Special interests? What special interests?
There are no special interests.
Posted in: Politics, fiscal stimulus
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Categories: Politics, fiscal stimulus
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With groups like that, we’re letting the cheaters cut the cards. Only bad things can happen. They are marking the cards and loading the dice. Taxpayers should refuse to play.
Unsurprisingly, there were no representatives of the “common people,” the ones who have to pay the bills. Wonder why?
Something tells me us chickens is being guarded by the Foxes.
Only TEN racial/ethnic groups??? This administration truly is color-blind, isn’t it?
Maybe they thought it said color-bling.
We are toast!
Chap???
Nothing going on here … Please move on …
If Michelle would let us curse here, I’d be sending out a flurry.
RWR
http://www.rightwingrocker.com
The Game Plan
Everything old is a new again:) Clinton redux – Obama isn’t winging it.
http://youhavetobethistalltogoonthisride.blogspot.com/2009/02/imus-guest-paul-begala-game-plan.html
Yep.
Why would parasites ask their host’s opinion?
+1
The President walked around the room holding a huge bowl of candy so everyone got a chance to get a couple big hands full.
No concern that to pay for this you will exist on stale crackers.
The only silver lining in this economic and political crisis is that the evil embodied in the Democrat Party will be fully exposed to the light of truth.
One can only hope that one day, working Americans of all stripes will cashier these thieves for good, and the Democrat Party along with their Communist brethren will be consigned to the dust bin of history.
Washington is handing the foxes the keys to the henhouse.
Meanwhile, the state legislatures are starting to listen to the people. And Texas is not alone in this either.
Viva la Reagan Revolution!
You can afford stale crackers? Rich elitist!
Funny, in nature, most parasites don’t try to kill off their hosts. Not good for the long term survival of the species.
WoW…more pork…
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6277344.html
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6277344.html
We’re not talking nature here. It’s obvious to the most casual observer that they are not concerned with any long-term survival. They’re concerned with their own power and status, and to hell with tomorrow. Gimmee today – who cares about your kids, or my kids, or anybody’s kids? I want what I want, and I want it now!
AMEN!
Libs are not natural
I am curious as to how you would define the “common person”, what the interests of this common person are and what group out there represents these interests and was not invited to the table.
Railing against “special interests” is stupid because both sides simply define “special interests” as the interests that are ideologically opposed to them. And special interests do represent real constituencies with real points of view that deserve to be heard and debated. Hopefully there are special interests representing all sides of the debate that get to fight and haggle and hash it out, with the ultimate concensus (in the form of legislation) being what is best for the country. The real trick is making sure that no single interest or bloc is disproportionately influential. No easy task, to be sure. But looking at the list, the representation seems… okay. I am not going to pick nits over why one group is there and another is not.
The Obama of Oz
“Pay no attention to the special interests behind the curtain.”
Chap, I donb’t want to get into any name-calling contest with you. By common people, I am referring to those of us who honestly work for a living, pay our taxes, don’t depend on the government for any kind of handout or special favors, and stand on our own two feet. The responsible people, regardless of color, ethnicity, language, religious beliefs, who somehow manage to pay the bills for the government’s largesse.
I didn;’t attend, because (1) I wasn’t invited, and (2) I have to work for a living.
Ok to a certain point–I see nothing special about these groups-except they are especially dangerous to a functioning republic. But then the concept of our being a republic seems to be fading in favor of a European type Oligarchy of the Political flunky and permanent civil servant.
Think France or think Concord Lexington.
—
ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
Should be a convenience store
NOT a Government Agency
Correct!
From what I’ve read, even Muslim (the parasites) rulers, in some of the societies/cultures they conquered and enslaved over the centuries, after a while actually tried to discourage conversion of “unbelievers” (i.e., the host) to Islam, for fear of diminishing their tax (jizya) base.
But, ‘course, no one ever said that socialists are smart.
Does anybody else see the irony of calling this the Fiscal Responsibility Summit?
It’s getting very entertaining watching all these clowns running around re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
cpo,
I was not in any way being sarcastic. but the characteristics you list in no way predetermine any sort of commmon ideological stance. There are plenty of people, for example, that pay taxes and don’t depend on government for any handouts that have very different views on welfare or affirmative action. So what have you gained by trying to artificially lump them together?
Given the stated purpose of the meeting, NONE of those groups, left or right, had any business being in the room.
They serve no purpose to the discussion other than self-promotion.
On February 24th, 2009 at 11:26 am, chapoutier said:
And special interests do represent real constituencies with real points of view that deserve to be heard and debated.
—————————————
Fair enough. But did you detect the same pattern I did in the special interests that were invited to participate by President Obama?
The word “debate” usually implies both sides of any given issue being represented.
Actually, it seems very appropriate, in line with the usual doublespeak employed by socialists.
Bingo!
Ever since the Progressive US Supreme Court in the 1930’s chucked the Founder’s Constitution, most of what the Federal government does nowadays IS special interest. Big government only serves venal polticians and special interests.
What, no ACORN at the summit?
Yes, if only the corrupt media would speak the truth. Not going to happen.
On February 24th, 2009 at 11:49 am, Hangfire said:
What, no ACORN at the summit?
—————————————
They’re busy breaking and entering into homes that have been foreclosed on. (”Civil disobedience”, doncha know).
Right. And when one side self promotes and the other side also self promotes, hopefully the arbiter takes both self-promoting sides into account and reaches the best decision. Kind of like our legal system.
Of course one can, and should, criticize both our government and our legal system when the certain interests are unfairly advantaged, and one can certainly question the impartiality of the arbiter (whether it be a President, Congress, a judge or jury). But honestly, what better system is there?
I detected many interests. Overall, did they skew liberal? Sure. Obama is a liberal after all, but there were right wing think tanks, like the Heritage Foundation, as well as business interest groups, to name a few.
I posted this on another thread, but it seems more appropriate here…
On February 24th, 2009 at 11:33 am, happyscrapper said:
Off topic, but I was just thinking…Isn’t it interesting that the democrats give such misleading titles to their bills? The Fairness Doctrine, The Stimulus Bill, Freedom of Choice, Employee Free Choice Act, Uniting American Families Act, …etc. Words, just words. Here is my take on the true meaning of those titles:
The Fairness Doctrine…Actually censorship in the first degree. To stifle conservative dissent.
The Stimulus Bill…Another name for Reparations. A good way to “stick it to the man” (That’s us, folks!)
Freedom of Choice…License to Kill
Employee Free Choice Act…Vote for the Union or else. Big Brother is definitely watching you now!
Uniting American Families Act…to bring more gay people into this country so that some day they will be the majority and really “stick it to the man” (no pun intended, of course!) I wonder how the American Muslim population would like this one?)
“OK suckers, this is a stick up-put your wallets, jewelry and watches in the bag.”
Homebuyers assistance program? Is that what the Younger and James brothers were doing? There have been Homebuyers assistance programs that did indeed work- and done away with years ago in the name of fairness.
God Bless America-may She Rest in Peace; another generation may well never know what we once had. SO….
—
ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
Should be a convenience store
NOT a Government Agency
Chap,
Please, defend these.
Here
Here
You cannot say you are against “special interests” and then do business as usual.
Even the “right leaning” think tank groups aren’t all that conservative. I know that Pete Peterson and David Walker have previously endorsed socialized medicine.
And any group with a name like “Families, USA” can’t really be seriously be considered a conservative group, can it?
(Or am I the only person left who doesn’t see a need for a family lobbying group, aside from the GOA and NRA?)
Haven’t you ever read “1984?”
Not for many years. But I think it is time to read it again. I also read Atlas Shrugged back in the 50’s! That needs re-reading too. So many prophetic books! How did they know?
Actually, killing the host is part of the definition of a parasite. The idea is to breed before the host dies.
Symbiotes live with the host without killing it. They provide some benefit so as to avoid being treated like a disease and eradicated.
Liberals claim to be symbiotes and in most cases even believe it but it’s not true. They’re parasites.
The mainstream media is to the Democrat Party as the IRA is to Sinn Fein.
Soap,
I listened to the first clip, and I think the most important thing he said was (paraphrasing) “I am going to get a big table and bring in this group and this group and this group…Insurance companies and HMO’s will get a seat too. They just won’t be able to buy every chair.”
This is exactly what I am talking about. There is a difference between inviting special interests in and listening to them, and maybe even agreeing with them and being beholden to them.
I leave it to all of you to decide how effectively Obama is doing that, but it is silly say that he has somehow reneged on a campaign promise. He never said he was against special interests. He said he was against any one special interest driving the debate and dictating policy. He also never said he would not listen to special interests. He did promise to bring all sides of the debate to the table.
And if you look at the list there is not a representative subset for this to occur. That’s my point.
The representation is skewed. Better to have a null subset than an inadequate subset.
You are a lawyer and I am math type. Can’t you tell.
The best way to curse is to curse like a drunken Sailor on liberty and then give it your best shot!
The mark of a good Sailor that knows how to curse are the ones that can state a steady stream of expletives without repeating the same sequence once.
GSP
!
“That *&%(% *&%$( Sparta to you *(^&#$ &^%(#$ !”
Here is the fundamental truth:
The stock market is at roughly half what it used to be. Home prices in the worst areas are at half (or less) their previous values. The toxic derivatives paper held by the banks and investors are worth even less because they were based on ever increasing values.
The taxpaying middle class is maxed out and has nothing left to give or sacrifice. The only option left is for the entitled classes (the wealthy, the entiltlement and handout groups, government workers, labor unions, etc.) to realize they are all worth half what they thought; but these special interests refuse to accept reality. This includes the Paris Hiltons and Henrietta Hughs of the world.
An analogy to the attempts to fix the economy without sacrifices by ALL parties is a ball dropped from your hand. The first bounce isn’t as high as the initial height of the ball and each subsequent bounce is lower until the ball is eventually rolling on the ground. That is where our economy is headed. Show me an economist that thinks otherwise and I’ll show you a magician.
Do you believe for an instant that the wealthy (meaning that they do not have to work) elite are going to agree to have their wealth taxed, i.e., confiscated?
Oh Chappy…the arbiter is Obama! Enuff said.
You have stated the facts. There is a HUGE difference between wealth and income. Income is taxed at the income tax rates. Money made off wealth is from investments and is taxed at the capital gains rates. 155 versus 38%
That is why raising taxes on the “wealthy” does not upset rich liberals. The INCOME TAX gets raised. They don’t care. They have WEALTH, not INCOME.
“Find the pea under the right shell and you win a prize.”
They have no choice. Neither do the unions, government employees or anybody else. It’s not confiscation, it’s admitting what has already been lost. These people are trying to get something that does not exist.
What Obama needs to do is sit down with a half dozen of the most respected economists and mathmeticians and ask one simple question: What is the situation?
He then needs to act decisively as a LEADER, not a puppet. As I said before, all of these conferences, committees and round table discussions are just crazed people furiously trying to re-arrange the deck chair on the Titanic.
You don’t have to agree with the outcome to believe the process is fair.
And of course, you don’t have to believe that the arbiter is always fair to agree that the system as an ideal is best.
On February 24th, 2009 at 12:46 pm, Flyoverman said:
Yep.
But I’m talking not only about their being taxed on the income generated by their wealth;
but also, and especially, on their wealth itself being taxed, possibly ultimately confiscated.
One pays property taxes on one’s home that one owns.
Why shouldn’t the Soroses, Kennedys, Lewises, Kerrys, Gores, Clintons, Gateses, Buffets, etc. have their enormous (at least, compared to my wealth they are) wealth holdings assessed and taxed, just like my home and automobiles are?
I’m not advocating that.
My point is to highlight the selfish, arrogant hypocrisy of the socialist, elitist ruling class.
Could you please explain?
I think you make it well.
I don’t believe the process is fair, nor do I believe the system as an ideal is best. There you have it.
What other idea do you have for synthesizing many competing interests into policy?
Okay, so we know Michelle got the title right.
You had us at you don’t have to agree.
Second clip talking about running our country as a democracy??? Classic. We have a POTUS that does not even know we are a republic and YOU voted for him?
An example: The $50 billion lost in the Madoff scam is gone. It does not exist, hidden in secret bank accounts somewhere. It can not be recovered, unless us taxpayers come up with the money to make it good. Sorry Palm Beach, I gots no cash.
On February 24th, 2009 at 12:21 pm, gunslingerpatriot said: (#48)
When I was in an infantry unit, I could occasionally achieve that level of proficiency. Fortunately (alas?), I can no longer do that.
Competing Interests? Really?
Look down this list of “competing groups” and find The Disabled Veterans of America, The Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans Association, the ROA, the AUSA, or any other veteran’s group represented. The largest “ethnic group in the country are Caucasians. Who represents them? So much for our post racial society.
Remember the term, “token black” That’s what those conservative groups represent.
If they are not all represented at the table, none should be there.
Choosing someone other than Obama as arbiter. And preferably one who isn’t a Chicago thug or otherwise corrupt. In other words, a Conservative. Also, a fair and balanced representation of the competing interests would be nice.
It’s like riding a bike. It will come back to you. Just focus,
11B00
I am an “elderly” woman, grandmother of 2 and 3/4 boys, I go to church most Sundays. And I bet I know some words you’ve never hear of.
But it takes a REAL sailor to truly invigorate the language! I once prided myself on being able to converse for five minutes without ever repeating a word or phrase. But that was long, long ago, in a world far, far away.
happyscrapper,
lol…
My little old, grey haired, 91 year old, Swedish mother can school us both. The Norweign’s and Swedes were most creative
Unfortunately, the arbiter and the system are part of a carnival, or casino game. We all know how that works. Take the mark but make them feel good when they lose.
That is a result, not a process.
First, focusing on raw number of participants and relying on this author’s representations of a group’s slant is perhaps not the best way to go about it. Second, Democrats/liberals won a majority of the votes in the last election. Do you think a 50/50 split would be fair?
Do veterans groups normally involve themselves heavily with issues pertaining to the economy? Let’s not get silly here. Your idea of “all or none” is absurd. I notice PETA is not there either. Would their absence invalidate any group, in your mind?
I would expect many veterans groups to be invited to any discussion having to do with veterans issues.
I am sure they feel used. I wonder why they didn’t turn down the invitation.
“Lutefisk” and “gravlax” do not count.
So, Chap, you are saying that Veterans’ Groups would be less interested in the economy, and should therefore have less input than say, oh…. these guys?
FIFY!
Well, yes, we know they won. They remind us by saying it every day. So, if we go by the election, we should have at least a 45% representation. We don’t.
How did you know I am half Norwegian?
No I am saying Veterans groups tend to focus on narrow issues involving veterans. I notice you don’t hear a lot from them with respect to abortion, though I am sure many veterans care about the issue.
Recall you have the hot scandanavian daughter that I am trying to hook up with Aloha.
You scare me, Chap! Your memory is too good!
Oh, Chap, remember this too…I am also English and have many ancestors who fought in the American Revolution. It is in the genes!
That is a silly, lazy argument. You know as well as I do that, rightly or wrongly, people of all political stripes use the term pretty loosely.
For example:
Who do you think said that?
One group that I would like to have seen in that meeting is the TAXPAYER’S UNION! Tax payers are one special interest that seem to be getting short shrift from everyone in Washington.
ROFLMAO
Chap has stooped to lgm’s favorite tactic:
Someone else did it first so my guy is better.
I miss the old chap.
At what point do you stop covering for this person (Obama) and take a shower?
I miss the non-obtuse soap. My point was, in showing an example you may be able to relate better to, that referring to our country as a democracy in casual conversation should not imply anything.
I don’t consider Obama, Reagan or the other 99.999% of people who have done this idiots for this fact. It is a vernacular that we all accept, except when trying to score cheap points. And you know it.
I apologize I have to cover for him so much, but the amount of absurd BS thrown his way is pretty intense.