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My 2 per-Cents
Author: Raine    Date: 02/21/2013 15:00:08

August 2011:
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said he got "98 percent" of what he wanted in the final deal to raise the debt ceiling.

"When you look at this final agreement that we came to with the White House, I got 98 percent of what I wanted. I'm pretty happy," Boehner said in an interview with CBS News on Monday evening.
Yesterday: John Boehner Traps Himself on the Sequester
John Boehner uses a Wall Street Journal op-ed today to signal his party’s strategy, such as it is, on the budget sequester. The main message is to blame President Obama for the budget sequester. Now, that part of the message is obviously untrue — the sequester was a way to escape an economic crisis ginned up by House Republicans, and Boehner himself touted it in 2011.

But the untruth of Boehner’s claim that Obama is the Father of the Sequester isn’t the real problem here — that fact will get buried in he-said, she-said reporting. The bigger problem with Boehner’s strategy is what comes next.

Boehner’s end goal, as explained in the op-ed, is to “reform America's safety net and retirement-security programs.” He has no proposal to do so, however. And for good reason. Cutting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is really, really unpopular. Boehner wants Obama to offer his own proposals to cut these programs to give Republicans political cover. But Obama won’t do that unless Republicans offer to increase tax revenue. And that is the thing they absolutely, positively refuse to concede on.
With 9 days to go before the sequester begins, it appears that the GOP is in a bit of a conundrum. Even though the GOP got 98% of what they wanted, it appears as though they no longer are satisfied with the product they themselves created. What is happening now is the country is being used as hostage to the policies they place above all else. In poll after poll Americans soundly support a combination of Budget cuts and new revenue. 76% of Americans, to be more specific. Steven Benen writes:
Why does this matter? A couple of reasons. First, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) routinely insist that they speak for "the American people" and know exactly what "the American people" want and expect. I suspect they'll keep repeating this silly talking point, but the only appropriate response to the argument is uproarious laughter. At this point, there is almost no overlap between what Americans want and what Republicans are offering -- and lying about public attitudes won't change that.
USA Today/Pew released a poll yesterday and guess what? Most Americans are more in line with President Obama than the Republican Party.
The survey underscores the quandary for the GOP as it debates the party's message in the wake of disappointing losses last November for the White House and in the Senate.

Now just 22% of Americans, nearly a record low, consider themselves Republicans. (snip)

The president's overall job approval rating is 51%, a bit higher than it typically has been for the past three years. The approval rating for Republican congressional leaders is a dismal 25%. Democratic congressional leaders stand in-between, at 37%.
In other words:
http://m.static.newsvine.com/servista/imagesizer?file=steve-benen4C54A29D-28BE-D40E-9636-94A93EE3091E.jpg
Last week the Democrats put out a smaller plan to deal with impending sequestration and the Republicans said no. Instead they are blaming everyone but themselves and doing nothing to stop the thing they despise. It's actually quite insane. If this is 98% of what they wanted, I don't think they have a clue what they want at all. People have said no to their budgets, they have said no to their idea of entitlement reform, they have said no to trickle down. If they are speaking for Americans, maybe they should stop for a minute and actually listen to them. We are speaking clearly regarding what we want. Instead of THEM being the party of no, maybe they should be the party of listening to what people are saying. Far be it for a liberal like myself to give them advice, but if they are really serious about trying to become relevant again, listening might be a good place to start.

It's not just that the demographics in this nation have changed, it is that the GOP refuses to evolve. They are getting more conservative while the nation remains center-left. How many letters do we have to read titled "The GOP Left Me" ? Yes, that is an actual website. I don't know what they can do about it at this point, but listening to the people regarding the sequestration cuts would help.

Then again, maybe the wrath of a headline like this Pentagon Warns of Sequesters Impact will wake up the Hawkish GOP when it is followed by these paragraphs:
The Pentagon warned 800,000 civilian employees worldwide Wednesday that they will be forced to take unpaid leave if deep budget cuts take effect next week, fueling growing anxiety about the impact of the automatic spending reductions on the nation’s economy and security.

In the most detailed account of the ramifications of across-the-board cuts, called the sequester, Defense Department officials said civilian personnel could be put on leave one day a week for 22 weeks — effectively cutting their pay by 20 percent for nearly six months. According to the Office of Personnel Management, 107,000 of these workers live in the District, Maryland and Virginia.
That isn't even including the domestic side of sequestration -- It's not only about cutting budgets, it is about taking away people's ability to pays bills. Keep that in mind when John Boehner says things like this:
“As the commander-in-chief, President Obama is ultimately responsible for our military readiness, so it’s fair to ask: what is he doing to stop his sequester that would ‘hollow out’ our Armed Forces?” House Speaker John A. Boehner (Ohio) said in a statement.
It's misleading at the very least. From that same article: Uniformed personnel are exempt from the sequester.

This is the sword the GOP wants to fall on? They cannot remain relevant on their current path. Only 22% of people identify as Republican -- leaving 78% as other. 76% want a combination of budget cuts and new revenue. Numbers don't lie unless you are John Boehner claiming to get 98% of what he wanted.

Something has to give. Americans deserve better than this. That is my 2 (per)cents.

and
Raine
 

67 comments (Latest Comment: 02/22/2013 01:44:15 by trojanrabbit)
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Comment by wickedpam on 02/21/2013 15:01:11
*stumbles in after pushing open stuck door*

Morning

Comment by BobR on 02/21/2013 15:21:34
Comment by Raine on 02/21/2013 15:24:12
Oy! Good morning!



Comment by Raine on 02/21/2013 15:30:08
Quote by BobR:
Too funny: What gay guys think about vaginas



Comment by wickedpam on 02/21/2013 15:43:27
So can we call it Teaquestration since they are the toddler in the mall throwing the tantrum?

Comment by Raine on 02/21/2013 15:48:13
Quote by wickedpam:
So can we call it Teaquestration since they are the toddler in the mall throwing the tantrum?
I love that! Perfection, Mala.


Comment by wickedpam on 02/21/2013 15:52:59
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
So can we call it Teaquestration since they are the toddler in the mall throwing the tantrum?
I love that! Perfection, Mala.


Yay!


Comment by Scoopster on 02/21/2013 15:57:43
Mornin' all..

Spent most of the evening talking with my (girl)friend about, among other things, actual lazy government workers - you know the ones; those bad apples that make the entire system look bad and provide a convenient excuse for the Teadiots in their anarchic crusade.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/21/2013 16:00:51
Great graph.

Comment by wickedpam on 02/21/2013 16:00:55
Hey Scoop, is that FFXIV an MMO or just can it be played alone like the others? Just started FFXIII, so it will be some time before I get to XIV, but it looks great.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/21/2013 16:03:30
Ahh figured out what my posting issue is. Chome here at worked is pretty much hose'd. I shall be using Firefox then. Still slower than a one-legged Pigtown whore on check day though.

Comment by Raine on 02/21/2013 16:08:38
Holy Batwoman.

That is some seriously beautiful artwork.

Comment by Scoopster on 02/21/2013 16:09:09
Quote by wickedpam:
Hey Scoop, is that FFXIV an MMO or just can it be played alone like the others? Just started FFXIII, so it will be some time before I get to XIV, but it looks great.

It is a full MMO - you'll need a monthly sub to play, and a good portion of the content is group-based (tho they have made a serious commitment to allowing players to solo if they wish).

Comment by wickedpam on 02/21/2013 16:11:19
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by wickedpam:
Hey Scoop, is that FFXIV an MMO or just can it be played alone like the others? Just started FFXIII, so it will be some time before I get to XIV, but it looks great.

It is a full MMO - you'll need a monthly sub to play, and a good portion of the content is group-based (tho they have made a serious commitment to allowing players to solo if they wish).


so like WoW - crap, don't want to pay monthly to play


Comment by Raine on 02/21/2013 16:11:45
Quote by Mondobubba:
Great graph.

Steve Benen deserves to get more credit for his wonkiness, IMO. I;m really tired of the GOP holding America hostage -- but I take comfort that Americans are figuring this out.

Comment by TriSec on 02/21/2013 16:11:53
Morning, comrades. Off to a late start - I had an OT visit this morning.

There seems to be some minor improvement.



Comment by wickedpam on 02/21/2013 16:13:22
Quote by Raine:
Holy Batwoman.

That is some seriously beautiful artwork.


graphic novels and comic's have some truly amazing artists


Comment by Mondobubba on 02/21/2013 16:17:46
Quote by wickedpam:
So can we call it Teaquestration since they are the toddler in the mall throwing the tantrum?



Ohh me likee.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/21/2013 16:25:03
Quote by Raine:
Holy Batwoman.

That is some seriously beautiful artwork.


I saw that on the Book of Faces last night via some geek thing I subscribe to. The story line is kinda awesome but the artwork is pretty much oh my god, wow! It is ever so slightly kinda per-Raphelite looking.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/21/2013 16:30:15
About that furloughing on civilian employees of DoD, my Gay Sugardaddy will be losing about 22K in income if this goes through. Let that sink in.

Comment by Scoopster on 02/21/2013 16:32:58
Quote by Mondobubba:
About that furloughing on civilian employees of DoD, my Gay Sugardaddy will be losing about 22K in income if this goes through. Let that sink in.

Are you dating my landlord?

Comment by TriSec on 02/21/2013 16:36:29
Iceberg, right ahead!

Clang!
Clang!
Clang!

And Captain Edward J. Boehner continues on course and speed.



Comment by Mondobubba on 02/21/2013 16:36:38
Since The Boner and entitlement reform were mentioned in the blog, let me reiterate something, Social Security is an off-budget item. It doesn't add to the debt or deficit.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/21/2013 16:37:17
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
About that furloughing on civilian employees of DoD, my Gay Sugardaddy will be losing about 22K in income if this goes through. Let that sink in.

Are you dating my landlord?



Not that I know of.

Comment by Raine on 02/21/2013 16:37:18
http://25.media.tumblr.com/4d7bf21b8a73fcc697613b9a9c006706/tumblr_mijqd4u88m1qkml81o1_500.png


Comment by Scoopster on 02/21/2013 16:41:58
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
About that furloughing on civilian employees of DoD, my Gay Sugardaddy will be losing about 22K in income if this goes through. Let that sink in.

Are you dating my landlord?

OH right this needs some explanation.. I recently found out my landlord is an interstate gay gigolo. Not quite on the level of Patient X from the movie And the Band Played On, but up there.

Comment by livingonli on 02/21/2013 16:42:34
Good morning everyone. I disabled pepperflash on my browser although haven't set it up for permanent so I will see if this makes the browser behave a little better.

Comment by Raine on 02/21/2013 16:44:20
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
About that furloughing on civilian employees of DoD, my Gay Sugardaddy will be losing about 22K in income if this goes through. Let that sink in.

Are you dating my landlord?

OH right this needs some explanation.. I recently found out my landlord is an interstate gay gigolo. Not quite on the level of Patient X from the movie And the Band Played On, but up there.

Wow. that is interesting.

Now I want an explanation about Mondo's gay Sugardaddy...

Comment by wickedpam on 02/21/2013 16:45:33
Quote by livingonli:
Good morning everyone. I disabled pepperflash on my browser although haven't set it up for permanent so I will see if this makes the browser behave a little better.



over the last 24 hours I've discovered its not stopped the crashing but it seems to be happened a little less.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/21/2013 16:48:14
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
About that furloughing on civilian employees of DoD, my Gay Sugardaddy will be losing about 22K in income if this goes through. Let that sink in.

Are you dating my landlord?

OH right this needs some explanation.. I recently found out my landlord is an interstate gay gigolo. Not quite on the level of Patient X from the movie And the Band Played On, but up there.

Wow. that is interesting.

Now I want an explanation about Mondo's gay Sugardaddy...



I teasingly call him that due to his propensity for picking checks for an entire table of people.

Comment by Scoopster on 02/21/2013 17:10:20
Comment by TriSec on 02/21/2013 17:15:33
Oh, noes! Another winter storm!

Nemo has been taken, so should we name this one Dory?



Comment by Scoopster on 02/21/2013 17:16:56
Quote by TriSec:
Oh, noes! Another winter storm!

Nemo has been taken, so should we name this one Dory?

Just as long as they don't call it Barney..

Comment by TriSec on 02/21/2013 17:20:24
Comment by Raine on 02/21/2013 17:21:42
Quote by Scoopster:
Brilliant!
^^^brilliant^^^


Comment by wickedpam on 02/21/2013 17:22:22
Comment by Raine on 02/21/2013 17:23:28
Quote by TriSec:
" I shoot first ".


What a piece of garbage. Ugh.

Comment by wickedpam on 02/21/2013 17:28:34
errands time

Comment by TriSec on 02/21/2013 17:28:43
Elizabeth Warren creates a PAC.

"PAC For a Level Playing Field", but a PAC nonetheless.

Well, so much for that.



Comment by Raine on 02/21/2013 17:29:09
But Isn't the FBI a part of DHS? Plus, I think Mala could be correct, there may very well be trafficking.


Comment by Mondobubba on 02/21/2013 17:36:33
Quote by wickedpam:


human trafficking maybe?



ICE ICE baby. That of course would Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/21/2013 17:53:59
Quote by Raine:
But Isn't the FBI a part of DHS? Plus, I think Mala could be correct, there may very well be trafficking.



No, FBI is DoJ. They never moved that. See Mondo's last post.

Comment by Raine on 02/21/2013 18:16:27
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
But Isn't the FBI a part of DHS? Plus, I think Mala could be correct, there may very well be trafficking.



No, FBI is DoJ. They never moved that. See Mondo's last post.
Ah.


Comment by wickedpam on 02/21/2013 18:25:44
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:


human trafficking maybe?



ICE ICE baby. That of course would Immigration and Customs Enforcement.


too much SVU and NCIS my brain first went to trafficking, didn't think about ICE


Comment by TriSec on 02/21/2013 19:01:43
TriSec is resolved to start climbing the stairs to the office instead of riding the ol' elevator....primarily for rehab purposes.

TriSec will also be installing an oxygen tent over his desk.

<-- dies.


Comment by livingonli on 02/21/2013 19:04:55
Tri can be such a drama queen since he seems to be holding out. At least I'm hoping that the worst is over.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/21/2013 19:10:15
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:


human trafficking maybe?



ICE ICE baby. That of course would Immigration and Customs Enforcement.


too much SVU and NCIS my brain first went to trafficking, didn't think about ICE



I wouldn't be surprised that the girls in the massage parlor were being trafficked.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/21/2013 19:56:58
I was just reading a little write up about the Florida Tea Party morons who want to ride manatees, while reading it a light bulb went off. I might have said this before on das blog, if I did forgive me. It seems to me that as group, the Tea Party is totally incapable of looking beyond themselves. They have no empathy for anyone or anything. They are like narcissistic operatic singers, it is all about mememememememe!