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Painted into a Corner
Author: BobR
Date: 07/13/2011 12:52:55
Diplomacy is like a game of chess. You have to think 3-5 steps ahead when making your moves to ensure that you don't find yourself painted into a corner (check and mate). Some people - like President Obama - are VERY good at it. Others - not so much.
What better example than the ongoing negotiations over the debt ceiling / budget deficit / Medicare? MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell lays it all out there describing how Obama originally wanted just a clean debt ceiling-only bill, and the Republicans decided to double-down and add the budget deficit to the mix. Obama called their bluff, and threw in Medicare and Social Security. He essentially gave them everything they wanted, but they weren't willing to call the President's bluff. They balked, and now they're in a quandry.
House Speaker John Boehner is in the worst place of all. He KNOWS the debt ceiling MUST be raised, or all of the bad economic repercussions of not doing so will fall upon him and his party. He is also getting flak from his party to not "give in". He's damned either way. He's in the corner with no good way out.
It's caused such an upheaval in the Republican party that the Democrats don't even know who's in charge there anymore. John Boehner is trying to reclaim some cred with the extremists in his party by declaring that a balanced budget amendment must be part of the deal on any debt ceiling agreement. Meanwhile, Senator Mitch McConnell is suggesting a plan where Congress gives President Obama the authority to raise the debt ceiling without any involvement of Congress. This way it can get raised, and all the Republicans can wash their hands of it and claim that they did not raise it. Naturally, this has been met with outrage from the Republicans who don't want to cede any authority (or who WANT the ceiling to crash). All of this makes the Republicans look like in-fighting obstructionists more interested in party politics than in ensuring the country does not fall into an economic abyss. President Obama looks like the only adult in the room.
On the other side of the planet, the leadership of Pakistan finds itself in a similar situation. They are sandwiched between India on the right, and the taliban of Afghanistan on the left. Pakistan has counted on military aid (support) from us to ensure that they can maintain an uneasy stasis with India, as well as maintain a show of strength to taliban forces that might be inclined to invade. They've also maintained a somewhat cozy alliance with the taliban, in the form of an unofficial "we don't see you" policy, which allowed Osama bin Laden to live among them undisturbed (and unreported).
The United States' action to take out bin Laden brought that latter situation into the light. This leaves the Pakisan leadership with a problem. They are angry we violated their borders, and - because of their cozy relationship with the taliban - feel required to take a stand against us. They did, denying visas to military and intelligence personnel. Unfortunately for them, that required us to deny them that military aid. Now what do they do?
Their response seems to be to dig in harder - they are threatening to pull back their troops from the border with Afghanistan. The implication is that they are willing to cede control of part of their country to foreign invasion if we don't restore the aid, which is fairly ironic if you think about it. One has to wonder if the non-extremist people of Pakistan think that trading one unholy alliance for another is really the best move.
This is especially important since stability in Afghanistan - already barely held together with threads - has been rocked even further with the assassination of Karzai's brother. This is exactly NOT the time for Pakistan to weaken its border presence, and they likely know it.
Like the Republicans - pride and unwavering loyalty to principal over what's best for their country may be their undoing. Who says watching paint dry is boring?
What better example than the ongoing negotiations over the debt ceiling / budget deficit / Medicare? MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell lays it all out there describing how Obama originally wanted just a clean debt ceiling-only bill, and the Republicans decided to double-down and add the budget deficit to the mix. Obama called their bluff, and threw in Medicare and Social Security. He essentially gave them everything they wanted, but they weren't willing to call the President's bluff. They balked, and now they're in a quandry.
House Speaker John Boehner is in the worst place of all. He KNOWS the debt ceiling MUST be raised, or all of the bad economic repercussions of not doing so will fall upon him and his party. He is also getting flak from his party to not "give in". He's damned either way. He's in the corner with no good way out.
It's caused such an upheaval in the Republican party that the Democrats don't even know who's in charge there anymore. John Boehner is trying to reclaim some cred with the extremists in his party by declaring that a balanced budget amendment must be part of the deal on any debt ceiling agreement. Meanwhile, Senator Mitch McConnell is suggesting a plan where Congress gives President Obama the authority to raise the debt ceiling without any involvement of Congress. This way it can get raised, and all the Republicans can wash their hands of it and claim that they did not raise it. Naturally, this has been met with outrage from the Republicans who don't want to cede any authority (or who WANT the ceiling to crash). All of this makes the Republicans look like in-fighting obstructionists more interested in party politics than in ensuring the country does not fall into an economic abyss. President Obama looks like the only adult in the room.
On the other side of the planet, the leadership of Pakistan finds itself in a similar situation. They are sandwiched between India on the right, and the taliban of Afghanistan on the left. Pakistan has counted on military aid (support) from us to ensure that they can maintain an uneasy stasis with India, as well as maintain a show of strength to taliban forces that might be inclined to invade. They've also maintained a somewhat cozy alliance with the taliban, in the form of an unofficial "we don't see you" policy, which allowed Osama bin Laden to live among them undisturbed (and unreported).
The United States' action to take out bin Laden brought that latter situation into the light. This leaves the Pakisan leadership with a problem. They are angry we violated their borders, and - because of their cozy relationship with the taliban - feel required to take a stand against us. They did, denying visas to military and intelligence personnel. Unfortunately for them, that required us to deny them that military aid. Now what do they do?
Their response seems to be to dig in harder - they are threatening to pull back their troops from the border with Afghanistan. The implication is that they are willing to cede control of part of their country to foreign invasion if we don't restore the aid, which is fairly ironic if you think about it. One has to wonder if the non-extremist people of Pakistan think that trading one unholy alliance for another is really the best move.
This is especially important since stability in Afghanistan - already barely held together with threads - has been rocked even further with the assassination of Karzai's brother. This is exactly NOT the time for Pakistan to weaken its border presence, and they likely know it.
Like the Republicans - pride and unwavering loyalty to principal over what's best for their country may be their undoing. Who says watching paint dry is boring?
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 07/13/2011 13:08:43
wickedpam on 07/13/2011 13:08:43
Morning 
Comment by 
TriSec on 07/13/2011 13:09:21
TriSec on 07/13/2011 13:09:21
Morning, comrades!
Hoo boy...does CNN still air "Prime Minister's Questions" on Sunday nights? Last night's session was very noisy, all about the phone hacking bit. TV worth watching, methinks!
Hoo boy...does CNN still air "Prime Minister's Questions" on Sunday nights? Last night's session was very noisy, all about the phone hacking bit. TV worth watching, methinks!
Comment by TriSec on 07/13/2011 13:16:49
TriSec on 07/13/2011 13:16:49
I officially became an office conservative today.
I'm done making coffee for the collective; I'll be bringing in my press pot and brewing solo. I'm tired of everyone sucking off my common good.
I got mine; the rest of you can pull yourselves up by your own coffee cup. So there!
I'm done making coffee for the collective; I'll be bringing in my press pot and brewing solo. I'm tired of everyone sucking off my common good.
I got mine; the rest of you can pull yourselves up by your own coffee cup. So there!
Comment by 
Scoopster on 07/13/2011 13:17:23
Scoopster on 07/13/2011 13:17:23
Morning all! 
Results from yesterday's special elections...
CA-36 (to replace Jane Harman):
Janice Hahn (D) 55% 41585
Craig Huey ® 45% 34636
Wisconsin Recall Primaries : All six REAL Dems won theirs easily. General recall elections are on August 9.
Results from yesterday's special elections...
CA-36 (to replace Jane Harman):
Janice Hahn (D) 55% 41585
Craig Huey ® 45% 34636
Wisconsin Recall Primaries : All six REAL Dems won theirs easily. General recall elections are on August 9.
Comment by Scoopster on 07/13/2011 13:18:20
I thought it was C-SPAN that aired that.. or it sister channel EL DUO.
Scoopster on 07/13/2011 13:18:20
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades!
Hoo boy...does CNN still air "Prime Minister's Questions" on Sunday nights? Last night's session was very noisy, all about the phone hacking bit. TV worth watching, methinks!
I thought it was C-SPAN that aired that.. or it sister channel EL DUO.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/13/2011 13:19:16
Hey, I was asked not to make the coffee anymore, which was fine with me, one less thing for me the deal with
wickedpam on 07/13/2011 13:19:16
Quote by TriSec:
I officially became an office conservative today.
I'm done making coffee for the collective; I'll be bringing in my press pot and brewing solo. I'm tired of everyone sucking off my common good.
I got mine; the rest of you can pull yourselves up by your own coffee cup. So there!
Hey, I was asked not to make the coffee anymore, which was fine with me, one less thing for me the deal with
Comment by TriSec on 07/13/2011 13:19:35
TriSec on 07/13/2011 13:19:35
[grumpy old man]
OK, now what the hell? Did somebody just spray perfume in here? THERE ARE VISIBLE FRAGRANCE LINES AROUND MY DESK.
Cough, hack, eyes water.
[/grumpy old man]
OK, now what the hell? Did somebody just spray perfume in here? THERE ARE VISIBLE FRAGRANCE LINES AROUND MY DESK.
Cough, hack, eyes water.
[/grumpy old man]
Comment by 
Raine on 07/13/2011 13:24:44
Raine on 07/13/2011 13:24:44
Excellent analysis today BobR. I worry About Pakistan because that country has the nukes.
Oh wait, so do we -- huh?
Good Morning!
Oh wait, so do we -- huh?
Good Morning!
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 13:25:50
Excellent news! 
Raine on 07/13/2011 13:25:50
Quote by Scoopster:
Morning all!
Results from yesterday's special elections...
CA-36 (to replace Jane Harman):
Janice Hahn (D) 55% 41585
Craig Huey ® 45% 34636
Wisconsin Recall Primaries : All six REAL Dems won theirs easily. General recall elections are on August 9.
Comment by Scoopster on 07/13/2011 13:29:13
It converted the R for Republican to ®
Scoopster on 07/13/2011 13:29:13
It converted the R for Republican to ®
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 13:31:23
Raine on 07/13/2011 13:31:23
Is Momma having an Event?
Comment by TriSec on 07/13/2011 13:31:43
TriSec on 07/13/2011 13:31:43
Breaking overseas news: Murdoch has just withdrawn his bid for Satellite broadcaster BSkyB (UK).
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 13:32:05
Isn't perfect? 
Raine on 07/13/2011 13:32:05
Quote by Scoopster:
Comment by TriSec on 07/13/2011 13:37:35
TriSec on 07/13/2011 13:37:35
OK, foodies.
[wrestles steering wheel of bus away from Bob, heads for ditch]
If you haven't seen Julie & Julia, you need to rent it now. (before Netflix jacks the rates.) I guess it's a ladies movie, so Your Loyal TriSec is apparently an emasculated ball of mush. (yes, there was some dust.)
I'll be sequestering myself in the kitchen most of Sunday afternoon and cooking something from The Bible, methinks.
[wrestles steering wheel of bus away from Bob, heads for ditch]
If you haven't seen Julie & Julia, you need to rent it now. (before Netflix jacks the rates.) I guess it's a ladies movie, so Your Loyal TriSec is apparently an emasculated ball of mush. (yes, there was some dust.)
I'll be sequestering myself in the kitchen most of Sunday afternoon and cooking something from The Bible, methinks.
Comment by 
BobR on 07/13/2011 13:38:10
More blog magic!
BobR on 07/13/2011 13:38:10
Quote by Raine:Isn't perfect?Quote by Scoopster:
More blog magic!
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 13:38:57
Raine on 07/13/2011 13:38:57
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:Isn't perfect?Quote by Scoopster:
More blog magic!
Comment by BobR on 07/13/2011 13:39:32
Raine and I saw it - Loved it!
Now you are required to make the pilgrimage to DC to view Julia Child's kitchen at the Smithsonian
BobR on 07/13/2011 13:39:32
Quote by TriSec:
OK, foodies.
[wrestles steering wheel of bus away from Bob, heads for ditch]
If you haven't seen Julie & Julia, you need to rent it now. (before Netflix jacks the rates.) I guess it's a ladies movie, so Your Loyal TriSec is apparently an emasculated ball of mush. (yes, there was some dust.)
I'll be sequestering myself in the kitchen most of Sunday afternoon and cooking something from The Bible, methinks.
Raine and I saw it - Loved it!
Now you are required to make the pilgrimage to DC to view Julia Child's kitchen at the Smithsonian
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 13:40:27
LOVED that movie!
ANd as an aside, if you can, make sure you check out her Kitchen at the American History museum. It's a bit of a religious experience.
Raine on 07/13/2011 13:40:27
Quote by TriSec:
OK, foodies.
[wrestles steering wheel of bus away from Bob, heads for ditch]
If you haven't seen Julie & Julia, you need to rent it now. (before Netflix jacks the rates.) I guess it's a ladies movie, so Your Loyal TriSec is apparently an emasculated ball of mush. (yes, there was some dust.)
I'll be sequestering myself in the kitchen most of Sunday afternoon and cooking something from The Bible, methinks.
ANd as an aside, if you can, make sure you check out her Kitchen at the American History museum. It's a bit of a religious experience.
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 13:40:48
Raine on 07/13/2011 13:40:48
BobR: 
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 13:43:18
I
DOG
looc yllatot sI
Raine on 07/13/2011 13:43:18
DOG
Comment by wickedpam on 07/13/2011 13:44:05
wickedpam on 07/13/2011 13:44:05
Her kitchen was very cool, I was surprised that it wasn't really all that big compared to the kitchens everyone tries to build these days
Comment by TriSec on 07/13/2011 13:44:59
Ah, we did that when we came down for the thing - It was my secondary goal for that trip.
I want to look up her old house in Cambridge and drive by sometime.
TriSec on 07/13/2011 13:44:59
Quote by BobR:
Raine and I saw it - Loved it!
Now you are required to make the pilgrimage to DC to view Julia Child's kitchen at the Smithsonian
Ah, we did that when we came down for the thing - It was my secondary goal for that trip.
I want to look up her old house in Cambridge and drive by sometime.
Comment by TriSec on 07/13/2011 13:45:58
There's an "efficiency triangle"...you should actually minimize the number of steps between the refrigerator, sink, and stove.
Of course, there is never enough counter space.
TriSec on 07/13/2011 13:45:58
Quote by wickedpam:
Her kitchen was very cool, I was surprised that it wasn't really all that big compared to the kitchens everyone tries to build these days
There's an "efficiency triangle"...you should actually minimize the number of steps between the refrigerator, sink, and stove.
Of course, there is never enough counter space.
Comment by Scoopster on 07/13/2011 13:48:24
Scoopster on 07/13/2011 13:48:24
Heard this on NPR this morning.. people are buying collectors kits of $1 dollar coins from the US Treasury to rack up frequent flier miles, then paying the credit card bill with the coins!
At first I was thinking back to the earlier story they did, and why no one in Congress has seen the obvious cost-cutting move that needed to be made. But then this morning I was thinking.. why isn't the Mint charging a premium for these coins because they're being sold to "collectors"? Hell if they even charge $2 per coin they make back six times their investment!
At first I was thinking back to the earlier story they did, and why no one in Congress has seen the obvious cost-cutting move that needed to be made. But then this morning I was thinking.. why isn't the Mint charging a premium for these coins because they're being sold to "collectors"? Hell if they even charge $2 per coin they make back six times their investment!
Comment by wickedpam on 07/13/2011 13:49:09
the people who built my craptactular kitchen apparently knew nothing of this "efficiency triangle" in which you speak
wickedpam on 07/13/2011 13:49:09
Quote by TriSec:Quote by wickedpam:
Her kitchen was very cool, I was surprised that it wasn't really all that big compared to the kitchens everyone tries to build these days
There's an "efficiency triangle"...you should actually minimize the number of steps between the refrigerator, sink, and stove.
Of course, there is never enough counter space.
the people who built my craptactular kitchen apparently knew nothing of this "efficiency triangle" in which you speak
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 13:58:24
Wow-- You make an interesting point, Scoop.
Raine on 07/13/2011 13:58:24
Quote by Scoopster:
Heard this on NPR this morning.. people are buying collectors kits of $1 dollar coins from the US Treasury to rack up frequent flier miles, then paying the credit card bill with the coins!
At first I was thinking back to the earlier story they did, and why no one in Congress has seen the obvious cost-cutting move that needed to be made. But then this morning I was thinking.. why isn't the Mint charging a premium for these coins because they're being sold to "collectors"? Hell if they even charge $2 per coin they make back six times their investment!
Wow-- You make an interesting point, Scoop.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 14:11:13
Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 14:11:13
Mmmnnphhhh
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 14:17:22
Raine on 07/13/2011 14:17:22
Apropos of today's blog, from WaPo: (this is classic...)
Since pulling the plug on the deal, Boehner has been largely silent in the meetings, leaving House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) to present details of the House’s position. On Tuesday, people in both parties said, Obama tried to reestablish Boehner’s primacy.
Cantor, who is advocating a smaller deal, at one point demanded that Obama offer the details of his vision for a “grand bargain.â€
“Where’s your paper?†he asked angrily.
Obama snapped back: “Frankly, your speaker has it. Am I dealing with him, or am I dealing with you?â€
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 14:17:51
Wassup?
Still no word from the Boner?
Raine on 07/13/2011 14:17:51
Quote by Mondobubba:
Mmmnnphhhh
Still no word from the Boner?
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 14:20:45
I've been sleeping like shit the past couple of nights. Dunno why, really. And no, no word from The Bullying Coward, John Boehner, Economic Terrorist.
Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 14:20:45
Quote by Raine:Wassup?Quote by Mondobubba:
Mmmnnphhhh
Still no word from the Boner?
I've been sleeping like shit the past couple of nights. Dunno why, really. And no, no word from The Bullying Coward, John Boehner, Economic Terrorist.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 14:22:48
I see that The Bullying Coward, John Boehner, Economic Terrorist, is leaving things in the less than capable hands of his Loyal Minion and Bootblack, Eric Cantor.
Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 14:22:48
Quote by Raine:
Apropos of today's blog, from WaPo: (this is classic...)Since pulling the plug on the deal, Boehner has been largely silent in the meetings, leaving House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) to present details of the House’s position. On Tuesday, people in both parties said, Obama tried to reestablish Boehner’s primacy.
Cantor, who is advocating a smaller deal, at one point demanded that Obama offer the details of his vision for a “grand bargain.â€Â
“Where’s your paper?†he asked angrily.
Obama snapped back: “Frankly, your speaker has it. Am I dealing with him, or am I dealing with you?â€Â
I see that The Bullying Coward, John Boehner, Economic Terrorist, is leaving things in the less than capable hands of his Loyal Minion and Bootblack, Eric Cantor.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/13/2011 14:25:36
of Boenher is letting Cantor hang himself
wickedpam on 07/13/2011 14:25:36
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Apropos of today's blog, from WaPo: (this is classic...)Since pulling the plug on the deal, Boehner has been largely silent in the meetings, leaving House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) to present details of the House’s position. On Tuesday, people in both parties said, Obama tried to reestablish Boehner’s primacy.
Cantor, who is advocating a smaller deal, at one point demanded that Obama offer the details of his vision for a “grand bargain.â€ÂÂ
“Where’s your paper?†he asked angrily.
Obama snapped back: “Frankly, your speaker has it. Am I dealing with him, or am I dealing with you?â€ÂÂ
I see that The Bullying Coward, John Boehner, Economic Terrorist, is leaving things in the less than capable hands of his Loyal Minion and Bootblack, Eric Cantor.
of Boenher is letting Cantor hang himself
Comment by BobR on 07/13/2011 14:40:07
either that, or it's a power coup. Either way, they will hang together (metaphorically speaking)
BobR on 07/13/2011 14:40:07
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Apropos of today's blog, from WaPo: (this is classic...)Since pulling the plug on the deal, Boehner has been largely silent in the meetings, leaving House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) to present details of the House’s position. On Tuesday, people in both parties said, Obama tried to reestablish Boehner’s primacy.
Cantor, who is advocating a smaller deal, at one point demanded that Obama offer the details of his vision for a “grand bargain.â€ÂÂ
“Where’s your paper?†he asked angrily.
Obama snapped back: “Frankly, your speaker has it. Am I dealing with him, or am I dealing with you?â€ÂÂ
I see that The Bullying Coward, John Boehner, Economic Terrorist, is leaving things in the less than capable hands of his Loyal Minion and Bootblack, Eric Cantor.
of Boenher is letting Cantor hang himself
either that, or it's a power coup. Either way, they will hang together (metaphorically speaking)
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 14:40:50
Raine on 07/13/2011 14:40:50
bI still can not bewlieve that Cantor ACTUALLY asked the POTUS for his papers.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 14:41:36
Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 14:41:36
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 14:42:43
Yeah, lets parse this a bit. A Jewish guy asked somebody for his papers? Irony!
Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 14:42:43
Quote by Raine:
bI still can not bewlieve that Cantor ACTUALLY asked the POTUS for his papers.
Yeah, lets parse this a bit. A Jewish guy asked somebody for his papers? Irony!
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 14:46:15
I stated in the local Fox page on FB that I was wondering why no one EVER did a story about Laura Bush smoking in the Rose garden...
Raine on 07/13/2011 14:46:15
The outrage about that story is utterly ridiculous. Shame on WaPo for stirring shite in a pot for no damn good reason.
I stated in the local Fox page on FB that I was wondering why no one EVER did a story about Laura Bush smoking in the Rose garden...
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 14:46:42
I was hoping someone else would see that bit of sick irony.
Raine on 07/13/2011 14:46:42
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
bI still can not bewlieve that Cantor ACTUALLY asked the POTUS for his papers.
Yeah, lets parse this a bit. A Jewish guy asked somebody for his papers? Irony!
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 14:54:17
Pareene does speculatate that the WaPo did it just to tweek Drudge. But why?
Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 14:54:17
Quote by Raine:The outrage about that story is utterly ridiculous. Shame on WaPo for stirring shite in a pot for no damn good reason.
I stated in the local Fox page on FB that I was wondering why no one EVER did a story about Laura Bush smoking in the Rose garden...
Pareene does speculatate that the WaPo did it just to tweek Drudge. But why?
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 14:57:23
Because it's red meat. Creating Fake poutrage sells.
I love WaPo, but I am not afraid to be critical of them. This should have stayed in the WaPo Gossip page -- not in the 44 blog.
And the 44 blog isn't something that generally is in the print version. That is to me, something that should be noted.
Raine on 07/13/2011 14:57:23
Quote by Mondobubba:
Pareene does speculatate that the WaPo did it just to tweek Drudge. But why?
I love WaPo, but I am not afraid to be critical of them. This should have stayed in the WaPo Gossip page -- not in the 44 blog.
And the 44 blog isn't something that generally is in the print version. That is to me, something that should be noted.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 15:04:55
Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 15:04:55
Oops almost read a demented screed by David Sirota. Glad I stopped. It would have made my brains hurt. :Mr Gumby:
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 15:05:05
BTW, It should be mentioned that Huey was a tea bagger candidate.
I could be reading tea leaves here -- but, I think the backlash has come. NYS was an indicator, this furthers my confidence that the Baggers are done.
Raine on 07/13/2011 15:05:05
Quote by Scoopster:
Morning all!
Results from yesterday's special elections...
CA-36 (to replace Jane Harman):
Janice Hahn (D) 55% 41585
Craig Huey ® 45% 34636
Wisconsin Recall Primaries : All six REAL Dems won theirs easily. General recall elections are on August 9.
I could be reading tea leaves here -- but, I think the backlash has come. NYS was an indicator, this furthers my confidence that the Baggers are done.
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 15:06:34
I still read him. I keep hoping that I am wrong about him -- he is such a nice person and it saddens me to see what he says these past few years.
Got a link?
Raine on 07/13/2011 15:06:34
Quote by Mondobubba:
Oops almost read a demented screed by David Sirota. Glad I stopped. It would have made my brains hurt. :Mr Gumby:
Got a link?
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 15:16:57
Raine on 07/13/2011 15:16:57
Something the Media isn't telling you: Nancy Pelosi.
I think the President has done an excellent job in leading the debate as we go forward to reach an agreement on the debt.
I’ve told the Members this morning at the Caucus, I wish they could be in the room to hear how values-based the President’s statements have been on this subject. We couldn’t be, I couldn’t be prouder of his leadership.
And since you brought up the President, I want to speak to that issue for a moment. I think that this Administration has done more to listen to Members of Congress in a bipartisan way than anything I have seen before. When, for I think, 10 meetings of at least 2 hours each, the Vice President of the United States sat at the table, listened with respect and openness, to the suggestions of Democrats and Republicans, alike. This President, Thursday, Sunday, Monday and now Tuesday we’ll go back, has sat in that room fully prepared, knowledgeable about the issue to the minutest detail, but with a big vision about the future for our country, and has listened to what the Republicans have had to say. This is highly unusual.
Comment by TriSec on 07/13/2011 15:21:55
TriSec on 07/13/2011 15:21:55
Say Mondo....saw this in the Post today.
TALLAHASSEE — Call it the Millionaire's Club.
The Florida Legislature is home to more than 50 millionaires, according to a News Service of Florida analysis of financial disclosure forms. Lawmakers are required to report their income and net worth once a year.
The Legislature tends to attract wealthy individuals due, in part, to its heavy time commitment and low salary. Legislators receive $29,697 a year, with presiding officers making $41,181 a year. The Legislature meets once a year for two months for its regular session, but lawmakers are often called in for committee weeks or special sessions - and they also have to spend a lot of time campaigning and fundraising.
"It's a difficult position if you are working a nine-to-five job to say 'Hey, I'm going to give up my clients for four months,' and then come back to that world for six months," said Rep. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, one of the wealthiest legislators. "Most people can't do that."
Millionaires make up almost half of the 40-member Florida Senate and nearly one-third of the 120-member Florida House. Fifty-one of the lawmakers that filed financial disclosure forms by the July 1 deadline were millionaires. Not all lawmakers filed a financial disclosure form by the deadline - more than 30 lawmakers failed to turn one in. They get a grace period before they're penalized for being late.
The wealthiest legislator in the House is Brandes, with a net worth of $11.8 million at the end of 2010. His family sold its ownership of Cox Lumber Co. to Home Depot in 2006 for an undisclosed sum.
Brandes said he manages his family's real estate investments in Florida and the Cayman Islands. The former military officer is also involved with his family's new timber company venture called Tibbetts Lumber Co. Brandes had an income of $181,540 in 2010, money that mainly came from his investments.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 15:42:59
It's over to Salon.com The Let Them Eat Cake dealio.
Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 15:42:59
Quote by Raine:I still read him. I keep hoping that I am wrong about him -- he is such a nice person and it saddens me to see what he says these past few years.Quote by Mondobubba:
Oops almost read a demented screed by David Sirota. Glad I stopped. It would have made my brains hurt. :Mr Gumby:
Got a link?
It's over to Salon.com The Let Them Eat Cake dealio.
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 15:43:10
Raine on 07/13/2011 15:43:10
I can't seem to get my twitter page to show anything but blank. 
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 15:43:40
Well duh! Hello WaPo
Mondobubba on 07/13/2011 15:43:40
Quote by TriSec:
Say Mondo....saw this in the Post today.
TALLAHASSEE — Call it the Millionaire's Club.
The Florida Legislature is home to more than 50 millionaires, according to a News Service of Florida analysis of financial disclosure forms. Lawmakers are required to report their income and net worth once a year.
The Legislature tends to attract wealthy individuals due, in part, to its heavy time commitment and low salary. Legislators receive $29,697 a year, with presiding officers making $41,181 a year. The Legislature meets once a year for two months for its regular session, but lawmakers are often called in for committee weeks or special sessions - and they also have to spend a lot of time campaigning and fundraising.
"It's a difficult position if you are working a nine-to-five job to say 'Hey, I'm going to give up my clients for four months,' and then come back to that world for six months," said Rep. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, one of the wealthiest legislators. "Most people can't do that."
Millionaires make up almost half of the 40-member Florida Senate and nearly one-third of the 120-member Florida House. Fifty-one of the lawmakers that filed financial disclosure forms by the July 1 deadline were millionaires. Not all lawmakers filed a financial disclosure form by the deadline - more than 30 lawmakers failed to turn one in. They get a grace period before they're penalized for being late.
The wealthiest legislator in the House is Brandes, with a net worth of $11.8 million at the end of 2010. His family sold its ownership of Cox Lumber Co. to Home Depot in 2006 for an undisclosed sum.
Brandes said he manages his family's real estate investments in Florida and the Cayman Islands. The former military officer is also involved with his family's new timber company venture called Tibbetts Lumber Co. Brandes had an income of $181,540 in 2010, money that mainly came from his investments.
Well duh!
Hello WaPo
Comment by Raine on 07/13/2011 15:44:28
Oh yeah... I saw that one.
It sometimes just get too full of Hyperbole.
Raine on 07/13/2011 15:44:28
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:I still read him. I keep hoping that I am wrong about him -- he is such a nice person and it saddens me to see what he says these past few years.Quote by Mondobubba:
Oops almost read a demented screed by David Sirota. Glad I stopped. It would have made my brains hurt. :Mr Gumby:
Got a link?
It's over to Salon.com The Let Them Eat Cake dealio.
It sometimes just get too full of Hyperbole.