Of course 17 billion is a lot of money. 18 billion was a lot when McCain was proposing it and was mocked by Obama for it.
Posted by: Maria | May 8, 2009, 7:10 am 7:10 am
In the real world, $17 billion is a lot of money.
In the bizarro world of Federal spending, it is miniscule–compared to the $3.55 TRILLION budget. ONLY 0.48%
$17 billion comprises just 4.25% of the INCREASE in the federal budget under Obama. It amounts to somewhere around 2.2% of the Stimulus package. Obama just signed an omnibus spending bill that cost $410 billion, against which the cuts are about 4.25% as well. And just to emphasize the point, the $17 billion amounts to 0.85% of 2009’s DEFICIT, and only 1.7% OF THE LOWEST DEFICIT projected by the Obama administration in any of the next ten years.
Posted by: I Have a Gift, Harry. | May 8, 2009, 8:44 am 8:44 am
“I think we’ve had quite enough capitalism in the last eight years.”
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin??
Nope–close though–former DNC chair “Loud” Howard Dean.
Remember when the media jumped all over McCain and Palin during the election for suggesting the Left and Obama were socialist??
Posted by: Who Said This? | May 8, 2009, 9:01 am 9:01 am
“Is $17 Bill in Budget Cuts a Lot or a Little?”
Ask someone in the White House, Jake.
;-)
Posted by: drjohn | May 8, 2009, 9:26 am 9:26 am
It really doesn’t matter – we are going to get what Barry wants until we can get some sanity back in CONgress – starting in 2010. Whatever he takes out, CONgress will put back in. It’s all just a sleazy game with the American people as the losers – AGAIN!
Posted by: FedUp | May 8, 2009, 9:26 am 9:26 am
Between Howard Deans incredulous statement:
“I think we’ve had quite enough capitalism in the last eight years.”
And, Candidate Obama’s “spread the wealth around,” it is obvious where the country is heading.
The sad thing is people are becoming enamored with the idea that the government will take care of them so they won’t have to do it themselves.
$17 billion compared to $3.6 trillion budget and the stimulus and TARP bills and other government spending and taxations yet to come, like Cap and Trade. (It’s only May.) Not so big.
These debts and obligations are being passed on to our children and grandchildren, who, without capitalism, will be forever working for the government to pay their taxes in hope that the government will give them something back “for free”.
Posted by: Concerned | May 8, 2009, 10:01 am 10:01 am
The only significance of the story is that it shows how dumb Mr. Obama thinks the electorate is.
The fun part is watching the strained contortions of those struggling to support the president’s spin. You get a refreshing look at the mindset of the True Believer.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | May 8, 2009, 10:26 am 10:26 am
Have you noticed that part of the 17 Billion was DOA in congress anyway… What a novel idea, we will propose cuts in areas we know won’t stand, then we can say we cut without really cutting.
What I haven’t heard is a comparison between Bush budgets and this budget.
Posted by: jb | May 8, 2009, 10:39 am 10:39 am
Too Little, Too Late.
Posted by: Parallex View | May 8, 2009, 10:57 am 10:57 am
$17 billion is a start.
On other sites there is considerable objections to certain cuts.
We need to find a way to stop the lobbyist and pac contributions to Congress.
The insurance industry contributed considerably more pac money than financial companies.
Congress and big businesses win when us loser remain silent. Join an action group to help our voices be heard.
Posted by: Julie | May 8, 2009, 11:04 am 11:04 am
Good job pointing out that Obama mocked John McCain over McCain’s proposed 18 billion budget cuts. Does Obama have a really short memory? Or does he think the American public is stupid and they’d forget how he openly mocked 18 billion in budget cuts? Audacity!
I also like the way the media is finally starting to pull the curtain back and show Obama’s teleprompters, which makes his ping pong head swivel look ridiculous. Obama looks as though he is speaking directly to the teleprompters instead of the audience when the cameras pan back to show the teleprompters. All of his phony stagecraft, which he has mastered, disappears when the teleprompters come into view.
Posted by: OxyCon | May 8, 2009, 11:28 am 11:28 am
Does any of the following suggest that (a) the administration’s forecasting is not at all reliable, and (b) what Mr. Obama has done thus far has hurt more than it has helped?
“In just two months, the recession has proved to be deeper than the White House predicted when Obama submitted his 2010 budget outline. His budget writers in February forecast that the economy, as measured by gross domestic product, would shrink by 1.2 percent this year and then grow by a relatively robust 3.2 percent in 2010. But the economy contracted by 6.1 percent in the first quarter, and economists inside and outside the government predict another, though smaller, contraction in the second quarter.
“Likewise, the White House anticipated unemployment of 8.1 percent this year and slightly less next year. But unemployment is already at a 25-year high of 8.5 percent and is expected to climb when new numbers are announced Friday. [It did--to 8.9 percent.]“
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | May 8, 2009, 11:44 am 11:44 am
Loved the song in the Music Man: Pick-a-lot,Pick-a little-should be viewed in Congress as a reality check!To be honest, it will take centuries to cut the pork out of Government Spending and the thought of lowering this spending is even more far fetched under the current system. Take out 17 billion, put in 3.6 trillion, there’s a real reduction for you!
Posted by: Dave of Detroit | May 8, 2009, 12:11 pm 12:11 pm
P.S. There is rumors going around that European Countries are actually considering lowering salaries and benefits of Government workers to balance their budgets. As far as CEO bonus packages that don’t have a 90 percent tax on them, they are non-existent-I love the old concept of taxation-The more you make, the more you pay-paying high taxes in the 1940′s and 1950′s was actually a status symbol-Have to ask Rush and John McCain why that got changed?
Posted by: Dave of Detroit | May 8, 2009, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm
So, my budget is going to cost $3.483 trillion dollars? OK, let’s just round it up to $3.5 for now, and then we’ll announce a $17 Billion dollar cut later…
…Don’t worry he’ll be smarter next time. If he could do this one over again, I’m sure he’d have started with a $4 Trillion dollar budget and then announced a “cut” 1/2 a trillion.
Posted by: Bob O. | May 8, 2009, 12:22 pm 12:22 pm
Because the money is approriated in the budget, whatever “cuts” he makes in one area will be spent in another. There is no decrease in the amount spent. The president is saying what he thinks we want to hear and is really talking smoke and mirrors.
Posted by: bmm | May 8, 2009, 12:32 pm 12:32 pm
Obama shows the Govenator who’s really “Pumped Up” with power and money. Obama stands up for the unions who bankrolled his campaign over the people of California.
Reporting from Sacramento — The Obama administration is THREATENING TO RESCIND billions of dollars in federal stimulus money if Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state lawmakers do not restore wage cuts to UNIONIZED home healthcare workers approved in February as part of the budget.
Schwarzenegger’s office was advised this week by federal health officials that the wage reduction, which will save California $74 million, violates provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Failure to revoke the scheduled wage cut before it takes effect July 1 could cost California $6.8 BILLION IN STIMULUS MONEY, according to state officials.
Obama wields his pitchfork in the exact same way he did with Chrysler and GM bondholders. He’s doing it to support the unions. The SEIU appealed directly to Obama, as the LA Times reports, when the budget cuts hit. Rather than rely on California to determine its own compensation plan, Obama simply threatened them with economic ruin if they didn’t fall into line. I’m surprised he didn’t threaten to sic the White House press corps on Arnold Schwarzenegger. He couldn’t care less about California defaulting or automakers going under, but a $2/hr pay cut for 400,000 union workers is the center of his universe.
That Schwarzenegger is really a Right Wing “Hater,” isn’t he?
Posted by: Hear Me Now and Believe Me Later | May 8, 2009, 1:03 pm 1:03 pm
And let me say this to all of the chattering class, that so much focuses on those little, tiny, yes porky amendments, the American People really don’t care,” he said during a debate on the stimulus bill.
Maybe Obama should go ask Chuckie Shumer!!!!!
If “we” dont care about a few million out of a 780+ billion bill, why would “we” care about 17 billion out of a a 3.5 Trillion budget?
Posted by: Mike_C | May 8, 2009, 1:14 pm 1:14 pm
You people are so unforgiving and so simple minded. Be like our Smartest Clueless Leader, and look at the bigger picture.
Last week when he gathered all his cabinet members for the first time to demand them cutting $100 millions in spending – that’s 100,000,000 dollars – you people ridiculed our Dearest Comrade for his actions doing little to the deficit he created in 3 months.
Now our Greatest Leader responded your ridicules by cuting $17 billion, BILLION – you hear that – and that’s 17,000,000,000 dollars! You know how many zeros after 17? 8 more than that in Pb0. Yet, it’s still not enough, and yet, you ridiculed him again.
Leave that poor man, who deceives you, alone.
Posted by: two cats | May 8, 2009, 2:16 pm 2:16 pm
Let’s do this, Let’s do this Gibbs …. let’s go out in the street, ask a dozen people if they think $3.4 trillion is a lot of money …..
Posted by: Obama, the second coming | May 8, 2009, 2:29 pm 2:29 pm
So he is supposed to get a metal for doubleing the deficit, proposing the largest budget ever, the largest expansion of government ever, and we are supposed to hoot and holler when he attempts to cut 1/5 of 1% of his budget.
Gibbs reminds me of those kids we used to pummel in Dodgeball. I’m sure he was the kid who got picked last and then was blasted. Poor guy.
Posted by: Mark | May 8, 2009, 3:35 pm 3:35 pm
Take back your country, America!
Vote out ALL of the incumbents and elect those who will give the controls BACK to THE PEOPLE.
Then, we need TERM LIMITS for all; 2 terms maximum for the house, 1 term maximum for the senate and president.
No more lifers in Washington DC.
We need to hire a single mother to set up our budget. All the bills will get paid and she’ll get rid of all the extra crap we don’t need. We’ll have what we need, but not what we want. Then, they can lower taxes.
Posted by: Laura | May 8, 2009, 4:11 pm 4:11 pm
Has The President Lost His Mind ? America Is Tired Of Dealing With The Trash He Is Talking! He Just Don’t Get It The People Will Soon Start Standing Up And Saying NO! To This President!
It amazes me Obama keeps a straight faces when glorifying insignificant cuts, while he grows the deficit by trillions!
Posted by: Theresa | May 8, 2009, 4:49 pm 4:49 pm
The Messiah must think that we aren’t going to figure out his TINY amount he is planning on cutting. He makes it sound HUGE, but when you do the math it’s less than 1/2 percent of the budget. Give us a break……. we aren’t that DUMB. Come on American tax payers……… start saying NO TO THESE OUTRAGEOUS AND LIEING TACTICS THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION IS TRYING TO PULL. WE AREN’T THAT STUPID, BUT THEN I GUESS WE ARE SINCE THIS MAN GOT VOTED IN TO BE PRESIDENT OF OUR GREAT USA. BOY WERE WE WRONG…. THIS MAN IS GOING TO RUIN, AND I MEAN RUIN THIS COUNTRY. IT IS NEVER, EVER GOING TO BE THE SAME AND OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN WILL BE PAYING HUGE AMOUNTS OF TAXES BECAUSE INFLATION IS GOING TO HAVE TO GO UP ALONG WITH HUGE TAX INCREASES. HOW SAD FOR OUR COUNTRY. PLEASE KEEP US SAFE TOO, BUT THIS ADMINISTRATION HAS OTHER IDEAS FOR THAT.
Posted by: Joy | May 8, 2009, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm
Cutting our Defense Department to result in a 0.027% savings to his $3,600,000,000.00 budget. That’s like buying a Denali and opting to cut the cost of one cup holder and calling it savings.
WHAT A JOKE
Posted by: Bill | May 8, 2009, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm
I agree with Rev. Shook, but we shouldn’t wait too long to stand up and be counted, everything will have changed soon. Laura has an excellent idea on the budget and mtollens concerning term limits; also believe Congress shouldn’t be allowed to give themselves raises, or have their own retirement accounts, (they need the Social Security that we have), then they wouldn’t “borrow” from it.
It seems as though government is thinking we don’t have enough intelligence to take care of ourselves,but we don’t need their interference. Only people who have been taking from the government all their lives, believe the government can take care of us better than we can ourselves. Work!! for yourselves, it will be good for you.
And where are the bills online that we can read before they vote on them? anyone know?
Posted by: Nancy | May 8, 2009, 5:18 pm 5:18 pm
Think, people. Our government has so many “sneaky” things going on ever since Obama took office, we don’t know what to complain about first. But fist we need to get rid of our big spenders in the Senate. Out ith our speeaker, Nancy and Harry Ried. Limit term to one. These people have been in there so long, they own our paycheck and home.
These cuts may be small, but it would be a start in the right direction. Watch to see what the senate does with this. And, this is not less spending, the intention is to just spend it elsewhere.
We now know that change is not a magic word.
Posted by: Bepres | May 8, 2009, 5:40 pm 5:40 pm
My wife came here from Russia. She is aghast at what the dumbed-down population of the USA has allowed to take over the country. Obama is worse than an outright Fascist, Mussolini at least made the trains run on time. Obama is doing nothing but nationalizing, initimidating, destroying & dismantling everything the United States ever stood for. Manchurian candidate. Anti-Christ. Bowing to Satan, kissing up to dictators, dismissing Christians & Jews by his actions and his words, APOLOGIZING for America to tin pot creeps who would all be dead or speaking German or Russian if it wasn’t for the USA, ignoring the border, trying to figure out a way AROUND US to free terrorists into our cities, talking about going off of the dollar, the North American Union, the New World Order, jumping on any opportunity to declare CRISIS & waving a magic wand (from Walmart, batteries not included) in his right hand while he picks your pocket and cuts your throat with the other, ACORN getting billions of your tax dollars!!!! Get control of this country people or get ready for the Soviet Socialist States of Amerika, or worse, bankrupt and invaded by Islamic Fundamentalists with no one to defend us, and if we don’t do it in 2010, there will be so much damage done by 2012 we will already be SCREWED.
Posted by: Craig | May 8, 2009, 5:50 pm 5:50 pm
Go to a Tea Party, support the movement!
The only way we’ll change things in this country is from the grassroots effort that has already begun. Then, vote those idiots out of office in 2010 and 2012. If we don’t do this in 2010 there will be nothing left to save in 2012 (and I mean that in more than one way).
Write your congressman and senators and tell them what you think and how you want them to vote. They work for us!!!
Remember, it is “We the people…”
Posted by: Valerie | May 8, 2009, 6:50 pm 6:50 pm
For the Democrats, beginning about 12 years ago the definition of “cut” was changed to “we will spend less than the increase that was originally planned for this year”. For honest persons, a cut means “we will spend less this year than we did last year”. The unemployed in America are re-learning the true meaning of “cut”. The current administration was elected by telling the “economically challenged” that they are listening to them. Poor people, since you have their ear, once you have re-learned the true meaning of “cut”, will you please teach it to your government ?
Posted by: BrentW | May 8, 2009, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm
Glad to see many writing in here and waking up to the “change you cannot believe in” policies, spending, politics being inflicted on us, the ones that actually produce jobs and pay our own way.
He is a community organizer and union pusher, angling for ways to suck more than what is available out of the economy or source of any income. Hopefully someone in the media will be strong enough to report the facts of what is happening (to our country).
Entrepeneurs and producers should be encouraged not punished.
Posted by: small business worker | May 8, 2009, 7:25 pm 7:25 pm
Way to go ABC and thanks, some real news reporting for a change! I stopped watching the main stream media some time ago. I got disgusted because you guys (particularly NBC & CBS) were consistently giving selective news reporting & biased analysis. Maybe I’ll return to watching your news some more. Remember a month ago when Obama told his cabinet to reduce the budget $100 M? CBS praised him – I laughed. Much of what Obama does is supported by the Faithful (note the caps), those hoping to gain many $$$$, the ignorant, and the stupid.
Posted by: wayne | May 8, 2009, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
Thank you ABC. I will begin to watch again if you continue with this truth seeking reporting. During the election President Obama was cheered as “No Drama Obama” but everything so far has been Drama Queen antics from this so called leader. Everything is a “crisis” to be used to ramrod radicalism down our silenced throats.
Posted by: Dan | May 8, 2009, 8:28 pm 8:28 pm
Way to go Mr President. $17B would be a great start. Now don’t go putting it somewhere else. At 1/2 of 1% of the budget will anyone really miss it?
And did the CBO say that your budget is going to come in about $1.7 trillion dollars short? If they are correct that means it’s 1% down and 99% more to go and at least for this year there won’t be a deficit.
Of course there still is that little matter of the national debt. What’s it up to? $11 trillion. After you figure out some way to keep that pesky budget thing balanced we still have to pay off that debt.
You sure do have a tough row to hoe don’t you. Well you were a Senator before you became President so you knew what you were stepping into and what you would be inheriting. If you didn’t think you were up to the job you should have let Hillary have it.
Remember what you promissed us Mr. President? YOU were going to go over the budget line by line. YOU were going to cut wasteful spending. YOU were going to eliminate programs that weren’t working.
You have a Cabinet, staff, and a host of advisors. Have them help you. It’s too big a job for one person. I’m sure if you asked the 435 members of the House and the 100 Senators they would be only too glad to give you ideas.
Posted by: Allen Veasman | May 8, 2009, 8:37 pm 8:37 pm
$17 billion is a good start, now let’s cut that $700 billion in wasteful spending we passed a couple of months ago!
did you all see what the cuts were for?
like cutting the budget of police force, and benifts paid to slain police officers.
or sending our sons to fight their war without the proper equiptment…
the cuts that he did purpose, are hurting people..
why not stop giving money to the federal reserve, which is a private bank, buying up other banks, and americian express, the oil companies…
go online to the FEDERAL RESERVE and find out what they just accuired…
and for cents on the dollar…
federal reserve is the only one getting rich, oh and obama tooo. they already own this country.
Wow, I’m impressed ABC, honest journalism! Perhaps I’ll give you a second look and tune in once again. You once were all I watched until Mr. Stephanopoulos proclaimed he was so move buy the election he called his wife and cried. Real objective journalism there, I turned ABC off that day and never went back. But if you can be credible then I can watch again, just keep George out of Washington.
Posted by: steve W | May 8, 2009, 10:48 pm 10:48 pm
Wow, an good job on actual journalism, keep up the good work!
Posted by: Jay_C | May 8, 2009, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm
‘Just finished re-reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. NOW it is frightening. I thought it was beyond belief when I read it in high school.
Posted by: MJ | May 8, 2009, 11:20 pm 11:20 pm
Seems that about 12 years ago, Democrats redefined “cuts” to mean “we won’t increase spending as much as we had originally planned”. Honest people still define “cut” as “we will spend less than we spent last year”.
With so many people unemployed these days, maybe some people will come back to the true definition of “cut”.
What we are dealing with in the U.S under Obama, remember this; Norman Matton Thomas (November 20, 1884 – December 19, 1968) was a leading American socialist, pacifist, and six-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America . He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1911. As a candidate for President of the U. S. , Norman Thomas said, in a 1944 epoch speech: “The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under the name of “liberalism”, they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened.” He went on to say: “I no longer need to run as a Presidential Candidate for the Socialist Party. The Democratic Party has adopted our platform.”
However, the 912 project and the Patrick Henry caucus will stop Obama eventually.
I would have added the links but ABC Anti Obama filter prevented that!
Posted by: Dutch | May 8, 2009, 11:45 pm 11:45 pm
How about this for a cut, send all legal citizen tax payers a check for 1 million and abolish the federal income tax. Then do your job for less money because you love this country.
Posted by: Red blooded | May 9, 2009, 12:04 am 12:04 am
Good job Jake!
Expect to be snubbed at the next “news conference” circus, or release from the “wise” Mr Gibb, who never seems to know the answers.
Keep up the good work, it’s about time someone did some real reporting, and asking pertinent instead of feel good questions. Now don’t let them get away with non answers, that deflect us from the truth
This is what is expected of our news reporters!
Posted by: Bill | May 9, 2009, 2:17 am 2:17 am
Oh, I have tears running down my face! People are finally waking up to what has been going on. We have to take our country back from these lying, cheating, stealing criminals. And please, someone keep an eye on the constitution so Obama doesn’t write VOID across it and send it to the English! And by the way, he’d better get back our bust of Churchill that he had no right to send back. It’s OURS, not his! Rise up U.S. citizens, and and take our country back, and don’t forget the traitors in the left media.
Posted by: Deb | May 9, 2009, 3:51 am 3:51 am
Wow, The almighty is really doing something here . Now we have no searching for Nukes at ports, No Homeland Security, but he is removing 1 flea off of an elephants ass. Problem is that when he cuts money somewhere it costs us double that
Posted by: Nick Zemantauski | May 9, 2009, 4:38 am 4:38 am
Thanks ABC for putting the truth into perspective!
Posted by: PHOH | May 9, 2009, 6:38 am 6:38 am
I gotta say, it was a relief to read Joy’s comment and find that someone ADMITTED that electing Obamasiah was wrong. Its obvious that people feel that way, but it’s hard to find someone that voted for him admit it was a mistake-they just complain as though they had no part in the decision. I DID NOT vote for him because I could see evil in his eyes from the start of the campaign, even though he was smiling…or maybe BECAUSE he was smiling. Everyone should read a book called Windswept House by Malachi Martin-formerly in the Vatican, who left,spilled his guts in a “novel” and died under suspicious circumstances a few years later because he did not stop at the one book. It’s in the form of a novel, but clearly tells what is going on behind the scenes in the world, how the one-world govt. will put us into submission without our even knowing it and lots more. There are only a few major players in the “highest” of high places that most people don’t even suspect exist. Another book that ties into that is called The Bilderbergers by Daniel Estulin who tells about their secret meetings, names names, dates, etc. They are the puppeteers and we are the unsuspecting puppets…but we don’t have to be if we educate ourselves and organize. We all sit around complaining, and there are lots of small groups forming, but the small groups need to band together to form HUGE groups and really start rattling some cages. Even though the Republicans can’t seem to figure out a direction for the party, everyone in this country should change parties EN MASSE from the Democratic party to ANY other party. If they see their party being abandoned by the electorate, they might just realize that they won’t be re-eected in 2010 and actually stand up to Obamasiah realizing that sticking with him is career ending. What do you think????
Posted by: Cheryl Morgan | May 9, 2009, 8:30 am 8:30 am
What the drive by media and the worshipers of the great one don’t get is that there was never a plan to get America back on her feet…the plan was and has been to push through as many socialist programs Obama possibly could in the shortest period he could do it. He was trained to for this and if the American people don’t stand up and fight this, clean out Congress and get real statesmen instead of career politicians) we will all be under the thumb of a ruthless Big Brother.
Posted by: Martha | May 9, 2009, 10:52 am 10:52 am
Hmmmm, has the mainstream media jumped off the bandwagon so soon? Or did there test audience just get fed up with the lovey-dovey Obama enfatuation that has gone on for the better part of a year? Good news doesn’t sell news, so now the media starts reporting the failures of the administration.
I can’t wait to see the Civil War part DUH!
Posted by: B | May 9, 2009, 11:02 am 11:02 am
THIS IS WHAT THE CONSERVATIVE TALK SHOW HOSTS (HANNITY, RUSH ETC.) HAVE BEEN SAYING WOULD HAPPEN FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS OR MORE IF OBAMA OR ANY OTHER LIBERAL WOULD DO. I HOPE ALL THE OTHER MAIN STREAM MEDIA FOLLOW THIS EXAMPLE.
Posted by: LOLA | May 9, 2009, 11:31 am 11:31 am
Wow! A reporter finally pointing out and explaining the hypocrisy of this administration! I hope more people take note and find out the facts before applauding what turns out to be just another Washington political maneuver to try and make themselves look good.
Posted by: Suze | May 9, 2009, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm
Is Jake Tapper the “mainstream media” hero we’ve been waiting for? ABC’s coverage of this joke of a budget cut, is bigger news than the cut itself.
I too, will give ABC another look, if they’ll continue to question this socialist president’s agenda.
Thank you ABC!
Posted by: Ted | May 9, 2009, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
We all have the facts and figures right, so we can do the math and then….? Ask anyone that has a family member in the military if they have proper body armor. If not, get a few friends to help buy it. When enough is privately provided and troop deaths subside, then advise ABC to shame DC.
We must play take-away by boxing DC into a corner on issues that are less partisan and still ignored there.
Hillary helped some with this, even visiting my Son-in-law in a military hospital to talk beyond photo ops. I know, Hillary’s not our gal either. Yet, we are judging our political leaders actions, and the news says…$11T…$17B(.48%) wimpy cuts….effects OUR troops…Airforce One NYC fly-by… resignation… Michelle’s Chief of Staff opinion. So,they are first timers and what’s new besides unclad upper arm dresses…the family dog…. Yes, and so what?
I am a first time blogger. You remember your first time…trying to
say what that hasn’t been said? Having started in the Young Republicans, during Reagan’s first election, I cannot accept my party’s non-inclusive Right Wing positions anymore. I don’t want Socialism and I don’t want Bush.
I also don’t believe in the Obama doctrine, but…my fellow Texan failed.
The world is bigger than Texas quips, and Will Rogers sense is long gone now, so what can we do TODAY?
A little, just like Jake.
Helping any American today IS helping America, we’ll deal with the rest in 2012 until they get it right. Peace, From the Lone Star State
Posted by: West Texas View | May 9, 2009, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
Among the cuts are equipment for inspection of shipping containers and border enforcement. It seems to me that exploding containers would be much more dangerous than stinky pigs and that illegal aliens are problems in many ways — young legal immigrants with skills, clean records and all that are fine — they will help pay for the National Ponzi schemes of Social Security and Medicare — at least until they get old enough to collect benefits.
Given the growth of government, including a Czar for every purpose under Heaven, it seems, there must be MANY areas ripe for the cutting without the least danger to national security or the economy.
Posted by: Don Belding | May 9, 2009, 2:36 pm 2:36 pm
why doesn’t the video want to play? Did they decide to nix it due to being anti-obama? or is it just my end being silly?
Posted by: Arrow3d | May 9, 2009, 7:01 pm 7:01 pm
A constitutional convention is a gathering for the purpose of writing a new constitution or “”revising an existing constitution.”"”"
If 2/3 of states unite and demand a “constitutional convention”…Washington must halt.
(HOW ABOUT “TERM LIMITS”) effective immediately.
Sandy Berger PROVED documents can be destroyed…..we must hurry.
Posted by: Pat | May 9, 2009, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
Craig, you really said it all. The thing that I can’t get over is that we all had plenty of warning from Obama’s shenanigans during the campaign. I guess the people who voted for him anyway were experiencing cultism, and it does take some time to get over it. I have a brother and sister who are this type, and they really do not tend to deal with reality at all. So now we go to work to get back everything that has been destroyed by this administration. The most important at this point is to stop the socialized medicine! People, we have to stop that from happening!!
Posted by: UWAKEUP | May 9, 2009, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm
Why would they be cutting the funding that’s used to lock up illegal immigrants that have committed criminal offenses? What are states and localities supposed to do with all of these offenders? Yes, the same offenders that if the federal government would enforce the law, wouldn’t be here to commit those crimes in the first place.
Posted by: Steve | May 9, 2009, 11:02 pm 11:02 pm
The whole issue is: the goal of Obama and his administration is to TAKE away the potential for Americans under the age of 50 to EVER be able to accumulate any wealth. Having assets that belong the YOU means freedom to persue one’s INDUVIDUAL goals. Obama is at best a new world order type and at worst a true marxist. He and his Clintonites want control over ALL the wealth because it will give them ALL the power. I am so frustrated by Americans who are such hardworking and good people pretending that everything will return to NORMAL and do not even voice their concerns. I work in an environment where I am tagged as an extremist because I actually voice my concerns! I know that if Americans are ever arrested for standing up for consevative principles, I will be on the list!
We have lost so much in three months and it makes me very sad but determined to keep expressing my opinion. At my age,65, I will escape a lot of the consequences of a nanny state. All this trouble has already just about wiped out what I have accumlated but I will probably qualify for all sorts or handouts and will die before the government runs out of other peoples’ money (I love Margaret Thathcher’s comment about the biggest problem with socialism is what to do after you run out of other peoples’ money).
I do wish the the younger generations would take the time to realize the danger they face and then speak up. I fear that the remedy for changing government by voting has been marginalized and am afraid the future will bring elections in name only and a complete loss of PERSONAL liberty. History shows that the is the penalty for apathy.
Eleanor , MT
Posted by: Eleanor Harvey | May 10, 2009, 10:50 am 10:50 am
The budget cuts that the President is proposing should have been undertaken BEFORE his massive bailouts & spending. As far as I’m concerned, he blew his “budget” a long time ago (say, last September).
PLEASE READ THE COMMENTS AND COUNT HOW MANY ARE HAPPY WITH THESE CUTS VERSUS HOW MANY ARE FED UP WITH OBAMA. MOST AMERICANS DON’T LIKE WHAT HE IS DOING, BUT THE MAJOR NETWORKS ALL REPORT THE SAME THING. THIS IS LIKE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. I WILL START WATCHING ABC AGAIN. THE OTHER 2 JOKES CAN JUST KEEP WONDERING WHY THEIR RATINGS ARE SO LOW, MAYBE ONE DAY THEY WILL FIGURE IT OUT. I JUST HOPE THEY DON’T OPEN THEIR EYES TOO LATE WHEN THE FEDS TAKE OVER ALL NETWORKS.
Posted by: AP | May 10, 2009, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
TO: West Texas View: Why wait for 2012 – 2010 is just around the corner and just as important.
TO: ARROW 3d: Just click on the video screen shown on your screen with Jake Tapper’s face on it.
TO: ALL. 2010 IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. INSIST THAT YOUR LOCAL PARTY/PARTIES RUN CANDIDATES THAT ARE TRULY INTERESTED IN THE CONSTITUTION, TERM LIMITS, AND “WE, THE PEOPLE”.
Posted by: INDIANA BILL | May 10, 2009, 4:21 pm 4:21 pm
Great post Eleanor. I am about 10 years younger than you and I’ve been thinking a lot about how things are so different for young people now. We hear so often that they are coming back home after college, sometimes living with Mom and Dad thru the 20′s, even 30′s and 40′s. This may at least partially account for their thinking that the government taking care of them would be a good thing, but of course they don’t realize that there is a price for everything. And with the liberal teachers revising history, and schools not even teaching how this country was founded, they don’t think about the fact that thousands of people have given up their lives, their hopes and dreams, so that we can live in a free country. I don’t know if there is a solution to all this, but I’m afraid that when they begin to understand, it will be far too late.
Posted by: UWAKEUP | May 11, 2009, 1:29 am 1:29 am
17 billion is a lot of money to you and me.
UNFORTUNATELY, in washington it is NOT. if they cut 17 billion dollars 40 times, they would get back to last year’s “huge and unsustainable budget,” that needed to be cut last year!
Posted by: truth in speaking | May 11, 2009, 8:58 am 8:58 am
JAKE – Tell it like it is – We are not the sheeple Obama thinks we are, hopes we are. He is no better than Lenin the Bolshevik rabble rousing and lying to the proletariat, ‘up with the workers’ and coversely DOWN with anyone who actually creates a job or is successful in their career…. Or Joseph Geoebbels rewriting law & history to support the ascension of Der Fuhrer’s agenda. He is like all good fascists catering to the lowest common denominator, all of those of the dumb-down population with their hand out, determined to get ‘justice’ by taking everything the rest of us have struggled and worked and honestly built up for ourselves and our families. In the 60′s I used to see misguided communal hippies of my generation waving ‘Better Red Than Dead’ signs. Personally, I’ll take the hard-hat response of my parents generation’s position – ‘Better Dead Than Red’. Except today it is our own government that makes up the ‘RED THREAT’ we face, not Nikita Kruschev or the Soviet Union. Illegals are the fodder for keeping the marxists in power ad nauseum, as soon as they can get amnesty passed and make millions of law breaking unhealthy uneducated illegal aliens into voters, along with the left overs and progeny of the Great Society. Obama is hell bent on destroying anything traditionally AMERICAN, a process we have seen coming for years by virtue of the ACLU and the ever-expanding politically correct police. Do not tell me what radio program I can listen to, or who can or cannot speak their mind on the airwaves. ANYONE who comes into this country illegally forfeits any right to anything except getting their tail kicked immediately OUT of here, no prison with meals at our expense, no appeals, no anchor babies. GET OUT. Can’t swim? Too bad. And if you come here legally or not, SPEAK ENGLISH! Why isn’t English the official language of this country? When will people get it thru their heads that Islamic fundamentalists are NOT like any enemy we have ever faced, not like the twisted but basically ‘normal’ enemies of war we have faced before like Adolf Hitler or Hirohito – these Islamists want us DESTROYED to the last newborn and the world sent back to the stone age where women can be shot, stoned or beheaded for not wearing a burka. Where prisoners or hostages or simply non-Muslims are routinely beheaded in public or on video tape. Ready to kill us all and to die in the process, therefore going to heaven and having sex with 72 virgins. Does this sound rational to ANY OF YOU? And Obama seriously wants these walking time bombs tried in US courts and/or released into the USA? What part of this insanity can’t the fools at the top see? Obama wants to have dinner with Iranian despots and then it’ll all be OK. NONSENSE. And he doesn’t believe it either, he’s again catering to stupidity and believes we buy his fascist agenda. He’s no more the messiah than than I am. If anything, he’s the most dangerous man on the planet, dismantling the only bulwark on earth against permanent darkness – the USA.
Posted by: CRAIG | May 11, 2009, 4:27 pm 4:27 pm
Great job ABC! It is very refreshing to see someone looking at our government objectively. It has become disheartening to see that the press, who according to our founders, are to be the eyes and ears of the people to ensure the restraints of government, has turned to selective reporting.
Please keep up the work you have started here, we IMPLORE you! The people have the right to know what is happening, and be able to form opinions for themselves, not told what to think!
I only hope it is not to late for people to wake up and take a stand against what is happening to thier future, and the future of thier children. It is not only this administration, these “Politicians” have been playing us for fools for years. We voted for change, unfortunately the details on that change were a bit sketchy…
Posted by: Ian | May 12, 2009, 7:19 pm 7:19 pm
Remember the media I still owned by the Elite. Don’t get excited with a bone of truth. Teach those you know there is only One agenda in Washington with a fast and slow gear(rep. and democ.)to the same destination. Don’t watch the puppet heads,(presidents). It is an elaborate dance created by the elite and One World Government is their design. Everyone Must VOTE VOTE VOTE, everyone who is not a Constitutional Originalist out or we will be another Nazi Germany in 4 years! Hitler came to power under a democratic government and promise the people everything, by convincing them the ‘sacrifice of some freedoms’ would be the price! And they believed him. Wake up Americans and Non-Americans alike. They are coming for all of us.
Posted by: Gabriel | May 13, 2009, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm
Email
Rick Santorum Sweeps 3 States 
Pentagon to Open Additional Jobs to Women
Of course 17 billion is a lot of money. 18 billion was a lot when McCain was proposing it and was mocked by Obama for it.
Posted by: Maria | May 8, 2009, 7:10 am 7:10 am
In the real world, $17 billion is a lot of money.
In the bizarro world of Federal spending, it is miniscule–compared to the $3.55 TRILLION budget. ONLY 0.48%
$17 billion comprises just 4.25% of the INCREASE in the federal budget under Obama. It amounts to somewhere around 2.2% of the Stimulus package. Obama just signed an omnibus spending bill that cost $410 billion, against which the cuts are about 4.25% as well. And just to emphasize the point, the $17 billion amounts to 0.85% of 2009’s DEFICIT, and only 1.7% OF THE LOWEST DEFICIT projected by the Obama administration in any of the next ten years.
Posted by: I Have a Gift, Harry. | May 8, 2009, 8:44 am 8:44 am
“I think we’ve had quite enough capitalism in the last eight years.”
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin??
Nope–close though–former DNC chair “Loud” Howard Dean.
Remember when the media jumped all over McCain and Palin during the election for suggesting the Left and Obama were socialist??
Posted by: Who Said This? | May 8, 2009, 9:01 am 9:01 am
“Is $17 Bill in Budget Cuts a Lot or a Little?”
Ask someone in the White House, Jake.
;-)
Posted by: drjohn | May 8, 2009, 9:26 am 9:26 am
It really doesn’t matter – we are going to get what Barry wants until we can get some sanity back in CONgress – starting in 2010. Whatever he takes out, CONgress will put back in. It’s all just a sleazy game with the American people as the losers – AGAIN!
Posted by: FedUp | May 8, 2009, 9:26 am 9:26 am
Between Howard Deans incredulous statement:
“I think we’ve had quite enough capitalism in the last eight years.”
And, Candidate Obama’s “spread the wealth around,” it is obvious where the country is heading.
The sad thing is people are becoming enamored with the idea that the government will take care of them so they won’t have to do it themselves.
$17 billion compared to $3.6 trillion budget and the stimulus and TARP bills and other government spending and taxations yet to come, like Cap and Trade. (It’s only May.) Not so big.
These debts and obligations are being passed on to our children and grandchildren, who, without capitalism, will be forever working for the government to pay their taxes in hope that the government will give them something back “for free”.
Posted by: Concerned | May 8, 2009, 10:01 am 10:01 am
The only significance of the story is that it shows how dumb Mr. Obama thinks the electorate is.
The fun part is watching the strained contortions of those struggling to support the president’s spin. You get a refreshing look at the mindset of the True Believer.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | May 8, 2009, 10:26 am 10:26 am
Have you noticed that part of the 17 Billion was DOA in congress anyway… What a novel idea, we will propose cuts in areas we know won’t stand, then we can say we cut without really cutting.
What I haven’t heard is a comparison between Bush budgets and this budget.
Posted by: jb | May 8, 2009, 10:39 am 10:39 am
Too Little, Too Late.
Posted by: Parallex View | May 8, 2009, 10:57 am 10:57 am
$17 billion is a start.
On other sites there is considerable objections to certain cuts.
We need to find a way to stop the lobbyist and pac contributions to Congress.
The insurance industry contributed considerably more pac money than financial companies.
Congress and big businesses win when us loser remain silent. Join an action group to help our voices be heard.
Posted by: Julie | May 8, 2009, 11:04 am 11:04 am
Good job pointing out that Obama mocked John McCain over McCain’s proposed 18 billion budget cuts. Does Obama have a really short memory? Or does he think the American public is stupid and they’d forget how he openly mocked 18 billion in budget cuts? Audacity!
I also like the way the media is finally starting to pull the curtain back and show Obama’s teleprompters, which makes his ping pong head swivel look ridiculous. Obama looks as though he is speaking directly to the teleprompters instead of the audience when the cameras pan back to show the teleprompters. All of his phony stagecraft, which he has mastered, disappears when the teleprompters come into view.
Posted by: OxyCon | May 8, 2009, 11:28 am 11:28 am
Does any of the following suggest that (a) the administration’s forecasting is not at all reliable, and (b) what Mr. Obama has done thus far has hurt more than it has helped?
“In just two months, the recession has proved to be deeper than the White House predicted when Obama submitted his 2010 budget outline. His budget writers in February forecast that the economy, as measured by gross domestic product, would shrink by 1.2 percent this year and then grow by a relatively robust 3.2 percent in 2010. But the economy contracted by 6.1 percent in the first quarter, and economists inside and outside the government predict another, though smaller, contraction in the second quarter.
“Likewise, the White House anticipated unemployment of 8.1 percent this year and slightly less next year. But unemployment is already at a 25-year high of 8.5 percent and is expected to climb when new numbers are announced Friday. [It did--to 8.9 percent.]“
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | May 8, 2009, 11:44 am 11:44 am
Loved the song in the Music Man: Pick-a-lot,Pick-a little-should be viewed in Congress as a reality check!To be honest, it will take centuries to cut the pork out of Government Spending and the thought of lowering this spending is even more far fetched under the current system. Take out 17 billion, put in 3.6 trillion, there’s a real reduction for you!
Posted by: Dave of Detroit | May 8, 2009, 12:11 pm 12:11 pm
P.S. There is rumors going around that European Countries are actually considering lowering salaries and benefits of Government workers to balance their budgets. As far as CEO bonus packages that don’t have a 90 percent tax on them, they are non-existent-I love the old concept of taxation-The more you make, the more you pay-paying high taxes in the 1940′s and 1950′s was actually a status symbol-Have to ask Rush and John McCain why that got changed?
Posted by: Dave of Detroit | May 8, 2009, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm
So, my budget is going to cost $3.483 trillion dollars? OK, let’s just round it up to $3.5 for now, and then we’ll announce a $17 Billion dollar cut later…
…Don’t worry he’ll be smarter next time. If he could do this one over again, I’m sure he’d have started with a $4 Trillion dollar budget and then announced a “cut” 1/2 a trillion.
Posted by: Bob O. | May 8, 2009, 12:22 pm 12:22 pm
Because the money is approriated in the budget, whatever “cuts” he makes in one area will be spent in another. There is no decrease in the amount spent. The president is saying what he thinks we want to hear and is really talking smoke and mirrors.
Posted by: bmm | May 8, 2009, 12:32 pm 12:32 pm
Obama shows the Govenator who’s really “Pumped Up” with power and money. Obama stands up for the unions who bankrolled his campaign over the people of California.
Reporting from Sacramento — The Obama administration is THREATENING TO RESCIND billions of dollars in federal stimulus money if Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state lawmakers do not restore wage cuts to UNIONIZED home healthcare workers approved in February as part of the budget.
Schwarzenegger’s office was advised this week by federal health officials that the wage reduction, which will save California $74 million, violates provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Failure to revoke the scheduled wage cut before it takes effect July 1 could cost California $6.8 BILLION IN STIMULUS MONEY, according to state officials.
Obama wields his pitchfork in the exact same way he did with Chrysler and GM bondholders. He’s doing it to support the unions. The SEIU appealed directly to Obama, as the LA Times reports, when the budget cuts hit. Rather than rely on California to determine its own compensation plan, Obama simply threatened them with economic ruin if they didn’t fall into line. I’m surprised he didn’t threaten to sic the White House press corps on Arnold Schwarzenegger. He couldn’t care less about California defaulting or automakers going under, but a $2/hr pay cut for 400,000 union workers is the center of his universe.
That Schwarzenegger is really a Right Wing “Hater,” isn’t he?
Posted by: Hear Me Now and Believe Me Later | May 8, 2009, 1:03 pm 1:03 pm
And let me say this to all of the chattering class, that so much focuses on those little, tiny, yes porky amendments, the American People really don’t care,” he said during a debate on the stimulus bill.
Maybe Obama should go ask Chuckie Shumer!!!!!
If “we” dont care about a few million out of a 780+ billion bill, why would “we” care about 17 billion out of a a 3.5 Trillion budget?
Posted by: Mike_C | May 8, 2009, 1:14 pm 1:14 pm
You people are so unforgiving and so simple minded. Be like our Smartest Clueless Leader, and look at the bigger picture.
Last week when he gathered all his cabinet members for the first time to demand them cutting $100 millions in spending – that’s 100,000,000 dollars – you people ridiculed our Dearest Comrade for his actions doing little to the deficit he created in 3 months.
Now our Greatest Leader responded your ridicules by cuting $17 billion, BILLION – you hear that – and that’s 17,000,000,000 dollars! You know how many zeros after 17? 8 more than that in Pb0. Yet, it’s still not enough, and yet, you ridiculed him again.
Leave that poor man, who deceives you, alone.
Posted by: two cats | May 8, 2009, 2:16 pm 2:16 pm
Let’s do this, Let’s do this Gibbs …. let’s go out in the street, ask a dozen people if they think $3.4 trillion is a lot of money …..
Posted by: Obama, the second coming | May 8, 2009, 2:29 pm 2:29 pm
Well.. at least we are up from $100 Million..
Posted by: DontGet818OnMeNow | May 8, 2009, 3:02 pm 3:02 pm
So he is supposed to get a metal for doubleing the deficit, proposing the largest budget ever, the largest expansion of government ever, and we are supposed to hoot and holler when he attempts to cut 1/5 of 1% of his budget.
Posted by: Freedom4 | May 8, 2009, 3:19 pm 3:19 pm
Gibbs reminds me of those kids we used to pummel in Dodgeball. I’m sure he was the kid who got picked last and then was blasted. Poor guy.
Posted by: Mark | May 8, 2009, 3:35 pm 3:35 pm
Take back your country, America!
Vote out ALL of the incumbents and elect those who will give the controls BACK to THE PEOPLE.
Then, we need TERM LIMITS for all; 2 terms maximum for the house, 1 term maximum for the senate and president.
No more lifers in Washington DC.
Posted by: mtollens | May 8, 2009, 4:08 pm 4:08 pm
We need to hire a single mother to set up our budget. All the bills will get paid and she’ll get rid of all the extra crap we don’t need. We’ll have what we need, but not what we want. Then, they can lower taxes.
Posted by: Laura | May 8, 2009, 4:11 pm 4:11 pm
Has The President Lost His Mind ? America Is Tired Of Dealing With The Trash He Is Talking! He Just Don’t Get It The People Will Soon Start Standing Up And Saying NO! To This President!
Posted by: Rev Ricky Shook | May 8, 2009, 4:41 pm 4:41 pm
It amazes me Obama keeps a straight faces when glorifying insignificant cuts, while he grows the deficit by trillions!
Posted by: Theresa | May 8, 2009, 4:49 pm 4:49 pm
The Messiah must think that we aren’t going to figure out his TINY amount he is planning on cutting. He makes it sound HUGE, but when you do the math it’s less than 1/2 percent of the budget. Give us a break……. we aren’t that DUMB. Come on American tax payers……… start saying NO TO THESE OUTRAGEOUS AND LIEING TACTICS THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION IS TRYING TO PULL. WE AREN’T THAT STUPID, BUT THEN I GUESS WE ARE SINCE THIS MAN GOT VOTED IN TO BE PRESIDENT OF OUR GREAT USA. BOY WERE WE WRONG…. THIS MAN IS GOING TO RUIN, AND I MEAN RUIN THIS COUNTRY. IT IS NEVER, EVER GOING TO BE THE SAME AND OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN WILL BE PAYING HUGE AMOUNTS OF TAXES BECAUSE INFLATION IS GOING TO HAVE TO GO UP ALONG WITH HUGE TAX INCREASES. HOW SAD FOR OUR COUNTRY. PLEASE KEEP US SAFE TOO, BUT THIS ADMINISTRATION HAS OTHER IDEAS FOR THAT.
Posted by: Joy | May 8, 2009, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm
Cutting our Defense Department to result in a 0.027% savings to his $3,600,000,000.00 budget. That’s like buying a Denali and opting to cut the cost of one cup holder and calling it savings.
WHAT A JOKE
Posted by: Bill | May 8, 2009, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm
I agree with Rev. Shook, but we shouldn’t wait too long to stand up and be counted, everything will have changed soon. Laura has an excellent idea on the budget and mtollens concerning term limits; also believe Congress shouldn’t be allowed to give themselves raises, or have their own retirement accounts, (they need the Social Security that we have), then they wouldn’t “borrow” from it.
It seems as though government is thinking we don’t have enough intelligence to take care of ourselves,but we don’t need their interference. Only people who have been taking from the government all their lives, believe the government can take care of us better than we can ourselves. Work!! for yourselves, it will be good for you.
And where are the bills online that we can read before they vote on them? anyone know?
Posted by: Nancy | May 8, 2009, 5:18 pm 5:18 pm
Think, people. Our government has so many “sneaky” things going on ever since Obama took office, we don’t know what to complain about first. But fist we need to get rid of our big spenders in the Senate. Out ith our speeaker, Nancy and Harry Ried. Limit term to one. These people have been in there so long, they own our paycheck and home.
These cuts may be small, but it would be a start in the right direction. Watch to see what the senate does with this. And, this is not less spending, the intention is to just spend it elsewhere.
We now know that change is not a magic word.
Posted by: Bepres | May 8, 2009, 5:40 pm 5:40 pm
My wife came here from Russia. She is aghast at what the dumbed-down population of the USA has allowed to take over the country. Obama is worse than an outright Fascist, Mussolini at least made the trains run on time. Obama is doing nothing but nationalizing, initimidating, destroying & dismantling everything the United States ever stood for. Manchurian candidate. Anti-Christ. Bowing to Satan, kissing up to dictators, dismissing Christians & Jews by his actions and his words, APOLOGIZING for America to tin pot creeps who would all be dead or speaking German or Russian if it wasn’t for the USA, ignoring the border, trying to figure out a way AROUND US to free terrorists into our cities, talking about going off of the dollar, the North American Union, the New World Order, jumping on any opportunity to declare CRISIS & waving a magic wand (from Walmart, batteries not included) in his right hand while he picks your pocket and cuts your throat with the other, ACORN getting billions of your tax dollars!!!! Get control of this country people or get ready for the Soviet Socialist States of Amerika, or worse, bankrupt and invaded by Islamic Fundamentalists with no one to defend us, and if we don’t do it in 2010, there will be so much damage done by 2012 we will already be SCREWED.
Posted by: Craig | May 8, 2009, 5:50 pm 5:50 pm
Go to a Tea Party, support the movement!
The only way we’ll change things in this country is from the grassroots effort that has already begun. Then, vote those idiots out of office in 2010 and 2012. If we don’t do this in 2010 there will be nothing left to save in 2012 (and I mean that in more than one way).
Write your congressman and senators and tell them what you think and how you want them to vote. They work for us!!!
Remember, it is “We the people…”
Posted by: Valerie | May 8, 2009, 6:50 pm 6:50 pm
For the Democrats, beginning about 12 years ago the definition of “cut” was changed to “we will spend less than the increase that was originally planned for this year”. For honest persons, a cut means “we will spend less this year than we did last year”. The unemployed in America are re-learning the true meaning of “cut”. The current administration was elected by telling the “economically challenged” that they are listening to them. Poor people, since you have their ear, once you have re-learned the true meaning of “cut”, will you please teach it to your government ?
Posted by: BrentW | May 8, 2009, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm
Glad to see many writing in here and waking up to the “change you cannot believe in” policies, spending, politics being inflicted on us, the ones that actually produce jobs and pay our own way.
He is a community organizer and union pusher, angling for ways to suck more than what is available out of the economy or source of any income. Hopefully someone in the media will be strong enough to report the facts of what is happening (to our country).
Entrepeneurs and producers should be encouraged not punished.
Posted by: small business worker | May 8, 2009, 7:25 pm 7:25 pm
Way to go ABC and thanks, some real news reporting for a change! I stopped watching the main stream media some time ago. I got disgusted because you guys (particularly NBC & CBS) were consistently giving selective news reporting & biased analysis. Maybe I’ll return to watching your news some more. Remember a month ago when Obama told his cabinet to reduce the budget $100 M? CBS praised him – I laughed. Much of what Obama does is supported by the Faithful (note the caps), those hoping to gain many $$$$, the ignorant, and the stupid.
Posted by: wayne | May 8, 2009, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
Thank you ABC. I will begin to watch again if you continue with this truth seeking reporting. During the election President Obama was cheered as “No Drama Obama” but everything so far has been Drama Queen antics from this so called leader. Everything is a “crisis” to be used to ramrod radicalism down our silenced throats.
Posted by: Dan | May 8, 2009, 8:28 pm 8:28 pm
Way to go Mr President. $17B would be a great start. Now don’t go putting it somewhere else. At 1/2 of 1% of the budget will anyone really miss it?
And did the CBO say that your budget is going to come in about $1.7 trillion dollars short? If they are correct that means it’s 1% down and 99% more to go and at least for this year there won’t be a deficit.
Of course there still is that little matter of the national debt. What’s it up to? $11 trillion. After you figure out some way to keep that pesky budget thing balanced we still have to pay off that debt.
You sure do have a tough row to hoe don’t you. Well you were a Senator before you became President so you knew what you were stepping into and what you would be inheriting. If you didn’t think you were up to the job you should have let Hillary have it.
Remember what you promissed us Mr. President? YOU were going to go over the budget line by line. YOU were going to cut wasteful spending. YOU were going to eliminate programs that weren’t working.
You have a Cabinet, staff, and a host of advisors. Have them help you. It’s too big a job for one person. I’m sure if you asked the 435 members of the House and the 100 Senators they would be only too glad to give you ideas.
Posted by: Allen Veasman | May 8, 2009, 8:37 pm 8:37 pm
$17 billion is a good start, now let’s cut that $700 billion in wasteful spending we passed a couple of months ago!
Posted by: shooter348 | May 8, 2009, 9:33 pm 9:33 pm
did you all see what the cuts were for?
like cutting the budget of police force, and benifts paid to slain police officers.
or sending our sons to fight their war without the proper equiptment…
the cuts that he did purpose, are hurting people..
why not stop giving money to the federal reserve, which is a private bank, buying up other banks, and americian express, the oil companies…
go online to the FEDERAL RESERVE and find out what they just accuired…
and for cents on the dollar…
federal reserve is the only one getting rich, oh and obama tooo. they already own this country.
Posted by: SATINDOLL | May 8, 2009, 10:11 pm 10:11 pm
Wow, I’m impressed ABC, honest journalism! Perhaps I’ll give you a second look and tune in once again. You once were all I watched until Mr. Stephanopoulos proclaimed he was so move buy the election he called his wife and cried. Real objective journalism there, I turned ABC off that day and never went back. But if you can be credible then I can watch again, just keep George out of Washington.
Posted by: steve W | May 8, 2009, 10:48 pm 10:48 pm
Wow, an good job on actual journalism, keep up the good work!
Posted by: Jay_C | May 8, 2009, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm
‘Just finished re-reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. NOW it is frightening. I thought it was beyond belief when I read it in high school.
Posted by: MJ | May 8, 2009, 11:20 pm 11:20 pm
Seems that about 12 years ago, Democrats redefined “cuts” to mean “we won’t increase spending as much as we had originally planned”. Honest people still define “cut” as “we will spend less than we spent last year”.
With so many people unemployed these days, maybe some people will come back to the true definition of “cut”.
Posted by: BrentW | May 8, 2009, 11:24 pm 11:24 pm
What we are dealing with in the U.S under Obama, remember this; Norman Matton Thomas (November 20, 1884 – December 19, 1968) was a leading American socialist, pacifist, and six-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America . He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1911. As a candidate for President of the U. S. , Norman Thomas said, in a 1944 epoch speech: “The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under the name of “liberalism”, they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened.” He went on to say: “I no longer need to run as a Presidential Candidate for the Socialist Party. The Democratic Party has adopted our platform.”
However, the 912 project and the Patrick Henry caucus will stop Obama eventually.
I would have added the links but ABC Anti Obama filter prevented that!
Posted by: Dutch | May 8, 2009, 11:45 pm 11:45 pm
How about this for a cut, send all legal citizen tax payers a check for 1 million and abolish the federal income tax. Then do your job for less money because you love this country.
Posted by: Red blooded | May 9, 2009, 12:04 am 12:04 am
Good job Jake!
Expect to be snubbed at the next “news conference” circus, or release from the “wise” Mr Gibb, who never seems to know the answers.
Keep up the good work, it’s about time someone did some real reporting, and asking pertinent instead of feel good questions. Now don’t let them get away with non answers, that deflect us from the truth
This is what is expected of our news reporters!
Posted by: Bill | May 9, 2009, 2:17 am 2:17 am
Oh, I have tears running down my face! People are finally waking up to what has been going on. We have to take our country back from these lying, cheating, stealing criminals. And please, someone keep an eye on the constitution so Obama doesn’t write VOID across it and send it to the English! And by the way, he’d better get back our bust of Churchill that he had no right to send back. It’s OURS, not his! Rise up U.S. citizens, and and take our country back, and don’t forget the traitors in the left media.
Posted by: Deb | May 9, 2009, 3:51 am 3:51 am
Wow, The almighty is really doing something here . Now we have no searching for Nukes at ports, No Homeland Security, but he is removing 1 flea off of an elephants ass. Problem is that when he cuts money somewhere it costs us double that
Posted by: Nick Zemantauski | May 9, 2009, 4:38 am 4:38 am
Thanks ABC for putting the truth into perspective!
Posted by: PHOH | May 9, 2009, 6:38 am 6:38 am
I gotta say, it was a relief to read Joy’s comment and find that someone ADMITTED that electing Obamasiah was wrong. Its obvious that people feel that way, but it’s hard to find someone that voted for him admit it was a mistake-they just complain as though they had no part in the decision. I DID NOT vote for him because I could see evil in his eyes from the start of the campaign, even though he was smiling…or maybe BECAUSE he was smiling. Everyone should read a book called Windswept House by Malachi Martin-formerly in the Vatican, who left,spilled his guts in a “novel” and died under suspicious circumstances a few years later because he did not stop at the one book. It’s in the form of a novel, but clearly tells what is going on behind the scenes in the world, how the one-world govt. will put us into submission without our even knowing it and lots more. There are only a few major players in the “highest” of high places that most people don’t even suspect exist. Another book that ties into that is called The Bilderbergers by Daniel Estulin who tells about their secret meetings, names names, dates, etc. They are the puppeteers and we are the unsuspecting puppets…but we don’t have to be if we educate ourselves and organize. We all sit around complaining, and there are lots of small groups forming, but the small groups need to band together to form HUGE groups and really start rattling some cages. Even though the Republicans can’t seem to figure out a direction for the party, everyone in this country should change parties EN MASSE from the Democratic party to ANY other party. If they see their party being abandoned by the electorate, they might just realize that they won’t be re-eected in 2010 and actually stand up to Obamasiah realizing that sticking with him is career ending. What do you think????
Posted by: Cheryl Morgan | May 9, 2009, 8:30 am 8:30 am
What the drive by media and the worshipers of the great one don’t get is that there was never a plan to get America back on her feet…the plan was and has been to push through as many socialist programs Obama possibly could in the shortest period he could do it. He was trained to for this and if the American people don’t stand up and fight this, clean out Congress and get real statesmen instead of career politicians) we will all be under the thumb of a ruthless Big Brother.
Posted by: Martha | May 9, 2009, 10:52 am 10:52 am
Hmmmm, has the mainstream media jumped off the bandwagon so soon? Or did there test audience just get fed up with the lovey-dovey Obama enfatuation that has gone on for the better part of a year? Good news doesn’t sell news, so now the media starts reporting the failures of the administration.
I can’t wait to see the Civil War part DUH!
Posted by: B | May 9, 2009, 11:02 am 11:02 am
THIS IS WHAT THE CONSERVATIVE TALK SHOW HOSTS (HANNITY, RUSH ETC.) HAVE BEEN SAYING WOULD HAPPEN FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS OR MORE IF OBAMA OR ANY OTHER LIBERAL WOULD DO. I HOPE ALL THE OTHER MAIN STREAM MEDIA FOLLOW THIS EXAMPLE.
Posted by: LOLA | May 9, 2009, 11:31 am 11:31 am
Wow! A reporter finally pointing out and explaining the hypocrisy of this administration! I hope more people take note and find out the facts before applauding what turns out to be just another Washington political maneuver to try and make themselves look good.
Posted by: Suze | May 9, 2009, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm
Is Jake Tapper the “mainstream media” hero we’ve been waiting for? ABC’s coverage of this joke of a budget cut, is bigger news than the cut itself.
I too, will give ABC another look, if they’ll continue to question this socialist president’s agenda.
Thank you ABC!
Posted by: Ted | May 9, 2009, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
We all have the facts and figures right, so we can do the math and then….? Ask anyone that has a family member in the military if they have proper body armor. If not, get a few friends to help buy it. When enough is privately provided and troop deaths subside, then advise ABC to shame DC.
We must play take-away by boxing DC into a corner on issues that are less partisan and still ignored there.
Hillary helped some with this, even visiting my Son-in-law in a military hospital to talk beyond photo ops. I know, Hillary’s not our gal either. Yet, we are judging our political leaders actions, and the news says…$11T…$17B(.48%) wimpy cuts….effects OUR troops…Airforce One NYC fly-by… resignation… Michelle’s Chief of Staff opinion. So,they are first timers and what’s new besides unclad upper arm dresses…the family dog…. Yes, and so what?
I am a first time blogger. You remember your first time…trying to
say what that hasn’t been said? Having started in the Young Republicans, during Reagan’s first election, I cannot accept my party’s non-inclusive Right Wing positions anymore. I don’t want Socialism and I don’t want Bush.
I also don’t believe in the Obama doctrine, but…my fellow Texan failed.
The world is bigger than Texas quips, and Will Rogers sense is long gone now, so what can we do TODAY?
A little, just like Jake.
Helping any American today IS helping America, we’ll deal with the rest in 2012 until they get it right. Peace, From the Lone Star State
Posted by: West Texas View | May 9, 2009, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
Among the cuts are equipment for inspection of shipping containers and border enforcement. It seems to me that exploding containers would be much more dangerous than stinky pigs and that illegal aliens are problems in many ways — young legal immigrants with skills, clean records and all that are fine — they will help pay for the National Ponzi schemes of Social Security and Medicare — at least until they get old enough to collect benefits.
Given the growth of government, including a Czar for every purpose under Heaven, it seems, there must be MANY areas ripe for the cutting without the least danger to national security or the economy.
Posted by: Don Belding | May 9, 2009, 2:36 pm 2:36 pm
why doesn’t the video want to play? Did they decide to nix it due to being anti-obama? or is it just my end being silly?
Posted by: Arrow3d | May 9, 2009, 7:01 pm 7:01 pm
A constitutional convention is a gathering for the purpose of writing a new constitution or “”revising an existing constitution.”"”"
If 2/3 of states unite and demand a “constitutional convention”…Washington must halt.
(HOW ABOUT “TERM LIMITS”) effective immediately.
Sandy Berger PROVED documents can be destroyed…..we must hurry.
Posted by: Pat | May 9, 2009, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
Craig, you really said it all. The thing that I can’t get over is that we all had plenty of warning from Obama’s shenanigans during the campaign. I guess the people who voted for him anyway were experiencing cultism, and it does take some time to get over it. I have a brother and sister who are this type, and they really do not tend to deal with reality at all. So now we go to work to get back everything that has been destroyed by this administration. The most important at this point is to stop the socialized medicine! People, we have to stop that from happening!!
Posted by: UWAKEUP | May 9, 2009, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm
Why would they be cutting the funding that’s used to lock up illegal immigrants that have committed criminal offenses? What are states and localities supposed to do with all of these offenders? Yes, the same offenders that if the federal government would enforce the law, wouldn’t be here to commit those crimes in the first place.
Posted by: Steve | May 9, 2009, 11:02 pm 11:02 pm
The whole issue is: the goal of Obama and his administration is to TAKE away the potential for Americans under the age of 50 to EVER be able to accumulate any wealth. Having assets that belong the YOU means freedom to persue one’s INDUVIDUAL goals. Obama is at best a new world order type and at worst a true marxist. He and his Clintonites want control over ALL the wealth because it will give them ALL the power. I am so frustrated by Americans who are such hardworking and good people pretending that everything will return to NORMAL and do not even voice their concerns. I work in an environment where I am tagged as an extremist because I actually voice my concerns! I know that if Americans are ever arrested for standing up for consevative principles, I will be on the list!
We have lost so much in three months and it makes me very sad but determined to keep expressing my opinion. At my age,65, I will escape a lot of the consequences of a nanny state. All this trouble has already just about wiped out what I have accumlated but I will probably qualify for all sorts or handouts and will die before the government runs out of other peoples’ money (I love Margaret Thathcher’s comment about the biggest problem with socialism is what to do after you run out of other peoples’ money).
I do wish the the younger generations would take the time to realize the danger they face and then speak up. I fear that the remedy for changing government by voting has been marginalized and am afraid the future will bring elections in name only and a complete loss of PERSONAL liberty. History shows that the is the penalty for apathy.
Eleanor , MT
Posted by: Eleanor Harvey | May 10, 2009, 10:50 am 10:50 am
The budget cuts that the President is proposing should have been undertaken BEFORE his massive bailouts & spending. As far as I’m concerned, he blew his “budget” a long time ago (say, last September).
Posted by: Karen | May 10, 2009, 12:33 pm 12:33 pm
PLEASE READ THE COMMENTS AND COUNT HOW MANY ARE HAPPY WITH THESE CUTS VERSUS HOW MANY ARE FED UP WITH OBAMA. MOST AMERICANS DON’T LIKE WHAT HE IS DOING, BUT THE MAJOR NETWORKS ALL REPORT THE SAME THING. THIS IS LIKE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. I WILL START WATCHING ABC AGAIN. THE OTHER 2 JOKES CAN JUST KEEP WONDERING WHY THEIR RATINGS ARE SO LOW, MAYBE ONE DAY THEY WILL FIGURE IT OUT. I JUST HOPE THEY DON’T OPEN THEIR EYES TOO LATE WHEN THE FEDS TAKE OVER ALL NETWORKS.
Posted by: AP | May 10, 2009, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
TO: West Texas View: Why wait for 2012 – 2010 is just around the corner and just as important.
TO: ARROW 3d: Just click on the video screen shown on your screen with Jake Tapper’s face on it.
TO: ALL. 2010 IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. INSIST THAT YOUR LOCAL PARTY/PARTIES RUN CANDIDATES THAT ARE TRULY INTERESTED IN THE CONSTITUTION, TERM LIMITS, AND “WE, THE PEOPLE”.
Posted by: INDIANA BILL | May 10, 2009, 4:21 pm 4:21 pm
Great post Eleanor. I am about 10 years younger than you and I’ve been thinking a lot about how things are so different for young people now. We hear so often that they are coming back home after college, sometimes living with Mom and Dad thru the 20′s, even 30′s and 40′s. This may at least partially account for their thinking that the government taking care of them would be a good thing, but of course they don’t realize that there is a price for everything. And with the liberal teachers revising history, and schools not even teaching how this country was founded, they don’t think about the fact that thousands of people have given up their lives, their hopes and dreams, so that we can live in a free country. I don’t know if there is a solution to all this, but I’m afraid that when they begin to understand, it will be far too late.
Posted by: UWAKEUP | May 11, 2009, 1:29 am 1:29 am
17 billion is a lot of money to you and me.
UNFORTUNATELY, in washington it is NOT. if they cut 17 billion dollars 40 times, they would get back to last year’s “huge and unsustainable budget,” that needed to be cut last year!
Posted by: truth in speaking | May 11, 2009, 8:58 am 8:58 am
JAKE – Tell it like it is – We are not the sheeple Obama thinks we are, hopes we are. He is no better than Lenin the Bolshevik rabble rousing and lying to the proletariat, ‘up with the workers’ and coversely DOWN with anyone who actually creates a job or is successful in their career…. Or Joseph Geoebbels rewriting law & history to support the ascension of Der Fuhrer’s agenda. He is like all good fascists catering to the lowest common denominator, all of those of the dumb-down population with their hand out, determined to get ‘justice’ by taking everything the rest of us have struggled and worked and honestly built up for ourselves and our families. In the 60′s I used to see misguided communal hippies of my generation waving ‘Better Red Than Dead’ signs. Personally, I’ll take the hard-hat response of my parents generation’s position – ‘Better Dead Than Red’. Except today it is our own government that makes up the ‘RED THREAT’ we face, not Nikita Kruschev or the Soviet Union. Illegals are the fodder for keeping the marxists in power ad nauseum, as soon as they can get amnesty passed and make millions of law breaking unhealthy uneducated illegal aliens into voters, along with the left overs and progeny of the Great Society. Obama is hell bent on destroying anything traditionally AMERICAN, a process we have seen coming for years by virtue of the ACLU and the ever-expanding politically correct police. Do not tell me what radio program I can listen to, or who can or cannot speak their mind on the airwaves. ANYONE who comes into this country illegally forfeits any right to anything except getting their tail kicked immediately OUT of here, no prison with meals at our expense, no appeals, no anchor babies. GET OUT. Can’t swim? Too bad. And if you come here legally or not, SPEAK ENGLISH! Why isn’t English the official language of this country? When will people get it thru their heads that Islamic fundamentalists are NOT like any enemy we have ever faced, not like the twisted but basically ‘normal’ enemies of war we have faced before like Adolf Hitler or Hirohito – these Islamists want us DESTROYED to the last newborn and the world sent back to the stone age where women can be shot, stoned or beheaded for not wearing a burka. Where prisoners or hostages or simply non-Muslims are routinely beheaded in public or on video tape. Ready to kill us all and to die in the process, therefore going to heaven and having sex with 72 virgins. Does this sound rational to ANY OF YOU? And Obama seriously wants these walking time bombs tried in US courts and/or released into the USA? What part of this insanity can’t the fools at the top see? Obama wants to have dinner with Iranian despots and then it’ll all be OK. NONSENSE. And he doesn’t believe it either, he’s again catering to stupidity and believes we buy his fascist agenda. He’s no more the messiah than than I am. If anything, he’s the most dangerous man on the planet, dismantling the only bulwark on earth against permanent darkness – the USA.
Posted by: CRAIG | May 11, 2009, 4:27 pm 4:27 pm
Great job ABC! It is very refreshing to see someone looking at our government objectively. It has become disheartening to see that the press, who according to our founders, are to be the eyes and ears of the people to ensure the restraints of government, has turned to selective reporting.
Please keep up the work you have started here, we IMPLORE you! The people have the right to know what is happening, and be able to form opinions for themselves, not told what to think!
I only hope it is not to late for people to wake up and take a stand against what is happening to thier future, and the future of thier children. It is not only this administration, these “Politicians” have been playing us for fools for years. We voted for change, unfortunately the details on that change were a bit sketchy…
Posted by: Ian | May 12, 2009, 7:19 pm 7:19 pm
Remember the media I still owned by the Elite. Don’t get excited with a bone of truth. Teach those you know there is only One agenda in Washington with a fast and slow gear(rep. and democ.)to the same destination. Don’t watch the puppet heads,(presidents). It is an elaborate dance created by the elite and One World Government is their design. Everyone Must VOTE VOTE VOTE, everyone who is not a Constitutional Originalist out or we will be another Nazi Germany in 4 years! Hitler came to power under a democratic government and promise the people everything, by convincing them the ‘sacrifice of some freedoms’ would be the price! And they believed him. Wake up Americans and Non-Americans alike. They are coming for all of us.
Posted by: Gabriel | May 13, 2009, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm