The Budget

[Gaspar]

Now, we need to be hopeful here that the house and senate can hammer something out that the president will sign.  His proposed budget, was just like his last budget, in that it used silly math gimmicks, and though I was initially hopeful when he vowed to "work with congress" it seems again that the Obama campaign has crafted something that is simply not worth its paper.

The press says his budget cuts spending a total of $1.2 trillion over the next decade. Unfortunately, that's not what HIS BUDGET SAYS.  It only cuts spending by a mere $186 billion. http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/budget/fy2014/assets/tables.pdf see pages 187-190.

So, how are they getting the $1.2 trillion?  First they are including the the implementation of the sequester, but then they cancel those cuts. (they add it, then subtract it, then still claim it as new savings).  They also claim the savings in intrest payments as a result of sequester cuts, that they then cancel out.  So basically it is like going to the car dealership with no intension of buying a car, and writing them a check for a new Mercedes Benz for $80,000, but then tearing that check in half and claiming that you just saved $80,000.

The campaign's budget also fiddles with the chained CPI for the purpose of lowering SS annual cost of living increases.  He has to do this because to touch SS directly would result in liberal revolt (of course this didn't work because he underestimated the intelligence some liberals and groups like MoveOn.org who have brought this to light) This is another mathematical trick.  Annual inflation reporting is what triggers cost of living increases in SS (as well as in most companies).  By implementing the Chained CPI calculation you are basically under-reporting inflation.  Again, it's like cutting spending by choosing to ignore spending.  If my wife and I would like to reduce our monthly spending, we could either eat out less or use the Obama method and just ignore our restaurant spending when making the calculation (that would save us about $500 a month!  WHOOHOO!). http://front.moveon.org/robert-reich-on-why-you-shouldnt-accept-chained-cpi-from-obama-or-anybody/

From day one, the Obama Campaign (and it is a campaign, it has never actually switched over to a presidency) has employed a myriad of tricks and gimmicks designed to distract and confuse their constituency.  All this has done is result in wave after wave of unworkable legislation, gridlock, and endless campaigning to avoid doing any heavy lifting.  

Mr. President, just stop, wait for congress, and when the bill comes sign it. The people are getting tired of your bravado and clumsy foreplay.

[Hoss]

wow.

[Red Arrow]

wow.

You "sound" predictably underwhelmed.   I can almost hear you saying it in a slow, monotone, disinterested voice.  Kind of like the guy on the TV ad for Clear Eyes.

[heironymouspasparagus]

So, you mean he actually wrote this all down, submitted it to Congress....?

As opposed to just running it in unfunded mode, OFF budget for 8 years?

[Gaspar]

So, you mean he actually wrote this all down, submitted it to Congress....?

As opposed to just running it in unfunded mode, OFF budget for 8 years?

Hey, it's a start.  Now if we can just get him off the guns campaign trail for a few minutes to work something out with congress, perhaps we can stop some of the bleeding.

[RecycleMichael]

Didn't the previous administration keep a trillion dollar war off the books?

They all use math tricks that me and you don't get to use.

Whine all you want.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Hey, it's a start.  Now if we can just get him off the guns campaign trail for a few minutes to work something out with congress, perhaps we can stop some of the bleeding.

If it were to be passed as proposed, spending as a percent of GDP would be down.  The deficit would be down to $744 billion, from this years $973 billion.  The plan is to continue the downward trend that started with his first deficit reduced from the record high last Bush deficit of $1.9 trillion.  That's a real cut, as were the previous year's reductions, no matter how anyone wants to parse it up.


I think the gun issue has been effectively countered by rational thought to the point that the more sane amongst the country realize that none of the carp proposed would make any difference to these type events.  The one point that could have merit has been so mangled and chewed up by the lies and distortions of the Brady Bunch types that a rational handling may not be possible - the background checks...and even if background checks are expanded, it once again has NO relevance to the incidents that have been so heavily politicized the process.  Reality just can't get a word in edgewise....

Can't remember if I mentioned this yet, but I have been converted to a true believer in what Joe Biden has to say about one little part of this - he has been on a rant about using a shotgun in the home for self-defense.  In general, that is a good weapon for self-defense in many circumstances (but not all!!), so I would always back it up with a pistol, too.  Now comes a solution to the problem of the inadequate number of shells, especially in a double barrel or single shot shotgun.  It is always desirable to have more than 2 shots available - no matter what.  The perfect solution is at hand - we just need it available in semi-auto....at a reasonable price.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ebtj1jR7c

[heironymouspasparagus]

Didn't the previous administration keep a trillion dollar war off the books?

They all use math tricks that me and you don't get to use.

Whine all you want.

That's what I was alluding to....

[guido911]

We will not make a dent in the deficit with this guy only paying 18.4%.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324240804578418842282798284.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsThird

[RecycleMichael]

Releasing your current tax statements is a idea that republicans should embrace.

I am on the record saying a year ago that if Romney didn't release his, he would lose the election.

[guido911]

Releasing your current tax statements is a idea that republicans should embrace.

I am on the record saying a year ago that if Romney didn't release his, he would lose the election.

Romney lost because he did not release his tax returns, is that what straw man, I mean what you are saying? And how about addressing Obama only paying 18.4%, despite he being a member of the nasty 1%? Where is your outrage over that? Where are the 99%ers in here demanding Obama practice what he preaches and pay the 39% he expects his equals pay?

And did you see how little Biden paid, and his charitable giving. Cheapass.

[RecycleMichael]

I think Obama paid about what was expected he pay. Yes, he makes enough money to be in the top 1% club, but didn't Romney only pay 14% on the few returns he released (and only the years he was running for President)? 18.4% is higher than 14%.

The issue isn't just that he paid 18.4%. The issue is that he was open and honest by releasing his returns. Romney was less than forthcoming and lost respect and votes.

And I agree with you with Joe Biden and charity. My wife and I support many local charities with our considerably smaller annual income. We feel blessed to give.

[Red Arrow]

I think Obama paid about what was expected he pay.

I think Obama paid about what was required he pay.  I would expect him to pay more.

Yes, he makes enough money to be in the top 1% club, but didn't Romney only pay 14% on the few returns he released (and only the years he was running for President)? 18.4% is higher than 14%.

14.1% is also higher than 14%.  We are getting into the area of the old joke about the old geezer that offered the cute young chick $1 Million to sleep with him.  Now we are just discussing the price.

The issue isn't just that he paid 18.4%.

I agree. The issue is also about Obama's constant rhetoric about the rich paying their fair share.  The issue has always (from the left's view) been about the percentage, not the number of dollars paid.  I believe his percentage should be much higher considering his professed attitude toward the rich and their fair share.  At 18.4%, I believe he is falling into the "do as I say, not as I do" world.

The issue is that he was open and honest by releasing his returns.

A small part of the issue.

Romney was less than forthcoming and lost respect and votes.

Primarily among the voters that didn't respect him to begin with and would not have voted for him anyway.

[guido911]

I think Obama paid about what was required he pay.  I would expect him to pay more.
14.1% is also higher than 14%.  We are getting into the area of the old joke about the old geezer that offered the cute young chick $1 Million to sleep with him.  Now we are just discussing the price.
I agree. The issue is also about Obama's constant rhetoric about the rich paying their fair share.  The issue has always (from the left's view) been about the percentage, not the number of dollars paid.  I believe his percentage should be much higher considering his professed attitude toward the rich and their fair share.  At 18.4%, I believe he is falling into the "do as I say, not as I do" world.
A small part of the issue.
Primarily among the voters that didn't respect him to begin with and would not have voted for him anyway.

Thanks for penning my thoughts. But RM and I do agree about charity. I will give Obama credit that he gave a significant amount. Biden? Cheapass.

[Red Arrow]

But RM and I do agree about charity. I will give Obama credit that he gave a significant amount.

I too will give Pres. Obama credit for significant charitable giving.