Lone senator blocks unemployment benefit extensions by Niki2

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-scher/sen-jim-bunning-literally_b_4
81216.html

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Now Minority Whip Kyle has joined Bunning:

Quote:
Minutes ago on the Senate floor, the Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl just defending Sen. Jim Bunning's filibuster by attacking the entire premise for unemployment insurance during a protracted period of job losses.

Sen. Kyl argued that unemployment insurance would not lead an increase in jobs, and then said:

"It could be argued it [unemployment insurance] is a disincentive for work because people are being paid even though they are not working."

Does anyone wonder if this is a ploy by the Repubs to stall things once again? They put out a known nutcase who's retiring, distance themselves from and denouce him, but he's doing "their work" by demanding an offset to extending unemployment...

Quote:
Sen. Jim Bunning has single-handedly forced the furlough of 2,000 transportation workers and cut off hundreds of thousands unemployed Americans from critical assistance -- benefits that stimulate the overall economy for everyone.

That's what happens when the congressional minority filibusters at a "record-setting pace" to make it impossible to govern. People lose jobs.

The White House is seeking to step up the pressure on Bunning.. CQ Politics reports that "Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Congress must stop playing 'political games' and pointed the finger at Sen. Jim Bunning , R-Ky. ... [His office] released a state-by-state list of federal lands construction projects that are affected -- a list designed to catch lawmakers' attention. The projects span 17 states, as well as Washington, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands."

What's the response from Senate Republicans today? Are they pressuring Bunning to stop? Apparently not. According to CQ Politics, they're trying to shift blame to House Democrats for not immediately passing the Senate jobs bill, which has nothing to do with the damage Bunning's filibuster has already caused.

Quote:
GOP on Bunning: Blame Harry Reid!
Embarrassed by the Kentucky obstructionist's antics, Republicans desperately try to change the subject

The GOP says Reid should have been able to avert the problem in the first place. Instead of passing a tourism bill last week, Republicans say Reid should have filed for cloture on the unemployment extension; that way, Bunning's delay wouldn't have pushed the bill past Monday, and no deadlines would have been missed.

"All these problems could have been avoided with better management on the leadership side," the GOP aide said. "They all blame it on Bunning, but they could have got around Bunning. They could have made Bunning moot, but they didn't do it."

http://www.salon.com/news/jim_bunning/index.html?story=/politics/war_r
oom/2010/03/01/bunning_blame_game

This guy's a real doll:

Quote:
According to two Democratic aides on the Senate floor Thursday night, Bunning muttered "tough s---" as Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, criticized Bunning's stance on the package.

Quote:
When Senate producer Z. Byron Wolf spotted Bunning exiting his office, Bunning said, “I’m not talking to anybody.” When Wolf asked him to stay and talk to our cameras, Bunning walked toward the elevator and shot the middle finger over his head. An angry Senator Jim Bunning refused to answer questions from ABC News about his decision to block a bill extending unemployment benefits.

The exchange took place as Senator Bunning was getting into an elevator in the Hart Senate Office Building.

“Excuse me! This is a Senators only elevator!” Bunning thundered.

I tried again to ask his reasons for blocking the bill, Bunning said he already explained his reasons last Thursday, when he said he wanted the $10 billion cost of the bill to be paid for, rather than simply adding to the national debt.

“Excuse me!” he yelled. “I’ve got to go to the floor!”

As the doors closed, I asked Bunning if he is concerned about those losing their benefits.

He did not answer. This is all on-camera.

(Video at: http://blogs.abcnews.com/theworldnewser/2010/03/sen-bunning-is-angry-t
his-is-a-senators-only-elevator.html

Now Bunning says he'll "deal"; with a caveat:

Quote:
Sen. Jim Bunning, who has been holding up jobless benefits for millions of Americans, says he wants to end the stalemate. Bunning wants Congress to first find funding

Political theater at its best!

"I'm just right. Kinda like the sun rising in the east and the world being round...its not a need its just the way it is." The Delusional "Hero", 3/1/10

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 10:32 AM

They shoulda made him stick with his fillibuster, rather than go home because he missed a game. They're all worthless... but this guy is just flat evil.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 10:47 AM

America loves a winner!

nutcases ?

This guy is simply holding everyone to the LAW.
The Dems passed Pay/Go, and Bunning is holding them to it.

Good for him. We need more like him in D.C. who have a conscience.

Bones: "Don't 'rawr' her!"
Booth: "What? she'rawred' me first."

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 11:14 AM

HERO

Quote:
Originally posted by AURaptor:
This guy is simply holding everyone to the LAW.
The Dems passed Pay/Go, and Bunning is holding them to it.

He makes a good point. If they can't find $10 Billion Dollars to pay for something everyone wants, then they'll never pay for anything.

Ironically, never paying for anything is the Obama plan.

H

"Hero. I have come to respect you." "I am forced to agree with Hero here."- Chrisisall, 2009.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 11:24 AM

There's a lot of things they can dick around with if they desire, but holding up un-employment benefits from Americans out of work is as low as one can go.

10 billion add'l debt on top of 13.5 trillion is meaningless. He's just being an asshole.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 11:39 AM

America loves a winner!

Quote:
Originally posted by Jongsstraw:
There's a lot of things they can dick around with if they desire, but holding up un-employment benefits from Americans out of work is as low as one can go.

10 billion add'l debt on top of 13.5 trillion is meaningless. He's just being an asshole.

He might be being that, but it needs being done. Obama himself said " we're out of money".

The Democrats passed Paygo... WHICH MEANS WE DON'T GO FORWARD W/ OUT FINDING THE $$. Hate to repeat myself, but when the nation is TRILLIONS of $$'s in debt, what don't you get about fiscal responsibility ?

This is EXACTLY what should be done. I applaud this guy, regardless of how much of an 'asshole' he is.

Bones: "Don't 'rawr' her!"
Booth: "What? she'rawred' me first."

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 12:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hero:

Ironically, never paying for anything is the Obama plan.

Hardly an original one. It's how Dubya ran two wars.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 12:22 PM

America loves a winner!

And yet, when a Republican Senator stands up for the principles of a law which was brought to us by the Democrats......he's painted as the bad guy, a bully, an a-hole.....for doing what is undeniably right.

Bones: "Don't 'rawr' her!"
Booth: "What? she'rawred' me first."

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 12:24 PM

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." -- William Casey, Reagan's presidential campaign manager & CIA Director (from first staff meeting in 1981)

Quote:
Originally posted by Hero:
Quote:
Originally posted by AURaptor:
This guy is simply holding everyone to the LAW.
The Dems passed Pay/Go, and Bunning is holding them to it.

He makes a good point. If they can't find $10 Billion Dollars to pay for something everyone wants, then they'll never pay for anything.

Ironically, never paying for anything was the Bush Doctrine.

H

"Hero. I have come to respect you." "I am forced to agree with Hero here."- Chrisisall, 2009.

There ya go. Fixed that for ya.

"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero, Real World Event Discussions

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 12:27 PM

Y'all realize that thousands of transportation workers and tens of thousands of construction workers in the private sector are now thrown out of work with this hold-up, right?

Just wanted to make sure you're willing to go on the record as being against job creation.

How was that big Medicare Part D bill funded, anyway? For that matter, how was it even PASSED? (If you don't know, I do.) ;)

How about those "necessary" wars? How'd we fund those, exactly?

So y'all are FOR paying for things, except when you're AGAINST paying for things. Got it. I understand completely now. Thanks for cleaing that up.

"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero, Real World Event Discussions

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 1:04 PM

America loves a winner!

Quote:
Originally posted by Kwicko:
Y'all realize that thousands of transportation workers and tens of thousands of construction workers in the private sector are now thrown out of work with this hold-up, right?

Just wanted to make sure you're willing to go on the record as being against job creation.

If that's the case, then blame Harry Reid and the Democrats. They passed PayGO, and now are using the bogus claim of " 10,000's " of workers being forced to stay home because of 1 guy? Wrong. He's doing what needs to be done. It's the rest of them in office that are out of step w/ reality.

Quote:

How was that big Medicare Part D bill funded, anyway? For that matter, how was it even PASSED? (If you don't know, I do.) ;)

How about those "necessary" wars? How'd we fund those, exactly?

So y'all are FOR paying for things, except when you're AGAINST paying for things. Got it. I understand completely now. Thanks for cleaing that up.

We weren't nearly as far in debt was we are now. There wasn't a 800 billion $ stimulus bill to pay for....

Context. It's not a simple quid pro quo. You have to look at where we are and what's going on to fully understand the issue.

But it's easier for you to just follow along w/ your simplistic talking points than bother with understanding the issue at hand.

Bones: "Don't 'rawr' her!"
Booth: "What? she'rawred' me first."

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 1:14 PM

RUE

I have a vote and I'm not afraid to use it!

The Paygo bill exempts discretionary spending, a category which includes the jobless extension.

AND apparently the people who are protesting didn't READ the bill. Or understand it. Illiteracy seems a common problem among republicans.

Aside from that, one has to wonder about the ethics of people who are trying to make political points (which just come across as so much hot air) at the expense of the survival of millions of Americans. And one has to wonder about the ethics of Americans who mindlessly and heartlessly support them.

***************************************************************

Silence is consent.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 1:19 PM

I continue to hear this static-y grating noise. Kinda like a petulant child on helium...

Is it just me?

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 1:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by chrisisall:
I continue to hear this static-y grating noise. Kinda like a petulant child on helium...

Is it just me?

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

I believe so. I don't even bother with the static anymore myself. Helps when the "wind" comes with a big image, that makes it easy to quickly identify and scroll past the hot air.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 1:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rue:

Aside from that, one has to wonder about the ethics of people who are trying to make political points (which just come across as so much hot air) at the expense of the survival of millions of Americans. And one has to wonder about the ethics of Americans who mindlessly and heartlessly support them.

Yup yup. A relatively minor increase in the deficit to help jobless Americans = BAD (if a Democrat is in charge, especially). Not paying a single dime for a massively expensive war that was completely unessesary is perfectly okay.... if a Republican does it.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 5:20 PM

RAHLMACLAREN

"Damn yokels, can't even tell a transport ship ain't got no guns on it." - Jayne Cobb

I know of a way to pay for unemployment benefits:

Congressional pay freeze.

I seriously* want to put a tranq dart in that Bunning guy's neck. Not enough to hurt him, just enough for him to walk a little sluggish, as if drunk. Then the MSM will start questioning his "professionalism".

Frem, Kwicko, any suggestions for stylish tranq gun for my fantasy? Preferably something resembling Mal's rifle from Serenity.

*Ok, not THAT seriously. Don't taze me, Feddys.

--------------------------------------------------
Find here the Serenity you seek. -Tara Maclay

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 5:35 PM

America loves a winner!

Bones: "Don't 'rawr' her!"
Booth: "What? she'rawred' me first."

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 5:42 PM

Comparing shitheads to shitheads only proves one to be a shithead.
Or am I mistaken?

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 6:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by RahlMaclaren:
I know of a way to pay for unemployment benefits:

Congressional pay freeze.

I seriously* want to put a tranq dart in that Bunning guy's neck. Not enough to hurt him, just enough for him to walk a little sluggish, as if drunk. Then the MSM will start questioning his "professionalism".

Frem, Kwicko, any suggestions for stylish tranq gun for my fantasy? Preferably something resembling Mal's rifle from Serenity.

*Ok, not THAT seriously. Don't taze me, Feddys.

Never messed with tranqs. I figure if I want/need it stopped that bad, and it's that big a threat, why waste the drugs when a bullet would be so much more effective?

"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero, Real World Event Discussions

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 6:34 PM

RAHLMACLAREN

"Damn yokels, can't even tell a transport ship ain't got no guns on it." - Jayne Cobb

Quote:
Originally posted by Kwicko:
...why waste the drugs when a bullet would be so much more effective?

A) I want to HUMILIATE, not kill.

B) Didn't want Haken to get in trouble with a post about a "potental assassination" on his site.

C) My Firefly character self (in my head) wields a tranq gun. (Not exclusively) *points at sword*

--------------------------------------------------
Find here the Serenity you seek. -Tara Maclay

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 6:55 PM

Oh, you've misread me, Rahl. I'm not suggesting or condoning using either one against a U.S. Senator. I was merely pointing out that I've never had any dealings with tranquilizer guns, because if I deem something to be a significant threat, it warrants a bullet, not a tranq dart which may or may not work quickly enough.

But no, I'm not suggesting anyone be shot. Well, not Bunning, anyway. He's got one foot out the door and the other in the grave already. Why push him?

"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero, Real World Event Discussions

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 7:16 PM

GINOBIFFARONI

Quote:
Originally posted by Hero:
Quote:
Originally posted by AURaptor:
This guy is simply holding everyone to the LAW.
The Dems passed Pay/Go, and Bunning is holding them to it.

He makes a good point. If they can't find $10 Billion Dollars to pay for something everyone wants, then they'll never pay for anything.

Ironically, never paying for anything is the Obama plan.

H

"Hero. I have come to respect you." "I am forced to agree with Hero here."- Chrisisall, 2009.

Excellent

Find the money for Iraq and Afghanistan

or it ends tomorrow due to lack of interest

Either you Are with the terrorists, or ... you Are with the terrorists

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers.
What you do today, might Burn Your Ass Tomorrow"

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 8:27 PM

SIGNYM

I believe in solving problems, not sharing them.

Personally, I think Bunning should stand in his principles! Dig in his heels for a long, long time.

heh.

Just long enough to make the point that republicans are dicks.

THAT would make my day!!!!

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 8:57 PM

FREMDFIRMA

Quote:
Originally posted by Kwicko:
He's got one foot out the door and the other in the grave already. Why push him?

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 8:58 PM

FREMDFIRMA

Quote:
Originally posted by SignyM:
republicans are dicks.

Of course they are, DICK Postumous, DICK DeVos, DICK Cheney...

How many dicks are in the GOP anyway ?

Nevermind, don't answer that.

-F

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 12:51 AM

America loves a winner!

Quote:
Originally posted by Fremdfirma:
Quote:
Originally posted by SignyM:
republicans are dicks.

Of course they are, DICK Postumous, DICK DeVos, DICK Cheney...

How many dicks are in the GOP anyway ?

Nevermind, don't answer that.

-F

You sure seem to have dick on the brain....

Bones: "Don't 'rawr' her!"
Booth: "What? she'rawred' me first."

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 2:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by AURaptor:
Quote:
Originally posted by Jongsstraw:
There's a lot of things they can dick around with if they desire, but holding up un-employment benefits from Americans out of work is as low as one can go.

10 billion add'l debt on top of 13.5 trillion is meaningless. He's just being an asshole.

He might be being that, but it needs being done. Obama himself said " we're out of money".

The Democrats passed Paygo... WHICH MEANS WE DON'T GO FORWARD W/ OUT FINDING THE $$. Hate to repeat myself, but when the nation is TRILLIONS of $$'s in debt, what don't you get about fiscal responsibility ?

This is EXACTLY what should be done. I applaud this guy, regardless of how much of an 'asshole' he is.

Bunning's actions, and your defense of it, is about the dumbest and most short-sighted thing I've seen. How do you think this will play out duing the November election run-up? You think the Dems are going to highlight and go after this one guy? He's not running, so they're gonna paint ALL Republicans as behind this, and they will pound it home that Republicans blocked money for out-of-work Americans ( cue the violin music and pics of distraught kids in dirty clothes )....that's what they're gonna do. And that attack will be successful, because people see right through the utter hypocrisy on display by Bunning, and there are enough video clips around to edit to make it believeable. Plus, don't forget, he voted against PayGo, and now, somehow magically, he has some sort of epiphany to stand by it?...in this particular situation?...Please, it's just another in a long embarrassing history of Republican-idiot blunders that continue to help keep the Dems in power. You probably think the current polls and predictions matter, probably like the ones that say Dems are done in Washington in November....right? Well with a few more Bunning-type antics, Obama and Pelosi will rule the land for 6 more years. There won't be much left of traditional America by then, but I guess you'll always have the "Bunning Moment" to look back on with fondness and pride, and maybe a remorseful tear.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 3:04 AM

KPO

Sometimes you own the libs. Sometimes, the libs own you.

Quote:
Originally posted by SignyM:
Personally, I think Bunning should stand in his principles! Dig in his heels for a long, long time.

heh.

Just long enough to make the point that republicans are dicks.

THAT would make my day!!!!

These are pretty much my feelings.

As Jong pointed out he's an asshole. A wiser asshole would've picked his battles better, and made his symbolic stand in a more sympathetic position.

But I agree, this whole episode says somethin about republicans (or some of them, at least). Bunning's stand and the support he has gained is more 'symbolic' than he realises.

Heads should roll

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 5:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by GinoBiffaroni:
Quote:
Originally posted by Hero:
Quote:
Originally posted by AURaptor:
This guy is simply holding everyone to the LAW.
The Dems passed Pay/Go, and Bunning is holding them to it.

He makes a good point. If they can't find $10 Billion Dollars to pay for something everyone wants, then they'll never pay for anything.

Ironically, never paying for anything is the Obama plan.

H

"Hero. I have come to respect you." "I am forced to agree with Hero here."- Chrisisall, 2009.

Excellent

Find the money for Iraq and Afghanistan

or it ends tomorrow due to lack of interest

Either you Are with the terrorists, or ... you Are with the terrorists

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers.
What you do today, might Burn Your Ass Tomorrow"

Yeah, it is really good to finally see Rappy and "Hero" come clean and admit that the wars were horrible ideas and completely unjustified, unnecessary, and unfunded, and that we never should have undertaken either of them. That shows real growth.

Where'd the money come from for the F-22 program, anyway? How about Medicare Part D? How was that paid for?

"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero, Real World Event Discussions

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 5:16 AM

America loves a winner!

Jong, you just don't get it.

Bunning was making a point. A very valid and important point. There was NO chance anyone would have gone w/ out their Gov't unemp benefits. They'll get their / our money. All Bunning did was TRY to hold Dems, as well as the rest of the Senate, to their own rules.

I got no problem with that.

Bones: "Don't 'rawr' her!"
Booth: "What? she'rawred' me first."

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 5:26 AM

RUE

I have a vote and I'm not afraid to use it!

Jong

"cue the violin music and pics of distraught kids in dirty clothes"

I find this almost as heartless. I personally know people who diligently and reliably worked at one place for 15 years. The place shut down, the unemployment benefits have run out, they have ~$20,000 left on their mortgage and are in danger of being homeless.

Do you find this to be some fake political ploy ? Some comic non-tragedy ? Amusing, even ?

Just wondering, is all.

***************************************************************

Silence is consent.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 6:16 AM

BIGDAMNNOBODY

"Lone senator blocks unemployment benefit extensions"

The democratic senate can still get what they want by circumventing Bunning but it is they who are playing politics at the expense of the unemployed.
And why make a stand now over this issue? Is it because enough is enough? Is it simply one lone senator trying to follow the rules?
No matter where he made his stand, there would have been some group left without 'theirs' so to speak, so in that regard, no time would have been a good time. Remember, Paygo has only been on the books for about a month.

If I had been around long enough to vote against mandatory speed limits on federal highways, would I be considered to be a hypocrite if I chose not to speed?

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 6:27 AM

SIGNYM

I believe in solving problems, not sharing them.

Bunning's stand lasted just until the other Repubs put pressure on him because he was KILLING their party in the polls.

Damn.

Sometimes I wish he was a more principled fellow. But given his history of voting for unfunded wars AND voting against PayGo, I guess consistency is not his strong suit. Too bad. If you're going to shoot yourself and your Party fellows in the foot, why not use a gatling gun, and don't stop until the ammo's gone?????

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 6:29 AM

RUE

I have a vote and I'm not afraid to use it!

"The democratic senate can still get what they want by circumventing Bunning but it is they who are playing politics at the expense of the unemployed."

Bunning caved.

"And why make a stand now over this issue? Is it because enough is enough?"

Enough of WHAT exactly ?

"Is it simply one lone senator trying to follow the rules?
No matter where he made his stand, there would have been some group left without 'theirs' so to speak, so in that regard, no time would have been a good time. Remember, Paygo has only been on the books for about a month."

Apparently neither you nor he understand what the rule is. Discretionary spending - like unemployment extention - is exempt under the rule. Perhaps he is trying to ENFORCE his OWN rule, and not the one that was voted on and which passed. Do you support him in that ?

"If I had been around long enough to vote against mandatory speed limits on federal highways, would I be considered to be a hypocrite if I chose not to speed?"

Doesn't apply in this case, as he is not actually dealing with the rule as written.

***************************************************************

Silence is consent.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 7:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rue:
Jong

"cue the violin music and pics of distraught kids in dirty clothes"

I find this almost as heartless.
Do you find this to be some fake political ploy ? Some comic non-tragedy ? Amusing, even ?

Just wondering, is all.

That's a fair question. My answer is ... based on some of the over-the-top healthcare ads I've seen where kids are used as pawns for a cause...like saying they're going to die of a disease in the future or something similar; or the climate change ads that special interests employ using kids to say that global warming will drown them in their sleep, I think my hypothetic example of a potential future Dem election ad on this topic was legitimate.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 7:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by AURaptor:
Jong, you just don't get it.

Correct, I don't. The "it" that I do get is that his action has only hurt his fellow Republicans politically, nothing more.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 8:05 AM

TRAVELER

It is not amusing to those of us who depend on that check to eat this week and pay our bills.

Was this the only bill he could have made a stand on? I think one victory in Massachusettes has gone to their heads.

http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=28764731
Traveler

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 8:38 AM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

As to Bunning “holding them to the law”, he himself voted myriad times for measures which weren’t paid for, including the two Dumbya tax cuts for the rich. He and the Republicans also happily voted for and passed every “emergency” bill to continue the wars, tho’ they weren’t only not paid for, they were OMITTED from the budget so as to make it look less egregious. Bunning also voted AGAINST “pay-go”. Those facts show clearly that the man is doing what he is doing for political reasons, it’s not about holding anyone to the law. it’s all too obvious it’s not about holding them to the law, it’s about the convenience of attacking them for a measure which is always passed, which is much more egregious and affects millions negatively, unlike the Dumbya tax cuts for the rich.

JS, you’re right, and it goes much further than that. It also caused many to be furloughed from construction jobs, government workers to go unpaid, and more. Unemployment is horrific for those stuck on it, I have been and I know; and the crack about unemployment being a “disincentive” for people to seek work is merely another Republican talking point to try and defend his point, as virtually all of them ALSO voted for the things not offset by cuts, including the two Dumbya tax cuts.

The Democrats passed “pay-go” DESPITE huge Republican resistance, including Bunning. To blame them for passing it then throwing it in their faces is fallacious, when one takes into account their past actions and the fact that they voted AGAINST pay-go. And yes, claiming Obama doesn’t pay for anything, given Republican’s actions for the past eight years, which got us where we are now. I’m willing to wait and see what the outcome is, rather than blame the current administration for something the Republicans did for years and are now being so self-righteous about.

Ooops, I see Mike made the point about it being more than just unemployment and added the Medicare Part D vote to the other things the Republicans passed without demanding they be paid for. Thank you Mike. To use the excuse that ‘we weren’t in as much debt’ is disingenuous; doing what the Republicans did by passing so much without paying for it PUT us where we are, so the blame, if you want to debate it, lies with those who passed all the measures without paying for them in the first place, or, in the case of the war “emergency” spending, didn’t even ACKNOWLEDGE how it affected the deficit.

Rue, I didn’t know pay-go exempted jobless extensions; thank you. That makes it even more egregious, and refutes any defense at all that ‘pay-go’ is in any way relevant.

Rahl, I LOVE the pay freeze idea. Pissing into the wind, sadly...just as trying to debate those who can’t defend their points. I also like the tranq gun concept, except that everyone in the Senate already KNOWS what a nutcase Bunnings is. He’s pulled insane stunts before, and even the Republicans despise him (except that right now it’s in their interest to back him). For one tiny example, the man surrounded himself with security people—at taxpayer expense—justifying it by saying he was afraid Al Qaeda was out to get him! I’d like to see him defend that use of unnecessary expenditures. There are so many records of his erratic acts and words that his own local newspaper questioned his sanity!

"I'm just right. Kinda like the sun rising in the east and the world being round...its not a need its just the way it is." The Delusional "Hero", 3/1/10

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 8:39 AM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

I disagree, Mike a bullet would make him a martyr to the “cause”, which would be great for the Republicans. Challenging him to put his money (time/energy) where his mouth is by threatening to make him do a real filibuster was effective and simple, and solved the problem. They just let it go on too long first.

At this point in the discussion, another attempt appears to have been made to degenerate it into snarking and name calling, so I will ignore that. It didn’t work (kudos to all), so the discussion continues:

JS. I hope you are right. If the Dems grow balls and start passing things through reconciliation, ergo stopping the gridlock in our legislature, by November the Republicans will have lost any advantage they have gained by making it appear to the public that ALL Congress is failing to get anything done. Thus far, the Repubs have managed to make it look like the Dems are equally at fault, but if the Dems accomplish stuff over their stonewalling techniques, hopefully people will see what’s really happening.

KPO, as far as I can see, the Repubs were backing him, and adding to his stance, deliberately. Given he’s disliked by so many of them, the only reason to back him was solidarity and the opportunity to further blame the Dems, ignoring the truth and the past. There’s no “wisdom” involved; he’s not up for re-election so can say/do whatever he wants, and he’s well known as a nutcase, so he’s useful to their purpose—except I think THEY would have chosen another issue to balk at, rather than looking bad to all those who suffered. On the other hand, he’s the perfect scapegoat to say “we didn’t do it, HE did”. Hopefully that won’t work too well.

The idea that in the end nobody would actually lose their benefits is irrelevant; people have lost their mortgages, been unable to find work if they COULD, families have suffered, and do we know if all those thousands of workers who were furloughed will be paid (probably) not for their lost time? Ergo they DID suffer, permanently, from loss of wages, and it caused a hell of a mess for millions of people. There was no excuse for his actions, period. I agree with Rue.

It wasn’t the Republicans who stopped him Sig; they backed him. It was the Dems threatening to make him actually filibuster which stopped him. As to saying ‘enough is enough’ and that somebody would suffer no matter where he made his stand, Nobody, how about that “somebody” being other than millions of Americans in the middle of the recession? How about the military, they would make a great “somebody”, or any number of other issues which wouldn’t hurt millions? It’s not a legitimate stand, given the exemption for discretionary spending in pay-go, so it’s not a legitimate stand, period.

JS, fallacious comparison. You can’t diss the Dem ads and not mention the Repub ones which threated Armageddon and death panels and used “grandma”—it’s political theater on both sides Nobody has to edit anything, Bunning makes himself look stupid all on his own. As for video clips, the one of him at the elevator, the fact that he flipped the bird, and his saying “tough shit” in response to another Senator saying what he was doing wrong is quite sufficient to show him for what he is: an irascible old man on the way out who wants his fifteen minutes of fame and doesn’t have a leg to stand on. Oh, and by the way, however it might have been used, children ARE being denied coverage for illness which aren’t just “in the future”, but are killing them right NOW.

"I'm just right. Kinda like the sun rising in the east and the world being round...its not a need its just the way it is." The Delusional "Hero", 3/1/10

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 8:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Niki2:
JS, fallacious comparison. You can’t diss the Dem ads and not mention the Repub ones ....

If you read the post where that was taken from, you will clearly see the message was about the posssible consequences of Bunning's actions by Dems. Republicans aren't going to run ads against Republicans...any potential attack ads against Republicans would be from Dems....right? So mentioning Republican ads in the context of that post would not have made any sense. I guess it wasn't enough for you and Rue that I challenged Rap on his Bunning position...you needed me to give equal time to bad Repub ads as well? That seems a bit unfair, and an impossible standard to impose on anyone.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 8:57 AM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Yes, JS, got that initially; was merely countering the one remark.

I HOPE the Repubs actions turn the people against them, but first people have to become AWARE of what they're doing, and it doesn't seem like most people are, or they wouldn't be blaming both sides for the current gridlock. Unwilling Kudos to Faux News and the Repubs for keeping people from noticing.

Two hundred and ninety bills stopped dead merely because of the "procedural filibuster"...reads "threat of filibuster". People need to know that, and what, if any, of those bills affect them personally. And if the Dems would only demand REAL filibusters on each issue, people would see. I'm assuming they aren't because they're trying to get around THIS filibuster. But given how many times reconciliation was used by the Repubs for years now, I don't see why they don't use it on more things (tho' they have said this is only the start...) If only...if only the Dems hadn't wasted a year trying to get Republican votes, this all would have moved faster. Bah!

"I'm just right. Kinda like the sun rising in the east and the world being round...its not a need its just the way it is." The Delusional "Hero", 3/1/10

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 8:58 AM

Quote:
To use the excuse that ‘we weren’t in as much debt’ is disingenuous; doing what the Republicans did by passing so much without paying for it PUT us where we are, so the blame, if you want to debate it, lies with those who passed all the measures without paying for them in the first place, or, in the case of the war “emergency” spending, didn’t even ACKNOWLEDGE how it affected the deficit.

"We weren't in as much debt" is a completely invalid point, because as far as I've been able to find, there was NEVER a single day in the entire 8 year Bush administration where we were in LESS debt than we were the day before. Not one single time did they ever do ANYTHING to reduce the debt OR to reduce deficits. So to claim, somehow, that now debts and deficits are their number one concern is not only disingenuous, it's a damned lie, and should be called such.

Since the end of WWII, there has been a clear and cosistent trend: Republicans massively INCREASE the debt, and Democrats REDUCE the debt.

"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero, Real World Event Discussions

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 9:08 AM

SIGNYM

I believe in solving problems, not sharing them.

Quote:
Bunning also voted AGAINST “pay-go”. Those facts show clearly that the man is doing what he is doing for political reasons

What political reasons might those be??? Looking like an idiot? Sabotaging the RNC???

Heh.

The guy is not only unprincipled, he's egregiously stooooopid, and totally misread the tenor of the times. Or he simply hates the unemployed. None of the options are good choices. That's what made it even better'n than watching Biden.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 9:25 AM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Excellent point, Mike. I've seen the graph that shows how the deficit goes, and it's unmistakeable that it goes UP under Republicans and DOWN under Democrats. Despite their continuous (and apparently effective) claim that it's Dems who want to enlarge government and spend more, the truth is exactly the opposite.

Political reasons? Dunno; the man is so ridiculous, and has been for a long time, that you're right, it's hard to attribute his actions/words to any "reason". Fifteen minutes of fame, perhaps? He won't be voted dog catcher by his constiuents once he's out of office, so you're right, I'm at a loss to explain. I'd think he was instigated by the Repubs, as he's expendible, but as it doesn't do them any GOOD, that can't be it.

Maybe he's just gone over the cliff or has alzheimers and can't remember what he voted for and against before? He certainly shows potential signs of both...

"I'm just right. Kinda like the sun rising in the east and the world being round...its not a need its just the way it is." The Delusional "Hero", 3/1/10

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 9:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by traveler:
I think one victory in Massachusettes has gone to their heads.

GRRR ARGHHH, it's where I live. These punks in my midst...

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 9:28 AM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Sympathies, Chris. Just bear in mind we gave the country Reagan, Texas gave it Bush; your state's mistake (because I think that's what it'll turn out to be) can be forgiven, in perspective. Not to mention that, as a buddhist (I believe?) you are only responsible for your own actions. Ommmmm....

"I'm just right. Kinda like the sun rising in the east and the world being round...its not a need its just the way it is." The Delusional "Hero", 3/1/10

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 9:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Niki2:
Not to mention that, as a buddhist you are only responsible for your own actions. Ommmmm....

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 9:42 AM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Now, now. Who is that? Buddha wouldn't get angry, he'd just try to encourage the person to look within himself, wouldn't he? Not that it would do any good, but...

Am I right in recalling that you're on the path of the boddhisatva? I seem to rememember you saying something about being a fellow traveler on the path once or twice.

"I'm just right. Kinda like the sun rising in the east and the world being round...its not a need its just the way it is." The Delusional "Hero", 3/1/10

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 9:45 AM