On Friday’s Radio Show…

October 24th, 2008, 6:00 PM EDT

Political comedian Barry Weintraub fills in for Alan.

Posted in Radio Show by Christine

Responses to this post...

  1. Liberals are easily interchangable with one another.

    That’s because all they do is spout the same “Talking Points” issued by their leaders.

    It takes a Conservative to have an individual viewpoint.

    Posted by Wendell E
    October 24th, 2008 at 6:18 pm

  2. It takes a Conservative to have an individual viewpoint

    And that individual sadly seems to be Rush Limbaugh.

    Posted by Um Cara
    October 24th, 2008 at 6:21 pm

  3. >>It takes a Conservative to have an individual viewpoint

    And that individual sadly seems to be Rush Limbaugh.

    Posted by Um Cara<<

    Oh, that’s OK. After all, Liberals will try to re-instate the “Fairness Doctrine” to muzzle the First Amendment rights of Conservatives if they get the chance.

    Liberals only believe in freedom of speech for Liberals, other than that, they consistantly trample on freedom of speech.

    Posted by Wendell E
    October 24th, 2008 at 6:35 pm

  4. I have to say that I agree with Cara….. The problem with conservative on the radio is they spew hat and dissent when they don’t have a valid arguement. I believe the difference is free speech or outright slander

    Posted by Kevin the Lib
    October 24th, 2008 at 6:55 pm

  5. “Liberals only believe in freedom of speech for Liberals…”

    The radical right keeps saying this like someone actually believes it. Go ahead. Talk. Let Palin talk too. Let people become better acquainted with the politics of yesterday and the failed policies of the radical right.

    Posted by Rocky the Liberal Rottweiler
    October 24th, 2008 at 7:21 pm

  6. Wendell Makes Some More Assumptions:

    Oh, that’s OK. After all, Liberals will try to re-instate the “Fairness Doctrine” to muzzle the First Amendment rights of Conservatives if they get the chance.

    Liberals only believe in freedom of speech for Liberals, other than that, they consistantly trample on freedom of speech.

    I am a liberal, and I am not for the fairness doctrine. Alan is a liberal, and he is not for the fairness docrine. Other liberal posters on this blog are in favor of the fairness doctrine. There is a mixed opinion on it.

    I don’t know what you are talking about with regards to trampling on freedom of speech for non liberals. I know the ACLU has defended both the KKK and Rush Limbaugh, for example.

    Posted by Um Cara
    October 24th, 2008 at 7:23 pm

  7. Just think .. when the Democratic win the White House .. the Senate .. and the House .. we won’t need the “Fairness Doctrine” ..

    What we’ll see than is that the trio of degenerates .. Limbaugh .. Hannity .. & Savage will no longer be valid, since their big mouths did nothing for their cause ..

    Posted by nomad
    October 24th, 2008 at 7:50 pm

  8. >>I am a liberal, and I am not for the fairness doctrine.
    Posted by Um Cara<<

    There may be hope for you yet.

    Now try saying this:

    “Successful people have the right to keep the money they earn!”

    Posted by Wendell E
    October 24th, 2008 at 8:30 pm

  9. >>Let people become better acquainted with the politics of yesterday
    Posted by Rocky the Liberal Rottweiler<<

    You mean the failed policies of Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson?

    Because we are still paying for those policies decades after a Democratic controlled house and senate sent them for those liberals signatures.

    Posted by Wendell E
    October 24th, 2008 at 8:35 pm

  10. >>The problem with conservative on the radio is they spew hat and dissent when they don’t have a valid arguement. I believe the difference is free speech or outright slander

    Posted by Kevin the Lib<<

    I just hate those hat-spewers…..

    Aww, c’mon… SMILE! It’s FRIDAY! :-)

    Posted by Wendell E
    October 24th, 2008 at 8:38 pm

  11. Wendell,

    Successful people have the right to keep the money they earn!

    Of course they do. They also need to pay the bills. BOTH Republican and Democratic congresses have racked up a lot of bills, they need to be paid, they get paid by taxes, we have a progressive tax system in the U.S. People who make more than others are going to be taxed at a higher rate. That’s the way it’s been for as long as either you or I have been paying taxes.

    Maybe someday a candidate who supports a flat tax system with no deduction will be elected. But even though we will continue with a progressive tax system under a president McCain OR a president Obama, we are not a socialist nation.

    Posted by Um Cara
    October 24th, 2008 at 8:52 pm

  12. Um Cara,

    Now try saying this:

    “A progressive tax system is inherently unfair to the most successful Americans, and penalize their success through a policy of redistrubiting wealth, from the rich to the poor, which is a pillar of Socialism!”

    Posted by Wendell E
    October 24th, 2008 at 9:13 pm

  13. Wendell,

    So you do believe that all modern presidents have been socialists?

    Perhaps you should try and accept the fact that there are more than two types of economic systems. It would seem that you believe there is:

    1. Socialism
    2. Not Socialism

    Posted by Um Cara
    October 24th, 2008 at 9:15 pm

  14. Tucked away in a corner of the Drudge Report in print so small you can hardly see it, in contrast to yesterday’s banner headline and massive photo –
    http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9411R800&show_article=1

    Posted by jake
    October 24th, 2008 at 9:24 pm

  15. People who make more than others are going to be taxed at a higher rate.

    The part that is really over the top is that while there are people paying the high [and getting higher] rate, there are people paying zero. And now Obama wants to actually give even those folks a check..

    we are not a socialist nation.

    But it sure feels we are drifting that way. The bailouts, the stimulus packages, the Obama tax plan and universal health care.

    actually give even those folks a check..

    And the sad part? That people actually are buying that he is somehow cutting taxes. And even what he IS doing, he is only doing once. So what sounds like:

    I will reduce taxes on 95% of America

    Really is

    I will allow the Bush tax cuts to expire, effectively raising taxes on everybody, then I will send you a check. Once

    Posted by pino
    October 24th, 2008 at 9:34 pm

  16. Pino, thank God – I was really getting bored.

    The part that is really over the top is that while there are people paying the high [and getting higher] rate, there are people paying zero. And now Obama wants to actually give even those folks a check..

    It may surprise you, but I agree that everyone who earns an income should pay something in income taxes. Maybe it should be $1, at the absolute bottom. But everyone should pay some level of income tax.

    However, the Obama tax credits are there to offset other federal taxes that people pay. It is untrue to state that there are a lot of people who do not pay federal taxes. There are excise taxes, payroll taxes, and the taxes that corporations pass down to the consumers.

    I think it is over the top to call Obama’s plan socialism. But our common ground (Pino and I, not speaking for anyone else) is that everyone earning an income should pay some level of income tax.

    The numbers is where the argument should be, not whether it is ’socialism’ or not.

    Posted by Um Cara
    October 24th, 2008 at 9:41 pm

  17. Hey Eck – haven’t tried chat today, guess they have it working again, but figured I would hang out in this thread tonight instead of chat. Maybe I’ll try chat later if it looks like folks are hanging out there instead.

    Posted by Um Cara
    October 24th, 2008 at 9:43 pm

  18. tried the RSS feeds, but i don’t really like the way they come in.. was hoping this would come in over RSS

    Posted by eckirchn
    October 24th, 2008 at 9:50 pm

  19. excise taxes

    Is a tax levied on the producer?

    payroll taxes

    There are two; Social Security and Medicade?

    taxes that corporations pass down to the consumers.

    That is silly.

    Obama is saying that he is going to reduce taxes. In that regard, we conservatives should be excited. But he is NOT lowering any taxes.

    He is not reducing the income tax rate [in fact, under his plan it goes up for everybody]
    He is not reducing the excise tax [which we would be in favor of]
    He is not reducing the “payroll” taxes [which most conservatives would be in favor of]

    What he is doing, is taking more money from the top 5% and literally GIVING it to people who have less. Literally transferring money.
    At least with the progressive system, no on GETS money.

    Posted by pino
    October 24th, 2008 at 9:56 pm

  20. Pino, all those federal taxes get passed down to consumers – you know that to be true. Example of excise tax: Gasoline costs X% more, because the federal govt. charges x% tax per gallon (don’t feel like looking it up)

    I have also said many times that tax credits are not my favorite piece of Obama policy – but it is not welfare either. Everybody is paying taxes, Obama is lowering taxes through the use of these tax credits. I’ll agree it is sloppy language, but it is NOT welfare. And it is NOT socialism.

    Posted by Um Cara
    October 24th, 2008 at 10:03 pm

  21. Hey gang…found ya’…all hail Caribou Barbie! Wish Alan was here…looks like we are on our own tonite.

    Posted by parrothead
    October 24th, 2008 at 10:12 pm

  22. I see we are all confused about tax policy on either side…one thing for sure…taxes can’t be cut any further, either, without disaster…just common sense.

    Posted by parrothead
    October 24th, 2008 at 10:14 pm

  23. all those federal taxes get passed down to consumers

    In the form of consumption patterns. I pay 0% tobacco tax.

    but it is not welfare either

    Why not reduce the gas tax then? Why give money to some while raising on others. Um, it is direct Take and Give.

    Everybody is paying taxes,

    Significant number of people who have a net gain in their relationship with the Fed.

    but it is NOT welfare. And it is NOT socialism.

    The basic tenant: From each according to his ability. To each according to his need.

    I pay 0% tobacco tax.

    Though I make up for it in beer tax!

    Posted by pino
    October 24th, 2008 at 10:14 pm

  24. Enough on taxes…we’ll all probably get the big weiner in the long run..

    Posted by parrothead
    October 24th, 2008 at 10:16 pm

  25. >>There are excise taxes, payroll taxes, and the taxes that corporations pass down to the consumers.

    Posted by Um Cara<<

    So then, if corporations pass on any taxes levied on them, what do you think of Barack HUSSEIN Obama’s plan for a windfall oil profits tax?

    If they are taxed, and pass that tax onward, what do you think that will do to the price of a gallon of gasoline?

    Posted by Wendell E
    October 24th, 2008 at 10:35 pm

  26. Wendell…name one candidate that ever enacted all or even a big percentage of their campaign promises after the election.

    Posted by parrothead
    October 24th, 2008 at 10:44 pm

  27. Excuse me Wendell E…Caribou Barbie passed a windfall profits tax on the oil companies in AK and Hannity and all the right wingers seem to drool all over that and call her the greatest thing since Reagan…I guess if it works up there it oughta work nationally…right!

    Posted by parrothead
    October 24th, 2008 at 10:46 pm

  28. I’d appreciate it and maybe think a little more of her if she’d come up with some different answers and statements while on the campaign stump…she uses the same answers over and over…just like she memorized!

    Posted by parrothead
    October 24th, 2008 at 10:49 pm

  29. tax credits are not my favorite piece of Obama policy

    Re-reading. Um, I have to say, Obama has had TWO consistent messages:

    1. We can not afford a 3rd Bush term.
    2. I will reduce taxes on 95% of Americans.

    As it turns out, neither is true.

    We continue to know zero about this man. His past is suspect, the people he seeks out to advise and mentor him are suspect and his policies are suspect.

    Posted by pino
    October 24th, 2008 at 11:13 pm

  30. I guess if it works up there it oughta work nationally

    Thats the difference. She was operating in a State environment. Obama is planning to act in a Federal environment.

    some different answers and statements while on the campaign stump

    Like Obama has done? What has he said that is new or different?

    Posted by pino
    October 24th, 2008 at 11:16 pm

  31. Pino…I listen to you and hear a replay of the Hannity show…am I right? The most disturbing thing about that is the one sided message, the tunnel minded sixth graders that buy his junk…I am sad for the people that allow him to form their opinions for them

    Posted by parrothead
    October 24th, 2008 at 11:23 pm

  32. all hear the soundbite of Ayres admitting he is an anarchist?

    Posted by eckirchn
    October 24th, 2008 at 11:31 pm

  33. Eck…who cares?? I really don’t. If he’d done something anarchistic other than what he did 40 years ago it might bother me. Now I just don’t care, and the more the right wing hammers on it the more it doesn’t bother me…they are obviously out of ammunition, and down to throwing their gun at us

    Posted by parrothead
    October 24th, 2008 at 11:36 pm

  34. I listen to you and hear a replay of the Hannity show

    In much the same way that I hear Alan in your words. Yes, typically people who have the same conclusion, or agree, sound familiar.

    However, I have never heard anything on any TV show or radio program that gets into the subtleties of Federal vs State roles.

    And here I may surprise you [or maybe not, you probably have not take much time to consider where I am coming from]

    When someone is down on their luck, I think that the government should be there to help them out.
    When someone needs to go to school, I think the government should be there to help them out.
    When someone wants to purchase a home, I think the government should be there to help them out.
    When someone needs glasses, or a cavity filled or a flu shot, I think that the government should be there to help them out.

    I think that people should take time to help their neighbor, the common man. I think that those “who have” should give to those who don’t.

    I think that every kid should have world class education, health care and an equal chance of making than every other kid.

    However, I think that our difference is in the implementation.

    I think that the town and county governments should provide for the needs of their community. In their absence, the state. I also believe that there are people who don’t believe in the things that I believe in. And that those people have equal right to live here as I have.

    So, if a group of people want to live in a place where they give >70% of income to create a place like this, they can move to State X. For those that don’t, move to State Y.

    The Fed is here to do very limited things. Anything after that, they should not be doing.

    Posted by pino
    October 24th, 2008 at 11:37 pm

  35. I hate to do this Pino but I agree with you on the levels of government that should be in the help ladder. Local government can have a much bigger effect on our daily lives and should..we all should take a bigger interest in our local government..as a matter of fact my local school board runs out the back door when they see me coming because I have dressed them down more than once. Our lives are effected much more by local, state and property taxes than they ever will be by the Feds. And they are my words, Not Alan’s..we just happen to agree

    Posted by parrothead
    October 24th, 2008 at 11:42 pm

  36. I hate to do this Pino but I agree with you

    I find that most Americans agree, not worries brother.

    Local government can have a much bigger effect on our daily lives and should..we all should take a bigger interest in our local government

    Don’t overlook local charity. Join your churches, YMCAs, JayCees, Knights of Columbus and Masonic Lodges.

    Our lives are effected much more by local, state and property taxes than they ever will be by the Feds.

    Agreed. And we have the ability to vote them OUT if they fail. Nationally, I have much less say. Additionally, the Fed SUCKS at almost everything they do.

    Posted by pino
    October 24th, 2008 at 11:52 pm

  37. BARRY YOUR DOING A GREAT JOB, I hope you get your own show!!!! I went to the Million Man March… Stop these callers from associating that event with somekind of “kill whitey cross burning”. That entire event was about the personal responsibilty of the black man…family, self dignity, fatherhood. Folks are calling in like this was some sort of Black Klan Rally.

    Posted by Leland
    October 25th, 2008 at 12:24 am

  38. >>Excuse me Wendell E…Caribou Barbie passed a windfall profits tax on the oil companies in AK and Hannity and all the right wingers seem to drool all over that and call her the greatest thing since Reagan…I guess if it works up there it oughta work nationally…right!

    Posted by parrothead<<

    You must like higher prices, because corporations NEVER pay taxes. They ALWAYS pass taxes on to the consumers.

    Posted by Wendell E
    October 25th, 2008 at 1:39 am

  39. Hello, as a White Nationalist, just want you to know that most of us wont vote for McCain even to keep Obama out. We know that deep down they are both examples of what is wrong with this country and McCain being White makes him more guilty if anything. Even Palin cannot save him.

    I would vote for anyone, black, white, homo, jewish…..anyone who would return our civil liberties and get rid of the Patriot Act.

    April Gaede
    White Nationalist

    Posted by April Gaede
    October 25th, 2008 at 1:49 am

  40. Winetraub was great.

    When you hear Tommy Smothers talk about the present in the present, you realize how lucky you were to have him on the tube when you grew up. Though, like Alan, I didn’t think of the bros as that “edgy” back then. I had blessings and didn’t know how helpful they were (yep, I say this even though I’m prone to bash Hollywood).

    I wrote a few other things critiqueing the specious garbage here re State Y, but am thinking this website continues to be left in a state that is copisetic with Fox. It seems to filter for words and filter for length [this is up now cause I shortened it], though I see it somehow deemed McCain’s voting on Vet matters germane to something. Don’t know why that qualified, but am glad it did. Anyway, I’m gonna be outta here. Hey and Alan, why is it just the conservative sites give me all this misinformation about my browser being out of date? That message from you is wrong. My browser gets my messages up all over the place.

    Posted by Schumacherite
    October 25th, 2008 at 8:49 am

  41. What is a White Nationalist?

    Posted by Um Cara
    October 25th, 2008 at 11:44 am

  42. “A progressive tax system is inherently unfair to the most successful Americans…”

    And the Devil laughs when the poor give to the rich.

    Posted by Rocky the Liberal Rottweiler
    October 25th, 2008 at 1:19 pm

  43. My advice to Rush: Go back to your pill bottles.

    Posted by Susan March
    October 25th, 2008 at 5:50 pm

  44. Barry Weintraub was very very good. Ellis is a good guy, but honestly Barry’s pacing and humor really kept my interest so that I didn’t miss Alan as much as usual. Barry listen to the first hour again, come back next time and do it just like that.

    Posted by Kenny
    October 29th, 2008 at 8:49 am