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Tea party to protest government spending

By Eiji Yamashita
eyamashita@HanfordSentinel.com

A group protesting "taxation without representation" will hold a National Tax Day Tea Party rally at Hanford's town square on Wednesday. Members of the loosely organized grassroots, nonpartisan group say the event is held in the spirit of the Boston Tea Party tax revolt in 1773.

The event, they say, is a reaction of "anger and disgust" by taxpayers against wasteful spending by governments and elected officials unresponsive to their constituents' calls.

"Especially these days, you cannot get a response from your elected officials," said Sherill Calhoun, an organizer of the Hanford event. "That's what's fueling this. We feel no one is listening anymore ... Democrat or Republican, I want them to at least listen to my point of view. People just feel like there's no one out there representing them, and the government does what they want. Actually, it's our money."

The Hanford event takes place on the steps of the Civic Auditorium, 400 N. Douty St., starting at 5 p.m.

Calhoun is the wife of Kings County District Attorney Ronald Calhoun and an outspoken advocate in various community issues, including drug addition problems in Kings County. More than 100 local residents of all political views are already part of her group, Calhoun said. They are hoping to attract more like minds.

It is expected to be a peaceful rally, with ice tea being served to participants.

Available at the event will be information tables as well as a list of names and contact information for all elected officials at all levels of government representing Kings County taxpayers, Calhoun said. People will be allowed to speak their mind as well, she added.

The Hanford gathering is one of at least 60 tea party protests planned around California, including events in Fresno, Bakersfield and Pismo Beach.

"There's a lot of angry people out there wondering 'When are we going to be heard?' or feeling 'Enough is enough,'" Calhoun said.

Participants here are protesting the federal stimulus package as well as the response to the recent budget crisis in Sacramento, drawing attention to the need for fiscal restraint and calling for support for the free market and respect for the Constitution.

To signify the ongoing effort to raise awareness, Hanford tea party organizers will be tying large red ribbons throughout the community. The ribbons symbolize the fact that the government has "put us in the red" and that "blood has been shed" for people to retain their freedom, Calhoun said.

"We hope to get a start and get higher visibility about the problem and try to get back to the core of the democratic process," she said.

The tea party comes in the wake of new tax hikes that hit the California taxpayers.

The tax hikes in the two-year budget plan -- increases in the sales tax, personal income taxes and the annual vehicle license fees -- will fall heavily on California taxpayers' shoulders, organizers say.

Starting April 1, the base sales tax rose from 7.25 percent to 8.25 percent. Residents in both incorporated and unincorporated areas of Kings County now pay that rate. While this is just one additional penny per dollar, it is a 13 percent increase in sales taxes.

Also, a 0.25 across-the-board personal income tax increase will be imposed on taxable income for 2009 and 2010. A single person earning $23,000 to $32,000 will be in the 6.25 percent bracket. The highest bracket now will be 10.55 percent for people making $1 million and over.

This equates to an additional $117 for a single person filing with $47,064 in taxable income, $250 for taxpayers filing jointly with $100,000 in taxable income.

Beginning May 19, annual vehicle license fees will double to 1.15 percent of the car's value. On a new car valued at $20,000, the vehicle license fee will now be $230.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.

(April 14, 2009)

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Hanford Sentinel

Skip wrote on Apr 14, 2009 3:29 PM:

" This gives every American a small window to get off their lazy butts, go to a tea party for 10 minutes, and show we might be united on something. Bush spent too much money, Obama is spending too much money and our state can NEVER recover. You anti-Americans can stay home and criticize all you want!! You people don't like yourselves, let alone our country. "

Bobb wrote on Apr 14, 2009 6:31 PM:

" Skip; you got that right, BOTH party's are spending way too much money. I am an older citizen but I was raised to spend no more than you could afford. It is time we all come together and forget about our "golden cow" or "personal pork" as the budget will never be balanced spending future funds for short term gratification. I will be there. "

B. wrote on Apr 14, 2009 6:45 PM:

" To all you people who voted for Obama...you have nothing to be angry about.

I told you so.!!!!!!!!! "

SJT wrote on Apr 14, 2009 6:49 PM:

" It is scary to see the same folks buying up guns, including assult rifles, at a record pace, chanting to cut spending. This at a time of severe national recession during which both Republcan and Democratic ECONOMISTS say is the worst action to take; unless, of course, you WANT the economy (ergo, Obama) to fail. This effort using tea bags is blatanly promoted by Fox News Channel and right wing talkers across the radio waste land. Grapes so sour, so un-American.

Dandre hit it on the head saying this is a movement by lawyers' wives - I thought he was joking. I guess they'd be affected by the pending lapse of the Bush tax cuts for wealthy. I guess they don't care that those of us earning under $250K/annum will get the tax breaks. "

Pete wrote on Apr 14, 2009 7:00 PM:

" Let's watch all the low-life's make this a political issue and not take advantage of the chance to pull together. We're in a terrible mess and it's getting worse. It doesn't matter WHO got us here, we are here!! "

margaret wrote on Apr 14, 2009 8:15 PM:

" THis is another way people get down on Obama..give him a chance. Bush had 8 years to mess up everything. He has only been in for 4 months if that much. If we don't have some revenue, like a sales tax how do you pay for police, fire? How does the DA get attorneys? Does his wife know he is general fund which is paid by taxes? Come on, a little tax is what we need to get by....get over it and quit whinning. "

Bobb wrote on Apr 15, 2009 4:27 PM:

" Yes, we need taxes for basic services. How many of the people wanting no tax control are actually government employees is one form or another?When you consider all of the government programs, Federal, State, Local,Military,etc. it seems that a majority of the people WORK for the government. Yes, they pay taxes too but it is from prodution derived monies and that is drying up. If the government continues to expand we will all be employed by the government. We all WORK to support the government now but the goose that has been laying the golden eggs is beginning to have seizures. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 15, 2009 5:29 PM:

" To: SJT wrote on Apr 14, 2009 8:49 PM:

Funny, I missed the memo that said; only people who agree with "Barack Hussien Obama", may purchase arms under the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution? I thought that was for all us have nots, not just the Obama fans.

Besides, why would we need weapons, soon Iran and North Korea are going to exchange sciences and have a delivery system and nuclear bombs. Our little side arms even the assualt rifles, will be useless against that formidable combination.

Keep believing one man can do so much and you will truly find out what a dictatorship is like. Didn't Hitler, use the replace the CEO strategy alot too? Oh that's right he called them comrades, I guess there is a little difference. "

B. wrote on Apr 15, 2009 8:31 PM:

" You know MARGRET...it`s you and people like you that have brainwashed liberal mentally. TAX,TAX,TAX.......is NOT the answer to this mess we are in. OBAMA has already spent more money in 4 months than all the presidents combined since George Washington. If he`s doing such a great job why are we still losing jobs by the thousands everyday? He`s done nothing just like before he was elected.
He & his corrupt administration are not interested in anything except Govt. take over.
I suppose it won`t upset you when you lose your constitutional rights......... "

SJT wrote on Apr 15, 2009 10:21 PM:

" I'm far more concerned about the Richard Poplawskis;the guy wearing a bulletproof vest and armed with an AK-47, a long rifle and a pistol, waiting for Pittsburgh cops to show and arrest him - then blows the cops' brains out. Said he feared that Obama would take "our" guns away from "us". Your "tea" parties are breeding grounds for this mentality, Fred. http://www.splcenter.org/blog/.

Plus, we had an election and the people have decided. If you were smart Republicans, you'd shut down your radical, narcissist hate groups and rebuild your party, else the same thing will happen in '10, '12, '14, because most voters are totally turned off by it. The last two elections should serve as a stark reminder. "

noah04 wrote on Apr 16, 2009 3:04 AM:

" It was a great gathering of all faiths and political sides. Everyone agreed there is too much taxation with very little being done and too much waste. There is no conspiracy by the republican party. Both parties are to blame for this mess. It is our brain washed elected officials that get ruined when they go to Washington. Its all about what they can do to stay there to remain in the high life than to represent the people. "

SuziQ wrote on Apr 16, 2009 8:42 AM:

" Pete, I thought it was great your post about low-life's showed up right under the post by SJT. These poor Dems don't seem to realize that the increase in our costs of goods are going to be many times more than any tax cut we will get! "

jeff wrote on Apr 16, 2009 9:56 AM:

" Fred,

I guess history is not your strong suit. Hitler was completely against communism so he called no one comrade.

Did you know that Bush has Nazism in his blood? His Grandfather Prescott Bush was a partner of Brown Brothers Harriman who owned the Banking Corporation Union who funded Hitler. In fact most of Prescott's companies were confiscated by Roosevelt for doing business with the "Enemy". Prescott's father and Bushy Jr's hero Samuel Bush was the right hand man of Fritz Thyssen - A Nazi - who subsequently wrote a book titled "I Paid Hitler".

Most of the Bush's family fortune comes from liquified assets of Thyssen when he died. Thyssen made his money financing the Nazi party.

One of their major differences however is that Hitler built up a huge surplus of money and Bush turned a huge surplus of money into a deficit.

Apparently the Bush's did not learn how to manage money from the Nazi's. "

jeff wrote on Apr 16, 2009 10:51 AM:

" B,

If Obama has done nothing as you claim than what are you so upset about? Who tricked you into believing that we could fix the entire American economy in four months? Obama never made that claim. If you don't like corrupt administrations why did you support Bush?

Your arguments are all strawmen. They are created by neo-conservatives then regurgitated by people who can't think.

FYI I don't agree with the Obama written Congress approved Stimulus package but the problem with you is that you thought huge government and out of control federal spending was the best thing ever when a Republican did it.

It seems to me that Republicans don't actually have a problem with national debt, an overreaching federal govenment and government spending. What you actually disapprove of is what the money is being spent on. At least be honest.

And if you factor in inflation + the decline in the dollar Obama has not spent the most money. Reagan spent the most of any U.S. President with Bush following that as the President who borrowed the most. "

Joe Citizen wrote on Apr 16, 2009 2:14 PM:

" margaret - I'm not saying that everything Repubicans to is right, yes Bush spent or approved the spending of millions over his 8 year term but Obama, who's only been in office 4 MONTHS wants to spend T R I L L I O N S!!!
And it seems to be going to the big businesses, you know the ones that drove themselves into the ground. I've heard about 'tax breaks' for the little guy but I haven't seen it. I've heard about SOME stimulous money getting kicked down to the little guy but I haven't seen it either. And I'm just curious where do you think these TRILLIONS of dollars are going to come from? As I've already stated MANY big businesses are going under OR they have their hand out for stimulous money. So, again I ask, where are these TRILLIONS coming from? Oh, I know, more taxes on the middle man, 'cause there isn't THAT many people making over 250K a year to make up the TRILLIONS he wants to hand out. Wake up people, there is already way too much taxation! "

RobertD wrote on Apr 16, 2009 3:52 PM:

" Which Tea Party was SJT watching? "Breeding grounds for this mentality..." Are you serious!? What I saw here in Hanford and across the country were regular, blue jean wearing people, in many cases with their whole family, making a statement against wasteful spending, soaring deficits (were not talking billions but trillions), and a future full of tax hikes or regulations that will cause inflation which is simply a tax on the working and middle class. I do agree with SJT that the Republican Party has to rebuild itself and thats what began on the 15th. Regarding hate groups, has SJT read some of the absolute filth on many liberal blog sites? "

SJT wrote on Apr 16, 2009 9:51 PM:

" RobertD, thanks for the comment; however, I'd suggest seeking a broader perspective of what your tea parties were about; you might consider looking beyond your Fox Propaganda Ch.

By the way. The Southern Poverty Law Center isn't a blog. It's a civil rights law firm established in '71. Since that mission is still not accomplished, the Center continues to exist today. From the website:

"In 1981, the Southern Poverty Law Center began investigating hate activity in response to a resurgence of groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Today the SPLC Intelligence Project monitors hate groups and tracks extremist activity throughout the U.S. It provides comprehensive updates to law enforcement, the media and the public through its quarterly magazine, Intelligence Report. Staff members regularly conduct training sessions for police, schools, and civil rights and community groups, and they often serve as experts at hearings and conferences."

They were quite busy this week, as they report. If you don't want to believe it, then don't. Just count me out in associating with right wing hate groups, which is what this week is all about. It's just wrong. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 17, 2009 1:50 AM:

" To: SJT wrote on Apr 16, 2009 12:21 AM:

" I'm far more concerned about the Richard Poplawskis;the guy wearing a bulletproof vest and armed with an AK-47, a long rifle and a pistol, waiting for Pittsburgh cops to show and arrest him - then blows the cops' brains out"

Like most of your kind, you have the confused thought process that blames the ak47, hand gun or other weapon for the actions of a human being. He just as well could have taken a machete, sword or other weapon and beheaded the cop. If that is how a persons mind works the weapon doesn't matter as long as the end result is the same. Now should those people not have weapons probably not, should that keep the rest of us from the 2nd amendment and possession of weapons, absolutely not.

Our freedoms are too few and far between these days and I'll be darn if I am gonna recklessly give up any guaranteed to me by the United States Consitution. If you don't get that, then perhaps you might want a refresher course in 7th grade History class? "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 17, 2009 2:01 AM:

" To: jeff wrote on Apr 16, 2009 12:51 PM:

You are absolutely correct I do have a problem with what the money is being spent on. Do you know why, because Barackster is doing exactly what he said he was gonna do. He is stealing from the rich and giving to the poor and you all see him as some Robin Hood in the Merry Forest. He is redistributing the wealth not on a basis of those who have earned it, but quite the contrary giving it to people without the incentive and fortitude to earn it honestly. That I have a problem with and if you are a tax paying citizen so should you.
His administration knew about the millions of dollars in bonuses for AIG and sat by and did nothing. They say it was because the had contracts, well I have NEWS for all of you the UAW has contracts too, and Obama wants to throw them away and start fresh. Why didn't he do that with the Bankers? You see Jeff, that is the problem we have with your President, he's one sided. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 17, 2009 2:06 AM:

" To: jeff wrote on Apr 16, 2009 12:51 PM:

You describe a climate in which we are all suppose to accept Obama and work with him, but he is ignoring a large portion of proven tax payers and there will be a price to be paid for that politically. You can't pick and choose what CEO you are gonna fire and replace in a free economy. That is the part of the "free economy" no one seems to understand, corporations should be able to appoint CEO's they want not who Obama's team wants. It's a proven that the more government interferes with the private sector the more messed up it gets. I watched Obama on television the other day bragging about projects that have already been started, some coming under budget. But where is this being done, in Joe Biden's home state, Illinois and other campaign promises being kept elsewhere throughout the United States. But not here in California, not even the western states. The Department of the Interior comes out flies in a helo with Arnie for a while and says he'll give us a few million, others get billions. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 17, 2009 2:12 AM:

" To: jeff wrote on Apr 16, 2009 12:51 PM:

You can say what you want about Bush in the past two years of his office. But don't forget it was a Democratic Majority in the Congress for those last two years. So for six out of eight years, Bush worked with congress for the last two years of his administration your party was in charge.

Just based on what Obama has already done, we will go back to that old reliable checks and balances and will change up the majority in Congress during the next elections. Why because when the President and Congress are the same party, it costs the taxpayers too much money. It is a proven fact.

Obama thinks he is FDR and he is really much more like Jimmy Carter. He will be floundering in a year wondering what happened to his glorious plan of changing america's image. He's done exactly that, kim, Iran, Cuba all think we are weaker now, thanks to Obama.

I am not saying there isn't room for more diplomacy, but you let your Secretary of State do her job. "

RobertD wrote on Apr 17, 2009 8:19 AM:

" SJT--Why did you assume I only watched Fox? Granted over 50% of my news viewing may be on Fox (I'm honest enough to admit it) but I like to know what the other networks are doing and saying about events. The other networks either had little coverage of the Tea Parties or exhibited disgust with the hard-working families who attended these events, in some cases making insulting commentary. What I object to, SJT, is using isolated extremists (like your Poplawskis case) to paint a broad picture that anyone unhappy about the fiscal policies of the Obama administration is some nut! SJT, you might want to get "a broader perspective" by reading the numerous economists who say that New Deal type of policies will, in the long run, make this recession even worse. "

RobertD wrote on Apr 17, 2009 8:32 AM:

" SJT--I'll agree with you that the Southern Poverty Law Center was founded in 1971 with the best of intentions and moral ideals; however, in the spirit of broadening our persepctives you ought to look into what the SPLC has morphed into over the last ten years. The SPLC's definition of "hate group" is so broad that any organization seeking immigration reform or restrictions are automatically "hate groups." And the co-founder and leader of the SPLC, Morris Dees, has a less than ethically pure background. The work SPLC has done in regards to its "Teaching Tolerance" program really has few merits but has been embraced by the liberal education community--I know I get the publication ona regular basis. Nice to know the SPLC "big brother" is busy checking on all of us radical Tea Party attendees. "

Bobb wrote on Apr 17, 2009 8:39 AM:

" Fred; for the most part I agree with a lot of what you say. In the reference to Obama appointing a new CEO at GM I disagree. I believe in Capitalism, but in the case of GM,Chrysler,AIG, the banks,etc taking my money for their failures it makes me as a taxpayer a stockholder in their company and Obama, even though I didn't vote for him the CEO so to speak. Ford said no thanks, we will work through this but the others had their hands out for the easy money and now there is a price to pay. They should have filed Chapter 11 and reorganized but they took the easy way out. The Governor of Texas and I believe another state also said "no thanks" as they knew there would be strings attached. Dance with the devil and pay the price. As I have said before, this is enhanced capitalism as companies think they should not be allowed to fail because they are too large. That may just be the problem, to large to control. "

retiredveteran wrote on Apr 17, 2009 8:42 AM:

" This is simply put, a revolt against our First Black President! Nothing more! Where was all the outrage in the past eight years under President Bush. Tax laws have been unfair for years, and suddenly, a black president inherits the mess created by previous administrations (yes democratic administrations included), and is being proactive in trying to solve our nation’s economic woes, now Taxed Enough Already is a big issue. People should spend time demonstrating against something more substantive, like not being able to vote, like having to ride in the back of the bus, like being racially profiled, like being discriminated against. You people need to stop with the divisive tactics preached by the Limbaughs, Hannitys, Becks, and the Fair and Unbalanced FOX NEWS network. A black man has accomplished what was once thought impossible. GET OVER IT! "

KC Resident wrote on Apr 17, 2009 1:42 PM:

" It's really time to stop the blame and come together as Americans to help resolve the issues. Republicans and Democrats live as neighbors, co-workers, members of the same church, members of the same civic organizations and yet when it comes to educating themselves about issues that affect us all we turn into adversaries for some reason. My family members have fought and died for the freedoms that we enjoy in this country. We all need to bring down the blinders and direct our energies towards protecting our rights as freedom loving citizens. I applaud all of the people who took the time to participate in the Water Walk and Tea Parties. These people are not just one party of the other, they are citizens who want their voices heard by the very people who are impacting their lives. The aftermath of 9/11 was not about who was Republican or Democrate it was about AMERICAN'S coming together for a common cause. Let's focus on what we can do together and thank God that because of freedom we can. "

Paul wrote on Apr 17, 2009 1:50 PM:

" RobertD wrote on Apr 16, 2009 5:52 PM:

" Which Tea Party was SJT watching? "Breeding grounds for this mentality..." Are you serious!? What I saw here in Hanford and across the country were regular, blue jean wearing people, in many cases with their whole family,"

An example of what I saw outside of Hanford were a guy wearing a gun like if he was in the wild west, a GOVERNOR that threatened to secede, and getting the crowd all fired up. This is April 2009 not January1861. Time warp maybe??

If that is not a breeding ground, what is it then??? "

Paul wrote on Apr 17, 2009 2:05 PM:

" Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 17, 2009 4:12 AM:

" Why because when the President and Congress are the same party, it costs the taxpayers too much money. It is a proven fact."

I couldn't agree with you more on that. Just look at what bush did. You know, one thing I heard over and over during the speeches they were giving was that BUSH jr. was to blame for most of this mess. They were correct.

And now that Obama is in office, he is being criticized for trying to GET US OUT of this REPUBLICAN MESS.

We gave bush 8 years and all he did was SPEND, SPEND AND SPEND some more. Where were your FISCAL VOICE then???? Where were the TEA PARTIES then??? Did this mess start on Jan. 20th??? The Democrats have always been for the people and the republicans for fiscal restraint. Until last Nov. guess which party hadn't lived up to its beliefs????

One good thing that I HOPE will come out of this past Wednesday. The end of the Republican Party and the birth of the Tea/Libertarian Party. "

margaret wrote on Apr 18, 2009 8:38 AM:

" I would hope we all put down the party line and come together and really look at the waste all over in government. Look at programs that fund illegal alien children for health care? they get better care then some of ours children. Cut some of the First 5 programs that are a waste of money, put funding direct to our children in school who need tutoring. Cut the DA special travel allowance of $400 a month to travel to work...why? NO one else gets this. I wish we could really analysis all this but really who listens? "

aufever wrote on Apr 18, 2009 8:45 AM:

" I am trying to get to the original intent ot the Tea Parties, which is Taxed Enough Already? President Obama doesn't run California, yet we have in place the highest taxes in the nation by the states and this is just a preview of things to come. Whom do you think is going to pay for all the Trillions in Debt that Obama has created ? I guarentee that your taxes for all you taxpayers that make under 250K will go up and that is not debateable. If Obama is serious about getting the econjomy moving, he needs to consider a flat Tax and do away with the Capitol Gains Tax and reduce the corperation Tax Rates from 38% to around 20% and you will see Manufacturers Like Husman stay in the US instead of moving to Monterey, Mexico. I really hate to see a debate about Taxes denigrate into some of the hate that has come out. For those that think that the Fox Network is right wing, at least they try to present both sides, unlike the other networks. You can not continue to print money without backing it. "

Dandre wrote on Apr 18, 2009 11:35 AM:

" RobertD..Interesting how you throw words around to ‘season’ your argument
…..SPLC "big brother" …..
want to see ‘Big Brother’…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYjyvkR0bGQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXG9wAILqGs&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBARO_vj70w&feature=related
I could put these up all day but you ‘should’ get the point. Where is the video of Obama’s ‘jackboots’ squashing your ‘civilrights’? Now what is Faux News going to do with that new ‘Beck in tears’ montage they put together SPECIFICALLY!!
and now you have a problem with ‘racial profiling’, when its YOUR race that’s being profiled? I thought you didn’t have anything to hide?
‘liberal education community’. You mean like Geo. W Bush’s ‘all white community’? Monica Goodling and her Trinity College ’bush-bots’ bragged about how ‘un-republicans’ were excluded job applicants, did anybody ‘ask’ about your politics when you applied as a teacher? I didn’t think so. If there was a ‘liberal education community’, you and all the other ‘so-called’ conservatives would have never been hired.
‘New Deal type of policies will… make this recession even worse.’
Want a dangerous assignment. Start going to all the different retirement homes and communities in the valley and walk around insulting FDR’s New Deal. I bet you don’t come out alive! "

Dandre wrote on Apr 18, 2009 11:39 AM:

" WE just FINISHED watching all the ‘lowlife’s’ make it political and all the ‘white supremists’, neo-nazi’s and KKK types, have video that ALL of you were at THEIR rally!
Have you seen the video of Neil Cavuto LYING about the crowd size in Sac.
and B….. Brainwashing occurs in the reptilian part of the brain, in other words the conservative part of the brain. Its documented in the Milgram studies after WW2, hence the term 'koolaid drinkers' in its proper use refers to the conservative mob mentality in its extreme form.
Hey, how about all Republicans protest the President's smoking habit by practicing their 'individual freedom' and all becoming smokers.
Then next April 15th they can protest the 'tobacco tax' and blame Obama for killing you with his ‘bad example’. They would be stimlulating the economies of their 'base states' in the south but I think they would have to change their 'red state' designation to some kind of 'funky yellow green'.
Hey Fox whaddya think? "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 18, 2009 6:51 PM:

" To: Paul wrote on Apr 17, 2009 4:05 PM:

This Bush Mess? Come on Paul surely if you studied junior high school history, you are aware that the President alone gets nothing done. Bush didn't declare Executive Orders to go to War with Iraq? Bush didn't write Executive Orders to fight in Afghanistan. Bush didn't deregulate the housing market, that was William Jefferson Clinton. It was a Democratic Congress who rubber stamped the last two years of Bush/Chenney, in the Executive Branch of Government. You should include Pelosi, Reid in your conquest to blame people. Not too mention many other Congressman and Senator's more obsessed with their pork barrel and fat back spending.
Obama has to be the first President in history, to get legislation passed by Congress without either party reading it. That my friend is how those AGI bonuses made it through. So do you blame Bush for the contracts of AIG, why not you blame him for everything else. Obama's "right hand man" had knowledge of those bonuses and then the shock and awe on an angry Obama when he supposedly found out, how fake! "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 18, 2009 7:00 PM:

" To: Dandre wrote on Apr 18, 2009 1:39 PM:

You just can't stand to have a subject be brought up that you don't handily cast out that race card. You are worse than the Rev-er-end Jesse Jackson. You invision the KKK in everything you write about, how paranoid is that, then you cast aspertions of racism anytime someone has a differing view. Your tactics are not only obvious they are getting quite boring and suspected with every blog you write.
A group gathers to protest a President, not a black President, but an out of control money squandering man, who regardless of color, is sending the entire country into a pre-proclaimed bankruptcy. History making loans from China, to pay for programs that will eventually fizzle out, not maintaining jobs, but showing a false drop in unemployment, for a few months and then back down to the bottomless pit of dispair when the borrowed, unearned funs run out. He is claiming victory on an ecomony that has enfused billions of dollars into it, we should be in the 10,000's in the Stock Market with the money spent. It's not a small world, afterall. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 18, 2009 7:20 PM:

" To: Dandre wrote on Apr 18, 2009 1:35 PM:

That is what you don't understand is this tea party business, has nothing to do with Barack's color. Anymore than hating mexicans has to do with illegal immigration. There are acts similar in nature, Obama is further eroding our ability to survive by placing more and more tax burden on all of us. Just like the illegals place on our Welfare System in this very state, causing our state taxes to rise with no new services, just the same old tired Welfare Sucker Fish! If you took illegal use of welfare out of our system we would probably have a surplus of funds. They say there are no jobs for illegal immigrants who make up our farm labor community, but 10,000 of them marched to the San Luis Reservoir, all collecting unemployment checks. What do you suppose would happen to me if I participated in a march of my beliefs while drawing unemployment. People on unemployment are suppose to be looking for work. (Continued) "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 18, 2009 7:30 PM:

" To: Dandre wrote on Apr 18, 2009 1:35 PM:

(Continued) Barack campaigned on the latino vote, wanting to help people of all races in low income categories. If he wants to help so badly, why doesn't he lift the "Federal Law" protecting the smelt and open up our waterways, to productive agricultural business again? One swipe of the pen and he could put at least 10,000 people back to work, I thought he was all about creating jobs?

According to the latest news reports, it seems he is "losing jobs in America" faster than he can create new one's. If I were in charge and saw the possibility, no the duty, to put 10,000 people back to work in the fields, I'd do it before you could say; Hussien. Arnold's water concerns are for the Delta, he doesn't care about this little water shortage or he would have stepped up to the plate and like: "Devin Nunes", I think he should resign, for "his failure" to provide the necessary water to our farmers. He can hop on a plane anytime "Uncle Teddy needs him in Washington"! But he can't be our voice. "

SJT wrote on Apr 18, 2009 9:44 PM:

" John McCain's daughter tells us that her party has some pretty tough pills to swallow after a week of tea bagging:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/18/meghan-mccain-old-school_n_188636.html

America will be great once again if, as she says, the GOP were to "Break(ing) free from obsolete positions and providing real solutions that don't divide our nation ..."

By golly, it would appear the GOP now has someone to lead them out of their morass. No need for tea bagging anymore. "

Pete wrote on Apr 19, 2009 9:08 AM:

" Did you see that big sign on FOX, that liberal TV station, at one of the TEA parties? It read "Republicans suck too", what a terrible thing to say and show on TV. "

SuziQ wrote on Apr 19, 2009 9:17 AM:

" Paul, can you point out one penny Bush spent without the approval of Congress, including one penny for the war? It seems you hate for Bush has blinded you of reality. "

RobertD wrote on Apr 20, 2009 9:47 AM:

" Enough name calling and playing the race card. SJT calls for "real solutions". I suggest checking out what Newt Gingrich has to say at the website American Solutions. Gingrich offers comprehensive and common sense answers to our nation's ills. "

jeff wrote on Apr 20, 2009 1:45 PM:

" Fred,

So you admit you believe in huge federal spending and increased government but only when it's for things you like.

I wonder why you hate it when government steals from the rich to give to the poor yet appluad it when it steals from the poor to give to the rich especially since you live on that fixed income you keep reminding us of.

We have already established you don't care about wealth redistribution per se it's how it's redistributed that you don't like.

Obama should let the banks fail, I have never said otherwise so take that argument to someone else.

"You describe a climate in which we are all suppose to accept Obama and work with him,"

I have done no such thing you're hallucinating. Yes, Obama is ignoring some tax payers but then so did Bush. This is what happens. It's always happened and will always happen. Is the political process of our country new to you?

Bush did not work with Democrats for the last 2 years.

You loved it when the President and Congress were the same party, don't lie. "

Paul wrote on Apr 20, 2009 3:52 PM:

" aufever wrote on Apr 18, 2009 10:45 AM:

" I am trying to get to the original intent ot the Tea Parties, which is Taxed Enough Already? President Obama doesn't run California, yet we have in place the highest taxes in the nation by the states "

Well, lets see... OMG a Republican is running Cali and you blame Obama for the taxes??? Did Obama run Arnold out like he did the CEO of whatever car company??? Sorry, you can't blame the poor state of Cali on Obama. "

Dandre wrote on Apr 20, 2009 7:10 PM:

" RobertD...of course you suggest WE all go to Newt's site.
You, evidently, slept through the last 2 elections.
You keep going to newt's site the MAJORITY of US have seen through the trojan horse that is republican desperation.
WE are not moving in the direction of the LOSERS. You LOSERS have to move in our direction.
The last time Dems were the minority, Newt turned the lights out on and told them they were irrelevant.
Well, the party of ‘no’ is doing a real good job of making themselves irrelevent now, the smartest repubican out there is John McCain’s daughter!
ALL us LIBERALS just WON this last election and the FACT that NEW DEAL policies have been proven to work is why the ‘shreek’ is back in Hannity’s voice!! "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 20, 2009 7:31 PM:

" To: jeff wrote on Apr 20, 2009 3:45 PM:

Obama is not robbing from the rich and giving to all the poor. If he were, the water would be flowing through the valley and the farm worker's would all be employed again. Obama and Biden are first taking care of their home states and to hell with everyone else.
Our Federal Government gave billions of dollars for education, and a few million, for a new water program in this state. What good does it do to educate our children, if they can't have locally grown fresh vegetables and citrus to eat? No one seems to understand, perhaps when lettuce is $10 a head, milk is $20 per gallon, and lemons and oranges are $5 each people will wake up and smell the roses. Then they will all turn their head, take off their blinders and say; Gee how did this happen?
We say we have control of the illegal immigrants, yet during the recent protest some 10,000 showed up all claiming to be on unemployment, still residing in this country. That would have been a perfect place for an ICE raid. "

Loanman wrote on Apr 20, 2009 8:11 PM:

" That's a trick question SuzieQ, no President can spend a penny without approval of Congress. Just like the Governor of a state can't spend a penny without approval of the State Senate. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 20, 2009 8:31 PM:

" To: Paul wrote on Apr 20, 2009 5:52 PM:

I'm afraid I can blame Obama for Cali's problems Paul. When he is more comfortable shaking hands and listening to the ideas of dictators and former adversaries of our country, than sitting down and dealing with the devistation about to befall the San Joaquin Valley. I can do nothing but blame him. When he is talking with the likes of Hugo Chavez, instead of Devin Nunes, yes I can find fault and blame with him.

When citrus and vegetables become priced out of your price range, maybe then and only then will you say; "Gee, maybe Fred had a point afterall" When those costs are driven up, so will transportation costs and your recovery you are looking for in California will be inching away.

Even if Obama didn't want to come, he could send someone who could offer more than a few million dollars for probably a trillion dollar emergency disaster. What's Biden doing besides trying to get more than his home state's share of the stimulus package. You call them your representatives? What a joke! "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 20, 2009 8:38 PM:

" To: Paul wrote on Apr 20, 2009 5:52 PM:

In response to our Republican Governor, guess you didn't read all of my blog. Like Devin Nunes, I think Arnold should resign and go back to making :B: Movies in Hollywood again. He let us down on the vehicle registration he was gonna keep low, now the lack of water for farmers, it is time for him to go back to making movies. Perhaps "Terminator" fits him better than we all realized in the first place? Grey Davis could not have messed up this state as bad as Arnold has and you and many others voted him out of office. I never, say never voted for Arnold, I vote a completely Fred Ticket not Republican/Democratic. Paul there is this new concept it is called write in candidates. If you don't like what is offered you can use your own powers of thinking to offer up other candidates. Try it sometime, you might be surprised how many people agree with your decision. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 20, 2009 8:41 PM:

" To: RobertD wrote on Apr 20, 2009 11:47 AM:
That suggestion will never work, you see Newt is a Republican and if it is anything these people can't stand, it is a Republican. They blame Republicans for everything they did, plus what the Demoncrats did. How conventient for them to bury their heads in the sand like a bunch of Ostrich's.

" Enough name calling and playing the race card. SJT calls for "real solutions". I suggest checking out what Newt Gingrich has to say at the website American Solutions. Gingrich offers comprehensive and common sense answers to our nation's ills. " "

aufever wrote on Apr 20, 2009 9:17 PM:

" Paul any resembalence between Arnold and a Republican is purely coincedental. He is a RINO (Republican In Name Only). Look at all the Democrats that he is appointing to the different Waste Boards (all these boards are a waste of Taxpayers Dollars). After What the Govenator has done, we owe an apology to Grey Davis. The Dems are firmly in control in the state houses, however Arnold lacked tha cajones to veto any legislation that increased spending. Until you get the spending under control nothing will happen. As a warning the new taxes coming from the Fed Dems are Related to So Called Global Warming. These taxes will come forth on your utility bills and the Whackos in SF want to control your thermostat. As to the sorry state of our roads, this is the 1st year that the Legislature complicit with the Govnots has not been able to steal the road tax monies. You really need to pay attention to the issues. The Whackos think that all the Dams do is provide "Cheap Irrigation Water to a bunch of rich farmers" and overlook the fact that the primary purpose is flood control. "

Pete wrote on Apr 21, 2009 10:14 AM:

" It's the spending, Paul, it's the spending that people are upset about. Can you justify all this spending without saying "well, he did it". Come on, give us an intelligent answer! If there wasn't all this spending, taxes wouldn't have to go up. "

RobertD wrote on Apr 21, 2009 11:52 AM:

" One very simple statistic Dandre--18%. Unemployment in the United Sattes in 1939 was 18%. It begins to decline after that because the US is gearing up for war after the Nazi invasion of Poland. Yes, many older people have a fond memory of FDR and I believe he deserves alot of credit for leading the country during a time of war. He offered hope when there was dispair in 1932. His fireside chats put him in touch with regular folk. You can rant and rave all you want but the number is still the same--18%. Was the New Deal a resounding success? Intellectual honesty will set you free. "

Paul wrote on Apr 21, 2009 1:23 PM:

" Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 20, 2009 10:31 PM:

" To: Paul wrote on Apr 20, 2009 5:52 PM:

" When he is more comfortable shaking hands and listening to the ideas of dictators and former adversaries of our country, than sitting down and dealing with the devistation (it's DEVASTATION) about to befall the San Joaquin Valley."

I blame Arnold and the republicans that are against any type of worker program to take the jobs that would keep prices down. Remember last year, you made it a point that Americans wouldn't mind those jobs. Well, betcha' they'll take them now!! Thanks to the out of control spending and borrowing,two war george. That's who I blame.

YOU sound so much like hannity and newt, Obama bows, he smiles, he shakes hands. He's a commie, a socialist, Am I missing one??? I think that is WHY OBAMA WON in Nov. Most REAL Americans are tired of those labels, that garbage!! Republicans wants votes counted in Minn. but not in New York. I want Obama on the world stage NOT the San Joaquin stage. Someone needs to fix what george messed up. "

Paul wrote on Apr 21, 2009 1:39 PM:

" Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 20, 2009 10:41 PM:

" I suggest checking out what Newt Gingrich has to say at the website American Solutions. Gingrich offers comprehensive and common sense answers to our nation's ills. "

Newt said that Obama didn't do anything when N. Korea fired what military officals called "a failure." GEE... could that be a reason for no further action by Obama???

Newt and YOU would have pulled the trigger on every weapon we have at N. Korea. Well, at least you would be happy because then we could enter a third war to help our economy. RIGHT????

And you say, "Gingrich offers comprehensive and common sense answers to our nation's ills." He's an old man with old ideas from the old generation!" "

RobertD wrote on Apr 21, 2009 4:50 PM:

" Paul--have you honestly even checked out the site? I may be a Republican but I check-in with the DNC site weekly and a few other lib spots like the Huffington post. Try it, you might like it. What are you affraid of? "

SJT wrote on Apr 21, 2009 9:21 PM:

" Notice that when it comes to conservatives, they always consistently attack the legitimacy of any Democrat who wins the White House; so no Democrat is ever really their President, and should be challenged at every turn. And I'm playing the race card?

Also, why would any Dem bother with revisiting what Gingrich has to say - as if he's not been around for, oh, nearly twenty years. He's certainly nothing new, and he's on virtually every cable news channel on a daily basis (yes, even MS). I hear nothing from him that excites me in the least, certainly nothing new; still the same Republican platform planks: Supports off-shore drilling; supports tax breaks for the wealthy (the trickle down that didn't work under Reagan/Bush/Bush). Criticism of the president is fine, but teleprompters? Gimme a break. He leverages fear in attempts to make folks believe we're being attacked nearly constantly; supports for-profit health care system (under which currently 47 million are not covered) ... The Newts are who young Republicans like Megan McCain are referring to, talking about breaking free from the past. Regardless, Gingrich has no say, no one has elected him. "

RobertD wrote on Apr 22, 2009 10:15 AM:

" I may be wrong (I'm man enough to admit it) but has SJT even looked at Newt's American Solutions site? And what's with the Reaganomics didn't work? Granted, he left the country with a large deficit, but the Cold War was won largely on that "out spend the Soviets into bankruptcy strategy," and deserevs some criticism for the debt. The proof of success, though, is in the stats: From 1982 to 1988 unemployment drops from 9.7% to 5.5% and 15 million jobs are created; inflation is 11% in 1981 and drops to under 5% by 1989. Those numbers sound pretty good to me. "

jeff wrote on Apr 22, 2009 4:59 PM:

" No Robert, that isn't factual data. Also, Obama wants to return the tax % to what it was under Reagan. So I guess this means you agree with Obama.

The unemployment rate during that timeframe started at 8.6 in January of 82 then climbed as high as 10.8 at the end of 82 but by the end of 88 it was at 5.3. So let's say it did go from 9 - 5%, that isn't bad, it is progress but tax rates were still higher than they are today. Maybe that's how Reagan did it? "

Paul wrote on Apr 22, 2009 6:05 PM:

" RobertD wrote on Apr 21, 2009 6:50 PM:

Try it, you might like it. What are you affraid of? "

I don't like to "lock" myself into any one group because then ali will feel hurt because for at least for the last year he has been trying to "guess" what party I belong to. But I watch fox and listen to O'reilly, beck and others. But I just can't watch it for long. Especially when hannity starts a conversation with joe the idiot about david ayers, wright.

But like I said, "he's an old man with old ideas from an old generation!" " "

SJT wrote on Apr 22, 2009 9:00 PM:

" So that you cannot leverage that I would not admit to the truth, Robert, I will say here for you and whoever may give a rat's hiney, that I didn't devote time to Gingrich's website (impressed that he appears technically inclined, I s'pose). Was certain that what I'd expose myself to would be more untruths, half-truths, misleading factoids and the usual Republican talking points about lower taxes, etc. (except, perhaps, that under Ike, millionaires paid tax rates up to 45%, estate tax up to 77%). Instead, I perused some sources on what others say in regards to the man who chose, for whatever reason, not to join the GOP 2008 primary run. No surprise, I see nothing new.

So why didn't he run? Especially given that just before the primaries heated up, only 23 percent of Republicans were happy with their choices. Why so tepid? What was/is so daunting he chose not to run? Anyhow, you all can follow his every word; it makes no difference to me. Now, if he runs against Palin, I'll perk up! Palin would get the evangelists; would it be enough (Newt has those divorces)? "

RobertD wrote on Apr 23, 2009 7:42 AM:

" Sorry Jeff I should have included the source for the statistics, but I am confused because you seem to agree with the unemployment stats I listed and you said nothing about the huge drop in inflation. I was not attempting to compare the Reagan tax cuts with Obama at all. I just wanted to piont out that Reaganmics did have a positive impact on the economy. Why can't liberals just acknowledge that in an honest way like I acknowledged the fact that Reagan left us with a huge debt (granted much of that debt was the result of winning the Cold War). "

jeff wrote on Apr 23, 2009 8:59 AM:

" Robert,

I have no idea what the source of your info has to do with this so I have no comment for that. I do for the most part agree, which I made perfectly clear in my post. I realize you weren’t comparing Reagan and Obama but that’s kind of my point. Obama is returning tax levels to the same levels as Reagan. The reason Reagonomics wasn’t a total failure is due to that. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 23, 2009 9:33 AM:

" To: Paul wrote on Apr 21, 2009 3:39 PM:

I like the way you think that when people reach a certain age in time they should not be listened to any longer. Do you realize down through time that we have had many more Presidents over the age of 50 than under the age of 50, Paul.

The idea of electing a younger President can be found to begin with JFK and not any sooner. He was the youngest man to be elected to the office at that time. He almost launched WWIII with Russia over Cuba, do you not remember your history?

It was a wise old Truman who dropped the bomb on Heroshima and Nagasaki who ended WWII with Japan, was it not?

You need to learn respect for your elders and take into consideration the vast amount of history they may have over you. They are basing their intelligence and decision making over vast periods of time, while you are yet realitively young and inexperienced. So who should not listen to whom? "

RobertD wrote on Apr 23, 2009 2:57 PM:

" Maybe I am wrong but isn't Obama offering more of a rebate than an actual tax reduction? And $250,000 today is vlaue-wise much less than during the Reagan years. My wife and I are basically middle class and our combine income is approaching $200,000 and in the eyes of the State of California I am considered rich (I have to pay state AMT). It seems to me there are some people that would not have been in the top tax bracket under Reagan that are under Obama. In addition, I can't see how Obama can finance all the things he has proposed in the budget and future years without increasing my income taxes. "

Paul wrote on Apr 24, 2009 1:02 PM:

" There you go again wdf.... ASSuming.

The difference with newt and presidents is just that. On one hand you have a president and on the other hand an old man that HAD his chance at the top years ago. I remember his contract with America. Where is that now? Now he needs to stay at home and grow tomatoes. THAT IS WHAT I'm going to be doing when I am his age. He needs to realize that its time for young blood take over.

You see wdf... that's the difference between you and me. I realize that its time for me to a grandpa and not a father. You still think its 1950. It's not. Newt is an old man. "

Paul wrote on Apr 24, 2009 5:55 PM:

" Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 23, 2009 11:33 AM:

He almost launched WWIII with Russia over Cuba, do you not remember your history?

It was a wise old Truman who dropped the bomb on Heroshima and Nagasaki who ended WWII with Japan, was it not?

So wdf... I'm I left to think that YOU are mad at Kennedy for almost starting a war with Russia yet happy because we nuked Japan's innocent civilians. How many "soldiers" do you think we killed in those blasts?

Like I said wdf... old men from an old generation. You and others like you believe that destroying some place or some people is better than trying to come to some understanding.

That is the reasoning of some and that is why we are facing the world now. The Taliban is now within 60 miles from the capital of Pakistan. Remember the march on Siagon?? Only difference Pakistan has NUKES. And the Taliban HATE us.

Guess where they are coming??? OMG if bush had only finished them instead of attacking Iraq. "

Dandre wrote on Apr 25, 2009 12:15 AM:

" RobertD….18%? The’new’ republican revision of history is using 20% as unenmployment # in ’38.
When FDR took over in 32’ and started implementing his programs the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at an average of 9% a year until 37-38’s recession, caused by FDR’s listening to his ‘critics’ and backing off spending but a quick turn around saw GDP rise at an 11% rate after that. During the same period unemployment lowered steadily until the 37-38 bump and then WW2 put everybody to work.
These are historically accepted #’s. What’s different about the repub version.
They don’t use GDP as their measure of the economy’s recovery. they use ‘Stock Market’ #’s.
In other words, they gauge how the Country was doing by how the top 10% were doing. Typical!

Their unemployment #’s don’t include people with government program jobs?
If you are an elitist sitting in your ivory tower and not making a profit off someone else’s sweat then it doesn’t count but to the people that performed those government JOBS and put food on the table while building an American infra-structure that propelled the 30 yr rise of the American Middle Class, IT WAS A JOB. "

Dandre wrote on Apr 25, 2009 2:49 PM:

" From David Sarota’s Jan 6 column:
“On Christmas Eve, I appeared on Fox News to discuss the upcoming economic recovery package, only to be told that FDR's New Deal "prolonged the Great Depression….And so after appearing on Fox, I decided to devote my first newspaper column in the New Year to looking into whether conservatives have any shred of evidence to support their claim that the New Deal prolonged the Great Depression. And what do you know, they don't...at all. In fact, as government data shows,
THE PRE-WW2 NEW DEAL ERA FROM 1933-1940 – EVEN INCLUDING THE MUCH-HYPED RECESSION OF 1937-38 – SAW THE SINGLE BIGGEST DROP IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN U.S. HISTORY
…noting that the economy grew at stellar rates and that unemployment dropped. I also concede that the New Deal wasn't perfect. But the basic macroeconomic data about jobs and growth - the data points we use to judge every presidential economic agenda - confirms this positive record.
(cont) "

Dandre wrote on Apr 25, 2009 2:50 PM:

" …I've received an overflow of angry email from conservatives citing Amity Shlaes since-discredited book The Forgotten Man as "proof" that the New Deal prolonged the Great Depression. But note - the operative phrase is "since-discredited." As University of California historian Eric Rauchway has noted, Shlaes both wholly omits some relevant data and deviously manipulates other numbers:
Shlaes makes a different argument about numbers, because she uses different numbers. She starts each chapter with a rat-a-tat of just-the-facts, but instead of GDP, which represents the overall economy, she quotes the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which represents the maybe 10 percent of Americans who owned stock...Let's look at a figure Shlaes gives twice in her book and again in her Wall Street Journal editorial: She has unemployment at 20 percent in the 1937-38 recession. That's appalling--almost as bad as 23 percent in 1932. Based on such a statistic, you could think the New Deal wasn't alleviating the Great Depression. But that number hides something: A third of the people Shlaes counts as unemployed had a job that the New Deal gave them through its relief programs.
(cont.) "

Dandre wrote on Apr 25, 2009 2:51 PM:

" By this measure, government jobs don't count as jobs, and therefore their estimates of unemployment are far higher. To understand how manipulative this is, imagine the howls of protest conservatives would be airing if, in criticizing George W. Bush, Democrats took today's unemployment data and then inflated it by counting the millions of people who work for federal, state and local governments as unemployed.
Shlaes is backed up by other conservatives, who are slightly more honest than her in acknowledging unemployment may have decreased during the New Deal. But these right-wingers then inevitably claim that unemployment only decreased a little bit in the New Deal, and only significantly dropped when World War II and the subsequent defense buildup started.
..to end this historical revisionism.. - to compare apples to apples, rather than apples to conservatives' fuzzy math - let's go to the great equalizer, the Census Data, and specifically Census document HS-29. Quoting directly from Census data, here are the unemployment rates and total number of official unemployed at the beginning and end of FDR’s term and Reagan’s term : "

Dandre wrote on Apr 25, 2009 2:52 PM:

" ROOSEVELT PRE-WWII NEW DEAL: 1932 Unemployment Rate: 23.6% (12.8 million unemployed) 1940 Unemployment Rate: 14.6% (8.1 million unemployed) Unemployment Rate Change: -9.0 Total unemployment percentage change: -36.7%

ROOSEVELT WWII: 1941 Unemployment Rate: 9.9% (5.5 million unemployed)
1944 Unemployment Rate: 1.2% (670,000 unemployed)
Unemployment Rate Change: -8.7
Total unemployment percentage change: -87.9%

REAGAN: 1981 Unemployment Rate: 7.6% (8.2 million unemployed)
1988 Unemployment Rate: 5.5% (6.7 million unemployed)
Unemployment Rate Change: -2.1%
Total unemployment percentage change: -19.0%”

RobertD, as long as your party continues to try to ‘Coulterize’ our history, ‘We the People’ will continue to marginalize ‘Big Lie’ politics. Read the stories of the ‘Trojan Horse’ and the ‘Little Boy That Cried Wolf’ and you get an idea of the banana republican party’s reaction to their dilemma. "

RobertD wrote on Apr 27, 2009 12:52 PM:

" Dandre--when did I say the New Deal did not help some people? My point is simply this--FDR did not end the Great depression. While the New Deal did put some people back to work, there is a serious misconception that it ended the worst economic crisis in US History. While reducing unemployment by 36.7% is wonderful, when the jobless rate still sits at almost 20% after six years of wasteful government spending something is not working. Obama has chosen to compare his stimulus and budget to the New Deal--well we owe it to ourselves to truly know what the New Deal was all about. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 28, 2009 8:06 AM:

" You want to talk about wasteful government spending? How about the photoop the Executive branch conducted over New York City yesterday. To which the mayor of New York, wasn't even notified prior to the fiasco. Can you imagine, what those people thought as this 747 comes bareling down over the former location of the Twin Towers, with a chase plane in hot pursuit? They just knew, it was another hi-jacked plane looking for its' next target, as they evacuated the remaining buildings. Not to mention the thousands of gallons of fuel and other expenses involved with this flight op, photo op. I recall when people complained about Bush, when he landed on an aircraft carrier at sea. At least he didn't scare the bejesus out of an entire major U.S. city in the process. Not only did he not scare people, he was at the controls flying the jet for a large part of the flight. It looks like he at least showed up to enough guard meetings, to learn how to fly a jet, that is more than I can say for Nobama. Waste, Waste, Waste!!!!! "

Alihandero wrote on Apr 28, 2009 2:40 PM:

" Watchdog, of course you know that Obama can do nothing wrong at all.

Why, he is quite the magical individual.

Where do we the people get off criticizing his leadership?

It's just plain sad that we are watching our country fall apart-for all of the wrong reasons, too. "

Paul wrote on Apr 28, 2009 6:00 PM:

" What is sad ali and wdf is your belief that Obama is hated. He maybe hated by those on fox and you two but EVERY poll has him with excellent approval ratings and moreso his wife.

Case closed.

Go cry on rushs shoulder. Or now Specters. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 28, 2009 6:34 PM:

" To: Alihandero wrote on Apr 28, 2009 4:40 PM:

Yes, as the United States becomes the banana republic dandre' dreams of under the direction of the man he supports as President. You know it's almost funny if George W. would have ordered the shooting of those three pirates, he would have been a killer, assassin and chastized for doing so. Obama, quite clearly can do the same action and he becomes a hero, a man to take seriously both at home and abroad. When all the while the military is the one who drafted/formulated the plan, all Obama did was sign off on it. Something the most junior of Senator's could have done.

I also want to clarify one issue right now, I do not in anyway blame the military for yesterday's panic and fly over. They were simply carrying out orders from the Commander In Chief, or one of his inept sponsors and part of the Obama skilled team of experts. Some experts, anyone with half a brain could figure out what the result would be, before it even happened.

dandre' can make excuses all he wants. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 28, 2009 6:40 PM:

" To: Alihandero wrote on Apr 28, 2009 4:40 PM:

All the excuses in the world offered up by dandre' et all will not demonstrate the need for this photo op over the panic it caused to New York citizens.
We all know it was a bad idea, simply stating or substantiating that does not excuse the inexcusible behavior of the White House Staff nor the President of the United States.

Obama makes reports in the UPI that it was a bad mistake. Tell us something we don't already know Mr. Obama. Your White House Administration, is totally out of control and evidently not supervised very well. I can't believe someone like Ron Imanuel would allow such a stupid stunt to proceed. Isn't he suppose to be the Chief of Staff at the White House with his finger on the pulse of everything good and bad in America?

I say Obama, should fire them all start fresh, because quite obviously he couldn't do any worse. But what do you expect from someone who is so arrogant he presents the Queen of England copies of his own speeches. Lies he told! "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 28, 2009 9:32 PM:

" To: Alihandero, the below listed facts may take thw wind out of dandre et al's sails for a while.

"It is simply wrong for commentators to continue to focus on President Barack Obama's high levels of popularity, and to conclude that these are indicative of high levels of public confidence in the work of his administration. Indeed, a detailed look at recent survey data shows that the opposite is most likely true. The American people are coming to express increasingly significant doubts about his initiatives, and most likely support a different agenda and different policies from those that the Obama administration has advanced".

"Overall, Rasmussen Reports shows a 56%-43% approval, with a third strongly disapproving of the president's performance. This is a substantial degree of polarization so early in the administration. Mr. Obama has lost virtually all of his Republican support and a good part of his Independent support, and the trend is decidedly negative".

"A detailed examination of presidential popularity after 50 days on the job similarly demonstrates a substantial drop in presidential approval relative to other elected presidents in the 20th and 21st centuries" A little different than dandre's opinion.. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Apr 28, 2009 9:43 PM:

" To: Alihandero, does this sound like they are discussing a magical new kid on the block who can make no mistakes?

"When Gallup asked whether we should be spending more or less in the economic stimulus, by close to 3-to-1 margin voters said it is better to have spent less than to have spent more. When asked whether we are adding too much to the deficit or spending too little to improve the economy, by close to a 3-to-2 margin voters said that we are adding too much to the deficit".

"Support for the stimulus package is dropping from narrow majority support to below that. There is no sense that the stimulus package itself will work quickly, and according to a recent Wall Street Journal/NBC poll, close to 60% said it would make only a marginal difference in the next two to four years. Rasmussen data shows that people now actually oppose Mr. Obama's budget, 46% to 41%. Three-quarters take this position because it will lead to too much spending. And by 2-to-1, voters reject House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's call for a second stimulus package".

Finally people are seeing the ghastly Pelosi, in daylight. "

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