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John Stossel appears to want to be "fair and balanced", but FAR too often he believes the garbage the administration sells... like the unemployment figures for example... all lies and easily proved so by studying the EMPLOYED figures for the past 15 years.
I have seen several of Stossel's special reports where he has used the government's false figures to justify his side of the argument... a common problem with lazy news people these days.
As for McCain being a "conservative", he once was a real conservative, but he has adopted the Bush style of "conservatism" which is ANYTHING BUT conservative.
Conservatives believe in CONSERVING... our money, our resources, our alliances, our jobs, our homes... THESE "conservatives" believe in conserving the wealth of the ultra-wealthy and the power for themselves.
What the hell are you talking about?...employed figures????
What descrepancy do you find?
the government is not using false unemployment figures. The figures are collected using the same methods and the same department and many of the same bureaucrats that did the job during Clinton.
And McCain was never a conservative. He's trying to play one now but no one is buying it. The only reason Republicans will vote for him is because he's the best candidate running.
No Ron Paul is still running and he is a better candidate than McCain.
This is only way liberals can counter a fact that does not fit their view on some issue. They do one of several things when confronted with an "unpleasant" fact:
1. ignore it. Arinanna did that several times during the Stossel interview.
2. Call the underlying data false. As is being done here. But of course no further explanation is given. It is just tossed out there like some erran softball.
3. Just say the fact is false....but give no reason why (there usually is no reason).
"the government is not using false unemployment figures."
Yes, Chiang. They are using false unemployment figures. They have been doing so since 2002. Further, their "jobs created" figures have been wrong by an order of magnitude, since they don't show the relationship to the number of people entering the work force and becoming working age.
If there are 2 million new jobs, but 4 million new workers, how many "new jobs" have really been created? Can you say there are "2 million new jobs" if an additional 2 million people are unemployed? Also, the jobless figures no longer count the people who have not been able to find jobs but have run out of unemployment benefits. The administration acts as if those people have gone back to work when in fact, they cannot find jobs, cannot get benefits, and are sinking into poverty. The increase in the number of people in poverty has gone up more in the last 7 years than in any period since World War II.
Heckuva job, W.
Chaing, our government, under Bush, has changed the definition of "unemployed" to mean all those people who are pulling unemployment benefits. In case you don't know, unemployment benefits run out... and then people are dropped off the rolls of the unemployed. Therefore the unemployment rates that the Bush administration counts is incorrect. Ask any Job Service and they'll confirm this as a fact. It's very scary and very manipulative.
I too would not trust Stossel's figures. Unemployment rates may be down, but so are labor force participation rates. Many have dropped out of the economy entirely and are no longer looking for a job because of the poor Bush economy. Besides if he wants to confront Arianna with all those figures he should show them to her prior to the interview so she has time to prepare. Otherwise, it is difficult to react to charts and graphs.
Yes they hijacked the government. But who are the real sponsors behind those clowns Arianna mentions? She couldn't dare mentioning them. She may also be sponsored by them. They are the real axis of evil of USA;
1. Bankers
2. War industry
3. Proxies like politicians, soldiers, preachers and media
3. ... and the easily captured foolish mainstream
The problem is both systemic and conspiratorial. In fact the whole world is much the same. The sponsors are supporting both sides now, specially the democrats, so that they can switch horses easily. How do we get rid of these fat cats? We ourselves must change first. Difficult? Don't worry the climate and other disasters will make sure we change.
To summarize the positions on each side of the aisle. The Repugnants want to take your money and give it to the corporations, vis-a-vis socialism for the invested class. The Democan'ts want to take your money and give it to other people. Either way the gubmint wants to take your money.
Actually I'm for giving the money to the people that earn it.
But then how will Bush make money?
And so is the US govt. And has been since 1776. That's why there is a distinction between Income Tax, which the Constitution makes a voluntary tax and taxes on profits, which are often not voluntary. You are certainly enough of a righty to know the income tax is voluntary, right? (so are you paying it?)
Of course, if by "earn it" you are including those who get money without working -- "working", as in actually working; as in real labor of some sort -- for it, then you do have a genuine point. But such non-working earners would include virtually everyone: even politicians and welfare recipients can be said to "earn" their money by being in the position they are in -- kinda like being born into money or winning a lottery.
Earn and earn. The wealthy 1% own all too many percentages of the wealth already.
Why? Because they setup the rules and use billions of dollars to lobby more for themselves and less for everyone else. This is not sustainable.
The system threw the average Joe overboard decades ago. Change is needed...
McCain is SO not fringe right.
Thats for sure he is so far center he's almost Left.
The fact that you're not paying attention and imagine McCain to NOT be far right is only proof of your idiocy - not of his positioning.
Too many people believe the myth of Mr. McCain being a moderate and a maverick. His voting record is one of THE MOST far right of any senator.
Pay attention folks. Remember, GW posed as a 'compassionate conservative' and many believed him. Clearly that was a dangerous lie.
As is the belief that McCain is a moderate.
McCain says whatever McCain thinks will get him what he wants. He's no good for anybody.
No he's just old, tired and irrelevant. And how many times can he sell his Hero Card?
Can you still be a hero if you went on North Vietnamese television and said your fellow soldiers were war criminals? Isn't that sort of helping the enemy?
And if you say "it doesn't count because he did it under torture" THAT'S THE POINT! If it's done under torture IT DOESN'T COUNT because people who are being tortured will say anything, as John McCain has proven.
The fact that he can support the Bush torture regime is proof that he's growing senile. Apparently, a few decades of living off your wife's wealth will cause a person to forget what happened to them in the past.
And what about his "black daughter"? I mean, if George Bush said it, it must be true, right?
So what do you call a politician who is anti-choice when 63% of the American pubic are pro--choice? A candidate who used to stand for anti-torture, but changed that idea to support Bush's policy? A candidate who refuses to see what's going on in Iraq and who now says that he will not change a thing, given the chance, in spite of his warrior status? Who used to characterize the religious right as a group that has hijacked his party but now embraces them? A man who is pandering to all the groups that he once used to castigate including lobbyists? A man who used to support the troops, but for whom that now means not giving them the GI Bill because they might not stay in the military when they have other options? What exactly IS your definition of fringe right?
He is, don't you worry about that. His sponsors know the public opinion is shifting, so they instruct him to look softer than what he actually is. Most of these clowns are actors.
Good interview with John Stossel. I used to be far more right wing myself, until George Bush and "the lunatic fringe" got into power. Then I realized that the current brand of virulent Republicanism that is currently in vogue is only about one thing. Money. Nothing else matters. And yes, Stossel frequently uncovers myths and some profoundly misguided ideas in left wing thought. But he is also a master of spin and distortion himself.
Democrats believe Government can spend/invest their income better than the individual.
Republicans believe the individual can spend/invest their income better than the government.
Lunatic right = no government, all individualism
Lunatic left = all government, no individualism
And when it comes to managing my portfolio, I do it myself. No one takes care of my money better than me.
Really? You mean you don't want to just hope the government figures out your retirement for you?
Who gives a damn about your money?
It's doubtful that you have enough to repair the damage that you Republicans have done to the country.
Real Democrats believe government plays an important role in the improvement of the lives of the poor and weak; in a government in service to its people.
All Republicans believe the Corporations *are* government ,and taxpayer dollars should only be given to already astronomically wealthy corporations and buddies with corporations/shares.
Lunatic Right= Fascist rule a la Mouselini style
Lunatic Left=Government - the biggest bogeymen of the corporations - is an institution of, for, and by the people of this country, to protect said people.
False, Real Americans know the government plays an important role.
The talking point is where do you draw the line?
- Do you give people bigger welfare checks if they have more kids? Yes
- Do you institute things like smoking bans for private businesses? Yes
- Do let them regulate your thermostat? Maybe in CA
Democrats will raise taxes to honestly pay for their programs.
Republicans borrow from the Chinese and forfeit our children’s future. They hide their ridiculous spending while proclaiming "we didn’t raise your taxes! Your children’s taxes, well that’s another story.....oh and don’t complain to the Chinese about all the poisoned goods they send over here, we need them to buy our debt so we can continue to spend like drunken sailors."
How we throw them all out and elect a whole new crop that will cut spending and make logical decisions that don't include ethanol, gas holdays or wild turkey museums?
Well, the lunatics you put in office added whole new levels of bureaucracy with Homeland Security and while they won't let you bring baby formula on a plane, they won't do anything to check the shipping crates.
You should be so proud.
You are just full of nuances today aren't you UnbiasView?
Arianna, great interview! Two in one week.....there is hope. Arianna and Bill Moyer's interview with Rev. Wright, now that's the good journalism that we have been so lacking in this nation for over a decade. IF only this country could move on from the politics of the 80 and 90's we may have just a slim chance of regaining our status.....OBAMA, if you are listening, you have a large job ahead of you. Michelle, if you are listening, please take care of your and OUR man!!
Conservatives like to split their time between screaming at liberals and destroying America.
Well said!
Conservatives also like to split their head when someone like Bush grows government to the largest it has ever been, lies about a war that has costed us a ton of cash and hasn't stopped wasteful spending.
I don't think liberals are destroying America . . . unless you want to try putting a multi-trillion dollar per year health care program and want to continue growing government.
If there was a single candidate that said my plan is to stop all of the government waste, not kill the middle class on taxes, balance the budget and reduce our national debt . . . I would be on board.
Too bad the only options out there have yet to mention any of those topics.
Strange that universal health care programs have not ruined the economies of any other western capitalst countries. They seem to enjoy the access to health care.
Like Kriston said in his 1993 memo healtcare for all would "“revive ... the Democrats, as the generous protector of middle-class interests.” which essentially could ruin the republican party for a long time. Even he knows people want it....but he is rather that elitist Machivellian out to save "his" party before doing something good for the people.
When will the right speak about privatizing the police and firedepartments? Let those who can pay be those who will have the benefits...
47 million uninsured is a massive failure and if the right is so religious as it claims it would try to work for having everyone covered.
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/81895/
Most Support U.S. Guarantee of Health Care
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/02/washington/02poll.html?ex=1330491600&en=c983317774f806cb&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
But they call it "common sense" and "patriotism." The Republicans have been remarkably successful at branding their BS. Create HUGE national debt but call the Dems "tax and spend liberals." Invade countries we have no business invading and funnel billions to Haliburton, Blackwater, and create record oil prices to benefit their oil buddies....and call it "patiotism." Trample the constitution and call it "homeland defense." You gotta give the devil his due, these guys would make phenominal ad men.
Would make? LOL
They ARE ad men. Witness the use of the retired military brass to lie to the country.
However, being a good ad man, and being an effective leader of our country are not the same thing. In fact, they are polar opposites.
Stossel should come out of the closet, maybe he'd cease to be a negative force on our country.
Stossel still looks like he right out of the 1980's with the blow dried hair and the big mustache.
Stossel trots out the "charts" showing how unemployment is down and wages among the poor are up while neglecting to add that since Bush became president the unemployment figures exclude anyone NOT receiving unemployment, and that real wages (adjusted for inflation) for the middle class and working poor are down since Bush's philosophy of rewarding the rich for being rich hijacked the country.
And that OSHA chart was something special, too. From 1933 to 1971 (38 years), there was a 53% decline in workplace fatalities per 100,000. From 1971 to 1995 (24 years), the decline was 73% and is holding fast at about 4 per 100,000. So under OSHA we experienced a faster and greater decline in workplace fatalities, but Stossel insists it’s a waste of money. A key detail left out of that chart is that during the pre-OSHA period of 1933 to 1971, America experienced a sharp decline in the number of people laboring in agrarian based industries such as farming and mining, both of which are extremely dangerous, to factory based labor which, before OSHA, was in part regulated through existing labor laws governing working conditions.
Also missing for his precious little chart is a great unknown being how high the death rate might be if OSHA never existed, data I’m glad we do not have access to.
Randy
Being they can't do anything right, Republicant's, after having destroyed the country, are forced to rely on what they do best: LIE!
So poverty income has gone up 3.2% since welfare reform? How much has inflation gone up since then? What about food and energy costs? What about health care costs?
What a blowhard.
Who cares, they aren't paying for anything anyways, everyone else is.
Inflation should only be a factor for those that actually work for a living to provide for their families . . . those people shouldn't have to worry about caring for everyone else, they have enough on their plate.
So why do you then vote for people who drive up inflation by lying us into a war or two, and by the tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. Unbias, you betrayed the troops and your fellow working Americans by supporting Bush. How are you going to atone for sins?
Hey everyone!
Let's leave this poor soul alone. This is too much like shooting fish in a barrel. He keeps making the same old tired points, usually far off the actual topics of this thread. Responding to him just encourages him to keep stirring.
It's not that dear ol' Bias is exceedingly nasty -- we often endure worse here -- it's just that he hasn't said anything yet that actually either:
1. contributes to the discussion of the article, or
2. contributes meaningful data/facts to the discussion.
All he's doing is interrupting the conversations. It's not that he's a genuine troll or anything...
Name calling doesn't help Arianna
Right wing ideology has brutally damaged our nation in just about every way imaginable. Now they want to drag old tired and irrelevant arguments to attack anyone with a fresh approach.
Well Republicant's you have had your way and look what you have wrought. The proof is in the pudding. Suck it up, and stand humbly by while the left tries to sort out your mess.
Liberal's fresh approach isn't that fresh, it's called socialism and it never works. There is a reason that American has become a super power and it's not because of free handouts and socialistic values.
oh, being a superpower has done us so much good.
Say something that hasn't been belched first by Limbaugh. Socialism? What has been said that could be construed as endorsing Socialism? You guys are like Pavlov's dog.
The countries been damaged by your policies. This is your legacy. Bringing out the bug-a-bear of collectivism won't change that.
You may want to go get yourself an education. It is called Progressivism, and many tenets of Progressives do work. While there have been some fringe elements that identify with socialism, there have been some that identify with many views held by the far right. Numnuts like you that try to brand any reforms regulated by the federal government as socialism, are working on the same old politics of fear. You cannot pigeon hole progressives that easily. Are you advocating that the federal government should never step in to handle things that individuals cannot do themselves? If so, I guess you are not for our military either. It is the same principle. Our society cannot deal with all its needs without the federal government taxing and administrating certain things.....like defense, roads, police, fire protection, national parks. The list is damn near endless, and it does work when correctly applied. Do you think everything should be handled by the private sector? I think not, yet I somehow doubt anyone would brand you a socialist. The Republicans have been the biggest tax and spend group of our modern era. They have accounted for 90% of our national debt and have ruined our credibility worldwide. So as the previous poster said "suck it up and let the left sort out your mess"....and the mess is pretty big.
Capitalism is a free handout program for the rich--people who don't work get rich off the people who do. Socialism arose as a reaction.
Turn off the gasbags and get an education.
If socialism doesn't work, how come the more socialist countries in Europe are kicking our asses in every measurable way. They are wealthier, healthier, and are far more educated. Thanks to Unbias and his corrupted ideology, the average European high school graduate can speak, read, and write English better than their American counterparts. And don't get me started about the sciences. Unbias, are you proud that we are now hopelessly in debt, stupid, and unable to compete in the world without an army?
I take that your on of those far-lefties.
Real far left . . . mil09 is so far left that she wants the government to come over and wipe his ass when it's time. The more governmenr the better right milo?
You don't have to be on the Left to have contempt for the NeoCons and their agenda. I know plenty of traditional Conservatives who feel the same way.
If the Republicans had any new ideas, it probably would be a different story. However, as the saying goes, "Wish in one hand and spit in the other, then see which one fills up".
It's now the Democrats turn by default. The Right had their chance and did nothing but pillage the treasury and kill people while cutting rich people's taxes. We''ll all be paying rent to the commies in China if this keeps up much longer.
BTW: I wouldn't call the Democrats, Left. That's pretty inaccurate. From the world perspective, they'd actually be just Right of Center.
Yes, I'm your worse nightmare: a smashmouth dem who wants payback for the damage the Republican'ts have done to the nation. The left is on the march. Recant while there's time.
The left and the right both have their lunatic fringe. On the right, they want to create riots in Denver, blow up abortion clinics, attack and occupy unarmed countries,spy on their own citizens,torture, break international agreements ,and eliminate the Constitution. On the left , they want peace, equality, and prosperity for all inhabitants of Mother Earth. You can clearly see how crazy both sides are.
A footnote, I was banned for making these kinds of comments.
Me too. Not for the lefty stuff, but you know what I mean.
Everyone gets banned sooner or later.
You people crack me up, that's why I love this website. Thanks for the comedic relief.
If you really want to know who wants riots in Denver it's FAR LEFT LOONS . . . but you wouldn't know that since you only get your information from a far left website.
Check it out yourself:
http://www.recreate68.org/
BTW, when were their abortion clincs being bombed? Eric Rudolph? What makes you think there are mainstream Republicans that support him?
Wonder why they have the black power symbol on their web site. you reckon Obama really is going to be their choice. UT-O
Yeah right the left wing wants the violence that is why ONLY THE RIGHT IS PROMOTING IT.
Rush Osamabinlimbaugh is dreaming of a violent convention and is probably giving agitators tips on how to provoke the violence just like the right did back in 68.
But then again dealing with Flat Earthers like Bias is basically a waste of time. They would rather see the country turned into a third world economy benefiting only the rich and taking glee in the destruction of the middle class and a return to child labor and soup lines two miles long. After all it's their fault for being poor.
lol
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Huffington Post
First Posted: 04-25-08 11:27 PM | Updated: 05- 3-08 05:12 AM