Author: Ezra Grant

I'm just tired of the lies and nonsense coming from the GOP, so this is my little contribution to combat the nonsense!

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Politics taxes

President Obama To Introduce The “Buffett Rule” On Monday – Taxing The Rich

The New York Times is reporting a new measure by President Barack Obama called The Buffett Rule. According to the news report, President Obama will announce on Monday plans to tax millionaires at the same tax rate middle class Americans pay today.

According to the Times Report, administration officials said the plan would require those making “more than $1 million a year to ensure that they pay at least the same percentage of their earnings as middle-income taxpayers.”

Mr. Obama, in a bit of political salesmanship, will call his proposal the “Buffett Rule,” in a reference to Warren E. Buffett, the billionaire investor who has complained repeatedly that the richest Americans generally pay a smaller share of their income in federal taxes than do middle-income workers, because investment gains are taxed at a lower rate than wages.

Mr. Obama will not specify a rate or other details, and it is unclear how much revenue his plan would raise. But his idea of a millionaires’ minimum tax will be prominent in the broad plan for long-term deficit reduction that he will outline at the White House on Monday.

Although this is a great idea, suggested by many millionaires including Warren Buffett among others, there is one minor obstacle. It’s a small pledge signed by Congressional Republicans called the Grover Norquist Pledge. Republicans have promised Mr. Norquist that no matter what the situation is, no matter how much revenue the American economy needs, raising taxes would not happen.

So yes, Mr. Obama’s Buffett Plan will be a fair plan, but Grover Norquist and the Republicans will not have it.

Categories
Ohio Planned Parenthood Politics

The Teaparty Challenges John Boehner’s Seat In Ohio

Although Republican House Speaker John Boehner has lived his life according to the teachings of the Teaparty, with his no compromise, no middle class jobs, no Obama second term, ‘Yes’ to the rich stance, the Teaparty is still not happy with him. On Monday, another Teaparty member will announce his intention to run against John Boehner to represent Ohio.

Mr. David Lewis, Boehner’s next Teaparty challenger, released this statement;

“I used to believe in John Boehner until I found that his words were empty promises. In June 2010 Boehner stated, ‘When human life takes a back seat to other priorities — personal comforts, economics — freedom is diminished…we have a moral obligation to defend the defenseless. And nothing is more defenseless, or more innocent, or more pure, than an unborn baby.’ But this was not enough for Boehner; he solemnly declared, ‘There is no cause more noble than the defense of human life. There is no mission more critical. No debate more urgent.’

“In his first nine months as House Speaker, John Boehner has had several opportunities to defund the largest baby killers in America — Planned Parenthood. But Boehner caved in to Obama, and gave Planned Parenthood taxpayer’s hard earned dollars. Neither pro-lifers nor Tea Party activists should ever forgive John Boehner for lavishing our money on Planned Parenthood.

“It is clear from the facts that Planned Parenthood is not only the largest killer of unborn babies in America, but also that they have become a criminal syndicate covering up the crimes of rapists, sex traffickers, and pedophiles.

“Concerning Obamacare, John Boehner could have stopped it dead in its tracks by refusing to fund it; instead, he passed a meaningless piece of legislation to overturn Obamacare, knowing that it would be dead on arrival. Ohio voters are not stupid; time and again we see clever campaigning made of empty words and broken promises. John Boehner is the quintessential establishment insider; John Boehner is no friend of the Tea Party, and no friend of the pro-life movement, and it’s time for him to enjoy the retirement that he so richly deserves.”

Categories
Politics

Republicans Reject Jobs Bill – No Jobs For You

Back in August when President Obama announced his intentions to present a jobs bill when Congress returned from their vacation, the entire world knew that bill would be rejected by Republicans – dead on arrival. Well sadly, everyone in the world got this one right. Republicans just announced that getting Americans back to work, is not their main priority.

 House Republican leaders say they are rejecting President Barack Obama’s jobs proposals to rebuild schools and blighted neighborhoods, and help keep state and local employees on the job.

In a memo to GOP lawmakers that was also issued publicly and reprinted in The New York Times, House Speaker John Boehner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., and other Republican leaders also objected to the president’s proposal for a temporary reduction in payroll taxes, in order to boost consumer spending and increase demand.

The GOP leaders say such a temporary reduction means taxes will go up later when the reduction expires in 2013.

“While employees would see an additional temporary benefit from this proposal in 2012,” they wrote, “they would experience a larger effective tax increase 12 months later when the payroll tax reverted back to its full level.”

Oh really?

So Republicans have decided not to put middle class America back to work. Here are their concerns: One of the benefits of the jobs bill will be a payroll tax cut. That tax cut will temporarily reduce taxes from their current rate and is designed to trigger more hires by the private sector. After the temporary payroll tax cut expires, the rate goes back to what they are right now, not more than they are now, but the same rate you’re paying this very second.

This is what the Republicans are calling a tax hike, and this is their reason for rejecting a bill that has the potential to put millions of Americans back to work.

The politics at play here are sickening. The ideas outlined in the President’s jobs plan were previously submitted by these very same Republicans, but now, because of their agenda to make this president fail, these Republicans have decided to finish what Bin Laden started, and that’s to destroy the American economy.

Republicans, Al Qaeda, Taliban… they’re all the same to me.

Categories
Barack Obama Politics Republican United States

Debunk The Lies – Read The American Jobs Act Here

If you only listen to the conservative radio punditry or the Republicans in Congress, you will think that President Obama’s jobs proposal, also known as the American Jobs Act, is the feather that finally breaks the camel’s back.

So, to bring some clarity, we’re including the entire bill, here. See for yourself, and debunk their lies.

American Jobs Act
Categories
Arizona Democratic Politics Sarah Palin

Charles Barkley Calls Glen Rice His “Hero” For Sleeping With Sarah Palin

Charles Barkley couldn’t wait for the conversation to come up. During an on-air radio segment on ESPN Radio, the group briefly spoke about Joe McGinniss’s book, where the claim was made that Glen Rice had a one night stand with former Alaskan governor Sarah Palin.

Barkley, who has a history of looking for the most controversial thing to say about everything, put in his two cents.

“You know I have a thing for Sarah Palin, I do. I think she’s hot! I wouldn’t vote for her, but she is hot now. I’m talking both. I’ve always said, ‘I’ve got a crush on Sarah Palin.’ I would never vote for her. I always vote Democratic because I think you have a better chance of helping poor people if you vote Democratic.

But, I’ve always had a thing for Sarah Palin. When I read that… Glen Rice is my new hero! He’s my new hero. You know she just moved in my neighborhood and I haven’t had a chance to meet her. I stay in Philadelphia in the summer, and I go back to Arizona when it starts getting cold. That cold is creeping up on me. I’m talking 50 or 60 degrees. So, I’m heading back to Arizona soon and I look forward to meeting Sarah Palin. Hey listen if that story is true, more power to Glen Rice.”

Barkley sounds a little too excited about meeting Sarah now. Maybe Todd should pack up Sarah and the family and move as far away from Barkley as possible.

Categories
Politics

The Beginning Of The End For The Michele Bachmann Lies

The lies just keep coming from Michele Bachmann, but the American people haven’t really paid her any mind, because of who she is… a Republican named Michele Bachmann. But since Mrs. Bachmann announced her candidacy for the presidency, Americans are now taking note and are seeing that she is satisfied with saying whatever – lies and more lies – if she thinks it promotes her agenda at that moment.

Anderson Cooper and his panel discuss whether Michele has told her last lie. The lie at this moment, has to do with Bachmann’s claims about HPV – Human papillomavirus. 

Watch below.

Categories
Politics United States

Can President Obama Really Create Jobs?

The simple answer is, of course he can’t. And that is because we operate under a system that is governed, for the most part, by the United States Constitution.

There are specific Constitutional duties set forth for the President of the United States. Included in these duties however, are specific restrictions. According to the constitution, the President – although his office is one branch of government and is considered one of the most powerful positions in the world – cannot make legislation. Introducing bills or legislations that could eventually become law, rest solely in the hands of Congress. And more specific, any bill or legislation that has to do with finance or revenue, must begin in the House of Representatives. This too is laid out in Article 1, section 7of the Constitution, that states – All bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.

So what’s a president to do when government is divided, when he and his party controls the Senate and the opposing party controls the House of Representatives? What can the President do when the unemployment rate hovers around 9.1%, representing over 14 million people looking for work? What can he do when the arm of government responsible for revenue – in this case, the Republican controlled House of Representatives – refuses to do their job and is content to just watching the economy go down the toilet?

What’s a president to do? Exactly what President Obama has done.

Realizing his constitutional limits, he proposes jobs solutions and negotiates with the enemy in hopes that they will work with him in good faith to get people back to work and get the economy and country moving in the right direction again.

This President have been criticized on many occasions by members of his own party for negotiating with the enemy. They question the President’s ability to “get things done” or “fix the economy.” We have all seen the weekly, sometimes daily polls asking participants if the country is moving in the right direction, and the pundits all wonder aloud whether the President can right what is wrong, “fix the economy,” and reduce unemployment before the next election.

These questions of course, all deal with revenue, and the President’s hands are tied by a sacred document called the Constitution. His duties are specific, his restrictions are precise. And with a Republican party determined to hold the American worker hostage, we can just be thankful that the general unemployment numbers are at only 9.1%

It is time that the pundits and the American people realize what is happening. There is a Republican agenda at play here, and it is to make sure this economy fails, to bring down the middle class, and thus, to bring down this presidency.

We must realize who the responsible party is, and we must draw a clear distinction between them and the irresponsible Republicans in Congress.

Categories
Barack Obama Politics Wall Street

Chris Mathews Ask Why Business Hate President Obama?

Jim Cramer, CNBC host of Mad Money is considered one of the main voices of Wall Street. He is known as an outspoken financial expert who is not afraid to speak his mind. The financial expert went on Hardball with Chris Mathews today, and was asked one main question – why does Wall Street hate President Obama, when they are making record profits?

Cramer attempted to answer for Wall Street, stating that what investors are concerned about is that President Obama is anti-business. Shocked by Cramer’s claims, Chris Mathews points out the facts: that under President Obama, the stock market rose 31%, and Corporations have gained 88% of all income. Chris asked the question again, “Why do they hate this guy?”

Watch Cramer’s answer below.

Categories
Politics Republican Texas United States

Anderson Cooper – Keeping Them Honest – Rick Perry Edition

It been a known fact in Texas for many years –  Rick Perry does not come cheap. Even Perry himself alluded to his price tag when he said in the recent Republican debate that $5000 would not be enough to buy him. He said, “if you’re saying I can be bought for $5,000, I’m offended.”

But in a pay to play system, Rick Perry kept getting the finances he needed to get re-elected. So the real questions started being asked, and Perry’s own Republican contender for the presidency brought the main question to light. Michele Bachmann questioned Perry’s decision to require all girls in Texas to get a vaccine for HPV… a vaccine created by one of his biggest financial supporters.

Anderson Cooper of CNN’s AC360 took a deeper look into Perry’s pockets.

Categories
Black people Politics Texas United States

Rick Perry Saves One Life In Texas

He was supposed to be executed today, but because of the testimony of a prosecution psychologist during his sentencing, Duane Buck – convicted of murdering two people – will live to see another day. The testimony of the psychologist claimed that black people are more likely to commit crimes.

Luckily, former Texas AG turned senator John Cornyn asked, eleven years ago but still, that Buck’s and five other death penalty sentences be reviewed for racial bias, which gave the Supreme Court enough fodder to halt Buck’s execution early this morning.

Governor Rick Perry, the presidential candidate who loves nothing more than personally executing people with his six-shooter, has so far remained mum about the case, possibly because someone else was already executed in Texas this week, temporarily sating his all-consuming bloodlust.

In recent debates, the Teaparty has  applauded Texas presidential candidate Rick Perry for setting the record for the most executions in Texas. They also called for the government to allow people who cannot afford healthcare to die. The knowledge that Duane Buck is still alive will not go over well with Perry’s Teaparty admirers.

Categories
Barack Obama James Carville Politics White House

James Carville – It Is Time For The President To Panic

By James Carville.

People often ask me what advice I would give the White House about various things. Today I was mulling over election results from New York and Nevada while thinking about that very question. What should the White House do now? One word came to mind: Panic.

We are far past sending out talking points. Do not attempt to dumb it down. We cannot stand any more explanations. Have you talked to any Democratic senators lately? I have. It’s pretty damn clear they are not happy campers.

This is what I would say to President Barack Obama: The time has come to demand a plan of action that requires a complete change from the direction you are headed.

I don’t know how else to break this down. Simply put:

1. Fire somebody. No — fire a lot of people. This may be news to you but this is not going well. For precedent, see Russian Army 64th division at Stalingrad. There were enough deaths at Stalingrad to make the entire tea party collectively orgasm.

Mr. President, your hinge of fate must turn. Bill Clinton fired many people in 1994 and took a lot of heat for it. Reagan fired most of his campaign staff in 1980. Republicans historically fired their own speaker, Newt Gingrich. Bush fired Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. For God’s sake, why are we still looking at the same political and economic advisers that got us into this mess? It’s not working.

Furthermore, it’s not going to work with the same team, the same strategy and the same excuses. I know economic analysts are smart — some work 17-hour days. It’s time to show them the exit. Wake up — show us you are doing something.

2. Indict people. There are certain people in American finance who haven’t been held responsible for utterly ruining the economic fabric of our country. Demand from the attorney general a clear status of the state of investigation concerning these extraordinary injustices imposed upon the American people. I know Attorney General Eric Holder is a close friend of yours, but if his explanations aren’t good, fire him too. Demand answers to why no one has been indicted.

Mr. President, people are livid. Tell people that you, too, are angry and sickened by the irresponsible actions on Wall Street that caused so much suffering. Do not accept excuses. Demand action now.

3. Make a case like a Democrat. While we are going along with the Republican austerity garbage, who is making the case against it? It’s not the Democrats!

Read the rest of the article here

Categories
Politics

The Republican War On Labor Continues

It has been a constant assault on the middle class and the American worker since Scott Walker manipulated the political process in Wisconsin, and passed his bill taking away workers bargaining rights. Now, the Republican House of Representatives are joining in on the attacks.

House Republicans have introduced a bill that would give companies and corporations even more power to up and relocate their business – taking jobs to another territory, state or country – if the workers voice their concerns about unfair treatment.

The bill – according to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) – was introduced to protect Boeing’s decision to relocate to South Carolina, after their employees went on strike. After NLRB filed a complaint against Boeing, House Republicans introduced their bill.

The NLRB charges that Boeing moved production away from its Washington State facility in retaliation for the workers exercising their right to strike, and that’s against the law.

The Republican bill would take away the NLRB’s authority to remedy unlawful conduct like Boeing is alleged to have engaged in. H.R. 2587 would apply to cases currently being considered, including the legal action against Boeing. It would allow corporations to freely retaliate against workers by transferring, subcontracting or off-shoring jobs. For example, says  [AFL-CIO President Richard] Trumka:

“If a group of workers walk out of a plant because of unsafe working conditions, the company could decide to move the work and the jobs rather than fix the problem, and the NLRB would be powerless to protect the workers and their jobs.

If a group of women or African Americans joined together to protest race or sex discrimination by their employer, the company could simply transfer the work somewhere else, and the NLRB would be powerless to protect the workers.

Bertucci says, “I’m not willing to sacrifice a right that goes back generations so that Boeing has an advantage.”

I’d like to see my daughter have the same opportunity as I did….If this bill passes, every American’s right to be in a union will be threatened.

It’s the same old story – protecting big business at the expense of middle class America. Except this time the decisions to choose Corporations over regular working Americans, are not coming from a Republican governor in some state, these decisions are coming from the United States Congress.

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