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Obama lashes out at FAT CATS? He is SHOVELING FOOD into their mouths!

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chimpymustgo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 07:51 AM
Original message
Obama lashes out at FAT CATS? He is SHOVELING FOOD into their mouths!
Watching him on "60 Minutes", I really didn't think he was going to be able to keep a straight face. It all seemed like an ACT - feigned outrage, very similar to what we heard before, when he promised to give those banksters a "good talking to." Looks as though another stern letter is on its way to them (as the banksters enjoy another visit to the White House today).

Leslie Stahl is talking about this on "Morning Joe" now - explaining that Obama is trying to be feisty, and human, and "warmed up" - show us how much he really does care about the "little guy".

Attack Matt Taibbi all you want - for getting one minor fact/name wrong. But getting it oh, so right that Obama has surrounded himself with the FAT CATS that brought this country - and much of the world - to its financial knees. HOW MUCH DID YOUR 401K LOSE? Do YOU have a job, or know somebody without one? How's your health care?

This administration has shoveled billions to the banks and LITTLE TO NOTHING for regular folks who can't get a job, a loan, a doctor's appointment.

The charade of "health care reform" is sickening to watch - especially knowing that Obama came into office with a MANDATE for this. He could have passed a POPULAR, MUCH-NEED reform measure - but chose to d*ck around and kiss Republican asses - and now a year has passed and NADA. And what's being discussed is a disgusting giveaway to insurance companies.

More troops to Afghanistan - to protect America from threats. WHAT FUCKING THREATS???

I am sick of the pretty speeches, the soaring rhetoric. Watching Michelle and Barack and Bo in the White House with Oprah last night was at the same time charming and sickening. Do you REMEMBER what is felt like a year ago? Our long national nightmare was OVER. We were going to RESTORE this country.

I cannot believe what has happened with this Presidency. WHAT HAPPENED?? Yes, Obama inherited a mess, but he ASKED FOR THE JOB TO CLEAN IT UP. Yes, it's been just under a year. But look at the CHOICES THAT HAVE BEEN MADE so far, and who they have benefited. Look at the continuation of horrible B*sh policies (rendition, domestic spying, state secrets). Yes, Congress is bought and paid for. But the POWER OF THE PRESIDENCY and a POPULAR MANDATE really could have brought about CHANGE.

So. Obama wants us to know he's REALLY STEAMED at the FAT CATS.

Well, Mr. President. I don't want to see another "charming" interview. Or hear another "rapturous" speech. It's time to stop complaining about the mess you inherited and START FIXING IT. REIN IN THE FAT CATS. Break up the banks. Get money flowing to small businesses and people who want to re-finance their mortgages. Get a JOBS PROGRAM going. Whatever happened to green jobs? A light rail system?

Not another word, Mr. President. Bring us health care and jobs and peace. 'Cause a whole lot of people who supported you are starting to think they are getting PLAYED.



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Kahuna Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 07:54 AM
Response to Original message
1. Obama is pragmatic by nature. He is more concerned with fixing what
is wrong than in punishing the wrong duers. That can come in due time. First things first.
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AllentownJake Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 07:59 AM
Response to Reply #1
3. Have any evidence of that
What has he done to "fix" what is wrong, and what is your definition of "what is wrong"

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Kahuna Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:24 AM
Response to Reply #3
13. Save your whining for the Amen chorus. They will be along any minute now. nt
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AllentownJake Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:26 AM
Original message
Don't like to be challenged do you nt.
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Kahuna Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:58 AM
Response to Original message
28. Psst..Jake...
You are not a challenge.
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AllentownJake Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 09:03 AM
Response to Reply #28
30. Than why are you hiding from debate on the issue
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Stinky The Clown Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 09:27 AM
Response to Reply #28
37. Pssst. Kahuna .....
You're still avoiding providing an answer to the question posed.

And asking that question isn't whining.
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paulk Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 11:19 AM
Response to Reply #28
59. then answer the question
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chimpymustgo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:32 AM
Response to Reply #13
21. You consider it WHINING to expect what was promised? Health care, jobs, no "dumb wars"?
Jobs, an improved economy. No more "too big to fail." Change. Reform. Fairness.

Kahuna, are you seriously cool with what is being done in this country - with our votes, in our names?
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Kahuna Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:57 AM
Response to Reply #21
27. Yeah it's whining. He's a man, not a God. Give him time before you
make up your mind. You all think you know what's in his head because Matt Tiabbi, Alternet, etals say so. The truth is, you haven't a clue what is in his head and what his plans are for dealing with the messes left behind by decades of mismanagement.
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AllentownJake Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:58 AM
Response to Reply #27
29. We are back to 3-D chess again nt.
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sui generis Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 09:04 AM
Response to Reply #27
32. and that's issue isn't it? have faith in jesus and obama
whining is a word used by recent republican converts, trolls, and used ass wipes. You don't belong here if it's in your vocabulary.
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chimpymustgo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 09:18 AM
Response to Reply #27
36. Your argument is nonsensical. I know what Obama has DONE. I see, I think, I read.
Matt Taibbi and others (Krugman, Black, Stiglitz - that crowd of economists under your bus) can help connect the dots, and explain the economic realities and repercussions - but they don't need to tell me - or you - that the PRESIDENT HAS NOT DELIVERED ON JOBS, HEALTHCARE AND PEACE. He's man, not a God who has managed to shovel billions to the banks and corporations and the military industrial complex - and NOTHING TO REGULAR PEOPLE.

I discern the new meme of the cheerleaders: Matt Taibbi tells us what to think.

That is a pathetic, ignorant reach - by a crowd of NON-THINKERS running completely out of excuses.
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Stinky The Clown Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 09:28 AM
Response to Reply #27
38. When answers are thin, throwing out "whining" is the best way to go ....... is that about it for you
:eyes:
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Le Taz Hot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 09:35 AM
Response to Reply #27
40. Well, you seem to "know what is in his head."
Prey, tell us. We're listening with rapt attention,.
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GreenArrow Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 10:40 AM
Response to Reply #27
51. "He's a man, not a God"
then he's open to criticism then.
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treestar Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 05:48 PM
Response to Reply #51
82. The point was that the critique in this case presumes godlike powers
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GreenArrow Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:36 PM
Response to Reply #82
87. I disagree. I think it presumes very humanlike powers.
Maybe running on hope and change is a double edged sword.
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Individualist Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 12:26 PM
Response to Reply #27
68. Have you ever read what FDR accomplished during his first 100 DAYS in office?
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bighart Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 12:28 PM
Response to Reply #27
70. If you do please share it.
Many would be interested to know.
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Hannah Bell Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-15-09 02:25 AM
Response to Reply #27
90. he's used up 1/4 of his time, the most productive time. how much time do you propose people give
him?

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ima_sinnic Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-15-09 06:21 AM
Response to Reply #27
95. he's given us plenty of "clues," where have you been?
on health care alone, one of the first big "clues" as to "what is in his head" was the way he disappeared all summer while Max Baucus had coffee and donuts with the insurance industry as they mapped out the most profitable way to turn the lemons of "health care reform" into lemonade for themselves. This was AFTER Obama had outright LIED that "everybody's voice would be heard"--yet doctors and nurses advocating single-payer were physically removed from the "hearings," and those voices, which represent the destinies of the vast majority of Americans, were squelched and given only the most minimal airing, kind of like a freak show at a carnival.

He threw out some vague edict for "reform," with no details at all of his "vision," then sat back and let Congress turn out any old thing--he did not use the power of his office to fight for anything at all to benefit We The People but has been concerned ONLY with sucking up to people like Olympia Snowe and Joe Lieberman and chasing after this idiotic notion of "bipartisanship"--as though having republicans "approve of him" was the most important goal.

so fuck him and his fucking "health care reform" that isn't going to do shit for anybody except those who already control our wallets.
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chimpymustgo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-15-09 07:56 AM
Response to Reply #95
99. Great post. Deserves its own OP: "a brief history of how this shit sandwich was concocted and
served to us".

:hi:
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C_Lawyer09 Donating Member (690 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:21 PM
Response to Reply #21
86. What is your basis for the executive branch
to impact the economy for the better? Small business will definitely not be energized with an opaqe plan, that places job enrichment on fixing roads, and other temporary make work projects. Where are the shovel ready jobs, and how many are they going to employ, for how long?
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Stand and Fight Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 03:37 PM
Response to Reply #13
79. Answer the question, please.
If anyone may be "whining" here, it's yourself. Answer the question rather than being rude and dismissive to the poser.

What happened to civilized debate? So many DUers are jerks to each other lately. Good grief.
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bahrbearian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 10:12 AM
Response to Reply #3
47. From the Chorus " Amen"
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AndyA Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:00 AM
Response to Reply #1
5. The problem with that, of course, is that punishment often never seems to come.
The people who caused the mess get bailed out, and now they're making big bucks again. They've been rewarded for their bad behavior. What's to stop them from doing it again? Or finding another way to screw the system?

The incentive is to keep doing bad things, because punishment seems to be elusive to these crooks.
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Kahuna Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:24 AM
Response to Reply #5
12. Unfortunately, those who rake in the bucks at our expense always
come back to do it again. It has always been that way. They are like vampires. They never die.
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chimpymustgo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:25 AM
Response to Reply #12
15. You are making my point. They'll never die given the way Obama is feeding them.
Remember CHANGE?
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AllentownJake Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:30 AM
Response to Reply #15
18. Shut up, he's pretty
He's pretty damn it.
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OmmmSweetOmmm Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 09:37 AM
Response to Reply #18
42. And isn't this just adorable!
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Kahuna Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:55 AM
Response to Reply #15
26. Go back to pragmatic post above. Judge what he hasn't done once..
he has corrected the problems they caused in the first place. Dealing with the corrections is a monumental task and priority.
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laughingliberal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 10:34 AM
Response to Reply #26
49. He did not advocate strongly for a public option in health care. When asked about restoring
Edited on Mon Dec-14-09 10:38 AM by laughingliberal
Glass-Steagall, he was opposed to it. He has his CofC beating on the progressive caucus to cave to the Blue Dogs on watering down health care and financial reform. If he tries and fails to get his agenda passed, that's on Congress and he can run against them in 2012. Letting the Republicans and Blue Dogs steamroll us and not calling them out is disturbing.

On edit: Went from promising to repeal the Bush tax cuts (which we desperately need to do) to, perhaps, letting them expire in 2010. Kind of iffy, though. One of his economic advisers actually said, yesterday, that raising taxes in a recession wasn't the best way to go.
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whathehell Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 11:55 AM
Response to Reply #49
61. He has called himself a "New Democrat"...and if I'm not mistaken
they are fairly indecipherable from the Blue Dogs.
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laughingliberal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 11:57 AM
Response to Reply #61
62. Sadly, true
Also indecipherable from "Old Republicans." I must note, however, that he advocated some decidedly progressive policies during campaigning. Had he not, I don't think we would all be experiencing the whiplash we are now.
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whathehell Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 12:07 PM
Response to Reply #62
64. Yup...Count me among the disenchanted. I also didn't "buy" his anti-bank rant
Edited on Mon Dec-14-09 12:09 PM by whathehell
although I would have six months ago.

There's nothing that pisses me off more than people who who try and "play" us as if we're stupid.

Someone should tell Mr. O that Progressives may be many things, but "stupid" is not one of them.
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Individualist Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 12:33 PM
Response to Reply #61
72. DLC is the founding organization of NDC
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defendandprotect Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 06:42 PM
Response to Reply #49
85. Oh, yeah . . . remember those Bush tax cuts . . .!!! Agree with you on all ...
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Hannah Bell Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-15-09 02:30 AM
Response to Reply #49
91. yes, the tax cut thing is like the elephant in the room. cities going bankupt,
unemployment rising -- but the fucking bush tax cuts are sacred.
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defendandprotect Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 06:41 PM
Response to Reply #15
84. Right . . . we're financing our own corporate enemies -- we're financing corporatism. ...
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laughingliberal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 10:19 AM
Response to Reply #1
48. I'm a pragmatist, too. I tend to focus on results. No matter how much I like President Obama
I do have to look at the lack of fighting back against those trying to block his agenda. And, after a while, that lack of fighting for it causes me to wonder if he's committed to the agenda he campaigned on. I want President Obama to do well. I keep looking for the day I can stand up and cheer for something he does.
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chimpymustgo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 11:01 AM
Response to Reply #48
54. Thank you. I completely agree.
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snot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-15-09 02:19 AM
Response to Reply #1
88. This was for show only. Obama's smart enough to know
that jackals don't restrain themselves just because you admonish them.

We need to restore and expand Glass-Steagall and other financial regulation and oversight. Otherwise, it's like asking the Mafia to be nice.
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Hannah Bell Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-15-09 02:23 AM
Response to Reply #1
89. do you know him personally? just wondering how you know so much about his inner
nature.
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sendero Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-15-09 07:43 AM
Response to Reply #1
97. He's not fixing.
.... anything. You guys just don't get it, maybe you will in a couple more years.
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AllentownJake Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 07:58 AM
Response to Original message
2. Larry Summers on CNN yesterday cursing the bankers
was a spectacle of mild amusement for me yesterday.
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chimpymustgo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:01 AM
Response to Reply #2
7. I am feeling serious "lip service" at work here.
Yesterday Summers said the "recession is over" on This Week with George. Christina Roemer says, "of course, the recession isn't over on MTP".

Say anything.
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AllentownJake Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:03 AM
Response to Reply #7
8. Yes and Volker was telling the Germans if our stimulus funding wasn't there
The entire economy would collapse and is funded on federal spending and federal reserve action.

I think there is some CYA going on. Summers is the one who seemed to be in charge in year 1, and it looks like his tenure might be a short one.
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chimpymustgo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:14 AM
Response to Reply #8
10. Volcker in Berlin: "the US economy was ''pretty dependent'' on government support."
This could have its own OP. Volkcer takes on Goldman and tells it like it is.

******

Drop safety net for Goldman if trading is its game: Volcker
SIMON KENNEDY AND CHRISTINE HARPER
December 14, 2009

GOLDMAN Sachs, which took $US10 billion ($A6.83 billion) in US bailout funds last year, should not get taxpayer support if the firm focuses on trading over banking, former Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker has said.

The ''safety net'' provided by the US Government ''should not be extended beyond the core commercial banking business'', Mr Volcker, 82, said in an interview at the Deutsche Bank AG office in Berlin, where he was attending a conference. ''They can do trading and do anything they want, but then they shouldn't have access to the safety net.''

Goldman Sachs, the most profitable investment bank in Wall Street history, has reaped more than 90 per cent of its pre-tax earnings this year from trading and so-called principal investments, which include market bets on securities and stakes in companies.

-edit-

In a speech yesterday in Berlin, Mr Volcker said the financial crisis was still continuing and the US economy was ''pretty dependent'' on government support. The test for policymakers now was to time the exit from their emergency fiscal and monetary stimulus, he said.

''You've not got much room for exiting right now,'' Mr Volcker said. ''The difficult thing is to be ready to take the action before it becomes obvious and that's a challenge.''

Since January, Mr Volcker has called for regulators to provide government support only to banks that provide essential services such as deposit-taking and business payments. He has suggested prohibiting them from owning or sponsoring hedge funds or private-equity funds or from engaging in proprietary trading.

-edit-

http://www.smh.com.au/business/drop-safety-net-for-goldman-if-trading-is-its-game-volcker-20091213-kqja.html
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AllentownJake Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:21 AM
Response to Reply #10
11. Yeah I read that interview and posted an excerpt yesterday
Volker is washing his hands of what they did in the foreign press.
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KoKo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:31 AM
Response to Reply #7
20. Just heard that on CNN this a.m. Either Summers or Roemer is
out..if they can't decide whether the country is still in recession or not. Didn't make Obama look good with that snafu...
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jgraz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 11:09 AM
Response to Reply #2
57. Maybe he was just cursing the female bankers
Cuz, you know, those women have "issues of intrinsic aptitude, and particularly of the variability of aptitude."
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emulatorloo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 07:59 AM
Response to Original message
4. IRS hires "hundreds" for new wealth unit (CATCHING RICH TAX CHEATS)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BA45320091211

IRS hires "hundreds" for new wealth unit

Kim Dixon
WASHINGTON
Fri Dec 11, 2009 4:25pm EST


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A new Internal Revenue Service unit set up to catch rich tax cheats hiding their wealth in complex business entities is rapidly taking shape with the hiring of hundreds of employees.

The IRS high wealth unit, part of a broader effort to combat international tax evasion, is focusing on "the entire web of business entities controlled by a high wealth individual," IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman told a tax conference this week.

Another IRS official told Reuters "hundreds" of people have already been hired to staff the new unit, including some from within the agency.

"We have drawn top talent within the IRS that have expertise involving wealthy individuals as well as examination of their related entities," said Mae Lew, an IRS special counsel.

The high-wealth unit is focusing on trusts, real estate investments, privately held companies and other business entities controlled by rich individuals.

While use of sophisticated legal structures can be legal, in other instances they "mask aggressive tax strategies," Shulman said.

Tax authorities in Japan, Germany and the UK have also created similar units.

The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday approved a $387 million boost for the IRS for the fiscal year that started October 1, in part to fund the high-wealth unit. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure on Sunday.

<MORE AT LINK>

========================================================================
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polichick Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:01 AM
Response to Original message
6. I'm with you. The charade of healthcare, of feigned outrage, etc. etc...
All the carefully chosen words in the world won't change what's going on behind the scenes, and he was too cute by half on 60 min.

That hope and change message may still be fooling a lot of people, but fewer and fewer each day.

If Obama really wanted to, he could remember his mandate, shake up his insider White House, talk straight AND walk straight on all of these issues and become a great president. But, for some reason that I can't even imagine, he doesn't seem to want to.

k&r
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Mari333 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:07 AM
Response to Original message
9. Yes, they think we are that stupid
Last minute bone thrown out (with no meat on it), now that they have looked at the poll numbers tanking for dems. They know very well that the left is pissed off.
However, this silly PR will backfire because it just looks so ludicrous. I have this image of Summers and Rahm and Geithner all snickering behind the scenes while listening to the 'fat cat' talking point meme for the week.
Actions speak, words dont.
The bankers on Wall street are laughing too..they got what they wanted, you are now allowed to call them anything you want. They dont care. They have people hired to protect them from the riff raff with the riff raff's taxes.
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emulatorloo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:26 AM
Response to Reply #9
16. "Last minute bone" -- there are 3 years left in his term. How is that the "last minute"?
Edited on Mon Dec-14-09 08:28 AM by emulatorloo
Plus last I heard the Fat Cat Republicans were bitching about the idea of using TARP funds for a jobs program.

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2009_12/021301.php
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Mari333 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:36 AM
Response to Reply #16
23. 2010 elections
last minute bones.
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emulatorloo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:38 AM
Response to Reply #23
24. Are a year away.
I could use some of these 11 month minutes in my workday! That would be great.
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Mari333 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:41 AM
Response to Reply #24
25. poll results recently show dems losing ground in 2010
Again, bones. they want to bring back the dems who are not dlc oriented.
Words wont bring them back, actions will.
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emulatorloo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 02:26 PM
Response to Reply #25
77. Kos Poll/Research 2000 of Dems: Obama 77 fav / 21 unfav / 2 no opinion
http://www.dailykos.com/statepoll/2009/12/2/AR/420

DU rhetoric has a way of getting out past reality.

Dems will lose seats in 2010, no doubt about it.

But most people are not going to make up their mind until the last month or so.

If there is substance behind Obama's words and something gets done . . .
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Marr Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 11:14 AM
Response to Reply #24
58. This *is* last minute for the mid-term elections.
The people this is meant to coax back are the activist base. You know-- the people we've been assured are irrelevant and out of touch. These DLC sorts don't want to put an ounce of their base's agenda in place, but they do need their feet on the ground if they want to win the elections. That, coupled with their eerily Republican-like disregard for the intellect of the average person, results in this kind of last minute, hollow bullshit, IMHO.
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emulatorloo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 02:16 PM
Response to Reply #58
74. "eerily Republican-like disregard for the intellect of the average person'
This is the first President we have had in a while who actually explains his thought processes and how he comes to a decision.

Even when I don't agree, I know the reasoning behind it.

"the activist base. You know-- the people we've been assured are irrelevant and out of touch."

That seems rather hyperbolic.


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chimpymustgo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:28 AM
Response to Reply #9
17. "Don't believe your lying eyes!" Check out this cool speech.
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Rosa Luxemburg Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:25 AM
Response to Original message
14. look on the bright side
the bank are repaying well sort of
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emulatorloo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:30 AM
Response to Reply #14
19. And the money is going to go to Jobs Initiatives
if the Repubilicans and Lieberman types don't fuck it up too bad.
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defendandprotect Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 10:05 AM
Response to Reply #19
46. Evidently the plan is to filter the Jobs Program thru Corporations . .. !!!
i.e., "trickle down" jobs . . . !!!

Money for corporations -- !!!

Heard something about this on C-span yesterday --

We should find out more -- !!!

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emulatorloo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 02:18 PM
Response to Reply #46
75. more info would be good. Some needs to go to small businesses as well
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defendandprotect Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 05:46 PM
Response to Reply #75
81. This plan, if it is thru corporations, is the same as health care thru corporations . . .stinks!!
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jonnyblitz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 08:36 AM
Response to Original message
22. OUTSTANDING post!
I am basically speechless at this point. :thumbsup: :hi:
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chimpymustgo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 09:35 AM
Response to Reply #22
39. Thank you. I'm speechless too, but can still type. Feeling SCAMMED.
And, as though they are laughing at us. Putting on these "shows of outrage" against the banks for us, the great unwashed, while they'll probably be drinking champagne and eating cavier (and passing checks) at the White House today.
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sui generis Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 09:03 AM
Response to Original message
31. Newsflash: Obama invites captains of banking industry to white house
Expresses mild disapproval: purses lips, gives them a "look".

oy.
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alcibiades_mystery Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 09:06 AM
Response to Original message
33. Ay yay yay
"Break up the banks. Get money flowing to small businesses and people who want to re-finance their mortgages."

:rofl:
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dionysus Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 09:54 AM
Response to Reply #33
43. DESTROY THE BANKS SO THEY CAN LEND MONE- er what? what i said was just batshit insane...
:crazy:
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KharmaTrain Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 09:08 AM
Response to Original message
34. Yep...We Want It All Now...
I'm not happy with the speed of reform, but there's plenty of blame to go around. President Obama can't wave a magic wand and reregulate the banks, that belongs to Congress and they've gone very slow in getting to that point. No matter how admirable a lot of what Barney Frank does, he holds the gavel that could push a lot of this reform through and has taken his time...as well as having his own conflicts with the banking community. It's a mess that he nor President Obama created...it's the effects of "raygunomics" and the corruption is so deep and systemic that it's proven to be difficult to deal with.

So do you let the economy go into depression...wipe out millions of more jobs and savings to prove a political point? Do you favor a unitary executive government like we had for 8 years where the Executive branch dictates by fiat? And how do you propse changing a beltway culture where corporate money is so entrenched as to make government nearly dysfunctional.

Yes, pring us health care, jobs and peace...but there's also others who need to be held accountable and pushed to act. Instead of condemning or walking away, this is the time politicians, especially Democrats, need to see and hear from us...and those who aren't responsive deserve to be challenged. Governing is tough especially when you are catching shit from both sides...
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AllentownJake Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 09:11 AM
Response to Reply #34
35. You know I'd agree with you if Larry Summers wasn't the mug on TV preaching reform nt.
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KharmaTrain Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 09:35 AM
Response to Reply #35
41. You Are Right...
I have little love for Summers or Robert Rubin...and I tend to think Geitner gets a little too much grief that should be directed in that direction. However, the more discontent out there, the more vulnerable Summers becomes. His game worked well when people were making money in the 90s but that's not the case now and his time is running out. I picked up a bit of impatience in President Obama's responses last night (rereshingly) and should we see things not starting to turn around by second quarter next year, the pressure...both political and economic, could kick Summers to the curb.
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Romulox Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 11:05 AM
Response to Reply #35
55. Summers was on CNN's Sunday program...it's hard to believe someone thinks that he provides good PR
for the admin. I mean it is extremely difficult to believe that anyone in the admin believes that a Larry Summers appearance provides positive publicity for the Obama administration or its economic policies; the man is insincere, looks like a toad, and was thoroughly unprepared to answer any questions.

Which begs the question: why is he allowed on television? That question goes double for Tim Geithner, who cuts the figure of the weasel more so than perhaps any other individual in Washington. :shrug:
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blindpig Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 11:58 AM
Response to Reply #55
63. He ain't really talking to 'us'
Edited on Mon Dec-14-09 11:58 AM by blindpig
He's talking to the ruling class. They treat us like little kids, talking about us in our presence, as though we can't understand what they're saying and it doesn't matter anyway. Such is the arrogance of these bastards, they have no fear.

It behooves us to prove them wrong.
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chimpymustgo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 12:14 PM
Response to Reply #63
65. I think you have hit upon something important.
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defendandprotect Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 06:40 PM
Response to Reply #34
83. Obama has to give leadership to returning to New Deal rules and restrictions . . ..
and give leadership to overturning the trade agreements --

When we bail out banks, we should own them --

There were many restrictions on them which have been lifted ---

and additionally, this isn't the first time around regulations were changed to permit

crime/theft -- remember S&L theft of embezzlements which cost us $600 BILLION or more!!

Basically, when capitalism fails -- as it repeatedly does -- we should own the assets.

Granted, I agree with you re Barney Franks -- could do way more.

Most of the public doesn't even understand what happened in reversing the New Deal --


Unregulated capitalism is merely organized crime --

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Hannah Bell Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-15-09 02:36 AM
Response to Reply #34
92. if obama favored reregulation, he has lots of tools to push congress in that direction.
he's not using any of them.


he said he didn't favor reviving glass-steagall.

he doesn't *want* to.
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closeupready Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 10:02 AM
Response to Original message
44. He also repeated, as I've pointed out before, that HE WANTS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.
I also shouted at the screen, "Since you understand that Wall Street doesn't get it, then what are you going to do about it?!"

K&R

By the way, I did enjoy Oprah's special, and it doesn't change the fact that I like him and Michelle both - on a personal level, they seem like lovely people.
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polichick Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 12:23 PM
Response to Reply #44
66. Part of what makes some of his choices so frustrating is that he and Michelle...
...do both seem like such decent and lovely people.
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closeupready Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 01:25 PM
Response to Reply #66
73. Yes, totally agree.
Edited on Mon Dec-14-09 01:25 PM by closeupready
I must have a soft spot for First Ladies, because aside from Barbara Bush, I have liked every First Lady from Pat Nixon right up through Michelle. :)
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defendandprotect Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 10:03 AM
Response to Original message
45. Love to read FDR comments on the "fat cats" . . . "robber barons" . . .
We should resurrect those speeches -- comments --

If Obama is that "steamed" he should give them back their money --

And I'd suggest that all of our elected officials give it back -- and stop taking it!!!
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bvar22 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 10:35 AM
Response to Original message
50. MMan...That Obama.
Sure is good at speechifying in front of the TV cameras.

Obama WITH solutions for the Banking Crisis, BEFORE the election of course:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZG8Zq8V54k

Thats the man I voted for.
Where did he go?
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Romulox Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 10:40 AM
Response to Original message
52. I got introduced to a cool term on DU the other day: "kayfabe"
It seems like a powerful metaphor for the Obama admin...

In professional wrestling, kayfabe is the portrayal of events within the industry as "real." That is, the portrayal of professional wrestling as being genuine or not worked. Referring to events or interviews as being a "work" means that the event/interview has been "kayfabed" or staged, and/or is part of a wrestling angle while being passed off as legitimate.

Kayfabe is often seen as the suspension of disbelief that is used to create the non-wrestling aspects of promotions, such as feuds, angles, and gimmicks, in a similar manner with other forms of entertainment such as soap opera or film. In relative terms, a wrestler breaking kayfabe during a show would be likened to an actor breaking character on camera. Also, since wrestling is performed in front of a live audience, whose interaction with the show is crucial to the show's success (see pop), one might compare kayfabe to the fourth wall, since there is hardly any conventional fourth wall to begin with.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayfabe
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chimpymustgo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 12:28 PM
Response to Reply #52
69. OMG! That's it. You should post this separately as an OP. It sums a lot of shit up.
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inna Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 12:28 PM
Response to Reply #52
71. thanks for a new term.

usually i refer to this particular behavior as Kabuki theater.
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Vidar Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 10:48 AM
Response to Original message
53. K&R.
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Marr Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 11:06 AM
Response to Original message
56. You can expect a lot of more this kind of bullshit until the midterms are over.
They're assuming we're stupid enough to take a year of thorough abuse, then be lulled back to sleep with a few sweet, "hopeful" words. Maybe we are, who knows.
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izzybeans Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 11:50 AM
Response to Original message
60. Who gave the money to the banks again?
:rofl:
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inna Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 12:25 PM
Response to Original message
67. +1.
Pathetic performance and stunning hypocrisy on his part.

Disgusting.
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Lord Helmet Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 02:21 PM
Response to Original message
76. It was Bush Jr. holding the shovel.
Edited on Mon Dec-14-09 02:24 PM by Lord Helmet
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quiet.american Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 03:12 PM
Response to Original message
78. Nice nonsense rant, but that's about all. nt
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Itchinjim Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-14-09 05:04 PM
Response to Original message
80. OMG11!!!! OBAMA IS THE WORST PRESIDENT IN HISTORY!!!1!!!!!11!!
AND TO THINK I VOTED FOR THGIS GUY!!!!!!! OH HOW LONG FOR THE DAYS OF A GREAT PRESIDENT LIKE GW BUSH!!!!! i CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR 2012 SO I CAN VOTE FOR SARAH PALIN WHO WILL SURELY FIX ALL OF THAT MONSTER OBAMA'S LIES AND FUCK UPS!111!!!!!11!!!!!
(And for the sarcasm impared): :sarcasm:
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chimpymustgo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-15-09 05:52 AM
Response to Reply #80
94. I'm sorry you have such disdain for my - and many others' - disappointment and
frustration.

We were lied to. Sold a bill of goods. Rather than mock me, perhaps you might take a glance at the truth.
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Itchinjim Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-15-09 03:58 PM
Response to Reply #94
101. Yeah whatever.
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Raine Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-15-09 02:45 AM
Response to Original message
93. Everybody hates banksters
Edited on Tue Dec-15-09 02:49 AM by Raine
a common enemy ... look no further.
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quaker bill Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-15-09 07:36 AM
Response to Original message
96. Read the news
the money to the banks is coming back, not going out. My investments are up since Obama took office. Jobs are showing up here, curiously, on an urban light rail project backed with stimulus funds. Republicans have not been the problem with HCR, and nearly irrelevant to the process. Job losses have gone from 750,000 a month to roughly 20,000 a month and are on track to turn toward job gains this or next month.

I may agree with you on Afghanistan, but am unsurprised that he is following through as promised during the campaign.

Do your shouting now, because the time for this is limited. HCR will be what the senate can produce and soon a largely settled issue. The economy will recover. The wars will begin or continue to wind down. By 2012 your complaints will no longer be relevant.
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sendero Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-15-09 07:46 AM
Response to Original message
98. Obama shares one major flaw..
... with his predecessor. He (unfortunately knows) that people listen to what you say more than they watch what you do.

Obama can decry the fat cats all day but I'm not buying it. He's taken no action to correct this problem. The regulatory reforms he proposing, if he got ALL OF THEM, are weak beyond belief.

Obama is just like Bush, he gets on TV and says a lot of shit and then goes back to the White House and acts like he never said a word of it. It is sickening.
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TBF Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-15-09 09:05 AM
Response to Original message
100. Excellent Post.
I guess I was naive and hoping Obama would be the next FDR, but instead he's been Herbert Hoover. Not what we or the country need unfortunately. I worked on his campaign and really had hope for change but we're not seeing anything substantial. All we're seeing is business as usual.
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