So... cuts to unemployment aid and food stamps

[MannyGoldstein]

Last edited Tue Jan 28, 2014, 11:16 AM - Edit history (1)

With three unemployed Americans for every one job opening.

What sort of sick savagery is this?

Tonight, our leaders enjoy sumptuous meals washed down with delightful wines, earned by doing favors for their Predator-Class patrons, while more American children than ever before are homeless and hungry.

This is not reasonable compromise. It is barbarism. It must end. And the people who did this, they ain't gonna end it.

[legcramp]

1. You think tonight is bad

Wait until the SOTU after parties crank up tomorrow night.

I wonder how many shoulders will be thrown out from patting themselves on the back during that get together.

[90-percent]

2. Outright Savagery

Nice term. Noam Chomsky recently used that to describe how our government is treating us.

Republicans are sadistic sociopaths that like making people down on their luck and struggling suffer even further.

Tell me what kind of math is required to get jobs for all the "takers" when there's three people for every available job? I guess the answer is that the two out of three that don't get the job should simply start their own businesses?

-90% Jimmy

[Alkene]

73. +1 n/t

[woo me with science]

118. Stop pretending it's just Republicans.

Just. Stop.

[Jackpine Radical]

124. They should borrow money from their parents to go to Business School

where they can learn how to run companies more efficiently by cutting wages & firing people.

[AAO]

165. All they have to do is ask their parents for a loan!

[840high]

172. Blame goes on both parties.

[jeff47]

3. Please propose your alternative that the House would actually pass.

And keep in mind without a farm bill, food stamps go to $0.

And, btw, if you find yourself in the room with a "No difference between the parties!!" idiot, remind them that they are enabling this.

[MannyGoldstein]

4. "I welcome their hatred"

With a side order of



Appeasing crazies never, ever works -- haven't we learned that over the past 30 years, good and hard.

[jeff47]

7. So you want food stamps to be $0 for the next year. (nt)

[MannyGoldstein]

8. We've tried it your way for 30 years

Are you satisfied with the results? Many of us think it's been a disaster.

[jeff47]

11. Oh, it has been a complete disaster.

But the way to fix it is at the ballot box. Not to have people starve so you can say "I told you so".

[MannyGoldstein]

12. We elect tough Liberals

Then they become become Rightists upon taking over, appeasing the enemy and mooning their base.

One does not negotiate with hostage takers, nor should one call their base "fucking retarded".

[jeff47]

13. Actually, yes one does negotiate with hostage takers, unless you want dead hostages

Again, your tough guy routine means people actually starve. In real life. And in return, you get to pretend you're bad-ass. My, what a worthwhile trade.

As for "we elect tough liberals", we've only done that once or twice in the last 30 years. But fixing that requires stopping two things: stop pretending centrists are "tough liberals", and getting liberals to bother showing up at the polls in every fucking election.

We'd have a Democratic House today if people bothered to show up (and drag their friends out) in 2010 like they did in 2008. Instead, we get people pretending a moderate technocrat is an FDR clone, and are disappointed when he turns out to be a moderate technocrat.

[MannyGoldstein]

15. What was the outcome when Republicans shut down the government last year

trying to to take a piece out of the ObamaCare, and Obama said he would not negotiate?

And mind you, food stamps and unemployment extensions are far more popular with Americans than ObamaCare.

[ljm2002]

37. Game, set, match. n/t

[jeff47]

88. Not at all. See: Unemployment extension.

They caved on the government shutdown because lots of rich folks were being hurt.
They have not caved on unemployment extension, because only lots of poor folks are being hurt.

Which one is a closer match to food stamps?

[Rex]

140. I agree that was total pwnage!

[Cali_Democrat]

39. So why did Elizabeth Warren vote for the compromise bill

which excluded the unemployment extension?

Let me guess....mean evil Obama forced her to?

[randome]

83. I hear...

[hr][font color="blue"][center]Precision and concision. That's the game.[/center][/font][hr]

[jeff47]

87. What was the outcome when Republicans refused to extend unemployment?

They collapsed and extended unemployment? No? Golly, it's almost like they used such a maneuver to cut aid to the needy.

And you are arguing we should do the same thing again. With the added benefit of $7/gallon milk.

[Jakes Progress]

131. At least with your way,

the billionaires don't have to be hurt anymore.

You don't understand much about Washington. The didn't collapse on unemployment because not doing so didn't hurt the constituents they suck up to. The real argument here is just the other way. If they want to cut food to the poor, then they have to cut millions in supplements to their bosses. That won't happen. No midwestern republican can vote to cut farm subsidies. Big Ag would gut them.

With unemployment the only incentive republicans had was to do the right thing. With the Farm Bill, they have bosses to pay.

There was no reason for ending food supplies to two million Americans.

Since you favor cutting these people off from food so that millionaires can get their booty, I hope to see you at the food bank this week. We will have lots to do since the Democrats and the Administration are being so spineless. First we give them our tax money, then we give our time and money to make up what gets cut.

Basically, you are wrong on this.

[jeff47]

135. Yeah, because they didn't try to separate the food stamps part from the agricultural subsidies.

Again, we do not control the House. There is no way to pass your fantasy bill. How many people should starve to prove that to you?

[Jakes Progress]

202. Sigh.

You hold on to that dream of O perfection. It will keep you warm and full in the days to come when a couple of million children are trying to ignore their hunger pains. But you can rest assured that there was no way to get this done - no way. I will agree with you that with this timid president and corporate Democratic party, it would be a long shot.

(Just for your education: Who separated the two? Who said it had to be? Who kowtowed to republican's shenanigans with more shoulder shrugging and hopeless stares? Don't be obtuse. Veto anything other than a bill that combines both and fully funds food for poor people. Really simple. If you didn't listen to the wrong devil on your shoulder. He must have shrugged off the angel.)

[jeff47]

203. What an incredibly dumb response.

You hold on to that dream of O perfection.

Please quote where I mention Obama.

It will keep you warm and full in the days to come when a couple of million children are trying to ignore their hunger pains.

Because turning that into tens of millions of starving children would be better?

(Just for your education: Who separated the two?

Just for your education, "Tried" does not mean they actually successfully separated the two. And just for your education, using a phrase like "just for your education" when you are wrong about such a basic fact makes you look really dumb.

Veto anything other than a bill that combines both and fully funds food for poor people. Really simple.

And when Republicans refuse to pass a bill that does so?

We're talking about people who actually want the poor to starve. That's their goal.

Rich farmers gonna change their mind? No, rich farmers got screwed by the bill that passed - the method of calculating their subsidies changed, which will result in smaller payments to agribusiness.

So what happens when Republicans gleefully let the poor starve? People like you will be back posting about how Democrats are "weak" for not magically forcing the Republicans to pass the bill.

[1StrongBlackMan]

123. +1 n/t

[JDPriestly]

130. "if people bothered to show up"

We on DU show up. It isn't those of us considered to be on the left of the party (we used to be in the center. I haven't changed my stances. The Democratic Party has shifted to the right, way to the right.) who fail to vote.

It's the people who feel left out and abandoned by the lurch to the right of the leadership of the Democratic Party. I register voters. I table. I talk to my neighbors. I stand in front of grocery stores.

You cannot get working people who feel they have been dismissed by our political parties -- both of our political parties -- to get out and vote because THE MESSAGE FROM THE LEADERS OF BOTH PARTIES TO THEM IS -- YOU DON'T MATTER -- YOU WAGES DON[T MATTER -- YOUR HUNGER DOESN[T MATTER -- YOUR DEBTS DON'T MATTER -- THAT FORECLOSURE A FEW YEARS AGO DOESN'T MATTER -- YOUR KIDS' EDUCATION DOESN'T MATTER -- THE HOMELESS PEOPLE WALKING THE STREETS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD DON'T MATTER -- NOTHING MATTERS EXCEPT PASSING THE BILLS OUR CORPORATE DONORS WRITE FOR US.

And that is why we can't get voters out hard as we try. Too often, our Democratic politicians are not advocating for our dispossessed and struggling voters. They are advocating for their corporate sponsor.

The TPP is a case in point. As is the fact that we don't have a single payer health insurance system in the US or at least a public option. As is the privatization of our schools. As is cuts to food stamps, a barely poverty level minimum wage, threats to Social Security and Medicare, poor regulation of inexcusably dangerous industrial negligence, continued dependence on fossil fuels in spite of the evidence supporting climate change that may mean the deaths of many in our population, the killing of the oceans and fish withing them, constant war, and so many other really vital issues that it is impossible to list them all.

"if people bothered to show up" is shifting the blame to people whose interests are not represented even when they do show up.

The grassroots cannot change this system. We are asking the leadership of the Democratic Party to change their system within the party to make it more responsive to the left-out and forgotten in America.

[jeff47]

134. 20% turnout in primaries is "if people bothered to show up" territory.

And primaries are where we get to turn the party left. People simply do not show up. Then they complain about who's on the general election ballot.

[AndyTiedye]

178. When we Primary an Incumbent, We Usually Lose the Seat

[jeff47]

181. And?

Primarying incumbents will be as beneficial for us as Teabaggers primarying Republican incumbents - we might lose some seats, but it's gonna scare the hell out of the remaining ones.

[AndyTiedye]

208. Every Loss makes us Weaker. Every Loss Forces Our Side to Compromise Even More

Every loss pushes the party further to the right.

Arguably it doesn't matter in the House, it's hopelessly gerrymandered anyway,
but we need to hold every seat we can to keep the Senate.

[jeff47]

209. Yeah, just like every loss pushed the Republicans left.

Oh wait.....

There's no reason that the Democrats have to always turn right. Sure, the "Third Way" bullshitters demand it, but that doesn't mean Democrats actually have to follow it.

[AndyTiedye]

211. Both Parties Move Right Every Time they Lose

The Rapeuglicans move even further to the right, and the media praises them for doing so and gives them lots and lots of free airtime. They also control most of the churches. Between them they feed their base a steady diet of hate justified by religion and that's all it takes to get them flocking to the polls.

We have nothing comparable to that on the left. What could there be?

[El_Johns]

183. +1

[AndyTiedye]

179. Half Right

Again, your tough guy routine means people actually starve.

Exactly. Manny seems to think they'll only starve for a little while and then the Repigs would cave. Not a chance. We have no leverage over them on this.

We'd have a Democratic House today if people bothered to show up (and drag their friends out) in 2010 like they did in 2008.

Most people get this one wrong.

A lot of the people who voted for Obama in 2008 were not liberals. Some were Republicans who recognized that between outright senility and anger-management issues, their candidate was dangerously flawed. The incumbent pResident was polling around 20%.
2010 was not a Presidential election year, and most of those voters either stayed home or returned their party.

Then there was the impact of Citizens United. We were outspent by at least 4:1 in some races, possibly much more, we will never know the full amount.

[jeff47]

188. There's a reason I included that parenthetical statement.

The reduced GOTV effort meant those left-leaning moderates you mention did not turn out. That's why I included "drag their friends out".

[JI7]

14. republicans control the house , are you saying some of them were tough liberals ?

[uponit7771]

46. Bulllllllllllllshit! "We" just sit around and bitch and spout winger memes...sounds like straight

...fud to me

[Rex]

141. BINGO!

The handful of FUD merchants on DU are becoming increasingly desperate...only they know why.

[Arkana]

204. The Tea Party is doing it your way right now.

How's it going for them?

[sabrina 1]

17. And executive order can solve that problem. Bush sure had no problem using it.

An announcement that Republicans will not protect the American people during this time of need caused by Wall St corruption so

'I, President Obama must issue this EO to protect the people from harm, to make sure that our citizens do not starve or die for lack of heat while many of them who lost their jobs are desperately trying to find work in order to feed their families. Many of these people have children so today I am signing this EO because our Republican colleagues refuse to do their duty for the people who entrusted them with the power to do so.

Republicans have created a crisis situation for political reasons making it necessary for me to step in and avert what would be a disastrous and in some cases, dangerous situation for millions of our citizens.'

If he just drafted such a speech and sent them copies with a threat that if they don't start acting like elected officials he intends to use his platform to expose them to the public, they would soon change their tune. But they know Dems will simply whine and blame them when anyone asks so nothing will get done for the people, again.

[Cali_Democrat]

19. An executive order to appropriate funds for food stamps and unemployment?

How does that work when Congress has to appropriate the funds?

I don't think you really know how our government works. Executive orders work in certain instances, but you can't create an executive order to appropriate billions for food stamps and unemployment.

[sabrina 1]

23. Tell it to Obama:

Obama Prepared to Act Alone to Help the Unemployed: I’ve Got a Pen, and I’ve Got a Phone

However, he also called out the lawmakers to act on his favored agenda items, which include extending insurance for the long-term unemployed and immigration reform.

"We're not just going to wait for legislation," the president said. "I've got a pen, and I’ve got a phone. I can use that pen to sign executive orders and take executive action and administrative actions that move the ball forward.”

All I'm saying is, he should do it.

[kelly1mm]

47. You are saying he should disregard the constitution? What constitutionally permissable

actions do you think he can take by EO to help the unemployed?

[sabrina 1]

49. No, HE is saying it. I am saying 'don't just say it,

do it!

Ask HIM why he thinks he can do it. Did you read what he said?

HE said he can issue and EO to help the unemployed. Take it up with him.

Or are you saying he's just threatening to do something he cannot do?

[kelly1mm]

51. Yes, I am saying he is just threatening. He can do small things alone, but nothing

even moderate, let alone major for the unemployed can be done without congress, at least as long as you want to follow the constitution.

[Progressive dog]

65. He will do what he legally can do

and he said nothing that contradicts that.

[Swede Atlanta]

66. Obama cannot appropriate funds, only Congress can do that.......

He has some limited ability NOT to spend funds appropriated by Congress but he cannot create funds out of whole cloth.

Unfortunately there are enough people in seriously gerrymandered districts who consistently vote against their own economic interests that many of those on the right are safe even when they treat the poor and unemployed like doormats.

[sabrina 1]

90. He can declare an emergency just as if it was a NATURAL disaster rather than a manmade

disaster.

[jeff47]

95. He still can't appropriate funds, even for an actual natural disaster.

If you remember, we were all up in arms about Republicans demanding offsets for Sandy aid.

[sabrina 1]

104. Well, I used to think they couldn't overturn the Constitution but now I know better. They

apparently can do whatever they want to do. He has stated that he will issue an EO if Republicans don't extend UE rates so maybe he knows more than you do.

[jeff47]

105. If you want to use that route, then you have to believe the NSA is fine.

If you want to complain about the NSA, then you can't use that route.

And again, Obama can't appropriate funds. An EO will not extend unemployment benefits. How 'bout providing a link to your claim that he will use an EO to extend unemployment?

[sabrina 1]

107. I haven't seen you complain about the NSA. Maybe I'm mistaken but airc, you have been a

defender of the spying, correct me if I'm wrong. So I'm simply pointing out that once people defended those gross violations of our rights, then anything goes.

What DO you think of the revelations of the Constitutional Violations btw, I don't want to assume you support them.

[jeff47]

108. Well, you could bother to read my other reply to you in this thread - post 100. (nt)

[Maedhros]

114. The man ordered American citizens to be executed without due process,

and you're worried about disregarding the Constitution to issue food stamps?

Baby, that train left the station a long time ago...

[GoneFishin]

185. My exact thought. Murder ok. Food for the needy? No can do, it's unconstitutional!

[EastHarlemGayDude]

117. I had to laugh

How anyone in this day and age can actually cite the constitution to explain why he can't do something. Funny, he seems to have no problem ignoring the constitution on domestic surveillance or indefinitely detaining Americans (but cross his heart and hope to die he won't do that), but dag nabbit, we draw the line at actually helping people. How about this: we actually acknowledge that the constitution is nothing more than toilet paper. Then, Obama takes money already appropriated for the military, divert a portion of that to food stamps, unemployment and any number of necessary items. Pay for the troops to come home, out of harm's way and give them money to sustain themselves until we can truly recover and they can have jobs. Tell the defense contractors they are just going to have to wait.

Then, to truly make the point, order the arrest of all officers and directors of the top 100 banks.

How is the chronic unemployment and starving of our fellow citizens not a national emergency? If a foreign cadre of people had done what the bankers and other 1%ers had done, we would consider this a national emergency without even single question.

Finally, taking part in this cancerous system is the very definition of futility. Voting is futile. Elections are meaningless. Until we as a people take to the streets in the millions, all of this policy talk is nothing but the intellectual ruminations best left to a college classroom.

[CrispyQ]

133. +1

This:

Finally, taking part in this cancerous system is the very definition of futility. Voting is futile. Elections are meaningless. Until we as a people take to the streets in the millions, all of this policy talk is nothing but the intellectual ruminations best left to a college classroom.

===
It's taken years, but I've finally reached the same conclusion: Elections are meaningless. I changed my party affiliation this year. First time since I was 18 that I'm not a dem. Tonight our president will give a moving speech about inequality & tomorrow will be business as usual.

Welcome to DU, EHGD.

[TheKentuckian]

153. The Constitution only matters when it presents an obstacle to helping the people

Otherwise, it is "just a gawd damn piece of paper" if it interfere with shitting on the people and violating our natural rights.

It takes some gall to even make the excuse in the light of circumstances.

[kelly1mm]

168. Some things are yes or no, no in between . It is either unconstitutional or not. It is not

' a little bit' unconstitutional. It is not 'unconstitutional but for a really good reason'. There are certain things in our system of government that just are. This is a systemic issue, no a Bush v. Obama issue. It involves the power of the office of the executive, not who holds that office.

[GoneFishin]

190. So where do extrajudicial executions of american citizens fall?

[TheKentuckian]

197. Granted, my point remains the same. Perhaps you have some flexibility in areas I'm less quick to

that causes you not to catch the drift.

[uponit7771]

53. They know ... It's a common winger meme to I absolve congress of blame for

...any of this shit...

Thier slips are showing

[sabrina 1]

98. He can declare an emergency. If they can overturn the Constitution to spy on the American

people, this should be a breeze. Those government lawyers managed to make 'torture' legal, so I have confidence in them to come up with some of their now infamous legal distortions to make Constitutional what is not. Haven't you argued also for the abandonment of the rule of law?

[Cali_Democrat]

115. "Haven't you argued also for the abandonment of the rule of law?"

[jeff47]

89. Your proposal is utterly unconstitutional.

As in the Constitution directly contradicts it. There is no grey area, as there were with the questionable EOs from W.

Congress has absolute power over money. They say no food stamps, then there are no food stamps.

[sabrina 1]

96. No my proposal, the President's proposal. Did you say 'Unconstitutional'??

Haven't you argued FOR unconstitutional behavior on the part of the Government, spying eg, with me or was that someone else??

Laws, as we have seen, can be grotesquely distorted by our government when it benefits the wealthy.

All he has to do is to declare an emergency eg, I'm sure the Government's lawyers who were able to twist the meaning of the 4th Amendment would not find this difficult at all.

[jeff47]

100. You can't claim the Constitution is sacrosanct in the NSA case

and then demand we utterly ignore it in other cases.

You either have to stop arguing there's any problem with the NSA, or you have to stop arguing that Obama should seize the power to appropriate funds.

Otherwise, you're a massive hypocrite.

Haven't you argued FOR unconstitutional behavior on the part of the Government

No, I'm the one pointing out the actual leaks do not include unconstitutional behavior.

The actual documents for all but one program include a "targeting" step to not spy on US persons. The people writing up breathless coverage of the NSA ignore that, because it gets people like you to read them. "US spies on foreigners" is not a sufficiently interesting headline.

The phone metadata program does not have such a targeting step, but that's constitutional under a 1979 SCOTUS decision.

But that doesn't get people like you excited, so Greenwald et al leave those details out.

All he has to do is to declare an emergency

Nope. Remember how pissed off we were when Republicans demanded offsets for Sandy aid?

Guess where there was already a state of emergency.

[sabrina 1]

158. Looks like he's going to do it. The phone meta program has now been declared unconstitutional so

there really is no point in belaboring that issue anymore.

I do not want strange Government peeping toms invading my privacy, period. The 4th Amendment guarantees me the right to keep the Government and its Private Contractors out of my business. We didn't really need a court to tell us this, but with all these people contorting themselves into pretzels to try to justify it, it's good to have REAL courts, not secret courts, finally get involved. And a panel of experts also. There will be more cases that will make it clear that this 'program' always was illegal.

[Hotler]

64. Heres one......The house will not pass it......

because I would bet that most of the team owners are repugs. Remove the non-profit tax exempt status of the NFL. The NFL has paid no taxes since 1966 and put that money toward food stamps.

[rhett o rick]

136. Why does he have to come up with such proposals? Are you suggesting that the

WH cant do it? Is that a rationalization for our dying middle class? What is the President working on? The TPP? Now that will surely fix things.

[jeff47]

137. If you believe it's possible to pass a better bill

then let's hear your better bill and how you will get it through the House.

If you're just demanding that the White House use magical powers to get the Teabaggers to vote like 1930s Democrats, then you're doing nothing but whining.

We need to turn the party left and we do that at the ballot box, especially on primary day. In the meantime, ending food stamps so that you can feel righteous is not a good bargain.

[rhett o rick]

144. I am not convinced that the WH is working very hard to save American jobs. In fact the TPP

looks like the opposite.

[loudsue]

5. When the people finally revolt, it will be stealth, not just riots, that will

help us prevail.

It's going to get worse. A lot worse. Once the TPP is in place, we're going to see a mess that is hard to imagine right now.

[Cali_Democrat]

6. That's why it's so important to GOTV 2014

Get a Dem Congress like what FDR had.

[MannyGoldstein]

9. And an FDR like the Dem Congress had. nt

[Cali_Democrat]

10. There is no Presidential election in 2014

Unless there have been recent changes to the constitution that I'm not aware of. You're confused. My post was specific to GOTV 2014.

[uponit7771]

44. Only wingers on mixed boards have been claiming Obama has been acting outiside of

...congress as if he has full power or that his veto would matter if congress was 83% progressive like fdr had

At some point you guys have to admit the gig is up

Obama = dictator so everything is his fault and not congress is winger hands down

Bookmarked

[zeemike]

16. Well we had one for the first two years.

And nothing happened because they took it off the table...so we could move forward.
When we had the power we compromised, and when we lost the power we compromised again...only then they just laughed at it and demanded more.

[Cali_Democrat]

21. The numbers

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=4129539

BTW....Dems only had 60 votes for a few months and the were still blue dogs like Max Baucus around.

[sabrina 1]

26. So many excuses.

When we only Congress, we heard 'but we can't do anything without the Senate and the WH. Just make sure to vote THEN we'll see some action'. So the people voted and we got the Senate, Congress and the WH. Next excuse 'but we need a super majority so go vote AGAIN so we have more than the Senate, Congress and the WH. THEN we can get something done'.

One thing I have to admire about Republicans. I never hear them say 'but we're in the MINORITY, the Dems are blocking us'. Nope, they never say that. They manage to CONTROL, well according to what WE are told, everything, EVEN WHEN they are in the MINORITY.

So what it comes down to is this, according to what we are told for years now: It doesn't matter whether we win or not, Republicans are so powerful that no matter how big a victory we have, they still control everything'.

Do you see what you are saying? And do you see why people are beginning to think there's no point in voting AND winning or losing, because no matter what the ALL POWERFUL Republicans will always be in control.

That message is depressing the vote which is why Dems lost in 2010. After such a huge victory all people heard was 'it wasn't big enough'.

I can just imagine what Repubs would have done with a victory like that. Starting in Jan they would have pushed through everything they had been dreaming of and would have done it in the first month. Dems with all that power, couldn't even pass Gays in the Military, then used the excuse later that they didn't have enough votes which they DID had they not waited. They used it later to claim they had to extend the Bush Tax Cuts or the Repubs would not pass it. They must think we are stupid.

[Cali_Democrat]

28. Gish gallop. nt

[sabrina 1]

38. Well at least that wasn't another excuse!

[ljm2002]

40. Bullshit. nt

[Cali_Democrat]

41. Exactly. nt

[SidDithers]

76. SOP for that poster...nt

Sid

[marble falls]

93. The only opinion you have, Sid, is you don't like Manny. We get it. We just don't care. Go watch....

some cat videos or something. At least assume some position other than personally on Manny.

[SidDithers]

106. Oooh, you've cut me to the quick...

How shall I ever go on?

Sid

[VanillaRhapsody]

109. Maybe he just doesn't like the things Manny says....

that could be possible right?

[marble falls]

166. Likely, but in this case it seems purely personal.

[uponit7771]

45. Fdr had an 83% congress...Obama had nowhere close to that! winger

...bullshit to claim anything like that and obsolve congress

[sabrina 1]

48. Republicans were in the minority in Congress, the House and the WH.

They still were all powerful we were told.

Now they have Congress but not the Senate or the WH.

They are more powerful in the minority than we are when we win everything.

THAT is what we are constantly told.

In order for Dems to be that powerful, we are told, they not only need to win everything, they need to have super majorities in Congress and the Senate. Just winning it all isn't enough.

BS, the real reason is that many Democrats support the Corporate agenda and they vote FOR IT. So Repubs don't need a majority when they can always count on the votes they don't have themselves, from Democrats.

Democrats are also supporting Republicans like Chris Christie for Gov.

Show me a Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate who was ever endorsed by 61 Elected Republicans??

We are NOT stupid. But we have been far, far too tolerant.

[uponit7771]

50. Obama never ever had a controlling majority of progressives in congress like fdr had

...again only people I know who are going around still saying this shit is fud and wingers.

It's a guise Obama= dictator or The GOP congress has no responsibility crap line

And yes...because of gerrymandering, something else fdr never had, Obama needs controlling majority and a signing pen now...

Again ... Wingers set this up so they can Blair him for everything and obsolve themselves...

Mike Murphy this morning - "everyone is tired of having to wait on Obamas agenda"

[sabrina 1]

52. Republicans don't have a controlling majority in the Senate.

Try to read this carefully. They do not have the Senate or the WH yet they are more powerful than Democrats who DO hold the Senate and the WH.

THAT IS BS.

And if you are saying ANYONE here is a Republican, you are violating the rules here.

Btw, what Republicans are saying that Obama should be MORE FORCEFUL about pushing a Liberal agenda?

[uponit7771]

54. They don't need it either...do you understand how congress works?

They just need enough to keep things locked up or just one house to make sure nothing passes...

And we're not talking about what reps need we're talking about what Obama needs to get a more progressive agenda passed like fdr.. A controlling majority of progressives in congress

[VanillaRhapsody]

58. BINGO! There's that truth stuff again...

[jeff47]

91. No, she doesn't.

This kind of thing comes up frequently. She believes in the Constitution when convenient (ex: NSA), and in dictatorship when convenient (ex: Food stamps).

[uponit7771]

113. I see, it's just a common Obama = dictator meme that allows conservatives to abslolve themseles from

...responsibility...I'm not shocked to see it here

[TheKentuckian]

157. Seems to describe your position very well too. You flake on the side of power though.

[VanillaRhapsody]

57. so much truth you just refuse to absorb it is all...

[A Simple Game]

72. Very nice rebuttal, but you forgot their most prevalent excuse.

It's their mantra. "It's the LIBERALS fault." "The LIBERALS stayed home and didn't vote", even when the evidence shows otherwise.

It seems not accepting blame is a conservative fault, not just a Republican fault.

[jeff47]

97. What liberals didn't do in 2010

Was bring others to the polls. In 2008, liberals worked our butts off for GOTV operations. In 2010, we didn't. We just voted ourselves. As a result, left-leaning moderates stayed home.

In 2010, Teabaggers worked their butts off for GOTV operations. So right-leaning moderates showed up and Republicans won big. That let them gerrymander themselves into power.

[A Simple Game]

112. So it's my job to bring a friend to the polls? How about the candidate gives the

friend a reason to want to go to the polls?

Republican or Republican Lite, which do I want? No difference so why waste my time going to the polls?

No more lesser of two evils, from now on I only vote for liberals. Know what? It's the only way they will get elected.

[jeff47]

128. So you see no difference between starvation and not starvation.

So it's my job to bring a friend to the polls?

If you want to change things, yes.

If you want to keep bitching about moderate technocrats turning out to be moderate technocrats, then no. You can just keep bitching on the Internet while the country goes further into the shithole. As an added bonus, you'll get even more to complain about.

[A Simple Game]

167. Poor analogy. I see no difference between eating crap and eating food that tastes like crap.

There are other alternatives, I will no longer eat crap or food that tastes like crap when there are other items on the table.

You know I voted for the lesser of two evils, which is what you are suggesting, for years. It still got me (us) evil. Democrats and Republicans are driving down the same road and in the same direction, the only difference is the rate of speed.

No more lesser of two evils.

By the way, nice job of liberal bashing, you kept it kind of subtle.

[jeff47]

184. Sure, you have food in your pantry.

So sacrificing a few million who don't have food in their pantry is a worthwhile cause.

You know I voted for the lesser of two evils, which is what you are suggesting, for years.

Then start working for better candidates at the local level. That's where we'll get the candidates who will primary incumbents at the national level.

It's rather frustrating that so many people scream about "no liberal on the ballot!!!!!!!!!" as if a liberal will magically appear from thin air.

The right wing busted their ass for 30 years to drag us here. You are whining we did not reverse it in two years.

[A Simple Game]

195. I never scream there is "no liberal on the ballot" because there usually is.

Where I live they even have their own line, it's called Liberal party, the Working Family party is also usually a good one.

Get out of the "must vote for one of two candidates" mode. Why limit your options?

The only way the best candidates can win is if we vote for them. Lately very few of the Democratic or Republican candidates are the best candidate. For national office there are rarely over 4 or 5 serious candidates, it doesn't take long to educate yourself about their values.

Maybe the right wing dragged you to the right, they didn't drag me anywhere. I haven't voted for a Republican in at least 30 years, not even for dog catcher, and haven't voted for a Democrat in over 10 years. So no, I haven't been whining for two years, but I have been trying to let people know they shouldn't vote for a conservative no matter what the letter is after their name.

So take your right wing liberal bashing somewhere else, it won't work on me. I imagine I was a liberal before you were even born and I will be one when I die.

[Rex]

143. Nice RWing meme that has been debunked.

[jeff47]

186. Nope. It actually was the left-leaning moderates who didn't turn out.

The RW meme is the liberals stayed home. They voted, but there was nowhere near the GOTV effort of 2008 to get the moderates to vote.

[Doctor_J]

173. Left-leaning moderates stayed home because they realized they'd voted for another Republican

and that giving the current Dem party huge congressional majorities and the WH wasn't worth shit.

[jeff47]

182. So your argument is left-leaning moderates are so radical they were upset by a moderate. (nt)

[AndyTiedye]

206. In 2010, We Got Outspent up to 4:1 (possibly much more) Because of Citizens United

Didn't see a lot of busted butts on the Rapeuglican side. Just a lot of corporate cash enabled by Citizens United.
And a lot of free advertising disguised as news by the MsM.

[uponit7771]

43. This is winger lie that is false on its face

[sabrina 1]

18. We need an FDR in the WH like that Congress had back then.

[Cali_Democrat]

20. Manny said the exact same thing. Thanks.

[HangOnKids]

24. Why are you being such a jerk?

Really?

[Cali_Democrat]

25. It's like a parrot

one poster says one thing....and then another decides to pretty much say the exact same thing.

It kinda had me cracking dafuq up!

[HangOnKids]

27. You are not clever or cute

Keep posting Cali.

[Cali_Democrat]

30. I'm not trying to be clever or cute

I'm just laughing.

[HangOnKids]

32. Thank GAWD you aren't trying

That might be a stretch.

[Cali_Democrat]

34. You can think whatever you want

I really don't care.

[SidDithers]

77. ...

Sid

[sabrina 1]

29. Wrong, it's a case of 'Great Minds Think Alike'!

[Cali_Democrat]

31. You didn't see his reply to me?

riiiiiiight.

[sabrina 1]

33. Like I said 'great minds think alike'. How often have I said 'we need an FDR or an LBJ

in the WH'? I can't count the number of times. Glad Manny agrees with me but no, I didn't need to see his response to you to say what I have said many times before.

So I'll say it again 'We need a real fighter, like FDR or LBJ to handle these Republicans. No compromising, no 'bi-partisanship'. When you win, YOU set the agenda. That's what winning means. When they make demands you don't like, you just tell them 'I'm the President and you're not'. Then use the power you have in every possible way to defeat them and let them know you will fight them everywhere, every way until they wish they never met you.

Catering to bullies NEVER, EVER works. Bullies RESPECT those who stand up to them. They have zero respect for those who cater to them and only demand more.

[VanillaRhapsody]

61. even FREAKING FDR himself couldn't do much with this Congress...

do you think FDR was a magician?

[ProSense]

84. Exactly!

"even FREAKING FDR himself couldn't do much with this Congress... do you think FDR was a magician?"

Senators Sanders and Warren voted to cut Food Stamps. Why?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024400120

I'm reading this thread and it's friggin amazing the Obama hate.

I mean, Congress friggin voted to cut food stamps, and Obama is being attacked, for not being FDR and vetoing a bill that hasn't gotten to him yet.

Summary: Congress gets a pass for "sick savagery" and "barbarism," but if the Obama doesn't veto the bill he's evil and it's his fault Congress voted to cut.

[VanillaRhapsody]

62. Did FDR have a Teaparty wing of the Republicans to deal with?

I think not! Even the Establishment Republicans are throwing up their own hands at them....WTF would FDR be able to change about this situation?

[MannyGoldstein]

63. FDR averaged one veto per week

as opposed to Obama's one per year.

[ProSense]

92. Maybe Obama

"FDR averaged one veto per week"

...will not have to veto it. It may not pass.

Club For Growth Urges 'No' Vote On Farm Bill Agreement

The Club for Growth is urging lawmakers to vote "no" on a five-year farm bill proposal.

The first vote on the proposal is expected later in the week.

The conservative group issued a key vote a key vote alert on Tuesday urging lawmakers to vote no on the conference report of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act. In the group's warning to lawmakers, Club for Growth Vice President of Government Affairs Andy Roth argued that the " 949-page bill is yet another bloated proposal that House and Senate leaders are rushing through Congress without giving members and the public enough time to read and understand the bill."

Roth continued that the bill is an "unholy marriage of agricultural subsidies and food stamps — two completely separate issues."

Instead, the Club for Growth would like to see legislation that would "devolve the food stamp program to the states and eventually eliminate federal agricultural subsidies."

- more -

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/club-for-growth-to-key-vote-no-on-farm-bill

Of course, Republicans aren't the ones to worry about: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024400120

[jeff47]

94. That's an incredibly useful statistic since Congress won't pass anything. (nt)

[VanillaRhapsody]

111. Its as if they live in an alternate universe....

[Bobbie Jo]

198. No shit. nt

[VanillaRhapsody]

110. What has the Congress passed for him To Veto?

he doesn't just get to magically pre-veto stuff!

[ProSense]

160. .

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024403058

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024403046

[VanillaRhapsody]

162. I have to agree ProSense...

good catch!

[Doctor_J]

189. also the democratic congress that fdr had were mostly southern right wingers

and racists. He beat them into line.

[tridim]

67. And very soon Woo Me will show up with his requisite K&R.

It's the same every time.

[Bobbie Jo]

199. I've seen this show a time or two.

[djean111]

82. It hijacks the thread.

[Cali_Democrat]

116. My intention was not to hijack the thread

Look at my first reply to the OP...it was short and sweet. All I said was that we need to GOTV 2014 and get more Dems in Congress.

Apparently that rubbed people the wrong way.

My bad!!!

[Union Scribe]

163. That could pretty much be a reply

to 90% of their posts I've seen.

[VanillaRhapsody]

59. No what we NEED is that Congress to support the one we have...

thats what he NEEDS US to do to support the policies we want to see...IF we don't find enough support...just like we did in 2010. His hands remain tied on any number of issues you want addressed. It is THAT simple.

[Doctor_J]

174. You mean they should go along with TPP, KeystoneXL, school corporatization, and "deficit reduction"?

those are Obama's priorities (alot like the Republicans' priorities,actually). I am grateful there are a few Dems who are on the side of the people instead of the president.

[VanillaRhapsody]

177. No I mean go along with raising the minimum wage...ending the pay gender gap...

expand the social safety net....more education and training...more healthcare for all...etc etc etc...

You are only seeing the glass half full my friend.

[El_Johns]

55. Reagan managed to change the face of the US (for the worse) with a R minority.

[uponit7771]

56. When a presidents agenda mattered and congress wanted gov to work

[El_Johns]

102. More like: Congress gets what it wants done

[Laelth]

127. Now, that's the truth.

Democrats controlled the House throughout all of Reagan's Presidency.

Strange how Reagan still got what he wanted.



-Laelth

[El_Johns]

180. Yes, it is. And strange how so many seem to have forgotten that little fact.

[DocMac]

22. When are we gonna admit we are fucked?

I'm too old to take to the streets! But if you young people do, call me. Just stay behind me and live!!

[L0oniX]

101. They are admitting to being fucked. That's why they are pushing for Hillary.

[BlueLuna743]

35. The Long Con

It's the Long Con. Republicans perfected it. Since NAFTA, the Democratics in power have enabled it.

The Big Land Grab
Phase 1 - 1980's S&L scandals. Big money - big loss of homes. Some players got some time. Not too many. Change some regs, loosen it up. Next year. Next year...
Phase 2 - 2008 Crash. Who could have believed they LOOSENED bank regs after the previous housing crash. And not only no one goes to jail - but they get multi-million dollar bonuses! Ameica! Freedom!
Phase 3 - 2013 DEPRESSION continues. Land grab ramps up with loss of government aid. Privatization of schools. Privatization of transportation. Water privatization, here we come! and as soon as water is privatized, the U.S. of A. is now OFFICIALLY a 3rd world country. Wave your flag. Shoot off your gun.

The LONG CON. Brilliant.

[ljm2002]

36. "This is not reasonable compromise. It is barbary."...

Hear, fucking HEAR!!!!!

K&R

[DeSwiss]

42. K&R

The amount the U.S. military spends annually on air conditioning in Iraq and Afghanistan: $20.2 billion, according to a former Pentagon official.

That's more than NASA's budget. It's more than BP has paid so far for damage from the Gulf oil spill. It's what the G-8 has pledged to help foster new democracies in Egypt and Tunisia.

"When you consider the cost to deliver the fuel to some of the most isolated places in the world — escorting, command and control, medevac support — when you throw all that infrastructure in, we're talking over $20 billion," Steven Anderson tells weekends on All Things Considered guest host Rachel Martin. He's a retired brigadier general who served as chief logistician for Gen. David Petraeus in Iraq. He's now in the private sector, selling technologies branded as energy-efficient to the Defense
Department.



link

[MFM008]

60. i give up on democrats

I was getting $134.00 in food stamps, they cut everyone down $11.00, then a few weeks later it was cut $5.00 more. $16 dollars is a lot when you dont have much at all. Many times I eat week old bread.. raman soup. They just keep making it harder and harder. Im ashamed to call myself a democrat . Now another cut....

(ps- I have a pc because it was a gift from my family ......)

[woo me with science]

120. One party, two faces.

Yes, our party is gravely purchased, too. The "good" cop really isn't anymore, as the past five years of looting clearly show (http://www.economicpopulist.org/content/great-american-wealth-transfer-super-rich).

What a slick, vicious con job these corporate vipers, both R and D, have perpetrated on this country.

Please, *never* feel that you have to justify your access to a PC. Any DUer who would dare try to make an issue of that is a corporate mouthpiece who has already traded away human decency to shill for this rape of America.

Thank you for writing your own situation here. You speak for millions betrayed by these monsters.


________________________________________________________________

[jsr]

68. No truer words.

[frwrfpos]

69. we need to compromise and enact republican policies

Otherwise the republicans will win. See how that logic works? Yea..neither fucking do i

We have a thoroughly corrupt and diseased government that cares about spying on angry bird players and double tapping wedding parties and bailing out financial criminals.


Sick and twisted as fuck

[ProSense]

70. "The Democratic-controlled Senate had passed a bill with $400 million in annual food stamp cuts."

Senators Sanders and Warren voted to cut Food Stamps. Why?

Farm Bill Deal Would Cut Food Stamps By $800 Million Per Year

WASHINGTON (AP) — A House plan to make major cuts to food stamps would be scaled back under a bipartisan agreement on a massive farm bill, a near end to a more than two-year fight that has threatened to hurt rural lawmakers in an election year.

The measure announced by the House and Senate Agriculture committees preserves food stamp benefits for most Americans who receive them and continues generous subsidies for farmers. The House could vote on the bill as soon as Wednesday.

The compromise was expected to cut food stamps by about $800 million a year, or around 1 percent. The House in September passed legislation cutting 5 percent from the $80 billion-a-year program.

The Democratic-controlled Senate had passed a bill with $400 million in annual food stamp cuts.

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/farm-bill-deal-would-cut-food-stamps-by-800-million-per-year

Food Banks Anticipate Impact of Cuts to Food Stamps

By RON NIXONJAN

WASHINGTON — Late last year, staff members at the Capital Area Food Bank here began fielding requests for larger deliveries from the dozens of soup kitchens and food pantries that it supplies as more and more people showed up seeking help.

The food bank said it was not unusual to see a surge before Thanksgiving or Christmas. But this time the lines were caused not by the holidays but by a $5 billion cut to the federal food stamp program that took effect in November when a provision in the 2009 stimulus bill expired.

Now the food bank, which provided about 45 million pounds of food last year, says it is preparing for even greater demand as Congress prepares to cut billions of dollars more from the food stamp program, which is included in a farm bill that has yet to pass. About 47 million Americans receive food stamps.

<...>

It is unclear when the new cuts will kick in, even if Congress manages to pass a new farm bill, an effort that has taken almost two years. The House and the Senate appear to have worked out most of their differences on the bill. That compromise is expected to cut about $9 billion from food stamps over 10 years. House Republicans had wanted to trim financing by $40 billion over the same period, and a bipartisan Senate bill sought a $4 billion cut.

- more -

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/22/us/politics/food-banks-anticipate-impact-of-cuts-to-food-stamps.html

Senate passes SNAP cuts on a bipartisan 66-27 vote.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022987698

Roll call
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00145

[JCMach1]

71. Cuts also for farmers too in the farm bill

[lonestarnot]

74. I hope the son's of bitches choke on that fucking wine.

[ProSense]

75. Here:

Obama to act on minimum wage
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024400006

Senators Sanders and Warren voted to cut Food Stamps. Why?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024400120

[djean111]

78. I think it is a real fucking stretch to say Obama would be liberal if the Dems controlled Congress.

And saying he has a pen and will use it? As is pointed out here, this is just empty rhetoric.
Kinda funny, being told that he has no real power, and then swooning over an empty threat.

[fredamae]

79. No Bi-Partisanship here

right? lol

These particular 1% Wall Street Dems always go along with the 1% GOP Corp Reps in Congress-don't they? Ain't love and cooperation grand....

(sarcasm)

[workinclasszero]

80. The 1%'ers, wall street and big business

have been ass raping the 99% since Rayguns started the war on the middle class.

And they are winning!

If all the jobless people cut off from unemployment or underemployed mainly from off-shoring their jobs, went to the polls and VOTED with all the hungry people cut off by the fascist repig party....

But hate radio and Fox "news" is still out there brain washing people into voting to starve themselves and kill off all good jobs and the future for their own children because... the trickledown jesus of Ayn Rand church..and GUNZ!...or something.

I am afraid we won't get much done in this country until this ignorant dumb ass right wing addled generation I sadly belong to is six feet in the ground.

I pray to God their hate dies with them forever!

But please don't stop fighting these fascist bastards anyway!

[Enthusiast]

81. K&R! It's sick savagery!

Sick savagery, Manny said! And I agree!

[handmade34]

85. "Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime." Aristotle

"If voting changed anything, they'd make it illegal." Emma Goldman

"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." JFK

It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning. Henry Ford

For each new class which puts itself in the place of one ruling before it, is compelled, merely in order to carry through its aim, to represent its interest as the common interest of all the members of society, that is, expressed in ideal form: it has to give its ideas the form of universality, and represent them as the only rational, universally valid ones.

[Diclotican]

86. MannyGoldstein

MannyGoldstein

If this had happened in many other country's, like in most of Europe - we would se people in the streets - angry as hell about cut in social benefits to help people when they are in hard times.... Unlikely in the US, the powers to be, learned the hard way, if people got angry enough they tend to do something to resolve it - either by democratic means - electing new leaders - or in other ways - like a revolution - who might go both ways when the dust settles down again..

This is simply horrible to read - I have tried to learn as much as I can about this issue - but still - I do have problems grasp the idea, it is "good" to starve people - than give them a chance to safeguard food for everyone - this is a horrible crime who should not be accepted as a "norm" - the republicans or others who think cut in aid to food is a good idea should be severely punished by the pepole...

Diclotican

[Jackpine Radical]

126. A lot of us agree entirely with you.

[Diclotican]

196. Jackpine Radical

Jackpine Radical

I know

Diclotican

[L0oniX]

99. Elect Clinton ...problem solved.

The dingbats are already setting up church ...for more of the same. Greed has won.

[Taitertots]

103. Cacerolazo? I've got my stock pot and my wooden spoon

[woo me with science]

119. K&R Corruption, cronyism, criminality, and savagery.

Yes, it must end.

Thank you for summing it up.

[Octafish]

121. Cut the corporate profits tax to 21-percent.

They'll use the money saved for better things, like pay for their deserving CEOs and nice dividends for their shareholders.

We the Proles need to remember, the poor rich are taxed at 15-percent on their capital gains.

[Laelth]

122. k&r for the truth, however depressing it may be. n/t

-Laelth

[totodeinhere]

125. And the beat goes on. Progressives Brace For Disappointment On Trade Policy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/28/state-of-the-union-trade_n_4680705.html?ref=topbar

[abelenkpe]

129. Recently From Robert Reich:

"At some point, working people, students, and the broad public will have had enough. They will reclaim our economy and our democracy. This has been the central lesson of American history.

Reform is less risky than revolution, but the longer we wait the more likely it will be the latter."

[Jakes Progress]

132. I wonder if the apologists here know anyone

of the millions who will have to do without food because the administration can't figure out how government works.

I know I'll be seeing a lot of them down at the local food bank.

[jsr]

205. I seriously doubt it.

[warrprayer]

138. kick and recc

[Rex]

139. It is funny Manny, you post on this topic and get over a hundred recs

while the FUD merchants post about it (to distract from other things) and get maybe 6 recs!

I LOVE IT! Thanks for pissing off all the RIGHT people, even when the argument is the exact same!

[ProSense]

145. I think it's because

"It is funny Manny, you post on this topic and get over a hundred recs while the FUD merchants post about it (to distract from other things) and get maybe 6 recs!"

...some people are in denial.

Senators Sanders and Warren voted to cut Food Stamps. Why?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024400120

Could you imagine if voting to cut food stamps disqualified someone from running for President?

[Rex]

146. I love it when my posts rub the right people the wrong way!

[ProSense]

147. I loved your post.

There is something comforting about hi-fives and denials.

[Rex]

148. I love it when my posts pisses some off so much they have to copycat me!

BWHAHAHAHAHAA!

[ProSense]

149. Hey,

what's your opinion: Should voting to cut food stamps disqualify a person from running for President?

"I love it when my posts pisses some off so much they have to copycat me!"

[Rex]

150. ...

BAWHAHAHAHAHA!

[ProSense]

151. LOL!

I take that as fear of answering that question.

[Rex]

152. Yes you often do assume things!

Thank you for the laugh at your expense! It was a pretty boring day until you came along!



EDIT - here let me reply for you, "I aim to please Rex!"

[ProSense]

156. Hey,

answering is easy

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024403058

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024403046

[obxhead]

142. How F'in dare you!

Excellent post Manny, as always.

[blkmusclmachine]

154. Change won't come from within.

[libodem]

155. I like how you think

[louslobbs]

159. Kick. n/t

Lou

[Doctor_J]

161. but it's BIPARTISAN cuts

so shut up you Nader-loving liberal!!!!!

[ProSense]

164. Three

polls:

Should President Obama veto the Farm bill?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024403058

Should voting to cut food stamps disqualify someone from running for President
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024403046

What's *your* guess (re: Warren and Sanders)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024403389

Thanks in advance for responding.

[Demo_Chris]

169. If only there were GOP programs the President could threaten...

As part of negotiations. But no, clearly no such programs exist. The GOP is pure in their desire for limited government.

[MannyGoldstein]

170. Military, farm subsidies, oil company subsidies, ultralow taxes on the wealthiest...

All kinds of things that can be #%^*ed with.

And each one of 'em wants to bring home the bacon...

[Demo_Chris]

171. But Manny, how can this be?!?! The White House and Senate...

Are POWERLESS in the face of the mighty GOP and their slim House majority!

[AndyTiedye]

175. The Mighty GOP and their Iron-Clad Gerrymandered House Majority

The House is so gerrymandered that even the massive Democratic landslide of 2012 didn't make a dent.
What chance do we have this year? Zero. It will be all we can do to hold the Senate and we will need to focus our resources there.

The Supreme Court has ruled that they can re-gerrymander as often as necessary to stay in power.
That ruling did not get as much attention as Citizens United, but its potential impact may be even greater.
It means that demographic changes will NOT turn this around. Time is NOT on our side.

Powerless is only a slight understatement.

[joshcryer]

187. Revenue bills require congress.

How exactly do you fuck with military, farm subsidies, oil company subsidies, ultralow taxes on the wealthiest when the only way to do so requires legislation passed by the Republican controlled congress?

[Demo_Chris]

193. The same way they do. You BLOCK their bills...

You demand compromise. You make them earn every dollar of that Defense budget. You want $600 Billion for guns? Fine, we want 600 Bill for kids. Make that the national debate. But instead we give them 99% of what they want before negotiations begin-- mostly because that's what our guys wanted too.

[joshcryer]

194. And shut down government?

And not get HUD, WIC, unemployment benefits, NASA, NSF, etc?

They're insane in Congress, and you know it.

It is bad enough that a good half of Dems in Congress are indebted to MIC because they lose tens if not hundreds of thousands of jobs if the MIC is cut back. What do they tell their constituents then? "Oh, sorry about your job. But I didn't like that your job was fueling the MIC."

[jeff47]

200. What bills?

The Republicans aren't trying to pass anything. For example, they happily let the DoD get cut via the sequester instead of passing bills.

[joshcryer]

201. True, they would let it shut down.

Because they don't actually think we need any government at all.

[GoneFishin]

192. I know it. Trillions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of budget items, and every single

penny is strictly accounted for. No extra money for food for hungry people.

[fadedrose]

176. It's up to the voters.

And it's not the poor uneduacated unployed ones who are clueless, they are savvy.

I hope if things improve for these people they don't change to barbarians washing down meals with wines I can't pronounce.

[moondust]

191. The vampires are hungry.

They need sacrifices hard workers.

[NM_Birder]

207. so...which is the truth ?

is unemployment under 7%.................or are the 300 people applying for every job ?

All problems are solved more easily with a an honest assessment of the problem. Unemployment is NOT 7%.

[adavid]

210. Ah,..austerity..

Austerity is when you and your family decide to live on less.
When austerity is forced on you by the government, that is fascistic dictatorship.

You, the American people, must make do with less, so that big-business, the banks, Wall Street, Israel, and the military industrial complex can have more.

[burfman]

212. Creationism vs Darwinism

I think it's ironic that the people who most believe in "Creationism" in religious matters, become total believers in "Darwinism" when it comes to economics.

[MannyGoldstein]

213. That's a very good point.

Consistency is not their strong suit!