Taxing Vets and Obama's First Report Card

Ward convenes the Editor's Roundtable with IAVA's Paul Rieckhoff and The Unforgiving Minute author Craig Mullaney to talk about meeting with President Obama in the White House and the state of the wars.

Comments

[Randy]

I give him a big fat F

[Randy]

I would give him a big fat F

[Jennifer]

I have to agree. He isn't starting off so good. I wouldn't give him anything higher than an F at the moment. I think closing Gitmo is going to one of the big mistakes he makes.

[Don]

F- would be to high.

[Reality Bites]

I give him an F. His latest move with regard to insurance for vets is garbage. His undermining of the Iraq war effort is treasonous. His lack of transparency with regard to Afghanistan is not treasonous, but it is slimy. He is an idiot.

[charles dixon]

I CANNOT BELIEVE THESE COMMENTS. STOP BEING A STUPID CONSEVATIVE REPULICIAN. THESE TYPE OF PEOPLE DO NOT SUPPORT THE SOLDIES AND THEIR FAMILIES. THEY OLY SUPPORT WEAPON SYSTEMS. READ THE FACT!!! PRESIDENT OBAMA IS OUR ONLY HOPE

[Daniel]

Mr. Dixon, why would you call someone a "stool pigeon" just for expressing his/her opinion? You attack someone just because you believe that person is a republican. You must have missed the point that Mr. Obama ran his campaign on a platform of change and unity. You, like most democrats and republican, don't see what your hatred is doing to our country.

This country is suffering a painful death at the hands of all of the greedy self-serving politicians (yes, a very ugly word) that we elected to office. Unfortunately, the only people that could possibly help our country would never be elected because we have all refused to acknowledge the corruption in government that started over 50 years ago.

The only way to save this great country (to which I gave the majority of my adult life to protect), is to remember our roots and never forget the importance of the freedoms that so many of us have sacrificed and died to defend.

[LIBTARD]

CALM DOWN COMMIE, TAKE IT UP THE @SS LIKE A GOOD LITTLE PINKO

[Daniel]

The following is quoted from Thomas Jefferson:

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.
Experience hath shown that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.

I own that I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.

Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence.

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

The following is quoted from George Washington:

Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples' liberty's teeth.

The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.

The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves.

The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good.
The following is quoted from Andrew Jackson:

I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early day of its successful experiment that corruption has been imputed to many members of the House of Representatives, and the rights of the people have been bartered for promises of office.

Peace, above all things, is to be desired, but blood must sometimes be spilled to obtain it on equable and lasting terms.

The following quotes are also worth listing:

A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you have. –Barry Goldwater

Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. –P.J. O’Rourke

Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one. –Thomas Paine

Majority rule only works if you're also considering individual rights. Because you can't have five wolves and one sheep voting on what to have for supper. –Larry Flynt

The way people in democracies think of the government as something different from themselves is a real handicap. And, of course, sometimes the government confirms their opinion. –Lewis Mumford

[George W.McCormic Sr.]

"And to those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between the people and their government.
President Barack Obama 1/20/09. This was in his innagural speech. I think he forgot what he said.

[Torch]

President Obama was handed the keys to a Government that took less than eight years to be left in shambles. I'll give him the toe stubs on the way, since he's done more in the last 56 days, than President Bush accomplished in the last eight years.
To turn around the economy, the infrastructure, domestic and international policy will take time and it won't happen within the next four years.

[Gregory Pierpoint]

The man has been in office for less than 2 months and has to recover from 8 years of a prior administration. Give him time. Even the AIG bonus debacle is blamed on his administration. Our boy Bush signed it and ran and even after losing Bush says he won't criticize. He's a better man than I thought for admitting the toughness of the job to be done and the need for a united effort and support for a united United States.

[Sid Cole]

Why isn't anyone talking about Obama's order to stop all once fired military brass cartridges (5.56 and 7.62 mainly)from being sold to the public?Now they must be destroyed.He's afraid that we might reload and use them for good reason.
I give him a F-

[Misfit]

One shot one kill and thats whats coming if you liberals stand in our way. Its people like you is the reason this country is falling apart. A country I loved and serve to protect. I gave this President an (F).

[Tom Gase]

I give him a F also

[MSGTML (RET)]

I can't give him an 'F'. He's trying to redo what he sees as a failed prior 8 years. Why do so many people forget what happened on 9/11/2001? The Bush administration used the US military might to stop or at the very least slow the spread of terrorism. The new democratic administration plans to use speech to stop terrorism? Hello all you ignorant slobs who never served in the US armed forces. Those of us who served to protect absolutely abhor those who think they know everything about protecting the US. Wake up before it's too late.

[PT-Panther]

You people ,and I use the word people loosely are a bunch of cry basbies. I give the president a AAA= rating. Bush always got a FFFFFF -.He's done more good for this country in two months that that creep GB did in eight years. Did you know that Federal charges were almost brought againist GB until Obama stopped them.

[MSGTML (RET)]

Good answer PT-Panther. Too bad you never learned the English language. That's probably why you've done nothing but listen to the media instead of reading for yourself. Go back to 1st or 2nd grade and learn how to read and write prior to posting in the future. Your ignorance is rather obvious.

[R Garcia]

Iam ret.U.S.Navy,and for the record this President is getting an F for the poor performance of what he has done,and is not an U.S. Citizen,therefore if there are any brains,he should consider the 15% flat tax and abolish the IRS. Eng.Rick

[R Garcia]

I say Again abolish the i.r.s. and implement the 15% flat tax.

[Judy K Bishop]

MS

[Judy K Bishop]

MSGTML Your comments are great! I would not give Obama an F but a double F. All he has done so far and try to be the big American hero, Look what I can do to what Pres. Bush did. People just don't remember 911 for instance. I served in the Gulf and was deeply saddened at what the American people were fed,and unfortunitly believed what the media said. Never a world about all the good things....Just what would make $$$$ was fed to the American public. There was a bit of a problem with PT's spelling and word arrangement.

[LTCGR]

MSGTML-Very good comments. I'm not sure I could give President Obama an F. I think it would have to be a double F. So far all I have seen is "Hey America, look what a hero I am...I have turned around so many of President's Bushs programs. I think if he really know more about some of them he wouldn't have been quite so hasty about Stem Cells. The American people don't know enough about that to object. The media...actually are the ones who run out country. I have been deplyed to Iraq, and I am very saddened at the information fed to the US by the media. But good things don't make $$$. Right you are about PTs use of the English language and spelling.

[c.bolling]

I give this president an F. He does not care about vets or anyone else but the big busineses and the middle class, if that. I have found his comments in the lst few days very egomaniacal to say the least.

[Mishelle Hope]

Considering the following song lyrics and my individual circumstances, I would say that Obama has no originality. I have seen far more reasonable black people.
-----------------------------

"Snoopy for President"

The time had come to elect a President
And all the famous candidates thought they were heaven-sent
They screamed and raved and pounded their hands above their hearts
But soon the noble promises were hard to tell apart

Waiting at the pumpkin patch, a dog sincere and brave
And everybody hoped that soon the country he would save
The pumpkin said "The day has come for you to take a stand"
"For love has left the people across our native land"

Some wear the sign of the elephant and some wear the sign of the mule
But we'll hold the sign of the beagle high and love will shine right through

All the politicians, they swore he couldn't win
But Snoopy only shook his head and flashed his famous grin
He jumped into his faithful friend, the Sopwith Camel plane
And bounced around the countryside from Washington to Maine

Some wear the sign of the elephant and some wear the sign of the mule
But we'll hold the sign of the beagle high and love will shine right through

New York State was lookin' bad till Snoopy made a speech
Soon Illinois and Tennessee were both within his reach
He won the vote in Oregon but time was growin' thin
And back at the convention hall, the votes were pourin' in

Snoopy smiled his way into the hearts of everyone
But when the votes were counted up, they found he needed one
The winning vote for Snoopy came when a stranger raised his hand
Snoopy turned, the stranger spoke
"Mein friend, vee meet again!"

Some wear the sign of the elephant and some wear the sign of the mule

-The Royal Guardsmen
-----------------------------
I've contacted my state senator several times ragaring critical concerns about Obama and I've had quite enough of this "cyber war" stuff, EU and Britain.

[Mishelle Hope]

Considering the following song lyrics and my individual circumstances, I would say that Obama has no originality. I have seen far more reasonable black people.
-----------------------------

"Snoopy for President"

The time had come to elect a President
And all the famous candidates thought they were heaven-sent
They screamed and raved and pounded their hands above their hearts
But soon the noble promises were hard to tell apart

Waiting at the pumpkin patch, a dog sincere and brave
And everybody hoped that soon the country he would save
The pumpkin said "The day has come for you to take a stand"
"For love has left the people across our native land"

Some wear the sign of the elephant and some wear the sign of the mule
But we'll hold the sign of the beagle high and love will shine right through

All the politicians, they swore he couldn't win
But Snoopy only shook his head and flashed his famous grin
He jumped into his faithful friend, the Sopwith Camel plane
And bounced around the countryside from Washington to Maine

Some wear the sign of the elephant and some wear the sign of the mule
But we'll hold the sign of the beagle high and love will shine right through

New York State was lookin' bad till Snoopy made a speech
Soon Illinois and Tennessee were both within his reach
He won the vote in Oregon but time was growin' thin
And back at the convention hall, the votes were pourin' in

Snoopy smiled his way into the hearts of everyone
But when the votes were counted up, they found he needed one
The winning vote for Snoopy came when a stranger raised his hand
Snoopy turned, the stranger spoke
"Mein friend, vee meet again!"

Some wear the sign of the elephant and some wear the sign of the mule

-The Royal Guardsmen
-----------------------------
I've contacted my state senator several times ragaring critical concerns about Obama and I've had quite enough of this "cyber war" stuff, EU and Britain.

[Gardeazabals]

I keep reading and hearing from dems that bush ruined the economy for eight years. The stock market and the sales of goods and services had never been so high. Yes, the past two to two and a half years have shot down faster than it went up but, what do you expect when 90% of home owners use their homes as their personal atm machine. The president didn't make you spend all your money an/or max out your equity on your home. Get a clue everyone. Read your loan documents before you sign them.

Next, have we not found WMD. Hundreds of chemical munitions have been found in Iraq. CNN (Communist News Network) says no. Hmm, no suprise.

Iraqi civilians love the U.S. They have been freed from Sadams tyranny and no longer live in fear of opposing him. When we have trained the Iraqi gov't to duplicate what we have done with our great country, only then should we leave. When the job is complete and our mission is accomplished.

[gardeazabals]

Obama hasn't done enough to recieve an F. He gets an Incomplete. Go on all you liberal democrats. You blame Bush for everything. Who signed the dotted line on your home equity line of credit. You did. This goes for all, not just dems. No one forces you to borrow that much from the banks. We decide how we spend our pay checks. Wake up America! Your home is not an ATM. The first six year of the Bush admin, the stock market and Real Estate soared. Did you all forget? How DID you get that Hummer H2 in your drive way. We need to stop blaming our government and look to ourselves to make our country great again. Bush, Obama, Kennedy, it doesn't matter who leads. We as Americans have the freedom to make the United States of America what we desire.

[gardeazabals]

F

[circle8]

He has earned a big " F " and anyone who thinks this socialist/commie (take your pick) is good for the country is smoking something illegal. He has used hundreds of billions taxpayers dollars to pay back his supporters (ACORN, Unions, various other groups) and make this great country a couple of steps closer to a one man or party rule because people were sold a wagon load of snake oil with foreign dollars. Now he wants the American Vet to obtain a self paid insurance policy to pay for his wounds etc. received while a member of the US military. He is blocking prosecution of America's enemies and you idiots say " he is so good" He is giving money to bring members of Hamas into the U.S. He is eroding our rights at mach 5 or better. You OBO supporters think he is St Patrick and your are snakes. This man is more dangerous than Hamas, Iran and Russia plus China together. In case you have not been watching please note than China has been picking up our bonds and will soon control more of the USA than anyone could ever imagine. The old Russia used to say they would never have to invade the USA because we would destroy ourselves from within. We are on that path NOW. In addition to our importation of Chinese products that are of very poor quality and in some case dangerous or deadly you OBO lovers just sit back and say "He is so good". Where in the heck is your brain assuming you still have one?

[circle8]

He has earned a big " F " and anyone who thinks this socialist/commie (take
your pick) is good for the country is smoking something illegal. He has used
hundreds of billions taxpayers dollars to pay back his supporters (ACORN,
Unions, various other groups) and make this great country a couple of steps
closer to a one man or party rule because people were sold a wagon load of
snake oil with foreign dollars. Now he wants the American Vet to obtain a
self paid insurance policy to pay for his wounds etc. received while a
member of the US military. He is blocking prosecution of America's enemies
and you idiots say " he is so good" He is giving money to bring members of
Hamas into the U.S. He is eroding our rights at mach 5 or better. You OBO
supporters think he is St Patrick and your are snakes. This man is more
dangerous than Hamas, Iran and Russia plus China together. In case you have
not been watching please note than China has been picking up our bonds and
will soon control more of the USA than anyone could ever imagine. The old
Russia used to say they would never have to invade the USA because we would
destroy ourselves from within. We are on that path NOW. In addition to our
importation of Chinese products that are of very poor quality and in some
case dangerous or deadly you OBO lovers just sit back and say "He is so
good". Where in the heck is your brain assuming you still have one?

[Julian]

I give Pres Obama a B ish. He is smart, articulate, and has done his best. He is doing what Franklin Roosevelt did in his "New Deal". History says it's a good thing. We shall see. The only bad thing I have to say about him is MY GUNS!!! I LOVE MY GUNS!!! I know he won't retsrict my little stuff but its not my little stuff I worry for.

[Joseph Diggs Sr]

These people who have responded are all "Racist" and they use the present situtation to hide behind.I am a African American who fought in "Korea' & Vietnam for America which i Love But America did not love me back so i can afford to "Speak" out against these "DIATREBES" and Ignorant People....GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!!

[Don]

WE ARE NOT STUPID and we can not print enough money to spend our way out of this problem created by congress that made it possible to have home loans with no means to pay the payments. I had to have 10% down, pay 7 ½% interests for 30 years and the payment could not be more than 30% of monthly income.
We have printed enough worthless paper in a few months to run inflation to the 1970s rate of 12% within 3 to 5 years. There is no end in sight to cool off the money supply so hang on to your wallet. ONE MAN DID NOT CREATE THIS PROBLEM AS MANY WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE.

[VET MAN]

WE ARE NOT STUPID and we can not print enough money to spend our way out of this problem created by congress that made it possible to have home loans with no means to pay the payments. I had to have 10% down, pay 7 ½% interests for 30 years and the payment could not be more than 30% of monthly income.
We have printed enough worthless paper in a few months to run inflation to the 1970s rate of 12% within 3 to 5 years. There is no end in sight to cool off the money supply so hang on to your wallet. ONE MAN DID NOT CREATE THIS PROBLEM AS MANY WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE.

[VET MAN]

WE ARE NOT STUPID and we can not print enough money to spend our way out of this problem created by congress that made it possible to have home loans with no means to pay the payments. I had to have 10% down, pay 7 ½% interests for 30 years and the payment could not be more than 30% of monthly income.
We have printed enough worthless paper in a few months to run inflation to the 1970s rate of 12% within 3 to 5 years. There is no end in sight to cool off the money supply so hang on to your wallet. ONE MAN DID NOT CREATE THIS PROBLEM AS MANY WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE.

[VET MAN]

WE ARE NOT STUPID and we can not print enough money to spend our way out of this problem created by congress that made it possible to have home loans with no means to pay the payments. I had to have 10% down, pay 7 ½% interests for 30 years and the payment could not be more than 30% of monthly income.
We have printed enough worthless paper in a few months to run inflation to the 1970s rate of 12% within 3 to 5 years. There is no end in sight to cool off the money supply so hang on to your wallet. ONE MAN DID NOT CREATE THIS PROBLEM AS MANY WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE.

[VET MAN]

WE ARE NOT STUPID and we can not print enough money to spend our way out of this problem created by congress that made it possible to have home loans with no means to pay the payments. I had to have 10% down, pay 7 ½% interests for 30 years and the payment could not be more than 30% of monthly income.
We have printed enough worthless paper in a few months to run inflation to the 1970s rate of 12% within 3 to 5 years. There is no end in sight to cool off the money supply so hang on to your wallet. ONE MAN DID NOT CREATE THIS PROBLEM AS MANY WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE.

[halsey]

From what he said to the leaders of veterans groups recently he is about to cause a mass mutiny in the Armed Forces and the Veteran population, the ones that have a brain that they use to think instead of spiel BO's Marxist rhetoric

[VET MAN]

WE ARE NOT STUPID and we can not print enough money to spend our way out of this problem created by congress that made it possible to have home loans with no means to pay the payments. I had to have 10% down, pay 7 ½% interests for 30 years and the payment could not be more than 30% of monthly income.
We have printed enough worthless paper in a few months to run inflation to the 1970s rate of 12% within 3 to 5 years. There is no end in sight to cool off the money supply so hang on to your wallet. ONE MAN DID NOT CREATE THIS PROBLEM AS MANY WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE.

[VET MAN]

WE ARE NOT STUPID and we can not print enough money to spend our way out of this problem created by congress that made it possible to have home loans with no means to pay the payments. I had to have 10% down, pay 7 ½% interests for 30 years and the payment could not be more than 30% of monthly income.
We have printed enough worthless paper in a few months to run inflation to the 1970s rate of 12% within 3 to 5 years. There is no end in sight to cool off the money supply so hang on to your wallet. ONE MAN DID NOT CREATE THIS PROBLEM AS MANY WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE.

[VET MAN]

WE ARE NOT STUPID and we can not print enough money to spend our way out of this problem created by congress that made it possible to have home loans with no means to pay the payments. I had to have 10% down, pay 7 ½% interests for 30 years and the payment could not be more than 30% of monthly income.
We have printed enough worthless paper in a few months to run inflation to the 1970s rate of 12% within 3 to 5 years. There is no end in sight to cool off the money supply so hang on to your wallet. ONE MAN DID NOT CREATE THIS PROBLEM AS MANY WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE.

[VET MAN]

WE ARE NOT STUPID and we can not print enough money to spend our way out of this problem created by congress that made it possible to have home loans with no means to pay the payments. I had to have 10% down, pay 7 ½% interests for 30 years and the payment could not be more than 30% of monthly income.
We have printed enough worthless paper in a few months to run inflation to the 1970s rate of 12% within 3 to 5 years. There is no end in sight to cool off the money supply so hang on to your wallet. ONE MAN DID NOT CREATE THIS PROBLEM AS MANY WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE.

[Randy]

Wow! Mr. MSgtml (Ret) And your retired from the military? You know most of here have served in the military i have been in now for 28 years and and still going strong! And yes i give the president an F not because im a Rep or a Demo, It's because he is not doing a good job in all this man's job performance Sucks! if i was doing an EPR on him he would get a ONE.This is off the path a bit but your man had better wake up the Russians are planning on putting some Bombers in our back yard! Do you remember the cold war? guess what it's back. why you ask well they see a week man in the white house and he had better start waking up and start doing his job!

[BILLYBOB10849]

Well , I told you so. Taxes will be going up & the democrates will give away the store.
If you have not heard as of yet, Our CIC will be pushing his new health care plan for all you veterans. You will be paying a co-pay, if passed. It's not bad enough to hear all the liberals cry & say give him a chance. What chance is that? Raise your taxes & take all your benefits away. We as soldiers should not be treated like everyone else. We shed our blood for this country & this is the kind of thanks we get. There has to be a line between those who sacrificed not only their blood but some gave all their lives to the US Armed Services. This ia just a crime to treat veterans in this matter. If it was not for those brave young men & women in this country, The CIC would not be were he is today. So he treats us vets as garbage.

[BILLYBOB10849]

1st Cavalry C 2/5

[MM2(SS)]

I am active duty and the oath i said before the flag 4 yrs ago under Bush is the same one I follow under Obama but, I don't trust him.I give him an huge F. The latest thing that has happened that has got pissed off is the fact we have to pay for all the bank execs bonuses and now I and my fellow sailors and soldiers don't get ours! Haven't we earned it?

[JoAnn]

Why you are passing any judgement to a person who just got to in his hands every mistake that the previous president left? Do you think he has a magic wand that can fix this whole mess in a couple of months? Stop passing judgement on a person that is trying to pull the Nation out of the swamp that it was left to rot. It takes time and patience to build up a whole country. Who are you to judge? Is not trying to be a hero, is having the WILL that most of you don't have to guide a whole Nation and look for any possible way to straighten thing up.Now, what are YOU doing to help our Nation??????

[JoAnn]

Why you are passing any judgement to a person who just got in his hands every mistake that the previous president left? Do you think he has a magic wand that can fix this whole mess in a couple of months? Stop passing judgement on a person that is trying to pull the Nation out of the swamp that it was left to rot. It takes time and patience to build up a whole country. Who are you to judge? Is not trying to be a hero, is having the WILL that most of you don't have to guide a whole Nation and look for any possible way to straighten thing up.Now, what are YOU doing to help our Nation??????

[MSGT Silvertip]

You can never convince liberals they are wrong, because liberalism is a mental disease. Now the country is being washed down the drain with bumper sticker quotes and power hungry politicians.