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| 7/9 |
| 2005/3/9-10 [Politics/Domestic/President/Bush, Politics/Domestic/SocialSecurity] UID:36601 Activity:moderate |
3/9 some thoughts on why Bush is so obsessed with paving
over Social Security:
http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?ItemID=18684
-danh
\_ Flat tax, no government social services people
== It's fair; the huge liberating effect on the economy will
be felt by everyone; and even if an even larger gap does form
between the wealthy and non-wealthy, it's a fair system;
progressive taxes and social services keep lazy people lazy
Progressive tax, government social services people
== It takes money to make money (rich have a much easier time and
can make money at a much higher rate); extreme wealth-gap is
bad; progressive taxation and government social services as
they exist today are cheap for what you get -- no revolutions
\_ I was unable to find any thought there. YMMV
\_ I was unable to find any thought here. YMMV
\- A fine paper to read is "The Procedural Republic and
the Unencumbered Self" by Michael J. Sandel. Available
most easily from JSTOR.
\_ Ultral Left-Wing Liberal Troll Alert. If you really want good
info, you should check out fair and balanced sources:
http://federalist.com, http://newsmax.com, http://taemag.com, http://tysknews.com,
http://worldnetdaily.com
\_ you forgot http://www.jeffgannon.com - danh
\_ I hate that it's impossible to talk about Bush's plans without
sounding like an absolute conspiracy nut.
\_ Way to be a total idiot. Your first paper says its a farsical
comedy making fun of the left. How about you take your
rediculous conservative propaganda elsewhere. -mrauser
\_ Mmm... better check your sarcasm detector.
\_ Be nice to him, he's a bit new around here. |
| 7/9 |
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| www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?ItemID=18684 Social Security ain't broke, so Bush is obsessed with fixing it He hates government programs no matter how much good they do The problem with Social Security is that it isn't broken, which is precis ely why the president is so eager to destroy it. It is the continued suc cess, rather than failure, of the program that irks him. As George W Bush continues to flail at Social Security, even in the face of increased public opposition, you have to wonder: "Why?" Yet our president has been running around like Chicken Little telling us th e sky is falling. Is this like a kid at a party whacking a piata in the ho pe that wondrous prizes will suddenly pour out -- such as millions in fe es for Wall Street and campaign donations for Republicans? Or is this ju st a fit of rage at a target that was heretofore an unquestioned triumph of liberal society? Perhaps it is just a devilishly clever distraction from the larger failures of the administration's woeful domestic policie s, like the burgeoning debt and stagnant wages. But as unpalatable as those explanations may be, I believe the real answe r is much more disturbing: The country is being led by a group of ideolo gues who fanatically reject the notion that government has a role to pla y in ameliorating the harshest aspects of capitalism. For them, the mantra is "privatization," in any and all corners of societ y In fact, what the president advocates, and what powerful Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan seems to be endorsing, is a return to the purist free-market fantasy that characterized the latter's outlook as a young libertarian academic. How else to explain the frantic attacks on a system that is clearly worki ng quite well precisely because it does redistribute income over the spa n of one's life? The elderly were once the poorest sector of the society and now, thanks t o Social Security and Medicare, they may be among the most secure. For t he average American over 65, Social Security makes up nearly 40% of inco me, according to AARP, formerly known as the American Assn. of Retired P ersons, and for about 20% it is their only income. These facts alone oug ht to appeal to younger taxpayers who would otherwise bear an often crus hing personal responsibility for their parents' retirement. In Social Security's extremely cautious estimates, it would only begin se eing actual shortfalls in 2042, and yet this can be prevented in many wa ys. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, would raise the retirement age by a year. Another, suggested by AARP, would r aise the $90,000 cap on income subject to the Social Security tax to aro und $140,000. Let me go one better to suggest the heresy of removing the cap, without i ncreasing benefits for top earners. Make all income, even that of those making millions of dollars a year, subject to Social Security taxes, the reby bringing more money into the system. Such a proposal is, of course, anathema to most post-Reagan Republicans, who believe the government can do nothing right, all taxes are bad and t hat although evolution is a crock, Darwinian selection is a grand old sy stem for society. This ideological hostility to progressive taxation and income redistribut ions is the real issue behind the assault on Social Security, and it des erves to be debated head-on. Knowing that the program is far too popular to be axed completely, hyper- conservatives hatched this idea of diverting its funds into the stock ma rket. They hate the idea of all that money flowing down the food chain i nstead of up -- lower- income workers get a higher rate of return on the ir Social Security taxes than those better off. Social Security-funded private accounts, on the other hand, would not red istribute income; they simply would extend into retirement the existing decades-old pattern of the rich getting richer, the poor doing worse and the middle class eroding. Let's be blunt: A progressive tax is a good thing for the very reason lib ertarian and conservative ideologues think it is bad: It redistributes i ncome in a way that ever so slightly makes us more equal and minimally p rotects the weakest among us. Anybody who wants a democratic society cannot accept excessively uneven i ncome distribution. As Alexis de Tocqueville famously observed, the rule of the majority must be rooted in a thriving middle class. Class warfare and socioeconomic chaos -- exactly what we faced during the Depression when Social Security was introduced to save capitalism. |
| www.jeffgannon.com Jeff Gannon A Voice of the New Media So feared by the Left it had to take me down About Me Bruised but not broken I'm baaaaaaack! If you thought I was going to slink away - then you don 't know much about me. Someone still has to battle the Left and now tha t I've emerged from the crucible, I'm stronger than before. Despite all the pleas from the Left to go over to the 'dark side' and exp ose the 'corrupt Bush administration' simply isn't going to happen. Still, the last few weeks have been difficult for my family and my associ ates. To them I offer my apology and gratitude for their support. In regard to the allegations about my personal life, I have been advised by my attorneys not to comment on any of the details pending the outcome of any possible legal action I might pursue. Therefore, I won't be dis cussing any of that stuff here. com) President Bush delivered a major address at N ational Defense University Tuesday, pointing to the advance of democrati c principles in the Middle East as proof of success in combating global terrorism. Speaking at Fort McNair in Washington, the President reitera ted his commitment to promoting liberty around the world. Bush said, We meet at a time of great consequence for the security of o ur nation, a time when the defense of freedom requires the advance of fr eedom, a time with echoes in our history. MORE Current Column Fear and Loathing in the Press Room For the last two years, the Old Media figures at the White House thought of me as a gadfly, a right-winger with an agenda, harmless, someone to b e ignored. From time to time there were grumbles among some of the repo rters and one or two confrontations, but there was never a serious attem pt to remove me from their midst. During my tenure I developed some goo d friends there who welcomed the refreshing perspective I brought to the briefings and respected my courage for asking the questions that I did. Note the part where teachers unions (that almost exclusively support Democrats with millions of dollars and volunteer hours) worked t o allow anti-war activists access to high schools to convince students n ot to join the military. STORY 12:20am Despite the fact that the Secret Service has determined that I met all of their requirements and confirmed that I gave my real name for clearance , that isn't good enough for House Democrats and the conspiracy kids on the Left. STORY Editor & Publisher quotes a Lefty blogger who was th e lead on the my political assassination to make a point about national security and Rep. Louise Slaughter gives a quote to RAW STORY, as if it was a legitimate news service. Louise Slaughter is accusing House Republicans of 'abusing their pow er." STORY 10:46am I offer the following article about Teresa Heinz Kerry without comment. You be the judge of where this falls on the "Divorced From Reality" sca le. STORY 9:01am March 7, 2005 Mark Jurkowitz of the Boston Globe presents a one-sided view of the Washi ngton press corps, failing to acknowledge that there might be liberal bi as at work or a political agenda being pursued by some news agencies. T his from a newspaper that many times sounded like a mouthpiece for the K erry campaign. STORY 7:30am Randell Beck, editor of the Sioux Falls (SD) Argus Leader simultaneously tells readers not to trust what is found on blogs but then repeats disto rtions from them in discussing Gannongate. STORY 7:17am The New York Times is hailing the first blogger to be issued a "day pass" to a White House press briefing. It goes to great lengths to play up h is genealogical background in journalism, but fails to mention that the Vermont native served as deputy national press secretary on Howard Dean' s presidential campaign last year. STORY According to the "Gannon Standard", I am expecting to see other bloggers' reports on his sexual and financial history as well as some conspiracy theories about who this guy is. Actually, I like the guy, we've talked on the phone several times. I wis h him luck and am pleased that others will gain from what I pioneered. Now I'm looking for a conservative blogger to step up and get in there! I'll be doi ng more of this from this point on and I have a lot to say. There is so much more to this story that has yet to be told. The segment will be LIVE - I'll be talking about Gannongate a nd the Hyper-Hysterical (and not in a funny way) Homosexual Hypocrites a nd their enablers in the Old Media who played the "gay card" to try to d estroy me. Tom Daschle complain s about my coverage of last year's race, but says it didn't have any eff ect. STORY She was interviewed durin g an appearance at Siena College's First Woman President Symposium held coincidentally following the release of its own poll that said a majorit y of Americans are ready for a female commander-in-chief and that Hillar y Clinton should run in 2008. Marcy Kaptur signs onto the "Divorced From Reality" team in an article from the Toledo Blade in which she claims I misrepre sented her remarks TWO YEARS AGO and then proceeds to take a big gulp of the conspiracy Kool-Aid. STORY 8:34am March 3, 2005 Democrats unveiled "the house that Daschle built" Tuesday night. The new headquarters for the National Democratic Senatorial Committee will bear the name of the former Minority Leader who was FIRED by constituents la st November. PLAYING HARDBALL WITH MAUREEN DOWD, in which he makes some good points about this gal wh o probably needs a bit of the old Jeff Gannon to relieve some of that pe nt up whatever. He also describes the media bubble that protected John Kerry from pesky questions like those about releasing his entire militar y record until after the election. Hillary Clinton from having to reconcile her statements about the ec onomy and Social Security that I so elegantly framed in "The Question." In the Press Room of the White House that is Post Press puts Rosen onto the "Divorced From Reality" Ex press. It was billed as a celebration, but turned out to be more like a wake. Chuck Schumer seemed to suggest that Daschle consider running f or Senate in Maryland if Paul Sarbanes decides to retire. The Foxhall Road homeowner once proc laimed, "I'm a DC resident!" "Gannon: It's a Making Lemonade Thing" 10:29am The Old Media still doesn't get it. Dick Polman, a political analyst for the Philadelphia Inquirer promotes the idea that Gannongate is part of a larger conspiracy by the Bush administration to manipulate the news. "White House stirs debate on media tactics," Polman demonstrates that those of his ilk who have dominated the media for decades cannot gr asp that there could be possibly be an independent, conservative journal ist. Is that because those on his side are unabashed operatives themsel ves? Gannonblog Archives Today's Briefing Question While I am on hiatus from the White House briefing room, I'm going to pos t the question I would have asked had I been there. March 9, 2005 House Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi recently said, "President Bush and the Republicans have created a record deficit and are raiding t he Social Security trust fund to make up for it." March 8, 2005 "Has the White House had any conversations with or given any directions t o United Nations Ambassador-designate John Bolton to demand a full accou nting of the Oil-for-food program and an investigation into the sexual m isconduct of UN peacekeepers in the Congo and elsewhere?" Are you hoping to convince the Senate Minority Leader once agai n change his position and support the concept of personal savings accoun ts for Social Security?" REID SKATES AGAIN March 4, 2005 "On CNN Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid called Fed Chairman A lan Greenspan 'one of the biggest political hacks we have in Washington. IT IS AS IF IT NEVER HAPPENED, but we did get this "unbiased" question: "Scott, those surveys that you mentioned a couple of times also show the more the President talks, the less Americans seem to trust him on the i ssue of Social Security, and the less they like the notion of private or personal accounts. " March 3, 2005 "Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan told members of Congress on Wednesday that t he US economy is growi... |
| federalist.com see endorsements) publication of anecdotal rebu ttal to contemporary political, social and mainstream media Leftists. Th e Patriot is edited by Mark Alexander, and his national editorial panel specifically for readers who want a brief, informative and entertaining survey and analysis of the week's most significant news, policy and opin ion. This comprehensive synopsis of reliable information from reputable media, research and advocacy organizations is published in three parts e ach week: Monday's Patriot Brief, Wednesday's Patriot Chronicle and Frid ay's Patriot Digest. The Federalist Patriot's readers include high-profile policy makers and t heir key staff in the executive and legislative branches, principle lead ership in state and local governments, key thinkers in the community of conservative research and academic policy organizations, and, most impor tant, grassroots activists across the nation. The Patriot is also a prim ary news source for thousands of military and mission field personnel ar ound the world. Today's Founder Quote: "It is much to be wished that slavery may be abolished. The honour of the States, as well as justice and humanity, in my opinion, loudly call upo n them to emancipate these unhappy people. To contend for our own libert y, and to deny that blessing to others, involves an inconsistency not to be excused." If ye love wealth better th an liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animating contest of f reedom, go from us in peace. May your chains sit lightly upon y ou, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen!" The Patriot is protected speech pur suant to the "inalienable rights" of all men, and the First (and Second) Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. |
| newsmax.com Same-Sex Couples Wed in Massachusetts America's first legal marriages of same-sex couples take place in the land of John Kerry and Teddy Kennedy. At least three cities vow to break state law and wed non-residents. WMD Confirmed: Sarin Bomb Explodes British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw says the murder shows that "these terrorists are enemies of the Iraqi people themselves." NewsMax examines how policies promulgated by Ted Kennedy in the 1970s created the immigration invasion and altered the political balance in the US Tony Blairs Dubious Hold on Power The British House of Commons is buzzing with one issue: Will Tony Blair stand down before the next election? So fevered has the speculation become that the prime minister has issued an unprecedented denial that he is becoming an electoral "liability" because of his support for US policy in Iraq. Kerrys Daughter Displays at Cannes Join James Hirsen as he surfs the political waves of Hollywood. Receive the Left Coast Report, the must-read column that looks below the surface of the industry, by subscribing to NewsMaxs free e-mail alerts. Find out about Jerry Springers peculiar political appointment, Gene Simmons terror tongue lash and Sylvester Stallones Rocky court case. Adv: America's Secret Stock Market America's richest investors (like Paul Tudor Jones and George Soros) are moving from traditional stocks to America's Secret Stock Market--located more than 500 miles from Wall Street. States Fail to Spend Security Money Millions of dollars in federal homeland security money has not yet been spent in New Jersey because of an outdated system of distributing the funds. Lawmakers Want to Control Job-Killing Envirocrats A bill would allow the Interior Department more discretion in designating habitats for endangered species. Adv: Make Yourself at Home in the Heart of History Ford's Colony at Williamsburg features custom-designed homes on 3,000 wooded acres, 54 holes of championship golf, tennis, swimming and an award-winning country club restaurant; While many Americans are popping risky and expensive statin drugs for cholesterol control, the FDA is blocking the sale of red yeast rice - a safe, natural source of powerful lovastatin... US Courts Abet Illegal Aliens Bilking Taxpayers A frivolous lawsuit seeking $41 million from US taxpayers for the relatives of 11 Mexican lawbreakers won't go away. Adv: The Billionaires' Secret I've worked for the CIA, written more than two dozen books, but I've never seen a bigger opportunity than this one. It's all revealed in my new free report, "The Billionaires' Secret." George Soros' Plot Against Bush Did you know that one of the world's richest men says he might spend his entire fortune to defeat President Bush in November? Now you can honor Ronald Reagan with this exclusive deck of cards and share his legacy through these informational playing cards with friends and family. Bush Didn't Kill Berg Michael Smerconish This isn't going to be easy. But some things need to be said to Michael Berg even as he grieves the loss of his son. Bush's Conservative Support Washington Times The liberal media have been hard at work trying to persuade Americans that President Bush is in trouble with his conservative base of voters. Questions About Abu Ghraib Center for Military Readiness This is not the first time that members of Congress have been warned about personal indiscipline and inferior training in the military. People Orrin Hatch and Jim Talent Judges have become the most dangerous branch by following former Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes' view that the law is "whatever the judges say it is." Mexican Elites Advocate 'Invasion' of US A conference organized by Mexicos Senate and something ominously called the Mexican and American Solidarity Foundation was held recently in Mexico City. |
| taemag.com Chris Weinkopf, John O'Sullivan, Joel Kotkin, Howie Carr, Don Feder, Jim Bohannon, Karl Zinsmeister, Ralph Reed, and Michael Barone survey the Am erican political scene and the 2004 election. Karl Zinsmeister The old way of thinking about US politics--little guy Democrats vs. wea lthy Republicans--is about as accurate and relevant today as a 1930 weat her forecast. Those images of America's two major political wings have been froz en for generations. John Kerry's America By Chris Weinkopf New England elitism colors not only John Kerry's personality but also his politics. Stretching around the northeastern boundary of Boston Harbor sits a small , picturesque town with seven miles of beach, shady fruit trees, and qua int cottages. The (Vietnam) War for the White House By Jim Bohannon, Jan Golab, and Mark Hemingway Let's remember we're picking a President, not a gladiator, urges Jim Boha nnon. Jan Golab atones for his anti-war blindness and suggests Kerry do the same. Special Price for Autographed Copies Dawn Over Baghdad is a fascinating look at the guerilla war and reconstru ction in Iraq. Boots on the Ground is the most popular eyewitness tale of the 2003 hot w ar in Iraq. |
| tysknews.com com republican - democrat controversy News you haven't heard elsewhere Thought You Should Know Your watchdog on government Politics, current events, editorial commentary, the facts and history that shape events, and more! The TYSK mission is to bring readers information and opinions about curre nt affairs that have been overlooked or ignored by the mainstream "news" purveyors. "If decade after decade the truth cannot be told, each person's mind begins to roam irretrievably." |
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