Simon Schama on Republican policy: 95% of Americans haven't earnt a tax break

[natalierosen]

Baloney! They haven't worked because the stimulus was not enough. Obama is about as far away from being a "communist" as Bill Gates is. Stupid appellations like Nazi and Communist and Socialist mean ZILCH...they are just stupid commentary used to besmirch a guy who wants to make compromise his signature policy. Problem is Republicans are NOT about compromise they are about division, race animus and hate. They will do or say anything to bring this very very smart president down. 

[natalierosen]

Republicans LIE..and we can see now in July, 2011 how utterly wrong and inspid she was! all they have is these talking points which sound so cute but are RUINOUS to the average tax payer and Obama's policies are not at ALL about those who do not work for a living getting more for not working..that's just moronic! But what can you expect of so called "conservatives" who have ice water for veins!

[SocratesTheGadfly]

@natalierosen if that were the case then why have NOT obama's policies NOT worked? why is the unemployment rate higher NOW than when obama took office? under obama The United States of America has spent more in 2 years than in the previous 8 years and yet the economy has NOT recovered? it is quite clear to anyone with a BRAIN and a minimal level of economic education that obama's policies are NOT working because they are ANTI-CAPITALIST in nature and rooted in socialistic communism!

[sickoftypingthisshit]

I loved Simon Schama in lord of the rings...What a Gandalf

[LambChowder1]

@TheAntinode and because of better healthcare. and that first bit is just "were better than youuu are"

[displexiaTNO]

Simon Schama-The historian is, by definition, absolutely incapable of observing the facts which he examines.

Marc Bloch

[LambChowder1]

@displexiaTNO thats the definition of a christian

[displexiaTNO]

@LambChowder1 Then we can believe that the eminent Dr Schama can also look forward to the possibility of salvation!

[Estragon17]

Having grown up in a family of people who worked their entire lives... how exactly do you EARN millions of dollars? You can't. You can MAKE that kind of money, but you can't EARN it. Thats not to say you shouldn't keep a good bit of it, of course... but when we want to talk about those who are paying no taxes you have only three groups.... the very poor, the wealthiest, and corporations. Now, starting from there... who is it that needs another tax break? Who is really cheating the system?

[myloverisbillmurray]

yes but the important question is do you endorse what she just said?

[AustrianAtheist]

Just read the current WHO study. The rank of the US is number 38 and it is sinking. In Austria, you get the best possible treatment for nearly totally free. My 102 year old greatgrandfather just got a new knee. That would be unthinkable in the US. We also spend only 10% of GDP, it is a damn efficient system.

There are many innovations, the rankings suck, since they only count textes published in English and do not compare the content. The US is a great country, your hc system is not.

[AustrianAtheist]

Yes, the health care system in Germany is much better, their average hospitals are 100% better than the US. Rich and poor gets the best possible medical treatment. Our universities in Vienna are leading in medical innovation too, your 80% is absurd propaganda. Maybe 80% of the patents (since these are considered amoral for public research here)

Just compare the rank of life expectancy in germany to the US (and in Germany life style is much worse [more alcohol, faster driving..])

[AustrianAtheist]

What is the problem with government run healthcare? In Germany they only spend 10% GDP on healthcare and there is much less bureaucracy than in the US, whcih spends 17% of GDP on healthcare. Some things are more effective and just, when done by society.

[gL6W92r2]

Does anybody know where I can find the full episode of this?

[uscpathfinder]

to give people tax refunds to people who DID NOT PAY ANY TAXES!!!!! is madness.Of course it is socialism that black nerd is a typical liberal drone

[AustrianAtheist]

What are you talking about? The debate is about prolonging the tax cuts for the richest 5% of the US. It is so absurd. In the US, they have more than 10% real unemployment and they care about their super-rich. You cannot do that. At first come the poor and when there is no unemployment you can think about the interests of the super-rich. That is golden rule, and when you do not follow it fascism and communism will have chances, since working class feels betrayed

[CMOT101]

Question.... Does America have a tv show lke this where politicians answer questions put by members of the public?

Just wondering, because if they don't, I can't blame their enthusiasm and need to vent. If I felt that I had politicians finally in a place where they had to listen to me then perhaps I would be a little loud and aggressive too

[mblacky1983]

"im objective and dis-interested"

[PurushaDesa]

@bkishar

Thanks.

[Experiment47]

Tax, by its very nature, IS redistribution of wealth.

[watanidiot]

Jesus Christ. Do the yanks know how to behave on a panel debate?

That was a train wreck.

[Ignozi]

It's hard to hold a proper debate with most Americans, unfortunately. Too damn loudmouthed and rude.

[hop208]

As an American I am truly embarrassed in the behavioral differences between the US and UK audiences I saw in this clip. It's almost as if we have to turn everything into a rally (or riot). The American panel members almost seem to expect a raucous applause after every statement. You can see how frustrated the host is at his seeming inability to control the crowd, and the panel. However, as an American (again lol) I wanted to slam that blond woman's face into the panel desk.

[pokerrich9]

Question Time is just too democratic for america

[TulseLuper]

@pokerrich9 American audiences -- both right AND left (see Bill Maher's show) -- can't tell the difference between debating and professional wrestling. In fairness, though, most US debating shows haven't helped. Signed, An American.

[MrLewey10]

That blonde Republican woman is a moron, and its people like her that are holding the great American nation back. I live in the UK. We have a National Health Service. WE ARE NOT A COMMUNIST COUNTRY! Please, any Americans reading this, don't be fooled by the GOP and their friends in the health insurance industry, Universal Health care is an enlightened policy, not communist.

[BiffaTW]

behave typical of a false arguement is insults.

[MrLewey10]

Can you disprove anything I've said above? Stop being so self-pitying! I think me calling her a moron pales into insignificance when compared to the callous lies she tells about universal healthcare, holding America back from being the bastion of liberty and justice it should be by denying US citizens access to it. The Republican party in America is now nothing more than a snivelling, disgraceful lobby for the entrenched interests, with no regard for what is best for the American people.

[BiffaTW]

Yes because it would preferable that people become independant of the state, for goodness sake im not a republican at all, i dont know where your from but im British and we have had national health service since 1940's and it doesnt seem THAT much different from Americas though i dont know. What i do know is that the principle of not relying on the state is a more free way of living and contains more personal 'liberty' that that of state intervention which has proved to be bad in many countries.

[MrLewey10]

Yes, it is clear that "you don't know".  I'm afraid that you've betrayed your ignorance by claiming that the UK and US healthcare systems are the same. In the UK, noone will lose their home because they get cancer; that happens daily in the US. In the US, 45 million are without health insurance. Do you think its an accident that when you fall ill, you can be certain of receiving first rate care, regardless of ability to pay? Its not about reliance on the state, its about social solidarity.

[BiffaTW]

Well I dont how far of what you say is true. But i do know youve taken my point the wrong way i meant that they are the same in that people still get health care, i was only disagreeing on principle and that you should not insult people who disagree with you especially as this women was making a good point about the nature of state governance. Also NHS is not always first rate.

[MrLewey10]

Yes you "still get health care" in the US, based on ability to pay! I don't expect you to take what I say on faith, look it up. In fact, look into all of the facts on this issue rather than basing your views on infantile right-wing rhetoric. Oh, the NHS isn't always perfect what a shame! Of course its flawed, but its a damn sight better than what we had previously. Honestly, I get sick of cynics in this country, blind to the good things we have but nit-picking at every little imperfection.

[BiffaTW]

well it depends what everybody thinks, the source of the problem is money not the right or left which is far too simplistic a system for humans as they are, in the end though most people from whatever view want whats best for their country and people in general and should be more unfied rather than divded and partisan in getting it that goes for republican democrats, or tory's or labour, what ever where ever.

[PurushaDesa]

I didn't know Americans wore poppies... anyone?

[MrLewey10]

I don't think its as widespread over there (given their relative distance from conflict in 1914-1918). Nevertheless, the poppy is worn as a symbol of rememberance all over the world.

[PurushaDesa]

Hmm. Nice. In fact, I didn't even know any other countries responded to the resonance of the poppy field outside the UK. So are poppies worn in France, Canada, etc., as well?

[MrLewey10]

Yeah, pretty much any country that sent troops to the front in that war. Also, you can now get a whole variety of poppies (white for pacifism etc.) that are worn all over the world. You're right though, I don't think the poppy has the same impact elsewhere in the world as it does in the UK

[StrayGator]

Typical Republican mouth, trying to shout down any dissent.

[EdM021]

The lady is right: Obama still doesn't want a government health care plan, he wants everyone to buy expensive yet cheap PRIVATE health insurance that won't be there when the citizen actually needs it. Google "The Baucus Bill."

[flame952]

LOOOOOOOOL

no goverment run healthcare sure - typical american politics

[dumbass1984]

95% of Americans didn't earn a tax brake?

Yeah, and those Exxon mobile CEO "earned" their ridiculous subsidies.

[myloverisbillmurray]

a testiment to a modern liberal society. The mistake came from when i said liberal economics and you heard communism. That is an American problem that has to stop. In s modern liberal society if we are ever going to reach a consensus, we must listen to each other and americans must be free thinking enough to look through there american dream, and see how things arnt always so rosy. Its a good dream, but it has gone sour, and i beleve that only now, with a democrat govt, can u truly rekindle it.

[KWightwick]

Hahahahahahahahahaha @ haypenny

[StigMarshall]

of the wealth needs to happen to a point so taht a baseline is established and people can have the same oppurtunities as the rich (AHEM bush AHEM). Liberalism, not Communism.

*tut* yankies

Your move, Poirot

Oh and Simon Schama is not "the man", he's a lecherous, slimy manipulator (see Michael Howard)

Shout out to Marek ; ) try and guess who this is.

[StigMarshall]

or should I say Liberal socio economic future, which is direly needed in America. As you seem so keen to mention your founding forefathers, it was they in fact who wished for a Liberal state and it is a farcry from socialism or "communism". Things like free healthcare are essential in outr modern age. What you say about the power of the individual creating freedom is true, but if people are not given equal opportunity to go as far as they can that certainly is not social justice. Redistribution

[StigMarshall]

Holy hell Haypenny you are one patriotic yanky wretch............ and you also seem to be stuck in the cold war. Not to mention the fact that communism is no longer a threat to the west (and Hitler and Stalin are, contrary to some coincidentally American belief dead, just as Reagan is you self-righteous, supercilious commy bashers), what is being proposed here is not even socialism, let alone communism. As my good friend myloverisbillmurray so eloquently put, it is the basis for a socio economic

[myloverisbillmurray]

Furthermore in a post modern society Social Liberalism has proven itself to be the overiding formula for successful, consensus government. In a western world with ultimate freedom, most people choose that. You give your consent to socio liberalsim every time you vote, it is the bedrock and the future of all western society.

[oneoffmanmental]

Do I spot a Polanyian?

[myloverisbillmurray]

wat?

[oneoffmanmental]

After Karl Polanyi (see The Great Transformation)

[myloverisbillmurray]

i looked him up and i take that as a massive compliment, i hope it was ment that way lol

[myloverisbillmurray]

'so many people have died for freedom' i should have known you'd be some red neck, military wacko who still thinks Reagan is alive, well, and living in Florida. Did I mention i was a homosexual jewish black man, prehaps you'd like to be scared of that too

[haypenny]

Nice stereotyping, but wrong. I had no preconceptions of your sexual orientation or ethnicity because it doesn't matter- but you clearly have your prejudices as to who I am. No I'm not 'scared' of you - how laughable, I would never patronize you based on what you look like or who you love. But you've made up your mind about me. But since you care so much about these things - I live in NY, part European, part Asian decent, & all American. I'm a strait, catholic, married educated working mom.

[myloverisbillmurray]

believe me, my pre conceptions were based purley on your ludicrous opinions, and you cant blame me if you take a hyperbolic statement about the nature of preconception as a genuine belief. The fact is America is America and not Africa because of a deficit of tyrants, not a wealth of oppertunity that you all seem to cling to, believe me the best person does not always win, the richest might, (see Bush 2000) Education is objecitve, your opinions are subjective, and severly outdated. My final word

[haypenny]

Yes, all world views are ludicrous except yours. We must compel everyone, through force and ridicule to follow your ways great one. Your opinions are totally objective and pure and correct and smell like pretty flowers. We must all wait for the Government to fix our lives- like Frederick Douglas - oh wait, he overcame horrible adversity to become one of the greatest Americans who ever lived. Well, whatever, I'm sure you're awesomely right in every way. Your word is final and all knowing.

[myloverisbillmurray]

Oh yes Frederick Douglass, id forgotten we had a world full of Frederick Douglass's. And how great would his life have been if that adversity wasn't there in the first place, imagine how sensational his life would have been if his name was Frederick Bush instead of Douglas. The aim of social liberalsim isnt to give people a free ride, but everyone the same chance to get on the ride they want as easily as possible.

[haypenny]

Yes, the government will make sure there's never adversity ever again. Who do you think causes adversity? It was the government that imposed slavery - but it was Douglas and millions of others like him, that stood up and said 'no more'. Douglas beat his task master with the very switch that was used on him, then ran away and taught himself to read, and went on to be one of the founders of the Republican party. It's the power of the individual that creates freedom, not big government.

[myloverisbillmurray]

yeah well im pretty sure they wernt socio liberals who imposed slavery, im pretty sure it was people out for the cash. Thats what happnes when you let human greed go un checked. Im not defending all of big government, just like i wasnt defending communism, ur trying to have arguments I dont want I never said that government wuld eliminate adversity, but good government does much more to prevent it than big business. Fight me on socio liberalism or is it the only argument you know you wont win

[haypenny]

All slave States & all slavery advocates were Democrats. The Republican party was formed to oppose slavery. That's why Douglas, Harriet Tubman,etc. were Republican. There's actually some videos on YouTube about it. There's one called, "meet the republicans". Big business creates more jobs, benefits, & prosperity. While there needs to be some regulation, once gov't starts over taxing businesses, it can no longer afford workers. I'm not fighting you hon' - we're exchanging our ideas, ok?

[myloverisbillmurray]

Im not going to align myself with the 19th centuray american democratic party just because i agree with some of the policies of the modern democratic party. I do believe in personal freedom to make money, but i believe the economy is a tool to create a better society, big money is not an end in itself, because there will always be loosers and i cant stand to see someone loose in such a way as they can never recover. TBH it seems our views are more alinged than i previously thought, but that is

[haypenny]

We already do have social programs to help those down on their luck recover, but because the government is a selfish bitch, the programs become corrupt faster than any big corporation. Those programs need to be reformed so they elevate folks out of poverty; As the programs are now,they just keep people in a cycle of poverty & dependence. We don't need more gov't intrusion, we just need to reform programs we already have, promote personal accountability, and make sure there's plenty secure jobs.

[myloverisbillmurray]

well yes i dont think anyone would say that throwing money at a situation was the best way to do it, but i am abit of a utopianist in the sense that i believe we must strive to make a proper annd perfectly balanced meritocratic society. We do need a base level that we wont let people go down beond, but we also need a perfect meritocratic system to invigorate society and economy. If it is well controled it is the best way.

[haypenny]

Fair enough - but, controlled by whom? And who determines what 'Utopia' is? I mean, the government is the most powerful entity on the planet - if they wanted to fix the schools, provide more jobs, etc. they could. They don't because it's all a power & money game for them. They've never been trustworthy and they're even less so now. And there can be no Utopia anyway because humans are imperfect and humans with great power are even more fallible. Perfection can't be mandated by the imperfect.

[oneoffmanmental]

Government don't fix schools etc..., because they're neither uniform entities or actually have a clue how to fix everything.

What you need is a good 'ole parliamentary system, capable of drawing a hard line and stopping all these stupid compromises. Something like European countries, you know, like the UK. ;)

[oneoffmanmental]

Problem with the framing of a "meritocratic society" is that it can be used to justify practically anything, and usually nonsense "get rid of the government" claptrap.

If it's equality you're after, best to define what equality?

Equality of opportunity, or equality of outcome?

[dumbass1984]

sure, thats exactly what this election is about, slavery.

sigh.

[myloverisbillmurray]

you hear communism. its no wonder Thomas disgiused his policies, you wont listen to anything if you have already labeld it bad. How can you call yourself the land of the free when you blanket reject anything your super rich super stupid president tells you to. Its no wonder you dont unerstand meritocracy, youve never seen a real one.

[tomheppy]

when will people get it into their heads that redistribution of wealth is NOT socialism. Socialism is about giving the means of production back to the workers.

[haypenny]

When will people get it through their heads that redistribution of wealth, oppressive taxation & regulation, gov't controlled industries, gov't health systems, etc., is COMMUNISM.

"The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under the name of 'liberalism,' they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened." -Norman Thomas, U.S. Socialist Party presidential candidate 1940, 1944 &1948

[myloverisbillmurray]

why isnt anyone looking at the bigger picture? When will Americans stop being so afraid of Liberal socio economics. To to give economic stimulous to those on the bottom rung of society isnt just some evil give away, its neccessary economic stimulous for the advancment of healthy society. Aslong as its moderated (better than the banks were ahem) then this can only be seen as a good thing, its not scary communism , so what are the yanks so afraid of, and why are they so blind of a bigger picture?

[haypenny]

What astounding ignorance. So, how much government bribery do you require in exchange for your freedoms? So many have DIED for freedom, but you see no reason why we shouldn't lie down and let gov't make all our decisions for us. From a nation that once encouraged independence and innovation to a banana republic where few do the work and earn the money, and many who do nothing reap the benefits. "It's not scary communism" - There is NO example of successful communism in history. Read a book.

[myloverisbillmurray]

there are none because communism doesnt work. This isnt communism, this isnt even socialism. This is a way of insureing that people have freedom from aswell as freedom to. And, if you want to talk about ignorance... does a child die in africa every 3 seconds because they are lazy? or is it through lack of free healthcare or money to buy health care, or because they cant get a job and a good education because there is no state infastructure. I say Liberal reform, and you peoples problem is that

[haypenny]

We don't live in Africa. We live in America where we have opportunity, health care, social services, affirmative action, a legal system, free education, electricity, etc. Africa, on the other hand has been plagued by Tyrants and dictatorial regimes that commit genocide against their own people. Africans aren't lazy - they would love the freedoms provided in the U.S. But Americans who don't take advantage of all they have available to them here must seem crazy to a poor African.

[byerli]

schama IS the man

[AfghansWorld]

fucking hell... just listen to the AmeriCUNTs panels..... they are truely trashes lol

British RULES..the AmeriCUNTs SUCKS

[BochsOfficePoison]

Uhm.

Boy. Talk about trashy....

[baresolid]

I don't envy David on this occasion. Dealing with these bolshy Yanks, interrupting each other all the time, looks like a nightmare. How can you have a debate if all you do is cut people off all the time?

[BryanAJParry]

Seriously, wtf. I bet Dimbleby really enjoyed this show... NOTTTTTTTTTTTTt (as our american cousins would say).

[dullsvillain]

Hi I'm from the USA and I just want everyone to be clear.....

the Republicans are rotten and that's why they aren't in power now. Whew!

[unclvinny]

The moderator is unable to understand a relatively simple economic statement ("Reagan introduced the EITC") and assumes that therefore no one would want to trifle with such "details". And at the end, he begs off on whether he understood Cheri Jacobs' similarly simple point. What a pity; debates such as this one could certainly be helpful to voters if there was no shouting, and more patience on the part of the moderator for clarifying a few relevant details.

[haypenny]

You're so correct - the American 'Press' and political commentators are a JOKE. They have no balls or minds of their own, and they've likely had a revisionist biased education. They simply enforce political correctness and murder free speech.

[Azurju]

Poor America, long live socialism!!!

[priorzola]

This is another example of neo-cons trying to beat the "trickle down" theory which, as implemented by GW BUSH, has not worked. Putting more money in the hands of the very wealthy (many of whom ship jobs overseas and lower the average income of the majority of Americans--$2000 in real money than just 8 yrs ago) and not seeding the wealth to a strong Middle Class is economically disastrous and is what has led to all Americans accruing more debt than wealth. Trickle Down failed, try again.

[priorzola]

It's not a "tax break" when the vast majority of corporations are given tax cuts but turn around and gouge the average American more and more for their services. Everyone from Big Oil to Big Pharma to the Health Insurers continue to earn more and more money by a)not paying very much tax and b)overinflating costs to the average consumer. A "tax break" to the average American ends up going straight to these corporations but it also staves off massive personal debt for the average American.

[Relugus]

Schama is the man.