32 replies to this topic

[UncleVinny]

The fact that REPs haven't voted along with Obama on any issue (and in fact even felt the need to apologize to BP) is no surprise to me. They've been trying to gin up outrage about this or that but nothing is sticking. Even if they win majority, it would not be veto-proof and just like in the 90s, stage will be set for perennial dogfight.

Good observations. Thanks.

Seems like the GOP is opposing ANYTHING that smells like progress,
just to make Obama look bad.

Take extending the unemployment benefits.
Things like that will backfire on GOP.

[Dave Burrell]

Good observations. Thanks.

Seems like the GOP is opposing ANYTHING that smells like progress,
just to make Obama look bad.

Take extending the unemployment benefits.
Things like that will backfire on GOP.

Not as badly as supporting illegal illegal immigration will backfire on the Dems

[UncleVinny]

The Dems want to extend unemployment benefits.
The GOP wants to take that money out of the stimulus package.
Total cost: Estimated $25 to 33 billion

The GOP opposes new spending EXCEPT when it comes to
extending tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans.
Estimated cost: Over $600 Billion.
Go figure.

[Dustyzz]

The Dems want to extend unemployment benefits.
The GOP wants to take that money out of the stimulus package.
Total cost: Estimated $25 to 33 billion

The GOP opposes new spending EXCEPT when it comes to
extending tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans.
Estimated cost: Over $600 Billion.
Go figure.

The last time I checked, the democrats had a super majority... so I'm not exactly sure how the GOP can be completely blamed for this bill not passing. Also, if you read something other than the DailyKos or the Huffington Post then you would know that the GOP is 100% for extending the jobless benefits, all the GOP is asking for in return is that Barry,Nancy, and Harry find an equal amount of pork in the current 1.3 trillion dollar psuedo-budget to cut so that this will not effectively increase the deficit. Unfortunately the unholy trinity refuses to cut ANYTHING... now that's the true party of NO if you ask me.


YMMV,
/dusty

[Dave Burrell]

the GOP is 100% for extending the jobless benefits, all the GOP is asking for in return is that Barry,Nancy, and Harry find an equal amount of pork in the current 1.3 trillion dollar psuedo-budget to cut so that this will not effectively increase the deficit. Unfortunately the unholy trinity refuses to cut ANYTHING... now that's the true party of NO if you ask me.

It's funny how those facts are overlooked (or ignored) by party followers. Come on already, wake up people - they're screwing us.

The fact the unholy trinity refuses to cut pork just shows you they don't care about solving problems, you can't rob Peter to pay Paul and call it a solution.

[swmr545]

The last time I checked, the democrats had a super majority... so I'm not exactly sure how the GOP can be completely blamed for this bill not passing.

Dems no longer have a "super majority" since Sen. Kennedy passed away and a Republican replaced him.

[Dave Burrell]

Dems no longer have a "super majority" since Sen. Kennedy passed away and a Republican replaced him.

How can one guy be the difference in a super majority? Did he have more then 1 vote?

[Bill Z]

How can one guy be the difference in a super majority? Did he have more then 1 vote?

He had one vote, the one extra vote needed to override a filibuster I believe, Might be wrong on the actual numbers, but let's say it'a 2/3rds majority required. In the senate, that threshold is 66.666666 votes. i.e. if you have 67 votes, you have what is called a super-majority, if you only have 66, you don't.

[swmr545]

He had one vote, the one extra vote needed to override a filibuster I believe, Might be wrong on the actual numbers, but let's say it'a 2/3rds majority required. In the senate, that threshold is 66.666666 votes. i.e. if you have 67 votes, you have what is called a super-majority, if you only have 66, you don't.

Actual number is 60 to override a filibuster. Dems only have 59 votes including the Independents that caucus with them (was 58 but Sen. Byrd's replacement was sworn in).

[Folsom Guy]

Doing a correction for you.

Republicans DO NOT oppose extending more unemployment payments, BUT THEY DO OPPOSE ADDING THAT COST TO THE DEBT.

I suppose to many it's OK to just keep piling on the debt, but the fact is, we can't keep doing that indefinitely!

What is wrong in cutting spending????

Oh I know, some in government may have to actually do their jobs to find ways of doing that!

Silly me!

I would respect REPS if they said - here are the cuts that should be made to pay for the unemployment benefits' extension.

Anything less than that suggests they are nothing but mean political hacks looking for ways to score political points with their base' fringes.

Actual number is 60 to override a filibuster. Dems only have 59 votes including the Independents that caucus with them (was 58 but Sen. Byrd's replacement was sworn in).

FYI... there were a few DEMs also who were opposed. The unemployment benefits' extension and Finance Bill had some REP support.....

[The Average Joe]

All this assumes of course that you think it is right to give MORE THAN 2 YEARS of unemployment wages....
I for one, do not.

[Folsom Guy]

Yeah, it would be nice if someone else did my job for me too. But, I have enough pride to do it myself and I don't expect someone else to hold my hand and tell me what to do, or do it for me.

And, I doubt very seriously if the Democrats would even listen to any of the suggestions from Republicans on what to cut or scale back on. Obama and the Democrats have made it very clear that ONLY THEY have the best ideas and REALLY KNOW how to run this country.

Just like in California, the only way Democrats have chosen to govern is to tax and spend. Notice how their methods have NOT worked?
Of course you don't.

Wha?

REPS making all the noise...with no substance...you OK with that?

DEMS doing what thinki is right...REPS oughta provide complete proposal of what they think oughta be done. They are not. And that's what I am commenting on.

And REPS methods brought this country from a surplus in the 00s to an economic freefall....but, of course, you are blinded by your hatred to see reality.