Budget talk: Government Shutdown Averted

[sgreger1]

So it looks like they called it off and came to "somewhat" of a "compromise" to at least avoid a full government shutdown.

What are everyones thoughts on this?


I am veryy dissapointed with both sides here, the republicans for playing politics with the lives of millions and threatening a government shutdown and the dems for being weak and ineffective like they always are.


One of the reasons Republicans can always come across as in control is because they have no investment in government. What I mean by that is, the more government appears dysfunctional, the more it plays into Republican arguments about the failures of government. So Republicans always have the nuclear option in their pocket. They can shut down government, defund things, basically sabatoge the government.

Democrats do not have that luxury. They need government to function well in order for their arguments to succeed. As a result, Obama, and Democrats in general, are forced to concede a lot of ground to Republicans in order to keep government functioning and working. Democrats are basically always negotiating with terrorists who are willing to kill the hostage.



I liked Obama's speech and felt that it went well, but I can't help but feel like they are all saving face for what really happened here. What really happened is once again the republicans got more than their opening bid because they know how to play the game and how to get things done, they forced Obama to react to them and give them what they want.

What do you guys think about all of this? I agree with the reps that we have a spendign issue and not a revenue issue, and I agree that cuts are necesssary, but the republicans like always are proposing cuts that only hurt the little guy and help the larger players, a trend that seems consistent with their usual agenda.


1. Tell voters that we need to reduce government

2. Only cut services that affect these same voters.

3??

4. Profit.





On the other hand, I think a government shutdown would wake people up to how bad things are. A lot of the country is stilll under the impression that Obama has fixed something and are still just waiting for things to get better. Those people need to wake up and realize what is happening, and sometimes big disasters are the only way to accomplish that, sending home every government worker for a few days would probably accomplish this to some extent.

[tom502]

Once Trump get's in, we'll get back on the right track.

[devilock76]

It amazed me how much power people think the president really has and how one person anywhere can make a difference in this machine anymore. It is like changing a single lug on your wheel and expecting double the MPG. It will take full systematic overall for anything meaningful in the change department to occur.

Ken

[chadizzy1]

Once Trump get's in, we'll get back on the right track.

Amen.

[truthwolf1]

[sirloot]

On the other hand, I think a government shutdown would wake people up to how bad things are. A lot of the country is stilll under the impression that Obama has fixed something and are still just waiting for things to get better. Those people need to wake up and realize what is happening, and sometimes big disasters are the only way to accomplish that, sending home every government worker Indefinately would probably accomplish this to some extent.

there fixed that for you

[sgreger1]

there fixed that for you

If we do that than how are we going to find the personell necessary to look through every package for snus! Think of all the contraband that would get through and destroy our great nation! I heard that snus causes you to rape white women and enjoy jazz music!

[RobsanX]

Cutting heating assistance, and WIC while oil companies get billions in subsidies is wrong. Nobody is out there scamming WIC for an extra jar of peanut butter. Once again they put the economic responsibility on the poor and middle class, while the uber rich continue to get richer. Same shit different day...

[LincolnSnuff]

Actually oil subsidies help to keep the price of gasoline low and create oil jobs. Gasoline comprises a much larger portion of low income families budgets, so eliminating them would bring definitely cost more than the price of a jar of peanut butter and have a larger detrimental effect on the poor. Besides, since the rich pay more in taxes than anyone else, they are the ones primarily funding the subsidies.

[sgreger1]

Damn, you both have pretty solid points. This is a great example of why it's hard to make decisions on a policy level, because on one hand you are taking money away from wic that helps poor people eat, meanwhile if gas prices raise than any assistance rendered by WIC would be negated anyways since gas prices like tobacco affect the poor poulation the most so we don't want gas getting more expensive either. Plus, reducing gas prices affects MORE people, in that it not only beenfits the poor but also the middle class and the rich. So for the same amount of money we can give a few bucks to some single mom's or we can reduce their overall gas bil for life. I can see how the human choice sounds like helping wic should be the right answer, but fiscally oil subsidies seem to help the poor and give more bang for your buck.

Of course, oil subsidies just means oil gets to be our primary fuel source for a long time and we want to move away from that, but if they chose to reduce fuel subsidies than the poor would complain about how Obama can't manage gas prices and how an increase in petrol prices constitutes a tax increase on the middle class. So I can see how this is a lose lose either way, and if that's the case than the rich elect to go with their plan since they control the gavel.



EDIT: In the end I still think that the dems are spineless and the reps are clearly trolling Obama to get what they want. Not sure who is more wrong in this situation, the ineffective leaders with marginally good intentions or the effective leaders who at least get results. I think they're both scum and this budget crisis was destined to end up hurting the little guy no matter what.


Edit:

Caught on Tape: Rep. Gingrey promises that the GOP will make a "covenant with Moses" signed in blood not to raise taxes on the rich

[RobsanX]

The Republican politicians only job is to make their wealthy friends even wealthier. Nothing more, nothing less...

[LincolnSnuff]

The Republican politicians only job is to make their wealthy friends even wealthier. Nothing more, nothing less...

I assume you must think your Governor was making his friends rich by limiting collective bargaining in government jobs. I wonder how that works...

[RobsanX]

I assume you must think your Governor was making his friends rich by limiting collective bargaining in government jobs. I wonder how that works...

You could say that it helps to lower taxes, but it's really a tactic to keep the union money out of the elections. That is why automatic union dues deductions were removed, and a new requirement for the unions to recertify every year.

It's just a piece of the larger attack on middle class workers. The GOP budget released this week eliminates Medicare and Medicaid, you can forget about ever retiring if you get medical problems.

There are already some fringe right wingers looking to eliminate the federal minimum wage. If we keep going down the road we're on, that that topic will pick up steam in a few years.

[truthwolf1]

You could say that it helps to lower taxes, but it's really a tactic to keep the union money out of the elections. That is why automatic union dues deductions were removed, and a new requirement for the unions to recertify every year.

It's just a piece of the larger attack on middle class workers. The GOP budget released this week eliminates Medicare and Medicaid, you can forget about ever retiring if you get medical problems.

There are already some fringe right wingers looking to eliminate the federal minimum wage. If we keep going down the road we're on, that that topic will pick up steam in a few years.

I have to agree that taking away Medicare and ending Social security should not even be on the table. Budget cut everything else before, because those two programs are about the only reasons left to really pay taxes.

Once retiring in the USA becomes no more, or even comes close to looking that way I will be leaving this country for something more socialist while I still can. I would not even gamble about finding anykind of liveable salary after you turn 50 in this workforce. If we continue with the same health insurance strategy the older you get the higher your premiums will be also, so it very well will be too expensive anyways.

Not going to go out that way in some cardboard box down by the railroad tracks.

[sirloot]

if GWB would have actualy followed thru by puttin retirement funds back into the peoples hands this would be a non issue.. cept for the fogies that didnt save a dime and are dependant on SS .. yes granny im talkin about you too