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Mitt Romney sat down with Fortune magazine for a pretty interesting interview, which was published today. It's worth your time, and I'll resist the temptation to go through every exchange in detail, but there's one part of the Q&A that seemed especially important.
Romney believes -- or at least wants you to believe -- that he and Paul Ryan can balance the budget while cutting taxes on the rich, increasing defense spending, and increasing Medicare spending, all without raising taxes on the middle class. Anyone with common sense and a calculator knows such a plan is silly, but Romney says he can pay for his multi-trillion-dollar plan through ending various tax deductions and cutting spending.
Which tax deductions? Romney and Ryan refuse to say -- the former governor told Fortune he'll "work with Congress to identify which of the alternative methods we should apply to reduce deductions, benefits, and exemptions." In other words, maybe after voters elect him, Romney will tell voters what he'll do.
And what about the spending cuts? Asked for specifics, Romney told Fortune:
"[T]here are programs I would eliminate. Obamacare being one of them but also various subsidy programs -- the Amtrak subsidy, the PBS subsidy, the subsidy for the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities. Some of these things, like those endowment efforts and PBS I very much appreciate and like what they do in many cases, but I just think they have to stand on their own rather than receiving money borrowed from other countries, as our government does on their behalf."
In Grown-Up Land, destroying the Affordable Care Act would make the deficit significantly worse, not better -- Obamacare saves the country hundreds of billions of dollars -- making this part of the plan particularly incoherent.
But what about the other specifics? Sam Stein explained, "The government spends $444 million a year on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (the parent organization of PBS); Amtrak received $1.56 billion in federal funding in 2010, with $1.3 billion in stimulus funds; while the National Endowment of the Arts lists the current level of federal funding at approximately $146 million."
Looking at a deficit of a trillion dollars, the Republican has a plan to make the budget shortfall significantly worse, then make it ever-so-slightly "better" by nibbling around the edges.
In fairness, I should note that Romney also intends to save a little more by eliminating health care for the poor through Medicaid, and through some vague plan involving shrinking federal programs through attrition.
But even if Romney implemented all of these efforts exactly as he's promising now, would they eliminate the deficit while he also cuts taxes and increases defense and entitlement spending? Of course not.
Anyone who takes this nonsense seriously isn't paying close enough attention. For all his talk about having the courage to make tough calls, Romney's still taking the coward's way out.
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The rep. plan is close in detail to that of the 'underpants gnomes' from South Park.
Romney plan: Cut funding to, or eliminate all programs that aren't essential to white male corporate types. That will help pay for the tax cuts for the 1%. Get rid of School Boards, "WE" send our kids to private schools anyway. Cut student loans "WE" don't need them. Medicare? Social Security? Too phlebian. "WE" aren't the common man. Middle class America, the "WE" does not refer to you. "we' refers to you, and America will begin to look like a third world country as more of the we are reduced to begging for food in the streets, dying in the streets for lack of healthcare. Strong countries have a strong middle class. Romney/Ryan will finish off the middle class.
This is the same strategy used by now-Governor Walker in Wisconsin. Keep the horrifying details to yourself while campaigning, get elected, and then drop the load of bricks on the people who elected you, as well as those who did not. The Koch Brothers have your check in the mail.
Romney wants to cut programs that make up about a total of 4-5% of the total federal budget, but he wants to increase defense spending, which makes up 19% (one of the biggest chunks of the budget, with social security benefits also at 19%)....? Makes complete and total sense.
I have been saying this since he started with this garbage! He started out by telling people that he would get rid of Obamacare (which was being repealed at the time) and stop funding manatees, art and Big Bird! He actually told them nothing and they applauded him! Blind cattle being hearded into a trap for slaughter! That is what the GOP has done to their party! It is past time to wake up America! Open your eyes before it is too late!
If I had a dollar for everytime Mittenland Romneywealth III says "I have a plan..." then just picks a topic without giving anything of substance to this "plan", maybe I could afford to go to one of his exclusive fundraisers and hear the details. This is like listening to Mr. Slate running for mayor of Bedrock. "I have a plan for running mammoth's off a cliff." What is unsaid is that Fred and Barney must run off the cliff with them, and Mr. Gottrocks will be at the bottom to collect the meat. (yes, I know Fred could just go to the drive-in and order enough ribs to tip the Flintmobile over, but if Mittens doesn't have to live in the "real" world, why should anyone else?)
You want to talk Subsidy? Then how about the subsidies for Big Oil and Tobacco and farmers who don't farm. They should be able to stand on their own and I'll betcha you could get a lot of savings there! Not to mention the ones we the pubic don't even know about.
Wow, this is like having a Bake Sale without any baked goods to sell. Just what is the Romney campaign cooking? Sounds like they are crack heads asking for spare change because they have nothing.
Romney reminds me of this pan handler I have ran across a few times: "Pardon me sir can I ask you a question?" Givers long story abpout how he and his wife and baby are stranded downtown and he needs $10.00 to get enough gas to get to his home in Round Rock. Of course I see right through his ploy and say NO. Two hours later same man same conversation ensues. This time I say, hey you asked me the same question gave me the same story, line for line. You gave me the same story yesterday as well only today you're dressed in fresh clothes. So you went home to Round Rock 35 miles away and drove back down town only to run out of gas again??!! He slinks away. The Republican party are all acting this same way. Amazing!!!! Will they ever learn? I doubt it.
You want to talk Subsidies? How about Big oil and Tobacco and farmers that don't farm, just to name a few. They should net a bigger savings than whacking Big Bird.
I love my knowledge, chest outward,I wear it proudly like a medal won in battle. I know, without a doubt that the moon is made out of cheese, that whales talk French at the bottom of the ocean, Arabian horses have wings, pygmys have sex with elephants in deep-dark Africa, and the cheque is really in the mail. So come on you stupid democrats and liberals, are you too ignorant to see the plain truth, it's simple as 2 plus 2, if you cut the taxes of the rich, it will trickle-down for the benefit of all US citizens, HELLO. Don't forget Ronald Reagan (the father of this theory) used to be a democrat, in 47, as head of the screen actors guild he threw a big pep-rally for Harry truman. Years later, he had an epiphany and changed to the GOP, he got smart! As R. Reagan left the Whitehouse, the state of the union was so well-off, that to commemorate a job well-done, the term Reaganomics was attached to his presidency! The Ryan/Romney ticket is America's best hope to relive the blessed and glory days of Reaganomics!
The Arts are the seismograph of any civilized society. Mitt Romney and the Republican Party indicate that they do not care about the preservation of the American culture which is witnessed, interpreted and passed on through Dance, Visual Art, Music, Writing, Media Arts and Theater. Any student of history knows the importance of the Arts in maintaining civility while fostering creativity.....making us whole beings...nurturing BOTH sides of the human experience by engaging our Right and Left brains.
Clearly, this line of thinking is evidence that Mitt and friends have no brains at all.
Future, smuter. The want the $$$$$$. That's it, that's all of it. They are giddy with it. I used to think it was the power, and the power that money brought. But I don't think so anymore. Off the charts giddy, with the green. Beginning, middle and end.
I don't think I am being an extremist that the take away I get from this is Mitt Romney saying he wants to give Big Bird & all his educational friends a pink slip to go buy more guns to go to war with Iran when Israel gives him the green light.
The government spends $444 MILLION a year on PBS
The government spends $711.0 BILLION a year on Military
The governments of China, Russia, UK, France, Japan, Saudi Arabia, India, Germany, Brazil, Italy, South Korea & Australia spends
$693.2 BILLION combined a year on Military
The world has too much Military spending but WE SPEND THE MOST. I think Big Bird can afford to keep his job if we stop trying to defend the entire world for a year or two.
Amanda...with his approval numbers from women (most of whom have not heard about Paul Ryan's compulsory ultra-sound bill), he will never get elected. You piss off momma...you might sleep on the couch, but never in the White House.
Seem like some miss placed priorities. Republicans won't consider cutting military spending like the $517 million dollar contract to Northrup Grumman for up to 3 blimps for the Army. Don't they seem a little out dated and an easy target. I wonder what the justification for a blimp is, do you think the Army is going to give up sponsoring NASCAR? I'd rather have PBS than a blimp and sponsor a NASCAR team.
None of the facts or figures matter. It's hatred of gays, illegals, pro-choice, and people of color, taking all their stuff, having sex with each other. They hate them, passionately.
Seems like miss placed priorities. The Army has a $517 million dollar contract with Northrup Grumman for up to 3 blimps? It seems like the survivability for a blimp in a war zone isn't too good. Not much on speed either. Maybe they are going to go undercover at football games as the Goodyear blimp. Not being a military expert someone alot smarter needs to explain the blimp to me. If they are serious about cutting spending then some things like NASCAR sponsorships and building out-dated military equipment should atleast be part of the discussion.
This all begs the question; who is histories most vicious slasher, Jack the Ripper, or Offshore Willy the Unmerciful?
This discussion reminded my about the movie called "Dumb and Dumber" (Romney and the other guy) when they related to what "Programs " they were willing to end or get rid of.
What "Better" way to get rid of your "Biggest" critics and programs that are associated with "The Truth", public transportation, or Art or freedom of speech.
The more he opens his mouth the more hr "Inserts" his foot and the more he will loose his bid for the white house and Obama will win by a landslide
The question I would be asking of Romney is, "Why are you "Prejudice" and bigoted against all other kinds of cultures except that of,,,his???" From what I understand of his "Mormon" belief system is that, there are only "Token" non white minorities who are not allowed in some of their "Hollowed" areas because they are,,, "Not White".
If you are trying to become president of a mixed cultured nation wouldn't it follow that "You" or your belief system should be the "First" red flag of what his real alter "Motives" are. I was just wondering. r
The US spends more than any country per capita... even AFTER you remove medicare and medicaid and welfare...
And gives it directly to for profit medical instutions and state hospitals that still run aty profit
that don't want to accept "Freeloaders"
When i go to the Doc i don’t pay a dime unless it is for a service (A medical exam for work or learners, a sick note and such stuff that is not treatment)
On a per capita basis the US citizen pays more and gets....... NOTHING... seriously nothing
you live in a country that has the best doctors, hospitals equipment... doc to patient ratios.... and still manages to be below Uruguay in healthcare because of the lack access to it..
To anyone who says public healthcare is substandard , look it up...
Sorry i have to mention this because their Costs would go further dowbn if the heathcare system has at least mandatory non profit requirement.
1
United States
7,960
17.4
2
Norway
5,352
9.6
3
Switzerland
5,144
11.4
4
Netherlands
4,914
12.0
5
Luxembourg
4,808
7.8
6
Canada
4,363
11.4
I just looked at it again...and every single word you wrote is true. Why does that not scare people?
Elmo is Red furred, therefore, he must be a communist!
CPB and PBS must be stopped at all costs!
This was a while ago, but it ranks right up there with Jerry Falwell proclaiming Tinky Winky is gay, and the Muppets are extreme left wing environmentalists.
How can 2 super rich guys who never had to do a days labor, who probably don't even know middle class people, or certainly cannot relate to working souls trying to put a meal on their tables relate in any way what America is made up of? Plus Romney picking the likes of Ryan who boasts of being a fan and believing Ayn Rands ideals is down right scary. The fact that these 2 have refused to turn over their tax returns tells me they are trying to hide something that would blow the lid off their chances of ever getting to the White House. Does tax evasion pop into your head?? Of course thats illegal, but hey...they are rich and privilaged.
It's extremely interesting to me that when people try to argue for Pres. Obama's viewpoints they seem to revert to 'gutter' speech rather than a reasonable dissertation. Where's that?!
Gov't. programs always become bloated. PBS started out in late 50's as a viewer funded entity & as with everything the gov't. attaches itself to, it becomes a little like a tapeworm....insatiable appetite. If it can't live within a budget, like the gov't. it doesn't deserve to exist. Freebies aren't free.
Why do never hear about cutting foreign aid? We always hear about domestic cuts, but we give billions of funds away to corrupt situations and we don't do anything about ending all that aid. It's so frustrating to know what condition our country is currently in.
Well, if you don't count Iraq and Afghanistan...it ain't much.
Actually, the idea of cutting foreign aid has come up a lot, but not very recently. But as an idea it suffers from the same weakness as cutting arts funding or public broadcasting: it's a drop in the bucket, relatively speaking. The biggest drain on the national budget is war spending (I refuse to use the weasel word 'defense'), and Republicans treat that as if it can only be increased.
In some cases you don't want to cut the foreign aid because in one Middle east country , who has nukes and is not Iran (doesn't have them) or Iraq (Doesn’t have them) or Saudi Arabia (Doesn’t have them), Has a substantial part of it's income and infrastructure paid directly by the US . A very angry nation .. and you know what if you cut aid to them they might go well bananas on all the states around it in fear and anger...
Even with he nations under the same circumstances ... without nukes is likely to do the same... the US paying nations to not make war on it's enemies...
As for Foreign spending in the form of medical and material aid... that’s different and every country ought to be helping with that so you can't cut it there either...
It is more of a we can't cut the spending or everything goes pear shaped
It's the people of the middle ground that both sides should try to engage. The minds of the right wing conservative and the left wing liberal are already made up.
President Obama said he would get us out of Afghanistan and Iraq. We are still there and war costs money. He bailed out GM and it worked. He also bailed out the banks, they gave bonuses, foreclosed on our homes and are now raising bank fees. Mitt Romney ran the 2002 Olympics and Utah ended up financially ahead.
President Obama has cost us our homes and our jobs.
Your ignorance is appalling, but typical for a Republican voter. It apparently escaped your notice that we no longer have any troops in Iraq at all, and the drawdown has begun in Afghanistan.
You say that like it's a bad thing. It runs counter to your narrative yet you think it helps you out.
TARP was enacted during the Bush administration, dingus.
Get your head out of the right-wing media bubble and out of your ass.
@Medding monk
Actually i think he is saying that directly stimulate the businesses not the money circulation , because it will be more effective.
@Robert J Gannon
TARP was enacted under Bush..... But I believe the lesson was learned anyways by Obama... The jobs were taken from you from a do nothing republican congress that refused to listen to your needs, look every part of the job bill even the parts lowering taxes for small businesses making less than 250,000 in profit a year. The nations with the highest amount of social spending seem to be the ones actually making relatively unaffected by this "recession" (Actually a depression but it doesn't doesn't look like it)
Think about it ... roads in most states right now are relatively old and broken , bridges need repair.. and the republicans are going to do nothing so they can get elected instead and look like heroes... thats in effect morally repugnant. It means poor people starve and are made to feel worthless it breaks the American spirit and the American ideal... it is a fundamental break in your democracy
At least he has a plan for a good starting point. The other guys don't even have (nor want) a budget.