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The Baining of America
Author: Raine    Date: 04/26/2012 14:51:35

Tuesday night, Willard Romney gave what is now sorta known as his Better America speech and became - for all essential purposes - the Republican nominee for President. I listened to about as much of it as I could tolerate. 2 days later, something he said is still really sticking with me.

I see an America with a growing middle class, with rising standards of living. I see children even more successful than their parents – some successful even beyond their wildest dreams – and others congratulating them for their achievement, not attacking them for it.

This America is fundamentally fair. We will stop the unfairness of urban children being denied access to the good schools of their choice; we will stop the unfairness of politicians giving taxpayer money to their friends’ businesses; we will stop the unfairness of requiring union workers to contribute to politicians not of their choosing; we will stop the unfairness of government workers getting better pay and benefits than the taxpayers they serve; and we will stop the unfairness of one generation passing larger and larger debts on to the next.

In the America I see, character and choices matter. And education, hard work, and living within our means are valued and rewarded. And poverty will be defeated, not with a government check, but with respect and achievement that is taught by parents, learned in school, and practiced in the workplace.
In Mitt Romney's America, things ARE fundamentally fair because he can afford things to be fair. In his lean years, he and his wife had to live off of stock dividends. I am fairly sure he didn't have to take a penalty for withdrawing from his 401(k), because: who needs a 401(k) when you are worth millions of dollars? Let's go and take a look at his attack on government workers. Back in November he was saying this as well:
Multimillionaire Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney ® told employees at a steel fabrication plant on Monday that government employees "are making a lot more money than we are."

Wearing his best plaid work shirt and Tommy Bahama blue jeans, the candidate explained to workers at Giese Manufacturing that he would slash the number of federal employees if elected.

"We have to cut back on the scale of the federal government," Romney declared. "And for me that will start by reducing federal employees by 10 percent. You do that through attrition."

"And then something else that is just as important, and that's to make sure the people who work for government don't get better pay and better benefits than people that work in the private sector."

He added: "The tax payers shouldn't have to have money taken out of their pay checks to pay people in government who are our servants who are making a lot more money than we are."
This is all a lie. According to a study last year from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, federal employees make 26.3 percent less than private workers. It's not just the money here for me, it's the attack on the benefits including health insurance. Should federal workers be making the same amount of money as a private employee? Should we cut the salaries of doctors and medical professionals that work for the VA? It is generally accepted that federal employees have good benefits. I ask in all sincerity, what is wrong with that? People having good benefits is a bad thing? People having decent employment in the public sector is bad?

It's fairly common knowledge that private sector salaries have shrunk in the past decade. People are doing more work for less money. Fuel and food costs are rising faster than paychecks. Salaries are not keeping up with the cost of living for many people. Mitt Romney wants the same thing to happen to government workers, even though they earn on average, less than the private sector.

This is the downward economic spiral that he envisions for a more fair, better America. This is what the GOP wants. They want people to work harder for less money. They want people to work harder for less benefits and compensation. They want to fire people, and rehire them for less money.

Sound familiar?
2012 GOP presidential frontrunner Mitt Romney, who has a large lead in the polls heading into the New Hampshire primary tomorrow, has been taking heat from both Democrats and his Republican challengers for his time at Bain Capital, the private equity firm that he headed. Bain’s modus operandi was to invest in companies, leverage them up with debt, and then sell them off for scrap, allowing Bain’s investors to walk away with huge profits while the companies in which Bain invested wound up in bankruptcy, laying off workers and reneging on benefits.
It seems to me that for Romney, he is viewing the public sector the same way he views corporations: a way to create private wealth by privatizing everything. People are corporations, my friends.

This isn't a better America. This is a wealth creation plan for the 1%. Mitt Romney is responsible for thousands of job losses in America through Bain Capital and his stint as Governor of Massachusetts. He's not a job creator. He's a wealth creator for people who already have money. He makes money by putting people OUT of work. He became richer by becoming a corporate raider. He is telling you how he will govern.

Romney's not pivoting, he's not even etch-a-sketching. Mitt Romney is doubling down. He's going after every worker in America. He's trying to convince you that he's just like you, while telling you exactly what he will do as president. That is the biggest deceit of all.

He's getting ready to give America the Bain treatment.

http://upload.democraticunderground.com/imgs/home/120425-its-a-hard-life-being-a-romney-the-college-years.jpg
When Mitt says "WE" he's not talking about YOU.

This is the choice.

and
Raine
 

49 comments (Latest Comment: 04/27/2012 01:57:25 by TriSec)
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Comment by Scoopster on 04/26/2012 13:41:20
Mornin' all..

The Broons lost

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/26/2012 14:05:36
Yeah, sorry about that. : drinks hot beverage out of Caps mug. Puts game winning goal on blog HD big screen teevee on a continous loop, fluffs the Caps throw pillows on the blog sofa and smooths out the Caps stadium blankent on the back of the couch:

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/26/2012 14:15:41
my cruel mocking killed the blog? REALLY????

Comment by BobR on 04/26/2012 14:17:01
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..

The Broons lost

The Caps won!!

Comment by Scoopster on 04/26/2012 14:24:27
Quote by Mondobubba:
Yeah, sorry about that. : drinks hot beverage out of Caps mug. Puts game winning goal on blog HD big screen teevee on a continous loop, fluffs the Caps throw pillows on the blog sofa and smooths out the Caps stadium blankent on the back of the couch:

What the.. Wouldn't you be a Panthers fan anyways? *puts on his mad old skool Whalers cap*

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/26/2012 14:37:30
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Yeah, sorry about that. : drinks hot beverage out of Caps mug. Puts game winning goal on blog HD big screen teevee on a continous loop, fluffs the Caps throw pillows on the blog sofa and smooths out the Caps stadium blankent on the back of the couch:

What the.. Wouldn't you be a Panthers fan anyways? *puts on his mad old skool Whalers cap*



Ahem. Um no. I am a product of the Washington DC area. Caps, Redskins, the Senators both orignial and expansion (Now the Twins and Rangers respectively).

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/26/2012 14:42:39
On another topic, I am totally stoked about this! Robert Carro's 4th volume in his epic biography of Lyndon Johnson drops next Tuesday!




What, you've not read it? WHY?

Comment by Raine on 04/26/2012 14:59:21
Speaking of the caps... Y'all saw who scored the winning goal?

Well, this made me really rather sick to my stomach:
Unfortunately Ward's goal also unleashed a barrage of tweets that were as vile as they were racist.

Ward is a Canadian whose parents are from Barbados.

Chirpstory.com collected the offensive tweets, almost all which used NSFW language and heavy use of racist terms. (Thanks to Black Sports Online for the assist)


Comment by Mondobubba on 04/26/2012 15:03:08
Quote by Raine:
Speaking of the caps... Y'all saw who scored the winning goal?

Well, this made me really rather sick to my stomach:
Unfortunately Ward's goal also unleashed a barrage of tweets that were as vile as they were racist.

Ward is a Canadian whose parents are from Barbados.

Chirpstory.com collected the offensive tweets, almost all which used NSFW language and heavy use of racist terms. (Thanks to Black Sports Online for the assist)



Wow.

Comment by Raine on 04/26/2012 15:03:17
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/571602/TIM-THOMAS-OBAMA.jpg


Not a knock on the Bruins... but a total knock on Timmeh Thomas.

Comment by Raine on 04/26/2012 15:04:13
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/571606/TIM-THOMAS-OBAMA.jpg


Comment by BobR on 04/26/2012 15:07:57
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Speaking of the caps... Y'all saw who scored the winning goal?

Well, this made me really rather sick to my stomach:
Unfortunately Ward's goal also unleashed a barrage of tweets that were as vile as they were racist.

Ward is a Canadian whose parents are from Barbados.

Chirpstory.com collected the offensive tweets, almost all which used NSFW language and heavy use of racist terms. (Thanks to Black Sports Online for the assist)

Wow.

you'd think having a black hockey player would be something to celebrate

Comment by Raine on 04/26/2012 15:10:53
Please note:


The blog is posted. Thank you for your patience.

Comment by Raine on 04/26/2012 15:12:34
Quote by Mondobubba:
On another topic, I am totally stoked about this! Robert Carro's 4th volume in his epic biography of Lyndon Johnson drops next Tuesday!




What, you've not read it? WHY?

because I expect you to tell us all about it.

and I just got done reading The Blessing and The Help -- and I am starting another book.



Comment by wickedpam on 04/26/2012 15:19:37
Morning


finally in from a morning of running around!

Comment by wickedpam on 04/26/2012 15:20:53
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..

The Broons lost

The Caps won!!


I"m so shocked they haven't done their usual choke yet


Comment by wickedpam on 04/26/2012 15:24:16
Quote by Mondobubba:
On another topic, I am totally stoked about this! Robert Carro's 4th volume in his epic biography of Lyndon Johnson drops next Tuesday!




What, you've not read it? WHY?



why is it I feel like my reading level is only that of that horrible fake vamp series when you though out the books your reading?

But if anyone's interested in fiction I'm reading The Sherlockian and quite enjoying it

Comment by wickedpam on 04/26/2012 15:25:40
oh no! what's wrong with Max?!

Comment by Raine on 04/26/2012 15:29:20
Quote by wickedpam:
oh no! what's wrong with Max?!

What? wut?


Comment by wickedpam on 04/26/2012 15:31:05
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
oh no! what's wrong with Max?!

What? wut?



Steph said she was worried about Max and its wasn't floaters. Max is still pretty young isn't he?

Comment by Raine on 04/26/2012 15:36:13
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
oh no! what's wrong with Max?!

What? wut?



Steph said she was worried about Max and its wasn't floaters. Max is still pretty young isn't he?

I know she adopted him a few years ago.


Comment by Raine on 04/26/2012 15:36:36
Oh, I just heard her mention it..


Comment by Raine on 04/26/2012 15:41:29
She adopted Max before Fred, if I recall correctly

Comment by wickedpam on 04/26/2012 15:45:51
Quote by Raine:
She adopted Max before Fred, if I recall correctly



yeah, she did

Comment by livingonli on 04/26/2012 16:22:18
Good day, folks. I just love the taunting of teabagger Thomas. Tonight, we have both of the remaining game 7's in the saltmine of Rangers-Senators and Panthers-Devils. If the Rangers win, they face the Caps in the next round.

Actually, North Florida is Lightning territory. Fox Sports Florida's Panthers telecasts are blacked out in Northern Florida. The Lightning are shown in the northern half on Sun Sports and the Panthers in the southern half.

Comment by wickedpam on 04/26/2012 16:30:37
Quote by livingonli:
Good day, folks. I just love the taunting of teabagger Thomas. Tonight, we have both of the remaining game 7's in the saltmine of Rangers-Senators and Panthers-Devils. If the Rangers win, they face the Caps in the next round.

Actually, North Florida is Lightning territory. Fox Sports Florida's Panthers telecasts are blacked out in Northern Florida. The Lightning are shown in the northern half on Sun Sports and the Panthers in the southern half.



Are you sure about the Ranger's/Caps? They are speculating in the office and if you have the inside track I can drop it on them

Comment by Scoopster on 04/26/2012 16:35:28
Oh this is perfect.. (Edit: extended version)

http://i.imgur.com/WNx2D.jpg


Comment by livingonli on 04/26/2012 16:41:19
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by livingonli:
Good day, folks. I just love the taunting of teabagger Thomas. Tonight, we have both of the remaining game 7's in the saltmine of Rangers-Senators and Panthers-Devils. If the Rangers win, they face the Caps in the next round.

Actually, North Florida is Lightning territory. Fox Sports Florida's Panthers telecasts are blacked out in Northern Florida. The Lightning are shown in the northern half on Sun Sports and the Panthers in the southern half.



Are you sure about the Ranger's/Caps? They are speculating in the office and if you have the inside track I can drop it on them

It's based on seeding. Rangers are first seed. If the Sens are eliminated, the Caps are the bottom seed so that would put them against each other. If the Bruins had won, the Rangers would either have to face the Devils (if they win) or the Flyers (if the Devils are eliminated) in the next round. If both New York area Hockey teams are eliminated tonight, the Caps would then face the Panthers in the next round since they would be the highest seeded surviving team.

Comment by wickedpam on 04/26/2012 16:49:46
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by livingonli:
Good day, folks. I just love the taunting of teabagger Thomas. Tonight, we have both of the remaining game 7's in the saltmine of Rangers-Senators and Panthers-Devils. If the Rangers win, they face the Caps in the next round.

Actually, North Florida is Lightning territory. Fox Sports Florida's Panthers telecasts are blacked out in Northern Florida. The Lightning are shown in the northern half on Sun Sports and the Panthers in the southern half.



Are you sure about the Ranger's/Caps? They are speculating in the office and if you have the inside track I can drop it on them

It's based on seeding. Rangers are first seed. If the Sens are eliminated, the Caps are the bottom seed so that would put them against each other. If the Bruins had won, the Rangers would either have to face the Devils (if they win) or the Flyers (if the Devils are eliminated) in the next round. If both New York area Hockey teams are eliminated tonight, the Caps would then face the Panthers in the next round since they would be the highest seeded surviving team.



I never under stood how they figured out that the first place team should play against the last place - hardly seems fair and all

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/26/2012 17:25:14
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh this is perfect.. (Edit: extended version)

http://i.imgur.com/WNx2D.jpg




:rofl:

Comment by BobR on 04/26/2012 17:30:56
I guess you have to watch that sword of thrones show or whatever it is to get these. I tried to get into it, but it was so over-the-top with the dialog that I couldn't take it seriously.

Comment by wickedpam on 04/26/2012 17:33:59
Quote by BobR:
I guess you have to watch that sword of thrones show or whatever it is to get these. I tried to get into it, but it was so over-the-top with the dialog that I couldn't take it seriously.



psst - Game of Thrones

Don't worry I don't get it either
Suspect I'd like to show if I got the channel

Comment by Scoopster on 04/26/2012 17:41:27
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by BobR:
I guess you have to watch that sword of thrones show or whatever it is to get these. I tried to get into it, but it was so over-the-top with the dialog that I couldn't take it seriously.



psst - Game of Thrones

Don't worry I don't get it either
Suspect I'd like to show if I got the channel

I have HD downloads of the entire first season if you want 'em.. Dialog aside the storyline just sucks you in (and I haven't read the books yet so some of the stuff I'm like wtf)!

Comment by wickedpam on 04/26/2012 17:51:20
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by BobR:
I guess you have to watch that sword of thrones show or whatever it is to get these. I tried to get into it, but it was so over-the-top with the dialog that I couldn't take it seriously.



psst - Game of Thrones

Don't worry I don't get it either
Suspect I'd like to show if I got the channel

I have HD downloads of the entire first season if you want 'em.. Dialog aside the storyline just sucks you in (and I haven't read the books yet so some of the stuff I'm like wtf)!



tempting - right now I'm catching up on Supernatural, True Blood and Dexter - I've way behind on all of them

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/26/2012 18:16:54
Quote by BobR:
I guess you have to watch that sword of thrones show or whatever it is to get these. I tried to get into it, but it was so over-the-top with the dialog that I couldn't take it seriously.



Speaking of programs on HBO, has anyone else seen "Veep?" It is hilarious!

Comment by wickedpam on 04/26/2012 18:18:08
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by BobR:
I guess you have to watch that sword of thrones show or whatever it is to get these. I tried to get into it, but it was so over-the-top with the dialog that I couldn't take it seriously.



Speaking of programs on HBO, has anyone else seen "Veep?" It is hilarious!



saw a clip, looked like it could be good

Comment by BobR on 04/26/2012 18:40:30
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by BobR:
I guess you have to watch that sword of thrones show or whatever it is to get these. I tried to get into it, but it was so over-the-top with the dialog that I couldn't take it seriously.

Speaking of programs on HBO, has anyone else seen "Veep?" It is hilarious!

saw a clip, looked like it could be good

YES! - it's starting off a little shakey, but I'm looking forward to it hitting its stride

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/26/2012 19:20:25
Quote by BobR:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by BobR:
I guess you have to watch that sword of thrones show or whatever it is to get these. I tried to get into it, but it was so over-the-top with the dialog that I couldn't take it seriously.

Speaking of programs on HBO, has anyone else seen "Veep?" It is hilarious!

saw a clip, looked like it could be good

YES! - it's starting off a little shakey, but I'm looking forward to it hitting its stride



I agree. But then, the premise is the show starts on Day One of her being Veep. So, the shakiness is built in because of that.

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/26/2012 19:48:29
Another thing about Veep, I haven't heard such lusty swearing on an HBO program since Deadwood.

Comment by livingonli on 04/26/2012 20:03:52
For those of us New York radio geeks and those who may be familiar with the history of free-form progressive radio have lost a legend in the passing of Pete Fornatale today.

Comment by Raine on 04/26/2012 20:06:34
I;m really sorry that Maurice Hinchey is retiring.

You should watch this. HE pays tribute to Levon Helms on the house floor.





Comment by Mondobubba on 04/26/2012 21:02:46
Quote by Raine:
I;m really sorry that Maurice Hinchey is retiring.

You should watch this. HE pays tribute to Levon Helms on the house floor.






I got a nice big blank field.

Comment by BobR on 04/26/2012 23:27:39
I could watch this all day...

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1083495/pev.gif


Comment by livingonli on 04/27/2012 01:43:13
Rangers-Caps next round.

Comment by TriSec on 04/27/2012 01:51:52
Evening, folks.

I've finally won an election...it's official; I am the newest member-at-large of the Sons of Liberty District, Boston Minuteman Council BSA.

http://www.yosemitescouting.org/images/patch_district_committee.jpg


Comment by BobR on 04/27/2012 01:53:23
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
I;m really sorry that Maurice Hinchey is retiring.

You should watch this. HE pays tribute to Levon Helms on the house floor.




I got a nice big blank field.

What browser are you using?

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2012 01:55:16
Quote by TriSec:
Evening, folks.

I've finally won an election...it's official; I am the newest member-at-large of the Sons of Liberty District, Boston Minuteman Council BSA.

http://www.yosemitescouting.org/images/patch_district_committee.jpg

Congrats!

Comment by TriSec on 04/27/2012 01:57:25