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Because, Obama
Author: Raine
Date: 09/20/2013 12:58:12
Well they are at it again, Yesterday the house voted to cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by nearly 40 Billion dollars. Republicans are somewhat misrepresenting fraud in the SNAP system. There have been problems but those problems do not warrant a 40 billion dollar gouging. They are lying:
Because, Obama.
Today the House plans on voting to defund Obamacare in order to stop stop a government shutdown --again. You know, why?
Because, Obama.
Maybe the President should come out and say he's against Obamacare.... and that he hates poor people. Then maybe these cruel and sadistic 'representatives' would actually do something that helps instead of hurts our nation.
and 
Raine
Cantor said the deep cuts enacted Thursday were necessary because while most SNAP recipients need the assistance, there are too many people “that choose to abuse the system.”
"Frankly it’s wrong for hard-working middle-class Americans to pay for that," Cantor said.
Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-Kan.), a strong supporter of the bill, said that stiffer work requirements for certain adults applying for SNAP funds mean "you can no longer sit on your couch…and expect the federal taxpayer to feed you."
Myth #1: People who get SNAP don’t work.
FACT: In 2010 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the program, 30% of households enrolled in SNAP do work. Of all SNAP households in the United States, 49% include children, 16% include seniors and 20% include someone disabled. All together, 76% of SNAP households contain a child, a senior or a disabled person.
Myth #2: SNAP is a drain on taxpayers.
FACT: Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.73 in economic activity, according to Moody's economist Mark Zandi. SNAP not only helps low-income people buy groceries, it frees up cash for other expenses, such as medical care, clothing, home repairs and childcare. That benefits local businesses and their employees, which boosts the economy as a whole.
Myth #3: SNAP is rife with fraud and abuse.
FACT: “SNAP has one of the most rigorous quality control systems of any public benefit program,” according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. SNAP fraud has actually been cut by three-quarters over the past 15 years, and the program’s error rate is at an all-time low of less than 3 percent. The introduction of EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards has dramatically reduced consumer fraud. According to the USDA, the small amount of fraud that continues is usually on the part of retailers, not consumers.
There are a few things you should know about the politics of food stamps—and that no House GOP member will tell you. First, the only time food-stamp usage fell in recent memory was under a Democrat. Second, food stamps, by design, rose massively during a period of economic expansion presided over by a Republican president. Third, even as the debate heats up, the number of people receiving the benefit has started to fall. It’s hard to see turning points in real time, but it’s quite likely we have already hit peak food stamps in this country.
Go look at the annual data. During the presidency of Bill Clinton, as the economy expanded and wages rose, the number of people on food stamps fell for six straight years, from 27.47 million in 1994 to 17.318 million in 2001—a decline of 37 percent.
But then things changed starting. As The Wall Street Journal noted, “The food-stamp boom began with the George W. Bush Republicans, who expanded benefits in the appalling 2002 farm bill.” With the complicity of Democrats and Republicans in Congress, Bush presided over a massive expansion of the program. The 2002 farm bill expanded eligibility to certain non-citizens, and the 2008 farm bill, passed over Bush’s veto, added more benefits. The upshot: between 2001 and 2009, the number of people on food stamps rose from 17.318 million to 33.49 million, an increase of 93.4 percent. The total annual costs of the program tripled between 2001 and 2009, from $17.8 billion to $53.6 billion. It may turn out that George W. Bush was the most effective food-stamp president.
The number of recipients has indeed risen sharply since President Obama took office. It rose during the recession of 2008–09, and it has continued to rise even after the economy began to add jobs again in early 2010. The number of recipients soared from 33.49 million in 2009 to 46.6 million in 2012, an increase of 13.11 million, or 39 percent in three years. That’s dramatic. Program costs rose from $53.6 billion in 2009 to $78.436 billion in 2012, an increase of 46 percent.
SNAP Is Not Contributing to the Nation’s Long-term Fiscal Problems
While SNAP spending has risen considerably since the recession hit, the increases are expected to be temporary. CBO predicts that SNAP enrollment will fall in coming years as the economy recovers. CBO projects that the number of people receiving SNAP in a typical month will begin to fall in 2014 (from 47.7 million in fiscal year 2013 to 47.6 million in 2014, 46.5 million in 2015, and 34.3 million by 2023.)[5] By 2019, SNAP spending will return to 1995 recession levels as a share of GDP. (See Figure 3.)
Once the economy has fully recovered, SNAP costs are expected to rise only in response to growth in the size of the low-income population and increases in food prices. Unlike health care programs and Social Security, there are no demographic or programmatic pressures that will cause SNAP costs to grow faster than the overall economy. Thus, SNAP is not contributing to the nation’s long-term fiscal problems.
The first reinstates restrictions on many able-bodied, childless adults aged 18 to 50 who receive SNAP benefits. It accounts for roughly half the cuts. Under those limits, 1.7 million people would lose benefits next year, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported on Monday. Under federal law, those able-bodied adults may collect only limited benefits — up to three months over a three-year period — unless they work more than 20 hours per week or are in a job-training program.
Because, Obama.
Today the House plans on voting to defund Obamacare in order to stop stop a government shutdown --again. You know, why?
Because, Obama.
Maybe the President should come out and say he's against Obamacare.... and that he hates poor people. Then maybe these cruel and sadistic 'representatives' would actually do something that helps instead of hurts our nation.
and Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Scoopster on 09/20/2013 13:05:41
Scoopster on 09/20/2013 13:05:41
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee.. 
Not in the mood to
this morning. Not at all. This thing overnight in Chicago has me absolutely livid.
Not in the mood to
this morning. Not at all. This thing overnight in Chicago has me absolutely livid.
Comment by 
Raine on 09/20/2013 13:07:43
I could not even bring myself to to write about it. I almost added something to the blog about that --- we can't get meaningful anything done with fucktards in the house.
Raine on 09/20/2013 13:07:43
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee..
Not in the mood to
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 13:16:59
Raine on 09/20/2013 13:16:59
Comment by Scoopster on 09/20/2013 13:24:55
Scoopster on 09/20/2013 13:24:55
I'm surprised they didn't trot out this classic little clip to demonstrate how bad SNAP fraud is..
Comment by 
wickedpam on 09/20/2013 13:35:34
wickedpam on 09/20/2013 13:35:34
Morning 
Just kind of running through have some errands to run in a bit
Just kind of running through have some errands to run in a bit
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 13:35:39
Don't give them any more ideas...
Raine on 09/20/2013 13:35:39
Quote by Scoopster:
I'm surprised they didn't trot out this classic little clip to demonstrate how bad SNAP fraud is..
Comment by 
BobR on 09/20/2013 13:36:27
BobR on 09/20/2013 13:36:27
Looks like a quiet day at the office.. 
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 13:46:39
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 13:46:39
Raine, great info on SNAP, however the drop in benefits under Bubba happened because of the welfare reform law which limited benefits for foodstamp like it did for welfare to 3 years total. What has happened since 2008 is states have been given waivers that let them extend SNAP past the 3 year cap. Just thought you would like to know. I, Mondo am a monster when it comes to SNAP.
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 13:55:59
That's interesting. I had thought about Bubba when putting this together -- but I really didn't have the time to go down that rabbit hole.
Raine on 09/20/2013 13:55:59
Quote by Mondobubba:
Raine, great info on SNAP, however the drop in benefits under Bubba happened because of the welfare reform law which limited benefits for foodstamp like it did for welfare to 3 years total. What has happened since 2008 is states have been given waivers that let them extend SNAP past the 3 year cap. Just thought you would like to know. I, Mondo am a monster when it comes to SNAP.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 14:16:27
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 14:16:27
Comment by 
TriSec on 09/20/2013 14:23:57
TriSec on 09/20/2013 14:23:57
Who do I call about this?
I'm pretty pissed off..."don't work" my ass!
I was laid off in 2009, as you all know. I bounced between contracting and temping for YEARS before I landed a permanent gig. I got paid far less, and had no benefits during this time.
We also barely managed to avoid getting evicted for late-payment of rent. I worked my ass off at 2 and even 3 jobs, the few extra dollars we got from SNAP ensured that Javi and Mrs. Trisec wouldn't friggin' starve to death while I wore myself to a nub trying.
Fucking asshats.
I'm pretty pissed off..."don't work" my ass!
I was laid off in 2009, as you all know. I bounced between contracting and temping for YEARS before I landed a permanent gig. I got paid far less, and had no benefits during this time.
We also barely managed to avoid getting evicted for late-payment of rent. I worked my ass off at 2 and even 3 jobs, the few extra dollars we got from SNAP ensured that Javi and Mrs. Trisec wouldn't friggin' starve to death while I wore myself to a nub trying.
Fucking asshats.
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 14:29:49
Raine on 09/20/2013 14:29:49
cripes. Talked to my friend in Boulder about some distubing stories coming about about leaking frackiing well in colorado. ME:
I'm really glad that you are relatively safe. I;m PM'ing this to you because I don't want to create a brouhaha -- but is this a serious concern for you all there? http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/18/us-usa-colorado-flooding-fracking-idUSBRE98H15820130918
Hugs to you and wifey.
I'm really glad that you are relatively safe. I;m PM'ing this to you because I don't want to create a brouhaha -- but is this a serious concern for you all there? http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/18/us-usa-colorado-flooding-fracking-idUSBRE98H15820130918
Hugs to you and wifey.
For us specifically, no. For Colorado and the fracked-up West? Absolutely. Most of the well pads and fracking Sites are well east of us, basically way downstream. So the eastern communities need to be aware that this concern is real.
I had a huge discussion with one of our clients (a land developer in Weld County) a couple of months ago. They were looking to buy a vacant parcel (for more development) that was previously farmland and agriculture. Literally, only crops and ag with one exception. The adjacent parcel just had a directional well (read: fracking well) drilled a year or two ago. They way fracking wells are constructed out here are not surface-oriente. Depending on the terms of the agreement, they usually exploit Section by Section. And those sections can inter-mingle underground which is what happened in this instance. I had to call it out as a concern - I told them, you need to do methane gas monitoring and groundwater montitoring. Get a couple rounds of baseline data to verify you guys have clean groundwater underneath your investment.
So, when that fracking well fails, which it will, you have legal recrouse to recoup costs. Their lawyers thought we were nuts. Probably not anymore. It's a bummer it takes a natural disaster and the related issues to make perfectly intelligent and sane people aware that this is not a non-issue.
Sigh............
I guess we'll have work for a long time at this rate. Not sure I'm completely happy with that scenario. There are just so many better ways to do things. Many folks are still sleeping on this issue.
Comment by BobR on 09/20/2013 14:46:59
The link is to a file on your "P:" drive
BobR on 09/20/2013 14:46:59
The link is to a file on your "P:" drive
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 14:50:46
*P* drive
hmm?
Raine on 09/20/2013 14:50:46
Quote by BobR:
The link is to a file on your "P:" drive
hmm?
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 14:53:06
Wait, I thought you were on you couch.
They are just cruel.
Raine on 09/20/2013 14:53:06
Quote by TriSec:
Who do I call about this?
I'm pretty pissed off..."don't work" my ass!
I was laid off in 2009, as you all know. I bounced between contracting and temping for YEARS before I landed a permanent gig. I got paid far less, and had no benefits during this time.
We also barely managed to avoid getting evicted for late-payment of rent. I worked my ass off at 2 and even 3 jobs, the few extra dollars we got from SNAP ensured that Javi and Mrs. Trisec wouldn't friggin' starve to death while I wore myself to a nub trying.
Fucking asshats.
They are just cruel.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 14:54:57
Raine! Get out of my mind!
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 14:54:57
Quote by Raine:*P* driveQuote by BobR:
The link is to a file on your "P:" drive
Raine! Get out of my mind!
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 14:59:27
Cruel, with no ability what so ever to think out of their own frame of reference.
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 14:59:27
Quote by Raine:Wait, I thought you were on you couch.Quote by TriSec:
Who do I call about this?
I'm pretty pissed off..."don't work" my ass!
I was laid off in 2009, as you all know. I bounced between contracting and temping for YEARS before I landed a permanent gig. I got paid far less, and had no benefits during this time.
We also barely managed to avoid getting evicted for late-payment of rent. I worked my ass off at 2 and even 3 jobs, the few extra dollars we got from SNAP ensured that Javi and Mrs. Trisec wouldn't friggin' starve to death while I wore myself to a nub trying.
Fucking asshats.
They are just cruel.
Cruel, with no ability what so ever to think out of their own frame of reference.
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 15:01:33
They are also going to cut SNAP for the military --
Raine on 09/20/2013 15:01:33
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Wait, I thought you were on you couch.Quote by TriSec:
Who do I call about this?
I'm pretty pissed off..."don't work" my ass!
I was laid off in 2009, as you all know. I bounced between contracting and temping for YEARS before I landed a permanent gig. I got paid far less, and had no benefits during this time.
We also barely managed to avoid getting evicted for late-payment of rent. I worked my ass off at 2 and even 3 jobs, the few extra dollars we got from SNAP ensured that Javi and Mrs. Trisec wouldn't friggin' starve to death while I wore myself to a nub trying.
Fucking asshats.
They are just cruel.
Cruel, with no ability what so ever to think out of their own frame of reference.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 15:05:12
So, "support the troops" is just another vague abstraction for these horrible, awful people?
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 15:05:12
Quote by Raine:They are also going to cut SNAP for the military --Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Wait, I thought you were on you couch.Quote by TriSec:
Who do I call about this?
I'm pretty pissed off..."don't work" my ass!
I was laid off in 2009, as you all know. I bounced between contracting and temping for YEARS before I landed a permanent gig. I got paid far less, and had no benefits during this time.
We also barely managed to avoid getting evicted for late-payment of rent. I worked my ass off at 2 and even 3 jobs, the few extra dollars we got from SNAP ensured that Javi and Mrs. Trisec wouldn't friggin' starve to death while I wore myself to a nub trying.
Fucking asshats.
They are just cruel.
Cruel, with no ability what so ever to think out of their own frame of reference.
So, "support the troops" is just another vague abstraction for these horrible, awful people?
Comment by TriSec on 09/20/2013 15:09:14
TriSec on 09/20/2013 15:09:14
And I was just reading about Chicago.
After last Monday, I had actually planned next week's "Ask a Vet". Since America is a war zone, I was going to compare and contrast the casualty counts from the Afghanistan Theater vs. places like Chicago, Detroit, Miami, etc.
But I don't think I'm going to do that now. This is really getting ridiculous. But as Momma pointed out yesterday, 20 dead first graders and teachers, and an actual congressperson shot in the head, if that doesn't change things, nothing will.
And America moves on to the "New Normal".
After last Monday, I had actually planned next week's "Ask a Vet". Since America is a war zone, I was going to compare and contrast the casualty counts from the Afghanistan Theater vs. places like Chicago, Detroit, Miami, etc.
But I don't think I'm going to do that now. This is really getting ridiculous. But as Momma pointed out yesterday, 20 dead first graders and teachers, and an actual congressperson shot in the head, if that doesn't change things, nothing will.
And America moves on to the "New Normal".
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 15:12:25
I literally made this my status update a few moments ago (before I saw this post)
Raine on 09/20/2013 15:12:25
Quote by TriSec:
And I was just reading about Chicago.
After last Monday, I had actually planned next week's "Ask a Vet". Since America is a war zone, I was going to compare and contrast the casualty counts from the Afghanistan Theater vs. places like Chicago, Detroit, Miami, etc.
But I don't think I'm going to do that now. This is really getting ridiculous. But as Momma pointed out yesterday, 20 dead first graders and teachers, and an actual congressperson shot in the head, if that doesn't change things, nothing will.
And America moves on to the "New Normal".
So what happens when 13 people get shot in ONE gun incident overnight?
Nothing.
It's just another day in America.
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 15:17:40
Raine on 09/20/2013 15:17:40
SO answer me again how this is the party of personal responsibility -- ??? 
“The reforms made by this bill will put people on the path to self-sufficiency and independence,†said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, a Virginia Republican, before the vote. ‘
Comment by BobR on 09/20/2013 15:22:09
Frequency of violence in America is on par with the Middle East. The only difference is the motivation and the firepower.
If the NRA has their way, there will only be 1 difference.
BobR on 09/20/2013 15:22:09
Quote by Raine:I literally made this my status update a few moments ago (before I saw this post)Quote by TriSec:
And I was just reading about Chicago.
After last Monday, I had actually planned next week's "Ask a Vet". Since America is a war zone, I was going to compare and contrast the casualty counts from the Afghanistan Theater vs. places like Chicago, Detroit, Miami, etc.
But I don't think I'm going to do that now. This is really getting ridiculous. But as Momma pointed out yesterday, 20 dead first graders and teachers, and an actual congressperson shot in the head, if that doesn't change things, nothing will.
And America moves on to the "New Normal".So what happens when 13 people get shot in ONE gun incident overnight?
Nothing.
It's just another day in America.
Frequency of violence in America is on par with the Middle East. The only difference is the motivation and the firepower.
If the NRA has their way, there will only be 1 difference.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 15:25:04
I heard about it on the NPR mosheen on the way to work.
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 15:25:04
Quote by Raine:I literally made this my status update a few moments ago (before I saw this post)Quote by TriSec:
And I was just reading about Chicago.
After last Monday, I had actually planned next week's "Ask a Vet". Since America is a war zone, I was going to compare and contrast the casualty counts from the Afghanistan Theater vs. places like Chicago, Detroit, Miami, etc.
But I don't think I'm going to do that now. This is really getting ridiculous. But as Momma pointed out yesterday, 20 dead first graders and teachers, and an actual congressperson shot in the head, if that doesn't change things, nothing will.
And America moves on to the "New Normal".So what happens when 13 people get shot in ONE gun incident overnight?
Nothing.
It's just another day in America.
I heard about it on the NPR mosheen on the way to work.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 15:27:01
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 15:27:01
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 15:27:34
Raine on 09/20/2013 15:27:34
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/20/2013 15:31:37
Will in Chicago on 09/20/2013 15:31:37
Raine, I will comment momentarily on a truly excellent blog. This is what I just wrote on Facebook:
I am a Chicago native, and spent most of my life in the city or near by. As a substitute teacher, I have seen many different neighborhoods and have met good people from the richest and the poorest areas. I am outraged at the shooting in the Back of the Yards neighborhood and ask why we are not addressing the violence in our inner cities. The children of those communities are as precious as those in our wealthiest neighborhoods and suburbs. It is time for a push to address the problems of poverty and violence.
From the Chicago Tribune:
I am a Chicago native, and spent most of my life in the city or near by. As a substitute teacher, I have seen many different neighborhoods and have met good people from the richest and the poorest areas. I am outraged at the shooting in the Back of the Yards neighborhood and ask why we are not addressing the violence in our inner cities. The children of those communities are as precious as those in our wealthiest neighborhoods and suburbs. It is time for a push to address the problems of poverty and violence.
From the Chicago Tribune:
13 shot in park: 'My younger brother was on the floor'
By Peter Nickeas and Jeremy Gorner Tribune reporters
10:21 a.m. CDT, September 20, 2013
Semehca Nunn tried hard to talk about her 3-year-old grandson, one of 13 people shot as neighbors played basketball in Cornell Square Park in the Back of the Yards Thursday night.
"They need to stop, they need to stop," Nunn said, the last word coming out as almost a shriek as she closed her eyes and collapsed crying.
A pick-up game was being played on the park's basketball court in the 1800 block of West 51st Street around 10:15 a.m. when at least one gunman walked up and started firing, apparently with a high-powered gun.
Thirteen people who were on the court or were watching the game were hit, many of them in the arms or legs.
The boy, Deonta Howard, was standing on the court and was shot near the ear, the bullet exiting through his cheek, according to police and relatives. His family said the boy is expected to recover but will need plastic surgery.
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 09/20/2013 15:38:24
Hey Eric, you teatard. Reducing aid to Israel to 0 would lead THEM on the path to self-sufficiency and independence.
trojanrabbit on 09/20/2013 15:38:24
Quote by Raine:
SO answer me again how this is the party of personal responsibility -- ???“The reforms made by this bill will put people on the path to self-sufficiency and independence,†said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, a Virginia Republican, before the vote. ‘
Hey Eric, you teatard. Reducing aid to Israel to 0 would lead THEM on the path to self-sufficiency and independence.
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 15:39:45
BRILLIANT!
Raine on 09/20/2013 15:39:45
Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by Raine:
SO answer me again how this is the party of personal responsibility -- ???“The reforms made by this bill will put people on the path to self-sufficiency and independence,†said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, a Virginia Republican, before the vote. ‘
Hey Eric, you teatard. Reducing aid to Israel to 0 would lead THEM on the path to self-sufficiency and independence.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/20/2013 15:40:59
They have conserved their compassion into non-existence. I am part of the working poor and get some benefits.
I do not live like a king, but rather like a peasant. I have ended up helping out people as a care giver and subbing in our nation's schools. I have checked across different fields and states to find work.
I would like to see the critics who believe in the mythology about SNAP and the poor to spend one month living their lives, in those neighborhoods on a very fixed income. It might not teach them compassion, but it would be just.
Will in Chicago on 09/20/2013 15:40:59
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Wait, I thought you were on you couch.Quote by TriSec:
Who do I call about this?
I'm pretty pissed off..."don't work" my ass!
I was laid off in 2009, as you all know. I bounced between contracting and temping for YEARS before I landed a permanent gig. I got paid far less, and had no benefits during this time.
We also barely managed to avoid getting evicted for late-payment of rent. I worked my ass off at 2 and even 3 jobs, the few extra dollars we got from SNAP ensured that Javi and Mrs. Trisec wouldn't friggin' starve to death while I wore myself to a nub trying.
Fucking asshats.
They are just cruel.
Cruel, with no ability what so ever to think out of their own frame of reference.
They have conserved their compassion into non-existence. I am part of the working poor and get some benefits.
I do not live like a king, but rather like a peasant. I have ended up helping out people as a care giver and subbing in our nation's schools. I have checked across different fields and states to find work.
I would like to see the critics who believe in the mythology about SNAP and the poor to spend one month living their lives, in those neighborhoods on a very fixed income. It might not teach them compassion, but it would be just.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/20/2013 15:44:03
Foreign aid is a small part of the national budget, and I think that the real reason we give aid to Israel and Egypt is to try to keep the Camp David accords going. It also helps that a lot of this aid benefits our military equipment makers.
What I think is needed is a push for peace and democracy in the region. Unfortunately, I have little faith in Israel's current leadership and many others in the entire region. Still, I have hope in the long run as I have faith in the peoples of the Middle East as opposed to their "leaders."
Will in Chicago on 09/20/2013 15:44:03
Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by Raine:
SO answer me again how this is the party of personal responsibility -- ???“The reforms made by this bill will put people on the path to self-sufficiency and independence,†said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, a Virginia Republican, before the vote. ‘
Hey Eric, you teatard. Reducing aid to Israel to 0 would lead THEM on the path to self-sufficiency and independence.
Foreign aid is a small part of the national budget, and I think that the real reason we give aid to Israel and Egypt is to try to keep the Camp David accords going. It also helps that a lot of this aid benefits our military equipment makers.
What I think is needed is a push for peace and democracy in the region. Unfortunately, I have little faith in Israel's current leadership and many others in the entire region. Still, I have hope in the long run as I have faith in the peoples of the Middle East as opposed to their "leaders."
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 15:44:50
Raine on 09/20/2013 15:44:50
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 15:46:41
I looked at it more as 'hey -- instead of doing this to poor people let's not subsidize things like this -- and you know, corporations like oil companies, big pharma, big ag....
Raine on 09/20/2013 15:46:41
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by Raine:
SO answer me again how this is the party of personal responsibility -- ???“The reforms made by this bill will put people on the path to self-sufficiency and independence,†said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, a Virginia Republican, before the vote. ‘
Hey Eric, you teatard. Reducing aid to Israel to 0 would lead THEM on the path to self-sufficiency and independence.
Foreign aid is a small part of the national budget, and I think that the real reason we give aid to Israel and Egypt is to try to keep the Camp David accords going. It also helps that a lot of this aid benefits our military equipment makers.
What I think is needed is a push for peace and democracy in the region. Unfortunately, I have little faith in Israel's current leadership and many others in the entire region. Still, I have hope in the long run as I have faith in the peoples of the Middle East as opposed to their "leaders."
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 15:47:04
Might be the lack of uproar over this be that they don't live in a zip code that matters?
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 15:47:04
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Raine, I will comment momentarily on a truly excellent blog. This is what I just wrote on Facebook:
I am a Chicago native, and spent most of my life in the city or near by. As a substitute teacher, I have seen many different neighborhoods and have met good people from the richest and the poorest areas. I am outraged at the shooting in the Back of the Yards neighborhood and ask why we are not addressing the violence in our inner cities. The children of those communities are as precious as those in our wealthiest neighborhoods and suburbs. It is time for a push to address the problems of poverty and violence.
From the Chicago Tribune:
13 shot in park: 'My younger brother was on the floor'
By Peter Nickeas and Jeremy Gorner Tribune reporters
10:21 a.m. CDT, September 20, 2013
Semehca Nunn tried hard to talk about her 3-year-old grandson, one of 13 people shot as neighbors played basketball in Cornell Square Park in the Back of the Yards Thursday night.
"They need to stop, they need to stop," Nunn said, the last word coming out as almost a shriek as she closed her eyes and collapsed crying.
A pick-up game was being played on the park's basketball court in the 1800 block of West 51st Street around 10:15 a.m. when at least one gunman walked up and started firing, apparently with a high-powered gun.
Thirteen people who were on the court or were watching the game were hit, many of them in the arms or legs.
The boy, Deonta Howard, was standing on the court and was shot near the ear, the bullet exiting through his cheek, according to police and relatives. His family said the boy is expected to recover but will need plastic surgery.
Might be the lack of uproar over this be that they don't live in a zip code that matters?
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 15:48:46
Eww? Stay klassy Koch brother astro-turf group!
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 15:48:46
Quote by Raine:
It's about time someone called these ads out for what they are:
RAPEY. and gross.
Eww? Stay klassy Koch brother astro-turf group!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/20/2013 15:50:58
I think that it is. I hate to say it, but America seems to be afraid to talk about racism and classism. We have become used to reports of violence from poor, often racial minority, neighborhoods.
Also, I shared today's blog on my Facebook page.
Will in Chicago on 09/20/2013 15:50:58
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Raine, I will comment momentarily on a truly excellent blog. This is what I just wrote on Facebook:
I am a Chicago native, and spent most of my life in the city or near by. As a substitute teacher, I have seen many different neighborhoods and have met good people from the richest and the poorest areas. I am outraged at the shooting in the Back of the Yards neighborhood and ask why we are not addressing the violence in our inner cities. The children of those communities are as precious as those in our wealthiest neighborhoods and suburbs. It is time for a push to address the problems of poverty and violence.
From the Chicago Tribune:
13 shot in park: 'My younger brother was on the floor'
By Peter Nickeas and Jeremy Gorner Tribune reporters
10:21 a.m. CDT, September 20, 2013
Semehca Nunn tried hard to talk about her 3-year-old grandson, one of 13 people shot as neighbors played basketball in Cornell Square Park in the Back of the Yards Thursday night.
"They need to stop, they need to stop," Nunn said, the last word coming out as almost a shriek as she closed her eyes and collapsed crying.
A pick-up game was being played on the park's basketball court in the 1800 block of West 51st Street around 10:15 a.m. when at least one gunman walked up and started firing, apparently with a high-powered gun.
Thirteen people who were on the court or were watching the game were hit, many of them in the arms or legs.
The boy, Deonta Howard, was standing on the court and was shot near the ear, the bullet exiting through his cheek, according to police and relatives. His family said the boy is expected to recover but will need plastic surgery.
Might be the lack of uproar over this be that they don't live in a zip code that matters?
I think that it is. I hate to say it, but America seems to be afraid to talk about racism and classism. We have become used to reports of violence from poor, often racial minority, neighborhoods.
Also, I shared today's blog on my Facebook page.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/20/2013 15:54:02
We need to set new spending priorities. I would like foreign aid to go to helping the people of different nations to be more self sufficient, to promote peace, democracy and understanding. We spend more on our military and corporate welfare than I can imagine. (Has anyone added our military spending and corporate welfare up to see how much it is?)
Will in Chicago on 09/20/2013 15:54:02
Quote by Raine:I looked at it more as 'hey -- instead of doing this to poor people let's not subsidize things like this -- and you know, corporations like oil companies, big pharma, big ag....Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by Raine:
SO answer me again how this is the party of personal responsibility -- ???“The reforms made by this bill will put people on the path to self-sufficiency and independence,†said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, a Virginia Republican, before the vote. ‘
Hey Eric, you teatard. Reducing aid to Israel to 0 would lead THEM on the path to self-sufficiency and independence.
Foreign aid is a small part of the national budget, and I think that the real reason we give aid to Israel and Egypt is to try to keep the Camp David accords going. It also helps that a lot of this aid benefits our military equipment makers.
What I think is needed is a push for peace and democracy in the region. Unfortunately, I have little faith in Israel's current leadership and many others in the entire region. Still, I have hope in the long run as I have faith in the peoples of the Middle East as opposed to their "leaders."
We need to set new spending priorities. I would like foreign aid to go to helping the people of different nations to be more self sufficient, to promote peace, democracy and understanding. We spend more on our military and corporate welfare than I can imagine. (Has anyone added our military spending and corporate welfare up to see how much it is?)
Comment by trojanrabbit on 09/20/2013 15:56:32
That's what I was getting at. Without getting into the rights or wrongs of it, at the moment Israel appears to be in the position of buying as many arms or whatever they need. Not so for the people on SNAP.
trojanrabbit on 09/20/2013 15:56:32
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Raine:I looked at it more as 'hey -- instead of doing this to poor people let's not subsidize things like this -- and you know, corporations like oil companies, big pharma, big ag....Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by Raine:
SO answer me again how this is the party of personal responsibility -- ???“The reforms made by this bill will put people on the path to self-sufficiency and independence,†said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, a Virginia Republican, before the vote. ‘
Hey Eric, you teatard. Reducing aid to Israel to 0 would lead THEM on the path to self-sufficiency and independence.
Foreign aid is a small part of the national budget, and I think that the real reason we give aid to Israel and Egypt is to try to keep the Camp David accords going. It also helps that a lot of this aid benefits our military equipment makers.
What I think is needed is a push for peace and democracy in the region. Unfortunately, I have little faith in Israel's current leadership and many others in the entire region. Still, I have hope in the long run as I have faith in the peoples of the Middle East as opposed to their "leaders."
We need to set new spending priorities. I would like foreign aid to go to helping the people of different nations to be more self sufficient, to promote peace, democracy and understanding. We spend more on our military and corporate welfare than I can imagine. (Has anyone added our military spending and corporate welfare up to see how much it is?)
That's what I was getting at. Without getting into the rights or wrongs of it, at the moment Israel appears to be in the position of buying as many arms or whatever they need. Not so for the people on SNAP.
Comment by TriSec on 09/20/2013 16:00:12
TriSec on 09/20/2013 16:00:12
The "Cost of War" website I refer to every Tuesday is actually part of a langer whole. It's called the National Priorities Project, and it has all kinds of tools and calculators and other things so you can see what goes to the military and war and what we could have had were our priorities elsewhere.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 16:02:30
Yep pretty much, Will. I was just using some "The Wire" based code to describe why people are all up in arms.
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 16:02:30
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Raine, I will comment momentarily on a truly excellent blog. This is what I just wrote on Facebook:
I am a Chicago native, and spent most of my life in the city or near by. As a substitute teacher, I have seen many different neighborhoods and have met good people from the richest and the poorest areas. I am outraged at the shooting in the Back of the Yards neighborhood and ask why we are not addressing the violence in our inner cities. The children of those communities are as precious as those in our wealthiest neighborhoods and suburbs. It is time for a push to address the problems of poverty and violence.
From the Chicago Tribune:
13 shot in park: 'My younger brother was on the floor'
By Peter Nickeas and Jeremy Gorner Tribune reporters
10:21 a.m. CDT, September 20, 2013
Semehca Nunn tried hard to talk about her 3-year-old grandson, one of 13 people shot as neighbors played basketball in Cornell Square Park in the Back of the Yards Thursday night.
"They need to stop, they need to stop," Nunn said, the last word coming out as almost a shriek as she closed her eyes and collapsed crying.
A pick-up game was being played on the park's basketball court in the 1800 block of West 51st Street around 10:15 a.m. when at least one gunman walked up and started firing, apparently with a high-powered gun.
Thirteen people who were on the court or were watching the game were hit, many of them in the arms or legs.
The boy, Deonta Howard, was standing on the court and was shot near the ear, the bullet exiting through his cheek, according to police and relatives. His family said the boy is expected to recover but will need plastic surgery.
Might be the lack of uproar over this be that they don't live in a zip code that matters?
I think that it is. I hate to say it, but America seems to be afraid to talk about racism and classism. We have become used to reports of violence from poor, often racial minority, neighborhoods.
Also, I shared today's blog on my Facebook page.
Yep pretty much, Will. I was just using some "The Wire" based code to describe why people are all up in arms.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 16:11:10
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 16:11:10
Comment by 
livingonli on 09/20/2013 16:17:22
livingonli on 09/20/2013 16:17:22
Good day, folks. Since there were some comments on the creepy anti-Obamacare ads produced by the Koch Brothers group. It is interesting to note that these creepy ads are being made by the same groups that are pushing legislation forcing women to have forced vaginal probes when they are pregnant. Small government, my ass!
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 16:40:41
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 16:40:41
Ah great a giant emotional sink hole has opened up in my soul for no reason.
Comment by TriSec on 09/20/2013 16:44:11
TriSec on 09/20/2013 16:44:11
How about I steal this from Kos?
How much do you want to bet that the cost of a single meal under this deduction exceeds the amount of money a food stamp recipient receives in a week.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 17:01:46
Average monthly SNAP benefit nation wide is $278.48. I would bet that a typical meal, less booze at a DC expense account restaurant would be more more that the monthly benefit.
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 17:01:46
Quote by TriSec:
How about I steal this from Kos?
How much do you want to bet that the cost of a single meal under this deduction exceeds the amount of money a food stamp recipient receives in a week.
Average monthly SNAP benefit nation wide is $278.48. I would bet that a typical meal, less booze at a DC expense account restaurant would be more more that the monthly benefit.
Comment by TriSec on 09/20/2013 17:12:00
I almost cried today when I got this email:
TriSec on 09/20/2013 17:12:00
I almost cried today when I got this email:
Parents, We will be kicking off the 2013 Troop Committee year on Monday, September 23 at 6:30pm at the church. For convenience, the first meeting will be held during the scout meeting. Anyone interested in participating, please do not hesitate to attend. We are always looking for new skills and ideas for fundraising
Comment by livingonli on 09/20/2013 17:16:59
Sounds like Boner's daily booze budget.
livingonli on 09/20/2013 17:16:59
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
How about I steal this from Kos?
How much do you want to bet that the cost of a single meal under this deduction exceeds the amount of money a food stamp recipient receives in a week.
Average monthly SNAP benefit nation wide is $278.48. I would bet that a typical meal, less booze at a DC expense account restaurant would be more more that the monthly benefit.
Sounds like Boner's daily booze budget.
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 17:53:02
Raine on 09/20/2013 17:53:02
Quote by Mondobubba:Average monthly SNAP benefit nation wide is $278.48. I would bet that a typical meal, less booze at a DC expense account restaurant would be more more that the monthly benefit.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 18:00:54
The only reason the national average is so is because Guam and Alaska both have benefits that are over 600 bucks a month.
Mondobubba on 09/20/2013 18:00:54
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Average monthly SNAP benefit nation wide is $278.48. I would bet that a typical meal, less booze at a DC expense account restaurant would be more more that the monthly benefit.
The only reason the national average is so is because Guam and Alaska both have benefits that are over 600 bucks a month.
Comment by Raine on 09/20/2013 18:11:15
yep.
I went to find your numbers. And I am totally seeing it.
The US Virgin Islands as well: 416.58
Raine on 09/20/2013 18:11:15
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Average monthly SNAP benefit nation wide is $278.48. I would bet that a typical meal, less booze at a DC expense account restaurant would be more more that the monthly benefit.
The only reason the national average is so is because Guam and Alaska both have benefits that are over 600 bucks a month.
I went to find your numbers. And I am totally seeing it.
The US Virgin Islands as well: 416.58