Breaking: Republicans just handed Democrats the Midterms.

[Sallow]

As I recall, the "federal government" had two jobs and two jobs ONLY. (1) Collecting Tariffs (from foreign trade and import fees) and (2) Defending the borders of the United States.
That was it. PERIOD. The States were to control everything else within THEIR borders.

Today? The GOVERNMENT is the fastest growing concern in the United States. 18 different Police and Security agencies. 7 Covert agencies. The IRS has one of the most sophisticated security forces on this PLANET. On and on and on....more worthless departments and sub departments and sub sub departments with thousands of "big wigs" that do nothing but collect fat paychecks and huge pensions than any other government on the planet.

In fact, I'm not certain, but I believe that the United States GOVERNMENT is the largest employer within the US. IT IS INSANE.

For years, I have been in favor of FIRING every employee of the damned IRS and replacing them all with a flat tax.

Now, they are exceeding their reach by claiming that the RELATIVES of those who have passed owing taxes are now RESPONSIBLE for those taxes. INCREDIBLE.

It is beyond time for the IRS to be dismantled, and their employees fired.

You "recall" wrong.

The preamble of the Constitution and the first clause of section 8 assigns the Federal government much more responsibility then just to defend borders and collect "tariffs".

Where the heck do you guys come up with this stuff..really?

Read it and weep.

This will come as a shock to you buddy..as it's the first time you've probably seen it.

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

K? I will put it in a nutshell.

1. Responsible for Laws (Justice).
2. Insuring Domestic Tranquility.
3. Provide for the common Defense.
4. Promote the General Welfare.

That's four..just in the Preamble!

Now..prepare to get your mind totally blown!

Section 8.

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States; but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;

To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures;

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States;

To establish post offices and post roads;

To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries;

To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court;

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offenses against the law of nations;

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water;

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years;

To provide and maintain a navy;

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces;

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the states respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of the legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dockyards, and other needful buildings;--And

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.

Holy fucking shit, right?

Kinda hard to drink that all in.

But lets bullet point some of these.

So in addition to the top? Which is repeated?

1. Collects taxes.
2. Borrow Money.
3. Coin Money.
4. Regulate commerce.
5. Regulate immigration.
6. Establish a postal service.
7. Maintain a navy.
8. Call forth an temporary army comprised of militia to suppress insurrection and defend against invasion.
9.Declare war.
10. Pass legislation.

Holy crap..wow.

That's a lot of responsibilities.

Dayum..

 

[auditor0007]

I'm a senior...I not a demoquack..cut my SS..I could give a fuck.

SS was insolvent YEARS ago. I won't ever see it.

Of course you will.

 

[RandallFlagg]

You "recall" wrong.

The preamble of the Constitution and the first clause of section 8 assigns the Federal government much more responsibility then just to defend borders and collect "tariffs".

Where the heck do you guys come up with this stuff..really?

Read it and weep.

This will come as a shock to you buddy..as it's the first time you've probably seen it.

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

K? I will put it in a nutshell.

1. Responsible for Laws (Justice).
2. Insuring Domestic Tranquility.
3. Provide for the common Defense.
4. Promote the General Welfare.

That's four..just in the Preamble!

Now..prepare to get your mind totally blown!

Section 8.

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States; but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;

To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures;

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States;

To establish post offices and post roads;

To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries;

To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court;

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offenses against the law of nations;

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water;

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years;

To provide and maintain a navy;

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces;

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the states respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of the legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dockyards, and other needful buildings;--And

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.

Holy fucking shit, right?

Kinda hard to drink that all in.

But lets bullet point some of these.

So in addition to the top? Which is repeated?

1. Collects taxes.
2. Borrow Money.
3. Coin Money.
4. Regulate commerce.
5. Regulate immigration.
6. Establish a postal service.
7. Maintain a navy.
8. Call forth an temporary army comprised of militia to suppress insurrection and defend against invasion.
9.Declare war.
10. Pass legislation.

Holy crap..wow.

That's a lot of responsibilities.

Dayum..

Hey dumbass - all of that falls under "insure domestic tranquility" which is to defend the borders of the United States. Now, smartass - where the hell does it say - take over state's rights??

Just as I thought...You marxist piece of shit.

 

[Sallow]

Read it and weep.

This will come as a shock to you buddy..as it's the first time you've probably seen it.



K? I will put it in a nutshell.

1. Responsible for Laws (Justice).
2. Insuring Domestic Tranquility.
3. Provide for the common Defense.
4. Promote the General Welfare.

That's four..just in the Preamble!

Now..prepare to get your mind totally blown!

Section 8.

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States; but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;

To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures;

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States;

To establish post offices and post roads;

To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries;

To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court;

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offenses against the law of nations;

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water;

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years;

To provide and maintain a navy;

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces;

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the states respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of the legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dockyards, and other needful buildings;--And

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.

Holy fucking shit, right?

Kinda hard to drink that all in.

But lets bullet point some of these.

So in addition to the top? Which is repeated?

1. Collects taxes.
2. Borrow Money.
3. Coin Money.
4. Regulate commerce.
5. Regulate immigration.
6. Establish a postal service.
7. Maintain a navy.
8. Call forth an temporary army comprised of militia to suppress insurrection and defend against invasion.
9.Declare war.
10. Pass legislation.

Holy crap..wow.

That's a lot of responsibilities.

Dayum..

Hey dumbass - all of that falls under "insure domestic tranquility" which is to defend the borders of the United States. Now, smartass - where the hell does it say - take over state's rights??

Just as I thought...You marxist piece of shit.

You really haven't read this thing, you Nazi piece of shit.

Section 10.

No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation; grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; emit bills of credit; make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility.

No state shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection laws: and the net produce of all duties and imposts, laid by any state on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the United States; and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and control of the Congress.

No state shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops, or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another state, or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay.

And if that isn't enough for you?

All debts contracted and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.

This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the Constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.

Are you even American?

 

[rightwinger]

The shock value of a Ryan budget has passed. Nobody takes them seriously and knows they will never pass

So does Ryan

 

[Sallow]

The shock value of a Ryan budget has passed. Nobody takes them seriously and knows they will never pass

So does Ryan

It's not a "shock value" thing, RW..it's a pattern of behavior.

A lot of people aren't even aware of what's in this mess.

Democrats have a huge opportunity here.

Hopefully they don't blow it.

 

[jillian]

You can book mark this if you want.

House passes Ryan budget with big cuts - US News

The measure passed after a three-day debate that again exposed the hugely varying visions of the rival parties for the nation's fiscal future. Republicans promised a balanced budget by 2024 but would do so at the expense of poor people and seniors on Medicaid, lower-income workers receiving "Obamacare" subsidies, and people receiving food stamps and Pell Grants.
House passes Ryan budget with big cuts - US News

Seniors are reliably Republican.

They just completely screwed themselves.

they did screw themselves with normal people. but can democrats put that into soundbites like the rabid right will?

we'll see.

in the meantime, the ignorant righties will hear only "obama didn't pass a budget". they will ignore the responsibility of the House loons.

the question is, do the independents and moderates get it?

and good luck to them telling 7 million americans they shouldn't have health coverage.

 

[rightwinger]

The shock value of a Ryan budget has passed. Nobody takes them seriously and knows they will never pass

So does Ryan

It's not a "shock value" thing, RW..it's a pattern of behavior.

A lot of people aren't even aware of what's in this mess.

Democrats have a huge opportunity here.

Hopefully they don't blow it.

Nothing that hasn't been seen before

I think blocking immigration reform will have a bigger impact

 

[Sallow]

You can book mark this if you want.

House passes Ryan budget with big cuts - US News

The measure passed after a three-day debate that again exposed the hugely varying visions of the rival parties for the nation's fiscal future. Republicans promised a balanced budget by 2024 but would do so at the expense of poor people and seniors on Medicaid, lower-income workers receiving "Obamacare" subsidies, and people receiving food stamps and Pell Grants.
House passes Ryan budget with big cuts - US News

Seniors are reliably Republican.

They just completely screwed themselves.

they did screw themselves with normal people. but can democrats put that into soundbites like the rabid right will?

we'll see.

in the meantime, the ignorant righties will hear only "obama didn't pass a budget". they will ignore the responsibility of the House loons.

the question is, do the independents and moderates get it?

and good luck to them telling 7 million americans they shouldn't have health coverage.

Seniors care ALOT about Medicare.

Trust me on this.

 

[Sallow]

The shock value of a Ryan budget has passed. Nobody takes them seriously and knows they will never pass

So does Ryan

It's not a "shock value" thing, RW..it's a pattern of behavior.

A lot of people aren't even aware of what's in this mess.

Democrats have a huge opportunity here.

Hopefully they don't blow it.

Nothing that hasn't been seen before

I think blocking immigration reform will have a bigger impact

With who?

That demographic already votes Democrat.

It might inspire them not to sit out this election, which they normally do.

But Seniors? Whoo boy.

They ALWAYS vote.

 

[Sallow]

It's a pretty simple thing too.

All the congressmen that voted for this mess are on record..

Pick a state:

SOFT FOCUS ON A SENIOR COUPLE ON THE PORCH

Narration: You've worked your entire life and now it's time to enjoy your golden years. And Medicare has always been there for you..assuring that you have that time.

But now? Congressman <Insert name here> has voted to take that away.

HARD FOCUS ON SENIOR ON GURNEY BEING RUSHED INTO IC.

Narration: Can you really afford that?

FADE TO BLACK.

 

[TooTall]

Ayn Rand collected every nickel of SS. Didn't turn down or give back a dime. Whenever there is a natural disaster in places like Louisiana, Republicans are the first to beg for Federal help. Red States have always been the biggest takers, and you will NEVER see a Republican senior give back their SS or Medicare benefits. Never, ever, ever, never.

How 'bout them Walmart Walton's? Their employees draw huge benefits from government because they can't survive on poverty wages. This is our biggest employer, whose profit margins are sustained by ol' uncle sucker. And let's not even mention how unpatriotic Walmart is, getting over 20% of their products made in communist China (see sweatshop labor costs). Post-Reagan capitalism is the story of how our noble John Galts got in bed with freedom-hating nations for the cheap labor. And these are the biggest funders of the Republican Party. What a racket.

And let's not even talk about the economy - which is run by state protected monopolies, the ones which have erected a lobbying empire around our political organs. John Galt not only came out of hiding; he now owns government. In the Russia of Ayn Rand's youth, Stalin steals the family pharmacy. Now, big pharma owns government. The roles have reversed, but talk radio still convinces a group of uneducated idiots that it's still the 30s.

Hey Republicans: do you understand the patent system? This is where the nanny state intervenes in the economy to protect the investments of the wealthy. Or... what about ...how the Pentagon budget pays for the protection Exxon's oil fields in Iraq? Republicans never complain about this raping of the taxpayer. Or what about the satellite system, created by big government and handed to the private sector. Business has always been deeply parasitic on the state, not only in terms of patent enforcement and military protection of overseas supply chains or the advanced industrial infrastructure provided by Government, but also the legal system and the whole corrupt mess of subsidies and bailouts. The State is a dynamic advocate for the narrow accumulation of capital. Everybody knows this, save the folks who listen to noise machine (Limbaugh/Fox/etc.,). We have become an aristocracy where birth counts more than merit.

Of course, the corporate owners of government don't admit they own government. They claim to be victims. And they get these poor loser schlubs - people making less than 100K - to vote for the party of billionaires. They do this by dividing Americans against each other through a toxic culture war. They convince the stupid that their country has been stolen, but they never admit that they are the ones who stole it. God help us.

Social Security and Medicare are government INSURANCE programs and all wage earners are REQUIRED to pay the premiums every payday. Why should anyone who pays the premium for INSURANCE all of their working life NOT collect the benefit payments?

Do a lot of Democrat Seniors give back their SS or Medicare benefits?

Answer me that!

 

[Sallow]

Ayn Rand collected every nickel of SS. Didn't turn down or give back a dime. Whenever there is a natural disaster in places like Louisiana, Republicans are the first to beg for Federal help. Red States have always been the biggest takers, and you will NEVER see a Republican senior give back their SS or Medicare benefits. Never, ever, ever, never.

How 'bout them Walmart Walton's? Their employees draw huge benefits from government because they can't survive on poverty wages. This is our biggest employer, whose profit margins are sustained by ol' uncle sucker. And let's not even mention how unpatriotic Walmart is, getting over 20% of their products made in communist China (see sweatshop labor costs). Post-Reagan capitalism is the story of how our noble John Galts got in bed with freedom-hating nations for the cheap labor. And these are the biggest funders of the Republican Party. What a racket.

And let's not even talk about the economy - which is run by state protected monopolies, the ones which have erected a lobbying empire around our political organs. John Galt not only came out of hiding; he now owns government. In the Russia of Ayn Rand's youth, Stalin steals the family pharmacy. Now, big pharma owns government. The roles have reversed, but talk radio still convinces a group of uneducated idiots that it's still the 30s.

Hey Republicans: do you understand the patent system? This is where the nanny state intervenes in the economy to protect the investments of the wealthy. Or... what about ...how the Pentagon budget pays for the protection Exxon's oil fields in Iraq? Republicans never complain about this raping of the taxpayer. Or what about the satellite system, created by big government and handed to the private sector. Business has always been deeply parasitic on the state, not only in terms of patent enforcement and military protection of overseas supply chains or the advanced industrial infrastructure provided by Government, but also the legal system and the whole corrupt mess of subsidies and bailouts. The State is a dynamic advocate for the narrow accumulation of capital. Everybody knows this, save the folks who listen to noise machine (Limbaugh/Fox/etc.,). We have become an aristocracy where birth counts more than merit.

Of course, the corporate owners of government don't admit they own government. They claim to be victims. And they get these poor loser schlubs - people making less than 100K - to vote for the party of billionaires. They do this by dividing Americans against each other through a toxic culture war. They convince the stupid that their country has been stolen, but they never admit that they are the ones who stole it. God help us.

Social Security and Medicare are government INSURANCE programs and all wage earners are REQUIRED to pay the premiums every payday. Why should anyone who pays the premium for INSURANCE all of their working life NOT collect the benefit payments?

Do a lot of Democrat Seniors give back their SS or Medicare benefits?

Answer me that!

Democrats are not the ones trying to kill them, either.

 

[rightwinger]

It's a pretty simple thing too.

All the congressmen that voted for this mess are on record..

Pick a state:

SOFT FOCUS ON A SENIOR COUPLE ON THE PORCH

Narration: You've worked your entire life and now it's time to enjoy your golden years. And Medicare has always been there for you..assuring that you have that time.

But now? Congressman <Insert name here> has voted to take that away.

HARD FOCUS ON SENIOR ON GURNEY BEING RUSHED INTO IC.

Narration: Can you really afford that?

FADE TO BLACK.

Also consider the working poor in Red States who were not allowed access to expanded Medicaid coverage because their legislature hates Obama
People in Blue States got lower cost health coverage than you did

 

[Sallow]

It's a pretty simple thing too.

All the congressmen that voted for this mess are on record..

Pick a state:

SOFT FOCUS ON A SENIOR COUPLE ON THE PORCH

Narration: You've worked your entire life and now it's time to enjoy your golden years. And Medicare has always been there for you..assuring that you have that time.

But now? Congressman <Insert name here> has voted to take that away.

HARD FOCUS ON SENIOR ON GURNEY BEING RUSHED INTO IC.

Narration: Can you really afford that?

FADE TO BLACK.

Also consider the working poor in Red States who were not allowed access to expanded Medicaid coverage because their legislature hates Obama
People in Blue States got lower cost health coverage than you did

I hate to say this but the thing about the poor is that many really do feel totally hopeless. They feel abandoned by government and that their vote doesn't count. So? Voting is a terrible inconvenience. And with the voter suppression thing? It becomes moreso.

Seniors? That's generally NOT the case. Middle class seniors vote all the time. Why? Because they see politicians actively whooing them. And they feel a "buy in" to the system.

But Democrats can and should work both fronts. Getting the working poor and other poor out to vote by convincing them they really do have a buy in.

And letting Seniors know that Republicans want to cut something they've worked for..

 

[blackhawk]

Does anyone ever read the articles they link?

The 219-205 vote on the budget outline takes a mostly symbolic swipe at the government's chronic deficits. Follow-up legislation to actually implement the cuts isn't in the offing.

Democrats countered with a plan that would leave Obama's health care plan and rapidly growing health programs like Medicare intact, relying on $1.5 trillion in tax hikes over the coming decade to bring deficits down to sustainable but still-large levels in the $600 billion range.

I read it fine.

I linked it and pulled out the relevant part.

Did you read that?

Yes did you read the part I pulled that makes your claim look rather silly.

 

[Wildman]

One of the most surprising things I've had to come to terms with is how Progressives are unabashed, pathological liars.
Once you understand that, it's a breeze to debate them

progressives are unabashed, pathological liars, bordering on treason and constantly trying to turn America into a third world shit hole like Cuba, China and Af-goona-stan.

 

[Sallow]

Does anyone ever read the articles they link?

The 219-205 vote on the budget outline takes a mostly symbolic swipe at the government's chronic deficits. Follow-up legislation to actually implement the cuts isn't in the offing.

Democrats countered with a plan that would leave Obama's health care plan and rapidly growing health programs like Medicare intact, relying on $1.5 trillion in tax hikes over the coming decade to bring deficits down to sustainable but still-large levels in the $600 billion range.

I read it fine.

I linked it and pulled out the relevant part.

Did you read that?

Yes did you read the part I pulled that makes your claim look rather silly.

Maybe you should stay out of political threads.

 

[blackhawk]

I read it fine.

I linked it and pulled out the relevant part.

Did you read that?

Yes did you read the part I pulled that makes your claim look rather silly.

Maybe you should stay out of political threads.

You should take your own advice.

 

[Antares]

Ayn Rand collected every nickel of SS. Didn't turn down or give back a dime. Whenever there is a natural disaster in places like Louisiana, Republicans are the first to beg for Federal help. Red States have always been the biggest takers, and you will NEVER see a Republican senior give back their SS or Medicare benefits. Never, ever, ever, never.

How 'bout them Walmart Walton's? Their employees draw huge benefits from government because they can't survive on poverty wages. This is our biggest employer, whose profit margins are sustained by ol' uncle sucker. And let's not even mention how unpatriotic Walmart is, getting over 20% of their products made in communist China (see sweatshop labor costs). Post-Reagan capitalism is the story of how our noble John Galts got in bed with freedom-hating nations for the cheap labor. And these are the biggest funders of the Republican Party. What a racket.

And let's not even talk about the economy - which is run by state protected monopolies, the ones which have erected a lobbying empire around our political organs. John Galt not only came out of hiding; he now owns government. In the Russia of Ayn Rand's youth, Stalin steals the family pharmacy. Now, big pharma owns government. The roles have reversed, but talk radio still convinces a group of uneducated idiots that it's still the 30s.

Hey Republicans: do you understand the patent system? This is where the nanny state intervenes in the economy to protect the investments of the wealthy. Or... what about ...how the Pentagon budget pays for the protection Exxon's oil fields in Iraq? Republicans never complain about this raping of the taxpayer. Or what about the satellite system, created by big government and handed to the private sector. Business has always been deeply parasitic on the state, not only in terms of patent enforcement and military protection of overseas supply chains or the advanced industrial infrastructure provided by Government, but also the legal system and the whole corrupt mess of subsidies and bailouts. The State is a dynamic advocate for the narrow accumulation of capital. Everybody knows this, save the folks who listen to noise machine (Limbaugh/Fox/etc.,). We have become an aristocracy where birth counts more than merit.

Of course, the corporate owners of government don't admit they own government. They claim to be victims. And they get these poor loser schlubs - people making less than 100K - to vote for the party of billionaires. They do this by dividing Americans against each other through a toxic culture war. They convince the stupid that their country has been stolen, but they never admit that they are the ones who stole it. God help us.

What a load of horse shit.

You are an idiot if you actually believe Dems are for "the little guy".

I am the little guy you dumbass and there is NOTHING in the Dem Platform that means anything to me.

You think that your Daddy is the Federal Government and that all you have to do is Vote Left and you won't have to worry about a damn thing.

You have ONE belief and that is that your "Daddy" should take the money from whoever has it and give it you and the other leeches like you.

Tough shit pal, work more, work harder.
Do whatever it takes to allow you to live in the manner you'd like to live....nobody owes you shit.

The dirty little secret is that the Right doesn't mind helping those in "actual" need, but the chronic takers that have been on dole for YEARS need to get the fuck off their asses.

Government Assistance should not be and was never INTENDED to be a perpetual thing.