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Was it Spring Break or was this some kind of educational experience? Yesterday, thousands of people prodded by FOX News and other media outlets fanned out across the country to protest taxes, the stimulus and the bailout. A few hundred with their kids in tow made it to Glendale City Hall.
This came on the same day taxes refunds began to appear on employee checks and when Obama introduced plans to simplify the tax code.
"Are common folks actually going to dump Earl Grey into Santa Monica Bay because they are outraged, simply infuriated, by the marginal tax rate rising 3% for millionaires?" asked Marc Cooper of USC in an LA Times opinion piece. "Or maybe they'll do it for some other reason. The FreedomWorks site says the Tea Party movement began in reaction to President Obama's corporate bailouts and ensuing yawning budget deficits. These same conservatives, however, were mum when George W. Bush erased our budget surplus and put us deep in the red by drunken spending on a pointless war in Iraq and by, yes, granting massive tax rollbacks for the loaded country clubbers who fund the GOP (and [former House Majority Leader Dick] Armey's FreedomWorks). Another bothersome detail: The bailouts were also initiated by Bush."
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I am confused by these images. I keep on hearing that the protests were based on pent up anger from years of wasteful government spending, yet none of the signs show any opposition to all the wasteful spending incurred by the Iraq War, or for that matter, anything before the bailouts started late last year
Did you Photoshop those portions out Tom? To, you know, make it look a little more skewed. Come on, you can tell a fellow LAister...LOL
Awesome anti-tax protests. Let's abolish all taxes. That'll do the trick. Then we can all pimp our kids all the time because there won't be any schools, since those are paid for by....wait for it. Taxes. And it would be tough to travel to these protests on roads, since they are paid for by....wait for it. Taxes. These people are idiots.
The thing that really cracks me up about this is that I'd be willing to bet that only a small portion of these same folks would be out protesting tax increases if the taxes being collected were being used for something high up on their list of priorities.
Lets use abortion as an example. If 50% of the referenced tax hikes were being used to fund programs that prevented abortions or shut down abortion clinics, I'd go out on a limb and argue that about 60 - 70% of the protesters wouldn't be there.
It is not taxes that they are upset about. They are upset that the monies aren't going to programs *they* want funded.
The think that cracks me up is the crappy education and lack of tolerance you people have.
The protests yesterday were about the spending. THE MEDIA took it and turned into taxes and so on.
But let's talk about taxes...
Sales tax and income tax in CA are up across the board. YES ACROSS THE BOARD. You're DMV fees have doubles. Your trash tax in LA has tripled.
When the economy is down, you don't increase taxes. Hoover did it and it failed. FDR did it and it failed.
Carter charged a windfall tax during the oil embargo and it cost a lot of jobs at the oil refiniries.
Since you guys are so smart because you believe what Zach and other liberal bloggers fill your brains with... point me to an economist that says lets raise taxes in a down economy.
Yesterday wasn't just about DC, it was about state capitols too.
Fox news promoted it but they didn't coordinate it.
I can always rely on your posts for some really humorous content.
It is amazing how you know all of our education levels and what not from just reading posts/messages. I truly am amazed.
To that, you'll likely respond with something like "your posts are sufficient," which is not surprising, really. Taking things out of context and misquoting stuff makes your comments more predictable than the time the sun will set this evening.
Since we are on the topic of content in posts and evaluating people's education level based on them, I'll ignore your grammatical/spelling errors in yours, because, to your disappointment, I don't particularly care for the "tit for tat" outbursts you seem to like.
If you want to have a civil discourse, I am all for it.
In the meantime, perhaps you can tell me where I said that raising taxes was a good thing or for that matter, that I am in favor of it. Please do enlighten me.
BTW, did the "media" make the signs with the word "Taxes" on it with a circle and line through them. I am interpreting those to symbolize "No Taxes", but English isn't my native language, so I could be wrong. Maybe Zach made them and they mean something completely different that I am clearly missing out on.
I can always rely on your posts for some really humorous content.
It is amazing how you know all of our education levels and what not from just reading posts/messages. I truly am amazed.
To that, you'll likely respond with something like "your posts are sufficient," which is not surprising, really. Taking things out of context and misquoting stuff makes your comments more predictable than the time the sun will set this evening.
Since we are on the topic of content in posts and evaluating people's education level based on them, I'll ignore your grammatical/spelling errors in yours, because, to your disappointment, I don't particularly care for the "tit for tat" outbursts you seem to like.
If you want to have a civil discourse, I am all for it.
In the meantime, perhaps you can tell me where I said that raising taxes was a good thing or for that matter, that I am in favor of it. Please do enlighten me.
BTW, did the "media" make the signs with the word "Taxes" on it with a circle and line through them. I am interpreting those to symbolize "No Taxes", but English isn't my native language, so I could be wrong. Maybe Zach made them and they mean something completely different that I am clearly missing out on
I can always rely on your posts for some really humorous content.
It is amazing how you know all of our education levels and what not from just reading posts/messages. I truly am amazed.
To that, you'll likely respond with something like "your posts are sufficient," which is not surprising, really. Taking things out of context and misquoting stuff makes your comments more predictable than the time the sun will set this evening.
Since we are on the topic of content in posts and evaluating people's education level based on them, I'll ignore your grammatical/spelling errors in yours, because, to your disappointment, I don't particularly care for the "tit for tat" outbursts you seem to like.
If you want to have a civil discourse, I am all for it.
In the meantime, perhaps you can tell me where I said that raising taxes was a good thing or for that matter, that I am in favor of it. Please do enlighten me.
BTW, did the "media" make the signs with the word "Taxes" on it with a circle and line through them. I am interpreting those to symbolize "No Taxes", but English isn't my native language, so I could be wrong. Maybe Zach made them and they mean something completely different that I am clearly missing out on
At the Van Nuys protest, most of the anger was directed squarely at Sacramento.
I also saw plenty of signs criticizing the GOP's handling of the stimulus and bailouts.
Obama just passed the biggest middle-class tax cut in history, fuck that guy!
A 3% tax hike for the wealthiest 5% is 100% tyranny, haha!
TPMtv » April 15, 2009: The Day in 100 Seconds
http://tpmtv.talkingpointsmemo.com/?id=2375021
A Short Citizen's Guide to Kooks, Demagogues, and Right-Wingers On Tax Day by Robert Reich (Secretary of Labor, '93-'97):
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/robert_reich/2009/04/a-short-citizens-guide-to-kook.php
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/robert_reich/2009/04/a-short-citizens-guide-to-kook.php
"Obama is raising your taxes!" Wrong.
Obama is cutting taxes for 95 percent of Americans, by about $400 per person a year -- not a whopping tax cut, to be sure, but not a tax increase by any stretch. Only the top 2 percent will have a tax increase, but even this tax increase is modest. Basically, they go back to the rates they were paying under Bill Clinton (their deductions will be limited to 28 percent, which is only fair). And they won't start paying this until 2011 anyway.
Seriously, you're quoting from a liberal talking point site with comments from the liberal bob reich.
Now that's funny.
Congrats to Tom Andrews. He found a minority at one of these things.
ROFLMAO
The thing is, they don't care what non-believers (in their "cause") say. It's the same as all the specious arguments made during the election about birth records and secret religious beliefs. Any evidence to the the contrary just serves the "librul media" meme.
What they want is attention, and they got that in spades. The organizers what followers, and they are getting them, no matter how ignorant they are.
shouldn't the kids have been in school?
hey kid, maybe you won't be able to pay for "this crap" because your parents didn't/don't place enough importance on your education.
But its ok for kids to skip school to protest Bush, the war, the WTO in the late 90s, or immigration reform?
Yeah... you a hypocrite... that would be putting it mildly.
ALSO... a lot of school are on spring break this week.
how am i a hypocrite? i didn't pull my kid out of school to "protest Bush, the war, the WTO in the late 90s, or immigration reform"
i don't think you know what hypocrite actually means.
shouldn't the kids have been in school?
hey kid, maybe you won't be able to pay for "this crap" because your parents didn't/don't place enough importance on your education.
If the wingnuts I know are any example, these kids are homeschooled, thus avoiding evil science education and exposure to union-loving teachers.
I believe the earlier commenters are missing the point. It isn't about abolishing all taxes, or having our taxes raised. It is about efficient use of our taxes. I believe the Iraq War was a proper use of our taxes. I do not believe our tax money should be used to prop up the fail businesses of Detroit and the poor business decisions of Wall Street. You could tax me 50% of my income, IF and only if it was justifiable and was of benefit to me. I don't believe the current sentiment is anti-Obama or anti-democrat. I see it as anti-establishment. I among others are tired of the way Government has been run both by Republicans and Democrats.
I agree with your comments, except for the part about the Iraq War, but that's neither here nor there.
However, take a look at the pics and you'll see that people at these events are overwhelmingly showing dissatisfaction with Obama and his proposals.
Like you, I too am disgusted by both parties. My main point was two fold; the above mentioned regarding Obama and the other which you've reaffirmed, the misuse of tax monies. Much like you've said, if the taxes were of benefit to these protesters, they wouldn't care. The only reason they pretend to care is because the monies aren't going to causes they want them to go to.
We are both making the same points, but I don't think either of us represents the majority view point reflected at these gatherings.
" I believe the Iraq War was a proper use of our taxes. "
Really? Supporting the rights multinational oil companies to strip a country and their people of their natural resources, so they can turn around and over charge us for them here at home is effective use of tax payer dollars?
Wow! I must be missing something here.
"I believe the Iraq War was a proper use of our taxes. I do not believe our tax money should be used to prop up the fail businesses of Detroit and the poor business decisions of Wall Street. You could tax me 50% of my income, IF and only if it was justifiable and was of benefit to me."
I don't want my tax dollars spent on wars, but ya know what? tough shit. that's why we elect representatives.
"I don't believe the current sentiment is anti-Obama or anti-democrat. I see it as anti-establishment."
wow, you're delusional.
I will avoid getting into a discussion about the merits of removing Saddam Hussein from power. You are free to protest US involvement all you like, just as these individuals are free to protest they dissatisfaction with the current policies of our Government. To dismiss them (apparently me as well) as crazy, delusional or stupid is in my opinion, naive and close minded.
California, especially, has reason to be upset. Our State Legislature has done nothing to help us weather bad times. Their lack of forethought and inability to predict economic downturns affects everyone living in the state.
As to the comment about people pretending to care; Isn't it human nature to want to support the causes we believe in? Is it a bad habit to champion for what you think is right?
And don't we protest to show how we want our representatives to represent us? Let the tax and spend people show their support for the Auto Industry bailout and may the loudest, most reasonable voice win.To be silent is to be un-American.
Really, you think the Iraq war was a proper use of our taxes? But then you go on to talk about "efficient uses" of our taxes. Do you think it was efficient as well?
Just trying to figure out how deep the rot goes...
10 Most Offensive Tea Party Signs:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/16/10-most-offensive-tea-par_n_187554.html
Oh because this wasn't offensive:
http://www.history.ucsb.edu/faculty/marcuse/classes/33d/projects/media/BushHitlerPlakard053.jpg
Sorry about the multi-post..my browser freaked!
I will avoid getting into a discussion about the merits of removing Saddam Hussein from power. You are free to protest US involvement all you like, just as these individuals are free to protest they dissatisfaction with the current policies of our Government. To dismiss them (apparently me as well) as crazy, delusional or stupid is in my opinion, naive and close minded.
California, especially, has reason to be upset. Our State Legislature has done nothing to help us weather bad times. Their lack of forethought and inability to predict economic downturns affects everyone living in the state.
As to the comment about people pretending to care; Isn't it human nature to want to support the causes we believe in? Is it a bad habit to champion for what you think is right?
And don't we protest to show how we want our representatives to represent us? Let the tax and spend people show their support for the Auto Industry bailout and may the loudest, most reasonable voice win.To be silent is to be un-American.
I will avoid getting into a discussion about the merits of removing Saddam Hussein from power. You are free to protest US involvement all you like, just as these individuals are free to protest they dissatisfaction with the current policies of our Government. To dismiss them (apparently me as well) as crazy, delusional or stupid is in my opinion, naive and close minded.
California, especially, has reason to be upset. Our State Legislature has done nothing to help us weather bad times. Their lack of forethought and inability to predict economic downturns affects everyone living in the state.
As to the comment about people pretending to care; Isn't it human nature to want to support the causes we believe in? Is it a bad habit to champion for what you think is right?
And don't we protest to show how we want our representatives to represent us? Let the tax and spend people show their support for the Auto Industry bailout and may the loudest, most reasonable voice win.To be silent is to be un-American.
(Anyone else having issues posting?!)
I will avoid getting into a discussion about the merits of removing Saddam Hussein from power. You are free to protest US involvement all you like, just as these individuals are free to protest they dissatisfaction with the current policies of our Government. To dismiss them (apparently me as well) as crazy, delusional or stupid is in my opinion, naive and close minded.
California, especially, has reason to be upset. Our State Legislature has done nothing to help us weather bad times. Their lack of forethought and inability to predict economic downturns affects everyone living in the state.
As to the comment about people pretending to care; Isn't it human nature to want to support the causes we believe in? Is it a bad habit to champion for what you think is right?
And don't we protest to show how we want our representatives to represent us? Let the tax and spend people show their support for the Auto Industry bailout and may the loudest, most reasonable voice win.To be silent is to be un-American
"As to the comment about people pretending to care; Isn't it human nature to want to support the causes we believe in? Is it a bad habit to champion for what you think is right?"
Quite true. Also agree with you on the point about name calling, etc.
In many ways, I think your approach represents what we should strive for, and in reality, need to move to. I for one, am just as tired of the Bush bashing as I am of the Obama bashing. To paraphrase Malcolm X, we are either part of the problem or part of the solution.
To that I would add that when I say that I find things funny, I truly do. I actually do laugh at some of these folks, not because they protest, but because I know from first hand knowledge that some of the ones that are out there are the same ones that would be yelling obscenities at anti-war protesters and the like. I find humor in that hypocrisy, but that doesn't mean I think they shouldn't have the right to be out there supporting their cause or whatever, regardless of what it is.
Like you said, to be silent is to be un-American.
Who only picked the story up after the majority of these protests had already been planned and set.
In other words, they played to their audience, just as MSNBC played to theirs by making endless silly puns on the word "teabagging".
Yeah, I guess we just shut up and be grateful for those generous $13/week "refunds" while billions in stimulus pork and bailouts are being handed out.
Nevermind the pesky fact that Californians will see most of those "refunds" absorbed by new taxes.
Yup, that's exactly why we protested. It was all about the millionaires keeping their money.
Mr. Cooper's brilliance is astounding.
Strange, I didn't notice any FreedomWorks reps or signs at any of these protests.
I doubt most people there would've even know was FreedomWorks is.
We supported the war in Iraq. You obviously did not.
Do you support stimulus pork and bailouts?
We don't.
Bush gave his loaded country club supporters tax cuts. Obama gave his loaded country club supporters stimulus cash.
Apples and oranges.
No shit ...and we've been giving him and the GOP hell for it ever since.
But I guess you wouldn't know that because rather than do anything close to balanced reporting, the MSM would rather just dismiss these protests as just another example of "right wing extremism" and continue making their childish jokes about ball sucking.
BTW, the City of Glendale is 63% white. Perhaps that's the reason why there were so many white people in the crowd.
In other words, about the same ratio of whites we saw in those Silver Lake No on Prop 8 protests from awhile back.
well played, sir.
you know what they say...
mo money; mo problems
make less money; pay less taxes
problem solved
LOL. I never imagined that electing President Obama would have the added benefit of providing hours of entertainment watching right wingers squirm and gnash their teeth! This is awesome! Do they understand the irony of the fact that they are protesting a President who just initiated the biggest middle class tax cut EVER? Have they even seen his budget, which actually begins spending our tax dollars responsibly? Or do they just enjoy looking uneducated and foolish while holding up signs in defense of billionaires? Oh well, can someone get me a folding chair to sit in whilst I marvel at the lunacy and comic gold?
What a fool believes...
I have been trying to decifer this group's general message for at least 15 minutes, and I am so very confused.
Are they all members of the wealthiest 5% protesting the 3% tax increase? Or are they protesting the bail-outs exclusively (in which case, why Obama signs)? Or are they protesting the increase in state sales tax, as one commenter suggested (in which case, why not a Governator sign)? Or are the children protesting taxation without representation, as the reference to the Boston Tea Party suggests (in which case, what else is new kiddies)?
Or is this just an excuse to get your kid to hold a sign with the word "socialism", because it's cute? Answers please...
When will you folks understand that this isn't about conservatives versus liberals but it's about us versus THEM.
And for the last freak--in time... this is not just about TAXES.
Besides, since when did all of you liberals suddenly become so enamored with the your government?
If you think Bush, Obama, Congress, your state & local government ...ALL OF THEM... have been doing a great job of handling your money, good for you.
If you're fed up at watching your tax dollars being sucked down an endless black hole of spending, then stop pissing and moaning about it, get off your ass and join in on the protests.
If you disagree with Bush and the GOP's handling of your tax monies over the past 8 years, then bring a sign that says as much and be amazed at how many people agree with you.
Honestly, I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would fault a group of citizens for wanting less government, more corporate and individual responsibility and yes... lower taxes.
Ugly,
I can only speak for myself, but here is why I have a problem with being bunched in with these folks.
While I believe that higher taxes in general are a bad idea, I don't agree with the idea that somehow we are headed down the road to socialism, which seems to be a complimentary point that most of these people are making. If it was strictly about making a point about taxes, I am all for it.
Second to that, I am not all that bothered by increased government spending -- so long as it is done for what I consider to be the right things, just like others that do support the group have stated, namely bintrue.
Lastly, the irony that only now are many of these people getting off their ass (to use your words), is too much to be honest, especially when so many others that are in some ways being considered "opponents" to the idea have long been complaining about the same thing.
How can you say this was not about taxes? Are you blind? That's why they tried to co-opt the "tea party" theme. That is why they're on APRIL FUCKING 15th.
Der.
And Obama just passed the biggest middle tax class cut ever. My lady now sees $60 more per week on her check, just like a whole fuckton of people are getting more money back than they once did. Except millionaires--that who you're falling all over yourself to defend here?
Double der.
I am sure Ugly is more than capable of defending himself/herself, but I believe the comment was that the protests weren't just about taxes, not that it wasn't about taxes.
Ironically, that's also why there is so much opposition to it or refusal to support it. It may have begun as a movement to protest taxes/big government, but along the way, all the anti-Obama/Pelosi/Dems people jumped aboard and turned it into something else.
No, it was originated by the GOP.
Also, I'm not sure I agree that Ugly is capable of defending himself! He picks and chooses what he responds to because he is devoid of ideas and too much of a pussy to actually try to refute anything.
Good questions. I believe there are no answers. But if there were, it seems like Dick Armey and Fox News would know. The organized it!
I can't believe they couldn't get bigger turnouts. Getting people angry and stirred up on tax day is like shooting fish in a barrel. It was just a bunch of right wing extremists and not even ALL OF THEM showed up!
This does not bode well for the future of the Republican party. But then again, not much does these days!
Hey ugly, they JUST GOT LOWER TAXES. So why the gripe and the offensive signs targeting Obama? Why not a single anti-Bush or anit-Republican sign? Considering that THEY put us where we are today, that'd make sense, NO? Considering that they only lowered taxes for the rich and gave bailouts and corporate welfare to the corporations, that'd make sense, NO?
These rallies are cheap attempts at populism by the GOP and it's corporate sponsors, who are trying to find a foothold back into power. Perhaps they should be trying to figure out where THEY went wrong instead. Perhaps THEY should take a cue from the Japanese and just off themselves in shame. Oh, wait--they're not capable of shame.
"...they JUST GOT LOWER TAXES..."
Exactly! That and it's kind of hard to gain any traction on paying taxes when most Americans are more worried about whether they're going to have a paycheck to have taxes taken out of.
For cripes sake....
Do you people not understand the concept that, even with Obama's "refund", you're being taxed more by your state and local government?
In short, your "refund" will amount to nothing after all these new taxes kick in.
But hey, if taxes are of no concern to you now, then knock yourselves out and vote for Prop 1A.
Nice try. We're talking about the tea parties, the only unified message from which one could glean would be anti-obama-ism. If you've got a problem w/ the tax hike in CA or some other stae, don't point your finger at Obama. He had zero to do with it. He's trying by providing stimulus money to our state and others and yes it comes with oversight. Funny how you types try to spin oversight into "government control". Oversight is a good thing and the bailout couldn't be avoided thanks to the representatives YOU sent to Washington, so stop trying to pass the buck and avoid responsibility and just do some soul searching. Because YOU were wrong, not us. Now it's our turn to clean up your mess and put our own economic theories to work as a solution.
Sore losers, the lot of you. Can't stand that you've been roundly ridiculed and discredited. Your ideas got us into this mess. They will not get us out.
What about people in states with no income tax? I guarantee some were still protesting...
Yeah, I guess you're right.
I'm going to go over and sign the Organizing for America pledge right now and promise to never again criticize the fiscal decisions of my government......at least while a Democrat is serving as POTUS.
Thanks for showing me the light, dude.
Criticize all you like, but stop whining when people poke holes in your bullshit theories. Republicans have descended into a bunch of crybaby bitches... LOL.
No one has answered my question :(
I fully support the right to assemble in protest, but I'd at least like to know what the group is protesting, otherwise it's just an excuse to hold signs and dress up like Lady Liberty. I know factions on the left are guilty of this as well, but since we're discussing this particular event right now....?
The answer is sour grapes! These are most paranoid, delusional citizens. They cannot stand the fact that they lost and now they're being herded like sheep by Fox News and feeble Republican leadership into little pens to protest Obama under the guise of opposing taxes. They have no sense of irony, otherwise they wouldn't have overlooked the glaring fact that the Boston Tea Party was a bunch of PATRIOTS protesting TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION. The irony is that these nutjobs were fully represented in all branches of government for the last 8 years, and that is precisely why we find ourselves in this mess.
These people themselves are indirectly responsible for all of this. So fuck them. They can't do anything now but act out and try to obstruct, because the are completely powerless. The majority of Americans across the country voted to strip this party of its power and credibility. But I do love watching them squirm! I was afraid for a minute they'd actually change their strategy to something smart and we might have a challenge in 2012. But much to my glee, they're stuck like a broken record on the same message the American people just roundly rejected, in the Presidential election as well as the congressional, senatorial, and a majority of state and local contests. Their poll numbers, like the stock market, seem to be bottomless. You can't find a movie this good. Orville Reddinbacker's motherfuckin' stock is going up!
You mean Democrats, Dianne Feinstein, Barbara Boxer and (my Rep) Howard Berman?
Sorry, I didn't vote for them.
Very well, the representatives that your crowd sent to washington are responsible for this. As in those who took up your fucktarded ideological flag caused this. As in those very ideas that keep coming out of your mouths caused this.
But it's easier to hide and blame others than it is to man up and admit when you're wrong. Whatever, keep it up--it makes us look all the better to middle America!
Keep moving those goalposts.
This is quite amusing.
What's amusing is watching you struggle to carry water for a washed up and discredited ideology. It'd be less amusing were I not kicking your ass up and down this thread for all to see. But hey, this is CA. I take opponents where I can get them, whether they present a challenge or not.
LOL...
Faux Nooz motherfuckin' stock is going up!
Do you know the difference between poll numbers and tv show ratings?
Even if we take your example, if you posted the numbers over the last year you'd see a decline in Fox News' numbers.
But I'm not sure how a cable channel's ratings relates to any of this--no one ever disputed the fact that a lot of retards watch tv.
I'm no political analysis but I'm pretty sure every administration was guilty of wasteful spending of our tax dollars. I guess it seems a little magnified due to the current economic climate. So my question is why the Obama signage? I'm leaning to believe all this hoopla is just another way for the opposition to bash the current administration.
Yup. And the "No New Taxes" mantra is all they got. The problem is it's kinda hard to feel sorry for the millionaires and billionaires when all the tax break money that was supposed to trickle down on us 'po folk for the last 8 years never materialized.
We know something trickled down, but it sure wasn't prosperity.
okay guys.... we need to grab some beers, and arm wrestle about this, because clearly we're gonna get nowhere on laist.
Sorry, I gotta head over to Jed Clampett's to strategize our next protest.
As for the photos, so THAT's where LA is hiding all of their old white people!
Yea, the old "They did it first" defense. That never gets old.
I've run across plenty of psychotic commenter in my blog travels but this guy is truly an LAist original.
Compared to this buffoon, the rest of you are gentlemen and a scholars...thankfully keeping your personal attacks to a minimum.
And with that, I'll be leaving this thread to the new resident bottom feeder.
Block your channels to corporate news networks. They ALL suck.
Being p*ssed off at the outlandish bailouts is understandable and there is plenty of blame to go around, starting with the Bush Administration (which initiated them) and the Dick Armey wing of the GOP, which fought to dismantle as much regulation of financial interests/Wall Street as possible. The fact that this same Dick, who a year ago groused that Americans were whining about the economy too much, is now pimping this "freedomworks" group as he simultaneously continues working as a lobbyist for AIG, et al, shows the cynical nature of this "grassroots" protest. Dick's corporate benefactors don't want any government regulation so they gin up a spontaneous demonstration of so-called populism in the hopes of quashing it. F U, AIG, and the tumbling house of cards you and your cronies created, which, yes, you, angry taxpayers, are now cleaning up.
If it makes you feel better to protest all that bs only now that a Democrat is in the White House, you go exercise your free speech rights all you want.
Ain't that the truth!
Where was the outrage from all these folks when Halliburton was overcharging the Pentagon for ferrying around empty tractor trailers all over Iraq. An ex employee called it "hauling sailboat fuel". And how many of our soldiers died protecting those convoys?
Where were they when KBR was overcharging us for soldier's meals that were never served?
Where was the outrage over the no bid contracts given to the VP's business partners?
(Anyone else having issues posting?!)
Yes bintrue, that happens. Other times a comment will show up immediately. I don't have a clue why. What I do if my comment doesn't show right away is, c&p it into a word file, come back later, if it didn't show up try again. That way I avoid making multiple posts.
And just a side note to all you conservatives out there, biuntrue, trojan2002, The Ugly American.
This was a great discussion. We need to keep having these so please don't go away mad. Let's keep the dialog going, we'll never agree with each other 100% or do group hugs but we're still Americans and having open honest debates is what it's always been about.
Cheers, have a great weekend!
It's funny "but there's a middle class tax cut" is used in defense of the bailouts. If you believe those tax cuts mean anything in light of the macro effects of the bailouts and other such financial moves playing out right now, you clearly have a limited understanding of finance/money/the economy.
The tea parties represent the same thing the Boston Tea Party symbolized - namely that government is spending our hard earned dollars with little regard to what WE THE PEOPLE actually want to do with it.
This has nothing to do with Dems/Reps/Fox and everything to do with common sense.
Mike, what I question is the timing, and the fact that these same people had little to say for the eight years that the Bush admin. was running up record deficits, cutting taxes for the wealthy, and handing out free money to his and Cheney's cronies.
Now suddenly there's all this anti-Obama rhetoric.
Maybe you can explian how this isn't Republican manufacutred outrage when we didn't hear a peep out of these same people during the eight years Bush was causing this mess?
All I see here is sour grapes, and seaking personally, I've been expecting it.