KRUGMAN: We’re looking at an enormous, destructive con job, and you should be very, very angry.

[kpete]

Trillion Dollar Fraudsters
MARCH 20, 2015
Continue reading the main story
Paul Krugman

...................

But I’m partial to a more cynical explanation. Think about what these budgets would do if you ignore the mysterious trillions in unspecified spending cuts and revenue enhancements. What you’re left with is huge transfers of income from the poor and the working class, who would see severe benefit cuts, to the rich, who would see big tax cuts. And the simplest way to understand these budgets is surely to suppose that they are intended to do what they would, in fact, actually do: make the rich richer and ordinary families poorer.

But this is, of course, not a policy direction the public would support if it were clearly explained. So the budgets must be sold as courageous efforts to eliminate deficits and pay down debt — which means that they must include trillions in imaginary, unexplained savings.

Does this mean that all those politicians declaiming about the evils of budget deficits and their determination to end the scourge of debt were never sincere? Yes, it does.

Look, I know that it’s hard to keep up the outrage after so many years of fiscal fraudulence. But please try. We’re looking at an enormous, destructive con job, and you should be very, very angry.


MORE:
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/20/opinion/paul-krugman-trillion-dollar-fraudsters.html?_r=0

[Skittles]

1. it should be glaringly obvious even to the most ignorant Fox News fan by now

seriously, how do they still blame the wrong people for their woes? IT'S THE RICH WHITE ASSHOLES YOU VOTE FOR YOU ARE F***ING YOU.

[Enthusiast]

2. The most ignorant Fox News fan is convinced

that the problem lies with the black, commie, imposter, non-American, Muslin president and the liberals that support him because they are sooooo stupid.

[Cosmocat]

20. It isn't the "most ignorant" it is pretty much every one of them

This isn't isolated, it isn't a vocal minority ...

It is pervasive, close to half the country.

[Enthusiast]

22. True.

[appalachiablue]

24. It is large & widespread, more than a loud minority as you say. Very serious, disturbing.

I wonder sometimes how progressive thinking people and liberals, diminished of late will be viewed in history. Like some small but enlightened sect or group, particularly in the US and west?!

[Cosmocat]

39. It is ugly now

truly ...

When a great number of people openly refer to the sitting POTUS as a "facist" because he suggested the idea of mandatory voting and NO ONE, and I mean absolutely NO ONE, has pointed out how absurd that is ...

There are a couple dozen examples of just how upside down this country is like this each day.

[Skidmore]

26. You forgot the god-gave-me-the-right-to-own-an-arsenal crowd too.

The truest statement ever made by the President was the one about god, gays, and guns. He tapped the core of the reason the rabid right have found success. Fear and loathing in America.

[GoCubsGo]

6. Yep.

It's the same con job the rest of us have been looking at for DECADES. We just can't believe so many are still being suckered by it.

[maddiemom]

15. A small ray of light showed in Romney's defeat.

He was just too obviously a winner in the "lucky gene" stakes and oblivious to the struggles of what he calls the 47 percent" losers." Romney never realized that concern for the "masses," was the only sane philosophy. What did it ever cost their vast wealth? Roosevelts, Kennedys, Rockefellers: different backgrounds and generations as to their wealth, but, altruistic or not, never misers and concerned, if somewhat selfishly, for the national existence.Why are the Kochs and Co. permitted such unbelievable greed? Why should they hide their assets overseas to avoid U.S. taxes ? This right wing meme that the unemployed want to lie around and collect government benefits was never the excuse during the "great Depression." Those who are unemployed and desperate for jobs are lazy freeloaders? GET REAL! Ironic that a less educated population two generations ago had more native smarts.

[appalachiablue]

29. I don't know what explains the direction of the Kochs and their ilk. Perhaps it's

that in contrast to the 1930s they have different 'leverage' to split working Americans from the 1950s McCarthyism era, the John Birch Society (still active) of which Daddy Fred Koch was a founder, the social justice and Civil Rights movements of the 1960s and Great Society programs of LBJ that are incorrectly perceived to help only African Americans. Reagan's war on government, legislation for the wealthy and changes in tax law to permit offshoring of financial holdings played a huge part.

There is also a distinction to me between the actions of the current libertarian, 'freedom' espousing, extremist billionaires with their craven pursuit of greed and vicious attack on workers, and the earlier prominent families who did contribute socially and philanthropically to American society. I find many older oligarchs un-American now and others profoundly entrenched in globalization and neoliberal economics over 20 years.

Several years ago I read an outstanding article in 'The Atlantic' by Canadian journalist and politician Chrystia Freeland on the rise of global elites. It is striking how little attachment they have to the US now with improved communications like the internet and cellphones. And they can get labor anywhere as GE CEO Jack Welch famously claimed in the late 1990s that he would move a barge to pursue the most advantageous labor and laws around the world if he could. *Freeland's 2012 book, 'Plutocrats: The Rise of the New Global Super Rich and the Fall of Everyone Else" was a New York Times bestseller.

[KrazyinKS]

3. he's right-

I personally feel at times to just give up. The energy it takes at my age and health issues is hard to maintain. But maintain we must, if nothing else we need to do it for out kids and grandkids. That always inspires me.

[dorkzilla]

5. Absolutely. And as someone without kids or grandkids...

I say some of us also do it because its the right thing to do. You wake every day and resolve to fight on because its the right thing to do. And we do the right thing for everyone because we’re progressives. None of this “I got mine, fuck you” mentality of the other side but fighting the good fight for the good of mankind.

We are inspired because we are concerned with the well being of all people.

[drmeow]

14. Exactly

Someone paid for me, I'm happy to pay for the next generation even if my genes are directly represented in that generation. It is also the civilized thing to do - the Republican attitude is barbaric and belongs in the middle ages, not the 21st century.

[appalachiablue]

30. +1. Repeal the 20th Century as one poster wrote, and return to barbaric feudalism.

[drmeow]

46. It reflects a degree of

arrogance, narcissism, egotism, and vanity which is pathological. I wish I believed in hell so that I could know that they will all rot there for eternity.

[Octoberfurst]

35. Yes we have to keep fighting.

But I admit that there are times when I get so depressed at the state of our nation. It's such an uphill battle. Far too many Americans get their news from Fox or talk radio and end up voting for politicians who are far-right corporate whores because they are told these people will "save America" from the "evil socialists" who want to turn this country into Stalin's Russia. It's insane. It really is. But so many people believe it! I've talked till I'm blue in the face to Tea Party types and it is like talking to a wall. They just smirk at me with that "He's such a deluded libtard" look on their faces. Even people I consider "normal" fall for the propaganda. It's maddening. There are times I just want to go and live in a cabin in the woods and say "To hell with it! Let them have their corporate-loving theocracy that they crave!" But yet I stay to keep up the good fight. Thankfully others here too are determined not to let the a--holes win.

[locks]

44. I feel the same

and it seems to be getting harder. What happened to the optimistic time when we believed we could make our world a better place for all, not just the rich? I've known some Ayn Randers who seem like good, reasonable people who have swallowed hook,line and sinker the old delusion that selfishness and no government will take care of all and many of them believe this is true Christianity. Though Jesus never preached that gospel and the early church was about as close to socialism as you can get.
I am happy to read the posts from DUers who keep up the good fight and still stand up to the corrupt corporations and politicians.

[msongs]

4. that krigman is always nagging on obama and congress for their fleecing the public. sheesh nt

[nikto]

7. This is all because of gay marriage and illegal immigrants

They are polluting our precious bodily fluids.



Am I qualified to run for office with the GOP yet?

[Iwillnevergiveup]

8. Any day now

Paul Krugman is gonna start ranting in print the way Jom Stewart does on the teevee.

KKKKK&RRRRR

[colsohlibgal]

9. Too Many Have Been Dumbed Down To Even Grasp This

The propaganda of Faux, Rush, etc, has found many willing to swallow it hook, line, and sinker. I'm amazed by this, that people will carry water for the ultra wealthy, will make their lives harder, and be proud of it. My take lately is while I do blame the propagandists, I blame more the millions that are too dumb/shallow to actually critical think and figure out that they are hosing themselves.

[Octoberfurst]

33. So true!

I don't understand why so many middle-class and lower-class Americans flock to the polls to vote for the GOP. It is so obvious that they are voting against their own interests. The GOP's plans WILL make life much harder for the average American---but will be a boon to the ultra-wealthy. Why can't people see that? It just drives me crazy.
I had a running online debate on Facebook with some former classmates. One had posted a meme on her wall that basically said that everyone on welfare was a lazy crackhead who didn't want to work and that they make up the Democratic base. So many people responded with comments like "So true!" & "I'm sharing this!". Others commented that they were sick and tired of moochers living off the system and that we have to get these "deadbeats" off welfare and cut taxes so Murica can "be great again." I was the ONLY person who took issue with it. I pointed out facts and figures about those who receive assistance and for my trouble I was mocked and called a "bleeding heart liberal" and a "Obama Kool Aid drinker." It just made me shake my head in anger. These people are so blind! Critical thinking skills are dead in this country. I fear for the future of this country. I'm convinced that we are rapidly headed towards fascism & that Americans will gleefully go to the polls to vote for an American version of Hitler.

[pansypoo53219]

10. TINKLE DOWN w/very little tinkle.

the rich are MONEY HOARDERS.

[appalachiablue]

47. The TV networks should create a new show, "Billionaire Hoarders". It would be a real success and

help to bump up their dismal ratings. First up, the Kochs, Sons of Wichita, Pete Peterson and other Sons of Wall Street, Adelson of Vegas and Macau, the Waltons of Arkansas, et al. One can wish-

[ND-Dem]

11. worth reading the entire article.

[valerief]

12. Making the rich richer is the most important thing in the world. It drives everything. nt

[blkmusclmachine]

13. 14 Defining Characteristics of Fascism (http://www.rense.com/general37/char.htm):

13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption - Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions and use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.

http://www.rense.com/general37/char.htm

[Cosmocat]

21. Actually, if you asked people making them vote is facism

That is the meme these brainless lugnuts were programmed to spew after the President suggested mandatory voting.

I actually have heard and read people calling him the facist in chief, and saying how "our rights and liberties are under attack!" by this suggestion.

THAT is how fucking far gone we are ...

[certainot]

16. only reason they get away with it is americans

allow the billionaires a PSYOPS with a monopoly of 1200 coordinated think tank scripted radio stations, blasting the country all day long with excuses and distractions and rationalizations

[certainot]

19. sorry folks, there's a hiccup below

[certainot]

17. f

[certainot]

18. f

[ctsnowman]

23. Exactly!

[Martin Eden]

25. President Obama needs to call them out on their CON JOB

Clearly, Strongly, Persistently. Repeat.

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat, until his persistence and what he's saying makes headlines and becomes a big national discussion.

The facts are on our side folks, but the LIARS are more persistent in repeating the LIES that ultimately are accepted as conventional wisdom by millions of voters who don't know better.

[Autumn]

27. This is why I am leery of Hillary. I cannot in good conscience

vote for the con to continue. I am angry, I'm disgusted and sick of it. What are we doing to our children? We should not leave them this burden. I can't condone it anymore.

[rhett o rick]

43. The Hillary supporters don't seem worried about this subject. Why is that?

Serious question.

Maybe, 1. They envy the 1% and hope they can benefit from the success of the 1%. 2. They live in a state of denial. Oblivious to the pain and suffering going on around them. 3. They think that HRC can bring prosperity to the lower classes as well as the wealthy.

[Newest Reality]

28. Ok, so

the endgame would be?

Let's say that the currently wealthy, (and that could be more detailed) end-up owning everything. I mean all of it. That seems to be the logical extrapolation.

Then what? They thumb their noses at us and tell us all to get off their planet? Eviction? Do we just die off? Or, will it just be a neo-Feudal Serfdom where we, and our offspring are merely chattels? How much will technology assist in the process of total transfer?

None of that is acceptable, so when we test this class war overthrow, (slow and insidious) it certainly seems to have a threshold.

[appalachiablue]

34. Financial elites have taken a revived fancy for the board game, Monopoly. Decorated with gold and

Last edited Sat Mar 21, 2015, 12:23 PM - Edit history (1)

jeweled dice, games are sold for $1 million as seen in a NY boutique in the documentary film, 'Pay to Play' showing on the Free Speech TV channel on cable, or online. It's become that bold and open, the power and control of the uber wealthy now. Many well meaning Americans unfortunately are unaware b/c they don't know of or follow alternative media. The extent of consolidated media control by corporations is so vast that some people don't want to grasp it, and that's very sad.

[Dont call me Shirley]

31. People do not like or want to be told that they have been taken as a fool. This is why they continue

to believe the liars, no matter how blatant the lie. They have the "I'm too smart to be connived" attitude, as the conniver leads them into their thieving trap.

[appalachiablue]

36. +1. Must be very careful to suggest to people who are avid CBS, WaPo or NYT followers or another

brand that the news they are getting is incomplete and totally consolidated by a handful of major RW media corporate conglomerates now. You have to be very diplomatic so as not to offend and only recommend a few independent, alternative sites and see if they follow up.
With others who are expending every bit of energy on their jobs, keeping up with homework, chores and survival the mere mention of the really serious changes that are happening is too much, too burdensome and too scary for them to handle which is a pity. And I'm referring to college educated people and professionals, public administrators, educators and lawyers for God's sake- Obama voters, open minded people, not passive or flaming bigots or the backward and uneducated.
Anymore I just don't pursue issues with some or become bothered if others don't pick up. I, on the other hand don't have to be told twice, and delved into the truth when I found it through several online outlets like DU, etc. It isn't that easy-

[Dont call me Shirley]

38. We must be taught how to recognize the spin and who benefits from the spin.

[Cryptoad]

32. Warren / Krugman 2016

[appalachiablue]

37. +1. A year ago I thought WARREN-PIKETTY (Give him honorary US citizenship like we did Lafayette)

[Duval]

40. Thanks, kpete. I am

very angry.

[BeanMusical]

41. Kick and R.

[Trillo]

42. It reminds me of this picture

If the system can be gamed, it has been gamed, by the wealthiest and their many-headed corporations as well as the smartest, most intelligent they can hire.


from http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026391693

[KansDem]

45. KnR