Yesterday, President Obama spoke to the Republican Party and accused them of making Health Care look like some Bolshevik Plot. Here is the Video from that event:
Funny part is, the President and the Democrats have been doing a fine job of that by themselves.
This Video from Naked Emperor News illustrates how the President and the Progressives have been pushing and are pushing for an eventual Single Payer System:
Funny, I didn't see one Republican in that Video montage making President Obama's Plan look like a Bolshevik Plot. The President was doing a fine job of it himself.
But some critics may say that just because he has said he supports a Socialist type Single Payer system, it doesn't make him a Socialist/Marxist.
Really?
Then why was Barack Obama a Member of the Socialist New Party when he ran for the Illinois Senate?
If that isn't enough, here is a Radio Interview where Obama admits he believes in the Socialist/Communist Principles of Wealth Redistribution through the court system:
But more recently during the Democratic Presidential Debate, the President admits he wants a "fair" tax system so that he could fund Government Run Health Care. That Fair Tax he refers to is a major tax on the Wealthy so that their Wealth can be redistributed through a Government Single Payer System:
Even in Obama's Book, Dreams of My Father, he admits he chose his Friends carefully, and some of them were Marxist Professors:
But what many people have seemed to miss in his speech is that while Obama accuses the Republicans of making the Health Care Plan look like a Bolshevik Plot, he never actually denies that it isn't......Does he? He claims the Plan is 'Centrist". Yea Centrists for Progressives, but radical for every other freedom Loving American.
For President Obama, it's not always about what he says, but sometimes what he doesn't say that matters.
Of course what he has been saying all along, until he became President, is that he is a Marxist with the Ultimate Goal of a Socialist Single Payer Government Run Health Care system.
Maybe we should take the President at his Word or Lack of Words...
The Health Care Bill was made to look like a Bolshevik Plot....
Because it is...
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Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Statement From James O'Keefe
Here is a Staement From James O'Keefe, on Big Government, about the arrest that took place. It seems the media has, yet again, made a mess of the truth.
"Statement from James O’Keefe
by James O'Keefe
The government has now confirmed what has always been clear: no one tried to wiretap or bug Senator Landrieu’s office. Nor did we try to cut or shut down her phone lines. Reports to this effect over the past 48 hours are inaccurate and false.
As an investigative journalist, my goal is to expose corruption and lack of concern for citizens by government and other institutions, as I did last year when our investigations revealed the massive corruption and fraud perpetuated by ACORN. For decades, investigative journalists have used a variety of tactics to try to dig out and reveal the truth.
I learned from a number of sources that many of Senator Landrieu’s constituents were having trouble getting through to her office to tell her that they didn’t want her taking millions of federal dollars in exchange for her vote on the healthcare bill. When asked about this, Senator Landrieu’s explanation was that, “Our lines have been jammed for weeks.” I decided to investigate why a representative of the people would be out of touch with her constituents for “weeks” because her phones were broken. In investigating this matter, we decided to visit Senator Landrieu’s district office – the people’s office – to ask the staff if their phones were working.
On reflection, I could have used a different approach to this investigation, particularly given the sensitivities that people understandably have about security in a federal building. The sole intent of our investigation was to determine whether or not Senator Landrieu was purposely trying to avoid constituents who were calling to register their views to her as their Senator. We video taped the entire visit, the government has those tapes, and I’m eager for them to be released because they refute the false claims being repeated by much of the mainstream media.
It has been amazing to witness the journalistic malpractice committed by many of the organizations covering this story. MSNBC falsely claimed that I violated a non-existent “gag order.” The Associated Press incorrectly reported that I “broke in” to an office which is open to the public. The Washington Post has now had to print corrections in two stories on me. And these are just a few examples of inaccurate and false reporting. The public will judge whether reporters who can’t get their facts straight have the credibility to question my integrity as a journalist.
The government has now confirmed what has always been clear: No one tried to wiretap or bug Senator Landrieu’s office. Nor did we try to cut or shut down her phone lines. Reports to this effect over the past 48 hours are inaccurate and false.
As an investigative journalist, my goal is to expose corruption and lack of concern for citizens by government and other institutions, as I did last year when our investigations revealed the massive corruption and fraud perpetrated by ACORN. For decades, investigative journalists have used a variety of tactics to try to dig out and reveal the truth.
I learned from a number of sources that many of Senator Landrieu’s constituents were having trouble getting through to her office to tell her that they didn’t want her taking millions of federal dollars in exchange for her vote on the healthcare bill. When asked about this, Senator Landrieu’s explanation was that, “Our lines have been jammed for weeks.” I decided to investigate why a representative of the people would be out of touch with her constituents for “weeks” because her phones were broken. In investigating this matter, we decided to visit Senator Landrieu’s district office – the people’s office – to ask the staff if their phones were working.
On reflection, I could have used a different approach to this investigation, particularly given the sensitivities that people understandably have about security in a federal building. The sole intent of our investigation was to determine whether or not Senator Landrieu was purposely trying to avoid constituents who were calling to register their views to her as their Senator. We video taped the entire visit, the government has those tapes, and I’m eager for them to be released because they refute the false claims being repeated by much of the mainstream media.
It has been amazing to witness the journalistic malpractice committed by many of the organizations covering this story. MSNBC falsely claimed that I violated a non-existent “gag order.” The Associated Press incorrectly reported that I “broke in” to an office which is open to the public. The Washington Post has now had to print corrections in two stories on me. And these are just a few examples of inaccurate and false reporting. The public will judge whether reporters who can’t get their facts straight have the credibility to question my integrity as a journalist."
To Read the Article on Big Goverment.com Go To:
http://biggovernment.com/2010/01/29/statement-from-james-okeefe/
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"Statement from James O’Keefe
by James O'Keefe
The government has now confirmed what has always been clear: no one tried to wiretap or bug Senator Landrieu’s office. Nor did we try to cut or shut down her phone lines. Reports to this effect over the past 48 hours are inaccurate and false.
As an investigative journalist, my goal is to expose corruption and lack of concern for citizens by government and other institutions, as I did last year when our investigations revealed the massive corruption and fraud perpetuated by ACORN. For decades, investigative journalists have used a variety of tactics to try to dig out and reveal the truth.
I learned from a number of sources that many of Senator Landrieu’s constituents were having trouble getting through to her office to tell her that they didn’t want her taking millions of federal dollars in exchange for her vote on the healthcare bill. When asked about this, Senator Landrieu’s explanation was that, “Our lines have been jammed for weeks.” I decided to investigate why a representative of the people would be out of touch with her constituents for “weeks” because her phones were broken. In investigating this matter, we decided to visit Senator Landrieu’s district office – the people’s office – to ask the staff if their phones were working.
On reflection, I could have used a different approach to this investigation, particularly given the sensitivities that people understandably have about security in a federal building. The sole intent of our investigation was to determine whether or not Senator Landrieu was purposely trying to avoid constituents who were calling to register their views to her as their Senator. We video taped the entire visit, the government has those tapes, and I’m eager for them to be released because they refute the false claims being repeated by much of the mainstream media.
It has been amazing to witness the journalistic malpractice committed by many of the organizations covering this story. MSNBC falsely claimed that I violated a non-existent “gag order.” The Associated Press incorrectly reported that I “broke in” to an office which is open to the public. The Washington Post has now had to print corrections in two stories on me. And these are just a few examples of inaccurate and false reporting. The public will judge whether reporters who can’t get their facts straight have the credibility to question my integrity as a journalist.
The government has now confirmed what has always been clear: No one tried to wiretap or bug Senator Landrieu’s office. Nor did we try to cut or shut down her phone lines. Reports to this effect over the past 48 hours are inaccurate and false.
As an investigative journalist, my goal is to expose corruption and lack of concern for citizens by government and other institutions, as I did last year when our investigations revealed the massive corruption and fraud perpetrated by ACORN. For decades, investigative journalists have used a variety of tactics to try to dig out and reveal the truth.
I learned from a number of sources that many of Senator Landrieu’s constituents were having trouble getting through to her office to tell her that they didn’t want her taking millions of federal dollars in exchange for her vote on the healthcare bill. When asked about this, Senator Landrieu’s explanation was that, “Our lines have been jammed for weeks.” I decided to investigate why a representative of the people would be out of touch with her constituents for “weeks” because her phones were broken. In investigating this matter, we decided to visit Senator Landrieu’s district office – the people’s office – to ask the staff if their phones were working.
On reflection, I could have used a different approach to this investigation, particularly given the sensitivities that people understandably have about security in a federal building. The sole intent of our investigation was to determine whether or not Senator Landrieu was purposely trying to avoid constituents who were calling to register their views to her as their Senator. We video taped the entire visit, the government has those tapes, and I’m eager for them to be released because they refute the false claims being repeated by much of the mainstream media.
It has been amazing to witness the journalistic malpractice committed by many of the organizations covering this story. MSNBC falsely claimed that I violated a non-existent “gag order.” The Associated Press incorrectly reported that I “broke in” to an office which is open to the public. The Washington Post has now had to print corrections in two stories on me. And these are just a few examples of inaccurate and false reporting. The public will judge whether reporters who can’t get their facts straight have the credibility to question my integrity as a journalist."
To Read the Article on Big Goverment.com Go To:
http://biggovernment.com/2010/01/29/statement-from-james-okeefe/
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State's Respond to Obama's Executive Order Limiting States Use of their Own National Guard
What is being interpreted, by some, as a move to Prevent the States from Resisting Federal Aggression, President Obama signed an executive order limiting the Actions of the States' National Guard.
According to an Article on WND, there is a move by the States to now counter that executive order:
"Responding to an executive order by President Obama, a new push is under way for states to adopt laws limiting the use of their National Guard units unless there is an invasion, insurrection or other limited circumstance.
As WND reported, Obama's order establishes a new "Council of Governors" designated to advise on the "synchronization and integration of state and federal military activities in the United States."
The recent order, posted on the White House website, was accompanied by the explanation that the group is to work "to protect our nation against all types of hazards." It comes just weeks after the president issued a similarly obscure order vastly expanding INTERPOL's privileges in the U.S.
The White House said the new council is to include governors and administration officials to review "such matters as involving the National Guard of the various states; homeland defense, civil support; synchronization and integration of state and federal military activities in the United States; and other matters of mutual interest pertaining to National Guard, homeland defense, and civil support activities."
However, there was no definition of the group's authority. Can the council recommend "military activities" and can the governors, who already are in command of their own state guard units, mandate activities outside of their areas of jurisdiction? The White House did not respond to WND questions on the issue."
To Read the Article on WND Go To:
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=122689
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According to an Article on WND, there is a move by the States to now counter that executive order:
"Responding to an executive order by President Obama, a new push is under way for states to adopt laws limiting the use of their National Guard units unless there is an invasion, insurrection or other limited circumstance.
As WND reported, Obama's order establishes a new "Council of Governors" designated to advise on the "synchronization and integration of state and federal military activities in the United States."
The recent order, posted on the White House website, was accompanied by the explanation that the group is to work "to protect our nation against all types of hazards." It comes just weeks after the president issued a similarly obscure order vastly expanding INTERPOL's privileges in the U.S.
The White House said the new council is to include governors and administration officials to review "such matters as involving the National Guard of the various states; homeland defense, civil support; synchronization and integration of state and federal military activities in the United States; and other matters of mutual interest pertaining to National Guard, homeland defense, and civil support activities."
However, there was no definition of the group's authority. Can the council recommend "military activities" and can the governors, who already are in command of their own state guard units, mandate activities outside of their areas of jurisdiction? The White House did not respond to WND questions on the issue."
To Read the Article on WND Go To:
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=122689
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
$24,000 To Help Counter Glenn and Tea Baggers
According to an Article in WND, the DNC and Move on.org organizations are placing ads on Craigs List like this:
The ads are being posted by Grassroots Campaigns, a for-profit canvassing group that has performed services for the Democratic National Committee and MoveOn.org. Its postings can be found among Craiglist listings in Chicago, Ill.; San Francisco, Calif.; Boston, Mass.; Philadelphia, Penn. and Austin, Texas.
"Whose agenda will win in 2010?" the ad asks. "You decide."
It continues, "Change takes work. After the 2008 election, we know what's possible when millions of people commit themselves to creating the world they want to see – but we also know that one election is only the beginning. Across the country, the struggle for human rights, marriage equality, and reproductive rights continues.
"Help-wanted ads are appearing on Craigslist that offer to pay citizens $24,000 a year, plus health insurance, to "counter the hysteria and lies of Glenn Beck and other talking heads" and "stop the tea-baggers!"
The ads are being posted by Grassroots Campaigns, a for-profit canvassing group that has performed services for the Democratic National Committee and MoveOn.org. Its postings can be found among Craiglist listings in Chicago, Ill.; San Francisco, Calif.; Boston, Mass.; Philadelphia, Penn. and Austin, Texas.
"Whose agenda will win in 2010?" the ad asks. "You decide."
It continues, "Change takes work. After the 2008 election, we know what's possible when millions of people commit themselves to creating the world they want to see – but we also know that one election is only the beginning. Across the country, the struggle for human rights, marriage equality, and reproductive rights continues.
To counter the hysteria and lies of Glenn Beck and other talking heads, progressives need to get organized and get activated – and we don't have a moment to lose!!"
It seems that the Progressive Left is getting desperate in their attempts to push through the President's agenda.
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To Read the Article on WND Go To:
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tea Partiers @ a Move On.org Rally In St. Louis Mo
Here is some Video Shot by my buddies Adam Sharp and Doug Edlemen at a Move On.org rally.
MoveOn.Org Astroturf Rally 1-26-10 from Doug Edelman on Vimeo.
ACORN Exposer, James Okeefe Arrested
According to an Article in Politico, James O'Keefe, the man who exposed the ACORN corruption in several different offices all over the Country, has been arrested today:
"Federal authorities have arrested four men on felony charges for attempting to infiltrate Sen. Mary Landrieu’s New Orleans office, including one filmmaker who targeted the community group ACORN last year in damaging undercover videos.
Among those arrested was 25-year-old James O’Keefe, the conservative filmmaker, along with Joseph Basel, Robert Flanagan and Stan Dai, all 24. They were charged with entering federal property under false pretenses and attempting to gain access to the Democrat’s office by posing as telephone repairmen, according to a copy of an FBI affidavit unsealed Tuesday."
To Read the Article on Politico Go To:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/32035.html#ixzz0dlWRtQO0
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"Federal authorities have arrested four men on felony charges for attempting to infiltrate Sen. Mary Landrieu’s New Orleans office, including one filmmaker who targeted the community group ACORN last year in damaging undercover videos.
Among those arrested was 25-year-old James O’Keefe, the conservative filmmaker, along with Joseph Basel, Robert Flanagan and Stan Dai, all 24. They were charged with entering federal property under false pretenses and attempting to gain access to the Democrat’s office by posing as telephone repairmen, according to a copy of an FBI affidavit unsealed Tuesday."
To Read the Article on Politico Go To:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/32035.html#ixzz0dlWRtQO0
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Obama Praise Letters Planted In Media
I have known that Organizing for America(OFA), Obama's Political Action Group, has "created" calls to congress in order to help push the President's Agenda through. But now it appears that the Supporters of the president have stooped to a new low, issuing "Form" letters to newspapers and websites acting like "everyday citizens".
According to an Article in World Net Daily(WND), it is a wide spread form of fraud:
"Obama supporters are flooding newspapers with pro-Obama letters purportedly from average citizens – with duplicate messages appearing in more than 70 publications across the nation.
One writer identified as "Ellie Light" has published identical form letters in newspapers around the country. Sabrina Eaton of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Light claims to have different hometowns within the respective newspaper readership areas. Each letter is nearly identical in grammar, style and subject.
Light's letters have appeared in many mainstream publications, including Politico.com, the Washington Times, USA Today and even Thailand's Bangkok Post."
Now it appears the President is so low in the polls that they not only manufacture calls to Congress, but letters in support of him as well.
Pathetic....
To Read the Article on World Net Daily Go To:
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=123085
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According to an Article in World Net Daily(WND), it is a wide spread form of fraud:
"Obama supporters are flooding newspapers with pro-Obama letters purportedly from average citizens – with duplicate messages appearing in more than 70 publications across the nation.
One writer identified as "Ellie Light" has published identical form letters in newspapers around the country. Sabrina Eaton of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Light claims to have different hometowns within the respective newspaper readership areas. Each letter is nearly identical in grammar, style and subject.
Light's letters have appeared in many mainstream publications, including Politico.com, the Washington Times, USA Today and even Thailand's Bangkok Post."
Now it appears the President is so low in the polls that they not only manufacture calls to Congress, but letters in support of him as well.
Pathetic....
To Read the Article on World Net Daily Go To:
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=123085
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Monday, January 25, 2010
The Warren County Patriots
Every Sunday at the Corner of Hwy 47 and Old Hwy 40 from 1:30 pm. to 2:30 Pm, the Warren County Patriots(WCP) gather to Protest what they, and many others see, as the continued destruction of our liberties by the Progressives in the Government.
Some of those that I met have been Protesting on this corner from the beginning of the conception of the WCP, while for others this was their first time. But they all braved the cold and chilling winds in order to stand up for Freedom and Liberty.
I expect the WCP will have an influx of new numbers as the President continues to push his Radical Agenda on an American Populace that overwhelmingly Rejects it.
Because as more and more people become disenfranchised with the system, they will be turning to others for Answers and Guidance.
And Just like the Corners Protests in Wentzville and O'fallon, the Warren County Patriots will be there to offer the much needed Leadership and Constitutional Direction for those searching for the True meaning of "We the People".
Here are some Pictures of the Patriots practicing their Right to Free Speech.
Joe Misuraca Co-Chairman of the WCP
Some of the above Pictures where given to me by Rob B. Thanks Rob.
To visit the Warren County Patriots website Go To:
President's Organization Admits To Having Hit Some "Serious Bumps in the Road"
The President's Organization, Organizing for America, admits in a recent E-mail that the Road to cahnge has hit some serious snags. But it appears the President is going to do what he wants, even if the majority ofthe nation is against it. Here is the E-mail:
"On Wednesday evening, President Obama will deliver his first State of the Union address. It comes at a critical moment.
We must regroup, refocus, and re-engage on the vital work ahead. So let's watch it together at a State of the Union Watch Party in your neighborhood.
We've hit some serious bumps in the road recently in our march toward change. We always knew it would be difficult, but this past week has definitely been a hard one, for all of us.
But this movement didn't come so far without making it through some challenging times. It's at moments like these when we need you most. People are hurting. Our country is at a crossroads, and in communities like yours all across America we must all fight for the progress our families and businesses need to thrive.
The President's resolve has never been stronger to keep fighting for health insurance reform, for lasting job creation, and to rein in the big banks and fight the undue influence of lobbyists. Wednesday's speech will be a pivotal moment for us all to get on the same page and continue the fight together.
In just two days, OFA supporters like you will be gathering at State of the Union Watch Parties in living rooms and community centers across the country. You can share ideas and experiences -- and I'll be joining on the phone for a special strategy huddle before the speech.
Find and RSVP for a State of the Union Watch Party near
you:
http://my.barackobama.com/AttendSOTU
I hope you can join us,
David Plouffe
P.S. -- Volunteers have set up hundreds of Watch Parties over the last few days. But if there isn't one yet near you, just sign up to host one yourself. It's easy and fun, local OFA organizers will help you with any questions you have, and it's an incredibly important way to let supporters near you be part of the action:
http://my.barackobama.com/HostSOTU"
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"On Wednesday evening, President Obama will deliver his first State of the Union address. It comes at a critical moment.
We must regroup, refocus, and re-engage on the vital work ahead. So let's watch it together at a State of the Union Watch Party in your neighborhood.
We've hit some serious bumps in the road recently in our march toward change. We always knew it would be difficult, but this past week has definitely been a hard one, for all of us.
But this movement didn't come so far without making it through some challenging times. It's at moments like these when we need you most. People are hurting. Our country is at a crossroads, and in communities like yours all across America we must all fight for the progress our families and businesses need to thrive.
The President's resolve has never been stronger to keep fighting for health insurance reform, for lasting job creation, and to rein in the big banks and fight the undue influence of lobbyists. Wednesday's speech will be a pivotal moment for us all to get on the same page and continue the fight together.
In just two days, OFA supporters like you will be gathering at State of the Union Watch Parties in living rooms and community centers across the country. You can share ideas and experiences -- and I'll be joining on the phone for a special strategy huddle before the speech.
Find and RSVP for a State of the Union Watch Party near
you:
http://my.barackobama.com/AttendSOTU
I hope you can join us,
David Plouffe
P.S. -- Volunteers have set up hundreds of Watch Parties over the last few days. But if there isn't one yet near you, just sign up to host one yourself. It's easy and fun, local OFA organizers will help you with any questions you have, and it's an incredibly important way to let supporters near you be part of the action:
http://my.barackobama.com/HostSOTU"
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Sunday, January 24, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
A Year's Worth of Obama Pushing Health Care
Obama, in his Speech today,claimed that he hasn't been pushing Health Care all year, but jobs. Here is a Video from Breitbart TV that says otherwise.
Communists Angry over a Propsal for a "Deficit Commission"
As the political landscape is chaning once again in washington, those that support Socialism and the Socialistic programs that have been put into place by progressives of the past are trying to hold on to every Piece of Socialistic program int he Country. So much so, that the Communist Party USA is even against a proposed "Deficit Commission" that would come up with proposals to help balance the nations budget and possible stave off economic collapse.
Here is the Article from the Communist News People's World, where they express their fears of cuts in any of the Social Programs for Any Reason:
"A group of conservative lawmakers, operating under the radar, is about to hatch yet another scheme and this one would kill a lot more than just health care reform, progressives are warning.
With Medicare, Social Security and jobs programs as their target and under cover of a "deficit commission," Sens. Kent Conrad, D-ND, and Judd Greg, R-NH, are trying to put in place a system that would allow a select group of lawmakers to bypass the normal legislative process by preventing debate on bills that the group says add to the federal deficit.
Leaders of some 50 organizations declared their opposition to the idea at a news conference Thursday sponsored by the Campaign for America's Future.
They warned that the move to kill the normal democratic process for generating a bill will come up any day now in the Senate, where the Conrad-Judd proposal is part of a bill to raise the debt ceiling. That ceiling will have to be raised if the federal government is to avoid shutting down for lack of funds.
The scheme would forbid any amendments to the new commission's rulings on particular bills from being proposed in either house of Congress.
Adding to the danger, the progressive leaders warned, is the fact that a minority of pro-austerity, anti-Social Security, anti-Medicare senators is planning to make matters worse by forcing the entire U.S. government into default unless the Senate agrees to a version of the commission proposal that is to their liking.
Roger Hickey, co-director of the Campaign for America's Future, warned at the press conference that the "deficit commission" would "undemocratically subvert the normal legislative process and recklessly target Social Security and Medicare."
Speakers at the press conference backed the approach to deficit reduction laid out last month by the AFL-CIO at a jobs creation forum - that the best way to bring down the deficit long term is to spend the money now that is needed for a massive jobs creation program which, in turn, will generate both income for workers and taxes for government coffers.
Pro-labor Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman has also described deficit spending as a necessary tool to lay the groundwork for smaller deficits in the long term.
Joan Entmacher of the National Women's Law Center said that responsible ways to cut the deficit are available now, without having to wait for a commission, "if the right-wingers weren't only interested in slashing Social Security, Medicare and jobs programs."
"Health care reform has been established by the Congressional Budget Office to provide significant budget deficit reduction and targeting the financial industry by forcing hedge fund managers to pay regular income taxes is another example," she said.
Predicting that conservative Democrats will cite the Brown victory in Massachusetts as a reason to back formation of the commission, Gerald Shea, a spokesperson for the AFL-CIO, said, "Deep cuts are wrong-headed in this present atmosphere when voters are demanding action to solve the jobs crisis."
Hillary Shelton of the NAACP said responsibility for deficit reduction should remain with the democratically elected officials from all over the country and not handed to an elite group of lawmakers."
To Read the Article on People's World Go To:
http://www.peoplesworld.org/deficit-commission-slammed-as-reckless-attack-on-social-security-medicare/
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Here is the Article from the Communist News People's World, where they express their fears of cuts in any of the Social Programs for Any Reason:
"A group of conservative lawmakers, operating under the radar, is about to hatch yet another scheme and this one would kill a lot more than just health care reform, progressives are warning.
With Medicare, Social Security and jobs programs as their target and under cover of a "deficit commission," Sens. Kent Conrad, D-ND, and Judd Greg, R-NH, are trying to put in place a system that would allow a select group of lawmakers to bypass the normal legislative process by preventing debate on bills that the group says add to the federal deficit.
Leaders of some 50 organizations declared their opposition to the idea at a news conference Thursday sponsored by the Campaign for America's Future.
They warned that the move to kill the normal democratic process for generating a bill will come up any day now in the Senate, where the Conrad-Judd proposal is part of a bill to raise the debt ceiling. That ceiling will have to be raised if the federal government is to avoid shutting down for lack of funds.
The scheme would forbid any amendments to the new commission's rulings on particular bills from being proposed in either house of Congress.
Adding to the danger, the progressive leaders warned, is the fact that a minority of pro-austerity, anti-Social Security, anti-Medicare senators is planning to make matters worse by forcing the entire U.S. government into default unless the Senate agrees to a version of the commission proposal that is to their liking.
Roger Hickey, co-director of the Campaign for America's Future, warned at the press conference that the "deficit commission" would "undemocratically subvert the normal legislative process and recklessly target Social Security and Medicare."
Speakers at the press conference backed the approach to deficit reduction laid out last month by the AFL-CIO at a jobs creation forum - that the best way to bring down the deficit long term is to spend the money now that is needed for a massive jobs creation program which, in turn, will generate both income for workers and taxes for government coffers.
Pro-labor Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman has also described deficit spending as a necessary tool to lay the groundwork for smaller deficits in the long term.
Joan Entmacher of the National Women's Law Center said that responsible ways to cut the deficit are available now, without having to wait for a commission, "if the right-wingers weren't only interested in slashing Social Security, Medicare and jobs programs."
"Health care reform has been established by the Congressional Budget Office to provide significant budget deficit reduction and targeting the financial industry by forcing hedge fund managers to pay regular income taxes is another example," she said.
Predicting that conservative Democrats will cite the Brown victory in Massachusetts as a reason to back formation of the commission, Gerald Shea, a spokesperson for the AFL-CIO, said, "Deep cuts are wrong-headed in this present atmosphere when voters are demanding action to solve the jobs crisis."
Hillary Shelton of the NAACP said responsibility for deficit reduction should remain with the democratically elected officials from all over the country and not handed to an elite group of lawmakers."
To Read the Article on People's World Go To:
http://www.peoplesworld.org/deficit-commission-slammed-as-reckless-attack-on-social-security-medicare/
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