Precious And Few
From: Diana
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:09 PM
To: Alan
Subject: Jerk
You are by far the dumbest thing on the face of this earth and absolutely disgusting to listen to. Too bad, Hannity has to put up with your left-wing nonsense.
I can’t understand why FOX News keeps you on their staff.
From: Brian
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 2:18 PM
To: Alan
Subject: mr. libera
Are you for real or were you hired to be Sean’s puppet and make him look good.
Your arguments are so weak.
From: Alan
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 7:39 PM
To: Brian
Subject: RE: mr. libera
Let me ask Sean how to respond and I’ll get back to you.
From: Pam
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 9:23 PM
To: Alan
Subject: RE: Show
I don’t know why Hannity stays with you. You are the most unreasonable person I have ever listened to. What is your IQ…ZERO? You do not add anything to the show.. That is why i am NOT going to watch Hannity and Colmes anymore. I will watch Hannity’s Sunday show and you can go jump in the lake…but you would be to stupid and probably not hit the lake
From: Terry
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 9:32 PM
To: Alan
Subject: Un American
I apologize for complaining about you being on the Hannity & Clomes Show. It is so entertaining to watch you demonstrate your hate for the country and where you would like to see it go. You are so stupid, you can’t even be ashamed of yourself. Keep it up. You are one of the Republicans’ best spokesmen as you convince me and my neighbors on a nightly basis why we should remain Republicans. You consider becoming a Russian citizen.
From: Ray
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 9:33 PM
To: Alan
Subject: WHAT YOU IS
ASSHOLE
From: Newt
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 9:40 PM
To: Alan
Subject: show
Mr. Colmes, please just shut up. You are so stupid you are an embarrassment to the Democratic party.
The garbage that comes out of you mouth is discussing..
IF Obama is elected I hope you are the last in line at the soup kitchen.
What school of stupid did you go to?
Fox should take you off the air.
From: Dennis
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:01 PM
To: Alan
Subject: Your family should have been cooked with Zyklon B; Jew Bastard
Your family should have been cooked with Zyklon B; Jew Bastard
From: Diana
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:09 PM
To: Alan
Subject: Jerk
You are by far the dumbest thing on the face of this earth and absolutely disgusting to listen to. Too bad, Hannity has to put up with your left-wing nonsense.
I can’t understand why FOX News keeps you on their staff.
From: Alan
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 12:50 AM
To: Diana
Subject: RE: Jerk
I’m on the air so you have someone to call a “jerk”. I mean, if I weren’t here, where would your anger go?
From: Kent
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 12:08 AM
To: Alan
Subject: Good Point Alice
Hey gay boy pile of dog shit Colmes, shut the Hell up you anti American God ugly fag! You are one stupid bastard who is only capable of repeating democrat talking points in hopes that they will give you young boys to molest
From: Tom
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 8:27 AM
To: Alan
Subject: advice
Change your ways alan.
From: Alan
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 2:13 PM
To: Tom
Subject: RE: advice
This is really really good advice. I am going to change everything about myself.
From: Tom
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 12:45 PM
To: Alan
Subject: dishonesty
Alan,
You are dishonest. You only show how weak and wrong your side is through your dishonesty. In the words of my wife (as spoken to me) “Smarten up!”
From: Alan
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 2:19 PM
To: Tom
Subject: RE: dishonesty
Listen to your wife.
It must take some thick skin to be the token liberal in the Fox News empire.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
For most of my adult life, I’ve considered myself a conservative Republican. Earlier this year, I realized I couldn’t vote for the Republican candidate for president that was being offered and found myself listening to, and agreeing with, Barack Obama. We put his sign up in our yard and helped make it close in the primary, although Senator Clinton did win the state.
Anyway – up until this year, I didn’t pay much attention to Democrats or anyone who identified themselves as Liberal, with one exception. I found I could always listen to you. Even when I agreed with what Sean Hannity was saying, many times I couldn’t stand to hear him say it. Watching your show on Fox (and until this year, Fox was the ONLY news channel I watched), I would cringe as he interrupted and shouted and wish that you were on my side politically, because you were so much more civil and polite.
Even now, I suspect our political views are not the same. But I cannot stand the thought of another Republican leading this country after Bush’s term runs out.
The point (finally) of this note to you is that I find it hard to stomach the hate mail you receive. When I didn’t agree with you, I still liked you. I never thought you came across as “dumb”, “disgusting”, “weak”, “unreasonable” … that’s enough, I only quoted from the first 3 emails.
I’m glad I’m on your side now – the ambiance is much more pleasant! Thank you!
September 17th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
By all means, harass Alan, he and he alone has created all America’s woes.
Oh, he hasn’t? Well, who might be at fault? And how can we change that?
‘We have lost seven years of savings’
A reader writes:
“My wife and I are in our 40s. We’ve been putting money away in our respective 401k plans since 1999. When Bush took office the Dow was around 10,659 (approx.). Today the Dow is approaching the same level as when Bush took office (by contrast, Clinton added about 7000 points to the DJIA).
We have lost 7 years of savings. How are we supposed to make that up? What if another Republican is elected? Another 8 years of this and we’ll be in our late 40s with practically nothing saved for retirement and we’ll probably be sucked dry by the health insurance costs for our family of 3 (soon to be 4) since, under McCain, it’s unlikely that employers will continue to provide coverage.
On top of our retirement that’s disappearing, we’ve got to consider exploding day care, education, fuel, and other CPI costs while our income stagnates or declines.
You guys think Europe, China, or Russia are gonna go down the tubes with us? Hell no, if Americans elect another Republican those countries are going to begin isolating the U.S. in an effort to protect their own economies. Republicans are right, the End Times are near.”
http://www.americablog.com/2008/09/we-have-lost-seven-years-of-savings.html
September 17th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
That ZyklonB Jew Bastard one is a keeper!
It does make you wonder what the more literate of the right wing think of their fellow travellers. The mix of regulars here is interesting – mostly thoughtful, mostly friendly liberals on one side and a collection of righties from up and down the IQ scale on the other.
We all get into the heartless slagging off of the opposition (it’s part of the fun!), but something almost all on the right have is that constant seething anger. What a way to exist…
September 17th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Holy cow, nobody deserves hate mail like this, except maybe Hitler, Stalin, Manson, or Bin Laden. As a conservative independent, I disagree with many political points that you lay out on H&C, however, I never disagree with your methods, and your tolerance. I am sure Gov. Huckabee, of whom I have followed long before politics, would agree with me on this point. He has on more than one occasion demonstrated his “behind the scenes” closeness with you while a guest on H&C. He is of excellent character, and I am sure he finds this within you. Thanks for your genteel nature, our disagreements on the political fronts only underlines the strength in differences within our Great Nation.
Russell A. New, DVM
September 17th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Alan – God bless ya! Thanks for sticking up for what you believe in, misguided as it may be!
Love the americablog post too. Show’s the problem with the entitlement mentality. C’mon people, investments have risk. You are not guaranteed to receive a certain return level on your stock investments. Do some research, make some smart choices – you can make money in a down market. My savings have increased dramatically over the last 8 years and I am way better off than I was 8 years ago.
As the old adage goes, the only guarantees in life are death and taxes and you will get more of both under Democrat rule!
p.s. at least Fox allows a token liberal on the show…
September 17th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Everybody on the right-wing wants lower taxes.
So who pays the bills?
I guess we just follow the Republican model by spending and borrowing, and spending and borrowing, till the whole economy collapses.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Rocky – Let me help you through it…the corollary to lower taxes is lower government spending. Perhaps some simple examples may help. See, if the Gov’t takes 2M out of the economy in taxes and spends 3M, that’s called a deficit and the Gov’t has to borrow money(that’s bad). If the Gov’t takes 2M out of the economy and spends 2M, that’s called a blanced budget (that’s good). Now most economists will agree that taking money out of the economy is considered a drain on the economy (that’s bad). Even Obama has started to acknowledge this point (he’s stated he will not raise taxes if the country is still in a recession). So, the best strategery is to effect a balanced budget of reduced spending on reduced taxes. This reduces the burden of Government on the economy and does not incur additional costs of borrowing money.
Simple theory, difficult to put into practice, because you need the cooperation of Congress, who actually controls the budget (its true, read your constitution) and the President who has veto power over the budget (recall President Clinton twice vetoing the Republican Congress’ budget as part of the great welfare reform debate). Also, you don’t know for sure how much you will collect in taxes in a year, but you have to budget in advance. So, it’s not easy.
But, the taxpayer always pays the bills regardless of who is in power, the question is how big of a bill do you want to pay? Or in Obama’s case, how big of a bill do you want 5% of Americans to pay.
On a different note, need to give credit where credit is due. Congrats to the House Democrats and Nancy Pelosi, who are finally recognizing the Second Amendment. Nancy, gun lovers everywhere are singing your praises today!
September 17th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
yes you can make money on this economy.
My advice to anyone is to always go with oil when republicans are in office, you can’t fail;
Although the accompanying war could be a little bit of a distraction, especially if you have young kids and they are addicted to FOx News.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Joe S.,
Pat Buchanan is more than just a token conservative.
You need to realize that when someone says that they are something and not something else in the media, it is more than likely that they are more what they say they are not then what they say they are.
For instance, if someone keeps telling you they are Fair and Balanced, it is more than likely that they are anything but.
And if they claim that there is a big liberal media bias, it is more an attack to draw attention away from their glaring unbalances.
It is just a common sense argument but…………….
September 17th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
I love all these “conservatives” who say they’re going to vote for a Marxist. Who falls for this stuff?
September 17th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
all the dems want to do is borrow money from people who work and let people who don’t work spend it.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
T. said,
all the dems want to do is borrow money from people who work and let people who don’t work spend it.
I thought you guys thought they want to kill babies too? And take away your guns. And join the world new order. And turn over the country to illegal aliens.
Come on T., you left out any number of false claims, get with the program. At least say ‘one of the things dems want…’ if you aren’t going to include the full platform.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
UC gets very offended when Democrat’s socialist affinity is mentioned.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
“So who pays the bills?
I guess we just follow the Republican model by spending and borrowing, and spending and borrowing, till the whole economy collapses.
Posted by Rocky the Liberal Rottweiler
September 17th, 2008 at 4:23 pm”
Gee.. I don’t know.. why dont you educate yourself and let us know
September 17th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Vince opined,
UC gets very offended when Democrat’s socialist affinity is mentioned.
Not really, frustrated I suppose would be a better word. Although after a few weeks on this blog the frustration has pretty much been replaced with mild irritation. It doesn’t make any sense to me, since it is so obviously untrue.
I am curious how people get so brainwashed into thinking there are ‘republicans’ and ’socialists’ and nothing else (well, I guess they concede there are libertarians too, but the republicans have pretty much taken over the libertarians in recent years – they used to be populated by wacked out internet dorks, like myself, but now they are a refuge for disenfranchised Republicans).
As you well know Vince, I have asked at least a dozen times on this blog for people to back up that assertion, and the best anyone can come up with is a dictionary definition for socialism, then saying that’s what Democrats want to do.
It is tiresome.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Um Cara,
I am not alone in my thinking. Economic Professors at Harvard were asked about his economic plan in an interview in the Wall Street Journal. He wants to create the largest expansion of government since LBJ. He will be taking money from people who pay taxes and giving the money to non-taxpayers in the form of a “refund”. You can’t refund what was never paid. That is income redistribution, and will eventually lead to a welfare state.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
T. Mason, Vince, and others,
He will be taking money from people who pay taxes and giving the money to non-taxpayers in the form of a “refund”. You can’t refund what was never paid. That is income redistribution, and will eventually lead to a welfare state.
Thank you! That is an excellent point. I certainly do not think it is tantamount to socialism, nor do I agree it will lead to a welfare state, but I do believe it is doublespeak to call what is essentially a gift, a refund.
It is not a refund, and I agree it is poor policy, whether it is Bush or Obama who want to give these ‘rebates’. And it irritated me no end to hear the media talking about how ‘everyone’ was going to get this rebate check, when I, for one, did not qualify. And I certainly paid my share of taxes.
Bush is not socialist because he signed the stimulus plan into law, nor is Obama for his tax plan, but thank you very much for providing a specific example.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Um Cara – under which economic philosophy would you put the concept of the progressive income tax? It’s certainly not libertarian or free enterprise. Personally, I’d think it’s more in line with the marxist/communist philosophy (”from each according to their ability, to each according to their need.”) But, I could see an argument that you would expect to see such an approach in a socialist society.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
The List: Obama’s Economists
Economic policy advisors:
Jason Furman (director of economy policy) Austan Goolsbee (senior economic policy advisor), University of Chicago tax policy expert
Karen Kornbluh (policy director)
David Cutler, Harvard health policy expert
Jeff Liebman, Harvard welfare expert
Michael Froman, Citigroup executive Daniel Tarullo, Georgetown law professor
David Romer, Berkeley macroeconomist Christina Romer, Berkeley economic historian Richard Thaler, University of Chicago behavioral finance expert
Robert Rubin, former Treasury Secretary
Larry Summers, former Treasury Secretary
Alan Blinder, former Vice-chairman of the Federal Reserve Jared Bernstein, Economic Policy Institute labor economist James Galbraith, University of Texas macroeconomist
Paul Volcker, Chairman of the Federal Reserve 1979-1987
Laura Tyson, Berkeley international economist, Bill Clinton economic adviser
Robert Reich, Berkeley public policy professor, former Secretary of Labor
Peter Henry, Stanford international economist
Gene Sperling, former White House economic adviser
Other prominent economists who support Obama:
Brad Delong, Berkeley macroeconomist Joseph Stiglitz, 2001 Nobel laureate
Edmund Phelps, 2006 Nobel laureate
Ray Fair, Yale macroeconomist
Dan McFadden, 2000 Nobel laureate
Robert Solow, 1987 Nobel laureate
Prominent finance people who support Obama:
(not actually economists)
William Donaldson, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair 2003-05 so
Arthur Levitt, SEC chair 1993-2001
David Ruder, SEC chair 1987-1989
Warren Buffet, investor, richest person in world
September 17th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Joe S.,
under which economic philosophy would you put the concept of the progressive income tax? It’s certainly not libertarian or free enterprise. Personally, I’d think it’s more in line with the marxist/communist philosophy (”from each according to their ability, to each according to their need.”) But, I could see an argument that you would expect to see such an approach in a socialist society.
I missed the part of McCain’s platform where he wants to eliminate the progressive income tax. Is he socialist?
And, just to avoid the annoying habit of answering a question with a question (though I would appreciate it if you would reply to mine)…
I would call the progressive tax fair. People with higher incomes have a greater percentage of disposable income and it is reasonable that they pay a higher percentage of said income as tax. It in and of itself is neither Marxist or Communist or Socialist.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
We already live in a society that is based in wealth distribution. Just about everything govt sponsored is built on taxing those who have money, and allowing all to use. The transportation system built on tax dollars so all can use, even the poor. The school system, I pay in levies as a home owner when the person down the street living in a apt pays 0. Our police and rescue, I pay but the services are for all. We already live in a redistribution society, and if you want to call it socialist fine… but don’t act as if this is a new concept for you. You DON’T get to keep all your money now. It’s part of living in a civilized society. So whats your answer, letting private industries making all the decisions. Well, we see how well that is working.
The opposite plan we can have is a actual fee based system on all services. Wait till you see your bill for that 30 miles of freeway you just traveled on.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I’m not sure what question you are referring to, so feel free to repeat it. But, I would say that Obama supports communistic philosophies (i.e. repealing part of the Bush Tax Cuts) and is therefore a communist. I’ve never heard McCain say he wants to raise taxes solely on the upper echelon of the population, so I don’t think he subscribes to the communist tenets.
Also, as a point of clarification, the Bush stimulus plan sent $$ only to people who paid taxes last year and were below a certain threshold. So it was a partial refund of taxes paid in the previous year (same as if they reduced the tax rate in the tax tables – i.e. some overpaid last year). I would argue that this was an unfair distribution and has communisitic undertones. But, the upper limit was the only way to get the plan through the democratically controlled Congress (hence the affiliation between democrats and communists/socialists, which are sometimes used interchangeably).
The basic premise of Communism is that all people should be “equal” and everything should be “fair”. So, the theory is to enact a goverment that will make all people equal. You start by taking disproportionately from the rich and giving to the poor in the name of fairness and equality (currently, this is in the form of Government services – the top percent pay for the benefits that all receive, infrastructure, medicare, medicaid, social security). I don’t see how you can consider the progressive income tax anything other than communistic/socialistic/marxist – pick your term.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Um Cara,
so you would agree that since persons with higher incomes already pay higher taxes, that the tax plan we have in play now is a fair one?
Most economists are saying that raising taxes with the economy the way it is, especially on corporations would be a disaster.
I find it interesting that obama and his campaign representatives continually refer to the 95% of taxpayers who will get tax relief. The percentage of taxpayers is not that high.
Oldlefty, it doesn’t matter who you list….obama’s plan is still a bad one.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
“Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
(TLB, Isaiah 58:10-11)
September 17th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
And the crowds asked [John the Baptist], “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” (NRSV, Luke 3:10-11)
September 17th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Matthew 25:31-46
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33 and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. 34 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35 for
I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’
37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40 And the king will answer them,
‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
41 Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
September 17th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
From Mad Magazine in 2004:
If George W. Bush Ran Against Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth says,
“Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you”
JESUS FAVORS MORE GOVERNMENT HANDOUTS FOR WELFARE CHEATS
Jesus of Nazareth says,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
JESUS IS SOFT ON CRIME
Jesus of Nazareth says,
‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’”
JESUS WILL RAISE YOUR TAXES
Jesus of Nazareth says,
But I tell you not to resist an evildoer. On the contrary, whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well.
CAN WE TRUST JESUS TO FIGHT THE WAR ON TERROR?
JESUS…
WRONG ON SOCIAL ISSUES,
WRONG ON CRIME,
WRONG ON DEFENSE,
WRONG FOR AMERICA!
September 17th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Joe,
I’m not sure what question you are referring to, so feel free to repeat it.
I mean, this one:
September 17th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Um Cara – If he is in favor of retaining the progressive income tax, he is a socialist/communist/marxist in my book. However, its clear that he is less of a socialist/communist/marxist than Obama, which is why I’m going to vote for McCain.
JamminJ – Glad to see you finding religion, but what is your point?
September 17th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
T. Mason asked:
Um Cara,
so you would agree that since persons with higher incomes already pay higher taxes, that the tax plan we have in play now is a fair one?
I believe progressive income tax plans are fair, yes. I also believe we need to pay for this war on terror (which is an endless war, since we have now declared war on a tactic), so it is appropriate to adjust the tax.
One area I differ with Obama, and likely many of my fellow liberals on this board, is that I do believe every working adult in the U.S. should pay income tax. I think a minimum rate of $1 would be fine for the absolute poorest people, but everyone should contribute something to the pot.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Oldlefty,
Good post, funny stuff : )
JamminJ,
O.K. We get the point with the bible verses, but enough is enough. I don’t want Sunday school in the public science class, or on my favorite blog : )
September 17th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Julie from Indiana:
Great post! There is hope after all.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Joe S.
OK, well I can certainly see how anyone who thinks McCain is socialist (or marxist or communist) would think that Obama is as well. In your view, every president in living memory was socialist, and almost every member of congress is socialist.
Not what I would call a mainstream view, but gotta admit you are consistent!
September 17th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
As always, the argument comes down to what is “fair.”
September 17th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Um Cara – Actually I would not consider either Bush or Reagan socialist. You may recall that both were able to reduce the top level tax rate! (Reagan from 44% to 39% and Bush from 39% to 35% – ask yourself why was the Clinton economy full of steam?)
Also, I’d bet that if given the chance, McCain would lobby in favor of reducing the disproportionality of the tax scheme, and would therefore avoid my classification as a socialist.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Joe S.,
But both Bush and Reagan supported the progressive income tax. And Reagan raised the payroll tax. And Reagan rolled back his tax cuts the year after he made them (Obama rolling back tax cuts is being referred to as raising taxes, so it is fair to thus say Reagan raised taxes).
So now I am back to not understanding your view that some who support a progressive income tax are socialist and some not.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Not to mention progressive income tax has been in the Constitution since 1913. No one can end it without repealing the amendment.
If progressive income tax was overly “socialist,” wouldn’t it have been repealed in the past 95 years?
September 17th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
“all the dems want to do is borrow money from people who work and let people who don’t work spend it.”
Ya mean like the corporate welfare our tax money is now paying to bail out all those unregulated (by Republicans) giant corporations?
No, because the corporations will NEVER PAY US BACK — they’re not BORROWING, they’re getting SOCIALIZED PAYOFFS.
So socialized welfare for giant corporations that DON’T PAY TAXES, but not “socialized” health care for citizens, who who do.
yeah, that makes sense.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
UC – Its really pretty simple. Those who believe the progressive tax is fair are socialists. Those who don’t aren’t. Bush, Reagan, and arguably McCain act as if they believe its unfair and thus, I don’t believe they are socialists. You and Obama are Socialists. Deal with it and accept it. Its the first step to recovery.
Rick – please cite the constitutional provision that sets forth the progressive tax!
You want to actually read the document yourself. Its very enlightening.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Joe S.
Its really pretty simple. Those who believe the progressive tax is fair are socialists. Those who don’t aren’t. Bush, Reagan, and arguably McCain act as if they believe its unfair and thus, I don’t believe they are socialists.
Can you point me to any quotes by Bush, Reagan, or McCain where they argued to stop the progressive tax system?
You and Obama are Socialists. Deal with it and accept it. Its the first step to recovery.
No, I really am not. I don’t consider it an insult or anything, some perfectly decent people in the world are socialists, but I’m not personally a socialist. Neither is Obama.
I’m a capitalist.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Why do they have to argue to stop it in order to believe its unfair? Make your own observations and draw your own conclusions. A little intellectual honesty would be refrshing.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Joe S.
So I’m a socialist, and intellectually dishonest because I don’t agree with you? Super.
And I’m certainly not arguing that I believe any elected American president has ever been socialist. I am merely suggesting that if you believe a progressive tax system is socialist, it is odd that you would not think the fact that presidents like Reagan and Bush I who raised taxes, and who never called for the repeal of the progressive tax system, are not socialist by your own definition.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Hey Alan I am 21 and A conservative. I just want to let you know I appreciate you staying true to your beliefs and having the respect and patience to be able to share a stage with someone so opposite to you. Even though I might not agree with your positions on issues it is nice to hear where the other side is coming from. You seem to be the only Left wing journalist/commentator that does not hide behind the “Independent” mask and pretend to be neutral. It is no secret where you are coming from with your views and it is hard to find journalist as honest as you. good luck!
September 17th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Joe S.
When democracy is used to enable those who are in the upper crust take advantage of those who are the workign class…..like has happened in the last eight years, then it allows for balances.
What you call socialism is just balance.
When FDR saved the country, the right wing was all of over his plan, because it was socialistic and I am sure that, like McCain, there were many repubs out there telling the public that things were good.
There are so many ills that have been created in the last eight years due to the unchecked over-indulgences of the right wing, that it will take more than an man who finished in the bottom five of his class at a military academy to get us out of this.
I’ll take man who has had to rely on his intellect and drive and character to make something of himself. Not a man who had to rely on his father’s name to get him his breaks in life.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Joe S.
The Clinton economy was full of steam because Clinton knew what he was doing.
How many economic downturns did we suffer under the Clinton Administration?
I think the right wing has been jealous over the entire computer revolution simply because they didn’t see it coming and weren’t able to take economic advantage of it. Imagine a republican thinking of the model of giving things away for free to bolster economic growth, as in the new models on the internet.
The right wing had to rely on a a botched foreign war, over oil as usual, to make their money and as we all know they are the only ones to have benefitted from it.
As they say, follow the paper trail if you want to know the real cause of anything.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Come on Alan are you gonna let Rove get away with those lies?
jesus man…………
September 17th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Alan,
Against Karl tonight…you lost.
Update your research..don’t make arguments referenced from, i.e. Nov 2004, the info is too old.
And make sure it’s correct. When you opponent was actually there, don’t paraphrase the crib notes given to you by your research team. Actual experience makes a stronger argument.
Have a good night all
Next time be prepared.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Um Cara – I don’t mean the word socialist as an insult,just a descriptor of one’s socio-economic philosophy. You asked me to classify people according to my views, doesn’t have anything to do with whether you agree with me or not. It is exactly this type of reasoning that I referenced with the intellectual honesty portion. As you well know, there are many factors involved in our government passing legislation and a president cannot be completely defined by the passage of one piece of legislation. Need to look at a bit more than that.
But you’re right, this grows tiresome as no one is really interested in an honest debate. Just an exchange of sound bites.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Alan, I never agree with you, I support MCCAIN, and tonight you made me so mad when talking to ROVE, BUT!!!! You do not deserve this kind of hate mail, I have watched you since you all started, you are one of the few democrats I respect and like even though you are wrong most times in my opinion, but we can agree to disagree. You are a decent man, and passionate in what you beleive in as I do,and after reading all this trash talk which I will say liberals do the same thing, I don’t know how you take it. Just shows us how much you love what you do, just hang in there , and you couldn’t have a better friend in Sean, I love him. GOD BLESS ALAN!! SANDRA IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS……PS, I LOVE PRESIDENT BUSH BEING FROM TEXAS, HE IS A GOOD MAN
September 18th, 2008 at 1:13 am
What you see in a terrorist — that’s called the invisible enemy. There has always been an invisible enemy. What you see in Iraq, basically, is a manifestation of what’s going on in this unseen world called the spirit world. … We need to think like Jesus thinks. We are in a time and a season of war, and we need to think like that. We need to develop that instinct. We need to develop as believers the instinct that we are at war, and that war is contending for your faith. … Jesus called us to die. You’re worried about getting hurt? He’s called us to die. Listen, you know we can’t even follow him unless you are willing to give up your life. … I believe that Jesus himself operated from that position of war mode. Everyone say “war mode.” Now you say, wait a minute Ed, he’s like the good shepherd, he’s loving all the time and he’s kind all the time. Oh yes he is — but I also believe that he had a part of his thoughts that knew that he was in a war. (((( i just got band for life for posting what palin preacher said and asking hannity will he say his name 10k times like he did rev wright i just got band no answer (((((
September 18th, 2008 at 3:16 am
and why on hannity’s site if you post a comment that he does not agree with you get band for life ???? i ask simple question and get band for life (
September 18th, 2008 at 3:23 am
“Joe S.
When democracy is used to enable those who are in the upper crust take advantage of those who are the workign class…..like has happened in the last eight years, then it allows for balances.
Posted by shadowearl50
September 17th, 2008 at 9:44 pm”
Bull-crap. The rich pay a great share of all income taxes now then the did under Clinton. Some large percentage, like 40% of Americans don’t even pay Fed Income Tax.
September 18th, 2008 at 4:34 am
“Rocky – Let me help you through it…the corollary to lower taxes is lower government spending.”
There will never be less government. There will never be fewer government programs and fewer government employees. Spending will never be reduced in any significant way. It’s never going to happen.
It’s impossible. It’s a fantasy. It’s ridiculous even to discuss it.
It’s antithetical to the way the system works.
September 18th, 2008 at 4:46 am
“so you would agree that since persons with higher incomes already pay higher taxes, that the tax plan we have in play now is a fair one?”
People living the champagne lifestyle should absolutely pay higher taxes. The benefits they enjoy are several orders of magnitude greater than anything attainable to the average Joe.
“So who pays the bills?” Gee.. I don’t know..
Of course you don’t know. The radical right-wing is a model of fiscal irresponsibility. Wait two years and you’ll be blaming Georgie’s monstrous contribution to the national debt on Democrats. Who cares if the bills ever get paid as long as you can blame someone else.
September 18th, 2008 at 5:00 am
“There will never be less government. There will never be fewer government programs and fewer government employees. Spending will never be reduced in any significant way. It’s never going to happen.
It’s impossible. It’s a fantasy. It’s ridiculous even to discuss it.
It’s antithetical to the way the system works.
Posted by Rocky the Liberal Rottweiler
September 18th, 2008 at 4:46 am”
The day is fast approaching
September 18th, 2008 at 5:01 am
Joe S.
You said this:
I don’t mean the word socialist as an insult,just a descriptor of one’s socio-economic philosophy. You asked me to classify people according to my views, doesn’t have anything to do with whether you agree with me or not.
But in your message to me right before that, you said this:
You and Obama are Socialists. Deal with it and accept it. Its the first step to recovery.
Make up your mind.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Rocky – Please make an attempt to understand how the system works. Start with this premise. The Government does not make money (yes, they print it, but they don’t “make” it). THE TAXPAYERS PAY THE BILLS! I will blame the deficit and the debt on all of Congress and the President. They deserve it. Ask yourself if this is likely to get better or worse under an Obama, Reid, and Pelosi government.
Um Cara – So, if I call a person an alcholic, is that automatically considered an insult? The first step to recovery from alcholism is the acknowledgement of a problem. Just cause you don’t want to believe that the progressive income tax is not communistic, does not make it true.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Oops, got a double negative in there…should read.
Just cause you don’t want to believe that the progressive income tax is communistic, does not make it true.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Joe S. said:
So, if I call a person an alcholic, is that automatically considered an insult? The first step to recovery from alcholism is the acknowledgement of a problem. Just cause you don’t want to believe that the progressive income tax is not communistic, does not make it true.
Pretty week, dude. I’d say you are the one in denial if you really believe that the progressive income tax is ‘communistic’, and yet none of the Republican presidents have ever tried to eliminate it…
Oh, well – whatever get’s you through the night, I guess.
And naturally, ‘just cause you want to believe that the progressive income tax is communistic, does not make it true.’
September 18th, 2008 at 11:31 am
You said- “Pretty week, dude. I’d say you are the one in denial if you really believe that the progressive income tax is ‘communistic’, and yet none of the Republican presidents have ever tried to eliminate it…”
Please refer to Reagan’s economic policies, the Bush tax cuts.
I love your logic (or lack thereof).
September 18th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Let’s try it this way, the liberal argument is that the progessive income tax is not communistic because no Republican president has ever tried to repeal it in it’s entirety. Please explain how a particular President’s opinion on whether the progessive income tax should be repealed has any bearing on whether the policy is communisitic or not.
The appropriate analysis is first, define what is communist theory (”from each according to his ability, to each according to his need”) and second ask does the progressive income tax fall within that theory. Please explain how a redistribution of wealth policy (you can use the death tax or the progressive income tax) does not align with this basic tenet of communism.
(hope I didn’t insult anyone with this post, it was not intended as an insult).
September 18th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Joe S.,
I don’t think there is a ‘liberal’ argument that the progressive income tax is not communistic, it is fairly self evident to probably all liberals, and the vast majority of conservatives.
My only point was to show your inconsistency in thinking if you think Obama and other Democrats (and I for that matter) are socialists because we support the progressive income tax, yet you don’t think the same of the various Republicans who apparently support it as well as evidenced that their own tax plans are progressive.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Correction:
… as evidenced by the fact that their own tax plans are progressive.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
I think I’ve been pretty clear that I believe that anyone who supports this policy or advocates expanding the impact has communistic tendencies and can be labeled as such.
However, I do not consider merely living with the tax structure as an admission that one supports the policy. Reagan and Bush worked to reduce the percentage at the upper end of the tax bracket. To me that shows they do not agree with the policy.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Alan–I enjoy watching H and C. You remind me of Lou Costello as the comic relief for Bud Abbot. Don’t try debating with Mr. Rove–you are always getting trampled.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Alan–Please check out a new hair piece–the one you have been wearing has seen better days!
September 18th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I just saw the Rove – Colmes video.
I love how Alan wastes his entire time on noting the number of lobbyists there are.
Its like all Colmes cares about is being able to get a cheap shot in. What value did anyone get out of that?
Alan is an insulting as he wants to be to whoever he disagrees with, but God Forbid someone return it in kind.
The vid is here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-llDJ0iMPA
September 18th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Joe S.,
Both Reagan’s plan and Bush’s plan were progressive income tax plans.
So it is the amount, not the nature of the plan that makes it communist. What % = communism?
September 18th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Alan,
Rush just commented on you be “skinned” by the Karl Rove last night. He is being kind. I was laughing so hard as you were just made to be the fool you really are
September 18th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Joe S.,
Both Reagan’s plan and Bush’s plan were progressive income tax plans.
So it is the amount, not the nature of the plan that makes it communist. What % = communism?
Posted by Um Cara
September 18th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
-=======
Ultimately Congress is responsible for the tax policy.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Um Communist – let me try again – I’ll type slow this time….Both Bush and Reagan (and McCain, by virtue of his support for extending the Bush tax cuts) advocated for a reduction in the amount of “extra” or “disproportionate” taxes that the top percentage of wage earners in America pay. Hence, the logical conclusion is that all three believe this policy is unfair and thus do not subscribe to the tenets of Communism. Obama wants to roll back the Bush tax cuts and raise taxes on the rich to support Social Security.
So, based on the policies stated so far in this campaign, its reasonable to conclude that Obama is a COMMUNIST and McCain is not.
September 18th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Gee, What businesses does Barack Obama say he wants to nationalize?
So far we know that Bush and McCain tax the middle class to support their corporate welfare cronies.
Socialize the risks and loses, and privatize the profits.
September 18th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Health Care – Government run and mandatory.
September 18th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
“Gee, What businesses does Barack Obama say he wants to nationalize?”
All of them
September 18th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
“So far we know that Bush and McCain tax the middle class to support their corporate welfare cronies. Socialize the risks and loses, and privatize the profits.
Posted by OldLefty
September 18th, 2008 at 2:22 pm”
Uh.. hello….. apparently you have avoided reading everything about Fannie Mae
Doesn’t surprise me.
September 18th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Joe S. said:
Um Communist
Yesterday I was a socialist, today I am a communist – do you even know the difference?
let me try again – I’ll type slow this time….
Joe S., in addition to not knowing what socialism or communism are, or the difference between the two, you are apparently unaware that it doesn’t matter how slowly or quickly you type. I’ll see your entire disjointed screed instantly, regardless of your typing speed.
Both Bush and Reagan (and McCain, by virtue of his support for extending the Bush tax cuts) advocated for a reduction in the amount of “extra” or “disproportionate” taxes that the top percentage of wage earners in America pay.
So when Reagan made his cuts, he was not a communist, but when he rolled back those cuts he became a communist? And when he raised the payroll tax, he was a communist?
Hence, the logical conclusion is that all three believe this policy is unfair and thus do not subscribe to the tenets of Communism. Obama wants to roll back the Bush tax cuts and raise taxes on the rich to support Social Security.
But as I have pointed out before, Reagan also raised the payroll tax (social security), and Reagan also rolled back tax cuts. So in your view Reagan subscribed to the tenets of Communism, right?
I bet you wouldn’t have been brave enough to say that to his face!
Look, obviously I don’t think Reagan was a commie, but following your (admittedly wacko) logic, you have defined him as such. Instead of continuing this conversation, how about you crack open a book on governmental economic and political systems? You really, really don’t understand either. Maybe Mrs. Chaney has written one appropriate for you, with pictures and everything.
September 18th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
JudyBrown,
You talk about socialized healthcare like it is the best thing since sliced bread. Take some time to read actual studies, not talking points, on how Canada’s (and others) socialized healthcare system is broken. Socialized healthcare is NOT the answer to our problems.
September 18th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
UC – I appreciate your attempt to skew the rationale I have provided in response to your questions. I also appreciate that you do not agree with the conclusions. However, nothing you have posted persuades me that Reagan, Bush, or McCain would state that the progressive tax system is fair. So, I feel quite justified in continuing label Obama as a communist and excluding McCain. If you need to believe that (1) we are all communists because the progressive tax system exists or (2) that no one is a communist because the progressive tax system exists so that you can rationalize the policies you embrace, I will fully support you in your need. Now, please show me where the re-education center is so that I may be reprogrammed.
September 18th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Joe S. blabbed:
If you need to believe that (1) we are all communists because the progressive tax system exists
You are the one who called it communist, not me. No, obviously I don’t think it is proof of communism, you do (or you said you did, anyway. I have a hard time believing you are really that foolish)
(2) that no one is a communist because the progressive tax system exists so that you can rationalize the policies you embrace
It’s pretty mainstream to support a progressive tax system. Every tax proposal Reagan, Bush I, Clinton, Bush II, McCain, and Obama have made have been progressive, for example. I don’t think any of them are communist.
Now, please show me where the re-education center is so that I may be reprogrammed.
Reprogramming? That sounds communist, you must be thinking you live in Cuba or something. My suggestion was that you buy a book on governmental economic/political systems, or go to that socialist institution, the public library.
September 18th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
DITTO>>>>>>>ASSHOLE!
September 18th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
God should take away the air you breath.You are the most disgusting piece of crap that breaths.Maybe Barack Hussien Obama will employee you as his number 1 ass wiper. Good luck at your new job ASSHOLE.
September 18th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Dear Alen
I do not understand why people write horrible E-mail to you. I watch H&C show every night at 9:00PM. Some time I do not agree with you, and many Democrats as your guests. Some time I do not agree with Sean and Republican guests. Yes! I do talk to the TV.
You both are very different with diferent social and political views. At least you are not marrid to him
( Ha!Ha!). My husbands think you are always correct. He is a Libaral Democrat and a Sen. Obama supporter, like you. I am more like Sean. I grew up in NYC. I get his frustration. My husband do not like Sean. You two keep me entertained. For example, I loved your argument about “Reform” with Karl Rove. You are good. You know your stuff.
September 18th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Let me share some info with you that I have gotten from excellent sources within the DNC:
On or about October 5th, Biden will excuse himself from the ticket, citing health problems,
and he will be replaced by Hillary. This is timed to occur after the VP debate on 10/2.
there have been talks all weekend about how to proceed with this info. generally, the feeling
is that we should all go ahead and get it out there to as many blog sites and personal email
lists as is possible. I have already seen a few short blurbs about this – the “health problem”
cited in those articles was aneurysm. probably many of you have heard the same rumblings.
however, at this point, with this inside info from the DNC, it looks like this obama strategy will be a go. therefore, it seems that the best strategy is to get out in front of this obama maneuver, spell it out in detail, and thereby expose it for the grand manipulation that it is.
so, let’s start mixing this one up and cut the obamites off at the pass – send this info out to as many people as you can – post about it on websites and blogs – etc etc
September 18th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Charlotte,
Yea. He’s going to fake an aneurysm.
Damn. You have cut us Obamites off at the pass.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Mr combs. how many times do you have to take a shower everyday? because working next to an ASS (hannity) must smell. lol. dont pay no attention to this hate mail. these people are filled with hate just like sean hanti-hitler. i love your character for not being sucked into faux news.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:54 am
Haha…….. obama/combs 08/12 hanti-hitler can be your cab driver hahahahahahahahahahaha
September 20th, 2008 at 1:02 am
Hey Allen, Even your dog is a cowardly idiot just like you. I couldn’t believe what a scared little rat looking under fed animal I ever seen. Im suprised your Liberal friends haven’t thrown you overboard yet for maltreatment. Sarah Palin would never have such an ugly scared animal such as that.
November 7th, 2008 at 10:07 pm