Throwing In The Tea Towel: Government Shutdown Averted?

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:33 | 1126959 divide_by_zero

Boehner is already on record calling anyone in his party that wanted to cut spending an "extremist". He's a RINO thru and thru.

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:34 | 1126965 grunk

Representative government - a barbarous relic.

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:34 | 1126968 evolutionx

I think the US-job market data was one of the best April jokes ever. Another good one here:

Obama: Dollar just an Illusion

In a sensational interview President Barack Obama provided some deep insight into the monetary system: "The dollar is just an illusion" - the US currency was actually not worth anything.

http://www.mmnews.de/index.php/english-news/7593-obama-dollar-just-an-il...

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:46 | 1126989 JustPrintMoreDuh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMBZDwf9dok

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:49 | 1126991 Robslob

Is default "depressionary" or "inflationary" things are so confusing nowadays...

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:52 | 1127001 Founders Keeper

Oh, I didn't see that coming ;)

GOP House Speaker Boehner has been serving as a US Congressman since 1991? Near 20 years. A leading figure in the "neo-con" Contract with America days. (IMO, not good credentials.)

Dear Mr. Speaker,

You have more in common with the Democrats than the Tea Party. So, go ahead and make your deal with your own kind. As for us, those who put their country ahead of politics, leave doing the right thing up to us---evidently you're not up to it.

Signed,

---The First to Stand, the Last to Leave

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:01 | 1127023 ZackAttack

No $390 billion fighter programs to be cut, I see. So granny gets a nice big bite out a shit sandwich so defense contractors can all get paid.

Nor the $billion a week in the 'Stanbox. Well, even the Caesars knew better than to bring a hardened army home to a restive populace.

We have a buns and gutter economy.

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:12 | 1127042 BRETT

We are well past thetime

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:31 | 1127064 ebworthen

What helps the banksters and the top 2% is what CONgress will do.

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:33 | 1127074 BRETT

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:37 | 1127082 bigargon

P-U-S-S-I-E-S

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:38 | 1127086 KickIce

They have been "enlightened" by the establishment, no QE - no economy. No one wants to take the blame for cutting off the spigots.

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:57 | 1127115 Sathington Willougby

Wait til the military contractors overseas stop taking dollareuvos and next thing you know the whole shitting match is kaput. No more pointing guns for privilege. No more opening fronts on a bad golf shot or teleprompter glitch.

Here come the bastards I heard it from a confidante who heard it from a confidante.

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:56 | 1127118 Zina

United States federal budget - fiscal year 2007:

Total revenue: $2.57 trillion

Total expenditures: $2.73 trillion

United States federal budget - fiscal year 2011:

Total revenue: $2.17 trillion

Total expenditures: $3.82 trillion

If the Tea Party is coherent, it should push to a $1 trillion cut in the budget, to bring the total expenditures to a level close to that of fiscal year 2007.

If they agree with less than $1 trillion is cuts, they are pussies!

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:29 | 1127151 Pale Green Horse

The government won't shut down, only non exigent employees will be sent home, I know, I am one. Government will still run, you may not be able to go to the National Parks or contact a government employee from various orginizations. I know, Gramn Rudmann shut us down twice. They will send people like me in engineering home, but the the immediate needed services will still be there. It is all political hype.

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:24 | 1127153 Bansters-in-my-...

The USA goverment is like a sick fucking joke.

I hope someone knocks them off thier throne soon and makes them look like the bully that just got punched out by a group that was fed up and banded together to kick the shit out of him...!

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:32 | 1127163 baby_BLYTHE

So what is everyone drinking tonight?

Believe it or not: gentleman Jack for me + ice cold coke

Oh, btw... Tea Party republicans have FAILED to deliver other than Rand Paul (although I wish he we're more aggressive and assertive during floor speeches and interviews).

What are we going to do about this?

They never listen to us!

They hate us!

This is all a game for them while real decent Americans suffer!

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:34 | 1127170 Pale Green Horse

They hate us! - BLYTHE

No, they just could care less about you! You are just another pissant that bothers the bankers that they work for.

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:58 | 1127216 JR

The intended outcome of this story is that the Republicans are caving in: the author of this article is attempting to pre-sell the public on this outcome. IOW, with the Democrats in minority and if the government is shut down it will be the Republicans fault. Whoever wrote this article is carrying water for the Democrats.

This is propaganda by the Democrats, and the Democrats who claim to be Republican leaders, to get their budget passed. The Republicans want to get some cuts made but they don’t want to be thought of as shutting the government down. The Tea Party members are willing to shut the government down.

If this happens as written, the Republican Party will split and the next time there are elections there will be a Tea Party majority; they have the American people behind them.

The tone of the story is “the Democrats are winning;” yet the Democrats don’ t have the votes. It is a complete nonstory except for propaganda purposes. Negotiations are ongoing and no one knows the outcome.

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:02 | 1127219 savagegoose

did we expect any different of course the debts going to be raised.

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:03 | 1127222 tiger7905

Here is an interesting document someone received from RBC Royal Bank of Canada attempting to purchase silver bars, "no longer manufactured"

http://goldandsilverlinings.com/?p=443

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:15 | 1127235 QuantumCat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDAmPIq29ro

Kevin Bacon, Animal House, before he was famous... "All is well!!"

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:28 | 1127249 TwoShortPlanks

China's Dagong should downgrade US rating to BBB, that'll wake the MOFOs up!

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:31 | 1127257 chindit13

So what is more infuriating than a "compromise" to cut $33 billion from a $3.8 trillion total budget (.8%)?

The fact that Congress will congratulate itself, with back slapping and photo ops, for their hard work, saying such things as "this is a great example of how much we can get done when we reach hands across the aisle and do what the American people expect from us". Then the Chief Executive of our Bamana Republic will use this "bipartisan victory", and demonstration of his willingness and ability to make "the hard decisions (c)", to launch his re-election campaign so that "we can continue to win the future".

Even before their cheers die down, Obama will authorize more money that the US does not have to do more things the US does not need done in Libya or Pakistan, and Congress will stuff each and every new bill with pork stringers the sum of which will dwarf the piddling $33 billion they call victory.

The thoughts and wishes I dare not say in a public forum, even without Marla to police this place....

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:32 | 1127260 sbenard

This only delays but assures an eventual catastrophe. In other words, we're doomed! Plan and prepare accordingly!

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:59 | 1127279 P-K4

ZH needs to do a column on the Top Ten Ways to tell the government has been shutdown (to help those who may not notice). Here's my offering;

10. D.C. area hookers are collecting unemployment

9. Mainstream media reverts to reporting news

8. George Soros takes a vacation

7. SEIU members go on strike in foreign countries

6. Nancy Pelosi starts to read the bill

5. Drugmakers lose billions as sales of stress meds plummet

4. CSPAN plays reruns

3. GDP and Productivity rises in the US while the Dollar rises against all currencies

2. Joe Biden is found in the White House working in his office

and the number 1 way to tell the government has shutdown

1. All presidential speeches and TV appearances cease as the teleprompter crew is layed off.

Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:33 | 1127320 Milton Waddams

At a restaurant table a group of politicians are arguing over how to divide up the dinner bill. "Well you didn't have to order the most expensive meal on the menu" one snaps at a collegue. "Yeah, well you didn't need to order a second meal to take home to your brother's cousin" the collegue retorts. Another politician chimes in "I'm not the one who decided to eat at a place where the tip was fixed at 20% on bills over a trillion." "Neither did I", responds another, "but that didn't stop you from refilling your drink eleven times when you knew there were no free refills". "Oh, go fuck yourself on the refills!" adds another, " I was ordering bottom shelf stuff; you're the idiot who ordered the drinks that everyone knows are marked up 1000%"

Suddenly out of no where a large plume of smoke appears and as it fades a figure appears in it's place. Casting aside their differences, the dinner guests in unison scream gleefully:

"The Bernank!"

The Bernank puts his index finger to his lips, reaches into his wallet, and pulls out a shinynew QE3-branded inflation tax card and, quivering lips and all, confidently declares "I got this".

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 00:01 | 1127378 Pale Green Horse

I'll tell you something most people don't want to hear. I was sitting in the doctors office waiting room and they were backed up. My appointment was at 4:10 pm and wasn't called back until 4:50 pm to wait some more. I was watching in the waiting room and there was eight of us in which six were holding up phones checking something? I don't know what for sure, maybe email or something just to pass the boredom.

But then I saw the queen, a late 30 something with her daughter both looking at their gadgets and pressing keys, or screen keys. Then the queen of all that is possible brought another into her left hand and there was another one and she was peering back and forth between the two. Now that is talent.

I only work in engineering and we do one thing at a time. Evidently these new gadgets can improve brain function, but I wondered what it was they were learning? Now, were they doing bible searches? Maybe something else, I don't know.

I think myself quite lucky just to have an internet connection so I can see the thoughts of intelligent man like zerohedge and the market ticker.

Who knows, maybe I am the fool.

US Wants More Disclosure on Pension Funding Posted by: Leo Kolivakis Post date: 04/01/2011 - 21:32 A federal board will soon propose that U.S. states disclose more about their pension funding as worries grow whether states and municipalities can pay for their employees' pensions...

Do Economists Even LOOK At the Data They Claim Supports a “Recovery”? Posted by: Phoenix Capital Research Post date: 04/01/2011 - 20:08 For well over two years now we’ve been told that the US was in recovery and that as most the biggest risk was a potential double dip. The reality however was that the US never experienced a real recovery (unless you work at one of the “chosen” firms on Wall Street).

The Next Major Bull Market Will Be In… Posted by: Phoenix Capital Research Post date: 04/01/2011 - 19:52 Going forward, we’re going to see economic data become even MORE divorced from reality, assertions that the economy is back on track, and that at worst there is the specter of a “double-dip” recession looming. Heck, even these fears are sugar-coated… literally (making an economic nightmare sound like an ice-cream sundae is a GENIUS marketing move).

Pale Green Horse Zero Hedge Reads Home Throwing In The Tea Towel: Government Shutdown Averted?

Submitted by Tyler Durden on 04/01/2011 17:53 -0400

A late afternoon update from Stone McCarthy's Nancy Vanden Houten provides some much needed clarity on the topic that will be next week's number one topic (absent another colored swan joining the clusterflock): the threat of a government shutdown. It appears that Obama's warning that it would "height of irresponsibility" to shut down the government over a spending battle may have pushed republicans to come to an compromise. From SMR: "Increasingly, it looks as though Congress will be able to pass legislation funding the government for the rest of fiscal 2011, which is now half over and ends on September 30." And naturally this is merely one more of those strawmen whose inevitable resolution will be seen as an upside catalyst even if the probability of a downside outcome is impossible: after all the US government can not afford a shutdown period. So the only natural outcome will serve as the latest piece of news to get the momentum algos ramping the market into overdrive even though there is nothing notably catalytic about this development.

From Stone McCarthy:

Despite pronouncements by Congressional leaders to the contrary, it appears as though the key parties involved have reached a tentative compromise on a deal to cut $33 billion in discretionary budget authority for fiscal 2011. That $33 billion would include the relatively painless $10 billion of cuts that were already passed as part of the last two continuing resolutions.

A final deal is by no means certain. The details of a compromise still have to be fleshed out. We've seen reports that Congressional staffers will be working through the weekend to iron out the specifics. Also, it's still up in the air whether a final bill will include any of the so-called policy riders that were part of HR1, the bill that cleared the House in February and that would reduce fiscal 2011 budget authority by more than $60 billion. Senate Democrats and White House officials involved in the budget negotiations have indicated they might be able to accept some "non-controversial" policy riders. Frankly, we've only seen Democrats identify those policy riders that would be off the table, including those that would eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood, NPR, and implementation of the 2010 health care law. We've seen conflicting reports about riders that would limit some of the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency. If Democrats refuse to accept any policy riders, it might give GOP leaders some leverage to push for spending cuts that are slightly larger than $33 billion.

The more conservative members of the Republican Party, including many in the freshman class, won't be happy with a deal that cuts 2011 spending by $33 billion. So the House Leadership will need a sizable number of the House's 192 Democrats to support a compromise. It appears, though, that House Speaker Boehner has decided that supporting a compromise that can pass the Senate is preferable to siding with the more conservative members of his party and provoking a government shutdown.

Will this create a lasting rupture within the GOP? At this point, we don't think so, but it might make it trickier for Speaker Boehner to get support for compromises on some of the bigger budget battles that lie ahead.

The positive outcome of this issue then opens the door to the next strawman catalyst: the proposed increase of the US debt ceiling, which also has no chance of not passing (the alternative is a default of the US), yet a favorable resolution will once again be spun as a market moving event adding another 10-20 points to the S&P.

We still project that Treasury will hit the debt limit on May 16, if it doesn't resort to the tools at its disposal to create room under the debt ceiling. Of course, we expect Treasury will use all means available to avoid breaching the debt limit. We still expect that Treasury will have exhausted those tools and hit the debt limit on June 30. The forecast is subject to more than the usual amount of uncertainty, as we head into the all-important April 15 tax date (April 18 this year.) We expect Treasury to provide an update to its own forecast for hitting the debt ceiling sometime next week.

As we indicated earlier, on a purely technical basis, the US total debt already surpassed the ceiling, although loopholes such as incremental maturities of debt, bill redemptions, the "debt subject to ceiling" definition and other semantics will likely push D-Day until mid-April, ultimately depending on the dynamics of tax refunds and revenues over the next two weeks.

That said, look for both of these events to be consistently spun as key positive outcomes, even though the chance of these things actually not transpiring in a non-favorable light is non-existent.

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by Ray1968
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 17:59
#1126726

Spineless!

Cut it or shut it!

by Rainman
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:06
#1126744

yes...these assholes are choking on a gnat with an elephant yet to swallow. We are doomed.

by I think I need ...
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:12
#1126768

i noticed they truly aren't fighting amongst the two parties so we must be screwed.

by Weisbrot
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:59
#1127013

bipartisan = 2 parties screwing 1 American public

by Fish Gone Bad
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:39
#1127183

Here is a Clarkism: Anything I can destroy, I can control.

That said, the Tea Party can shut down the government. Why settle on a few $$$ when the entire purse can be controlled. If any Tea Partiers read this, you know what to do, so please get it done.

by knukles
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:09
#1126926

$3,500 B budget (or thereabouts for gov't work)
$33 B cuts

33/3,500 = .0094

.94%

That's less than the sum of rounding errors.
Great Job, Shithead!

Mission Accomplished
(Business as Normal)

by nmewn
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:31
#1127065

Of course, we all know any "shutdown" is nothing but a paid vacation...once the "shutdown" is over everyone receives their pay for doing absolutely nothing again.

And I would go so far as to say a "shutdown" would be a positive on the patient under consideration...primum non nocere ;-)

Spineless Kabuki Theater of the Absurd.

by masterinchancery
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:18
#1126940

Absurd. Miniscule cuts, and nothing that matters in the govt ever shuts down, so the entire "threat" is complete BS.

by philgramm
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:19
#1127146

The relationship between gov't and citizen is necessarily an abusive one. It takes a certain percentage of your hard earned labor from the citizen each year. It can increase that percentage without the citizen's consent. The reason it can do this is that it has set up a good cop/bad cop system and given the citizen the illusion of choice.

We all know how much Americans love being part of a team. We have a blue team and a red team. Pick one of the two but sorry you don't have other options. People staunchly defend their team regardless of its actions. Someone much more eloquent than me said "you can tell a lot about a society from what it values most". Well, We value sports more than we value our freedom. We will argue for years about a terrible referee call in a playoff game but we won't try to put in half of that time understanding and fighting for our freedoms.

Stop voting. Imagine if, in nov 2012, not one person voted for president. Not voting is also a choice. This abusive relationship needs only one thing from you. Opt out. The gov't has so much power because we are complicit in the system. We don't realize that we have voluntarily given away our freedom and we can get it back. An abusive relationship only ends when the abused just walks away. Walk away.

www.c4ss.org

sorry if I ranted

by flacon
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:01
#1127281

> An abusive relationship only ends when the abused just walks away.

Excellent. And also stop paying income tax by stopping working. It is legal to not pay income tax if you don't earn any FRN's. Be self sufficient.

by Weisbrot
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:01
#1127009

defund illegals by evicting them, this will reduce traffic on the roads, reduce the witing time in hospitals, and the demand for food stamps, just to name 3.

by Zero Govt
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:17
#1127139

Yep. Kick the can .....kick the can ......kick the can .....and kick the can (again!)

200 Committees, a new one on 'Fiscal Responsibility', hundreds of DC 'experts' and all they can come up with to 'solve' the debt and spending problem is the same retarded strategy of keep spending like bankrupts and kick the can

Govt, the rectum of every country

by Phat Stax
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:24
#1127243

who the hell is going to change your sheets next time you wank off in a hotel room? or pick your peas? or strawberries? Your son or daughter? or your nephew or niece? Yeah right...

by espirit
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:49
#1127270

Straw Tea Bags taste like sheet.

by Hephasteus
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:42
#1127266

Illegal aliens represent the ultimate mind fuck of america. You're in but your not in and your not legit. It's the entire process of inclusion through caste system. There's no way they will shut down illegal immigrants any more than Apple will shut down their manufacturing system being ran by thugs who force people into cult concentration labor camps. Even if it means those same fucking thugs will do shitty things to apple like make an exta 300k plastic cases and sell it to a knock off vendor. It's just part of doing big thug business.

by Manthong
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:15
#1127297

I think it's a gift.

More time to accumulate, more dips to buy in.

Great way to get excercise.

Those bars and green boxes are heavy.

by Id fight Gandhi
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:04
#1126734

So cuts are less than one month of Pomo?

by magpie
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:26
#1126810

shhhh, don't say that aloud. Cuts are two good days of it.

Once they begin to think in those dimensions, why should they even limit the deficit to single digit trillions ?

by Debtless
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:06
#1126745

Go ahead and shut the fucker down.

by victor82
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:45
#1126868

Shhhhh. Don't say shutdown!

You'll scare the Republicans!

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:10
#1126749

What was this budget battle over? 33 billion was it?

Let me give you an idea of what that is, in the scope of our national debt.

Imagine our national debt is 14 trillion dollars and instead of 14 trillion bucks, it's 100 gallons of water. What is 33 billion dollars in that context?

That's about 4 imperial cups of water in that 10 gallon bucket. 4 cups. like that amount of water you drink in a day.

Our government, our incompetent government, filled with these moron and buffoons can't do without 4 cups in a 100 galloon bucket? Removing that amount is "impossible"

Anybody have any idea how we're certainly screwed? How there is no hope? This is also 6 tablespoons out of 10 gallons - which is supposedly essential to keep this country from going crazy, supposedly, from these pilfering, spendthrift morons, who are looting the country, and are so freaking greedy that they can't give up 6 tablespoons in a 10 gallon bucket they've make.

Ya think people saying the dollar is doomed now are crazy? Well, if you do, don't be whining 10 years later screaming "how could anybody see this coming? DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH!" It's OBVIOUS. Yeah, gold and silver are in bubbles, but this, well, just small bit of inflation are possible.

by cossack55
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:29
#1126819

I found the link below to be both entertaining and funny:

www.theblaze.com/blog/2011/03/31/eat-the-rich-not-so-fast/

by Buzz Hacksaw
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:42
#1126980

A little too simplistic. Bording on propaganda.

by Two Face
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:50
#1126882

Yeah, in a $3.8T spending budget for fiscal 2011, this $33B isn't even good for a 1% cut of total spending. The Dems and Repubs are squabbling over who's going to eat the last crumb of the pie.

by A Nanny Moose
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:55
#1127211

Meantime the whole pie is turning into a moldy, watery, fetid shit pile.

by Abitdodgie
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:59
#1127019

So it is time for a revolution I am up for it , when and where, and don't turn up if your not armed and ready to fight .

by Cdad
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:23
#1127056

rich wicks,

Indeed, we are aware. And if the weak Republicans sign onto this sad budget, then the bond market will immediately explain to them just how wrong they were.

So take your pick next week...of black swans yet again. And while your waiting, prepare.

by oogs66
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:07
#1126752

After the tax 'compromise' late last year you knew they wouldn't even pretend to fight to the last minute. Jawbone get a few soundbites. Then spend away!

by Misean
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:09
#1126753

Money's no object for the Empire.

by Zero Govt
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:20
#1127148

that's what Rome said!

by dbTX
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:08
#1126754

TERM LIMITS

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:14
#1126771

No, not term limits.

Bankruptcy.

People spend more time watching television in week than they spend researching candidates that they vote for over a period of 4 years. Americans, these stupid morons who have the right to vote, but are utterly incapable of voting, because they're complete morons, deserve to have their country bankrupt.

Don't blame politicians for this, blame voters, it's their fault. You know the nation will just continue adding to the national debt forever - you know this for certain. What are you going to do about it? That's your only question.

It's no wonder politcians have utter contempt for the masses - how can you not when their base their voting decisions on what kind of hair hair you have, and how photogenic you are on television, and don't even bother to even look at your voting record? It was pretty easy to see the Obama was going to continue the Iraq War, continue the bailouts, and support the Patriot Act - because he voted to continue them when he was in the senate. Hope and change? If any of you believed that, you are stupid morons. All you had to do was pay attention for 10 minutes a week for the last 2 years of Obama's politicial career or just look it up in Wikipedia.

You deserve the government you have, Americans. You deserve an awful one.

by johnQpublic
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:24
#1126800

you are talking klike they give the public a real choice.

southpark had it right.....douchebag or a shit sandwich

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:41
#1126852

you are talking klike they give the public a real choice.

You did have a real choice.

You had one man that read in the Pentagon Papers into the Congressional record. Do you know why he did this? The Nixon government was threatening to try reporters for treason if they reported on the Gulf of Tonkin incident which was in the Pentagon Papers. The senator who read in the papers was risking a lot to do this, despite his technical immunity in reading anything into the congressional record.

Do you know who he is?

Then there is the other guy, he rasied more money from individuals than anybody else running. He voted against the "Authorization to Use Force in Iraq", he voted against the bailouts, and he has a nearly 100% record of doing what he says, and saying what he's going to do, for over 2 decades.

You ought to know who hs is.

But most of America doesn't.

I'm tied of people bitch about the governments they elect. It's not the fault of the government is the fault of a fat and stupid population that thinks it's their patriotic duty(TM)(R) to vote, even though they have absolutely no clue what's even available. Americans are freaking stupid, and that's the root problem.

by ShouldveLeftHer
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:07
#1126915

Not "nearly 100%". It is 100%, and also hes never cheated on his wife, had a malpractice lawsuit as a doctor, or flip flopped on anything in his LIFE. Ron Paul is genuinely the last true man in politics. Hes too old now. I dont even think hes going to run, he himself said its too late now. Were already fucked regardless what happens from this day on. But lets keep asking Tim Massad whats happening in the world and act satisfied with the non answers that Americans have become accustomed to, from the Nixon era of politics. "Well, um, uh, thats not my responsibility." I dont pay Federal Taxes except cigarette tax and gas tax. Theyre not getting any more money out of me without representation.

by Founders Keeper
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:12
#1126932

[It's not the fault of the government is the fault of a fat and stupid population that thinks it's their patriotic duty(TM)(R) to vote...]---rich_wicks

IMO there's a lot of blame to go around, wicks. The electorate share part of it.

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:38
#1126975

IMO there's a lot of blame to go around, wicks. The electorate share part of it.

If you hire a group sociopaths to run your life because you were too damned lazy to do a few hours of research on the internet, don't you dare to complain about them for running your lives into the ground.

This country is screwed up because NOBODY takes any responsibility for their actions. To have a democracy, you need an informed electorate. If you are not informed, you should not be part of the electorate.

by nmewn
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:25
#1127156

"To have a democracy, you need an informed electorate."

This was never meant to be a democracy...it's how you wind up with the shit we have now.

Who do you think the average person will vote for...someone who says they will provide for you or someone who says you must provide for yourself?

Everyone knows democracy's suck hind tit, as they always evolve into 51% stealing from the other 49% (or lower percentile's)...which leads to the lower percentiles saying bite me bitch...come take it if you can.

And here we are.

by Larry Darrell
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:28
#1127314

"This was never meant to be a democracy...it's how you wind up with the shit we have now."

+ sum(QE1:QEN)

Obviously history classes are failing everywhere when almost no one knows what the US was founded as.

Woman: What did you give us Mr. Franklin?

Benjamin Franklin: A Republic, if you can keep it.

by unununium
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:50
#1126994

> Americans are freaking stupid, and that's the root problem.

Not entirely our fault. Keeping us stupid was part of the plan.

by iDealMeat
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:42
#1126857

+1.. That one was almost as good as the

Margaritaville episode

by MisterMousePotato
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:06
#1126909

"You deserve the government you have, Americans. You deserve an awful one."

Um, no. I get the kind of government that THEY deserve.

by ShouldveLeftHer
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:08
#1126925

Did you vote for Ron Paul? If no, then hit yourself in the nuts with a hammer.

by Abitdodgie
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:06
#1127036

You are right Americans keep voting for the same people so they must like been treated the way they are so unfortunately we are in the minority , and as America is not a republic any more , it is a democracy , then i guess we have to live with it , or become a sovereign and feel sorry for the surfs. Ps I did not get the update on the democracy thing either

by chubbar
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:08
#1126755

It's all the same club. No one expected any other outcome.

by Translational Lift
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:10
#1126757

US Gubmnt = NO BRAINS...NO BALLS...NO BACKBONE...

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:18
#1126775

(Reuters) - Afghan protesters angered by the burning of a Koran by an obscure U.S. pastor killed up to 20 U.N. staff, beheading two foreigners, when they over-ran a compound in a normally peaceful northern city on Friday in the worst ever attack on the U.N. in Afghanistan.

snip

Afghan police and army, who the United Nations rely on for their first line of defense, were apparently unable to control the crowd. German troops are also stationed in Balkh, and the NATO-led coalition said they had received a request for help.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/01/us-afghanistan-unitednations-deaths-idUSTRE7303VN20110401

by Translational Lift
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:19
#1126790

Pull the plug on those fuckers and let them wallow in their own excrement!

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:22
#1126794

I vote we dust off and nuke them from orbit.

It is the only way to be sure.

by cossack55
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:22
#1126795

If you work for the UN you have already lost your mind. May as well lose the rest of your head.

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:26
#1126804

Religion of Pieces.

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:49
#1126879

this from a country that had a group of murderers working in it's military, for fun:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42304341/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/

Dey h8 us Fer R Freedumb remember. Duuh przident sayed so. It mwust be twue.

I have a really novel method of not getting US people killed in foreign countries - don't put US foreign people in foreign countries. Maybe that will work? I'm thinking that if Americans aren't in Afghanistan or in Iraq, after the US has bombed the hell out of the two countries, and killed lots of native people that live there there, they wouldn't be killed. I know the logic is really difficult to follow, but I'm pretty certain that if Americans stop going to countries that the US has bombed the bejesus out of, Americans will no longer be killed in those countries if they are not in those countries.

What do you think? Do you think that might possibly be a solution? Do you think Americans and foreigners in general will stop being murdered if they just leave the countries that their governments blew to shit? Hmmm, it's such a hard logic to follow I know, and it's very complicated solution, but maybe we can try it?

What do you morons think?

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:54
#1126886

Isn't is interesting that the MFM cannot for the life of them, name the current CinC of those kill teams?

Corruption runs down hill.

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:15
#1126937

You know who is in Iraq and Afghanistan right now?

Colluders. Co-conspirators. They may not realize it, but that's exactly what they are, and they get killed for it. Well, work for the mafia don, and die at the hands of another mafia don.

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:23
#1126944

They are honorable Americans hoping there will be something left to defend when the America hating, Communist-in-Chief is gone.

Obama was democratically elected by the totally retarded voters of of the US. Therefore, the officer corps will follow his orders even if they know they are helping to destroy the nation. That is the way it works.

When the vote is obviously stolen, they will react differently. The nation has the right to commit suicide if it does so democratically.

That is one thing you all never learn. The US military will allow the US to self-destruct if it is done, more or less, democratically.

Anything else, and the Republic dies anyway.

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:34
#1126962

They are honorable Americans hoping there will be something left to defend when the America hating, Communist-in-Chief is gone.

You mean the Communist-in-Chief that.

renewed the Patriot Act that Bush and a Republican congress put into law?
renewed the bailouts of criminals in our banking sector that Bush and a Democratic congress passed?
continued 2 wars that Bush and a Republican congress started?
continued to keep Guantanamo open that Bush and both a Republican and Democratic congress kept open for 6 years?
continued to keep mercenaries, paid murderers, in both wars that Bush and both a Republican and Democratic congress authorized payments for?

Yeah - as soon as we get a new president, everthing will change, because Obama and our government is so radically different than the last 8 years before he was president.

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:46
#1126983

Even with all that, the Rs did not take control of the Senate. This is as good as it gets.

Plan accordingly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gO7uemm6Yo

My loyalty has shrunk all the way down to my neighborhood. Don't fuck with it while I am still upright.

by eddiebe
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:46
#1126985

The universal soldier. Without him all this killing couldnt go on. All of them are pissing on the constitution.

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:58
#1127012

"Men sleep peacefully in their beds at night
because rough men stand ready
to do violence on their behalf."

Orwell.

Don't be a useful idiot.

by prophet
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:29
#1126956

Surely they would never think to come to the U.S.

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:34
#1126967

Surely they would never think to come to the U.S.

Well, given our immigration policy, I suppose that could be a legiminate threat. Maybe, just perhaps, the Federal government ought keep an eye on foreigners in the US, instead of watching US citizens 24 hours a day 7 days a week with warrantless wiretapping?

Or better yet, they could just refuse a Visa.

I know it's crazy, but I think it might just work. After all, if we're so terrified of foreigners, why not just close the border?

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:53
#1127005

Statists like Islam.

Just watch as things develop. I will accept accolades in the future.

by Id fight Gandhi
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:57
#1127010

Eh, it really comes down to the Jews. Let them fight it out for awhile. Just get good footage as football season is over.

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:00
#1126901

(Reuters) - Afghan protesters angered by the burning of a Koran by an obscure U.S. pastor killed up to 20 U.N. staff, beheading two foreigners, when they over-ran a compound in a normally peaceful northern city on Friday in the worst ever attack on the U.N. in Afghanistan.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/01/us-afghanistan-unitednations-deaths-idUSTRE7303VN20110401

Yes, the pastor is so incredibly obscure our own media can't even name his name, but a bunch of people on the other side of the planet, who don't speak english, and over 50% of which have never even seen a television or an american newspaper were inspired by his actions to kill a bunch of people.

Because the one thing about US media is that it's not totally full of crap. I mean, they weren't full of crap about the new economy, weapons of mass destruction, or the housing bubble? The pinpoint of accuracy, our US media. It's not just BS propaganda, right? It's not has if, um, Mohammad Bashir is some quack reporter who is just pretending to have any clue what is going on and reporting BS as facts? That would never happen in our media!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Miller_%28journalist%29#New_York_Tim...

Pravda was more reliable than our supposed media, so please stop sourcing it.

by knukles
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:17
#1126935

So, "Jersey Shore's on." is not a valid excuse?

by CaptFufflePants
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:11
#1126759

Well if couples making $39,000 a year are getting a $54,000 tax refund then the Treasury may go bust sooner than later.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/01/pf/taxes/adoption_tax_refund/index.htm

by Calculated_Risk
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:29
#1126820

"And some of the refunds it has seen range as high as $90,000.

A couple from Alabama, Tina and Kenny Thomas, recently adopted five kids from foster care and are now expecting a check for a whopping $65,000, thanks to this credit. Like the Wards, they had absolutely no idea it existed until they went to their tax preparer. "

Our tax dollars at work! hip hip hooray!!!

by Rainman
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:43
#1126850

Great Big Booyah !!....is this a great country or what ??

by Precious
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:12
#1126760

U.S. federal politicians proved they have no better self-discipline than a drug addict.

They are simply a bunch of crack heads hooked on government spending.

Their cuts are drop in the ocean. They simply don't get it because THEY ARE the problem.

by TerraHertz
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:12
#1126767

The best possible outcome for America would be for the Federal government to shut down, and stay shut down. Permanently.

Pass one final bill nullifying all existing Federal legislation, then turn out the lights when leaving.

by thedrickster
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:47
#1126987

+1

by Id fight Gandhi
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:58
#1127016

I wish they would shut it down for a while and get some outrage. Maybe we can have some real change in this country.

by Zero Govt
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:37
#1127173

shut Govt down and a vast sack of steaming shit gets lifted from the nation

i felt the relief/freedom/karma very briefly in the 5 days we had a hung parliament post-election in Blighty while the Tories haggled with Liberals to form a Govt. The media said the civil service were managing things while the politicians struck deals.

But you know removing the windbags makes no difference to the direction of a nation, only how much of a relief it would be for society to have these parasites removed and their endless corrupt clown show and its constant farcical noise ...the peace and quiet alone would be worth it

these fuking turkeys won't vote for Christmas however.... so carving knives at the ready everyone, Christmas is coming ;)

by Rogerwilco
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:16
#1126772

And the toga party continues. Where is the vomitorium?

by Yen Cross
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:15
#1126776

Terra Hertz? Don't spread the light saving secret. They will off shore it!

by Doug
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:20
#1126786

Right on, Rich Wicks. In terms of all of our obligations it can't be more than a thimblefull.

by LostWages
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:22
#1126791

The can is now a 55 gallon drum full of cement. Soon the fools on the hill won't be able to kick it down the road anymore. Asshats!

by AN0NYM0US
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:25
#1126801

boehner=pelosi

(great captcha Math question for this post)

zero plus ___ equal zero

Math question: * zero plus equals zero

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:27
#1126815

I got 1/ -0.0

by Yen Cross
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:39
#1126847

You must be hedged Look at volumes in the trade. weak

by hambone
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:28
#1126806

Politics, parties, change at the polls is a joke. Democracy is an utter sham.

by Dr. Engali
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:26
#1126813

What's 33 billion amongst friends? it's jus a simple rounding error.

by Drag Racer
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:29
#1126816

this is priceless!!!

World collapse in 3 minutes...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOzR3UAyXao&NR=1

by Long-John-Silver
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:34
#1126830

The Piigs debt is only in the Billions of Euro's. Our debt is in the Trillions of Dollars.

by Long-John-Silver
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:29
#1126817

Rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.....

Fill your lifeboat with Silver and Gold.

by Dr. Porkchop
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:30
#1126823

It's like watching the Harlem Globetrotters play the Generals... lots of spinning balls and a few laughs, but the same outcome every time.

by Yen Cross
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:38
#1126838

The red, white and blue stripes mesmerize you. OLD GLORY!

by samsara
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:38
#1127182

That's the exact analogy I use to explain it.

More importantly, BOTH team's checks are printed with the same company name on them.

by Rainman
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:33
#1126829

If .gov can keep this decade-long emergency powers gig going they might put a beat on Mubarak or Assad. Only a couple more decades to go.

by Quantum Nucleonics
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:33
#1126833

This budget debate is like 2 men arguing over a bar tab on the Titanic.

Republicans are setting the victory line at $61 billion in cuts when we are $1.5 trillion in the whole. Democrats are saying any cuts at all will bring social apocalypse -- the same people that said Porkapoluza would create millions of jobs.

by nah
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:36
#1126834

$33 billion would include the relatively painless $10 billion of cuts that were already passed as part of the last two continuing resolutions

.

I THINK THEY MEAN TO SAVE THE WORLD SOMETHING FIERCE

by NidStyles
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:37
#1126837

HyperInflation here we come!!

by GlassHammer
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:42
#1126851

Can we stop calling what is clearly "posturing" a "budget negotiation"?

The budget and deficit are important but we have a rather long list of things in need of fixing.

The Wars didn't even garner this much dithering and they should have.

by victor82
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:45
#1126861

The AssClown GOP was burned to its core by Bill Clinton in 1995 by the last Government shutdown. They want to avoid it because they know that they will be blamed by the media, just as they were blamed the last time.

These guys aren't serious about spending cuts. They never were.

Rand Paul might be, but he's the only one. So, wonder what the Brave New World will be like after everything goes to hell?

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:49
#1126871

Chaos, or the slow decline into statist, socialist, grey mediocrity?

Wish I could see the future.

by AN0NYM0US
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:56
#1126892

you have and it is 'zero'

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:06
#1126910

Lookin that way...

by thedrickster
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:49
#1126990

"slow decline into statist, socialist, grey mediocrity?"

"Wish I could see the future."

You just did.

by Buckaroo Banzai
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:08
#1126923

Not raising the debt ceiling would NOT cause the US to default. Default = you can't pay the interest on your debt. But that "only" costs us $300 billion per year, which we could pay out of taxes.

Of course we'd have to stop spending on just about everything else, which would suit me just fine.

by prophet
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:31
#1126960

I like that approach.

by Quantum Nucleonics
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:34
#1126964

How great would that be, watching the political class try to figure out which 50% of the budget to keep. Too bad involuntary bankruptcy laws don't apply to state and federal governments.

by hound dog vigilante
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:22
#1126943

incumbents of all stripes (red, blue, tea) supporting this budget farse - and/or supporting an increase of the debt ceiling - are simply digging their own graves.

i am baffled by the fact that so many (pols, media, wall st.) are dismissing the most recent election as if it didn't happen... 2012 will be yet another rude awakening for these folks. incumbents supporting status quo deficit spending are toast. it's just that simple.

new paradigm:

motivated voters > beltway lobbyists

by knukles
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:38
#1126970

I've the exact same reaction.... it's absolutely amazing that they've heard naught.
Granted, I wasn't expecting the landscape to change overnight, but this is downright ridiculous.
Our congressperson visits the local Rotary Clubs once a year. Watchu bet that this coming year less than half the clubs even shows up? Talk about loosing your audience....

by samsara
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:33
#1127169

I in favor of requiring a "None Of The Above" slot on every ballot in all elections.

by High Plains Drifter
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:27
#1126953

the tea party people are kind of upset i think. they feel they have been sold out. when will they ever learn? voting does not work and never has. its time to party like its 1799.......

by divide_by_zero
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:33
#1126959

Boehner is already on record calling anyone in his party that wanted to cut spending an "extremist". He's a RINO thru and thru.

by grunk
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:34
#1126965

Representative government - a barbarous relic.

by knukles
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:41
#1126979

Sorta like "mark to myth" accounting.

Jezzzz... it's all a farce.

by thedrickster
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:48
#1126992

+1

by evolutionx
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:34
#1126968

I think the US-job market data was one of the best April jokes ever. Another good one here:

Obama: Dollar just an Illusion

In a sensational interview President Barack Obama provided some deep insight into the monetary system: "The dollar is just an illusion" - the US currency was actually not worth anything.

http://www.mmnews.de/index.php/english-news/7593-obama-dollar-just-an-il...

by magpie
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:43
#1126984

Conmen immediately know a good con when they see one.

by JustPrintMoreDuh
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:46
#1126989

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMBZDwf9dok

by Robslob
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:49
#1126991

Is default "depressionary" or "inflationary" things are so confusing nowadays...

by Founders Keeper
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:52
#1127001

Oh, I didn't see that coming ;)

GOP House Speaker Boehner has been serving as a US Congressman since 1991? Near 20 years. A leading figure in the "neo-con" Contract with America days. (IMO, not good credentials.)

Dear Mr. Speaker,

You have more in common with the Democrats than the Tea Party. So, go ahead and make your deal with your own kind. As for us, those who put their country ahead of politics, leave doing the right thing up to us---evidently you're not up to it.

Signed,

---The First to Stand, the Last to Leave

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:54
#1127008

Cornyn from Texas, is newer and even more corrupt.

When will the morons stop voting for lawyers?

by ebworthen
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:15
#1127234

Lawyers are the only ones with the ca$h to buy an election.

They are the Catholic Clergy of the Middle Ages selling dispensations transposed into the 21st century.

This cluster-fuck won't change until we remove the American Bar and Lawyers from any power or legitimacy; more so than the Papacy.

by Founders Keeper
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:25
#1127300

[Cornyn from Texas, is newer and...]---Rodent Freikorps

Freikorps, thanks for your reply. I've read many of your posts.

I don't have any particular distaste for lawyers. A disproportionate supply of them "practicing" as Congressmen unfortunately. Makes for narrow limited representation of broad constituencies. (I'm not surprised lawyers are drawn to legislative bodies though, given their passion for law.)

by ebworthen
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:33
#1127075

I'm thinking at this point it might be best to be the first to leave.

Time to reference that expatriation guide...

by Founders Keeper
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:28
#1127312

ebworthen, that was funny. Thanks.

by ZackAttack
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:01
#1127023

No $390 billion fighter programs to be cut, I see. So granny gets a nice big bite out a shit sandwich so defense contractors can all get paid.

Nor the $billion a week in the 'Stanbox. Well, even the Caesars knew better than to bring a hardened army home to a restive populace.

We have a buns and gutter economy.

by EscapeKey
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:56
#1127117

They are required for the upcoming war.

In the UK, Gordon 'the gimp' Brown was acknowledged for not giving a shit about savers, as they'd "die off soon anyway".

by samsara
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:31
#1127164

What's the total for Non-GI personal in Iraq + Afghanistan(ie contractors) ?

Isn't a couple hundred thousand? When do they get cut? (Haliburton, Xe, et al? )

by BRETT
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:12
#1127042

We are well past thetime

by ebworthen
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:31
#1127064

What helps the banksters and the top 2% is what CONgress will do.

by BRETT
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:33
#1127074

by bigargon
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:37
#1127082

P-U-S-S-I-E-S

by KickIce
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:38
#1127086

They have been "enlightened" by the establishment, no QE - no economy. No one wants to take the blame for cutting off the spigots.

by Sathington Willougby
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:57
#1127115

Wait til the military contractors overseas stop taking dollareuvos and next thing you know the whole shitting match is kaput. No more pointing guns for privilege. No more opening fronts on a bad golf shot or teleprompter glitch.

Here come the bastards I heard it from a confidante who heard it from a confidante.

by Zina
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:56
#1127118

United States federal budget - fiscal year 2007:

Total revenue: $2.57 trillion

Total expenditures: $2.73 trillion

United States federal budget - fiscal year 2011:

Total revenue: $2.17 trillion

Total expenditures: $3.82 trillion

If the Tea Party is coherent, it should push to a $1 trillion cut in the budget, to bring the total expenditures to a level close to that of fiscal year 2007.

If they agree with less than $1 trillion is cuts, they are pussies!

by Pale Green Horse
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:29
#1127151

The government won't shut down, only non exigent employees will be sent home, I know, I am one. Government will still run, you may not be able to go to the National Parks or contact a government employee from various orginizations. I know, Gramn Rudmann shut us down twice. They will send people like me in engineering home, but the the immediate needed services will still be there. It is all political hype.

by nmewn
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:41
#1127193

Monetarily, in your situation, it was a wash, correct?

You got back pay for being off.

by Pale Green Horse
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:54
#1127212

You are correct about getting paid back, but I have 6 months of emergencyy funds. So you won't see me complaining on CNN. You may also Note that I don't have an I phone or an Ipod or any other such things. Just a trac phone, So if they don't pay me back I can live with that. I'll bet if it went on long enough I would recieve an unemployment check. All I am saying is it is politcal hype, and that is all it is.

by nmewn
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:06
#1127224

That's all I was saying...you were paid, even though you weren't on the job.

Agree...it's all hype.

by Pale Green Horse
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:08
#1127227

We are on the same wavelength. IT IS NOT A SHUTDOWN. Never has been. I am glad you understood what I meant. Only fear mongers make it so dire.

by ebworthen
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:17
#1127236

It won't be a shutdown until it is.

At some point, the SHTF.

Reference LA riots or Katrina; there were shutdowns and the SHTF.

by Pale Green Horse
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:29
#1127254

You could be right, however I see worse things on the horizon. I quit making plans, already made them. When that day comes I am gone to the farm house. I don't own a credit card or owe a banker a single penny and haven't for years. I knew what they were up to, and we divorced long ago.

by Bansters-in-my-...
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:24
#1127153

The USA goverment is like a sick fucking joke.

I hope someone knocks them off thier throne soon and makes them look like the bully that just got punched out by a group that was fed up and banded together to kick the shit out of him...!

by baby_BLYTHE
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:32
#1127163

So what is everyone drinking tonight?

Believe it or not: gentleman Jack for me + ice cold coke

Oh, btw... Tea Party republicans have FAILED to deliver other than Rand Paul (although I wish he we're more aggressive and assertive during floor speeches and interviews).

What are we going to do about this?

They never listen to us!

They hate us!

This is all a game for them while real decent Americans suffer!

by EvlTheCat
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:58
#1127214

Well since you are interested! I am drinking Fosters and Yuengling Lager.

Tomorrow I will be drinking a nice little Brazilian import beer called Xingu and nailing down a little home made rum. It will be Saturday so me and my friends will be blowing off steam, not thinking of the impending end of the world, but riffing incredibly horrible and strange movies.

P.S. Tea Party = Fail!

Love a Libertarian!

P.P.S Say hello to your dad!

by baby_BLYTHE
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:16
#1127229

Haha. I am at school (college). Many miles away from parents/home.

Thought I would have a few drinks + catch up on everything I missed while in class today on ZH- Tyler is a machine!

Question: how high do interest rates have to go before Congress has no choice- either cut or the economy dies?

Ron Paul mentioned in an interview a few months ago "the American people don't have to pay interest to the Fed". I believe it was Morning Joe and Cramer was there. Immately after Ron mentioned this, Cramer of course scoffed and gave some wise ass remark about do or die with the IMF.

I was just wondering what exactly Ron Paul was talking about. Obviously I understand the Chinese, Japanese, Russia etc., Would theoretically get paid a higher coupon yield... But what about the FED?

I only started learning all this a year ago. Excuse my newbieness, thx.

by EvlTheCat
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:55
#1127276

P.P.P.S. You lose!

See, the difference between knowing your enemy, and being fooled by them, is remembering the threads.

Have a great night!

by ebworthen
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:26
#1127242

baby_BLYTHE,

Whiskey...ah yes.

I agree on Congress and Tea Party - Mr. (and Mrs.) Smith go to Washington (Jimmy Stewart Movie - Rent it).

Whiskey? Try Jim Beam Black or Old Grandad - OMFG those are good whiskey's.

The best whiskey's are the Rye Whiskey's, which is what Washington and Jefferson made. About 20 years ago they were cheap and good because they were "out of favor" and the corn mash whiskey's were getting a premium (like JD, etc.). The Rye whiskeys are making a comeback but now really expensive as boutique brands, a shame.

Give that Old Grand Dad or Jim Beam Black 86 proof a try with a little bit of filtered water to make the bouquet blossom.

Cheers.

by Pale Green Horse
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:34
#1127170

They hate us! - BLYTHE

No, they just could care less about you! You are just another pissant that bothers the bankers that they work for.

by JR
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:58
#1127216

The intended outcome of this story is that the Republicans are caving in: the author of this article is attempting to pre-sell the public on this outcome. IOW, with the Democrats in minority and if the government is shut down it will be the Republicans fault. Whoever wrote this article is carrying water for the Democrats.

This is propaganda by the Democrats, and the Democrats who claim to be Republican leaders, to get their budget passed. The Republicans want to get some cuts made but they don’t want to be thought of as shutting the government down. The Tea Party members are willing to shut the government down.

If this happens as written, the Republican Party will split and the next time there are elections there will be a Tea Party majority; they have the American people behind them.

The tone of the story is “the Democrats are winning;” yet the Democrats don’ t have the votes. It is a complete nonstory except for propaganda purposes. Negotiations are ongoing and no one knows the outcome.

by Yen Cross
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:18
#1127301

As usual JR , you bring reason to bear. The author of this article is trying to isolate congress, from making the real decision! Austerity in America! 6 or 7 trillion dollars is so mind numbing that it's (inconsequential)! Congress on both sides can't even muster up the, (where with all) to cut 60 billion dollars. Who are there constituents? I may agree to disagree. I may have a snarky ass hole that puts a number one on my posts. At least you tell it like it is. P.S. been long GBP/JPY 127.8X 2 large. Hedged the dip. CFTC can munch on my nuts! YEN CROSS.

by savagegoose
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:02
#1127219

did we expect any different of course the debts going to be raised.

by tiger7905
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:03
#1127222

Here is an interesting document someone received from RBC Royal Bank of Canada attempting to purchase silver bars, "no longer manufactured"

http://goldandsilverlinings.com/?p=443

by QuantumCat
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:15
#1127235

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDAmPIq29ro

Kevin Bacon, Animal House, before he was famous... "All is well!!"

by TwoShortPlanks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:28
#1127249

China's Dagong should downgrade US rating to BBB, that'll wake the MOFOs up!

by chindit13
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:31
#1127257

So what is more infuriating than a "compromise" to cut $33 billion from a $3.8 trillion total budget (.8%)?

The fact that Congress will congratulate itself, with back slapping and photo ops, for their hard work, saying such things as "this is a great example of how much we can get done when we reach hands across the aisle and do what the American people expect from us". Then the Chief Executive of our Bamana Republic will use this "bipartisan victory", and demonstration of his willingness and ability to make "the hard decisions (c)", to launch his re-election campaign so that "we can continue to win the future".

Even before their cheers die down, Obama will authorize more money that the US does not have to do more things the US does not need done in Libya or Pakistan, and Congress will stuff each and every new bill with pork stringers the sum of which will dwarf the piddling $33 billion they call victory.

The thoughts and wishes I dare not say in a public forum, even without Marla to police this place....

by sbenard
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:32
#1127260

This only delays but assures an eventual catastrophe. In other words, we're doomed! Plan and prepare accordingly!

by P-K4
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:59
#1127279

ZH needs to do a column on the Top Ten Ways to tell the government has been shutdown (to help those who may not notice). Here's my offering;

10. D.C. area hookers are collecting unemployment

9. Mainstream media reverts to reporting news

8. George Soros takes a vacation

7. SEIU members go on strike in foreign countries

6. Nancy Pelosi starts to read the bill

5. Drugmakers lose billions as sales of stress meds plummet

4. CSPAN plays reruns

3. GDP and Productivity rises in the US while the Dollar rises against all currencies

2. Joe Biden is found in the White House working in his office

and the number 1 way to tell the government has shutdown

1. All presidential speeches and TV appearances cease as the teleprompter crew is layed off.

by EvlTheCat
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:29
#1127311

Number 10 should be number 1, IMO!

Comment viewing options Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes. Post new comment Your name: Pale Green Horse Comment: *
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Disable rich-text Search Search this site: Latest News From RAN Squawk 04-01 16:36: US FIXED INCOME WRAP 04-01 16:34: RANSQUAWK AUDIO CLOSED FOR THE WEEKEND; THE DESK WILL REOPEN MONDAY 0630 (LONDON TIME). 04-01 16:28: RANsquawk 'Market Wrap Up': Video uploaded to www.youtube.com: 04-01 16:20: US EQUITY WRAP 04-01 15:28: Nokia (NOK1V FH) CEO Elop says Microsoft's (MSFT) strategy makes mobile market a '3 horse race' 04-01 15:27: Nokia (NOK1V FH) CEO Elop says co. targeting China, India and Kenya for Smartphones and developing mobile services 04-01 14:58: US Treasury commentary by Accutic 04-01 14:38: ENERGY WRAP: US crude future settles at USD 107.94 bbl, up USD 1.22 or 1.14% Latest News From The Fly On The Wall 04-01 21:23: ISM Non-Mfg Index Composite to be reported at 10:00 ET 04-01 18:02: Automatic Data Processing announces passing of founder and honorary chairman 04-01 18:01: Bank of the Ozarks raises quarterly dividend to 18c from 17c per share 04-01 17:43: Huntington Ingalls awarded $1.5B contract from U.S. Navy 04-01 17:41: KB Home and Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro reach $7.1M settlement 04-01 17:31: Sun Communities agrees to acquire housing communities from Kentland Corporation 04-01 17:27: Vera Bradley registers to sell 5.17M shares of common stock for holders 04-01 17:21: Volkswagen reports sales numbers from March The Zero Hedge Team

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typing or pushing and looking back an forth btween the two. Of these ight people, no ever stopped except a man who recived a call.

I have never seen nothing like it in my life. People completely mesermerized by a little gagaget. Now I do email and read ZeroH, buit this goes on credulity. Maybe we are just mezorized by so much information that we quit paying attention?

I dunno, but it was like I wasw living in another world.

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 00:03 | 1127381 Pale Green Horse

I'll tell you something most people don't want to hear. I was sitting in the doctors office waiting room and they were backed up. My appointment was at 4:10 pm and wasn't called back until 4:50 pm to wait some more. I was watching in the waiting room and there was eight of us in which six were holding up phones checking something? I don't know what for sure, maybe email or something just to pass the boredom.

But then I saw the queen, a late 30 something with her daughter both looking at their gadgets and pressing keys, or screen keys. Then the queen of all that is possible brought another into her left hand and there was another one and she was peering back and forth between the two. Now that is talent.

I only work in engineering and we do one thing at a time. Evidently these new gadgets can improve brain function, but I wondered what it was they were learning? Now, were they doing bible searches? Maybe something else, I don't know.

I think myself quite lucky just to have an internet connection so I can see the thoughts of intelligent man like zerohedge and the market ticker.

Who knows, maybe I am the fool.

US Wants More Disclosure on Pension Funding Posted by: Leo Kolivakis Post date: 04/01/2011 - 21:32 A federal board will soon propose that U.S. states disclose more about their pension funding as worries grow whether states and municipalities can pay for their employees' pensions...

Do Economists Even LOOK At the Data They Claim Supports a “Recovery”? Posted by: Phoenix Capital Research Post date: 04/01/2011 - 20:08 For well over two years now we’ve been told that the US was in recovery and that as most the biggest risk was a potential double dip. The reality however was that the US never experienced a real recovery (unless you work at one of the “chosen” firms on Wall Street).

The Next Major Bull Market Will Be In… Posted by: Phoenix Capital Research Post date: 04/01/2011 - 19:52 Going forward, we’re going to see economic data become even MORE divorced from reality, assertions that the economy is back on track, and that at worst there is the specter of a “double-dip” recession looming. Heck, even these fears are sugar-coated… literally (making an economic nightmare sound like an ice-cream sundae is a GENIUS marketing move).

Pale Green Horse Zero Hedge Reads Home Throwing In The Tea Towel: Government Shutdown Averted?

Submitted by Tyler Durden on 04/01/2011 17:53 -0400

A late afternoon update from Stone McCarthy's Nancy Vanden Houten provides some much needed clarity on the topic that will be next week's number one topic (absent another colored swan joining the clusterflock): the threat of a government shutdown. It appears that Obama's warning that it would "height of irresponsibility" to shut down the government over a spending battle may have pushed republicans to come to an compromise. From SMR: "Increasingly, it looks as though Congress will be able to pass legislation funding the government for the rest of fiscal 2011, which is now half over and ends on September 30." And naturally this is merely one more of those strawmen whose inevitable resolution will be seen as an upside catalyst even if the probability of a downside outcome is impossible: after all the US government can not afford a shutdown period. So the only natural outcome will serve as the latest piece of news to get the momentum algos ramping the market into overdrive even though there is nothing notably catalytic about this development.

From Stone McCarthy:

Despite pronouncements by Congressional leaders to the contrary, it appears as though the key parties involved have reached a tentative compromise on a deal to cut $33 billion in discretionary budget authority for fiscal 2011. That $33 billion would include the relatively painless $10 billion of cuts that were already passed as part of the last two continuing resolutions.

A final deal is by no means certain. The details of a compromise still have to be fleshed out. We've seen reports that Congressional staffers will be working through the weekend to iron out the specifics. Also, it's still up in the air whether a final bill will include any of the so-called policy riders that were part of HR1, the bill that cleared the House in February and that would reduce fiscal 2011 budget authority by more than $60 billion. Senate Democrats and White House officials involved in the budget negotiations have indicated they might be able to accept some "non-controversial" policy riders. Frankly, we've only seen Democrats identify those policy riders that would be off the table, including those that would eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood, NPR, and implementation of the 2010 health care law. We've seen conflicting reports about riders that would limit some of the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency. If Democrats refuse to accept any policy riders, it might give GOP leaders some leverage to push for spending cuts that are slightly larger than $33 billion.

The more conservative members of the Republican Party, including many in the freshman class, won't be happy with a deal that cuts 2011 spending by $33 billion. So the House Leadership will need a sizable number of the House's 192 Democrats to support a compromise. It appears, though, that House Speaker Boehner has decided that supporting a compromise that can pass the Senate is preferable to siding with the more conservative members of his party and provoking a government shutdown.

Will this create a lasting rupture within the GOP? At this point, we don't think so, but it might make it trickier for Speaker Boehner to get support for compromises on some of the bigger budget battles that lie ahead.

The positive outcome of this issue then opens the door to the next strawman catalyst: the proposed increase of the US debt ceiling, which also has no chance of not passing (the alternative is a default of the US), yet a favorable resolution will once again be spun as a market moving event adding another 10-20 points to the S&P.

We still project that Treasury will hit the debt limit on May 16, if it doesn't resort to the tools at its disposal to create room under the debt ceiling. Of course, we expect Treasury will use all means available to avoid breaching the debt limit. We still expect that Treasury will have exhausted those tools and hit the debt limit on June 30. The forecast is subject to more than the usual amount of uncertainty, as we head into the all-important April 15 tax date (April 18 this year.) We expect Treasury to provide an update to its own forecast for hitting the debt ceiling sometime next week.

As we indicated earlier, on a purely technical basis, the US total debt already surpassed the ceiling, although loopholes such as incremental maturities of debt, bill redemptions, the "debt subject to ceiling" definition and other semantics will likely push D-Day until mid-April, ultimately depending on the dynamics of tax refunds and revenues over the next two weeks.

That said, look for both of these events to be consistently spun as key positive outcomes, even though the chance of these things actually not transpiring in a non-favorable light is non-existent.

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»

by Ray1968
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 17:59
#1126726

Spineless!

Cut it or shut it!

by Rainman
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:06
#1126744

yes...these assholes are choking on a gnat with an elephant yet to swallow. We are doomed.

by I think I need ...
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:12
#1126768

i noticed they truly aren't fighting amongst the two parties so we must be screwed.

by Weisbrot
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:59
#1127013

bipartisan = 2 parties screwing 1 American public

by Fish Gone Bad
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:39
#1127183

Here is a Clarkism: Anything I can destroy, I can control.

That said, the Tea Party can shut down the government. Why settle on a few $$$ when the entire purse can be controlled. If any Tea Partiers read this, you know what to do, so please get it done.

by knukles
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:09
#1126926

$3,500 B budget (or thereabouts for gov't work)
$33 B cuts

33/3,500 = .0094

.94%

That's less than the sum of rounding errors.
Great Job, Shithead!

Mission Accomplished
(Business as Normal)

by nmewn
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:31
#1127065

Of course, we all know any "shutdown" is nothing but a paid vacation...once the "shutdown" is over everyone receives their pay for doing absolutely nothing again.

And I would go so far as to say a "shutdown" would be a positive on the patient under consideration...primum non nocere ;-)

Spineless Kabuki Theater of the Absurd.

by masterinchancery
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:18
#1126940

Absurd. Miniscule cuts, and nothing that matters in the govt ever shuts down, so the entire "threat" is complete BS.

by philgramm
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:19
#1127146

The relationship between gov't and citizen is necessarily an abusive one. It takes a certain percentage of your hard earned labor from the citizen each year. It can increase that percentage without the citizen's consent. The reason it can do this is that it has set up a good cop/bad cop system and given the citizen the illusion of choice.

We all know how much Americans love being part of a team. We have a blue team and a red team. Pick one of the two but sorry you don't have other options. People staunchly defend their team regardless of its actions. Someone much more eloquent than me said "you can tell a lot about a society from what it values most". Well, We value sports more than we value our freedom. We will argue for years about a terrible referee call in a playoff game but we won't try to put in half of that time understanding and fighting for our freedoms.

Stop voting. Imagine if, in nov 2012, not one person voted for president. Not voting is also a choice. This abusive relationship needs only one thing from you. Opt out. The gov't has so much power because we are complicit in the system. We don't realize that we have voluntarily given away our freedom and we can get it back. An abusive relationship only ends when the abused just walks away. Walk away.

www.c4ss.org

sorry if I ranted

by flacon
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:01
#1127281

> An abusive relationship only ends when the abused just walks away.

Excellent. And also stop paying income tax by stopping working. It is legal to not pay income tax if you don't earn any FRN's. Be self sufficient.

by Weisbrot
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:01
#1127009

defund illegals by evicting them, this will reduce traffic on the roads, reduce the witing time in hospitals, and the demand for food stamps, just to name 3.

by Zero Govt
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:17
#1127139

Yep. Kick the can .....kick the can ......kick the can .....and kick the can (again!)

200 Committees, a new one on 'Fiscal Responsibility', hundreds of DC 'experts' and all they can come up with to 'solve' the debt and spending problem is the same retarded strategy of keep spending like bankrupts and kick the can

Govt, the rectum of every country

by Phat Stax
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:24
#1127243

who the hell is going to change your sheets next time you wank off in a hotel room? or pick your peas? or strawberries? Your son or daughter? or your nephew or niece? Yeah right...

by espirit
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:49
#1127270

Straw Tea Bags taste like sheet.

by Hephasteus
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:42
#1127266

Illegal aliens represent the ultimate mind fuck of america. You're in but your not in and your not legit. It's the entire process of inclusion through caste system. There's no way they will shut down illegal immigrants any more than Apple will shut down their manufacturing system being ran by thugs who force people into cult concentration labor camps. Even if it means those same fucking thugs will do shitty things to apple like make an exta 300k plastic cases and sell it to a knock off vendor. It's just part of doing big thug business.

by Manthong
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:15
#1127297

I think it's a gift.

More time to accumulate, more dips to buy in.

Great way to get excercise.

Those bars and green boxes are heavy.

by Id fight Gandhi
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:04
#1126734

So cuts are less than one month of Pomo?

by magpie
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:26
#1126810

shhhh, don't say that aloud. Cuts are two good days of it.

Once they begin to think in those dimensions, why should they even limit the deficit to single digit trillions ?

by Debtless
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:06
#1126745

Go ahead and shut the fucker down.

by victor82
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:45
#1126868

Shhhhh. Don't say shutdown!

You'll scare the Republicans!

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:10
#1126749

What was this budget battle over? 33 billion was it?

Let me give you an idea of what that is, in the scope of our national debt.

Imagine our national debt is 14 trillion dollars and instead of 14 trillion bucks, it's 100 gallons of water. What is 33 billion dollars in that context?

That's about 4 imperial cups of water in that 10 gallon bucket. 4 cups. like that amount of water you drink in a day.

Our government, our incompetent government, filled with these moron and buffoons can't do without 4 cups in a 100 galloon bucket? Removing that amount is "impossible"

Anybody have any idea how we're certainly screwed? How there is no hope? This is also 6 tablespoons out of 10 gallons - which is supposedly essential to keep this country from going crazy, supposedly, from these pilfering, spendthrift morons, who are looting the country, and are so freaking greedy that they can't give up 6 tablespoons in a 10 gallon bucket they've make.

Ya think people saying the dollar is doomed now are crazy? Well, if you do, don't be whining 10 years later screaming "how could anybody see this coming? DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH!" It's OBVIOUS. Yeah, gold and silver are in bubbles, but this, well, just small bit of inflation are possible.

by cossack55
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:29
#1126819

I found the link below to be both entertaining and funny:

www.theblaze.com/blog/2011/03/31/eat-the-rich-not-so-fast/

by Buzz Hacksaw
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:42
#1126980

A little too simplistic. Bording on propaganda.

by Two Face
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:50
#1126882

Yeah, in a $3.8T spending budget for fiscal 2011, this $33B isn't even good for a 1% cut of total spending. The Dems and Repubs are squabbling over who's going to eat the last crumb of the pie.

by A Nanny Moose
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:55
#1127211

Meantime the whole pie is turning into a moldy, watery, fetid shit pile.

by Abitdodgie
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:59
#1127019

So it is time for a revolution I am up for it , when and where, and don't turn up if your not armed and ready to fight .

by Cdad
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:23
#1127056

rich wicks,

Indeed, we are aware. And if the weak Republicans sign onto this sad budget, then the bond market will immediately explain to them just how wrong they were.

So take your pick next week...of black swans yet again. And while your waiting, prepare.

by oogs66
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:07
#1126752

After the tax 'compromise' late last year you knew they wouldn't even pretend to fight to the last minute. Jawbone get a few soundbites. Then spend away!

by Misean
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:09
#1126753

Money's no object for the Empire.

by Zero Govt
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:20
#1127148

that's what Rome said!

by dbTX
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:08
#1126754

TERM LIMITS

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:14
#1126771

No, not term limits.

Bankruptcy.

People spend more time watching television in week than they spend researching candidates that they vote for over a period of 4 years. Americans, these stupid morons who have the right to vote, but are utterly incapable of voting, because they're complete morons, deserve to have their country bankrupt.

Don't blame politicians for this, blame voters, it's their fault. You know the nation will just continue adding to the national debt forever - you know this for certain. What are you going to do about it? That's your only question.

It's no wonder politcians have utter contempt for the masses - how can you not when their base their voting decisions on what kind of hair hair you have, and how photogenic you are on television, and don't even bother to even look at your voting record? It was pretty easy to see the Obama was going to continue the Iraq War, continue the bailouts, and support the Patriot Act - because he voted to continue them when he was in the senate. Hope and change? If any of you believed that, you are stupid morons. All you had to do was pay attention for 10 minutes a week for the last 2 years of Obama's politicial career or just look it up in Wikipedia.

You deserve the government you have, Americans. You deserve an awful one.

by johnQpublic
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:24
#1126800

you are talking klike they give the public a real choice.

southpark had it right.....douchebag or a shit sandwich

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:41
#1126852

you are talking klike they give the public a real choice.

You did have a real choice.

You had one man that read in the Pentagon Papers into the Congressional record. Do you know why he did this? The Nixon government was threatening to try reporters for treason if they reported on the Gulf of Tonkin incident which was in the Pentagon Papers. The senator who read in the papers was risking a lot to do this, despite his technical immunity in reading anything into the congressional record.

Do you know who he is?

Then there is the other guy, he rasied more money from individuals than anybody else running. He voted against the "Authorization to Use Force in Iraq", he voted against the bailouts, and he has a nearly 100% record of doing what he says, and saying what he's going to do, for over 2 decades.

You ought to know who hs is.

But most of America doesn't.

I'm tied of people bitch about the governments they elect. It's not the fault of the government is the fault of a fat and stupid population that thinks it's their patriotic duty(TM)(R) to vote, even though they have absolutely no clue what's even available. Americans are freaking stupid, and that's the root problem.

by ShouldveLeftHer
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:07
#1126915

Not "nearly 100%". It is 100%, and also hes never cheated on his wife, had a malpractice lawsuit as a doctor, or flip flopped on anything in his LIFE. Ron Paul is genuinely the last true man in politics. Hes too old now. I dont even think hes going to run, he himself said its too late now. Were already fucked regardless what happens from this day on. But lets keep asking Tim Massad whats happening in the world and act satisfied with the non answers that Americans have become accustomed to, from the Nixon era of politics. "Well, um, uh, thats not my responsibility." I dont pay Federal Taxes except cigarette tax and gas tax. Theyre not getting any more money out of me without representation.

by Founders Keeper
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:12
#1126932

[It's not the fault of the government is the fault of a fat and stupid population that thinks it's their patriotic duty(TM)(R) to vote...]---rich_wicks

IMO there's a lot of blame to go around, wicks. The electorate share part of it.

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:38
#1126975

IMO there's a lot of blame to go around, wicks. The electorate share part of it.

If you hire a group sociopaths to run your life because you were too damned lazy to do a few hours of research on the internet, don't you dare to complain about them for running your lives into the ground.

This country is screwed up because NOBODY takes any responsibility for their actions. To have a democracy, you need an informed electorate. If you are not informed, you should not be part of the electorate.

by nmewn
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:25
#1127156

"To have a democracy, you need an informed electorate."

This was never meant to be a democracy...it's how you wind up with the shit we have now.

Who do you think the average person will vote for...someone who says they will provide for you or someone who says you must provide for yourself?

Everyone knows democracy's suck hind tit, as they always evolve into 51% stealing from the other 49% (or lower percentile's)...which leads to the lower percentiles saying bite me bitch...come take it if you can.

And here we are.

by Larry Darrell
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:28
#1127314

"This was never meant to be a democracy...it's how you wind up with the shit we have now."

+ sum(QE1:QEN)

Obviously history classes are failing everywhere when almost no one knows what the US was founded as.

Woman: What did you give us Mr. Franklin?

Benjamin Franklin: A Republic, if you can keep it.

by unununium
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:50
#1126994

> Americans are freaking stupid, and that's the root problem.

Not entirely our fault. Keeping us stupid was part of the plan.

by iDealMeat
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:42
#1126857

+1.. That one was almost as good as the

Margaritaville episode

by MisterMousePotato
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:06
#1126909

"You deserve the government you have, Americans. You deserve an awful one."

Um, no. I get the kind of government that THEY deserve.

by ShouldveLeftHer
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:08
#1126925

Did you vote for Ron Paul? If no, then hit yourself in the nuts with a hammer.

by Abitdodgie
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:06
#1127036

You are right Americans keep voting for the same people so they must like been treated the way they are so unfortunately we are in the minority , and as America is not a republic any more , it is a democracy , then i guess we have to live with it , or become a sovereign and feel sorry for the surfs. Ps I did not get the update on the democracy thing either

by chubbar
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:08
#1126755

It's all the same club. No one expected any other outcome.

by Translational Lift
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:10
#1126757

US Gubmnt = NO BRAINS...NO BALLS...NO BACKBONE...

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:18
#1126775

(Reuters) - Afghan protesters angered by the burning of a Koran by an obscure U.S. pastor killed up to 20 U.N. staff, beheading two foreigners, when they over-ran a compound in a normally peaceful northern city on Friday in the worst ever attack on the U.N. in Afghanistan.

snip

Afghan police and army, who the United Nations rely on for their first line of defense, were apparently unable to control the crowd. German troops are also stationed in Balkh, and the NATO-led coalition said they had received a request for help.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/01/us-afghanistan-unitednations-deaths-idUSTRE7303VN20110401

by Translational Lift
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:19
#1126790

Pull the plug on those fuckers and let them wallow in their own excrement!

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:22
#1126794

I vote we dust off and nuke them from orbit.

It is the only way to be sure.

by cossack55
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:22
#1126795

If you work for the UN you have already lost your mind. May as well lose the rest of your head.

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:26
#1126804

Religion of Pieces.

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:49
#1126879

this from a country that had a group of murderers working in it's military, for fun:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42304341/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/

Dey h8 us Fer R Freedumb remember. Duuh przident sayed so. It mwust be twue.

I have a really novel method of not getting US people killed in foreign countries - don't put US foreign people in foreign countries. Maybe that will work? I'm thinking that if Americans aren't in Afghanistan or in Iraq, after the US has bombed the hell out of the two countries, and killed lots of native people that live there there, they wouldn't be killed. I know the logic is really difficult to follow, but I'm pretty certain that if Americans stop going to countries that the US has bombed the bejesus out of, Americans will no longer be killed in those countries if they are not in those countries.

What do you think? Do you think that might possibly be a solution? Do you think Americans and foreigners in general will stop being murdered if they just leave the countries that their governments blew to shit? Hmmm, it's such a hard logic to follow I know, and it's very complicated solution, but maybe we can try it?

What do you morons think?

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:54
#1126886

Isn't is interesting that the MFM cannot for the life of them, name the current CinC of those kill teams?

Corruption runs down hill.

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:15
#1126937

You know who is in Iraq and Afghanistan right now?

Colluders. Co-conspirators. They may not realize it, but that's exactly what they are, and they get killed for it. Well, work for the mafia don, and die at the hands of another mafia don.

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:23
#1126944

They are honorable Americans hoping there will be something left to defend when the America hating, Communist-in-Chief is gone.

Obama was democratically elected by the totally retarded voters of of the US. Therefore, the officer corps will follow his orders even if they know they are helping to destroy the nation. That is the way it works.

When the vote is obviously stolen, they will react differently. The nation has the right to commit suicide if it does so democratically.

That is one thing you all never learn. The US military will allow the US to self-destruct if it is done, more or less, democratically.

Anything else, and the Republic dies anyway.

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:34
#1126962

They are honorable Americans hoping there will be something left to defend when the America hating, Communist-in-Chief is gone.

You mean the Communist-in-Chief that.

renewed the Patriot Act that Bush and a Republican congress put into law?
renewed the bailouts of criminals in our banking sector that Bush and a Democratic congress passed?
continued 2 wars that Bush and a Republican congress started?
continued to keep Guantanamo open that Bush and both a Republican and Democratic congress kept open for 6 years?
continued to keep mercenaries, paid murderers, in both wars that Bush and both a Republican and Democratic congress authorized payments for?

Yeah - as soon as we get a new president, everthing will change, because Obama and our government is so radically different than the last 8 years before he was president.

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:46
#1126983

Even with all that, the Rs did not take control of the Senate. This is as good as it gets.

Plan accordingly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gO7uemm6Yo

My loyalty has shrunk all the way down to my neighborhood. Don't fuck with it while I am still upright.

by eddiebe
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:46
#1126985

The universal soldier. Without him all this killing couldnt go on. All of them are pissing on the constitution.

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:58
#1127012

"Men sleep peacefully in their beds at night
because rough men stand ready
to do violence on their behalf."

Orwell.

Don't be a useful idiot.

by prophet
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:29
#1126956

Surely they would never think to come to the U.S.

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:34
#1126967

Surely they would never think to come to the U.S.

Well, given our immigration policy, I suppose that could be a legiminate threat. Maybe, just perhaps, the Federal government ought keep an eye on foreigners in the US, instead of watching US citizens 24 hours a day 7 days a week with warrantless wiretapping?

Or better yet, they could just refuse a Visa.

I know it's crazy, but I think it might just work. After all, if we're so terrified of foreigners, why not just close the border?

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:53
#1127005

Statists like Islam.

Just watch as things develop. I will accept accolades in the future.

by Id fight Gandhi
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:57
#1127010

Eh, it really comes down to the Jews. Let them fight it out for awhile. Just get good footage as football season is over.

by rich_wicks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:00
#1126901

(Reuters) - Afghan protesters angered by the burning of a Koran by an obscure U.S. pastor killed up to 20 U.N. staff, beheading two foreigners, when they over-ran a compound in a normally peaceful northern city on Friday in the worst ever attack on the U.N. in Afghanistan.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/01/us-afghanistan-unitednations-deaths-idUSTRE7303VN20110401

Yes, the pastor is so incredibly obscure our own media can't even name his name, but a bunch of people on the other side of the planet, who don't speak english, and over 50% of which have never even seen a television or an american newspaper were inspired by his actions to kill a bunch of people.

Because the one thing about US media is that it's not totally full of crap. I mean, they weren't full of crap about the new economy, weapons of mass destruction, or the housing bubble? The pinpoint of accuracy, our US media. It's not just BS propaganda, right? It's not has if, um, Mohammad Bashir is some quack reporter who is just pretending to have any clue what is going on and reporting BS as facts? That would never happen in our media!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Miller_%28journalist%29#New_York_Tim...

Pravda was more reliable than our supposed media, so please stop sourcing it.

by knukles
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:17
#1126935

So, "Jersey Shore's on." is not a valid excuse?

by CaptFufflePants
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:11
#1126759

Well if couples making $39,000 a year are getting a $54,000 tax refund then the Treasury may go bust sooner than later.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/01/pf/taxes/adoption_tax_refund/index.htm

by Calculated_Risk
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:29
#1126820

"And some of the refunds it has seen range as high as $90,000.

A couple from Alabama, Tina and Kenny Thomas, recently adopted five kids from foster care and are now expecting a check for a whopping $65,000, thanks to this credit. Like the Wards, they had absolutely no idea it existed until they went to their tax preparer. "

Our tax dollars at work! hip hip hooray!!!

by Rainman
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:43
#1126850

Great Big Booyah !!....is this a great country or what ??

by Precious
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:12
#1126760

U.S. federal politicians proved they have no better self-discipline than a drug addict.

They are simply a bunch of crack heads hooked on government spending.

Their cuts are drop in the ocean. They simply don't get it because THEY ARE the problem.

by TerraHertz
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:12
#1126767

The best possible outcome for America would be for the Federal government to shut down, and stay shut down. Permanently.

Pass one final bill nullifying all existing Federal legislation, then turn out the lights when leaving.

by thedrickster
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:47
#1126987

+1

by Id fight Gandhi
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:58
#1127016

I wish they would shut it down for a while and get some outrage. Maybe we can have some real change in this country.

by Zero Govt
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:37
#1127173

shut Govt down and a vast sack of steaming shit gets lifted from the nation

i felt the relief/freedom/karma very briefly in the 5 days we had a hung parliament post-election in Blighty while the Tories haggled with Liberals to form a Govt. The media said the civil service were managing things while the politicians struck deals.

But you know removing the windbags makes no difference to the direction of a nation, only how much of a relief it would be for society to have these parasites removed and their endless corrupt clown show and its constant farcical noise ...the peace and quiet alone would be worth it

these fuking turkeys won't vote for Christmas however.... so carving knives at the ready everyone, Christmas is coming ;)

by Rogerwilco
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:16
#1126772

And the toga party continues. Where is the vomitorium?

by Yen Cross
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:15
#1126776

Terra Hertz? Don't spread the light saving secret. They will off shore it!

by Doug
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:20
#1126786

Right on, Rich Wicks. In terms of all of our obligations it can't be more than a thimblefull.

by LostWages
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:22
#1126791

The can is now a 55 gallon drum full of cement. Soon the fools on the hill won't be able to kick it down the road anymore. Asshats!

by AN0NYM0US
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:25
#1126801

boehner=pelosi

(great captcha Math question for this post)

zero plus ___ equal zero

Math question: * zero plus equals zero

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:27
#1126815

I got 1/ -0.0

by Yen Cross
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:39
#1126847

You must be hedged Look at volumes in the trade. weak

by hambone
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:28
#1126806

Politics, parties, change at the polls is a joke. Democracy is an utter sham.

by Dr. Engali
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:26
#1126813

What's 33 billion amongst friends? it's jus a simple rounding error.

by Drag Racer
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:29
#1126816

this is priceless!!!

World collapse in 3 minutes...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOzR3UAyXao&NR=1

by Long-John-Silver
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:34
#1126830

The Piigs debt is only in the Billions of Euro's. Our debt is in the Trillions of Dollars.

by Long-John-Silver
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:29
#1126817

Rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.....

Fill your lifeboat with Silver and Gold.

by Dr. Porkchop
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:30
#1126823

It's like watching the Harlem Globetrotters play the Generals... lots of spinning balls and a few laughs, but the same outcome every time.

by Yen Cross
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:38
#1126838

The red, white and blue stripes mesmerize you. OLD GLORY!

by samsara
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:38
#1127182

That's the exact analogy I use to explain it.

More importantly, BOTH team's checks are printed with the same company name on them.

by Rainman
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:33
#1126829

If .gov can keep this decade-long emergency powers gig going they might put a beat on Mubarak or Assad. Only a couple more decades to go.

by Quantum Nucleonics
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:33
#1126833

This budget debate is like 2 men arguing over a bar tab on the Titanic.

Republicans are setting the victory line at $61 billion in cuts when we are $1.5 trillion in the whole. Democrats are saying any cuts at all will bring social apocalypse -- the same people that said Porkapoluza would create millions of jobs.

by nah
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:36
#1126834

$33 billion would include the relatively painless $10 billion of cuts that were already passed as part of the last two continuing resolutions

.

I THINK THEY MEAN TO SAVE THE WORLD SOMETHING FIERCE

by NidStyles
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:37
#1126837

HyperInflation here we come!!

by GlassHammer
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:42
#1126851

Can we stop calling what is clearly "posturing" a "budget negotiation"?

The budget and deficit are important but we have a rather long list of things in need of fixing.

The Wars didn't even garner this much dithering and they should have.

by victor82
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:45
#1126861

The AssClown GOP was burned to its core by Bill Clinton in 1995 by the last Government shutdown. They want to avoid it because they know that they will be blamed by the media, just as they were blamed the last time.

These guys aren't serious about spending cuts. They never were.

Rand Paul might be, but he's the only one. So, wonder what the Brave New World will be like after everything goes to hell?

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:49
#1126871

Chaos, or the slow decline into statist, socialist, grey mediocrity?

Wish I could see the future.

by AN0NYM0US
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 18:56
#1126892

you have and it is 'zero'

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:06
#1126910

Lookin that way...

by thedrickster
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:49
#1126990

"slow decline into statist, socialist, grey mediocrity?"

"Wish I could see the future."

You just did.

by Buckaroo Banzai
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:08
#1126923

Not raising the debt ceiling would NOT cause the US to default. Default = you can't pay the interest on your debt. But that "only" costs us $300 billion per year, which we could pay out of taxes.

Of course we'd have to stop spending on just about everything else, which would suit me just fine.

by prophet
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:31
#1126960

I like that approach.

by Quantum Nucleonics
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:34
#1126964

How great would that be, watching the political class try to figure out which 50% of the budget to keep. Too bad involuntary bankruptcy laws don't apply to state and federal governments.

by hound dog vigilante
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:22
#1126943

incumbents of all stripes (red, blue, tea) supporting this budget farse - and/or supporting an increase of the debt ceiling - are simply digging their own graves.

i am baffled by the fact that so many (pols, media, wall st.) are dismissing the most recent election as if it didn't happen... 2012 will be yet another rude awakening for these folks. incumbents supporting status quo deficit spending are toast. it's just that simple.

new paradigm:

motivated voters > beltway lobbyists

by knukles
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:38
#1126970

I've the exact same reaction.... it's absolutely amazing that they've heard naught.
Granted, I wasn't expecting the landscape to change overnight, but this is downright ridiculous.
Our congressperson visits the local Rotary Clubs once a year. Watchu bet that this coming year less than half the clubs even shows up? Talk about loosing your audience....

by samsara
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:33
#1127169

I in favor of requiring a "None Of The Above" slot on every ballot in all elections.

by High Plains Drifter
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:27
#1126953

the tea party people are kind of upset i think. they feel they have been sold out. when will they ever learn? voting does not work and never has. its time to party like its 1799.......

by divide_by_zero
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:33
#1126959

Boehner is already on record calling anyone in his party that wanted to cut spending an "extremist". He's a RINO thru and thru.

by grunk
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:34
#1126965

Representative government - a barbarous relic.

by knukles
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:41
#1126979

Sorta like "mark to myth" accounting.

Jezzzz... it's all a farce.

by thedrickster
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:48
#1126992

+1

by evolutionx
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:34
#1126968

I think the US-job market data was one of the best April jokes ever. Another good one here:

Obama: Dollar just an Illusion

In a sensational interview President Barack Obama provided some deep insight into the monetary system: "The dollar is just an illusion" - the US currency was actually not worth anything.

http://www.mmnews.de/index.php/english-news/7593-obama-dollar-just-an-il...

by magpie
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:43
#1126984

Conmen immediately know a good con when they see one.

by JustPrintMoreDuh
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:46
#1126989

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMBZDwf9dok

by Robslob
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:49
#1126991

Is default "depressionary" or "inflationary" things are so confusing nowadays...

by Founders Keeper
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:52
#1127001

Oh, I didn't see that coming ;)

GOP House Speaker Boehner has been serving as a US Congressman since 1991? Near 20 years. A leading figure in the "neo-con" Contract with America days. (IMO, not good credentials.)

Dear Mr. Speaker,

You have more in common with the Democrats than the Tea Party. So, go ahead and make your deal with your own kind. As for us, those who put their country ahead of politics, leave doing the right thing up to us---evidently you're not up to it.

Signed,

---The First to Stand, the Last to Leave

by Rodent Freikorps
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:54
#1127008

Cornyn from Texas, is newer and even more corrupt.

When will the morons stop voting for lawyers?

by ebworthen
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:15
#1127234

Lawyers are the only ones with the ca$h to buy an election.

They are the Catholic Clergy of the Middle Ages selling dispensations transposed into the 21st century.

This cluster-fuck won't change until we remove the American Bar and Lawyers from any power or legitimacy; more so than the Papacy.

by Founders Keeper
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:25
#1127300

[Cornyn from Texas, is newer and...]---Rodent Freikorps

Freikorps, thanks for your reply. I've read many of your posts.

I don't have any particular distaste for lawyers. A disproportionate supply of them "practicing" as Congressmen unfortunately. Makes for narrow limited representation of broad constituencies. (I'm not surprised lawyers are drawn to legislative bodies though, given their passion for law.)

by ebworthen
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:33
#1127075

I'm thinking at this point it might be best to be the first to leave.

Time to reference that expatriation guide...

by Founders Keeper
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:28
#1127312

ebworthen, that was funny. Thanks.

by ZackAttack
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:01
#1127023

No $390 billion fighter programs to be cut, I see. So granny gets a nice big bite out a shit sandwich so defense contractors can all get paid.

Nor the $billion a week in the 'Stanbox. Well, even the Caesars knew better than to bring a hardened army home to a restive populace.

We have a buns and gutter economy.

by EscapeKey
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:56
#1127117

They are required for the upcoming war.

In the UK, Gordon 'the gimp' Brown was acknowledged for not giving a shit about savers, as they'd "die off soon anyway".

by samsara
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:31
#1127164

What's the total for Non-GI personal in Iraq + Afghanistan(ie contractors) ?

Isn't a couple hundred thousand? When do they get cut? (Haliburton, Xe, et al? )

by BRETT
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:12
#1127042

We are well past thetime

by ebworthen
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:31
#1127064

What helps the banksters and the top 2% is what CONgress will do.

by BRETT
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:33
#1127074

by bigargon
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:37
#1127082

P-U-S-S-I-E-S

by KickIce
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:38
#1127086

They have been "enlightened" by the establishment, no QE - no economy. No one wants to take the blame for cutting off the spigots.

by Sathington Willougby
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:57
#1127115

Wait til the military contractors overseas stop taking dollareuvos and next thing you know the whole shitting match is kaput. No more pointing guns for privilege. No more opening fronts on a bad golf shot or teleprompter glitch.

Here come the bastards I heard it from a confidante who heard it from a confidante.

by Zina
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 20:56
#1127118

United States federal budget - fiscal year 2007:

Total revenue: $2.57 trillion

Total expenditures: $2.73 trillion

United States federal budget - fiscal year 2011:

Total revenue: $2.17 trillion

Total expenditures: $3.82 trillion

If the Tea Party is coherent, it should push to a $1 trillion cut in the budget, to bring the total expenditures to a level close to that of fiscal year 2007.

If they agree with less than $1 trillion is cuts, they are pussies!

by Pale Green Horse
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:29
#1127151

The government won't shut down, only non exigent employees will be sent home, I know, I am one. Government will still run, you may not be able to go to the National Parks or contact a government employee from various orginizations. I know, Gramn Rudmann shut us down twice. They will send people like me in engineering home, but the the immediate needed services will still be there. It is all political hype.

by nmewn
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:41
#1127193

Monetarily, in your situation, it was a wash, correct?

You got back pay for being off.

by Pale Green Horse
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:54
#1127212

You are correct about getting paid back, but I have 6 months of emergencyy funds. So you won't see me complaining on CNN. You may also Note that I don't have an I phone or an Ipod or any other such things. Just a trac phone, So if they don't pay me back I can live with that. I'll bet if it went on long enough I would recieve an unemployment check. All I am saying is it is politcal hype, and that is all it is.

by nmewn
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:06
#1127224

That's all I was saying...you were paid, even though you weren't on the job.

Agree...it's all hype.

by Pale Green Horse
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:08
#1127227

We are on the same wavelength. IT IS NOT A SHUTDOWN. Never has been. I am glad you understood what I meant. Only fear mongers make it so dire.

by ebworthen
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:17
#1127236

It won't be a shutdown until it is.

At some point, the SHTF.

Reference LA riots or Katrina; there were shutdowns and the SHTF.

by Pale Green Horse
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:29
#1127254

You could be right, however I see worse things on the horizon. I quit making plans, already made them. When that day comes I am gone to the farm house. I don't own a credit card or owe a banker a single penny and haven't for years. I knew what they were up to, and we divorced long ago.

by Bansters-in-my-...
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:24
#1127153

The USA goverment is like a sick fucking joke.

I hope someone knocks them off thier throne soon and makes them look like the bully that just got punched out by a group that was fed up and banded together to kick the shit out of him...!

by baby_BLYTHE
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:32
#1127163

So what is everyone drinking tonight?

Believe it or not: gentleman Jack for me + ice cold coke

Oh, btw... Tea Party republicans have FAILED to deliver other than Rand Paul (although I wish he we're more aggressive and assertive during floor speeches and interviews).

What are we going to do about this?

They never listen to us!

They hate us!

This is all a game for them while real decent Americans suffer!

by EvlTheCat
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:58
#1127214

Well since you are interested! I am drinking Fosters and Yuengling Lager.

Tomorrow I will be drinking a nice little Brazilian import beer called Xingu and nailing down a little home made rum. It will be Saturday so me and my friends will be blowing off steam, not thinking of the impending end of the world, but riffing incredibly horrible and strange movies.

P.S. Tea Party = Fail!

Love a Libertarian!

P.P.S Say hello to your dad!

by baby_BLYTHE
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:16
#1127229

Haha. I am at school (college). Many miles away from parents/home.

Thought I would have a few drinks + catch up on everything I missed while in class today on ZH- Tyler is a machine!

Question: how high do interest rates have to go before Congress has no choice- either cut or the economy dies?

Ron Paul mentioned in an interview a few months ago "the American people don't have to pay interest to the Fed". I believe it was Morning Joe and Cramer was there. Immately after Ron mentioned this, Cramer of course scoffed and gave some wise ass remark about do or die with the IMF.

I was just wondering what exactly Ron Paul was talking about. Obviously I understand the Chinese, Japanese, Russia etc., Would theoretically get paid a higher coupon yield... But what about the FED?

I only started learning all this a year ago. Excuse my newbieness, thx.

by EvlTheCat
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:55
#1127276

P.P.P.S. You lose!

See, the difference between knowing your enemy, and being fooled by them, is remembering the threads.

Have a great night!

by ebworthen
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:26
#1127242

baby_BLYTHE,

Whiskey...ah yes.

I agree on Congress and Tea Party - Mr. (and Mrs.) Smith go to Washington (Jimmy Stewart Movie - Rent it).

Whiskey? Try Jim Beam Black or Old Grandad - OMFG those are good whiskey's.

The best whiskey's are the Rye Whiskey's, which is what Washington and Jefferson made. About 20 years ago they were cheap and good because they were "out of favor" and the corn mash whiskey's were getting a premium (like JD, etc.). The Rye whiskeys are making a comeback but now really expensive as boutique brands, a shame.

Give that Old Grand Dad or Jim Beam Black 86 proof a try with a little bit of filtered water to make the bouquet blossom.

Cheers.

by Pale Green Horse
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:34
#1127170

They hate us! - BLYTHE

No, they just could care less about you! You are just another pissant that bothers the bankers that they work for.

by JR
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 21:58
#1127216

The intended outcome of this story is that the Republicans are caving in: the author of this article is attempting to pre-sell the public on this outcome. IOW, with the Democrats in minority and if the government is shut down it will be the Republicans fault. Whoever wrote this article is carrying water for the Democrats.

This is propaganda by the Democrats, and the Democrats who claim to be Republican leaders, to get their budget passed. The Republicans want to get some cuts made but they don’t want to be thought of as shutting the government down. The Tea Party members are willing to shut the government down.

If this happens as written, the Republican Party will split and the next time there are elections there will be a Tea Party majority; they have the American people behind them.

The tone of the story is “the Democrats are winning;” yet the Democrats don’ t have the votes. It is a complete nonstory except for propaganda purposes. Negotiations are ongoing and no one knows the outcome.

by Yen Cross
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:18
#1127301

As usual JR , you bring reason to bear. The author of this article is trying to isolate congress, from making the real decision! Austerity in America! 6 or 7 trillion dollars is so mind numbing that it's (inconsequential)! Congress on both sides can't even muster up the, (where with all) to cut 60 billion dollars. Who are there constituents? I may agree to disagree. I may have a snarky ass hole that puts a number one on my posts. At least you tell it like it is. P.S. been long GBP/JPY 127.8X 2 large. Hedged the dip. CFTC can munch on my nuts! YEN CROSS.

by savagegoose
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:02
#1127219

did we expect any different of course the debts going to be raised.

by tiger7905
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:03
#1127222

Here is an interesting document someone received from RBC Royal Bank of Canada attempting to purchase silver bars, "no longer manufactured"

http://goldandsilverlinings.com/?p=443

by QuantumCat
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:15
#1127235

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDAmPIq29ro

Kevin Bacon, Animal House, before he was famous... "All is well!!"

by TwoShortPlanks
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:28
#1127249

China's Dagong should downgrade US rating to BBB, that'll wake the MOFOs up!

by chindit13
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:31
#1127257

So what is more infuriating than a "compromise" to cut $33 billion from a $3.8 trillion total budget (.8%)?

The fact that Congress will congratulate itself, with back slapping and photo ops, for their hard work, saying such things as "this is a great example of how much we can get done when we reach hands across the aisle and do what the American people expect from us". Then the Chief Executive of our Bamana Republic will use this "bipartisan victory", and demonstration of his willingness and ability to make "the hard decisions (c)", to launch his re-election campaign so that "we can continue to win the future".

Even before their cheers die down, Obama will authorize more money that the US does not have to do more things the US does not need done in Libya or Pakistan, and Congress will stuff each and every new bill with pork stringers the sum of which will dwarf the piddling $33 billion they call victory.

The thoughts and wishes I dare not say in a public forum, even without Marla to police this place....

by sbenard
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:32
#1127260

This only delays but assures an eventual catastrophe. In other words, we're doomed! Plan and prepare accordingly!

by P-K4
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 22:59
#1127279

ZH needs to do a column on the Top Ten Ways to tell the government has been shutdown (to help those who may not notice). Here's my offering;

10. D.C. area hookers are collecting unemployment

9. Mainstream media reverts to reporting news

8. George Soros takes a vacation

7. SEIU members go on strike in foreign countries

6. Nancy Pelosi starts to read the bill

5. Drugmakers lose billions as sales of stress meds plummet

4. CSPAN plays reruns

3. GDP and Productivity rises in the US while the Dollar rises against all currencies

2. Joe Biden is found in the White House working in his office

and the number 1 way to tell the government has shutdown

1. All presidential speeches and TV appearances cease as the teleprompter crew is layed off.

by EvlTheCat
on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 23:29
#1127311

Number 10 should be number 1, IMO!

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typing or pushing and looking back an forth btween the two. Of these ight people, no ever stopped except a man who recived a call.

I have never seen nothing like it in my life. People completely mesermerized by a little gagaget. Now I do email and read ZeroH, buit this goes on credulity. Maybe we are just mezorized by so much information that we quit paying attention?

I dunno, but it was like I wasw living in another world.

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 00:23 | 1127392 Pale Green Horse

I'll tell you something most people don't want to hear. I was sitting in the doctors office waiting room and they were backed up. My appointment was at 4:10 pm and wasn't called back until 4:50 pm to wait some more. I was watching in the waiting room and there was eight of us in which six were holding up phones checking something? I don't know what for sure, maybe email or something just to pass the boredom.

But then I saw the queen, a late 30 something with her daughter both looking at their gadgets and pressing keys, or screen keys. Then the queen of all that is possible brought another into her left hand and there was another one and she was peering back and forth between the two. Now that is talent.

I only work in engineering and we do one thing at a time. Evidently these new gadgets can improve brain function, but I wondered what it was they were learning? Now, were they doing bible searches? Maybe something else, I don't know.

I think myself quite lucky just to have an internet connection so I can see the thoughts of intelligent man like zerohedge and the market ticker.

Who knows, maybe I am the fool.

I will also tell you ZH does not llike Open Office, cut and paste, nor does it support firefox well.

Observations are not complaints!

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 00:44 | 1127428 Ben Fleeced

SHUT IT DOWN OR WE WILL DO IT FOR YOU!

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 00:56 | 1127448 steveo

"Clusterflock" == good ol' bellylaugh, at least for the moment

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 01:07 | 1127457 Yen Cross

A thread was recorded. I'm ummm, something?

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 01:32 | 1127476 Johnny Lawrence

I've learned a lot since 2008. Admittedly, I've considered myself a Republican for as long as I've followed politics. But as time wore on, and the collapse of 2008 ensued, I realized that both parties are pieces of shit. Reading stuff like this only furthers my disillusion.

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 02:10 | 1127505 dootyfree

Can't believe ya'll really think the debt ceiling matters. Ridiculous.

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 03:11 | 1127562 medicalstudent

fed res note independence.

shutdown is less $ for local they still lend eurasia global.

fractionally reserved to many more billions, if we shut down we shit ourselves and know it.

the fed is in total control, we are playing their game. cut the shit greenback and 100% res ratios. not long.

long road.

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 07:51 | 1127641 evolutionx

Will this also happen to the US?

IMF demands conversion of Greek debt. A possible solution would be to cut debt, extending the repayment of bonds or lower interest payments. Owners of government bonds should waive part of their repayments or returns.

more:

IMF wants Greece's debt cut

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 09:10 | 1127684 nodoctor

Why all the gnashing of teeth? Once you accept the fact that what our fathers and grandfathers and their grandfathers struggled, fought, killed, and died for is at best no longer tenable and at worst a lie from the start; once you can accept that the way forward becomes more clear - hasten the demise. What really needs to be done is for our Senators and Congressmen to SPEND MORE and CUT LESS. Godspeed to the pricks.

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 09:41 | 1127704 Cole Younger

This government will not make any cuts that is substantial. To do so means the politicians and political parties have been wrong for decades. If they made the cuts needed, the citizens that have lived with the concept of cradel to the grave handouts will engaige in civil unrest. This government will default on its debt. Its not a matter of if, its a matter of when. If it survives, the only alternative is to return to a true Constitutional government repealing the 17th amendment and the federal reserve act, along with using a montery system that is commodity based.

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 10:08 | 1127734 goldstandard

Never let it be said that our government would ever throw away a disaster in the making unless someone in said government could come out smelling like a rose. To wit. Have you heard the talk around town that the Iraqi dinar is going to revalue soon at quite a nifty price increase and did you hear the one about said government that just happens to hold around 3.5 trillion of such notes as well as countless US citizens waiting to cash in when the moment arrives? Think of all that new found wealth having to confront capital gains taxes which of course will make the Washington elite as well as tiny Tim Geithner a very happy man. Stranger things have happened and something tells me this one is for real.

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 10:10 | 1127735 DarkAgeAhead

An honest question: why can't we afford a shutdown period?

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 10:20 | 1127746 Pumpkin

It really does not matter. The national debt is only a symptom. The desease is fiat money, and our true illness. Nothing will change until it is removed or collapses.

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 10:45 | 1127781 Widowmaker

Shut it down?

"Oh no!," say the 44M+ rich and poor on welfare!

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 11:49 | 1127866 Dan The Man

there isn't an eisenhower in the lot of them...probably never will be.

the buck stops...um...

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 14:26 | 1128175 jkruffin

Government pukes!!!!!! Any of those elected recently who throw in the towel and not stop the spending like they claimed they were going to do, will be one term and done. Those trying to stop the spending need to let the government shut down, then they can't spend. Who needs a budget full of Bernanke zero's to show us we are still broke as a nation no matter what is says.

Hopefully, the Republicans and Tea Party members pushing for the budget cuts stand firm on their ground. Even though $100 billion cut from $1.5 trillion in expenditures doesn't amount to a hill of beans. The shutdown would cut further than what they are arguing over.

Sun, 04/03/2011 - 06:11 | 1129470 docj

Why anybody expected anything better from The Party of Stupid (the GOP) is beyond me.

This sell-out was baked-in the day after the 2010 election. Proof? Well, all you need to do is look at the total and complete sell-out by the "extremist right-wingers" during the lame duck session in Nov-Dec 2010 to know precisely what was coming.