An interesting commentary on American society. According to at least one person who commented, Barack Obama was elected as president by the American public (obviously with the support of many voters who are not black) but is now above criticism because of his race?
That would be a good spot for a politician--accept anything I do or be called a racist because I am a black president!
Politics can be amazing. And, as an aside, how would you like to be a federal employee (white) with a case being investigated by the person who sees the peaceful protest at the tea parties as being a racist event?
Interesting. 18% of readers went to a tea party when .00001% of all Americans attended one. It explains why readers here had McCain winning by 18% in a 2oo8 pole at Fedsmith when he lost by 7%. LOL
Re: Above reproach based on his race
lr specialist DoD Agency Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:35 AM
As usual, the GS-14 accountant has a smattering of information that is almost true but taken completely out of context and used to mislead and to reach an illogical conclusion.
In doing a quick search of this site, there was a poll that showed McCain being ahead of Obama by 15%--but it was not the one just before the election. The one he is probably referring to was before the party conventions--before the campaigns began in earnest and before either candidate had received a nomination. That is considerable different than "readers here had McCain winning by 18% in a 2oo8 pole (sic) at Fedsmith when he lost by 7%." The poll taken in October on the site showed McCain winning--but by 5% and not 18%--and undoubtedly the polls were shifting day by day. (http://www.fedsmith.com/article/1755/)
In fact, a poll of readers taken several weeks prior to that showed Obama ahead by 7% (http://www.fedsmith.com/article/1730/)
I wonder what "pole" he was referring to? Likely not the one about GS14 grammarians...
"LOL" Is that still used by 60-something retirees that can't use English properly?
Re: Above reproach based on his race
Fed Fed Wed Apr 22, 2009 1:20 PM
Dissent is only patriotic when there is a Republican in the White House. Weren't we just hearing how wonderful it was that Barack Obama was bringing all of this excitement about the political process? Now when we have similar excitement that favors a more limited government (which the mainstream media opposes), we have nothing but insults hurled at the participants in these rallies. We've become a country that lacks any ability to engage in meaningful dialogue. Name-calling and bullying is what awaits for those who do not subscribe to the politically correct notions.
Re: Above reproach based on his race
Citizen USA Wed Apr 22, 2009 5:35 PM
retired GS14 accountant - why do so many of your posts contain misleading assertions and wrong information?
Re: Above reproach based on his race
Diversity Manager DOL Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:23 PM
14 retired why?? think the answer is obvious he's a left wing political hack and is desperate to justify his vote but its becoming more difficult every day
Tea Party
Management Analyst HHS Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:13 AM
I believe American citizens have the freedom to express themselves openly - for now at least. It is small and petty to dismiss citizens who express their views as stupid and Republican.
After the taxes start rising for all Americans-not just the "rich", we will see how many others want to join the Tea Party.
Re: Tea Party
Consultant none Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:57 AM
I'll be the mega-rich are glad to have people like you to champion their cause.
A sucker is born every minute.
Yes, your taxes might go up. That's because we don't pay enough in taxes to cover even the big ticket items (defense, medicare/medicaid, education, farm subsidies). Much less pork-barrel spending.
But let's start by putting taxes on the rich back to reasonable levels like we had when this nation was most prosperous (under LBJ). Even Clinton did not tax the rich enough.
BTW - Adam Smith and many (if not most) of our founding fathers favored a progressive tax system.
Re: Tea Party
LRS USPS Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:52 AM
Dear Consultant,
You need to "consult" somebody 'cause evidently, you don't know. You write, "Yes, your taxes might go up. That's because we don't pay enough in taxes... " Are you serious? You must be one of the "mega-rich" you mentioned in your misguided post.
What's wrong with this country? IMO-
1. The government's too big.
2. People in elected government stay too long.
3. Even people with opinions like yours get to vote
Get a grip.
Re: Tea Party
worker Fed Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:28 AM
This is to LRS USPS:
Consultant is right. Your taxes may or may not go up. Since no one except you knows your income, no one can say. If you are wealthy, your taxes will go up according to Obama. It is also true that your taxes went down the most under Bush. See the highest marginal tax rate cuts, dividend tax cuts, and other cuts. The middle class got smaller tax cuts and temporary cuts.
If you are middle class, you probably will not see any tax increases. You might even get a small cut. The wealthy will see their taxes increase.
Confused
Manager DOT Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:14 AM
Since when is expressing your views for not agreeing with all the spending and tax plans makes you racist. I get the feeling that if you don't agree with the current administration on these issues you are now labeled a racist. So instead of accepting others views we label them unfairly. Way to go from an EEO representative America does know what is going on and they are not happy about it, get over it.
Re: Confused
Editor DoD Wed Apr 22, 2009 4:12 PM
Manager DOT - well said, and don't forget we're also "right-wing EXTREMISTS" and (presumably) "rich." I'm curious to those who think all the Tea Party attendees are "rich" - just how do you define "rich," by the way? What I'd really like to know is when did it become a crime to work hard so as to become financially comfortable? Dems/liberals wear their "tax and spend" labels and defend their socialistic viewpoints to the point of making me sick! If the protesters at these Tea Parties shared their narrow point of view, they'd be praised as patriots!
Re: Confused
worker Fed Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:37 AM
To manager DOT and Editor DOD,
Racisim is being against someone because of race, not because of economics. Forget the racist garbage. It is not there.
As far as the tea party issue, the wealthy have the most to gain by the tea party stuff. They are the ones who had relatively permanent tax cuts under George Bush.
These include larger bracket cuts and dividend tax cuts. The middle class got temprorary cuts such as exemption credit increase until child is 17, college credits while child is in college, etc.
Of course they run out in 2011.
Do not forget the estate tax. The wealthy call it the death tax to make it sound bad. However, you already have a $2,000,000 or more exemption. That is pretty large for a middle class person. The people affect by this are the wealthy.
The non wealthy tea party people are being used by the wealthy for their own purposes.
Re: Confused
analyst dod Thu Apr 23, 2009 4:17 PM
"Racisim is being against someone because of race, not because of economics. Forget the racist garbage. It is not there."
Wrong.
We'll forget the racist garbage when Obama defenders stop playing the race card just for disagreeing with them. They're still playing it.
tea parties
Examiner DOL Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:17 AM
Oh, please. Yes, the tea parties represent a movement -of a small, isolated, retrograde clique. Many of them are suffering from a serious case of delusion - thinking they are rich and powerful when they are regular folks who have been mobilized for the benefit of the wealthy financial backers of the right wing.
It is too far away from the 2010 elections for the tea parties to be significant. To the degree that they are significant they make the extreme right wing look looney.
"Patriots" who talk about secession would do well to return all the Federal money they have received or might receive. Then they can sit in the dark and contemplate their purist future while the rest of us work on moving the country forward.
Re: tea parties
IRS Agent IRS Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:48 AM
This movement was NOT for the benefit of the wealthy although they may directly benefit. It is an outcry of the failed policies, both Democrat & Republican that have driven this country to the brink of failure. Racist? BULL CRAP! The average citizen is fed up with the corporate greed and government bailouts which is coming out of our tax dollars. We do not want to support some lazy slob who wants nothing more than to feed at the government trough while contributing nothing to society. What we do want is fair taxes, good jobs, access to good reasonable cost medical care and a good education that will not bankrupt the average American Family. If I'm a racist for wanting that, then so be it.
Re: tea parties
Employee DOI Wed Apr 22, 2009 6:05 PM
Check out the US Constitution, if you were at all familiar with it you would realize that IT IS the "regular" citizens (that you mention in a negative sense) that are "supposed" to decide how this REPUBLIC is to operate, and what freedoms and liberties we have.
COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
Civil Servant DOD Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:33 AM
The Tea Parties are about calling attention to spending and taxing that didn't work before and won't work this time; they indicate this country needs a major course correction !!
Also, people are saying NO to:
Lack of transparency (rushing budgets through with 9,000 earmarks);
Spending without corresponding resources to support such spending (DEFICIT Spending);
Government intervention and control; and
Corporate Bail-outs--free enterprize means some will fail and others will be creative in filling the resulting vacuum.
Bias runs rampant in the Mainstream Media--This was not a Fox News sponsored event, even though that is how CNN characterized it. Some suggested the protestors were unAmerican and unpatriotic. HAH!
Everyday people were portrayed as radicals when they were just excercising their first amendment rights. However, Code Pink and other fringe groups get a handful together and the MSM is there covering it as though they are the patriots.
It's true about earmarks. The Republicans make up 40% of Congress AND 40% of the earmarks in the bill. DO REPUBLICANS OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE? LOL
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
specialist VA Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:59 AM
So where were these patriots during the past 8 years, when the debt was being created? Clinton left office with a surplus. Bush and his gang used it up, and piled up a mountain more of debt. Now, types like you want to gripe when someone comes in and tries to clean up the mess. Could it be that you are one of the sore loser elephants?
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
Civil Servant DOD Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:07 AM
Accountant, Retired
The above comment was non-partisan, as were the Tea Parties. Your comment shows partisan bias by asking if the Republicans had any better alternatives. BOTH parties have been delinquent.
The answer to your question is stated above in a non-partisan affirmative manner--
NO more lack of transparency;
NO more deficit spending;
NO more (socialist) government intervention (than we already have); and
NO more corporate bailouts.
We may experience some short term pain to let the free market run its course, but the long term health of the nation is at stake and the free enterprise system is the foundation of our democratic society and will serve to balance out all these problems in the end better than what's been implemented already and under consideration.
You are just an uninformed uneducated populist. Americans are always against deficit spending, no matter what. Most have never taken a macro economics course and the average American has a 100 IQ. In times of great economic stress deficit spending is necessary. We had a 6% decline in economic activity last quarter. Without deficit spending we could easily fall into a depression. We finally got out of the great depression when we spent 25% GDP for 4 years in 1941 through 1945 and we paid it off. Third parties usually fail.... at least since 1861.
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
Computer Scientist DON Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:14 AM
To Specialist, VA: No, Clinton did NOT leave office with a surplus. That is a myth:
Yes, the prior administration piled on the debt, but the current one is making it even worse by doubling and tripling the debt, and our children and grandchildren will be paying for it.
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
usda worker Wed Apr 22, 2009 2:20 PM
I still find it amazing that these people did not come out during the previous administration
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
Employee DOI Wed Apr 22, 2009 6:29 PM
I agree our politicians in DC are out of control. TWO THINGS that need to happen in order for "We The People" to Regain Control of our Federal Gocernment:
1) Our Presidents are limited to 8 years in office in their lifetime, the 535 members of the house and senate should be so limited as well!
2) The Internal Revenue Tax Code give Congress too much power. The IRS and Tax Code need to be repealed and replaced with a consumption tax such as the Fair Tax, check it out at www.fairtax.org
Unless the above happens, we will continue to head in our current direction, more debt, more government, more taxes, and LESS FREEDOMS!
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
Diversity Manager DOL Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:29 PM
Lets see $3 Trillion is new debt in only 100 days more than Bush in 8 years . Yep its all the republicans fault
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
worker Fed Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:49 AM
To employee DOI
The Internal Revenue Code does not give Congress any power. An amendment to the Constitution gives the government the right to impose an income tax. The Internal Revenue Code imposes various taxes including an income tax. Regulations issued by the Comm issioner of the Internal Revenue Service interprets the internal Revenue Code. Case law by the Judiciary provides more interpretation based on the Code and Regs. There are other itens such as Rev Procs, and Rev Rulings, but it is not necessary to go there as it will muddy up the waters even more.
Tax law is based on a progressive system where the wealthy pay more because they can do so. The wealthy are trying to flatten the progressive system so they can pay less relative to the middle class.
Please do not impose a consumption tax. This is a regressive tax. The poor and middle class consume more relative to income and will pay more taxes, while the wealthy will end up paying less taxes.
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
Employee DOI Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:54 PM
To worker FED- You don't know near as much as you think you do about our tax system! Congress-President do all kinds of social engineering and manipulation of the economy and how companies/individuals invest and spend. THAT gives them TOO MUCH power via the tax code. Interest paid (used to be all types of interest, now for most just real estate interest) is tax deductible, but interest earned (savings) is taxed. That's backwards, and results in our government encouraging debt and discouraging savings (via the tax code). Look where that has gotten us- trillions in debt, but many people haven't prepared (saved) for retirement, they'll be dependent on the Government! Also, you don't know what you're talking about pertaining to the Fair Tax (consumption) either, since it would not tax anyone's consumption up to the poverty level, through a monthly "prebate check", to address your very concerns. Check it out and get the facts before you discredit the Fair Tax. www.fairtax.org
Responses About Tea Parties
Retired Personnel Management Specialist USAF & DFAS & DLA Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:34 AM
Thank you for your objective presentation of the Tea Parties. Much of my career was in relations to discrimination complaints. My hope and prayer is that everyone's eyes could be cleared of our political bias. I invested 35+ years supporting equal opportunity and treatment in the federal government in three federal agencies. My support of the Tea Parties is not a racist reaction to the current President. My perception sees a current government of career politicians, both Republican and Democrat, who have failed their country and are NOT responsibly leading our country. Greed and power lust are exemplified regardless of party affiliation. Deficit spending in the hundreds of billions was wrong. Deficit spending in the trillions cannot be tolerated! May all Americans wake up and return to the vision of government seen thru the eyes of John Adams and other founding fathers.
Tea Party
Revenue Agent IRS Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:39 AM
I find it very interesting that there is a wide range of views on the tea parties. I spent 20 years in the Air Force protecting the rights of people to voice their opinions. Now, we have one group of people voicing their opinions by having a tea party, and another group of people voicing their displeasure over the tea parties. That's what freedom of speech is all about!
Increased Corporate Earnings
Fed Peasant DOD Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:40 AM
Fox News will have higher earnings, as a consequence of instigating this "protest".
Fox news has 3 million watchers and is losing money. The Reagan De evoltion is waining and it's affecting the station. So long Bill (yeller) O'Riley, And Shawn Ham it to me, and all the other progressive Irish pundits. lol
Re: Increased Corporate Earnings
lr specialist DoD Agency Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:05 AM
Our GS-14 accountant has again come up with interesting observations that have no relationship to the world we live in other than, perhaps, wishful thinking or some skewed far-left website. If Fox News is losing ground, here is the latest based on facts rather than the imaginary ramblings: "Fox News averaged 2.15 million viewers in primetime for the week ending March 22, 2009. Only USA (3.16 million) averaged more. CNN came in 21st with an average 914,000 total viewers, and MSNBC placed 23rd with an average of 886,000 total viewers. All figures are according to Nielsen Media Research."
By the way, the New York Times, hardly a conservative or even mainstream paper, is headed toward bankruptcy. " As The New York Times Co. tries to bask in the glory of having bagged five Pulitzers, the company is facing a cash crunch that could put it on the path toward insolvency" in an article called "$1.3 B Death Rattle"
Of course, the govt. may step in to save it--and have it champion the Dems at gov. expense. Perhaps we could call it Pravda instead as it would be the official state-run paper.
Re: Increased Corporate Earnings
Accountant DFAS Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:05 AM
Dear Accountant, GS 14, Retired, you might want to check your figures, as of the last quartly report, for the 2nd quarter 09, Fox News had a 27% growth from the same time period the previous year. Fox news also had 46% more viewers than their nearest cable new competiator. While other cable news networks are losing people and money, Fox News is actually gaining.
What world do you people live in?
Consultant none Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:50 AM
First, Fox News didn't "cover" the tea parties, they actively promoted them. Other news agencies didn't ingore them, they just weren't promoting them.
Complaining about resetting tax rates to reasonable levels has got to be the single stupidest issue the Republican party has chosen to champion. Do their constituents have any idea how wealth in this country has been massively redistributed to the upper 1/2% over the last 20 years through failed trickle-down policies? Apparently not.
It is unbelievable how ill-informed some Americans are. These are facts, people. They're quite easy to look up. Look up "real wage" trends. Compare the wealth of the top 1% in 1980 to what it is today. Look up "Gini coefficient." Read The Economist.
Do you want to live in India? Because with Republican tax policies, that's where we're headed.
Re: What world do you people live in?
Emp Fed Govt Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:17 AM
No, consultant, I want to live in the good ole USA and earn as much as I can and not have my neighbor in his overpriced/mortgaged house come knocking on my door for a handout. That's all. Thanks for not consulting in my neighborhood with your views.
Re: What world do you people live in?
Supervisor DOD Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:34 AM
I believe that most of those top 1/2% you allude to got there by being entrepreneurs or athletes; they hardly amassed fortunes from the government off the backs of the rest of us. Some also inherited the money, or earned it by acting in movies, or in real estate.
I agree that we are probably heading for a two-party economic situation where the middle-class disappears, but maybe some of those middle-class families are becoming part of the top.
But one thing is for sure to get where I am today (debt free except for my mortgage) I had to sacrifice my WANTS OF THE MOMENT to get here. People have to go through the sacrifice now to be solvent again and we have to do so together as a nation.
Until we as a society appreciate a fireman over an actor, a policeman over a rockstar, a teacher over an athlete, etc then our values will always be skewed to there being a mega-rich and mega-poor U.S.
Tea Party
specialist VA Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:51 AM
How silly--taxes are going to be around as long as we are. How would these imbeciles propose to pay back what the Bush administration has wasted? Where were these protesters during the past 8 years that GWB was busy putting us in debt? I'm sure that he and Mr. Cheeney are not suffering at all. Their fat cat supporters aren't either, although they're likely crying poor mouth trying to get bail out funds. Yes, taxes hurt us of the middle class, but don't blame President Obama--he's taken on the task of cleaning up the mess that Republicans created. I have no sympathy for the rich because they've been sailing along happily for years while we of the middle class have been paying the bills.
Re: Tea Party
lr specialist DoD Agency Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:57 AM
Keep in mind that 5 percent of Americans pay more than 50% of the income tax in America. The wealthiest 1 percent of the population earn 19 percent of the income but pay 37 percent of the income tax. The top 10 percent pay 68 percent of the tab. Meanwhile, the bottom 50 percent—those below the median income level—now earn 13 percent of the income but pay just 3 percent of the taxes.
The current philosophy among some commenting seems to be: Damn the rich! Mao would certainly go along with that--as well as karl marx and probably Barack Obama as well. I don't see a problem with people being successful and don't like disparaging and attacking them for having been successful. About 48% of Americans do not pay income taxes now--and that is rapidly moving up to 50%. They are actually getting a welfare check (part of the 95% of Americans paying less taxes).
Most of us did not like the Bush debt. Obviously, Obama's extra trillions will be impossible to pay back--and he has only been in office about three months.
The top 5% own around 55% of everything. They are small business owners, CEO's and executives who's income increased 65% under GWB while the rest of us went down 4%. AND guess who makes the decision who gets the raises. The Top 5% who decided to keep it for themselves. SO.. well get it another way. RAISE THEIR TAXES!!!!
Who's to blame?
power plant operator Corps of Engineers Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:01 AM
Many of those attending the tea parties will not be affected by any federal tax increase, most of those there were average working people, not those in the $250K plus category.
I think these tea parties are OK as long as they don't try and dump the blame on the current occupant of the Whitehouse for the last 90 plus days. This spending spree started long ago and both parties share the guilt.
I think the right of citizen to protest should never be infringed.
I also find it interesting how our media chooses to report events. The anti war protest were largely ignored and some had hundreds of thousands in attendance, most of the tea parties were much smaller and FOX gave them coverage like a national disaster! The other media outlets ignored them or made fun of them. Go figure....
Tea Parties - To be or Not to be
Aerospace Engineer DOT Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:03 AM
Keep up the good work!!! The Tea parties are the beginning of real change! Not the twisted left wing biased untruth coming out of the Obama administration and congress.
Rascist?
PPT Specialist Dept of State Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:06 AM
I actually watched the event from different view points (CNN & Fox) on April 15 and believe that any belief of rascism is grossly misinformed. I have heard the spin from both sides of the isle (Dem vs Rep). I don't believe they realize that this is not something that benefits either one of them, but, instead, could be their demise that has been almost successfully attempted with the Bull-Moose Party and most recently Ross Perot if the tea parties can better organize. Most signs bashed the policies that was started by Bush calling this the Bush-Obama policy. There were others that were more one sided both ways (Dem / Rep). I think some will always only listen to their preferred parties media, but I like to listen to all (i.e. Fox, MSNBC, and CNN) to get a balanced perspective. I do agree though that if the organizers don't make their protests more linear, like the other movements of the past (i.e. Dr. King), I think that it will fizzle and not even be remembered.
Dangerous Tea Parties?
Mediator USDA, retired Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:31 AM
The very idea that someone thinks these peaceful demonstrations about preserving our freedoms are dangerous indicates just how much the demonstrations are needed. I can almost hear my mother saying "I suppose if our president jumped off a cliff you would too"! I encourage people to consider these parties for their content and concerns rather than from a unity/disharmony stand point. Perhaps some concerned people were just waking up to the impacts of Bush's bailouts and now are ready to express themselves when Obama continues them to the extreme. It is not political party opposition or racial discrimination... people who throw that out are smoke screening. It is our country and our freedom folks! WAKE UP!
don't pay in taxes during July
civil servant DoD Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:43 AM
I saw a suggestion of sending them a message by holding out your withholdings for the month of July09...i think that would be a great idea!
The Republican Party has spent the last eight years tearing our county apart and now that we have a chance to bring it together they are still trying to tear it apart. How about some intellengent compromise? Let's have a reality check and try and work together instead of acting like children who would say; If I can't be the leader then I will make sure you fail. We need to remember that if part of us fail we all lose.
Re: Tea Party
Accountant DFAS Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:30 AM
First of all you might want to re-think who was tearing this country apart for the last 8 years, you might want to look at the Democrates also, they are the ones who started with the hate speach. The democrates hated that President Bush was elected and did everything in their power to demean him.
Also your 'reality check', you might want to do one yourself, it is now the Democrates that are acting like children, as President Obama put it things are going to be done his way becuase "I won". The democrates are also rushing thru bills that they don't read and then later crying foul because of some clauses, see AIG bonuses.
The only thing I can agree on is that if part of us fail we all lose. What you have to realize is that no ONE party is completely at fault, both the republicans and the democrates share the blame and the Tea Parties were expressing the complete disgust the average American currently has the entire situation.
Re: Tea Party
specialist VA Mon Apr 27, 2009 9:11 AM
What a bunch of whining losers! Personally, I'm sick and tired of reading and hearing the orations of the Republican yappers. They lost the election fair and square--that should tell them something. Lots of lip flapping, but no better ideas. If you all have the answers, why not run for office? Otherwise, dummy up and let someone who knows what he's doing take the lead. In other words, LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET THE H OUT OF THE WAY!
Re: Tea Party
Supervisor DOA Mon Apr 27, 2009 10:14 PM
specialist - Democrats and Republicans both have been yapping for years. Both tend to do it more when they aren't in control, this is just another cycle of that. Quit trying to tell us it's just one party who does it.
That's the real world. Deal with it.
EEO Investigator in Dallas
Anti change DOI Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:02 AM
You are correct in that the main stream America knows what is happening- the tea parties are for out of control government. You are the stupid one-these events are not racial in any form. You are being racist even bringing up that the man is black because he is not-he is 50% white and 50% black. We, main stream America, see him as the president not as a black man. That is why the tea parties include people from all walks of life, including political parties. It is the Congress and the President that are out of control.
Misinformed
Engineer DOD Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:04 AM
Wow. That is all I can say. There are some pretty high up GS-14 and above that are just spouting non-factual information here and exposing their ingnorance.... I am just amazed that there are people so misiformed, that history is beginning to be repeated as we head toward a soft tyranny of central planners planning away our freedoms. The Tea Parties are just the tip of the iceberg of what is to come. And I predict that there will be some of you folks on here who decry these events that will be joining your local tea party in the months to come!
Tea Parties
retired fed DHHS Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:05 AM
As a Maryland resident unhappy with high state taxes I might have attended the local tea party, but it was apparent this protest was quickly hijacked by Fox News, Rush Limbaugh and the usual subjects with the usual right-wing partisan agenda. Was the protest directed at the restoration of the 39.6% tax bracket in two years? I doubt this would apply to many grassroots tax protesters. Was it directed at the costly $1 trillion (and counting) debacle in Iraq? We already voted most of those people out of office. Was it directed at the TARP bailout? TARP was necessitated by banking deregulation and tax cuts for the wealthy, two ideas the far right still endorses. These demonstrations are a complete waste of time unless you want to demonstrate against your own financial interests (assuming you are not rich).
cut/paste this in your brouser...Barney Frank is more to blame than anyone!
Re: Tea Parties
retired fed DHHS Wed Apr 22, 2009 5:56 PM
Actually it was five things: failure to control the U.S. trade deficit (cheap money pouring in from China); failure to raise interest rates (Greenspan's paranoia about inflation); financial deregulation which allowed for "innovative" financial instruments (the Maestro again); failure of private sector rating services (e.g., Moody's) to warn investors about innovations like CDOs; and finally, no controls over predatory lenders. Clinton did sign a disastrous Republican bill (Phil Gramm) in 1999 that allowed the "too big to fail" banks to form. Knowing Clinton, it was either to out-Republican the Republicans or because he knew his veto would be overriden. Blaming the exploding housing bubble solely on the Democrats is ridiculous.
Re: Tea Parties
Attorney DoD Tue Apr 28, 2009 8:46 AM
Amen, brother! Well said.
Also: The Boston Tea Party was about taxation without representation, whereas the protestors are complaining about actions by their lawfully elected representatives. Couldn't they come up with a for the protests that wasn't just so darned stupid? I've talked to several protestors and nobody can explain the choice of a name. If you can't even explain your name, how do you expect to have any credibility?
And I'd tend to believe these were nonpartisan protests if they had occurred even once during the Iraq deficit spending and the Bush bailout. Instead, the timing of the "tea parties" and the way Hannity and Limbaugh promoted them strongly suggest the protests were indeed HIJACKED for political purposes as Retired Fed says.
Tea Parties Good or Bad
EIAO USDA Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:14 AM
I for one find it interesting that while you will always have diverse opinions on any subject. This one seems to be a no brainer too me, History has proven and common sense should tell anyone that you can not borrow or spend your way out of debt and that raising taxes has the opposite effect as intended. John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan both proved that when you lower taxes the Federal government will actually take in more money to the treasury and when you raise taxes it takes in less. One of the main problems in our society is we as citizens have shierked our responsiblities in only electing honest men and women to public office and who have integrity. This is why we always seem to be having scandal after scandal with our elected leaders whether they be Democrat, Republican or Independent. Our Country was started by men of Faith, who believed in God and were willing to give their lives and fortunes for obtaining liberty and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
NBC CNN AND OTHER S
Retired LR Manager Retired Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:16 AM
The only professional news station without the rudeness and snarkiness was FOX. Go FOX you got it right. The other stations have a twisted view of the world and their appraoch to free speech is dangerous. The female announcer on CNN reported by FOX and the public who captured her remarks on video phone were outrageous. She was crude, argumentative with a citizen holding a child whom she would not let finish. She is the worst that CNN has to offer. Hope she gets the ax. Doubt it though. The teaparties are just the beginnings. Obama 180 with the CIA will ruin his career--now he thinks that his liberal left wing Attny General should prosecute those that kept us safe. I feel for current CIA employees who will be fearful of doing their jobs. Well..when Obama loses next election, the GOP will prosecute them..this is a third world regime..pitiful. This is unbelievable. I have NO rspect for the Obama team. I am active in meeting with local GOP to get ready to oust these looneys.
Government is too big??
Database administrator Air Force Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:21 AM
One common thread that runs thru most of these comments is that every one of them is just out for "WHAT'S GOOD FOR THEM". Very few actually try to figure out what's good for the country right now, as the President is trying to do. I do believe he is seeking to do the right things to help us now. For all you people who are screaming against "BIG Government" and "Socialism", let's see what you want from the Government when a disaster like Katrina strikes you, or another 9/11, or even when you need Social Security, Unemployment benefits, or the FDIC to give you your savings when your bank goes under!
Re: Government is too big??
Supervisor DOD Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:53 AM
Katrina should have been handled better by the governor of Louisiana and the mayor of New Orleans, then the Big, Bad Government would not have had as many people to rescue, just mostly a flooded city. Alabama citizens and the state government helped itself when they were hit - not waiting on Uncle SAM. Each person, city, state needs to be proactive in their own defense/protection in cases where the government cannot get there right away.
I was raised to take care of myself - not wait for someone to rescue me or give me a handout.
Bizarre Survey Results
Research Analyst Executive Branch Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:22 AM
These survey results are outright bizarre. Eighteen (18)percent of FedSmith respondents claimed they attended a Tea Party Protest. If we extrapolate that nationwide it comes to 65 million people, but most estimates put the number of attendees at only 100,000 to 300, 000. These are widely disproportionate results and imply that the FedSmith respondents are in no way representative of the American population.
A recent Gallup poll finds 61% of Americans saying they regard the income taxes they have to pay as FAIR. And yet 63% of FedSmith respondents sided with the tax protesters who claim the income taxes they are paying are UNFAIR.
It is obvious the FedSmith survey respondents are very much different from the rest of us Americans.
Re: Bizarre Survey Results
HR Spec DoD Agency Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:32 AM
I suspect that many of the readers of this site are retired or close to being retired and have a lot of leave. That makes them stand out from the rest of the population. Federal employees are also much better paid than the average American--probably more than 50% higher than the average American when benefits are included.
Moreover, most federal employees pay more attention to politics than most just because they are directly impacted at work by the political environment and are more attuned to it.
It all adds up to a demographic group that would have more interest in the tea parties than most Americans--many of whom may have liked to go but were not retired, did not have leave and could not take time off without pay to go. My hunch is that some said they went--and would like to have gone--and said they were there but were actually working.
Tea Parties for everyone
Engineering Tech USFS Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:28 AM
The tea parties represented everyone except for the Democrats that are still so overjoyed by winning they will follow this President anywhere. There were Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, Constitutionalists, etc. So how can this be only for Republicans? However if the GOP is smart they may be able to reform by including these "fringe" parties and their ideals. Most of the comments against them just reek of Sour Grapes. Why is it when the former president was protested constantly it was the right thing to do, but the policies of this one are protested and it is called "disturbing disunity"?
Re: Tea Parties for everyone
Director USDA Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:29 PM
Here's a little known fact that "they" don't want you to know.
Card-Carrying DEMOCRATS WERE IN ATTENDANCE! WHAT? YEAH! They were! Shhhhhh, don't tell anyone!
Teaq Party
Worker Federal government Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:30 AM
First, I have seen these April 15 protests for many years. They have the right to protest as long as it is done peacefully. I passed one on my way to the Post office and they were very nice.
From what I see, they are either wealthy people who want to continue the failed Bush policies of lowering taxes for the wealthy and cutting government services for the middle class and poor. An example of cut services is the charge for an offer in compromise by the Internal Revenue Service. If these people cannot afford to pay their taxes, why should they be charged for an offer in compromise?
Taxes must be raised for the wealthy. I believe $250000 threshhold is too low, because two professionals can make that money. Cost of living in New York is much different than in a small town away from a large city. Perhaps the threshhold should be $500000 for a 40% marginal tax rate and $1,000,000 for a 45% tax rate.
This is a political issue. The Republicans have gone too far to the right.
Tea Party comments
Manager HUD Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:40 AM
Interesting comments, but when the elected representatives of the people find it "disturbing" that the people have an opinion, and wish to use their constitutional rights (you folks are aware of the Bill of Rights??) to express them, I am even more disturbed. In addition, why does disagreement with Mr. Obama equal racism? I guess that would mean anyone that was not white was a racist for disagreeing with Mr. Bush? Not a very bright approach to things.
Calm down, already.
Compliance Officer Department of Labor Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:48 AM
Yes, it's a lot of money. I cringe thinking about the funds going to companies that really don't deserve them. But, really. Let's calm down, people.
No, he's not planning on converting this country to Socialism. Obama inherited a huge problem. Let's give his solution a chance and avoid this ridiculous paranoia.
This is the first time in a long time we're hearing about holding people accountable and having a transparent government. If he sticks to those promises and if future presidents uphold them (and actually regulate some of these markets), we may actually learn from this difficult period of time.
Tea Party
Engineer Dept. of Navy Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:00 PM
I think it is interesting that the comments against the Tea Parties are name calling against their fellow Americans. I do think this is more than just sour grapes from loosing an election, otherwise we should have seen this type of events when Cliton won. This seem to be more of an reaction from the actions our new President has been taking.
Comment on the comments
IT Spec USAF Wed Apr 22, 2009 4:25 PM
It's somewhat scary that an EEO specialist has this view;"An EEO investigator with the Dept. of Transportation in Dallas says the tea parties are a racist event: "The event I believe was just a excuse for right winger to show their dislike for the President because of his race! Main-stream AMERICA is not stupid, they know what's happening!""
Where was the tea party when Bush was president and was spending billions of dollars in Iraq, executives were pocketing millions of dollars, people were losing jobs, and this country got into this economic problem. These tea party people are nothing but disgruntal republicans who hate that their candidate McCain did not win office. They had to vent their frustration toward President Obama administration hoping that would deter his progress. Obama has done more in these few months than Bush did in 8 years. When this economy get back on track under Obama watch, these tea party will not give him credit but instead will continue to vent their frustration. Nothing Obama does will satisfy them. Only a Republican whether he/she be good or bad will ease their frustration.
Re: Tea Party
IT Spec dod Wed Apr 22, 2009 8:43 PM
Retired government employee - check your facts before you post. If you look at the 8 years under Bush with a critical eye you'll see that under most of his term unemployment was near record lows, the market was healthy (helping boost 401Ks etc.). It started tanking during the last two years when Democrats got control of congress. While the link to the economic nose dive isn't entirely because of Democratic control, it makes more sense that your assertion that the entire 8 years were so bad economically.
Regarding your assertion that Obama has done more than Bush ever did, why don't you tell us exactly how he has achieved more in the past few months than Bush did in 8 years (keep in mind that making speeches doesn't qualify as doing more, that's just running your mouth).
Re: Tea Party
manager DoD Thu Apr 23, 2009 6:29 AM
" Obama has done more in these few months than Bush did in 8 years. "
Obama has increased the national deficit faster than any other President in history, I'll give you that.
Re: Tea Party
worker Fed Thu Apr 23, 2009 11:10 AM
To IT Spec DOD
Yes, Bush did so much for us. He took a budget surplus and made it into a deficit. He started two wars. The first one was in Afghanistan. This was justified based on the Taliban shielding the Al Qiada fron justice. The second one in IRAQ was totally wrong. All of the assertions about nuclear weapons were wrong. Although Sadaam was a #*#@$ so are others. The dollars and lives spent for this war was unjustified. This raised the deficit. Of course, Cheney's cronies in haliburton got a great deal of money.
Also, the tax reductions for the weaqlthy added to our deficit.
Add to that the lack of regulations on companies like AIG
and banks brought this economic mess. Do not forget that the radical right had control of Congress since 1995.
Obama and the Democrats are going to need a great deal of time to bring us out of the mess caused by Bush and the Republicans.
Re: Tea Party
Programmer TSO Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:52 PM
worker - regarding taking a surpus to a deficit please remember that the market and the economy began sliding by mid 2000 before Bush took office and the 9/11 attack made it much worse. The setup for that is something that Bush did inherit.
As far as starting wars, we were the one who were attacked so your assertion that we started those wars is flimsy at best. Other intelligence agencies world wide independently came to the same conclusions we did as far as nuclear, wmd and all that. You can throw all the partisan buzzwords such as cronies and such at us all day but that's not going to change historical fact.
Were there some wrong moves made? Of course there were, there always is in hindsight. Ask Democrat John Kerry who said if you don't think Iraq has wmds then don't vote for me. His thinking was the same as nearly everybody elses(on both sides). Monday morning quarterbacking is a partisan cheap shot. Try to be bigger than that.
Tea Party
Environmental Protection Specialist DOD Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:19 AM
People not happy with President Obama, need to take a look at history. The situation we are in is almost as bleak as 1933, when President Roosevelt took office. After collapse of Wall Street in October 1929 to the presidential election in November 1932, to many Americans it appeared as if Hoover, the Republican President, was either doing nothing or too little. "Too little, too late" was a frequent label pinned to Hoover. When Roosevelt took office he introduced THE NEW DEAL. The New Deal never lacked critics, they claimed that Roosevelt aimed at "some form of national socialism. If President Obama did nothing it would destroy this country. Lets hope he is as successful as President Roosevelt was.
Re: Tea Party
Accountant DFAS Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:50 AM
You might want to recheck your facts, the New Deal did not work, what did take America out of the Depression was World War II and the masive rebuilding of the military.
So, Protestors are Shills for the Rich?
Administrative Assistane Social Security Administration Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:30 AM
Yes, the Bush era did indeed put a big burden on the Federal budget, over 8 years. Will somebody take a look at the time frame of the current budget buster, less than 100 days? As for the protestors being shills for the rich, does a working Father & Mother making less than $100,000 consider themselves rich? Does anbody else, except those living off welfare & food stamps?
Which one of the "Founding Fathers" was it that said once the people learn they can vote themselves benefits from the Government they will? That is why we have "lifetime" members of the Congress.
Tea Parties
Program Manager Department of Defense Thu Apr 23, 2009 11:06 AM
I attended a Tea Party in Yuma, Az. Around 200 were expected and over 2000 showed up. This Tea Party was in no way party sponsored though local media did cover it, unfortunately with bias. The theme is that Americans are devoted to the Constitution and must find a way to FORCE the politicians and government to follow the Constitution. As a veteran, I swore an oath to protect the Constitution and I will continue to stand by that oath.
I believe the administration is being fiscally irresponsible with taxpayer dollars. Recent legislation and deficit spending will come back to us and our children for decades to come. We can not afford the high cost of this administration's spending, especially when so little of it is really being used to stimulate the economy. History will not have kind words to say about the decisions our government is now making.
Tea Party Participant for Change
Operations Manager DoD Thu Apr 23, 2009 12:50 PM
My family and I participated in the Raleigh, NC Tea Party to demonstrate the need for change; a change in the wasteful manner that politicians waste my hard earned money I pay in taxes and a needed change in my tax burden. The check I wrote to the IRS the day before would have been better spent from my infusion of that money into the market or in my family's account for my future security in retirement. The claim that the Tea Party movement is racist is a hoax. Individuals from all races participated in my local event. In fact, a featured speaker was a black lady. Detractors of the movement want to create a false image that would prevent now silent citizens from becoming involved and thus be falsely labeled a racist.
Bush had one of the lowest rating for a president when he left office. He promoted wars more so than sitting down at the peace table. More countries created dislike for him. Under his administration more executives got super rich and middle class people fared poor. President Obama speaks well and produces well. He had to do something to fix the mess Bush left this country in. One way of getting this country ecomomic striving is to spend money and Obama is smart enough to know that. Otherwise, this economy will continue a downward spiral. When Obama leaves office this country budget will have a surplus. The republicans will dislike everything Obama does no matter how good it is. The republican dislike for Obama is expected. President Obama will continue doing good for this country in spite of his critics.
Re: RE: Tea Party
It Spec dod Fri Apr 24, 2009 7:09 AM
retired - we know Bush had a low approval rating, part of the reason is that a liberally biased media was actively working against him (of course liberals are in denial about this). His administration did some things wrong, but he also many things well (which liberals are in denial of too). The economy for the first six years of his administration did quite well in spite of an inherited recession (started in mid 2000) and an attack on a mainland civilian population center. No President in history has had to deal with that combination.
Regarding Obama speaking well, we know that. Politicians who are good at running their mouths are a dime a dozen. Producing well? What has he produced besides a drastic increase in the national deficit? Words aren't production. Your assertion that we will have a surplus when he leaves office is laughable. At the rate he's increasing the deficit we'll be more in debt that in any time in history.
Comments on Tea Party
Administrative VA Sat Apr 25, 2009 10:55 PM
As I suspected, those that would slam the tea parties have a similar, immature mindset. No facts, logic or sound arguement...it's all based upon feelings, which typically is hatred for conservatives, Bush, rich people (who ever got rich from poor people except the government?) The retired gentleman from Denver doesn't have a clue that his taxes will be raised...taxes come from a variety of sources and a huge one will be in his energy bills in the very near future. Who knows, perhaps he smokes and sees the jump in his cigarette prices from the tax increase? The deceptiveness of Obama and Biden's comment regarding taxes for middle class was so evident. They made darn sure that they said income because they know that the tax man can rob from so many other avenues. Thanks for sharing the info. and the statistics.
Re: Comments on Tea Party
Attorney DoD Tue Apr 28, 2009 9:16 AM
They call the protests "tea parties" but you say the critics have an immature mindset? Seems to me that the critics are right on target and the protestors are the immature ones. The Boston Tea Party was about taxation WITHOUT representation whereas the protests are about taxation WITH representation. Didn't the protestors attend their high school history class? It's an ignorant choice for a name and I won't be associated with it, even if I do agree with some of the complaints. And it's also a legitimate criticism of the protests to ask where were the protestors during the last 8 years as Bush ran up the deficits year after year. Last, these were nothing but criticism with no real alternative solutions did the protestors offer. Obama may not be doing things the way I would but at least he has ideas and he's TRYING. It's better than just waving signs and bellyaching.
Tea Parties Will Have Significant Impact According
supervisor VA Thu Apr 30, 2009 10:22 AM
Tea Parties will have an impact as long as Fox News continues to make the news and continues to report the news and as long as the Conservative Radio Talking Heads and FOX News continue to brainwash citizens. FOX News and the Conservation Radio Talking Heads are creating a new cult in the country. Followers of cults follow blindly and often to their deaths. How big the Tea Parties become depends on how many gullible Americans there really are. Fox News commentators and Conservative Radio Talking Heads do the same for the people who follow as did David Koresh, Jim Jones and Marshall Applewhite. How the new cult will evolve is anyone's guess. It is a movement that is a cult. It has all of the markings of a cult. Religion is not its key element but none the less this is a cult being born. It may prove to be as dangerous to our nation as is any terrorist organization has ever been. I hope that open minded citizens keep their eyes wide open to this movement.
Re: Tea Parties Will Have Significant Impact According
analyst DOD Thu Apr 30, 2009 7:09 PM
Well supervisor - if you really want to criticize biased talk shows then you obviously will want to add Air America, NPR, CNN, MSNBC, Daily KOS and the other liberal talk shows that are brainwashing our citizens to the other end of the political spectrum to your list. They're trying to create a world where the liberal position is dominant and anything else is to be scorned.
Unless.. your opinion of being objective is to operate from the perspective of the left wing only.
Above reproach based on his race
DoD Agency
Wed Apr 22, 2009 8:54 AM
An interesting commentary on American society. According to at least one person who commented, Barack Obama was elected as president by the American public (obviously with the support of many voters who are not black) but is now above criticism because of his race?
That would be a good spot for a politician--accept anything I do or be called a racist because I am a black president!
Politics can be amazing. And, as an aside, how would you like to be a federal employee (white) with a case being investigated by the person who sees the peaceful protest at the tea parties as being a racist event?
Re: Above reproach based on his race
DOE, Albuquerque
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:05 AM
Re: Above reproach based on his race
DoD Agency
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:35 AM
In doing a quick search of this site, there was a poll that showed McCain being ahead of Obama by 15%--but it was not the one just before the election. The one he is probably referring to was before the party conventions--before the campaigns began in earnest and before either candidate had received a nomination. That is considerable different than "readers here had McCain winning by 18% in a 2oo8 pole (sic) at Fedsmith when he lost by 7%." The poll taken in October on the site showed McCain winning--but by 5% and not 18%--and undoubtedly the polls were shifting day by day. (http://www.fedsmith.com/article/1755/)
In fact, a poll of readers taken several weeks prior to that showed Obama ahead by 7% (http://www.fedsmith.com/article/1730/)
So, take his comments for what they are worth.
Re: Above reproach based on his race
DHS
Wed Apr 22, 2009 1:06 PM
"LOL" Is that still used by 60-something retirees that can't use English properly?
Re: Above reproach based on his race
Fed
Wed Apr 22, 2009 1:20 PM
Re: Above reproach based on his race
USA
Wed Apr 22, 2009 5:35 PM
Re: Above reproach based on his race
DOL
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:23 PM
Tea Party
HHS
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:13 AM
I believe American citizens have the freedom to express themselves openly - for now at least. It is small and petty to dismiss citizens who express their views as stupid and Republican.
After the taxes start rising for all Americans-not just the "rich", we will see how many others want to join the Tea Party.
Re: Tea Party
none
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:57 AM
A sucker is born every minute.
Yes, your taxes might go up. That's because we don't pay enough in taxes to cover even the big ticket items (defense, medicare/medicaid, education, farm subsidies). Much less pork-barrel spending.
But let's start by putting taxes on the rich back to reasonable levels like we had when this nation was most prosperous (under LBJ). Even Clinton did not tax the rich enough.
BTW - Adam Smith and many (if not most) of our founding fathers favored a progressive tax system.
Re: Tea Party
USPS
Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:52 AM
You need to "consult" somebody 'cause evidently, you don't know. You write, "Yes, your taxes might go up. That's because we don't pay enough in taxes... " Are you serious? You must be one of the "mega-rich" you mentioned in your misguided post.
What's wrong with this country? IMO-
1. The government's too big.
2. People in elected government stay too long.
3. Even people with opinions like yours get to vote
Get a grip.
Re: Tea Party
Fed
Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:28 AM
Consultant is right. Your taxes may or may not go up. Since no one except you knows your income, no one can say. If you are wealthy, your taxes will go up according to Obama. It is also true that your taxes went down the most under Bush. See the highest marginal tax rate cuts, dividend tax cuts, and other cuts. The middle class got smaller tax cuts and temporary cuts.
If you are middle class, you probably will not see any tax increases. You might even get a small cut. The wealthy will see their taxes increase.
Confused
DOT
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:14 AM
Since when is expressing your views for not agreeing with all the spending and tax plans makes you racist. I get the feeling that if you don't agree with the current administration on these issues you are now labeled a racist. So instead of accepting others views we label them unfairly. Way to go from an EEO representative America does know what is going on and they are not happy about it, get over it.
Re: Confused
DoD
Wed Apr 22, 2009 4:12 PM
Re: Confused
Fed
Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:37 AM
Racisim is being against someone because of race, not because of economics. Forget the racist garbage. It is not there.
As far as the tea party issue, the wealthy have the most to gain by the tea party stuff. They are the ones who had relatively permanent tax cuts under George Bush.
These include larger bracket cuts and dividend tax cuts. The middle class got temprorary cuts such as exemption credit increase until child is 17, college credits while child is in college, etc.
Of course they run out in 2011.
Do not forget the estate tax. The wealthy call it the death tax to make it sound bad. However, you already have a $2,000,000 or more exemption. That is pretty large for a middle class person. The people affect by this are the wealthy.
The non wealthy tea party people are being used by the wealthy for their own purposes.
Re: Confused
dod
Thu Apr 23, 2009 4:17 PM
Wrong.
We'll forget the racist garbage when Obama defenders stop playing the race card just for disagreeing with them. They're still playing it.
tea parties
DOL
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:17 AM
Oh, please. Yes, the tea parties represent a movement -of a small, isolated, retrograde clique. Many of them are suffering from a serious case of delusion - thinking they are rich and powerful when they are regular folks who have been mobilized for the benefit of the wealthy financial backers of the right wing.
It is too far away from the 2010 elections for the tea parties to be significant. To the degree that they are significant they make the extreme right wing look looney.
"Patriots" who talk about secession would do well to return all the Federal money they have received or might receive. Then they can sit in the dark and contemplate their purist future while the rest of us work on moving the country forward.
Re: tea parties
IRS
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:48 AM
Re: tea parties
DOI
Wed Apr 22, 2009 6:05 PM
COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
DOD
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:33 AM
The Tea Parties are about calling attention to spending and taxing that didn't work before and won't work this time; they indicate this country needs a major course correction !!
Also, people are saying NO to:
Lack of transparency (rushing budgets through with 9,000 earmarks);
Spending without corresponding resources to support such spending (DEFICIT Spending);
Government intervention and control; and
Corporate Bail-outs--free enterprize means some will fail and others will be creative in filling the resulting vacuum.
Bias runs rampant in the Mainstream Media--This was not a Fox News sponsored event, even though that is how CNN characterized it. Some suggested the protestors were unAmerican and unpatriotic. HAH!
Everyday people were portrayed as radicals when they were just excercising their first amendment rights. However, Code Pink and other fringe groups get a handful together and the MSM is there covering it as though they are the patriots.
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
DOE, Albuquerque
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:44 AM
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
VA
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:59 AM
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
DOD
Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:07 AM
The above comment was non-partisan, as were the Tea Parties. Your comment shows partisan bias by asking if the Republicans had any better alternatives. BOTH parties have been delinquent.
The answer to your question is stated above in a non-partisan affirmative manner--
NO more lack of transparency;
NO more deficit spending;
NO more (socialist) government intervention (than we already have); and
NO more corporate bailouts.
We may experience some short term pain to let the free market run its course, but the long term health of the nation is at stake and the free enterprise system is the foundation of our democratic society and will serve to balance out all these problems in the end better than what's been implemented already and under consideration.
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
DOE, Albuquerque
Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:19 AM
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
DON
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:14 AM
http://www.craigsteiner.us/articles/16
Yes, the prior administration piled on the debt, but the current one is making it even worse by doubling and tripling the debt, and our children and grandchildren will be paying for it.
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
worker
Wed Apr 22, 2009 2:20 PM
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
DOI
Wed Apr 22, 2009 6:29 PM
1) Our Presidents are limited to 8 years in office in their lifetime, the 535 members of the house and senate should be so limited as well!
2) The Internal Revenue Tax Code give Congress too much power. The IRS and Tax Code need to be repealed and replaced with a consumption tax such as the Fair Tax, check it out at www.fairtax.org
Unless the above happens, we will continue to head in our current direction, more debt, more government, more taxes, and LESS FREEDOMS!
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
DOL
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:29 PM
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
Fed
Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:49 AM
The Internal Revenue Code does not give Congress any power. An amendment to the Constitution gives the government the right to impose an income tax. The Internal Revenue Code imposes various taxes including an income tax. Regulations issued by the Comm issioner of the Internal Revenue Service interprets the internal Revenue Code. Case law by the Judiciary provides more interpretation based on the Code and Regs. There are other itens such as Rev Procs, and Rev Rulings, but it is not necessary to go there as it will muddy up the waters even more.
Tax law is based on a progressive system where the wealthy pay more because they can do so. The wealthy are trying to flatten the progressive system so they can pay less relative to the middle class.
Please do not impose a consumption tax. This is a regressive tax. The poor and middle class consume more relative to income and will pay more taxes, while the wealthy will end up paying less taxes.
Re: COURSE CORRECTION NEEDED !!
DOI
Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:54 PM
Responses About Tea Parties
USAF & DFAS & DLA
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:34 AM
Thank you for your objective presentation of the Tea Parties. Much of my career was in relations to discrimination complaints. My hope and prayer is that everyone's eyes could be cleared of our political bias. I invested 35+ years supporting equal opportunity and treatment in the federal government in three federal agencies. My support of the Tea Parties is not a racist reaction to the current President. My perception sees a current government of career politicians, both Republican and Democrat, who have failed their country and are NOT responsibly leading our country. Greed and power lust are exemplified regardless of party affiliation. Deficit spending in the hundreds of billions was wrong. Deficit spending in the trillions cannot be tolerated! May all Americans wake up and return to the vision of government seen thru the eyes of John Adams and other founding fathers.
Tea Party
IRS
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:39 AM
I find it very interesting that there is a wide range of views on the tea parties. I spent 20 years in the Air Force protecting the rights of people to voice their opinions. Now, we have one group of people voicing their opinions by having a tea party, and another group of people voicing their displeasure over the tea parties. That's what freedom of speech is all about!
Increased Corporate Earnings
DOD
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:40 AM
Fox News will have higher earnings, as a consequence of instigating this "protest".
Re: Increased Corporate Earnings
DOE, Albuquerque
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:57 AM
Re: Increased Corporate Earnings
DoD Agency
Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:05 AM
By the way, the New York Times, hardly a conservative or even mainstream paper, is headed toward bankruptcy. " As The New York Times Co. tries to bask in the glory of having bagged five Pulitzers, the company is facing a cash crunch that could put it on the path toward insolvency" in an article called "$1.3 B Death Rattle"
Of course, the govt. may step in to save it--and have it champion the Dems at gov. expense. Perhaps we could call it Pravda instead as it would be the official state-run paper.
Re: Increased Corporate Earnings
DFAS
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:05 AM
What world do you people live in?
none
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:50 AM
First, Fox News didn't "cover" the tea parties, they actively promoted them. Other news agencies didn't ingore them, they just weren't promoting them.
Complaining about resetting tax rates to reasonable levels has got to be the single stupidest issue the Republican party has chosen to champion. Do their constituents have any idea how wealth in this country has been massively redistributed to the upper 1/2% over the last 20 years through failed trickle-down policies? Apparently not.
It is unbelievable how ill-informed some Americans are. These are facts, people. They're quite easy to look up. Look up "real wage" trends. Compare the wealth of the top 1% in 1980 to what it is today. Look up "Gini coefficient." Read The Economist.
Do you want to live in India? Because with Republican tax policies, that's where we're headed.
Re: What world do you people live in?
Fed Govt
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:17 AM
Re: What world do you people live in?
DOD
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:34 AM
I agree that we are probably heading for a two-party economic situation where the middle-class disappears, but maybe some of those middle-class families are becoming part of the top.
But one thing is for sure to get where I am today (debt free except for my mortgage) I had to sacrifice my WANTS OF THE MOMENT to get here. People have to go through the sacrifice now to be solvent again and we have to do so together as a nation.
Until we as a society appreciate a fireman over an actor, a policeman over a rockstar, a teacher over an athlete, etc then our values will always be skewed to there being a mega-rich and mega-poor U.S.
Tea Party
VA
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:51 AM
How silly--taxes are going to be around as long as we are. How would these imbeciles propose to pay back what the Bush administration has wasted? Where were these protesters during the past 8 years that GWB was busy putting us in debt? I'm sure that he and Mr. Cheeney are not suffering at all. Their fat cat supporters aren't either, although they're likely crying poor mouth trying to get bail out funds. Yes, taxes hurt us of the middle class, but don't blame President Obama--he's taken on the task of cleaning up the mess that Republicans created. I have no sympathy for the rich because they've been sailing along happily for years while we of the middle class have been paying the bills.
Re: Tea Party
DoD Agency
Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:57 AM
The current philosophy among some commenting seems to be: Damn the rich! Mao would certainly go along with that--as well as karl marx and probably Barack Obama as well. I don't see a problem with people being successful and don't like disparaging and attacking them for having been successful. About 48% of Americans do not pay income taxes now--and that is rapidly moving up to 50%. They are actually getting a welfare check (part of the 95% of Americans paying less taxes).
Most of us did not like the Bush debt. Obviously, Obama's extra trillions will be impossible to pay back--and he has only been in office about three months.
Re: Tea Party
DOE, Albuquerque
Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:04 AM
Who's to blame?
Corps of Engineers
Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:01 AM
Many of those attending the tea parties will not be affected by any federal tax increase, most of those there were average working people, not those in the $250K plus category.
I think these tea parties are OK as long as they don't try and dump the blame on the current occupant of the Whitehouse for the last 90 plus days. This spending spree started long ago and both parties share the guilt.
I think the right of citizen to protest should never be infringed.
I also find it interesting how our media chooses to report events. The anti war protest were largely ignored and some had hundreds of thousands in attendance, most of the tea parties were much smaller and FOX gave them coverage like a national disaster! The other media outlets ignored them or made fun of them. Go figure....
Tea Parties - To be or Not to be
DOT
Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:03 AM
Keep up the good work!!! The Tea parties are the beginning of real change! Not the twisted left wing biased untruth coming out of the Obama administration and congress.
Rascist?
Dept of State
Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:06 AM
I actually watched the event from different view points (CNN & Fox) on April 15 and believe that any belief of rascism is grossly misinformed. I have heard the spin from both sides of the isle (Dem vs Rep). I don't believe they realize that this is not something that benefits either one of them, but, instead, could be their demise that has been almost successfully attempted with the Bull-Moose Party and most recently Ross Perot if the tea parties can better organize. Most signs bashed the policies that was started by Bush calling this the Bush-Obama policy. There were others that were more one sided both ways (Dem / Rep). I think some will always only listen to their preferred parties media, but I like to listen to all (i.e. Fox, MSNBC, and CNN) to get a balanced perspective. I do agree though that if the organizers don't make their protests more linear, like the other movements of the past (i.e. Dr. King), I think that it will fizzle and not even be remembered.
Dangerous Tea Parties?
USDA, retired
Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:31 AM
The very idea that someone thinks these peaceful demonstrations about preserving our freedoms are dangerous indicates just how much the demonstrations are needed. I can almost hear my mother saying "I suppose if our president jumped off a cliff you would too"! I encourage people to consider these parties for their content and concerns rather than from a unity/disharmony stand point. Perhaps some concerned people were just waking up to the impacts of Bush's bailouts and now are ready to express themselves when Obama continues them to the extreme. It is not political party opposition or racial discrimination... people who throw that out are smoke screening. It is our country and our freedom folks! WAKE UP!
don't pay in taxes during July
DoD
Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:43 AM
I saw a suggestion of sending them a message by holding out your withholdings for the month of July09...i think that would be a great idea!
Tea Party
BLM
Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:49 AM
The Republican Party has spent the last eight years tearing our county apart and now that we have a chance to bring it together they are still trying to tear it apart. How about some intellengent compromise? Let's have a reality check and try and work together instead of acting like children who would say; If I can't be the leader then I will make sure you fail. We need to remember that if part of us fail we all lose.
Re: Tea Party
DFAS
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:30 AM
Also your 'reality check', you might want to do one yourself, it is now the Democrates that are acting like children, as President Obama put it things are going to be done his way becuase "I won". The democrates are also rushing thru bills that they don't read and then later crying foul because of some clauses, see AIG bonuses.
The only thing I can agree on is that if part of us fail we all lose. What you have to realize is that no ONE party is completely at fault, both the republicans and the democrates share the blame and the Tea Parties were expressing the complete disgust the average American currently has the entire situation.
Re: Tea Party
VA
Mon Apr 27, 2009 9:11 AM
Re: Tea Party
DOA
Mon Apr 27, 2009 10:14 PM
That's the real world. Deal with it.
EEO Investigator in Dallas
DOI
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:02 AM
You are correct in that the main stream America knows what is happening- the tea parties are for out of control government. You are the stupid one-these events are not racial in any form. You are being racist even bringing up that the man is black because he is not-he is 50% white and 50% black. We, main stream America, see him as the president not as a black man. That is why the tea parties include people from all walks of life, including political parties. It is the Congress and the President that are out of control.
Misinformed
DOD
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:04 AM
Wow. That is all I can say. There are some pretty high up GS-14 and above that are just spouting non-factual information here and exposing their ingnorance.... I am just amazed that there are people so misiformed, that history is beginning to be repeated as we head toward a soft tyranny of central planners planning away our freedoms. The Tea Parties are just the tip of the iceberg of what is to come. And I predict that there will be some of you folks on here who decry these events that will be joining your local tea party in the months to come!
Tea Parties
DHHS
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:05 AM
As a Maryland resident unhappy with high state taxes I might have attended the local tea party, but it was apparent this protest was quickly hijacked by Fox News, Rush Limbaugh and the usual subjects with the usual right-wing partisan agenda. Was the protest directed at the restoration of the 39.6% tax bracket in two years? I doubt this would apply to many grassroots tax protesters. Was it directed at the costly $1 trillion (and counting) debacle in Iraq? We already voted most of those people out of office. Was it directed at the TARP bailout? TARP was necessitated by banking deregulation and tax cuts for the wealthy, two ideas the far right still endorses. These demonstrations are a complete waste of time unless you want to demonstrate against your own financial interests (assuming you are not rich).
Re: Tea Parties
DoD
Wed Apr 22, 2009 2:51 PM
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE7DB153EF933A0575AC0A96F958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1
cut/paste this in your brouser...Barney Frank is more to blame than anyone!
Re: Tea Parties
DHHS
Wed Apr 22, 2009 5:56 PM
Re: Tea Parties
DoD
Tue Apr 28, 2009 8:46 AM
Also: The Boston Tea Party was about taxation without representation, whereas the protestors are complaining about actions by their lawfully elected representatives. Couldn't they come up with a for the protests that wasn't just so darned stupid? I've talked to several protestors and nobody can explain the choice of a name. If you can't even explain your name, how do you expect to have any credibility?
And I'd tend to believe these were nonpartisan protests if they had occurred even once during the Iraq deficit spending and the Bush bailout. Instead, the timing of the "tea parties" and the way Hannity and Limbaugh promoted them strongly suggest the protests were indeed HIJACKED for political purposes as Retired Fed says.
Tea Parties Good or Bad
USDA
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:14 AM
I for one find it interesting that while you will always have diverse opinions on any subject. This one seems to be a no brainer too me, History has proven and common sense should tell anyone that you can not borrow or spend your way out of debt and that raising taxes has the opposite effect as intended. John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan both proved that when you lower taxes the Federal government will actually take in more money to the treasury and when you raise taxes it takes in less. One of the main problems in our society is we as citizens have shierked our responsiblities in only electing honest men and women to public office and who have integrity. This is why we always seem to be having scandal after scandal with our elected leaders whether they be Democrat, Republican or Independent. Our Country was started by men of Faith, who believed in God and were willing to give their lives and fortunes for obtaining liberty and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
NBC CNN AND OTHER S
Retired
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:16 AM
The only professional news station without the rudeness and snarkiness was FOX. Go FOX you got it right. The other stations have a twisted view of the world and their appraoch to free speech is dangerous. The female announcer on CNN reported by FOX and the public who captured her remarks on video phone were outrageous. She was crude, argumentative with a citizen holding a child whom she would not let finish. She is the worst that CNN has to offer. Hope she gets the ax. Doubt it though. The teaparties are just the beginnings. Obama 180 with the CIA will ruin his career--now he thinks that his liberal left wing Attny General should prosecute those that kept us safe. I feel for current CIA employees who will be fearful of doing their jobs. Well..when Obama loses next election, the GOP will prosecute them..this is a third world regime..pitiful. This is unbelievable. I have NO rspect for the Obama team. I am active in meeting with local GOP to get ready to oust these looneys.
Government is too big??
Air Force
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:21 AM
One common thread that runs thru most of these comments is that every one of them is just out for "WHAT'S GOOD FOR THEM". Very few actually try to figure out what's good for the country right now, as the President is trying to do. I do believe he is seeking to do the right things to help us now. For all you people who are screaming against "BIG Government" and "Socialism", let's see what you want from the Government when a disaster like Katrina strikes you, or another 9/11, or even when you need Social Security, Unemployment benefits, or the FDIC to give you your savings when your bank goes under!
Re: Government is too big??
DOD
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:53 AM
I was raised to take care of myself - not wait for someone to rescue me or give me a handout.
Bizarre Survey Results
Executive Branch
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:22 AM
These survey results are outright bizarre. Eighteen (18)percent of FedSmith respondents claimed they attended a Tea Party Protest. If we extrapolate that nationwide it comes to 65 million people, but most estimates put the number of attendees at only 100,000 to 300, 000. These are widely disproportionate results and imply that the FedSmith respondents are in no way representative of the American population.
A recent Gallup poll finds 61% of Americans saying they regard the income taxes they have to pay as FAIR. And yet 63% of FedSmith respondents sided with the tax protesters who claim the income taxes they are paying are UNFAIR.
It is obvious the FedSmith survey respondents are very much different from the rest of us Americans.
Re: Bizarre Survey Results
DoD Agency
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:32 AM
Moreover, most federal employees pay more attention to politics than most just because they are directly impacted at work by the political environment and are more attuned to it.
It all adds up to a demographic group that would have more interest in the tea parties than most Americans--many of whom may have liked to go but were not retired, did not have leave and could not take time off without pay to go. My hunch is that some said they went--and would like to have gone--and said they were there but were actually working.
Tea Parties for everyone
USFS
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:28 AM
The tea parties represented everyone except for the Democrats that are still so overjoyed by winning they will follow this President anywhere. There were Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, Constitutionalists, etc. So how can this be only for Republicans? However if the GOP is smart they may be able to reform by including these "fringe" parties and their ideals. Most of the comments against them just reek of Sour Grapes. Why is it when the former president was protested constantly it was the right thing to do, but the policies of this one are protested and it is called "disturbing disunity"?
Re: Tea Parties for everyone
USDA
Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:29 PM
Card-Carrying DEMOCRATS WERE IN ATTENDANCE! WHAT? YEAH! They were! Shhhhhh, don't tell anyone!
Teaq Party
Federal government
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:30 AM
First, I have seen these April 15 protests for many years. They have the right to protest as long as it is done peacefully. I passed one on my way to the Post office and they were very nice.
From what I see, they are either wealthy people who want to continue the failed Bush policies of lowering taxes for the wealthy and cutting government services for the middle class and poor. An example of cut services is the charge for an offer in compromise by the Internal Revenue Service. If these people cannot afford to pay their taxes, why should they be charged for an offer in compromise?
Taxes must be raised for the wealthy. I believe $250000 threshhold is too low, because two professionals can make that money. Cost of living in New York is much different than in a small town away from a large city. Perhaps the threshhold should be $500000 for a 40% marginal tax rate and $1,000,000 for a 45% tax rate.
This is a political issue. The Republicans have gone too far to the right.
Tea Party comments
HUD
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:40 AM
Interesting comments, but when the elected representatives of the people find it "disturbing" that the people have an opinion, and wish to use their constitutional rights (you folks are aware of the Bill of Rights??) to express them, I am even more disturbed. In addition, why does disagreement with Mr. Obama equal racism? I guess that would mean anyone that was not white was a racist for disagreeing with Mr. Bush? Not a very bright approach to things.
Calm down, already.
Department of Labor
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:48 AM
Yes, it's a lot of money. I cringe thinking about the funds going to companies that really don't deserve them. But, really. Let's calm down, people.
No, he's not planning on converting this country to Socialism. Obama inherited a huge problem. Let's give his solution a chance and avoid this ridiculous paranoia.
This is the first time in a long time we're hearing about holding people accountable and having a transparent government. If he sticks to those promises and if future presidents uphold them (and actually regulate some of these markets), we may actually learn from this difficult period of time.
Tea Party
Dept. of Navy
Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:00 PM
I think it is interesting that the comments against the Tea Parties are name calling against their fellow Americans. I do think this is more than just sour grapes from loosing an election, otherwise we should have seen this type of events when Cliton won. This seem to be more of an reaction from the actions our new President has been taking.
Comment on the comments
USAF
Wed Apr 22, 2009 4:25 PM
It's somewhat scary that an EEO specialist has this view;"An EEO investigator with the Dept. of Transportation in Dallas says the tea parties are a racist event: "The event I believe was just a excuse for right winger to show their dislike for the President because of his race! Main-stream AMERICA is not stupid, they know what's happening!""
Tea Party
Treasury Dept.
Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:44 PM
Where was the tea party when Bush was president and was spending billions of dollars in Iraq, executives were pocketing millions of dollars, people were losing jobs, and this country got into this economic problem. These tea party people are nothing but disgruntal republicans who hate that their candidate McCain did not win office. They had to vent their frustration toward President Obama administration hoping that would deter his progress. Obama has done more in these few months than Bush did in 8 years. When this economy get back on track under Obama watch, these tea party will not give him credit but instead will continue to vent their frustration. Nothing Obama does will satisfy them. Only a Republican whether he/she be good or bad will ease their frustration.
Re: Tea Party
dod
Wed Apr 22, 2009 8:43 PM
Regarding your assertion that Obama has done more than Bush ever did, why don't you tell us exactly how he has achieved more in the past few months than Bush did in 8 years (keep in mind that making speeches doesn't qualify as doing more, that's just running your mouth).
Re: Tea Party
DoD
Thu Apr 23, 2009 6:29 AM
Obama has increased the national deficit faster than any other President in history, I'll give you that.
Re: Tea Party
Fed
Thu Apr 23, 2009 11:10 AM
Yes, Bush did so much for us. He took a budget surplus and made it into a deficit. He started two wars. The first one was in Afghanistan. This was justified based on the Taliban shielding the Al Qiada fron justice. The second one in IRAQ was totally wrong. All of the assertions about nuclear weapons were wrong. Although Sadaam was a #*#@$ so are others. The dollars and lives spent for this war was unjustified. This raised the deficit. Of course, Cheney's cronies in haliburton got a great deal of money.
Also, the tax reductions for the weaqlthy added to our deficit.
Add to that the lack of regulations on companies like AIG
and banks brought this economic mess. Do not forget that the radical right had control of Congress since 1995.
Obama and the Democrats are going to need a great deal of time to bring us out of the mess caused by Bush and the Republicans.
Re: Tea Party
TSO
Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:52 PM
As far as starting wars, we were the one who were attacked so your assertion that we started those wars is flimsy at best. Other intelligence agencies world wide independently came to the same conclusions we did as far as nuclear, wmd and all that. You can throw all the partisan buzzwords such as cronies and such at us all day but that's not going to change historical fact.
Were there some wrong moves made? Of course there were, there always is in hindsight. Ask Democrat John Kerry who said if you don't think Iraq has wmds then don't vote for me. His thinking was the same as nearly everybody elses(on both sides). Monday morning quarterbacking is a partisan cheap shot. Try to be bigger than that.
Tea Party
DOD
Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:19 AM
People not happy with President Obama, need to take a look at history. The situation we are in is almost as bleak as 1933, when President Roosevelt took office. After collapse of Wall Street in October 1929 to the presidential election in November 1932, to many Americans it appeared as if Hoover, the Republican President, was either doing nothing or too little. "Too little, too late" was a frequent label pinned to Hoover. When Roosevelt took office he introduced THE NEW DEAL. The New Deal never lacked critics, they claimed that Roosevelt aimed at "some form of national socialism. If President Obama did nothing it would destroy this country. Lets hope he is as successful as President Roosevelt was.
Re: Tea Party
DFAS
Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:50 AM
So, Protestors are Shills for the Rich?
Social Security Administration
Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:30 AM
Yes, the Bush era did indeed put a big burden on the Federal budget, over 8 years. Will somebody take a look at the time frame of the current budget buster, less than 100 days? As for the protestors being shills for the rich, does a working Father & Mother making less than $100,000 consider themselves rich? Does anbody else, except those living off welfare & food stamps?
Which one of the "Founding Fathers" was it that said once the people learn they can vote themselves benefits from the Government they will? That is why we have "lifetime" members of the Congress.
Tea Parties
Department of Defense
Thu Apr 23, 2009 11:06 AM
I attended a Tea Party in Yuma, Az. Around 200 were expected and over 2000 showed up. This Tea Party was in no way party sponsored though local media did cover it, unfortunately with bias. The theme is that Americans are devoted to the Constitution and must find a way to FORCE the politicians and government to follow the Constitution. As a veteran, I swore an oath to protect the Constitution and I will continue to stand by that oath.
Government Spending
Internal Revenue Service
Thu Apr 23, 2009 12:04 PM
I believe the administration is being fiscally irresponsible with taxpayer dollars. Recent legislation and deficit spending will come back to us and our children for decades to come. We can not afford the high cost of this administration's spending, especially when so little of it is really being used to stimulate the economy. History will not have kind words to say about the decisions our government is now making.
Tea Party Participant for Change
DoD
Thu Apr 23, 2009 12:50 PM
My family and I participated in the Raleigh, NC Tea Party to demonstrate the need for change; a change in the wasteful manner that politicians waste my hard earned money I pay in taxes and a needed change in my tax burden. The check I wrote to the IRS the day before would have been better spent from my infusion of that money into the market or in my family's account for my future security in retirement. The claim that the Tea Party movement is racist is a hoax. Individuals from all races participated in my local event. In fact, a featured speaker was a black lady. Detractors of the movement want to create a false image that would prevent now silent citizens from becoming involved and thus be falsely labeled a racist.
RE: Tea Party
Treasury Dept.
Thu Apr 23, 2009 8:59 PM
To DOD manager and IT Spec.
Bush had one of the lowest rating for a president when he left office. He promoted wars more so than sitting down at the peace table. More countries created dislike for him. Under his administration more executives got super rich and middle class people fared poor. President Obama speaks well and produces well. He had to do something to fix the mess Bush left this country in. One way of getting this country ecomomic striving is to spend money and Obama is smart enough to know that. Otherwise, this economy will continue a downward spiral. When Obama leaves office this country budget will have a surplus. The republicans will dislike everything Obama does no matter how good it is. The republican dislike for Obama is expected. President Obama will continue doing good for this country in spite of his critics.
Re: RE: Tea Party
dod
Fri Apr 24, 2009 7:09 AM
Regarding Obama speaking well, we know that. Politicians who are good at running their mouths are a dime a dozen. Producing well? What has he produced besides a drastic increase in the national deficit? Words aren't production. Your assertion that we will have a surplus when he leaves office is laughable. At the rate he's increasing the deficit we'll be more in debt that in any time in history.
Comments on Tea Party
VA
Sat Apr 25, 2009 10:55 PM
As I suspected, those that would slam the tea parties have a similar, immature mindset. No facts, logic or sound arguement...it's all based upon feelings, which typically is hatred for conservatives, Bush, rich people (who ever got rich from poor people except the government?) The retired gentleman from Denver doesn't have a clue that his taxes will be raised...taxes come from a variety of sources and a huge one will be in his energy bills in the very near future. Who knows, perhaps he smokes and sees the jump in his cigarette prices from the tax increase? The deceptiveness of Obama and Biden's comment regarding taxes for middle class was so evident. They made darn sure that they said income because they know that the tax man can rob from so many other avenues. Thanks for sharing the info. and the statistics.
Re: Comments on Tea Party
DoD
Tue Apr 28, 2009 9:16 AM
Tea Parties Will Have Significant Impact According
VA
Thu Apr 30, 2009 10:22 AM
Tea Parties will have an impact as long as Fox News continues to make the news and continues to report the news and as long as the Conservative Radio Talking Heads and FOX News continue to brainwash citizens. FOX News and the Conservation Radio Talking Heads are creating a new cult in the country. Followers of cults follow blindly and often to their deaths. How big the Tea Parties become depends on how many gullible Americans there really are. Fox News commentators and Conservative Radio Talking Heads do the same for the people who follow as did David Koresh, Jim Jones and Marshall Applewhite. How the new cult will evolve is anyone's guess. It is a movement that is a cult. It has all of the markings of a cult. Religion is not its key element but none the less this is a cult being born. It may prove to be as dangerous to our nation as is any terrorist organization has ever been. I hope that open minded citizens keep their eyes wide open to this movement.
Re: Tea Parties Will Have Significant Impact According
DOD
Thu Apr 30, 2009 7:09 PM
Unless.. your opinion of being objective is to operate from the perspective of the left wing only.