure this one out) and unfortunately, neither can common sense!

Linda Hunter, psychology intern,

Nebraska Mental Health Centers, Lincoln


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Ray-J wrote on August 20, 2008 4:36 am:
" Richard,

You my friend have hit the nail squairly on the head. Of course it is always easier to blame the president rather than to take on the real culprits. Just look at the democrat led congress we have now, a 9% aproval rate but you don't hear the liberal whiners and press saying anything about that, do you. "

 Rob wrote on August 20, 2008 6:47 am:
" Excuse me Richard. Didn't you mean the liberal Republicans? In the years that the Republicans took over our government, we as middle class
citizens seen our taxes go up, up, our investments go down. Now that Bush
& his Republican party made a mess of everything, you republicans choice
is to keep your head in the sand and pretend that the problems lies in the
democrates. They can't do anything till they get old VETO Bushy out of
there. We had a do nothing Republican congress, senate since in the 90's
and they did just that nothing, only get richer at our expense. How short
your memory is. What we need is two new parties in this country, for the
people, only the people, not the rich. "

 Get a Clue Richard wrote on August 20, 2008 7:00 am:
" Richard Pullman, nobody in their right mind believes that the president's only input into the budgetary process is to sign or not sign the completed bill. Everyone knows that the president announces in the State of the Union message what he does or does not want to see in the budget. Everyone knows that the president "suggests" spending bills to congressional members of his own party that are introduced in Congress.

You go right on blaming those "Tax the Wealthy and Spend on the Needy" Democrats. The corporations need to start paying their fair share of taxes for a change, and the needy (read: working Americans) deserve a government not beholden to the corporations and the rich. The deficits we had under Ronald Reagan and again under the current president show overwhelmingly what people lilke you haven't figured out yet - "trickle down" economics don't work. "

 JT wrote on August 20, 2008 7:23 am:
" Richard, when Republicans vote in lock step with everything Bush decrees, and there is a 50-49 Dem majority in the Senate (Lieberman doesn't count, and that's not enough to break filibusters) that means Bush has tremendous powers in dictating budget numbers to congress. "

 rushobillohannity wrote on August 20, 2008 7:56 am:
" Richard, we couldn't have said it better ourselves. It seems you get all your "information" from our shows. thank you for not thinking for yourself and letting us and the republican party form all your thoughts. It is people like Richard that keep the status quo, we need more people like him. "

 Edgar Pearlstein wrote on August 20, 2008 7:58 am:
" "Business creates jobs" says Mr. Pullman. And from that he concludes that businesses should not be taxed. A simple counter-observation is that consumers create businesses. Without consumers who have money, businesses would fail. "

 Josh wrote on August 20, 2008 7:58 am:
" I recall old GW saying, "I'm the Decider". "

 Hey Edgar wrote on August 20, 2008 8:21 am:
" It takes a person to create a business, they don't create themselves. Did it ever occur to you that business owners are consumers too? "

 MarkyMarks wrote on August 20, 2008 8:32 am:
" My copy of the Constitution states that the president’s only input into the final federal budget is to sign or not to sign the budget as it was passed by Congress. This is exactly what Mr. Bush did for 6 years without vetoing ONE DIME.

It doesn't take an economist to see what Mr. Bush's war (yes, his war and his war alone, Not hard to remember,) has done to the US economy. Stirring up the Middle East by creating a giant power vaccuum without a clue as to how to fight a war there, was certain to drive up the price of oil. That part went as planned for our oilmen administration. The rest of our economic woes have been a direct result of the war. Starting with the price of gasoline at the pump and trickling into every aspect of our economy, causing the inflation that is hurting Americans.

I really can't help wonder Mr. Pullman, if things were the same, except Clinton were president, what the flavor of your letter would be? "

 Berten Earnest wrote on August 20, 2008 8:45 am:
" While Richard's email is sure to bring the GW hate squad out of the woodwork, he is right that you can't lay all the blame of the budgetary problems on the sitting president, but at the same time, you can't completely absolve him of guilt. Bush ran his campaign in 2000 on cutting government spending and reducing the size of government. Instead we've had a complete 360, and for that, I could not vote for him in 2004.
Despite the flaws of GW and the Republicans, the Democrats, have and will always push class warfare and envy and punish and demonize achievement in order to buy votes. This is the core of their rhetoric and will be the core of their values, so I guess until there is a more viable political option I'm stuck either voting for more socially liberal Republicants or electable third party candidates that support property rights. "

 The Senate wrote on August 20, 2008 8:52 am:
" Actually the Senate count is Republicans: 49 Democrats: 49 Independants: 2 "

 Powered By Capitalism wrote on August 20, 2008 9:17 am:
" U.S. corporation’s are paying more than their fair share of taxes. The U.S. corporate tax rate is the highest of any country. This high tax rate is one of the incentives for U.S. corporations to outsource their business operations to other countries. Government intervention in the free markets, in particular taxation, results in the inefficient allocation of resources (i.e., lost jobs here in the U.S.). Again, it is these unintended consequences of government interference that end up hurting the working class. "

 ST wrote on August 20, 2008 9:39 am:
" How many times do we need to watch the "trickle-down" economic model fail before we finally realize that it a big fat lie? We tried it at the turn of the 19th century, look what followed...a massive depression. We tried it under Reagan, followed by a massive ression in the early 90's. We tried it again under George W, and we are all reaping the benefits of that right now. The largest peacetime job creation and economic expansion since WWII took place when the uber-wealthy and corporations were paying the highest tax rate they ever have, under Clinton. As far as the "do-nothing Democrat" Congress that you never hear about from liberals...we don't hear much about the record (by nearly 1/3) number of fillibusters the Republicans have mounted in the Senate, either. So careful who you blame, folks. Simply blaming everything on the President, the Democrats, or the Republicans just makes all of you look like uninformed fools, there's PLENTY of blame to go around. Starting with the people that have allowed all this to go on without demanding any accountability, and that would be us! "

 Mark wrote on August 20, 2008 9:44 am:
" It's sad to see many totally missed the point of Richard's letter. He is right on. Some still seem to have their heads buried in the sand and don't want to face reality, or are so blinded they will never know the difference. Democracy is the best form of government on the face of the planet. Just because your guy is not in the oval office don't mean we blame writers of letters pointing out facts, or the person in the oval office for all the world's problems.
It's obvious some bloggers don't have a clue about business, and the taxes the effect us employers. If my taxes goes up, so do my cost, not only from employee's, but also the production of goods.
The past is the past. If were going to look at the past, then the democrats had a great opportunity to step up, which they DID NOT these past 2 years. The democrat's have the opportunity to reach across party lines and get some stuff done, which they HAVE NOT. Case in point, their on vacation right now instead of getting the work done that will benefit all American's. For all the finger pointing democrat's do, they have managed to accomplish pretty much NOTHING! How some can defend that while trowing barbs around about the president shows how shallow some really are in their thinking. No wonder people blog under names not of their own. They don't want anybody to see how stupid they really are. "

 Zoomie wrote on August 20, 2008 9:58 am:
" Richard, did you actually read past the first sentence of the letter you're complaining about? If so, you'd have noticed it clearly says "...I would like to thank the conservative Republican Party..."! Because for the better part of 6 years that rubber-stamp GOP gave Bush and Cheney (and their war-profiteering buddies) everything they asked for, and managed to DOUBLE the National Debt in just 7 years! By the way, since you so oppose taxes, care to explain how you think we should get rid of that debt, which most businessmen and economists is now crippling our nation?
Oh, and the 9% approval rating (one poll...most give Congress a 20-25% approval rating)...If you actually follow polls you find the ones that then ask people who is to blame for Congress' problems, more than 50% blame the GOP amd only 30% blame Democrats. Further, if you ask people which party they want running the country, the majority (almost 2/3rds) say Democrats! This is why even GOP politicians admit they will lose House AND Senate seats in November (heck, the GOP Senator running the NRSC is going around saying if he can keep the GOP's losses to "under nine seats" [what Democrats need for a veto-and-filibuster proof majority], he'll claim the election a GOP "success"!!! ROFL!!!)... "

 lino wrote on August 20, 2008 10:03 am:
" Richard seems to think the Constitution under a Republican president means something. The last 8 years have taught us that, apparently and much to our surprise, the President has many more powers than those spelled out in the Constitution.
Businesses can only create jobs insofar as the government gives them subsidies to do so. They do a better job at making profits for their investors, not jobs for the good of the community.
This blind faith in raw, brutal capitalism is disturbing, to say the least. "

 Jeff wrote on August 20, 2008 10:08 am:
" Job Creation by creating a pro-business environment.. Who would object to that. However - it is clear that capitalism needs controls and restraints for the common good of society - e.g. Enron, price gouging, pollution and other environmental harm, CEO's making hundreds of millions of dollars in salaries and perks while jobs are cut (that helps the investors perhaps). And in some areas, like healthcare, the free market capitalistic model run by profit (greed) can really backfire. Our healthcare expenditures are way out of control, and hurting job growth and our competitivness in the global economy. We have the highest number of preventable deaths among industrialized countries. yet we seem to think that our free market solutions, that got us to where we are, we somehow get us out?

By the way - it is the Republicans in the Senate that have been able to thwart any legislation put forward by the House of Representatives, and then it get the Bush Veto anyway. to blame the democratic congress, who have only recently had control , is laughable. Reminder - that popularity rating applies to both parties, reflects the overall dysfunction that is the result of the partisan attitudes expressed in today's letter. "

 Dave S wrote on August 20, 2008 10:12 am:
" All of you supposed "constitutional scholars" need to Google the term "signing statement". GWB has attached many more of these questionably legal items to legislation than any past president (and probably any future president). If you think that the presidents only input to the federal budget (or any legislation) is his veto power, you are sorely mistaken. "

 Hey Berten wrote on August 20, 2008 10:24 am:
" Contrary to your diatribe, Democrats are not about "class war and envy" nor do we "punish and demonize achievement." Democrats are about helping those who need it. And one way to do that is to have those who have excess help contribute to those who have nothing. Just read the story printed online in today's LJS about the husband who had to give up part of his nearly $5 million bonus to his soon-to-be ex-wife, in addition to everything else she receives, including $3000 a month alimony until she turns 65. Some people I know don't even EARN $3000 a month. I'm not saying those who earn what they have don't have a right to it; but I also think, as a society, those who "have" should be willing to help those who "don't have." Call me a socialist if you want. (Although I don't believe what I'm advocating is socialism.)

It's so easy for those who have more than they know what to do with to criticize those who can't afford to feed themselves. Try being on the other end of that scenario. "

 Taxed-out wrote on August 20, 2008 10:29 am:
" Please let us get this right, If the President is a Republican with a Democratic lead Congress it is allways the Presidents Fault, If the President is a Democrat with a Republican led Congress it is allways the Congresses fault. Please ensure you check your news archieves before you make any claims here in the LJS opinion letters section.
The seldom believed "pie chart" from the GAO does show that the top few percent of wage earners pay the majority of all taxes, the middle class pays actually a smaller percentage and the "give me more" class pay little or nothing. But of course a $30,000 annual pay check paying 10% tax equals $3,000 dollars in taxes, a $300,000 annual paycheck paying a 10% tax equals $30,000 in taxes and in Democratitic math that $30,000 in taxes is not enough to the $12,000 annual income individual who pays nothing, and gets a refund and tax credits. And the government to appease the $12,000 is more apt to take from the lessor $300,000 payed individual than the higher numbered $30,000 voter base.
Now the House passes fiscal legislation (along with all thier pork barrel add-ons). The Senate amends with a few more add-on items as well as a few of thier own pork barrel items votes and passes the "Budget" and the President signs or vetos. THe highest percentile tax increase so far has been the Clinton tax increases, while Bush signs for a tax cut. I guess I do not pass the medias Democrat Math Test, nor do I pass the LJS opinion letters Democrat Math Test either. "

 No matter how wrote on August 20, 2008 10:36 am:
" much I hate to admit it Richard is 100% right. I hate GWB as much as the next person but what Richard said is correct. I am a Democrat myself and am quite embarassed with the job they have done in Congress, they need to step up and actually do something. "

 Im sorry but if you wrote on August 20, 2008 10:39 am:
" are a democrat and can't blame your party with how terrible of a job congress has been doing then you obviously don't pay attentiong to what is going on. How can all of us Democrats(that is right I am a Democrat) sit there and seriously say we have done a good job? Seriously. Pelosi needs to go now. "

 lino is right wrote on August 20, 2008 11:35 am:
" In order to have the perfect Democratic Government, we must have the perfect mixture of Capitalism and Socialism. Either one of these on their own will creat a nasty, polluted, industrial complex with $3 an hour jobs. For you knee-jerks who will freek out at the word Socialism, I will give you an example. Without the government program know as Medicare, your 90 year old grandma would need to pay around $2,000 per month for her health insurance and that would be with a ginormous deductible. Many seniors would have to go without. "

 Nina wrote on August 20, 2008 12:19 pm:
" Possibly, the reason mental health professionals are not consulted, is that their history of reasoning about recommending a person be released from the center who has murdered before. Even lay people know that mentally ill people often do not continue taking their medications that prevent irresponsible behavior, after they are on their own. How many times has such a scenario happened? I don't blame the mentally ill people - when they are not rational, but are instead dangerous to themselves or others, they can't help it - it's part of the disease. I blame the so-called professionals. Some mental health pros I know are excellent, and one just wishes there were more like them. Others seem more messed up than some of their own patients! Common sense must be legislated (as shown by the judges who recommend against release), when it's a matter of personal or public safety vs. a mentally ill person's freedom, because apparently we can't count on common sense coming from all mental health professionals. "

 Taxed out has it Wrong wrote on August 20, 2008 12:37 pm:
" "Taxed out" must have meant to say: If you are a Republican, it's the Democrat's fault and if you are a Democrat, it's the Republican's fault. That is the only consistant theme in US politics. "

 Eric wrote on August 20, 2008 1:21 pm:
" Mr. Hillman is right to a point, but very wrong on a big point. The budget is submitted to Congress by the President. Therefore our blusterous leader is, at least, partially to blame for the budget fiasco. He is also to blame for an illegal war in Iraq, our trashed image and reputation around the world, an economy that can best be described as dead, the largest abuse of rights in our nations history (the Patriot Act), etc, etc, etc. I could go on and on, but there is no use in beating a dead horse. And thankfully, this dead horse called the Bush Administration only has a few more months to stink up the place. "

 RERichard and christie wrote on August 20, 2008 1:28 pm:
" First, Truman had a sign that said "the buck stops here". Bush has created the mess with his war to make oil money. When prices go up consumers buy less. When consumers buy less companies close. Look at GM and Ford plants. This is caused by the president not paying attention to what was going on. If he was even part of a real president he would have made congress go back and get some bills written so he could veto them. No, prior to the last congressional election he just blindly passed everything the congress (republican led) sent to him. Had he not gone into the middle east and stirred up things, the economy might be a little better. No Richard, when a man ( I say that lightly) wants to run a country, he better be prepared to take the blame. I want him to remember over four thousand lives he is responsible for too. I don't know how him and draft dodger cheney sleep at night. Probably in a mattress full of blood money. christie my memories of the parks are of gays having sex and crime. If you all want nice parks go out at night and monitor them instead of tying up police. "

 Theresa wrote on August 20, 2008 1:43 pm:
" And just what is wrong with Taxing the Wealthy to Spend on the Needy??? Why should you be allowed to hoard large amounts of money while people need it? How can you morally justify that? "

 Jamers wrote on August 20, 2008 3:00 pm:
" Richard...you have a copy of the consitution? Sweet!
I am a dem and I too am embarrassed that Pelosi has done virtually nothing she has said she was going to do.
By no stretch does that relieve Mr. Bush from his responsibility for our nation's demise. "

 face it wrote on August 20, 2008 3:28 pm:
" We all need to face the facts that it doesn't really matter what political party you claim -- the whole system is pretty messed up. It really frustrates me to hear people say "oh it's the liberals fault" which of course receives the reply "oh no it's not, the conservatives are the ones to blame". Face it, while we point the fingers at each other and try to place blame, nothing is actually getting done. This attitude of placing blame and finger pointing is why greed, corruption and zero accountability flourishes in politics (and all over). I think it's time for us all to realize that we are Americans first and foremost and we owe it to each other as Americans to stop blaming one group or another and just try to figure out how we can make things better. "

 Humm wrote on August 20, 2008 3:31 pm:
" If parks bring all the business from coast to coast, why has Lincoln
continued down the drain, a good portion of the youth left the state &
city and no jobs for 50 years except for what the taxpayers have to dole
out huge taxes to pay salaries for the largest "employers" in the city!!
Parks might feed goats but nothing I care to eat or a paycheck to bank!
My out of state company was licensed in all states surrounding Nebraska,
but would not license in Nebraska because of taxes and lack of people
and business. The parks criteria was never brought up!! "

 Powered by Capitalism and the Econ lesson wrote on August 20, 2008 3:53 pm:
" In the simplest of terms, which is responding in kind to your post, corporations do not send jobs across borders to avoid taxes. The reason they ship jobs out of the country is the savings on wages, assets, such as building purchases, and other capital. And that increases their bottom line, which increases their tax. If they wanted to pay less in taxes, they would make less money. Again, in the simplest of terms. "

 Mike the Realist wrote on August 20, 2008 4:27 pm:
" Both the Republicans AND the Democrats are to blame for the mess we are now in. Anybody who votes for candidates in EITHER party is only perpetuating the demise of our once-proud nation, and shame on each and every one of them for doing so. "

 C wrote on August 20, 2008 4:29 pm:
" Holy Cow! Where in the world did you get your information, Fox News? According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO.gov), our corporations are taxed at some of the lowest rates in the world. Did you make that up and try to fit it in your argument or what? "

 But Taxed Out... wrote on August 20, 2008 4:38 pm:
" What you forgot to mention on "Clinton's biggest tax increase in history", is that if you made under $144,000, you got a tax cut.

What your advocating is a flat tax. We have a progressive tax system here in America because that is what is needed to generate the revenue that your government wants to spend. If we have a flat tax, isn't it obvious that the poor and middle class would get rather large tax increases? I'm sure you can do that math. And the rich, should be glad to pay their taxes that they've made from the greatest country on earth. It is the patriotic thing to do...because they are the only ones that can afford it. "

 Wow wrote on August 20, 2008 4:50 pm:
" Some of these comments go beyond socialism, they're borderline communist. Look at the present and past communist nations, and see how well things are working out for them. "

 Neo wrote on August 20, 2008 5:27 pm:
" Show a little respect for this country. It is President Bush. I despised President Clinton but still had respect for the office. "

 Punked by Capitalism wrote on August 20, 2008 5:49 pm:
" Powered by Capitalism reports: U.S. corporation’s are paying more than their fair share of taxes. The U.S. corporate tax rate is the highest of any country. NOT TRUE, While the tax RATE is higher than many countries, I would argue with you that corporations are PAYING 'more than their fair share" Just a few days ago it was reported that a Government Accountability Office (GAO) survey showed that between 1998 and 2005 two-thirds of domestic and international businesses paid no, yes NO, zero, zilch, nada. 2/3! NO TAXES! that is paying more than their fair share? I have to disagree with you on that one and will suggest that you are making a political argument not situated in the facts.

From the Urban Dictionary
punked:
1) Humiliated completely, as in disrespected. See clowned.
2) Bluffed out of a pot in poker.
3) A big upset in a fight. "

 Who pays taxes... wrote on August 20, 2008 5:50 pm:
" The right has a field day with the old "the rich pay the most because they make the most" canard.....they conveniently overlook other federal taxes, like payroll taxes for example. When you look at the WHOLE picture...ALL Fed taxes, not JUST income tax, you find that the very well off and those at the bottom pay about the same percent of their overall wages in ALL Taxes. Which is a scandal. This is where Warren Buffet gets his I pay the same proportion of taxes as my secretary bit. However, the media, and the right wing echo machine do a good job of misrepresenting the true tax burden of Americans all the time. Why is income over 100k exempt from Soc Security tax? Don't believe me, look it up...just remember to include social security, etc,,,, "

 Dear Mark wrote on August 20, 2008 6:14 pm:
" It is clear that Republicans for 7 years have not reached across the aisle either. The President bears some responsibility for that. After a narrow, and some would argue, negative margin of victory, he walked away and all but flat out said, 'I'll work with no one, you'll work with me or you won't work." Many of the problems we are experiencing today can placed squarely at Mr. Bush's feet and those for whom he works, but Richard is correct that he did have help. Readup Gregg "

 MC wrote on August 20, 2008 7:09 pm:
" In support of PunkedByCapitalism:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/18/opinion/18mon2.html?th&emc=th

An editorial in the (admittedly left-leaning) NY Times, on the subject of corporate taxation, and corporate America's avoidance thereof.

Unfettered Capitalism is scary. Call me a commie. (Even though you'd be wrong.) I'm too young for it to hurt much. Enormous bonuses and benefits for corporate CEOs and , all the while cutting benefits like health care and backing out of pension plans? It's ok to make money, but a little regulation is going to be needed along the way if all the players are going to be taken care of.

I have a strong suspicion that the president is less to blame than a lot of "left-wing nuts" like to admit, but also deserves more credit for the present state of our nation than Mr. Pullman is willing to give him. He is, after all, our leader. I would like to think the Presidency is not a merely symbolic occupation.

Oh, and the government doesn't create jobs? What are government employees doing, exactly? What happens with government funding/subsidies? Government contracts to private businesses? "

 Wow indeed wrote on August 20, 2008 7:18 pm:
" I'm perfectly happy to admit that I would much rather live in a social-democratic country (such as.. hey, every other developed country) than a capitalist-plutocratic one such as ours.

The fact is that business doesn't make profits to make more jobs, business makes profits to make more profits. That's the only thing driving the corporate sector. Take away the minimal taxes they pay, the minimal regulation they "endure," and you'll see what kind of jobs we end up with - and who ends up with all the money.

But maybe someone else can explain to me where exactly the prosperity created by Reaganomics went off to...? I can't seem to find it. The tide is rising but durnit, my boat is sinking! "

 Mary wrote on August 20, 2008 8:20 pm:
" This President and his administration have failed to accept any responsibility for any decisions they make. The world is a dangerous place, and our problems, from the economy, looming inflation, energy/gas prices, unnecessary wars, a military that has been stretched to thin and not supported when they come home, a dead locked partisan government, a loss of status and respect in the world... and our president is not to blame. Let's just keep repeating that to ourselves. When you have people in positions of responsibility who never admit a mistake... you ought to be worried. "

 Ken wrote on August 21, 2008 6:08 am:
" I guess I missed it but with "Clinton's biggest tax increase in history", I was making a lot less than $144,000 and I didn't get a tax cut. Will the Democrats please send me my cut? "

 Zoomie wrote on August 21, 2008 7:14 am:
" If Republicans so deeply believe in the flat-tax, why do they constantly block removing the cap on Social Security/Medicare taxes?
As to the "pox on both your houses" argument? Sorry, but that mostly started in the last 2-3 years when GOPers who refuse to ever vote for a Democrat were finally forced to admit that GOP-run gov't was a total shamble of incompentency. Rather than admit the GOP can't run gov't (how can they? a basic GOP-plank position is that gov't CANNOT do ANYTHING well, hence everyone they appoint to run gov't design it to fail thereby fulfilling their claim gov't can't do things), and refusing to acknowledge gov't CAN run well under Dems (ie. FEMA in the '90s, when even Dubya praised FEMA for its rapid and successful response to a hurricane that hit the TX coast), they simply proclaim both parties are bad and wash their hands of it all.
Oh, and you people are confusing statutory corporate tax rates with marginal rates. The US has high (but not highest) statutory rates (what the law says, in theory, is the highest rate that can be paid), but we have some of the lowest marginal (actual) rates in the western (developed) world. For example, other major industrial nations (France, Germany, etc.) have higher statutory AND marginal rates than we do; but many other developed BUT SMALLER nations have much lower rates (ie. economic powerhouse -- for its size -- Ireland). Currently, the average American household pays a higher marginal (actual) Federal tax rate (roughly 19%) than do American multi-national corporations (15%). Oh, and as to business shipped overseas...if they make it, sell it, and pay for it overseas, they don't have to pay taxes on it here if they also pay taxes on it there (same for workers, FYI...military dependents who work while stationed overseas can deduct their foreign earned income off their US taxes IF they paid local, foreign, taxes). "

 JohnR wrote on August 21, 2008 7:19 am:
" I seem to recall reading just 2-3 weeks ago about a Swiss citizen, allowed to testify before Congress in secret because he's a wanted man in Europe, who presented documentation that literally thousands of wealthy Americans (along with dozens of major corporations) had set up secret Swiss and Lichtenstein bank accounts to hide taxable assets, and had (per a CBO review) likely bilked the American taxpayers out of literally billions in tax revenue over the last 5 years (FYI - this goes with the blame the President argument, as Bush Admin policies since 2001 have been to require the IRS to put almost all of its effort into reviewing the poor to make sure they really were entitled to that EITC of $50 or $150, while almost no effort has been made to audit the wealthy...dispite the Treasury Dept's own report two years ago that the wealthy were far more likely to illegally hide assets, falsely report income, etc.). "

 RE Ken wrote on August 21, 2008 8:22 am:
" Oh you got a tax CUT, Ken. You were just to busy listening to Rush about the biggest tax increase in history....Look it up. Pull out your old tax forms. "

 JR wrote on August 21, 2008 8:53 am:
" If Bertan would actually listen to a Democrat speak, instead of listening to what his AM radio tells him they said, he might realize a few things. Democrats are for helping those who can not help themselves. For individual rights. For clean water, clean air, and a continuing park service. In short, Democrats believe in leaving this country a better place for our children.

Now, correct me if I am wrong here, but don't Republicans want these same things? Yet, we constantly here about them wanting to drill in ANWAR ... turning public land over to private industry to clear cut ... lowering EPA standards. And forget about individual rights or the Constitution. They have forfeited any right to say they are the great defenders. The Republicans say they are for lower taxes ... but only for the rich ... whereas the working middle class tax burden went up. Trickle down does not work. It has failed miserably. Try trickle up. If you want jobs, you need to have consumerism first. Without consumerism, there is no need, no demand. With no demand to fill, why have a supply. Don't believe me? Go out and try to start a company that manufactures something that no one in the world needs or can afford. See how long that lasts. Just ask International about there huge truck they produced. How many of those do you see around? "

 ted wrote on August 21, 2008 9:26 am:
" Of course everything is Bush's fault. Everyone knows that the federal gov't is supposed to provide everything for each individual in the U.S. regardless of wether or not they work, save, conserve energy, take care of their own health, or contribute positively to society. Pelosi and Dems have run congress now for 2 years. They have done nothing in that time. "

 Hey JohnR wrote on August 21, 2008 9:35 am:
" The wealthy includes some prominent Democrats, such as Marc Rich and George Soros. So knowing wealthy people of both parties will hide their assets, how is Obama going to pay for the big Gov't he has planned? Could it be by taxing people with incomes lower than he was planning to do? "

 Ever been to..... wrote on August 21, 2008 1:04 pm:
" Wal-Mart Theresa? Stand in line for about two days and you will see why I have NO problem hoarding my money. Can someone say uneeded food stamps? I donate to organizations and charities that actually help needy people something our gov't does not do. "

 Zoomie wrote on August 21, 2008 1:13 pm:
" Hey Hey JohnR - How is McSame going to pay for his even bigger gov't?!?! Non-partisan groups say McSame will spend far more money than Obama AND McSame wants to cut taxes even more than Bush did!!! I'm still waiting for a Republican to explain how you can double or triple spending, and the National Debt, while CUTTING taxes so much that you're driving the nation into bankruptcy...and then have the nerve to attack liberals for "big gov't"?!?! Last time I checked, it was wealthy Democrats who say they are UNDERTAXED, and that the Bush tax cuts went mostly (more than 50% of all the money) to just a few (less than 20% of Americans). If the last 8yrs have taught us anything, its that Dems pay for their gov't, big or small, while GOPers charge the cost to our grandkids! I also know the Tax Policy Institute has analyzed both McSame's and Obama's tax plans. Under McSame, 90% of Americans will see a small increase in take home pay (for most Americans, less than inflation is losing them), but the richest 10% will see literally hundreds of thousands more in take home because massive tax cuts. And if you factor in his plans to reduce corporate taxes, inheritance taxes, etc. (almost all paid by the rich), they say he'll double the national debt yet again in about the same time Bush did (Bush went from $5 trilion to 10 trillion in 8yrs; McSame will double it from 10 to 20 trillion in about 8yrs). Obama will RAISE taxes on people making over $250,000 per year (the richest 8% or so), everyone else will get a tax cut, and if you make less than $150,000 per year you'll see anywhere to 2 to 10 times more take home pay under Obama's plan than McSames! Plus, they estimate his plan will only grow the Nat'l Debt from $10 to about 13 trillion in 8yrs! "

 Hope and Change wrote on August 21, 2008 1:17 pm:
" President Bush has done a very great job, with the situation he was put in, not even into a year of being president. Anyone that thinks he has done nothing but bad, read very carefully, I truly hope that you stop listening to the lies and start looking at the facts. I would like to ask a question for anyone that wants to respond.
Can any lefttttttttttttttttty liberal tell me what Barrack Hussein Obama is about, b/c as of know it is raising taxes, getting a tune up and having tires checked for psi, and pulling out of Iraq so Russia can do what they did to Georgia's sovereignty. To me every word that comes out of Barrack Hussein Obamas mouth is insulting every American Citizen. I fell badly for all the miss lead American Citizens out there, which believe the garbage the “Messiah” spews from his mouth. I just hope people really see the light towards voting time. "

 Blame Bush wrote on August 21, 2008 1:30 pm:
" The President submits a budget proposal to congress for approval. These are Bush’s budgets that the GOP dominated congress has passed for the first 6 years of his presidency. Granted the Democrats had a slim majority in the last two years, albeit not enough to override the President. So who are you going to blame?

To those who say the Democrats want to raise your taxes. According to the Tax Policy Center’s analysis of the Presidential candidates’ proposed tax changes, the primary difference between McCain and Obama would be distributional, with Senator Obama’s proposals favoring lower-income taxpayers and Senator McCain’s proposals favoring higher-income taxpayers:

McCain: The average taxpayer in every income group would see a lower tax bill, but high-income taxpayers would benefit more than everyone else.

Obama: High-income taxpayers would pay more in taxes, while everyone else’s tax bill would be reduced. Those who benefit the most – in terms of reducing their taxes as a percentage of after-tax income – are in the lowest income groups.

The Tax Policy Center analysis further clarifies that folks making less than $227,000 annually would receive a tax cut under the Obama plan (albeit smaller than McCain’s plan) and folks making less than $112,000 annually would receive a bigger tax cut under Obama's plan than under McCain's.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/taxes.asp "

 Big Government wrote on August 21, 2008 1:59 pm:
" I see a few here worried about Obama's "Big Government". He's going to have to really spend to beat George W. Bush's gigantic record government. "

 J wrote on August 21, 2008 2:12 pm:
" if you're willing to actually be fairminded (not politically close minded), check out Sunday's online NYTimes, where columnist David Leonhardt will have a long article entitled "Barack Obama, A Free-Market-Loving, Big-Spending, Fiscally Conservative Wealth Redistributionist, " which explores Obama's history and plans in detail. A columnist at Salon.com (How The World Works column) has previewed the column and describes it this way:

"In an era in which wealth inequality has risen to levels not seen since the 1920s, and in which the average American family has seen inflation-adjusted income fall since 2000, John McCain is offering more of the same, while Barack Obama has a set of detailed proposals that would redistribute wealth, invest in infrastructure, and tackle the huge problems of global warming and healthcare -- all while taking care to respect and enable the true potency of a well-regulated free market. Don't take my word for it: Read the piece."
SO...don't take my word for it, read it yourself on Sunday! "

 JR wrote on August 21, 2008 2:17 pm:
" To Mark. I am assuming you are new to this country so let me say welcome. Otherwise I would think you would know by now Congress always take a summer break about this time. Have for years. It is called getting in touch with your constituents.

And to Ted. I think if you will check your records, you will find the Democrat controlled congress has been in office less than two years, and has passed more bills than the Rep controlled congress in the same time frame. In Fact, if the R's would not have filibustered 1 out of every 3 bills, or if the President would not have vetoed or threatened to veto, there would have been more bills passed. But that is how the system works. Just don't try to blame one side when the other side is at fault. "

 You liberals... wrote on August 21, 2008 2:38 pm:
" better be right then about how anyone making less than $150,000 will receive a huge tax cut. That's what is being spewed all over your blogosphere. I'll be waiting for that huge tax cut from Obama. For every year it doesn't happen, the left's credibility will be reduced further and further. If it doesn't happen will you be disappointed and slander his name, or will you just continue to remain blindly in of awe of Obama? Liberals, I hope you're right, because I and millions of other skeptics will be watching closely. Your credibility for decades to come is on the line. "

 Jobs wrote on August 21, 2008 4:35 pm:
" If the prez doesn't create jobs, a favorable job report comes out, and he brags and takes credit. Along with all his defenders?? "

 Yeah right... wrote on August 21, 2008 4:45 pm:
" and JR do you have any clue on how many bills the Dems fillabustered? Do yourself a favor and look. The Dems(which I am one) have done nothing but sit down on their rear ends and do nothing. Look at the bills that have past, name 1 that has made any change in our society or that even will. "

 Too hopeless to change wrote on August 21, 2008 4:53 pm:
" Just what “facts” are you offering? That Bush got us into an unjust war, attacking the sovereign nation of Iraq, and costing the U.S. billions upon billions of dollars and thousands of lives? That under his leadership the federal deficit has gone from $5.7 Trillion to $9.6 Trillion? That under former oilman Bush’s watch oil prices have gone from $20 per barrel to $115 per barrel?

Here some facts for you:
Under Obama’s tax plan, if you make less than $112,000 annually you will get a GREATER tax reduction than under McCain’s plan.
Department of Transportation and Automobile Association of America data has been used to extrapolate that 2.8-billion gallons of gas are lost every year due to under-inflation of tires.
The only folks calling Obama a Messiah are the Limbaugh and Hannity ditto heads, of which you are obviously one. "

 DP wrote on August 21, 2008 10:49 pm:
" The fact that we worry so much about what a Republican or Democrat in Washington has to say shows that government has become too big and important. It wasn't too long ago when people were too proud to take a hand out, but these days everyone expects the government to help them with every problem that comes up. "

 Stop the Spin wrote on August 22, 2008 2:10 pm:
" The response to "You Liberals"....can you point out to me, even one single solitary person who said the words, "Huge Tax Cut", other than yourself? "

 Just so tired....... wrote on August 22, 2008 2:49 pm:
" Anybody missing $200,000 of extra taxes since President Bush was in office?? Tell you where it is..on his paycheck.
George W is the FIRST president in the history of the United States that recieves TWICE as much in salary a year then any other President.

Clinton made $200,000, and oh yes..George W makes $400,000 dollars a year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's not like the guy has to PAY for anything. I mean..do people actually believe he needs this much a year???? And if Congress is making all the decisions like everyone says, what in the sam hill are we doing giving him a salary hike like that?? He already has a vacation home paid for, lives in a home WE pay for, has guards WE pay for..and I'm pretty sure he doesn't have to go buy his own groceries with his own money.

So....what did he need a $200,000 HIKE IN PRESIDENTIAL SALARY FOR?

Geez our government is just getting worse by the minute. A rich oil man with his hands all over foreign oil gets elected a 2nd time, Our troops are fighting a war that they don't need to be fighting anymore, Sexual deviants who prey on children get less time in jail then a pothead, and we are all pointing fingers at someone to take the blame.
It's time for the 70's to return. No..not the hideous clothes, or even some of the funkiest of hair dos..but at least back then they TRIED to take some control back. Sit ins, protest marches, and for most people, just the wish of the people wanting to be for the people instead of the pass the buck society we have now.

And please don't give me the "if you don't like America leave" speech. I love America...that's why we need to start fighting to keep the people in control of the government, not the other way around.

It is a good day when the George leaves his office. I don't care who's in their next...whoever it is has got to be better then this...

As the late great George Carlin said.." people tell me I don't have any right to be mad about who's in office because I don't vote. I tell them 'well I have every right to be mad, YOU voted him in there!'" "

 re Stop the Spin wrote on August 22, 2008 3:07 pm:
" Take the time to read the long winded comments. See Zoomie & Blame Bush. "

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