Ace of Spades HQ

December 11, 2013

The Ryan/Murray Budget Deal Is... Awful
— Ace

But you knew that.

There is one good thing I've heard about it and one neutral thing.

The good thing: The compromise calls for federal workers to pay more for their pensions. That is terrific. Update: Not so terrific. MTF writes:

Small point Ace, but the increased worker contribution to federal pensions applies only to new employees. It's still a revolutionary change, but the budget impact is delayed.

The neutral thing: The additional tax for airline travel that they're calling a "user fee" rather than a tax does seem like it can be fairly characterized as a user fee. Cavuto had a guy on explaining that a fee of $2.50 per ticket per leg was imposed in 2002, to partially defray the costs of the huge new TSA security system.

However, that didn't cover all of TSA's costs, and TSA actually costs more now than it did five years ago. Despite the fact that less people are actually traveling, due to Obama's Endless Recession.

So, calling it a "user's fee" does not seem to abuse the language. It actually does pay for the costs the user is directly incurring.

It might be better to cut back on the TSA -- in fact, I'm pretty sure it would be. But this small item doesn't seem to be a Gigantic Lie, like the ones Obama likes to tell.

The new charge will be a flat $5.60, but that won't (if Cavuto's guy had this right, which I'm not sure he did) be per leg of a trip. So the actual increased cost for a two-way flight might be only $0.60.

Update: The Wall Street Journal has the facts straight:

The feds currently charge $2.50 on nonstop flights, and $5 for flights with a connection, and the deal will establish a simple $5.60 fee for all one-way trips regardless of the number of connections. The fees will be passed along to passengers in higher ticket costs.

So you'll be charged an extra $2.50 per flight on nonstops and an extra $0.60 on flights with a connection.

Now for the bad stuff.

Here's the first and most important gimmick. Paul Ryan is claiming, "Hey man, how can you say I'm abandoning my principles? This compromise actually cuts the deficit by a further $28 billion (over ten years) than the current plan!!! So this actually cuts more spending than the current, sequester-bound spending levels!"

Yeah that approaches Gigantic Lie territory. Here's how they can spend more in the next year and then claim their compromise actually saves more money over ten years:

They spend more in the years they care about, 2014 and 2015. For these years, they increase spending by a total of $63 billion.

But currently, the sequester-capped spending levels would expire in 2021 (it was set to run from 2011 to 2021). So what Ryan says is "Now we'll also impose sequester-caps on the out years of 2022 and 2023, so that's two more years under the sequester, so we actually wind up cutting more spending!"

You can see the problem. They're not willing to abide by the terms of the sequester in 2014 and 2015. They want to spend more. So they undo the sequester caps in 2014 and 2015, and then pretend to extend the sequester from 2021 to 2023.

Instead of abiding by the sequester in the two following years, they'll abandon it in the two years we're actually about to pass into, and promise -- swearsies! -- they'll abide by it later.

This is obviously nonsense. First of all, it establishes the precedent of ducking the sequester forever. Two years from now, they'll vote to spend more money, but say "Over ten years, we're lowering the deficit, by extending the sequester from 2023 to 2025!!!"

No you're not. To spend less money, you have to, at some point, spend less money. If you keep delaying the day you actually start spending less money, you'll never spend less money.

This is like someone putting off going on a diet forever but promising "When I do go on the diet, I'll stay on it for a really really really long time!"

At some point, you have to actually go on the diet if you want to lose weight. Paul Ryan's plan just says, "Eh, we'll get in shape two years from now."

Even worse than all that is this heartbreaking chart from Reason, which shows federal spending unrestrained by the sequester (that is, what the government had planned to spend) versus the lower spending under the sequester.

This is the end of the world scenario we're working so hard to undo, Guys:

You see that teeny, tiny difference in sequester and non-sequester spending? That little difference is what we're now reduced to fighting over. That insignificant bit.

Even that pittance of savings is too much, too controversial, too politically dangerous to touch. So even that ludicrously small amount of savings must be undone by the Republican Party, because we just can't win elections when we're making draconian cuts like that.

But once the GOP is in control of all branches of government, then they'll start getting serious about putting the government on a diet.

Swearsies!

Posted by: Ace at 03:26 PM | Comments (250)
Post contains 877 words, total size 5 kb.

1 Clown shoes.

Posted by: EC at December 11, 2013 03:29 PM (GQ8sn)

2 Oh Paul Ryan. I had such hopes for you.

Sigh.

Like every other politician, you.... disappoint me greatly.

Posted by: shibumi at December 11, 2013 03:29 PM (25HWz)

3 Italian clown shoes.

Posted by: EC at December 11, 2013 03:29 PM (GQ8sn)

4

I tell people about the lube and I tell people . . . .

You want to know why I don't believe a word of this. Go read Parliament of Whores. The exact same promises were made then.

Parliament of Whores was published in 1991.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at December 11, 2013 03:29 PM (Gk3SS)

5 So to summarize. We're fucked.

Posted by: Minnfidel at December 11, 2013 03:29 PM (5M2+1)

6 ITALICS! almost as bad as Greeks!

Posted by: Mallfly at December 11, 2013 03:30 PM (bJm7W)

7 Man, I seriously gotta get off this rock.

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith[/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at December 11, 2013 03:30 PM (qyfb5)

8 late again, as usual

Posted by: Mallfly at December 11, 2013 03:30 PM (bJm7W)

9 Eddie Munster Ryan is a sham. Levin, very respectfully, spanked him yesterday. Surprised that Ryan even showed up, since Levin had hammered him a few months back on Amnesty.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at December 11, 2013 03:30 PM (olDqf)

10 ace broke his blog

Posted by: newrouter at December 11, 2013 03:30 PM (dsgCY)

11 Rearranging deck chairs

Posted by: Justamom at December 11, 2013 03:30 PM (Sptt8)

12 Slanty Time!

Posted by: logprof at December 11, 2013 03:30 PM (X3GkB)

13 You've got a good slant on it.

Posted by: Caliban at December 11, 2013 03:31 PM (2ArJQ)

14 But I saw that McConnell is against this deal???? What the hell?

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at December 11, 2013 03:31 PM (olDqf)

15 Congress. We will cut spending later. Promise! And that thing with your mouth. We promise never to do that again! Swearzies!

Posted by: Minnfidel at December 11, 2013 03:31 PM (5M2+1)

16 I want the Mandela sign language guy to interpret this 'compromise'--
'This whole budget deal is bullshit and if you believe it I have some mouth surprises for you, too.'

Posted by: EROWMER at December 11, 2013 03:31 PM (OONaw)

17 Sequestration - rounding error.

To get off the planet, we need to hitch a ride with the PRC or India.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 03:31 PM (JdUCt)

18 So, ... what are the Republicans gonna run on in '14 and '16 that will get people to vote *for* them?

Posted by: soothsayer at December 11, 2013 03:31 PM (x3uXx)

19 Can we call it a "slope?" I now denounce myself as a "gwei-lo."

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at December 11, 2013 03:31 PM (olDqf)

20 Not 100 percent sure, but I swear I heard Paul Ryan trying to explain on Levin last night that by ending some govt program it saves us money this year, but it's actually like it saves us more in the future because (if I understood what he was trying to claim) that program would keep costing us more and more and more over time.

Are you fucking kidding me???

What a scam!

Posted by: don't quote me on this at December 11, 2013 03:31 PM (VJpOJ)

21 You want to know why I don't believe a word of this. Go read Parliament of Whores. The exact same promises were made then. Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at December 11, 2013 07:29 PM (Gk3SS) Hide posts from (Gk3SS) It turns out professional liars and thieves actually have more time an energy to figure out a way to take your stuff than you do to keep it, after all your other work, that is.

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith[/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at December 11, 2013 03:32 PM (qyfb5)

22 Seriously . Fuck it , things are so far gone , keep printing and let's party .

Posted by: Bill D. Cat at December 11, 2013 03:32 PM (XWw96)

23 If the GOP had any spines, they'd propose the following deal:

The sequester goes away in the same bill that entirely repeals Obamacare.

The savings from repealing Obamacare go to restoring the spending the sequester did away with.

Simple as that.

No half measures, no compromises.

Let Pelosi, Reid and Obama chew on that, as the members of the various Democratic delegations cast an increasingly nervous eye on their plummeting polls.

Posted by: torquewrench at December 11, 2013 03:33 PM (gqT4g)

24 Small point Ace, but the increased worker contribution to federal pensions applies only to new employees. It's still a revolutionary change, but the budget impact is delayed.

Posted by: MTF at December 11, 2013 03:33 PM (qCtp4)

25 But once the GOP is in control of all branches of government, then they'll start getting serious about putting the government on a diet. Swearsies!-Ace Bawah Ace has a career in bridge sales if the blog goes Kaboom

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at December 11, 2013 03:33 PM (HVff2)

26 There's a 3rd "good" thing. They didn't extend unemployment benefits. Now of course they could still do that as a separate bill. But this was on the libtard wish list for the budget that they didn't get. So it's a shit sandwich for sure, but it could have been even smellier.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at December 11, 2013 03:33 PM (0LHZx)

27 $28 billion dollars runs the government for like, what, 20 minutes? The Dems own the GOP. One party rule to feed the Leviathan. We have to take it back.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at December 11, 2013 03:33 PM (olDqf)

28 We'll allow the italics, but no Irish.

Posted by: toby928© of the banned at December 11, 2013 03:33 PM (evdj2)

29 The Republican party shat the bed from '01-'06 when it had control of Congress and the Prez. It's only use now is occasional opposition to Obama.

Posted by: SFGoth at December 11, 2013 03:34 PM (JuoVO)

30 gents paul ryan presents "the kabuki dancing girls"

Posted by: newrouter at December 11, 2013 03:34 PM (dsgCY)

31 28 We'll allow the italics, but no Irish. Posted by: toby928Â© of the banned at December 11, 2013 07:33 PM (evdj2) Waltz sez "thank you, my kraut-mick friend."

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at December 11, 2013 03:34 PM (olDqf)

32 David Brooks called to say he likes the shape of Paul Ryan's widow's peak.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at December 11, 2013 03:34 PM (olDqf)

33 So . . . time for a New Whig Party yet?

Posted by: filbert at December 11, 2013 03:35 PM (roTS7)

34 And that airline fee is PER LEG. These fees are always PER LEG because not every flight purchased is round trip. So any airline fee is 100% of the time per one way trip. That Cavuto guy is wrong.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at December 11, 2013 03:35 PM (0LHZx)

35 McConnell is against thedeal until he wins his primary. Or until Reid says, "Frog!"

Posted by: Dianna at December 11, 2013 03:35 PM (5SUaO)

36 AlextheChick, thinking this would make a good movie. Not quite of the quality of the James Caan movie but perhaps Faster Pussycat.
http://tinyurl.com/m8jdlu3

The guy, think of him as Ryan or Boehner...

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 03:36 PM (JdUCt)

37 Also, with the amnesty bullshit and now this "budget savings" bullshit from Ryan, anyone else getting that creepy man-we-barely-dodged-a-bullet feeling with regard to the Romney-Ryan dream team?

Beltway gossips say Ryan is harboring hopes of another spot on a national ticket.

If it's a one-way ticket out of the country, I could get behind that. Otherwise, fuck off.

Posted by: torquewrench at December 11, 2013 03:36 PM (gqT4g)

38 So, ...

what are the Republicans gonna run on in '14 and '16 that will get people to vote *for* them?

Posted by: soothsayer at December 11, 2013 07:31 PM (x3uXx)

Smokes, pr0n, and more Val U Rite!

GOP!!!

Posted by: EC at December 11, 2013 03:36 PM (GQ8sn)

39 To get off the planet, we need to hitch a ride with the PRC or India. Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 07:31 PM (JdUCt) Hide posts from (JdUCt) *SIGH*

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith[/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at December 11, 2013 03:36 PM (qyfb5)

40 33 So . . . time for a New Whig Party yet? Posted by: filbert at December 11, 2013 07:35 PM (roTS7) "La-ce Whigs and U-ggs."

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at December 11, 2013 03:36 PM (olDqf)

41 AlextheChick, thinking this would make a good movie. Not quite of the quality of the James Caan movie but perhaps Faster Pussycat.
http://tinyurl.com/m8jdlu3

The guy, think of him as Ryan or Boehner...
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 07:36 PM (JdUCt)

Oh hello.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at December 11, 2013 03:37 PM (Gk3SS)

42 So italics Many leanings Such emphasis Wow

Posted by: Joe at December 11, 2013 03:37 PM (B+xcR)

43 With all the TSA confiscations, nudie scans, and ass rapes taking place the issue of a $2.50 user fee or a $5.60 fee is not going to change my decision on flying. FUCK the TSA.

Posted by: SpongeBobSaget at December 11, 2013 03:37 PM (kxSZr)

44 >>But I saw that McConnell is against this deal???? >>What the hell? Kabuki. This deal was crafted to get enough votes from each party and let those who need to condemn it do so. McConnell is running against a Tea Party dude in the primary. Now he can say he voted against this piece o' shit.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 11, 2013 03:37 PM (g1DWB)

45 I am of the opinion that things are too far gone to ever correct. What I don't know is, what the hell does that mean for the average American? I really have no idea, and I haven't heard anyone who I think does.

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at December 11, 2013 03:38 PM (l3vZN)

46 I hadn't seen Paul Ryan since the election last year, till I saw him on Greta last night. He looks like he's aged.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 11, 2013 03:38 PM (P6QsQ)

Anyone who claims surprise at any Republican's antics hasn't been paying attention the past thirty years.

Anyone who still is registered Republican deserves what they get, good and hard.

Counter-economic revolution is the future.

Posted by: The Palm Beach Agorist at December 11, 2013 03:38 PM (opd3Z)

48 Let the good times roll us into the hole of prosperity!

Posted by: joe biden at December 11, 2013 03:38 PM (R6JT1)

49 Making airline prices more expensive kills people...literally. For every $X increase of flying there is a Y increase in driving. Driving kills more people per mile traveled than flying. Therefore the Ryan/Murray bill will kill people.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at December 11, 2013 03:38 PM (0LHZx)

50 This compromise actually cuts the deficit by a further $28 billion (over ten years) than the current plan!!! Stop pissing down my leg, Ryan.

Posted by: Slow Joey B. at December 11, 2013 03:39 PM (MMC8r)

51 LiFB

Posted by: toby928© of the banned at December 11, 2013 03:39 PM (evdj2)

52 Yeah MWR liked that poster also. To make it a Real horror movie, Meghan McCain as Chesty Moon.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 03:39 PM (JdUCt)

53 Obviously, the only good thing is that with this deal we are still talking about StupidCare all the time from now until next November. The bad thing is that we are supposed to elect Republicans. Those same spineless numbnuts are are fraidy scared of Democrats even now, with no fucking jobs anywhere, a disastrous ObamaCare program that looks like the worst crony fascist boondoggle in the history of the species, and a cratering set of Presidential polling numbers. I mean, what the hell does it take for Republicans to grow a set? Do the Democrats have to turn Republican first?

Posted by: MTF at December 11, 2013 03:40 PM (qCtp4)

54 The most annoying thing to me is that fucking Murray had her hand in it.

Posted by: the littl shyning man at December 11, 2013 03:40 PM (AuIxh)

55 Ryan and Harry Reid walk into a bar.

Read says "you know its been awhile since I got any, how about I give you 20 bucks and you suck me off?"

Ryan says "OK."

Posted by: OG Celtic American at December 11, 2013 03:40 PM (vHRtU)

56 55 Ryan and Harry Reid walk into a bar. Read says "you know its been awhile since I got any, how about I give you 20 bucks and you suck me off?" Ryan says "OK." Posted by: OG Celtic American at December 11, 2013 07:40 PM (vHRtU) _____________ More like Ryan says..."keep the $20, this one's on the house sir"

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at December 11, 2013 03:41 PM (0LHZx)

57 The USA is falling into the trap Canada has fallen in: treating airlines as bottomless cash cows. The likes of Murray and Ryan are too dumb to recognize that people will adjust their travel habits in response to these jacked-up costs that have no discernable payoff. For our part, our air travel will almost be nil once we have to buy a ticket for our littl'un, and imagine how many thousands of other families will hit the road where they would have flown before. Increased auto accidents are a hidden but huge cost of increasing the cost or inconvenience of flying.

Posted by: logprof at December 11, 2013 03:41 PM (X3GkB)

58 Need to send these glasses to every R in Congress.
http://tinyurl.com/l52g3jz

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 03:41 PM (JdUCt)

59 Hey gurl...

Posted by: Havedash at December 11, 2013 03:42 PM (ToMJU)

60 It turns out professional liars and thieves actually have more time an energy to figure out a way to take your stuff than you do to keep it, after all your other work, that is. Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at December 11, 2013 07:32 PM (qyfb5)

Funny how that works.

You know, there's part of me that sort of gets why Our Betters think the Burning Times won't come. After all, the prediction of collapse has been out there for decades and it hasn't happened yet so obviously it won't.

Slowly. Then all at once.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at December 11, 2013 03:42 PM (Gk3SS)

61 Stupidest comment I read on HuffPo today: "We should use the extra airline fee revenue to build trains". And yet we lose to these people every election.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at December 11, 2013 03:43 PM (0LHZx)

62 How long do they think they can keep kicking the can down the road?

Posted by: steevy at December 11, 2013 03:43 PM (zqvg6)

63 37 Also, with the amnesty bullshit and now this "budget savings" bullshit from Ryan, anyone else getting that creepy man-we-barely-dodged-a-bullet feeling with regard to the Romney-Ryan dream team? Yeah, we're so much better off now. *head--------------->desk*

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at December 11, 2013 03:43 PM (vUMwn)

64 7 Man, I seriously gotta get off this rock. Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at December 11, 2013 07:30 PM (qyfb5) Now do you see why I'm so excited about SpaceX?

Posted by: rickl at December 11, 2013 03:44 PM (sdi6R)

65 We need to end income inequality between Capital City and the Districts.

Posted by: fluffy & hungry at December 11, 2013 03:44 PM (tUay6)

66 Paul Ryan is a great American.

Posted by: Joe Biden at December 11, 2013 03:44 PM (JQuNB)

67 62 How long do they think they can keep kicking the can down the road? Posted by: steevy at December 11, 2013 07:43 PM (zqvg6) Five. Tops.

Posted by: The Can at December 11, 2013 03:44 PM (vUMwn)

68 We like being in the minority, we get all the perks, and we can blame the other guys when shit goes wrong. FUCK YOU GOP. LET IT BURN.

Posted by: GOP at December 11, 2013 03:45 PM (ygAxO)

69
Jennifer Rubin ‏@JRubinBlogger

Budget good for economy, for natl. security and for GOP

So, there you go. And she's a conservative and everything. Says so on her parking space at the Washington Post.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at December 11, 2013 03:45 PM (kdS6q)

70 Now! May we have a serious talk about secession please. Or at least a tax revolt? It's the only way I see of getting away from gangrenous shitpile of corruption that DC has become.

Posted by: Soona at December 11, 2013 03:46 PM (Tx68O)

71 Oh, so you call it "kicking the can" now?

Posted by: That Chicken at December 11, 2013 03:46 PM (X3GkB)

72 The streets are paved with gold. First, you strip the guardrails for scrap, then you gets the gold!

Posted by: joe biden at December 11, 2013 03:46 PM (R6JT1)

73 I mean, what the hell does it take for Republicans to grow a set? Posted by: MTF at December 11, 2013 07:40 PM (qCtp4) Hide posts from (qCtp4) Politicians don't represent you to the government, they represent the government to donors and cronies. *You* are the product. That's where you fit into the equation.

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith[/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at December 11, 2013 03:46 PM (qyfb5)

74 http://wrd.cm/1czkBSd

Oh please oh please oh please.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at December 11, 2013 03:47 PM (Gk3SS)

75
There are 3 things the Republicans need to get right:
1. Repeal Obamacare
2. Stop Amnesty
3. Hold the line on spending

Posted by: Zombie Commie Walter Cronkite at December 11, 2013 03:47 PM (oNqbW)

76 Slowly. Then all at once.

I'm kind of imagining Berlin in the summer of 1945, except the rapists won't be so organized.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ needs a beer at December 11, 2013 03:47 PM (ZKzrr)

I'm surprised at the number of commenters here who, by the tone of their comments, indicate they think their vote is important, or that voting can change anything in post-modernist Amerikka.

Sincere best wishes from the agorist wing of the libertarians.

Posted by: The Palm Beach Agorist at December 11, 2013 03:47 PM (opd3Z)

78 74 Alien invasion force mother ship!

Posted by: steevy at December 11, 2013 03:48 PM (zqvg6)

79 In the year 2082, we'll cut 70 Tetrazillion dollars. In the meantime this is a stick-up. Hand over your wallet, your jewelry, your car keys, your mortgage, and your first-born.

Don't worry. You'll get it back. Trust us.

Posted by: The Democrats AND the Republicans at December 11, 2013 03:48 PM (eHIJJ)

80 Oh please oh please oh please.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at December 11, 2013 07:47 PM (Gk3SS)

"Hello! This is....Peggy..."

Posted by: EC at December 11, 2013 03:48 PM (doBIb)

81 I feel so dirty that I ever fell for Paul Ryan's shit. I know I'm not alone, and he wasn't the first to fuck with my head, but dammit, I just want to do bad things to myself. And not in a fun way.

Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 03:48 PM (8lmkt)

82 Cain TV had a caption this contest about Gaylord yukking it up at the Mandela memorial.

http://www.caintv.com/caption-contest-we-have-a-winn

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 03:48 PM (JdUCt)

83 How long do they think they can keep kicking the can down the road? Posted by: steevy -------------------- Since it is *our* can, and not theirs, they do not really care.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at December 11, 2013 03:48 PM (aDwsi)

84 Before I read it ...the hell you say!

Posted by: dogfish at December 11, 2013 03:48 PM (nsOJa)

85 Excuse me, I'm busy fucking this chicken...

Posted by: Paul Ryan at December 11, 2013 03:48 PM (vHRtU)

86 There are 3 things the Republicans need to get right:
1. Repeal Obamacare
2. Stop Amnesty
3. Hold the line on spending

Posted by: Zombie Commie Walter Cronkite at December 11, 2013 07:47 PM (oNqbW)

So. You're saying we're fucked then?

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at December 11, 2013 03:48 PM (Gk3SS)

87 71 Oh, so you call it "kicking the can" now? Posted by: That Chicken at December 11, 2013 07:46 PM (X3GkB) Oh, no....they'll get to you. Soon.

Posted by: The Can at December 11, 2013 03:48 PM (vUMwn)

88 You know, there's part of me that sort of gets why Our Betters think the Burning Times won't come. After all, the prediction of collapse has been out there for decades and it hasn't happened yet so obviously it won't. Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at December 11, 2013 07:42 PM (Gk3SS) Hide posts from (Gk3SS) On the other hand, seeing a lot about tropical islands for sale. So maybe someone thinks it's a good time to have bugout plans.

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith[/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at December 11, 2013 03:48 PM (qyfb5)

89 16 I want the Mandela sign language guy to interpret this 'compromise'--
'This whole budget deal is bullshit and if you believe it I have some mouth surprises for you, too.'

Posted by: EROWMER at December 11, 2013 07:31 PM (OONaw)

Well , just play the video, he does the same show every time .

Posted by: Temper Tantrum at December 11, 2013 03:49 PM (AWmfW)

90
Paul Ryan came away with a deal that is reasonable given the circumstances, and certainly one that enhances his national stature even though some Â”shutter-the-government-againÂ” conservatives will be unhappy with the deal and with Ryan. ... The deal is best understood as the third act of the effort that will culminate in the repeal of Obamacare and the restoration of AmericaÂ’s place in the world beginning in 2017.

Hugh Hewitt

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at December 11, 2013 03:49 PM (kdS6q)

91 The only announced candidate running against Paul Ryan in 2014 is a Sikh whose father was one of the victims of the Sikh temple mass shooting in Oak Creek WI last year. His issue is gun control. He is a Democrat. There is no Republican primary challenger.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 11, 2013 03:50 PM (P6QsQ)

92 Fucking Romney.

Posted by: toby928© of the banned at December 11, 2013 03:50 PM (evdj2)

93 So if you only have one leg you only pay $2.50?

Posted by: Lucky Pierre at December 11, 2013 03:50 PM (5fSr7)

94 The deal is best understood as the third act of the effort that will culminate in the repeal of Obamacare and the restoration of AmericaÂ’s place in the world beginning in 2017. Hugh Hewitt Hewitt's writing comedy now?

Posted by: --- at December 11, 2013 03:50 PM (MMC8r)

95 90 Yeah,they have fooled us with that before,now we know,they have no intention f doing anything.Ever.

Posted by: steevy at December 11, 2013 03:50 PM (zqvg6)

96 The deal is best understood as the third act of the effort that will culminate in the repeal of Obamacare and the restoration of AmericaÂ’s place in the world beginning in 2017.

Okay, I have already copped to being dumber than a bag of hammers, so could someone please explain this to me? No big words and no math, por favor.

Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 03:51 PM (8lmkt)

97 Its okay peaches, focus more on doing horribly unpleasant things to him and them.

Posted by: OG Celtic American at December 11, 2013 03:51 PM (vHRtU)

98 You're being ridiculous, Ace! You're trying to use this information for your own ends!

Posted by: John Boehner at December 11, 2013 03:51 PM (eHIJJ)

It's the same old game.

Spending increases now, spending cuts at a later date, always after the next budget "deal" kills them.

Posted by: Max Entropy at December 11, 2013 03:51 PM (QKYRm)

100 90 Paul Ryan came away with a deal that is reasonable given the circumstances, and certainly one that enhances his national stature even though some Â”shutter-the-government-againÂ” conservatives will be unhappy with the deal and with Ryan. ... The deal is best understood as the third act of the effort that will culminate in the repeal of Obamacare and the restoration of AmericaÂ’s place in the world beginning in 2017. Hugh Hewitt Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at December 11, 2013 07:49 PM (kdS6q) _____________ One of two things is happening here 1. He is drunk 2. He is high Debate....

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at December 11, 2013 03:51 PM (0LHZx)

101 Peggy? Looks like the Traveling Herd is hard at work.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 03:51 PM (JdUCt)

102 1. He is drunk

2. He is high

Not mutually exclusive. Not by a long shot. Don't ask me how I know.

Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 03:52 PM (8lmkt)

103 Five what?

Posted by: Joe at December 11, 2013 03:52 PM (B+xcR)

104 There go your cocktail party invites, ace!

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at December 11, 2013 03:52 PM (9++oZ)

105 "Now do you see why I'm so excited about SpaceX?"

Oh, yeah, SpaceX. Near as I can figure, that thing works like this:

-- The government takes tax money from schmucks like me

-- The government gives the money to Elon Musk

-- Musk uses the money to design a new rocket

-- Musk then charges the government to fly stuff in space on the rocket

-- For which the government takes more money from schmucks like me

-- Musk keeps all the profits

-- Musk then donates heavily to Barack Obama

I guess I need some Underpants Gnomes to explain to me why it is that I need to be excited about this high-tech exercise in venture socialism, with public investment producing private profits.

I was a whole lot happier when Rutan's vehicle won the X Prize with not a single penny of government money. THAT is worth cheering about.

Posted by: torquewrench at December 11, 2013 03:52 PM (gqT4g)

106 I feel so dirty that I ever fell for Paul Ryan's shit.

------------

I don't think it was shit at the time. I really don't. I think something has shifted with him. Not sure what and not sure why.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 11, 2013 03:52 PM (P6QsQ)

107 Not mutually exclusive. Not by a long shot. Don't ask me how I know. Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 07:52 PM (8lmkt) _________ Tru dat

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at December 11, 2013 03:52 PM (0LHZx)

108 Just one question. Did Ryan actually have to look at that dog faced Murray during negotiations or did he get to wear a blinder? Poor fucker, staring at that face for more than a minute would clearly make you go insane.

Posted by: Nip Sip at December 11, 2013 03:52 PM (0FSuD)

109 Okay, I have already copped to being dumber than a bag of hammers,..... ------------------ What, exactly, are you trying to tell me?

Posted by: Mike Hammer at December 11, 2013 03:53 PM (aDwsi)

110 I don't think it was shit at the time. I really don't. I think something has shifted with him. Not sure what and not sure why. Posted by: grammie winger at December 11, 2013 07:52 PM (P6QsQ) ____________ He got a taste of life in the DC fast lane. It's a lot of fun...cool parties, the MSM loves you. So you sell out and live high for 25 years. Can't really blame him.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at December 11, 2013 03:53 PM (0LHZx)

111 Steevy, at 95, your command of the Oxford comma is most impressive.

Posted by: The Palm Beach Agorist at December 11, 2013 03:53 PM (opd3Z)

112 Peggy? Looks like the Traveling Herd is hard at work. If there's another object named Al or Kelly, then we'll talk!

Posted by: Adriane... at December 11, 2013 03:53 PM (jdRXP)

113 Oh please oh please oh please. Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at December 11, 2013 07:47 PM (Gk3SS) Hide posts from (Gk3SS) Oh, *now* I remember where I parked that Nebula Class Star Destroyer. Thanks!

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith[/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at December 11, 2013 03:53 PM (qyfb5)

114 As a kid, I never knew how fucking gullible Americans are? I could have made millions on these rubes ...like shoe tying lessons.

Posted by: dogfish at December 11, 2013 03:54 PM (nsOJa)

115 I don't think it was shit at the time. I really don't. I think something has shifted with him. Not sure what and not sure why. He got bought.

Posted by: --- at December 11, 2013 03:54 PM (MMC8r)

116 I overused the commas in my anger.

Posted by: steevy at December 11, 2013 03:54 PM (zqvg6)

117 What, exactly, are you trying to tell me?

Posted by: Mike Hammer at December 11, 2013 07:53 PM (aDwsi)

Mea culpa, Mike, please forgive. Let's make it a box of rocks. Or a Biden family reunion.

Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 03:55 PM (8lmkt)

118 @42 great use of meme-fu. I laughed

Posted by: HoboJerky, Hash Hunter at December 11, 2013 03:55 PM (+w1hQ)

119 The thing was, for fifteen years he has been my congressman and it's only the last year that I've been puzzled by what's going on with him. Fourteen years must be the cut off for when things start to go south.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 11, 2013 03:56 PM (P6QsQ)

120 What about Bud?

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 03:56 PM (JdUCt)

121 I'll know that Ryan's deal is in trouble when the MFM needs to run more pictures of his naked chest. Patty Murray's chest should remain clothed at all times. Her titties won't help anything.

Posted by: The Palm Beach Agorist at December 11, 2013 03:56 PM (opd3Z)

122 He was got to. Either they bought him or they threatened him or both. Carrot and stick usually works best.

Posted by: OG Celtic American at December 11, 2013 03:57 PM (vHRtU)

123 >>He got bought. I don't think so. I think the powers that be made a decision to clear the decks of anything controversial like a potential shutdown and make the focus all about Obamacare next year. Not sure it will work but I don't think Ryan got stupid overnight.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 11, 2013 03:57 PM (g1DWB)

124
Anything the govt makes you pay is a tax. Any. Thing.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at December 11, 2013 03:57 PM (MaP11)

125 >>But I saw that McConnell is against this deal????

>>What the hell?

JackStraw: "Kabuki..."

Yep. Kabuki all the way down.

Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at December 11, 2013 03:58 PM (eHIJJ)

126 A Sikh for disarming citizens? That's up there with "Jews For Pork Chop Sandwiches, With Cheese and Oysters"

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at December 11, 2013 03:58 PM (Nsoq9)

127 How does one get by as an agorist in Palm Beach? Drug dealer?

Posted by: toby928© of the banned at December 11, 2013 03:58 PM (evdj2)

128 Oh, *now* I remember where I parked that Nebula Class Star Destroyer. Thanks! Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at December 11, 2013 07:53 PM (qyfb5)

Oh man. I was explaining to the boss and a client the other day that I'm sort of kicking around getting a new car because I can't park mine. This kicked off a good 10 minute discussion by them about how my car isn't that big (it's a four door sedan by the by) and how it shouldn't be that hard to park and on and on.

I finally had to point out to them that the problem with the parking wasn't so much the fault of the car.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at December 11, 2013 03:58 PM (Gk3SS)

129 So the people getting ass raped the hardest are those who live in hub cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix. Since those are hubs, there are direct flights to pretty much everywhere. What once cost $2.50 per one way direct flight will now cost $5.60 per one way direct flight. Meanwhile people who live in small markets who usually have to connect anyway, they'll go from $5/one way trip with a connection to $5.60 per one way trip with a connection. For a round trip...hub city people spend $6.20 more, small marketers spend $1.20 more. For once the big cities get fucked more than the hinterland dwellers.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at December 11, 2013 03:59 PM (0LHZx)

130 Posted by: JackStraw

I like the optimism. I hope you are right, but, well, I'm jaded.

Posted by: dogfish at December 11, 2013 03:59 PM (nsOJa)

131 Roberts, Ryan . . . I just don't believe they were either scared off or bought off. Something is happening here but I don't know what it is . . .

Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 04:00 PM (8lmkt)

132 105 Posted by: torquewrench at December 11, 2013 07:52 PM (gqT4g) Not to go off topic, but you do realize that the total amount of money SpaceX has gotten from the government is less than the cost of ONE space shuttle flight? For that, and much more private venture capital money, they've developed new rockets, new engines, new spacecraft, new manufacturing processes, and they are getting close to recovering and reusing their first stages, which has never been done before. At least Musk is serious about colonizing Mars. Unlike NASA.

Posted by: rickl at December 11, 2013 04:00 PM (sdi6R)

133 A Sikh for disarming citizens? That's up there with "Jews For Pork Chop Sandwiches, With Cheese and Oysters"

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at December 11, 2013 07:58 PM (Nsoq9)

-----------

I guess grief makes people do things out of character.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 11, 2013 04:00 PM (P6QsQ)

134 A Sikh for disarming citizens? That's up there with "Jews For Pork Chop Sandwiches, With Cheese and Oysters"

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at December 11, 2013 07:58 PM (Nsoq9)

That is some funny shit right there, bth!

Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 04:01 PM (8lmkt)

135 So...shut down government then. Because "Ryan's" budget is actually the House/Senate budget. Its how budgets used to work. And the Senate is controlled by the Dems.

Posted by: sexypig at December 11, 2013 04:01 PM (dZQh7)

136 It looks like a hokey-pokie stick!

Posted by: Cicero Kid at December 11, 2013 04:02 PM (6fSty)

137 So AlextheChick is going to get a Ford Focus in neon green?

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 04:02 PM (JdUCt)

138

Okay, I have already copped to being dumber than a bag of hammers,.....
------------------

What, exactly, are you trying to tell me?

Posted by: Mike Hammer at December 11, 2013 07:53 PM (aDwsi)

--------------------------------------------------

Does your cat have a computer that you don't know about?

Posted by: Soona at December 11, 2013 04:03 PM (Tx68O)

139 Paul Ryan got his political start working for Jack Kemp and, tangentially, Jeanne Kirkpatrick.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 11, 2013 04:03 PM (P6QsQ)

140 I finally had to point out to them that the problem with the parking wasn't so much the fault of the car.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at December 11, 2013 07:58 PM (Gk3SS)

Oh, atc, I feel you (not in a weird way, of course). I am so good at so many things but the plain truth is that I suck at parking. I look at those illegal dudes who valet park my car and I always tell them, I would get fired in 10 minutes if this was my job. And I would, I'm not just trying to get them to like me.

Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 04:03 PM (8lmkt)

141 Torque: your suspicion of spacex is OK, but they are the real deal. Something like 40% of their contracts are private, and that fraction is growing. They are doing amazing work.

Posted by: HoboJerky, Hash Hunter at December 11, 2013 04:03 PM (y9dfJ)

142 I remember in 2011/2012 Romneybots were adament that Romney didn't raise taxes in MA. He raised fees, you see. But fees are like totally not the same as taxes. Same bullshit argument this time. Like I give a fuck if it's called a tax or a fee. If the govt forces me to pay it in order to go about my every day life, I don't care if it's called a tax or a fee or a porcupine....it's money that the govt takes from me. The end result is the same...I have less money, the govt has more money.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at December 11, 2013 04:03 PM (0LHZx)

143 Wat, did you say Jew sandwiches? With pork chops cheesy Nor'easters? Is that some sort of modern Cuban sandwich?

Posted by: OG Celtic American at December 11, 2013 04:03 PM (vHRtU)

144 Everyone here is imagining "Paul Ryan's" budget that gets approved by the Senate and not vetoed by Obama is going to have huge spending cuts? No. It cannot.

Posted by: sexypig at December 11, 2013 04:03 PM (dZQh7)

145 Did somebody at HuffPo mention trains? http://bit.ly/19iA7S2 ( Sorry about the Clooney appearance but the rest of the train scene is awesome. )

Posted by: MTF at December 11, 2013 04:04 PM (qCtp4)

146 Mama Winger
http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/1145/660/1600/124576/donkey.jpg

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 04:04 PM (JdUCt)

147 I tried to resist the urge, but I'm being pulled slowy yet inexorably into the let it burn camp.

Posted by: no good deed at December 11, 2013 04:04 PM (HsJeN)

148
IIRC everybody with employee health insurance plans will also be paying a tax on that.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at December 11, 2013 04:05 PM (MaP11)

149 >>I like the optimism. I hope you are right, but, well, I'm jaded. As am I. I wouldn't call it optimism so much as politicians being politicians. These guys are focused on 2014 and they can read polls as well as we can. They know that the Senate is in sight as long as they don't step on their collective dicks. A protracted budget battle right now could fall into the dick stepping category.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 11, 2013 04:05 PM (g1DWB)

150 Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 08:04 PM (JdUCt)

--------------------

Ha! Love that last line!

Posted by: grammie winger at December 11, 2013 04:05 PM (P6QsQ)

151 Roberts, Ryan . . . I just don't believe they were either scared off or bought off. Something is happening here but I don't know what it is . . .

The American system is set up to make DC more important, powerful, and wealthy.

If I were in charge of, say, a burger stand I would do everything possible to turn my burger stand into the next McDonalds. I'd get rewarded for that.

Likewise, any politician (or civil servant!) we send to DC has an interest in increasing DC's importance, power, and wealth. He might resist that urge for many years but he will succumb eventually.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at December 11, 2013 04:05 PM (Nsoq9)

152 So AlextheChick is going to get a Ford Focus in neon green?
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 08:02 PM (JdUCt)

I'm thinking more the silver.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at December 11, 2013 04:07 PM (Gk3SS)

153 Apparently everyone in DC has bought into Managing the Decline.

Posted by: DaveA[/i][/b][/s] at December 11, 2013 04:07 PM (DL2i+)

154 These guys are focused on 2014 and they can read polls as well as we can. They know that the Senate is in sight as long as they don't step on their collective dicks

And then they'll be focused on 2016. And then on 2018. And then on 2020. Gosh darn, there just never seems to be enough time to deal with the fiscal problem because OMG DEMOCRATS MIGHT WIN.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at December 11, 2013 04:07 PM (Nsoq9)

155 I tried to resist the urge, but I'm being pulled slowy yet inexorably into the let it burn camp.

Posted by: no good deed at December 11, 2013 08:04 PM (HsJeN)

It's not really a "camp," more like an old refrigerator box where we fight over cheap swill and troll for lame hobos to roast over a trash fire at this point.

Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 04:07 PM (8lmkt)

156 I will gladly pay you in 2021, for a spending increase today....

Posted by: J. Wellington Wimpy, GOP Political Advisor at December 11, 2013 04:08 PM (lZBBB)

157 They know that the Senate is in sight as long as they don't step on their collective dicks. A protracted budget battle right now could fall into the dick stepping category.

See, to me, agreeing to spend a trillion dollars more than we have every year is dick stepping with golf shoes.

Posted by: toby928© of the banned at December 11, 2013 04:08 PM (evdj2)

158 Congrats ace. #8 ranked conservative blog as rated by Rightwing news. Hotgas is number 3. Little Green Footballs is not even in the top 40. Quell surprise.

Posted by: Joey Biden at December 11, 2013 04:08 PM (jucos)

159 156 I tried to resist the urge, but I'm being pulled slowy yet inexorably into the let it burn camp. Posted by: no good deed at December 11, 2013 08:04 PM (HsJeN) Heh. Like you really think you have any say-so in the matter.

Posted by: Cicero Kid at December 11, 2013 04:08 PM (6fSty)

160 Wait..., does the Focus now have auto-parking?

Posted by: Mike Hammer at December 11, 2013 04:08 PM (aDwsi)

161 Just remember when you are watching A Christmas Story with Ralphie and his troubles, that the leg lamp was made from a hobo.*

*Things I learn from going to Riff Trax Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 04:09 PM (JdUCt)

162 Congrats ace. #8 ranked conservative blog as rated by Rightwing news.

AWESOME!!!! Even if they are stupid enough to think Tepid Air is "conservative." Clearly they never read the comments.

Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 04:09 PM (8lmkt)

163 You have to admit, that Patty Murray is a hottie.

Damn it, Paul. I remember when you had the moronettes swooning.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at December 11, 2013 04:10 PM (lVPtV)

164 I think blind hobos make the best dip, but my hairdresser swears by amputees. What do you think?

Posted by: POTUS at December 11, 2013 04:10 PM (vHRtU)

165 75 There are 3 things the Republicans need to get right: 1. Repeal Obamacare 2. Stop Amnesty 3. Hold the line on spending Posted by: Zombie Commie Walter Cronkite at December 11, 2013 07:47 PM (oNqbW) 4. Keep Leftists from becoming a majority on the Supreme Court

Posted by: My Name is Nobody at December 11, 2013 04:11 PM (5Q1ZU)

166 I just can't get worked up over what amounts to a rounding error. The burning commences at the same time with the numbers we had and with the new numbers.

Posted by: traye at December 11, 2013 04:12 PM (sirx+)

167 Everyone here is imagining "Paul Ryan's" budget that gets approved by the Senate and not vetoed by Obama is going to have huge spending cuts?

No. It cannot.

Posted by: sexypig at December 11, 2013 08:03 PM (dZQh7)

---------------------------------------------

Word

Posted by: Soona at December 11, 2013 04:12 PM (Tx68O)

168 For the first time since Reagan ran against Ford, I'm seriously considering just sitting this next election out.

Posted by: toby928© of the banned at December 11, 2013 04:13 PM (evdj2)

169 A few trillion here, a few trillion there, and Buzz Lightyear as head of the FED binging QE to infinity; and one day the abyss swallows the can. Sounds good to me.

Posted by: Angel with a sword at December 11, 2013 04:13 PM (hpgw1)

170 I saw the Dick Collective open for the Indigo Girls at the Horde Festival in '94

Posted by: wooga at December 11, 2013 04:13 PM (TXmih)

171 @37 How did we barely dodge a bullet? We have an America-hating, lying, thieving, race-baiting rat bastard of a glorified street hustler in the oval office with a sub-moron for a vice prez and a cabinet and staff of commies, subversives and traitors.

I will never forgive my fellow 'conservatives' who sat home in November and let this happen.

-C

Posted by: cnation at December 11, 2013 04:13 PM (gzqLV)

172 I see plans within plans.

Posted by: Third Stage Guild Navigator at December 11, 2013 04:13 PM (dvRYt)

173 Not only a gun grabber but a big truther too...

Posted by: H Badger at December 11, 2013 04:14 PM (3xvbc)

174 >>See, to me, agreeing to spend a trillion dollars more than we have every year is dick stepping with golf shoes. I agree. But we aren't representative of average voters. For every you and me there are a hundred people who have no idea about how badly we are boned because the msm doesn't tell them. They do know that when the gov't gets shutdown or anything bad happens in DC it is all because of evil, stupid women hating Republicans. What seems more likely, the Republicans are trying to take contentious issues off the table in a huge election year or that Ryan, who has always been a budget hawk, getting rolled by the likes of Patty Murray?

Posted by: JackStraw at December 11, 2013 04:14 PM (g1DWB)

175 It's a lot of work imagining that things will get better.

Posted by: toby928© of the banned at December 11, 2013 04:14 PM (evdj2)

176 You know I am bored. Got my SW 357 (66-2)out and playing with it. Nice feel.

Posted by: Nip Sip at December 11, 2013 04:15 PM (0FSuD)

177 I saw Patty Murray's Boobehs open for Paul Ryan's Conservative Cred, oh, I don't remember, it was last week sometime. Not pretty . . .

Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 04:15 PM (8lmkt)

178 and I'm mortally tired.

Posted by: toby928© of the banned at December 11, 2013 04:15 PM (evdj2)

179 I will never forgive my fellow 'conservatives' who sat home in November and let this happen.

McCain/Ryan 2016!

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at December 11, 2013 04:15 PM (Nsoq9)

180 All of the GOP should go choke on a dick.

Posted by: FUBAR at December 11, 2013 04:15 PM (Cs2tJ)

181 I finally had to point out to them that the problem with the parking wasn't so much the fault of the car.

You can buy a backup camera get at any autoparts store now.
Not sure how low on the dash you can mount the display though.

Posted by: DaveA[/i][/b][/s] at December 11, 2013 04:15 PM (DL2i+)

182 Wait..., does the Focus now have auto-parking?
Posted by: Mike Hammer at December 11, 2013 08:08 PM (aDwsi)

Yup. Some of the Foci has park assist as an option. I will admit that I am not too sure what I think about my car parking itself. I mean, I half expect it to start singing Daisy Daisy when it does.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at December 11, 2013 04:16 PM (Gk3SS)

183 Perspective? What's that? It's better that air travelers pay for the cost of the TSA then further deficits, and a few dollars in addition to what air fares cost and the airlines charging $50 for a bag and even for carry-ons now is not a lot - that seems a better solution then non-air travelling folk picking up the tab ... That being said, of course the TSA is a malignant bureaucracy that was another dem plan to create more federal unionized employees that Bush compromised on to our detriment and should be abolished, and taxes should be taxes not fees, as per Roberts "It's a Tax" ...

Posted by: Joe at December 11, 2013 04:16 PM (B+xcR)

184 Great graph that pretty much sums it up, doesn't it? Maybe it Is time we let it burn?

Posted by: Lloyd Loar at December 11, 2013 04:16 PM (9u2hL)

185 I will never forgive my fellow 'conservatives' who sat home in November and let this happen.

-C

Posted by: cnation at December 11, 2013 08:13 PM (gzqLV)

THIS, times eleventy! Srsly, we could be sitting here right now hatin' on Mitt, but no, we have to do this instead. Not fun!

Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 04:16 PM (8lmkt)

186 There is one encouraging voice in DC that has surprised me a bit. Sen. Coburn is dead set against this continuing resolution.

Posted by: Soona at December 11, 2013 04:16 PM (Tx68O)

187 It's not written in the stars that our government will continue.

Posted by: toby928© of the banned at December 11, 2013 04:17 PM (evdj2)

188 Posted by: sexypig at December 11, 2013 08:03 PM (dZQh7) The Budget was already set, and signed into law, via the Sequester deal. THAT was the law.... Ryan just agreed to increase the budget... because.... Republican...

Posted by: Romeo13 at December 11, 2013 04:18 PM (lZBBB)

189 One more tiny "good" thing. It wouldn't matter if we had Republicans with balls (BWAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, I slay myself!), but this deal does take the possibility of a government shutdown off the table for the next few years, so the Dems and the media (BIRM) can't scare the fragile widdle wepubwicans with that. (Me? I'd own the shutdown proudly. I'd stuff the stage full of people like Gateway Pundit and scream to the world "We shut down the government to save the American people from this! These people have lost their insurance and some of them are going to die because of Obamacide! But then again, I have the courage of my convictions)

Posted by: Weirddave at December 11, 2013 04:18 PM (N/cFh)

190 180 I will never forgive my fellow 'conservatives' who sat home in November and let this happen. McCain/Ryan 2016! Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at December 11, 2013 08:15 PM (Nsoq9) Thread winner.

Posted by: rickl at December 11, 2013 04:18 PM (sdi6R)

191 Tom Coburn is the real deal. There are still a couple of 'em, I think. Inhofe? Issa for sure. I expected a lot more out of Tom McClintock when he decamped for DC, but he's been kind of a nothing.

Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 04:18 PM (8lmkt)

192 "What seems more likely, the Republicans are trying to take contentious issues off the table in a huge election year or that Ryan, who has always been a budget hawk, getting rolled by the likes of Patty Murray?" THIS.

Posted by: sexypig at December 11, 2013 04:18 PM (dZQh7)

193 Ryan is dead to me.
Huckabee is dead to me.
Expat, the only option?

Posted by: OG Celtic-American at December 11, 2013 04:18 PM (vHRtU)

194 You just can't push a string.

Posted by: toby928© of the banned at December 11, 2013 04:18 PM (evdj2)

195 What seems more likely, the Republicans are trying to take contentious issues off the table in a huge election year or that Ryan, who has always been a budget hawk, getting rolled by the likes of Patty Murray?

Posted by: JackStraw at December 11, 2013 08:14 PM (g1DWB)

------------

Two things Ryan said on Greta last night made some sense to me.

One - that it's up to the House to come up with a budget and this is about as good as they can get with the current Senate and WH. They need to do their job, and keep the budget under Congress's control rather than simply passing CR's and letting the President fill in the numbers he want.

Two - that they do not want shutdown distractions or any other distractions that will interfere with making the focus Obamacare before the 2014 elections.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 11, 2013 04:19 PM (P6QsQ)

196 imagining "Paul Ryan's" budget that gets approved by the Senate

So why fucking bother?
They've been running without one for what 5 years now. Why give them a bad one and not be able to point out they won't pass one and we're running without it?

Posted by: DaveA[/i][/b][/s] at December 11, 2013 04:19 PM (DL2i+)

197 AlextheChick, I would worry more if the car says, "I am sorry Alex but I can't do that."

Alex, "Open the car doors HAL!"

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 11, 2013 04:19 PM (JdUCt)

198 "The Budget was already set, and signed into law, via the Sequester deal. THAT was the law.... Ryan just agreed to increase the budget... because.... Republican..." Nope...that was all gonna be revisited in Jan. / Feb. If you want to shut down the government every time we get to CR / Debt ceiling, then fine, but this is not the end of the world, and the precedent on pensions is good.

Posted by: sexypig at December 11, 2013 04:20 PM (dZQh7)

199 194 You just can't push a string. Posted by: toby928Â© of the banned at December 11, 2013 08:18 PM (evdj2) Horseshit.... You wet it... FREEZE it... then yes, you CAN push a string...

Posted by: Romeo13 at December 11, 2013 04:20 PM (lZBBB)

200 If Hot Ass is number three, I want tickets to one and two.

Posted by: Joe Biden at December 11, 2013 04:21 PM (JQuNB)

201 Sigh.

Politicians start off OK, and then, after a period of time, they all go bad and cave to their donors/special interests.

Term limits for... EVERYONE.

That might solve it.

Posted by: shibumi at December 11, 2013 04:21 PM (25HWz)

202 It's better that air travelers pay for the cost of the TSA then further deficits, and a few dollars in addition to what air fares cost and the airlines charging $50 for a bag and even for carry-ons now is not a lot - that seems a better solution then non-air travelling folk picking up the tab ... Posted by: Joe at December 11, 2013 08:16 PM (B+xcR) ____________ OK then by that logic.... I don't have kids in public school, so I shouldn't pay local taxes. I don't ever attend sporting events, so none of my tax dollars should go to funding stadiums. I don't ever drive on any interstates in Florida or Alabama, therefore I demand none of my tax dollars fund any transportation projects in Florida or Alabama.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at December 11, 2013 04:21 PM (0LHZx)

203 Question...let's assume Ryan is not super happy with the deal, but its the best he could get...why doesn't he just come out and say that? Or is that bad form? Also, maybe he just got sick of dealing with Patty Murray...can't blame him.

Posted by: sexypig at December 11, 2013 04:22 PM (dZQh7)

204 You can knit sweaters for snakes. Just leave out the sleeves.

Posted by: Cicero Kid at December 11, 2013 04:22 PM (6fSty)

205 Posted by: sexypig at December 11, 2013 08:20 PM (dZQh7 All the Repubs had to do was say... remember last time the Government shut down??? It was because the Democrats would not negotiate or help with Obamacare.... Now? They won't even keep the DEAL they made a year ago.... The Dems would not take the chance on a shutdown... they'd cave...

Posted by: Romeo13 at December 11, 2013 04:22 PM (lZBBB)

206 Also....EEF YOU PAUL RYAN!

You have now made me publicly agree with Rand Paul, who is the son of Uncle Doctor Crazy!

Posted by: shibumi at December 11, 2013 04:22 PM (25HWz)

207 159 Congrats ace. #8 ranked conservative blog as rated by Rightwing news. Hotgas is number 3. Little Green Footballs is not even in the top 40. Quell surprise. Jharles Chonson will be very sad. He'll demand Kilgore Trout fist him with the spiked gauntlet tonight to ease the pain.

Posted by: Third Stage Guild Navigator at December 11, 2013 04:22 PM (dvRYt)

208 Question...let's assume Ryan is not super happy with the deal, but its the best he could get...why doesn't he just come out and say that?

--------------------

He did, actually.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 11, 2013 04:22 PM (P6QsQ)

209 Off giant tadpole sock!

Posted by: Wonkish Rogue at December 11, 2013 04:23 PM (dvRYt)

210 Tom Coburn is the real deal. There are still a couple of 'em, I think. Inhofe? Issa for sure. I expected a lot more out of Tom McClintock when he decamped for DC, but he's been kind of a nothing.

Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 08:18 PM (8lmkt)

--------------------------------------------

Coburn can be iffy sometimes. Inhofe is rock solid unless he's dealing with farm subsidies. That's where he goes off the rails.

Posted by: Soona at December 11, 2013 04:23 PM (Tx68O)

211 I will never forgive my fellow 'conservatives' who sat home in November

Didn't happen. Keep the current shit up and watch it come true though.

Posted by: DaveA[/i][/b][/s] at December 11, 2013 04:23 PM (DL2i+)

212 So the GOP has to be careful not to do anything conservative so that they can win in 2014. OK. And in 2015 they can't do anything conservative because if they do they'll lose in 2016. And in 2017 they can't do anything conservative cuz they might lose in 2018. I like this logic. Vote GOP to do what Dems do. If you don't, Dems might win and do what Dems do. Fucking awesome!

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at December 11, 2013 04:23 PM (0LHZx)

213 Oh, atc, I feel you (not in a weird way, of course). Posted by: Peaches at December 11, 2013 08:03 PM (8lmkt) Hide posts from (8lmkt) Oh, I walk away for a few minutes and I miss this? TIMING IS EVERYTHING!

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith[/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at December 11, 2013 04:24 PM (qyfb5)

214 These fucks in the GOP were never going to repeal Obamacare, you know Romney would have got right to work at fixing it, it's no wonder he picked Ryan. I'd say our chance of repeal has gone from about 1:5 with Romney to 1:3 due to Obama's utter incompetence. The donks will repeal it if they believe it's the only way to save their jobs next November. We push hard now, all Obamacare all the time, we'll get a repeal by early Spring. Even if it's just symbolic and Obama can veto, once it gets through Congress once Obamacare is toast sooner or later.

Don't buy this horse shit they sell you to wait until 2017, there will be no more private health insurance by then and these lying shitweasels in the GOP know it. Push the donks hard, now.

Posted by: mugiwara at December 11, 2013 04:24 PM (hpYnL)

215 Lets freeze all the congress slime and make a string out of 'em... then cut it into a jillion pieces and burn the scraps...

Posted by: I Sign Jive at December 11, 2013 04:25 PM (vHRtU)

216 Jharles Chonson will be very sad. He'll demand Kilgore Trout fist him with the spiked gauntlet tonight to ease the pain.

Posted by: Third Stage Guild Navigator at December 11, 2013 08:22 PM (dvRYt)

-------------------------------------------

....while Sharmuta watches.

Posted by: Soona at December 11, 2013 04:25 PM (Tx68O)

217 "This compromise actually cuts the deficit by a further $28 billion (over ten years) than the current plan!!! So this actually cuts more spending than the current, sequester-bound spending levels!"

***

The US is 17 trillion fucking dollars in debt and we're supposed to throw our panties at him because he promises to cut 28 billion over ten years? Fuck him.

Posted by: B at December 11, 2013 04:26 PM (6iEQd)

218

Toby928 at 128.

Horses. I was born with cows, and I'll end with cows, but, in between, there's a whole lot more money in horses.

Posted by: The Palm Beach Agorist at December 11, 2013 04:26 PM (opd3Z)

219 Huckabee/Santorum 2016! We need more federal agencies devoted to stomping out gambling, pr0n, and sodomy.

Posted by: wooga at December 11, 2013 04:28 PM (TXmih)

220 Horses. I was born with cows, and I'll end with cows, but, in between, there's a whole lot more money in horses.

Posted by: The Palm Beach Agorist at December 11, 2013 08:26 PM (opd3Z)

-------------------------------------------

I know a lot of ranchers that would debate that.

Posted by: Soona at December 11, 2013 04:29 PM (Tx68O)

221 I'm waiting for the mobs in the street. When they pass by my little cottage by the sea, I'll join right in.

Posted by: Prudence Smythe at December 11, 2013 04:29 PM (Xkr3W)

222 Posted by: grammie winger at December 11, 2013 08:22 PM (P6QsQ) There seems to be this idea that that we have to sell everthing as a win these days, rather than a hold. This seems to be at play.

Posted by: tsrblke (Tablet) at December 11, 2013 04:29 PM (ibAnY)

223 I wonder why miss80s hasn't shown up in this thread to claim that this is the best deal we could get and there are some real cuts in it like yesterday.

Posted by: Buzzion at December 11, 2013 04:29 PM (CEuiH)

224 You know what will really rally the conservative base? Moar ethanol subsidies.

Posted by: wooga at December 11, 2013 04:29 PM (TXmih)

225 What this nation nees is rum, sodomy,and the lash.

'Round my place, about 9...

Posted by: Bawny Fwank at December 11, 2013 04:29 PM (vHRtU)

226 What this nation needs is rum, sodomy, and the lash.

'Round my place, about 9...

Posted by: Bawny Fwank at December 11, 2013 04:30 PM (vHRtU)

227 Nude Ass Thread.

Posted by: toby928© of the banned at December 11, 2013 04:30 PM (evdj2)

228 >>I know a lot of ranchers that would debate that. I bet their ranches aren't close to the Palm Beach Polo Club. Palm Beach is where the dancing horses head to in the winter.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 11, 2013 04:30 PM (g1DWB)

229 Ryan got rope a doped.

Posted by: noone, really at December 11, 2013 04:30 PM (5ikDv)

230 I'm waiting for the mobs in the street. When they pass by my little "cottage by the sea", I'll join right in.

Posted by: Prudence Smythe at December 11, 2013 08:29 PM (Xkr3W)

--------------------------------------------

I LOLed. That brought back some good memories from a long time ago.

Posted by: Soona at December 11, 2013 04:31 PM (Tx68O)

231 Some of you live in your own world. In that world a political party that controls one half of one the three divisions of the government gets to run the entire government even though that control is based on receiving over one million fewer votes than the other party. I think there is some delusional thinking going on. I hope we can obtain control of both houses next year by majority votes. Till then we have to stay united. We did control the Supreme Court. But one of our members went weak kneed because of the 2008 election. Elections have consequences. One further point: low information Republican and independent voters do not share your concern about spending. They tend to want an expanding government. Many evangelical Republican voters also like aide to the unfortunate. You perfectionists do not appeal to these voters. You have to solve that problem. Even Reagan never cut year to year spending increases.

Posted by: Arkansas Yankee at December 11, 2013 04:31 PM (DlsJN)

232 Focus ST is pretty hot machine ... And I think "Parliament of Whores" was read by the other side as a Good Plan ... IDK where it ends, the Republic is gone, the government class firmly established, the voters content with socialism, it's already over 'murica-wise ... The collapse is coming, the SMOD will hit, let it burn, kick the can for 5 ... what? years? decades? Who knows? The voters won't change until they feel the pain, and, even then, will refuse to take their medicine, swallow the pill, and face the reality ... Eventually, really bad things will happen, I suppose, but can it be delayed incrementally, I hope - that is what is left to fight for, I guess ... I need some soma ...

Posted by: Joe at December 11, 2013 04:31 PM (B+xcR)

233 It will burn whether we like it or not. The Left will bring the torches. They're making them now. No budget restraint? Trillion dollar plus deficits as far as the eye can see? What could it mean? Don't kid yourself that there is some kind of clever political conjuring behind this. More government spending is more power to buy votes. It's what they all does now. Buy votes with this or that or the other thing. Phones, insurance subsidies, high speed trains, blah, blah, blah. Let the crap game continue.

Posted by: Ribald Conservative riding Orca at December 11, 2013 04:31 PM (dCwZe)

234 Mr Moo Moo. I imagine, by the tone of snark I detect in your comment, that you don't like the ideas you mention. I do like them.

Posted by: The Palm Beach Agorist at December 11, 2013 04:33 PM (opd3Z)

235 231 One further point: low information Republican and independent voters do not share your concern about spending. They tend to want an expanding government. Many evangelical Republican voters also like aide to the unfortunate. You perfectionists do not appeal to these voters. You have to solve that problem. Posted by: Arkansas Yankee at December 11, 2013 08:31 PM (DlsJN) Not to worry. Math will solve that problem.

Posted by: rickl at December 11, 2013 04:34 PM (sdi6R)

236 Had to put horse down tonight. Broke it's leg in the field. The barn will miss Walter. He was a good boy.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at December 11, 2013 04:35 PM (jucos)

237 When a ship is sinking, cutting the rope between you and it looks better and better.

Posted by: Feh at December 11, 2013 04:38 PM (g/zj9)

238 Waiter, I'd like to order two pieces of toast.

Sorry sir, we don't serve toast after 11 am.

Alright, do you have tunafish sandwiches?

Yes.

Fine. I'll have a tunafish sandwich on toasted bread. Now hold the mayo, lettuce, and tunafish.

Coming right up sir...Here you go.

crunch...waiter, this toast tastes like shit.

This is a Republican restaurant, sir. All our sandwiches come with shit.

Posted by: GnuBreed at December 11, 2013 04:38 PM (wNF3N)

239 Mr. Moo Moo - yes, exactly - that would be better model, and more reflective of 19th Century pre-prog US. Public schools financed by those that needed them only on a community basis, toll roads where required, and certainly no taxation for entertainment. Public schools are a complete failure and a govt jobs program, highways are good for economy and defense, so I'm ok with my taxes going to that, and no way should we be using public funds for private entertainment ...

Posted by: Joe at December 11, 2013 04:39 PM (B+xcR)

240 Everyone involved in lying to us and voting us into perpetual bankruptcy should be impeached, tried, hanged, drawn and quartered, burned at the stake, with the ashes mixed with dogshit, packes into tiny boxes marked "Spawn of Satan", then frozen and shot out of a giant nuclear cannon into the heart of the sun. And yea, I did see "Spawn of Satan" open for "Congressional Clusterfuck" at The Moore Theatre in 1974.

Posted by: Sharkman at December 11, 2013 04:42 PM (ck9M0)

241 Some of you live in your own world. In that world a political party that controls one half of one the three divisions of the government gets to run the entire government even though that control is based on receiving over one million fewer votes than the other party.

That one third writes the checks and borrows the money. Want to end deficit spending? Don't vote to raise the debt ceiling. Go back to that hard-scrabble budget of 2006, when we were financing two wars.

Posted by: toby928© of the banned at December 11, 2013 04:47 PM (evdj2)

242 236 I am terribly sorry for you. God bless you and your barn.

Posted by: RobM1981 at December 11, 2013 04:51 PM (zurJC)

243 So, I see Paul Ryan has tried the trick of covering the moon in yogurt at a cost of 5 trillion, then canceling that program and saving 5 trillion.

Posted by: blindside at December 11, 2013 05:58 PM (ajjwb)

244 Don't increase the contributions of all fed employees, instead focus on those who are making upwards of $100k. These are the people that can afford to pay more, and they are the ones that will be making a lot of money in retirement. As far as the spending goes... it's a huge joke. All of this is a joke. We need to stop the spendathon NOW. We are heading over a cliff sometime in the near future if we do not do something to stop this run away train. Cutting a few billion is not enough. We need to cut hundreds of billions...preferably...trillions... this is just sick...and there seems to be NO end in sight...

Posted by: Mistress Overdone at December 11, 2013 06:09 PM (2/oBD)

245 If the Congress really wants to fix the budget process, decide how much revenue there is expected (with no baseline budgeting),

Have the President submit a generic budget for each of the major departments,

Let each Congresscritter (NOT A GANG OF THE FEW -- everyone in Congress ought to be equal in the budget process) decide how much each would spend on each department, give or take 20 percent of that department's budget. The total budgeted by any CongressCritter can not exceed the expected revenue.

Total all the Congresscritters budgets up, and you've got a bi-partisan budget outline for each Federal department.

Vote on that, then go home for a spell while everyone studies the individual budgets for each department.

Repeat for each department.

No bundling of department budgets with other departments, no ear marks, no BS. Single issue budgets for each department.

Ideally, taxpayers ought to have a say in how much of their money is spent on this or that in a <A HREF="http://drfredc.com/allright/tdb/tdb_form.htm">Taxpayer Directed Budget
</A> of a similar process. Let the taxpayers make the tough decisions on junk that politicians don't want to deal with... Taxpayers would likely get the federal budget under control in a few years, while politicians will take forever...

Posted by: Seipherd at December 11, 2013 06:17 PM (AortR)

246 Boehner wanted to pass a "clean CR" in September that would have kept the sequester cuts for the full year and changed the following baselines for futuree years.

But nutcase "conservatives" let grandstanding Ted Cruz stampede us into the waste of time and energy in the shutdown and we had to bail out with a shorter deal.

Want to blame someone for blowing the sequester? Cruz and those dummies in your mirrors seem likely culprits.

Posted by: Adjoran at December 11, 2013 07:16 PM (473jB)

247 As long as all we're doing is talking, nobody in DC is even looking up from from their duck confit.

Posted by: Joan of Argghh! at December 12, 2013 02:59 AM (jlJ9S)

248 "So, calling it a "user's fee" does not seem to abuse the language. It actually does pay for the costs the user is directly incurring." Except this "fee" goes to the general fund, not the TSA.

Posted by: In the bunker at December 12, 2013 05:03 AM (ZVfnS)

249 This brings the Fed employee contribution to his retirement to 14.5%. That's 8.3 % (currently 7% - and there's no "opt out") for the civil service retirement + the 6.2% he pays into social security like everyone else). Plus whatever they put into their IRA. How much are you paying into your retirement? Yeah, it's a hell of a deal, alright.

Posted by: Dennis at December 12, 2013 05:27 AM (5jOb7)

250 I can't believe the Great Ace bought the "User Fee" nonsense. When the government takes our money it is a tax, no matter what they want to call it. If not, let them change the name of the income tax to George, and contend that there is no income tax. "This isn't a tax. We will take your money by George."

Posted by: Bob at December 12, 2013 08:11 AM (5c9oV)

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