My very first political thread

[spazlabz]

I read this article and I have to say that I was impressed with the public's ability to cross party lines and think for themselves.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/60046.html

When the Program for Public Consultation presented a representative sample of Americans the projected federal budget in some detail, as well as a list of possible revenue sources, and asked them to do their own budget, Republicans did make substantial cuts in spending ? on average $101 billion per year. However, they increased revenues even more ? on average $230 billion per year.

More than six in 10 Republicans favored raising the amount of income subject to the Social Security payroll tax to at least $156,000.

Democrats showed substantially more flexibility on entitlements than their representatives in Congress. The PPC survey presented respondents a list of options for dealing with the Social Security shortfall, with Congressional Budget Office scores for how much it would take to solve the problem.

To deal with the projected Social Security shortfall, 63 percent of Democrats favored raising the retirement age to 68 by the year 2034. Majorities of Democrats (53 percent) were not enthusiastic about slowing the rate of increase in Social Security benefits but said they could tolerate the idea. They were also ready to tolerate increasing Medicare premiums.

Democrats also showed a readiness to make cuts in discretionary spending. On average, they cut spending $157 billion.

[Barry-xlovecam]

It's not all that surprising really. The general public is more realistic and moderate than the congress is, the House in particular, regardless of party affiliation.

There is also the "Independent Voter" with no party line allegiance. The "Independent Voter" is focused on the effect of legislative decisions and how those decisions will directly affect their lifestyle.

Interesting that "[i]ncome subject to the Social Security payroll tax to at least $156,000. ..." Apparently, $156,000 is seen as the dividing line ...

Maybe, there is some hope for sanity after all.

[JFK]

congrats on your 1st political thread

[spazlabz]

Originally Posted by JFK

congrats on your 1st political thread

not exactly controversial is it LOL

[spazlabz]

Originally Posted by Barry-xlovecam

It's not all that surprising really. The general public is more realistic and moderate than the congress is, the House in particular, regardless of party affiliation.

There is also the "Independent Voter" with no party line allegiance. The "Independent Voter" is focused on the effect of legislative decisions and how those decisions will directly affect their lifestyle.

Interesting that "[i]ncome subject to the Social Security payroll tax to at least $156,000. ..." Apparently, $156,000 is seen as the dividing line ...

Maybe, there is some hope for sanity after all.

you're right ya know, but the news paints a completely different picture. Kind of depressing until you realize that it is the extremes that are good for ratings

[Joshua G]

i wonder how the public would vote if they had to get re-elected & had fundraisers full of wealthy lobbyists.

[spazlabz]

Originally Posted by joshgirls

i wonder how the public would vote if they had to get re-elected & had fundraisers full of wealthy lobbyists.

good point! I strongly support the fantasy of campaign finance reform



oh...........I make me laugh sometimes

[RebelR]

So now, we need to kill not only the Lawyers and Architects, but also the lobbyists. hehe. Just goes to show how much influence they have on government, and that it is true that for a lot of politicians "The road to hell is paved with good intentions"

[Rochard]

I'm a former US Marine, and our military by nature should be non political. We don't take sides, but instead let the public decide and the follow orders from the Commander In Chief, for better or for worse.

The political shit that goes on is fucking hilarious. It doesn't matter which side. What's right and what's wrong is decided by their goals at the moment. The debt ceiling is a perfect example. Obama voted against it as a Congressman, now he wants. Republicans always voted for it, but suddenly now it's an issue. Come on already, stop playing fucking games.

[spazlabz]

Originally Posted by Rochard

I'm a former US Marine, and our military by nature should be non political. We don't take sides, but instead let the public decide and the follow orders from the Commander In Chief, for better or for worse.

The political shit that goes on is fucking hilarious. It doesn't matter which side. What's right and what's wrong is decided by their goals at the moment. The debt ceiling is a perfect example. Obama voted against it as a Congressman, now he wants. Republicans always voted for it, but suddenly now it's an issue. Come on already, stop playing fucking games.

Ohh-Rah Devil Dog!

If you mean military personnel should not be involved in politics I have to disagree with you on that. They are very affected by the decisions politicians make and they are citizens so they should pay particular attention. Following orders and the UCMJ does not take away your right to vote and influence society... as long as you follow the UCMJ first and foremost

If you mean the Military should not be affected by the political winds then there is no way to avoid it. The branches are the security arms of the US Government and since taxes.... and a LOT of taxes are involved they will also be a target for budget cuts

[CurrentlySober]

Politix smell of poo

[spazlabz]

Originally Posted by CurrentlySober

Politix smell of poo

well THANK YOU for a shitty comment