The Augusta Chronicle
An anonymous "ranter" complained this week that this page's handlers "must have graduated from the college of negativity" for all our criticisms of Barack Obama.
Blame The Chronicle all you like. But if anyone thinks this page is alone, or even off base, in its urgent criticism of this president's misbegotten policies, they're just not tuned in to reality.
Solid seal of disapproval for Obama
First off, Barack Obama's popularity has plunged in a fireball down a mountainside and into a ravine over the past year: After enjoying positive ratings of near 70 percent following his inauguration, Rasmussen Reports said this week that 43 percent of voters strongly disapprove of Obama's performance, as opposed to only 22 percent who strongly approve.
Perhaps most troubling for the president is the fact that, among independents -- the nation's swing voters -- those numbers are 45 to 17.
He's losing the country, if he hasn't already lost it.
And in an astonishing online poll by CBS News, people were asked to grade Mr. Obama on nine issues or characteristics and to give him an overall grade. In each and every case, a plurality -- or a whopping majority -- gave him an "F."
In every area.
Certainly, it's an unscientific poll -- but consider the source: CBS News, hardly a right-wing organization.
Nearly 80 percent gave the president an overall grade of "F." But his worst grade was reserved for his signature issue, health care: 82 percent gave him an "F."
That isn't just a national consensus. It's a deluge.
Mr. Obama isn't likely to be judged any more kindly should he insist on taking the country, kicking and screaming, off the health-care cliff he's guiding us toward. Consider these numbers:
- 57 percent believe his health-care plan will hurt the economy.
- 66 percent believe the Democrats' health-care plan will increase the national deficit.
- 78 percent believe taxes will have to be raised on the middle class to pay for health-care reform, despite Mr. Obama's campaign pledges to the contrary.
- 81 percent say the health-care plan will cost more than official estimates.
Given the federal government's track record for cost estimates, on such things as Medicare, that 81-percent majority is likely right.
You don't need to go to college to see what's wrong.
Perhaps most troubling for the president is the fact that, among independents -- the nation's swing voters -- those numbers are 45 to 17.
He's losing the country, if he hasn't already lost it.
And in an astonishing online poll by CBS News, people were asked to grade Mr. Obama on nine issues or characteristics and to give him an overall grade. In each and every case, a plurality -- or a whopping majority -- gave him an "F."
In every area.
Certainly, it's an unscientific poll -- but consider the source: CBS News, hardly a right-wing organization.
Nearly 80 percent gave the president an overall grade of "F." But his worst grade was reserved for his signature issue, health care: 82 percent gave him an "F."
That isn't just a national consensus. It's a deluge.
Mr. Obama isn't likely to be judged any more kindly should he insist on taking the country, kicking and screaming, off the health-care cliff he's guiding us toward. Consider these numbers:
- 57 percent believe his health-care plan will hurt the economy.
- 66 percent believe the Democrats' health-care plan will increase the national deficit.
- 78 percent believe taxes will have to be raised on the middle class to pay for health-care reform, despite Mr. Obama's campaign pledges to the contrary.
- 81 percent say the health-care plan will cost more than official estimates.
Given the federal government's track record for cost estimates, on such things as Medicare, that 81-percent majority is likely right.
You don't need to go to college to see what's wrong.
God Bless America.......
now that is funny I dont care who you are.
Budda watchs over Pike.
Today, Michelle Obama has 22 on her staff and no one knows how high the number will grow. Salaries start in the $30,000 range and go to $172,000 for her chief of staff. So far the total comes to $1,216,000 a year and it's not coming out of President Obama's salary because he doesn't make that much.
There are directors and deputy directors; associate directors and deputy associate directors; special assistants and staff assistants. What do these people do? Who knows, but there is one chief of staff; one deputy chief; one executive chief of staff; three directors; eight deputy directors; two associate directors; five special assistants and one staff assistant.
Their titles include the following: scheduling, correspondence, policy, communications, projects, assistant to the President, assistant to the President and deputy chief of staff, advanced trips, and social secretary.
1. $172,2000 - Sher, Susan (CHIEF OF STAFF)
2. $140,000 - Frye, Jocelyn C. (DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND PROJECTS FOR THE FIRST LADY)
3. $113,000 - Rogers, Desiree G. (SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND WHITE HOUSE SOCIAL SECRETARY)
4. $102,000 - Johnston, Camille Y. (SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE FIRST LADY)
5. Winter, Melissa E. (SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE FIRST LADY)
6. $90,000 - Medina, David S. (DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE FIRST LADY)
7. $84,000 - Lelyveld, Catherine M. (DIRECTOR AND PRESS SECRETARY TO THE FIRST LADY)
8. $75,000 - Starkey, Frances M. (DIRECTOR OF SCHEDULING AND ADVANCE FOR THE FIRST LADY)
9. $70,000 - Sanders, Trooper (DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND PROJECTS FOR THE FIRST LADY)
10. $65,000 - Burnough, Erinn J. (DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY SOCIAL SECRETARY)
11. Reinstein, Joseph B. (DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY SOCIAL SECRETARY)
12. $62,000 - Goodman, Jennifer R. (DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SCHEDULING AND EVENTS COORDINATOR FOR THE FIRST LADY)
If you like Lobster Lady, keep liking her. Don't worry, it's your money too!
WND reported:
The first lady of the United States is not elected, has no constitutional duties and receives no salary, but that doesn't mean the position is without its privileges – including a staff of 22 White House employees who make a combined nearly $1.5 million per year.
Various journalists have scoured the White House's annual report to Congress on the West Wing payroll and listed those names that serve as members First Lady Michelle Obama's staff. Combined, their salaries total $1,495,700.
By comparison, a similar examination of the 2008 payroll, printed in the Washington Post, shows First Lady Laura Bush tallied 17 staffers, who combined made roughly $1.28 million.
(you know you cracked a little smile there Anon. C'mon now...give it up.)
Please use caps, I could not clearly hear you bellow.
But in these political times when everything is everyone elses fault, I wouldn't expect you to take responsibility.
At least you used part of A name so that we can distinguish you from the huge roaring crowd called anonymous.
As far as racism, the only racist I see here is you. People have reported facts about Odumbo and Michelle. That makes them racist?
The problem is not people from Pike County but people like you whose only answer is to accuse others of bigotry.
thats - contraction of "that is" - that's
its - contraction of "it is" - it's
Im - contraction of "I am" - I'm
"they make there jokes" - "they make their jokes"
theyre - contraction of "they are" - they're
biggot - oft times confused with racist and spelled bigot
I won't even begin to get into your sentence structure.
If catching up with the rest of the surrounding counties means being as smart as you, I will remain as I am. Thanks.
You and your ilk scream racism every time someone disagrees with your messiah.
He is not the chosen one. He is not the return of the savior. Trust me on these things.
He is by far the worst excuse for a president we've ever had. He has no clue.
He actually stated in his speach that the new Health Care plan would reduce insurance cost by 3000 percent. That would mean the insurance companies would be paying us 30x our insurance bill to have insurance.
Apparently Harvard doesn't teach basic math anymore.
Politicians without teleprompter: The sincerely honest ones.
Let me ask you, did the good people of Fayetteville start laughing at Pike County before or after meeting you? If you are the representation of Pike County that they have, I don't blame them for laughing.
Why don't you work on yourself before you come over here from wonderful Fayetteville and denegrate the people of PC?
Oh and that would be "Tell me who writes politically correct on a blog site".
When you come to a blog and act superior to everyone else, it's usually best to be able to communicate using standard english.
When you can't even type a single sentence properly when putting other people down, it makes you look stupid.
The following is a narrative taken from Sunday Morning's televised "Meet The Press'. The author is employed by none other than the Washington Post!!
From Sunday's 07 Sept. 2008 11:48:04 EST, Televised "Meet the Press" THE THEN Senator Obama was asked about his stance on the American Flag.
General Bill Ginn' USAF (ret.) asked Obama to explain WHY he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played.
The General also stated to Obama that according to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171...
During rendition of the national anthem, when the flag is displayed, all present (except those in uniform) are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Or, at the very least, "Stand and Face It".
Senator Obama replied:
"As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides". "There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression."
"The anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all that sort of thing.."
ARE YOU READY FOR THIS???
Obama said: "The National Anthem should be 'swapped' for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like To Teach the World To Sing'. (Are you kidding me???) If that were our anthem, then, I might salute it. In my opinion, we should consider reinventin g our National Anthem as well as 'redesign' our Flag to better offer our enemies hope and love.
It's my intention, if elected, to disarm America to the level of acceptance to our Middle East Brethren. If we, as a Nation of waring people, conduct ourselves as the nations of Islam where peace prevails - - - perhaps a state or period of mutual accord could exist between our governments ."
When I become President, I will seek a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity, and a freedom from disquieting oppressive thoughts. We as a Nation have placed upon the nations of Islam an unfair injustice which is WHY my Wife disrespects the Flag and she and I have attended several flag burning ceremonies in the past".
"Of course now, I have found myself about to become the President of the United States and I have put my hatred aside. I will use my power to bring CHANGE to this Nation, and offer the people a new path. My wife and I look forward to becoming our Country's First black Family. Indeed, CHANGE is about to overwhelm the United States of America "
Yes, you read it right. I, for one, am speechless!!!
Dale Lindsborg,
Washington Post
THAT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,, CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS OF THIS WONDERFUL COUNTRY CALLED THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA -
IS YOUR PRESIDENT . . . . . . .