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2011/02/11 19:55:17
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
WASHINGTON — Republican leaders unveiled a list of proposed cuts in government spending yesterday that would strike hardest at priorities of the Obama administration, such as rail projects, scientific innovation, and a wide array of clean energy programs.
The list also includes deep cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal home heating assistance program, and federal block grants that aid cities facing budget woes. And it envisions slicing nearly $760 million from the White House request for the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program that provides support to pregnant women and their children.
The plan would cut all funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, fulfilling a longstanding conservative pledge to cut federal ties with NPR and public television, and to AmeriCorps, the national service program that was championed by the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts.
Programs traditionally favored by Republicans would not escape unscathed: The list includes, for example, more than $750 million in reductions, compared with Obama’s budget, to agriculture and rural development programs that benefit many GOP districts.
The entire proposal aims to cut about $35 billion from spending for the rest of this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. House leaders plan to unveil the full list of cuts today but decided to release a preview yesterday in hopes of quelling a growing revolt among conservatives who call the cuts too timid.
“Never before has Congress undertaken a task of this magnitude,’’ House Appropriations Committee chairman Harold Rogers, Republican of Kentucky, told Republican lawmakers at a caucus meeting yesterday morning. “You will be voting on the largest set of spending cuts in the history of our nation.’’
House conservatives were unappeased, however, and vowed to offer a plan to cut spending by at least $100 billion when the measure comes before the full House for consideration next week. It was not clear whether the conservative Republican Study Committee would propose a list of cuts to specific programs, as the Appropriations Committee has done, or whether it would simply instruct the White House to cut spending across the board, allowing it to avoid the sometimes painful specifics.
“We still intend to offer an amendment that will meet our $100 billion pledge by setting nonsecurity spending at 2008 levels for the 2011 fiscal year,’’ said Brian Straessle, spokesman for the Republican Study Committee.
House GOP leaders endorsed the Appropriations Committee cuts but were vague about the details. House Speaker John Boehner, Republican of Ohio, said the package of reductions would fulfill “our pledge to the American people that we will cut spending. All of this will help create an environment where we’ll have more jobs in America.’’
With a March 4 deadline looming, Congress must approve a new resolution to fund government through the remainder of the current fiscal year or risk a government shutdown.
Classic republican comedy, cut npr which comprises roughly one dollar in every thirty thousand of the governments budget. Don't even touch the military which is widely regarded as wildly overfunded. Try and cut the healthcare bill, don't attempt to amend social security. Cut planned parenthood, don't cut abstinence programs.
Ho boy, looks like the budget is a republican football, and they aren't even trying to run it to the endzone. They just walked off the field and gave it to their fans.
----------------
Do you remember that time that thing happened?
This is a bad thread and you should all feel bad
2011/02/11 20:01:22
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
"Programs traditionally favored by Republicans would not escape unscathed: The list includes, for example, more than $750 million in reductions, compared with Obama’s budget, to agriculture and rural development programs that benefit many GOP districts. "
I don't see any mention in the article about whether or not there are cuts to the military budget, or the healthcare bill, social security, planned parenthood (which is a private non profit organization) or abstinence programs, so I'm not sure what the basis for those assertions is.
Frankly, I think spending cuts should be across the board, and non-essential organizations (such as the NEA, for example) should suffer the greatest cuts.
2011/02/11 20:04:34
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
WASHINGTON — Republican leaders unveiled a list of proposed cuts in government spending yesterday that would strike hardest at priorities of the Obama administration, such as rail projects, scientific innovation, and a wide array of clean energy programs.
The list also includes deep cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal home heating assistance program, and federal block grants that aid cities facing budget woes. And it envisions slicing nearly $760 million from the White House request for the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program that provides support to pregnant women and their children.
The plan would cut all funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, fulfilling a longstanding conservative pledge to cut federal ties with NPR and public television, and to AmeriCorps, the national service program that was championed by the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts.
Programs traditionally favored by Republicans would not escape unscathed: The list includes, for example, more than $750 million in reductions, compared with Obama’s budget, to agriculture and rural development programs that benefit many GOP districts.
The entire proposal aims to cut about $35 billion from spending for the rest of this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. House leaders plan to unveil the full list of cuts today but decided to release a preview yesterday in hopes of quelling a growing revolt among conservatives who call the cuts too timid.
“Never before has Congress undertaken a task of this magnitude,’’ House Appropriations Committee chairman Harold Rogers, Republican of Kentucky, told Republican lawmakers at a caucus meeting yesterday morning. “You will be voting on the largest set of spending cuts in the history of our nation.’’
House conservatives were unappeased, however, and vowed to offer a plan to cut spending by at least $100 billion when the measure comes before the full House for consideration next week. It was not clear whether the conservative Republican Study Committee would propose a list of cuts to specific programs, as the Appropriations Committee has done, or whether it would simply instruct the White House to cut spending across the board, allowing it to avoid the sometimes painful specifics.
“We still intend to offer an amendment that will meet our $100 billion pledge by setting nonsecurity spending at 2008 levels for the 2011 fiscal year,’’ said Brian Straessle, spokesman for the Republican Study Committee.
House GOP leaders endorsed the Appropriations Committee cuts but were vague about the details. House Speaker John Boehner, Republican of Ohio, said the package of reductions would fulfill “our pledge to the American people that we will cut spending. All of this will help create an environment where we’ll have more jobs in America.’’
With a March 4 deadline looming, Congress must approve a new resolution to fund government through the remainder of the current fiscal year or risk a government shutdown.
Classic republican comedy, cut npr which comprises roughly one dollar in every thirty thousand of the governments budget. Don't even touch the military which is widely regarded as wildly overfunded. Try and cut the healthcare bill, don't attempt to amend social security. Cut planned parenthood, don't cut abstinence programs.
Ho boy, looks like the budget is a republican football, and they aren't even trying to run it to the endzone. They just walked off the field and gave it to their fans.
Why just cut money when you can kill them? It still leaves them to grow and eventually strangle us again. On the positive its added a nice skip to my step. Who would have thought Shumagoroth would post good news for Frazzled?
-"Wait a minute.....who is that Frazz is talking to in the gallery? Hmmm something is going on here.....Oh.... it seems there is some dispute over video taping of some sort......Frazz is really upset now..........wait a minute......whats he go there.......is it? Can it be?....Frazz has just unleashed his hidden weiner dog from his mini bag, while quoting shakespeares "Let slip the dogs the war!!" GG
-"Don't mind Frazzled. He's just Dakka's crazy old dude locked in the attic. He's harmless. Mostly."
-TBone the Magnificent 1999-2014, Long Live the King!
2011/02/11 20:10:27
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
"Programs traditionally favored by Republicans would not escape unscathed: The list includes, for example, more than $750 million in reductions, compared with Obama’s budget, to agriculture and rural development programs that benefit many GOP districts. "
I don't see any mention in the article about whether or not there are cuts to the military budget, or the healthcare bill, social security, planned parenthood (which is a private non profit organization) or abstinence programs, so I'm not sure what the basis for those assertions is.
Frankly, I think spending cuts should be across the board, and non-essential organizations (such as the NEA, for example) should suffer the greatest cuts.
Not sure what you mean. It never said they were making cuts for the Military, so they aren't then, right? So that part must be true
I personally agree that they should make at least some cuts there.
2011/02/11 20:23:34
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
"Programs traditionally favored by Republicans would not escape unscathed: The list includes, for example, more than $750 million in reductions, compared with Obama’s budget, to agriculture and rural development programs that benefit many GOP districts. "
I don't see any mention in the article about whether or not there are cuts to the military budget, or the healthcare bill, social security, planned parenthood (which is a private non profit organization) or abstinence programs, so I'm not sure what the basis for those assertions is.
Frankly, I think spending cuts should be across the board, and non-essential organizations (such as the NEA, for example) should suffer the greatest cuts.
Farm subsidies are predominantly existent in rural conservative areas, but they are largely unpopular with the conservative base (and everyone else). Rural conservatives benefitting from farm subsidies are an extreme minority. It's not really equivalent to cutting small scale social programs that are highly popular and often times cover their own operating costs. 750 million is also the barest fraction of what "agricultural and rural development programs" get from the budget. This budget is filled with politically motivated cuts and doesn't even come close to being a serious attempt to address budgetary issues. It's a hit job under the guise of "good economics" and it's thinly disguised.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2011/02/11 20:25:43
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Do you remember that time that thing happened?
This is a bad thread and you should all feel bad
2011/02/11 20:53:47
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
ShumaGorath wrote:
Farm subsidies are predominantly existent in rural conservative areas, but they are largely unpopular with the conservative base (and everyone else). Rural conservatives benefitting from farm subsidies are an extreme minority. It's not really equivalent to cutting small scale social programs that are highly popular and often times cover their own operating costs. 750 million is also the barest fraction of what "agricultural and rural development programs" get from the budget. This budget is filled with politically motivated cuts and doesn't even come close to being a serious attempt to address budgetary issues. It's a hit job under the guise of "good economics" and it's thinly disguised.
Excellent. But you're right its not enough. But its a start.
-"Wait a minute.....who is that Frazz is talking to in the gallery? Hmmm something is going on here.....Oh.... it seems there is some dispute over video taping of some sort......Frazz is really upset now..........wait a minute......whats he go there.......is it? Can it be?....Frazz has just unleashed his hidden weiner dog from his mini bag, while quoting shakespeares "Let slip the dogs the war!!" GG
-"Don't mind Frazzled. He's just Dakka's crazy old dude locked in the attic. He's harmless. Mostly."
-TBone the Magnificent 1999-2014, Long Live the King!
2011/02/11 20:55:06
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
ShumaGorath wrote: Farm subsidies are predominantly existent in rural conservative areas, but they are largely unpopular with the conservative base (and everyone else). Rural conservatives benefitting from farm subsidies are an extreme minority. It's not really equivalent to cutting small scale social programs that are highly popular and often times cover their own operating costs. 750 million is also the barest fraction of what "agricultural and rural development programs" get from the budget. This budget is filled with politically motivated cuts and doesn't even come close to being a serious attempt to address budgetary issues. It's a hit job under the guise of "good economics" and it's thinly disguised.
Excellent. But you're right its not enough. But its a start.
A gakky start by a bunch of crooks. It's just unfortunate a conservative government is too beholden to a voterbase that doesn't understand economics (or mathematics) to make the needed changes to the healthcare and military budgets that can get us afloat again.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2011/02/11 20:56:00
----------------
Do you remember that time that thing happened?
This is a bad thread and you should all feel bad
2011/02/11 21:06:33
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
ShumaGorath wrote:
Farm subsidies are predominantly existent in rural conservative areas, but they are largely unpopular with the conservative base (and everyone else). Rural conservatives benefitting from farm subsidies are an extreme minority. It's not really equivalent to cutting small scale social programs that are highly popular and often times cover their own operating costs. 750 million is also the barest fraction of what "agricultural and rural development programs" get from the budget. This budget is filled with politically motivated cuts and doesn't even come close to being a serious attempt to address budgetary issues. It's a hit job under the guise of "good economics" and it's thinly disguised.
Excellent. But you're right its not enough. But its a start.
A gakky start by a bunch of crooks. It's just unfortunate a conservative government is too beholden to a voterbase that doesn't understand economics (or mathematics) to make the needed changes to the healthcare and military budgets that can get us afloat again.
Its a great start.
Crooks? Of course they are. They're politicians.
-"Wait a minute.....who is that Frazz is talking to in the gallery? Hmmm something is going on here.....Oh.... it seems there is some dispute over video taping of some sort......Frazz is really upset now..........wait a minute......whats he go there.......is it? Can it be?....Frazz has just unleashed his hidden weiner dog from his mini bag, while quoting shakespeares "Let slip the dogs the war!!" GG
-"Don't mind Frazzled. He's just Dakka's crazy old dude locked in the attic. He's harmless. Mostly."
-TBone the Magnificent 1999-2014, Long Live the King!
2011/02/11 21:11:29
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
As someone that follows the military budget closely, I can tell you that the military budget HAS been cut. The difference was there wasn't much of a fight about it, because the military, under SecDef Gates, was smart enough to cut its own budget. something like 80 bil over the next 5 years.
In fact, right after the DoD proposed those cuts, certain DEMOCRATIC senators who come from districts that would be effected by some of the cuts were fighting to get elements of the decision reversed for their own selfish reasons, despite the fact that military brass was saying loud and clear "WE DON'T WANT OR NEED THIS STUFF, ITS WASTING MONEY!"
CoALabaer wrote: Wargamers hate two things: the state of the game and change.
2011/02/11 21:12:55
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
ShumaGorath wrote:
Farm subsidies are predominantly existent in rural conservative areas, but they are largely unpopular with the conservative base (and everyone else). Rural conservatives benefitting from farm subsidies are an extreme minority. It's not really equivalent to cutting small scale social programs that are highly popular and often times cover their own operating costs. 750 million is also the barest fraction of what "agricultural and rural development programs" get from the budget. This budget is filled with politically motivated cuts and doesn't even come close to being a serious attempt to address budgetary issues. It's a hit job under the guise of "good economics" and it's thinly disguised.
Excellent. But you're right its not enough. But its a start.
A gakky start by a bunch of crooks. It's just unfortunate a conservative government is too beholden to a voterbase that doesn't understand economics (or mathematics) to make the needed changes to the healthcare and military budgets that can get us afloat again.
Well over 75% of the US budget goes to social programs. That's not an arguable data point. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid made up 1438 Billion compared to 663 billion for the Military budget. Other social programs include the Dept of Ed, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, etc.
Harping on the Military budget is to ignore the incredible bloat that the Federal budget has become. Even cutting the Military budget by a flat 20% will not come close to balancing the Federal budget. Heck, based on the current rate of deficit spending, entirely eliminating the Department of Defense as a whole would not result in a balanced budget.
ShumaGorath wrote:
Farm subsidies are predominantly existent in rural conservative areas, but they are largely unpopular with the conservative base (and everyone else). Rural conservatives benefitting from farm subsidies are an extreme minority. It's not really equivalent to cutting small scale social programs that are highly popular and often times cover their own operating costs. 750 million is also the barest fraction of what "agricultural and rural development programs" get from the budget. This budget is filled with politically motivated cuts and doesn't even come close to being a serious attempt to address budgetary issues. It's a hit job under the guise of "good economics" and it's thinly disguised.
Excellent. But you're right its not enough. But its a start.
A gakky start by a bunch of crooks. It's just unfortunate a conservative government is too beholden to a voterbase that doesn't understand economics (or mathematics) to make the needed changes to the healthcare and military budgets that can get us afloat again.
Its a great start.
Crooks? Of course they are. They're politicians.
It's a great start because you just want democratically enacted programs cut, not because you've ever tried to seriously imagine a functioning budget or tax system. It's an awful start from the standpoint of anyone concerned about American budget policy.
----------------
Do you remember that time that thing happened?
This is a bad thread and you should all feel bad
2011/02/11 21:13:55
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
Yeah all politicians are fethers, it seems harsh to lay that at the door of one party.
We are arming Syrian rebels who support ISIS, who is fighting Iran, who is fighting Iraq who we also support against ISIS, while fighting Kurds who we support while they are fighting Syrian rebels.
2011/02/11 21:17:05
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
chaos0xomega wrote:As someone that follows the military budget closely, I can tell you that the military budget HAS been cut. The difference was there wasn't much of a fight about it, because the military, under SecDef Gates, was smart enough to cut its own budget. something like 80 bil over the next 5 years.
In fact, right after the DoD proposed those cuts, certain DEMOCRATIC senators who come from districts that would be effected by some of the cuts were fighting to get elements of the decision reversed for their own selfish reasons, despite the fact that military brass was saying loud and clear "WE DON'T WANT OR NEED THIS STUFF, ITS WASTING MONEY!"
Except the military budget is still increasing. Cuts in individual programs do not reflect the overal budget of the military itself which has greatly expanded in other areas.
Maybe you should follow it more closely, or less closely if it's hurting your ability to see the totals. As for constituencies not wanting the f-22 shut down or the DDG, that runs on both sides of the political street. The reality is that such issues are very easily overcome if a political party is willing. Gates has expanded in areas after cutting in others. His goal is not and never was to reduce spending, it's to reform. His duty isn't to "save", it's not even an option he has as he doesn't have anything to do with the budget writing process.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
mattyrm wrote:Yeah all politicians are fethers, it seems harsh to lay that at the door of one party.
It must be easy to use the "feth 'em all" mindset. It's not really helpful though.
This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 2011/02/11 21:22:00
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Do you remember that time that thing happened?
This is a bad thread and you should all feel bad
2011/02/11 21:23:35
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
ShumaGorath wrote:
Farm subsidies are predominantly existent in rural conservative areas, but they are largely unpopular with the conservative base (and everyone else). Rural conservatives benefitting from farm subsidies are an extreme minority. It's not really equivalent to cutting small scale social programs that are highly popular and often times cover their own operating costs. 750 million is also the barest fraction of what "agricultural and rural development programs" get from the budget. This budget is filled with politically motivated cuts and doesn't even come close to being a serious attempt to address budgetary issues. It's a hit job under the guise of "good economics" and it's thinly disguised.
Excellent. But you're right its not enough. But its a start.
A gakky start by a bunch of crooks. It's just unfortunate a conservative government is too beholden to a voterbase that doesn't understand economics (or mathematics) to make the needed changes to the healthcare and military budgets that can get us afloat again.
Its a great start.
Crooks? Of course they are. They're politicians.
It's a great start because you just want democratically enacted programs cut, not because you've ever tried to seriously imagine a functioning budget or tax system. It's an awful start from the standpoint of anyone concerned about American budget policy.
Those were democratically enacted? Even better!
Automatically Appended Next Post:
It must be easy to use the "feth 'em all" mindset. It's not really helpful though.
But at least its more accurate than your own partisan view there Shuma.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2011/02/11 21:30:04
-"Wait a minute.....who is that Frazz is talking to in the gallery? Hmmm something is going on here.....Oh.... it seems there is some dispute over video taping of some sort......Frazz is really upset now..........wait a minute......whats he go there.......is it? Can it be?....Frazz has just unleashed his hidden weiner dog from his mini bag, while quoting shakespeares "Let slip the dogs the war!!" GG
-"Don't mind Frazzled. He's just Dakka's crazy old dude locked in the attic. He's harmless. Mostly."
-TBone the Magnificent 1999-2014, Long Live the King!
2011/02/11 21:57:21
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
chaos0xomega wrote:As someone that follows the military budget closely, I can tell you that the military budget HAS been cut. The difference was there wasn't much of a fight about it, because the military, under SecDef Gates, was smart enough to cut its own budget. something like 80 bil over the next 5 years.
...
The US military is allowed to set its own budgets.
But at least its more accurate than your own partisan view there Shuma.
It's not partisan, you're side is just painfully incompetent by virtually every possible non partisan measure. Your fiscal policies make no sense, you're social policies make no sense, you're law policies make no sense, you foreign policies make no sense. You threw us into two wars, spent 30 years deregulating our economy, continuously refuse to either cut spending meaningfully or raise taxes (at least dems are willing to do the taxes bit, the gak doesn't pay for itself). Your party is somehow a mixture of Christian conservatism (anti war censorship) warhawk neocons (pro war anti spending) and constitutionalist tea party members (anti and pro spending anti and pro war anti censorship). You were the party of the constitution yet you loved the patriot act. You're the party of freedom yet you love to censor schools and television. You're the party of fiscal responsibility yet your only answer to every problem is to lower taxes.
You ally yourself with some of the most politically and socially incompetent people in Americas history by being neocon. Stop that.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2011/02/11 22:09:42
----------------
Do you remember that time that thing happened?
This is a bad thread and you should all feel bad
2011/02/11 22:10:15
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
But at least its more accurate than your own partisan view there Shuma.
It's not partisan, you're side is just painfully incompetent by virtually every possible non partisan measure. Your fiscal policies make no sense, you're social policies make no sense, you're law policies make no sense, you foreign policies make no sense. You threw us into two wars, spent 30 years deregulating our economy, continuously refuse to either cut spending meaningfully or raise taxes (at least dems are willing to do the taxes bit, the gak doesn't pay for itself).
You ally yourself with some of the most politically and socially incompetent people in Americas history by being neocon. Stop that.
I am sensing bitterness and hostility, loss and anger. Your tears and wailing are but music to my ears!
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Kilkrazy wrote:
chaos0xomega wrote:As someone that follows the military budget closely, I can tell you that the military budget HAS been cut. The difference was there wasn't much of a fight about it, because the military, under SecDef Gates, was smart enough to cut its own budget. something like 80 bil over the next 5 years.
...
The US military is allowed to set its own budgets.
Wow!
The first rule of US military industrial complex fight club is we don't talk about US military industrial complex fight club!
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2011/02/11 22:11:20
-"Wait a minute.....who is that Frazz is talking to in the gallery? Hmmm something is going on here.....Oh.... it seems there is some dispute over video taping of some sort......Frazz is really upset now..........wait a minute......whats he go there.......is it? Can it be?....Frazz has just unleashed his hidden weiner dog from his mini bag, while quoting shakespeares "Let slip the dogs the war!!" GG
-"Don't mind Frazzled. He's just Dakka's crazy old dude locked in the attic. He's harmless. Mostly."
-TBone the Magnificent 1999-2014, Long Live the King!
2011/02/11 22:11:35
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
But at least its more accurate than your own partisan view there Shuma.
It's not partisan, you're side is just painfully incompetent by virtually every possible non partisan measure. Your fiscal policies make no sense, you're social policies make no sense, you're law policies make no sense, you foreign policies make no sense. You threw us into two wars, spent 30 years deregulating our economy, continuously refuse to either cut spending meaningfully or raise taxes (at least dems are willing to do the taxes bit, the gak doesn't pay for itself).
You ally yourself with some of the most politically and socially incompetent people in Americas history by being neocon. Stop that.
I am sensing bitterness and hostility, loss and anger. Your tears and wailing are but music to my ears!
At least I get to watch your party flail incompetently and fail to make a sensible or non partisan budget, further harming any chance they had of taking back the presidency or increasing their house or senate gains. It doesn't help your football move forward when you get a penalty for throwing it into the stands.
----------------
Do you remember that time that thing happened?
This is a bad thread and you should all feel bad
2011/02/11 22:12:06
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
But at least its more accurate than your own partisan view there Shuma.
It's not partisan, you're side is just painfully incompetent by virtually every possible non partisan measure. Your fiscal policies make no sense, you're social policies make no sense, you're law policies make no sense, you foreign policies make no sense. You threw us into two wars, spent 30 years deregulating our economy, continuously refuse to either cut spending meaningfully or raise taxes (at least dems are willing to do the taxes bit, the gak doesn't pay for itself).
You ally yourself with some of the most politically and socially incompetent people in Americas history by being neocon. Stop that.
You still haven't addressed the point that I raised that eliminating the entire defense budget still wouldn't balance the Federal budget. You can keep harping about defense spending, but the inarguable fact of the matter is that defense spending is somewhat less than a quarter of the Federal budget, and is actually one of the only parts of the Federal budget that has a basis in the Constitution.
What's your proposal? I understand you want to cut defense spending; fine. I can see that. How about eliminating the NEA? Its existence has no basis in the Constitution and it provides no critical need. Could we go through the Federal government and absolutely eliminate everything that serves no compelling governmental need?
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2011/02/11 22:13:19
2011/02/11 22:15:07
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
But at least its more accurate than your own partisan view there Shuma.
It's not partisan, you're side is just painfully incompetent by virtually every possible non partisan measure. Your fiscal policies make no sense, you're social policies make no sense, you're law policies make no sense, you foreign policies make no sense. You threw us into two wars, spent 30 years deregulating our economy, continuously refuse to either cut spending meaningfully or raise taxes (at least dems are willing to do the taxes bit, the gak doesn't pay for itself).
You ally yourself with some of the most politically and socially incompetent people in Americas history by being neocon. Stop that.
I am sensing bitterness and hostility, loss and anger. Your tears and wailing are but music to my ears!
At least I get to watch your party flail incompetently and fail to make a sensible or non partisan budget, further harming any chance they had of taking back the presidency or increasing their house or senate gains. It doesn't help your football move forward when you get a penalty for throwing it into the stands.
My Party? When did the Bull Moose Party come to power? Did someone clone Roosevelt and not tell me? Curse you scientists!
Come on you know you want to rage. You know you're pining away to call Bush and Cheney a Nazi and the frustration is killing you. As the Immortal Bard said once on Southpark " your tears oh, they're so sweet!"
-"Wait a minute.....who is that Frazz is talking to in the gallery? Hmmm something is going on here.....Oh.... it seems there is some dispute over video taping of some sort......Frazz is really upset now..........wait a minute......whats he go there.......is it? Can it be?....Frazz has just unleashed his hidden weiner dog from his mini bag, while quoting shakespeares "Let slip the dogs the war!!" GG
-"Don't mind Frazzled. He's just Dakka's crazy old dude locked in the attic. He's harmless. Mostly."
-TBone the Magnificent 1999-2014, Long Live the King!
2011/02/11 22:17:39
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
You still haven't addressed the point that I raised that eliminating the entire defense budget still wouldn't balance the Federal budget. You can keep harping about defense spending, but the inarguable fact of the matter is that defense spending is somewhat less than a quarter of the Federal budget, and is actually one of the only parts of the Federal budget that has a basis in the Constitution.
I adressed that by noting that they both refused to cut military spending (the easiest and most harmless cut we could do at this point) as well as reform healthcare (the elephant in the room). Together they make up the biggest cut of the pie and are arguably the easiest to cut or reform as needed.
What's your proposal? I understand you want to cut defense spending; fine. I can see that. How about eliminating the NEA? Its existence has no basis in the Constitution and it provides no critical need. Could we go through the Federal government and absolutely eliminate everything that serves no compelling governmental need?
I would like that. I would do it too. I'd spend years doing it if I got payed too. I don't believe government programs need to be reflected in the constitution however, America grew to its greatest prominence, effectiveness, and power once we fully grasped the idea of the state and thats not really in there as method for prosperity. The constitution isn't a roadmap. To answer your question though, raise taxes, cut healthcare, reform healthcare, non privatize healthcare (privatized healthcare is logically going to be corrupt and has been in every case ever demonstrated on a national level) and cut military spending. Farm subsidies gotta go too. Same with a good number of other senseless wastes of cash.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Frazzled wrote:
ShumaGorath wrote:
Frazzled wrote:
ShumaGorath wrote:
But at least its more accurate than your own partisan view there Shuma.
It's not partisan, you're side is just painfully incompetent by virtually every possible non partisan measure. Your fiscal policies make no sense, you're social policies make no sense, you're law policies make no sense, you foreign policies make no sense. You threw us into two wars, spent 30 years deregulating our economy, continuously refuse to either cut spending meaningfully or raise taxes (at least dems are willing to do the taxes bit, the gak doesn't pay for itself).
You ally yourself with some of the most politically and socially incompetent people in Americas history by being neocon. Stop that.
I am sensing bitterness and hostility, loss and anger. Your tears and wailing are but music to my ears!
At least I get to watch your party flail incompetently and fail to make a sensible or non partisan budget, further harming any chance they had of taking back the presidency or increasing their house or senate gains. It doesn't help your football move forward when you get a penalty for throwing it into the stands.
My Party? When did the Bull Moose Party come to power? Did someone clone Roosevelt and not tell me? Curse you scientists!
Come on you know you want to rage. You know you're pining away to call Bush and Cheney a Nazi and the frustration is killing you. As the Immortal Bard said once on Southpark " your tears oh, they're so sweet!"
I'll stop believing you're an arch neocon when you stop being one. What you tell yourself isn't entirely relevant when you're every stated opinion on every issue is that of a teapartier.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2011/02/11 22:19:11
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Do you remember that time that thing happened?
This is a bad thread and you should all feel bad
2011/02/11 22:23:48
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
Well it's either cut them or buy them out like the huffinton post or MSNBC, or soon to be new your times. IF you can't silence the opposition buy them out.
And whilst you're pointing and shouting at the boogeyman in the corner, you're missing the burglar coming in through the window.
Well, Duh! Because they had a giant Mining ship. If you had a giant mining ship you would drill holes in everything too, before you'd destory it with a black hole
2011/02/12 00:54:10
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
chaos0xomega wrote:As someone that follows the military budget closely, I can tell you that the military budget HAS been cut. The difference was there wasn't much of a fight about it, because the military, under SecDef Gates, was smart enough to cut its own budget. something like 80 bil over the next 5 years.
In fact, right after the DoD proposed those cuts, certain DEMOCRATIC senators who come from districts that would be effected by some of the cuts were fighting to get elements of the decision reversed for their own selfish reasons, despite the fact that military brass was saying loud and clear "WE DON'T WANT OR NEED THIS STUFF, ITS WASTING MONEY!"
The military can't cut its own budget. It can stop spending money, but it can't stop Congress from giving them more.
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Frazzled wrote:
Its a great start.
I don't see why, these sorts of minor adjustments to the budget happen every year; particularly when there is a change of power in one, or both, of the Houses.
When Congress beings to pass cuts to the military, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid you might have a legitimate reason to be optimistic. As it is, this is nothing more than pandering.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2011/02/12 00:58:39
Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh.
2011/02/12 13:44:43
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
ShumaGorath wrote:
I would like that. I would do it too. I'd spend years doing it if I got payed too. I don't believe government programs need to be reflected in the constitution however, America grew to its greatest prominence, effectiveness, and power once we fully grasped the idea of the state and thats not really in there as method for prosperity. The constitution isn't a roadmap. To answer your question though, raise taxes, cut healthcare, reform healthcare, non privatize healthcare (privatized healthcare is logically going to be corrupt and has been in every case ever demonstrated on a national level) and cut military spending. Farm subsidies gotta go too. Same with a good number of other senseless wastes of cash.
Unfortunately, nationalized healthcare is just as possible to become corrupt as private healthcare, without having the fundamental drive to turn a profit that makes private healthcare self police its finances. Check out healthcare fraud in countries llike Canada and Brittain, as well as the rampant Medicare fraud occurring here in the USA. Nationalizing healthcare will do virtually nothing to eliminate fraud; the fact of the matter is that human beings will be the ones making the decisions regardless of whether or not the system is public or private, and all human beings are subject to the same foibles.
The big issue I have with the discussions that are going on about healthcare reform in the USA today is that none of the discussions actually address why healthcare actually costs what it does. Changing how healthcare is paid for does not actually address the rising costs. If we do not identify where the spiraling costs originate, any organization tasked with paying for it will eventually go broke. I was closing an auto loan for a nurse clinician just yesterday and we discussed this issue. If you go into a hospital because you broke your arm, treating you involves all the following expenses: the actual building, the receptionist who checks you in, the nurse who conducts triage, the aid that wheels you to the x-ray room, the x-ray machine, the x-ray tech, the doctor who reviews the x-ray, the pharmacist who writes the pain prescription or anesthesia prescription, the medication itself, the orthopedist who sets the bone, the materials for the cast and sling, the printed materials giving post care instructions, the clerk who checks you out, the computer systems that maintain the records, the clerks who file your insurance claim, the financial services arm that tracks payment, the billing reps who send out bills for remaining fees, the facilities management people who cleaned up after you left, the cafeteria personnel who feed the employees, the compliance department who ensures the hospital complies with government regulations, management who sets the schedules and maintains quality control, human resources that makes sure the hospital employees get paid and handle training and hiring, the litigation department that defends against malpractice suits...and I bet a hundred other things that I can't even begin to think of.
Until we get a handle on all this kind of stuff and figure out how it all contributes to the growing cost of healthcare in the USA, fiddling with who's pocket the payments come from is, frankly, a waste of time.
2011/02/12 14:17:21
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
The only problem with massive military cuts is that we get f'd down the road if something unforseen happens, since it isn't something you can just throw money at and get effective short term returns later on.
I mean okay, we slash the military, then the aliens from Independence Day show up. What are we gonna do? I mean, Will Smith only survived that first battle because there were like 100 other planes. Without all that ablative cover, he woulda died. Then who is going to fly Jeff Goldblum up to the alien mothership? Huh? Who?!
2011/02/12 14:46:23
Subject: Republicans cut NPR, Endowment for the Arts, the EPA, leave most conservative programs untouched
Saldiven wrote:
Unfortunately, nationalized healthcare is just as possible to become corrupt as private healthcare,
Really? The potential is exactly the same? That's quite an impressive feat of probability.
Saldiven wrote:
without having the fundamental drive to turn a profit that makes private healthcare self police its finances.
See, this sentence just means that you need to revisit elasticity.
Saldiven wrote:
Check out healthcare fraud in countries llike Canada and Brittain, as well as the rampant Medicare fraud occurring here in the USA.
Who cares if someone gets a free ride? Good for them, they gamed the system. The question is whether or not the aggregate expenditure is excessive, relative to the buget, or not.
In short, you're looking at the wrong part of the problem.
Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh.
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