The President's Address

[ga-hvac-tech]

Hi fellow HVAC folks,

Well, I will go ahead and make a target of myself... :D

I thought this was one of George W Bush's better State of the Union Addresses. I remember in the past he did not sound very presdiential, he did not seem to have a plan, and he was not solid in what he was saying.

This time was different. Bush sounded VERY presidential!! He started out paying due respect to the Dem's and the Peaker of the house (good touch with the comment 'Madam Speaker'). He spoke of a lot of things that will be good for the country. He did not spend much time on Iraq and Terror, I thought that was good also. He praised a few folks that could be called 'American Heros', good move. Generally, I think he set a course that will be good for America.

I liked the address. I am open to hear other's views. What do you think?

[dna]

I would have to agree with you. I think the dude who saved the guy from the train was happier than a pig in s&*t to be there. I think some of the dems who post on here are going to be moving to the right now................:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :)

[ga-hvac-tech]

I would have to agree with you. I think the dude who saved the guy from the train was happier than a pig in s&*t to be there. I think some of the dems who post on here are going to be moving to the right now................:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :)

IMO, if they just move closer to the center (that is, away from the left), I will be satisfied.

I know I spout off now and then, and in my younger days I was sooo conservative I was probably difficult to get along with. I have mellowed a bit, and think something to the right of the middle is a good place.

And I know I will get flamed for this: I think some of the dem's that post here might get a chance to mature and become better citizens under the plan Bush set out for the next year... :) :D :D :p :D :D :)

[bootlen]

Sounded like STC in ME, vague on immigration, strong and challenging on balanced budget/taxes, BS on education, silent on the economy (nothing to say...it is alive and well).

[oloenneker]

Well, I did like his commitment to reduce american dependency on Petroleum products, especially imported oil. The idea of using homegrown alternative fuels being endorsed by Bush suprised me a little, although it looked like Cheney was squirming in his seat during that time...


On another note, I though that it was interesting that Bush and Cheney seamlesly took a drink of water at the exact same time. Almost like Cheney had Bush on "remote control"...:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[chillindisciple]

Pelosi looked like her teeth were grinding when Bush was speaking about his health care tax breaks.


I thought it was hilarious when Bush and Cheney took sips out of their glasses at the exact same time.

I hope I'm not the only one who noticed.

[bootlen]

Kinda hard to miss the water thingy. And you guys think there is some significance to it?


O-o-o-o-kay.

[chillindisciple]

No. Just thought it was a funny coincidence.

[oloenneker]

Kinda hard to miss the water thingy. And you guys think there is some significance to it?


O-o-o-o-kay.

No, there is no significance at all, it was just a little creepy, thats all. And actually when it happened, I thought I heard some slight chuckles coming from the "gallery"...

[bootlen]

State of the Union Address and you are focused on a drink of water.

Figures.

[oloenneker]

State of the Union Address and you are focused on a drink of water.

Figures.

Hey guy, we are all suspect to this kind of stuff. You Righties get all stuck on stupid stuff too, Like: Obama has big ears and Hillary is ugly... Blah blah blah...

Don't act like you guys are infallable when it comes to bringing up stupid stuff...

[bootlen]

Hey guy, we are all suspect to this kind of stuff. You Righties get all stuck on stupid stuff too, Like: Obama has big ears and Hillary is ugly... Blah blah blah...

Don't act like you guys are infallable when it comes to bringing up stupid stuff...

Oh. I didn't realize those 2 clowns had made a State of the Union Address. When did this take place?

[Roscoe]

This is what I heard very clear.


"This is where matters stand tonight, in the here and now. I have spoken with many of you in person. I respect you and the arguments you have made. We went into this largely united — in our assumptions, and in our convictions. And whatever you voted for, you did not vote for failure. Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq — and I ask you to give it a chance to work. And I ask you to support our troops in the field — and those on their way"

I was in a street fight as a kid when I looked back all the Big talkers ran away, kinda like the demos are doing to us now, cut and run pussy's

[oloenneker]

On the other hand, what about that tax deduction idea of bush regarding health insurance? $7500 deduction for a Single person or $15000 for a family? Does that mean people that, say make less that 15000 per year pay no income taxes? Does that mean I don't get taxed on my first $15000 I make per year (if this goes through)????

Sounds like there is gonna be some kind of catch.

[oloenneker]

Oh. I didn't realize those 2 clowns had made a State of the Union Address. When did this take place?

Don't act stupid, you know what I am saying.

[bootlen]

Lol!

[ga-hvac-tech]

On the other hand, what about that tax deduction idea of bush regarding health insurance? $7500 deduction for a Single person or $15000 for a family? Does that mean people that, say make less that 15000 per year pay no income taxes? Does that mean I don't get taxed on my first $15000 I make per year (if this goes through)????

Sounds like there is gonna be some kind of catch.

Hi Olie,

Well, as you stated it, that was the way I heard it also. It is kinda like a standard deduction, with the caveat that you must have a health insurance policy in effect to recieve it. Now what messy and expensive beaurocracy will the govt come up with to verify the insurance policy, and how much money will that waste?

Lets remember that these are proposals. The Congresscritters will get to chew & twist & spin it as far as they can get away with. What (if anything) that becmes law may be a lot different.

Personally, I think ALL $$$ paid for medical costs (including insurance premiums) should be deductable (maybe not for cosmetic surgery???); this just seems like simple common sense to me. Here in GA, there is no sales tax on groceries. That just makes simple common sense to me. Maybe we need some simple comon sense in Wash DC???

[renaissanse man]

Well, I did like his commitment to reduce american dependency on Petroleum products, especially imported oil. The idea of using homegrown alternative fuels being endorsed by Bush suprised me a little, although it looked like Cheney was squirming in his seat during that time...


On another note, I though that it was interesting that Bush and Cheney seamlesly took a drink of water at the exact same time. Almost like Cheney had Bush on "remote control"...:rolleyes: :rolleyes:That was planned out by the secret service, you buffoon.:D

[geerair]

That was planned out by the secret service, you buffoon.:DWhat happened to Rove? I thought that kind of thing was his gig. :D :D

[James 3528]

Okay, so the economy is good and as I predicted the democrats would try to still show we are miserable. Someone should remind them that since they think their in charge, if they keep making that case they will be held responsible.

But I am getting tired of hearing about Africa in the SOTU address. Has not a damn thing to do with it.

[oloenneker]

What happened to Rove? I thought that kind of thing was his gig. :D :D

Well, since "scooter" has been claiming that Rowe set him up, He has been "laying low"...

But, on the otherhand, he was probably sending the signals via wireless earpeices to both Cheney and Bush to make the syncronized "water gulp" seem more credible...

[oloenneker]

That was planned out by the secret service, you buffoon.:D

Yeah, sure. "unit one to unit two, set time for POTUS and VPUS to drink water...." "Unit two to unit one, set time is in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and execute POTUS and VPUS water drink!" "Unit one to unit two, operation water drink executed and in progress..."

[bootlen]

Yeah, sure. "unit one to unit two, set time for POTUS and VPUS to drink water...." "Unit two to unit one, set time is in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and execute POTUS and VPUS water drink!" "Unit one to unit two, operation water drink executed and in progress..."

Wow! Do you also write for "CSI Miami"?

[acmanko]

Cheney is just the best vetriliquist you''ll ever see. The man's lips never moved and Dumbya spoke better, of course they drank water at the same time. Cheney is the man.

[johnl45]

Sounded like more of the same BS to me. Bush could care less what the American people want it’s all about him and his crooked cronies. Its time for the new leadership to mop the floor with these crooks.

[alfe]

Did anyone notice Cheney popping a gum or something in his mouth??

[acmanko]

Did anyone notice Cheney popping a gum or something in his mouth?? That was his mouth moving and the words looking as if Bush spoke.

[ga-hvac-tech]

You know, after reflecting on the speech for a while, I find an interesting thought:

There is an old saying: Power corrupts, and absolute power absolutely corrupts. :D :p :cool: ;) :D

In the past when the repubs had control of both houses of congress and the white house, Bush seemed less of a leader. Now that he has real competition, he is stepping up to the plate and trying to do what he thinks is good for everyone (and do it as part of a team). It appears to me that the old saying may have been proven true right in front of our eyes... :)

[dw1]

On the other hand, what about that tax deduction idea of bush regarding health insurance? $7500 deduction for a Single person or $15000 for a family? Does that mean people that, say make less that 15000 per year pay no income taxes? Does that mean I don't get taxed on my first $15000 I make per year (if this goes through)????

Sounds like there is gonna be some kind of catch.
One thing at a time.
Income tax. I'm no expert on the tax code but I believe that everyone pays federal taxes. Depending on income, a single person who makes X dollars (maybe 12-14,000) gets a refund on the taxes they paid. The higher their income, up to the poverty level (12-14,000), the smaller the refund. It works the same way for families up to the poverty level for families.
This has nothing to do with health insurance.
Health insurance. If you have company furnished and paid health insurance you pay no taxes on that even though that is a benefit. Congress (read lib's ;)) wants to tax that benefit. :( As I understand it there will be no tax if the amount paid by your employer is less than $7,500 or $15,000 for a man and wife with employer paid health insurance.

[acmanko]

What you misunderstand is ALL employers have to offer insurance and ALL employees have to buy it. Then the deduction comes in. in effect the minimum wage will double so folks can buy insurance. It is pure republican genius.

[coordinatesales]

Just another example of using our screwed up tax code to buy votes or campaign money. Forget offering more tax breaks, try something better like this: http://www.fairtax.org/index.aspx

I support Bush overall. I believe he is trying to do his best with the information he has but I wanted to scream when he talked of immigration. If he's serious about fixing the immigration problem, start by pardoning the 2 border patrol agents http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2006/08/the_border_patrol_inquisition.html

and then actually do something meaningfull about protecting our borders.

[dw1]

What you misunderstand is ALL employers have to offer insurance and ALL employees have to buy it. Then the deduction comes in. in effect the minimum wage will double so folks can buy insurance. It is pure republican genius.

Please explain.
My understanding existing benefits is when employer offers health insurance paid 100% by the employer he has to cover every employee with the exact same plan. If he offers a plan where the employee has to pick up part of the expense the employee has the right to reject that plan. Some may CHOOSE to go with the plan even if it costs the employee something and some may CHOOSE not to go with the plan.
I think that offers everyone a equal plan.
I don't see a huge shift for people who have company paid insurance. Most plans should be below the $7,500 yearly threshold for single person. People that will probably be effected will be one spouse who covers the other and large families on one plan paid for by one employer. If the employee is covered on a "family" plan and the company covers the employee and the employee pays for the family there shouldn't be much of a change for the employee.
For the person not covered be health insurance they will get a tax break by purchasing their own insurance.
You do remember that lib's scream about tax breaks don't you? http://deephousepage.com/smilies/spank2.gif

[MadeinUSA]

The poor won’t purchase healthcare for themselves with the program, they will take that extra money and buy beer and blow it other places, and still have their hand out for the next free ride.

I liked how Hillary was just sitting there when they panned to her after the healthcare announcement. He shot a big shell across her bow to throw her off of her Trojan horse of offering healthcare. She has no intentions of offering any healthcare just like last time.

[James 3528]

Something is up with Nancy Pelosi. Saw the face making, the eye blinking often and licking the lips often. Actions common with anti psychotic drug usage

[glennac]

Something is up with Nancy Pelosi. Saw the face making, the eye blinking often and licking the lips often. Actions common with anti psychotic drug usage

What do you expect she is an old hippie from San Fran? Not meaning to digress from the subject but isn't it nice not seeing Ace's avatar come up on the threads. I could stomach his long obnoxious BS posts but not seeing a “guy” post a radical feminist as his avatar. What a relief. Thank you monitors. :D :D :D

[oloenneker]

Something is up with Nancy Pelosi. Saw the face making, the eye blinking often and licking the lips often. Actions common with anti psychotic drug usage


hahaha...

Yeah, James, do you have any climical proof of ANY anti psycosis drugs out here that have the side effects you described?

Probably not, you're just a blowhard who spouts off BS in 99% of your posts.

On the other hand, there was Cheney siting there popping a Nitro tab to keep the ticker going after he had that little smirk on his face when Bush started talking about wood chips as "alternative fuels"...

(The smirk was more of a signal to his oil buddies that: "hey guys, he (Bush) has to say this stuff so we sound like we are making some kind of progress, but don't worry, all will stay the same, I promise!!)

[oloenneker]

What do you expect she is an old hippie from San Fran? Not meaning to digress from the subject but isn't it nice not seeing Ace's avatar come up on the threads. I could stomach his long obnoxious BS posts but not seeing a “guy” post a radical feminist as his avatar. What a relief. Thank you monitors. :D :D :D

It could have been worse (or better, depends on how you see things) he could have had a picture of Gloria Steinam as his avatar!! (at least in her "good days" she was a Playboy Bunny...)

[James 3528]

hahaha...

Yeah, James, do you have any climical proof of ANY anti psycosis drugs out here that have the side effects you described?

Probably not, you're just a blowhard who spouts off BS in 99% of your posts.



Climical proof? No, but there is a mountain of clinical proof brought to you by > Google. And we have your picture to see what the repercussions are.

[dw1]

The poor won’t purchase healthcare for themselves with the program, they will take that extra money and buy beer and blow it other places, and still have their hand out for the next free ride.

I don't think anyone is giving anyone anything.
As I understand it the proposed plan is give a tax break to someone who does not have company paid health insurance. Since it is a tax break you have to pay taxes to qualify for a refund. The IRS does not usually send you a refund just because you raised your hand.
The big problem with this plan is going after the people that don't have health insurance paid by their employer. My guess is they don't have enough money to afford insurance.
IMHO this plan is something like the tax deduction on interest paid on your mortgage. If you don't have enough money to buy a house then the interest deduction won't help you. :(

[bootlen]

If the gov wants to stick its nose in health, then all health costs, insurance, etc. should be 100% non-taxable income.

[acmanko]

It already is 100% non taxable income, that is why Bush wants to tax it.

[jrbenny]

My medical premiums already come from pre-tax income. The plan simply provides the same tax break I already receive to those that purchase their own health insurance. It's really not as big a deal as the media and others would make it.

[acmanko]

My medical premiums already come from pre-tax income. The plan simply provides the same tax break I already receive to those that purchase their own health insurance. It's really not as big a deal as the media and others would make it. This is true , unless part of your benifit package gives you free healthcare.

[bootlen]

As does mine. But if I wanted to buy a health policy beyond the "cafeteria" policy at work, it would not be.

ALL health insurance and ALL health costs should be 100% deductable.

[geerair]

As does mine. But if I wanted to buy a health policy beyond the "cafeteria" policy at work, it would not be.

ALL health insurance and ALL health costs should be 100% deductable.So you want everybody else to pay for your health insurance and health care. :eek: :eek:

Jeez, would that be a conservlican begging for an entitlement or maybe even....gasp........socialism? :eek: :eek: :eek:

[bootlen]

So you want everybody else to pay for your health insurance and health care. :eek: :eek:

Jeez, would that be a conservlican begging for an entitlement or maybe even....gasp........socialism? :eek: :eek: :eek:

Nope. Just don't think we should pay taxes on health care costs.

I know you have problems reading. Get someone to explain it to you.

[geerair]

Nope. Just don't think we should pay taxes on health care costs.

I know you have problems reading. Get someone to explain it to you.Sounds like subsidized health care and insurance, i.e. SOCIALISM

[bootlen]

Sounds like subsidized health care and insurance, i.e. SOCIALISM

So you think non-taxable goods or services are gov subsidies?

[geerair]

So you think non-taxable goods or services are gov subsidies?Certainly.

[bootlen]

You ain't right, geer. I don't know where your parents went wrong but you ain't right.

[geerair]

You ain't right, geer. I don't know where your parents went wrong but you ain't right.That's correct, I'm left all the way.


Now, perhaps you can explain how the government paying for your health and insurance costs isn't a subsidy?

[bootlen]

That's correct, I'm left all the way.


Now, perhaps you can explain how the government paying for your health and insurance costs isn't a subsidy?

Perhaps you should first explain where I said the gov should pay for my insurance.

[chillbilly]

Perhaps you should first explain where I said the gov should pay for my insurance.


Oh lawd. You didn't say that and greer was just harassing you for nut'n.
:D

The speech was about a B+.
The health care benefit is a good idea.
The immigration/guest worker policy just downright sucks, for lack of a better word.
The troop increase should be given a chance AND a timetable that remains out of the media.
The way the president explained the consequences of inaction in the ME were very descriptive.


The Webb response was pure crap.


I agree with GA. The president has become more conciliatory because he is still trying to get some things done.

[acmanko]

I agree with GA. The president has become more conciliatory because he is still trying to get some things done.

He's been trying for six years and nothing has been done.

[bootlen]

I agree with GA. The president has become more conciliatory because he is still trying to get some things done.

He's been trying for six years and nothing has been done.

Well, I hope he keeps on doing "nothing". I made more money in '06 than I've ever made before and paid less in taxes. And not one terrorist attack in CONUS, AK, or HI.

[The Doctor]

Yeah, it starts out at 7500 and 15K ,but wait until more and more "guest workers" start cashing in on Soc. Sec. and the baby boomers glom onto it as well. I can just hear it now-- let's just adjust those figures over time so we'll all be doing our fair share or some such nonsense to get more money out of our pockets. ANd Webb with his bit on wealth redistribution. That's right out of a socialist playbook, and lefties are just noddin their happy smoke heads going "yep that's what I stand for" Bunch of commies...

[geerair]

Perhaps you should first explain where I said the gov should pay for my insurance.Post #44.

"ALL health insurance and ALL health costs should be 100% deductable." :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[ga-hvac-tech]

About tax policy:

Here in GA, groceries are sales tax exempt. Is that a government subsidity to eat??? If it is, then do I not have a right to eat unless the government allows it??? How about we apply the same reasoning to medical expenses and tell me what you come up with.

[geerair]

About tax policy:

Here in GA, groceries are sales tax exempt. Is that a government subsidity to eat??? No, it is a subsidy for the amount you pay to eat.





If it is, then do I not have a right to eat unless the government allows it??? Eat all you want.




How about we apply the same reasoning to medical expenses and tell me what you come up with.Get all the medical you want.

[bootlen]

Post #44.

"ALL health insurance and ALL health costs should be 100% deductable." :rolleyes: :rolleyes:


Well, that isn't exactly the gov paying for my insurance. The money I make is MINE, not the gov's. So you see, I pay for my insurance, not the gov.

You were saying?

[ga-hvac-tech]

No, it is a subsidy for the amount you pay to eat.

Eat all you want.

Get all the medical you want.

OK, let me see if I understand this correctly:

Government is Big Brother, Mommy, and Daddy. They control everything through tax codes. And if they give a tax break it is a subsidy? Hmm, I wonder who's money it really is???

My question: Why do we need to send a lot of money to a far away foreign land (DC is not a state), and have them send part of the money back with strings attached? Why not keep the money at the state level and we spend it as we choose? Would that be a subsidy?

And if I do not like the way my state spends my tax money, then I can move to a state that spends it the way I want. And then we would have a system where the states with responsible leaders would prosper and the ones with goofy ideas would flounder.

Problem would be that there would be clear and definable evidence of right and wrong in political leadership... And we just could not have that, now could we??? :D

[geerair]

Well, that isn't exactly the gov paying for my insurance. The money I make is MINE, not the gov's. So you see, I pay for my insurance, not the gov.Ah, so you want the rest of us to reimburse you for your health care and insurance?

ENTITLEMENT :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[ga-hvac-tech]

Hey Boot,

I think there are a couple of posters of the liberal persuasion that just want to pull you leg (they seem to have nothing more constructive to do, since they have figured how to live off the government's subsidy) . They do not seem to be willing to listen to rational reason, all they appear to want to do is argue. (Reminds me of that signature line about wressling with a pig...)

Best thing to do IMO is to give them the silent treatment until they chooses to provide a responsible arguement.

Cheers... :cool:

[bootlen]

Ah, so you want the rest of us to reimburse you for your health care and insurance?

ENTITLEMENT :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Geer: troll extraordinaire.

[geerair]

Geer: troll extraordinaire.Bootie........ closet SOCIALIST. :eek: :eek: :eek:

[coordinatesales]

Ah, so you want the rest of us to reimburse you for your health care and insurance?

ENTITLEMENT :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

How is NOT taxing something reimbursing for it? If it was a tax credit, I could understand since that is money payed back but not taxing something in the first place is NOT a subsidy.

[geerair]

How is NOT taxing something reimbursing for it? If it was a tax credit, I could understand since that is money payed back but not taxing something in the first place is NOT a subsidy.Government paying 100% of health care and insurance costs is definitely a subsidy.

[coordinatesales]

Government paying 100% of health care and insurance costs is definitely a subsidy.

I agree but I thought that WE are still paying for it, just the cost of the insurance would now be tax deductable. How is that government paying 100% of health care and insurance costs?

[geerair]

I agree but I thought that WE are still paying for it, just the cost of the insurance would now be tax deductable. How is that government paying 100% of health care and insurance costs?Ask bootlen, he is the one who wants the government to pay for his medical care and insurance.

[bootlen]

Ask bootlen, he is the one who wants the government to pay for his medical care and insurance.

See that? It's a troll hard at work.

[coordinatesales]

See that? It's a troll hard at work.

Geer likes to argue in circles-you never said the gov should pay for your insurance and that was already settled. His points makes no sense unless the gov does pay for it so he keeps bringing that back up.

[bootlen]

Geer likes to argue in circles-you never said the gov should pay for your insurance and that was already settled. His points makes no sense unless the gov does pay for it so he keeps bringing that back up.


Yep. When all a fellow has is ignorance and stupidity, then he just goes into a mantra-like repitition. That's geer alright.

[chillbilly]

Yep. When all a fellow has is ignorance and stupidity, then he just goes into a mantra-like repitition. That's geer alright.


An antagonist without a clue.

[geerair]

Geer likes to argue in circles-you never said the gov should pay for your insurance and that was already settled. His points makes no sense unless the gov does pay for it so he keeps bringing that back up.Orignally posted by bootlen

ALL health insurance and ALL health costs should be 100% deductable.

[bootlen]

Lol!