1 Is this the Will Folks thread?

2 Will Folks' name is a killing word.

3 Someone get that Folks guy out of  my barn.

4 What the FOLK is going on here!?!

5 AMERICA'S NATIONAL DEBT
TOPS $13,000,000,000,000;
DEBT PER TAXPAYER - $117,975;
US DEBT TO GDP RATIO - 90.3%

via drudge.....

6 All Folking all day?  Wearing my ass out.

7 Folks me. It's only hump day...can it be 5:00pm on Friday yet. I'm so folking worn out.

8 Morning, moron (ettes)s!

Speaking of humps, where is lauraw?

This is interesting.  Wonder when Obami will stop this training? 

(yeah, yeah, consider the source).

WARSAW (AP) -- Dozens of American soldiers and a battery of Patriot missiles have arrived in Poland, where they will spend the next two years teaching the Polish military to operate the advanced guided missile system at a base just a few miles (kilometers) from the Russian border

9 A few weeks ago it was national news when the city of Austin Texas bashed Arizona, and the Governor said "that's not for Texas."  Turns out maybe it is, according to the State of Texas..

http://kut.org/items/show/21036

10
The Onion

WASHINGTON—After serving 12 years in the position, Motley, the official White House Jester, was beheaded Tuesday after delivering a poorly received jape about the spiraling national debt before President and Mrs. Obama.

Heh.

11 Also at Drudge; yet another shot across the OBama bow by Moody's.

Sooner or later they are going to drop the hammer. Currently there are two more huge spending bills working their way through the commie congress. I suspect that if either one of those bills passes Moody's will drop the hammer.

12 They call it folk music cause it's for...folks.

13

MSN: Palin's choice defeated in Idaho GOP battle.

14 It was Colonel Mustard, in the Library, with a... lead pipe!@@

15

http://tinyurl.com/2cfprup

Demanding a permanent ban on Facebook, over two dozen Pakistani religious groups working under the umbrella of the JuD have decided to contact the UN for enacting a global law “against blasphemy of prophets and awarding death penalty to violators.”

16

WHEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! It's all downhill from here!

^{Hey, where's the brake????}

17

Bloomberg.com is always good for a laugh

May 26 (Bloomberg) -- Stocks rebounded, after yesterdayÂ’s slide drove the MSCI World Index to a nine-month low, while commodities rallied on renewed speculation economic growth is improving. The euro weakened for a third day.

Let there be rejoicing in the streets! There is renewed speculation that the economy is improving! And don't forget that Barry created or saved that renewed speculation.

18 Here's gov't employees hard at work!  The AoS lifestyle isn't recommended while trying to monitor, you know, important things.

IG report: Meth, porn use by drilling agency staff

WASHINGTON – Staff members at an agency that oversees offshore drilling accepted tickets to sports events, lunches and other gifts from oil and gas companies and used government computers to view pornography, according to an Interior Department report alleging a culture of cronyism between regulators and the industry.

In at least one case, an inspector for the Minerals Management Service admitted using crystal methamphetamine and said he might have been under the influence of the drug the next day at work, according to the report by the acting inspector general of the Interior Department.

19 so Beck just said it was ok to build at the 9/11 site because he doesn't want the government telling you where you can put your church..

Does America hate NY that much?

20 Anyone noticing tiny little chinks in the aura of the One? CNN even reported how the GOP stood up to Mr Testy. Carville was semi-blasphemous, the white house press corpse is slightly annoyed at his lack of press conferences. Matthews bitched about Blumenthal. Are there a few heretics showing up? Probably not.

21

Does America hate NY that much?

Yeah.

22 Posted by: Kratos (missing from the side of Mt Olympus) at May 26, 2010 09:22 AM (9hSKh)

When you read this you think, ugh second agency with pron proliferation among the ranks.....can you see the government program coming to help them deal with their addiction?   What is that going to cost?

23 I hate NY and I am forced to go there often. The only relief is the stereo-typical comedy inherent in the natives.

24 19 - No he probably just heard from his Mormon patriarch or whatever they call them to tone down the rhetoric. The Mormons don't want any trouble when they go to build their big multi-story temples.

25 Does America hate NY that much?

We're reciprocating.

26 #23  When you read this you think, ugh second agency with pron proliferation among the ranks.....can you see the government program coming to help them deal with their addiction?   What is that going to cost?

I think there's more than just 2 gov agencies that have the pron-viewing-while-at-work problem.

The costs of a pron-prevention program will be quite stiff, .

27

Does America hate NY that much?

Well, I've been stuck down here since February and any fondness I may have had for this place is long gone.

28 Oshkosh Army vet told not to display American flag in apartment or face eviction

For those of you unfamiliar with flyover country except to sneer, Oshkosh is in Wisconsin, not North Korea.

29 Posted by: Kratos (missing from the side of Mt Olympus) at May 26, 2010 09:26 AM (9hSKh)

Now that would be a nice government contract for an entrepeneur with skilz for computer programming...

The US government pron blocker, guaranteed to work

30 Filthy routers

31 Heh.

32

Anyone noticing tiny little chinks in the aura of the One?

I was pondering this on my drive yesterday.  It occured to me that while most Presidents get a 100 day "honeymoon," Earflaps' has lasted for about a year and a half.

They won't be too hard on him, though.  That would be racist.

33 33 Heh.

Posted by: HeatherRadish at May 26, 2010 09:29 AM (mR7mk)

That's pretty funny!

34 MSN: Palin's choice defeated in Idaho GOP battle.

I like Labrador.

35

Plus, I am friggin sick of every time I turn a game on ESPN I have to watch either the Yankees or the Red Sox.

Do the ESPN guys butt-snorkel the Mets as well?

I love NYC, but just to visit. You have to have a spine of steel - or a shitload of money - to live there.

36

Plus, I am friggin sick of every time I turn a game on ESPN I have to watch either the Yankees or the Red Sox

 

Heh.

In my neck of the woods you'd swear that they were the only two teams in MLB.

37

Links from that UK climate change article:

Bullshit.

More bullshit.

Just like Obamacare, if you think this shit is dead, you're wrong.

 

 

 

38 26 Does America hate NY that much?

We're reciprocating.

Posted by: HeatherRadish at May 26, 2010 09:26 AM (mR7mk)

Nail, meet hammer.

39 Governor Awesome R-NJ told a teacher if she didn't like how much she was making to find another job.

http://tinyurl.com/2af42rc

Why can't he by my governor?

40 I think any Federal agency with employees who take drugs, or download porn while they are supposed to be doing their jobs should have their budgets slashed by 20%.

Upscale Community Organizing Thought Criminal for Congress!

41 "43 Governor Awesome R-NJ told a teacher if she didn't like how much she was making to find another job.

http://tinyurl.com/2af42rc

Why can't he by my governor?

Posted by: Hedgehog at May 26, 2010 09:37 AM (oQIfB)"

maybe he will end up being prez....he doesn't seem to care about anything but "the numbers"

42 US Debt Clock cracked 13 trillion last night. Please send in your share, 118k, to I.R.S. Thank you.

43 Does America hate NY that much?

Posted by: curious at May 26, 2010 09:22 AM (p302b)

I live here, and I fucking hate the shit out of it.

44 Will Folks needs to permanently get off my lawn.

45

Governor Awesome R-NJ told a teacher if she didn't like how much she was making to find another job.

I was reading that over at HA.  Apparently, teachers' salaries are posted online for the state of NJ and a commenter did a little research.  According to the website, she makes about what what she claimed she didn't make (86k + change vs 90k).

I hope she's not teaching math. 

46

maybe he will end up being prez....he doesn't seem to care about anything but "the numbers"

Posted by: curious at May 26, 2010 09:38 AM (p302b)

And that's why we love him.  Fat Governor Dude for Prez!

47 #43  Why can't he by my governor?

We're working on it!

From the America-Is-Boned news file-

NYC community board OKs ground zero mosque plans

NEW YORK - After hours of contentious public comment, a New York City community board voted late Tuesday to support a plan to build a mosque and cultural center near ground zero."It's a seed of peace," board member Rob Townley said. "We believe that this is a significant step in the Muslim community to counteract the hate and fanaticism in the minority of the community."

srsly, "a seed of peace"?  Hell, why not just fly the Crescent flag over Ground Zero? 

At least in the end, there will be only chaos.

48 "46 US Debt Clock cracked 13 trillion last night. Please send in your share, 118k, to I.R.S. Thank you.

Posted by: Something Wicked This Way Comes at May 26, 2010 09:39 AM (uFdnM)"

It's just a matter of time before you are told that a percentage of what you owe in the national debt will be added to your tax bill, ergo, "we have kept your refund" and applied it to your "debt bill"....or worse, "since you didn't get a refund, we are taking all your money to cover this years percentage of debt bill and next year's percentage of debt bill"....(not to worry, we are leaving you ten grand to live)

49 Heather, the banning of flying/hanging our flag by Vets is becoming an all too common place.  I posted the apartment's management company, along with the story, on my facebook page.  Will be calling to tell them how I feel ... (920) 426-2001.  Vets should be able to fly the flag any time, any place.

50 Posted by: The Clone Gov Christie Project at May 26, 2010 09:43 AM (9hSKh)



Cut Jib Newsletter?

51

Re: The Christie story

Surrounded by reporters after she spoke, Wilson said she was shaking from the encounter, and worried she might get in trouble for speaking out.

I laughed out loud.

52 46 US Debt Clock cracked 13 trillion last night. Please send in your share, 118k, to I.R.S. Thank you.

Posted by: Something Wicked This Way Comes at May 26, 2010 09:39 AM (uFdnM)

And didn't the debt to GDP ratio go over 90% as well?  If so, that puts the US into PIIGS territory.  Economic collapse, here we come! Wheeee!

53

."It's a seed of peace," board member Rob Townley said. "We believe that this is a significant step in the Muslim community to counteract the hate and fanaticism in the minority of the community."

Heh, and why not hate New York?

54 "drug-taking, pron surfing morons" there are enough rules to deal with the them; whats needed is an automatic chain of command kill is an audit finds that shit. Every career manager above them get the axe. Do it once, survive the legal challenges -- and the Feds will shape up fast.

55

Mahmoud Ahamdinejad continues to play Odumbass for the fool that he is, by using the same kind of rhetoric and urgent deadlines that the One has made famous.

Iran's president is urging President Obama to accept a nuclear fuel swap deal, warning the U.S. leader will miss a historic opportunity for improved cooperation from Tehran.

Mahmoud Ahamdinejad said Wednesday there are those "who want to pit Mr. Obama against the Iranian nation and bring him to the point of no return, where the path to his friendship with Iran will be blocked forever."

http://tinyurl.com/2bpkf3s

 

 

56
."It's a seed of peace," board member Rob Townley said. "We believe that this is a significant step in the Muslim community to counteract the hate and fanaticism in the minority of the community."

Sometimes I think that these dumb motherfuckers deserve whatever they get!

57

srsly, "a seed of peace"?

 

I planted my seed of peace in Nikki Haley among others.  IYKWIMAITYD.

Just keepin' it real.

58 Vets should be able to fly the flag any time, any place.

ANYONE should be able to fly the flag any time, any place.

59 Plus, I am friggin sick of every time I turn a game on ESPN I have to watch either the Yankees or the Red Sox. Same here, it seems like every other game is Yankees-Red Sox, even the season opener was Yanks-Sox if i remember right, enough is enough already.

60 The jihadists will show N.Y.their respect and appreciation by blowing them up...........first!

61 How are teachers certified in NJ?

62 The underground economy is going to thrive under the new IRS regime. It will be quite fashionable to cheat on taxes. Tax cheating, while generally reserved for the elite, lawyers, and politicians will become all the rage. Offers to work for cash, with no benefits, will appeal to all private employers. In the end there will be chaos and I will embrace it like a warm, fuzzy blanket.

63 57

."It's a seed of peace," board member Rob Townley said. "We believe that this is a significant step in the Muslim community to counteract the hate and fanaticism in the minority of the community."

Dhimmi idiot.  Building the mosque there is the architectural equivalent of an end-zone touchdown dance.

64

92%. But don't worry, Congress is on it! When we last looked at Washington, our brave representatives were discussing.....wait for it..........another stimulus bill. Because the first one worked oh so well.

 

Posted by: Mallamutt at May 26, 2010 09:46 AM (OWjjx)

Oh, if only you'd said so before.  I feel so much better now.

65 So the day after this asshole orders 1200 troops to the border, his own Justice Department recommends he dispute the Arizona law. Nope no politics in the timing there. What a dipshit

66 Sometimes I think that these dumb motherfuckers deserve whatever they get!

Posted by: Hedgehog at May 26, 2010 09:47 AM (oQIfB)

FIFme 

67

20 Anyone noticing tiny little chinks

 

Thats Lasist

68 incognito--Yeah, that really pisses me off. Especially the weaselly "everyone should feel comfortable" garbage  If you don't like seeing the American flag, get the fuck out of America. End of problem.

Apparently there's a federal law that says HOAs and condo associations can't make owners take down their U.S. flags (that WWII vet in the condo in NH who had his flag's mounting bracket stolen by maintenance should call a lawyer...) but it doesn't apply to renters.

Renters always get screwed, but that's a rant for another time.

69 60

And didn't the debt to GDP ratio go over 90% as well?  If so, that puts the US into PIIGS territory.  Economic collapse, here we come! Wheeee!

Its worse than that. If the government had to book bankrupt Fannie and Freddie, an est. 6 trillion in total losses, real debt to GDP hangs around 150%. No shit.

Figures never lie, liars figure

70 ANYONE should be able to fly the flag any time, any place.

In total agreement, Vic ... just commenting on the story :-)  We had something similar in our community.  A homeowner wanted to place a flag pole in his frontyard to fly the flag and the HO said no.  He went to each home with a petition.  Every homeowner said he should be allowed to do it.  He won.

71

Obama at -22 in the Rasmussen Daily Presidential Approval Index

http://tinyurl.com/5tnd2b

 

72

Christie said he would not have had to impose cuts to education if the teachers union had agreed to his call for a one-year salary freeze and a 1.5 percent increase in employee benefit contributions.

"Your union said that is the greatest assault on public education in the history of the state," Christie said. "ThatÂ’s why the union has no credibility, stupid statements like that."

They had a big rally at the state house, about 30,000 showed up, and the teachers' union wouldn't allow students from a counter protest to have any seats at a hearing for vouchers. ( the students were demonstrating for them).

So the state rep moved the hearing to the outside of the building.

73 A Jordanian man accused of trying to blow up a downtown Dallas skyscraper has agreed to enter a guilty plea in return for a prison sentence of no more than 30 years.

74 I am from Idaho. Went to see Palin plug for Ward last week.

Do not get disillusioned here. GOP winner v. Walt Minnick. Labrador or Minnick are both good choices. Minnick is a total DINO. He is the greatest blue dog of them all. Dude voted against Obamacare, spendulus, he is a GOP operative. Not worried.

75 POP! New low fo' Da Zero! -22 and goin' down, ^{_{down, down...}}

76

How are teachers certified in NJ?

All they need is a diploma from the Bada Bing School of Lernin' Shit, signed by Joey NoNeck. It doesn't even cost that much.

77 ANYONE should be able to fly the flag any time, any place. --- they can, except as limited by Federal law (in the rain, tattered, etc.) on their own property http://tinyurl.com/yg2ftv5 -- the problems come in when a tenant in a rental has some clause in their lease. If it were a condo or a home owners association he would be clearly allowed to fly the flag. The right to fly the flag comes down to the ownership of property, it is a shame the right to vote doesn't also apply.

78 ( the students were demonstrating for them)

On a school day? 

79 Apparently there's a federal law that says HOAs and condo associations can't make owners take down their U.S. flags (that WWII vet in the condo in NH who had his flag's mounting bracket stolen by maintenance should call a lawyer...) but it doesn't apply to renters.

There is.  I've been flying my flag every day since 9/11.  I've never had any complaints from neighbors and if I did, they better step away!

80

A Jordanian man accused of trying to blow up a downtown Dallas skyscraper

 

Those Jordanian teabaggers are the worst.

81 The right to fly the flag comes down to the ownership of property, it is a shame the right to vote doesn't also apply.

Gah.  That gives illegal aliens with NINJA loans the right to vote, and takes mine away. That'll be an improvement?

82 Dang, conscious beat me by 120 seconds

83 "The moderate Muslim voice has been squashed in America," he said. "Here is a chance to allow moderate Muslims to teach people that not all Muslims are terrorists."

Liar. There is no such thing as a moderate muslim. PERIOD.

84 89

A Jordanian man accused of trying to blow up a downtown Dallas skyscraper

 

Those Jordanian teabaggers are the worst.

Posted by: J. Nap at May 26, 2010 09:59 AM (CH909)

Not at all true! Yemenian teabaggers are the worst!

85 ANYONE should be able to fly the flag any time, any place. --- they can, except as limited by Federal law (in the rain, tattered, etc.) on their own property

I've never flown a tattered flag but in the rain?  Oops.  Of course, it rains (downpours) here for about five minutes and then it's over.  :-D


81 A Jordanian man accused of trying to blow up a downtown Dallas skyscraper has agreed to enter a guilty plea in return for a prison sentence of no more than 30 years.

30 fucking years?  That's all???

86 Tax cheating, while generally reserved for the elite, lawyers, and politicians will become all the rage.

I recall an article in Playboy years ago that discussed tax policy and cheating.  This article stated that as the real tax rates approached 50% the probability of cheating by the tax payers approached certainty.  (they referenced a "study").

Before the Bush tax cuts when I was still working my real tax rate was over 50%.  When I say real tax rate that includes ALL Federal, State, and local taxes. 

Many people have no idea how much they are actually paying in taxes. 

87 Ace...how about a piece on Will Folks?

88 91 Dang, conscious beat me by 120 seconds

Posted by: maddogg at May 26, 2010 10:00 AM (OlN4e)

Hey, when Odumbass is at -22, I believe it can't be posted enough. Everyone needs to see that this shithead is in a serious tailspin.

89 "Folks you just cannot make this stuff up. To "balance" the California budget Democrats call for new oil tax, borrowing from Wall Street, raiding pop bottle revenues."

90

Ace...how about a piece on Will Folks?

I'm up for that.  In more ways than one.

91 Vic our problem was that we were gummint workers before gummint work was all the rage. Impossible to dodge taxes.

At 50%, well even before that, everyone that pays honest taxes is really a gummint worker. So please 'splain to me what difference there is between communist Russians working for the gummint or Americans paying 50% to the gummint, Cause I ain't gettin it.

92

Is it Friday?

White pants (brand new btw) + frappucino = FAIL

FML

93
Ogabe at -22... so sweet!

94 And btw Vic, who in the hell "reads" Playboy articles? My gramps used to tell grandma that's why he bought the mag. To read the articles.

95 Easy Bake seems to be falling apart.

96

Why would HBO cut the Lewinsky scene out of a movie about Bill Clinton?

This is a travesty!

97 More will Folks please. Especially now that he HAS published those emails

98 Vic our problem was that we were gummint workers before gummint work was all the rage. Impossible to dodge taxes.

And yes, I suspect that a lot of people who file the long form 1040 are cheating in one way or another.

BTW, I haven't filed the long form in ages and likely will never be able now that they have raised the floor for my biggest expense to 10% (medical). 

99 All Folking all day?  Wearing my ass out.

Posted by: The Chicken at May 26, 2010 09:11 AM (2+9Yx)

It;s a big Folking deal.

100 And btw Vic, who in the hell "reads" Playboy articles? My gramps used to tell grandma that's why he bought the mag. To read the articles.

LOL, yeah I know, its an old cliche. But I did read the articles AND drool over the pictures.

101

Hell, Matthews even blasted Rand Paul's Democratic opponet for "misstating and contorting" some of Paul's comments about the Civil Rights Act.

If there is any justice, when MSNBC realizes they are losing the majority of their audience who will not hear any criticism of The Won, and tries to go back to the saner center, they will find that having proven themselves a cheap rentable whore, there is nobody else left who gives a rat's ass.

102 Heather, the banning of flying/hanging our flag by Vets is becoming an all too common place.  I posted the apartment's management company, along with the story, on my facebook page.  Will be calling to tell them how I feel ... (920) 426-2001.  Vets should be able to fly the flag any time, any place.

I fired off an email to them, the contents of which may light their screens on fire.  Scumbags.

103 White pants (brand new btw) + frappucino = FAIL I generally destroy at least 2 silk ties a year by spilling coffee on them. It is a continuing cost of being a coffee-hound, so I price it into my clothes budget. I used to keep a spare set of duds at work for just such an emergency, but now...meh. I just go home and change.

104 99 "Folks you just cannot make this stuff up. To "balance" the California budget Democrats call for new oil tax, borrowing from Wall Street, raiding pop bottle revenues."

Hilarious.  When the rest of the corporations leave California, the State Assembly asshat can go out on the street with his pencil cup begging for change to balance the budget.  Did these people even graduate from grade school???

105 "IÂ’m going to make sure the history textbooks show what a bunch of silly stupid, self-absorbed, victimized, apathetic COWARDS you Conservatives wackos turned out to be (1980-2010)"
It's the third comment here:  "25 Questions To Ask Anyone Who Is Delusional Enough To Believe This Economic Recovery Is Real"

figure you guys know better how to answer this guy

O/T:  Palin talking to Beck, wanted to rent or purchase house next door but couldn't get a hold of the neighbor....she said todd and the boys are busy building the 14 foot fence....lol

106 90 The right to fly the flag comes down to the ownership of property, it is a shame the right to vote doesn't also apply.

Gah.  That gives illegal aliens with NINJA loans the right to vote, and takes mine away. That'll be an improvement?

Posted by: HeatherRadish at May 26, 2010 09:59 AM (mR7mk)

The Law of Unintended Consequences. Works every time. If something this dumbass ever became law, I predict that within one hour of its taking effect, you'll be able to buy a piece of land by the square yard.

107 Justice Department drafts challenge to Arizona immigration law.

Fuckers. Eric Holder is a criminal.

108

After the clip went back to the studio and everyone (including the scrunt Mikka B) sat there with these blank stares on their faces like they could not believe Obama really said that.

It's starting.

They go with a story that isn't totally positive and they are going to get yelled at by the thin-skinned White House.

Eventually they will get tired of being yelled at for noticing the sky is blue.

109 99 "Folks you just cannot make this stuff up. To "balance" the California budget Democrats call for new oil tax, borrowing from Wall Street, raiding pop bottle revenues."

Curious, I read that shit twice and still don't know what it said. A fucking bottle fund is going to shore up a 20 billion dollar shortfall?

Comprehension=fail. Like white pants and crappucino=fail

110

86 - It was May 13, don't know if that was a school day in New Jersey.

 

111 Via Instapundit:

Good news: Murtha investigation is still open.

It's good news if it would ensnare his former aide and the guy currently in his seat.

112 i can't decide if will folks should be punched up or down...i am sure he needs to be punched

113 When the rest of the corporations leave California, the State Assembly asshat can go out on the street with his pencil cup begging for change to balance the budget.

Will not do them any good. By then the only people out there in the streets will be the illegals and the deadbeats who will ask them for money.

The taxpayers will have all been long gone. CA has actually been losing them already by the droves. Of course they are all flooding into AZ, CO, and NM and screwing them up with liberal voting.

114 US to be fully responsible for Greece bailout?  Don't you know it.

http://tiny.cc/qtm44



_{oh and sell your stocks today.}

115 Out! out, damned sock!

116 Posted by: Something Wicked This Way Comes at May 26, 2010 10:18 AM (uFdnM)

I read it twice too....you almost can't believe what they don't seem to know or understand.

And, after hearing the black swan author the other night saying this about the administration, I'm really starting to worry about this country.

117

Tide Stick and/or Shout Wipes are my friend, Monty. (Not sure that's good for the silk tie though.....)

Wednesdays are eeeeeeevil and can just go straight to hell.

118 LMAO. Wait until Arizona starts demanding identification. Californian. Sorry fucker, no room at the Inn. Montanan's close the gates at night. Long lines of Ca. libtards waiting to get in. You go home now, say hi to Nan.

119 Did these people even graduate from grade school???

Just because someone attended through sixth grade doesn't mean they can read a Dr. Seuss book or add single-digit numbers correctly.  But I bet they know all about "cars and bottled water kill polar bears" and how to put a condom on a cucumber.

120 "Folks you just cannot make this stuff up. To "balance" the California budget Democrats call for new oil tax, borrowing from Wall Street, raiding pop bottle revenues." Oh, California Democrats will leave no financial trick unused. They have received their orders from the Unions: no job cuts, no give-backs. It doesn't matter, really -- California is boned no matter what they do. They can't tax their way out of the hole they're in and they can't grow their way out. So, really, all this budgetary wrangling is just the clowns capering for the rubes' entertainment. Illinois and Michigan are likewise scrambling to patch over huge budget gaps with legal maneuvers, but here's the problem: most are good only until the next budget session. The debts amplify over time; and the tricks cause further fiscal agony later on as the rosy predictions of return-rate and growth fail to materialize. We are reaching the point where there is no more road down which the can may be kicked. It's over. The precipice is right there. There's going to be street fighting between public-sector union goons and taxpayers this summer. There will be blood, mark my words. I always knew the first battle in this new civil war would be between the public-sector and the taxpayers who support (enrich?) them.

121 Before anyone forgets, Plug The Damn Hole!

122 in my school they used a banana not a cucumber

123 sanity reigned when the phx city council decided not to raise property taxes.......our values have only sunk 60% ... to think that they would even consider raising taxes is troubling....they will be reviewing their position next year.......

124 134 Before anyone forgets, Plug The Damn Hole!

Posted by: Barack "I'm still a genious" Obama at May 26, 2010 10:24 AM (YVZlY)

My Sword of Damocles *wink wink* and I are all over it.

125 Just because someone attended through sixth grade graduated fro m high school doesn't mean they can read a Dr. Seuss book or add single-digit numbers correctly.  But I bet they know all about "cars and bottled water kill polar bears" and how to put a condom on a cucumber.

Posted by: HeatherRadish at May 26, 2010 10:24 AM (mR7mk)

FTFY

126 in my school they used a banana not a cucumber

Did they tell you what you're supposed to do with it after you get the condom on?  I haven't figured that out yet.

127 141 in my school they used a banana not a cucumber

Did they tell you what you're supposed to do with it after you get the condom on?  I haven't figured that out yet.

Posted by: HeatherRadish at May 26, 2010 10:29 AM (mR7mk)

nom...nom...nom...

128

If there is any justice, when MSNBC realizes they are losing the majority of their audience who will not hear any criticism of The Won, and tries to go back to the saner center

They won't move to the center, they will just decide some Democrats aren't doing it right. Well-meaning, of course...

129 So Congress and Obama have put me in debt for $118K, have they?  Lotsa luck collecting it!  The Chinese are just gonna have to get in line behind all my other creditors.  I'd end my retirement and go back to work, but unfortunately Obama and Congress have put paid to that option.  (Unemployment  in my area is variously reported at between 9 1/2 to 17%, depending on who's cooking the books.)

130 19 so Beck just said it was ok to build at the 9/11 site because he doesn't want the government telling you where you can put your church..

Does America hate NY that much?

Yes.

131 Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war?

S. Korea on alert as N. Korean subs disappear in East Sea
SEOUL (BNO NEWS) -- South Korea's military is attempting to track down four
North Korean submarines which disappeared from their east coast base after conducting naval training in the East Sea earlier this week, a military official told the Yonhap news agency on Wednesday.

132 sanity reigned when the phx city council decided not to raise property taxes.......our values have only sunk 60% ... to think that they would even consider raising taxes is troubling....they will be reviewing their position next year.......

Thank God!  I guess this means I can quit collecting signatures to get Prop 13 on the ballot in November.

133 Lets hope someone in the RoK Navy is going to make those subs stay lost.

134 All of you morons who are jumping all over this Will guy, you don't know.  Maybe he really did have an affair with this Republican woman who's running for governor.  I think you all need to withold your judgment for now, and let the evidence come out.  I'm just looking out for Teh Folks! 

135

149 Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war?

The dogs of war won't last long in Korea. 

136

South Korea's military is attempting to track down four North Korean submarines which disappeared from their east coast base after conducting naval training in the East Sea earlier this week, a military official told the Yonhap news agency on Wednesday.

They might be submerged.

Just a hunch.

137 LOL!  Over at NPR they are discussing where they can 'deploy' obama during mid terms.

I say we deploy him over Iran without a parachute.

138 "149 Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war?" It's probably too much to hope for, but wouldn't it be cool if Nork assets just started mysteriously disappearing?

139

What's the stock market all upbeat about today?  All the news is negative.

140 South Korea's military is attempting to track down four North Korean submarines which disappeared from their east coast base after conducting naval training in the East Sea earlier this week, a military official told the Yonhap news agency on Wednesday.

Release TEH ADMIRAL FRED!

141 #153 The dogs of war won't last long in Korea.

lol, indeed - they'll end up as boot lining or as sacrifices to the great Porcelain god.

#154 They might be submerged.

Just a hunch.

Heh.  Didn't know Nork tech had advanced to a point where they could actually get their subs under deep water.

142

There's going to be street fighting between public-sector union goons and taxpayers this summer. There will be blood, mark my words. I always knew the first battle in this new civil war would be between the public-sector and the taxpayers who support (enrich?) them.

Since they are all Californications, I don't know who to root for, so I'll just root for chaos...

143 There is a guy named Mike that writes a blog called "Economic Collapse." I have yet to take issue with a single thing he has written.

And I cannot tell you how sick I get listening to idiots on MSNBC tell you that the stock market is the place to put your money.

You cannot ignore a 13 trillion debt with interest. Nor can you ignore that figure when interest rates rise and we have to refinance that debt at 6,7,8, 9 percent. Factor in 60 trillion SS and Medicaid debt coming due and this is an absolute calamity/disaster. So we are just marking time. Take all assets and get as liquid as possible. Hope someone takes currency as payment.

144

Those NK subs are defecting.  Or defecating, as originally typed.  They have all of the greatest innovations in North Korea technology, like screw propellers. 

This jaw-jawing in Korea is a little more intense and prolonged than normal, but no way does this thing go hawt. 

145 This folks character reminds me of the guys who "have banged so and so" but in reality, her name was "Jill". Hold up your right hand.  You'll see it.

146 I hope, I pray that this Sestack Scandel forces Obama to resign. Sooner we get rid of this piece shit pretending to be a man out ot 1600 PA Ave and get rid of the cum stain Demoncrat Congress, life may get bact to normal !!!!!

147 My favorite part of the Korean crisis is that Kim Kong is stealing his defense from Bill & Hill's playbook:  He's lying like a Clinton.  We'll see how Madam Secretary deals with that.

148 159 #153 The dogs of war won't last long in Korea.

lol, indeed - they'll end up as boot lining or as sacrifices to the great Porcelain god.

#154 They might be submerged.

Just a hunch.

Heh.  Didn't know Nork tech had advanced to a point where they could actually get their subs under deep water.

Posted by: Kratos (missing from the side of Mt Olympus) at May 26, 2010 10:45 AM (9hSKh)

Run Silent, Run Deep slightly submerged.

149  Before anyone forgets, Plug The Damn Hole!

Posted by: Barack "I'm still a genious" Obama at May 26, 2010 10:24 AM (YVZlY)

Which is exactly what he tells Manchelle to do to him every night

150 This business will get out of control, and we'll be lucky to live through it.

151

What's the stock market all upbeat about today?  All the news is negative.

Posted by: conscious and out of touch with the stock market

 

Even I can have a good day. Meow.

152 @ Curious

That debt clock is racist.

Seriously though, you wouldn't happen to have snapshot of the debt clock say  right before Dems took Congress in 07 would ya?

153 North Korea submarines + Big Oil gusher at -5,000 feet = 2 problems solved

154

This jaw-jawing in Korea is a little more intense and prolonged than normal, but no way does this thing go hawt. 

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at May 26, 2010 10:46 AM (3iMgs)

Yep, pretty much what everyone said back in 1950.

155 Hmm? Oh, sorry, snack time. My bad.

156

I hope, I pray that this Sestack Scandel forces Obama to resign. Sooner we get rid of this piece shit pretending to be a man out ot 1600 PA Ave and get rid of the cum stain Demoncrat Congress, life may get bact to normal !!!!!

 

Obama and his cronies are all about power, and self preservation, in that order. They'll let Sestak dangle. He already crossed them once when he ran, and that probably won't ever be forgotten by the thin-skinned Manufactured Messiah. SInce Republicans are not likely to regain the Sneate even if they take PA, he'll be written off.

157 My husband was giving me the Krauthammer line about how the Sestak job was no big deal because it "happens all the time". Sorry, illegal is illegal. Really, anything to get them out.

158

My husband was giving me the Krauthammer line...

Dagny--really that is just too easy...

159 Keith Olbermann missed his true calling.  When his MSNBC contract runs out, he needs to consider becoming one of those over-the-top managers in the WWE, where his barking and heel-biting skills can be used to submarine his rasslin' opponents.

160 I hope, I pray that this Sestack Scandel forces Obama to resign!

Posted by: Buster Hymand at May 26, 2010 10:47 AM (SZy+Y)

Two words:  President Biden.

161

A very tragic story from Fox:

(NewsCore) - A 58-year-old British transsexual Tuesday lost her court battle over the state-funded health service's refusal to pay for a breast enlargement, which she claimed violated her human rights.

Identified only as "C" for legal reasons, the gender identity disorder (GID) sufferer -- referring to people unhappy with their sex -- has been living as a woman for more than a decade.

Her breasts failed to develop sufficiently following hormonal treatment, leaving her in physical and psychological "limbo."

The transsexual, who is from the Reading area west of London, challenged the local National Health Service branch's refusal to pay for breast augmentation surgery, at a cost of £2,300 ($3,300).

162

178 I hope, I pray that this Sestack Scandel forces Obama to resign!

Posted by: Buster Hymand at May 26, 2010 10:47 AM (SZy+Y)

Two words:  President Biden.

I'm in control here, in the White House.   

163  My husband was giving me the Krauthammer line about how the Sestak job was no big deal because it "happens all the time". Sorry, illegal is illegal. Really, anything to get them out.

Posted by: dagny

I don't think that he condones it. I think that he realizes that the possiblility of getting convictions, particularly with this crew in place, is nil. If this DOJ will ignore thugs with clubs threatening people at a polling place, does anyone think that they will invetigate whether their WH bosses tried to throw an election?

164

Why is there no comment or commentary anywhere about the story about the Woman in Yuba City, CA who was SHOT DEAD BY POLICE after she & her husband refused to answer Census questions and pulled guns on the Census worker?

I would've sworn this would have been the first topic on Glenn Beck's show this week.  But there's been no mention of it anywhere, and no further reporting.

Why?  Do people consider the story stupid or something?

165

A 58-year-old British transsexual Tuesday lost her court battle over the state-funded health service's refusal to pay for a breast enlargement, which she claimed violated her human rights.

The Era of Stupid^tm

It marches forward ever victorious.

166 178 I hope, I pray that this Sestack Scandel forces Obama to resign! Two words:  President Biden.

Can you imagine if they both went down?

Fuck oh dear. FUBAR in three words.

Nancy Botox Pelosi

167 Don't the S.Koreans hate us?
Fuck'em. I can live without Kia's and Samsungs.

168 What's the stock market all upbeat about today? All the news is negative. Our economy sucks less than Europe's does. Not much less, and our problems are bigger, but they'll crash first. Our economy is at least growing. Not quickly, and not by much, but it is recovering. Europe's isn't -- it may even get worse as the austerity programs in many countries start to bite into GDP. There are large advantages in owning the world's reserve currency. If you pray at night, thank God for that fact alone.

169 Did you know that immigrants from Mexico and other non-European countries can come to this country and get preferences in jobs, education, and government contracts? It's called affirmative action or racial privilege. The Emperor of Japan or the President of Mexico could migrate here and immediately be eligible for special rights unavailable for Americans of European descent. Recently, a vote was taken in the U.S. Congress to end this practice. It was defeated. Every single Democratic senator except Ernest Hollings voted to maintain special privileges for Hispanic, Asian and African immigrants.

They were joined by thirteen Republicans. Bill Clinton and Al Gore have repeatedly stated that they believe that massive immigration from countries like Mexico is good. They have also backed special privileges for these immigrants.

Corporate America has signed on to the idea that minorities and third world immigrants should get special, privileged status. Some examples are Exxon, Texaco, Merrill Lynch, Boeing, Paine Weber, Starbucks and many more.
 
DID YOU KNOW?:
Did you know that Mexico regularly intercedes on the side of the defense in criminal cases involving Mexican nationals? Did you know that Mexico has NEVER extradited a Mexican national accused of murder in the U.S. in spite of agreements to do so? According to the L.A. Times, Orange County, California is home to 275 gangs with 17,000 members; 98% of which are Mexican and Asian. How's your county doing?

According to a New York Times article dated May 19, 1994, 20 years after the great influx of legal immigrants from Southeast Asia, 30% are still on welfare compared to 8% of households nationwide. A Wall Street Journal editorial dated December 5, 1994 quotes law enforcement officials as stating that Asian mobsters are the "greatest criminal challenge the country faces." Not bad for a group that is still under 5% of the population.

Is education important to you? Here are the words of a teacher who spent over 20 years in the Los Angeles School system. "Imagine teachers in classes containing 30-40 students of widely varying attention spans and motivation, many of whom aren't fluent in English. Educators seek learning materials likely to reach the majority of students and that means fewer words and math problems and more pictures and multicultural references."

WHEN I WAS YOUNG:
When I was young, I remember hearing about the immigrants that came through Ellis Island. They wanted to learn English. They wanted to breath free. They wanted to become Americans. Now too many immigrants come here with demands. They demand to be taught in their own language. They demand special privileges--affirmative action. They demand ethnic studies that glorify their culture.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?:
Send copies of this letter to at least two other people, 100 would be even better. Help us get the word out.

California Coalition for Immigration Reform
5942 Edinger, Suite 113-117
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Phone 714.921.7142

170 166 Old Russian-design diesels.  IF they are in good working order and competently staffed, they can be difficult to find in shallow waters with all the background noise, whales, etc.

171 Fuck'em. I can live without Kia's and Samsungs. *** I have a good friend who does very well at the Hyundai plant here in town. I've made my peace with them.

172 Why is there no comment or commentary anywhere about the story about the Woman in Yuba City, CA who was SHOT DEAD BY POLICE after she & her husband refused to answer Census questions and pulled guns on the Census worker?


She aimed the gun at the police.  It's a rather run-of-the-mill suicide.

173 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kag4tU6B3yc

Make sure you get the High Def view.

174 Sestack? Hell, with Zero running the House. Senate, and Executive branch, along with the MFM running interference, praying that the Seastack scandal will cause him to resign is little more than mental masturbation.

175

Hmm, Chris Christie--had an Irish father and a Sicilian mother, who knew!  Great video of him speaking substance over style shamelessly swiped from Hotair.

http://tinyurl.com/2vfq5st

176 Last night I had a terrible nightmare.  I dreamed that eight years from now the US would elect for President some guy I had never even heard of with a muslim name who ran on a platform of non-specific "change."  And that ten years from now there would be a mosque standing at ground zero. 

177 Hmm, Chris Christie--had an Irish father and a Sicilian mother, who knew!  Great video of him speaking substance over style shamelessly swiped from Hotair.

When I watched this, I started thinking that he was setting himself up to run against the epitome of style over substance: Ogabe.

178 Monty, we're just better at manipulating numbers.

They don't book Fannie and Freddie as 6T losses. They gerryrig unemployment numbers, manipulate GDP, ex out certain items from the CPI.

Our economy is every bit as bad as Europa. We are just much better at manipulating data and lying to the public. Creating money out of thin air. The EU actually uses real money, not manufactured money, to plug holes. Before this is over, Europe will take their lumps and recover. The US  will die a slow painful death of debt suffocation and inflation.

179 191 Exactly.  I could see holding the census goon at gunpoint IF he was being that big of a threatening a-hole, but the guns get put down when the cops get there. 

180 The EU actually uses real money, not manufactured money, to plug holes. Before this is over, Europe will take their lumps and recover. I dun' theenk so, Lucy. The Euro is no more "real" than the US dollar -- it's a fiat currency, and as we've seen, is based on a very shaky foundation. The Euro has never been tested in a real crisis before, and now that it has been tested, we all see what a sham it was. And as for Europe "taking its lumps", you are more sanguine than I. The Greeks, Italians, Spaniards, and Frenchmen will riot in the streets before they give up their cherished socialist welfare states. The generation of Europeans who remember World War II and its privations is largely gone; those who remain remember nothing but prosperity and affluence. That this affluence was largely an illusion vexes them; they took a privliege to be a right, and are correspondingly unlikely to give it up without huge social unrest.

181

(NewsCore) - A 58-year-old British transsexual Tuesday lost her court battle over the state-funded health service's refusal to pay for a breast enlargement, which she claimed violated her human rights.

Identified only as "C" for legal reasons, the gender identity disorder (GID) sufferer -- referring to people unhappy with their sex -- has been living as a woman for more than a decade.

Her breasts failed to develop sufficiently following hormonal treatment, leaving her in physical and psychological "limbo."

The transsexual, who is from the Reading area west of London, challenged the local National Health Service branch's refusal to pay for breast augmentation surgery, at a cost of £2,300 ($3,300).

Posted by: runningrn at May 26, 2010 10:55 AM (CfmlF)

The only "disorder" this person is suffering from is the failure to realize that your sexuality is a part of your life, and not the other way around.

182 Speaking of the census, this article (linked at Drudge) says that TEH WON is hiring, firing, and rehiring census works multiple time because each time he does so, it's another job he has created or saved.

183 "186 Don't the S.Koreans hate us? Fuck'em. I can live without Kia's and Samsungs. Posted by: Barbarian at May 26, 2010 10:59 AM (EL+OC)" No. Their leftists do, and there will always be some animosity toward foreign troops, but South Koreans generally do not dislike the US.

184

those who remain remember nothing but prosperity and affluence. That this affluence was largely an illusion vexes them; they took a privliege to be a right, and are correspondingly unlikely to give it up without huge social unrest.

Interesting point. And to back you up a person only has to watch "Rick Steves' Europe" on PBS.

Hell of a lot of free time for all the 'workers' over there.

185

In my humbles, the national debt won't become a meaningful issue until it's adressed in accurate and practical terms. So, first, does this debt clock give an accurate reading of the debt, or is it just some gimmicky, awareness-raising thing?

Then, what does the per-person calculation of the debt really mean? It's not like the government (American or Chinese) is going to start harassing me for $117,000. A generation ago, I heard Reagan talking about our two-trillion-dollar debt and how bad that was, but here we are thirty years later and the Navy still has ships in the water and Interstate 90 still leads to Boston. So the debt is $13 trillion or $84 trillion or $550 trillion -- how are things going to change that much for the worse over the next thirty years?

(While we're at it, what governments have clean balance sheets? And how are their countries doing?)

186 So the debt is $13 trillion or $84 trillion or $550 trillion -- how are things going to change that much for the worse over the next thirty years? It's called "servicing the debt" and "debt maturity". The percentage of GDP we're paying to service that enormous debt is increasing, and will eventually gobble up 100% of GDP. And someday, that debt is going to have to be paid, one way or another: it represents real money owned to real people, not some abstract pile of digital bits sitting in a computer somewhere. Too much debt is bad, mmm-kay?

187 US National debt cracked 13 trillion last night. Please send in your share, $118k, to IRS. Thank you.

It's just a matter of time before you are told that a percentage of what you owe in the national debt will be added to your tax bill, ergo, "we have kept your refund" and applied it to your "debt bill"....or worse, "since you didn't get a refund, we are taking all your money to cover this years percentage of debt bill and next year's percentage of debt bill"

You left out the part that makes this a ho-hum deal for most Dems:  "If you're among the 42 percent of Americans who don't pay any income tax, you don't have to worry about the national debt; we're making the eeevil rich--like the couple next door who make $40K apiece working 48 hours per week--pay your share of it.  So, enjoy!"

188 Jean asked, "How are teachers certified in NJ? "

They're asked one question:  "Do you support Democrat candidates and socialist policies?"

Answer yes and you're in.  No and you're politely shown the door.

189 Dear Senator Murray,

Sen. Joe Sestak has alleged, in public, that someone in the White House offered him a "high ranking job" in return for dropping out of the Senate Campaign in Pennsylvania, in violation of Federal Statutes.

Either Sestak is lying, or Sestak is telling the truth. If itÂ’s the latter, then someone in the Obama administration committed a felony, and perhaps more than one. If it didnÂ’t happen, then Joe Sestak is lying.

It seems to me, that someone of your unblemished integrity, and impeccable honesty would be screaming to high heaven to get to the bottom of this serious allegation, yet I see no mention of it at all, publicly, in your newsletter, or your e-mail.

Please, take a deep breath, and a time-out, from putting your boot on the neck of Wall St., and look into this.

Your most avid fan,
Frank

190

So the debt is $13 trillion or $84 trillion or $550 trillion -- how are things going to change that much for the worse over the next thirty years?

By the end of this decade, the 13 trillion will double--by the White House's own numbers.  GAO's figures are evne higher.  The service on that debt will be the biggest line item in the federal budget if not brought under control--bigger than Social Security, Medicare or Defense.

The borrowing to finance the deficits will demand higher interest rates, which will drive up the service costs even more.  All that sovereign borrowing stifles private sector credit and slows the resulting in even bigger deficits.  Can you see where the deadly cycle begins here, firehorse?  News flash:  We're there.  The Crapulus^tm  and Obamacare removed our fiscal room for maneuver.

We have two and only two possible ways to remedy this situation.

1.  Steely-eyed budget discipline.  Yeah, right.

2.  Inflate your way out of the debt, which the Chinese won't let us do.

We are screwed.

191 Bill Addresses Misconduct by Lawyers for Guantánamo Detainees

192

Too much debt is bad, mmm-kay?

I get it, but it's still abstract. I mean, FireHorse didn't borrow the money, so it's not FireHorse's problem. If the government makes it my business by raising my taxes, I'll make it my business to continue legally avoiding them. When the government changes the rules, I change my behaviors.

I guess my question is "What are the concrete consequences of too much public debt?" -- at all levels (national, state, local, personal).

193

Two words:  President Biden.

Posted by: WalrusRex at May 26, 2010 10:54 AM (xxgag)

I'd rather have that buffoon than the radical, anti-American, Marxist Barry. And the press won't be kissing Biden's ass around the clock like they do Barry

194 Posted by: FireHorse at May 26, 2010 12:00 PM (cQyWA)

For starters those ratings agencies are going to lower the rating of the US, it's just a matter of time.

Secondly, there is always the chance of default.

Thirdly, there is a huge moral component that the libs/dems don't see to see or care about.

195

Ah. #209 is getting to the meat of it, but #206 makes a good point, too: A lot of people don't even pay income taxes.

(I must report that this is a non-issue with most people I know.)

196 To "balance" the California budget Democrats call for new oil tax, borrowing from Wall Street, raiding pop bottle revenues." Posted by: curious@ 99

Link is to LA Times, and the gist of the thing is that the Democrats who've been in charge of that whorish excuse of a legislature for decades came up with a slick maneuver that would let them impose new taxes without having to get the votes of any of the Republican members.  Basically an Obamacare maneuver.

Something about the article struck me as odd (and not the usual Democrat political spitball maneuver):  19 hours after the article appeared, not a single comment had appeared.

Now, one possibility is that no one reading the Times thought this was interesting enough to warrant a comment.  But another is that readers *were* commenting, but all the comments were *against* the Dem proposal and/or the cram-down nature of the damn thing.

And of course the 100-percent-Dem-loving LA Times would *never* publish a whole page of anti-Dem opinions, eh?

No way to know which explanation.  Maybe Patterico can shed some light?

197 Posted by: Moron in a Leopard Snuggie at May 26, 2010 09:50 AM (Ks4nX)

Waht is your point that "Pailin's choice" was defeated?   Last time I looked Sarah Palin is a celebrity and a news commentator.  She's an ex governor of a state and former VP candidate.  She's a mom and an Alaska resident.  She hold no offices, and has no real power over anything but herself and the direction her own family goes.

BO is POTUS

See where I'm going here?

Nothing to lose versus well you get the gist...

198

curious, #213: Secondly, there is always the chance of default.

As long as your neighbor gets to cash in his savings bonds when his kid starts college, he'll just say, "Good! You know who the government is defaulting on? Goldman Sachs! And they deserve it!"

I know that goes against the moral component you raised, but do you think I'm wrong here?

199 If you plan on traveling to Mexico, leave your gold fillings at home.

200 Posted by: sf at May 26, 2010 12:08 PM (eSMQV)

Just so you know, I included the link to MIsh where he has written a few comments. 

Here's the link to MIsh again:  
"Borrowing Billions From Pop Bottle Returns - Democrats Latest Scheme to Avoid Balancing California's Budget"

201 Will Folks has posted what he claims is a text message exchange that proves... something, I suppose: http://bit.ly/9i1IHW

202 oops.  Linky thing wrong.

203 Posted by: FireHorse at May 26, 2010 12:11 PM (cQyWA)

Look a lot of young libs/dems agree with you.  The "so what if we carry enormous debt, what difference does it make in the scheme of things?" school.
I'm an independent, not a republican or a dme.   I like to think I'm not clouded by ideology.  The other day I posted a link ot an article where someone said this kind of debt is compromising our national security.  And, they made a pretty good case.   Months ago I posted our ten top bond holders.  Oddly enough, besides China and Japan, were the unions and pension funds.  If you debt is more than what you are capable of producing it makes a lot of people uncomfortable.  Not to mention the ramifications of this with our political dealings with our major bond holders.   Look, if you owe someone money and you can't pay, don't you avoid them as much as you can so they don't ask you where the money is?  What if your friend took things a step further and said to you "well you owe me, so I'm going to ask you why you are going to that club on Saturday night when you can be starting to pay me back my money?  And, why are you shopping at whole foods, why don't you go to Wally mart where the food is cheaper?  And, how come you are taking a cab home at 4 am, the subway is much cheaper"  And how come you aren't shopping in target for your clothes, do you really need that designer dress at 500 bucks? "Look, says you friend, ordinarily I wouldn't be saying this stuff but you owe me the money and it looks like you aren't planning to even try to pay me back". 

Now our debt for the most part is owed in treasuries but what if one of these countries decided to cash in all their treasuries.  What would happen?

204 *snerk*

205

Now our debt for the most part is owed in treasuries but what if one of these countries decided to cash in all their treasuries. What would happen?

That's my question. Part of it, anyway. Also:

What would happen if an offshore rating agency, some outfit that can't be strongarmed or bought by Uncle Sam, says, "U.S. government debt instruments are a bad risk." Ultimately, I think, Uncle Sam says to their creditors, "Build your own navy and protect your own shipping routes." Panama partners with Brazil and China to maintain security for its canal while America relies on its rail system to get stuff from ocean to ocean. Et cetera. This would mark a singularity of sorts characterized by America withdrawing from the world and the rest of the world devolving into chaos. What happens after that would be anyone's guess. But my point (again, part of it) is that so many people would see this as a good thing.

That way I see it, there are two things the country needs to do as a country: See that we're approaching a day of reckoning, and try to prevent it.

206 Firehorse asked a question that a lot of Americans would like answered:  Conventional Wisdom is that debt is bad, but what are the *actual, literal* consequences of having a national debt essentially the size of our nation's gross annual product? 

I think Circa (IYH) at 209 had the most responsive answer:  The best estimates are that by 2015 or so, the cost of *servicing* our debt (a large part being just interest we have to pay to bond-holders) will be the *largest single line-item in the federal budget*.

Larger than all our Medicare.  Larger than Social Security.  Larger than than the entire U.S. defense spending.

If the congress [spit!] is unwilling to come remotely close to balancing the budget NOW, how the hell does anyone expect it will get *easier* after our cost of debt-service exceeds the annual budget of the DoD?

Answer:  It's dumb to expect congress to do what's necessary.  Even though that's what we pay those incompetent fucks to do.

Question is, what *then*?

If we're the world's biggest economy, who the hell will bail *us* out?

More later.

207 Today's close  9,974.37.  I've lost a digit.

208 WHOLESALE WATCHES,RETAIL WATCHES,REPLICA WATCHES,COPY WATCHES,BRAND WATCHES,ROLEX,CARTIER,HUBLOT. www.iloveinwatch.com http://www.iloveinwatch.com/category-126-b0-Rolex+watch.html">Replica Rolex http://www.iloveinwatch.com/category-94-b0-Cartier+watch.html">Replica Cartier http://www.iloveinwatch.com/category-108-b0-Hublot+watch.html">Replica Hublot