We strongly hope Barack Obama loses the 2012 elections.
Americans (including yours truly), who thronged the polls to elect Obama in 2008 have felt totally betrayed by this turncoat.
On virtually every issue, Obama has not showed sufficient backbone in pushing back the Republican opposition to his policies.
Nor has he been bold in addressing the problems bedeviling the economy and the Great Depression of the 21st Century that has caused enormous anguish and untold hardship to millions of Americans.
So, is it any surprise then that average Americans are sick of Obama when it comes to the economy.
A recent Harris Poll shows how badly Obama has slipped on the economy:
If things are pretty grim today, Americans increasingly are also pessimistic that things will get any better in the coming year.
The below table is a good indicator of the mood of the American people on how they see the future.
Less than a quarter of Americans expect that the economy will improve in the next 12 months.
Americans Sick of Obama on Economy added by SearchIndia.com on
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The United States is a declining power.
Every month our nation is bleeding more jobs, more factories and more wealth. Every month our debt problems on the federal, state and local levels get even worse. We have been living far beyond our means for decades, and we are rapidly getting to the point where that simply will not be possible anymore.
The long-term trends that have gotten us to this point have taken decades to develop. There is no “quick fix” that some politician is going to bring in that is going to create some kind of miracle.
We are now starting to pay the price for decades of bad decisions. As the consequences of our decisions become more apparent, the American people are going to get angrier and angrier.
Unless something very dramatic happens (like all the millions of jobs that went overseas come back all of a sudden, the uber-rich and corporations are forced to pay their fair share of taxes, the total military pullout from iraq/afghanistan/libyan, the US starts to manufacture again, etc), we are heading for a very ugly chapter in American history.
Let us hope for the best, but let us also prepare for the worst.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Yes, it’s very difficult to prevent the decline that’s been in the offing for years.
But Obama could have taken steps to stem the decline.
Yet the pussy hasn’t.
Some of the best examples of Obama’s ineptitude include inaction on mortgage relief, failure to hold Wall St accountable and take strong remedial actions to prevent a repeat of the collapse, not launching a public works program as suggested by economists to tackle the unemployment crisis, doing little to prevent outsourcing and not including a public option in the Health Care Reform bill.
Housing is still in free fall and neighborhoods are emptying in CA, NV, FL, MI, AZ and a few other states (fortunately, it’s not that bad in the North-East).
When we call Comcast for tech support, some stupid c*nt in Philippines answers. And if you think Indians have a horrid incomprehensible accent you haven’t listened to Filipinos speak ‘English.’ 🙁
“you haven’t listened to Filipinos speak ‘English”….
.tell me about it man. We have an offshore team in Manila, and boy, they have a weirdo accent. They audit us, and I can tell u, they are such sticklers!! They go by the book to the fullstops and commas.
I just hope there’s some revolution and all our job come back. Wishful thinking, hmmm 😉
PS: I do agree with you that Obama could have done those things u mentioned, but sadly, almost all of our politicians are a bunch of spineless pussies!!
USA had made bad decisions.. many .. and Indians are copying them in the name of COOL…
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Sooner or later the ‘cool’ chickens will come home to roost.
here’s another incredible india for you guys!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/43840899#43840899?from=en-us_msnhp>1=43001
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Saw that on Tuesday.
BTW, that’s not an Incredible India story as much as an Incredible Breeding story.
People in India breed, breed, breed and live little room for the wild animals!
Inevitably enough, the two groups stray into each other’s territory and clash.
If you thought the Leopard story was weird, see this recent video in the large South Indian city of Mysore:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnsrdTjQZ0I
Obama in denial mode – http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Obama-says-US-will-always-be-AAA-country/articleshow/9533756.cms
This chutiya’s obsession on taxing the rich is crazy.
I am not in the “rich” category and probably will never be but taxing those in that category is crazy. I am may be totally off on my assumption and numbers here but directionally I think the “Rich” are responsible for creating more than 50% of the jobs and paying more than 50% of the total taxes in this country.
It is poor governance, unnecessary / badly run programs and inefficient management of revenue that is the core problem.
I never though anyone could beat Bush when it came to bad governance but this guy seems to beat bush eloquently. The only reason Obama may win a second term is lack of a viable opposition candidate.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
a) You write: Obama in denial mode….This chutiya’s obsession on taxing the rich is crazy.
Nonsense!
Ignorance is no Excuse for
writingScribbling Total Nonsense.Obama is one of the best friends the rich can have.
Here are some stats to support how Obama is chomping on the bits of the rich:
1. Obama’s biggest campaign donors include Goldman Sachs ($994,795), Citigroup ($701,290), JPMorgan Chase ($695,132), Google, Microsoft P.45* These are not companies that are likely to give money to someone, who’s gonna raise taxes on them.
2. As Senator, Obama voted against capping credit card interest rate at 30% p.26
3. Obama’s Extension of Bush Tax Cuts to the Rich in December 2010
4. Obama’s expressed willing to slash Social Security & Medicare despite vast millions of Americans depending on these two programs for survival.
5. Wealthiest 10% of Americans get 50% of National Income (2007 stats) p.216. Yet Obama extended tax cuts to the rich in December 2010.
6. Average income of top 1% (i.e. the superrich was $952,388 in 2007. For the bottom 99%, it was $42,986 (2007 stats) p.217 Yet Obama extended tax cuts to the rich in December 2010.
7. Obama’s refusal to include a public option in his Healthcare Bill so as to pander to insurance companies.
8. Unless, we raise taxes and stop the wars America will be in pathetic shape soon.
*Source: The Mendacity of Hope by Roger Hodge
Whether it’s support for drilling, lack of support to stem foreclosures, support for multi-billion dollar bank bailout, lack of enough stimulus to jumpstart programs to tackle unemployment, Obama has repeatedly proved he’s no friend of the poor and that he stands squarely on the side of the rich.
Obama is all about talking sideways about the common people while his mouth is busy deep-throating the rich.
b) You write: I think the “Rich” are responsible for creating more than 50% of the jobs
They’re also responsible for shutting down factories, call centers, tech support and other services and moving them to China, India, Mexico, Thailand, Philippines, Colombia and other low-wage Third World shitholes.
They’re also responsible for not hiring in the U.S..
They’re also responsible for not repatriating overseas profits to the U.S. because it’ll be taxed.
They’re also responsible for not paying taxes. For example, GE (surely, a company that even the dumbest of our readers have heard of) paid NO TAXES in 2010.
Source: New York Times
They’re also responsible for corrupting our Congressmen, Senators and Presidents through campaign contributions and hiring lobbyists to do their dirty work.
c) You write: It is poor governance, unnecessary / badly run programs and inefficient management of revenue that is the core problem.
Stop drinking the Republican Party/Tea Party koolaid.
Ignorance is no Excuse for Scribbling Total Nonsense… neither are SI’s assumptions.
SI says: “Obama is one of the best friends ….. deep-throating the rich”
1) Between what two lines or words of my comment did you read “Obama is pro-poor” or “Obama is anti-rich”?
2) Points 1-7 you have mentioned are probably verifiable facts. Point 8 is an opinion. But, again you have responded assuming I am saying Obama is pro-poor/anti-rich. In my opinion none of the present politicians are truly interested in the welfare of the common man. They are just into posturing.
3) Read again… I say “This chutiya’s obsession on taxing the rich is crazy.” It is a verifiable fact that it is Obama’s stated position as well as his intent to raise taxes on individuals who earn more than 200K and families that earn more than 250K. (The 200k/250k may have changed). He has repeated this stance in response to S&P’s downgrade of US credit (Refer the link I posted). Your reply with his pro-rich facts is besides the point.
SI says: “They’re also responsible …. do their dirty work.”
a) Despite all the points you have mentioned the “Rich” probably contribute to more than 50% of the total tax revenue and job creation/retention. Are they greedy? Yes, of course but so is everyone else. Taxation is the easiest form of revenue for the government without having to move their ass. An uncreative and lazy technique that only stifles economy (an opinion that could be debated endlessly).
b) You make it sound as if there is 50% unemployment in the country. Despite the negative effects of globalization, the unemployment rate is hovering around 10% in still one of the worst economic climates since the great depression.
c) “They’re also responsible for corrupting our Congressmen, Senators and Presidents through campaign contributions and hiring lobbyists to do their dirty work.” – Ok Ok… had it not been for the “Rich”, these Congressmen, Senators and Presidents would have been unblemished isn’t it? Stop drinking whatever you are drinking and sober up SI! 🙂
SI says: “Stop drinking the Republican Party/Tea Party koolaid.”
As on date I have very little regard for either of these parties or the democratic party. All of them together are responsible for this financial mess. GPO screwed for 8 years and Obama has tried to match them in 3 years. There is nothing red or blue about incompetence.
I am not suggesting that the Wealthy have been noble. Wall street corruption, AIG bonuses, questionable financial practices, indiscriminate offshoring etc. are now common knowledge.
The solution is regulations and reforms. The government should create an environment here that reduces the need for offshoring if not completely eliminate it, they should remain as a watchdog to enforce policies and prevent mal-practices, the government should balance its budget and show serious intent to reduce debt, Military expenses should be significantly reduced and so on.
Increasing taxes will not solve any problem. The average American has very little faith in the governement’s ability to manage his/her money. Why would I trust my money to someone who has displayed inability to manage it several times?
SearchIndia.com Responds:
1. When you write This chutiya’s obsession on taxing the rich is crazy implicit in it is the notion that Obama is taking on the rich and suggestions of a class-divide with Obama on the side of the not-rich or poor. You would not have used the word obsession otherwise. As we’ve already said, that is nonsense.
Because Obama has no real interest, let alone obsession, in taxing the rich as he has repeatedly demonstrated, for instance in extending the Bush Tax Cuts in December.
2. You say our point 8 i,.e. Unless, we raise taxes and stop the wars America will be in pathetic shape soon is opinion.
This hardly needs justification.
Just look around. Infrastructure is crumbling all around. Bridges are in bad shape, road-work is in bad shape, tunnel projects are canceled (NYC/NJ). trains and bus services are being curtailed/canceled altogether (NYC, for instance), parks are being closed, libraries are open only 4-days a week, prisons are overcrowded, prisoners are being released early because there’s no money ad nauseum.
Pray, tell us where will the state find revenue if not from taxes.
3. You write: I say “This chutiya’s obsession on taxing the rich is crazy.” It is a verifiable fact that it is Obama’s stated position
What politicians say is not as important as what they do/don’t do.
That’s Politics 101.
In the 2+ years Obama’s been in office what taxes has he raised? Au contraire, he extended the Bush Tax cuts for the wealthy.
4. You write: You make it sound as if there is 50% unemployment in the country. Despite the negative effects of globalization, the unemployment rate is hovering around 10%
As several economists have said, the real unemployment rate is over 16% if you take into account those who have stopped looking for jobs because there are no jobs or have only part-time jobs that pay very little.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/18/opinion/18krugman.html
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/learn-how-to-invest/The-real-unemployment-rate.aspx
5. You write: Despite all the points you have mentioned the “Rich” probably contribute to more than 50% of the total tax revenue and job creation/retention.
Governments all over the world have what’s called a progressive tax system where if you earn more you pay more.
But are you even aware that the Hedge Fund Billionaire in America pays a lower Tax Rate than a high school teacher. Probably not.
Saying the rich are responsible for creating >50% of the jobs is like saying 98% of fathers pay for their children’s food, clothing, education and shelter. Who else would do it? Similarly, in the capitalist system it’s the owner of capital (rich) who creates jobs. If it were a socialist syste, the onus for creating jobs would be on the state.
6. You write: Taxation is the easiest form of revenue for the government without having to move their ass. An uncreative and lazy technique that only stifles economy
We don’t know why we’re even replying to the above because the above statement is patently absolute garbage.
Every state depends on taxes to provide all kinds of services to citizens. There’s nothing ‘lazy or uncreative’ about taxes.
Without taxes, we’d all be living in a Hobbesian state of nature where ‘life is nasty, brutish, and short.’
7. You write: Increasing taxes will not solve any problem.
More nonsense.
As the NYT and others have reported, GE ‘reported worldwide profits of $14.2 billion, and said $5.1 billion of the total came from its operations in the United States.
Its American tax bill? None. In fact, G.E. claimed a tax benefit of $3.2 billion.’
So, Janitors, firemen, policemen and bus drivers must pay taxes but companies earning $14.2 billion pay no taxes.
We don’t know what words like ‘equity’ and ‘fair-play’ mean in your dictionary but it’s obviously not the same as in our lexicon or that of others who think like us.
Also, as we said earlier, if you make $1 billion as a hedge fund tycoon your tax rate is 15% but if you’re a wage earner your tax rate can go up to 35%. Again, in our dictionary this is injustice. But you admittedly think taxation is an uncreative and lazy technique.
Not to increase taxes on the corporations or the rich (hedge fund earnings for instance) would be sinful and set a bad example for the rest of society.
With people in power here thinking like you, it’s no surprise that Income Inequality in America is one of the highest in the world for a developed country.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_inequality_in_the_United_States
http://www.vanityfair.com/society/features/2011/05/top-one-percent-201105
Update:
8. You write: the government should balance its budget and show serious intent to reduce debt
And how are we supposed to do that after we’ve given $1.8 trillion dollar cuts (cost of Bush Tax cuts) to the Rich.
1. You may correct and I may be wrong about Obama’s intent on increasing taxes for the wealthiest. I feel the only reason he did not push is because it would not have passed. (or maybe he knew it would not pass and thats why he talks about it all the time but never acts on it. Let us wait and watch what he does or tries to do on Taxation after the downgrade.
2. “Hedge Fund Billionaire in America pays a lower Tax Rate than a high school teacher”
This Hedge fund billionaire (and others like him) will probably be successful in evading taxes irrespective of the rate. As I have already said in my previous reply, reforms and regulations are needed not higher tax rate.
3. “… real unemployment rate is over 16% ….”
Can we go with official numbers please? July 2011 unemployment is 9.1% (http://www.bls.gov/cps/).
5. “Saying the rich … capitalist system it’s the owner … If it were a socialist … on the state.”
Correct. US being a Capitalist economy, the Government should continue to encourage Capitalists to create more jobs within the country by fostering an environment where majority of the jobs remain within the country. The Government should act as the watch dogs to enforce correct regulations and plug loopholes.
More taxes on the wealthier means lesser money with people who have the capacity to create jobs. I don’t see how that will help the Job situation unless US moves towards a Capitalist + Socialist structure where the state takes the addition tax $s for creation more jobs.
6. “We don’t know why we’re even replying … brutish, and short … Its American tax bill? None … world for a developed country.”
If you are done venting then let me reply.
What makes you assume I am advocating abolishment of taxes? Everyone knows the purpose and importance of taxes. Taxes are undeniably necessary. Maybe I should have replaced “Taxation” with “Increasing taxes” in the line “Taxation is the easiest form of revenue for the government without having to move their ass. An uncreative and lazy technique that only stifles economy”. You can keep repeating rhetorically that taxes are needed and yes ofcourse they are needed my point is increasing taxes is not needed.
The examples you have given are all good examples and everyone will agree that Tax policies are flawed. Again, what makes you think increasing taxes on the wealthiest will change any of that? Those who find creative ways to work the system now will continue to do that irrespective of the rate.
The solution is reform, regulation and enforcement, which involves considerable political and social will compared to just increasing the tax rate based on class. This involves a lot of work. Instead of doing this the lazy and uncreative technique of increasing taxes is being proposed. WTF!
7. “We don’t know what words like ‘equity’ and ‘fair-play’ mean in your dictionary but it’s obviously not the same as in our lexicon or that of others who think like us.”
Your condescendence is welcome. A comprehensive reform of the tax policies with stronger regulations, greater enforcement and fewer loop holes will result in reducing the gap between the rich and the poor and hence creating a more fair playing field and equitable climate. This may mean lower taxs on the wage earners and higher on the wealthier but atleast that would be justified with facts rather than taking a shot in the dark.
My View: The government should present facts on current revenue, current expenses and identify programs that can and cannot be run with the available funds. Then they should significantly cut government spending, military spending, and stop/postpone programs that are not going to yield returns in the short or medium term. Let the government present a comprehensive plan to reform antiquted policies and restructure the economy. At that point it would be fair to review whether an increase in taxes for anybody is warrented.
A realignment of tax rates based on a considerable overhaul / reform / upgrade of taxation policies is a totally different subject and that is not what Obama is proposing.
So far this government or the previous one have done nothing credible on managing finances. The previous one moved US from Surplus to deficit and this one added to the deficit and resulted in a downgrade. No one will or should trust them with more money than what they currently have.
On a related topic – What is your view on the new Healthcare law?
SearchIndia.com Responds:
1. You write: US being a Capitalist economy, the Government should continue to encourage Capitalists to create more jobs within the country by fostering an environment where majority of the jobs remain within the country….More taxes on the wealthier means lesser money with people who have the capacity to create jobs. I don’t see how that will help the Job situation unless US moves towards a Capitalist + Socialist structure where the state takes the addition tax $s for creation more jobs.
U.S. companies are sitting on nearly $2 trillion in cash & other liquid assets but yet refuse to do the right thing – start hiring. As he’s repeatedly shown through his policies, the current President is hardly the enemy of corporations.
Through the bailouts & tax policies, what the U.S. already has is Capitalism for the middle-class and poor and Socialism for the rich. This is not opinion but fact as bailouts and tax policies show.
Capitalists will not create jobs unless they are forced through taxes or other means. If they can get away with paying $2 a day in China why’d they want to pay $8 an hour + healthcare in the U.S.
Let’s not be naive and use words like ‘Encourage.’ Criminals have repeatedly shown that the stick is what works and not ‘encouraging’ words.
2. When President Obama appoints GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt to lead an initiative on jobs and U.S. competitiveness we know how rotten this administration is because GE has been one of the biggest culprits vis-a-vis outsourcing U.S. jobs to India, China and other Third World companies and avoiding taxes.
3. You write: Hedge fund billionaire (and others like him) will probably be successful in evading taxes irrespective of the rate…..what makes you think increasing taxes on the wealthiest will change any of that? Those who find creative ways to work the system now will continue to do that irrespective of the rate.
Thieves will break in any way, so let’s not put locks on our home or car doors. That seems to be your logic vis-a-vis Higher Tax rates on the rich. Makes no sense to us.
4. There’s a fundamental philosophical divide between us on the issue of Taxes.
We strongly believe higher Taxes, particularly on the rich, is the need of the hour.
Your weltanschauung is not to raise taxes but, to use your own words, to cut government spending, military spending, and stop/postpone programs that are not going to yield returns. That does not make sense when you’ve already given $1.8 trillion in tax cuts to the rich (by Bush & now extended by Obama). The only thing left is to start making cuts to nondiscretionary spending, such as Medicare and Social Security, which would be tragic. Of course, Republicans have been trying to gut these two programs for decades.
*********
Important:
Both of us have made our arguments & rebuttals. Further discussion is pointless given the chasm between us on this subject of taxes.
So this debate is now closed.
*********
5. As for our views on the new healthcare law, we strongly believe now that the public option is the only worthwhile option. Everything else is rubbish and just throws more money at insurance companies, hospitals, doctors, pharmaceutical firms and other criminals.
On a related note the bailout money given to the “too big to fail” financial institutions should be recovered with interest within a practical timeframe.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
There should never been a bailout in the first place and making companies like Goldman Sachs whole via govt infusion of funds routed to Goldman through AIG.
Regarding this, i recently saw a Stand-Up by Bill Maher. He used ShittyBank. You guys came to my mind. And added to that, he used SkankOfAmerica and Notorious AIG.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
With a greedy chutiya aka Vikram Pandit at the helm, it has to be ShittyBank or ShittyGroup.
God, we haven’t seen Bill Maher in ages!
Between reading, watching movies, restaurant-ing and blogging, there’s hardly any time left for TV.
I like “The Daily Show” by Jon Stewart. He has a pretty good take on everyday news. His fake-news is sometimes more real than the real news!
SearchIndia.com Responds:
He’s pretty good.
One of our favorite Jon Stewart episodes is http://www.searchindia.com/2009/03/13/must-watch-jon-stewart-skewering-the-cnbc-idiots/
I remember that one. I liked the one where he imitates Glenn Beck. Check the links incase you did not catch it earlier.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-april-7-2011/intro—jon-tells-the-truth-while-wearing-glasses
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-april-7-2011/glenn-beck-was-sent-by-jesus
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-april-7-2011/barack-obamayan
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-april-7-2011/glenn-beck-announces-his-departure
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Glenn Beck?
Man, that was one sick weirdo with all the crying and other theatrics.
Most likely, we’ve seen the Jon Stewart take down of Glenn Beck.
But rewatched it now (your second link).
Another one… where he has Musharraf on the show and goes as far as calling him a liar.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/tue-july-19-2011-pervez-musharraf
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Good one!
“There’s a fundamental philosophical divide between us on the issue of Taxes.”
Yepp. I agree. Fine discussion though. Thanks for being open minded and accomodating different opinions!