2009-01-31T17:21:43Z opencongress.org tag:opencongress.org,2007:/bill/comments/54463 2009-01-31T17:21:43Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-01-31:/comment/82721 Anonymous Spot on! 2009-02-05T06:42:15Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-05:/comment/83614 nancyb Absolutely right! 2009-02-06T08:33:31Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-06:/comment/84129 Anonymous February 6, 2009 Bob Cesca Operation Zero Cred You've probably noticed that the debate swirling around the president's recovery bill has reached new levels of mortal terror and chaos. Even a casual excursion around the liberal tubes and you'll find posts that read like the worst parts of the Bible. There's a palpable vibe in many progressive circles that the president is on the brink of an epic fail. After all, this is one of those do-or-die moments in American history and the panic level is rightly proportional. But while urgency is appropriate, we're losing the initiative. We all have our own ideas about what the recovery bill is supposed to look like. The Republicans are threatening to filibuster, and we can't trust Harry Reid to stop them. Rush Limbaugh, the very serious leader of the Republican Party and alleged sex tourist, has ordered his dittoheads to blitz the Democrats with angry phone calls. Concurrently, Democrats, liberals and progressives, for all we've learned in the last eight years, are losing the framing battle -- "stimulus package" sounds like a weird service offered at a porn store and, in that context, a trillion dollar "stimulus package" sounds, you know, painful. Meanwhile, centrist Democrats like Ben Nelson appear to be ransacking the bill. Other Democrats have bugged out of Washington entirely. We're looking at fire and brimstone coming down from the skies. Forty years of darkness. The dead rising from the grave! Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria! Come to think of it, some of that Ghostbusters stuff might actually come true if a beefy and expensive recovery bill isn't passed, and right soon. So how do we get there? The first step in getting a handle on all of this mayhem is to understand that this is unprecedented in terms of size, scope and strategy -- only rivaled by the New Deal. Then again, for all of the obstacles he faced, FDR didn't have to negotiate his way through cable news, a hostile press, far-right talk radio, the blogotubes and an army of dittoheads taking their orders from an impotent burnout whose stated goal is the failure of the economy. In other words, while there are very smart economic solutions being pitched by Paul Krugman and others, the price tag, politics, optics, media and discourse are all brand new. This is massive, this is complicated, this is unlike anything we've ever seen. Nevertheless, the president hasn't faded, which is good considering the Herculean enormity of what's confronting him. President Obama, as we witnessed throughout the campaign, has a narrative build and a cadence in his speech-making that's almost perfectly duplicated in how he leads and how he manages a crisis. And based on his public appearances this week, he's actually gaining strength -- amplifying his voice and fortifying his position. The second step is the big one. The progressive netroots have yet to seriously blitz Congress on this thing. The central reason for this lack of activism was summarized by Chris Bowers and Atrios who are asking: If we blitz Congress, what the hell do we support exactly? There are so many ideas in terms of what the recovery bill should look like, which iteration do we get behind? There are obviously no easy answers. But regardless of the differing ideas about the details of the recovery bill, there's one thing that most of us can agree about: the Republicans can't be trusted on the economy and they can't be trusted to meddle with the recovery bill. The president wrote in the Washington Post today: In recent days, there have been misguided criticisms of this plan that echo the failed theories that helped lead us into this crisis... I reject those theories... In addition to being a clear message to Congress, this sounds like a mission statement -- for the administration and for us. Reject the Republican economic theories. To that point, there's no debating the Republican record on the economy. Their allegiance to Reaganomics and free market deregulation have led us to the brink of, well, dogs and cats living together and mass hysteria. Nevertheless, there they are on cable news and the Sunday shows acting as if they know something. At the same time, they've proved themselves to be dishonest, bad-fath actors in this thing. They've spread lies about fake CBO reports, while also ignoring an actual CBO report on the Senate bill indicating that it would, in fact, succeed in stimulating economic growth. They've spread lies about nonexistent ACORN line items in the bill -- line items that only exist inside of Michelle Malkin's twisted dome. I mean, they met with Joe the Plumber on the Hill this week to discuss the economy. Joe the Plumber. About the economy. Because they're very serious people who ought to be taken very seriously. And so they should be summarily shut out of this process -- whether or not the president wants them out. The Republicans have zero cred. And that's the message we can unify around: ZERO CRED. Operation Zero Cred. From there, considering the unprecedented dollar amount of the recovery bill, it might be impossible to herd every cat. But perhaps, in the process, we'll at least marginalize the Republicans just a little more. And that will surely mean a larger, more robust recovery bill. So as the saying goes: We are the ones we've been waiting for, and all that. Don't write or send e-mails. Written screeds can be conveniently lost, deleted or shredded. Telephones, on the other hand, make loud beeping and ringing noises and you'll know right away that there's a real life human being on the other end of the line who has to listen to what you have to say. Phone numbers for your senators here. Phone numbers for your congressmember here. The message: "The Republicans have zero credibility on the economy." Paraphrase President Obama: "Please reject the Republican theories that got us into this mess in the first place." Feel free to toss in the following: "Make the Republicans stand and filibuster if they want to filibuster. No cloture votes! Don't get into specific details of the bill. Our message needs to be consistent and unified: Zero Cred. The Republicans have zero credibility. We reject their ideas and we reject their theories. Let's do this. BobCesca.com 2009-02-07T16:00:30Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-07:/comment/84569 Patriots Whatever it is, we are just going to have to find a way to live with it it seems. 2009-02-12T17:27:29Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-12:/comment/86002 Anonymous jobs* 2009-02-14T09:26:50Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-14:/comment/86612 MtheMadPoet To Whom It May Concern, and I sure hope someone in a higher status (i.e. in our Congress) reads some of our "pions" notes, and thinks on them. . . "We The People" are in emotional turmoil and at a loss of what we can do when our Congress is not doing it and speaking up for us!!! I do not hear or see my voice being heard in the actions of our government. How can an "economy stimulus" package/bill like this go through and be one so large (1,000 some pages) and not anyone in our Congress take time to read it before voting for it to pass?!!! I am apaulled. Not enough time has been given to our Congress members to make a good decision on this. I know everyone is saying we are "out of time," but decisions are being made--BIG DECISIONS about our lives here--that no-one seems to care about enough to be careful before voting yeah! It is obvious to me that our Congress elected representatives and Senators are living under a different set of rules, and do not care what happens to "we the people" because they will still be taking care of on a different agenda, a well-cushioned one. It's very obvious how loyal Democrats and Obama supporters are, but PLEASE? Do any of you read the fine print? Is this what you truly want for government to put limitations in every part of your life, and to say what you can do, when, where, and how, how much money you can earn, how much you can spend and where, etc.? This bill is just the tip of the iceberg of course. It's the beginning of setting us up for a socialist government, and that is not what "We the People" want! One of the worst things about this bill is that it's not TRULY all about helping our economy like it's "selling pitch" leads you to believe. There's so much JUNK (or pork) in there for stuff that does NOT give jobs, does NOT stimulate the economy, etc. "We The People" owe ourselves to really get into reading this, but we've not even been given enough time to read it with comprehension and speak out to our reps. and Senators, even to do anything about it. Obama will sign this bill on Monday, and we are stuff with all the laws within, as ill-planned as they are. What can we do now? PRAY. Also we better get our toes and start looking at the fortcoming bills and speak out, try to do SOMETHING. . .to stop our government from taking everything away from us concerning choice. We need to stop our government from getting control of every part of our lives, or "We the people" will be miserable and America will not longer be "America of the Free." I'm praying for all of our reps and Senators out there, if any of them believe in for the people, and less government control, to step up for us and get a back bone. "We the people" need help despite ourselves and naivity in believing that there could possibly some "ideological" fix to the mess that we are all in together with the economy. I've read a couple of "real fixes" on here, and wish that THOSE people were in a position to speak up for the rest of us and make a positive "change." I think it's so funny how "CHANGE" is the one word that was used to get votes for the Obama administration fooling everyone. Positive change though is yet to be seen and we are on shaky ground for at least the next 4 years. Of course in just 4 years, it is becoming rather possible that all rights may be taken away from us before we get to vote again in 2012--where we can't even vote or get out of the mess. It's like our Democratic Congress would prefer to become the Kings of Egypt and make all of America their Israel slaves. Last note: I wish people would quit pointing the finger saying that Bush put us in this economic situation, when it took many years and presidents to get us in this predicament. I wouldn't want to be in our current Congress' or President's shoes for nothing. But if I were, I'd like to think that I still listened to the 60% of Americans that still believe in the Consitution of America and a capitalist government. 2009-02-14T19:21:02Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-14:/comment/86815 DJJ It's time to foreclose, pay the "piper" and start over, and be accountable for our poor stewartship. Maybe we can have it cleanup before our children are left holding the bag. The other matter: Read information I found on the below websites. Is thias true? If it is how can we trust Mr. Obama and you guys(SCOTUS, House, Senate, FBI,CIA, etc) with something as massive as this when you and he can't cleanup simple matters from like simply providing a righteous response for a simple request to confirm Mr. Obama's natural born US citizenship status. Ratherthan simply put this to rest by sending the information requested, I understand Mr. Obama and others named in lawsuits around the country have hired several powerful law firms requesting dismissal and to seal access to all of Mr. Obama's records(vault copy of BC, college records, immigration records, medical records, ect.). I bet that costs lots money. Why not spend a few bucks and just provide the information? Would that clear the matter up amnd build trust in everyone. Before you say it, let me ask: Since when was "FactCheck.org." Appointed offical vetting agency for the election process? In Texas, I understand the plaintiff's request for dismissal used was that they have "Official Immunity." This gives me great faith and trust in my President & everyone that did not demand his accountability! http://www.therightsideoflife.com/ A new lawsuit is being prepared by a California attorney who already has four cases pending over the issue of President Barack Obama’s eligibility to occupy to Oval Office, and this one will include a demand from state lawmakers who forward state funds to Washington for documentation of his qualifications. Orly Taitz told WND today that she’s preparing the complaint but is holding onto it and will file it shortly to give state legislators a chance to join the action as plaintiffs. Four already have signed up, including state Rep. Eric Swafford of Tennessee, who agreed to be a plaintiff “for a Writ of Mandamus to obtain original birth certificate, immigration records, passports and other vital records for Barry Soetero aka Barack Hussein Obama.” Taitz told WND the case also probably will include members of the military as plaintiffs, since both state lawmakers and military officers are obliged to follow orders from the president of the United States and both have a need to know those orders are legitimate. “In the military, those would be unlawful orders, and [following them] would subject the officers to courts-martial,” she said. “In the legislatures, they cannot follow any of his bills or orders … they don’t know who he is. “As far as we know he is a foreign national … Why should state legislators send any funds from the state to a foreign national?” she said. “While we are working on the complaint, I’m gathering support from different states,” she said. Other sites with information: http://www.colony14.net/id41.html http://drorly.blogspot.com/2009/01/senator-alexanders-office-has-forwarded.html www.obamacrimes.com www.wethepeoplefoundation.org http://www.yourfellowcitizen.com/ http://www.theobamafile.com/ http://www.actforamerica.com/ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/g3.xml http://www.rallycongress.com/constitutional-qualifications/1244/ 2009-02-13T21:11:26Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-13:/comment/86397 Anonymous My biggest concern is with the E-Health Records. Its making me nervous thinking that someone else can access my medical background without my permission. 2009-02-12T18:34:23Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-12:/comment/86011 Anonymous jobs? 2009-02-14T20:28:48Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-14:/comment/86851 DJJ It's time to foreclose, pay the "piper" and start over, and be accountable for our poor stewartship. Maybe we can clean it up before our children are left holding the bag. The other matter: Read information I found on the below websites. Is thias true? If it is how can we trust Mr. Obama and you guys(SCOTUS, House, Senate, FBI,CIA, etc) with something as massive as this when you and he can't cleanup simple matters from like simply providing a righteous response for a simple request to confirm Mr. Obama's natural born US citizenship status. Ratherthan simply put this to rest by sending the information requested, I understand Mr. Obama and others named in lawsuits around the country have hired several powerful law firms requesting dismissal and to seal access to all of Mr. Obama's records(vault copy of BC, college records, immigration records, medical records, ect.). I bet that costs lots money. Why not spend a few bucks and just provide the information? Would that clear the matter up amnd build trust in everyone. Before you say it, let me ask: Since when was "FactCheck.org." Appointed offical vetting agency for the election process? In Texas, I understand the plaintiff's request for dismissal used was that they have "Official Immunity." This gives me great faith and trust in my President & everyone that did not demand his accountability! I understand Pelosi, Howard Dean and the DNC are responsible to make sure these matters are properly perfomed? HAs anyone asked them? I also understand a Phil Berg of the Democratic Party advised Mr. Obaqma he was not elligible way back when he first considered entering the race? Then why are there still lawsuits and hush by the Mainstream media? And the Subpoena from Occidental(see below)? Mr. Obama can very simply put this to rest as he did the concerns of Rev. Wright. He didn't get attorny's to resolve that matters? Is he hiding something? http://www.therightsideoflife.com/ A new lawsuit is being prepared by a California attorney who already has four cases pending over the issue of President Barack Obama’s eligibility to occupy to Oval Office, and this one will include a demand from state lawmakers who forward state funds to Washington for documentation of his qualifications. Orly Taitz told WND today that she’s preparing the complaint but is holding onto it and will file it shortly to give state legislators a chance to join the action as plaintiffs. Four already have signed up, including state Rep. Eric Swafford of Tennessee, who agreed to be a plaintiff “for a Writ of Mandamus to obtain original birth certificate, immigration records, passports and other vital records for Barry Soetero aka Barack Hussein Obama.” Taitz told WND the case also probably will include members of the military as plaintiffs, since both state lawmakers and military officers are obliged to follow orders from the president of the United States and both have a need to know those orders are legitimate. “In the military, those would be unlawful orders, and [following them] would subject the officers to courts-martial,” she said. “In the legislatures, they cannot follow any of his bills or orders … they don’t know who he is. “As far as we know he is a foreign national … Why should state legislators send any funds from the state to a foreign national?” she said. “While we are working on the complaint, I’m gathering support from different states,” she said. Other sites with information: http://www.colony14.net/id41.html http://drorly.blogspot.com/2009/01/senator-alexanders-office-has-forwarded.html www.obamacrimes.com www.wethepeoplefoundation.org http://www.yourfellowcitizen.com/ http://www.theobamafile.com/ http://www.actforamerica.com/ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/g3.xml http://www.rallycongress.com/constitutional-qualifications/1244/ 2009-01-30T20:49:22Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-01-30:/comment/82652 Dave_A There are many good ideas here, but one thing I fail to see is some very common sense. People, think of how workers can find jobs, and make a good living. Most of you don't realize if taxes go down, revenue will go up. I mean REAL TAX CUTS. In my opinion, two things need to happen. 1. Remove the corporate tax! This country would be a haven to every manufacture! Every one who wants to work can. Why do I say this, because those taxes are paid by you and I, the consumer. Manufacturers would be fighting to purchase, and build new facilities. Instead of illegal's, this country would beg for workers because the employment rate would be nonexistent! Look at the Netherlands! They had the highest tax rate on corporations, and were going bankrupt. They lowered the rate to 10%, and now are extremely prosperous. 2. If the FAIRTAX were passed, "WE THE PEOPLE" would control what our Government spends because it would be transparent! You would know exactly what your taxes are every time you made a purchase. 2009-02-02T12:59:47Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-02:/comment/82915 Jan_T He may be new at the job but he's been telling us all for two years what he was going to do. Apparently the majority didn't listen. Independent 2009-02-02T13:33:28Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-02:/comment/82920 Jan_T and Mr. Anonymous, who said that? 2009-02-14T10:57:36Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-14:/comment/86648 Anonymous I'll second that! Where is the ten fored version! Error. 2009-02-03T13:34:10Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-03:/comment/83139 Anonymous I live in California and I agree with the JunglePhantom poster. 2009-02-05T05:28:30Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-05:/comment/83581 Anonymous COULD SOMEONE PLEASE MAKE A PIE CHART OF THE MONEY SPENT IN THIS BILL? 2009-04-04T08:32:01Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-04-04:/comment/100771 Anonymous1 BEYOND TREASON - Under the Guise of Globalism Obama Has Ordered The FEMA Camps To Be Opened NOW! OBAMA GETS NEW LAW TO FORCE ALL AMERICANS INTO CITIES !! A stunning Russian Foreign Ministry report is stating TODAY that President Obama has secretly ordered the IMMEDIATE opening of Americas vast gulag of FEMA camps,built since 2001 and estimated able to hold a further 1 million of their citizens,which is aside from the 2.3MILLION currently imprisoned in what has become the WORLDS LARGEST PRISON NATION in all of history,in what they call Project ENDGAME http://www.usapatriots-shout.blogspot.com/ 2009-04-07T16:18:52Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-04-07:/comment/101417 Anonymous They can arrest the 38% of the population who agrees with you, and building new prisons would be a great way to get people employed. The revolution took place on Nov. 4, and your side lost. 2009-09-29T05:44:48Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-09-29:/comment/131750 capricorn7nc I like this bill and it has been a great benefit to projects that have been put behind. I live in NC, and I have seen new road projects, libraries, schools, etc. that are being built. We need to do more to help the people of this country. We are always pro-business, it is time to take care of the people who keep the businesses in business. 2009-02-10T01:30:30Z tag:opencongress.org,2009-02-10:/comment/85338 Anonymous How is it then that Rush L's Formula is slowly evolving in this Bill?Please fee free to correct me if i've misinterpreted this.