Neila A. Autenrieth et al. vs. Joseph M. Cullen, District Director of IRS, et al.

United States Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit

November 10, 1969

So saying that "my money is going to support people who have defaulted on their mortgages" is not a valid statement.

Seems like a reasonable and valid statement to me Yardman. I am particuarly fond of a bumper sticker I saw to day that stated: HONK If You Will Pay My Mortgage.

Tell you what folks... I'd like to be rewarded for keeping my mortgage payments current and not being a part of the cause of our economic turmoil. Those irresponsible rump wipes that bought all those unaffordable homes they dwelt in for short period of time should be viewed as 'Economic Terrorists'. They immorally bilked the rest of us. They also new darn well they couldn't afford those homes when they signed those irresponsible loan agreements. Now because of those Chamber of Commerce Type Banker And Realtor Hacks and their fudging of applications to push another deadbeat into a home they could never afford to create a commission have helped to create a horrific storm that is now dragging responsible homeowners down the same black hole and destroying th middle and upper middle class households in this country.

And what is this clown president and his ilk doing? Rewarding those that fail and penalizing those that make wise financial decisions. Shameless.... It is nothing more than shameless.

Remember this: The Rich And Middle Class Consistently Make Decisions That Make Them What They Are. Ditto's To The Poor.

What about the hardworking man or woman who has kept up their house payments, put away some savings, and (oops) lost their job, their health insurance, and their savings?

I addressed that in my original post. The fact that many hardworking men and women ARE being dragged into this Economic Black Hole created by the Butt Wipes that have for years operated off of "Other People's Money". Three of those victims are former employees of mine. So how in God's name could you not POSSIBLY think that they are not on my mind. Good day!

Three former employees. Sorry about that. God bless.

Would you loan someone the money for a house if they had NO JOB?

How would they pay for it?

Will have to live with someone else for a while. Or Welfare.

Exactly - we put these people to work so they can meet their obligations! We create jobs so that they can pay income tax, build towards our future. help to bring down the deficit. We have an inordinate amount of people on 'welfare' now. Let's get them off!! Jobs first - then we work on other areas that must be corrected/solved. . . but first JOBS!

OBAMA: "Over the next two years, this plan will save or create 3.5 million jobs."

THE FACTS: Job creation projections are uncertain even in stable times, and some of the economists relied on by Obama in making his forecast acknowledge a great deal of uncertainty in their numbers.

The president's own economists, in a report prepared last month, stated, "It should be understood that all of the estimates presented in this memo are subject to significant margins of error."

Significant margins of error. Liberal-speak for "the President is pulling these numbers out of his a**.

The United States of America
July 4, 1776 - Jan 20, 2009
Rest in Peace

DM - Since when is it's government's role to create jobs? Government can't do anything efficiently, so why should we expect that they can create jobs?

Some of the people on welfare like not working, and that's what welfare reform was all about. It forced the brood mares back into the workforce when they found out the free ride on the backs of working people were over. Now barry wants to encourage them back on the welfare roles by reversing Clintons welfare reform.

The United States of America
July 4, 1776 - Jan 20, 2009
Rest in Peace

I agree with your above mortgage statement, except they won't go back and help those already foreclosed upon, I don't think.

Offering such mortgages was more at fault than taking them---you have to admit that!

Now for the real cause of our economic problem:

Those people who continually elected the likes of Bush, Cheney, and many so-called conservatives even from Georgia, who shouted with smiles about making so much money off too much credit allowed, allowed it all to go too far!

True conservatives would never do that! Only the selfish!

Those people who continually elected the likes of Bush, Cheney, and many so-called conservatives even from Georgia, who shouted with smiles about making so much money off too much credit allowed, allowed it all to go too far!

Sometimes Dollar....You can be such an idiot for a fairly perceptive person. Like the damned liberals never had a thing to do with it. Heck Obama's administration if full of these economic predators too. Sheesh....

you come up about ninety-eigth cents short.

What is ninety-eigtH cents?

as you please, I imagine I can spell ninety-eight any way I please.

Daddy, please come home, mommy said she would quit dating the midgets, and she would cut back the likker to a quart a day. That thing about you, the dress, and that fat rassler don't matter to us.

Little Bonkette, pleading for you to return to the homestead?

Don't make fun of my daddy, he can't help it if his sister is named Sybil. We know that thing in the bathroom stall at the airport was entrapment, it was just crowded in there and they were sharing.

Is this another head of the hydra????

I guess someone should call Gunniess Book of World Records and see if some idiot out there is going to try to pump out 100 consecutive kids in a row, then head on over to the laser vaginal rejuvination center on hwy 74 to get that sac tucked back in.....PEACE, why not..

If so, is this one transgendered, since you seem to be well acquainted with that rejuvination center on hwy 74? Regular there, are you?

post! LOL
-------------------------------------------
Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.

A Cancer in the body of America.is the inept thinking of persons like Lindsey and Fred. Normally, sane people DO NOT DO insane things. Tax revolt? You must communicate only with the 20+% who just don't get it! The Chai and Latte crowd still have their jobs - it's the Blue Collar crowd that need jobs in order to insure that their kids get to college, they have affordable health care, and they can keep their home!! It is obvious that the obstructionist agenda of some in this country is surely being frowned upon. Instead of spending so much time here - go to the URL that has the budget-spending program on it and monitor how our money is being spent. Take the time to complain to our representatives when there is ANYTHING that we don't feel is productive. Calling the president a liar - when the Republican respondent almost repeated him word for word - is disingenuous.

A Cancer in the body of America.is the inept thinking of persons like Lindsey and Fred. Normally, sane people DO NOT DO insane things. Tax revolt? You must communicate only with the 20+% who just don't get it!

Thank God less than 20% revolted over 200 years ago against the same sort of gumament we have and are becoming. It took a bit of effort but eventually the majority of the citizens then finally recognized the need to seize control of dictatorial gumament run wild. Please, please, please toss me in with the minority that believe We The People are going to have step up and seize the power away from the recently empowered kingdom rulers. (And no... Don't get your panties in a wad. It didn't start with Lord Obama.)

The Chai and Latte crowd still have their jobs

Damned right! And they rule over us in Washington.

it's the Blue Collar crowd that need jobs in order to insure that their kids get to college, they have affordable health care, and they can keep their home!!

And pissing away trillions of dollars on growing government is going to help them in what ways? Penalizing the producers to the extent of extinguishing entrepreneur-ism is going create more jobs and opportunities in what way? I can see Obama and Pelosi patting you on the head now while telling you what a wonderful surf you are pointing for you to get back in line. As a peasant.... you will shall make them proud.

It is obvious that the obstructionist agenda of some in this country is surely being frowned upon.

What obstructionist agenda? Oh..you mean competing ideas don't you? Hmmmm.. Did you label your god-like Democrats as obstructionist during the past administration for utilizing the same tactics? Come on DM... the opposition is hardly an obstructionistic force when you guys have a clear majority. I'm sort of thankful that there are some that are pointing out that we have a severe head wound as a country while we are treating it with razor blades and salt.

go to the URL that has the budget-spending program on it and monitor how our money is being spent.

Oh come now.... The reason so many people are upset is because we HAVE monitored how the money is being spent. Now what you should do is go beyond the "URL" and study what these funds are being wasted on. Truth be known.... a vast majority of it is being used to prop up the "Chai and Latte crowd" in which you pretend to despise yet you whole heartedly defend in Washington. What a confused woman you are.....

Calling the president a liar - when the Republican respondent almost repeated him word for word - is disingenuous.

Oh come now.....

Well I will credit the Gumanent Stimulus package with the fact that it will spur some temporary economic growth. You can't piss away that much money with out it trickling through the economy in the peasant's hands via the "Chai and Latte's hands. Only problem is we are setting ourselves up for an even more severe economic catastrophe in just a few short years. God help us....

Bobby Jindahl said that barry's spending bill was irresponsible. That is a far cry from repeating word for word what barry stated.

One of the first things that the new president did was ensure that my hard earned tax dollars would be sent overseas to foreign countries so that more innocent lives could be aborted. This was done against my will. In fact, a majority of Americans are against sending money to foreign countries for abortions.

Obama doesn't care about that though. He has his own agenda and has to appease the far left. He will do and say anything to remain in power, include LIE to the American people regarding earmarks in his spending bill.
The only good thing in all of this is that he will only be a one-term president like Jimmy Carter was after he put the country into the worst financial condition since the great depression.

Bobby Jindahl said that barry's spending bill was irresponsible. That is a far cry from repeating word for word what barry stated.

Nice try - but Jindahl spent quite a bit of airtime stating what the Republicans wanted - many of the same things that the President had just outlined in his presentation.

One of the first things that the new president did was ensure that my hard earned tax dollars would be sent overseas to foreign countries so that more innocent lives could be aborted. This was done against my will. In fact, a majority of Americans are against sending money to foreign countries for abortions.

I didn't hear Jindahl or Obama mention this - but what are you doing about it other than complain here?

Obama doesn't care about that though. He has his own agenda and has to appease the far left.

It appears that the majority of the citizens still approves of his progress for his time in office - and is waiting to see if this influx of money will begin to steady our economy. I think he has the support of more than the 'far left'. It appears the 'far right' is in the minority now. We'll see.
He will do and say anything to remain in power, include LIE to the American people regarding earmarks in his spending bill.

Fred - This may come as a shock to you - but Obama doesn't have to do anything to remain in power for four years. . .and if he succeeds in accomplishing just one-third of his goals, he'll be re-elected.
What is your representative doing about this? Hmmmm - when these 'earmarks' are removed - will your representative support the recovery attempts - or continue to find reasons to obstruct progress. By the way - what are the Republican suggestions for progress/recovery that are not in the Recovery Plan?

The only good thing in all of this is that he will only be a one-term president like Jimmy Carter was after he put the country into the worst financial condition since the great depression.

Oh - I think 'W" beat Jimmy Carter on that one!

Nice try - but Jindahl spent quite a bit of airtime stating what the Republicans wanted - many of the same things that the President had just outlined in his presentation.

The difference between the 2 is that one minute barry is saying that "only government" can solve America's problems, and the next minute he is saying that he has confidence in the strength of America. Based on his actions, he has no faith in the American people because he is taking money from future generations to do nothing but grow government. barry is a big government kind of guy.

I didn't hear Jindahl or Obama mention this - but what are you doing about it other than complain here?

Of course you didn't hear barry say anything about this. He did it all on his own, despite the FACT that the majority of Americans are against it. barry doesn't care what Americans think, he only cares about making sure that more innocent lives are destroyed with our tax dollars. What am I doing about it? Well, there's not much I can do other than write my reps in congress since the government takes my taxes by force. I guess I will just withhold more tax money from the government this year. (No, I'm not going to explain to you how I am able to do that)

It appears that the majority of the citizens still approves of his progress for his time in office - and is waiting to see if this influx of money will begin to steady our economy. I think he has the support of more than the 'far left'. It appears the 'far right' is in the minority now. We'll see.

barry's approval ratings continue to slide, and have now gone below 60% for the first time. I don't put much faith in polls anyway. I prefer to use the DJIA as a barometer. The market liked what barry had to say sooooooo much that it tanked another 2% today. (and that's just before lunch!)

Fred - This may come as a shock to you - but Obama doesn't have to do anything to remain in power for four years. . .and if he succeeds in accomplishing just one-third of his goals, he'll be re-elected.
What is your representative doing about this? Hmmmm - when these 'earmarks' are removed - will your representative support the recovery attempts - or continue to find reasons to obstruct progress. By the way - what are the Republican suggestions for progress/recovery that are not in the Recovery Plan?

Uh duh........ Of course he can stay in power for 4 years - I never said that he wouldn't. Based on the damage that he did to our country in his first 30 days, I highly doubt that he will be a 2-term president. My representative is doing what he is supposed to be doing - trying to stop this unabated pork-barrel spending by a rookie president who obviously has absolutely no idea on how to run a country.

Oh - I think 'W" beat Jimmy Carter on that one!
The fact of the matter is, is that the economy was much, much worse at the end of the Carter presidency than what it was at the end of the Bush presidency when the dems were in control of the house and the senate for 2 years. It's not surprising that what you "think" is so much different from the actual facts. You libs seem to prefer to live in fantasy land.

The United States of America
July 4, 1776 - Jan 20, 2009
Rest in Peace

You said: Uh duh........ Of course he can stay in power for 4 years - I never said that he wouldn't.

You said: He will do and say anything to remain in power

If you know this to be true - why would he have to say or do anything to remain in power? He can do just like the last president - and be the decider. Right? You guys aren't even dealing in facts or logic. It's one thing to have a different approach to a problem - but the record of the past administration came nowhere close to the principles of fiscal conservatism. If Obama's approach looks like it will fail - at least we have a chance to yell and scream to take another course. What the 'right' says we need, tax cuts, regulation (monitoring of expenditures) etc. - is exactly what is in this plan. . .and exactly what was not operational for the past 8 years. Lets see what happens when Americans are back at work!

Barack Obama, the liar in chief, stood in front of America tonight and lied through his teeth. He actually had the audacity to claim that his spending bill had no earmarks.

Barry is nothing but an inept liar. We cannot trust a word that he says. He will say anything, promise everything, and continue to lie every chance he gets in order to remain in power.

The United States of America
July 4, 1776 - Jan 20, 2009
Rest in Peace

"Barack Obama, the liar in chief, stood in front of America tonight and lied through his teeth."

Now, don't concern yourself with the fact that I think you are a spineless, dishonest, jellyfish who could not craft an argument if given an argument-crafting tool kit from Sears. You NEVER told me which one of your statements was the LIE:

A) My name is "fred garvin," stating you had the "courage" to use your real name.

OR

B) We've met, "Hint, V1,Vr,V2."

Yeah, "fred," I'm not too fond of liars myself. Can't trust a single thing that comes out of their lying little mouths.

List the earmarks. If the Obama team eliminates these earmarks - will the Republicans join in the effort of recovery? (Obama is so much smarter than 'some' Republican supporters.) Always have something that can be removed when negotiating.

What earmarks????
Just listen to what is in the Spending Bill.. You can call a Pig a rose but it is still a pig... It is loaded with pork spending...
You guys are quick to point out.. the past Deficits that Obama inherited.. but he and Pelosi has come in and doubled it and is working on adding more..
Just look at the new spending bill: 4 1/2 MILLION for the Center for Grape Genetics.. I mean come on DM.. Pull the blinders off.. OVER 8000 EARMARKS.. If Obama eliminates the earmarks.. great I will say atta boy.. but he wants to spend 11.8 MILLION on new Helicopters.. so his actions do not mirror his words...

There you go again - throwing out what you read from the extreme right rather than reading for yourself. Why are you hesitant to list the 'pork' or ‘earmarks’? The details will be coming out later this week. You guys will feel rewarded because the helicopters are deleted - but we still have plans for improved infrastructure, improved education and health care, better services for veterans, etc., etc., etc. Welcome to a 'plan' called ‘get the American people to work.' Any accomplished negotiator will put in things that can be removed without hurting the goal of the negotiation. Watch and listen - you guys may learn something! ‘ The more some Republicans appear to be obstructionists - the more the American public know that they have the right team in office at the right time.

to LIST ALL 9000 EARMARKS.. That's right it is now up to 9000 of the danged things.. However Barry has a set I will give him that.. to stand in front of America and SAY.. "THERES NOT ONE EARMARK IN THE PACKAGE" Well I guess his right THERE'S NOT ONE IT"S 9000 so I guess it depends on the definition of "is" again...
Oh and I guess you missed that "Grape" earmark.. just 8999 to go..

1,000-plus-page spending bill includes hundreds of pages of earmarks - pet spending projects inserted by lawmakers, ranging from:

$185,000 for coral reef research and preservation in Maui County, Hawaii

$55,000 in meteorological equipment for Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

$9.9 million for science enhancement at historically black colleges in South Carolina.

In addition to the basic operations of government, the new budget includes 775 pages of earmarks, funding programs that include local museums, colleges and infrastructure projects.

Among the earmarked projects in the bill are $764,000 for the Lake George Watershed Protection Initiative in New York, requested by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, New York
Democrat;

$9.9 million for South Carolina's historically black colleges and universities, requested by House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, South Carolina Democrat;

$1.1 million requested by Senate Republican Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander and Sen. Bob Corker, both of Tennessee, for water treatment plant improvements in Tennessee's Unicoi County, as well as $300,000 for a sewer extension project in another county.

Examples of Earmarks in the Omnibus

$713,625 Woody Biomass at SUNY-ESF. Walsh and Schumer sponsors

$951,500 Sustainable Las Vegas. Berkeley and Reid sponsors.

$24,000 A+ for Abstinence. Specter is sponsor.

$300,000 Montana World Trade Center. Rehberg sponsor.

$950,000 Myrtle Beach International Trade and Convention Center. Graham sponsor.

$200,000 Oil Region Alliance. Peterson sponsor.

$190,000 Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, WY for digitizing and editing the Cody collection. Barbara Cubin is the sponsor

$143,000 Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Las Vegas, NV, to expand natural history education programs. Sponsored by Harry Reid

$238,000 for the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Honolulu, HI, for educational programs. Sen. Daniel Inouye is the sponsor.

$381,000 for Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York, NY for music education programs. Jerrold Nadler is the sponsor.

Rep. Jerry Lewis of California, the top Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, would spend $3.8 million on a Needles, Calif., highway.

Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi, the top Republican on Senate Appropriations, backs earmarks including a $950,000 nature education center in Moss Point, Miss. He defends earmarks.

THAT MAKES IT 6K+ to go... PLEASE DM GO AHEAD AND JUSTIFY THESE>> I AM SURE YOU CAN.. THEY BENEFIT ALL AMERICA I'M SURE.. Notice also I included Republican Earmarks.. At least I can point out the wrongs on both side.. Try not to be an ideologue a shrill for the left.. it just makes you look small...

How great Obama will look when he veto's some of these - and shows that change has come to Washington. Gee - you guys just don't get it. I'm sorry you spent so much time on this - but it clarifies to some the skill of negotiating - maybe?

SOME... "How great Obama will look when he veto's some of these " There is over 9000 earmarks.. ok so he knocks out a Billion worth of Earmarks.. THAT STILL LEAVES 6.7 BILLION DOLLARS WORTH... You challenged Fred to post the earmarks.. you said "List the earmarks" as if there are none.... I stepped up and took your challenge and I believed I proved it also.. Obama PROMISED.. Pelosi PROMISED.. Reid PROMISED.. the whole danged Dem party PROMISED the end to EARMARKS.. WELLL there are a few of them in the bill.. AGAIN 9000 of them..
So I guess what you are really saying about how great he is going to look.. that in the this time of economic crisis your PARTY IS PLAYING POLITICS WITH AMERICA'S WELFARE.. ALL those earmarks where put in just to make him look good.. Well ok if that is what you really want to think about our new President.. that he has to put on a play instead of really doing something substitive.

Let's all look at them. Do they provide jobs? Do they contribute to improving the infrastructure for now and in the future? Do they provide research information that will improve the health and safety of American citizens? Take a good look at these 'earmarks'. Some people thought that Lincoln was foolish for laying tracks to the west during the Civil War - but he had vision. Thank heavens we are no longer being led by those with limited vision. We'll see. Stay vigilant! Let's get rid of the labels - and remember how we got here. Both parties and the US were irresponsible - because it felt good! We were enjoying the free spending and good life. Well - for most of us - it's over. Let's learn from the past - and make sure we are not irresponsible by allowing our leaders (whatever party) to get us in this mess again. The tax cuts - small as they are - for the middle class are in this plan; help for those who need it (foreclosures, unemployment, health care) is in this plan. This is not a plan to cure all - but a STIMULUS to get our economy back on track. Yeah - Obama will look great. The negative campaigning and falsehoods that were used to try to discredit him during the campaign turned those Americans 40 and under away from the party of Reagan and to the party of Obama. The world as well as our country no longer trusts the Republican Party - and that is unfortunate, because I believe in a strong, critical two-party system. We don't have to all join hands and sing Cum-ba-ya - but by golly we had better join as Americans to fix this mess as soon as possible. It appears that the leaders in the Obama camp are sincerely trying to use the best of their knowledge and expertise to advise the president on action. Those with vision will look at those earmarks – (actually the rail from Disneyland to Vegas is a stroke of genius.) Thousands will be put to work, and if you knew how many lives are lost each year while ‘tourists’ from the rest of the country speed on the highway to do both activities while on vacation – this transportation will improve the future ‘safety’ of our country. Laying lines for the proposed wind (whatever) appears to be a must. We have been excluded for so long from the technical and scientific advances – that of course we are skeptical. I remember thinking Kennedy was ‘far out’ for planning to get a man on the moon. And now that we have the technical know how to monitor volcanic activity – it is important to the people who live in that part of the country and air transportation to be able to predict dangerous activity. If there is an earmark for predicting earthquakes – I’d be all for that! (I lived along the San Andréa’s Fault for most of my life) Now if there was an earmark for improved prediction of the path of tornados – I’d be all for that!
There are earmarks that will be hard to justify – but at least there are experts in this administration who will be able to determine what is wise and what is waste. We’ve never had this much transparency before. It is our job to remain alert – and monitor the progress of how and when that money is being spent. . . and make our voices heard in the halls of Congress! The vote is a powerful tool once more – and these guys and gals come up for election.

I don't know how much more "stimulus" the markets can take!!

The United States of America
July 4, 1776 - Jan 20, 2009
Rest in Peace

that spending millions on Grapes research is creating jobs, How about studying corral reefs.. millions, canoe trips-hudreds of thousands of dollars..Mormon Cricket studies.. Hundreds of Thousands.. I mean my GOD these go on and on and on...
I am truly shocked that you can come here and justify these.. I guess Fred is right when he said you have drunk the aid..

The last time I checked it took people drawing a salary to research the things you listed!

They don't work for nothing!!

I did not know there were Mormon Crickets, however. No wonder there is so many of them!

multiple wives.. I just don't get it.. too hard keeping up with one..

She will never come to the realization that the barry and the rest of the libs have pulled the wool over their constituents and will continue to bleed and pillage the citizens of this once great country. Nancy Pelosi and her minions, Harry and barry will suck this country dry with there programs until it becomes completely socialist.

David's Mom is drunk on the Obama kool-aid and she likes how it tastes.

The United States of America
July 4, 1776 - Jan 20, 2009
Rest in Peace

I give up.. People like this could find a way to justify Hitler.. Lemmings all.. I guess if Obama wanted to shove us off a cliff DM would be the first in line for the leap..

I am to POed that 40% of the earmarks were republican.. What happened to the RINOs.. WE will never dig our way out of this one..

I wonder what conservatives thought of Americans who felt that preemptive warfare and torture were tantamount to America being shoved off of a cliff. Maybe they only get worked up over tax money spent by democratically lead legislature, and not the billions squandered by their own. After all, the billions spent in Iraq have kept us safe from Iraqis who have never attacked the US, while the billions spent to stem an economic crisis may also help people who don't deserve help while stabilizing our economy.... and that's unacceptable....

Cheers.

Reid to Obama: Let us keep earmarks
By MANU RAJU | 2/25/09 12:20 PM EST Updated: 2/25/09 2:27 PM EST Text Size:

Reid asks WH to tread lightly on earmarks, saying a clamp down on pet projects would meet strong opposition.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid wants the White House to tread lightly on earmarks, saying that any push by the Obama administration to clamp down on pet projects would be met with strong opposition from congressional leaders.

"We cannot let spending be done by a bunch of nameless, faceless bureaucrats," Reid said, arguing that lawmakers are much more in tune with federal money needs for their states than agencies in Washington.

Reid's comments came as he and Democratic leaders vowed swift action on Obama's agenda.

In comments to reporters Wednesday morning, Reid also blamed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for forcing Congress to jack up spending for congressional operations in the massive omnibus spending bill. Reid said that even though Republicans lost big in the 2008 elections, McConnell insisted that they maintain their staff levels, forcing about a 10-percent hike in funding for the legislative branch, whose budget totals some $4.4 billion.

"You should direct that question to Senator McConnell because we had trouble organizing this year,” Reid said, referring to a resolution the Senate must pass to formally organize for the new Congress. “He wanted to maintain a lot of their staffing even though they had lost huge numbers. And the only way we could get it done is to do what we did. So you should direct that question to Senator McConnell."

A GOP leadership aide said that Republican staff “aren’t getting a dime” more than they did last year. The aide also said that a $116 million-increase for the architect of the Capitol was more to blame for the increase in the cost of running Congress.

But both parties have been hit with criticism over earmarks in spending bills. Earmarking money has been the subject of increased scrutiny after the practice became the subject of high-profile corruption scandals on Capitol Hill in recent years, and led to a sweeping ethics reform law in 2007.

Democrats say that they have substantially cut the number of earmarks in recent years, but critics say lawmakers' desire for pork undermines efforts to rein in federal spending. The House has been more aggressive in trying to scale back earmarks, but the senators continue to hold firm to the tradition of congressional earmarking.

In the omnibus spending bill working its way through Congress, there are 8,570 earmarks worth $7.7 billion, according to the watchdog group Taxpayers for Common Sense.

But Reid defended the spending, saying that the "government is the only body that has any money" to spend to prop up the sagging economy.

Reid's and other members of Senate Democratic leadership also vowed swift action to implement Obama's broad agenda on energy, the economy and health care, which Reid said would hit the Senate floor before the August recess.

DM GIVE UP YET... I GOT MORE ON THIS..

To quote you...."there you go again". I've enjoyed reading your posts about all the jobs Barry is creating and how we Republicans are appearing to be obstructionists.

About jobs....this is the greatest shell game in the world. There is absolutely no way to quantify the numbers he has thrown out. He claims he will create or save 3.5 million jobs. We will never know how many real jobs were ever actually created, how long they lasted, etc. I'm not saying we shouldn't put people to work. I'm just saying he is just pulling numbers out of his %#$. Heck, look at this quote from his own economists: "It should be understood that all of the estimates presented in this memo are subject to significant margins of error." How is that for a safety net?????? Never buy everything a snake-oil salesman sells...

About obstructionists....it is amusing and amazing how your side now wants everyone to work and play well together. The Democrats did everything they could to sabotage everything Bush and the Republican Congress wanted to get done for eight years. But, that wasn't being obstructionist was it? I guess that was checks and balances or good politics, right? Did you ever call for your side to lay all that down and get America's work done during the last eight years? I'd love to see that post resurrected....

The Democrats did everything they could to sabotage everything Bush and the Republican Congress wanted to get done for eight years.

What that did was 'speed' us into the mess we're in now!! Are we going to repeat it - just for 'label' sake? We've got people out here who are hurting daily - and see no way out! The small businesses that are supposed to help them - are going out of business!! Let's take off the labels - and get started on getting this country back on track. At least if something isn't working, let's demand that our representatives change the plan so that we move forward!! You don't need a 'label' to demand progress. And all of us have to examine our own budgets, spending patterns, use of energy to help to get us out of this situation. Right? Perdue welcomed the first funds for the stimulus package. (Talk about 'shell' games) Let's keep our eyes on all of our leaders. (I doubt that Perdue will refuse 6 billion dollars) Lord knows that Georgia firefighters, policemen,and teachers need it to keep Georgians safe! I'd hate to see that money go a Democrat governor in another state!

It supposed to be all love and kisses now.. We are supposed to fall inline and give Barry our full support.. you know the same way they gave "W" their support... There is an old saying my Grandmother used to say "Whats good for the Goose is good for the Gander".. Or a Biblical saying.." What ye sow.. so shall ye reap"..
They can not stand it now that we can be on the other side and Criticize with glee.. No more then they did for 8 LONG YEARS.. "W" could'nt speak, walk or go take a well you know without some Pundent taking a shot at him.. Every Dem I knew shouted "Selected not Elected" until I almost puked..
SO SUCK IT UP LIBERALS IT YOUR TURN..
I will not Lower my standards SO UP YOURS..

You paint with a broad brush. First, just to be clear, I never ever complained along the “selected not elected” line. Once the USSC ruled then that was how the election turned out.

Secondly, it suits me fine if the R’s oppose and/or obstruct. It suits me fine if they then complain about the D’s trying to shape public opinion against their opposition and obstructionism. Politics is hardball. Throw out your ideas, rally your troops and let’s have the debate.

At this point in history I believe the R’s are on a losing course which will lead to the inevitable shrinkage of the Party. The more their message gets out there the more alienated people get from the Party. I believe that you would wish the R. Party to be more conservative as a means to get back to its roots and rebuild. I’d like it to do the same thing to continue narrowing and marginalizing itself. An interesting dichotomy of thought.

For what it’s worth, I think that we will get to see who is right. I think the harder conservative wing, the Palin, Limbaugh, Hannity wing, is going to win out for now over the more moderate David Brooks wing and results of our opposing theories on the that outcome will become apparent. The hardliners have not yet lost enough times for reformers to take control of the Party from them. It seems to me that they will almost certainly still be in ascendancy in 2010 and 2012 which, although too early for more than wild speculation, looks like more looming loses for the R’s.

Especially if y’all put up that Palin/Jindal ticket. His speech was truly terrible by the way. Simply awful. In fact, abysmal. I’d never seen him speak before and maybe he was having a really, really bad night but if that was any indication he’s got a long way to go before he’s ready for prime time. Reminded me of Palin; totally out of his depth. Where do y’all get those people anyway?

Granted he did'nt have the Greek Columns nor did he decend from the heavens.. There where no adoring masses screaming his name hoping for a touch of his fingertips.. or Rock Stars or Hollywood Braindead actors fawning over him... However Jeff what he said had meaning.. WORDS have meaning..
Governor Jindal may not have the Charisma or the flowing speech of a Baptist minister, BUT he had one thing OBAMA will never have..
SUBSTANCE and a REAL CLEAR CHOICE FOR AMERICA..

You mean like these Greek columns?

There was no substance. Questioning the government's lack of response to Katrina as an example of why you can't rely on government? Most people see that as an example of why not to put incompetents whose qualifications were running horse shows into high government positions. It was bizarre.

Where was the substance on how to handle the crumbling banks and home foreclosures. Omitted.

“Republicans have always wanted everyone to have health care?” Reminded me of Nixon's secret plan to win the war. Must be hidden somewhere.

Besides, you can't dismiss his lack of charisma. He was specifically picked to showcase a rising star in the Republican Party and you're touting it as an advantage that he doesn't appeal to people. If he's your “real clear choice” y'all are in big trouble.

He had more money to spend...

and on the real big trouble.. Mid-Term will tell that story..
It is sort of like the Bama/Dog game.. Everyone hyped the Dogs and laughed at my Bama sticker.. up until after the game.. then I heard crickets chirping..

The tone of this reply is below your standards! Not all 'liberals' were rude to Bush (I can't say the same about Cheney). Now we'll just have to remain involved and vigilant regarding what our representatives do with this money!! I hope that Fayette County BOE receives some of these funds so that our outstanding teachers and administrators remain!

I think I like you more and more everyday! You have some great posts!