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Obama’s New Pay for Play

By Larry Johnson on February 3, 2009 at 2:29 PM in Current Affairs

That’s right boys and girls. It looks like President Obama has a new “pay for play rule.” If you want to play in his administration you NEED TO PAY YOUR DAMN TAXES!

I presume you have heard the news–Tom Daschle dropped out as the prospective nominee for Health and Human Services.

Daschle is a congenial guy. I met him when I was on the Hill testifying on behalf of Valerie Plame. But for the love of god, how can a guy with his background and his experience think he can take in more than $2 million dollars from a lobbying firm and not be considered a lobbyist? Worst of all, not reporting income and not paying taxes.

Do you realize Tom Daschle owed more in taxes ($128,000) than 80% of Americans make in actual income?

So who should Barack nominate? What about Howard Dean?

UPDATE: One other important sign–several progressive and liberal groups stepped up to the plate and condemned Daschle and called for his resignation. Mimi Kennedy put up a piece and Huffington Post and Katrina Van Den Heuvel at Nation decrying Daschle’s conduct. That’s refreshing as hell. When George Bush’s White House thugs outed Valerie Plame the right wing, who normally would condemn the exposure of an intelligence officer, decided to attack Valerie and Joe. That is the kind of partisan bullshit that I abhor. So, at least some on the left get it and Daschle is where he deserves to be–out of a government job.

  • kinthenorthwest

    You know Im still trying to figure out what the big emergency is to spend more money. It seems that Obama has everyone running scared. No one will question anything he wants; they just do it.

    • James

      You know Im still trying to figure out what the big emergency is to spend more money.

      Emergency is a way to get through big programs for lobbyists with little scrutiny. No time, no individual attention.

      It’s a set up for years of patronage doles. It does not hide that fact, it outright talks about years of program doles-not immediate “stimulus”.

      Bush made his way up through government largesse. Obama learned the same on the boards of rich charities, who hands out what.

      The “medical records” part is a longtime insurance company lobbyists’ dream.

    • James

      No one will question anything he wants; they just do it.

      No one is talking about fiscal responsibility. I see no independent expert supporting this.

      It is a feeding frenzy on borrowed money. The Republicans are the more hypocritical in this regard, but now out of the top office, they will fight to wheedle it down 2-3% and claim the mantle of responsibility.

      Bill Clinton balanced the budget.

      • UKforDems

        Comment by James | 2009-02-03 15:01:44

        No one will question anything he wants; they just do it.

        No one is talking about fiscal responsibility. I see no independent expert supporting this.

        It is a feeding frenzy on borrowed money. The Republicans are the more hypocritical in this regard, but now out of the top office, they will fight to wheedle it down 2-3% and claim the mantle of responsibility.

        Bill Clinton balanced the budget.

        Some 200 economists have endorsed the bill.

        http://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/2009/01/stimulus_letter.html

        Republicans preach fiscal conservatism but have left massive deficits each time, only to be fixed by Democratic Presidents.

    • UKforDems

      Comment by kinthenorthwest | 2009-02-03 14:32:25

      You know Im still trying to figure out what the big emergency is to spend more money. It seems that Obama has everyone running scared. No one will question anything he wants; they just do it.

      Errr that the economy is very heavily in the tank, lines of credit are being refused or restricted which is making the situation worse.

      Getting people working seems a high priority to me.

      As for HHS – it most definitely should be Dean. I have my doubts that it will be though.

      • beebop

        All they need to do is audit all of barky’s appointees and our economy will be on firm footing once again … TAX FRAUD TUESDAY TWOFER … an historic 0bama first!

      • barry bums a ciggie

        Even if they will start to “lend” more money, most Americans will be unqualified because they don’t have jobs or are having reservations and start to save what they have–companies included. And that will impact spending.

        Currently as it stands with the stimulus package, only 12% of what is being proposed will actually be job generators. Even then, construction jobs and such won’t start for another 2 years. It’s all PORK and then some.

        • UKforDems

          Actually – all the Republicans could claim as pork was less than 1% of the package. Given that some of these programmes are to replace State funding so that fewer jobs are lost at local level, name the ones you will cut:- $2 billion earmark to re-start FutureGen, a near-zero emissions coal power plant in Illinois that the Department of Energy defunded last year because it said the project was inefficient.

          • A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film.

          • $650 million for the digital television converter box coupon program.

          • $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaker (arctic ship).

          • $448 million for constructing the Department of Homeland Security headquarters.

          • $248 million for furniture at the new Homeland Security headquarters.

          • $600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees.

          • $400 million for the Centers for Disease Control to screen and prevent STD’s.

          • $1.4 billion for rural waste disposal programs.
          Don’t Miss

          * GOP senators draft stimulus alternative

          • $125 million for the Washington sewer system.

          • $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities.

          • $1 billion for the 2010 Census, which has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion.

          • $75 million for “smoking cessation activities.”

          • $200 million for public computer centers at community colleges.

          • $75 million for salaries of employees at the FBI.

          • $25 million for tribal alcohol and substance abuse reduction.

          • $500 million for flood reduction projects on the Mississippi River.

          • $10 million to inspect canals in urban areas.

          • $6 billion to turn federal buildings into “green” buildings.

          • $500 million for state and local fire stations.

          • $650 million for wildland fire management on forest service lands.

          • $1.2 billion for “youth activities,” including youth summer job programs.

          • $88 million for renovating the headquarters of the Public Health Service.

          • $412 million for CDC buildings and property.

          • $500 million for building and repairing National Institutes of Health facilities in Bethesda, Maryland.

          • $160 million for “paid volunteers” at the Corporation for National and Community Service.

          • $5.5 million for “energy efficiency initiatives” at the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.

          • $850 million for Amtrak.

          • $100 million for reducing the hazard of lead-based paint.

          • $75 million to construct a “security training” facility for State Department Security officers when they can be trained at existing facilities of other agencies.

          • $110 million to the Farm Service Agency to upgrade computer systems.

          • $200 million in funding for the lease of alternative energy vehicles for use on military installations

          • oowawa

            Hmmmmm–all those millions just zip by like the cents at the gas pump, or the wheels spinning on a slot machine. Doesn’t seem like much money at all when you see it that way . . . Heck, we don’t want to seem like a bunch of cheapskates, and we’ve got a kiloton of megabucks–fund ‘em all!

            • Lyn

              • $160 million for “paid volunteers” at the Corporation for National and Community Service.

              Where do I sig up to get paid for my vol work? Silly me I do it for free. Wait this is for the Obama citizen Army youth isn’t it?

              • oowawa

                “paid volunteers,” isn’t that an oxy-something-or-other? I know there’s some kind of fancy word to describe a contradiction-in-terms.

                Anyways, too bad Lyn. You got in the wrong line when you signed up for volunteer work. You probably need some kind of treasure map to find out where the “paid volunteers” sign up.

              • UKforDems

                Why do you hate care for elders? Are you going to cut it? Thes programmes are already being cut at State level? This is what they do:-

                http://www.nationalservice.org/about/council/index.asp

                In January of 2003, by Executive Order, President George W. Bush announced the formation of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Council was established to recognize the important contributions Americans of all ages are making within their communities through service and civic engagement. On January 27, 2005, President Bush amended the Executive Order, extending the President’s Council through January 2007.

                Administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Council brings together leaders from the worlds of business, entertainment, sports, education, government, nonprofits, and the media. Click here for a complete list of Council Members or listen to their new radio PSAs encouraging more Americans to get involved in their communities.
                President’s Volunteer Service Award

                One of the first priorities of the Council was to establish a volunteer recognition program. Since 2003, the Council has recognized more than 662,000 Americans with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. To learn more about the Award or to register your organization for the program, please visit http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.
                A Billion + Change

                Every day, nonprofit groups around the country are meeting a wide variety of community needs, often with volunteer and corporate philanthropic assistance. Yet while these organizations are doing important and innovative work, they often cannot take their ideas to scale, in part because they lack the professional skills needed to operate as efficiently as possible, or to successfully plan for their growth.

                • oowawa

                  Why do you hate care for elders?

                  Yep, I could spot that Lyn for an elder-care-hater as soon as I found out she volunteered for free community service. I’m glad you spotted her and singled her out.

                • UKforDems

                  All of the above programmes are the “pork” as per the GOP. It represents 1.44% of the overall programme. You have to ask yourself why the Party that left office with the largest budget deficit in history, having entered it preaching fiscal conservatism, suddenly cares about spending. Especially on programmes for the elderly.

                  Why do Republicans hate America?

                  Every time the budget has balanced, it has been a Democrat that does it.

                  • Donna Brazile

                    Ukee Dems:

                    Do you live in the United States? Do you pay taxes? Are you a US citizen? Or, bloody hell, are you just a wanna be?

                    Well……….

                    Stop the lovefest!

                    • UKforDems

                      Stop your hatefest @ Donna. I shall not enter in to a ad-hominem argument with some PUMA poster.

                      I share sufficient time between both great Nations and understand economics. I would guess you have no understanding of the economy or the study of it and have never left your County, never mind the Country. I could of course be wrong.

                    • beebop

                      I am trying to find one word in her post to you that is the least bit hateful. If you don’t like being challenged, don’t hang it out to be questioned. You have picked a screen identity that sets you off-shore. If the identity is inaccurate, don’t for goodness’ sake blaim her. Do we head to blogs in the UK and suggest that how you run Parliament or support your royals? Give it a rest, okay?

                    • Donna Brazile

                      Ukee Dem:

                      What? Can’t answer the question. I though it was pretty simple. Just want to know what you bring to the table. I’ll just accept you’re not a US citizen but think you KNOW what’s BEST for us. I’ll define you as a WANNA BE:-)

                      Stop the lovefest!

                    • UKforDems

                      Until I see your birth cert I shall define you as an illegal alien.

                      stop the hatefest.

                    • Donna Brazile

                      Kiss kiss upper!

                      Stop the lovefest and the hate!

                    • UKforDems

                      love you too.

                      (When do I see your birth cert?)

                    • Lyn

                      Stop your hatefest @ Donna. I shall not enter in to a ad-hominem argument with some PUMA poster.

                      that’s pretty funny from someone who said I hate old people…

                    • UKforDems

                      So why do you want to stop a programme that represents 0.1% of an overall jobs package, designed to maximise, through paid and voluntary labour, ways to keep old people in their home?

                    • http://www.marklevinshow.com/ Seattle Moss

                      Hey UK,
                      The assignment tonight is to give Mossy one reason to be happy with Obama.
                      Keep in mind that I now believe the stimulus package to be just a payoff to groups that helped obama game this election.
                      Do not include the selection of Hillary or Obama’s reluctance at investigations which we have already discussed.
                      How does Obama help me a business owner?

                    • WildChild

                      He gives you hope

                    • UKforDems

                      Businesses get $20 billion in tax cuts under the legislation. The bill would extends provisions that allow businesses of all sizes to depreciate 50 percent of investments in new equipment immediately. It also allows small businesses to declare as an expense $250,000 of new capital expenditures instead of depreciating the cost over time, a not inconsiderable increase in the S179 limit previously enacted.

                    • WildChild

                      20 billion in tax cuts is chump change. We spend that much in Iraq in a month.

                    • UKforDems

                      In business taxation $20 billion is not and allowing for 50% depreciation ,ost definitely is not chump change.

                      I would certainly be happy with that in the UK.

                    • http://www.marklevinshow.com/ Seattle Moss

                      UK,
                      Intelligent answer.
                      The problem is that companies will not invest in new equipment when they are seeing 40% decline in demand
                      The only investments we’re making at this point is in duct tape. kidding!
                      The stimulus is 800 billion
                      why only 2 1/2% allocated for business?
                      Why not a tax holiday for business and scrap most of this Pelosi bill?

                    • UKforDems

                      Also feralbrat, you do realise that this is an additional $20 BILLION to the announced tax cuts?

                    • http://www.marklevinshow.com/ Seattle Moss

                      Uk,
                      You can’t compare the US and Britain anymore
                      Last time I looked the US was a 14 trillion economy
                      The UK is 2.7 trillion

                      Also…WE have many defense related companies up here
                      How does cutting defense 10% help that industry?
                      Sounds like a repeat of the Carter years!

                    • http://www.marklevinshow.com/ Seattle Moss

                      UK

                      Also feralbrat, you do realise that this is an additional $20 BILLION to the announced tax cuts?

                      Was that directed at me??

                    • UKforDems

                      Seattle – we need to be encouraging the demand as well. That does mean keeping those in jobs that are easy to keep in jobs – state employees, in their job and spending. Debate the 1.44% of “pork” all you want, as long as you get something passed, however 0% or 100% of tax on nothing means nothing.

                      The basic lack of demand and continual contraction of credit means that demand must come from lower income groups, with a higher propensity to spend and government projects.

                      I say this as a Thatcherite.

                    • UKforDems

                      The feralbrat comment was not directed at you Seattle.

                    • WildChild

                      You’d be happy with twenty billion in tax cuts in the UK UKie? I think it’s time to have a discussion about scale USA… much much bigger economy then the UK. But then it really doesn’t matter does it. Companies aren’t just going to buy shit to buy shit so you can cut their taxes all day long. If there isn’t a a reason for a businesses to make a purchase, it isn’t going to do it.

                      LOL it really doesn’t matter if you cut their taxes or up their depreciation. Cut all day and you still get no stimulus.

                    • http://www.marklevinshow.com/ Seattle Moss

                      The basic lack of demand and continual contraction of credit means that demand must come from lower income groups,

                      I may agree with you on that!

                      The wealth economy is dead world wide!
                      Now it’s back to basics hiring folks to do real TANGIBLE jobs like the grid,roads and for me my favorite
                      Railways.
                      I have been talking about these programs for years!
                      I belong to several railway preservation societies based in the UK

                    • http://www.marklevinshow.com/ Seattle Moss

                      UK & WC
                      I would love to continue talking but my wife wants Greek food so I got to take her out now.
                      I will be back later.

                      Cheers

                    • UKforDems

                      Well I need to go to bed soon, as I need to see one of what you must consider your pretty railways still (I consider it work), London to Manchester (I stay in Birmingham often).

                      $850 million for Amtrak for income maximisation

                      $800 million for national railroad assets or infrastructure repairs, upgrades

                      $5.4 billion in federal transit grants

                      $2 billion in infrastructure development for subways and commuter railways

                      In addition, Federal oversight will require that this money is spent on developing high speed low carbon trains.

                    • UKforDems

                      Say hello to Mrs Moss. Well done for continuing demand at the local Greek Mezde

                    • http://www.marklevinshow.com/ Seattle Moss

                      UK

                      (I stay in Birmingham often).

                      New Street or Snow Hill

              • tpt/ny

                Lyn
                As promised he’s funding his “civilian army”.
                And the budget for the regular army is getting “cut” by 10%.
                He’s keeping his promise(s); problem is NO ONE LISTENED TO HIM!!!
                Now sadly “it’s too late”.
                Ugh….!!!!

          • Cubs in 09
        • KmX

          We need a spending Freeze. This Stimulus will cause huge inflation. Just too much money is being printed. Time for a Spending Freeze across the board with the exception of the military and vetrans affiars.

          SPENDING FREEZE NOW!!!!

          • UKforDems

            Comment by KmX | 2009-02-03 17:04:39

            We need a spending Freeze. This Stimulus will cause huge inflation. Just too much money is being printed. Time for a Spending Freeze across the board with the exception of the military and vetrans affiars.

            SPENDING FREEZE NOW!!!!

            That is a clever approach as the US and World economy faces deflation and not inflation. Too little money is being created that is the point of the bank bail out. However I guess Republicans do not understand teh mess taht they created.

            • beebop

              Please show us how the money that was given to the banks to help stimulate the economy has done that? Didn’t Nancy and the kids hold their collective breath and scream at shrub that the world would END if the banks weren’t bailed out? And. What happened? Did lending loosen? NOT ONE DAMN BIT …. please. If you knew what you were talking about, you’d be dangerous.

              • UKforDems

                The Shrub (and Paulson) screamed at the House. Without the bail out, the banking system would have toppled like a complete pack of cards. All that wpuld remain would be those owned by the Middle East and HSBC.

                I tend to support the argument that the banks should have been allowed to collapse. However the economic and social consequences of that would have been massive, not limited to a complete redistribution of wealth from saver to borrower or foreign ownership of all major banks. I guess you need to consider whether that was worth it.

                I personally consider that risk less than having given them cash and guarantees that now exceed the value of the economy. Especially as their current lending practices have gone so far the other way with still tightened credit at exorbitant prices, that they are causing people to default.

              • helenk

                I just read somewhere that the banks used the bailout money to try to hire more foreign workers. The loyalty to the American people that are stuck with paying this bill is underwhelming.
                As I was writing this a tv ad came on for the american worker .com

                WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE,MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS

                PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS, AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE

                • Mary

                  General Motors used some of its bail-out $$$ to shore up a factory in Brazil.

                  Citibank used some its bail-out $$$ to “rescue” their bank branch in China.

                  And the damm Dems, led by Pelosi and Reid, never wrote any legislation requiring them NOT to do so.

                • UKforDems

                  Comment by helenk | 2009-02-03 18:49:39

                  I just read somewhere that the banks used the bailout money to try to hire more foreign workers. The loyalty to the American people that are stuck with paying this bill is underwhelming.
                  As I was writing this a tv ad came on for the american worker .com

                  WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE,MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS

                  PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS, AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE

                  I would be very happy to know what an “equalist” is. Oh well it os a development from your previous positions. Thankfully, given you are a PUMA and a “Bubba” supporter none of them actually do rule.

                  The banks did not spend the bail out money on foreign workers. They are laying staff off across the World. This is a global crisis. This is an International Banking Recession, that is leading to credit drying up at Governmental level. It is a dangerous and despicable lie, more typical of Storm Front than a Democrat (current or former) to start blaming foreign workers for this recession. Attitudes like that helped the Nazis get elected in Germany.

                  The Nazis managed to blame it on Jews. Is that the current attitude being taken at The Flatulence or whatever your hate site is called now?

          • ziggy

            We need to print up special currency called “bogus bucks”, backed entirely by the questionable financial instruments the government has taken over. Then we could use the bogus bucks to pay off all of our foreign creditors.

            • UKforDems

              Currency speculators currently consider the bogus currencies to be the £ and $.

        • Ellen D

          I wish the new Treasury Secretary had made it a TWOfer and resigned as well. Another tax cheat but this one is put in charge of the IRS!

      • tek

        I do not want Howard Dean in a Cabinet position after the unethical way he behaved during the primaries.

        • Belle Gardens

          I agree with you.

          I wonder why Daschle, though, didnt clean his tax mess up earlier, isnt that just common sense, closing the holes before engaging, so to speak?

  • Touchet

    I think Obama is doing all this on purpose. He is selecting certain people with disqualifications no matter how little, once he does that, he uses his media influence to bring them to light, and destroy them politically.

    The above poster asked why these politicians are so afraid of Obama. Thats why. Every politician has something on them.

    It will be interesting to see what the point of all this is in the end. I don’t think its gonna be very pretty.

    • mimi

      I’m inclined to also believe this scenario, although it’s sinister implications are scary indeed.

      Sorry, but I’m LMAO about Daschle. Payback! Payback for the part he played in defeating Hillary Clinton. Get under the bus Dasch with Richardson and all the rest. Although, Howard Dean being considered to replace him is not what I had in mind.

      I don’t feel bad for this man. He’s part of the reason the Primary worked out the way it did and I will never get over that.

      • pa voter

        I feel the same way. Dean (& Daschle, Brazile, et al) is one of the reasons I left the Dem Party. Dean would never have entered my mind for HHS…

      • DAB

        Add Kerry to the list of those whose karma is acting up. Those who overtly dissed Hillary seems to be attracting a whole load of it right now.

        As for Dean, I once donated to his campaign, but I think that he handled the Florida/Michigan non-vote atrociously and don’t think he’s the man to develop such a complex health plan. Who is? Dunno but Ted Kennedy didn’t want Hillary, so he can figure it out.

        Oh yeah, add Caroline to the karma kick-back list.

        • DAB

          And Dodd who has recently decided to “refinance” his funny-business VIP mortgage loan.

          • I’m a Linda too

            Yeah, how magnanimous, now that they rates are much lower.

      • destardi

        amen, sister!

        daschle can suck it. [Admin: Please. A semblance of decorum is required. Thank you.]

    • Naomi

      Oh for God’s sake…you are being paranoid ridiculous. You really think Obama is setting these people up so they can fail???? He is the one coming out badly in all this…why would he want to set himself up for this? your Obama hatred has you by the neck – let it go.

      • beebop

        Hey sweetie … the picture of your boy and tommy boy on ABC is precious …. they both look like someone stole their pony!

        STOP THE HATE yourself. :)

        • Donna Brazile

          Naomi:

          That’s what I alway sazs:-)

          Stop the hate!

          • UKforDems

            Still being paranoid – stop the paranoia.

    • I’m a Linda too

      Oh yeah, Mr Narcissist intentionally doing what he hates most, looking bad. lol

      • Belle Gardens

        The WAPO is saying the Daschle withdrawl, coupled with those of the others, is harming Obama, undermining his credibilty, publicly.

        FWIW, he seems to have taken a few hits lately, really discouraging confidence in his leaderhip abilities, even among the true believers.

    • tek

      Touchet: Obama chose Daschle because Daschle is one of the four Senior Dems who pushed Obama into the WH so they could pursue their own selfish agendas. Daschle’s just got cancelled. So did Kerry’s and Kennedy’s. We have yet to see what Durbin’s agenda is.

  • http://www.marklevinshow.com/ Clint Moss

    Obama and his minions think it’s OK to tax the hell out of everyone but when it comes to themselves are tax dodgers…Disgraceful!!!

    Anybody with half a brain realizes that Obama and the class warfare drones tanked this market with their incessant talk of capital gains taxes,corporate tax increases, taxes on the wealthy, carbon taxes and health care punishment taxes…Is it a wonder that 30 trillion has disappeared from the markets!

    • wodiej

      want to know how charitable Democrats are?

      Obama’s- in 2006 5.8% of their income to charity. In 2007 it was 6.1%

      Bidens- (brace yourself)- .15% and .31%

      Same years for the McCains-27.3 & 28.6 %

      John Kerry-1993 $175
      1994 $2039
      not one dime in 1995- $0

      Al Gore-1998 $353

      Ted Kennedy- in the 70′s gave 1%

      Ned Lamont(propelled by Kos kids and other left wingers)- .27% of his $200 million inheritance

      so the far left nuts are all for helping those “less fortunate” as long as they are doing it with taxpayer dollars and not their own. They’re a bunch of hypocrites.

      • http://www.marklevinshow.com/ Clint Moss

        I’m glad you brought up the fact that these New democrats are the stingiest givers I have ever seen
        Especially Plugs Biden!!

      • artemis

        and how much of the McCain’s 27% went to mega churches or United Way? Let’s not pretend that the money went to Habitat or Save the Children. I’m betting it went to organizations that pay HUGE salaries to there CEOs.

        • beebop

          Oh look. Right on cue. Some little bottom feeder here not to defend 0bama but to attack the guy who isn’t president …. aren’t you cute and totally IRRELEVANT! Go back to DunceKap or HuffyPoop. You are out of your element here.

          • Pennsylvania Red

            Well since someone brought up McCain, looks like the old coot may have some spunk still:
            Sign the Anti-Porkulus Petition

            • athena

              Did already and passed to everyone I know.

        • Lyn

          Unlike BO’s that all went to Wrights church? (even tho he sat there and never heard what the guy was talking about)

    • ziggy

      I suppose I can understand how someone with half a brain might conclude it’s all Obama’s fault.

    • Judy L. NC

      Obama and his minions think it’s OK to tax the hell out of everyone but when it comes to themselves are tax dodgers…Disgraceful!!!

      Yeah! Who do these people think they are? Republicans?

  • James

    It’s going to be Howard Dean.

    • Doc99

      Howard Dean? After that surreal scream in Iowa, Dr. Dean is the man most in need of health and human services.

    • Mary

      Apparently, the “Obama people” don’t LIKE the “Dean people,” so it won’t be Howard Dean.

  • beebop

    buh bye Tom …. the lobbyists still luv ya’ and you’ll always have the blackberry email address ….

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  • madamsecretaryofstatehrc

    I certainly hope that it is Howard Dean. He is more than qualified. (I am still mad at him though for “not hearing (knowing)” about all the sexism during the primaries.

    I thought “the one” knows all and would therefore be able to detect the flaws in everyone, so that his cabinet would be pristine and unimpeachable!

    Love NQ!!!

    • DAB

      I’m still mad at him about the Florida non-vote. Dean is NOT THE MAN!

  • barry bums a ciggie

    I am assuming that none of these people actually used Turbo Tax and did the taxes themselves. Given that, how could you “forget” to pay your taxes? Just like a thief, you’re hoping not to get caught in the process. But they eventually do get caught and the best thing they can come up with is “nobody is perfect”? NO shit Sherlock. That doesn’t excuse you from trying to cheat the system.

    • beebop

      Actually, Geithner DID use Turbotax …

      Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Finance Committee’s top Republican, ran through a long list of questions about Geithner’s tax decisions. Geithner said he filed his own taxes in 2001 and 2002.

      “Did you use software to prepare your 2001 and 2002 tax returns?” Grassley asked

      “I did,” Geithner said.

      “Which brand did you use?” Grassley asked.

      Geithner, chuckling, appeared resistant at first. “I’ll answer that question, sir, but I want to say these are my responsibility, not the tax software’s responsibility.”

      Then he got to the point: “But I used TurboTax to prepare my returns.”

      Not the kind of advertising that Intuit (the maker of Turbotax) was looking for, I’m sure.

      I hear their R&D people are now offering an up-grade called “Turbo Tax for Geithners (a/k/a dummies)”

    • Diana L. C.

      Actually, having some early-in-life experience with an ultra-rich woman, I know that most of them just do not have any sense of what it’s like to live on the income most of us have. I sort of believe his statement about not knowing he needed to report it because he was used to having people drive him around from his days in Congress.

      I’m not excusing him. I think all of these tax problems are just pointing out the very deep differences between those who are supposed to keep our interests in mind and we the people. They really, really do not feel what we feel about money, understand what we understand about money, know anything about living life without much money.

      I know Dean has the health care background, but it would be very hard for me to be happy about his neglect during the primary of making any attempt to stop the misogyny.

      I don’t like how he managed his own 50 (as opposed to 57) state policy either.

    • http://Godhelpusall lee M

      Barry bums a ciggie – I believe it was reported that Timothy Geithner DID use Turbo Tax. He stated that this was the reason for the mistake. Says he should have used a tax accountant. AND THIS MAN WILL HEAD THE IRS. As Secy of the Treas. and he can’t even do his own taxes? Lame excuse to cover his criminality.

  • Frichy

    Phew! Finally. Another flies over the cuckoo’s nest!

  • RalphfromBoston

    anyone interested in signing John McCain’s petiton to stop the “stimulus ” package ?

    http://www.countryfirstpac.com/petition/economic.aspx

    • beebop

      I got that, too. Good for him. Timing is great!

  • http://undercoverblackman.blogspot.com Undercover Black Man

    Should’ve been Dean in the first place.

    • beebop

      Dean wasn’t even invited when the party was handed over to his successor. Barky holds him in such low regard that you have to really go some to find them in the same picture. Get over yourself.

      • http://undercoverblackman.blogspot.com Undercover Black Man

        Good point. Next time, without the personal insult, mm-kay?

        • beebop

          Expect to get it when you dish it out. mm-kay?

          • http://undercoverblackman.blogspot.com Undercover Black Man

            Then wait for me to dish it out then. You’ll notice I never strike the first blow. (I do usually land the last one, though.)

    • KmX

      I heard Obama and Dean had a falling out. His CHief Of Staff hates Dean. Even though help them win so many States.

    • KmX

      I heard Obama and Dean had a falling out. His CHief Of Staff hates Dean. Even though Dean help them win so many States.

    • andrew191

      Why not Bill Frist? He’s a doctor, he’s clearly more intelligent than Dean, and he is surely less likely than Dean to unleash a psychopathic primal scream in public.

      • oowawa

        Frist’s stance on the Terry Schiavo case was very problematic. I would think the high-profile publicity notoriety that he gained during this episode would disqualify him from consideration.

        • Mary

          Barak Obama voted WITH Frist & the Republicans during the Terry Schiavo episode.

          I was stunned when I found that out.

          • oowawa

            Mary, that would indeed be a stunner. Looking at the Wikipedia article on Terry Schiavo, it says

            On March 20, 2005, the Senate, by unanimous consent, passed their version of a relief bill; since the vote was taken by voice vote, there was no official tally of those voting in favor and those opposed.

            That is the only reference I can find as to a Senate vote on the matter. Of course, Frist was a leader of the “keep Schiavo alive” movement in the Senate. Do you know something else?

  • Lisa-NY

    I thought it was their “patriotic” duty to pay taxes?
    Obama’s theme song should be…”The wheels on the Bus go …thump thump thump………

  • Allie

    I hope it isn’t Dean – no matter what his qualifications – I cannot forgive him and Donna B. for the travesty that was the Democratic Primary 2008. Ever.

  • samb

    This is becoming ridiculous , it show a complete lack of judgment, is Obama so in debt to friends that he will only hire those who can’t pay their taxes . Obama has no experience economic matters I guess he making it up as he goes along. The bloom is off the rose, so only die hard supports will think he is competent in handling the economy, Look how well his picks have been so far.

  • NW Country

    He will probably float Caroline Kennedy’s name. She can carry on for Uncle Teddy.

  • Doc99

    Sheesh … Only the Little People Pay Taxes.

    signed Leona Helmsley

    • UKforDems

      Certainly after the Republicans have their way – every tax cut in their stimulus plan is targeted towards the top 1%. Everyone else must pay for it. Socialism – but in reverse.

      • beebop

        hmmmmmm and where exactly do you figure ACORN falls in a stimulous for the middle class? Really. You couldn’t see straight if you were using a level.

        • UKforDems

          Point me to where ACORN is mentioned in the Bill. The bill is available on line. I have actually read it; have you?

          Also tell me tell me – other than right wing prejudice – what do you have against ACORN, what does it do and tell me exactly what is has done wrong – with specific examples. John McCain could not and he even attended Acorn events.

          • beebop

            I am not doing your research for you.

            And for your information I have voted as a Democrat(sic) for 36 years as an American residing in America and paying taxes here. I am totally fed up with those living outside of our borders with no skin in this game talking down to the rest of us. Stick it!

            • Donna Brazile

              Exactly Beebop!!!!!!!!!!!

              Keep up the lovefest you make me smile!

          • barry bums a ciggie

            House Republican Leader John Boehner issued a statement over the weekend noting that the stimulus bill wending its way through Congress provides $4.19 billion for “neighborhood stabilization activities.”

            He said the money was previously limited to state and local governments, but that Democrats now want part of it to be available to non-profit entities. That means groups like ACORN would be eligible for a portion of the funds.

            • UKforDems

              Comment by barry bums a ciggie | 2009-02-03 15:50:20

              House Republican Leader John Boehner issued a statement over the weekend noting that the stimulus bill wending its way through Congress provides $4.19 billion for “neighborhood stabilization activities.”

              He said the money was previously limited to state and local governments, but that Democrats now want part of it to be available to non-profit entities. That means groups like ACORN would be eligible for a portion of the funds.

              I found absolutely no reference to any such provision. None. Now why would the Leader of the House Republicans be telling lies? Perhaps because they will be promoting the Demint plan, which offers no tax cuts or those on lower to middle earnings, but offers permanent tax cuts to Corporations and the top 1% of America.

              If the bill was so “radical” 200 economists would not have supported it.

              http://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/2009/01/stimulus_letter.html

              According to the Centre for American Progress (not exactly lefties) the DeMint plan will end up costing $3 trillion. Not exactly small beans.

              Which is actually better – spending to help the lower and middle class keep or get a job and a home, or tax cuts for the richest 1%

          • Diana L. C.

            Wait for the “We Will Not Be Silenced” film. I do believe–everyone here will let me know if I’m wrong–but ACORN tactics were heavily involved in the caucus fraud tactics, which you are so convinced didn’t happen.

            Just go back a recall what they tried to do in Ohio. It took college girls, real students of journalism, to uncover some of that.

            I’m counting on others here to mention a few other ACORN foul ups.

          • Mary

            It’s in the section giving $160 million for “community service” people, UK.

            Can’t you read?

            • http://firefox AnnieCollier

              He might as well be legislating millions to finance his re-election. Shameful. This organization is in his pocket.

          • pa voter

            Also tell me tell me – other than right wing prejudice – what do you have against ACORN, what does it do and tell me exactly what is has done wrong

            I posted this in the earlier Daschle thread and will repost it here. As Diane L C points out below (or above, however the order of posting occurs), Acorn was involved in the caucus fraud.

            http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2008/images/01/23/nv.state.letter.1.23.08.pdf

  • Peggy Sue

    Dean would be the logical choice–he’s an MD, who developed and implemented health care programs/systems within his own state as Gov.

    But wasn’t there some falling out with Emmanuel? It was reported the administration all but snubbed Dean in January. Why? And I thought Dean had originally voiced interest in the job but was quickly flicked off.

    Be interesting to see what happens. But it sounds as if there are fences to mend if the choice is indeed HD.

    • beebop

      but was quickly flicked off.

      I’m sure someone was just scratching their face … ;)

      • Peggy Sue

        Another good one, beebop! :0)

      • athena

        bwahahaha! Good one!!!

    • CarlyinNJ

      Peggie Sue;
      Howard Dean wanted the job; but PO threw him under the bus with the many many others no longer needed by HIS Greatness.

      Dean was ONE of the KEY people who got PO elected to the US Senate (through Dean’s group Democracy For America – DFA). As we all know that was just a stepping stone to the real goal – POTUS.
      As we have seen (over and over) when PBO get’s to the GOAL then there is no gratitude from THE ONE (when HE is done with YOU; it’s wham bam and not even a thankyou for your blood, sweat and tears)!!!

      Karma…Karma…Karma…if you look at HIS past treatment of those who got HIM to the next goal….the discarded folks who formerly served HIM, mentored and assisted HIM….these people are left in the dust.

      I believe that this tendency to discard people will be President Obamas political undoing; it’s just a matter of time.

      • Peggy Sue

        I’m not making excuses for Howard Dean or Obama, Carly. Trust me on this. But if you look at Dean’s experience as Governor, his medical background and what he did in health care programs, he would seem a likely candidate.

        But there was some sort of snitfit between Dean and the Obama folks. Not sure what it was.

        But you’re right, it does follow a shabby pattern: use people, and then discard at will. But then you know the old saying: bed down with dogs and you’re likely to get fleas.

        Except for my puppies, of course!

  • I’m a Linda too

    i’ve been in sliding door leak hell, so I didn’t see the news. Thank you.

    So, even though Obama had the utmosst confidence in Daschle and was SURE he would be confirmed, and STANDS by Daschle, the heat was getting too hot and heavy for Obama to carry, especially hearing his OTHER nominee having to withdraw for her questionable etchics, “The Perforance Czar”. Is this all getting to be a bit much or WHAT?????

    Well, Gov. Dean wanted this position from the beginning. But Obama has dissed and disrespected him so many times now, that even though folks were screaming for Gov Dean to be HHS from before Daschle’s name being dropped, to now with the news of DASCHLE’S very questionable ethics and Lobbying for the job he’d be holding, I don’t think Obama will pick the Gov.

    But, I could be wrong being Obama is getting a mightly severe stench for ethics, corruption and just campaign rhetoric for his administration that this may be his only bone he could toss to sooth the savage beasts.

    But, after not even being invited to attend the announcement of his replacement in the DNC, will Gov Dean even accept it after being a lap dog and getting nothing but a bitch slap in the face from Obama and his administration?

    Even Jim Dean discussed the intentional slap down behing handed Gov Dean.

    But, we don’t get it. WE KNEW OBAMA THROW ANYONE AND EVERYONE under the bus if you don’t serve a purpose in the future.

    • I’m a Linda too

      And, to add this, so perfect coming from Obama and his key supporters FOR Daschle.

      “Shortly after news of the tax quandary broke, a number of Democratic senators released statements expressing their support for Daschle, including Sens. John Kerry of Massachusetts, Charles Schumer of New York, Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts. In their opinions, Daschle identified the problem and corrected it.”

      • Mary

        Heard on MSNBC this afternoon (Nora O’Donnell, I think her name is) that Daschle was a KEY player in “keeping the superdelegates in line” during the primary, on Obama’s behalf (mean ole Hillary, said Nora), that Obama OWED Daschle a spot.

        She also mentioned Nancy Pelosi as keeping control of Democratic super-delegates, too.

        Anybody else pissed off by Nora’s arrogance in openly saying Daschle and Pelosi “worked” the super-delegates for Obama and against Hillary?

        • Ann Myers

          It is a valid report if one closely observed the DNC process. One by one the boys in the chorus during the primary season singing “No No Hillary” as they winked and laughed and the original cast of boys in the production of ” A Gal and her Male Contenders Run for President” are feeling the blow back of compensation for a very grievous wrong done to Hillary Clinton

        • I’m a Linda too

          The truth hurts….and is ugly. They did. Daschle worked for the law firm that first had their get together with Obama in DC about the prospects of running for Pres. He publicly endorsed him Feb 2007…his “official announcement”. They know a good buy.

        • tek

          Mary: This is what we all knew was going on during the primaries. Not really news at this point. Or, did you think all those pols were excited to pieces about a black president?

          • Ferd Berfle

            Mary must have just awakened from a prolonged coma.

            • Mary

              Oh, no, Ferd. I actually watched the DNC meeting all day the day Donna Brazille cheated to help Obama.

              My POINT was that Nora O’Donnell was so blatantly open about the manipulation by Daschle and Pelosi, given that her own network was part of the problem at the time.

              I’m no naive little ballerina, darlin.

              I supported Hillary all the way, and don’t you forget it.

        • Wisewoman

          She’s just now telling the truth that she did not tell at the time. Another one bite the dust, another one under the bus!! Daschle is the worst kind of hypocrite. He was part of Obama’s national committee team. As previous majority leader, he knew all the steps to the back door dealing and lying that allowed the Fraud to game the primary system and buy off super delegates. He knew that the convention rules stated that in the first round of balloting, those delegates had to vote for the person who won their states. Thus the fraudalent convention with no real vote. I will never forget that he came out publicily telling Hillary to drop out with less than a week to go in the primaries. He did that because he knew he could not “deliver” South Dakota to Obama and did not want to be embarassed by that fact. Hillary won SD I think by more than 10 points. Now he goes under the bus: karma is a b*tch. HA HA.

          • Mary

            Yep to everything you posted, Wisewoman.

            I knew it all along, as we all did.

            But I was stunned that Nora O’Donnell, on MSNBC, just blurted out the truth rather than doing the ole MSNBC kabuki bullshit.

            Daschle bites the dust, as he should have, since he represents the slime of Washington more than Hillary ever could have or would have.

            Karma, indeed.

            Thanks for your post. :)

  • OxyCon

    I was a huge Howard Dean fan and supporter before he decided he was for rigging elections and how he passively allowed one candidate in his party to smear and libel another.

    • I’m a Linda too

      AND, he lost any honest voice with the sexism and racism that went unmentioned.

      Worse, when I heard the Gov play the Race Card for the Obama camp, against the McCain camp, that really just made me sick.

    • DAB

      ME TOO!

  • mel

    So Daschle withdrew his name, next we will hear that he is a close cabinet advisor like Axelrod, thus no one can question him on his misdeeds and yet he can still milk the taxpayers for hundreds of thousands in advisor fees.

    Funniest part is, no one will ever know how much these thieves will be taking in from the taxpayers!

    People seem to of forgotten after Obama stole the Dem nomination, Axelrod was asked if he’d go to Washington if Obama became POTUS and Axelrod said flat out NO, he and his life is in Chicago and he can ill afford to move the Washington! Hmmm guess the $$$$$ were not that sick for Axelrod to take the jump!

    • I’m a Linda too

      Oh, he already got Obama to turn over BILLIONS on this Stimulus Plan.

      That and pay back for his other donors….BILLIONS for Hollywood Producers in tax cuts and

      The Hi Tech Industry that worked hard for Obama, like Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google who campaigned and participated in policy calls, getting BILLIONS of oversears earning written off in tax breaks….and billions going to tech industry for HIT (Heath Information Technology online records, more computers for so many branches of govt. etc.

      Oh, Obama’s is paying back his donors big time…..at OUR EXPENSE.

      • DAB

        The movie industry is one of the few that are doing well right now because people are seeking escapism from their troubles, so I’m sure you are right.

        However this provision is being picked out for ridicule so it make not make it in the end.

      • ziggy

        The GOP alternative plan includes $430 billion in tax cuts. Their total plan cost is $713 billion.
        http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/02/stimulus/index.html

        The democrats’ plan as passed in the House includes $252 billion in tax cuts. Total plan cost, $819 billion.

        http://features.csmonitor.com/economyrebuild/2009/02/03/which-stimulus-is-better-tax-cuts-or-spending/

        So, the total cost of the democrats’ plan is $106 billion more than the GOP plan.

        However, the proposed GOP tax cuts are $178 billion higher.

        When you cut taxes, you cut revenues.

        By my arithmetic, that means the GOP stimulus package results in $72 billion more in deficit spending than the democrats’ stimulus package.

        This is an oversimplification, but there’s clearly something there to think about: The republicans aren’t really proposing something cheaper. Part of the real cost just takes the form of increased national debt, which no one pays much attention to.

        It’s just that old shell game they’re so good at.

        • I’m a Linda too

          No, deficit spending is all this stimulus money we don’t have.

          And, the Dem’s want to spend more….in areas that will not help the everyday citizens and surely will not stimulate the economy.

          6 Billion for colleges? WHAT? Now, try taking even just half that amount and putting it directly to students entering college and see it go to action.

          Giving money away like a wish list and the only joy for me in this Dem Stim Plan passing, is what a failure it will be.

          We’re stuck paying for their kickbacks anyhow, so….

          • ziggy

            How is it that democratic deficts are unacceptable, while arguably higher republican deficits are OK?

            Which isn’t to say that I feel particularly good about either.

            But deficits are deficits, and debt is debt.

            It doesn’t really matter whether you get there by spending more, or by spending a less while widening the spread between cash in and cash out.

            We can accuse democrats of buying popularity via spending. Republicans, on the other hand, bought popularity with budget-busting tax cuts, and seem inclined to continue.

            • Mary

              How is it that wealthy Hollywood producers need a stimulus paid for by middle class taxpayers, ziggy?

              Could it be that it’s a payback for their heavy donations during the campaigns?

              • ziggy

                Have you seen what the republicans are proposing instead, in their Economic Recovery and Middle-Class Tax Relief Act of 2009?

                A permanent 5% across-the-board tax cut to all 6 federal income rates, beginning with tax year 2008?

                Sound fair? How much money does that put in an average worker’s pocket? How much does that put into the pocket of America’s highest-annual-income people? People, for example, like those CEOs we’re all annoyed with, who have already made out like bandits while their companies took a nose-dive…

                Just look closely at some of the other stuff the Republicans are proposing, and ask yourself who would be rolling in cash as a result.

                Here’s the link to an HTML version. It’s long and might break, so you may need to copy and paste it into your browser to get there:

                http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:RvOdzp2km-8J:rsc.price.house.gov/UploadedFiles/Econ_Recovery_Act_Highlights_Jan_14_2009.pdf+Economic+Recovery+and+Middle-Class+Tax+Relief+Act+of+2009&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us

                I’m sure rich Hollywood types would benefit from this plan, too.

                What would these Republican provisions do to the annual deficit and national debt?

    • DAB

      Gibbs was asked if Daschle will show up as an unconfirmed advisor and he said no. I don’t think that BO wants to expend any more political capital on the guy.

      Hard to figure how these “seasoned” politicians think that they won’t be found out somewhere in the confirmation process because they almost always are. I guess that they each think that they will be the exception. Pathetic.

  • cathnealon

    These are the brilliant people that BO has surrounded himself with according to the media and his supporters? The only thing is after these persons get found out and withdraw we’re just holding our breath waiting for the next crook to get nominated–”Be careful what you wish for” should be BO’s new mantra, not “Yes, we can.”

  • Elle

    Another one bites the dust!

  • Doc99

    Hey … What’s John Edwards doing these days?

    • I’m a Linda too

      brushing his hair.

      • beebop

        God … I hope it’s his hair …..

        • I’m a Linda too

          …ALL of his own hair. lol Unless of course he’s willing to write of any future in politics (that should be clear to him by now) and decided to be OPEN about his relationships.

          • I’m a Linda too

            And I just gotta add, I really have to trust my OWN first instincts, because they have been proven right consistently.

            …which also means to question the current first couple joining up for opportunities. Their past actions together left many questions, too.

            But I remember when I watched Edwards walk on stage from his wife, Elizabeth, announcing him. He walked up to her and rubbed her back as thanks with a hug before taking the mic. That was the COLDEST action I’ve seen from a spouse and I just let out a big “EEEWW”. I knew then.

    • Judy L. NC

      From what I hear on the local grapevine, he’s NOT living with Elizabeth. The buzz is that she kicked him out.

      • beebop

        Good for her. Maybe 0bama will appoint her.

        • Diana L. C.

          My thoughts exactly.

        • UKforDems

          Comment by beebop | 2009-02-03 15:56:29

          Good for her. Maybe 0bama will appoint her.

          OMG!

          We agree on something.

          If it were not for her health issues I would want her above Dean. Somebody strong enough to take on the Insurance and Drugs lobby.

          • Donna Brazile

            Ukee Dems:

            Do you live in the United States? Do you pay taxes? Are you a citizen? Or, bloody hell, are you just a wanna be?

            Well……….

            Stop the lovefest!

      • I’m a Linda too

        Yep and she’s not wearing her rings anymore.

        I guess she couldn’t take the lies and cover ups anymore either.

        • beebop

          That woman has all of the balls in that family.

        • sowsear

          Maybe she’s just giving him an opportunity to go take care of his new child

    • http://www.despair.com/changewinds.html Smilin’ Jim

      Contemplating the Democrat Tragedy.

      In a project to create the perfect polity amongst humans, they have set the bar so high that no one living can qualify to lead it.

  • Amalia

    Howard Dean? sexist pig in charge of the dem party? he can’t solve health problems cause he was an enabler.

    NO WAY. NO BLEEPIN’ WAY.

    Plus, just imagine him working with congress. seriously, this would be a bad idea for Obama.

    Barack, pick up the phone and ask Hillary who should get the job. Vet. Then offer it to that person. you’ll thank Hillary again, like you always do.

  • beebop

    The comments at ABC are extremely revealing and piling up amazingly fast … none of them good. Almost as telling as those posted today at the NYTimes editorial. Either his supporters are doing a breath takingly fast 180, or they are totally bummed, not commenting and the rest of us are finally breaking out of the stupor.

  • KmX

    A House of Troubling Tax Traitors

  • susan h

    IMO, Howard Dean should have been the one nominated in the first place. I wonder if there is “bad blood” between Obama and Dean. Maybe Obama wants “yes” type people in place, like Daschle and Tim Kaine who will blindly do what Obama wants. Dean is more of a loose cannon but certainly qualified for this position. Seems funny that Obama has overlooked the two people who really put him into office, Howard Dean and Donna Brazille. Wonder what gives there?

  • Oisafraud

    If Dean accepts the nomination to be SOHS then Dean is the biggest joke ever. What a moron?

  • getfitnow

    I don’t believe that BO is making these selections. He hasn’t been in DC long enough to even know these people. Somebody else is pulling the strings. But now they’re starting to run into speed bumps and because he is not in charge and lacks the leadership qualities to take charge, I see controlled chaos turning into a circus.

    • Ferd Berfle

      I don’t believe that BO is making these selections. He hasn’t been in DC long enough to even know these people. Somebody else is pulling the strings.

      Your post succinctly describes the reason why I (and most PUMAs) did not want him in the first place. Do you think HRC would have made these sorts of boneheaded mistakes?

  • sowsear
    • beebop

      That is totally fabulous … I’m surprised that Pat didn’t think of it!

    • DAB

      Perfect!

    • bayareavoter

      I love that–thanks for the afternoon giggle.

  • sowsear

    No Dean, no how. Uunscrupulous is thy name.

  • ford

    Loved the laughs, and the petition Pumas, I really needed them today…

    Thanks Larry and friends!

    • beebop

      Then you love TUFER TAX FRAUD TUESDAY … two of them forced to withdraw because they weren’t up to paying their taxes! Does he not look stupid or what? Shrub is having his best couple of weeks in years … ya think?

  • http://BREAKINGNEWS!! Oisafraud

    White House: Performance Czar Nancy Killefer Withdraws Candidacy

    “Nancy Killefer has withdrawn her candidacy to be the first chief performance officer for the federal government, the White House announced Tuesday. Nancy Killefer, who failed for a year and a half to pay employment taxes on household help, has withdrawn her candidacy to be the first chief performance officer for the federal government, the White House said Tuesday.”

    The Question is. Did Obama and Michelle paid their taxes???????????????????

    • DAB

      Apparently she also had a lien against her home at one time which was eventually paid — just like Joe the Plumber, except he wasn’t a former IRA employee or financial expert like she was.

    • KmX

      Well well welll….I think Obama needs to appoint a Chief Performance Officer for ths Stimulus Package. Lets make sure AMericans can still perform in bed after we buy them government funded condoms. hehehe

      • sowsear

        How about another Obama personal tax deduction?

  • Doc99
  • mgm

    Haven’t any of these whizkids ever heard of vetting their cabinet picks before the announcements? It’s been such a sloppy process I can’t imagine how they can run a government. For me the last straw was the $100 a lb. Japanese beef for the White House Super Bowl party. Didn’t Marie Antoinette lose her head over something like that?

  • DAB

    Interested rticle about Dean and how he wanted to be in Obama administration and how his followers are upset that he was bypassed.

    http://www.startribune.com/politics/37730829.html

    Hope he doesn’t get it.

    • bayareavoter

      from the link above

      Some of his supporters have been upset that after all he’s done for Democrats, President-elect Barack Obama did not pick him for an administration job. When asked how he felt, Dean said he would “punt on that one.”

      “Obviously, it would have been great,” Dean said in a telephone interview from his home in Burlington, Vt. “But it’s not happening and the president has the right to name his own Cabinet, so I’m not going to work in the government it looks like.”

      Well, boo frickin’ hoo. As my kid would say: go cry in a corner. Didn’t he see the handwriting on the wall as soon as Bambi moved the DNC to Chicago? Under the bus! Dean and Brazile should be sent to Guantanamo for a short stay for the illegal things they did to get Obama elected and what they did to defeat Hillary. And pack off all these thieves with them: Daschle, Gietner, etc.

  • Citizen70

    Daschle’s probably pissed off at Geithner. If it weren’t for his tax thievery surfacing first, Daschle might have skated through.

    • ziggy

      Maybe the IRS should do tax audits of every senator and congressional rep. Think anyone would propose that? If someone actually did, you’d probably be able to hear a pin drop.

      • KmX

        How about make it madatory for them to use TURBO TAX FOR DUMMIEs.

        • Ferd Berfle

          Because they’d screw that up, too.

  • typical.white.person

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avG9DvLi-aQ

    In light of the controversy surrounding taxes on the limo service that Tom Daschle got for free, this 1986 ad is ironic.

  • DanNY

    I would love to see Howard Dean as H&HS! If Obama nominates Dean… That could go along way in the right direction to win over people who didn’t support Obama because of his inexperience. In my opinion.

    • beebop

      Sorry to burst your bubble gum bubble … but Coward Dean is a terrible choice. Absolutely the worst possible choice after Tommy …. The WORST. The only person worse might be horse face Kerry. Yeah. He would definitely be worse than Dean. It needs someone from outside the belt way not afraid to take on the establishment.

    • beebop

      What about someone from the CDC?

      • Ferd Berfle

        Hell, anyone but Dean. He’d wreck it like he did my former party.

        • beebop

          There is a very smart woman that ran one of the offices there — she just resigned — I heard her speak at an event. She was fabulous. Was very involved in HIV/AIDS in the very very very beginning … name begins with a “G” ….

          • Ferd Berfle

            I wish I knew who she was. It escapes me.

            • beebop

              The Center For Disease Control and Prevention, the government agency that studies diseases, their origins and how to prevent the spread of disease, will be getting a new director. The change in presidents has a trickle-down effect as President-elect Barack Obama will be selecting the people who will run the variety of government agencies. On Friday the announcement was made that Dr. Julie Gerberding, the currect director of the CDC, had been asked to resign and had in fact tendered her resignation.

              Barky wanted her gone ….. she probably paid her taxes …. :)

              • ziggy

                It wasn’t Obama’s people who raised issues about her:

                Gerberding’s leadership of the CDC has been the subject of an inquiry by the United States Senate Finance Committee. Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the committee, has announced that the committee is trying to determine whether the upheaval at the agency has jeopardized its scientific mission. Among several lines of inquiry, the committee is investigating the circumstances surrounding the receipt of premium bonuses by members of an inner circle of officials at the CDC, at the expense of scientists and others who perform much of the agency’s scientific work. Administrators inside Gerberding’s office have benefited the most. William Gimson III, the agency’s chief operating officer, received bonuses totaling $147,863 between 2002 and mid-2006.

                The bonuses for administrators were part of a decision by the George W. Bush administration prioritizing transformation of CDC’s management…

                http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Gerberding

                • Ferd Berfle

                  I’ll get my news from a more temporally stable source, Zig Zag.

                  • ziggy

                    I’ll assume you’re referring to the malleability of Wikipedia, rather than to the stability of my temporal lobes…

                    • Ferd Berfle

                      I’ll assume you’re referring to the malleability of Wikipedia,

                      Malleability? Ah, yes, the old take-a-word-through-the-entire-heavy-wash-cycle-so-it-spins-out-nicely fallacy.

                      Which part of temporal, a better word, is giving you trouble there, spliff-boy?

                      rather than to the stability of my temporal lobes…

                      That’s an oxymoron.

                    • Ferd Berfle

                      Equivocation, Zippy, is the way of all bots, particularly you.

                  • beebop

                    I’ll get my news from a more temporally stable source,

                    hahahahahahahahaha

                    You rock!

            • Doc99

              That would be Dr. Julie Gerberding.

              • Ferd Berfle

                Thanks, Doc. I couldn’t remember.

  • sowsear

    Hillary could probably do both, especially if the special envoys are doing her SOS job.

    • Ferd Berfle

      And be better at both at the same time.

  • Ferd Berfle

    you NEED TO PAY YOUR DAMN TAXES!

    Amen to that. This really isn’t about whether taxes are “right” or not. It is an issue of law. Those who cheat on their taxes are likely to cheat on other things, as well. We certinaly don’t need those sort anywhere near the government or our money.

    Therre are only three rules:
    1. Know the rules,
    2. Comply with the rules, or
    3. Cause the rules to be changed.

  • Doc99

    Ferd that is THE issue … If the tax code is so complicated that Geithner, Daschle, Rangel et al get tripped up, maybe the problem is the Tax Code. While we’re into the whole Change thing, how about changing the Tax Code?

    • Ferd Berfle

      That is Rule 3.

      • http://N/A breeze

        HERE’S WHAT THE BRITS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT ALL

        HERE’ S WHAT THE BRITS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT:

        Obama suffers blow over nominees

        Feb. 3, 2009
        BBC NEWS

        Former Senator Tom Daschle has withdrawn his nomination as US health and human services secretary after a controversy involving unpaid taxes.

        US President Barack Obama said he had accepted his nominee’s withdrawal “with sadness and regret”.

        It was revealed last week that Mr Daschle, an early Obama backer, had failed to pay some $130,000 in taxes.

        His move came only hours after Nancy Killefer, nominated as budget watchdog, also withdrew over tax issues.

        The two high-profile withdrawals were the latest setbacks for Mr Obama as he seeks to form his new administration.

        Ms Killefer said she did not want a personal tax issue – reportedly concerning household help – to distract from and delay Mr Obama’s plans.

        Her appointment to the newly-created post of chief performance officer was intended to help cut wasteful government spending.

        Announcing his withdrawal, Mr Daschle, the former Senate Democratic leader, said he would have not been able to operate “with the full faith of Congress and the American people”.

        He also said he did not want to “be a distraction” from Mr Obama’s agenda.

        In a statement, Mr Obama said: “Tom has made a mistake, which he has openly acknowledged. He has not excused it, nor do I.”

        White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said both nominees had come to the decision to withdraw on their own.

        “They both recognised that you can’t set an example of responsibility but accept a different standard of who serves,” Mr Gibbs said.

        Massachusetts Senator John Kerry said Mr Daschle’s withdrawal was a great loss to the cause of health care reform.

        “When the smoke clears and the frenzy has ended, no-one will believe that this unwitting mistake should have erased 30 years of selfless public service and remarkable skill and legislative expertise on health care,” he said.

        Mr Daschle paid about $128,000 in back taxes and $12,000 in interest last month.

        Appearing before the Senate Finance Committee on Monday, he apologised for what he said had been
        a mistake. The tax issue stemmed from the use of a car and driver provided to him by a friend and consulting client.

        The BBC’s James Coomarasamy in Washington says Mr Obama has been facing growing criticism over the contradiction between his pledge to create a new, ethical administration and the problems of his nominees.

        US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner was confirmed last week only after long arguments over his failure to pay $34,000 (£24,500) in taxes he owed until shortly before he was nominated.

        In January, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson announced he was withdrawing from consideration as commerce secretary after an investigation was launched into a state contract that had been given to his campaign donors.

        Republican Senator Judd Gregg was on Tuesday appointed instead, the second from his party to join Mr Obama’s cabinet.

        • Ferd Berfle

          HERE’S WHAT THE BRITS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT ALL

          HERE’ S WHAT THE BRITS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT:

          We didn’t care the first time.

        • http://! stodgie

          uhh, the brits have some housecleaning to do on their side of the pond i believe.

    • beebop

      That is a BS excuse. They all know the rules. That’s why they are so amazingly good at avoiding them. Turbo tax couldn’t be manipulated unless you knew exactly how to do it!

      • Ferd Berfle

        They all know the rules.

        Ding!

        The morons who had them written and voted them into law should be the first ones to get it right.

        I think ANYONE cheating on their taxes should not be even considered for government service.

  • http://BREAKINGNEWS!! Oisafraud

    I would like to know if Obama & Michelle paid their taxes? Anyone??

    • Ferd Berfle

      I think they submitted some tax documentation early in the primaries last year. It didn’t look quite right but I’m not a tax expert.

    • KmX

      What about the gift of cheap land That Rezko help Obama buy. I bet he didn’t write that down on his tAxes.

      • Mary

        They had their Chicago home listed as an “Historical Site” on the city list (Michelle served on that board until her home was added, then quit).

        What that MEANS is that they are exempt from property taxes for 10 years from the date of purchase.

        • Ferd Berfle

          They had their Chicago home listed as an “Historical Site” on the city list (Michelle served on that board until her home was added, then quit).

          LMAO. Historic only in that a horror movie may one day made there. The Pomposityville Horror.

  • Citizen70

    Does anyone know if Daschle is keeping his role as Health Czar in Obama’s White House?

  • sowsear

    No lobbyists??
    SHV, on February 3rd, 2009 at 2:42 pm Said:
    Here is a partial list of Obama’s pet l0bbyists:

    Eric Holder, attorney general nominee, was registered to lobby until 2004 on behalf of clients including Global Crossing, a bankrupt telecommunications firm [now confirmed].

    Tom Vilsack, secretary of agriculture nominee, was registered to lobby as recently as last year on behalf of the National Education Association.

    William Lynn, deputy defense secretary nominee, was registered to lobby as recently as last year for defense contractor Raytheon, where he was a top executive.

    William Corr, deputy health and human services secretary nominee, was registered to lobby until last year for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a non-profit that pushes to limit tobacco use.

    David Hayes, deputy interior secretary nominee, was registered to lobby until 2006 for clients, including the regional utility San Diego Gas & Electric.

    Mark Patterson, chief of staff to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, was registered to lobby as recently as last year for financial giant Goldman Sachs.

    Ron Klain, chief of staff to Vice President Joe Biden, was registered to lobby until 2005 for clients, including the Coalition for Asbestos Resolution, U.S. Airways, Airborne Express and drug-maker ImClone.

    Mona Sutphen, deputy White House chief of staff, was registered to lobby for clients, including Angliss International in 2003.

    Melody Barnes, domestic policy council director, lobbied in 2003 and 2004 for liberal advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the American Constitution Society and the Center for Reproductive Rights.

    Cecilia Munoz, White House director of intergovernmental affairs, was a lobbyist as recently as last year for the National Council of La Raza, a Hispanic advocacy group.

    Patrick Gaspard, White House political affairs director, was a lobbyist for the Service Employees International Union.

    Michael Strautmanis, chief of staff to the president’s assistant for intergovernmental relations, lobbied for the American Association of Justice from 2001 until 2005.

  • Ferd Berfle

    Has anyone ever noticed that the comments from UKeleleforDims sound eerily familiar, in terms of put-this-crap-through-the-spin-cycle-again wording, to the hystrionics that was the mainstay of impromptu new conferences Baghdad Bob used to have prior to the removal of Hussein?

    • oowawa

      Gosh Ferd, it’s hard to keep them all straight: Baghdad Bob, Tokyo Rose, Hanoi Hannah, Seoul City Sue, Axis Sally . . .

      I don’t know what’s up with UK Demo–but I will give him this–he’s diligent and persistent! And I don’t think the government of the United Kingdom is paying him . . . so I don’t know . . .

      Funny thing is, if the Messiah phenomenon hadn’t redrawn all of the battle lines, I’d probably be on his side on a lot of issues . . . Same goes with UBM.

      But the world has turned upside down.

      • WildChild

        Dogs sleeping with cats. Water flowing uphill. It’s a mess out there.

      • Ferd Berfle

        Funny thing is, if the Messiah phenomenon hadn’t redrawn all of the battle lines, I’d probably be on his side on a lot of issues . .

        Oowawa:

        I beg to differ only on that one:

        His dogmatic and invincibly ignorant comments only convince me that he is:

        1. No democrat and
        2. A troll.

        I take issue with a lot of Republican ideas AND Democrat ideas. But as long as they are honestly debated and honestly felt and with an acknowledgement that that other side has just as much right to their ideas, I have no problem.

        UKelele’s comments sound less like a true democrat’s and more like a bot’s. You could replace UKeleleforDims with a UKeleleforRepugs and they would sound alike in tone and only differ in which extreme the content was at home with.

        And UBM is just a self-absorbed, self-important buffoon.

        • WildChild

          UKie isn’t American.

          • Ferd Berfle

            I don’t know what he is other than android, with a bios that has been corrupted with some 2s to go along with the 0s and 1s.

            • WildChild

              He was blogging here last June. He lives in Northern Ireland.

              • Ferd Berfle

                Probably Sinn Fein, judging from his dogmatic approach to everything under the sun and his use of gainsay in lieu of sound argument.

        • oowawa

          Yep. A troll, no doubt. And I am not trying to defend these folks in any sense. A Democrat? Well, I was a Democrat all my life, as were many NQ readers, and I split with my party over Obama, because of his tactics, his inexperience, his supporters’ misogyny, the DNC, and the MSM. I am a PUMA, and to me, that means I don’t got to show no stinking badges, and I am free to vote as I choose. And it will always be that way. I voted for McCain and Palin, because I thought they were the best choice.

          But of course, that does not mean that I do not still believe in a lot of the ideals that were brought forth by FDR and Bill Clinton. And I think that UBM (who has been beyond obnoxious), and even UKDem (whoever in the hell he is) also share some of those ideals. As do you, I know. We were divided because we could not agree on the Big O.
          aa
          So anyway, all I am saying is this: the Obama phenomenon has redrawn the battle lines. I am fighting against the same people who would have been on my side, had it not been for Barack Obama. I’m still coming to terms with this myself. It is laughable when young UKDem paints everybody on this site with the “Republican” paintbrush, because most of us sure are not. But as the battle lines have been redrawn, sometimes PUMAs stand with Republicans. I don’t know what will emerge out of all this, but I know that politically speaking, I will never be the same.

          • Ferd Berfle

            I agree, oowaawa. I was a lifelong Democrat, having only voted for a Republican once, Gerald Ford (I was in the Army at the time) and voted straight Democratic tickets up until the last election. My former party became the very thing I despised in the other party. So now I am independent and will remain so. Whoever wants my vote will have to earn it and it is liberating.

            Perhaps all the two-party system really needs is a vast uncommitted center that ultimately decides. Perhaps it will entice both parties to move to where we are and not to the loony fringes.

            • oowawa

              Whoever wants my vote will have to earn it and it is liberating.

              That sums it up. Not a party, not a faction: Party Unity My Ass!

          • WildChild

            The best way to tell if you are in the center or onto is the terms the fringes use to describe you. During the bush administration called me a loony leftist. During the reign of BOBO the fringe left thinks I’m a republican.

            When the fringes call you their pet term for the other fringe, the center is where you are.

            • WildChild

              oops, the right fringe called me a loony leftist

              • Ferd Berfle

                You are spot on. When both extremes hate you comes the epiphany that you are doing something correct.

    • http://! stodgie

      the absolute frothing at the mouth by uk re: pumas leaves me shaking my head.

  • WildChild

    The northern Irish are for BOBO. I guess they miss the IRA.

    • beebop

      That, and he’s gonna f*ck this country so much that what investment money is left will flee there …

      • Ferd Berfle

        Where distant relatives of Teddy and old Joe will make a lot of money.

  • NYC

    Comment by kinthenorthwest | 2009-02-03 14:32:25

    You know Im still trying to figure out what the big emergency is to spend more money. It seems that Obama has everyone running scared. No one will question anything he wants; they just do it.

    Because HE IS the President! Haven’t you seen that little video a while ago? Of course, he tried to look/sound ‘cute’, but he said that.

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL08s5uH8as jeanniejo

    http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=6791853

    Obama Blames Himself for Mishandling Daschle

    Obama in TV interview blames himself for handling of tax issue that led to Daschle withdrawal

    Obama told NBC “I’m frustrated with myself” for unintentionally sending a message that there are “two sets of rules” for paying taxes, “one for prominent people and one for ordinary folks.”

    “I take responsibility for this mistake,” he told Fox News.

    I offer my favorite video in regard to Obama, his campaing and now his Administration

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL08s5uH8as

    Transparency: an open letter to Barack Obama

    • cynic

      I don’t recall his predecessor ever admitting to an error or taking blame while in office.

  • http://dakiniland.wordpress.com Dakinikat

    Does this mean Geithner is quitting Treasury now? Afterall, he did basically the same damn thing.

  • http://360.yahoo.com/ommotherlifeforce fred heidrick

    daschle got what he deserved

    obama allready has to take a break by going to a second graders class room after only 2 week on the job,reminds me of bush heading for texas every few months

  • ripalinsky

    Not get caught not paying your taxes, you should say.

    You can do ANYTHING and be a part of Obama’s gang if you don’t get caught. If you do get caught, you have to wait until the spotlight is off of you to join the gang.

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