American Politics during the Obama Presidency

I hope they let the bush tax cuts expire. It will help pay the deficit. And I find it hilarious how not one Republican when asked if the the Bush Tax Cuts where to continue how they would be paid for. Not one could give a straight answer they just tried to politicize it. Its to bad we can't post Video up here. Some of its priceless.

BTW someone who refers to Healthcare reform as Obamacare has been watching to much FOX NEWS other wise known as FAUX NEWS. Unfair and extremely Unbalanced.

I can't afford Healthcare at its current prices and as a middle class American. I am glad Obama took a baby step to address this problem. I say baby step because it should have been a single payer program like the rest of the sane world has. Case in point. I have gone to Medellin Colombia to get all my dental work done and had some other medical things done at a FRACTION of the cost. Why? Because they don't think health care is a privilege. Its a necessity. But at the end of the day its not the politicians running this country into the ground its the corporations.

[QUOTE=Miamipro]I hope they let the bush tax cuts expire. It will help pay the deficit. And I find it hilarious how not one Republican when asked if the the Bush Tax Cuts where to continue how they would be paid for. Not one could give a straight answer they just tried to politicize it. Its to bad we can't post Video up here. Some of its priceless.

BTW someone who refers to Healthcare reform as Obamacare has been watching to much FOX NEWS other wise known as FAUX NEWS. Unfair and extremely Unbalanced.

I can't afford Healthcare at its current prices and as a middle class American. I am glad Obama took a baby step to address this problem. I say baby step because it should have been a single payer program like the rest of the sane world has. Case in point. I have gone to Medellin Colombia to get all my dental work done and had some other medical things done at a FRACTION of the cost. Why? Because they don't think health care is a privilege. Its a necessity. But at the end of the day its not the politicians running this country into the ground its the corporations.[/QUOTE]Whew! This is a perfect example of how America has been wasting its education resources. In terms of how to pay for the Bush tax cuts, let's start there. If our education system results in misguided citizens such as this, why bother? There's your trillion dollars right there. Problem solved.

I don't watch Fox News except once a month, if that, while traveling. EVERY media outlet calls it ObamaCare, just as they called it HillaryCare the last time around (before Fox News was a blip) If you think the rest of the networks are "fair and balanced," you've been brainwashed.

Health care or not, Columbia and the rest of South America dream of having an economy that even approaches that of the US. Ask their citizens whether they'd trade cheap dental work and subsidized care for a modern economy. Here's a thought: Ask the Cubans whether a paternalistic, socialist-style economy with free health care is a good thing. Ask the Venezuelans who aren't afraid to talk. Ask the Argentinians in five years if Cristina gets re-elected.

[QUOTE=Miamipro]But at the end of the day its not the politicians running this country into the ground its the corporations.[/QUOTE]Mark Twain once said, 'It is better to keep your mouth shut and let everyone think you're a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.'

Turns out he was right.

[QUOTE=Miamipro]if the the Bush Tax Cuts where to continue how they would be paid for.[/QUOTE]Miamipro,

Here's a straight answer for you: Cut government spending.

Duh.

[QUOTE=Miamipro]I can't afford Healthcare at its current prices and as a middle class American. I am glad Obama took a baby step to address this problem.[/quote]So let me see if I understand this: You can afford to travel to Colombia (and we assume other international destinations) to fuck chicas, but can't afford to pay for you own health care, and thus you'd like the rest of us to pay for it for you?

[QUOTE=Miamipro]I say baby step because it should have been a single payer program like the rest of the sane world has.[/quote]I don't know about the rest of the "sane" world, but neither Argentina or Comombia has a "single payer program".

You post said it all, you say your middle class but can't afford healthcare, yet you have a passport and can afford to travel internationally. I submit you have the money but choose to spend it on other things you value more. So cut the cry baby bs about healthcare.

Not sure how to use the Quote thing yet so I will just respond.

Jackson. Cut Government Spending? How about having a Surplus during the Clinton Years and watching all washed away under G. W Bush. I don't care what anyone says. Regardless of party. But if you can't see the monstrosity he created during his 8 years. Then your in more trouble than I thought. While I agree some restraint should be put on certain areas of spending you have to be very careful where you make those cuts. Healthcare shouldn't be one of them. I am even willing to pay more taxes myself if it means better healthcare. Really to me, less government spending = less government oversight. And well you know where some of those cuts have led us. Wall street abuses. MMS. Lack of oversight on Big Oil. You have to find a balance. It can not be free will for all these big guys. Sorry.

Regarding affording Healthcare Vs Chica Mongering. I was paying for my own healthcare through Blue Cross. It started at about $230 Month. A year later it was going at $340. The part I can't afford is where Insurance Giants like BCBS raise the rates for no reasons what so ever. Its cheaper for me to fly from Miami to Medellin get Dental work done than it is for me to go to my local dentist. No brainer there. Regarding the Mongering Funds. I don't really Monger all that much. But when I do I want to be able to enjoy myself. I probably spend a fraction compared to other people who do this hobby full time. Many times I go for non pro and do fairly well for myself.

*I am aware these country's don't have single payer programs. They just happen to be much cheaper than the US. I was referring to France, UK, Cananda. Etc.

Stan Da Man. Only person who is misguided is you. If you want to try and insult my educational background through your Mark Twain quotes. You might want to heed to his advise as well.

I have no problem having political debates and listening to your POV. But if you want to use insults to try and make your point. [blue][Deleted by Admin][/blue].

Its funny how you got so defensive when I mention FOX News. Really I don't champion any news network. They all have their own agenda. I point out FOX specifically because they are so over the top.

Here is how they are so hypocritical - People talking about how sensitive the issue is by having a Mosque 4 blocks from ground zero. But its ok for Glenn Beck to hold his rally on the same steps and on the same day as MLK's I have a dream speech. I guess there is no sensitivity on this issue? Then have the audacity to call it a non political event.

Funny

[b][u]EDITOR'S NOTE[/u]:[/b] [blue]This report was edited in accordance with the Forum's Zero Tolerance policy regarding reports containing any [u]personal attacks or derogatory comments[/u] directed towards another Forum Member or the Forum Membership in general.[/blue]

Funny is the fact that someone with an iPhone, who travels to Columbia and Argentina to bang chicas and have fun, can claim that he can't afford health insurance.

Sad is the fact that you believe you ought to be able to put your hand in everyone else's pocket to make them pay for it.

Disgusting is the fact that you apparently believe that you are entitled to have others pay for things you clearly can afford but choose not to pay for.

You said your premium went up from $230 a month to $340 and now you can't afford health care. That's $1,300 a year. How much did you spend on your iPhone, plane fare, hotel / apartment, drinks and chicas while in Columbia and Argentina? Clearly you lied judging by what you've posted about yourself on these boards. You simply would like it if someone else was forced to pay, so you can spend your money on other things you want, rather than on what you claim is a "necessity."

It's not the corporations running this country into the ground. It's greedy folks like yourself with an entitlement mentality.

I am sure this slipped past you about the Clinton years, but after the Republican's took over the House and Senate in 1994 the reductions in government programs began. The primary one was Welfare Reform which contributed the most to the surpluses you speak of. To our lasting shame those hard won cuts in government spending have been given back with interest by both parties in the years since.

ObamaCare's ultimate destination is to basically place those who "can not afford" healthcare coverage (you for example) on Medicaid and increase the benefits provided under Medicaid to those offered by private insurance. In case this also slipped by you the STATES are charged with providing the funds for Medicaid with some assistance from the Fed – in this case it is why they call these things "unfunded mandates" – perhaps that is why 20+ states have filed suit against the Fed? The number of states fighting this unprecedented expansion of the Government will increase after Nov. 2 when many Democrat governors are voted out of office and Republicans replace them.

If you want to start saving money by slashing government spending you can start with the Department of Energy – FYI the Department of Energy was formed after the oil crisis on August 4, 1977 in order to end the United States dependence on foreign oil by President Jimmy Carter's signing of legislation, The Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977. Here we are 33 years later and what a heck of job this department has done!

How about Medicaid and Welfare (sacred cow / entitlement programs) that needs to be drastically reduced. They are the step children of Lyndon Johnson's "GREAT SOCIETY" experiment in 1964 which has failed miserably to archive its stated goal and has continued to grow, consuming the majority of the federal budget each year.

The USA enjoys the highest living standard in the world, so much so, that we do not consider $250,000 as being rich. Yes, that is true based on statistics but Americans are so "out of wack" from reality that credit card debt are racking up all time highs even before the financial crisis. Homeowners use their equity to live beyond their means whilst believing that they are entitled to the live like the "Rich and Famous".

I recently finished a 4 month trip that included stays in Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Iguazu, Sao Paulo, Sorrento, Milan, London and Bangkok. I did have 18 days of free lodging and 42 days of transatlantic and Northern Europe cruising. My total spending was between $11-13K for 2 people.

Yes, I understand and is very familiar with the American lifestyle that equates $250,000 as not being rich. It is a lifestyle of unrestrained spending, gluttony and waste.

[QUOTE=Stan Da Man]Funny is the fact that someone with an iPhone, who travels to Columbia and Argentina to bang chicas and have fun, can claim that he can't afford health insurance.

Sad is the fact that you believe you ought to be able to put your hand in everyone else's pocket to make them pay for it.

Disgusting is the fact that you apparently believe that you are entitled to have others pay for things you clearly can afford but choose not to pay for.

You said your premium went up from $230 a month to $340 and now you can't afford health care. That's $1,300 a year. How much did you spend on your iPhone, plane fare, hotel / apartment, drinks and chicas while in Columbia and Argentina? Clearly you lied judging by what you've posted about yourself on these boards. You simply would like it if someone else was forced to pay, so you can spend your money on other things you want, rather than on what you claim is a "necessity."

It's not the corporations running this country into the ground. It's greedy folks like yourself with an entitlement mentality.[/QUOTE]First lets take you back to school for basic math.$340 X 12 Months = $4080

The point of my comment was, if it went up a $100 more a month after a year who knows where it would keep going if I held on to it. I don't expect anyone to pay for my healthcare. I have even made the comment that I would pay higher taxes if it ment I had access to AFFORDABLE QUALITY HEALTHCARE. Healthcare should be affordable for everyone. Not just the rich and its not OK for Insurance giants to raise rates, cut or cancel coverage just because they are "not making enough money". You sound like a guy who might be in the higher tax bracket (making over $250,000 a year) really I don't know. But if you are. Yea you deserve to pay more taxes.

Iphone - $299 (even though this doesnt count as a travel purchase)

Airfaire to wherever I want to go - no more than $300 (My best friend is a pilot for AA. Im on his D3 List)

Hotel - Free most place as I stay with friends.

Chica's no more than $500 on any trip if I decide to actually monger.

Total trip. Less than a $1000 maybe twice a year at the most.

Only thing I feel I am entitled to is maybe having people like yourself removing their head out of their ass. I know it might be asking for a lot but try it.

[QUOTE=Doppelganger]I am sure this slipped past you about the Clinton years, but after the Republican's took over the House and Senate in 1994 the reductions in government programs began. The primary one was Welfare Reform which contributed the most to the surpluses you speak of. To our lasting shame those hard won cuts in government spending have been given back with interest by both parties in the years since.

ObamaCare's ultimate destination is to basically place those who "can not afford" healthcare coverage (you for example) on Medicaid and increase the benefits provided under Medicaid to those offered by private insurance. In case this also slipped by you the STATES are charged with providing the funds for Medicaid with some assistance from the Fed – in this case it is why they call these things "unfunded mandates" – perhaps that is why 20+ states have filed suit against the Fed? The number of states fighting this unprecedented expansion of the Government will increase after Nov. 2 when many Democrat governors are voted out of office and Republicans replace them.

If you want to start saving money by slashing government spending you can start with the Department of Energy – FYI the Department of Energy was formed after the oil crisis on August 4, 1977 in order to end the United States dependence on foreign oil by President Jimmy Carter's signing of legislation, The Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977. Here we are 33 years later and what a heck of job this department has done!

How about Medicaid and Welfare (sacred cow / entitlement programs) that needs to be drastically reduced. They are the step children of Lyndon Johnson's "GREAT SOCIETY" experiment in 1964 which has failed miserably to archive its stated goal and has continued to grow, consuming the majority of the federal budget each year.[/QUOTE]Actually it didnt slip by me. And I will give credit where credit is do. The Republicans and Bill Clinton. Actually worked together on some very important issues at that time. I wish things were less political and more about getting things done for the American people. Both Sides are gulity of being Party over People. BUT there is no excuse for how GW ran this country into the ground during his presidency. And really no one is defending him or Cheney anymore.

[QUOTE=Miamipro]First lets take you back to school for basic math.$340 X 12 Months = $4080[/QUOTE]$340 (increased premium) - $230 (old premium) = $110 (difference between the two)

$110 * 12 = $1,320 increase. That's your premium increase. You were able to pay $230/ month but claimed you "no longer could afford" the premium when it went up $1,300 annually. Thanks for being a shining example of my original point: The education system has utterly failed you.

[QUOTE=Miamipro]Iphone - $299 (even though this doesnt count as a travel purchase)

Airfaire to wherever I want to go - no more than $300 (My best friend is a pilot for AA. I'm on his D3 List)

Hotel - Free most place as I stay with friends.

Chica's no more than $500 on any trip if I decide to actually monger.

Total trip. Less than a $1000 maybe twice a year at the most.[/QUOTE]You've also demonstrated, once again, that you lied. You pay upwards of $1,500 - $2,000 per year on two mongering trips per year. I have no desire to get too far into your finances. But, anyone who's blowing dough on the top of the line iPhone, traveling and mongering twice a year, also likely has a bunch of other frills they think they're entitled to. You could easily afford the premium increase. You may [b]choose[/b] to blow your money on foreign travel and rent-a-chicas. But what you don't have the right to do is claim that you can't afford the "necessity" of health care, when you simultaneously blow your wad on these other things.

Good for you that your having fun. Just shut your yap about not being able to afford what you want others to pay for.

Travel and go without health care. Pay for health care and end your international mongering. It's pretty simple. Why you can't figure that out is the mystery. It's good to see you finally figured out the quote button, though.

[QUOTE=Stan Da Man]$340 (increased premium) - $230 (old premium) = $110 (difference between the two)

$110 * 12 = $1,320 increase. That's your premium increase. You were able to pay $230/ month but claimed you "no longer could afford" the premium when it went up $1,300 annually. Thanks for being a shining example of my original point: The education system has utterly failed you.[/QUOTE]Actually Stan. You don't read into things very well. While you see it as a premium increase of $1320. I see it as a annual expenditure that went from $2760 to $4080 within a year and at that rate after 5 years it would =$10,680 annually. And thats if it stays at that current rate, which it probably wouldn't. If you can't see the basic problem with how healthcare has been broken. Then the education system has failed you as well.

Further more just for sake of argument. Lets say I can afford the increase of 1300. I choose not to participate into a broken system anymore. Why give my money to an institution that has those kinds of annual increases, can drop you for no apparent reason and doesn't really have your well being in mind. Let me tell you again so you "get it" The health care system wasn't working.

So instead of trying to attack my POV, why don't you tell me how you would fix health care in the USA if you were in charge of it?

[QUOTE=Stan Da Man]You've also demonstrated, once again, that you lied. You pay upwards of $1,500 - $2,000 per year on two mongering trips per year. I have no desire to get too far into your finances. But, anyone who's blowing dough on the top of the line iPhone, traveling and mongering twice a year, also likely has a bunch of other frills they think they're entitled to.[/QUOTE] I agree the iPhone is a top of the line phone and @ $299 it's a very smart buy.

[QUOTE=Stan Da Man]It's good to see you finally figured out the quote button, though.[/QUOTE]Yes I am a quick learner. But what is even more impressive is that I figured out much faster that your not a very smart guy.

Let's just get back to your original statement, which was:

[QUOTE=Miamipro]I can't afford Healthcare at its current prices and as a middle class American.[/QUOTE]You've clearly demonstrated that this was a lie. You now admit that you can afford your premiums but you chose to drop out because of what you feared would happen to premiums in the future. Your choice, and now you want someone else to pick up the tab so you can have enough dough to go on international mongering junkets.

There's no point debating with a liar or someone with a perspective as jaundiced as this. I've already afforded you more time than you deserve. The only point was to put the lie to your statement that you can't afford health care. You obviously can. You'd just rather spend your money elsewhere.

A busy day I see!

Jackson this thread may well become even more active as the elections approach, and since you've said before what the primary purpose of the board is (mongering) there's a question I've wondered about. I know some discussion boards can split things into "sections" where the primary board-related threads are in the first section, then other misc threads are grouped into a separate section below. So for example on AP, you would see the mongering threads first on the front page, and then only below them in a separate section would be the other threads like this one. I'm not saying I recommend this, I don't care too much. I just wondered if you ever thought about that.

BTW, you said the other day "Fight the smears!" and I stumbled on this website and thought how ironic, that your phrase was actually a website dedicated to addressing right wing smears against Obama in the 2008 election.

[url]http://fightthesmears.com/[/url]

[QUOTE=Stan Da Man]Let's just get back to your original statement, which was:

You've clearly demonstrated that this was a lie. You now admit that you can afford your premiums but you chose to drop out because of what you feared would happen to premiums in the future. Your choice, and now you want someone else to pick up the tab so you can have enough dough to go on international mongering junkets.

There's no point debating with a liar or someone with a perspective as jaundiced as this. I've already afforded you more time than you deserve. The only point was to put the lie to your statement that you can't afford health care. You obviously can. You'd just rather spend your money elsewhere.[/QUOTE]You are by far the biggest idiot here. Congrats! You fail to see the big picture. Just like most of your cronies.