Politics

President Obama releases his 2012 Budget

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

With Pres Obama set to release his 2012 Budget on this Valentine’s Day I doubt he will receive much love from Republicans; especially in the House.  Obama’s 2012 Budget will propose $3.7 trillion in spending and $1.1 trillion in deficit reduction over the next 1o years.  Now with an overall National Deficit of $14 trillion, $1.1 trillion over the next 10 years doesn’t seem like much but it’s a start.  What’s lacking from the 2012 Budget are cuts to programs like Medicare, and Social Security.

Here are some other highlights from Obama’s 2012 Budget:

  • 2/3 of the money for the $1.1 trillion in deficit reductions over the next 10 years will come from program cuts and 1/3 of the money will come from tax hikes.  Well known programs to be cut are as follows; fewer subsidies for lower-income Americans for heating and cooling. And no more Pell grants for summer college.  Tax hikes will come from capping charitable deductions for wealthiest at 28% rate. Bush tax rates gone in 2013. Estate tax would rise back to 09 level
  • The 5-year spending freeze (at 2011 levels).
  • $78B in cuts over 5 years in the Pentagon budget

As I mentioned earlier this budget does nothing to tackle the entitlement spending like Medicare and the impending bankruptcy of Social Security; also what is missing is any mention of tax-reform.  The Obama Administration explained this by saying that cuts to Medicare, Social Security and Tax-reform are separate conversations.

Ummm, really???

We have to have these “conversations” soon, and right neither Republicans or Democrats seem willing to step forward and start that conversation.  The only one willing is Rand Paul, as I noted in a previous blog Paul’s ideas are definitely out of the box thinking for Washington but at least he is thinking.

We need to get serious and it needs to happen now!!

We will definitely see heated battles concerning Obama’s budget, but what good will that do if those battles don’t include cutting/reforming programs that carry the most weight in government spending (Defense, Healthcare, and Taxes).

With all that said, before we can move forward with the 2012 Budget we need to find out what is going to happen with the Debt Ceiling?  Some Republicans want to play a dangerous game by saying they will vote against raising the Debt Ceiling; if the ceiling is not raised the U.S. Government will default on its bills…

As always….
If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!

F-A-Natic Fridays – Rep Cohens compares GOP to Nazis, WTH!

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

So it didn’t take long before a dumbass Democrat made himself and the party look like hypocrites.  Representative Steve Cohen from Tennessee referred to the Republicans “lies” concerning Health Care Reform aka Affordable Care Act as Nazi propaganda; the type of propaganda that led to the Holocaust.

WTH is wrong with this guy?

With all the talk of civility what sense does it make to compare Republicans to the Nazis?  As Democrats we cannot stand on a soap box and call out Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin for their recklessness… and then turn around and act just as reckless!

SMH……

They say it’s a government takeover of health care, a big lie just like Goebbels. . . . You say it enough, you repeat the lie, you repeat the lie, you repeat the lie and eventually, people believe it. Like blood libel. That’s the same kind of thing. . . . The Germans said enough about the Jews and the people believed it and you had the Holocaust. You tell a lie over and over again. And we’ve heard on this floor, government takeover of health care

This is the kind of nonsense Democrats need to stay away, stick with the facts and outlandish examples like this is unnecessary.  I hope Democrats leaders come out and condemn the words of Cohen; actually they better if they want the American people to take them seriously.

And Cohen definitely needs to apologizes as well….

“Anderson let me say this, I won’t say it again, but I was right…” – Steve Cohen

As always….

If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!

Takeover Thursdays – Anthony Weiner on the Health Care Repeal Debate

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Anthony Weiner

Once again Rep Anthony Weiner (D-NY) hit a homerun while debating Republicans on the validity of the “Repealing the Job–Killing Health Care Law Act”. Republicans want to repeal the Health Care Law aka the Affordable Care Act, but why???

They say we should start fresh as the current law is just no good, as Rep Weiner clearly pointed out while speaking on the floor of the House… Republicans want to repeal the current law so that Republicans can put forth legislation that will do the following:

  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Help fill the donut hole that will help senior citizens pay for prescriptions
  • Give incentives for small businesses to supply

Ummmmm, wait a minute…..

Republicans want to repeal the current law so that they can put in place what the current law is ALREADY doing!!!!

It’s really simple folks, if you don’t believe me see for yourself; http://www.healthcare.gov/law/introduction/index.html

Republicans are correct when they say there are problems with the current law but there is no reason to start over; focus on the real issues with the current law like the 1099 forms that will have to be submitted by small businesses. This is an unnecessary administrative burden on businesses, there has to be an easier way, let’s focus on coming up with a solution for that.

Many Public Opinion polls are showing that the argument for repeal is 50-50 at best right now; more people are wanting the bill to do more as the support for outright repeal is diminishing.

My advice to Republicans, you better be careful before you are caught on the wrong side of the argument. Get your mind right Boehner and get your crew focused on what is more important like Jobs and the Deficit!!

Meanwhile, enjoy the latest rant from my favorite congressman….

As always….

If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!

Anthony Weiner explains the cost of Repealing Health Care Reform Law!

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Everyone PLEASE take 5:23 minutes to watch the video below of Rep Anthony Weiner explain to the House Rules Committee the cost of repealing the Affordable Care Act aka the Health Care Reform Law!!

All I ask of anyone wanting to better understand the Health Care debates; do your research.  Don’t take my word or even the word of Rep Weiner as the absolute truth; research everything Rep Weiner spoke about in the video clip and then make an informed decision on what is right and what is wrong.

As always….

If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!

Talking Points Tuesdays – Repealing Health Care Reform Law

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

When the Democrats were “Shellacked” in the November Mid-term elections it was said that the downfall of the Dems and President Barack Obama was the focus on Health Care  Reform.  Political pundits on both sides along with Republicans leading up to election night and the day after said time and time again that the focus should have been on Job Creation and bringing down the National Debt.

So when Republicans started the 2011 session of the House of Representatives the first bill they decided to bring to the floor of the House was; drum roll please…….

Introducing “Repealing the Job–Killing Health Care Law Act”

With all the talk of listening to the people and how the House or Reps belong to the people Republicans have decided to turn a deaf ear to the people and follow their obsession; Barack Obama.  This is all about defeating Obama and whatever it takes to make it happen.  It doesn’t matter that the #1 concern of the people is the debt and the economy; polls show that Americans may not be thrilled with the Health Care Reform Act but there are number of things about the bill they like.

If the GOP continue down this road they will only be shooting themselves in the foot and are setting the stage for Obama’s 2nd term.  As the president’s favorable numbers improve (50%) the idea of Obama losing in 2012 will be nothing more than a silly pipe dream for the Republicans.  They better smarten up before it’s too late; the idea of it still being early is nothing but an illusion, just ask Democrats!

As Mike Barnicle  from MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” repeatedly said last year, “It’s the Economy stupid!”

We all know the Health Care Reform Act is far from perfect but it is a starting point, if Republicans don’t want to believe a Moderate Liberal like myself how about former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn)

“It is not the bill that [Republicans] would have written,”

“It is not the bill that I would have drafted. But it is the law of the land and it is the platform, the fundamental platform, upon which all future efforts to make that system better, for that patient, for that family, will be based.”

“[The bill] has many strong elements,”

“And those elements, whatever happens, need to be preserved, need to be cuddled, need to be snuggled, need to be promoted and need to be implemented.

Yes, that is Republican Bill Frist who is saying work with the foundation of the legislation and improve it; not sure what to think about the “Cuddled” and “Snuggled” parts but everything else Republicans should listen to… HAHA!!

As always….

If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!

F-A-Natic Fridays – A Pledge to America, umm….

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

It only took less than 48 hours for Republicans to already start tripping up over their “Pledge to America”.  As I have stated in previous posts I am willing to give Republicans a fair shot at governing, if you have followed my blog you know that I have been critical on the way Democrats handled the majority they hand in both the House and Senate.  I also understand that Democrats and Republicans HAVE to work together to get this country back on track; in my opinion this country is not Liberal or Conservative… it is Moderate!

So healthy debate between Democrats and Republicans is necessary…

As a “Conservative” Liberal I am hopefully (silly me, ha) that the now Republican majority in the House will be about something and focus on the challenges facing this great nation; but I am not an idiot!

Republicans time and time again obstructed President Obama agenda; not saying they have to always agree but I would expect (hope) they would be able to put politics aside and do what is best for the country.  While in the minority Republicans in my opinion did not act in good faith.  They put forth a destructive strategy that focused on getting them back into power, and it worked!

With that power comes responsibility and with their “Pledge To America” there were SOME signs that they might actually mean business… albeit the pledge was a little vague but it was a plan and I was willing to listen.

Well…….

So far they have not impressed me at all, actually I take that back I am impressed!  I am impressed in how FAST they were able to break their own pledge…

In “A Pledge To America” Republicans said they would,

  1. Read the Constitution out loud in congress so that everyone knew what was actually in the Constitution
  2. Cut $100 Billion dollars of federal spending in the 1st year (50 billion)
  3. Open Rules will ensure the right to debate and the ability to offer amendments on legislation (no the case for repeal bill)
  4. Implement cut-as-you-go, repeal of health reform would add $230 Billion to the deficit. Republicans will not cut anything for this legislation.
  5. List the names of each member in attendance at a committee hearing, behind closed doors they did away with that
  6. Promise each bill will include a clause citing the specific constitutional authority allowing you to do what the bill is said to do; so none of the 3 bills introduced met that criteria

This is only a sample of what the “Pledge To America” is about, but the above were points that Republicans highlighted leading up them winning control of the House.

So how are they doing so far in keeping this pledge?

  1. The Constitution was read out loud in congress, unfortunately only the “GOOD PARTS” were read. For whatever reason there was no mention about a slave only being 3/5 a person aka The Three-Fifths Compromise.
  2. Since Republicans blocked the Omnibus Spending Bill that funds the 2011 federal budget, Republicans had to reset their proposed spending cuts.  As of yesterday they were saying they would cut $50 Billion but there is word it will be even lower possibly $30 Billion.
  3. The first bill presented by Republicans to the House will be the Repeal Bill; the bill would repeal health-care reform.  Eric Cantor has already gone on record saying that Democrats will NOT be able to debate of offer any amendments.  Cantor will not allow Open Rules for this legislation, I might be mistaken but that sounds like CLOSED RULES!
  4. Cut-As-You-Go rules; any spending legislation introduced in the House will be required to be pay for by cuts in other areas.  Except if Republicans repeal health-care reform the Congressional Budget Office aka CBO (non-partisan) has already stated that repealing health-care reform would add $230 Billion to the deficit.  currently Republicans have yet to announce $230 Billion worth of cuts to pay for this spending.
  5. In a closed-door meeting Republicans decided that listing the name of each member in attendance at a committee hearing was not a great idea so that pledge was simply scratched
  6. So far Republicans have introduced 3 bills and none of the bills have met the criteria of citing the specific Constitutional Authority that allow the bills to do what they are proposed to do.

Hmmm, at this rate Democrats will be back in control quick fast, all Democrats need to do is keep their heads low and be smart about legislating.  If this is any indication of the next couple of years… Republicans will be consistently shooting themselves in the foot!!

As always….

If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!

Takeover Thursdays – Republicans resume control of the House…

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Nancy Pelosi hands over Majority Speaker of the House to John Boehner

So here we go folks, “The Boys Are Back in Town”…

Republicans are once again in control of the House Of Representatives and this time things will be different!

Seriously, Boehner and the Republicans promise this will not be a repeat of 1994 when they took control of the House during the Clinton presidency.  They will not make the same mistakes that was made back then as they understand that the House is for the people and not a toy for career congressmen.  Yesterday (1/5/2011) Speaker Boehner officially became the Majority Speaker of the House and during his address to the House laid down a framework (Rules Package) for a “New Congress”.

“No longer can we fall short… No longer can we kick the can down the road… The people voted to end business as usual and today we begin to carry out their instructions.”

“The American people have humbled us; they have refreshed our memories to just how temporary the privilege of serving is.  They have reminded us that everything here is on loan from them…”

Boehner focused on the following key points:

  • An emphasis on ‘REAL’ transparency
  • Greater accountability
  • A renewed focus on the constitution
  • Legislators and public will have 3 days to review bills before they come up for vote
  • Implement Cut-as-you-go; in order to introduce any spending you must first make cuts in other areas to pay for the spending
  • A fair an open process
  • You will always have the right for a debate to make your case and offer alternatives on legislations

Hmmmm, I have to admit at first glance the above framework for running the House SEEMS to be impressive… BUT it took Republicans less than a day for them to already break one of their “RULES”.  During Boehner’s speech he made sure to point out that a Nancy Pelosi run House did not allow for real debate and that would not be the case under his watch.  Well I guess Eric Cantor must have missed the memo; Cantor has already stated he will put forward a repeal bill (repeal health-care law aka Obamacare) but he will not allow amendments from the Democrats.

Um, that doesn’t sound like a…

fair an open process or a debate allowing everyone the chance to offer alternatives on legislation!!

This is the “New Congress”?

I am more than willing to give the Republicans a chance to do their thing but come on guys, at least let the dust settle before you start breaking your own rules.  It’s still early but the GOP is not showing me anything; they rather work on repealing Obamacare as they call it instead of focusing on the deficit and creating jobs.  Speaking of deficits, I thought Republicans and the Tea Party were serious about controlling spending and running a fiscally responsible government?

If that is the case, why would they not include tax cuts as part of their Cut-As-You-Go program?  Republicans made sure that tax cuts were exempt from Cut-As-You-Go; this will allow the House to present tax cut legislation that could be unpaid for and add to our already $14 Trillion dollar National Deficit.

I don’t know John Boehner this looks a whole lot like “Business As Usual”

but I guess “We can disagree without being disagreeable….

As always….

If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!

WTF/WTH Wednesdays – States Running Out of Money…

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

A couple of months ago I was one of the critics of New Jersey’s Governor Chris Christie when he cancelled the largest infrastructure project in the United States; the new tunnel between New Jersey and New York which could have doubled commuter train service.  This project would have created 6,000 construction jobs and 45,000 jobs once it was completed.  When you look at it from that point of view of course it looks to be a RIDICULOUS decision, BUT when you look at the reality of the budget situations for states I don’t know how anyone can expect Christie to move forward with a huge expenditure like the Hudson River Tunnel.

As Christie stated on 60 Minutes the Day of Reckoning is here, how much longer can we continue to spend without first securing the fiscal stability of this country?  The answer is not much longer…

States are going broke and Joe Q Public doesn’t seem to realize this is going on; states are spending more than they take and raising taxes is NOT the answer.  Just look at New York, New Yorker’s pay a ton in taxes for years now and we still have a $10 Billion dollar deficit.  So what is the answer??

STATES HAVE TO STOP SPENDING!!!!!

We can’t expect Governors like Christie to OK projects they can’t pay for and create a larger deficit while already facing a $10 Billion deficit.  As the 60 Minutes piece highlighted a state like Illinois is a complete joke, it’s a DEADBEAT state.  They spend double the amount they take in from taxes; what sense does that make?

If we don’t start paying attention to this situation and STOP the demonization of Governors like Christie and Andrew Cuomo who are making the tough decisions; raising taxes on the rich and corporations will no longer cover as they only put a band-aide on what is really the issue.

Ask yourself this…  If you owned a business how long could you run that business spending more money than you actually took in?

In actuality it is simpler than that; if you live on your own and pay rent/mortgage and have bills like electricity/water.  How long could you stay above water if your expenses were greater than your income?  NOT VERY LONG!!!!

Unlike States, John Q Public does not have the federal government to bail them out… and with our National Deficit hovering around $14 Trillion soon States will not have the D.C. to bail them out.  If people thought the snow removal 2 weeks ago was bad; you haven’t seen anything yet.

CUTS CUTS CUTS to all types of City and State services….

As always….

If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!

Larry David thanks President Obama for tax cuts…

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Larry David

The creator of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm Larry David wrote a thank you letter to the President in the NY Times OP-ED section for extending tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.  While reading his thank you note please keep in mind that Larry David is a supporter of President Obama.

THERE is a God! It passed! The Bush tax cuts have been extended two years for the upper bracketeers, of which I am a proud member, thank you very much. I’m the last person in the world I’d want to be beside, but I am beside myself! This is a life changer, I tell you. A life changer!

To begin with, I was planning a trip to Cabo with my kids for Christmas vacation. We were going to fly coach, but now with the money I’m saving in taxes, I’m going to splurge and bump myself up to first class. First class! Somebody told me they serve warm nuts up there, and call you “mister.” I might not get off the plane!

I’m also going to call the hotel and get another room so I don’t have to sleep on a cot in the kids’ room. Don’t get me wrong — I love a good cot. The problem is they tend to take up a lot of room, and it’s getting a little tougher in my advancing years to fold it up and drag it to the closet. I mean, I’d do it if I had to, but guess what? I don’t! Not with this windfall coming my way. Now I get to have my own room with a king-sized bed. And who knows, maybe I’ll even get some fancy bottled water from the minibar. This is shaping up to be the best vacation I’ve had in years.

When I get home, thanks to the great compromise, the first thing I’m going to do is get a flat-screen TV. Finally I can throw out the 20-inch Zenith with the rabbit ears, the one I inherited from my parents when they died. The reception is terrible and I’m getting tired of going out to bars every time I want to watch a game. Last month, the antenna broke and I tried to improvise one with a metal hanger and wound up cutting myself. Every time I see that scab, I say to myself, “If, God willing, those Bush tax cuts are restored, I’m going to buy a new TV.” Well, guess what? They have been!

It’s also going to be a boon for my health. After years of coveting them, I’ll finally be able to afford blueberries. Did you know they have a lot of antioxidants, which prevent cancer? Cancer! This tax cut just might save my life. Who said Republicans don’t support health care? I’m going to have the blueberries with my cereal, and I’m not talking Special K. Those days are over. It’s nothing but real granola from now on. The kind you get in the plastic bins in health food stores. Did someone say “organic”?

The only problem is if, God forbid, the tax cuts are repealed in two years, how will I ever go back to Special K and bananas? Well, I did quit smoking, so I’m sure if push came to shove I could summon up the willpower to get off granola and blueberries. Of course, I suppose with the money I managed to save from the “Seinfeld” syndication, I probably could continue to eat granola with blueberries, but let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

Life was good, and now it’s even better. Thank you, Republicans. And a special thank you to President Obama and the Democrats. I didn’t know you cared.

At least we know some people are happy with the tax cuts deal, LOL!!

As always….

If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!!

Talking Points Tuesdays – 9 hour filibuster by Bernie Sanders

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Senator Bernie Sanders

Bravo Senator Bernie Sanders for your efforts Friday (12/10/2010), as I stated in a previous post (F-A-Natic Fridays – Democrats Still Willing to Fight….) Bernie Sanders told MSNBC’s Ed Schulze that he would do what he could do to block President Obama’s Tax Deal with Republicans.  Not sure how many people took Bernie serious but on 12/10/2010 took the floor of the Senate to plead his case to Senate and Americans watching that particular why the extending the tax cuts for the rich were wrong.

For the record this was technically not a true filibuster…

A true filibuster, would be blocking Republicans from conducting business or speaking.

“take as long as I can to explain to the American people the fact that we have got to do a lot better than this agreement provides.” – Senator Bernie Sanders

At 10:25 am Sanders started his explanation with the following statement,

“How can I get by on one house?”

“I need five houses, ten houses! I need three jet planes to take me all over the world! Sorry, American people. We’ve got the money, we’ve got the power, we’ve got the lobbyists here and on Wall Street. Tough luck. That’s the world, get used to it. Rich get richer. Middle class shrinks.”

His opening statement lasted 2 hours, then with the help of Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Mary Landrieu (D-La.) the trio were able to stretch the discussion for the next 9 hours!  I can’t say enough about the efforts of the 3 Democrat senators; for the most part they knew that this tax deal would more than likely be passed by the Senate (it would eventually pass a test vote, opening the door for final passage).  All I can offer is my gratitude as I fully support their opposition to this tax deal.

Someone had to take a stand and ask the question WHEN IS ENOUGH ACTUALLY ENOUGH???

Thank You Bernie Sanders, Sherrod Brown, and Mary Landrieu for standing up for the people and asking that question…

As always….

If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!!