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Walking the Talk
Author: BobR    Date: 12/03/2010 02:10:18

There's an old saying that goes "don't talk the talk if you can't walk the walk". It goes right along with "put up or shut up" and "don't let your mouth write a check your ass can't cash". (okay - that last one is usually said in a '79 Camaro while wearing a Member's Only jacket, but I digress...). The Republicans have been doing a lot of talking. How are they walking? Let's check...

I've written previously about Republican candidates back-pedaling on ear marks. It's been the Tea Party ("Taxed Enough Already") that has complained the loudest about taxes and spending. You would think that legislators that self-identify as tea-partiers would reject ear marks out of principal. You'd be wrong. It seems that those legislators took home $1 Billion worth of pork to their home states and districts. Apparently, it's only pork when it's for a Democrat's district.

Republicans have also beaten the "lower taxes = more jobs" and "lower taxes are better for the economy" mantra since the Reagan era. They even pointed to the tax haven of Ireland as a model of prosperity fueled by low taxes... that is - until the bottom fell out:
During the 2008 Presidential campaign, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) praised the Irish economy for its low corporate tax rate and said that if the U.S. would just follow suit, companies would “be able to create jobs, increase your business, make more investment.”

(bold-face mine...) Also quoted are folks from the Heritage Foundation, the CATO Institute, the American Enterprise Institute, and Mitt Romney. Once the Irish economy essentially collapsed, suddenly they blamed Ireland's excessive corporate taxes. Hello?

McCain was also one of the guys that said "let's wait until the Pentagon finishes its study" before rolling back Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Apparently, McCain never counted on the Pentagon to agree it should be rolled back. When they did, he had the nerve to dismiss the credentials of Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Adm. Mike Mullen. I guess the only result that counts is the result he wants. That's not what he professed in 2006:
"We have the most qualified, the bravest and most capable military we've ever had in our history, and so I think that the policy is working. And I understand the opposition to it, and I've had these debates and discussions, but the day that the leadership of the military comes to me and says, Senator, we ought to change the policy, then I think we ought to consider seriously changing it because those leaders in the military are the ones we give the responsibility to."

Also bouncing around the newsroom are the fact that Republicans talk about reducing the deficit, but won't vote for recommendations for measures to do it. They've also positioned themselves as the "Family Values" party since the Reagan era, but apparently that doesn't include making sure kids get proper nutrition at school.

And what of the Democrats? Today they voted to censure Charlie Rangel for ethics violations. This is the first vote for censure in 27 years. The last time was in 1983 for Reps involved in a sex scandal. This may seem like heavy-handed punishment, but it does show that not only do the Democrats talk about the dignity of the office and government, they also walk the walk.

 

58 comments (Latest Comment: 12/03/2010 21:41:24 by Raine)
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Comments:

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Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 13:25:25
Good morning!

Comment by wickedpam on 12/03/2010 13:45:54
Morning

Comment by TriSec on 12/03/2010 13:54:49
Morning comrades.

Never mind caffeine; today I should be maintaining a base level of Nsaid in my system.

Had a gout flare earlier this week; I've been walking with a total gimp for 3 days, and now my achilles and spine are paying the price. Standing up for 11 hours over the past 2 days hasn't helped, either.

<--- dies.

Comment by Scoopster on 12/03/2010 14:29:20
Morning all & Happy Fridee!

I just don't have the bounce in me today.. I've had crappy sleep all week thanks to recurring resting leg cramps, I feel a cold brewing in my sinuses, and this morning my jaw & teeth started flaring up AGAIN...

Oh yeah and I have an earache too. I have to wonder if all this shit is related somehow.

Comment by TriSec on 12/03/2010 14:32:10
Oh, we're all in fine shape around here.

Hang on, I think there's some cyanide over here in the pantry...

Comment by Scoopster on 12/03/2010 14:34:57
I fucking love xkcd..

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/arsenic_based_life.png


Comment by wickedpam on 12/03/2010 14:43:18
Arthur Ranking!

Comment by wickedpam on 12/03/2010 14:48:44
you I looked at one of those 3D TV and it looke like the old 3D view master slides

Comment by BobR on 12/03/2010 15:07:42
Quote by TriSec:
Oh, we're all in fine shape around here.

Hang on, I think there's some cyanide over here in the pantry...

Just don't use arsenic - you might evolve into another life form

Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 15:07:52
Quote by wickedpam:
you I looked at one of those 3D TV and it looke like the old 3D view master slides

I keep meaning to look at them at the Best buy.

Comment by Scoopster on 12/03/2010 15:17:01
Guardian UK: Wikileaks Docs show accusations by Germany against large-scale US war profiteering

And apparently we aren't even hiding it - we're taking 15% off the top in "administrative fees"! And we're STILL funneling BILLIONS OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS INTO THE WAR MACHINE.

Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 15:22:10
this guy is saying ALL the right things and the RIGHT way.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/03/2010 15:23:19
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
you I looked at one of those 3D TV and it looke like the old 3D view master slides

I keep meaning to look at them at the Best buy.



if this is the same tech they used to make those 3D movies, I'm not that impressed

Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 15:50:39
Brad is WRONG -- Everyone pays into the unemployment insurance fund.

Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 15:53:16
Quote by Scoopster:
Guardian UK: Wikileaks Docs show accusations by Germany against large-scale US war profiteering

And apparently we aren't even hiding it - we're taking 15% off the top in "administrative fees"! And we're STILL funneling BILLIONS OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS INTO THE WAR MACHINE.
I'm starting to wonder if we have even hit the tip of the iceberg of corruption.

I am not saying this as an excuse -- but I also wonder how much the president knew about this.

Hillary however -- and the Ambassador to the UN -- Susan Rice (right) they have to had known about this. and for me that is a real problem.


Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 15:54:49

You see, in a sick way, I find this funny -- cause it's true.

I'm gonna go sit over here.

Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 15:56:43
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
you I looked at one of those 3D TV and it looke like the old 3D view master slides

I keep meaning to look at them at the Best buy.



if this is the same tech they used to make those 3D movies, I'm not that impressed
I have only seen 2 3-d movies.

Avatar: AWESOME VERY good use of the technology.
Shrek: wasn't really impressed with the use of 3-D -- it wasn't needed.

I have a feeeling some of this #-D stuff may go the way of the laser disk and the Beta tape system


Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 15:58:49
Quote by Raine:

You see, in a sick way, I find this funny -- cause it's true.

I'm gonna go sit over here.
Then there is this -- maybe he wants out sooner rather than later.


Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 16:00:12
If you are on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/sketchysanta

Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 16:04:05
I may have to submit My sketchy santa photo.



Comment by wickedpam on 12/03/2010 16:04:59
Quote by Raine:
I may have to submit My sketchy santa photo.




I was just thinking that you should

Comment by wickedpam on 12/03/2010 16:07:18
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
you I looked at one of those 3D TV and it looke like the old 3D view master slides

I keep meaning to look at them at the Best buy.



if this is the same tech they used to make those 3D movies, I'm not that impressed
I have only seen 2 3-d movies.

Avatar: AWESOME VERY good use of the technology.
Shrek: wasn't really impressed with the use of 3-D -- it wasn't needed.

I have a feeeling some of this #-D stuff may go the way of the laser disk and the Beta tape system



I'm hoping so, I mean I'm trying to figure out the difference between HDTV's and LCD tv's - which is better? Do I then have to get an HD or LCD dvd player? All I want is a tv that works!

Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 16:09:43
MAy I please say this?

I told you. The Debt Commission failed to get the votes needed to go forward.

Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 16:17:28
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
I may have to submit My sketchy santa photo.




I was just thinking that you should
trying to find it.


Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 16:27:27
Comment by TriSec on 12/03/2010 16:29:46
*grunt*

Well, like most job-hunters these days, my resume is out there in so many places that I've lost track.

Guess who called me for an interview today?

Tufts Health Plan....a place I've been trying to get into off and on for over 10 years.

I deleted the message.



Comment by BobR on 12/03/2010 16:30:30
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
you I looked at one of those 3D TV and it looke like the old 3D view master slides

I keep meaning to look at them at the Best buy.



if this is the same tech they used to make those 3D movies, I'm not that impressed
I have only seen 2 3-d movies.

Avatar: AWESOME VERY good use of the technology.
Shrek: wasn't really impressed with the use of 3-D -- it wasn't needed.

I have a feeeling some of this #-D stuff may go the way of the laser disk and the Beta tape system



I'm hoping so, I mean I'm trying to figure out the difference between HDTV's and LCD tv's - which is better? Do I then have to get an HD or LCD dvd player? All I want is a tv that works!

LCD and HDTV are two separate things that are sometimes the same.

An LCD TV may or may not be an HDTV (although it usually is)
An HDTV may or may not be an LCD TV (it could also be plasma or LED)

We have an LCD HDTV.

Comment by BobR on 12/03/2010 16:32:09
Quote by TriSec:
*grunt*

Well, like most job-hunters these days, my resume is out there in so many places that I've lost track.

Guess who called me for an interview today?

Tufts Health Plan....a place I've been trying to get into off and on for over 10 years.

I deleted the message.


I still get calls and emails for jobs in Atlanta, but they're still mostly contract jobs, and anyway - I would prefer not to move back there. Coming to DC was a move up/forward for me, and I don't want to regress.

Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 16:34:08
Quote by BobR:
LCD and HDTV are two separate things that are sometimes the same.

An LCD TV may or may not be an HDTV (although it usually is)
An HDTV may or may not be an LCD TV (it could also be plasma or LED)

We have an LCD HDTV.
And this is why I don't make electronic choices....


Comment by BobR on 12/03/2010 16:34:20
Quote by Raine:
If you are on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/sketchysanta

I LOVE this one: Caught in the act

Comment by Scoopster on 12/03/2010 16:38:35
ACK nvm Bobber beat me to it!

Edit: Actually, I can contribute after all.. There are different degrees of HD quality...

- 1080p is the best, but there's also 1080i, 720p and 720i are a few other non-standard numbers. DO NOT get a set that is only 720i capable because it's outdated.

- 720p is good enough, and will usually include 1080i capability. It's the low-end of HD quality on the market right now; starting at about $350 for a 30" set.

Comment by livingonli on 12/03/2010 16:38:36
Good morning folks. It's feeling like one of those days.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/03/2010 16:42:36
Quote by Raine:
Quote by BobR:
LCD and HDTV are two separate things that are sometimes the same.

An LCD TV may or may not be an HDTV (although it usually is)
An HDTV may or may not be an LCD TV (it could also be plasma or LED)

We have an LCD HDTV.
And this is why I don't make electronic choices....



its all to confusing!

Comment by TriSec on 12/03/2010 16:48:22
Quote by BobR:

I still get calls and emails for jobs in Atlanta, but they're still mostly contract jobs, and anyway - I would prefer not to move back there. Coming to DC was a move up/forward for me, and I don't want to regress.



That's just the thing - the Tufts job is not quite what I want to do anymore. But it does have the advantage of location (4 miles from home) and I've got a lot of industry friends over there. Plus, Mrs. TriSec worked there, and I know people on the inside, too.

Staying in EDI with an up-and-coming company looks better to me anyway.


Comment by BobR on 12/03/2010 16:51:05
Did John Fuglesang just use the word "refudiate"??

Oh John...

Comment by wickedpam on 12/03/2010 16:53:13
Ian Malcolm: God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs.

Ellie Sattler: Dinosaurs eat man … woman inherits the earth.


Comment by livingonli on 12/03/2010 17:12:11
I've got errands, errands, and more errands before work and It's fun getting around without a car. Yikes.

Comment by Mondobubba on 12/03/2010 17:14:11
:drops in from light speed: Huh? Cato Institute is saying the Irish corporate tax rate of 12.5% is too high? It is one of the lowest, if not the lowest in Europe. What the hell is wrong with these people???

In other news, yes CF bulbs do last about 5 years. I just had to replace two in my bathroom. They've gotten a lot cheaper, haven't they?

Comment by wickedpam on 12/03/2010 17:17:34
Quote by Mondobubba:
:drops in from light speed: Huh? Cato Institute is saying the Irish corporate tax rate of 12.5% is too high? It is one of the lowest, if not the lowest in Europe. What the hell is wrong with these people???

In other news, yes CF bulbs do last about 5 years. I just had to replace two in my bathroom. They've gotten a lot cheaper, haven't they?



I have yet to have one last more then a year at this point - I think I got bunch of duds

Comment by livingonli on 12/03/2010 17:23:29
Quote by Mondobubba:
:drops in from light speed: Huh? Cato Institute is saying the Irish corporate tax rate of 12.5% is too high? It is one of the lowest, if not the lowest in Europe. What the hell is wrong with these people???

In other news, yes CF bulbs do last about 5 years. I just had to replace two in my bathroom. They've gotten a lot cheaper, haven't they?

We can't let things like facts interfere with out talking points.

Comment by Mondobubba on 12/03/2010 17:49:06
Quote by TriSec:
Morning comrades.

Never mind caffeine; today I should be maintaining a base level of Nsaid in my system.

Had a gout flare earlier this week; I've been walking with a total gimp for 3 days, and now my achilles and spine are paying the price. Standing up for 11 hours over the past 2 days hasn't helped, either.

<--- dies.


I didn't know you had the gout, Tri. Not fun, not fun at all. I have a gout stool somewhere.

Comment by Scoopster on 12/03/2010 17:51:03
Quote by wickedpam:
Ian Malcolm: God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs.

Ellie Sattler: Dinosaurs eat man … woman inherits the earth.

McCrosky: Johnny, tell me everything that's happened up to now.
Johnny: Well, first the Earth cooled. Then the dinosaurs came, but they got too big and fat, and turned into oil. Then the Arabs came and they bought Mercedes-Benzes. Then Prince Charles started wearing all of Lady Di's underwear. I couldn't believe it!

Comment by TriSec on 12/03/2010 17:56:20
I knew that Modes were just an entry-level drug...I've been studying minor scale and whole-tone harmony these last few days.

I think I'll follow Bird and just play chromatics. I should skip the heroin part though.



Comment by TriSec on 12/03/2010 18:07:24
Quote by Mondobubba:


I didn't know you had the gout, Tri. Not fun, not fun at all. I have a gout stool somewhere.


Oh, I'm sure it's from all the fat and alcohol I ate over Thanksgiving....of course, I have a flare right during peak. Yeeouch.

'tis better today; it's my back that's killing me now.



Comment by Mondobubba on 12/03/2010 18:17:04
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by Mondobubba:


I didn't know you had the gout, Tri. Not fun, not fun at all. I have a gout stool somewhere.


Oh, I'm sure it's from all the fat and alcohol I ate over Thanksgiving....of course, I have a flare right during peak. Yeeouch.

'tis better today; it's my back that's killing me now.



Lysine and nitrates. Shellfish. But you know all that.

Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 18:21:54
I think I am gonna be sick. Thom Just said: "It is NOT a moral thing to go to Afghanistan to hang out with the troops while millions of people are being thrown off the unemployment rolls " that is a DIRECT quote.



Comment by TriSec on 12/03/2010 18:23:24
So, if Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney were to get into a swordfight, who would win?

A) Sarah Palin
B) Mitt Romney
C) Everyone



Comment by Raine on 12/03/2010 18:24:08
OK - Buh by Thom.

Comment by Scoopster on 12/03/2010 18:30:41
Buzz going around that Playgirl Scotty is on board for the DADT repeal.