BO is hands down a failure!

So does this mean the Gipper was a failure, too? Here are a couple paragraphs from a CBS News story from August:

A year and a half into his presidency, and just months head of the midterm elections, President Barack Obama's approval rating is 44 percent, according to the latest CBS News Poll, conducted July 9-12. This rating matches his previous low from March of this year, and is down 24 points from his high of 68 percent reached in April 2009. So how does President Obama stack up against past presidents at similar points in their presidencies?

At 44 percent, Mr. Obama's approval rating is similar to those of Bill Clinton (42 percent) and Ronald Reagan (42 percent) at comparable times in their presidencies. Mr. Obama's rating is slightly higher than Jimmy Carter's (38 percent).

Voting for a president is always buying a pig in a poke. Voters always get buyer's remorse the first couple of years. It's pretty much a non-issue, other than what it portends for November.

So does this mean the Gipper was a failure, too?

I've long wondered how the fascists rationalize Reagan being their hero. For one, those that claim to LOVE Reagan are always tell me I'm lying when I tell them he raised taxes and tripled the deficit, as well as "cut and ran" from Iran because he thought fighting insurgencies was a losing venture. It's like the facts just don't matter because they want a demigod. Reagan would be called a RINO and driven from the GOP by the likes of Fuhrer Limbaugh. Seriously righties, do your own research about Reagan, his policies and positions and stop buying the bull@!$%# story that Sean Hannazi spews about Reagan.

"Economists agree: Stimulus created nearly 3 million jobs" -

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2010-08-30-stimulus30_CV_N.htm

and

The CBO's new forecast states Democrat's health care reform plans would reduce deficits by about 140 billion over the next decade, and by more than one trillion in the decade after.

and

Deporting more illegals than Bush.

Passed sweeping financial reform.

Taking us out of Iraq

Making more loans available to small businesses

Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back

Lower drug costs for seniors.

Passed unemployment when Republicans balked.

The FDA is now regulating tobacco (something Republicans actually hate)

Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children

Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals

Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions

The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out

Closed offshore tax safe havens

Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research

Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel

Increasing student loans

Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information

Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts

Improving benefits for veterans

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/presidential-approval-tracker.htm

About as big a failure as Ronald Reagan.

The first thing everybody does when someone points out BO as a failure is bring up some past republican president. Just wondering, can you just take a look at BO's body of work and tell us how he is NOT a failure?

The stimulus failed. The unemployment rate is STILL increasing (another .1% this past month.) The 5 billion dollars set aside for people with pre-existing conditions in the heath scare deform bill will likely be gone NEXT YEAR. He's a failure. Time to admit it, stop pointing fingers unless you point them at BO. BO stinks, time to face it and put on some deodorant.

Time to face it, government and society do not travel as fast as Speedy Gonzales.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/18/AR2010011803455.html

http://blog.swisster.com/danielwarner/2010/03/29/obama%E2%80%99s-successes/

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/voters-anxiety-clouds-obamas-historic-successes/story?id=10621665

Not everyone shares your opinion. Maybe if the Republicans weren't acting like spoiled children, more could be accomplished.

A lot of people share my opinion!

And a lot don't. When the Republicans take over and do nothing for two years (like they have the last two years), we'll see how great things are. Of course, if you're rich, you'll love it. If you aren't--good luck. Maybe the Republicans can finish destroying the middle class this time.

And seriously, American Spectator? Can't you find anything more partisan? I'm sure you would take Huffington Post seriously too. LMAO

When the Republicans take over and do nothing for two years (like they have the last two years)

Um, the last two years were completely controlled by democrats - how is that going?

The American Spectator was using an ABC poll. Do you have a problem with ABC?

The stimulus failed. The unemployment rate is STILL increasing (another .1% this past month.) The 5 billion dollars set aside for people with pre-existing conditions in the heath scare deform bill will likely be gone NEXT YEAR. Um, no, no, and no. The stimulus actually worked exactly as intended, if not to as great an extent as hoped for. Without it, we'd be a helluva lot worse off, according to most economists and to the guys who make market projections for the Wall Street Journal (see Figure 3). Rightfully speaking, unemployment should be somewhere north of 14% right now. That it's holding fairly steady at ~9.5% is a good thing, especially after it jumped 4% during Bush's last year, to almost 9%. And as far as the health care bill scare mongering, I think you're going to have to do better than simple unsupported assertion.

The shape America is in didn't just suddenly appear sans precursors on January 20th, 2009. Time for you to man up and face the consequences of your @!$%#ty decision-making and voting patterns, bucko.

Um, the last two years were completely controlled by democrats Could you please, before revealing the rest of the extent of your idiocy, learn how the @!$%#ing government works? Pretty please? With sugar on top?

Start by looking up the word "filibuster."

Thanks.

Here are a list of President Obama's accomplishments though it doesn't list them all or the fact that he received a Nobel Prize. It's a long list for just 2 years in office and working against a lot of opposition:

1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6 Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21 The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with theGeneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held bySomali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expandednational youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49.. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57 Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform

Yes, the stimulus failed - the white house stated that the stimulus would get us to 8% unemployment - remember that? Unemployment DID increase - check the BLS - it went from 9.5% to 9.6%.

BLITZER: I'm looking at this report. It came out in January 2009. Christina Romer, the economic adviser, another economic adviser to the president, said that, if the stimulus package was passed, unemployment wouldn't go above 8 percent. It's now at 9.5 percent and going up. And the other day I interviewed Mark Zandi. You know him. He's a well-known economist. And he said this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARK ZANDI, CHIEF ECONOMIST, MOODY'S: We're at 9.5. I suspect we'll be back into double digits by the end of the year, early next at the latest.

Yes the pre-existing condition money is expected to be gone. The bill sucks, it is sad and pathetic for people who do not realize it.

The shape America is in didn't just suddenly appear sans precursors on January 20th, 2009. Time for you to man up and face the consequences of your @!$%#ty decision-making and voting patterns, bucko.

You are exactly right. My senator is a democrat who I voted for in the last three elections. It is time I vote him out - along with the rest of the democrats who control my state! Thanks bucko.

Start by looking up the word "filibuster."

As soon as you look up the word "reconciliation." Who is showing idiocy now? How did the Health Scare Deform Bill pass?

Do us a favor, stop talking until you know what you are talking about. The democrats have been in control for the last two years - own it. If you can't own that, then you better be prepared to admit that during the Bush administration the democrats could have used the "filibuster" process easier than the current republicans. They didn't so they are JUST as responsible for all of the legislation that passed under the republican congress and the Bush administration. Time to take off the training wheels! Obama is the captain of this sinking ship!

Do us a favor, stop talking until you know what you are talking about.

Someone needs to follow his own advice.

And I have a problem with the right wing spin of American Spectator, just like you would have with Huffington Post.

Yes, the stimulus failed - the white house stated that the stimulus would get us to 8% unemployment - remember that? Unemployment DID increase - check the BLS - it went from 9.5% to 9.6% Wow. It's a bit difficult to combat the stupidity rampant in this sentence. So... let me get this straight-- it doesn't matter how bad things might have been without the stimulus; so long as the stimulus didn't result in exactly the figure "predicted" by the White House, it failed. Does that about encapsulate your argument?

Unemployment DID increase - check the BLS - it went from 9.5% to 9.6%. So we'll just chalk up an inability to understand statistics as another one of your shortcomings, shall we? The trend from February 2009 to July 2010 is completely flat. The average over that period is 9.55%. The trend in 2010 is a sharp decrease from the high of 10.6%.

I realize that these facts probably elude your grasp, but that's a problem with you, not with the stimulus.

MARK ZANDI, CHIEF ECONOMIST, MOODY'S Isn't it interesting that you're quoting, as evidence of the failure of the stimulus, the guy who says the stimulus worked?

Yes the pre-existing condition money is expected to be gone. From your link--

Consumer advocates worry the $5 billion could run out long before then. But the health plans could cap enrollment or change premiums and benefits to help manage costs, which may be necessary to stretch the federal funding.

...New Hampshire started its new high risk pool in July. So far, demand has been light.

Coverage for enrollees under the pools has started in Montana, South Dakota and New Hampshire, though in most states it is not expected to begin until Sept. 1. So far, demand has been modest. In New Hampshire, 10 people have applied. In Montana, which has set a cap of 400 slots for the high risk pool, 60 people have applied.

In other words, demand is lighter than expected, and there are options to reduce the cost that could extend the $5 billion that has been set aside. So while some consumer advocates are "concerned," your claim that "the pre-existing condition money is expected to be gone" is nothing but bull@!$%#.

You are exactly right. My senator is a democrat who I voted for in the last three elections. It is time I vote him out - along with the rest of the democrats who control my state! Thanks bucko. Riiight. You're a "democrat." It's amazing to me how many people espousing the Republican party line, who spew Republican talking points and talk just like Republicans, are vocal "democrats" and "independents."

Maybe someone somewhere will buy your story, but I'm not that person.

As soon as you look up the word "reconciliation." You mean the process Republicans used to pass Medicare Part D? I'm already familiar with it. In what way is it germane to your ignorance about how Congress operates? In what way does it counteract the fact that Republicans, even in the minority, can hold up legislation and prevent its passage?

Do us a favor, stop talking until you know what you are talking about. So, I should just keep talking then? Thanks, I think I will. In the meantime, maybe you should think twice about posting links to information that actually counters the claim you're making. Doesn't bode well for your argument.

during the Bush administration the democrats could have used the "filibuster" process easier than the current republicans. But, being adults, they actually attempted to help govern, rather than kicking up their feet like spoiled children, demanding the destruction of America unless they got what they wanted. Yeah, again-- I'm familiar with the history that you're busy pretending never happened.

They didn't so they are JUST as responsible for all of the legislation that passed under the republican congress and the Bush administration. You're not familiar with the concept of eating your cake and having it, too, are you?

Let's see if we can get this straight-- when the Republicans were in charge of everything, the Democrats were equally complicit with them, for not pitching a fit and refusing to govern. Now that they're not in charge, they're exonerated because they HAVE pitched a fit and refused to govern?

Got it. Thanks.

I hope you get the government you deserve, good and hard. It's only a shame that so many others will have to take a beating in order for you to learn your lesson.

Wow. It's a bit difficult to combat the stupidity rampant in this sentence. So... let me get this straight-- it doesn't matter how bad things might have been without the stimulus; so long as the stimulus didn't result in exactly the figure "predicted" by the White House, it failed. Does that about encapsulate your argument?

Unemployment continues to increase no matter how you spin it, and Obama is introducing new tax cuts for businesses to TRY to get people hiring again. Why would he need to do that if the stimulus was working? He has to do it because it is not working. Quit while you are behind.

So we'll just chalk up an inability to understand statistics as another one of your shortcomings, shall we? The trend from February 2009 to July 2010 is completely flat. The average over that period is 9.55%. The trend in 2010 is a sharp decrease from the high of 10.6%.

It was at 9.5% and it increased to 9.6%. Spin it however you want. I will go by what the BLS states.

In other words, demand is lighter than expected, and there are options to reduce the cost that could extend the $5 billion that has been set aside. So while some consumer advocates are "concerned," your claim that "the pre-existing condition money is expected to be gone" is nothing but bull@!$%#.

The money will be gone. "Could funds run out? The biggest question hanging over the program is whether the $5 billion allocated will be enough. Millions of people meet the basic qualifications for coverage, and technical experts who advise Congress and the administration have warned the funds could be exhausted as early as the end of 2011. HHS officials sidestepped questions about what would happen if the money runs out. One option is for the government to limit enrollment."

Riiight. You're a "democrat." It's amazing to me how many people espousing the Republican party line, who spew Republican talking points and talk just like Republicans, are vocal "democrats" and "independents."

I didn't say "I was a democrat." I said I voted for my senator who happens to be a democrat. You might be comfortable with just picking "democrat" or "republican" when you vote, but I vote for each candidate based on what I believe and what I think they can accomplish. My senator seemed to be a good person until he became Obama's lapdog. I will NOW vote against him. Is that a problem for you? If so - get over it.

You mean the process Republicans used to pass Medicare Part D? I'm already familiar with it. In what way is it germane to your ignorance about how Congress operates? In what way does it counteract the fact that Republicans, even in the minority, can hold up legislation and prevent its passage?

Same process. The democrats HAVE managed to pass legislation even with that big bad "filibuster" process, haven't they? Now, granted, Obama needed to have back room deals, a cornhusker kickback, and the louisiana purchase to get it done, but it did pass. Own it, the democrats are in charge (well, sort of.) By the way, the republicans aren't the only ones who used the filibuster, are they? I understand how congress works. I also understand that you like to use words like "germane" so you can seem intelligent. Here are some synonyms for you to use in the future.

So, I should just keep talking then? Thanks, I think I will. In the meantime, maybe you should think twice about posting links to information that actually counters the claim you're making. Doesn't bode well for your argument.

You do have a good sense of humor. I quoted Mark Zandi because these are the types of people that ADVISE our current inexperienced commander in chief. My links do not counter my argument, they simply offer both sides. Nice Huffington Post article by the way.

But, being adults, they actually attempted to help govern, rather than kicking up their feet like spoiled children, demanding the destruction of America unless they got what they wanted. Yeah, again-- I'm familiar with the history that you're busy pretending never happened.

See above. The democrats were not afraid to filibuster during the Bush administration. They just failed to do when it was best for the country.

You're not familiar with the concept of eating your cake and having it, too, are you?

The expression is "Having your cake and eating it too," and yes, I am familiar with it (even though you have it backwards - which isn't unusual for you.)

Let's see if we can get this straight-- when the Republicans were in charge of everything, the Democrats were equally complicit with them, for not pitching a fit and refusing to govern. Now that they're not in charge, they're exonerated because they HAVE pitched a fit and refused to govern?

Got it. Thanks.

I hope you get the government you deserve, good and hard. It's only a shame that so many others will have to take a beating in order for you to learn your lesson.

Nope, I am saying that the republicans were in charge from January of 2000 to January of 2007. From that point on, the democrats controlled congress and in January of 2009 they controlled everything. I am learning that Obama outspent every president in history, and that trend is continuing. I would be happy if he was held in check and forced to work with a republican congress after November.

Why would he need to do that if the stimulus was working? He has to do it because it is not working. Quit while you are behind. I'm willing to bet that you're in the minority in thinking I'm "behind."
I don't see anything in your post that I haven't already countered with actual facts, so we'll let it go-- you don't understand statistics, can't figure out a rational definition of what "working" means, and don't seem particularly interested in learning.

I will comment on this though-- "The expression is "Having your cake and eating it too," and yes, I am familiar with it (even though you have it backwards - which isn't unusual for you.)" Nope. The expression is eating your cake and having it, too. That's the only way the statement makes any sense. Anyone can have their cake and eat it. I have my cake every birthday, and then I eat my cake. Have it, eat it. That's how everyone in the world does it.

No one, however, eats their cake, and then has it. At least, not anyone that I would want to hang out with.

But perhaps you're bulemic, in which case I can forgive your inability to grasp the proper phrasing.

With that said, I feel no particular desire to continue beating my head against the brick wall of your stupidity. By all means, continue undercutting your own argument, however. It's amusing to watch.

I couldn't help but notice that you had no comment regarding Obama introducing new tax cuts for businesses to TRY to get them hiring again, and why he would need to do that if the stimulus was working. My guess is because you can't answer that. The stimulus didn't "create" or (made up statistic) "save" enough to justify the cost. It was a failure. Admit it.

By the way, I agree with you on "you can't eat your cake and have it too," which is originally how the expression was intended and the most logical, however, the most popular usage is "have your cake and eat it too." Funny stuff regarding the bulemic thing as well.

The rest of your post is drivel, and doesn't deserve a response.

Big Government Socialism

Do you mean like the Socialist Medicare Prescription Drug Program passed in 2003 with Republican majorities in the House and Senate with W. signing the trillion dollar bill without any funding or ability to negotiate prices.

Do you mean the Republicans? You are making you short conclusion on a poll?

knight - Which drug companies did we own as the result of that program? If we ended up owning drug companies, then yes, that would be an example of socialism.

I couldn't help but notice that you had no comment regarding Obama introducing new tax cuts for businesses to TRY to get them hiring again, and why he would need to do that if the stimulus was working. My guess is because you can't answer that. I thought I was already pretty clear-- if you're either too stupid to get why that serves as no proof against the effect of the stimulus, or are too dishonest to be forthright about that effect, then I don't see much benefit to wasting my time with you.

Is that clearer?

Yes it is clear - you cannot answer the question. Also, I'm pretty sure that you are either calling me stupid or dishonest - both of which would likely be CoH violations. If you can't have an intelligent debate without resorting to name calling, I see no reason to continue our discourse.

The stimulus didn't work, Obama is failing and polls are showing it.

Re: 1.12. Heard it and seen it before. Still isn't getting any better.

1.12 is a cut and paste that has been floating around - probably from TP, MM or huffingandpuffington Post... rvin gb, you are not going to convince them. Even though 60% of America thinks BO stinks, he still smells like a rose to them. I certainly hope this Nov. we start cleaning the house and draining the swamp ( Nancy sure as crap, didn't). The sooner, the better.

1.12 is a cut and paste that ...

If it were me I would purge this list of obvious filler items. Having insignificant 'accomplishments' tends to reduce the credibility of the entire list. Case in point, just look at the last seven items...

84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform

Let's see ...

91. Has announced his intention to 'try harder' in 2011

Okay, we have 9 more to go to get to 100. Any thoughts?

this list is laughable....by the way 92. I think he promised Bo more bones too....

Utopian or as I like to think of it-One World. The only logical reason why the US considers belonging to the U.N.

1.2 Alot of what you state is still work in progress which is not considered an accomplishment. I see your list becoming shorter.

I'll admit that announced programs may not happen as they have to get through a Congress where many wish for them to fail- not because they are bad programs, but for political gain or to appease their lobbyists.

The logical reason we belong to the UN is because we learned in WW 2 that what happens in the rest of the world affects us. We can either be the world's police force and invade everybody we disagree with or we can work through the UN to try to address the problems by arbitration. I, for one, am tired of our young men and women dying trying solve the world's problems by force.

Willingly duped or incredibly gullible, the Obama-haters are sent a stream of rhetoric and drink it like Jonestown Kool-Aid!

Organized Wealth (called the "Criminal Rich" by Teddy Roosevelt, c. 1908) in concert with Fox News, Insurance Company front groups, like Dick Armie's Freedom Works, Bachmann/Palin Republicans and the Tea Party, have hatched this simple, INSIDIOUS PLAN ...

Rally the haters, radical religionists, xenophobes and the ignorant, "teach" via bumper-sticker, sabotage/condemn all initiatives to help the Middle Class ... THEN BLAME FAILURE ON THE BLACK MAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE! Remember Limbaugh's "I HOPE HE FAILS!"

It's the PERFECT POLITICAL STORM!

Consider this example;

Arizona Governor Brewer's popularity is based on her anti-illegal immigrant legislation ... illegals are a problem, but Brewer misrepresented the degree when she lied about "headless bodies found in the Arizona Desert," an ugly ploy to scare citizens and stir xenophobes; and, there's a conflict of interests in her office ... aides stand to monetarily profit from privatized prisons that will house those suspected of being here illegally ... merely suspected.

Brewer's lie hurt the Arizona economy ... tourists and businesses backed away in fear of violence ... the haters in Arizona have called it "The Kidnap Capital of America" and even John McCain has repeated it ...THOUGH IT'S NOT TRUE!

Yet Brewer leads her opponent in the Arizona Governor's race by 20 points! And the haters cheer!

Ignorance is bliss. Hatred is blind. Stupid is as stupid does.

A Mac

THEN BLAME FAILURE ON THE BLACK MAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE!

Unhelpful, in fact destructive, race card rhetoric.

Remember Limbaugh's "I HOPE HE FAILS!"

What did Limbaugh mean by those words?

a. That he hopes Obama will fail and does not care if his failure harms the nation
b. That he hopes Obama fails to realize his agenda (labeled 'liberalism' by Limbaugh) because Limbaugh believes Obama's agenda to be harmful to the nation.

The context was established by Limbaugh at the time he uttered the words. What was the context: a or b?

By the way, it was NOT ...

c. That he hopes Obama fails because Obama is a black man in the white house.

In case you get a link error, here is the URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuYjWbAU2eU

However, there are plenty of audio records out there on this item.

If you want this pissin' contest, you're going to need a lot more piss!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXrBg6waIQQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiLVTzljOjA&feature=fvw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXFAOK08NL4&feature=channel

Got more if you need it.

Racist Rush Limbaugh Quotes & Commentary

1. I mean, let's face it, we didn't have slavery in this country for over 100 years because it was a bad thing. Quite the opposite: slavery built the South. I'm not saying we should bring it back; I'm just saying it had its merits. For one thing, the streets were safer after dark.

Okay Rush, slavery was not a good thing for the millions of African Americans who were enslaved, raped and beaten. The streets weren't at all safe for African Americans. Slavery not a bad thing? Someone should put Rush on a plantation for him to see how great it is. Keep on fear and race mongering Rush, you might get to Goebels status.

2. You know who deserves a posthumous Medal of Honor? James Earl Ray [the confessed assassin of Martin Luther King]. We miss you, James. Godspeed.

Martin Luther King is a national hero, not a black hero. Everybody in the United States celebrates his birthday, children are taught to look up to him as a hero in school. He's earned the respect and admiration of the world and you believe the man who killed him was a hero? This is beyond racist. This is evil, mean spirited, subhuman. Praising the assassin of one of our great American heroes is beyond the scope of regular racism.

3. Have you ever noticed how all composite pictures of wanted criminals resemble Jesse Jackson?

No but I've noticed that all racist bigots think like Rush Limbaugh. Comparing a respected black politician and minister to common criminals is Jim Crow racism. Maybe all black people look alike to him, but I've never seen a picture of a wanted criminal that looks like Jesse Jackson. A serial killer that looks like Rush Limbaugh on the other hand.

John Wayne Gacy

4. Right. So you go into Darfur and you go into South Africa, you get rid of the white government there. You put sanctions on them. You stand behind Nelson Mandela - who was bankrolled by communists for a time, had the support of certain communist leaders. You go to Ethiopia. You do the same thing.

The communist connection is an old way of dealing with black leaders. They used it on Martin Luther King, they're using it on Barack Obama and Limbaugh used it on Nelson Mandela. By siding with the racist apartheid regime over a world-wide symbol of peace and freedom, Limbaugh has shown he's a global racist.

5. Look, let me put it to you this way: the NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons. There, I said it.

Limbaugh is once again fear mongering and race baiting by associating professional black athletes with criminals and gangmembers. He continues the fear mongering association of good, decent, hard working African Americans as criminals.

6. The NAACP should have riot rehearsal. They should get a liquor store and practice robberies.

Now Limbaugh is saying that an organization with a storied tradition of representing the positive black people for change in their communities are criminals and rioters. An organization that has been represented by intelligent professional African Americans, that has played a part in the Civil Rights movement and continues to be an intelligent, concerned voice for the African American community is degraded to common criminals. There you go Rush. Keep racism alive!!!!

7. They're 12 percent of the population. Who the hell cares?

Decent human beings care Rush. Someone out of that 12% may just become President of the United States. Not caring about black people? Even George Bush wouldn't admit to that.

8. Take that bone out of your nose and call me back(to an African American female caller).

Okay Rush that's classy. The old African bone in the nose stereotype. Wasn't funny when the racist white school kids called the black kids that and it's definitely not funny when a grown man with audience of millions of easily influenced dittoheads says it either.

9. I think the media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well. They're interested in black coaches and black quarterbacks doing well. I think there's a little hope invested in McNabb and he got a lot of credit for the performance of his team that he really didn't deserve.

I wasn't super offended by this, the whole black quarterback/coach thing has been going on for years in sports, but the quote was so offensive that Retired General Wesley Clarke said:

There can be no excuse for such statements. Mr. Limbaugh has the right to say whatever he wants, but ABC and ESPN have no obligation to sponsor such hateful and ignorant speech. Mr. Limbaugh should be fired immediately.

When a respected, retired general condemns the statement of a sportscaster, you know he's gone too far.

10. Limbaugh attacks on Obama. Limbaugh has called Obama a 'halfrican American' has said that Obama was not black but Arab because Kenya is an Arab region, even though Arabs are less than one percent of Kenya. Since mainstream America has become more accepting of African-Americans, Limbaugh has decided to play against its new racial fears, Arabs and Muslims. Despite the fact Obama graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law school, Limbaugh has called him an 'affirmative action candidate.' Limbaugh even has repeatedly played a song on his radio show 'Barack the Magic Negro' using an antiquated Jim Crow era term for black a man who many Americans are supporting for president. Way to go Rush.

So Rush Limbaugh has managed to make racist attacks on four of the most admired and respected people of African descent in the past one hundred years, in Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Colin Powell and Barack Obama. He has called for the assassin of Martin Luther King to be given a medal, and said slavery was a good thing. He has claimed that Joe the Plumber, who isn't even a plumber is more important in this election than Colin Powell, a decorated military veteran who has served honorably in three administrations. How can the Republican party stand by this man and let their candidates appear on his show? Rush Limbaugh's comments are so racist, they're funny, in a Borat, Archie Bunker kind of way. What is not funny is the millions of dittoheads who listen to him, who take in and re-spout all the racist rhetoric that he spits. Limbaugh's statements are echoed in the racist, angry Palin/McCain supporters who shout 'kill him,' 'terrorist,' 'communist,' 'traitor,' 'socialist' and 'off with his head.'

I've been debunking the right-wing lie machine for well over a year (you can see all of my Vine comments at my column). Only the ill-informed, the willing dupes or haters would buy all the bull@!$%# from the right, even after one-by-one, it's been debunked by many, many sources.

Only fools and haters irrationally work against their own interests. Marxism, socialism, birthers, deathers ... do you actually believe that intelligent human beings can't figure out the game?

A. Macarthur

A Mac

If you want this pissin' contest, you're going to need a lot more piss!

Wrong analogy. I am pointing out your indiscriminate pissing.

My post focused on two things:

1. Generalized Racist Rhetoric – you respond by arguing Limbaugh is racist
2. Limbaugh Wishing Obama to Fail – you did not answer my question

#1 Generalized Racist Rhetoric

My position on generalized racist rhetoric has nothing to do with Limbaugh (that comes in #2).

When you stated …

“THEN BLAME FAILURE ON THE BLACK MAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE”

… you were not quoting Limbaugh or even paraphrasing what Limbaugh has said or even suggested (as far as I know). Your comment was made as a general statement that there is a grand movement to discredit Obama simply because he is black. Arguing that Limbaugh has made racially tone deaf remarks is only mildly relevant and is hardly a defense of the statement. Your links and quotes should be saved for a completely different argument such as when someone claims that Limbaugh harbors no racism.

My focus is on those who continue this ‘you only oppose Obama because he is black’ rhetoric – language that purposely stirs the embers of racism. This is not helpful (at all) and is unsubstantiated except by anecdotal evidence. The claims argue from selective observation (e.g. signs at a TEA rally) and generalization (saw some racist signs … all TEA members are racists). Similarly wrong are claims that Limbaugh is a racist therefore his listeners (or maybe the entire right) are racist. Observing this generalization argument for over a year it is clear that many individuals are content to use any angle they can find to accuse those of us NOT enamored with Obama as being racist. Disagreement with policy is clearly not possible … it must be because he is black. I am quite tired of this A. Mac and thus you got a dissenting post from me.

#2 Limbaugh Wishing Obama to Fail

Got more if you need it.

I can post links and quotes all day too but they need to focus on the disagreement itself.

One of your links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXFAOK08NL4&feature=channel entitled ‘Limbaugh's Non-Sensical [sic] Race-Obsessed Remarks’ is right on the mark of my point (at least the first Hannity clip within it). So when you listen to Limbaugh in your own link (explaining well after the fact now about his wanting Obama to fail) how do you answer my question? Is the answer ‘a’ or ‘b’? What did Limbaugh actually say? How do you interpret his words in the context I provided (or the one you provided)? That is my point for item #2 - the answer is clear. The spin after the fact has been cheap.

The Rest of your Post

Only the ill-informed, the willing dupes or haters would buy all the bull@!$%# from the right, even after one-by-one, it's been debunked by many, many sources.

Or all the bull@!$%# from the left. This debunking game is just that. People get ideas in their heads and in many cases no amount of logic or fact will convince them otherwise. It is not just the right or the left; it is across the board. I reject arguments of the form: the [left | right] is full of @!$%#, the [D | R] party platform is ‘truth’, all [liberals | conservatives] are stupid, etc. There is no all, there is no truth, there is no always.

Only fools and haters irrationally work against their own interests. Marxism, socialism, birthers, deathers ... do you actually believe that intelligent human beings can't figure out the game?

This is a pretty abstract question so I will provide an abstract answer. There are some games that most intelligent human beings have not figured out. For example, there are many in the electorate who believe that their political party represents ‘the good guys’. Here is another example: there are many people who believe that money has intrinsic value … that banks loan money and legitimately earn the interest because (after all) they have taken their money out of commission (unaware of FRB and fiat money). I am willing to bet that the monetary game is well beyond most individuals (many of which are certainly ‘intelligent’).

Here is another attempt to offer a thoughtful answer. Marxism, socialism: I routinely argue that Obama is not a Marxist or a socialist. My argument is based upon the more prevalent definitions of those terms in comparison with Obama’s statements and actions. Birthers need to get a life. Even if they were proved correct it is entirely irrelevant at this point (in fact, it became irrelevant on Jan 20, 2009). Deathers … irrelevant to me, I never run across them.

TiG.

I summed it up quite succinctly ... but I will address one point you made ...

there are many in the electorate who believe that their political party represents ‘the good guys’

No argument ... but only an electorate with a monstrous ego, a totally-blind ideology or an agenda of sabotage, tries to defeat, ridicule, undermine and/or filibuster virtually everything a President says, advocates, does, etc. . And in the case of the right-wing, the lies are endless, in some instances ... moronic, even self-defeating as in health care reform, jobs bills and so on.

If a Rush Limbaugh or Glenn Beck makes numerous racist statements, their followers, in the absence of condemning and admonishing the hate-speech, are in essence supporting racists ...

A Mac

I summed it up quite succinctly ...

My original post #1.31 was also succinct and remains largely unanswered. But I know you understand my point and that is pretty much all I sought.

No argument ... but only an electorate with a monstrous ego, a totally-blind ideology or an agenda of sabotage, tries to defeat, ridicule, undermine and/or filibuster virtually everything a President says, advocates, does, etc. .

Just so we are clear on the tems I use. It seems to me you are describing the R party - the actual politicians in DC and party leaders. When I used the term electorate I was referring to the non-politician average people whose views and objectives are often quite different from the politicians. That is, those of us who vote.

Now regarding ideology, etc. I do not see the left or the right as either totally-blind or totally-aware. It is simply not credible to declare 100s of millions of people categorically wrong/stupid/blind. In my judgment we need to get below the level of labels and look at the positions and rationale at the issue level. To be more clear, I identify conservative because philosophically I agree more with positions such as limited government, fiscal responsibility, importance of security/defense, originalist interpretation of the Constitution, etc. However, I also understand and agree with plenty of individual points that are considered liberal in nature (e.g. gay rights, much more nuanced position on abortion, etc.) Go to the extreme left and you will find me (surprisingly :)) agreeing with select elements of Marxism (e.g. the 'value' of politicians, certain perspectives on capitalism). Now that would be quite impossible if I had not taken the time to objectively attempt to understand the positions and reasoning behind the positions.

In my judgment, the right (or the left) is not an entity that can be summarized other than as trends, leanings, general philosophy. The actual people who identify with these abstract terms have plenty of nuanced views and certainly are not in lockstep.

If a Rush Limbaugh or Glenn Beck makes numerous racist statements, their followers, in the absence of condemning and admonishing the hate-speech, are in essence supporting racists ...

While neither Limbaugh or Beck are interesting (to me) it is unrealistic to expect public, organized condemnation. I am sure the avid listeners agree with most of what they have to say while rolling their eyes at some of the more ridiculous positions (or when one of them phrases comments poorly). Although I often complain about the general ignorance and apathy of the electorate (the entire electorate) I do indeed give the American electorate more credit than what you suggest.

Also what some consider to be clear racist comments, others will interpret to be candid language - disregard for political correctness. My original point with Limbaugh shows how you and I differ considerably in our interpretation of his view of Obama failing. It is quite clear to me that Limbaugh was saying that he wants Obama to fail to execute his agenda because Limbaugh disagrees with Obama's agenda and believes said agenda will do the nation harm. You think Limbaugh wants Obama to fail for partisan/racist reasons and that Limbaugh does not care if this failing harms the nation.

You think Limbaugh wants Obama to fail for partisan/racist reasons and that Limbaugh does not care if this failing harms the nation.

I think Limbaugh, the teabaggers, the radical-right and Republicans want exactly that ... they aren't interested in the nation ... they're interested in power/money regardless of who suffers. These are not idealists, they're ideologues ... they don't care about having the best for the most human beings, they care only about the best for themselves and screw the rest.

For the record ... we clearly disagree; but I respect the articulate and logical manner of your style. Good debating with you.

A. Mac

A Mac

I believe you have long known that my disagreement with you is always respectful disagreement. See you next time ... for a twist let's try to pick something on which we agree and see what it is like to join forces.