Tea Party Taxes

Cut the Fat at the Top, Layabouts!
Here's a suggestion for cutting the budget....how about decreasing those congressmen's salaries? God knows they do little or nothing do deserve the obscene amount they are paid......and they don't even work full-time! They are eligible for the best of healthcare, a housing allowance plus the perks from lobbyists and other interests.....if we all should have to "tighten our belts", why the hell shouldn't those layabouts!!!!!!

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We Need a REAL Tax Revolution!

What with the impending shut-down of the Government due to the Tea Party's stance on budget cuts......and its disregard for the citizens of our country (their salaries will continue to get paid) ....again I say cut those incompetent SOB's wages and benefits.. And as for that top 1% that pay little or no taxes....change the tax laws to a more equitable level....including those corporations that ship production overseas. What we need in this country is a REAL tax revolution!! Not an ideology that wants to include Planned Parenthood, NPR, and abortion related items that have no impact on fiscal responsibility. I wonder if those voters who elected these no-nothings now realize what a mistake that was!

Tea Party's "Moral Compass": Chaos, Not Progress

Granted, I am not an expert on many things,but neither are those fiscally ignorant members of Congress who dreamt up this recent solution to the deficit problem. It seems to me that in order to achieve economic stability we must create a more healthy job market and increase the tax base....neither of which the Tea Party is willing to consider.I t seems the "moral compass" of said Tea Party is set at chaos not progress..Their mantra of "not putting a tax burden on our grandchildren" is just a tad ingenuous.....if those grandchildren won't be able to breathe9 due to the slashing of funding to the EPA) or have safe drinking water(same as above),if they will be working in unsafe conditions and for minimum wage( due to the elimination of labor laws and unions) and if those sainted grand kids continue to fall behind the rest of the world academically and cannot compete for any type of job or leadership role (thanks to cutting funds for education) and of course, the country will be overrun with many,many more people all competing for the necessities of life(health care, food shelter etc.( thanks to the elimination of such organizations like Planned Parenthood)........would you want YOUR grandchildren to have to exist in such a world? I don't think so.

Why Hysteria Ove Wikileak Disclosures?

Why the hysteria about the Wikileak disclosures? They contain nothing about our troop movements and only disclose matters that almost everybody already knows or guesses. If anything they have brought home the fact that our involvement in Afghanistan is a losing proposition, in lives and taxpayers' hard earned money.....the sooner we get out of that quagmire the better. Some pundit stated that if we are to succeed in that region we should send in competent civilians to help that infrastructure instead of blowing them to hell.......bread makes more friends than bombs. And why are we giving such vast amounts of money to Pakistan when they support the Taliban in its war against us?

Obama: All the Right Things But Incomplete

 After listening to our President's "Oval Office" speech last night I was left with a feeling of disappointment.....altho he said all of the "right things" it was not complete.....he didn't mention the heavy handed approach that BP has used in the clean-up efforts that should have lead to the Coast Guard taking command. .He was quite right to call our attention to the hazards of our dependence on oil and the urgency to find more environmentally safer energy sources,but in the current climate of this country, I fear that's not going to happen in the near future..There are people out there today who are fighting the moratorium on deep sea drilling, saying that it is taking food from their tables.....this disaster is going to effect the Gulf for 10 to 20 years....another such event would, perhaps, effect them forever!

Odious Comparisons

 Isn't it odd that most of the people who criticize President Obama and compare him to Hitler weren't even born when Hitler came to power? Maybe if those people were more knowledgeable about History they wouldn't make such odious comparisons!

~ Comments by Skazski

Bet on Health Care

 As unpleasant as taxes are they are a necessary part of life......no money in, no money out....this is how our government gets funds for projects that provide services and jobs..Sometimes it takes money to make money......you will never win the lottery if you never buy a ticket..We are a Nation of gamblers....whether it is space exploration, planting crops, having a family, buying a new car, playing the Stock Market,...it is all a risk that we take every day......so why not bet on health care? The odds of a universal health care system are in our favor over the long run....if we get rid of the Health Care monopolies, their lobbyists and Senators who are on the take.....level the playing field,so to speak.


~ Comments by Skazski

Dial It Back A Bit Rush

OMG!....just how far will that racist hate-monger, Rush Limbaugh, have to go before his GOP fan club says "tsk,tsk,maybe you should dial it back a bit"...but,of course, nary a word of reproach to their front man......but then, he isn't a Senator or the Speaker of the Senate. The very idea that our President is sending help to those in Haiti because he wants to influence black voters is so outrageous that it is an affront to every sane person in this country. Democrat, Republican, and Independent,alike.

Time to Change The Way We War

Modern warfare has changed...why haven't we? Somehow the idea of using large armies to invade other countries in order to vanquish small, mobile terrorist groups seems like a waste of lives and funds. Wouldn't those resourses be better used by overhauling, and improving,"intelligence"? Establishing a world-wide network of "police forces" in one unified system, and maintaining smaller more mobile task forces whose sole agenda would be the eradication of terrorist cells all over the world rather than occuping sovereign nations seems more plausible....fight the terrorists with their own tactics.

~ Comments by Skazski

Hawaii Is Not A "Foreign Place"

So President Obama was on vacation in a "foreign place" and did not respond immediately to the news of the would-be terrorist attack on Christmas Day.....so claim the GOP....never mind the fact that Hawaii is not only a part of the USA (but is actually a state) and the
birthplace of our Pres.....and like many other Americans, he went home for the holidays.....but he did address the issue in a matter of hours...not after 5 days, a la Bush! By the way, does anyone remember how many days, during his term of office, that Bush was away from Washington on vacation?



~ Comments by Skazski

GOP: Hypocritical Blusterings

As much as I am a firm believer in freedom of speech there comes a time when, for the good of the Country, a muzzle should be applied....case in point, the former Vice-President, Dick Cheney. Not only does he conveniently forget the massive failure of "intelligence" pertaining to the dreadful 9/11 attack (which occurred on his watch) but the false "intelligence" that led us into 2 wars....wars that have not made us safer but have increased anti-American feelings/actions in the Middle East and other Muslim countries. The Republicans have been quick to leap on the "It's Obama's Fault" band wagon....even though 1 Republican Senator has held up the appointment of a new head of the TSA for reasons that have nothing to do with national security. A New Years Wish...that the American public will see through these hypocritical blusterings and will realize just how far the GOP will go to undermine the Obama Administration. How very patriotic!

~ Comments by Skazski

Ice Skating in Hell: Health "Reform"

WTF!!....this is health care reform? No public option? Tax-payers support for the State of Nebraska? Mandatory requirement to buy insurance? No strict regulation of the health insurance companies? This present bill is a gift wrapped prize to those health care monopolies....and the politicos who are beholden to the lobbyists. Our politicians are saying that necessary changes can be made "over time".....not that I'm cynical, but when that happens we will all be ice skating in hell!






~ Comments by Skazski

War: Share the Experience
The die is cast....we are sending some additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan......at this rate, with many of our men and women already serving their 5th 6th and even 7th tour of duty,where are these troops coming from? How many will be here at home for defense? It seems only logical,and fair, to reimplement the draft....we cannot continue fighting endless wars without fresh bodies! The suicide rate is up among our troops,families are being devastated, not to mention the physical and mental maiming of survivors...so why not share this experience with everybody?

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Man Charged for Having Compassion
How twisted our compassion for human life has become! A fellow has been charged for leaving jugs of water, in the desert, to prevent more people (illegal immigrants)from dying of thirst...and because he refused doing "community service" (removing those jugs) he faces jail time......yet the Coast Guard rescues foundering people (also illegal immigrants) from the sea to prevent them from drowning .....an argument is made about "THEM" taking jobs from Americans.....that is another story.....this is about saving lives and basic concern for the well-being of our fellow human beings......or it should be!

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Ashland, OR Scrooge
Bah!Humbug!....One family in Ashland, Oregon, has caused a school there to remove its Christmas Tree because it is "a religious symbol"! If the school had displayed a Cross,a Star of David or a Crescent and Star they would have a valid point...but the celebration around a decorated tree was, originally, a Pagan event. Over time the tree became a symbol of joy and good will among Christians and non-Christians alike. This tree was also a "giving"tree, meant for the more unfortunate children of the community.....makes me wonder what the hell is dancing in their heads....it sure ain't sugar plums!

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Defense of Torture Memos
Who is really running our country? Compare Pres. Obama's pre-election stated goals, i.e., closing Gitmo, rescinding "don't ask don't tell" and bringing our troops home to his recent decision on Afghanistan...and now, his Justice Department is defending the author of the Torture Memos! It seems that the military-terror cabal is the force that is really in charge of our country/destiny! Some conspiracy theorists might believe that in exchange for keeping the President "safe" he will accede to their demands......such as prolonging wars and maintaining the status quo re. keeping homosexuals out of the military.

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Our Multi-Tasking Congress
Our Congress at work!...one Congressman wanted to honor Tiger Woods with a medal (then had to back off when the present scandal broke) and another Congressman wanted to re-figure College Bowl games...such matters of importance! It is no wonder that public opinion of Congress is so low.....yet another Congressman said,in defense, "we can multi-task".....well, remember the old adage "jack of all trades but master of none"? Maybe the floor of Congress should be renamed to "stage for publicity hounds" or Trivia Pursuit.

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Senator Joe Lieberman: Feh!
Why do the Democrats still kow-tow to Sen.J.Lieberman?? He has proved, time and time again,that he is really a Republican who is indebted to the Insurance industry and that his "word" cannot be trusted. We ,the people( voters),need greater regulation of the insurance industry as well as health care that is affordable for all citizens. Joe Lieberman should be ashamed of himself....but unfortunately , he doesn't seem to have a conscience.

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Fund the War, Kill the Health Bill
The hypocrisy of our elected numbskulls in Congres is never ending......the Pro-Lifers' refusal to endorse any Health Care Bill that includes tax payer funds for abortions.....yet those same "Pro-Lifers" will, without question,vote to increase military spending(also tax funded) and troop redeployment. Where the hell is the logic in that?

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Obama, Where Are You?
To President Obama.....Why you will be a one term President. Altho you have a wide international fan base,and have improved this Country's image abroad....you have done very little to alleviate the problems ,here at home of those who actually elected you. The campaign speeches that you made inspired us all and gave us hope....yet they have come to naught. Your desire for a bi-partisan government was admirable but sadly misguided.......there will always be a segment of our populace who dislike you,your ideals and everything that you stand for,no matter what you do....but by acceding to them you appear to be weak and indecisive.Instead of being remembered as a "Champion of the People",your legacy will be that of a "Great Orator"......what a pity!.




~ Comments by Skazski

Obama Swayed by Military Cabal?

God, help us for we know not what we do......Pres.Obama says that we are "going to finish the job on Afghanistan" and he also says that we are going to "prevent Al Queda from ever attacking us again"....has he forgotten that Al Queda is not just in Afghanistan they are also in the Philippines, Africa, Indonesia and the Middle East? Has he been swayed by the Military Cabal? Is he unaware of the history of other "invaders" in that country? There is a mention of imposing a surtax to help pay for this war...brilliant!....maybe with a tax on this war some will think twice about expanding this futile operation.

To that blathering bufoon, Rush. . .

To that blathering bufoon, Rush, and his ilk....how in the world do you equate losing the Olympics to Rio as a loss to our Prez.? To hear you cheer and gloat it seems to me that you are more than just a little anti-american ....former heads of state have also campaigned for their countries to be awarded that lucrative prize...but then, facts and the truth have never been your strong suit..

~ Comments by Skazski

The Greed of Health Insurers, the Thin Skin of the Gop

re....Congressman Alan Grayson's comments on the GOP and Health Care....Bully for him Isn't amazing how thin-skinned the GOP becomes when the Dems answer back to their own dirty tactics......true, the word "holocaust" was ill-used due to recent usage...but originally it meant "great or total destruction". This new Bill that is proposed will further enrich the Health Insurance companies and leave our citizens out in the cold, without a Public Option....I can only hope that we, as voters, remember the names of those who have so royally screwed us when election time rolls around!





~ Comments by Skazski

Jellyfish Politicians and Health Care

"Politics is a nasty business".....we elect people to Congress to represent our views/wishes...to work for the needs of those who elected them....yet all too often all of that flies out the window once they get to Washington. Obama was elected to office mainly because the nation saw a great need for health care reform and the voters thought that he was the one who could bring this about..For over forty years the health care industries,lobbyists,and the GOP have blocked any changes....so what do our elected ones do now?...they waver,become jellyfish.....what the hell is so toxic in Washington D.C.??? is it in the water? the air?? the Kool-ade??





~ Comments by Skazski

Racist Citizens: Get Over It!

Never,in all my born days(which are many) have I heard/seen such nonsense about the President of our country giving an address to our school children, or having his speech pre-examined by anyone...this is not some wild-eyed soap box orator....this is our elected leader of this country! Reagan did it as did Bush...so the ONLY inference that can be drawn is .... he is suspect due to being African American! Shame on us!!!He won the election,by a whopping majority so to all those sore losers out there...get over it and get with the program!

~ Comments by Skazski

Among the Myths Re: Public Option

Among the many myths that are circulating about the "Public Option" in the Health Reform Bill.....that a politician, not a doctor, would be making the medical decisions....who the hell do you think is making those decisions now in those giant, private health insurance companies....can you say "accountant"?! The bottom line takes precedent over all medical diagnosis/treatment. These are not altruistic,humanitarian outfits....they are in the business of making money.




~ Comments by Skazski

Hawks Circle Obama and Iran
Well! the hawks are at it again!.....they are calling out Pres.Obama for "not taking a stand"(???)on the Iranian election and ensuing protests.....that is an Iranian,internal affair and the Prez is quite right not to get involved....the U.S. has a long history of meddling in other countries'policies and has created many problems,not to mention enemies,for us. Already the ruling regime,in Iran,is accusing us of fomenting their troubles.It is obvious how Obama feels,which is good,but for him to take formal action in any way would be a serious mistake!

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Obama and Health Care
re Bill Maher's comments about our Prez.....in one respect Bill is quite right....if George Bush could stand up and get us into a war (which takes lives)....President Obama should get tough and get a Health Bill (which saves lives) through! As for being on TV too much.....he is an unusual,charismatic leader who attracts attention whether it is wanted or not...and he promised,in his campaign,that he would keep the country informed on what he does....that's a good thing. However he hasn't acted fast enough on some issues that are important to many of us....but I realize that he got a terrible mess handed to him as a "welcome to the White House" present and it will take time to get it all sorted out...so,Bill,just have patience and hope for the best.

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Iran Protesters: Refuse
Since the Grand Ayatollah has prohibited the opposition to the "election" from further marches and demonstrations....what would happen if all of those disenfranchised voters,throughout Iran,stayed off the streets,remained in their homes,did not shop,did not attend school or transact any business all on the same day?They could call it having a "day of private prayer".What kind of reaction would that have on Iran's economy, on the Mullahs???

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Geezers in Congress
Don't any of those old geezers in Congress think before they shoot off their mouths?We are involved in 2 wars at the present., and face a real threat from North Korea,..do they think we need another one with Iran? Who do they think would be doing the fighting?....certainly not THEM.!!solution to follow........

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On George Bernard Shaw and the "Romance" of War
solution;over 50 years ago I heard a record by George Bernard Shaw on which he spoke about the "romance" of war....(the glorification of battle,the mystique of banners and uniforms and the hyperbole of jingoist slogans)...he said,in effect,the sight of young people(our future generation) marching off to slaughter brought tears to his eyes....instead,he suggested conscripting all those old,doddering war mongers.Send them off to battle,to feel the "glory "of being shot at,of being blown to smithereens send them to the front lines not to some office job or high above in planes....maybe then we would see the folly of war....the futility of "bomb first ask questions later."..

~ Comments by Skazski

Hawks Circling Obama on Iran
Well! the hawks are at it again!.....they are calling out Pres. Obama for "not taking a stand"(???)on the Iranian election and ensuing protests.....that is an Iranian,internal affair and the Prez is quite right not to get involved....the U.S. has a long history of meddling in other countries policies and has created many problems,not to mention enemies,for us. Already the ruling regime in Iran is accusing us of fomenting their troubles. It is obvious how Obama feels,which is good,but for him to take formal action in any way would be a serious mistake!

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To Maher: Have Patience With Obama
re Bill Maher's comments about our Prez.....in one respect Bill is quite right....if George Bush could stand up and get us into a war (which takes lives) ....President Obama should get tough and get a Health Bill (which saves lives) through! As for being on TV too much.....he is an unusual,charismatic leader who attracts attention whether it is wanted or not...and he promised,in his campaign,that he would keep the country informed on what he does....that's a good thing. However he hasn't acted fast enough on some issues that are important to many of us....but I realize that he got a terrible mess handed to him as a "welcome to the White House" present and it will take time to get it all sorted out...so,Bill,just have patience and hope for the best.


~ Comments by Skazski

Pelosi
The recent attacks on Speaker Pelosi and calls for her to be removed from office...by none other than morally bankrupt former Speaker Newt Gingrich...are blatant attempts to shift the spotlight from the misdeeds of the former administration ie. Dick Cheney and gang.For us elderly folk,who have long memories, her arguments about being "mislead" by the CIA comes as no surprise nor do they seem unreasonable.....just look to history..

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The Value of Newspapers
Even in these days of faxes,internet,etc.,there are many of us who do not have access ,or do not use computers.....ergo,most of our local news,accounts of community events,regional sports,and other items of interest are supplied by our newspapers.. TV gives us only brief selected items....and certainly no in-depth reporting on issues of importance nor can TV coverage begin to cover all of the communities in a region....what may be of interest to viewers in,say,Mountain Home,Ark., is of little meaning to viewers in Medford,Ore......enter the newspaper...it is so sad that so many of them are folding today...to me the written word has more impact than a 3 second sound byte.

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Protests at Notre Dame Hypocritical
this is an issue that continues to cause my blood pressure to rise.....the protesters at Notre Dame re: President Obama's speaking to the graduating class...."we do not believe in Killing,we believe in Life"...a noble statement, but just a tad hypocritical.....there was nary a peep when a former President was a speaker there....altho,when he was Governor of Texas,he condoned the execution of more prisoners than any previous Governor,or that he instigated a war that has killed and maimed thousands of souls.By the way,where were the cries of outrage when Humanitarian Aid was denied to thousands of starving Africans( children included) because information on birth control/family planning was included in that package.Once again,the "rights" of the unborn supersede those who have actually seen the light of day

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Terrorists: We Have Our Own
NIMBY....those governors who say they won't have "those terrorists" in maximum security prisons within their states sound as though those same terrorists would be strolling in their parks or having "slurpees" at the local 7-11. What about our homegrown terrorists who are currently incarcerated in our prisons? How often have any of them been seen out and about in our communities?Guantanamo has been a blight on our national honor since it opened.....to those Democrats who voted against funding for closing Gitmo...you are reverting to the Demos of old....never mind doing what is right,do only what is politically advantageous.

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Armed Citizens
With so very many of our citizens armed to the teeth with every kind of armament(with the exception of heavy artillery),why be concerned about the transfer of Gitmo prisoners to the States?In a country where people shoot each other every day,for no reason at all,if I were a terrorist I would be shaking in my boots at the thought of being transferred here.

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Obama
What the hell!!!..."indefinite,prolonged detention" those words out of the mouth of President Obama!....what happened to vowing to uphold the Constitution,Mr. President???You are sounding more and more like George Bush!Detaining those might pose a threat but cannot be prosecuted due to lack of evidence? Are we going to be employing mind readers to suss out the bad guys? Seems like someone has been watching too much TV.

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~ Comments by Skazski