Thursday, January 28, 2010
London Telegraph: State of the Union: Barack Obama gets an F for world leadership
"Obama’s world leadership in his first year in office has been weak-kneed and little short of disastrous. He has sacrificed the projection of American power upon the altar of political vanity, with empty speeches and groveling apologies across the world, from Strasbourg to Cairo. He has appeased some of America’s worst enemies, and has extended the hand of friendship to many of the most odious regimes on the face of the earth. Judging by the State of the Union address tonight, we can expect more of the same from an American president who seems determined to lead the world’s greatest power along a path of decline."
Janeane Garofalo on Twitter
- It looks like some don't even acknowledge him as president, look at these bastards! http://www.radioactivenews.com/ Hey! Obama spoke too!
- It is the white media's job to bash the first black president? Because they seem really gifted at it.
- The republican response tonight seemed a little too white for my taste.
- The president is standing strong tonight. He has just won back his base.
- The president is speaking tonight. I know I will be watching.
- Justice is served! The kid from the Acorn videos just got picked up by the FBI. http://www.radioactivenews.com/
- Has anyone heard of the website www.radioactivenews.com? They have a story on a John Edwards sex tape. This can't be happening.
- @JoanofArc007 i am seeing them, yes
- I am waiting to hear from my president Wednesday night. We must all fight against the capitalistic machine.
- When ever the dreamer shows up, Garofalo has to pack up!
- Healthcare will happen! Maybe we just need to change the rules a little.
- The racists whites win in Mass!
- Will Republicans ever accept a Black president
- Why do Republicans have to lie so much!
- I have finally decided to join the twitter community. Obama was fantastic tonight! He is a true leader.
Voter Views on State-of-the-Union Points
"In his speech, for example, the president called for taxing banks to repay bailouts. Most Americans like the general idea of a tax on large banks to help repay the bailout money. Voters think that only banks that received the bailout should pay the tax though, and 72% believe that other financial institutions like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should also pay the tax.
"The president presented the $787-billion economic stimulus package as a success story. However, just 35% of voters believe the stimulus plan has helped the economy, while 31% believe it hurt. At this time, 39% are concerned the government will do too little to deal with the economy while 49% fear it will do too much.
"Obama said the unpopular bailouts saved the economy. He’s right that they’re unpopular. By a two-to-one margin, voters still believe they were a bad idea. Voters are evenly divided as to whether they helped or hurt the economy in the short-term. However, voters overwhelmingly believe the bailouts are bad for the long-term health of the economy.
"The president spoke about small business issues at a time when just 29% of small business owners say conditions for their businesses are getting better. That’s up seven points from a month ago, but 43% still say conditions for their business are getting worse.
"On the housing front, just 55% now say buying a home is the best investment a family can make. That’s down from 79% in 2008. The public was way ahead of Treasury officials on dealing with the reality of the mortgage crisis
"The president asked Congress to counter the recent Supreme Court ruling on campaign finance. However, public reaction is mixed: 26% agree with the decision, 34% oppose it, and 41% are not sure. Sixty-five percent (65%) also say corporations and unions should be allowed to buy ads to let people know how politicians voted on issues.
"Voters still say deficit reduction is the most important priority laid out by the president last February. They also believe it is the presidential priority least likely to be achieved.
"The president referenced the Congressional Budget Office analysis that suggested his health care plan would reduce the deficit. However, most Americans don’t believe the numbers. Voters overwhelmingly think the plan's costs will be higher than projected, and 81% say passage of the plan will likely lead to higher middle class taxes. Sixty-eight percent (68%) say it will increase the deficit
"Most voters continue to oppose the proposed health care plan.
"Sixty-one percent (61%) now want Congress to drop health care and focus on jobs.
"On Afghanistan, the president reaffirmed the strategy he outlined a couple of months ago. Most voters agree with his plan to send more troops in, and a slightly smaller number support his plan to begin withdrawal in 2011. However, few agree with both aspects of the plan."
Obama's Big Speech: NO Pivot, Just Lies, Misdirection and Shifting Blame to Others
For Example:
Beyond the economic effects of this proposal, it waters down the quality of education. Before NYC started with "open enrollment," the City College system was amongst the best in the country, afterward....well, when was the last time you heard of a great scholar coming out of Brooklyn College?
And keep in mind the freeze does not cover Obamacare. Also the president is talking about a three year freeze and he is talking about what the freeze will save over ten years. What will it save over three years?
If the President held back the unspent Porkulus funds and put the TARP money returned by banks to the bottom line, the federal deficit for fiscal 2010 would be cut by over $500 Billion. But to execute that plan he would have to be serious about cutting the budget.
This is what George Phillips GOP Candidate for the House seat in NY's 22nd Congressional District said about the freeze:
As for the lobbyists, that is a huge fib, here is a partial list I received in an email from Erick Erickson of RedState.com
- The speech opened in typical Obama fashion, blame Bush
One year ago, I took office amid two wars, an economy rocked by severe recession, a financial system on the verge of collapse, and a government deeply in debt. Experts from across the political spectrum warned that if we did not act, we might face a second depression. So we acted – immediately and aggressively. And one year later, the worst of the storm has passed.
- He followed up by continuing his war against American Industry.
For these Americans and so many others, change has not come fast enough. Some are frustrated; some are angry. They don’t understand why it seems like bad behavior on Wall Street is rewarded but hard work on Main Street isn’t; or why Washington has been unable or unwilling to solve any of our problems. They are tired of the partisanship and the shouting and the pettiness. They know we can’t afford it. Not now.
- Then another attack on American Industry
Here the President forgot to mention that some of his buddies that received TARP funds, GE Capital (Part of General Electric), and GMAC (Part of General Motors) but were exempt from the regulation. Or that these taxes are taking away money from the people who fuel the engine of our economy.To recover the rest, I have proposed a fee on the biggest banks. I know Wall Street isn’t keen on this idea, but if these firms can afford to hand out big bonuses again, they can afford a modest fee to pay back the taxpayers who rescued them in their time of need.
- Lies/Misdirection about Taxes
Many of those income tax cuts were not cuts at all, but rebates to people who pay no taxes. And while he did not raise INCOME taxes, he raised other taxes that effect the poor, like the cigarette taxes.Let me repeat: we cut taxes. We cut taxes for 95% of working families. We cut taxes for small businesses. We cut taxes for first-time homebuyers. We cut taxes for parents trying to care for their children. We cut taxes for 8 million Americans paying for college. As a result, millions of Americans had more to spend on gas, and food, and other necessities, all of which helped businesses keep more workers. And we haven’t raised income taxes by a single dime on a single person. Not a single dime.
- Lies about The Stimulus Plan.
Its hard to believe that he actually used that two million Jobs numbers with a straight face. And there are more economists that believe the stimulus was a waste, and according to most of the Polls, most Americans Believe it was a waste too.Because of the steps we took, there are about two million Americans working right now who would otherwise be unemployed. 200,000 work in construction and clean energy. 300,000 are teachers and other education workers. Tens of thousands are cops, firefighters, correctional officers, and first responders. And we are on track to add another one and a half million jobs to this total by the end of the year. The plan that has made all of this possible, from the tax cuts to the jobs, is the Recovery Act. That’s right – the Recovery Act, also known as the Stimulus Bill. Economists on the left and the right say that this bill has helped saved jobs and avert disaster. But you don’t have to take their word for it.
- Time to Bash America, We are not as good as China:
Next, we can put Americans to work today building the infrastructure of tomorrow. From the first railroads to the interstate highway system, our nation has always been built to compete. There’s no reason Europe or China should have the fastest trains, or the new factories that manufacture clean energy products.
- A Call For Another Porkulus, despite the fact that America Doesn't want one.
The House has passed a jobs bill that includes some of these steps. As the first order of business this year, I urge the Senate to do the same. People are out of work. They are hurting. They need our help. And I want a jobs bill on my desk without delay.
- Time To Bash Bush Again
Even worse than the Bush bashing is the fact that he does not recognize the roll that Congress had in creating the housing bubble, especially his buddies Barney Frank and Chris Dodd.We cannot afford another so-called economic “expansion” like the one from last decade – what some call the “lost decade” – where jobs grew more slowly than during any prior expansion; where the income of the average American household declined while the cost of health care and tuition reached record highs; where prosperity was built on a housing bubble and financial speculation.
- Self-Contradiction
But wait scroll up, didn't he bash the banks at least twice in this speech so far?One place to start is serious financial reform. Look, I am not interested in punishing banks, I’m interested in protecting our economy.
- An Unintentional Light Moment?
Remember when he said that he would veto any bill that had earmarks? Did he do that?The House has already passed financial reform with many of these changes. And the lobbyists are already trying to kill it. Well, we cannot let them win this fight. And if the bill that ends up on my desk does not meet the test of real reform, I will send it back.
- Here Comes Cap and Trade Again-You must have it because I say so
The scientific evidence is UNDERwhelming. With each passing day there is new evidence that man made global warming is an Al Gore Fraud.I am grateful to the House for passing such a bill last year. This year, I am eager to help advance the bipartisan effort in the Senate. I know there have been questions about whether we can afford such changes in a tough economy; and I know that there are those who disagree with the overwhelming scientific evidence on climate change. But even if you doubt the evidence, providing incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy are the right thing to do for our future – because the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation.
- He Just doesn't understand the way buisness works.
A noble goal, but to do that you need to cut taxes, you need to streamline regulation. You cant just shove our products down the throats of people in other countries....we need to export more of our goods. Because the more products we make and sell to other countries, the more jobs we support right here in America. So tonight, we set a new goal: We will double our exports over the next five years, an increase that will support two million jobs in America.
- College is a Constitutional Right? Government takeover of College Loans.
College is not a constitutional right.To make college more affordable, this bill will finally end the unwarranted taxpayer-subsidies that go to banks for student loans. Instead, let’s take that money and give families a $10,000 tax credit for four years of college and increase Pell Grants. And let’s tell another one million students that when they graduate, they will be required to pay only ten percent of their income on student loans, and all of their debt will be forgiven after twenty years – and forgiven after ten years if they choose a career in public service. Because in the United States of America, no one should go broke because they chose to go to college.
Beyond the economic effects of this proposal, it waters down the quality of education. Before NYC started with "open enrollment," the City College system was amongst the best in the country, afterward....well, when was the last time you heard of a great scholar coming out of Brooklyn College?
- Health Care Lies?
Not true at all, unless you play some of their cute numbers tricks like putting ten years of tax revenue with only seven years of expenses. And most reports, including ones from the CBO and HHS say that the program will actually INCREASE costs for most Americans. That doesn't even include the Cadillac Taxes which will increase the burden on the (non-Union) middle class.Our approach would preserve the right of Americans who have insurance to keep their doctor and their plan. It would reduce costs and premiums for millions of families and businesses. And according to the Congressional Budget Office – the independent organization that both parties have cited as the official scorekeeper for Congress – our approach would bring down the deficit by as much as $1 trillion over the next two decades.
- Americans Do Not Like Obamacare Because They Are Too Stupid to Understand Obamacare
Still, this is a complex issue, and the longer it was debated, the more skeptical people became. I take my share of the blame for not explaining it more clearly to the American people.
- Another Obamacare Lie
How can his plan strengthen Medicare for seniors when it cuts $500 billion from it?But if anyone from either party has a better approach that will bring down premiums, bring down the deficit, cover the uninsured, strengthen Medicare for seniors, and stop insurance company abuses, let me know.
- I Swear It Wasn't Me-It Was Bush
The Republican-led congress increased the federal budget by $800 billion from 2001 and 2006. After the Democrats took over the federal budget was increased by $900 billion from 2007-2009. President Obama was in the Senate for most of that time (when he wasn't campaigning). H/T Ed Morrissey of Hot Air for that historical fact.So let me start the discussion of government spending by setting the record straight. At the beginning of the last decade, America had a budget surplus of over $200 billion. By the time I took office, we had a one year deficit of over $1 trillion and projected deficits of $8 trillion over the next decade. Most of this was the result of not paying for two wars, two tax cuts, and an expensive prescription drug program. On top of that, the effects of the recession put a $3 trillion hole in our budget. That was before I walked in the door.
- Like Hunting Elephant With a Cap Gun
This is the what the freeze will saveStarting in 2011, we are prepared to freeze government spending for three years. Spending related to our national security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security will not be affected. But all other discretionary government programs will. Like any cash-strapped family, we will work within a budget to invest in what we need and sacrifice what we don’t. And if I have to enforce this discipline by veto, I will.
And keep in mind the freeze does not cover Obamacare. Also the president is talking about a three year freeze and he is talking about what the freeze will save over ten years. What will it save over three years?
If the President held back the unspent Porkulus funds and put the TARP money returned by banks to the bottom line, the federal deficit for fiscal 2010 would be cut by over $500 Billion. But to execute that plan he would have to be serious about cutting the budget.
This is what George Phillips GOP Candidate for the House seat in NY's 22nd Congressional District said about the freeze:
"President Obama's State of the Union address was delivered in his typical, eloquent fashion, and it is encouraging to hear that he has finally realized what so many Americans have known for some time. The real concerns of our citizens today are the need to stimulate job growth and reign in the reckless spending we've witnessed during this administration thus far. Unfortunately, a temporary spending freeze which affects such a tiny portion of the budget is a small step in the correct direction. While saving $250B over ten years is a nice idea, it fails to carry much weight in an environment where Congress is running up a roughly $200B deficit each and every month. The President simply failed to offer a bold enough vision to rein in spending and create jobs. The real solution is to be found in broad tax cuts for small businesses and individual Americans which will get this country going again."
- He Really Doesn't Understand Business Part 2
Actually we can't afford NOT to. These are some of the people who create jobs, the more you tax them the more you take away their ability put people to work.But at a time of record deficits, we will not continue tax cuts for oil companies, investment fund managers, and those making over $250,000 a year. We just can’t afford it.
"It is a paradoxical truth that tax rates are too high and tax revenues are too low and the soundest way to raise the revenues in the long run is to cut the rates now ... Cutting taxes now is not to incur a budget deficit, but to achieve the more prosperous, expanding economy which can bring a budget surplus." – John F. Kennedy, Nov. 20, 1962From some on the right, I expect we’ll hear a different argument – that if we just make fewer investments in our people, extend tax cuts for wealthier Americans, eliminate more regulations, and maintain the status quo on health care, our deficits will go away. The problem is, that’s what we did for eight years. That’s what helped lead us into this crisis. It’s what helped lead to these deficits. And we cannot do it again.
- More Lies and Mistruth
Actually the reason for posting the visitors online, is that the White House lost a lawsuit.That’s what I came to Washington to do. That’s why – for the first time in history – my Administration posts our White House visitors online. And that’s why we’ve excluded lobbyists from policy-making jobs or seats on federal boards and commissions.
As for the lobbyists, that is a huge fib, here is a partial list I received in an email from Erick Erickson of RedState.com
- Eric Holder, attorney general nominee, was registered to lobby until 2004 on behalf of clients including Global Crossing, a bankrupt telecommunications firm [now confirmed].
- Tom Vilsack, secretary of agriculture nominee, was registered to lobby as recently as last year on behalf of the National Education Association.
- William Lynn in the Pentagon as Deputy Defense Secretary. Mr. Lynn was a lobbyist for Defense Contractor Ratheon. I guess the Deputy Defense Secretary is not a policy-making job.
- William Corr, deputy health and human services secretary nominee, was registered to lobby until last year for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a non-profit that pushes to limit tobacco use.
- David Hayes, deputy interior secretary nominee, was registered to lobby until 2006 for clients, including the regional utility San Diego Gas & Electric.
- Mark Patterson, chief of staff to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, was registered to lobby as recently as last year for financial giant Goldman Sachs.
- Ron Klain, chief of staff to Vice President Joe Biden, was registered to lobby until 2005 for clients, including the Coalition for Asbestos Resolution, U.S. Airways, Airborne Express and drug-maker ImClone.
- Cecilia Munoz, White House director of intergovernmental affairs, was a lobbyist as recently as last year for the National Council of La Raza, a Hispanic advocacy group.
- Patrick Gaspard, White House political affairs director, was a lobbyist for the Service Employees International Union.
- President Obama Attacks the SCOTUS It Was Wrong on So Many Levels
Lets See What Justice Alito has to say about what the President Said, I believe he is saying "not true"Last week, the Supreme Court reversed a century of law to open the floodgates for special interests – including foreign corporations – to spend without limit in our elections.
AP’s ten whoppers from the SOTU speech
Spending freeze – The AP points out that it will save less than 1% of predicted deficits over the next ten years — and that Obama scoffed at such a plan when John McCain proposed it in 2008.
Health care – Obama said the Democratic plan would allow people to keep their insurance and their doctors, but the bill doesn’t guarantee either. Their plan has massive cuts to Medicare Advantage, which would definitely affect coverage of a large portion of America’s seniors and disabled.
Lobbyists – Obama has not “excluded” lobbyists from his administration; he’s hired over a dozen for key posts, and the AP notes seven of those waivers were for White House posts. Obama called for restrictions on lobbyist contributions, but those already exist.
Two million jobs saved through Porkulus – The CBO puts the theoretical range between 600K and 1.6 million, but also cautions that the methodology of estimating jobs “saved or created” is “uncertain.” The last detailed numbers the White House produced totaled 650,000 — and were found to be highly inaccurate.
Openness: “Obama skipped past a broken promise from his campaign — to have the negotiations for health care legislation broadcast on C-SPAN “so that people can see who is making arguments on behalf of their constituents, and who are making arguments on behalf of the drug companies or the insurance companies.” Instead, Democrats in the White House and Congress have conducted the usual private negotiations, making multibillion-dollar deals with hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders behind closed doors. Nor has Obama lived up consistently to his pledge to ensure that legislation is posted online for five days before it’s acted upon.”
Health care – Obama said the Democratic plan would allow people to keep their insurance and their doctors, but the bill doesn’t guarantee either. Their plan has massive cuts to Medicare Advantage, which would definitely affect coverage of a large portion of America’s seniors and disabled.
Lobbyists – Obama has not “excluded” lobbyists from his administration; he’s hired over a dozen for key posts, and the AP notes seven of those waivers were for White House posts. Obama called for restrictions on lobbyist contributions, but those already exist.
Two million jobs saved through Porkulus – The CBO puts the theoretical range between 600K and 1.6 million, but also cautions that the methodology of estimating jobs “saved or created” is “uncertain.” The last detailed numbers the White House produced totaled 650,000 — and were found to be highly inaccurate.
Openness: “Obama skipped past a broken promise from his campaign — to have the negotiations for health care legislation broadcast on C-SPAN “so that people can see who is making arguments on behalf of their constituents, and who are making arguments on behalf of the drug companies or the insurance companies.” Instead, Democrats in the White House and Congress have conducted the usual private negotiations, making multibillion-dollar deals with hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders behind closed doors. Nor has Obama lived up consistently to his pledge to ensure that legislation is posted online for five days before it’s acted upon.”
Pam Meister: What Was Missing from the SOTU Address
"Then there was the real shocker: his smackdown of the Supreme Court because of their ruling last week that lifted limits on corporate campaign donations. 'Last week, the Supreme Court reversed a century of law to open the floodgates for special interests — including foreign corporations – to spend without limit in our elections. Well I don’t think American elections should be bankrolled by America’s most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign entities. They should be decided by the American people, and that’s why I’m urging Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps to right this wrong.'
"Does this mean that unions will also have more campaign finance restrictions put upon them?"
"Does this mean that unions will also have more campaign finance restrictions put upon them?"
Martin Luther King III is overwhelmed and beside himself with excitement on the candidacy of Martha Coakley in Massachusetts
He is so excited about this woman he does not know what to do!
AP: Fact check: Obama and the ‘hatchet’ job
"Look at some of the president’s claims and how they compare with the facts"
Jill Stanek: The arrest of James O'Keefe
"An earlier Washington Post story incorrectly reported that O'Keefe and his partners were charged with entering the building under false pretenses as part of a plot to bug Landrieu's phone. They are charged with entering the building under false pretenses to commit a felony, but as part of a plot to tamper with Landrieu's phone."
SHIRLEY: No confidence in Obama
"When President Obama stood before Congress Wednesday night, he was less the president and more a European-style prime minister who has just lost a no-confidence vote."
New York Post: Obama's answer for America: more of me
"There was no 'pivot to the center,' no serious accounting for the Massachusetts miracle or his misfortunes. Instead, there was an innumerate, inaccurate and distinctly unpresidential whine -- blaming George W. Bush for nearly all of his problems (leaving out, among other things, that the Democrats have been controlling Congress and crafting budgets since 2006)."
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/obama_answer_for_america_more_of_1IboSZ3t6WFW12qZnpv10J#ixzz0dv1KHmYH
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/obama_answer_for_america_more_of_1IboSZ3t6WFW12qZnpv10J#ixzz0dv1KHmYH
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