GOP Presidential Candidates

[tbst]

Less that 1 in 20 Americans are millionaires. Two in 10 think they will be millionaires by 2020. That is the platform Republicans run on.

 

[tbst]

Here's what I think of our Democratic candidate....

:nono: Golly Mr. Bamster, I'd think a more wise use of time pondering about how you're going to dig out the sh!t hole you dug for us. Oh right, just a day late, and a few trillion $$$ to short.

Right.

 

[ur7x]

Right.

That's the one thing that the tea baggers don't get... Eliminate the war, the Bush tax cuts and the Obama tax cuts (most of his stimulus package were tax cuts) and you go back to a Gingrich/Clinton Budget that was actually more than balanced.

You can not cut taxes to prosperity... That only results in a European style collapse.

Its funny, we all long for a time, no that long ago (1998-2000), when there were lots of jobs, wall street AND main street were both doing very well, everyone paid their fair share, the budget was balanced, and the biggest worry in the county was if the president was "getting some" ... And yet everything that everyone is recommending moves us further and further away from that point.

 

[awdjunkies]

All I want is my gasoline to be .95/Gal .. Like it used to be. :shrug::snacker::sadwave:

 

[RonMAIDEN]

"Oh great, another "it's all Bush's fault" EXCUSE" - No it's not all his fault but he did do his share and nearly doubled our debt.

I just felt with Rumsfeld and Cheney puppeteering behind Bush it was a dark and depressing 8 years but at least within the last several years we took care of Bin Laden and some of his cronies and we are getting out of Iraq so IMO it's been an upside since Bush left even if it's just a small upside.

I guess part of my optimism comes from living where I do since here in Colorado we haven't seen alot of the troubles with jobs and the housing collapse like alot of the rest of the country has.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I think the haters never look up and see what positives there have been in this country.

Obama did several things to bring jobs back into this country. Some of them you may have heard about which was cut tax breaks to businesses. However the part a lot of news doesn't cover is that he took away the tax breaks t...o businesses that outsourced their business overseas. Companies that hire Americans are the ones who get the tax breaks.
He also put a tariff on non American made tires. If you noticed tire prices went up this past year. This is because the Chinese were making tires much cheaper than we could here (all in support of child labor raise your hand). The end result was tire plants in the US closed and jobs lost. Now we are seeing the American made tires coming back, which creates jobs.

Ever stop to remember that the price per gallon of gas under Bush's last year was $4.50 a gallon? Now we are under $3.00 a gallon... Have you thought to yourself "why?". Do you know why? Even though right now the price per barrel of oil is about 20% higher and the cost of fuel is 44% less? It's because the dollar is worth more now, and under Obama the banks are no longer allowed to buy and sell fuel for a profit like they were doing under Bush.
Food for thought, turn off Fox and look up, there is a whole giant world out there that is much more complex than black and white.

 

[ndcent]

I'm still kind of salty Obummer never paid my mortgage or filled up my gas tank.

Free Obama Money - YouTube

 

[tbst]

That's the one thing that the tea baggers don't get... Eliminate the war, the Bush tax cuts and the Obama tax cuts (most of his stimulus package were tax cuts) and you go back to a Gingrich/Clinton Budget that was actually more than balanced.

You can not cut taxes to prosperity... That only results in a European style collapse.

Its funny, we all long for a time, no that long ago (1998-2000), when there were lots of jobs, wall street AND main street were both doing very well, everyone paid their fair share, the budget was balanced, and the biggest worry in the county was if the president was "getting some" ... And yet everything that everyone is recommending moves us further and further away from that point.

I agree mostly. As far as social issues, I am extremely left leaning. Anyone who doesn't support gay marriage and people being able to do what they want to do in their personal lives that doesn't affect others, obviously aren't too fond of the Bill of Rights and the constitution as a whole. I want to have 29 guns!, but gays can't marry. Give me a break.

As far as fiscal issues go, everyone needs to be responsible. The bottom line is that people who make millions have benefited MORE from society than the average American. They are who benefits when we go to war. They are who benefits the most when we give government subsidies. These people should tax for their benefit, and in-turn keep benefiting.

The biggest problem is that I am paying 28% tax rate (federal only) and Mitt is paying 13.9% and sees nothing wrong with it. Obama pays a 32% tax rate (2009). Neither Obama or I have a problem with it going higher as long as further burden is not placed on those who cannot afford it. Mitt, on the other hand...

The most amazing phenomena of our time is how the Republicans have been able to brainwash people into believing that one day they will be rich, which is why you should NEVER vote for a tax increase. In reality, for the vast majority of Americans, a tax increase on the top 0.02% of Americans could lead to a tax decrease for everyone else. And this tax increase would be from paying 15% gains tax to 18% gains tax.

And for those that don't have aspirations to be rich have been brainwashed into believing that Obama wants their guns and Bibles.

No need to even delve into the racial overtones that dominates the Republican party. Looking below is only a slight glimmer.

I'm still kind of salty Obummer never paid my mortgage or filled up my gas tank.

Free Obama Money - YouTube

If you buy into this, check yourself into rehab. The racism and crack has gotten to you.

But seriously, this kind of crap will NEVER help us solve problems.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

1. As I've stated before, Obama did very little to "get Osama". I believe that Bush had more to do with it than he did. But the credit really goes to our troops who actually risked their lives to get him.

2. You're lying to yourself if you think Obama wouldn't pay 13.9% if he could. Heck, anyone who would willingly pay more taxes than they have to is silly.

3. I don't get the vibe that Republicans are pushing a "you'll be rich" theme.

4. The level of partisan government we have now is really hurting the country in my opinion. Congressmen and Senators are so worried about their political affiliations that they will revoke legislation that would obviously help the country. Why do they do this? Because the guys on the "other side of the aisle" are the ones who introduced it.

 

[tbst]

1. As I've stated before, Obama did very little to "get Osama". I believe that Bush had more to do with it than he did. But the credit really goes to our troops who actually risked their lives to get him.

But, Obama ordered them to. It's their job. He made the call.

2. You're lying to yourself if you think Obama wouldn't pay 13.9% if he could. Heck, anyone who would willingly pay more taxes than they have to is silly.

Agreed. However, he knows paying so little in taxes is wrong. Mitt wants to pay less.

We get a lot for our tax dollars. And we get a lot of waste.

3. I don't get the vibe that Republicans are pushing a "you'll be rich" theme.

That, guns, religion and racism seem to be their focal points.

And classifiying people. The "job creators"... That makes us the serfs?

4. The level of partisan government we have now is really hurting the country in my opinion. Congressmen and Senators are so worried about their political affiliations that they will revoke legislation that would obviously help the country. Why do they do this? Because the guys on the "other side of the aisle" are the ones who introduced it.

I couldn't agree more.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

But, Obama ordered them to. It's their job. He made the call.

That, guns, religion and racism seem to be their focal points.

And classifiying people. The "job creators"... That makes us the serfs?

Who put them in the position to make the attack? I would argue Bush did. Sending troops over there in 2001 was the biggest leap towards getting Osama. I guess Obama could have said "no", but obviously he wouldn't. He got some good publicity out of that.


I haven't heard of a single candiate talk about race during the speeches. Well actually when Romney was in SC he paid for a black woman's utility bill. She turned right around and accused him of being racist? WTF? How does that make any sense?

What's wrong with defending the second amendment? I will agree that Republicans are more pro guns than democrats.

Call it whatever you want, "serf, employee, etc...", unless you own your own business you are working for someone. None of the employees have the resources or necessity to create jobs, the owners of the business do. They are the job creators.



brian- Why should Newt have not said that? Isn't it the truth? Why should people who are successful support those who do not try to work? I'm not saying that all public assistance is unnecessary, but I think we've gone a little overboard.

I don't have much sympathy for someone who drops out of school and then has to work in a low level position for a majority of their life. They were provided schooling and choose not to take advantage of it.

 

[02SE]

Unfortunately that dream is disappeering and what i hear from these mainstream republicans is that we should tax the poor and give breaks to the rich. It is crazy that some people believe this rhetoric.

Just out of curiosity, what would we be a "fair" tax rate, in your opinion, for everyone to pay?

 

[tbst]

Who put them in the position to make the attack? I would argue Bush did. Sending troops over there in 2001 was the biggest leap towards getting Osama. I guess Obama could have said "no", but obviously he wouldn't. He got some good publicity out of that.

Right, could have but didn't. Bottom line, Obama killed Osama. Bush didn't.

I haven't heard of a single candiate talk about race during the speeches. Well actually when Romney was in SC he paid for a black woman's utility bill. She turned right around and accused him of being racist? WTF? How does that make any sense?

Search "food stamp president" (Newt), "black people" (Santorum), "black girls running in packs" (Paul).

Good Colbert clip here: Rick Santorum on Gays & Bla People - The Colbert Report - 2012-09-01 - Video Clip | Comedy Central

What's wrong with defending the second amendment? I will agree that Republicans are more pro guns than democrats.

I am pro guns. I am also pro being able to solve gun crimes.

Over 95% of guns used in NYC crime didn't come from NY.

Having no regulation on being able to trace guns is a farce. If the NRA wants to keep the records, let them, but something needs to be done.

And if you are really worried about the government coming to take your guns, go buy some more ammo.

Call it whatever you want, "serf, employee, etc...", unless you own your own business you are working for someone. None of the employees have the resources or necessity to create jobs, the owners of the business do. They are the job creators.

Believing that cutting taxes creates job is a statistical joke. Period.

In fact there is a negative correlation between corporate tax rate and unemployment. Imagine that.

brian- Why should Newt have not said that? Isn't it the truth? Why should people who are successful support those who do not try to work? I'm not saying that all public assistance is unnecessary, but I think we've gone a little overboard.

I don't have much sympathy for someone who drops out of school and then has to work in a low level position for a majority of their life. They were provided schooling and choose not to take advantage of it.

First, it is insulting.

Second, its called generational dysfunction. People are not geared to be inherently lazy.

 

[tbst]

Just out of curiosity, what would we be a "fair" tax rate, in your opinion, for everyone to pay?

Not directed at me. But 25% for EVERYONE, EVERY dollar of income would be a good start. And then go from there.

BTW, you can't be on food stamps and not work w/o having dependents.

Second, everything brian said is correct (mostly). Especially the college part.

And ESPECIALLY the children part.

And ESPECIALLY the working poor part. A good informative article. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/01/19/1056311/-Working-and-Poor-in-the-USA

However, I must correct brian on one thing. Wages have not only stagnated, they have decreased.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/01/13/1054454/-Mens-earnings-havent-stagnated-in-the-past-40-years,-theyve-fallen-Education-alone-is-no-fix

 

[02SE]

Not directed at me. But 25% for EVERYONE, EVERY dollar of income would be a good start. And then go from there.

Thanks for the reply.

I'm curious what others think is a "fair" tax rate for EVERYONE to pay too.

 

[ur7x]

2. You're lying to yourself if you think Obama wouldn't pay 13.9% if he could. Heck, anyone who would willingly pay more taxes than they have to is silly.

Of course he would, we all would, the issue is what if we all did?... We have already seen three very accurate posts that nicely demonstrated that most of the current debt mess is BECAUSE OF THE tax cuts.

If ALL of the uber rich paid 15% (and lots already do) then the debt would explode even more.. The issue with the debt is NOT spending... it IS revenue.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Clemsonfan15,

Don't let this thread discourage you from coming out to California. It is a great place to live with a lot of different types of people.







Unfortunately this line of thinking is incorrect on several fronts.

1. Many people do not get proper schooling. There is a huge difference in public school funding county-by-county due to local tax revenue.


2. Food Stamps are not just for lazy people or minorities. They are for the poor and impoverished. You have to be POOR. I believe there are actually more white people on food stamps than any other ethnicity. This is because of the sheer # of people on food stamps. As of 2012 there are 46 Million Americans on food stamps. A large number of them are children of low income families. Over 40% of the families on food stamps have parents working full time. They do not make enough money to live (wages stagnant since 1996) The families use the money to feed their kids. Without the money they would starve or be malnourished. There is not much to dispute here just look it up.


3. You are forgetting about college. College is needed in order to make it to "middle income" in the United States of America. Not everyone can afford college. I just graduated (2010) from University of California, a very good school by all accounts. It is a public school that costs $15,000 per year in tuition alone. I used the GI-BILL (Government) to pay for it. Many people I served with joined the military specifically because they had no other option and the only way to get money for college was to join. If you don't believe me then I suggest talking with more vets. I was a STG2(SW) when I finished a 6 year contract in 2006.


WHY ARE THERE 46 Million POOR PEOPLE ON FOOD STAMPS?


4. It is not Obama's fault that -- 8 Million -- people lost their jobs between Sept. 2008 and April 2009. Obama was sworn into office in Jan 2009.


5. It is also not Obama's fault that US WAGES are stagnant since 1996. YES, the average college educated male makes the exact same wages as 1996. The middle class is has been all but washed away by these combined factors.


6. The US stock market is actually lower than it was in 2001 when you adjust for inflation. Anyone can look this up but you will never hear it on TV.


7. The housing market is now totally crashed and it didn't just hurt the poor, it destroyed families from both lower and middle income brackets.




:hatsoff:

I'm already committed to coming out there for six months. No getting around that. It's gonna be an experience for sure.

1. Although not all schools are fantastic, I would say that the majority of schools are more than adequate. Sure, some schools in NYC or Detroit might need some work, but overall I think we have a very good school system in place.

If a student truly wants to succeed it is more than possible in the vast majority of schools in the United States. In fact South Carolina has supposedly has some of the lowest test scores in the nation, yet I did well in school. The high school I graduated from probably had a 30-40% drop out rate. Did that stop me? Heck no.

Are you for or against No Child Left Behind?

2. Obviously food stamps are good in many situations, but I still believe some people take advantage of them. If a poor family keeps having kids why should the government support them? There are plenty of other situations that I disagree with.

Oh yeah, I never mentioned a particular race.

3. College is definitely too expensive, but not out of reach. There are plenty of ways to get money for college. Military, loans, scholarships, etc...

I go to Clemson, a top 25 public university, so I know a thing or two about it.

I would like to thank you for your service though. Glad you got to put the GI Bill to good use.

I'm not arguing that Obama got us into all of this. In fact any president can have great ideas, but it takes the cooperation of the Congress and Senate to actually get stuff done.



<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UDDRiGIUYQo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Right, could have but didn't. Bottom line, Obama killed Osama. Bush didn't.




Search "food stamp president" (Newt), "black people" (Santorum), "black girls running in packs" (Paul).

Good Colbert clip here: Rick Santorum on Gays & Bla People - The Colbert Report - 2012-09-01 - Video Clip | Comedy Central



I am pro guns. I am also pro being able to solve gun crimes.

Over 95% of guns used in NYC crime didn't come from NY.

Having no regulation on being able to trace guns is a farce. If the NRA wants to keep the records, let them, but something needs to be done.

And if you are really worried about the government coming to take your guns, go buy some more ammo.



Believing that cutting taxes creates job is a statistical joke. Period.

In fact there is a negative correlation between corporate tax rate and unemployment. Imagine that.



First, it is insulting.

Second, its called generational dysfunction. People are not geared to be inherently lazy.

We're gonna have to agree to disagree on the Osama issue. I still don't think Obama should get the credit.

So you think regulating guns more will solve the issue? I doubt the criminal legally bought the gun to begin with. If a criminal wants a gun he/she will get one. Period.

Calling Obama "a food stamp president" is not racist. Ron Paul has denied that he published those papers. It's still up in the air whether or not those are actually his words. Either way it was 30 years ago. If you actually listen to him talk you can tell he's not racist.

Since we're on the race issue. Do you not find it interesting that ~95% of blacks voted for Obama?

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Of course he would, we all would, the issue is what if we all did?... We have already seen three very accurate posts that nicely demonstrated that most of the current debt mess is BECAUSE OF THE tax cuts.

If ALL of the uber rich paid 15% (and lots already do) then the debt would explode even more.. The issue with the debt is NOT spending... it IS revenue.

I would be willing to bet that 99% of the "uber" rich pay even less than 15% in taxes.

So you have no problem with our spending? I believe that it's out of control. Our government is becoming too large. Even Obama says that we need to cut spending and has signed legislation into law.

 

[tbst]

We're gonna have to agree to disagree on the Osama issue. I still don't think Obama should get the credit.

So you think regulating guns more will solve the issue? I doubt the criminal legally bought the gun to begin with. If a criminal wants a gun he/she will get one. Period.

Calling Obama "a food stamp president" is not racist. Ron Paul has denied that he published those papers. It's still up in the air whether or not those are actually his words. Either way it was 30 years ago. If you actually listen to him talk you can tell he's not racist.

Since we're on the race issue. Do you not find it interesting that ~95% of blacks voted for Obama?

If that is your away of combating racism in the Republican party, you have lost. Plausible deniability doesn't mean you aren't racist. Simple fact.

Yes, I do find it interesting that >90% voted for Obama. And it supports my points. Thanks for bringing that up. Black and other minorities feel alienated by the Republican base.

Or is it because he is the "food stamp president" and they all want food stamps?

Your call.