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Real Solutions to Restore Confidence in Our Economy
Guest Post by Congressman Bob Goodlatte
Earlier this week President Obama delivered his first official State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. The President articulated to the American people in very frank terms, what most Americans know all too well – economic uncertainty continues to plague our nation. In this tough economic climate, Americans are looking to the government for leadership.
President Obama laid out his domestic agenda for economic growth and job creation. While I particularly welcomed the President’s call for fiscal discipline, I am greatly concerned that the Democrat controlled Congress continues to pursue a job-killing, tax-and-spend agenda.
A year ago, the Congress passed the so-called “economic stimulus” legislation which was supposed to put Americans back to work. However, as recent reports have shown this legislation has been a failure. 2.74 million more jobs have been lost since last March. Not only did the stimulus legislation fail to create jobs but it is now estimated to be costing American taxpayers around $1.2 trillion including interest.
Just last month the President signed into law an omnibus spending bill which included a twelve percent increase in spending. It is these reckless policies that have cost us nearly three million jobs and caused our national debt to explode in the last year. In fact, according to the Congressional Budget Office and the Office of Management and Budget, our national debt will grow an additional $9 trillion over the next decade to more than $20 trillion.
As a member of the House Republican Economic Recovery Solutions Group, I am working to find real solutions to address our nation’s unemployment crisis and restore confidence in our economy. The first thing we must do is restrain federal spending. That is why I have introduced bipartisan legislation which amends the United States Constitution to force Congress to rein in spending by balancing the federal budget. This legislation ensures that the federal government is held accountable and that the money our citizens work so hard to earn is not squandered on wasteful spending and programs.
Secondly, we must remove barriers to employment including the threat of higher taxes, new government regulations and costly mandates. It is common-sense that you should not raise costs and taxes on employers at a time when unemployment is at record levels.
Our economy continues to face historic and unprecedented challenges. Meeting these challenges with unprecedented spending of taxpayers’ dollars is simply not the answer to this current crisis. I remain committed to working with the President and Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to focus on real solutions that will create American jobs and restore confidence in our economic future. To contact me about this or any other matter, please visit my website at www.goodlatte.house.gov.
Olbermann Loses It Again
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Okay, for those on the right (and maybe there is a glimmer of hope for those on the left), we all know that Keith Olbermann is one marble shy of having a complete meltdown (one that requires restraints or handcuffs). However, this recent display of his recent meltdown pegs all Obama critics as being racist. Huh?!?
When Olbermann and other liberal commentators slammed George W. Bush (yes, even I slammed Bush at some extent) for his many actions, did we refer to them in derogatory terms? No. However, when President Obama stood before a joint session of Congress to address the nation and did not offer any clear directions on his policy (rather droning on…), we are “racist” to criticize his policies, etc.
The shoe fits on both feet…I guess it feels rather rough to be attacked for your wrongdoings…huh? Meanwhile, the COUNTDOWN to Olbermann’s return to ESPN Sports Center continues. He should stick to mouthing off about sports, rather than spewing his liberal agenda.
Keith Fimian's Response to the State of the Union Address
Keith Fimian, candidate for Congress in the 11th District, released this statement after President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address.
“Tonight the President said he planned to make job creation and controlling wasteful spending a priority. I commend him for that and hope he carries through on his pledge. So far we have seen too many broken promises from this White House and members of Congress like Gerry Connolly. The problem is that the agenda in Washington is being driven by career politicians who cut their back room deals and leave taxpayers like you and me to pay for it all. Or worse, who borrow the money from China and obligate our children and grandchildren to pay it back. That’s just plain wrong and it has to stop.”
“I believe in a different course of action. I am businessman who has actually created hundreds of jobs and a CPA who knows how to balance a budget. We need to stop playing the games the insiders play and stop cutting deals with special interests. We must stop the failed stimulus. Too many of the President’s proposed reductions in spending are somewhere off in the future when what we really need are real spending cuts right now. Let’s start a serious audit of the federal government now to make serious cuts. Then we need to have government stop trying to create ‘temporary jobs’ with more spending, and instead give small businesses and the American people the freedom to grow, expand, and create jobs in the private sector.”
Fimian makes good points here. One thing Obama should remember is to rely on the free markets, instead of playing “Mr. Fix-It.”
Tonight's SOTU Theme Music
Guest Post by Modest Mouse
OMG! I do not think I could have had a better time tonight. Hell, after three beers and one tequila shot later, and reading over the live blog, CCC and I thought it would be best to share what we were listening to prior to the speech and after. We call this our SOTU mix.
First, we started off the night with a tribute to former U.S. Senator and fallen Presidential candidate, John Edwards, with a little Britney Spears.
Second, we couldn’t resist the “Pants on the Ground” reference, which CCC did a slight parody of tonight…
CCC’s parody
“Obama’s ratings are on the ground, Obama’s ratings are on the ground
Obama looks like a fool with his ratings on the ground”
Last, but not least, our good friend, Steveegg at No Runny Eggs, reminded us of our so-called “drunk blogging” tonight with a favorite: George Thorogood’s “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.”
It was a great time. CCC surprised me by having two beers tonight and not falling to the wayside. On the other hand, I will be paying for my bad ass behavior tomorrow morning. I just found out that I will be a part of the CCC team for the long haul. You mean, she actually has sympathy for Mets and Jets fans…I am so touched by this display of love from a die hard Yankees fan.
Stay Tuned for State of the Union Updates
Starting this evening at 7:30, both myself and Modest Mouse will be providing live blog coverage of President Obama’s State of the Union address. It will be arranged through Cover It Live and should be a fun time.
Obama's State of the Union could be a WILD Time
Guest Post by Modest Mouse
Tomorrow night, my time with the television will be rudely interrupted by President Obama’s address to the nation. The State of the Union address is like the People’s Choice Awards for Ugly People (yep, just like Washington, D.C. is the Hollywood for Ugly People…just not for Aaron Schock, Jeff Flake, Scott Brown, as they are the exception of the rule), where it becomes a who’s who amongst American politicians. The only good thing is that this speech highlights the President’s so-called agenda to destroy our liberties (CCC would appreciate this line…that’s why I am inserting it). Even though, I am not able to watch my typical programs, I will be watching this speech for one reason…the games that come from this blessed speech.
Now, I know the goody-two-shoe CCC will most likely be sitting at home watching the speech and live blogging it, because she’s a fan of this stuff and a complete nerd. On the other hand, I will be sitting at home doing my part by playing a game, while watching the speech. Obama’s speech is filled with one liners to create this exciting game. CCC and I had an interesting email exchange earlier about this, and I think she could be excellent at this game. Based on the ATR version of Obama BINGO, you can either drink an adult beverage (or more depending on tolerance), or be like CCC and drink Berry Blue Kool Aid (straight up…no alcohol). Since I am a party animal (unlike CCC…you nerd!), this is a game that will be lively considering the President’s remarks. I actually had a difficult time deciding between Guinness and Natural Light, but since we are in an economic recession, I am leaning towards the cheaper stuff.
Here’s the email exchange:
Crystal Clear Conservative: Since you are proposing the so-called Obama game, I will sit around the house drinking Kool Aid (preferably Berry Blue without booze). For every time, Obama says, “Hope,” take a sip. Every time, he says, “Bailout,” take a gulp, and every time, he says, “Let me be clear,” SHOTGUN!
Modest Mouse: CCC, seriously! Do you have an inner wild child that you could tap into for this one game? You are worthy of spiked Kool Aid for this game. I agree with the terms you laid out in the first email, but we should add references to his Chief Tax Evader, Timothy Geithner and his economic dream team.
CCC: Honestly, you would be dead or close to death after those references, because Obama is likely to refer to them all night long. How about any mention of “too big to fail” or “tax cuts to working families?” You’re right, Modest Mouse, I need to have fun…sugar highs are much better. At least, I enjoy sugar highs.
Modest Mouse: Whatever, CCC! I guess you’ll be decked out in your pretty purple snuggie and live blogging with Kool Aid. So, I’ll sit around with an adult beverage enjoying this party. Hasta la Vista…Nerd! Oh yeah, since I am sharing this with everyone, please give CCC some encouragement and tell her to be bad for one night.
As you can see, this could be a fun game and ATR has some of the one-liners to look out for. BINGO is so much fun with President Obama and his teleprompter. Stop by here tomorrow night, as CCC and myself will be doing a series of live blogs. CCC will provide the analysis and I will be in charge of the entertainment value. Hey, since we are all inclusive, I will even invite the sexist 200 Grande to join our live blog, if he’s up to challenge.
Governor Bob McDonnell to Deliver Republican Address to Nation
Governor Bob McDonnell will be delivering the Republican address to the nation, following the State of the Union Address on January 27th. McDonnell was invited to give this address by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio).
WASHINGTON, DC –House Republican Leader John Boehner (OH) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) announced today that Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell will give the Republican address following the President’s State of the Union address to Congress on January 27, 2010. Further details regarding location, coverage and exact time will be released in the days ahead.
In making the announcement, Leader Boehner noted the Governor’s leadership on the economy and offering solutions to help create jobs and put Virginians back to work:
“As the American people continue to ask, ‘where are the jobs,’ Gov. McDonnell has offered common-sense economic policies in stark contrast to Washington Democrats’ job-killing agenda. We don’t need a government takeover of health care or a ‘cap-and-trade’ national energy tax – we need a common-sense plan to help middle-class families and small businesses and allow them to keep more of what they earn so they can save, invest, and hire.”
Leader McConnell said the Governor understands the frustration of Americans and is a leader who offers common sense solutions:
“Gov. McDonnell understands that the American people are more interested in shrinking unemployment than expanding government. He is an impressive public servant and an excellent choice to offer Republican solutions for our country.”
NOTE: Bob McDonnell is the recently inaugurated 71st Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. In the 2009 gubernatorial campaign he received the most votes of any candidate for Governor in the history of Virginia. Prior to running for Governor, Mr. McDonnell served as the 44th Attorney General of Virginia. He represented the 84th District, Virginia Beach, in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1991-2005. Before his election to the House, McDonnell served as a prosecutor in the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. He also served 21 years in the U.S. Army, both active duty and reserves, and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1997. He is married to the former Maureen Gardner of McLean, and they have five children, ages 18-29. Their oldest daughter, Jeanine, recently completed service in the U.S. Army, including a tour of duty in Iraq in 2005-2006.
