Thanks go to Peggy for this submission
The U.S. government has just passed a new law titled “The Affordable Boat Act”, declaring that every citizen MUST purchase a new boat, by April, 2014. These “affordable” boats will cost on average $54,000-$155,000 each. This does not include taxes, trailers, towing fees, licensing and registration fees, fuel, docking and storage fees, maintenance or repair costs.
This law has been passed, because until now, typically only wealthy and financially responsible people have been able to purchase boats. This new law ensures that every American can now have an “affordable” boat of their own, because everyone is “entitled” to a new boat. If you purchase your boat before the end of the year, you will receive 4 free life jackets (but not including the monthly usage fees).
In order to make sure everyone purchases an affordable boat, the costs of maintaining a boat will increase 250% per year. This way, wealthy people will pay more for something that other people don’t want or can’t afford to maintain. But to be fair, people who can’t afford to maintain their boat will be regularly fined. Children (under the age of 26) can use their parents’ boats to party on until they turn 27; then must purchase their own boat.
If you already have a boat and like it, you can keep yours. Period. (Just kidding. No, you can’t.) Even if you don’t want or don’t need a boat, you are required to buy one anyhow. If you refuse to buy one or can’t afford one, you will be regularly fined $800 until you purchase one, or ultimately face imprisonment.
Failure to use your boat will also result in fines. People living in the desert, ghettos, inner cities, or areas with no access to lakes are not exempt. Age, motion sickness, or lack of desire are not acceptable excuses for not using your boat.
A government review board (that doesn’t know the difference between the port, starboard, and stern of a boat) will decide everything — including when, where, how often, and for what purposes you can use your boat, The review board will also decide how many people can ride your boat, and determine if one is too old or healthy enough to be able to use their boat. They will also decide if your boat has out lived its usefulness, and if you must purchase specific accessories (like a $500 compass!), or maybe a newer, more expensive boat.
Those that can afford yachts will be required to do so…it’s only fair. The government will also decide the name for each boat. Failure to comply with these rules will result in fines and possible imprisonment. Government officials are exempt from this new law. If they want a boat, they and their families can obtain boats free, at the expense of tax payers. Unions, bankers, and mega companies with large political affiliations ($$$) are also exempt.
P.S. – WARNING! From past experiences with government programs, expect the boats to be very leaky.
Next up — The Affordable Government Act
Oh, I get it! Because buying a boat is just like buying health insurance!
Absurd analogy aside, so many of these comparisons aren’t even true.
“These “affordable” boats will cost on average $54,000-$155,000 each.”
That’s not even close to the yearly average cost of insurance under the ACA, which is about $4,000/yr, not including subsidies (which most Americans qualify for). That’s OK, you were only off by over 1000%!
http://www.forbes.com/sites/danmunro/2013/09/29/average-cost-of-obamacare-silver-plan-328-per-month/
“If you refuse to buy one or can’t afford one, you will be regularly fined $800 until you purchase one, or ultimately face imprisonment.”
The law explicitly says that people who do not pay the fine will not be subject to criminal prosecution or imprisonment. Whoever wrote this meme has not read the law or properly researched it, and neither has Peggy.
http://www.politifact.com/virginia/statements/2010/dec/20/bob-marshall/del-bob-marshall-says-violators-obama-health-care-/
“A government review board (that doesn’t know the difference between the port, starboard, and stern of a boat) will decide everything — including when, where, how often, and for what purposes you can use your boat, The review board will also decide how many people can ride your boat, and determine if one is too old or healthy enough to be able to use their boat. They will also decide if your boat has out lived its usefulness, and if you must purchase specific accessories (like a $500 compass!), or maybe a newer, more expensive boat.”
Absolutely none of this is true. I can only assume this is in reference to the IPAB, which does not “decide everything.” They are responsible for making cuts in Medicare, and those cuts cannot impact coverage or quality. THAT’S IT. THEY CAN’T DO ANYTHING ELSE. They have no control over what plan you purchase, how many people are on it, how you can use it, how old or young you have to be to use it (really?) or any of the other ridiculous claims made in this stupid chain e-mail. The IPAB is boring.
“Those that can afford yachts will be required to do so…it’s only fair.”
I guess this means that richer people are required to purchase better, more expensive plans? That’s not true, but what else could this mean?
“Failure to comply with these rules will result in fines and possible imprisonment.”
Again, no.
“Government officials are exempt from this new law. If they want a boat, they and their families can obtain boats free, at the expense of tax payers.”
*sigh*
That is completely untrue. Government officials are not exempt from Obamacare. Congress members and their staff were actually kicked off of their insurance plans by Obamacare and required to go onto the exchanges. Then as a compromise, it was decided that they be allowed subsidies to help cover the cost of their insurance. These subsidies do not cover everything, so congress is not getting “free” insurance. THAT IS WHAT THEY WERE GETTING BEFORE. Before Obamacare, the fed footed the ENTIRE bill for insurance for congress members and their staff. Now they only cover a part of it. This meme is literally describing the system PRIOR TO Obamacare and pretending that it is the system invented by Obamacare. And they are pretending that congress members are somehow exempt and getting free insurance, when in reality, they are paying more now than they were before. Amazing.
“Unions, bankers, and mega companies with large political affiliations ($$$) are also exempt.”
Nope nope nope.
http://keller.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/18/more-myths-of-obamacare/
http://thedailybanter.com/2013/10/that-thing-about-unions-being-waived-from-obamacare-another-whopper-lie/
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2011/may/23/crossroads-gps/unions-dont-have-comply-obamacare-says-crossroads-/
http://www.factcheck.org/2013/09/factchecking-pernicious-obamacare-claims/
In conclusion, this meme is stupid, and so is anyone who chose to believe it.
LMAO at Chris, of all people, complaining about satirical hyperbole. Too funny.
Nevertheless, ObamaCare is train wreck, will only get worse, and the Demcrats OWN IT.
Get that, YOU OWN IT. Carville is right, Obama should be smoking crack (if he isn’t already).
Rats are already starting to jump ship —
http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/health-reform-implementation/189890-democrat-calls-for-obamacare-probe
I particularly find this funny:
“(which most Americans qualify for)”
Chris thinks it’s a positive that “most Americans” qualify for some kind of government handout to pay for health insurance.
Has he read any of the stories of those who don’t and whose premiums have jumped several thousand dollars a year?
Here’s one from a New York Times liberal!
That this doesn’t penetrate the liberal brain suggest that their brains have turned to sea sponge. They call this progress…I call it theft.
Now here is a story that should be close to Chris’ heart. ABORT THE GAY BABIES! (Assuming there is such a thing as a gay baby as this person who wishes to abort babies does.)
OK, now that I have your attention, with all fairness this this capital P Progressive, capital I Intellectual does not seek to abort merely gay babies, but all babies.
Australian Gay “rights” activist Dan Savage (who has wished that “Republicans were all F****** dead”) thinks abortion should be mandatory. This garnered him applause and cheers at Sydney’s cutting edge progressive intellectual “Festival of Dangerous Ideas.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6ndMloq4m_M
Welcome to the Progressive World.
Hahahahahahahahahahahah
Thanks Chris I needed the laugh today.
Here’s another one that some will find funny and will end the others over another cliff. Enjoy
What The Democrats Are Going To Do Now On Obamacare: A Peek: (Ed. note: This article is satire.)
http://www.ijreview.com/2013/11/92442-what-are-the-democrats-doing-next-on-obamacare/
Now that we have forced citizens to purchase a boat I submit a new law.
HR2146 Evey jerk shall be responsible for said Boat, have insurance, and be held for a fact check on further posts!
Lions and Tigers and bears!
P.S> The hate train is busted! yahoo!
Pie, it’s not “satirical hyperbole.” The creators of this meme actually want people to believe the implications they’re making about the ACA–the inflated cost, the “imprisonment” line, the myths about government and union exemptions, the “all-powerful government board” line–all of these are real allegations that conservatives have made against the ACA, and all of them are 100% false.
That’s not “satirical hyperbole.” That’s lying. If Obamacare is as bad as you say it is, then you shouldn’t have to make shit up about it.
“There’s a reason ’12 Years a Slave’ doesn’t have zombies and vampires–it doesn’t need them!” –John Stewart
Off topic, but too good to not share.
—–
Does a Border Fence Work? Check Out the Dramatic Change After Israel Put One Up:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted the efficacy of the security fence, saying in July, “The fence has completely stopped illegal migration to Israel, but it also has an additional function, namely counterterrorism.”
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/11/11/does-a-border-fence-work-check-out-the-dramatic-change-after-israel-put-one-up/
I object to calling the subsidy in the Affordable Care Act a “handout.” Baloney. It is a tax break. If you don’t pay income tax, no way for the subsidy to kick in. Finally the middle class (families of 4 can make up to $90,000 to qualify for a subsidy) is getting a tax break and Republicans are calling it a handout. Why is my party so quiet about subsidies (handouts) for oil companies? For my friends who object to these types of tax credits, then they can just stop claiming their kids on their taxes or any other tax deduction they qualify for. Just about the only thing I agree with in the ACA is the subsidy, what I hate is that it is a total “handout” to private insurance companies, one more way for my tax money to make private companies rich.
HAH! Poor Chris and Dewey. It must be difficult to carry so much water while one has their head up their posterior orifice. Careful with those buckets or you will be sent back out to the fields.
This is as rich as Chris’ faux hyperventilation over the Affordable Boat Act bit.
BJ Clinton, who knows all about commitment, has announced that that President Obama should keep his pledge to allow people to keep their current health care plans.
I can’t help but wonder, where does Hillary come down on BJ’s and Obama’s record of commitment?
Re Peggy on boarder fence —
If Hispanics (legal and illegal) lined up to vote for Republicans like they do Democrats we would not need a fence at all.
Democrats bearing shovels, torches, and pitchforks would be lined up at the boarder shoulder to shoulder.
Pie, agree and all of those National Guard surplus Humvees equipped with machine gun turrets would be down on the boarder instead of in small town Nampa, ID police dept.
—-
Nampa police get Humvees from National Guard:
http://www.idahopress.com/members/nampa-police-get-humvees-from-national-guard/article_8c323310-0d1c-11e2-bdf9-001a4bcf887a.html
So Obama, Tiger Woods and Andre Agassi go in to a bank…
President Obama walks into the Bank of America to cash a check. As he approaches the cashier he says, “Good morning Ma’am, could you please cash this check for me?”
Cashier: “It would be my pleasure sir. Could you please show me your ID?”
Obama: “Truthfully, I did not bring my ID with me as I didn’t think there was any need to. I am President Barack Hussein Obama, the President of the United States of AMERICA!!!!”
Cashier: “Yes sir, I know who the president is, but with all the regulations and monitoring of the banks because of impostors and forgers and requirements of the Dodd /Frank legislation, etc., I must insist on seeing ID.
Obama: “Just ask anyone here at the bank who I am and they will tell you. Everybody knows who I am.”
Cashier: “I am sorry Mr. President but these are the bank rules and I must follow them.”
Obama: “I order you to cash this check!”
Cashier: “Look Mr. President, here is an example of what we can do. One day, Tiger Woods came into the bank without ID. To prove he was Tiger Woods he pulled out his putter and made a beautiful shot across the bank floor into a cup. With that shot we knew he was Tiger Woods and cashed his check. Another time, Andre Agassi came in without ID. He pulled out his tennis racquet and lobbed such a perfect serve, the tennis ball landed in my cup without spilling my coffee. With that shot we cashed his check. So, Mr. President, what can you do to prove that it is you, and only you, as the President of the United States?”
Obama stands there thinking, and thinking, and finally says, “Honestly, I can’t think of a single thing. I don’t have a clue what to do.”
Cashier: “Will that be large or small bills, Mr. President?”
Very revealing how no one has even tried to defend the inaccuracies and false charges in this meme. No one has the integrity to admit that this meme is dishonest. All you offer are deflections. “Look at all these other reasons Obamacare sucks!” is not a valid defense of a lie.
Tina: “I particularly find this funny:
“(which most Americans qualify for)”
Chris thinks it’s a positive that “most Americans” qualify for some kind of government handout to pay for health insurance.”
You know what’s even funnier, Tina?
That you think subsidies are “government handouts” when they are offered to ordinary Americans, but are absolutely *crucial to the economic well-being of this country* when offered to oil companies.
http://www.norcalblogs.com/postscripts/2011/05/11/mr-presidentwhat-oil-subs/
The Internet has a long memory, Tina.
Regardless, the subsidy comment was a very small part of what I wrote. My main point in that sentence was that the average cost mentioned in this article is over ten times the actual average. Why does that not concern you, Tina? Why do my comments offend you more than that? Why don’t you feel compelled to respond to Peggy, who submitted this article, with some kind of correction?
Don’t you care about facts? About the truth? Or do you only care about “winning?”
You are so caught up in challenging your opposition that you let lies from your side of the aisle go over your head with impunity. You never challenge or correct anyone as long as they are on your “side.”
“Has he read any of the stories of those who don’t and whose premiums have jumped several thousand dollars a year?”
Yes. I feel sorry for those people. But to be fair, anyone making up to 400% of the poverty line is eligible for these subsidies.
The Obama administration is now considering expanding access to the subsidies for people who make more than that. Despite their feigned concern, somehow I doubt Republicans, who see subsidies for average Americans as “handouts,” and who don’t actually want to do anything to improve the ACA, will go along with this plan.
http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/health-reform-implementation/189691-report-white-house-may-widen-o-care-subsidies
There is always a way to scratch the back of unions. Washington Examiner:
There ya go…just have that unelected HHS Secretary wave her magic wand and it’s done! No messy quarrels in congress; just poof and it’s done!
Government by fiat…how’s that change sitting with you now America?
Pie this bears repeating:
If Hispanics (legal and illegal) lined up to vote for Republicans like they do Democrats we would not need a fence at all.
Wow!
Can’t secure our borders or protect our country if we don’t have a strong military.
——
Obama building ‘compliant officer class’
Army intel official: Increasingly, ‘to make colonel and higher is all politics’
Retired Army Maj. Gen. Patrick Brady, a recipient of the U.S. military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, told WND Obama’s agenda is decimating the morale of the U.S. ranks to the point that members no longer feel prepared to fight or have the desire to win.
“There is no doubt he (Obama) is intent on emasculating the military and will fire anyone who disagrees with him” over such issues as “homosexuals, women in foxholes, the Obama sequester,” said Brady, former president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
Not only are military service members being demoralized and the ranks’ overall readiness reduced by the Obama administration’s purge of key leaders, but colonels – those lined up in rank to replace outgoing generals – are quietly taking their careers in other directions.
Retired Army Lt. Gen. William G. “Jerry” Boykin, who was a founding member of Delta Force and later deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence under President George W. Bush, says it is worrying that four-star generals are being retired at the rate that has occurred under Obama.
“Over the past three years, it is unprecedented for the number of four-star generals to be relieved of duty, and not necessarily relieved for cause,” Boykin said.
“I believe there is a purging of the military,” he said. “The problem is worse than we have ever seen.”
Boykin said the future of the military is becoming increasingly concerning because of the departure of its leaders who decline to jump onto Obama’s agenda, which critics have described as socialist.
Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/11/obama-building-compliant-officer-class/#H1YlSPGlvBHULHdB.99
Re #20 Tina :
“Pie this bears repeating:
If Hispanics (legal and illegal) lined up to vote for Republicans like they do Democrats we would not need a fence at all.
Wow!”
You left out the qualifier that followed, changing the meaning and inadvertently conflating Republicans with Democrats who will do anything to get a vote, even if it is disastrous for the economy and the country.
LOL Pie…did I read that differently or what!
My mind went back to the Reagan years when the philosophy was that the best way to stop people from coming to America would be to create free and vibrant economies in the countries that are south of our borders! Also if republican (conservative) policies were enacted the resulting expansion would create millions of jobs and the “problem” of illegal entry would be less contentious opening the possibility to reforms in our visa programs that might ameliorate the problems.
Unfortunately it’s no secret that almost any politician will do whatever is necessary to get elected. It is unmistakable that the current extremists Marxists of the Democrat Party and support system is a political movement of a different brand. I think there are both Democrats and Republicans that would not stoop as low as these.
Chris: “You know what’s even funnier, Tina?
That you think subsidies are “government handouts” when they are offered to ordinary Americans, but are absolutely *crucial to the economic well-being of this country* when offered to oil companies.”
Here’s the difference Chris. A policy to encourage dependency on government actually harms individuals in too many cases when they give up pursuing their dreams and being contributing members of society to exist on overly generous government hand outs. The subsidies to oil companies help every single American in terms of keeping their energy costs down. The subsidies given to oil companies are given to support the expensive, up front cost of FINDING the oil. this money is more than compensated in the back end when oil companies pay much more in taxes than they make in profit…money back to both federal and state governments…and probably used to supplement the handouts! In addition to these taxes oil companies pay federal (and state in some cases) income taxes. The federal government makes out just fine on oil:
Tax Foundation:
“My main point in that sentence was that the average cost mentioned in this article is over ten times the actual average. Why does that not concern you, Tina? ”
Because this is parody…a joke! It has no basis in reality and, like all good comedy, it contains absurdities to point out the absurdities of Obamacare. Duh!
“Don’t you care about facts? About the truth? Or do you only care about “winning?”
Mirror?
” You never challenge or correct anyone as long as they are on your “side.”
Wrong! Ask Jack if I have ever challenged him. The difference you may perceive is in acidity. As I have said on other occasions I respond in kind. There was a time when you first posted to PS when you were open to ideas and discussion…then you took a hard left turn and became a contentious jerk. I don’t give much quarter to contentious people lacking in curiosity. You are so left wing now that you have completely lost any sense of perspective. My opinion, of course.
“The Obama administration is now considering expanding access to the subsidies for people who make more than that.”
Because he would rather add to the unworkability of the law than admit the mistake and scrap this deeply flawed law. His legacy and his commitment to Marxism are more important than the people or doing something to actually clean up the mess he, Pelosi and Reid made. This is also true about every other policy affecting our country…and the world. Economically his policies are a disaster in the world. Militarily and diplomatically his policies have been a disaster in the world.
Democrats are bailing on Obamacare. Fundamental promises made to pass the law have been exposed as lies. Deceitful front loading of taxes were used to hide the real long term cost of the bill. We cannot keep our insurance policy, doctor, or in many cases hospital if we like them. Insurance will not save the average family $2500 a year for premiums.
In addition the law is a complex, controlling, and a huge burden on the economy. The downside far outweighs whatever advantages there are which could be addressed with a much better set of reforms.
This law is a disaster for the American people overall. it isn’t just a political position, Chris, unless having concern for all Americans is partisan.
“If Hispanics (legal and illegal) lined up to vote for Republicans like they do Democrats we would not need a fence at all.”
Do you guys really not see what a silly suppose this is? In fact, this absurdity begs a question that has been asked many, many times by folk in the political policy realm: “why do poor (or even middle class) whites vote Republican?” Republican policy (social, economic, foreign, you name it) is completely adverse to their interests, and yet they bend right over? Why?
Purportedly, there is an answer. It’s not very flattering. It’s got a name even: “The Southern Strategy”, and entails appeals to, well, we’ll call them tribal hierarchical associations. Your “poor white” would actually rather be screwed over by his employer than belong to a union full of brown people.
Sicko, that is.
Now, if your political party were suddenly full of brown people, however would you maintain your sense of racial superiority? But you needn’t worry very much about it, because the brown people are, seemingly, not that dumb.
Libby: ” Republican policy (social, economic, foreign, you name it) is completely adverse to their interests…”
Not true Libby. All people need jobs and will do better if they can save and spend their own money on things they need and want. All people benefit when companies feel encouraged to invest and innovate…that’s how more good jobs become available.
” Your “poor white” would actually rather be screwed over by his employer than belong to a union full of brown people.”
maybe that’s because they’ve wised up to the fact that unions, like big government, are about power and control for those at the top. Unions screw people in the end by promising what can’t possibly be sustained…they kill the golden goose. And there is another component. Today’s company heads are aware of the need to have a satisfied work force and workers want to get ahead based on their achievements and merit…not union bullying and extortion.
Put all of the leftist (union) propaganda against companies aside and you find most people would rather have a job and control of their own futures rather than be in a union.
So the answer to your question is really that unions are like all of the dictatorial forms of government that have failed everywhere they are tried. People prefer freedom and the Republican Party has always stood for Freedom (Even if they have often lost their way or lost the fight)
“Sicko, that is.”
It sure is and I wish you would quit peddling that false bigoted blather. It is the Democrats that are obsessed about race…you use brown and black people for power…shame. You keep them stuck in dependency on government and the party…double shame.
The problem for Democrats is that this base that you have taken advantage of and used is falling apart and wising up to your ways.
National Black Republicans:
A number of Republican Latino’s currently hold high office…Marco Rubio, Susana Martinez, Ted Cruz, Brian Sandovol, Raul Labrador..and many more have served.
Ya see the thing about the Republicans and people of color is that the Democrats have created a huge mythology about it…for their own self serving purposes. Everything you know is a lie, Libby, total bunk. You get more votes because you lie to these people. You lie about how republicans think and feel regarding people of color and you lie about how much better your policies are for them.
Watch how democrats demonize Republicans of color. It will get more vicious in future…its disgusting!
Tina: “Watch how democrats demonize Republicans of color. It will get more vicious in future…its disgusting!”
Submitted to support your statement.
—-
Why Black Conservatives Are Liberals’ Worst Nightmare:
I’m not writing about Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) calling illegal Mexican workers “wet backs” despite liberals demanding I, as a Conservative Black Chick, “respond to his racist comment.” Instead, I’m writing about liberals calling me a coon, Baap B*ch, and c*nt. You know, the under reported story of liberals vicious attacks on black conservatives.
Since Dr. Ben Carson uncorked himself as a black conservative during his speech at the White House Prayer breakfast, he’s been called an “Uncle Tom” and mocked by MSNBC Toure as having “intellectual tumors in his mind.” And of course civil rights attorney Leo Terrell, who told Sean Hannity “Carson is [a] monster…and should stay in the operating room.”
Continued..
http://townhall.com/columnists/crystalwright/2013/04/05/why-black-conservatives-are-liberals-worst-nightmare-n1558299
“All people need jobs ….”
But what kind of job? A job that pays a non-living wage (Republican)? Or a job that pays a minimum wage (Democrat)?
“[People] will do better if they can save spend their own money on things they need and want.”
Only if they are able to earn disposable income (see above).
Unions enable workers to assert their own interests. If they do this greedily, stupidly, then they do indeed damage their own interests. But for you to say that workers shouldn’t have the ability to do one or the other (we can’t all be brain surgeons), that’s not right.
It would be like me saying that an employer who treats his employees criminally should not be able to run his business at all. Boiled way down, in a perfect world, nobody gets to have it all their own way … and we’re not quite there yet.
The infliction of powerlessness on workers, that’s what your party stands for, and why no worker with any sense will join it.
“People prefer freedom and the Republican Party has always stood for Freedom …”
…to starve, to be starved by people with more resources, more power.
Seriously, Tina, you have to stop with these pieties, that were long ago exposed for their unbridled selfishness. That’s what your party stands for, which is lovely if your on the affluent, powerful side of the equation.
But this is why it is stupendously ridiculous to think that anybody on the economic downside (who isn’t psychologially poisoned by racism) is going with you.
Tina: “Here’s the difference Chris. A policy to encourage dependency on government actually harms individuals in too many cases when they give up pursuing their dreams and being contributing members of society to exist on overly generous government hand outs.”
Tina, people become dependent on government when they can no longer depend on their jobs for a decent income. Today, Wal-Mart is the largest employer in America. 80% of their workers are on some form of government assistance. These people are not CHOOSING to depend on government for assistance. They do it because they have to. They do it because working hard is no longer enough. I know these people, Tina. I was one, until I quit to focus on student teaching.* These people are not lazy. They are good, hard workers whose employer doesn’t pay them what their work is really worth. The corporation knows they don’t have to pay these workers the true value of their labor, because there are so few jobs available that people can’t just choose to quit and find a new job. And they suppress unionization so that workers cannot band together and demand higher wages. So Wal-Mart relies on the government to pick up the slack. The largest, wealthiest corporation in the world is being subsidized by your tax dollars. You’re paying their workers so they don’t have to. How are you not outraged by this? Who does that help?
You want a welfare queen? Look at corporations like these. Workers go on welfare because they have to. They don’t really have much of a choice. Corporations like Wal-Mart, however, do have a choice. They don’t have to allow their workers to live in poverty.
This is actually a very short-sighted policy. Yes, Wal-Mart makes more money in the short-term by paying their workers less. But sales have down for a while now. In the long-term, business would be better if there was more demand. That’s what drives the economy in this day and age. Lack of demand is the primary cause of our economic troubles today. As the country’s largest employer, Wal-Mart sets a standard for wages. If Wal-Mart raised their wages, other companies would as well. If this were done, Wal-Mart would see more demand and their sales would increase, thus increasing profits. It’s a win-win, but it requires patience and sacrifice, two virtues that large corporations historically have not demonstrated.
“The subsidies to oil companies help every single American in terms of keeping their energy costs down.”
It’s almost adorable that you believe that, but it’s not true.
http://democrats.senate.gov/pdfs/20110511-crs-analysis-on-gas-prices.pdf
http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg284.aspx
http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/bsiu/any_way_you_cut_it_oil_subsidi.html
http://www.factcheck.org/2011/05/playing-politics-with-gasoline-prices/
http://business.time.com/2011/04/29/oil-tax-breaks-will-obamas-plan-cause-a-price-spike/
“this money is more than compensated in the back end when oil companies pay much more in taxes than they make in profit…”
That is highly debatable.
http://www.factcheck.org/2008/04/gasoline-tax-profits/
“Because this is parody…a joke! It has no basis in reality and, like all good comedy, it contains absurdities to point out the absurdities of Obamacare. Duh!”
Tina, you contradict yourself; good comedy MUST have some basis in reality. I agree with you that this joke has “no basis in reality,” but that’s why the joke sucks. If you don’t get that, you don’t get comedy.
Is this why conservatives are generally so terrible at satire? Do you not get the basic principle that comedy has to have some basis in reality?
Furthermore, I think it’s disingenuous to pretend that this meme wasn’t intending to make direct comparisons. The meme refers to government exemptions, imprisonment for violating Obamacare, and death panels. None of these things exist in the law, but they are all charges that have been made by conservative critics, with no humor intended. It defies reason to say that the author of this meme didn’t want his or her audience to believe that these provisions really existed in Obamacare. And it defies reason to insist that the inflated cost wasn’t meant to make people believe that this was the actual cost of insurance under Obamacare.
This meme fails at humor and honesty.
“Because he would rather add to the unworkability of the law than admit the mistake and scrap this deeply flawed law.”
So, Tina, would you support increasing subsidies to help people who are losing their insurance?
Or would you rather they lose their insurance than do anything to fix the law?
Because it seems that you and most other conservative critics won’t accept anything other than a full repeal. Rush Limbaugh said last week that the worst thing Republicans can do is help Democrats fix the problems with the rollout of Obamacare. This would indicate that the agenda is not to help people, but to destroy the president. You are committed to ideology over practicality. You won’t accept anything that actually improves the law, you just want it gone, and you’ll use any means to do that, even if you know those means won’t work (like the government shutdown).
I’ve admitted that this law has many problems. But they are problems that can be fixed by working together. Obama announced the other day that people could keep their old substandard insurance plans for another year. This was something you asked for, yet you complained about that too!
“His legacy and his commitment to Marxism are more important than the people or doing something to actually clean up the mess he, Pelosi and Reid made.”
Absurd. Obamacare is not a “Marxist” plan. Only extremely ignorant people with no historical perspective would characterize it that way. The plan relies on private insurance companies to work. Obama has governed as center-left.