I think I have a plan to shut them up......hear me out.

[Thickasabrick]

In the spirit of bi-partisanship I think President Obama should offer the republicans the opportunity to "opt out" of the stimulus package for their districts. This would help those representatives who are torn apart by the fact that their district will get money and jobs that they did not ask or vote for.

We could set up town hall meeting in each of the districts that voted no. Let the people of those districts be present when the congress critter opts to pass on the evil stimulus money.

I think this would move forward our efforts of true bi-partisanship. No one should have something forced on them that they do not want. :)

In the end.....it would be their choice.

[Suich]

1. What a GREAT idea!

I love it!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[MindMatter]

101. Brilliant. Take away the GOP districts and the cost drops to $600B

Why should we send money to the districts that keep voting for those clowns?

It is too late for this bill, but most people expect another step will be necessary. Put that language right in the bill. No benefits to the districts where the Congressman doesn't vote for it.

[Nite Owl]

2. Now that's a good idea

and it would give them a chance to show that they aren't hypocrits after all, they practice what they preach.

[KakistocracyHater]

51. yes to the op & add healthcare to the menu

they can "opt out" of that too. But I think being a hypocrital bigot IS Republican-show me one who isn't.

[Robbien]

3. The GOPers already have sent their lobbyists to DC to make sure

their districts get more than their fair share of the package.

Hypocrites, all of them.

[silverweb]

7. Awesome!

Do you have any links to that information? I have a very special use for it.

[Robbien]

18. Can't find the exact link I read, but here is one where GOPers are gushing

about what they are going to get.

GOP lawmakers tout projects in the stimulus bill they opposed
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/politics/story/794871.html

Good enough?

[silverweb]

23. Thanks. I saw that one.

What I'd really love to get my mitts on is documentation that they're sending lobbyists to try to grab more than their fair share after unanimously voting against the bill.

There are some reTHUG apologists I want to blow completely out of the water with that information -- if I can show proof.

[Robbien]

42. A few more links

but still not the one

Bobby Jindl on how much money he got and the doubts about what he plans on doing with it
http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20090214/UPDATES01/90214014
Much of the money from the stimulus is earmarked for specific uses, but a thick slice — $714 million by one estimate — can be used according to the Jindal administration’s discretion.

“The real test of Bobby Jindal is what he does with the money,” said C.B. Forgotston, an attorney who worked for the Louisiana Legislature for more than 13 years and a frequent critic of the Jindal administration.

Forgotston wants Jindal to use the discretionary money from the stimulus to pay down state debt and put a dent in unfunded liabilities in the state retirement system.

“That would be something really aggressive, but it would be contrary to anything he’s done,” Forgotston said.

Forgotston predicts Jindal will instead use the money to increase overall state spending while offering up “milquetoast” objection to a slice of funds that come tied to a federal program he doesn’t like.

more . . .

and

GOPer Governors going to DC to lobby for Stimulus
http://chicagoconstructionlaw.blogspot.com/2009/01/republican-governors-lobby-for-stimulus.html


If I run across the exact link again I'll pm you.

[silverweb]

44. Wow... thanks!

I appreciate the trouble you're going to. :)

[havocmom]

4. and when they fail to opt out, they have to accept a new mascot:

[peace13]

5. Three people here think your idea is grand. n/t

[4 t 4]

6. Love that idea

submit to whitehouse.gov , you never know it is time for brand new ideas. Really radical ones because there is So much to fix. Sorry to say it but now that this watered down bullshit bill has passed I hope and pray Obama welcomes the people to get more involved.

[Demoiselle]

33. YES! Send this suggestion to the White House! Brilliant! (eom)

[Mike 03]

8. This is a brilliant idea. We have to hope that some of Obama's crew see this. It is without

question an immensely brilliant idea.

Kick and Rec.

[Mike 03]

9. Please, we must keep this kicked in the hopes that one of Obama's reps sees this.

It is absolutely brilliant.

[PetrusMonsFormicarum]

10. Long-term effects not so good.

I really like the idea of calling them on the carpet, in front of constituents, and many of them. But would the effect be that those represented districts would be denied the government TEAT bailout while their neighbors (and in some cases of districting, right next door) enjoy refreshed infrastructure, sustainable business enhancement, better schools, etc. etc.?

[Moonwalk]

68. Ah, but to be truly fair, we must give their districts tax cuts, right?

They get to play their experiment, and give their districts only tax cuts, but not stimulus money or building or anything like that. The rest of the country gets the whole package, as Prez. Obama DID promise both tax cuts and stimulus.

A fair experiment. They believe one will work and the other won't. We should test it out on their districts.

[CLANG]

73. Then when the economy doesn't improve

We will know which approach was the most responsible, or ineffective.

[hfojvt]

83. except that even after their tax cut alternatives were voted down

they still voted against the stimulus. Not only did they claim that tax cuts were better than the stimulus (which is about 35% tax cut) but in the end they claimed that doing nothing right now was better than this stimulus.

[lostnfound]

95. And the tax cuts that ARE part of the stimulus bill?

Would you force poor Democrats living in those Republican districts to give up those, too?

[MindMatter]

103. Yes. It would give them an incentive to get out and make some noise

[Window]

106. I doubt any of those hypocrites will turn down any part of the stimulus, especially

in front of their constituents.

[FLyellowdog]

11. YES!

[MadMaddie]

12. Fantastic idea! Make them put up or shut up!

[Mz Pip]

13. Obama shouldn't have to offer

These districts should decline the money from the stimulus they all opposed. If they weren't such hypocrits that's what they would do.

I'd love to see McCain or Lindsey Grahmam go back to their respective states and lobby for just such a move. It should be done in the spirit of keeping the debt down.

[mecherosegarden]

14. Excellent idea! N/R

[Mike 03]

15. My only suggestion is maybe change the OP title so that hopefully

one of Obama's team will see what you are talking about, specifically.

Somehow include that you are talking about repukes who are opposing Obama's vision and his legislation.

In other words: those Republicans who are hindering him at every turn.

[Thickasabrick]

16. Thank you for rec'ing this. It is very high praise coming from you - I

am a fan. What would you suggest as a title and can I change it?

[Mike 03]

37. Lol, I'm nobody. I just admire what you wrote. You have a brilliant idea

here.

It's the most original idea I've ever seen about how to deal with this current crisis with the repuke revolution against Obama.

Thank you.

I'm going to just keep kicking your post to high heaven...

[Peace_Sells]

17. Great Plan.

[Vadem]

19. I absolutely and totally agree with your plan! How can we make ..

it come true?

I love it!

[4 t 4]

27. That's what I was wondering

we need to get involved and help to shape and form these decisions how do we do that. I think the President would welcome us and be proud but how to do it ?

[Thickasabrick]

29. Well.....gulp....I just posted it to Whitehouse.gov.....maybe they will write back!

[CLANG]

76. Oh shit - now you went and did it!

Oh wait, I forgot, the fascists are no longer in control - you're probably safe.

[Thickasabrick]

32. Thank you - I just sent it off to the Whitehouse.gov site - I'll let you know if I hear anything!!

[4 t 4]

34. Way to go Thank You n/t

[dmr]

20. Lindsey Graham said he'd be stupid not to accept the money

for his state. I heard this on one of the cable shows when he was asked if he and the others should opt out in taking money they were against. You know, save the taxpayers that money he says we will waste.

I agree. Let those damn districts or states bear the burden of their decisions.

It would be a good success/failure measure.

[foxfeet]

26. Umm. . .too late. He's already stupid.

[Thickasabrick]

30. LOL....he is eaten up with "the stupid"

[CLANG]

77. He looks and sounds more like Elmer Fudd every day...

[4 t 4]

35. Well then God Damn it

how dare he take a penny. Fucking Lindsey what a dead record 1993 all over again Fuck him he needs to be removed his state should get Nothing!! Nothing them maybe he would be gone like he should be!

[Orsino]

21. Better yet, Congress should rewrite it to make it opt-in.

Those who want the money for their districts would have to go on record.

[Thickasabrick]

22. Brilliant!!!

[BrklynLiberal]

24. Inspired idea. Make sure to pass it along on the Obama website.

[MineralMan]

25. The problem with this idea is that the Senators have

nothing to do with disbursment of the money, nor do they have any control of how it will be used. That falls to the state governments, particularly to the Governors and the legislatures, along with local jurisdictions.

The senators have no say in the matter, so they can't be held to account, nor can they accept or refuse disbursements.

Other than that it's a great idea, philosophically.

[Thickasabrick]

28. Thanks - it's really directed at the congressional critters that all

voted no. I know it would be impossible to implement but I really think someone needs to call their bluff so they don't keep pulling this same kind of crap.

[4 t 4]

31. But the President can allocate right ?

so why don't we pick someone on DU that is informative and intelligent and caring and every time there is an important issue we draw up a petition and get many signatures from other sites and polls as well and we submit it to whitehouse.gov The President wants the help and the input don't you think. Like just one of the ideas of ending homelessness one state at a time, It's an idea because nothing so far in history has worked and nothing may ever work because there are people that just want to be left alone but at least it's a huge new idea. We need New ideas-right?

[southernyankeebelle]

36. Wow We should be proud

That is a great suggestion. Have you got on the website for the Whitehouse and sent that e-mail to them? Great. The american people are smarter than they are in the beltway. I hope you do it.

[Gold Metal Flake]

38. Everyone needs the help this stimulus will provide.

As regions recover and prosper, the citizens may cast aside their foolish representatives and the political party to which they belong.

[Thickasabrick]

39. I absolutely agree. In no way would I want to hurt the districts these

jerks came from. I do not believe for a minute that even one would "opt out". This is just calling their bluff.

[4 t 4]

41. I don't want to hurt anyone

but if their not supporting their constitutes they should be called on it that is the only way to get rid of them and make progress if they're not for the good of their state good riddance right ?

[WyoHiker]

45. Yeah, there are some who would Opt Out

I'm willing to bet the delegation (does 3 make a delegation?) of Wyoming would drop, and for me that would really suck. I'm a land surveyor whose kinda looking forward to some of that infrastructure money coming 'round. Ya know?

[Gold Metal Flake]

46. No, I was just thinking that the sitch is self-correcting to a degree.

And the continuing sight of republickers claiming the sky is ruby red should be allowed to continue. Illustrious dunderheads that they are. However, I am not a "high road" person by nature, and I recognize how delicious it would be to back those puke bastards up against a wall. :evilgrin:

[Marr]

64. I agree- but I do think extra care should be taken in reviewing how the money is spent

in Republican areas.

These are people who think government cannot-- or should not-- help. They'll steal the money and hand it to their cronies if possible.

[Gold Metal Flake]

82. Yes. Oversight is good.

I think most Americans are ready for oversight and regulation again.

[CitizenPatriot]

40. Love it! great idea! kicking! :-) nt

[graywarrior]

43. Love it!

[DCKit]

47. OMFD, how devastating.

The Republics will have to change their name and completely rebrand to hold a single seat. The damage they've done isn't limited to Dem districts and states.

WTF are they going to call themselves in order to get past this?

[CLANG]

78. How about the ReFLUBlican party

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

48. Would they be able to opt out of any future taxes used to pay for it?

[mac56]

61. that's an excellent question

Maybe we have to prepare for that request before we go forward.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

109. Many people would like to not pay taxes for schools since they don't have any kids.

I see that as a little foolish but if we are going to let people opt out of things they disagree with then I guess that's on the table.

David

[defendandprotect]

49. Did they ever mention that in fact the GOP Governors were begging for the stimulus--!!???

[ejpoeta]

69. what do THEY know... they are only the ones that have to actually

deal with the results of this disaster. hey, didn't tim pawlenty say he opposed the stim? so his state should opt out of the money, too then. hmm.

[Flying Dream Blues]

50. This is a GREAT idea! nt

[Nite Owl]

52. How about ads?

Ads that list the help the state or district is getting from the stim bill and then say, "This is what Rep------ or Senator------didn't want you to get."

[CLANG]

79. Now that sounds VERY doable!

[liberalla]

53. I like it!

:thumbsup:

[pamela]

54. Love it.

I also thought it would have been funny if the Dems had called their bluff on the "48 hours to read the bill" whining. They should have said okay and set up a reading room where they could spend all weekend reading it with cameras rolling to see who actually showed up.

[CLANG]

80. Damn it! Another awesome idea! Keep it for next time.

[pamela]

55. Love it.

I also thought it would have been funny if the Dems had called their bluff on the "48 hours to read the bill" whining. They should have said okay and set up a reading room where they could spend all weekend reading it with cameras rolling to see who actually showed up.

[Surya Gayatri]

56. Inspired idea, Thick!......Why don't you

send this as an LTTE to as many outlets as possible. The wider exposure it gets, the better. Not one

citizen should be railroaded into accepting government aid to which they are philosophically or

ideolologically opposed. Let's hear it for an "opt-out" option. Bwaaaaaaaahaaaaaaa! SG

:applause: :applause: :applause:

[GeorgeGist]

57. Nonsense ...

unless they received 100% of the vote.

[The Doctor.]

58. BHWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!

Love it.

Wish it were a little more realistic, but it would be worth a mention by Keith or Rachel.

[Optical.Catalyst]

59. The Republicans are powerless to influence the votes in Congress

I think we should just 'opt out' the Republicans.

There will be no Republican Party in 25 years, let's just send them on their way as quickly as possible.

[DrZeeLit]

60. I'd just like ONE prime time name to DIRECTLY ask one of these Bozos: Are you gonna take the $?

Direct, yes/no, on the record, in your face:

ARE YOU GONNA TAKE THE STIMULUS MONEY THAT YOU VOTED AGAINST?


I want ALL OF THEM to just answer that ONE LITTLE QUESTION.

ON RECORD.

I dare them.

[Chorophyll]

62. Oh hell yes.

I'm with you!

[Chorophyll]

63. Brilliant! nt

[leftofthedial]

65. this should happen.

can't have the evil infecting the real America.

[rhett o rick]

66. who can draw political cartoons?? I got a good one. Show the republican congress critters

with their hand out for stimulus money, with their other hand behind them holding a ballot voting no for the package.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

67. Everybody who likes this idea

should send your support of it to Obama's website. The more he hears it, the better the chance of it being considered.
And if you LOVE it, send a letter to your local paper as well...Maybe we can get some other people on board with it.

This is a truly inspired suggestion, Thickasbrick! :applause:

[bulloney]

70. My question is who would host/moderate such meetings.

If the town hall meeting was hosted by someone other than the dissenting member of Congress, that Congresscritter won't show up and spin it as some propaganda event.

This would need to be a fact-based informational meeting to win over those who would attend. After all, they voted for the guy who opposed the package.

[Stargazer09]

71. Sounds good to me!

Too bad it won't happen that way, but I think it would be PERFECT!

[CLANG]

72. Excellent idea!

The question we need to resolve is if they refuse the money, what is done with it then? Distribute it to those that need it in other districts, don't spend it at all, or let them decide to dole it out to their rich friends?

[abq e streeter]

74. I love it

[joanski0]

75. Lindsey Graham answered that question this

morning. He said, yes, his State should accept the stimulus money, because it's their taxes that have to pay it back. Those Repukes have an answer for everything.

[Fountain79]

113. Ummm

He has a point....it's our tax money that is paying for it....our money...so if it passes...and his state is already paying for it then why not?

[Gregorian]

81. That would be very unfair to their constituents. But I do like it.

Why are we so much smarter than our people in Congress? See Mark Twain on that subject...

[Joe Chi Minh]

84. Great idea! They claim to believe in accountability, too!

[Politicalboi]

85. Maybe some should have

A special election to recall the bums.

[rosesaylavee]

86. Will you send this to Obama?

Or maybe better yet - Rahm?

hehe. :)

On edit: just read you did submit it! Wonderful! This is a great great idea.

[kleec]

87. I love

the way you think and all of the suggestions made by others. You are all fantastic! I had one senator vote for the stimulus and one senator oppose it. That one opposing is non other than Judd Gregg! He is such a jerk, he is not a popular person in this state. I am so glad he is not going to be in Commerce, so relieved. So glad the senator from my district is Jean Shaheen(D), finally.

[emulatorloo]

88. Obama will not punish the American people for the bad behavior of the GOP eom

[libodem]

89. Yeah, none of that dirty Dem money for them

[veganlush]

90. Okay Thickasabrick, that's best goddamn idea ...

...I've heard in a long time! It's pure poetry! I think they should actually do it, without a hint of insincerity. To watch as the reality dawns on their constituents during the town hall meeting, ...wow :popcorn: :evilgrin: :yourock:

[veganlush]

92. what thickasabrick suggests is a great ploy to get people talking about

..the incredible Rushpubelicken hypocrisy, so any talk about 'would they get tax cuts?' or ' should they not have to pay the taxes to play for the stimulus?' are missing the point. Enacting what Thickasabrick has suggested would be impossible for many reasons, that doesn't mean it ain't a beautiful way to make the hypocrites squirm in front of their constituants...:toast:

BTW fellow DUer's thanks for the hearts!:loveya:

I have a dumb question for the group: I know what it means to rec. a post but what exactly is 'kicking'? just want to make sure I'm doin' it!

[Imagevision]

91. It's be nice to view a reporter asking McCain for a comment...

[pacalo]

93. Hearts for Thickasabrick!

[veganlush]

96. I second that, pacalo!

:fistbump:

[pacalo]

97. ...

:fistbump:

I'd like to give you some, too, veganlush!

[veganlush]

94. Error: You've already recommended that thread

[Seldona]

98. Great idea.

[Vinca]

99. One problem. The only thing surer than death and taxes is

a Republican taking money.

[MasonJar]

100. Send the idea to Obama; it is superior. No one will do it of course,

but even the threat would be interesting. Hey, also send it to Move-on, etc. The public interest (progressive) groups might take the idea and fly with it.

[JohnnyRingo]

102. "Thanks, but no thanks.... They can do it their selves".

That should be the red state motto when it comes to "pork" in the stim.

[Window]

Please, please, please put this on the gov website.

:kick:

[Window]

104. Please, please, please put this on the gov website.

:kick:

[Thickasabrick]

105. Thanks so much everyone!!! I really appreciate the rec's and the hearts!!

I sent it to the whitehouse.gov site and will also send it in to my Charlotte paper at a LTE. If anyone else thinks it's a good idea to send in to your local newspapers - please do so!!

Thanks again!

[BigBearJohn]

107. Schumer asked Graham why doesn't he just refuse the bailout money for his state.

Graham replies, oh we're going to pay for it, so we might as well take it.

[aMEriCaNgiRl776]

108. Better yet!!!

Dear American liberals, leftists, social progressives, socialists, Marxists, Obama supporters, et al:

We have stuck together since the late 1950's, but the whole of this latest election process has made me realize that I want a divorce. I know we tolerated each other for many years for the sake of future generations, but sadly, this relationship has run its course. Our two ideological sides of America cannot and will not ever agree on what is right, so let's just end it on friendly terms. We can smile, slate it up to irreconcilable differences, and go on our own ways.

Here is a model dissolution agreement:

Our two groups can equitably divide up the country by landmass each taking a portion. That will be the difficult part, but I am sure our two sides can come to a friendly agreement.
After that it should be relatively easy! Our respective representatives can effortlessly divide other assets since both sides have such distinct and disparate tastes. We don't like redistributive taxes so you can keep them. You are welcome to the liberal judges and the ACLU.

Since you hate guns and war, we'll take our firearms, the cops, the NRA and the military. You can keep Oprah, Michael Moore, and Rosie O'Donnell (you are however, responsible for finding a bio-diesel vehicle big enough to move them).

We'll keep the capitalism, greedy corporations, pharmaceutical companies, Wal-Mart, and Wall Street. You can have your beloved homeless, homeboys, hippies, and illegal aliens. We'll keep the hot Alaskan hockey moms, greedy CEO's, and rednecks. We'll keep the Bibles and give you NBC and Hollywood .

You can make nice with Iran , Palestine , and France and we'll retain the right to invade and hammer places that threaten us. You can have the peaceniks and war protestors. When our allies or way of life are under assault, we'll provide them job security.

We'll keep our Judeo-Christian Values. You are welcome to Islam, Scientology, Humanism, and Shirley McClain. You can have the U.N. But we will no longer be paying the bill. We'll keep the SUV's, pickup trucks, and oversized luxury cars. You can take every Subaru station wagon you can find.

You can give everyone healthcare, if you can find any practicing doctors (that is practicing, Howard Dean) who will follow to your turf (sic). We'll continue to believe healthcare is a luxury and not a right.

We'll keep The Battle Hymn of the Republic and The National Anthem. I'm sure you'll be happy to substitute Imagine, I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing, Kum Ba Ya or We Are the World.

We'll practice trickledown economics and you can give trickle up poverty its best shot.

Since it often so offends you we'll keep our History, our Name, and our Flag.

Would you agree to this? If so please pass it along to other likeminded patriots and if you do not agree just hit delete and hang on.

In the spirit of friendly parting, I'll bet you ANWAR on who will need whose help in 15 years.

Sincerely,

John J. Wall
Law Student and an American

P.S. Please take Barbara Streisand too.

[AndrewP]

110. I love it!

[Fountain79]

111. The logic is flawed....

The idea is that areas against the "stimulus" bill can opt out of receiving funds and/or barred from funds based on their objections makes little sense. Is it fair to assume that a district/state that opts out can also receive a lower rate on their federal income tax? Should the states/districts receiving the "stimulus" funds expect a higher federal income tax rate?

[CLANG]

112. Another similar solution

http://buzzflash.com/articles/node/7645