Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan What is interesting is that several polls suggest that the country is increasingly moving further away from what the tea party bunch wants. And yet, they press on with thier crazy agenda. I think they know the midterms were an anomaly, so they might as well go for whatever they hope to achieve. Even if it means running the country's credit rating into the ground for the first time ever. Then, for the next several years, Fox News can hire these clowns to be contributors, part of the "historic" tea party congress. Historic. The Titanic was historic, too.
Originally Posted By DDMAN26 In a nutshell what is this all about. I'll admit the last few months I've been pretty apathetic about current events in general. I barely listen, read or watch the news anymore. I didn't participate in the last election we had here. Nor will I be participating in any for the forseeable future because it's not going to make a difference. If that makes me ignorant than so be it, but I'm much happier not worrying about this stuff.
Originally Posted By skinnerbox <<Nor will I be participating in any for the forseeable future because it's not going to make a difference.>> Hogwash. The Dems stayed home in November -- only 40% of them voted nationwide -- and look what happened. Participation DOES make a difference. You are absolutely dead wrong that it doesn't. <<If that makes me ignorant than so be it, but I'm much happier not worrying about this stuff.>> You won't be "happier" when the middle class falls off the cliff. And that's what the corporate masters of the teabaggers want to see happen. They do not want to "prop up" an entire class of citizenry they no longer need as labor or as consumers. They have the explosive growth of the middle class in China and India for that. American workers are no longer necessary for them to achieve and maintain profitability. So they'd rather we just curl up and die so as not to be a further "tax burden" on their profits. When the country falls into a deep and lasting depression with over 30% permanent unemployment, you will not be "happier." No way.
Originally Posted By fkurucz "And the nation received near universal healthcare as a result." I wouldn't go that far. Was it a step in the right direction? Yes. But I know plenty of people who still have no coverage whatsoever.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan My brother does not follow politics at all. Hasn't for years, much for the same reasons you say. Between the two of us, he is less stressed and doesn't get worked up about this stuff. Unfortunately, I worry about it enough for the both of us. There's some truth to what you say, that it probably doesn't make much of a difference. But on the other hand, that's exactly how the clowns of the tea party got into power at all-- playing into voter apathy, while people disgusted or bored by the process sat out. And now, we're stuck with this bunch at least for the time being and we're going to pay for it, I'm afraid. So yeah, I worry. My worrying is ineffective and won't change what happens, but I worry still.
Originally Posted By mawnck >>I'm much happier not worrying about this stuff.<< So was I. But this got my attention. This is a potential economy trasher. I emailed my Congresscritter, despite thinking it was a waste of time. And I'm glad I did it several hours before Pres. O asked me to. And I've been bopping around the TP-ish sections of the internets trying to find a clear, succinct explanation of where their heads are at, that doesn't specifically mention other anatomical parts. Found one. <a href="http://www.redstate.com/dhorowitz3/2011/07/27/what-is-the-end-game-for-big-government/" target="_blank">http://www.redstate.com/dhorow...ernment/</a> >>We believe that unless we go to the brink, and use our leverage with the budget process to force fundamental and transformational government reform, we will never limit government. These wizards of smart obviously believe that we will have better opportunities in the future. What are those opportunities?<< To summarize, dude here maintains that this is as good a position as the TP types are ever going to find themselves in. They don't trust the GOP and don't think they'll make the serious cuts needed, even if they do win the Senate and Presidency. So they're going for broke. Forcing the issue while they still can. They recognize the long odds and the likely outcome (or at least they say they do) but have determined that they have no choice but to risk it. So if they can keep just enough House members in line (which so far they have been able to do), then it doesn't matter what Boehner or the Senate or anybody else does. We are, as as a wise man once said, so screwed. About the only bright spot I see here is that even at this site, where I understand you can be banned for espousing a single liberal position, there are now people in the comments section risking the dreaded RINO designation by dissenting. That's right ... this is so patently nutty that some of them are starting to snap out of it. Ah well, more popcorn, please?
Originally Posted By andyll DOW Fri -43 Mon -88 Tue -91 Wed -199 We could be down 1000 even before we get to the deadline. Who knows after that.
Originally Posted By hopemax I just was reading a diary on DailyKos (I know, I know). But the point was that the stock market and the bond market are getting twitchy. Usually, one goes up while the other goes down, but now both are going down, which is a sign of cash hoarding. Also, the credit default swap market has spiked against US treasuries. And that the price of a 1 yr CDS is higher than a 5 year, which is not normal. So definitely more nervousness on Wall Street. But will it make a difference?
Originally Posted By mawnck Late word that Boehner may get his plan passed in the house after all. <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/60041.html" target="_blank">http://www.politico.com/news/s...041.html</a> Try not to have your browser on redstate.com if that happens. Your computer might explode.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA I'd say I'm somewhere between 'worrying' about the situation in Washington, D.C. and 'not paying attention to anything.'
Originally Posted By EighthDwarf There is a lot to worry about here. It is very clear to me that our politicians are more concerned about political posturing for their bases than doing what's right for you and me. I am sure a deal will get done in time but the damage may be done already if our debt gets downgraded. if that happens I will do evverything in my power to make sure that every politician loses their job. We need to take our country back people.....
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>I am sure a deal will get done in time<< I hope you're right, but I am not confident. At this point, I'm worried that a crummy deal will get rushed through.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>if that happens I will do evverything in my power to make sure that every politician loses their job<< But not every politician is responsible for turning a normal, procedural occurrence into a fight to the finish. The Tea Party done it, along with many GOPers (and DINOs) who know better.
Originally Posted By andyll <<I will do evverything in my power to make sure that every politician loses their job. We need to take our country back people>> While everyone's sick of politics now... putting a bunch of people that have no ability to understand the complexities of our government and economy is driving our country over the edge. Throughout history there have been big political fights at the federal level but until Obama was elected they always managed to find a middle ground.
Originally Posted By Newworldseeker >>Obama compromised<< Really, please show us a copy of Obama's plan, I think the country would love to see it.
Originally Posted By mawnck >>I will do evverything in my power to make sure that every politician loses their job.<< Sorry to be blunt, but this is EXACTLY the kind of thinking that got us here. If it weren't for the moderate "bums" who got "thrown out" in favor of intransigent Tea Party buffoons, we'd have a deal. How about evaluating the candidates' positions and voting for the best person instead? You "have" your country back. You never lost it. The polls were open in your area on election day just like they were in mine. Congress isn't doing this to America. America did it to itself.
Originally Posted By mawnck >>According to congressional sources this is how a deal will play out if everything goes according to plan: If the Boehner bill makes it to the Senate, Reid has said he will amend it and use it as a "vehicle" for his own plan — giving it expedited consideration in the House. With just a single vote to raise the debt limit through the end of 2012, Reid will likely offer Republicans some sort of "sweetener" to support his bill, including "triggers" — or mandatory actions that would take effect if the committee's recommendations were not passed by Congress. It is almost certain that Reid has the votes for such a compromise plan — as Democrats will back it and Republican Senators are growing frustrated with the tea party's antics. The bill would return to the House, where nearly all of the 193 Democrats would back it, and the support of only a few dozen moderate Republicans would be needed to pass it and send it to Obama for his signature. House Republicans have already exacted multiple victories — $1 for $1 cuts to debt limit increase, no taxes, and deep spending cuts. They would have a hard time defending their desire for a second vote by opposing a bill that actually has a more cuts than the Boehner plan (even when war savings are excluded).<< <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-the-debt-deal-might-happen-2011-7" target="_blank">http://www.businessinsider.com...n-2011-7</a> And there you go. Will the TPs torpedo this last best hope? Will America's economy go sailing off the cliff with Bachmann and Palin cheerleading on the sidelines? And ..... WHAT ABOUT NAOMI? (If you got that, gee you're old.)
Originally Posted By Newworldseeker >>Obama compromised<< Really, please show us a copy of Obama's plan, I think the country would love to see it. Come on show us Obama's plan!
Originally Posted By dshyates At this point I actually think the Tea Party is actively trying to crash and burn the economy. They think it is the only way to sink Obama. And they are crazy enough to do it. I would be afraid that some redneck democrat may use 2nd amendment solutions.
