Democrats to Blame for High Gas Prices
According to Rush Limbaugh, master economist as well as the smartest man in America, Democrats are to blame for high gas prices. And he's right you know. I found this story about rising gas prices from March, 2000, the last time a Democrat sat in the Oval Office (though - cough, cough - the Republicans did control Congress back then): March 14, 2000 Web posted at: 11:26 p.m. EST (0426 GMT) WASHINGTON -- Gas prices have surged in the past 12 months, experiencing their biggest dollar increase in the past 30 years, according to a survey conducted for AAA. Self-serve regular, unleaded gasoline averaged $1.54 per gallon nationwide, according to AAA's March Fuel Gauge Report released Tuesday. Damn those Democrats. They're to blame now that gas costs, on average, around $3.72 a gallon*. It sure can't be George W. Bush's fault. If it's one thing we've learned since 2001, it's never Bush's fault (or the fault of any God fearing, flag waving, yellow ribbon bumper sticking Republican for that matter). Not 9/11. Not Iraq. Not Katrina. Not the Federal deficit. Not the rise in business bankruptcies. Not the corruption by US companies with government contracts. Not inflation. Not the health care crisis. Not unemployment. Not the incredible shrinking dollar. Not our sullied moral reputation around the world and the loss of our influence and power. Nope. You can't blame Bush for that. Not the man who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave up golf for the duration of the War on Terror. I'll tell you who's to blame for all of America's woes: Barack Obama.** Just wait, you'll see I'm right. As soon as he wins the nomination it will be finally be reported in the liberal media how this America hating, terrorist loving, Israel bashing, Muslim Manchurian candidate with the name only one letter removed from Osama single handedly wrecked the American Dreams of millions of Americans. Well, he and his tree hugging buddy Al Gore, along with the secular humanists, the gays, the feminazis, Jeremiah Wright, Al Sharpton, illegal immigrants, scientists, college professors, liberal effete, elite snobs in New York City, and the defeatocrats in Congress led by that Dragon Lady, Nancy Pelosi. Just wait and see. The truthiness will out. * Adjusted for inflation, that's roughly a 185% increase in the cost of a gallon of gas from March, 2000 to today, or an average yearly increase of 23.25% over the last 8 years. Damn those Democrats! ** Should Hillary Clinton's fondest fantasy come true, and she becomes the Democratic party's nominee, just insert her name in this sentence in place of Barack's.
- Original article
- FILED UNDER: Guest Blogger
- May 14, 2008








Rush WHO?!
Isn't he the drug addict who frequents the Dominican Republic with suitcases loaded with Viagra so he can properly pork little Dominican boys??!! I thought so ...
Oh! Monkey Boy didn't have to give up GOLF??!! HE CAN'T CLEAR BRUSH AS OFTEN AS HE'S WANTED TO!!! Boo hoo - cry me a river, Monkey Boy and DROWN in it.
"Bitch may be the new black but black is the new President, bitch."
Tracy Morgan, SNL
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By Pookie2112May 14, 2008 - 10:27amPatience, Pookers...
Come November 4, that drug-snarfing pederast will be in the Museum of Natural History right next to T. rex and the woolly mammoth. If they can find a big enough niche for his foie gras-fueled sumo physique, that is!
You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.
---Ray Bradbury
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By LiberalIconoclastMay 14, 2008 - 12:13pmT. rex, woolly mammoth ... foie gras-fueled sumo physique ...
how fitting and proper for ol' Limpballs! LOL
"Bitch may be the new black but black is the new President, bitch."
Tracy Morgan, SNL
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By Pookie2112May 14, 2008 - 12:52pmT. Rex might be too good for Monkey Boy...
But then again, there are some scientists who think T. Rex was a scavenger. You know...just a big...overgrown......garbage-chomping.............RAT.
You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.
---Ray Bradbury
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By LiberalIconoclastMay 14, 2008 - 1:27pmShould Hillary Clinton's fondest fantasy come true...
...and she becomes the Democratic party's nominee...
...it will be the Democratic Party's worst nightmare.
____________________
The "Dream Ticket" is a Death Trap!
Obama / Sebelius '08
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By SJerseyIndyMay 14, 2008 - 11:04amAnd the sad thing is...
It's not that Hillary would be a bad leader. Yes, she's a bit too conservative for me, but she could probably get things done. It is that if she manages to pull the nomination out of somewhere, the swiftboaters will pick her off like Jesse James playing "Duck Hunt." The dreaded name of Clinton can still bring out the nut vote in places where people still give a rat's ass what FALSE NOISE says.
You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.
---Ray Bradbury
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By LiberalIconoclastMay 14, 2008 - 12:28pmBy LiberalIconoclast May 14, 2008 - 12:28pm
If how she has campaigned is to be of any indication, I wholeheartedly disagree. She would be a terrible leader. And the last thing we need is another divisive, dishonest, say one thing and do another, unable to admit a mistake President who governs from the right/center-right...
____________________
The "Dream Ticket" is a Death Trap!
Obama / Sebelius '08
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By SJerseyIndyMay 14, 2008 - 12:34pmHmmm...
Her campaign *has* been what the samurai called "mutual kill." Seems she is determined to give Grumpy as much ammo as she can to defeat Obama, just in case she doesn't get the nomination.
You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.
---Ray Bradbury
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By LiberalIconoclastMay 14, 2008 - 12:38pmDeluded fool
Hillary is a liberal and her positions are hardly different from Obamas. At least Hillary would actually get elected to try to put the liberal agenda in practice. But pres McCain thanks you for your support.
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By hufflarry2000May 14, 2008 - 2:08pmI'm paying 3.85 in San Diego County...
Thanks a whole fucking bunch there, Curious George.

I hope your oil buddies enjoy their multimillion-dollar yachts while your loyal supporters eat ramen so they can afford to gas up their SUV's.
You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.
---Ray Bradbury
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By LiberalIconoclastMay 14, 2008 - 12:47pmONLY $3.85??
That's a BAHGAIN! I'm paying ... $4.19 ... I WIN! I WIN! I'm getting ripped off more than you are ... na na na na boo boo, stick your head in doo-doo!
"Bitch may be the new black but black is the new President, bitch."
Tracy Morgan, SNL
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By Pookie2112May 14, 2008 - 12:58pmNot hard to do these days
Thanks to President Pooflinger, we're ALL eating a big ol' ration of Crawford cowpies. I can scarcely hope for a trial and prison, but at least I hope the bastard only gets speaking engagements for Fresno revival meetings. Or maybe he can open for some christian band in Branson!
You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.
---Ray Bradbury
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By LiberalIconoclastMay 14, 2008 - 1:04pmThe way Monkey Boy has even blown off the
freak shows in the religious right, I doubt THEY'LL even take him at this point but you may be on to something about being an opening act ... he can go onstage and see how long it takes before his face turns blue from choking on a pretzel! Perhaps he can stumble over his bike ... he can be the Chevy Chase of Branson!
"Bitch may be the new black but black is the new President, bitch."
Tracy Morgan, SNL
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By Pookie2112May 14, 2008 - 1:47pmOnly $4.19??
I WIN! I WIN!...I'm paying about $9.00US, but I'm not getting ripped off. Most of that price includes taxes to fund health care, education, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Hell, it even pays for lazy people to sit on their asses and get a free-ride.
That said, I'm not complaining. Not one single German has died for oil!
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By ExpatinEUMay 14, 2008 - 2:07pmNo, I still win!!
You get MUCH more for your $9.00 ... My whole $4.19 just gets to make Big Oil, RICHER and that just gives me the warm & fuzzies ... la la la, I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts!!
;-)
"Bitch may be the new black but black is the new President, bitch."
Tracy Morgan, SNL
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By Pookie2112May 14, 2008 - 2:49pmPook you DO understand...
That out of the $9.00 he is paying for gas, the oil company is making the same amount of money as the $4.19 you are paying here... Are you saying that you would rather pay $9.00 a gallon as long as the GOVERNMENT (who does NOTHING to produce the oil) makes nearly $5.00 a gallon? You do realize that that $5.00 a gallon would unfairly "punish" the poor since the "rich" can afford it.... It's a FairTax of sort since it is a consumption tax. If you don't want to pay it, take the bus or ride a bike.
If we want to take a bite out of big oil, the only way is to allow drilling off FL and in ANWR so that we can improve supply. Supply goes up, price goes down...
PS: How much do you think the "evil" oil company's make on a gallon of gasoline?
"My presidency will be al Qaeda's worst nightmare." -John McCain Sep 4, 2007
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By Fight4itMay 14, 2008 - 3:38pmSince that $5.00
would either pay for needed programs or replace another tax and have the additional benefit of reducing the demand for oil which would put downward pressure on the price and therefore reduce those obscene profits, YES!!!
The notion that lower taxes would ever cut government spending that Raygun was so fond of pushing has long since been refuted. Conversely the idea that increasing a tax will automatically be swallowed up doesn't hold water either. Spending is a separate issue. The only way to cut spending is to cut spending.
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By gt6May 14, 2008 - 3:45pmMaybe we should retire people like YOU
who use the military as a personal welfare program? You dont know a damn thing about the effects on the oil supply if they drill off the coast. You only know what that disgusting druggie on the radio tells you, you damned demented ditto head disgrace.
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By hufflarry2000May 14, 2008 - 3:47pmBy hufflarry2000 May 14, 2008 - 3:47pm
You only know what that disgusting druggie on the radio tells you, you damned demented ditto head disgrace.
---------------------
Now, now. That's no way to treat your fellow Dittodolts in Arms. Go Team Hillary!
____________________
The "Dream Ticket" is a Death Trap!
Obama / Sebelius '08
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By SJerseyIndyMay 14, 2008 - 4:05pmNo I am a Democrat
You are a McCain supporter by default. Hopefully you will not be allowed to destroy the party. Go McGovern!
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By hufflarry2000May 14, 2008 - 4:10pmWell, Mr. Man ... since out of that $9.00 ALSO comes
healthcare for all and other pleasantries our government sees fit to NOT provide it's citizens with, then yes, I'd GLADLY pay $9.00. At least I'd know I'd be getting more out of it than knowing I'm helping Big Oil bigwigs purchase the $2.5M yacht, the third or fourth vacation home, etc.
And, the poor WOULD get something out of it ... healthcare and other said pleasantries.
If you want to take a bite out of big oil, instead of potentially ruining wildlife habitats and what few natural, open spaces this country has left, RESEARCH ALTERNATIVE FUELS.
P.S. Considering Big Oil is raking in about $1 billion a WEEK in PROFITS, I'd say they're getting a decent chunk per gallon.
Anything else?
"Bitch may be the new black but black is the new President, bitch."
Tracy Morgan, SNL
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By Pookie2112May 14, 2008 - 4:07pmBy Pookie2112May 14, 2008 - 4:07pm
Fair enough...Now here is a good question for the pollsters...
1. Do you support a national health care system....
I'd guess that we'd see 80-90% YES....
2. Would your support a national health care system if it were paid for by expanding the national gas tax from $0.14 a gallon to $5.00 a gallon thus bringing the price of gas to $8.70 a gallon?
Care to guess where those numbers would come in at? People want "free" health care as long as they don't have to actualy pay for it...
People might have health care, but they couldn't affort to drive to the appointment... I guess tele-medicine could help, see your Dr. via webcam!
"My presidency will be al Qaeda's worst nightmare." -John McCain Sep 4, 2007
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By Fight4itMay 14, 2008 - 4:15pmMaybe we should cut off
your socialist healthcare to save some money? Hasnt the govt and taxpayers paid your way for long enough?
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By hufflarry2000May 14, 2008 - 4:22pmBy hufflarry2000May 14, 2008 - 4:22pm
Wow, huffy came out from under his rock! Billary wins one and here you are. Hey you better hurry and donate to her campaign, she needs your money to pay off debt before she hands her balls over to Obama...
Welcome back! Now, F-O-A-D....
"My presidency will be al Qaeda's worst nightmare." -John McCain Sep 4, 2007
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By Fight4itMay 14, 2008 - 4:27pmWhy dont you donate
some of MY money to Hillary since I and all other Americans pay for everything in your life for your whole life? Republicans LOVE small govt just so that govt is big enough for them to make a living off of.
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By hufflarry2000May 14, 2008 - 4:37pmBy hufflarry2000May 14, 2008 - 4:37pm
Wow, so kind of you to think of me huff. Now lemmee see what are the chances that I'll even consider donating to Hillary Clinton.....
I'm looking out the window and......Nope, no pigs flying...
No donation for Billary today...
"My presidency will be al Qaeda's worst nightmare." -John McCain Sep 4, 2007
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By Fight4itMay 14, 2008 - 4:47pmI wouldnt either if I were you
She would beat the crap out of your ancient candidate. But dont worry, the libtards will give you the gift of Obama, who even grandpa can easily beat.
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By hufflarry2000May 14, 2008 - 4:50pmBy hufflarry2000May 14, 2008 - 4:50pm
I can't believe that you actually believe that. Besides the "Reverend" Wrong thing (and Obama put that to bed) there really isn't anything to blast Obama about. It'll actually be kinda dull going up against Obama and he'll probably win. Billary on the other hand has PLENTY of crap for us to snipe over....Ohhhhh, waitaminute, it probably isn't legal to use the word "snipe" when discussing Billary as it may put her into a PTSD seizure. We all know about her combat action when she was landing... Sowwy...
"My presidency will be al Qaeda's worst nightmare." -John McCain Sep 4, 2007
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By Fight4itMay 14, 2008 - 4:55pmUmmm...
America is a racist country that will NEVER elect a black man. You should know that being a member of the racist Republican party. Clinton would win in a landslide.
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By hufflarry2000May 14, 2008 - 5:01pmBy hufflarry2000May 14, 2008 - 5:01pm
So far as I see, the racists are democrats and they are all voting for the white chick and not the brotha'.....
"My presidency will be al Qaeda's worst nightmare." -John McCain Sep 4, 2007
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By Fight4itMay 14, 2008 - 5:05pmThen you are blind
The biggest part of being a Republican is to be a racist and to be afraid of everything.
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By hufflarry2000May 14, 2008 - 5:10pmBy anusleaky2000May 14, 2008 - 5:10pm
Luckily for those Republicans, they have a "Real Democrat" like you to bend over backwards to try to appease and placate them...
____________________
The "Dream Ticket" is a Death Trap!
Obama / Sebelius '08
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By SJerseyIndyMay 15, 2008 - 9:56amBy Fight4itMay 14, 2008 - 4:15pm
I'll sum it up:
If paying $8.70/gal will provide healthcare - especially for those who need it and who can't afford it - and other services that will benefit the people, I'll pay it. Again, at least I would know where my money is going - not for the benefit of the oil executives, their trophy wives and mistresses, but for the benefit of the citizens who pay for big oil to have their trophy wives, mistresses, etc.
And, since most poor people use mass transit, they wouldn't have a whole heck of a lot to bitch about. Will said gas tax increase mass transit costs? You betcha, but paying $5.00/gal tax might help to offset said increases.
"Bitch may be the new black but black is the new President, bitch."
Tracy Morgan, SNL
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By Pookie2112May 14, 2008 - 5:31pmthe tax would not necessarily impact mass transit
the law could be written giving mass transit an exemption when they buy direct from the supplier.
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By gt6May 14, 2008 - 8:35pmBy gt6May 14, 2008 - 8:35pm
Ooo - good point ...
"Bitch may be the new black but black is the new President, bitch."
Tracy Morgan, SNL
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By Pookie2112May 15, 2008 - 9:20amBy Pookie2112May 14, 2008 - 5:31pm
You do understand that in our sub-urban society, $9 a gallon would KILL the poor and middle class. Mass transit works in big urban areas like Chicago and New York and certainly works in densley populated areas in Europe and Japan but the US is not like Europe and Japan and a very small percentage of our populace lives in "the city". Where I agree a FairTax or "use tax" (such as a $5 a gallon tax on gasoline) is the MOST fair form of taxation (thank you Pook) I don't believe that destroying the poorest of our society by taking away their ability to get to and from work is the best way to raise revenue. Gasoline is almost a necessity in our society. Unlike food, you can live without it but it may be very hard to eek out a living without it.
I would be all for a TEMPROARY $2.00 tax to subsidize development of "Extreme Hybrid" technology, as the ability to drive 40 miles daily on a $1.50 worth of electricity would most certainly drive down the cost of gasoline quite rapidly. I would dare say that 40 miles would probably take care of most commuters on a daily basis.
"My presidency will be al Qaeda's worst nightmare." -John McCain Sep 4, 2007
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By Fight4itMay 14, 2008 - 9:59pm$5.00 overnight
added to the price would be a big problem. Less so phased in over time, but the first thing that would happen is it would eat into oil corp profits, then usage would begin to drop, further eroding the ability of big oil to gouge us. The price of gasoline is far more effected by demand than cost. As long as people will pay a price they will charge it and then try a little more until demand falls off. If a dollar tax were added, the price would initially go up, but people would cut way back and the price would come down, coming out of profit.
Plug in Hybrids are possible now all that is needed is the incentive to build them. no need to spend money on development, spend it on a rebate for purchase.
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By gt6May 14, 2008 - 10:42pmBy Fight4itMay 14, 2008 - 9:59pm
I'm fully aware. I don't think it would necessarily kill the poor and middle classes if they're TRULY getting something out of the tax increase, like FREE healthcare, other social programs to help society as a whole, researching alternative fuels and fix our crumbling infrastructure. Perhaps taxes could be cut in other areas to help offset the increase in the has tax. It pisses me off that paying $4.19/gal does nothing but line the pockets of big oil, especially since these companies are raking in about $1 billion a WEEK in profits, PROFITS!! - I'd be more comfortable - and perfectly happy - paying $4.19 if I knew that at least some of it was going towards doing some good for the people who are keeping big oil in the lifestyle its become accustomed to.
My property taxes have increased at a pretty steep rate for the past five years (they've doubled) - do I mind paying the increase? Absolutely not. For the very reason that 85 to 90% of the city's budget pays for education in my school district - I know this money is going towards the betterment of our schools and our kids ... and for that, I'll GLADLY pay the extra $$.
Why is that those with less don't have major-league problems in paying tax increases, yet those with the most, do? Very telling, indeed.
"Bitch may be the new black but black is the new President, bitch."
Tracy Morgan, SNL
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By Pookie2112May 15, 2008 - 9:19amBy Pookie2112May 15, 2008 - 9:19am
While I do agree on some parts here is what you are missing...
You DO realize that if we were to impose a $4.00 a gallon tax to pay for such programs, this wouldn't keep the price of gas from going up. Ok, the price goes to $8.70 a gallon but the oil companies are still getting their $4.70 a gallon you've just given the govt an additional $4.00 in tax.
As far as property tax goes..I could not agree with you more and school property tax is an example of local taxes going to local schools, SMALL government. My wife and I make a pretty generous donation to our kids' school at the beginning of the school year to make sure their class has needed materials (but that is OUR choice).
"Why is that those with less don't have major-league problems in paying tax increases, yet those with the most, do? Very telling, indeed."
-Because those with the most pay a disproportionate portion of the tax burden. While I'm certainly not considered one of the "evil" rich, I could be considered "comfortable" (both my wife and I work). I don't mind paying taxes. I just hate seeing people who pay NO tax getting a tax refund (not the rebate, that was stupid). If the mantra of our forefathers was "No taxation without representation" then WHY in the hell are people that don't pay taxes getting "Representation with no taxation"?
And yes, there are families the get more back from taxes than the pay in, so in essence they get a free ride as the expense of those who sought out more education and better paying jobs...
"My presidency will be al Qaeda's worst nightmare." -John McCain Sep 4, 2007
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By Fight4itMay 15, 2008 - 10:47amre: By Fight4it May 15, 2008 - 10:47am
"Because those with the most pay a disproportionate portion of the tax burden."
Pure unadulterated reich-wing propaganda bullshit.
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪
"Three great forces rule the world: stupidity, fear and greed." -- Albert Einstein
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By GazmikMay 15, 2008 - 11:02amBy GazmikMay 15, 2008 - 11:02am
"Pure unadulterated reich-wing propaganda bullshit.
Do you REALLY want to make it that easy?
www.american.com/archive/2007/november-december-magazine-contents/guess-...
Dude
The top 1% make 19% of the wealth but pay 37% of ALL taxes...
The top 5% make 33% of all the wealth but pay 57% of all taxes...
The top 25% make 66% of all the wealth and pay 85% of all taxes...
The bottom 50% (1/2 of all Americans) make 13% of all the wealth and pay ONLY 3% of the taxes.
Shouldn't that read:
The top 25% make 66% of all the wealth and pay 66% of all taxes...
And the bottom 50% make 13% of the wealth and pay 13% of the taxes?
Now what was that you were saying about "reich-wing propaganda"??????
NOW if you want to argue that 1% of the population making 19% of all the wealth is a problem (and not fair), that is a different matter and Karl Marx has a place in his classroom for ya...
"My presidency will be al Qaeda's worst nightmare." -John McCain Sep 4, 2007
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By Fight4itMay 15, 2008 - 1:01pmre: By Fight4it May 15, 2008 - 1:01pm
Bullshit! The top 1% hold almost 40% of the wealth. Not 19%. You can try to spin it all you want, but it doesn't change the facts. You ignore the fact that most of their income is capital gains, and not earned income, so most of it is taxed at only 15%.
And you brain-dead mother fuckers feel sorry for them!
You don't deserve to live in America if you don't feel that those most able to pay for the privilege of living in America should pay for it!
Move to Mexico if you don't want to pay the fucking taxes!
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪
"Three great forces rule the world: stupidity, fear and greed." -- Albert Einstein
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By GazmikMay 15, 2008 - 1:14pmBy GazmikMay 15, 2008 - 1:14pm
Hey STRAWMAN, where did I say ANYTHING about how much wealth the rich control? Did you ever learn to R-E-A-D with comprehension. I listed INCOME....
Did I say I felt sorry for them....Nope...
Did I say I don't want to pay taxes...Nope, didn't see that either... I don't mind paying taxes, I've lived in areas where they have no tax base and it SUCKS.
I don't hate the rich because the make the most money although I do support the inheritance tax.
"My presidency will be al Qaeda's worst nightmare." -John McCain Sep 4, 2007
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By Fight4itMay 15, 2008 - 1:36pmre: By Fight4it May 15, 2008 - 1:36pm
You ignore the most of the capital gains that is not earned income. The money that the rich make just because they are fucking rich. That would be like saying that if I had a job that paid $25,000 a year, but made $100,000 a year selling drugs on the side, my only income is the $25,000 and that's the only income that I should have to pay taxes on.
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪
"Three great forces rule the world: stupidity, fear and greed." -- Albert Einstein
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By GazmikMay 15, 2008 - 1:51pmre: By Fight4it May 15, 2008 - 1:36pm
"I don't hate the rich because the make the most money..."
You make it perfectly obvious that you are extremely happy to suck their dicks.
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪
"Three great forces rule the world: stupidity, fear and greed." -- Albert Einstein
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By GazmikMay 15, 2008 - 1:55pmBy Fight4itMay 15, 2008 - 10:47am
Yes! I know! I got it! Big Oil would still get their profits!! And Congress should stop with the corporate welfare then. I think Big Oil has gotten MORE than its fair share of tax breaks, courtesy of Monkey Boy and his GOP chimpanzee's in Congress, so, it's high time Congress got off its collective ass and repealed some of those tax breaks.
Again, I will GLADLY give the government the extra $$ in taxes ... IF SAID TAXES WILL BENEFIT THE PEOPLE. As long as those $$ are doing some GOOD.
No, those with the most don't pay a disproportionate portion of the tax burden, it's the middle class. My CPA went through this with me at tax time ... I'm paying 28%, while the wealthy pay 15% ... how does that equate to the wealthy paying a "disproportionate portion"? Especially since the wealthy usually earn their income not from a paycheck, but from their investments,etc. Or, they just move their money to offshore accounts and don't pay taxes at ALL. And, TRUST me, the wealthy willingly pay their accountants to find every loophole they possibly can. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and venture a guess that the amount of money that goes to those who get back more in taxes than they pay in, or "free ride" as you so charmingly put it, is PALTRY compared to what the wealthy walk away with because of creative accounting. And, remember all those dollars that don't get taxed on in offshore accounts ... can you say "we're losing BILLIONS??"
It appears that, once again, you're blaming those with the least, while forgiving those with the most.
"Bitch may be the new black but black is the new President, bitch."
Tracy Morgan, SNL
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By Pookie2112May 15, 2008 - 12:38pmNot only is the minimum wage
Not only is the minimum wage higher in the Western nations of the European Union, but those high gas prices don't just flow into the oil companies' pockets...they are paying for public transportation, so that a minimum wage earner in those countries DOESN'T NEED A CAR! Can you imagine having such a good public transportation system that you don't need to buy gas if you're poor?
"In France (€1 254), Belgium (€1 259), the Netherlands (€1 301), the United Kingdom (€1 361), Ireland (€1 403) and Luxembourg (€1 570) minimum wages were over €1 200 per month.
The Irish hourly Minimum Wage rose to €8.30 per hour with effect from 1 January 2007 and will rise to €8.65 with effect from 1 July, 2007. The 12-month rise will amount to 13%.
For comparison, the federal minimum wage in the USA was €676 per month in January 2007."
http://www.finfacts.ie/irelandbusinessnews/publish/article_1010361.shtml'
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By MichtouMay 15, 2008 - 9:01amGermans also have a 19% nationwide sales tax....
....and nearly 50% income tax to pay for that health care....just sayin.
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By SgtDMay 15, 2008 - 2:38amBy LiberalIconoclastMay 14, 2008 - 12:47pm
WAITAMINUTE! You green libs should LOVE the idea of $6.00 a gallon as it'll force people to use mass transit and get rid of the Hummers and Yukons for Prius' and Focus'. You are a BUNCH of hypocrites.
You complain about the price of gas but you don't want drilling, nuke plants or CO2! You make NO sense!
"My presidency will be al Qaeda's worst nightmare." -John McCain Sep 4, 2007
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By Fight4itMay 14, 2008 - 2:13pmIf you look for the silver lining
then you are right, those are benefits of the high price. If it were done right as expat posted above ( at that, $9.00 is a bit much, but then their oil is nearly 100% imported) and paid for all those necessities or replaced other taxes, then I would say OK. 40 bill profits at Exxon do me no good at all.
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By gt6May 14, 2008 - 2:56pmBy gt6 May 14, 2008 - 2:56pm
My $9.00 figure also takes into account the weak dollar. I pay about 1.45 euros/per liter.
The US will also have to pay for the war in Iraq someday. So in a sense, you're probably paying more, or at least your kids and their children, but you don't get the benefits--Big Oil does. Kucinich talked about this in one of the debates, no one else seems to put the two together (i.e. how much you're "really" paying at the pump). And this is only monetary value. What about the cost in lives? Making more enemies?
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By ExpatinEUMay 14, 2008 - 3:28pmI understand
I have posted this several times. That the price of gas in Euros is up only 25 - 30% over the last 7 years. Is that accurate?
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By gt6May 14, 2008 - 3:47pmBy gt6 May 14, 2008 - 3:47pm
I have only lived in Germany for the last two years, but when I visited Germany in 2001 gas was four times as expensive here when compared to the US. Now it is just over double the price.
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By ExpatinEUMay 15, 2008 - 12:17pmI found a chart
On 1/28/02 gas in Germany was 3.15/Gal or 3.68 Euro
5/5/08 gas was $8.45 .or 5.40 Euro an increase of 46% while here it went up 168%
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By gt6May 15, 2008 - 12:50pmBy ExpatinEUMay 14, 2008 - 3:28pm
For frame of reference, you are paying $9.00 per gallon or about 5.8 Euros. Now that tells us nothing until we base in on the lowest common denominator.
Is there a "minimum wage" in Germany?
Currently in the US, min wage is $5.85 or a 1.6 gallons of gasoline for one hour of work (at minimum wage).
If there is a minimum wage in Germany, it would have to be 9.28 Euros/Hr to have the same buying power.... If min wage is 5 Euros/hr, then you guys are sucking wind but if min wage is 18 Euros/hr then you're kicking the crap outta us....
I also use McDonalds to represent buying power. Currently on hour of minimum wage work will buy a Big Mac Value meal. Can the same be said in Germany?
In Japan, that Big Mac Val meal ran about 650 yen (about $6.13) and the McDonalds employees in Japan made about 700 yen/hr so it was about a wash...
McDonalds and gasoline...The great equalizers...
"My presidency will be al Qaeda's worst nightmare." -John McCain Sep 4, 2007
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By Fight4itMay 14, 2008 - 3:54pmBy Fight4it May 14, 2008 - 3:54pm
"Is there a "minimum wage" in Germany?"
There is no minimum wage in Germany, only talk about implementing one.
"I also use McDonalds to represent buying power."
The problem with this is that McDonalds doesn't adjust its prices for the exchange rate. Thus, they usually charge one euro for something that costs one dollar in the US. A couple of "value" meals and happy meals will cost just under twenty euros, which equals about thirty dollars.
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By ExpatinEUMay 15, 2008 - 12:26pmBy ExpatinEUMay 15, 2008 - 12:26pm
The problem with this is that McDonalds doesn't adjust its prices for the exchange rate.
That is the point I was trying to make.
In the US it takes about 45 mins of work (at minimum wage = ~$4.27) to purchase a Big Mac value meal. If it takes the average high school kid in Germany or England the same 45 mins to purchase the same meal in Germany or England than it's a wash. But if because the US economy is "so bad" that in Germany or England the average HS kid getting min wage earns enough to pay that same meal in 15 mins of work (in their HOME country), than yes they have more buying power... I realize that because of exchange rates they can come on vacation here and buy the entire store. But that is the good thing about a "weak" dollar, we get more tourism and people buy our stuff....
"My presidency will be al Qaeda's worst nightmare." -John McCain Sep 4, 2007
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By Fight4itMay 15, 2008 - 1:08pmso now
the metric for cost of living is the big mac? Get real.
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By gt6May 15, 2008 - 2:21pmBy gt6May 15, 2008 - 2:21pm
No but it is pretty much a constant. You can't compare the cost of most items in different places because of market variations. You certainly can't compare the price of rent or realestate for one state to another much less one country to another. But one constant is the price of a Big Mac Meal.
In the US the price of a Big Mac meal is about 45 mins labor at minimum wage (5.85 x .75 = 4.38). Minimum wage in Japan is about 750Y/hr or about $7.14 BUT a Big Mac meal costs about 750Y....Sooooo, eventhough they make more money/hr than we do, it costs more to purchase the same item...
"My presidency will be al Qaeda's worst nightmare." -John McCain Sep 4, 2007
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By Fight4itMay 15, 2008 - 4:02pmThe price of a big mac
reflects only the demand for big macs and to a lesser degree, the cost of its ingredients. Beef is much cheaper in US than in europe or Japan due to the large expanses of cheap grazing land. If you want to compare the cost of living you have to look at a wide range of products. To do it any other way is just stupid.
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By gt6May 15, 2008 - 4:28pmI'm glad none on this thread appear old enough to vote,
judging by the childish things you all are posting. Grow up.
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By naacprepMay 14, 2008 - 1:30pmNeener neener neener!
Can the FOX false outrage and go back to your Thomas Soulless books Hatenomor, oh excuse me I mean Preppie.
You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.
---Ray Bradbury
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By LiberalIconoclastMay 14, 2008 - 1:35pmre: By naacprep May 14, 2008 - 1:30pm
Go fuck yourself, troll boy!
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪
"Three great forces rule the world: stupidity, fear and greed." -- Albert Einstein
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By GazmikMay 14, 2008 - 1:36pmWe don't CARE what you think, hatemoron!!!!
"Bitch may be the new black but black is the new President, bitch."
Tracy Morgan, SNL
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By Pookie2112May 14, 2008 - 1:44pmName calling
How childish.
Again, everyone of you who supports Obama, needs to support "Change". That includes the political rhetoric. You do him and what he stands for, a disservice, with your venomous remarks. It is people like you who are tearing the party apart. Change starts with self.
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By naacprepMay 14, 2008 - 9:52pmI DON'T HEAR YOU! LA LA LA!! I DON'T HEAR YOU!!
LOL - why, you're the biggest baby in the bunch, hatemoron. Please take your fake outrage and shove it FIRMLY up your ass.
"Bitch may be the new black but black is the new President, bitch."
Tracy Morgan, SNL
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By Pookie2112May 15, 2008 - 9:27amBy naacprep May 14, 2008 - 9:52pm
A special thanks to whoever it was who taught this hatefilledmoron how to spell check.
It makes his posts at least somewhat bearable...
____________________
The "Dream Ticket" is a Death Trap!
Obama / Sebelius '08
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By SJerseyIndyMay 15, 2008 - 10:01amSo now you're posing as a
So now you're posing as a "concern troll." Please take your holier than thou attitude somewhere else, church lady.
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By MichtouMay 15, 2008 - 10:05amWell isn't that SPAY-SHUL?
Could it be.....HATEMORON?
You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.
---Ray Bradbury
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By LiberalIconoclastMay 15, 2008 - 1:06pm