Hopefully the fine people of Green Bay have had enough of the neo nut crowd.You know it's serious when frat boy loses vacation time."It's hard work"

Just yesterday the Dems blocked the minimum wage bill that the greedy neo nuts are pushing w/estate tax cuts for the Walton,Limbaugh,Cheney,Bush,Hannity,O'Really,Kristol,Bennett familes etc.

"And we are turning our back on the middle-class and poor people in this country who depend on the minimum wage and death tax relief"."R-Kay B.Hutchison".

Tell me red state's "are you that dumb"."Are you guys ****ing crazy".What do you think,you have to pay death taxes on a double wide.Wake up and smell the ****ing coffee.I apoligize for the rant,but the neo nuts are the ones insulting you.They don't think you're smart enough to realize that the death tax doesn't include 99.5% of you.While they let the oil co's beat the living **** out of you,that's not enough.They want to dump a few hundred billion in debt on your kids and their kids.

"We as Democrats have no apologies to make to anyone".

Having lived in Green Bay for the better part of the 1970's, it is not hard to for me to understand the traditional support many may have given Bush in the past five years. However, with the decline in jobs in Northeastern Wisconsin, the erosion of labor representation and union supported collective bargaining and declining average income, to see the voters of the area support anyone who represents all the deprivations of the last five years would be somewhat insane. Perhaps, just maybe, if the voters of Green Bay paid as much attention to the political situation in the country and the true causes of their woes, comparing them to the impressive economy that the previous president brought them over his eight years in office, as they do to their local football team, I think a change is due.

Oh John Scanlon, as a middle class person, I am smart enough to know the death tax only affects a small percentage of people. But unlike you, who apparently is incapable of taking care of yourself, their money IS NOT MY MONEY!! I have no right to their money nor does the government. You have no right to their money. It is their money and belongs to their heirs.
In addition, the profit margin for oil companies is just 9 percent, on the lower end of desired profit margins. In other words, oil companies make 9 cents on every gallon of gas. Contrast that to Cook County making 10 cents for every gallon of gas sold. Illinois making more than 20 cents on every gallon of gas sold. I have my own criticisms of the oil companies, but when federal, state and local governments make more money on a gallon of gas than does the business manufacturing it, that is wrong.
And rather than knock the Republicans for tying minimum wage hike with tax cuts, knock your Dumbocraps, who apparently are more against tax cuts than they are for an increase in the minimum wage. I know you need that minimum wage increase cause you will never progress beyond that of unskilled worker status.
You really need to wake up, learn how to make do on your own and stop living off the money and work of everyone else.

John D. Is the trillions in dollars of debt your money to?
Are you a little sensitive about the issue,maybe living on hand me down money.
I agree with you,it's their money,I don't want it,and people should make their own bed.But to give the wealthiest of the wealthy a tax cut in a time of war,and to pass on those deficits to our children and grand children is really criminal and very un-patriotic.
As for you being an aplogist for the oil co's,you show your true colors,you really don't like or respect "working people"unless they're fighting your wars.

Now,get back in your double wide and listen to Rush!!!!!!

John D.:
You make some good points. However, each time congress cuts taxes, the don't cut spending to balance it. Are you in favor of this continued Borrow, cut, borrow cycle? "Make do on your own" Shouldn't we expect that of the party in control of the House, Senate, Presidency, and Supremem court to make do rather than hoisting that burden on me in the future?

That ther George w bein tha smarterst prez eva,
keep helpin us prez,we willbe afightn them terists fer ya.dont mes wth my man W.

Hey Tim,
Take an economics class, tax cuts = increased tax revenues, I know it is difficult for liberals to see that, but then again, liberals never want to accept reality, so why should this be any different.

John D again! This guy spends more time trying to hide the facts, force others to hide behind the facts with his attacks, and still thinks the the Neonut world will be the victor come November!
Go back to the Hole you came from! It's our turn! you morons had you chance. Now it is time for responsible, EDUCATED and MORAL people to run this great country of ours that was built on the piece of paper your trying to burn! Oh and TRY to clean the mess you created!

John D.
Sure, drive the country into massive debt and give the best breaks to the ruling class. I got my $800 for my 2 kids, that's it. Do you think Rush Limbaugh has created any jobs with his kickback? Tax breaks create jobs....?
In the meantime, public schools roll back programs but add user fees to cover the costs. Do the wealthy in our society feel compelled to help finance programs that the underbelly can't afford? Is the book still out on evolution with you? If so, God created a greedy and selfish small-minded fool in you.

Oh, John D., the diatribe constantly emanating from your emails is quite hilarious! Are you so blind, so loyal to the Republican party that no matter what they do, you are in full agreement? Are you that gullible?

The "poor" oil companies who have such a "small" profit margin! Really! You are definitely a very gullible individual.

I agree that money belongs to the individuals who earn it, however, for Dubya and the boys to give tax breaks to the wealthiest (i.e. his friends) in a time of war is mind boggling.

Like you, Dubya just doesn't get it.

Houdini's act was nothing compared to W pulling the Presidential elections out of his....Let's just say no top hat was available.

Please be sure to get a photo of Bush with one of those cheesehead hats. Or is that head cheese?

John D. seems not to be terribly good at math. Assuming that his claim of a 9% profit margin for oil companies is accurate, it still doesn't add up to 9 cents per gallon of gas. More like 9 cents per dollar, or, depending on where you fill up, 27 cents per gallon. Maybe he's got enough cash where that's not a big difference, but some of us have long commutes to those jobs that let us make do for ourselves. It adds up over time.

Maybe it's not a big difference but it's enough to damage his credibility. Then again, somebody whose rhetorical gifts allow him to coin such devastating monikers as "Dumbocraps" might have SO MUCH credibility that basic math errors would hardly make a dent...

Tim, I agree spending should be reigned in. Conservatives are very upset with GOP as spending in past five years has been out of control. Growth of federal budget has averaged 6 percent since 2001. Republican Congress did reign in spending in mid to late 1990s. Unfortunately, that ended.
As President Reagan said, "We do not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem."

Aso for John Scanlon, no double wide for me (and I love your put downs of blue collar workers, lower income earners, folks who work their butts off probably a lot harder than certainly you and probably even I). In fact, I have a master's degree, my own office, decent pay and I've had to work for everything I've attained. Doubt you can say the same.

And, while I'm at it...

You seem to assume that the oil companies, who have to share with states and municipalities that tax them, bear the cost of doing business alone. Maybe if you spent less energy coming up with stupid nicknames and more energy thinking this through, you'd see that the public bears a lot of that cost, and the relatively modest taxes they impose are an attempt to recover that investment.

Besides, ultimately who pays those taxes? The oil companies, bless their benificent little hearts? Come on. You can do better than that, can't you?

more spending and less taxes = deficits. Add in the fact the we're in a war and it gets even worse. For any conservative (or those who think they are conservative) to deny that, I think you need another sip of the kool aid.

Top down economics have NEVER worked, tell me a time when they have and I will stand corrected.

Greed breeds greed and when you have a lot of money, what do you need with more of it. All you money hungry right wingers need to look at Warren Buffet to realize that you don't need to be a cold hearted b*stard to become a millionare and on top of it, you don't need to die with all your money. We're already taxed when we earn, spend and sell, so why not pay a little when you're no longer around, at least it won't affect you. Dam you people are greedy.

I read the swamp everyday,and I see you commenting all the time.
John D.the Democrats are working hard to raise the min.wage.They are working to help rebuild the middle class.The middle class is what makes this country great.
Honey,my husband is a psychiatrist,and I'm a nurse.If you give me your number,I promise we can get you some employment,and get you enrolled in some college courses at no cost to you.
I know when people get older they sometimes get confused,and forgetful.It happens to the best of us.
I love you,and I can help you John D.

All I will say is yesterday a leason was taught to those who try to swiftboat veterans. The vets who supported Murtha were Democrats and Republicans the tide has changed back to the people in Nov. it will be decided. While I do not trust or believe Bush anymore there are good Democrats and Republicans who will stop the right wing. We are the people not followers of one party or the other

Wow the idiot kooks are in full force here. Sweet mother of god!!

No matter how dense you libs are, the oil companies profit is only 9 cents on the dollar, which is still on the low end of profit margins. Most companies look to make 10 to 15 cents on the dollar. You libs can continue to buy your $4 cup of coffee at Starbucks or $3 for a bottle of water.

Democrats working hard for middle class? This the same Democratic party that wanted to increase gas taxes in 1993 50 cents a gallon? The same ones that still increased them 7 cents a gallon? The same Democratic party that taxed social security income on the elderly? The same democratic party that never met a tax increase it didn't like? The same democratic party that prevents jobs from entering Chicago? The same democratic party that just raised taxes on a pack of cigs by another $1 in Crooked County (and I don't smoke but still think $3 a pack in taxes is ridiculous)? The same Democratic party that doubled toll fares in Illinois? The same democratic party that has raised taxes on Illinois businesses that many have left the state, costing people their jobs?
And to the bozo who said Dems were moral? You mean the same Dem who was getting a blow job from an intern while talking to a congressman to get his vote to send troops to Kosovo? The same Dems who sold military secrets to Chinese for campaign donations? the same dems who have 100,000 in their freezer? the same Dems who install a son at Crooked County board? Or illegally help insiders get jobs in Chicago?
And to the nurse and psychiatrist husband, why on earth would I want help from folks who need help?

John D
Because you have all those fine comforts and make such great money, I can see why you don't care if the minimum wage is raised. What do you care if the low income hard working slobs make more money or not. You conservative snobs found this a perfect opportunity to slip in a measure on this bill to GET JUST A LITTLE MORE for yourself. The senate has raised thier pay 29,000 in the last ten years. Why don't you slip a few dollars in for the other AMERICANS.
And yes....I feel real sorry for those poor oil companies....imagine....only 9% of billions...maybe they would like a minimum wage increase!

Gordo,nice post.Just for the hell of it,i've read that Rush Limp**** makes around 34 mil per year.

What would you estimate his tax grab was from the neo nuts?

regarding those greedy oil companies: JohnD has hit the nail on the head, there ROI (Return on Investment) is about 9%- not fantastic. Also, for every dollar of net income they make, almost 3 dollars is paid in taxes. Does that seem correct? And I am not talking about the gasoline taxes we all pay at the pump. This is in addition to that. If you think politicians really want gas prices to go down, think again. Also, they don't want you quit smoking either.

Gordon - I'll bet Rush has created jobs thru his reduction in taxes. He probably has invested more - grows businesses - creates jobs - increases taxes. He probably spends more on everyday items (libs insert Viagra) - creates jobs. Putting more money intomthe economy generates more jobs which generates tax revenues.

Jantress - The 2001 & 2003 tax breaks have created this economic growth. Would you rather be in a country that was both at war and in a recession (remember, we were in an economic downturn/recession in 2000-01).

Buck - JohnD's supposed math errors aren't near as bad as your economic ones.

G. - Warren Buffet is not dying with all his money. Also, Mr. Buffet is not giving it to the gov't.

Veronica, If you sign John D up for a class, also sign yourself up for one in Econ 101. Make sure you take it from a reputible school though.

JohnD., your 5:50 post was beautiful.

We just can't stop talking about does or doesn't the oil companies make enough profit. PLEASE...you have got to be kidding..right? Why don't you leave your penthouse and go to the hood and preach your economics there?

Terry...John D will talk trash...and you will love him for it!!!!

John D. and Terry:

I believe you're ignoring pieces of the puzzle re oil company profits. For a lot of reasons (e.g., not wanting to pay taxes), companies large and small don't always seek to maximize profits. It's disingenuous to focus only on margins.

Compensation such as bonuses comes off the top line. Exxon just paid its retiring CEO a package worth $147 million. $147 million. one hundred forty seven. million. dollars. Had that package not been paid, profits could have increased by the same amount.

Your ignorance is excusable. What's not is the tone you adopt (here and elsewhere) in proving how dim you really are. Having so much in common with him, it's no surprise you each so worship Awol Boy.

Terry,
Are smoking crack?
It great to see you neo-con nutbags sticking up for the big oil companys.Dubya,and Darth Cheney would be real proud of you,and your sidekick John D....who by the way, That Veronica sounds like she might be hot,you ought to look into getting some help.
Well kiddo's it's fri.,and the little lady,and some Jack Daniels are waiting.It's a great day to be a democrat.Joe goes this tues.
John Scanlon,Great posts today,I have a hard time topping you,you're good.

Oh by the way,I love RickyBobby's post,has anyone else seen it?
I think south Alabama is starting to blog on the Swamp.These guys are the heart of the neo-con, nutjobs base.Way to go republicans!

Hey Tim,
Take an economics class, tax cuts = increased tax revenues,

Now that the Fed is flush in Bush taxcut dollars, I'm waiting for the new Social Security projections........... solvent till 2080 or beyond. What ya think!

Ahh, not that it's anyone's business what i make, but $60,000 a year hardly puts me in the penthouse!!
And with that $60,000, nearly $5,000 went in donations. I bet none of you bleeding heart libs can even come close to that.
And while Congress voted itself a pay raise, our Congressman, who have to own two homes, make about 150,000. Chicago's Dumbocrapic alderthugs, who have part time jobs, have voted themselves pay increases and make over $100,000. Don't hear you losers squawkin about that, huh?
All I gotta say is that if you ignorant libs do get back in power, this country is in deep, deep trouble. Terrorists will run roughshod just as they did in 1990s but worse, your taxes will go up, but you libs will love it anyway. Really, are you folks that clueless??

Ahh, not that it's anyone's business what i make, but $60,000 a year hardly puts me in the penthouse!!
And with that $60,000, nearly $5,000 went in donations. I bet none of you bleeding heart libs can even come close to that.
And while Congress voted itself a pay raise, our Congressman, who have to own two homes, make about 150,000. Chicago's Dumbocrapic alderthugs, who have part time jobs, have voted themselves pay increases and make over $100,000. Don't hear you losers squawkin about that, huh?
All I gotta say is that if you ignorant libs do get back in power, this country is in deep, deep trouble. Terrorists will run roughshod just as they did in 1990s but worse, your taxes will go up, but you libs will love it anyway. Really, are you folks that clueless??

Hey P:
You right wing neo nut case, you need to take an economics course as well. You guys are so against the minimum wage-- well an increase in the minimum wage=increase in tax revenues as well! And by the way, anyone complaining about their taxes, oh what did you do today? Let's see got on the EL or drove on a road, but before that took a shower with your water and sewer system, maybe stopped at a traffic light or two, walked on a sidewalk, maybe cashed a check at a FDIC insured bank, bought safe meat inspected by the FDA oh yea that water also tested to be safe by a governmental organization. Breathed air that was maybe cleaner because of a government mandate. Remind yourself, look around and see what is effected by and where your tax dollars go to the common good and to keep safe standards on things. Next time think about how much better society is because of the government or common good. I don't have the money to personally build a new road or sewer system or school my children by myself. Go out and price cement work these days.

You know john d....it's not your views or beliefs I dislike(although I disagree with them)....it's the venom in your words i dislike. Thats the great thing about America. After reading your posts for the past months, I have come to the conclusion that you don't really like americans unless they have the same fist pounding,name calling views as you. Thats whats wrong with America now. It's my way or the highway. Yes....I must be a bleeding heart...and I'm ok with that.
PS...This bleeding heart donated more than your salary last year.

BillR, Go look at Exxon-Mobil's, Chevrons, Conoco's SEC filings and tell me where I am wrong. I have taught business classes before.

ABlinkin, I've forgotten more about economics than you will ever know. The $147 million I would say is extreme; as disgusting as that may be, that is job for the shareholders to settle with the board - not a gov't mandate to tell how much a CEO should be compensated.

JohnE - Since you can't refute any facts I stated, have another shot of Jack. It's doing wonders for your brain cells. And if John Scanlon's posts are good, you better have two shots

Lou, your correct on reducing incremental tax rates increases revenues (if you hard time understanding that concept, go to McDonalds on days when they sell hamburgers for 49 cents). However, Social Security is not that rosy of a picture. A preview of this is what is happening at GM with their pension plan.

Speaking of venom, bill r, speaking of venom I guess you missed the posts by john scanlon, john e and the rest of the far left loons. very first post by john scanlon is full of naughty words and hate. I just dish right back what is sent my way.

Oh and I have liberal friends and conservative friends. I also have more liberal friends who have turned Republican. Why? Because they believe in order for theirr family to be safe, Republicans must be in charge. To fight the terrorists, Republicans must be in charge. To ever maybe get Social Security reform, Republicans must be in charge.

But as far as hate, nothing compares to the crap dished out on a regular basis by the far left.

Matt,

You list all the good things the gov't does and that's great. You forgot the most important item - securing our liberty through our armed forces and locally thru the police.

The question you have to ask yourself is "Can the gov't spend your money better than you?" If so, add a little to your property taxes this year and don't claim all those deductions your entitled to. If you really belive don't just talk the talk, but wlak the walk.

BillR, the thing I liked about JohnD's post wasn't the name calling, but the litany of facts he stated.

Terry....Again..I find discussing whether the oil companies make enough profit or not totally absurd. Although the average grociery store because of competition and the sheer volume they deal in is about 3%. My point is that the republicans have thier interests more in thier hearts for big business than the little guy. Why can't we raise the minimum wage for them? Why must we tack on a bill that you know is designed for the wealthy? Whether or not the wage ever gets raised or not will not affect me. I have done very well for myself over the years and I could care less if they tax my estate for my children. Hard work never hurt anyone and also builds character and thats what they need to survive in this world. I believe we have forgotten the middle class...and without them the wealthy won't survive. Not to mention it's the "right" thing to do.

I feel sorry for you john D...how do sleep at night knowing those idiot libs are right outside your door..probably with the terrorists.

John D. is right. The name calling and vitriol on this blog is bipartisan. In most cases the leftist posters give much more venom than they ever take.

Be responsible for your own actions......Two wrongs don't make a right. Rise above this and you might find that people actually can talk to each other(everyone)

OK...so did I put a damper on the discussion? If you feel the need to call me an idiot liberal...go ahead..just explain why the need to stick a bill for estate tax on a bill to help the lower income?

Terry,
If you are teaching my business classes,then I would want my money back.I don't think teaching jr. high counts.
You,and John D. are trying to resell Reagans trickle-down economics.Makeing the rich,richer does not work.These people do not spur great economic growth for anyone but themselves.It did'nt work for "the great iran contra guy" Reagan,and it definitly won't work for W.,and his gang of clowns.
Terry,Quit pasting from Rush Limbaughs web site,and use your head.I only pick on you guys because I like you guys.I think you guys have potential,I want you guys to leave the dark side,W. has thrown your party under the bus,and Darth Cheney is driving the bus.Join the winning team,I offer you an olive branch,before it's to late.

BillR - The wage an employer pays an employee is not the gov't's business. The minimum wage is meant as an entry level wage, not a "lifetime aceivement award". No politician is in it for the "little guy", they are in for the votes. Why must the gov't tax assets that have been taxed once already and then tax them at 55%? Also, I don't have a need to call you an idiot liberal, I think you just did :)

John E., If you were a student you would have failed, maybe a D-. And by the way, it was college I taught. "Trickle down" or as we call it supply-side economics works. It worked for JFK, it worked for Reagan and it is working for President GW Bush. The economy grew under them without the assistance of an economic stimulus such as the personal computer and the internet.

ahh...I see. The goverments not in the business of telling employers how much to pay...but it is in the business of determining whether a comatose patient should not be allowed to die in peace. Actually...under the fair standards act of 1938 it became the business of the government to do this.

Ahh...I see. It's not the business of the government to say what an employer is to pay...But...It is the business of the government to say whether a comatose woman can die in peace. Actually..due to the fair standards act of 1938 it is the duty of the government to set these standards. This minimum wage also covers state and local government workers. The goal in establishing minimum wages has been to assure wage earners a standard of living above the lowest permitted by health and decency. Why does this sound so wrong to you?

Now as far as the taxing of monies already taxed....that would be true if the estate is cash....however the unrealized gaines of real estate, stocks, bonds,etc would not be taxed twice. Also..as it stands now..estate tax would be 0% by the year 2010. Also at prestent...any estate under a million dollars is not taxed. The effective tax rate on an estate of 2 million is 1.6%....hardly worth hoolding a minimum wage increase hostage over.

as far as the little guy....where do you think those votes come from?????

Harry Houdini was actually born in Budapest, Hungary, though he did have his formative years in Appleton.

BillR, I don't disagree what the law regarding minimum wage is. From a practical point of view, I don't understand why the gov't should be involved in an employer/employee wage decision. Do you think lawmakers no what is the proper wage or the two parties involved?

I think the minimum wage should be abolished, so from my point of view ("if I was emperor"), I would pass the abolition of the estate tax and abolish minimum wage.

If you think the votes come from the little guy, I guess it was the little guys that elected George Bush twice. Glad you agree