What a spectacle: John Boehner, House Speaker, 3rd in line in succession for the Presidency rhetorically crawling to Rush Limbaugh, the Teatular Head of the Republican Party to assure him that he was not even thinking of making a deal with the hated POTUS to pull the country back from the brink of a self-inflicted crisis of the tea party-inspired US debt limit crisis.
“Well, Rush, there is no deal,” Boehner told Rush on the radio. “No deal publicly. No deal privately. There is absolutely no deal.”
The Speaker was lying through his teeth of course, there is a deal, but Rush magnanimously let that pass- the Grand Gesture had been made, the Headular Teats sufficiently stroked, the Appearance of Total Submission to the Maha Rushee was maintained. Boehner could go back to figuring out how he could sell the deal and pull off acting responsibly without losing everything else, his Speakership not least among them.
It's a game for Rush; the President is "it." All he needs, is to look like he's winning. The Republican Party - not just the tea party squeakers - is dedicated to helping him maintain that illusion, because when Rush feels like he's losing control of it, it can get ugly for Republican politicians... or at least they think it can.
Lucky for us, he and his listeners (whom he long ago dubbed with the uncomplimentary nomer, "dittoheads") don't dig too deep into policy. His needs are pretty shallow: His immense ego can be sated with a some cursory bowing and scraping- the Appearance of Total Submission will do. Winning on the golf course probably means as much to the bulky, carnivorous mammal that is Rush Limbaugh as dominating the bumbling, mumbling, crumbly Speaker.
It's pathetic.
We can't imagine how this will turn out. It's fraught with peril. For all of us, if the debt ceiling isn't raised in a manner timely enough for the world markets; for Boehner, who's damned pretty much any way he turns.
President Obama has won the political battle, but what's that victory worth if calamity ensues? He and Boehner are working hard to see to that it doesn't happen; problem is: Boehner has had one hand tied behind his back by Rush and the tea party baggers that Rush has helped delude.
This is what comes of the injection of idealogical purity into politics... the tea party's not Rush's, of course. Rush uses the tea partyers as his muscle to achieve his dubious ends.
As we said, it's pathetic.
I happened to be listening to the Fat deaf one and actually heard that clip where Boner was grovelling ,on his knees to the real leader of the repugnants.
Posted by: Kyle Schmidt | July 22, 2011 at 12:07 PM
I would hate it if I had ever posted something stupid, and then find out I did it twice.
Boehner and the rest of the Republicans are doing what we want them to do. To bad the idiots in the democrat party can't pull their heads out of their butts and get working on a sustainable budget.
Posted by: chucks | July 22, 2011 at 12:29 PM
There is a sharp polarization between the two parties and a president, who reminds one more and more of Gorbachev, speaking to his fellow Democratics of the quasi-Politburo.
If the GOP is able to influence the quasi-Politburo to effectively reign in spending w/o growing government, they will be looked back upon in a positive light 3-5 years down the road. If not, the OBIT for the demise of this democratic republic will be written. If spending is effectively reigned in and Federal Gov. downsized, the Progressives can either stay on their ideological jihad or "pull their heads out" and embrace real hope and change.
Posted by: KS | July 22, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Why do the polls disagree with you? How will reducing SS help?
Some answers please instead of a fantasy rant.
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 01:29 PM
Oh shut up with the ridiculous name-calling about Obama. Any idiot can see he's compromising to the point of giving them everything they want. No wonder people aren't talking to you. Nobody wants to read your stupid comments anymore. Get your head out of Beck's ass or whoever's it's up.
And chux, try this poll: More Blame Wars than Domestic Spending or Tax Cuts for Nation's Debt
Do some researh before ass-uming everyone is as ill-informed as you are.
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 01:44 PM
Here, you look up the polls. Do your own research if you want to be informed.
Americans Support Higher Taxes. Really.
Try reading instead of watching Murdock's corrupt empire propaganda machine for a change. And I'm not talking KING TV's website news.
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 01:56 PM
joanie, you undercut your argument when you keep telling us how you don't read ks, chucks, et al and then repeat/respond to their post.
if you want to put us on 'ignore' then go ahead. i bet you can't do it. LMAO
Posted by: Puget Sound Blathers | July 22, 2011 at 02:15 PM
Jeezus, joanie...maybe you should take some of your own advice about reading...
I randomly picked one of the polls
from the link you posted. Here's what it says:
An April 29 Gallup poll found that only 20 percent of people believe the budget deficit should be reduced only by cutting spending; 76 percent say that higher taxes must play a role.
OK, then I looked at how they came up with these numbers:
20% spending cuts only
28% spending cuts mostly
37% spending cuts/taxes equally
9% taxes mostly
2% taxes only
Talk about sleight of hand with the numbers...if you reversed their own statement using the same data, it would say:
An April 29 Gallup poll found that only 2 percent of people believe the budget deficit should be reduced only by taxes; 94 percent say that cutting spending must play a role.
Statistics 101 again...sigh.
Posted by: Radio Queen | July 22, 2011 at 02:32 PM
What the polls DO say is that people want both spending cuts and tax increases, me included. Let's hope everyone in DC is smart enough to ensure that it happens.
Posted by: Radio Queen | July 22, 2011 at 02:54 PM
I don't see any problem with that. Your rightwing doesn't want any cuts. Read what you posted. The people do: 20% don't want any and 28% will take some new taxes. That's pretty much what Obama put on the table.
Also, that was April and only one poll. Still, it says what I said.
So....? Explain please.
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 02:57 PM
See, you're stuck in stats 101. When you going to graduate?
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 02:57 PM
"DO" say? Do tell. Hahahaha.
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 03:14 PM
You had your hand out for a long time chucks. Dont you dare criticize others for doing the same thing. I just spent an hour on the phone with Sen. Merkley's office, trying to help a friend in Salem get on disability due to a terminal illness. Meanwhile, Obama and Boner are working on a secret deal that will cut services to the bone while the rich are not touched. I would like to drag all of you to my friend's house and let you watch her sob while she boxes up all her worldly goods and sells them on Craigslist to earn enough money to keep her electricity on-this month.She has no family. I have sent her what I can afford to help with groceries but it isnt enough. So don't even START with that shit about doing what the American people want. If you watched anything but Fox, you would know that the vast majority of Americans do NOT want these services cut. You of all people I expect not to be an asshole like the others on here. Prove me wrong.
Posted by: sparky | July 22, 2011 at 03:56 PM
It's not "my right." I think the repubs are being bull-headed on this one...I guess they have conviction to their values, kind of like you said about yourself in a previous post. They'll compromise in the end.
Oh, and when you start using your "hahahaha" response, I know that you know you're in trouble.
And since you brought it up, stats was my emphasis when I got my M.Ed. :)
Posted by: Radio Queen | July 22, 2011 at 03:59 PM
You sound more and more like Puget Sound with every post. Honestly, I thought you were better. Defensive but better.
Also, you can graduate from stats 101. I'm fine with it. But you better stay in Reading Comp 1. That's the error you made.
"Conviction to their values?" I'm okay with that. That was my point. And I appreciate that you can identify their values honestly. Are their values your values?
And what's this "my right" thing?
And the "you're in trouble" response? What trouble? Where? When? That sounds like something The Sound would post when he doesn't have a real answer.
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 04:29 PM
Sparky, you forgot the time when chux used the old bankruptcy laws to get out of paying his medical bills. He could have paid them but took the easy way and didn't. And in those days medical bills are nothing like they are now. One of my parents this year had huge medical bills. Ended up in divorce, lost the house, and he got through it and paid every single bill. He said he doesn't have a dime left over but he's happier. No Rolls in the garage but he's got his dignity and has learned that simple is better. I like him. He's got a cool kid, too.
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 04:36 PM
enough for today, joanie...let's call a truce and think about Sparky's friend and those people in Norway...
Posted by: Radio Queen | July 22, 2011 at 04:41 PM
We agree for once. Enjoy the sunshine. :)
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 04:52 PM
Joanie was one of her nonsensial leftwingnut rants. Obama is a one term president. Time to enjoy the sun !
Posted by: KS blathering for the halibut | July 22, 2011 at 05:53 PM
Boner walked away today, just like quitter Palin did from her job as governor.
Posted by: Johnny Sombrerro | July 22, 2011 at 06:50 PM
Just listening on the Seattle Channel to American Podium and Jeff Madrick talking about the genesis of our greedy era. You should watch it chux. Everybody should get some context on our current situation. Honestly, Murdoch just wants you dumb.
Watch it here
Just a suggestion. Worthy of discussion anyway. You wouldn't be reduced to ill-informed rants, chux.
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 07:00 PM
Sparky, remember when we laughed at the repugs when they said Obamacare called for death panels. Guess they were right after all.
Posted by: ProgBlogJunky | July 22, 2011 at 07:35 PM
Do you remember that, Sparky? I don't.
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 07:47 PM
The Affordable Care act has not kicked in in the areas my friend can use at this time. That won't happen until 2014, unless the republicans are successful in dismantling it. What I have learned today PBJ is that you can be smug all you want, but that at some point, you and your loved ones will be facing some tough decisions. When you do, you will finally understand. Perhaps you all will have the decency to be ashamed as well. Social Security did not cause the deficit, and using it as a barganing chip is assinine and cruel. It is solvent for many more years and even then, if we just raised the cap to include those who make over 90K, it would have enough money for the forseeable future, even with the large contingent of boomers growing older.
So smirk if you must, but unless you are a multi-millionaire, your turn is coming.
Posted by: sparky | July 22, 2011 at 08:07 PM
Peanut Butter and Jelly is an expert on sandwiches. Don't look to him for anything else, Sparky. Just smile, shake your head and hope he doesn't learn the hard way to do his homework.
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 08:20 PM
Chucks, PS, KS ...don't miss the Hooters 2011 beauty pageant ...on right now on Spike TV
Posted by: Dr. McCormick | July 22, 2011 at 09:06 PM
Is it devoid of Whole Foods clerks?
Posted by: Johnny Sombrerro | July 22, 2011 at 09:32 PM
There will likely be need to be increases in taxes, however, if we are going to get the budget under control, cutting must come first. At no time has our government ever not spent every dollar it could get its hands on. Frequently not spent wisely but always spent thoroughly.
Cut, snip, slice, dice, save, economise, compromise and treat taxes received as the peoples hard earned money before asking for more.
All citizens making wages should be paying some kind of income tax (besides SS) so that everybody has some skin in the game. So everybody has a reason to bitch when the government decides to invest billions of tax dollars in some under water basket weaving course in the Bahamas to create jobs for 20 people.
Sparky's friend should be able to find help. I wouldn't argue against that. No clue as to why that program ever got laid on Social Security's doorstep, but that is where it is. Too bad you have to fight the big nasty federal bureaucracy to get it done, but that is the federal government for you. Wait until you have to go through Uncle Sam for you annual OB/GYN visit or physical and you have to justify to some government employee why you need medication for some ailment or that your Dr wants you to have a mamogram six months before the death panel says you need it.
Cut first, increase tax second.
Done in that order, I will join your cause.
Posted by: chucks | July 22, 2011 at 09:35 PM
Most private insurers won't cover mammograms without a large deductible so your argument about "uncle sam" being invovled seems pretty weak.
Posted by: Johnny Sombrerro | July 22, 2011 at 09:52 PM
C'mon, did anybody think that chux would say anything different? A congressman today said on Ed Schultz when asked why these people doing this said they are prisoners of dogma and living in fact-free zones. I give you chux.
His answer makes about as much sense as he can muster. You decide.
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Having never had a mammogram, I had to look. You are full of shit Sombrerro. I just checked Primera, Group Health, Aetna, Regence and my wife's plan. They all cover it, some at 100% through their network providers.
Quit being a greedy idiot joanie. You were to have grown out of your foolishness when you were in your 30's. You just keep getting "stupider" with every passing day. Quit eating that crap MSNBC serves up. It has brought disease to what is left of your brain.
Posted by: chucks | July 22, 2011 at 10:29 PM
MSNBC? You are so forgetful. I keep telling you and telling you and telling you that I don't have anything but basic cable - $16 a month. I'm no couch potato looking for someone to do my thinking for me. Ask Roger Ailes. That's Fox News' specialty just made for people like you.
"Basket weaving course in the Bahamas?" It must be in one of those 18,000 mailboxes I saw on the news yesterday where those 18,000 corporations are registered to avoid taxes.. You know when your company exists in a mail box, I guess you don't need a lot of space to do non-existent paperwork and pay non-exist taxes so that you can create non-existent jobs. Where are the jobs, chux?
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 10:52 PM
the Miss Hooters International judges picked the least attractive girl of the top ten, with a near flat chest , when they could have chosen the likes of fellow finalist Juliete Cabrera (Google her up). They went for the Miss Goody Two Shoes , a pattern that seems common in these pageants. It's as if the judges are constantly cowereing in fear of Joanie's National Organization of Women type feminist hags, preventing them from picking the babe with the womanly chest and curves and the naughty attitude. Typical of today's anti-male media.
Posted by: Tommy008 | July 22, 2011 at 10:54 PM
He said "private" insurers, chuck. Not group plans. If you are paying for your own insurance, a lot of things are not covered without a deductable. Since my friend used to work for Microsoft, she looked into their insurance plan they offer to former employees. She has a choice of a HSA or a PPO..both have deductables of at least $3,000 with a monthly payment anywhere from $399 to $699 a month. She can have a mammogram after she pays the deductable or can pay for it out of pocket. Since she cant work the whole issue is moot. She doesn't have any money for any of it.
Posted by: sparky | July 22, 2011 at 10:55 PM
Maybe chux will send her a donation. A charitable donation. Isn't that how you think we should help the poor? You don't want government to do it. Send it to Michael and he'll forward it to Sparky. She'll probably send you a thank you note.
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 11:08 PM
"If the GOP is able to influence the quasi-Politburo to effectively reign in spending w/o growing government, they will be looked back upon in a positive light 3-5 years down the road. If not, the OBIT for the demise of this democratic republic will be written. "
Or they could, you know, just raise taxes and stimulate the economy like has been done successfully before.
Posted by: Mike D | July 22, 2011 at 11:10 PM
If anybody is interested, David Brooks and Paul Krugman are on Charlie Rose right now: KBTC. Just started.
Posted by: joanie | July 22, 2011 at 11:16 PM
Joanie, if corporations paid no income taxes, there would be no need or reason to operate off shore. There would be no reason for them to manufacture in third world shit holes.
Just tax the humans. From custodian and farm worker through CEOs and lawyers, tax at the same rate after some predetermined personal exemption.
Charge illegal aliens double.
Taxes fairly administered are a good thing. Taxes where 47% of the people don't pay anything in order for democrats to purchase a constituency is not fair or reasonable.
(Mike D, that was meant to be a joke, right? That last sentence)
Posted by: chucks | July 22, 2011 at 11:30 PM
Joanie is no doubt bitterly jealous, along with the cackling, dryed up old commie hags on MSNBC , who were sniping at her yesterday, (hat tip to Savage) of beautiful Wendi Murdoch who showed her moxie in fighting off the pie thrower attempting to assault her husband. If she could have caught the eye of a billionaire 20 years ago, she wouldn't be facing retirement in Bulgaria.
Posted by: Tommy008 | July 22, 2011 at 11:56 PM
Wendi has a business degree from Yale, and a background working as an executive for Newscorp in Hong Kong, before she even hooked up with Rupert. We know she has Pavlovian, reflexive delusions of "smarter- ness" over anyone to her political right, but it's kindof hard for even old Joans to feel smarter and superior to someone like Wendi,
Posted by: Tommy008 | July 23, 2011 at 12:11 AM
I'm still on vacation here in Monaco, but they have excellent internet service here at the Hotel Paris. My old friend Dr. McCormick is doing veRy well, but will need my help from time to time in dealing with that one particular individual. Back to the gaming tables, and the touring. Dont expect to hear from me soon.
Posted by: Tommy008 | July 23, 2011 at 04:13 AM
Excellent, Tommy. You need to take your R and R for all of the summer, though. No need to check in here very often at all until Fall. I have things under control.
Posted by: Dr. McCormick | July 23, 2011 at 04:24 AM
oh and Tommy - couldn't agree more about the Miss Hooters winner. Glad you were able to catch the show over there.
Posted by: Dr. McCormick | July 23, 2011 at 04:34 AM
tommy's vacation seems to be inside a dodge monaco.
Posted by: Johnny Sombrerro | July 23, 2011 at 06:50 AM
I ran across Tommy's review of the hotel on Trip Advisor (the spelling confirmed it was him) :
My jet landed in Nice’s international airport just shortly after lunchtime on Monday. Thankfully, travel time to Monte Carlo is only 35 minutes by car - and in my case only seven by chopper… But, don’t fret if you haven’t already booked your connection to your hotel, as there will be a swarm of eager taxi men awaiting you at the arrival area.
I had reserved my favorite room at the Hotel De Paris, overlooking the fabulous Mediterranean coastline and only a few steps away from the Casino de Monte Carlo; The home of my very first roulette win and the birthplace of my love for the game. In similar style to Bond, I much prefer the sophistication of this European casino as apposed to the bright lights of the Vegas strip. And of course, no other casino in the world quite serves a Martini like these fine French do…
The Casino de Monte Carlo is highly regarded as the most notable building in the area and includes the Grande Theatre where you will be able to view the most wonderful opera and ballet performances. The Casino itself plays host to the prestigious annual European Poker Tour Grand Final, and is a must see for any enthusiastic punter. Presenting Europe’s most unique and diverse selection of table games this fine place really does have royal status for a reason. My favorite of the table games has to be the Punto Banco and the Ultimate Texas Hold’em. If you prefer to play on machines, then you will not be disappointed by the array of 1000 games that represents the largest collection in Europe. You have everything from branded to Multiplicateur and fantastic progressive jackpots also.
When visiting the 150-year-old Casino de Monte Carlo, Hotel de Paris really is the perfect destination. The casino itself does not have any accommodation and so this hotel offers you the closest you will find to a full resort experience. Within the hotel itself there are 82 rooms, 74 suites and junior suites, and one presidential suite. You can guess which one I choose… There are also three fantastic restaurants within the hotel, my favorite being Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse - A fabulously extravagant restaurant, with the finest French food and wine that you will ever find. However, do be prepared to pay at least €200 per head.
Once you have collected your winnings you may wish to relax in the American Bar, where you will be greeted by a wonderful musical ambience. For the ladies, there are numerous boutiques, salons and amenities available to keep you entertained all day long. And of course the most beautiful spa in the world, Les Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo is attached directly to the hotel and offers a wonderful range of wellness treatments and fitness programs.
If your pockets are deep, come to Monte Carlo during the Grand Prix weekend and soak up the unforgettable atmosphere; you’ll be sure to play against some real high rollers during that weekend.
A wonderful week in a wonderful place… I so look forward to my next visit here soon…
Posted by: sparky | July 23, 2011 at 07:30 AM
Alpha cant remember something? Must be a first.
My turn Sparky. Been there done that. I do agree with you about the SS cap though. Raise it.
Posted by: ProgBlogJunky | July 23, 2011 at 08:42 AM
Or they could, you know, just raise taxes and stimulate the economy like has been done successfully before.
Posted by: Mike D | July 22, 2011 at 11:10 PM
Not that simple. Raising taxes often (not always) does not increase revenue. Lowering taxes can (but not always) increase revenue. The Democrats are noticeably remedial in math - Just read Joanie and sparky's posts about the economy that parrot leftwing media half truths and myths about taxes and the economy. They want more government but are way inefficient about doing so and deserve a big share of credit for putting the USA in financial endangerment.
The big thing that must be done is the overhaul and revise the tax code with one simple and far fewer loopholes - the time for a flat tax is near... The current tax code allows more than 47% of eligible Americans to not pay any federal income tax, but instead set them up for getting tax credit handouts - which is insidious.
I support cut and cap, but not cut cap and balance - not possible to balance the current budget, as long as there is big green monster known as Obamacare, it will not work. Ron Paul brought that up the other day in stating why he voted against that bill in the House.
Posted by: KS blathering for the halibut | July 23, 2011 at 09:18 AM
Have a safe trip to Monaco, T008 - careful in those Casinos
Posted by: KS blathering for the halibut | July 23, 2011 at 09:22 AM
Raising taxes often (not always) does not increase revenue.
You're so smart, KS. Your point was proved when Bush lowered the tax rates on the wealthy wasn't it. We've had a wonderful time since then. Those job creators and Wall Street barons have done just fine. Let's lower the rates some more, shall we, Einstein?
Sparky, it's depressing to see you try to reason with the second-most propagandized talking point idiot on this blog. You can only reason with people who have the capacity to listen and think. He does neither. I don't know what he'd do without Roger Ailes. Honestly, I don't. You pointed out his hypocrisy and he doesn't see it. Mike D. said he's the poop on the blog. I'm sure Mike was referring to his inability to post without obscenities. I call him poop because he's plugging up our democracy for the rest of us.
Posted by: joanie | July 23, 2011 at 03:00 PM
And your point is ? More class warfare - bla, bla, bla. Using the Roger Ailes strawman - how creative ! LMAO. Why were you were silent about this ?
"The big thing that must be done is the overhaul and revise the tax code with one simple and far fewer loopholes - the time for a flat tax is near... The current tax code allows more than 47% of eligible Americans to not pay any federal income tax, but instead set them up for getting tax credit handouts - which is insidious."
Reforming the tax code is a big issue that needs to be resolved. More verbal vomiting - Mike D said this - wa-wa-wah. Why don't you email Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and give her some of your talking points ? You and her are both deranged with a similar mentality and a double digit IQ...
Posted by: KS blathering for the halibut | July 23, 2011 at 05:43 PM