You've been sold the "middle-class" garbage from the White House, who by the way, supports forcing TAX dollars to go to Insurance Companies. I'm gonna need you to explain how those aren't Fat Cats. I'm gonna need you to explain who got bailed-out, the middle-class or the Fat Cats. I'm also gonna need you all to explain why every flippin' day you are on here defending overspending, except when you get a chance to blame Republicans for it. I'm also going to point out, that this process that this is a bit misleading, as the places where those cuts were going to be made, were chosen knowing the Republicans would defend those effected.
This Governor just recently took from Early Childcare, so you all would think he was giving money to Veterans Homes.
For once, I agree with Earl, this article does not provide the politics behind how all of this came about. I don't agree very often that the government should spend more than they bring in, however I do understand that sometimes circumstances dictate. I don't believe that a recession is the time, regardless of what an "accredited" economist says. We don't know enough about his philosophies or goals for an economy.
Just remember, on a national level, the Senate has not even presented a budget for years, so there's no way to know if they are over or under spending. To me that's fishy.
Again, Earl, I think I'm seeing a different side of you today. I appreciate it, as we usually tend to approach solutions from "different" sides.

Mr. Moses,
obama care will result in the largest Tax ever placed upon the Middle Class. And my good man, it is these " Fat Cats " who are responsible for providing JOBS for the Middle Class

William, Republicans claimed Clinton’s tax increase on the wealthy would screw the middle class and put people out of work. But the unemployment rate dropped from 6.9% to 3.9%, the deficit fell every year and by the time Clinton left office, we were on track to eliminate the entire national debt. (cagle.com)

Just thought you might like some, you know, facts.

Many Missouri Republicans are big Keynesian fans.
This would be an example of sarcasm.
The point of the article is to get readers to rethink common notions.
Democrats are not always big spenders.
However, both parties have been talking about budget cuts.
Yet, total state spending continues to rise.
Again, I am not saying whether spending more is good or bad.

Well spoken Earl

Thanks Brian and Devon! While Keynes isn't without his detractors, I feel people should at least be familiar with his work (and criticism of it) if we are to engage in any substantive discussion of government, expenditures, policy and taxes. Simple finger-pointing is what got us here, it certainly isn't going to get us out!

Thanks Sonny! I have friends who are small-business owners, and I have friends who are (periodically) homeless. It just irritates me to no end when career politicians try to divide us up into neat little boxes, pitting one against the other!

Thank you "Jan" for that insightful, well researched, fair and balanced assessment of the ACA.

By the way, care to back up any of what you say with any actual evidence? To wit, please show how, as you so eloquently put it, "There are 20 new taxes to be passed on the American People just in the Obamacare Act!!!!!!". I'm having trouble finding them. I do see taxes, but certainly not 20 and certainly most of them are not on individuals. Would love to see your list, we can compare.

It is a tax, it is the largest tax increase ever, it doesn't leave out the working middle-class, and I don't know the number of tax increases there are, but I do know it's right around $500,000,000,000.
My point is as it always is, we could stop these politics, and we could stop the need for more government assistance by shrinking the government back to a manageable size. Large government never works. I repeat NEVER. It creates these issues in the first place. Call me Democrat, Republican, Liberal, Conservative, I don't care, but we keep looking to the Government for answers to the problems they've created. I say we address the REASONS for the problems, fix them, and stop the bickering.

Using these hysterical extrapolations, everything is a tax ...From state school tuition increases - a tax, damage to your car from driving on bad roads - a tax, global warming - a tax, to the cost of Iraq War - a tax. It goes on and on. Fill-in your own # with many zeroes behind it. Caps-lock, exclamation points, tea drinking and etc etc.

Just a Supreme Court ruling RD. They lied & used the words "affordable" & "free" and you bought it. Turns out, it's not a gift at all, it's the largest tax increase ever, and we will ALL pay for it. Why do you think they should keep lying and erroneously calling this free or affordable? It only allows the likes of you to perpetuate somehow that we won't have to pay for it.
As for bad roads, either fix them or stop taxing for them (I-70 for 50 years), stop talking about "investing in infrastructure" then sticking the people in Missouri with paying for I-70 a minimum of 3 more times.
I don't buy that humans cause "Climate Change" because energy that actually IS free has been hidden from you since the 20's. The research never accounts for HAARP or the Sun, Solar System, Galaxy, etc. (I could go on for pages on this.)
Why are you so offended by capital letters? They SHOULD help you stress the right words when reading so you don't misunderstand. Using lower case letters hasn't kept you from being hysterical, extrapolating, or even name-calling (which no one did in CAPS).
What makes you think that the government should, or even CAN or handle these issues? Where has it ever worked? Housing? Nope they ruined that (Fair Housing Regulatory Act). Student Loans? Nope, they've even used S.W.A.T. teams trying to collect. Business? Nope, highest corporate tax-rate in the world has caused record unemployment.
Please explain how you think fewer providers for more dependents will work?

Whoa, thanks for the update from the right-wing kookosphere Devon.

/ducks -probably will cause another all-caps tangential tirade.

500 billion. Can you provide some backup to this. The big talking point the GOP was saying about the $500 billion was the mandate penalty/tax (determine the term for it however you want) The BO which is non partisan says the mandate will effect only 1% of the population and will be only about $27 billion over 10 years. Roughly 2.7 billion a year. Please show me where the rest of the $400+ billion tax is coming from.

And again, RD can't substantiate a point, so he attacks & name-calls. Also again, he thinks that a capital-letter is a tyrade, and that name-calling is a point. I presented him with a number of questions, but he only name-calls. Seems like it may be all he knows.
Don't take my word for it, look at the comments.

Yeah John, the WHO ranked us at #37. A lot of countries spend less than us per capita and live longer, healthier lives. It is health insurance companies that are the 2 ton gorilla in the room that no Republican or Democrat dare will face.

A study in 2000 that was designed to penalize countries that actually pay for their healthcare. It's clearly a study designed to make countries that use free-market principles (people pay for what they get) look bad, plain and simple. Even so, that study acknowledges that our actual care is the best in the world, but mitigates that score with their version of "fairness."

For example, the US ranks in the 50's on "fairness of financial distribution" (i.e. those who are poor and sick and are still actually paying for their health care are unfairly being singled out), and in the 70's on "level of health" (i.e. disability adjusted life expectancy, but no other adjustments that impact life expectancy), but number one of "level of responsiveness." So, in other words, we have the best care, but we have to pay for it and we still die sooner (including murders, car accidents, etc...) then other places on that list. Oddly enough, the distribution to get to the score of 37 put the lowest amount of emphasis on the level of responsiveness and the highest on fairness.

It's a good thing the ACA has excluded illegals from coverage.

Regardless of who she is married to the spouses of both parties are off limits. Senator Blunt or any other politician is the same situation should recuse themselves from voting on legislation that their spouse is supporting.

Ever hear of George Soros, AIG, Goldmann Sachs, Hollywood, Network TV, Fanny Mae/Freddy Mac, Warren Buffet, the Unions? Would those be considered Fat Cats or no?
Look at the (insider) investments list for Buffet's companies around bailout time. Just for starters...

And your point is????

Mr. Pondrom, what do you mean " Affordable " ?? The obama health care is not affordable and will never be. The House will not Fund this abomination and it will die a very slow death, as it should.

Mr. pondrom, obama could not have said it better.

Mr. Pondrum,
obamanation increased your take home pay when President Bush's Tax Cuts were extended. Secondly, no need to remind me, tell Arizona, and New Mexico that illegal immigration is down, especially since 'holder' gave the cartels weapons that are being used to shoot at our Border Guards from the Mexico side of the river.

Sonny, they used to come here for jobs, now that they've all been taxed & regulated to other countries, there's less reason for folks to cross the border.

For those who actually want a solution, move the idea Ellis Island to a few locations along the southern border, boom, all immigration issues are solved.

William, you do know that The ATF gunwalking operation was started during the Bush era right? Some of your comments make you appear unfamiliar with the subject.

I don't see the connection between these two things.

Mike, I'll let you know what happens. At 77 years old and a Veteran I'll not bow down to obama nor any democrat who supports him. obama is my personal enemy.

Is it any surprise that Sonny does not "see a connection between these two things." ?

Brian, I'd like to see some details to support your comments about the spending in Jefferson City. I follow the activities closely and what you say is not what I see in the minutes. In fact, when it comes to bills brought to the floor, the Liberal side loses. The minutes show that the Conservatives bring more bills if not all to the floor. I am on the mailing list for weekly updates of all activities when the House is in session from Tim Jones and what you say is not what the minutes report. As for the B-E Patch...I thought it was supposed to report news within our communities and not get involved with partisan politics. I'll end it there!

I understood the sarcasm, BRH

Thank you Jean and Earl.
And to others, there's probably more sarcasm on my part to come.
I simply can't help myself.
And how's this for a teaser?
Republicans continue to insist they are cutting spending.
And I've got quotes from top leaders.
What will I write next? Hmmm...

For what it's worth, Brian, I applaud your pointing out hypocrisy in our politicians. That is one thing I absolutely cannot stand. From the left, from the right, doesn't matter. It's inexcusable.

They all spend too much. The government has gotten too big (way bigger than intended) and is trying to "solve" things it wasn't meant to solve (or break for that matter). This increases spending & taxes, putting the burden on you & I, when we aren't the ones that overspent and often disagree with it.
Getting the government involved, adds an unnaccountable middle-man into the scenario, one that needs to take it's cut to pay for it's involvement. Inevitably, less money can be paid out for the problem than was brought in. So we pay in more than what it takes to solve every problem they have gotten involved in. It doesn't make sense or work, yet it continues.
Another thing that gets us in trouble is using taxes as a weapon or an incentive.
Ads currently running, state that one guy is for tax breaks for companies that "move jobs overseas", while the other guy wants you to forget that the highest corporate tax-rate in the world is what caused those companies to make adjustments in the first place, so he can raise their taxes again.
We never get a true representation of what is going on, all because of politics.
We must stop throwing more burdens on the people & businesses so that the government can spend more. Government involvement in businesses through tax-incentives has cost us an endless number of jobs & businesses, and virtually kept the economy in a headlock.
Economies are based on how much money the PEOPLE have to spend, not how much the government can spend.

Sonny, your point was well taken until that last sentence-as most everyone knows, George Washington served two terms, not one as you state.

But, it would seem, the facts about George Washington completely undermines your point that only one term officeholders can be trusted not to be preoccupied with reelection. I'm assuming you hold "The Father of Our Country" in high regard (as do I), and it didn't seem to affect his ability to serve. Incidentally, I would add Jefferson, Lincoln, FD Roosevelt and many others to the list of successful multiple term officeholders. I think the 22nd Amendment addresses the issue to my own satisfaction.

Sonny, how about legislation & regulation, or even the complete abolition, of lobbying & lobbyists altogether? I could get on-board with that, but good luck taking those incomes away from the politicians and their "foundations".

Elizabeth, just look above: "Emergency rooms are the only medical professionals who are required to everyone. Doctors can turn away people w/o insurance." (Sonny P.) and "Since Obama has set the precedent that illegals can break our immigration laws..." (mike k). Thanks for asking!

All of you commenting need to read about the fight for Social Security and lastly Medicare. Most of the same things that are said, TODAY,were said at the time these programs were past. Yet those of us who are the recipients of these programs revel in them, and all of the dire predictions haven't come to pass. THANKS to the forward thinking Democrats, Republicans and Independents, that persevered in the face of the NEGATIVE HATERS. Seniors and other recipients of these programs appreciate their tenacity and forthrightness may it continue for the good of AMERICA!!!!!!!!

Dear William, if you want actual events? Here's one, President Obama has increased your take-home pay over the past few years. That is how the 2nd great depression was averted. And if we vote him out of office, that will leave us with Mr. Mute Romney. And who knows what will happen then. Healthcare? Iran war? No schools? Another conservative on Supreme Court? Repeal Rowe vs Wade? More jobs over seas? higher deficit? Tax-cuts for the rich? More jobs layoffs from service sector? Medicare cut? No more public unions? More millionaires in congress? No chance to repeal "Citizens United" Repeal of ACA? And other things that will help the 1% and their trickle down theory.

Sonny, you don't know anything about Conservatives, they don't want that to do any of that, and never have. As I've said a thousand times, I know what they tell you, I hear it too. No one wants to take those things away from people. What's wrong with giving people the means to get those things themelves? And sorry Holston, but no one wants to take away your Social Security or Medicare, they never have, regardless of what the people actually crippling you are saying as they gain your dependence. Conservatives don't want your children to have to depend on them, too.
Healthcare. Tax increase. Iran. Afghanistan. Rowe/Wade. Save the Whales. No Schools? DOE has not proven to be a school, nor an asset. (No Schools? Come on.) Supreme Court. Uphold the Law, Not an Agenda. Enforce it, Don't Create It. Layoffs? Jobs overseas? Highest corporate tax-rate in the world (as of April), a goal of 10 new regulations per day & people constantly wanting anything that's not a job from the rich. Millionaires in Congress? You didn't look at those stock purchases at bailout-time like I told you, did you? You believe in trickle down when it's taxes and you think you'll get some of it, but not when it comes to jobs, competition, free-enterprise, or any of the foundations that created the very pool of money you think you can dip into without consequence in the first place. It's a huge tax hike that guarantees inflation & unemployment, and makes you pay insurance companies, when you could pay your kids.

Sonny,
Although I do not believe in term limits I do think the e-mail you posted makes a lot of sense.

William, painting with a mighty broad brush there aren't we? Normally I don't respond to trolls, but what can I say, you caught me.

Tell me William, did you study while in school? Are you one of the 1%ers? If not, why not? People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones my friend.

Friend,
Are you referring to the corporate welfare recipients -the beneficiaries of TIFS, government military spending, protected monopolies. Not all companies blackmail states and municipalities for tax credits or threaten to leave in order to be subsidized but many do.

Where do you think all the money in politics comes from my friend? They aren't pouring money into campaigns for their health. Not all 1%ers buy up politicians so they get a return on investment via tax breaks, easing of financial and environmental regulations -but enough do.

Oh the naivete...

Thank you, but we need to see past party, along with emotion, devotion, and face value, and look at real cause & effect. Until we do, it's an endless spiral. Downward unfortuanately. False claims like: "President Obama has increased your take-home pay over the past few years" won't make it past those who stick to these principles, Those who review results, and apply basic economic principles, can easily see that it just isn't true. Last month 80,000 jobs "created", 85,000 lost jobs. Maybe that statement wasn't directed at those folks.

Well then you should probably consider not judging others so harshly, know what I mean? As in, maybe think about not telling others why they failed to get into the "1%", when you yourself failed at same? Sound good?

That's exactly what you get by promoting competition, watching, teaching, and guaranteeing not only that the rules are followed, but the best products, prices, and wages are available too.

Thatta-boy RD, now you're on to something, but let's go a little farther. How about we eliminate TIFs and tax-incentives altogether? Then, all of these problems are all gone.
As I've stated before, using taxes as weapons or incentives is what creates every single one of these issues. Eliminating those practices eases these issues and removes them from the table.
Real solutions aren't too hard to find when we take off our blue or red glasses.

How about eliminating the favored tax rate for capital gains and dividends that enable Mittens Romney to have a 10% tax rate? Tax it the same as other income -such as wages.

As of now, a person can inherit millions tax free, put this money in tax-free investments or capital gain/dividend generating invesments, and pay at a much lower rate than a working person. Such a person is favored in our tax system, and deified by some (Job Creator), but they never have to work a day in their life. The American Dream - to be born wealthy.

You went with the Party-line & we lost you. The old "Romney's rich deflection". We know the routine, but what about results?
You can't say you're for the working middle-class, then tax away their jobs & pin the bills of system dependents on them. You can't say "Republicans only want to help the rich" when George Soros, AIG, Goldmann Sachs, Hollywood, Network TV, Fanny/Freddy, Warren Buffet, David Geffen, Auto Makers, Unions etc. got you elected so you bailed them out. You can't say "no new taxes for anyone making under $250,000/yr", then apply mandates forcing cities to raise their taxes to cover the cost (St Peters right now). It's lie after lie everytime they open their mouth.
Look, CA, NY & IL (run by crook after criminal) constantly blame Conervatives for their plight, yet they never elect one.
Dependents play an important role, it's a voter pool of "victims of the rich" (actually the Dems) that continues to get bigger not smaller under their care. Dependents who become INdependent is a different 1%, but with a decimal & a few zeroes before it.
Perpetuate poverty & dependence, blame the rich instead of those responsible, say Reps want to take away your aide, and poof, you have a Dem vote.
The game is trasparent, and you are too smart to miss it when it's written right into the results.
FYI - Conservatives REGULARLY suggest & support flat-tax-rates, but your "Ambassadors of Fairness" shoot them down. Why? Their votes come from these problems, not from solutions.

Devon -you mention results. Well we are still living with the results of the deregulatory, tax cuts for the wealthy and unsustainable hyped up markets -as they blew up in 2008. .

You say you favor taking away all tax breaks and incentives, and I point out some substantial breaks to address (capital gains/dividend tax rates -and uber-protection of inherited monies -as opposed to working people's wages.) Time to take off your tea-colored sunglasses?

Flat tax, yet another pollyanish or starve the beast solution. There is a reason the wealthy want flat tax - because it would benefit them, yet again. Most the proposals out of the GOP entail lowering or eliminating the tax rates on investment income.

I have no party affiliation, by the way. It only seems that way since the GOP has embraced and financed the most extremist political tack in our lifetimes.

I'm done replying to your weak rants - they do not merit a response. Feel free to rule this Patch.

I have a friend that inherited a farm, if he sells the farm this year, his capital gains tax is around 21%, if he sells it next year it's 35%. Why does the government need, think they deserve, or even have the right, to apply an absurd increase like that? Because they spend too much? Because they are unnaccountable? So they can get farther into our lives? So they can force us to buy products like insurance & alternative energies (where they spent our money anyway, when we already learned in the 70's they didn't work) Because they refuse to create a budget? Because they don't have to tell us what they do with it? Because they can better decide what to do with it? Why?
They don't deserve another dollar until they can manage the money they have & stop spreading themselves too thin.
I don't have the space to explain to you the effects of the Carter, Reagan, Clinton, Bush, back & forth battle that's been going on for decades but needless to say, it's a little more complicated than how you seem to see it. I suggest actually looking at some of the numbers of those eras, instead of listening to what you're hearing. Here's where you start, the Fair Housing Regulatory Act. You'll find you'll know a little more when you're done. And that a lot of what you've been led to believe is wrong. It isn't your fault, 98% Liberal media, that's why you are misinformed.
Wait, I thought the wealthy got all the benefits from the CURRENT tax-plan?
You're embarrassing yourself, do some research.

I think they all must go. Just like lobbyists, they are subjective, play favorites, & segregate, as well as open the back-room door for easy under-the-table corruption. We already have enough of that.

Sonny, being born into riches is not the American Dream, using your school years to your best advantage would lead to the American Dream. I have a hunch that you purchase several Lottery Tickets each week as your way, as a democrat, to reach the " American Dream " .

Your sarcasm does not hide your ignorance of the truth, William.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATF_gunwalking_scandal#2006.E2.80.932007:_Operation_Wide_Receiver_and_other_probes

Read it, you might learn a thing or two.