The debt drama has turned into a total cluster@$%!
Everybody's gotten lost in the weeds on this plan or that plan, who's up, who's down, where's the Waldo in the White House, etc. There's only one group that hasn't fallen into the chaos: the Democrats. Why? Because they've orchestrated the timing from the beginning.
Here's the one big point the Republicans have missed:
THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A ONE-DAY GAME. The whole game has been to start at the end. The goal was to set a deadline---arbitrary as it is---August 2, and THEN be the last one to put a plan out. As long as Harry Reid can play the last card at the last minute, he's able to control the whole thing. He's able to put the burden on the Republicans (in his own chamber and in the House), and say, "Well? What are you going to do? Are you going to let the country go down? Are you going to force the government into a partial shutdown?" The bluff will be called, and it's not Obama's bluff. It's the Republicans'.
In other words, he who controls the final day controls the whole game. EVERYTHING TO THIS POINT HAS BEEN IRRELEVANT.
This has been Obama's game. This is why he fell silent and went AWOL this week. He is preparing to alight on the scene to propose or bless a Democrat plan at the last minute. This is also why neither he nor the Democrats have put out any plans of their own. Republicans are pounding them for their lack of plans and leadership. But the Democrats know EXACTLY what they're doing. It's always been against their interest to put forth "plans" because "plans" would've only allowed the Republicans to counter with a demand that they budge. And they've got no intention of budging on anything.
So the GOP has negotiated against itself while the Democrats have been sitting quietly. Reid "removed" tax hikes from the equation, but Obama did not. There was a method to that supposed madness. Reid will now add those terms to some form of the Boehner plan, and then Obama will either accept that or add terms of his own.
The Republicans have once again put themselves into a box. They have created the very problem they sought to avoid: being held responsible for the finale.
Nothing has ever mattered but the last day or so. The GOP should have stuck it out the way the Democrats have and begun NOW with Cut, Cap and Balance. But alas, it's too late.
We're getting to the last day, a day Obama set in place on purpose so he could play this very game. The Republicans stumbled blindly into it, and now they'll be stuck with the consequences.
Why waste a good crisis? Let face facts. The country is screwed, our Republic, and Constitution. The people of the US are not wanted. The Chinese want our place, and our government will not resist for some reason. So it is "Memento Mori" Day. Remember that we could die at any time, perhaps tomorrow. So - live it up until you see their slanty eyes.
Posted by: Dgscol | August 01, 2011 at 06:10 PM
If the federal government should overpass the just bounds of its authority and make a tyrannical use of its powers, the people, whose creature it is, must appeal to the standard they have formed [the Constitution], and take such measures to redress the injury done to the Constitution as the exigency may suggest and prudence justify.”
-- Alexander Hamilton
Posted by: WowZER | August 01, 2011 at 06:48 PM
He had no clue that, for a capitalist society to function at its best, a balance must be struck between capitalism and government control such as we had in the 1950s under the Eisenhower Administration.
Reagan did all he could to de-regulate business and create a legislature controlled by rich Republicans.
"Private capital tends to become concentrated in [a] few hands. The result is an oligarchy of private capital, the enormous power of which cannot be checked by a democrat society since legislators [are] largely financed by capitalists. The consequences of this are that the representatives do not protect the interests of the poor and underprivileged. Moreover, capitalists control, directly or indirectly, the main means of information (press, education, etc.). It is almost impossible for an individual citizen to make intelligent use of his [or her] political rights." -Albert Einstein, "Monthly Review," 1949
http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/courier_times_news/opinion/guest/reagan-fooled-all-of-the-people-and-we-re-paying/article_d7557068-82f9-11e0-b492-001a4bcf6878.html
Posted by: jay | August 01, 2011 at 08:44 PM
The more I have conversations with Conservatives.
The more I realize they are the party of Deniers.
Posted my data about who did better with jobs. Dems or Republicans. (Turned out it was the Dems by a huge margin)
And, this Conservative comments.
Well, The Dems only increase government jobs. Conservatives, it's all about the private sector.
He left out that Reagan increased gov't jobs, Clinton, decreased them.
Posted by: jay | August 01, 2011 at 08:49 PM
"TAX DA RICH"...going down in flames...lol
Posted by: LongRifle | August 01, 2011 at 08:52 PM
TAX DA RICH"...going down in flames...lol
Posted by: LongRifle | August 01, 2011 at 08:52 PM
Funny how MORE of the rich are saying just that.
TAX DA RICH!
The difference between the right and the left is :
The Right says ,"Don't tax the Rich."
The left says to just raise taxes.
Back to Clinton's era rates.
The Right ONLY CARES ABOUT THE RICH.
THE LEFT CARES MORE about everyone.
They just don't want the working class to get stepped on by the rich.
Posted by: jay | August 01, 2011 at 09:05 PM
Jay - I would add that Independents also care about balance. Innovation, entrepreneurship, success and profitability should never be a penalty in the US but if anyone is following any real statistical data from credible impartial sources, you would know that this country is completely unbalanced. It is positioned to only benefit the wealthy on the backs of the middle class and the poor. Those that put in the same effort that the wealthy do in simply "surviving" in life.
Does anyone remember this song? If not, it's worth a listen to and analyzing the words. Speaks volumes on our current situation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFj3vXp3R_M
Posted by: RafeMasters_76 | August 01, 2011 at 09:57 PM
BTW, CM Punk Rules.
Posted by: RafeMasters_76 | August 01, 2011 at 10:15 PM
SO, HOUSE PASSES OBAMA DEATH SENTENCE AFTER ALL
BAD NEWS: GOP saved from suicide by Obama. Right wing wins to fight another day, and eventually destroy the US through the usual tactics of terrorism which always works against a wimp like Obama. Which they will. You can't fight Revelations, though you should try.
American People and MSM will forget about debt ceiling in three seconds while GOP screams at them "Obama killed Grandma's social security and medicare!!!" nonstop between now and November.
GOOD NEWS: Obama will not be re-elected next year against any male opponent with a male running mate.
Hey, for me, it's win-win; now that the GOP is firmly back in power, the sooner Christ comes back to wipe it off the face of the earth.
Obama had his chance; Obama caved, and now the second half of the coming double dip leading into the GreatEST Depression will SOLELY be his, and he won't be re-elected unless some miracle occurs and a nutcase like Bachmann actually wins the GOP nomination; virtually impossible.
Good-bye Obama; you never deserved to be President. You could beat up and trample on a real lady, but when it came to destroying those who really put you in office as a mole, you passed. You suicided yourself to save your real Party, the party you belonged to all along, the GOP. You always were Joe Lieberman II, in a darker skin suit. The American People who were foolish and idealistic enough to believe in you were royally FUCKED. As all Hillary voters knew would happen FROM DAY ONE.
It will be fantastic to see you go, abhorrent to see the evil you unleashed when you signed that bill, but ultimately triumphant to see Christ return earlier as a result.
Not at my hand; but solely at yours. And those ridiculous twenty-plus pens.
Congratulations, President Trump or Romney. Go do what you must do, but DO IT QUICKLY.
ANYONE MALE BUT OBAMA 2012
Posted by: xbjllb | August 01, 2011 at 11:01 PM
Interesting that Monica refused to take a stand in any of this one way or the other.
Uncharacteristic. Seems the GOP really was divided on the issue, and could have been ko'ed.
But not with a GOP mole in the Oval Office.
Not a chance.
Sometimes when you win, Obama, you lose.
Posted by: xbjllb | August 01, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Oh, personal congratulations to everyone here. I'm leaving forever, it's stupid to fight a battle you know you can never win. And I am not stupid.
What could I do, when you scream, as you will for the next fourteen months nonstop "OBAMA KILLED GRANDMA'S MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY"? I'm going to argue "No he didn't?"
There's not a leftie in the country who would merely non and say "Yep. You're EXACTLY right. He did."
So congratulations on the next President, whomever he may be. I'm not even going to choose between Trump and Romney, because I won't be voting or campaigning or donating. Congratulations on your ultimate fascist big business whoring evil succeeding brilliantly. How could it have been otherwise with your house boy in the White House pretending he was a Democrat FROM DAY ONE?
No, I go on to much better vocation, my first love, ONE THAT PAYS MIGHTILY, and am leaving politics forever.
Princess, I will miss you. Jay, rafemaster, everyone actually. Please remember what I have said.
Remember denizens; you can repent even at the last second. Even at the Throne. Even from the deepest bowels of Hell if you follow Christ out when he died and came down those three days for all of you.
I'd take the chance if I were you. Hedge your bets.
Hopefully I'll see all of you in Heaven. And not just temporarily, either.
Posted by: xbjllb | August 01, 2011 at 11:25 PM
P.S. One LAST bit of political advice:
IGNORE all the idiots who say Bachmann can win; she can't win more than Iowa and a handful of whackjob hick states.
The Presidency and majorities in Congress are now the NaziGOP's to lose; don't do it by nominating a whackjob. America, as much as they ALL hate Obama now, won't choose a whackjob over him.
Posted by: xbjllb | August 01, 2011 at 11:28 PM
how much did this "representative" benefit from the tarp bailout & why has she not been investigated?
http://weaselzippers.us/2011/08/01/dem-rep-maxine-waters-blasts-white-house-for-caving-on-debt-deal-they-werent-tough-enough-didnt-do-the-work/
another azzclown that should sign up with S.T.F.U.
NO RINOS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | August 01, 2011 at 11:45 PM
another azzclown that should sign up with S.T.F.U.
NO RINOS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | August 01, 2011 at 11:45 PM
That's a trait also found in Conservative politicians.
Posted by: jay | August 01, 2011 at 11:55 PM
& yet another "representative" who benefits from his position.............
http://moonbattery.com/?p=618
another azzclown member of S.T.F.U.
NO RINOS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | August 02, 2011 at 12:14 AM
more azzclowns who should join S.T.F.U.
http://moonbattery.com/?p=602
NO RINOS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | August 02, 2011 at 12:17 AM
From moonbattery:
"Appallingly, Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) was censured for his shameless corruption, but not thrown out of office."
With all the talk about Weiner and Rangel.
Why wasn't there anything about Vitter and Ensign sex scandels on the memo?
Oh, ya! Forgot. They are Conservatives.
that's a whole different ball game isn't it?
Shows the hypocrisy of the right.
Vitter stayed in office. Not sure about Ensign.
Posted by: jay | August 02, 2011 at 12:22 AM
the spending is nuts!
http://www.breitbart.tv/the-spending-is-nuts/
GIVE US A CAPITALIST 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | August 02, 2011 at 12:31 AM
while you could point to a period of explosive growth if you just give the rich all the tax breaks in the world, you also see a widening gap in incomes and net worth, and eventually, the whole thing comes crashing down in a nutshell.
Posted by: jay | August 02, 2011 at 01:49 AM
X-lax wrote: "IGNORE all the idiots who say Bachmann can win; she can't win more than Iowa and a handful of whackjob hick states."
----------------
Since X-lax is wrong on just about everything - especially its predictions within the realm of politics .. which, BTW, its record reflects a whopping 99% inaccuracy rating. What X-lax's aforementioned assertion really means is Michele Bachmann is one of the most conservative candidates in the GOP field. Moreover, her stance on the issues represent the greatest threat to the nihilist lib agenda. Thus they find it absolutely necessary criticise her to no end in hopes they can influence the proles and rubes to go sour on her. This sort to tactic has worked always worked in the past, but I think the average American workers are finally waking up to the nasty little game being played against them. The only question left is is it too late?
Posted by: DJ | August 02, 2011 at 07:18 AM
Don't know what is wrong what is rite but i know that every one has there own point of view and same goes to this one
Posted by: Moncler Jacket Sweden | November 12, 2011 at 04:01 AM