Rational Nation USA

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independence Conservatism Liberty -vs- Tyranny Apparently there is more truth to democratic allegations of republican intransigence that I had previously chosen to believe. As I said in an earlier post republicans have an opportunity to show responsibility on deficit reduction and avoid what increasingly appears to be a likely default on our national debt obligations. Representative Paul Ryan's response to David Brooks article yesterday is certainly not an encouraging sign. Ryan, and certainly other, seems more intent on refusing to go along with any revenue increases even though the trade off is highly favorable to the long term goal of debt reduction. Ryan it seems is more interested in winning an ideological battle than winning the war against fiscal irresponsibility. My druthers would be that spending cuts and reform of entitlement programs were all that is done. Realistically though republicans need to show the ab...

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism Liberty -vs- Tyranny Defaulting on our national obligations would not be good. In fact, it would be the ultimate example of irresponsibility. Should our representatives determine to allow this to happen there is no doubt that, if it were possible, the founding fathers would turn over in their graves. The republicans have down a good job of forcing the democrats to come to "their table" so to speak. Obama, who really wants to focus the next year and a half on getting re-elected, has shown his willingness to address many of the items on the reform agenda of the republicans. As well the democratic leadership is showing signs of willingness to make significant compromises to the republican action list of reducing spending, addressing entitlement reform, cuts in medicaid, and more. That aside, what is most important is the democrats apparent willingness to agree to: 1} a 3-to-1 rate of spending ...

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 Liberty -vs- Tyranny ht: Bankrupting America How do we tell Washington how we feel? We show them. We sifted through the top public opinion polls to create a compelling video that visualized how you feel about the economy. And not surprisingly, Americans aren’t happy. But one thing is clear: people around the country think the U.S. is on the wrong track and want Congress to cut spending to get back on the right one. Watch the video below, and be sure to share on Facebook and Twitter! It seems America is getting it. Cross posted to the Left Coast Rebel Via: Memorandum

by: es Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism It must come as a surprise to the chief executive officer of  the nation, President Obama, that the majority of Americans stand in opposition to raising the debt ceiling. Frankly American's of all political persuasions {except the extreme hard core leftists and statists}are getting fed up with the profligate government spending that began about thirty years ago and has  continued unabated. The national debt ballooned under the watchful eye of GWB {a bit of snark}and has exploded under the sleeping gaze of BHO {more snark}. The people are beginning to wake up and realize such irresponsible spending cannot continue forever. Sooner or layer we must get our fiscal house in order. By continuing to take the easy way out only minimzes the discomfort for awhile but increases it significantly in the future. The American people get it. And they have spoken. It ...