By Fed up with socialists

September 19, 2010 6:27 PM | Link to this

It looks like Newsound needs to go get a job if he/she has this much time to sit on a liberal left socialist web site like the DDN and expouse his/her socialist views this much~ You make me want to PUCK!

By newsound14

August 27, 2010 3:19 PM | Link to this

The bottom line is that the super wealthy need to step up to the plate. These cries of socialism are idiotic and just need to stop The top marginal tax rate in the sixties was 90%. Government should be going full throttle building an infrastructure to lead America and the world into the next century. In the short term we will create jobs in engineering, construction, manufacturing etc. In the long term jobs will sprout from opportunities provided by new infrastructure. More jobs equals more taxes paid. In WWII all of America’s resources went into our war efforts. As we went to war with Iraq we gave the wealthy tax cuts, continued massive subsidies for big oil and hired Halliburton to electrocute our troops. We should be talking about mandatory service for all U. S. citizens. Those that can’t or won’t be a soldier can serve the country in different capacities.

By newsound14

August 27, 2010 2:59 PM | Link to this

Freedom of speech is an interesting question. Did the founders ever dream of television or radio? The infrastructure that supports TV and radio was built from government tax dollars. Technically the airwaves belong to the public so why does the right to speech on these airwaves belong only to those that can pay large sums of money? This hardly seems like FREE speech. Free speech in the Constitution allows for any citizen to stand in the public square and freely express their views without being reprimanded by the government. Can you post a political banner on the door of the polling place? No. It seems quite reasonable to put some limits on mass media when it comes to our democratic discourse to ensure fair elections. Propaganda leapt light years forward in the 1920’s and modern media has brought it razor close to flat out brainwashing. I don’t think old Ben, Tom, George and John could have understood the ramifications of modern “speech”.

By newsound14

August 27, 2010 2:54 PM | Link to this

I have little patience for those that reinforce the corporate right wing agenda. Starting with Nixion and his Watergate burglars and continuing with Lee Atwater and Carl Rove, republicans have upped the ante with their insidious propaganda and underhanded tactics. Republicans have a long and rich history of propaganda based on lies, slander. wordsmithing and manipulation of the media to further their agenda. Nixion used foot soldiers to spread false rumors in crowds at his opponents’ political rallies. Relying primarily on negative attacks rather than constructive ideas simultaneously reduces turn out and spreads republican propaganda. Democrats are not beyond reproach and the media plays a big role. However republicans have now taken their campaign into our government with the most severe unprecedented run of obstruction and delay tactics America has ever seen. The so-called mainstream liberal media no longer exists because journalism no longer exists. Reporting on facts and debates on principles has been replaced by infotainment and propaganda. While more recently MSNBC and a small group of radio shows support the progressive agenda, Faux News and right wing radio have been spreading their propaganda for decades with a gigantic media machine. My comments regarding the ever-increasing corporate control of our government and media may be scary, but they’re true. Impending socialism in America, death panels, questioning Obama’s citizenship, death tax, weapons of mass destruction etc., etc., etc. are not.

By TRS

August 26, 2010 9:13 PM | Link to this

OK - no disagreement there; but - no one is saying there shouldn’t be a safety net nor contribute toward infrastructure and we are long past the days of pure capitalism; but, government can’t do it all and yet it seems to perpetrate victims rather than solutions. I don’t buy into the stereotypes you noted although we would be foolish to believe that there isn’t some fraud and abuse mostly attributed to the fact big gvmt is trying to do a job it is incapable of doing efficiently. In our families we have to draw the line on budgetary issues. I see solicitations every day for great causes yet I cannot contribute to all and neither can the gvmt; yet, each thing that arises people look to it for a solution. I had no problem looking at healthcare; but, I believe the answer is worse than the cure. The budgetary issues in my last post are real numbers and the point that we can tax the rich out of existence and still not solve our problems is a valid one in my view. I am deeply concerned for the generations that follow. The hole we have dug for them is deep. Given the fact that many look to gvmt to solve their problems, I am concerned that victimhood overrides people’s desire to overcome adversity and ultimately no gvmt can meet the needs of everyone. There is a fine line between helping and enabling and big gvmt seems to have great difficulty in drawing it.

By newsound14

August 26, 2010 7:55 PM | Link to this

The straw man of the frivolous (irresponsible) spender getting ill and going bankrupt or the loafer living off welfare reflects an attitude of greed. This false argument ignores the role of fortune (luck) and the power of interdependence. While we are all responsible for ourselves fortune can be cruel or generous in the realm of finances and personal health. Playing it safe, or making the so-called RIGHT choices may result in health or wealth, but there are no guarantees. Many people become sick from environmental conditions that are hidden sometimes purposely by others. Many Americans are injured by natural disaster or the actions of others (known or unknown). Other Americans have gone bankrupt from paying the medical bills of their child. The simple ignorance of the RIGHT choices premise is self-evident in the real world. The ones that built America into a great nation were risk takers that put their personal wealth and sometimes their lives on the line in the name of progress. Solving problems, pioneering and innovating requires bravery most of all. Beginning with the revolution Americans have fought bravely to make our country greater. Some fight greedily to hang on to what they have, while others risk everything to fight for what could be for all. A woman’s right to vote, a 20th century infrastructure, social security, World War II, national parks, civil rights, landing on the moon, Medicare were all long fought battles. Those who are fortunate enough to secure wealth do so on the backs of government provided infrastructure and an ample supply of customers (usually American citizens). Wealth is then protected by government entities collectively paid for by the people. Pure capitalism or pure socialism cannot be sustained in a democratic society. Pure capitalism has repeatedly resulted in aristocratic societies. The pioneering spirit tempered by tolerance and compassion are what have made this country great. Great risks more often than not result in failure, it is with persistence and courage that great things get done. America must acknowledge the value of all citizens despite their choices or fortune within the law. It is a myth that making all the RIGHT choices will bring health, wealth or security. Anyone could have a catastrophic illness regardless of ones choices. Do victims of natural disasters, critical illness, auto accidents, crime or outsourcing have trouble making the RIGHT choices? Supporting the belief that right choices equals health, wealth and security would lead to a failed society of fearful greedy worms. I am fortunate, but have seen enough to know that; there but for the grace of God, go I.

By TRS

August 26, 2010 6:19 PM | Link to this

So what is progress? What I hear from you is not a newsound but a variation of an oldsound which was began in 1848 around Marx’s time. I don’t suggest you or anyone favors old style Soviet Marxism; but, it is a revised sound, all prettied up, trying to fit gvmt control in with a free market economy. Whatever has government done that gives one so much confidence in them? Are they efficient? Do we enjoy dealing with bureaucracies? And why do corporations have all the power you claim? Perhaps its because everything is concentrated in one setting, Washington DC. How many times have we heard “the most ethical” only to see a short time later, corruption continue? In healthcare, did the adminstration stike deals with your mom and pop organization or was it the big multi national companies? It is naive to believe you can get money out of politics. NY Sen Schumer, a darling of the left and progressives, protected his constituency of Wall St execs by ensuring their income was seen as capital gains and not regular income and in return they generously gave to his party. This all smacks of cronie capitalism and perhaps we agree that it needs eradicated but disagree on how to do it. For the life of me I do not see how increasing the size of the federal gvmt is an answer. A good 1st step would be to replace the tax code they manipulate to reward and penalize with a consumption or flat tax. By its very nature, those that make more, pay more but we already see the ruling class kicking up its heals on that one; however, they are more than willing to consider ADDING a consumption tax. Where $$ is corruption soon follows and there’s a bunch of it in DC right now..and yes, returning some power to the states is a good idea as well. Why does much of their revenues have to cycle through DC? What you advocate regarding election reform would never pass the muster of the 1st amendment and if it did - guess what - you are advocating a forfeiture of freedom of speech; yet, you claim you give up nothing? What would be the next restriction to make things better and then the next? The founders were not perfect but they did understand that things may change but people do not. They wrote negative rights into the document rather than defining what government should do to limit the damage humankind could do to each other. I don’t doubt the good intentions of some but the old adage the path to hell is paved with good intentions applies. You say Britain’s healthcare is better - recently they announced rationing joint replacements for older folks. Good intentions - bad results. How big should gvmt be? Big enough to govern but not so big as to infringe. The founders saw freedom and liberty as safer than granting gvmt power. To answer you question about the military, the constitution says the feds are to protect and defend; thus, that is what they should do. Finally, I believe you are wrong to say that progressive policies have not been put in place. Roosevelt did his far share but this Prez is trying to double down. On a personal note, why the condescending words? You insinuate that my opinions are formed based solely around Fox News or Beck and oh how I must be some mind numbed robot and I just blindly follow someone. I’m a bit long in the tooth and as with everyone else, my thoughts are based on upbringing, worldview and life experiences. I too have lived in Florida and Texas, have close relation in TN and I find the people there very happy with their culture and I imagine those from Mississippi would vehemently disagree with you.

By newsound14

August 26, 2010 2:26 PM | Link to this

The problem is big money influencing or controlling government instead of government being accountable to the people. Take the money out of politics via comprehensive campaign finance reform and lobby reform. Eliminate political TV and radio ads and replace them with debates broadcast on the public airwaves. The money issue would hold a lot less clout and watching TV would be infinitely more enjoyable.

By newsound14

August 26, 2010 12:28 PM | Link to this

Wow! You have that Glen Beck crazy down pat. I must admit you mix of glaring generalizations combined with selected pseudofacts is a very effective way to bury the truth. I have not given up any freedoms, work hard, pay my taxes in the top quintile, live comfortably and love my country. The so-called progressive agenda of which you speak has not been implemented anywhere within this country or abroad. I have spent time in Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia and Louisiana and have seen the failure first hand. I have spent a great deal of time in New York (lived there) and can tell you that Rudy is not a savior. Given the choice I would much rather live in Buffalo or even Detroit than anywhere in Mississippi. My lord, you must swill Faux News pabulum for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The European socialism that you Fauxians like to hold up with distain as a warning is not where we are at nor is it what I would suggest. However the fact is that Sweden, Great Britain, France and Germany are no worse off than we are now and still have better healthcare. I do not agree with everything President Obama does, but the biggest problem is that he has not gone far enough to overturn the disastrous Bush policies. Now please do tell how you would take power away from the wealthy and huge corporations. And how exactly do we go about maintaining the largest most advance military the world has ever seen and the largest economy in the world with your teensy government. The Civil War ended almost150 years ago so spew all the nonsense you like but it’s still a heaping pile of tired right wing talking points. The opposite of progress, stagnation seems a strange cause to fight for with such vigorous deceit. Save your next longwinded Glen Beck diatribe response for the funny papers.

By TRS

August 25, 2010 11:40 PM | Link to this

One other thought - the choice isn’t between the rich and gvmt - the choice is in defusing the power so that neither have to much power.

By TRS

August 25, 2010 11:26 PM | Link to this

Franklin’s quote absolutely makes sense in the context presented for you admit to being more than willing to give up liberty for security. By the way, your little swipe is ironic in that your Prez has pretty much adapted the same position. Besides those in the past like FDR did far worse. You apparently did alot of research but it what does it prove? You lumped a bunch of states together which have had alternating political forces over the years and then tried to draw a conclusions that they were all right wing? This would not stand up in any reasoned setting and please, don’t give me this I didn’t address it - no one can address disjointed conclusions. Its like saying 2+2=5. For example, WVA is a strong Democratic state with strong unions yet you call them right wing? Tennessee’s healthcare is Tenncare, very similiar to Obamacare yet you list them as having the worst of healthcare (which is probably true). What does one state getting more tax returned to it prove without the cooresponding reasons behind it? Perhaps it is a sign the federal gvmt is to big?? Nice try but if you really want to look at poverty, lets take a look at some cities listed as the poorest. Each espouse liberal/progressive policies. Detroit has been controlled for almost 40 years by such views, Buffalo for 56 years, Cleveland 21, Miami, FL has always been Democratic, St Louis 62 yrs, El Paso has always been Progressive, Milwaukee 102 yrs, Philadelphia 58 yrs, Newark NJ has always been Democratic. These are population centers which drive some of the numbers you so proudly hail. NYC was a mess until Guiliani and Washington DC - a progressive Congress can’t even make their own city a model. Rather, they took away school choice which was working because the progressives were beholden to the teachers unions. The Mayor of Detroit is in jail, the progressive mayor of Birmingham was indicted some years back - big government progressivism is a breeding ground for corruption. One only need look at our Congress to see that. We both can throw alot of “mud” against the wall but ultimately the real test is practical application. The ideology you espouse, call it socialist, marxist, statist, whatever, has been tried time and time again and failed. From the early days of Russia to the USSR to Cuba, Eastern Europe and today countries in Western Europe such as Greece, Spain, Portugal, Venezula in South America, Argentina - the list is goes on with California, NY and many of those “progressive” cities threatening default . Progressives keep telling us it just hasn’t been done right; yet, it doing things their way by promoting folks to buy houses who couldn’t afford them, we see that that way doesn’t work. Perhaps the greatest indictment of what you put forth is that we simply cannot afford it. Take the wealth of the top 400 tomorrow and you would get about 1.5 Trillion. With the national debt at 14 Trillion +, that would reduce it to 12.5 Trillion and then you wouldn’t have any more “rich” to kick around the following year and they wouldn’t be paying taxes. How would we pay for the 5-7 Trillion in unfunded mandates? If you raise taxes on the rich as proposed by the Prez, best projections are you’ll get 1.5 Billion over 3 years or 50B a year. So, what are you going to do about the reamining 1.350 Trillion in deficit? In sum, with progressisivism you can’t grow an economy, you can’t tax enough and you can’t print enough money with those “chickens coming home to roost”. So in some ways the argument is mute because what you espouse simply cannot work.

By John

August 25, 2010 8:53 PM | Link to this

newsound14, TRS addressed your “points” very well. You simply don’t like differing opinion. If the current situation we have now under this one party government is your idea of progress with a unemployment rate hovering at 10%,not to mention the unaccounted unemployed, massive debt, trillion dollar deficits, and a Dow headed for 5,000, then you are more delusional than I first thought. I should have known that with your comment about “wealth disparity”. It reeks of wealth envy and an entitlement mentality. No mention of personal responsibility or acknowledgement that in this country we can be anything we want, we just have to work for it. The “haves” have, the “have nots” haven’t. No mention of spending reduction. A total lack of logic regarding taxes and their impact on economic conditions. Save your “enlightened” lectures for those gullible enough to believe your tripe. You know, the ones who vte for a living…Anyone who believes that the centrally planned economy that Obama and his cohorts are trying to bring us under and claims anything else will drive us to third world status is sadly mistaken if they think America will surrender without a fight. You just can’t understand that can you? November is coming, are you ready?

By newsound14

August 25, 2010 11:38 AM | Link to this

The Tax Foundation released a report showing which states benefit the most from federal tax and spending. The report shows that of the 32 states that received more federal money than they paid in taxes 76% were RED states. With North Dakota, New Mexico, Mississippi, Alaska, West Virginia, Montana, Alabama, South Dakota and Arkansas benefiting the most. Of the 16 states paying in more than they received 69% were BLUE states. The top givers were Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Nevada, Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado, Massachusetts, California and New York.

By newsound14

August 25, 2010 11:11 AM | Link to this

Misappropriating Franklin’s quotes to further the corporate take over of our government? Bravo TRS! Franklins’ quote would apply to warrantless wire-tapping or imprisoning people without due process, but it does not apply here. The original quote from Franklin was: “They who give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Your co-opted version still does not further your point. Wealth is not liberty nor is it freedom, wealth is power. It is the power of wealth over our government, democracy, legal system and economy that threatens our liberty and security. “Sell not virtue to purchase wealth, nor Liberty to purchase power.” Our history is rife with examples of the oppressive nature of unbridled wealth and corporate monopolies on the liberties of the average citizen. Your attempts to flip this around are shoddy and grotesque. Is making 260 times as much as the average worker an “essential liberty” for corporate CEO’s? Please!

By newsound14

August 25, 2010 11:07 AM | Link to this

The Right Wing Agenda: Let’s Turn America into Mississippi No one told me nor do I believe in talking points. My principles are based on self evident truths, observable reality and critical thinking. There is strong evidence of how well right wing ideology works. Observe what happened or didn’t happen during the Bush years. A terrorist attack that killed thousands of American civilians, skyrocketing healthcare costs, an unjustified war in Iraq and a complete collapse of our financial system. Second, look at RED States that have governed on right wing principles for decades. How do these states rank in quality of healthcare, poverty, teen pregnancies, education and overall quality of life? As it turns out the bottom twelve States in quality of healthcare are; Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi and the worst quality of healthcare can be found in Oklahoma (according to the Commonwealth Fund). The bottom twelve in quality of life are red states: Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisiana and last is Mississippi(according to Morgan Quitno). The 22 states with the highest rates of teen pregnancy are RED States. Here are the twelve with the most: Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Nevada, Oklahoma, Arizona, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico and the highest number of teen pregnancies occur in Mississippi.(according to U. S. News & World Report) The ten worst states for business are; Kentucky, Missouri, Georgia, Tennessee, Delaware, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina and last Louisiana (according to CNBC). Ten worst for highest percentage of population living below the poverty level: South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama, West Virginia, Kentucky, Arkansas, New Mexico, Louisiana and the most impoverished state Mississippi (According to State Master). States that have most heavily espoused right wing ideology consistently wind up on the bottom of these lists because this ideology does not work. The ignorant are manipulated by lies and fear tactics to believe in a failed ideology. A vibrant middle class is replaced by an elite few and an impoverished majority.

By TRS

August 24, 2010 8:22 PM | Link to this

Well newsound - If you do not recognize the rationality of it, then that is your issue, not mine. Let me quote someone far more learned and with far more wisdom that I who put it more succinctly- “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” - Ben Franklin. You see, I too can cut/paste

By newsound14

August 24, 2010 8:09 PM | Link to this

TRS fails to address any of my points in a rational manner and the ramblings argue both sides against the middle. TRS shows a preference for America to be run by the wealthy and multinational corporations instead of fighting to hold our elected officials accountable to the citizenry. The bottom line is that when republicans are in power they fail (jobs disappear, deficits go through the roof and the elite few get richer). When republicans are not in power they obstruct, obfuscate, misdirect and blame democrats for republican failures. In a roundabout way TRS posts follow that formula to a tee.

By John

August 24, 2010 7:37 PM | Link to this

Well said TRS, People such as newsound14 fortunately don’t represent the majority of Americans. His lectures will change no reasonable mind and he will always look down upon those of us who oppose his views. So who cares? I certainly don’t. Let him spout the talking points while we do our talking in November…

By TRS

August 24, 2010 6:31 PM | Link to this

Newsound does amply describe the theories of progressivism and in that description we see the falacies. In that scenario, it only exchanges “tyrants”. Both aristocracies and big gvmt are part of the the ruling class. We are only kidding ourselves if we do not think they are intertwined. They skip from the private sector to gvmt and back almost at will. They are joined at the hip. They are educated at all the same places, taught the same things, run in the same circles, are impressed only by each other and continue to perpetuate themselves. They truly believe they can establish order, justice, etc but can they? History reflects the ruling class becomes infatuated with itself and its superior thought. For example, Progressives were the 1st to believe eubonics as appropriate. A film clip of Geroge Bernard Shaw, a well known progressive, shows him saying (paraphrased) that “stupid people” should just be done away with (paraphrased). Obviously that is no longer their view but it does reflect how wrong flawed thought and power, concentrated in the wrong hands, can be. Now “new” would probably say thats a scare tactic but the founding fathers warned us to be vigilent in not allowing that power to be gained. Giving power to humankind is always dangerous. We only need look at history to know that. During WWI Wilson passed the sedation act when people spoke against him. The point - the ruling class believes themselves to be a “brain truss” which is better qualified to run things than the people they are supposed to serve. They do so by claiming gvmt to be the solution to all that ails us and obviously they seem to have convinced “new” that is true. The answer to this is not to give them more power; rather, the founders rooted us in individual liberties and freedom given not by gvmt but the creator. Sure, the feds have a role but not the one they are trying to grab. The founders wanted to power dispursed within the states where local people could be held accountable and that certainly isn’t occurring at the federal level. Finally, warning! warning! One of those scare tactics coming up - I am unaware of a corporation or business arming itself for the purpose of surpressing the people. Gvmts can do that. Finally, one of the things “new” advocates as a good progressive is that we’re all interdependent on each other and have responsibility for each other. To some degree that is true and it certainly sounds good; but, when applied in reality it always gets carried to the extreme and ends up making things worse for all rather than better. No system has created more wealth, lifted more lives out of poverty and done more than the very free market system that “free” disdains and seemingly wants to dispose. Rather, in its place they want to put the ruling class over us, making decisions of how to dispurse money and which of their cronies is to benefit most so they can stay in power. Examples of the progressive systems are seen (oh, oh, another scare tactic) in the EU with Greece, Spain, Portugal which are still in tough straits and even closer to home - California, perhaps the king of progressive states and is buried in debt. No system is perfect, but the one progressives advocate sounds good but has a track record of proven failure. Why would we want that?

By cdmertz

August 24, 2010 5:32 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Joe will bring his brain’s along with mouth this time,if he bring up “all” the additional job Obama has added he must have forgot his brain’s again!!!!!!!!

By TRS

August 24, 2010 5:12 PM | Link to this

When you enroll in healthcare, the most premiums are good for a year. Lets talk in October/November.

By Laura

August 24, 2010 4:52 PM | Link to this

Squirrellygirl, I accept your challenge and my health insurance carrier is United Health Care. I am self-employed and my health insurance premiums have remained the same. For everybody who maybe wondering my profession. No I am not a hooker I am an independent beauty consultant with a well-known American skin and makeup company.

By newsound14

August 24, 2010 4:20 PM | Link to this

Because of republican scare tactics the end of life provision was NOT in the final healthcare bill. Anyone that has experienced the death of a loved one in this situation knows what end of life care is. Those that continue to misrepresent it as a political tool are the scum of the earth. Faced with injuries or illnesses that make death inevitable without drugs or technological methods people often choose to forgo such methods that would keep them alive in a painful, unfulfilling and degrading condition. The patient chooses what methods can be used to sustain life or alleviate pain or discomfort and they choose the methods they do not want. This is the care given to the patient before they die. The people that refuse these life extending procedures may save themselves and their families undue suffering and undue financial burden. This is known as compassion and death with dignity. A living will is not just for seniors, automobile accidents happen every day. The continuous misrepresentation of the facts by posters like squirlgirl are a prime example of how contagious and dangerous ignorance is.

By Out Sourcery

August 24, 2010 3:57 PM | Link to this

Here’s a solution that will work, Repugnicant-style. Let’s outsource the Kasich campaign. He should bring in some Chinese guy that will run around Ohio instead of him. Just pay him a cup of rice per day with no health insurance. Then Kasich can keep all the money he saves and invest it with Goldman Sachs. He won’t need to take a government job and accept tax payer money ever again.

By Out Sourcery

August 24, 2010 3:56 PM | Link to this

Here’s a solution that will work, Repugnicant-style. Let’s outsource the Kasich campaign. He should bring in some Chinese guy that will run around Ohio instead of him. Just pay him a cup of rice per day with no health insurance. Then Kasich can invest all the money he saves and invest it with Goldman Sachs. He won’t need to take a government job and accept tax payer money ever again.

By Squirrellygirl

August 24, 2010 3:52 PM | Link to this

Laura, where did you get your insurance? Please post it here on DDN so EVERYBODY IN THE US CAN BUY IT THERE, TOO! I don’t believe you, Laura. I haven’t heard ANYONE say their ins went down. Nobody! I challenge you, Laura! Aside from the fact that we are paying for everyone’s hc and therefore premiums MUST go up, the hc bill is causing undue pressure on small businesses not to hire people because they can’t afford the EXTRA TAXES it will cost them to pay into this hole of hc bill that Obama has passed.

By newsound14

August 24, 2010 3:36 PM | Link to this

The tired talking point about Democrats controlling congress for the last two years of the Bush presidency is faulty on several counts. The Senate was an even split of 49 (Dem) – 49 (Rep) – 2 (Ind). One of the independents, Joe Lieberman, campaigned with John McCain like they were running mates. Secondly, dividing congress into democrats and republicans is a naïve distinction. All republicans vote as a solid block on virtually every issue. Democrats have a much broader membership from very progressive to very moderate depending on the issues. Blue dog democrats for example can be lumped in with republicans in the only distinction that really matters right now; corporate cronies owned by multinational corporations. It is a lock that these clowns will jump at any chance to turn our government over to the corporate aristocracy.

By newsound14

August 24, 2010 3:13 PM | Link to this

Look Out the Socialists are Under Your Bed! The threat of becoming a corporate aristocracy is more troubling and close at hand than becoming a socialist nation. Republicans have crafted their rhetoric to frighten Americans into voting for them. They demonize words like liberal, progressive and socialism and intentionally mislabel politicians, groups of people and policies. Label me liberal, progressive or socialist any of those monikers are more respectable now than right wing or republican. The practice of mislabeling people and policies to generate fear is pathetic. Republicans put America on the precipice of ruin with their bonehead ideology over the last eight years. Their constant fear mongering should only affect the profoundly stupid at this point. The average CEO makes more money in TEN WEEKS than the average worker does in FIFTY YEARS. The wealthy and corporations then use that money to wield undue political power, garner an unfair advantage in our legal system and use loopholes to pay little or no taxes, that is a problem. When the wealthiest citizens and multinational corporations wield more power than the rest of us we become an Aristocratic government of the rich instead of a democracy of the people. The epitome of this style of government can be observed in Haiti. In America we are all beholden to one another for the success and security any of us have in this country. One does not achieve success, freedom or liberty alone. Freedom is not free and liberty is not without sacrifice. Furthermore Theodore Roosevelt (a republican) implemented the Inheritance tax because those of great wealth owe a peculiar obligation to the State, because they derive special advantages from the existence of Government. By virtue of the military, fire department, police force and legal system wealth and property are protected. America’s infrastructure provides opportunities for businesses to thrive and is the basis for some businesses to exist. Higher taxes on the wealthiest citizens are not only justified economically, but morally to protect our democracy. This is also the best way to finance healthcare, infrastructure and energy reform. Look at the history of the top marginal tax rate in the USA and aspersions of socialism and “limited opportunity” become even more ridiculous.

By newsound14

August 24, 2010 3:05 PM | Link to this

Free Market Delusion: When the seller is a multinational corporation, subsidized by the government with tax dollars, encouraged to send manufacturing jobs overseas, use their vast resources to finance elections and lobby congress to pass more laws to give them greater leverage and influence, how is that fair to the small upstart American business? Only the simple minded or corporate shills would defend this behavior in the name of the so-called free market. They have no grasp of reality and no concern for American workers or democratic principles.

By Joe McCsrthy

August 24, 2010 2:41 PM | Link to this

Newsound 14 is obviously the mouthpiece of the American Communist Party AKA the Democrartic Party. Same old class warfare argument. Take from the rich and redistribute to wealth to the poor. That’s what he is saying. The wealthy got that way by working for it. The poor should take a lesson: Work hard and you too will be successful. Instead the Communists on the left want to reward laziness with entitlements. What would you rather do, work or have someone hand you cash? The lazy will always take the easy course. That my friends is why we are in a mess. Everyone feels “entitled” and want the “Rich” to pay for it. Hogwash!!! I’m so sick of pinko commies I could scream. If someone has more than them they want it and call it social justice! Bullcrap!

By Laura

August 24, 2010 2:35 PM | Link to this

Squirrellygirl, I have to disagree with you about healthcare premiums increasing because ever since Congress passed the new healthcare law my own insurance premiums have remain the same. We know that you don’t like the Democratic party.

By Squirrellygirl

August 24, 2010 2:16 PM | Link to this

It’s so easy to get distracted with all the bad policies Obama’s agenda has introduced to our society. But to keep on topic, Strickland stood behind Brunner in not investigating over 200,000 fraudulent votes in OH during last prez election, so I think he’s a crook and needs to be kicked out of office. If we can’t count on the integrity of our election system, we’re lost for sure. We gotta get rid of these crooks, or you can stick a fork in our country ‘cause it is done.

By Squirrellygirl

August 24, 2010 2:13 PM | Link to this

Fear monger? No. You can stick your head in the sand if you want to, it’s your decision. I believe in the free enterprise system. Our forefathers gave us the Constitution. But Obama said it’s not good enough, and he wants to be king of America. So he has passed his bills (just like Pelosi said, over and under and around the law) that will raise hc premiums and initiate rationing of care to people who are not economically feasible to our society, the feeble in mind or body, the elderly. Our own govt will tell us we can’t get surgery because we are at a certain age. Obama has turned our country to socialism. This isn’t fear mongering, it is reality.

By newsound14

August 24, 2010 1:48 PM | Link to this

Open Letter to Socialist Fear Mongers: The poor super wealthy and their tremendous tax burden. Come on!! Can people really be that obtuse? Speaking for the top quintile I gladly pay my taxes and only want for good roads and bridges, clean water, public safety, good health care, good hospitals, a strong legal system, a fairly regulated economy, modern communication infrastructure, good schools, parks, wild spaces, airports, protection from foreign invasion and the same for every American citizen (quite a lot actually). The super wealthy CEO’s are making ten times more, relative to the average worker, than they did in the ‘60’s and they pay a smaller percentage in taxes. So my question is this: Was America a socialist nation in the sixties or the eighties? Back when the gap between the wealthy and the poorest citizens was not as extreme as it is now and when those that benefited most from government paid for it, were we really living in a secret socialist society? So why now when the average CEO makes 260 times as much as the average worker and pays 17% in taxes, why do some people cry socialism now? Is it plain ignorance, brainwashing, mob mentality or insanity?

By Squirrellygirl

August 24, 2010 1:47 PM | Link to this

Our government has grown and has usurped the power that use to belong to the states. Our govt has restricted businesses with overregulation and overtaxing. That’s why companies are leaving our country in groves and fleeing to other countries where it is cheaper to operate. The unions have negotiated our jobs away. They steal money from retirement funds. They join together with other communist groups and we can see the results of their fruits in Greece and their violence. We must preserve our free enterprise system. We must go back to the Constitution and the wisdom of our forefathers. We need our prez to respect the checks and balances of our govt.

By newsound14

August 24, 2010 1:39 PM | Link to this

The government should ensure American ideals of democracy, opportunity, responsibility, liberty and justice. Ensuring a level playing field for fair competition and innovative upstart businesses is essential to economic stability. Large Corporations and wealthy citizens rely on government provided infrastructure exponentially more than small businesses and average or poor citizens and therefore should be paying the lion’s share of taxes. When affluence interferes with true democracy as it now does, there needs to be reform (campaign finance reform and lobbying reform). Our legal system and economy also suffer from imbalance caused by the undue influence of wealth. There is a distinction to be made between zero and infinity (communism and unbridled capitalism), a balance point to be found that allows for true democracy, innovation, progress, fair commerce, responsible compensation for use of public resources and liberty. Liberty cannot exist unless we are responsible and fair to one another. Fair commerce cannot exist when the fox is guarding the hen house. Democracy cannot survive when it is awash with the money of multinational corporations. Believing that the money saved in tax cuts for the wealthy results in more jobs has been disproved time and again. WE the people must hold government accountable and wrest the control of government away from the multinational corporations and the extremely wealthy.

By newsound14

August 24, 2010 1:33 PM | Link to this

Imagine that you get 10 paychecks every payday. Pretty sweet, right? In the 1960’s CEO’s made twenty four times as much as the average worker (24 paychecks every payday). Okay so they’re the boss, but 24 TIMES that’s a huge difference. Today CEO’s make 260 TIMES as much as the average worker, 260 TIMES (more than 10 times as much as CEO’s made in the 60’s relative to the average worker)! These are proportionate ratios, which automatically factors out inflation. What impact does this have on our legal system? Here is a hint: O. J. Simpson. And O. J. was a pauper compared to people with real wealth in America. I have a good imagination but don’t know what I would do with 260 paychecks every other week. Do you know what most of these guys do? Lobby congress to make sure laws work in their favor, donate to politicians and PACs to the same ends. They hire accountants to circumvent tax codes (pay little or no taxes). They hire the best lawyers to keep them out of trouble, even if they deserve to be locked up or pay reasonable settlements. How do these activities impact free and fair elections and free market competition? You tell me. To claim that this is socialism is simply idiotic.

By pharmacy technician

August 24, 2010 1:08 PM | Link to this

Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article

By Doug

August 24, 2010 12:39 PM | Link to this

If the train is such a good idea, then let the democrats pay for it themselves and then live off the profits. This idea is as bright as the Obamallah Healthcare. Vote Strickland out! We need leadership not farcical train rides.

By Joe McCarthy

August 24, 2010 12:27 PM | Link to this

Who wants to go see a couple of Commies in Biden and Strickland. Joe Biden is goof who’s mouth is his own worst enemy. Strickland is a Pinko who aligns himself with the Obama administration. GM was bailed out and left a string of empty factories in Dayton.That’s what voting Commie…I mean Democrat gets you. I wouldn’t pay 10 cents to see any of these Commies.

By Papagino

August 24, 2010 12:26 PM | Link to this

Joe’s gonna be in town? Charge up the video camera, ensure the mike is working and alert Youtube, he’s bound to say to say something dumb…

By Squirrellygirl

August 24, 2010 12:04 PM | Link to this

to rapidsquirrel, you are wrong. The hc bills says in case of emergency like shortage of money there will be rationing of care. We also will pay for abortions, and some states already are making their citizens pay for abortions. You are so wrong. You can’t believe the liberals. They lie. Obama is killing grandma and grandpa and there will be death panels. This administration believes the older people are worth less than the young people, so this is the basis for their decision making on who gets life saving surgery, who gets life saving medicine. They might even drop something in our water supply to sterilize the public. It’s all part of their agenda. And Obama admitted in Jan 09 that you can’t keep your same doctor. Now they are calling hc bill a tax because it is unconstitutional to force people to purchase something. Liars.

By @Rabidsquirrel

August 24, 2010 11:46 AM | Link to this

There is no “panel” deciding anything about healthcare — you have left it all up to the insurance companies!!! They decide who gets treatment and who does not. That is the reality of the situation, and it’s worse than any conspiracy theories you have.

By Squirrellygirl

August 24, 2010 11:32 AM | Link to this

yeahright must be high on something. Sorry, but your post is nuts. Issues? Who is afraid to speak on issues? It isn’t the Republicans, I can tell you THAT much. The dems have to distract with name calling every time someone talks about the issues. They passed hc which will raise premiums and because of money constraints there will be death panels determining who doesn’t get life saving surgery. Yes, Obama is killing grandma and grandpa because they aren’t economically feasible. That’s right folks. And Obama wants to tax us on the air we breathe in our own homes. Cap&trade. Oh yeah, don’t forget UNEMPLOYMENT DOUBLE DIGITS. AND WHO WAS IN CONTROL OF BOTH HOUSE AND SENATE SINCE 2006?? Huh? It ain’t the Republicans. It’s the Democrats who can’t argue issues, folks.

By turd fergison

August 24, 2010 11:20 AM | Link to this

EVERYBODY WATCH DUMB AND DUMMBER BEFORE U GO, THAT WAY U WONT BE SHOCKED AT jOE AND tEDDY

By Jason

August 24, 2010 10:42 AM | Link to this

Where are the jobs that Obama and Biden promised in their change campaign? THey have instituted government cutting of jobs just as much as private industry. They are part of the problem not the cure.

By Mr. Welfare

August 24, 2010 10:39 AM | Link to this

To be shown on Comedy Central…..

By yeahright

August 24, 2010 10:37 AM | Link to this

Republicans are (a) addicted to the crack-cocaine high they get from mindlessly attacking Obama and the Democrats, and (b) aware that they have nothing of substance to say on the actual issues.

By Squirrellygirl

August 24, 2010 10:12 AM | Link to this

Kasich won’t raise our taxes in the middle of a recession. Kasich will restrain spending. These two things alone will help Ohio’s economy. Stickland is a criminal imo because he stood behind Brunner who refused to investigate fraudulent votes in the last prez election, 200,000 of them just in OH! We can’t trust the integrity of our election system as long as people like Strickland are “representing” us. Strickland can’t be trusted. Kasich is the only way to go. Vote Kasich, I will!

By Laura

August 24, 2010 9:42 AM | Link to this

For all the people who are voting for Kasich can kiss your income tax returns goodbye. I have been watching the ads for Kasich and he has no ideas on how to create jobs in Ohio.

By Joseph P Mc Carthy

August 24, 2010 9:35 AM | Link to this

Trains??????? Forget it! You will never see them in Ohio. I can’t support Strickland, he’s a Communist just like Biden and Obama. We need strong Republican’s in office to get this state and country back on track. Track, did you get it? Ha Ha Ha, I crack myself up!

By melanie

August 24, 2010 9:34 AM | Link to this

Oh Yeah! Its “The Summer of Recovery” tour coming! I’ll be sure to go and thank Joe Biden for all those new jobs created and the incredible improvement of the economy!

By Squirrellygirl

August 24, 2010 8:59 AM | Link to this

Biden is a cartoon character, kind of reminds me of the Simpsons. Strickland stood behind Brunner in not investigating over 200,000 fraudulent votes in OH during last prez election, so I think he’s a crook and needs to be kicked out of office. If we can’t count on the integrity of our election system, we’re lost for sure. We gotta get rid of these crooks, or you can stick a fork in our country ‘cause it is done.

By Stay Home Biden

August 24, 2010 8:31 AM | Link to this

Watch the years of local tax money that Rev. Trammell says he doesn’t have, end up in Dem’s coffers to support more lunacy.

By Wolvie

August 24, 2010 7:18 AM | Link to this

Trains won’t mean a darn thing if we don’t have JOBS to pay for the tickets. Strickland had his chance and blew it. I’m voteing for Kasich.

By Concerned

August 24, 2010 7:09 AM | Link to this

I want Joe to sign my new favorite book www.tinyurl.com/32o5xs8

By Concerned

August 24, 2010 7:07 AM | Link to this

I would like for Joe to sign my favorite new book. http://tinyurl.com/32o5xs8

By redman

August 24, 2010 6:17 AM | Link to this

Karon! Where do you think the state got the 400 million bucks from? Do you think the money comes from the sky? The government does not make money to give away - it takes money from people to give away. So when you say that the state received 400 million dollars is like a crook robbing a bank and then offering to give some of the money back to the bank so the bank can install new carpet. “The country is lost when politicians can bribe the people with their own money”

By Wildwood Flower

August 24, 2010 6:00 AM | Link to this

Biden is a welcome relief from the last VP, Dr Strangelove!

By howard

August 24, 2010 3:52 AM | Link to this

ALL THE RICH BOY LIBERALS SHOW UP WITH YOUR MONEY. THERE ARE A LOT OF THEM.

By karon

August 24, 2010 1:20 AM | Link to this

Unlike buses , passenger trains are a Serious form of transportation! Yes people will ride them , and jobs will be created with these trains! Support Strickland!

By a democrat

August 23, 2010 11:37 PM | Link to this

i am still wondering why i cant afford to meet with either of the parties. if you dont throw a hundred bucks in their face they are to busy, be it republican or democrat

By a democrat

August 23, 2010 11:37 PM | Link to this

i am still wondering why i cant afford to meet with either of the parties. if you dont throw a hundred bucks in their face they are to busy, be it republican or democrat

By a democrat

August 23, 2010 11:37 PM | Link to this

i am still wondering why i cant afford to meet with either of the parties. if you dont throw a hundred bucks in their face they are to busy, be it republican or democrat

By rj

August 23, 2010 10:58 PM | Link to this

Who cares what B-LIE-den says? I ignored that pimple on this country’s a$$ years ago.

By laughorcry

August 23, 2010 10:51 PM | Link to this

The infrastructure of our country received a grade of D by the American Society of Civil Engineers a couple years ago. Add to that the economic “train reck” left by the Republicans and the grade could have slipped to an “F” had it not been for the stimulus. I appreciate the foresight of our President and Vice President.

By Paula

August 23, 2010 10:29 PM | Link to this

I hate Biden! Go John Kasich - you deserve to be our Governor….Lets say good-bye to lame Ted! He had it chance and couldn’t deliver!

By Biden/Obama=larry,daryl &daryl

August 23, 2010 10:19 PM | Link to this

Karon - Just like the RTA that very few people ride but we pay for with sales tax dollars. Would you like grape or cherry kool aid?

By null

August 23, 2010 10:06 PM | Link to this

Biden is so dumb his hair hurts. Oh wait, that isn’t his hair those are plugs that have infected his brain.

By null

August 23, 2010 10:04 PM | Link to this

Stand up Chuck!

By Life Long Democrat

August 23, 2010 9:36 PM | Link to this

Biden’s a joke. He is such a dummy that he makes old Dan Quayle look like an intellectual.

By Kasich fan

August 23, 2010 9:19 PM | Link to this

YES !!

By Karon's secret admirer

August 23, 2010 9:14 PM | Link to this

Trains! We will get start-up money, then the Ohio taxpayers will pay for the money losing venture for years to come. Taxpayer money down the drain for something few people will use. Why not just burn the money! Either way, will be a waste.

By William

August 23, 2010 9:09 PM | Link to this

Ahhh…………..Biden The Clown visits for another round of “Yuck It Up with Teddy!”

By dhampton100

August 23, 2010 8:53 PM | Link to this

My bad… I mis-read the date. All I saw was the reported day. Oh, well, guess I’m not perfect, either!

By dhampton100

August 23, 2010 8:50 PM | Link to this

Thank you DDn for alerting us 20 mins before he got here. What kind of News Paper is this….Don’t tell me you just found out about this. I would have loved to see him and help him defeat your Republican owners!

By MJ

August 23, 2010 8:32 PM | Link to this

I am with you Karon. :)

By Inversion

August 23, 2010 8:28 PM | Link to this

Can’t wait to hear what kind of rectal/sphincter blank mind statements Joe will make while visiting. The leash is long, but Yellow Springs is nearby for him to get help with “gotcha” pointers when he’s asked a question, like: “Mr.Biden, are you alive?” “Are the 57 states ready to elect Obama again?” “You’re speaking at The Engineers Club…your statement about liking trains really makes us feel you’re one of us”….

By null

August 23, 2010 8:25 PM | Link to this

This ought to be funny! Joe’s going to talk about, and teach us some lessons on the private sector, something he has never, ever been a part of…can’t wait. I guess it would be a little late to talk about recovery summer.

By Teddy

August 23, 2010 8:24 PM | Link to this

Say it ain’t so, Joe! PS Karon, it’s all borrowed money from China - get over it.

By karon

August 23, 2010 8:17 PM | Link to this

Strickland supports passenger trains! This state received 400 million dollars to start up these trains! This means JOBS for this state! Kasich is against these trains and will have to return this 400 million to the Feds. The Feds will give this money to another state , that will use this money for trains and jobs for their state. Support Strickland!