Rational Nation USA

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism Liberty -vs- Tyranny ABC is reporting a tentative deal has been reached raising the the debt ceiling by 2.4 trillion dollars with guaranteed spending cuts in the same amount. The Note : Democratic and Republican Congressional sources involved in the negotiations tell ABC News that a tentative agreement has been reached on the framework of a deal that would give the President a debt ceiling increase of up to $2.4 trillion and guarantee an equal amount of deficit reduction over the next 10 years. Congressional leaders plan to brief their members on the framework tomorrow. The reaction from both parties' rank-and-file will determine whether this tentative deal becomes a final deal. Here, according to Democratic and Republican sources, are the key elements: A debt ceiling increase of up to $2.1 to $2.4 trillion (depending on the size of the spending cuts agreed to in the final deal). They hav...

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism Liberty -vs - Tyranny Well, nobody likes the idea of raising taxes, but revamping the tax code, which is rife with loopholes, and then lowering the marginal rates and reducing the number of tax brackets may not be such a bad idea. The 'Gang of Six" plan to reduce the debt through spending cuts coupled with increasing revenues over the next decade just might have merit. It's worth considering anyway. From the Associated Press . WASHINGTON (AP) — Leaders of a bipartisan "Gang of Six" senators said Tuesday that they've reached agreement on a major plan to cut the deficit by more than $4 trillion over the coming decade in what could be a bold entry into a debate on the deficit long bogged-down by bitter partisanship. More than $1 trillion of the deficit cuts would come from tax increases reaped as Congress overhauls the loophole-choked U.S. tax code. It would also repeal a...

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism Liberty -vs- Tyranny As a staunch advocate of the notion our government must first cut spending before ANY revenue enhancers {that's PC for targeted tax increases} are considered or agreed to by republicans, I must admit I am intrigued by the two republican senators who have indicated a willingness to compromise. This new development of course is intended to hopefully avoid the U.S.A. defaulting on its debt obligations. Defaulting on our nation's obligations is certainly something our founding fathers would stand uniformly against were they here today. Speaking frankly I don't trust the democrats any further than I can throw an elephant. Nor do I trust the republicans much more. What I do believe is important is the two sides join in constructive debate that eventually leads to a comprehensive solution to our debt problem. One that SIGNIFICANTLY cuts spending and raises revenue as well. ...

President Ronald Reagan by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Consergvatism Liberty -vs- Tyranny Steve Benen wrote an interesting article in today's edition of the Washington Monthly in which he stated President Reagan was actually to the left of President Obama. His specific reference was with respect to the reality Reagan raised taxes in seven of eight years he was in office. A point readily made by Benen, and supported by his data is that Reagan raised taxes more than any other peacetime President in American history. What Benen does not focus much time nor specifics on is Reagan's record of immense job and economic growth during his Presidency. There is no question that some of Benen's assertions are true. There is also no question but what he is citing the Reagan record selectively and using it to support the Obama agenda as negotiations on deficit reduction, tax increases, and the debt ceiling are in process. In short... politic...

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism One has to wonder, I mean really really wonder about the Moonbats that heavily populate the democratic party, and the progressive movement. Author and reporter David Cay Johnston has just taken Moonbattery to new heights. I mean really new heights! During an MSNBC segment with Ed Schultz {one of the moonbats} discussing Rep. Paul Ryan's Path to Prosperity deficit reduction proposal he questioned Ryan's legitimacy because he is an advocate of Rand's views. He pointed to Rand's bestseller The Fountainhead , a story about a fiercely individualistic young struggling architect  as as a reason to question Rep. Ryan's legitimacy. Of course by condensing the entire plot to a singular event in the book, without giving proper lead in and explanation, Mr. Johnston was attempting to question not only Ryan's legitimacy, but his motive and integrity as well. Excerpt  and video from The ...