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Addressing the Nation
Author: BobR    Date: 09/07/2011 12:54:05

Congress returns to Washington today to continue doing nothing to help America. It was also supposed to be the day President Obama addressed them (and dressed them down, I suspect), but after privately agreeing to the date, Speaker Boehner changed his mind, and publicly rebuked the request, creating a firestorm of controversy. So tomorrow night is the night...

For all their bravado and bluster, though, it seems like the Republican leaders of the House might be a little scared. It might be dawning on them that despite Obama's 53% disapproval rating, disapproval of Congress is much higher. With groundwork being laid for campaigns next year, 82% of poll respondents disapprove of the job Congress is doing and 54% say that every member of Congress should be replaced. The president looks pretty good compared to that.

So it is with that environment that the president is going to put forth his desires and ideas to Congress in the hopes that some change will happen in the way that business is done. It's not likely to happen, unfortunately, and the Republicans' obstinate behavior will likely make them look even worse. They are trying to forestall that image somewhat by requesting that President Obama meet with them to discuss his address ahead of time. It's an obvious move at pre-emptive damage control. They want to seem cooperative, because they know they aren't. Whatever President Obama approves of - even if the Republicans initially proposed it - the Republicans will oppose it.

According to reports, though, Obama will try another jobs spending bill, this time to the tune of $300B. It may not turn the economy around, but it may stop the slide long enough to get through the election. Of course - that means spending, and with heartless bastards like Eric Cantor (R-VA) demanding spending cuts to approve aid for natural disaster victims, an out-and-out increase in spending to create jobs will likely get through Congress as well as baseball-sized kidney stone will get through your urethra - and with just as much pain.

Democrats are hoping that the president will go bold with his address. That $300B jobs spending proposal sounds pretty bold to me, if that is indeed the approach. Some Democrats fear it may still be too little too late. Perhaps - but we still need to try. The only other choice is watching the economy go down in flames.

It would help if people weren't so hung up on the word "taxes". To Republicans, it is like "amen" to Satanists. They (and the Tea Party) have demonized taxes as the scourge of our country. Never mind that people are happiest in countries with the most progressive tax schemes. Raising taxes will not destroy any jobs. In fact - it will allow government to create jobs that help the middle class, just like it did in the 30s and 40s. Higher taxes on the rich, combined with more people earning and spending leads to more tax revenue, lower budget deficits, a healthier economy, and a happier populace.

President Obama likely won't be able to sell that to the Republicans. But if he can sell it to the voters, they may be able to convince the Republicans that increasing taxes and spending that money on jobs is the only approach that has been proven to work historically. The voters in turn can chew on the ears of their representatives.

Will they listen to the voters or their rich benefactors? They've already drawn a line in the sand on taxes by pledging allegiance to Grover Norquist's No Taxes pledge (over the Constitution they pledged to uphold), so I doubt the president nor the voters will sway them. If that's the case, I hope the 2012 elections become a referendum on how not to run the country.
 

79 comments (Latest Comment: 09/08/2011 02:28:39 by trojanrabbit)
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Comment by Mondobubba on 09/07/2011 13:01:30
Morning all. Everyone is bright eyed and bushy tailed today, right?

Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 13:07:01
good morning!

Comment by Mondobubba on 09/07/2011 13:13:58
hey remember that @thylordyaweh is a insecure narssist who craves, no needs followers to validate His dietyhood.

Comment by BobR on 09/07/2011 13:15:24
I didn't put this in the blog, but maybe I should have: Several Congressmen planning on skipping President Obama's address

Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 13:17:51
Quote by BobR:
I didn't put this in the blog, but maybe I should have: Several Congressmen planning on skipping President Obama's address
I also heard this morning that they don't plan on giving a rebuttal to his speach as well. lemme go see if I can find a link.


Comment by Scoopster on 09/07/2011 13:20:48
Mornin' all..

I'm not in the mood to be bitchy this morning.. so let's have a good laugh instead.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd113/lamepandp/equality-newt.jpg


Comment by Mondobubba on 09/07/2011 13:23:50
Quote by BobR:
I didn't put this in the blog, but maybe I should have: Several Congressmen planning on skipping President Obama's address



Stay klassy!

Comment by TriSec on 09/07/2011 13:24:45
Morning, comrades.

The President really doesn't have to do anything new; it's already been done, and proven that it works.

WPA

CCC

Propose away. Let the Republicans block everything. And as far as Eric Cantor goes, I say we do cut funding to offset relief..starting with every penny the government might spend in his district.



Comment by Mondobubba on 09/07/2011 13:29:28



Personally, I find this behaviour to be childish and disrespectful to the Office of the President. You might not like the man who holds the office, but you respect the Office non the less. Imagine the howls of indignation if Democrats had done something like this to Bush.

Comment by wickedpam on 09/07/2011 13:31:36
Morning


Ok new guy has now refered to me as "the admin" in my book that akin to being called "the maid"

so much for 16 years of experience on top of an education.

Comment by Mondobubba on 09/07/2011 13:32:02
Question for Rep. Broun (R-illinformed) How is socialism unconstitutional? Just sayin? Ohh a good question for @thylordyaweh to pose to the Congressman!

Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 13:36:10
Comment by wickedpam on 09/07/2011 13:37:02
I don't know how people can hate on Obama for the shennigans that the GOP has pulled. I'm very frustrated that people don't see what they are actually doing.

Oh......wait..... they mostly watch Faux News don't they.

Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 13:37:18
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning


Ok new guy has now refered to me as "the admin" in my book that akin to being called "the maid"

so much for 16 years of experience on top of an education.
Oh kerist.


Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 13:39:24
Quote by Mondobubba:



Personally, I find this behaviour to be childish and disrespectful to the Office of the President. You might not like the man who holds the office, but you respect the Office non the less. Imagine the howls of indignation if Democrats had done something like this to Bush.
When I find myself agreeing with Dana perino, then you know the GOP is on the wrong side.


Comment by wickedpam on 09/07/2011 13:39:48
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning


Ok new guy has now refered to me as "the admin" in my book that akin to being called "the maid"

so much for 16 years of experience on top of an education.
Oh kerist.



I keep telling myself "he's new" but he's really messing me up in what I've been doing for years. Still don't know how I feel about him yet

Comment by Mondobubba on 09/07/2011 13:39:55
I heard the results of poll on the NPR mosheen yesterday that 60% of Americans are dissatisfied with the way POTUS is handling the economy. Nice headline. What are the follow up questions that got asked after that one I wonder?

Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 13:40:41
Dana Perino, former press secretary for George W. Bush, said the lawmakers should attend the session because "you're an elected leader, and it's quite a privilege to be able to be there."
As for a GOP rebuttal, Perino said there is a downside to it in that it always makes the opposition look small in comparison to the president.

"This is not a State of the Union address, but still tradition would say there should be a rebuttal. I don't think it's necessary, the game is starting," Perino said, referring to the first game of the NFL season, which immediately follows the president's speech.



Comment by Mondobubba on 09/07/2011 13:41:31
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning


Ok new guy has now refered to me as "the admin" in my book that akin to being called "the maid"

so much for 16 years of experience on top of an education.
Oh kerist.



I keep telling myself "he's new" but he's really messing me up in what I've been doing for years. Still don't know how I feel about him yet


My suggestion (only half in jest) is you get all Dolly Parton in "9-5" on his ass if he keeps that crap up. It is disrepectful to you if you ask me.

Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 13:42:29
Quote by wickedpam:I keep telling myself "he's new" but he's really messing me up in what I've been doing for years. Still don't know how I feel about him yet
Maybe you can request a meeting to talk with him about how you are feeling.

I think it be helpful to both of you if you were to explain that point to him.


Comment by BobR on 09/07/2011 13:43:13


From the link:
"Republicans are, and have been, entirely focused on job creation. Every member of Congress, and -- more importantly -- the American people, will provide a reaction to the president's address," Steel said.

say WHAT??

Can you provide some specifics? no?



Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 13:43:52
Quote by Raine:
http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/romney-chart1.jpg


Via Think progress
Check out the lie Romney is trying to push.


Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 13:47:42
Quote by BobR:


From the link:
"Republicans are, and have been, entirely focused on job creation. Every member of Congress, and -- more importantly -- the American people, will provide a reaction to the president's address," Steel said.

say WHAT??

Can you provide some specifics? no?

As you said in the blog, I really think they are running scared.

Comment by wickedpam on 09/07/2011 13:48:59
Quote by Mondobubba:

My suggestion (only half in jest) is you get all Dolly Parton in "9-5" on his ass if he keeps that crap up. It is disrepectful to you if you ask me.



Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 09:42:29 AM

Maybe you can request a meeting to talk with him about how you are feeling.

I think it be helpful to both of you if you were to explain that point to him.



I'm thinking of having one of the other managers say something. I don't want the Pres of the company (who intro'd me as the Administrative Assistant and I wasn't happy about that) to think I"m not welcoming new guy so I feel a little like I"m walking on egg shells to be accomodating.

Maybe I'm being too sensitive about it but if just sets my teeth on edge.

Comment by wickedpam on 09/07/2011 13:49:55
Quote by Mondobubba:
I heard the results of poll on the NPR mosheen yesterday that 60% of Americans are dissatisfied with the way POTUS is handling the economy. Nice headline. What are the follow up questions that got asked after that one I wonder?



that's a good question - what was the specific wording and what were the follow ups

Comment by BobR on 09/07/2011 14:01:14
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:

My suggestion (only half in jest) is you get all Dolly Parton in "9-5" on his ass if he keeps that crap up. It is disrepectful to you if you ask me.



Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 09:42:29 AM

Maybe you can request a meeting to talk with him about how you are feeling.

I think it be helpful to both of you if you were to explain that point to him.



I'm thinking of having one of the other managers say something. I don't want the Pres of the company (who intro'd me as the Administrative Assistant and I wasn't happy about that) to think I"m not welcoming new guy so I feel a little like I"m walking on egg shells to be accomodating.

Maybe I'm being too sensitive about it but if just sets my teeth on edge.

I think getting one of the other managers to say something is a good idea. Pick one that respects you and is respected in the company.

Comment by Mondobubba on 09/07/2011 14:02:40
Interesting article over to the Alternet about the FAHA lawsuit against the banks over sub-prime lending.

Here is a little quote about one of the named companies, "and, surprisingly, General Electric."

No real surprise here, GE has had a 'uge financial services footprint. They handle a ton of private label credit cards for companies like Lowes.


Comment by wickedpam on 09/07/2011 14:02:59
Quote by BobR:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:

My suggestion (only half in jest) is you get all Dolly Parton in "9-5" on his ass if he keeps that crap up. It is disrepectful to you if you ask me.



Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 09:42:29 AM

Maybe you can request a meeting to talk with him about how you are feeling.

I think it be helpful to both of you if you were to explain that point to him.



I'm thinking of having one of the other managers say something. I don't want the Pres of the company (who intro'd me as the Administrative Assistant and I wasn't happy about that) to think I"m not welcoming new guy so I feel a little like I"m walking on egg shells to be accomodating.

Maybe I'm being too sensitive about it but if just sets my teeth on edge.

I think getting one of the other managers to say something is a good idea. Pick one that respects you and is respected in the company.



I definatly have one in mind

Comment by wickedpam on 09/07/2011 14:25:06
Did I kill the blog while bitching about new guy?

Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 14:29:00
They are evacuating many parts of Schoharie County again.
Nicola Smith Received a message from OEM Schoharie Dept Homeland Security about an hour ago -ordered evacuation for Schoharie Valley and Prattsville, sirens for Gilboa dam and valley not working, Prattsville flow monitor not working


Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 14:30:26
Quote by wickedpam:
Did I kill the blog while bitching about new guy?
Not at all.

As you can see, I just got bad news about Upstate NY. Thankfully, my family and friends are on the other side of the River from there, but I am concerned. I do have a few friends in Schoharie County, NY.


Comment by wickedpam on 09/07/2011 14:32:37
Quote by Raine:
They are evacuating many parts of Schoharie County again.
Nicola Smith Received a message from OEM Schoharie Dept Homeland Security about an hour ago -ordered evacuation for Schoharie Valley and Prattsville, sirens for Gilboa dam and valley not working, Prattsville flow monitor not working



oh wow - are they getting all this extra rain from Lee?

Speaking of that - do you hear thunder?

Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 14:39:49
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
They are evacuating many parts of Schoharie County again.
Nicola Smith Received a message from OEM Schoharie Dept Homeland Security about an hour ago -ordered evacuation for Schoharie Valley and Prattsville, sirens for Gilboa dam and valley not working, Prattsville flow monitor not working



oh wow - are they getting all this extra rain from Lee?

Speaking of that - do you hear thunder?
Boomin starting -- and so is the rain.

Yes, the already over-saturated parts of NY are getting hit with Lee now.


Comment by wickedpam on 09/07/2011 14:42:25
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
They are evacuating many parts of Schoharie County again.
Nicola Smith Received a message from OEM Schoharie Dept Homeland Security about an hour ago -ordered evacuation for Schoharie Valley and Prattsville, sirens for Gilboa dam and valley not working, Prattsville flow monitor not working



oh wow - are they getting all this extra rain from Lee?

Speaking of that - do you hear thunder?
Boomin starting -- and so is the rain.

Yes, the already over-saturated parts of NY are getting hit with Lee now.



Ok - I was hoping that was just a truck.

Eesh - I checked out the lake and creeks we pass in the morning and they are overflowing here, I can only imagine how it looks up there! Good thought and prayers for everyone up there ~~~~~~~

Comment by BobR on 09/07/2011 14:52:26
Just got word that the road in front of the office is flooded. Good thing I worked from home today.

Comment by TriSec on 09/07/2011 14:56:06
It's raining here, and it's expected to for another couple of days. It's the leftovers from Lee heading up the coast. As for this Commonwealth, the heaviest rain is right over the Quabbin, so most of that is going right into the water supply.

We weren't as bad as Vermont, but a 9-mile stretch of I-91 is still closed, as well as a 7-mile stretch of State Route 2 due to flooding and washouts. I haven't checked my favored streambeds to see what the local situation is.



Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 14:56:59
This is the town that was utterly dvastated during Irene -- it was placed under an evacuation order this past hour.


Comment by wickedpam on 09/07/2011 15:01:45
I'm trying to figure out the Starbucks CEO guy's angle on saying Washington is taking us in the wrong direction.

Comment by Scoopster on 09/07/2011 15:03:46
Quote by TriSec:
It's raining here, and it's expected to for another couple of days. It's the leftovers from Lee heading up the coast. As for this Commonwealth, the heaviest rain is right over the Quabbin, so most of that is going right into the water supply.

We weren't as bad as Vermont, but a 9-mile stretch of I-91 is still closed, as well as a 7-mile stretch of State Route 2 due to flooding and washouts. I haven't checked my favored streambeds to see what the local situation is.

If it helps, our editor's been keeping track of some of the conditions up there on her blog.

Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 15:20:06
Mala:

WEATHER ALERT: A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for D.C., as well as Fairfax, Arlington, Prince George's and Charles counties, and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church and Baltimore until 1:45 p.m

Comment by Mondobubba on 09/07/2011 15:22:12
All I have to say about the foul weather the Mid-Atlantic and New England contingents are having is swell, more rain

Comment by wickedpam on 09/07/2011 15:25:06
Quote by Raine:
Mala:

WEATHER ALERT: A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for D.C., as well as Fairfax, Arlington, Prince George's and Charles counties, and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church and Baltimore until 1:45 p.m



Thanks

Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 15:37:31
Comment by wickedpam on 09/07/2011 15:40:31



Thanks goodness no one was hurt!

Comment by Mondobubba on 09/07/2011 15:42:11


My current ear worm. As they go, not too bad, really.

Comment by wickedpam on 09/07/2011 15:47:49
For all the vegan talk on the show today all its making me want is a steak.

I keep saying if Ho-Ho's were $10 a box and grapes were $1 a bunch, people would eat more grapes.

Comment by Raine on 09/07/2011 15:48:25


Comment by Scoopster on 09/07/2011 15:50:56
mmmmmmm steak...

Too bad I only have 9 bux left for this week after paying rent last night, and next week I'll only have about $50.

Comment by wickedpam on 09/07/2011 15:50:56
Quote by Raine: