BUSH or OBAMA: Can 8-28 DC rally-goers match spending facts with the right president?
The BA team breezed through the big 8-28 rallies in Washington, DC to test the government spending IQ of participants. We gave them five spending facts and asked whether they were implemented by Bush or Obama. The answers may surprise you.
1
Bush or Obama? This president spent a record-breaking $3 trillion in a single year.
Answer: Both. In 2008, Bush was the first president to spend $3 trillion in a single year. According to
White House estimates, Obama will spend $3.6 trillion in 2010 and $3.8 trillion in 2011.
Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2011/assets/tables.pdf
2
Bush or Obama? This president bailed out hundreds of large banks and corporations.
Answer: Both. Obama carried out Bush’s unpopular $700 billion bailout for failing corporations.
Together, the presidents have bailed out over 600 businesses since Spring 2008.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/national/200904_CREDITCRISIS/recipients.html
3
Bush or Obama? This president spent billions of taxpayer dollars on “stimulus” spending
during a recession.
Answer: Both. In 2008, Bush spent over $100 billion on rebates to stimulate consumer spending -
his second attempt at using spending as stimulus. In 2009, Obama enacted a $814 billion
stimulus package.
Sources: http://useconomy.about.com/od/fiscalpolicy/p/bush_tax_rebate.htm
http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/117xx/doc11705/08-18-Update.pdf
4
Bush or Obama? This President increased spending by many times the rate of inflation across
most non-defense categories – such as education, Medicare, Medicaid, income security and
regional development.
Answer: Both. Contrary to popular belief, defense and homeland security spending only made up
about 40 percent of Bush’s new spending. He increased spending across most non-defense categories
by four to six times the rate of inflation. In Obama’s first half year in office, many of these budgets rose
another 70 percent.
Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/budget/fy2011/assets/ hist01z1.xls
5
Bush or Obama? This president passed an expensive healthcare bill.
Answer: Both. In 2003, George Bush signed into law Medicare Part D, which cost hundreds of billions
of dollars. As you probably know, President Obama also enacted an expensive healthcare package
earlier this year (though cost estimates vary considerably).
Source: http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/19/republican-budget-hypocrisy-health-care-opinions-columnists-bruce-bartlett.html
Question: Who was left with a 5 Trillion Dollar surplus…Answer BUSH
Question: Who is/was more qualified for the job of President of the United States…Answer Obama
Why are these things always so one sided…..Bush is a War Criminal Obama is the President
Question: Who was left with a 5 Trillion Dollar surplus…Answer BUSH
Question: Who is/was more qualified for the job of President of the United States…Answer Obama
Why are these things always so one sided…..Bush is a War Criminal Obama is the President
Yes, Bush is a war criminal. Obama is continuing Bush’s policies, but because he’s the President he cannot be a war criminal?
Talk about ‘one-sided’…
Yes, Bush is a war criminal. Obama is continuing Bush’s policies, but because he’s the President he cannot be a war criminal?
Talk about ‘one-sided’…
FrankInFL, I believe Jason is just a lefty trolling the blogs. I think it’s pretty plain by the answers to the questions including “Both” that it’s about the spending of “Both” parties and the fact we have runaway government. It’s not the system of government that’s bad, it’s the people elected to office betraying the public trust. Vote the traitors out in November.
FrankInFL, I believe Jason is just a lefty trolling the blogs. I think it’s pretty plain by the answers to the questions including “Both” that it’s about the spending of “Both” parties and the fact we have runaway government. It’s not the system of government that’s bad, it’s the people elected to office betraying the public trust. Vote the traitors out in November.
What is missing is REAL accountability of facts.. Since the war in Iraq began right or wrong it has had a price tag of 20 billion dollars per month. That’s 1200 Billions or 1.2 Trillion for those slow in Math, Bush also signed the first of its kind bail out of 700 plus billion dollars in 2008. Why are those of you now placing blame on one party and not making the real responsible party accountable. Now we are finally going to cut that expense at the criticism of the right conservatives who by the way still refuse to accept the fact that ALL of George Bush’ policies have failed miserably and can’t find a single one that is not bias to see reality for what it is. Now all you hear is vote them out… where on earth have you been the last 8 years…! We had a right wing congress which ok’ed every silly policy coming out of washington and are still holding to their seats…!!! Az. state still has the same senators all the while the Az. border hasn’t changed in 20 yrs. But the crazy stuborn right wing in Az. continues to support these congressmen. Yet the blame now is on both parties? WOW
What is missing is REAL accountability of facts.. Since the war in Iraq began right or wrong it has had a price tag of 20 billion dollars per month. That’s 1200 Billions or 1.2 Trillion for those slow in Math, Bush also signed the first of its kind bail out of 700 plus billion dollars in 2008. Why are those of you now placing blame on one party and not making the real responsible party accountable. Now we are finally going to cut that expense at the criticism of the right conservatives who by the way still refuse to accept the fact that ALL of George Bush’ policies have failed miserably and can’t find a single one that is not bias to see reality for what it is. Now all you hear is vote them out… where on earth have you been the last 8 years…! We had a right wing congress which ok’ed every silly policy coming out of washington and are still holding to their seats…!!! Az. state still has the same senators all the while the Az. border hasn’t changed in 20 yrs. But the crazy stuborn right wing in Az. continues to support these congressmen. Yet the blame now is on both parties? WOW
FACT: The Bush tax cuts are coming up for expiration. The GOP wants it passed because they represent wealthy people. The Tea Party people – the ones against spending – also want it passed. It’s cost – at least 700 billion dollars. If Obama let’s it lapse his deficit spending will be under Bush’s. Difference is this is money going to wealthy people and both the GOP and Tea Party support it.
FACT: If the stimulus spending didn’t work then neither have the Bush Tax Cuts. The BTC’s were going to get all these wealthy people spending (didn’t happen) and was going to create more jobs than the Lord himself could (didn’t happen). In fact the wealthy were so happy we had Enron, the stock market crash, corruption in every corporate corner of America and millions of people’s retirements disappeared. Guess who got the money – yep, the wealthy CEO’s of the companies. So let’s EXPIRE the Bush tax cuts, which will in turn lower Obama’s deficit spending WAY below Bush’s and then both the GOP and the Tea Party and sites like this can go bite me in the backside.
FACT: The Bush tax cuts are coming up for expiration. The GOP wants it passed because they represent wealthy people. The Tea Party people – the ones against spending – also want it passed. It’s cost – at least 700 billion dollars. If Obama let’s it lapse his deficit spending will be under Bush’s. Difference is this is money going to wealthy people and both the GOP and Tea Party support it.
FACT: If the stimulus spending didn’t work then neither have the Bush Tax Cuts. The BTC’s were going to get all these wealthy people spending (didn’t happen) and was going to create more jobs than the Lord himself could (didn’t happen). In fact the wealthy were so happy we had Enron, the stock market crash, corruption in every corporate corner of America and millions of people’s retirements disappeared. Guess who got the money – yep, the wealthy CEO’s of the companies. So let’s EXPIRE the Bush tax cuts, which will in turn lower Obama’s deficit spending WAY below Bush’s and then both the GOP and the Tea Party and sites like this can go bite me in the backside.
RobInSTL,
I am far from wealthy and I benefit from the Bush tax cuts.
The difference between those and the “stimulus” is that the tax cuts let people keep more of their own money. The “stimulus” is money doled out by the government to those it wants to receive it.
That’s why tax cuts are better.
RobInSTL,
I am far from wealthy and I benefit from the Bush tax cuts.
The difference between those and the “stimulus” is that the tax cuts let people keep more of their own money. The “stimulus” is money doled out by the government to those it wants to receive it.
That’s why tax cuts are better.
I figured out who runs this website. Surprise, surprise, it’s the republican spinmeister from the Bush administration who bankrupted our country. Now she seems to be trying to blame other politicians and voters for the mistakes of her fellow Republicans’ policies now that they are all retired and living off taxpayer pensions and conservative convention speaking fees. Oh the hypcocracy!! Vote the traitors out, and by that I mean the know nothing Republicans like John Boehner who spends more time playing golf than he does creating real ideas to save this country from the mounting debt. His salary is a waste of taxpayer dollars. http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/03/former_bush_admin_spox_launches_non-profit_to_comb.php
I figured out who runs this website. Surprise, surprise, it’s the republican spinmeister from the Bush administration who bankrupted our country. Now she seems to be trying to blame other politicians and voters for the mistakes of her fellow Republicans’ policies now that they are all retired and living off taxpayer pensions and conservative convention speaking fees. Oh the hypcocracy!! Vote the traitors out, and by that I mean the know nothing Republicans like John Boehner who spends more time playing golf than he does creating real ideas to save this country from the mounting debt. His salary is a waste of taxpayer dollars. http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/03/former_bush_admin_spox_launches_non-profit_to_comb.php
This video reveals what I’ve been saying all along about the Tea Party movement, that the people behind it are ill informed and blame the “other guy” for everything. At least they are finally paying attention. Maybe they can now bring themselves up to speed with the facts, acquire some humility, and recognize that they are part of the problem too. You can’t expect a social security check, medicare benefits, and bragging rights for the world’s largest military while cutting taxes without borrowing money from the Japanese and Chinese to pay for it all. For that matter, you can’t expect to buy cheap stuff and still have the good paying job that produces it. Don’t attack hard working immigrants, legal or illegal, when it is your economic expectations that create the market for their labor. Finally, don’t come draped in the flag bearing a cross unless you are truely putting country before self and are following the model of Jesus!
This video reveals what I’ve been saying all along about the Tea Party movement, that the people behind it are ill informed and blame the “other guy” for everything. At least they are finally paying attention. Maybe they can now bring themselves up to speed with the facts, acquire some humility, and recognize that they are part of the problem too. You can’t expect a social security check, medicare benefits, and bragging rights for the world’s largest military while cutting taxes without borrowing money from the Japanese and Chinese to pay for it all. For that matter, you can’t expect to buy cheap stuff and still have the good paying job that produces it. Don’t attack hard working immigrants, legal or illegal, when it is your economic expectations that create the market for their labor. Finally, don’t come draped in the flag bearing a cross unless you are truely putting country before self and are following the model of Jesus!
Which party is full of crooks?
Ans: BOTH
Which party tramples the Constitutional Rights of the people?
Ans: BOTH
Which party allows the Federal Reserve Bank, a private/’for profit’ institution, steer our monetary policy?
Ans: BOTH
Which party consistently votes for raises, vacations, and exemptions from laws for themselves?
Ans: BOTH
Which party tells you what you want to hear just before elections, then does nothing of the sort, while robbing us blind, once in office?
Ans: BOTH
Which party is full of crooks?
Ans: BOTH
Which party tramples the Constitutional Rights of the people?
Ans: BOTH
Which party allows the Federal Reserve Bank, a private/’for profit’ institution, steer our monetary policy?
Ans: BOTH
Which party consistently votes for raises, vacations, and exemptions from laws for themselves?
Ans: BOTH
Which party tells you what you want to hear just before elections, then does nothing of the sort, while robbing us blind, once in office?
Ans: BOTH
Instead of putting together websites like this one, there should be focus on a Constitutional Amendment limiting Term Limits to Eight Years for both the Congress & Senate. Many of our representatives (Democrat & Republican) have been in public office for far too long. In the Constitution, the President and Vice President can serve no more than eight years in office. Isn’t it time our representatives are held to the same standard? There should also be an overhaul of the campaign process. As an example, Linda McMahon has spent $22 Million so far for her election campaign while Richard Blumenthal has spent $1 million. Irregardless on where the money comes from, those who have the most money have an unfair advantage to others (usually the wealthier people running for office) . The grassroots candidates who really are progressive and genuinely interested in public service has no way to raise the amount of money a wealthier candidate can.
am a re
Instead of putting together websites like this one, there should be focus on a Constitutional Amendment limiting Term Limits to Eight Years for both the Congress & Senate. Many of our representatives (Democrat & Republican) have been in public office for far too long. In the Constitution, the President and Vice President can serve no more than eight years in office. Isn’t it time our representatives are held to the same standard? There should also be an overhaul of the campaign process. As an example, Linda McMahon has spent $22 Million so far for her election campaign while Richard Blumenthal has spent $1 million. Irregardless on where the money comes from, those who have the most money have an unfair advantage to others (usually the wealthier people running for office) . The grassroots candidates who really are progressive and genuinely interested in public service has no way to raise the amount of money a wealthier candidate can.
am a re
Only Congress has the power to tax and spend.
Only Congress has the power to tax and spend.
Here, here Kathy. Could not have said it better.
Here, here Kathy. Could not have said it better.
I actually agree with my brother-in-law Barry here!
I actually agree with my brother-in-law Barry here!
Kathy…
Where do we sign up?! Let’s get it together and get it on the ballot! We can’t stop here! Let’s have a voice! Just “talking” about it won’t get it done… we have to start making change for it to happen! SOMEONE has to DO something! We are at a place in our nation where it doesn’t matter who is at fault, it just needs to be ‘fixed’… NOW.
Kathy…
Where do we sign up?! Let’s get it together and get it on the ballot! We can’t stop here! Let’s have a voice! Just “talking” about it won’t get it done… we have to start making change for it to happen! SOMEONE has to DO something! We are at a place in our nation where it doesn’t matter who is at fault, it just needs to be ‘fixed’… NOW.
Dave’s reply on Sept. 14 says it all. Both parties manipulate and lie to us because they’ve been getting away with this behavior. I was a Democrat, but have now registered as a Progressive. I will vote independently by looking at candidates from all the small parties and reading about their voting records. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, so I will ignore their campaign promises. If they’ve not held public office, I’ll look for clues in whatever they have done with their lives up to the present.
Dave’s reply on Sept. 14 says it all. Both parties manipulate and lie to us because they’ve been getting away with this behavior. I was a Democrat, but have now registered as a Progressive. I will vote independently by looking at candidates from all the small parties and reading about their voting records. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, so I will ignore their campaign promises. If they’ve not held public office, I’ll look for clues in whatever they have done with their lives up to the present.