An earmark by any other name would smell so sweet

[beachFool]

What good is a two year ban?

Sound bite solutions, rah rah.

Michele B has her own definition, ha ha.

 

[scooterbug44]

I would gladly put some of my benefits on the table if I thought others would do the same. The big difference is that I worked hard to receive them. That cannot be said of all.

I think across the board cuts that affect everyone are definitely the way to go - mainly because so many think they earned their benefits, but others didn't.

 

[30ashopper]

Yeah, but that good ol' Senator Harry Reid has said it isn't going to happen. Why am I not surprised he sides with Buz? OBTW, the last sentence is 100% correct. Not only Medicare, SS, Military, try cutting any welfare program or lowering the number of unemployment days for reimbursement. I would gladly put some of my benefits on the table if I thought others would do the same. The big difference is that I worked hard to receive them. That cannot be said of all.

They can always block legislation in the House the democrats load up with pork, if dems can even get pork in House bills, I'm not sure how that process works. Not sure what happens in the Senate, we'll have to see.

Considering the 112th isn't even in session yet, they're off to a good first step. Time will tell, results matter.

Overall I'm feeling much more relaxed. Independent of all the fiscal issues we face, this last election did wonders for my political nerves.

 

[Andy A]

I think across the board cuts that affect everyone are definitely the way to go - mainly because so many think they earned their benefits, but others didn't.

That was a slap that was undeserved. Many other actually did not earn their benefits. They get them because of their needs and circumstances or because they have learned how to work the system. I will repeat, I did, and I am, along with many others, not ashamed to say so. Oh, and while we are at it, my retired pay is not considered a "benefit", it is considered deferred compensation, not that it of any importance.

 

[Matt J]

I think I finally figured out why me and Andy A can't agree on things. He gets benefits, while I'm simply paying into the system that "redistributes my wealth" to him in the form of those benefits.

Oddly in most of these arguments I'm not screaming for tax cuts and dismantling of the US government.

 

[Bob]

I'll see you one John Murtha and raise you Mitch McConnell.

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) | CREW's Most Corrupt Members of Congress

Both were cited as being the most corrupt.

We need solutions not sound bites.

The whole earmark controversy covers up the fact we can't afford Medicare, SS, Military and tax cuts.


It ain't political is arithmetic.

We want it all, we want it now and we want someone else to pay for it.

strategic default will one day be our foreign policy. it will be born of american greed and obstinance. we will be passed by economically because of our indifference, and our ability to bully and dominate the world militarily will not go unchallenged.

 

[Bob]

That was a slap that was undeserved. Many other actually did not earn their benefits. They get them because of their needs and circumstances or because they have learned how to work the system. I will repeat, I did, and I am, along with many others, not ashamed to say so. Oh, and while we are at it, my retired pay is not considered a "benefit", it is considered deferred compensation, not that it of any importance.

read completely unfunded pension....

 

[scooterbug44]

That was a slap that was undeserved. Many other actually did not earn their benefits. They get them because of their needs and circumstances or because they have learned how to work the system. I will repeat, I did, and I am, along with many others, not ashamed to say so. Oh, and while we are at it, my retired pay is not considered a "benefit", it is considered deferred compensation, not that it of any importance.

It was not a slap - you are just in the mood to read it as such.

One of the biggest issues in balancing the budget is that everyone thinks they earn/deserve their benefits and federally funded projects and others don't. It's only pork if it isn't in your district.

Across the board cuts are the only way to make people see it as "fair."

 

[Andy A]

If I misread the meaning of your post, I apologize. In the same vein, SWGB and Bob are both out of line in reference to any military individual's retired pay. But then, I expect nothing less from either of them. Oh, and Bob, you really are a piece of work.

 

[Matt J]

If I misread the meaning of your post, I apologize. In the same vein, SWGB and Bob are both out of line in reference to any military individual's retired pay. But then, I expect nothing less from either of them. Oh, and Bob, you really are a piece of work.

No problem Andy, I'll stop stating that both active military and veterans deserve more. You have shown me the light and I will push until every veteran is begging on a street corner.