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Where were they?
Author: BobR    Date: 08/14/2009 12:34:10

The right-wing has been getting a lot of press lately for their protests. It seems that every time you turn around, they're having a tea party, or disrupting a town hall meeting. There's going to be a large shindig right here in Atlanta on Saturday. Don't these people ever work? More importantly though - where the hell have they been for the past 8 years?

They complain that the budget deficit is too high and that government spending is out of control. Have they seen this chart? Budget deficits were really only going down under Clinton (and they'll never give him credit for it). They've been skyrocketing the last 8 years, and that's with Bush not including the Iraq war spending in the budget. Why weren't they protesting against the war in Iraq, considering we've spent close to 700 Billion dollars there so far?

They complain that taxes are too high. Yet for most of these people, their income taxes have actually been going down. Why weren't they complaining during Reagan, Bush I or Bush II?

They complain that the new health care bill will allow the government to collect information on them, or that the Obama Administration is compiling an "enemies list" based on emails they receive (both untrue). Where were they the last 8 years when the Bush Administration broke wiretapping laws and began automatically parsing data and voice streams? Oh yeah - they said "I have nothing to hide".

They complain that their civil liberties are being curtailed. Which ones? And where were they the last eight years when the Bush Administration wiped their collective asses with the Constitution's Bill of Rights? (except for the 2nd Amendment, of course).

They say their voices are being stifled at town hall meetings because they're not being allowed inside or not allowed to carry signs. Where were they the last 8 years when people wearing the wrong T-shirt were not allowed inside a Republican event? Why weren't they complaining about the "Free Speech Zones" set up at the conventions? Why weren't they complaining about people being swept off to jail simply for protesting?

They complain that a health care bill public option is "socialism", yet many of these people are on Medicare, or enjoy the benefits of socialized police and fire services.

Most recently, the cries of "socialism" have changed to "Nazism", along with comparisons of Obama to Hitler. How they've come to that conclusion is beyond even my ability to get inside their heads. Perhaps they don't really understand the basic tenets of Nazism. Perhaps they don't understand the absurdity of applying that epithet to a mixed race person. Most likely, though, is that it makes it easier to destroy someone if at first you find a reason to hate and dehumanize them. That's what makes this last development particularly dangerous.

I suppose that answers the questions though. None of these complaints that they raise should be taken at face value. They are using projection to attach labels that apply more to themselves in an effort to discredit this president and those that support him. These are the actions of a small minority that is lashing out in fear and hatred of a popular president with different ideologies and different skin color.

It's hypocritical and disingenuous. It's also disturbing because this is mostly being driven by the right-wing media (talk radio and FAUX News). Students of history will remember how effective that was in Germany and Rwanda. Here's hoping the average American is more discerning, and that future historians won't look back, wondering about all the sensible people in the country and ask "where were they?"


 

50 comments (Latest Comment: 08/14/2009 22:28:58 by livingonli)
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Comment by Scoopster on 08/14/2009 12:51:59
Mornin'! And Happy Not-Humid-Not-Raining-Awesome-Summer Fridee!



Got some more good news... the exodus of advertisers from Glenn Beck's show continues!

Comment by Scoopster on 08/14/2009 13:08:00
http://img.wonkette.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/teapartybraveheart.jpg




http://www.bluegartrls.com/forum/attachments/7625d1250208377-nws-random-image-thread-xxiv-hidden-page-contents-within-freedoooom.jpg




They had to encourage them..

Comment by BobR on 08/14/2009 13:11:10
Comment by wickedpam on 08/14/2009 13:28:02
Morning



I need a well worded poll question about health care for a facebook poll

Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/14/2009 13:44:15
Good morning from the Valley of the Sun, bloggers!



Excellent post, BobR! I think that the people who are calling Obama a socialist and a Nazi were living in their own internal reality, where Fox News was seen by them as almost a divine oracle, where Bush and Cheney lead the assault against the paynim hordes threatening the bright city on the Hill, and any dissent was unpatriotic. So, when reality shows the Hard Right that most of their countrymen rejected Bush's vision as a mirage, they have become upset. They see themselves as besieged by those that Bush and his allies painted as internal enemies allied to external foes.



So, the Hard Right was living in their own minds -- disregarding the massive spending of the Bush administration, needless war, and the violation of Constitutional rights. While I believe it is important to be respectful in public debates, I am not sure that we can find common ground with those who are living in their own private reality.



Hmm, maybe they were living in their own Private Idaho:









Comment by wickedpam on 08/14/2009 13:52:19
anyone have the numbers on the 6 healthcare bills?

Comment by Raine on 08/14/2009 14:25:16
Good Morning!

Comment by Scoopster on 08/14/2009 14:27:33
Comment by Raine on 08/14/2009 14:30:09
David Axelrod sent out this information today and wants it to go viral. Let's get this spread far and wide. Send it out to your email lists.



--------------------



8 WAYS HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM PROVIDES SECURITY AND STABILITY TO ALL AMERICANS



1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.



2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.



3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.



4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.



5. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.



6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.



7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.



8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.



Learn more and get details:

http://tinyurl.com/nbn5fg





8 COMMON MYTHS ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM



1. It's a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.



2. It's a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.



3. It's a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.



4. It's a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.



5. It's a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.



6. It's myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare "doughnut" hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.



7. It's myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.



8. It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.



Learn more and get details:

http://tinyurl.com/lyxel4

Comment by Raine on 08/14/2009 14:34:19
Quote by Scoopster:

Hey Raine & Bob - you guys know this fearmongering idiot?



Edit: oooh mornin'! Good timing too




Comment by BobR on 08/14/2009 14:51:09
Quote by Scoopster:

Hey Raine & Bob - you guys know this fearmongering idiot?



Edit: oooh mornin'! Good timing too


I know of him. That's enough for me...

Comment by TriSec on 08/14/2009 14:52:29
Hey, folks.



Being Boston, we're all about the Kennedys today. Unfortunately, our own dear Senator is too unwell to attend his own sister's funeral today.



Methinks time is short.





Comment by m-hadley on 08/14/2009 14:57:24
Excellent Post, BobR,

I just don't understand these people, "shaking my head."

Cheers,

mfaye & :peace:

Comment by TriSec on 08/14/2009 15:00:02
Quote by Scoopster:

Mornin'! And Happy Not-Humid-Not-Raining-Awesome-Summer Fridee!



Got some more good news... the exodus of advertisers from Glenn Beck's show continues!






Noticed in the story that GE advertises with Mr. Beck. Passed along to CWA local 201 (Lynn, MA - GE Riverworks). We were talking about his show on Tuesday, they all hate him.





Comment by Scoopster on 08/14/2009 15:25:41
Comment by BobR on 08/14/2009 15:48:53
Quote by TriSec:

Quote by Scoopster:

Mornin'! And Happy Not-Humid-Not-Raining-Awesome-Summer Fridee!



Got some more good news... the exodus of advertisers from Glenn Beck's show continues!






Noticed in the story that GE advertises with Mr. Beck. Passed along to CWA local 201 (Lynn, MA - GE Riverworks). We were talking about his show on Tuesday, they all hate him.





Let's see if we can add WalMart to the list

Comment by livingonli on 08/14/2009 16:07:43
Good day everyone. The right-wingers do not embrace logic or sanity. A look at their behavior proves it.



I got up a little after 11 and while installing some overdue updates on the desktop was listening to the last hour of Steph on the XM machine.

Comment by Raine on 08/14/2009 16:22:29


Comment by velveeta jones on 08/14/2009 16:32:34
Hello Bloggie!!



Man, I wish I had the time to come down to Hotlanta.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/14/2009 16:54:16
Okay, I have some errands to run, but I will try to stop back. Be well, bloggers!

Comment by livingonli on 08/14/2009 17:04:09
Hey, Velveeta. How's life been treating you

Comment by TriSec on 08/14/2009 17:17:43
Now this is interesting.



Just got a little invite in the mail to the Waltham Republican City Committee Meeting & Ice Cream social....another candidate meet & greet.



I think I'll go.



: laughs maniacally :





Comment by Mondobubba on 08/14/2009 17:22:08
Quote by TriSec:

Quote by Scoopster:

Mornin'! And Happy Not-Humid-Not-Raining-Awesome-Summer Fridee!



Got some more good news... the exodus of advertisers from Glenn Beck's show continues!






Noticed in the story that GE advertises with Mr. Beck. Passed along to CWA local 201 (Lynn, MA - GE Riverworks). We were talking about his show on Tuesday, they all hate him.







Tri, your brother builds jet engines, yes? Why is his shop represented by the Communication Workers of America? I'm a little confused.

Comment by TriSec on 08/14/2009 17:42:05
Don't rightly know....Here's the local website.



Part of the AFL-CIO, too.





Comment by Raine on 08/14/2009 17:49:08
Tah stoopid: Universal.







Comment by Scoopster on 08/14/2009 17:52:17
Comment by livingonli on 08/14/2009 18:29:55
time to go head off to the salt mine.

Comment by Raine on 08/14/2009 18:42:48
condescending person on Thom right now. <_<

Comment by wickedpam on 08/14/2009 18:57:06
Looks like CSpan might be carrying the town hall from MT

Comment by wickedpam on 08/14/2009 18:57:31
should at its at 3pm

Comment by wickedpam on 08/14/2009 18:58:32
CSPAN2

Comment by wickedpam on 08/14/2009 18:59:42
Comment by Scoopster on 08/14/2009 19:10:29
Hopefully listening to the town hall will keep me awake for the next hour or so until I can head home.. I'm friggin beat.

Comment by clintster on 08/14/2009 19:14:26








































Howdy, everybody; it's Fridee!



Comment by Scoopster on 08/14/2009 19:14:54
Comment by Scoopster on 08/14/2009 19:16:28
Bouncin' with Obama!! IT'S FRIDAY YAH BASTIDS!





Comment by Scoopster on 08/14/2009 19:25:49
Heya Clint how's it hangin'?

Comment by Scoopster on 08/14/2009 19:45:23
Did I hear that right - someone asked him point blank how he's going to pay for it?

Comment by wickedpam on 08/14/2009 19:50:15
Quote by Scoopster:

Did I hear that right - someone asked him point blank how he's going to pay for it?






yep - his answer - cut wastful spending to cover 2/3 and the rest on lowering itemized deductions on income tax for those making over 250k

Comment by Scoopster on 08/14/2009 20:04:21
Ooooooh boy.. an independent insurance agent is asking him a question now.

Comment by Raine on 08/14/2009 21:01:01
So I was out and about --- I hear the Prez kicked serious ass.

Comment by Raine on 08/14/2009 21:02:00
Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by Scoopster:

Did I hear that right - someone asked him point blank how he's going to pay for it?






yep - his answer - cut wastful spending to cover 2/3 and the rest on lowering itemized deductions on income tax for those making over 250k


What? I simple answer? This was the dude that was a proud member of the NRA, huh? What does the NRA have to do with HCR?

Comment by Raine on 08/14/2009 21:02:48
I am so bummed I missed the Town Hall... I hope the span re-airs it.

Comment by livingonli on 08/14/2009 21:10:19
Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by Scoopster:

Did I hear that right - someone asked him point blank how he's going to pay for it?






yep - his answer - cut wastful spending to cover 2/3 and the rest on lowering itemized deductions on income tax for those making over 250k


What? I simple answer? This was the dude that was a proud member of the NRA, huh? What does the NRA have to do with HCR?


Would an NRA health insurance plan cover gunshot wounds?

Comment by Raine on 08/14/2009 22:04:00
NOTE!!!!!



Frangela will be filling in for Randi Rhodes this Monday and Tuesday 12 pm to 3 pm Pacific.

Comment by livingonli on 08/14/2009 22:10:40
Quote by Raine:

NOTE!!!!!



Frangela will be filling in for Randi Rhodes this Monday and Tuesday 12 pm to 3 pm Pacific.


Hope it's on XM and not just K-TALK.

Comment by Raine on 08/14/2009 22:19:12
Quote by livingonli:

Quote by Raine:

NOTE!!!!!



Frangela will be filling in for Randi Rhodes this Monday and Tuesday 12 pm to 3 pm Pacific.


Hope it's on XM and not just K-TALK.
Randi is on vacation next week -- it will be national.



Comment by livingonli on 08/14/2009 22:28:58
Quote by Raine:

Quote by livingonli:

Quote by Raine:

NOTE!!!!!



Frangela will be filling in for Randi Rhodes this Monday and Tuesday 12 pm to 3 pm Pacific.


Hope it's on XM and not just K-TALK.
Randi is on vacation next week -- it will be national.



Sometimes KTLK runs their own fill-in shows when a host is on vacation and doesn't take the national substitute.