Max Fischer

Gotta admit that wasn't his fault. The guy blew by Fowler.

Fukkin Fowler

Are they all idiots if the Bills lose? Predictions don't influence the outcome. Why people get all upset about predictions is beyond me.

A targeted tax exemption is the same thing as a directed expenditure, i.e. "earmark." That means that taxes the company/organization/group of people would have paid is not going in the federal budget - thus they get a special exemption while others do not. I'm not saying its always a bad thing and in fact believe these incentives can be very productive -- but then you have to accept the fact that some directed expenditures (the other so-called "earmark") can be equally productive. But just like some "bad" earmarks (which depends on where you sit) many of the tax credit earmarks are simple give-a-ways to those who don't deserve it while the rest of us pay. So, in the end, CNN was right. They don't pay their taxes with costs X amount of tax dollars not in the budget, thus a bigger part of the burden falls on the rest of us. (And spare me the macro argument about whether anyone should ever pay taxes).

Is it an interview when the interviewee speaks less than half the time of the interviewer? When O'Reilly raises his voice he knows he's losing the argument. O'Reilly looks like Clown on Jeopardy answering questions through a kazoo. He could be right but looks and sounds like a moron.

It won't rank high unless they three-peat and go undefeated one of those years.

So, we will have a test to see who fits that VERY small minority of Americans? These would people would include those who don't have a mortgage, car payment, college loan, any credit card debt or has a job that is dependent on the economic health of the nation. All others, start bailing. And yeah, sacrifice is a patriotic thing. Something Bush and others never understood about the War Against Terrorism. Show me a state in the nation that is doing well right now. Whether it's your definition of "tax-heavy" or not.

I hear ya, but you (America) needs to get over the idea that your side of the ship won't sink, too. Actually, most of the problem doesn't fall in that group. Close but not quite. Mostly middle-class who bought way too much house. But it's not just housing alone -- it's credit in general, and about a dozen other factors. In reality, it's hard to find many Americans who haven't contributed to the crisis one way or the other. Problem is you can't segregate the two. Your neighbor may have over extended himself but his problems will be your problem soon. There was a good analogy on CNBC: just because your neighbor's carelessness contributed to his house catching on fire doesn't mean you can ignore it since it may burn yours down as well.

That is creepy. But since the "Hitler" analogy is used, doesn't that mean the thread is over?

Really? "Distract us from Sarah Palin?" For God Sake's why? Where do you come up with this stuff? (Sorry, I don't listen to Rush, Hannity, O'Reilly etc, so I don't get the daily talking points). Palin's disintegration from GOP savior to cringe-worthy, fear-inducing VP choice is like a trainwreck you can't help but watch. Besides, I never said or implied any such thing. But of course, knocking down straw men in your head is a good way to convince yourself you have a clue.

Typical response - "this is someone else's problem." Explain that to your neighbors who don't have time to make it up. Don't you get that we on the ship TOGETHER and were miles from shore in rough seas? Either we all start bailing or we kiss our collective butts good bye. BTW, you and other still don't get that this a "loan" and not a give-away, right? And if we don't do something to shore up the credit markets a devalued house could be the least of your worries.

Did you read the part where the distinction was made by Kenyan Maritime official? Guess you missed that. I guess Fox would have changed what the official said to fit their world view.

Does the NYT say the pirates are misunderstood or the pirates say they're misunderstood? Big difference. We wouldn't want the impression that you interpreted that erroneously. Also, funny how Fox News is alone speculating that the ship may carry Iranian "weapons of mass destruction." Of course, there's no proof, but, hey, why not throw that in there to distract everyone from the economic crisis?

He's got some natural showbiz talent. I'm a bit impressed.

Has anyone located a clip of the hit?

Of course, at the time the Republicans controlled congress and the presidency. What powers of persuasion! Waters must walk on water! A minority party member expresses an idea and the entire US financial market goes along with it. Amazing. And to think we never would have guessed it was all her fault. Who would have thought that an Socialistic ideas like home ownership would have witchcraft-like power over the capitalists and the GOP? You really should have said something. So I guess you should share a little of the blame. Well, at least we have Barr in '08!!!! Or is that too "mainstream?"

You either don't own property or assets or you don't get it. Go explain this to your neighbors who are losing a huge chunk of their nest egg, to those who will not be able to buy a home, get an affordable college loan, get credit extensions -- or to the people who work in retail who will get laid off because of the credit crunch, and . . . well, nevermind if you don't get it, you don't get it. Go ahead, keep thinking this is about rich guys on Wall Street. "Remain calm!!!! Nothing to see here!!!!!"

You either don't get or you're just playing games.

You mean if the GOP didn't have their feelings hurt they would have done the right thing for America? Now that's political courage. Let's hope that this time only sticks and stones can hurt them. Quick civics lesson: the executive branch (i.e. the president). Treasury to be more specific. Any number of agencies within.

Ah, so I see you are now changing the debate. Just admit that you were wrong about Obama and the GOP and we can move to the next topic.

Yes they did. That's a fact. What the GOP and McCain failed to do was hold up their end of the deal. They failed to do what you so erroneously accused Obama: they lost control of their members and couldn't get the job done. It'll be easier for you when you accept the truth.

Uh, what? In the morning, McCain and the House GOP leaders endorse the plan and McCain declares "Mission Accomplished." Democrats put up their votes. i.e., they hold up their end of the deal. GOP doesn't deliver their part of the deal. Markets fall 777 points. -- In fact, Obama and the Democrats "controlled" their party and McCain did not. It's really very simple. -- Obama did not put in "poison pills" and the GOP leaders (including McCain) signed off on the bill AS IS. I know you want it to be otherwise but you need to accept the facts.

Increasing nervousness that it would fail drove down the markets. There was widespread speculation that the votes weren't there. News from the caucus room travels fast.

So, Obama is the Wall Street's guy AND a Marxist? This is a weird election. On the other hand, we need this bill but the GOP gets a pass for caving to a vocal, uninformed minority?