"I do think at a certain point you've made enough money"

[hartjk]

At some point, you've spent enough money too.

[theshaggyshow]

I do think after a certain point, after four years your'e FIRED...

[happystance7able]

It's not because President Obama isn't good enough that we want him to resign; he's the greatest president we've ever had! It's just that we think, at a certain point, a president has been great enough that it's time for him to resign and leave the American People alone so they can get back to work cleaning up the mess. That's all we're about here. We just want President Obama to move on quickly to become the greatest former president we've ever had. We believe that would help everybody.

[1000Patriot]

The mask is off!

[bcool4AU]

I'm not surprised...he has finally taken off his sheepskin clothing

[johndrew25]

I knew the young Barack Obama when he was a sophomore at Occidental College in Los Angeles. He was definitely a Marxist socialist in the fall of 1980 and the spring of 1981.

[plum26754]

I await the day when We the People cast an overwhelming vote to shut this soul selling, Socialist maniac the fuck up. An informed electorate will be Obama's Waterloo.  Why else would information be a dangerous distraction. The truth is information is a hazard to the Progressive Agenda. I say to you Mr. Obama, EPANTSAPATION NOW!

[rglover1982]

Tell me Mr. President, what amount of money do you think is enough? Has Operah made enough money? This president is retarded. Not only is his statement un-American, but it goes against his agenda. When you put limits on how rich someone is, you put a limit on how much you can tax him. How are you going to pay off the U.S. debt or redistribute the wealth when you put limits on peoples taxable income?

[wildetaube]

Who cares what this idiot thinks? What a hypocrite! You made 5.5 million on book sales. When is enough enough, Mr. Potato Head? How much did you give away?

[backtotheday]

@EssentialRationality your statements are sad example of victim of propaganda. One way you know something is propaganda is by terminology. The AGW religious zealots use the term "denier" for opponents because it is intended to silence. True scientists are deniers by nature. They must examine & re-examine and investigate. There is no such thing as the "green economy". Spain has lost 2.2 jobs for every "green" job created. Search for new energy sources, but be honest & let capitalism work.

[plum26754]

Where have all the Obama supporters gone? Away that's where they have gone! Now he must pander to his base the ignorant and the illegal. Must be awful for a soul selling elitist to be stooping so low. He is a dog and he is having his day.

[CjAz91]

Hate to break it to you but it is proven that free market capitalism works. We do not have that in America, it has turned into government run socialism or something.

[cameltoejoe69]

@CjAz91

The market hasnt been free in over 100 years. You can't burden the market with thousands upon thousands of pages of regulation and then claim that its free.

The progressives were the ones that burdened the free market, and when that fails, they want to claim the free market has failed in order to have an excuse to take it over and grow government! WAKE UP America and take your country back!

[MsScorpio1110]

By the way, I watched the whole speech! Did you? How much more content do you need me to see? Big government is NOT the solution to our problem. Our fore fathers fought against all odds "to die as free men, rather than live as slaves." (Samuel Adams) Which would you rather be?

[MsScorpio1110]

Love this video! Fwding it to everyone I know! Favoriting! Awesome! Thanks

[katheleblanc]

This is completely out of context, just like the film clips. Don't you get it? OMG start thinking for yourselves instead of falling for this kind of trash talk!

[asphyxiafeeling]

The President gets to decide when someone has made enough money?

Anti-Capitalist... this man is sounding worse & worse by the minute. Watch Republicans take back the senate & whitehouse by 2012!

[bulgariaOLE]

he is talking about the super rich, of which no people here are, so youre understanding of politics is stupid

[MsScorpio1110]

@bulgariaOLE you know what, If I want to get super rich and I provide a product or service that people want then it's none of your damn business how much money I make. You can't limit the amount of money I make. It's called CAPITALISM. Which obviously YOU, and Obama don't believe in. Because what he believes in is SOCIALISM. So, either move to a socialist country and shut the hell up. Or if you're in one: then stay there. America is a Capitalist country.

[ioffendpeopleoften]

because FUCK HIM, he has no money! And if he dies from hunger, or disease or poverty, FUCK HIM AGAIN!! He has no money! These are our values! Collect as much as you can, as fast as you can, and FUCK the people next to you!

[EssentialRationality]

@ioffendpeopleoften It's the truth. Anything to make a profit. We aren't successful unless we reach that next socio-economic level. Not everyone can win though.

[backtotheday]

@EssentialRationality I watched the video re Iraq you recommended. How old are you? I have been around long enough to remember the $1,000 hammer scandal of military contractors. It is not new. And, the funny thing to me is that the video proves that we send too much money to government cause they waste it. And, it proves it is our job to keep an eye on the money we give to them. And, it proves that the last thing I want is government involved in my health care because they will do the same

[EssentialRationality]

@backtotheday Hell yeah the government is a corrupt entity, but don't you think the private healthcare system we had was getting out of control? The government has never been frugal spenders and I doubt they will stop spending their asses off in the foreseeable future, DEM or REP. However, I'm much more open to that money going for healthcare than halfway around the world to forcing democratization on people.

[backtotheday]

@EssentialRationality well, now the Obamacare has been debated to death. And, if you haven't done your homework on that "outside" of the US, then I am not going to be able to help you on Youtube. Hint, Michael Moore is not news source. However, I spent 2 years reading foreign newspapers' health care articles. And, you are wrong. The govt will be as bad at your health care as they are at democratizing. Only, your life will be involved. Dem & Rep have bad pple. Dems pushing hard

[EssentialRationality]

@backtotheday I'm not saying that Obama is making all the right decisions and is infallible. However, I do think our system was in need of a serious overhaul. As long as we have a 2-party system it will be choosing the lesser of two evils and that's what I did. I don't really think 90% of this country knows the extent of political corruption at the highest echelons of our society, including you and me. After spending some time in a 3rd world country though, I think universal healthcare is

[EssentialRationality]

@backtotheday a great idea. If only everyone could spend a day in someone else's shoes. I know, incredibly idealist. And yes, there will also be a free-rider problem as there always is in the world, even with our national defense. I'm not saying Obama's methods or systems are perfect by any means, but I think we are getting on the right track for caring about the humans next to us. It's just in need of some serious refinement, and there are a lot of wealthy people putting up resistance.

[ioffendpeopleoften]

This really needs to start learing what american's value: MONEY!! as much as we can get!! We actually think its perfectly ok, but more than that, that is Righteous, virtuous, center to our economic structure, that a homeless man sleep on the street in front of an empty bank-owned property.

[lizardgizard2002]

Tea baggers are just jealous of the real Americans.

[MsWanderer1]

He's in office so I guess he's right; the majority of Americans ARE stupid.

[mike1111qq]

opra? bill gates? steve jobs? all liberal dems that gave daddy obama millions.. goldman sacks only gave him one million.

[EndTheFedRes]

"Made enough money", like the money you took from the banks for bailing them out and watching out for their best interests.

[rainiertx]

I think you've made too much money for nothing you crazy lunatic! GOD THIS GUY IS A JOKE!!!!

[micsc50]

Obama and his queen made 5 milionl last year. But I baet to Michell my Bell thats not enough,

[makesyoumadd]

@micsc50 actually... $5.5 million. I wonder if Michelle and Barry were sitting around and said "you know, we've made enough money this year."

[micsc50]

@makesyoumadd No they are sitting around taking about how great they are and how they are changing America into a country they can be proud of.

[EssentialRationality]

"We are not trying to push financial reform because we begrudge success that's FAIRLY earned..." Unfortunately, our current capitalist system is making sure a lot of people make money that's not fairly earned. I'm not saying take from the 35k/yr guy, but why the fuck are people getting million dollar bonuses and corporate jets while others can't eat. The upper levels of capitalism are dirty and exploitive.

[backtotheday]

@EssentialRationality then why don't you start with your hypocritical president and his buddies. He made 5 & half million 2009 barely writing a book that is full of egotistical nonsense. William Ayers from a wealthy family & living in swanky Chicago neighborhood is a good commie. Al Gore's Climate Exchange company went from a value of 210 mil to 2.2 billion while he flies jets everywhere and buys houses with 9 bathrooms and you pay higher utility rates because he claims to love the planet

[EssentialRationality]

@backtotheday Yes, but he wrote a book, people bought it, he made money. Nothing scandalous there. Hell, I'm just glad we have a president educated enough to even write a book. As for 5 million, I'm not too bent out of shape that the President of the United States of America made money comparable to a professional athlete. There are a lot of people making more for doing a lot less. I'm not talking about money FAIRLY earned. I'm talking about the Enrons and Goldman Sachs of the world.

[backtotheday]

@EssentialRationality you are so completely uneducated. Education is not received by being spoon fed in any school. My comments did not say he was not entitled to his MILLIONS but the hypocrisy of his comments. The current Goldman Sachs investigation is a show trial meant to distract you from the fact that they are in bed with your good friend Obama and the rest of the corruptocrats in DC.

[EssentialRationality]

@backtotheday So I'm having a political discussion with you and you spout off "you are so completely uneducated?" Are you incapable of having a conversation without brining personal attacks into it? FYI, my education is far from spoon fed, but who am I to state that I know more about my education than you do.

One thing we can agree on is there are dirty people in government. The two party system forces us to select the lesser of two evils. Does anyone really see a legit 3rd party in the future?

[backtotheday]

@EssentialRationality you are smearing all people of one group that you don't even know. you are involved in a propaganda campaign and not political discussion. If you want a discussion, speak facts and figures and prove how one person owning a jet takes food out of another's mouth instead of putting it in by providing jobs.

[EssentialRationality]

@backtotheday Check out this video if you get a chance. These are the wrong things in our capitalist system.

Search: Iraq for sale Banned Excerpts

Should be a 4:36 video

[backtotheday]

@EssentialRationality I will check it. But, do some "independent" research on the financial collapse of Argentina. Tell me how many bodies are left in the wake of Communist Revolutionaries. Show me the evidence that the Socialist Utopia in Europe is working and explain why US taxpayers are now on the hook for the collapse of Greece. It isn't the fault of "free trade for mutual benefit" it is the fault of Govt & Corporations in bed together. And, who stands to make TRILLIONS off of us at CCX

[EssentialRationality]

@backtotheday I wholeheartedly agree that coprs and govt are in bed together. Argentina collapsed because their spending far outpaced their domestic economic growth. Completely makes sense, although we've been doing that for years and years (thank you China for the loans, and for us just printing off more money). So, we need to strengthen our domestic output and growth; that much is clear. So how do we do it?

[EssentialRationality]

@backtotheday I think a big first step is making sure people have access to some basic amenities (i.e. healthcare). This bill is finally going to make life better for a larger portion of people at the domestic level. We are crumbling from the inside due to corruption and bad business practice. We are fighting two wars, but closing our schools. I will never advocate spending like that while we have so many domestic problems.

[EssentialRationality]

@backtotheday My fix: Be the world leader in R&D for alternative energy. Export our technology (actually make some money) so that developing countries can skip in large part the fossil fuel stage. Make our world no longer dependent on oil and you take away a huge chunk of money for the middle east. Jobs would be created, unemployment would go down. Eventually we will have to realize that we need to stop pouring money into war and start in R&D to sustain human pop growth. I got a little off topic

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

So who would be doing the R & D? Government? Or private companies? Iagree with the R & D, so long as its done by PRIVATE companies encouraged by govt tax incentives.

But our country is bankrupt. So how about we go back to a constitutional form of government (i believe it was Chuck Schumer who said 95% of what the federal government was elective- ie, NO GRANT of authority in the constitution), we stop being the worlds policeman, and we worry about AMERICA?

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 Right. It would definitely need to be private companies doing the R&D. I wouldn't argue for more transparency in these companies either. Keep them private, but keep them honest. I worry my opinion is far too idealist though. If we don't step in as world police, the international community is outraged. If we do step in, the international community is outraged. I think we have an obligation as the strong man to help out the little guy, but we need to go about it very differently.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

No. We have no obligation. As you said, they hate us either way. Do you realize that America spends at least TWICE as much money on the military as ANY other country in the world, INCLUDING china?! Europe + China both together still spend about 100 billion less a year than the U.S. on military. We could cut that DOWN a HUGE amount if we weren't busy securing OTHER people's freedom. They're gunna hate us either way.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 Oh I'm fully aware of our military spending and it is out of control. China has the right idea. They've been pouring their resources into domestic development and will be creating the world's largest solar and hydropower facilities in the next few years (luckily they are buying all of the PV cells from companies in Arizona and California). I think our military spending is more than the next 8 countries combined, but I could be wrong on that figure.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

But at least we can take care of our OWN people much better when we're not policing the world and providing OTHER countries with freedom. France, Germany, Poland, Canada, THEY'RE ALL capable of securing their own freedom, but when shit goes down who do they call on? AMERICA. its time for us to quit answering the call unless there is a DIRE need, as there was in WWII.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 Either way, it's a ridiculous figure and we really need to do something about our domestic issues. As for helping out the rest of the world, I'm not saying we need to do everything. But we have the resources and technology to seriously help some countries with development. Besides, a lot of these countries are still suffering from legacies of colonialism and transnational exploitation we helped conduct. So in that sense, we have a slight obligation to help development.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 There are too many big contracts tied up in the military, politicians, and the wealthy. I agree that we could easily cut our spending in half and still have enough arsenal to fight a world war. Besides, communication and mediation are becoming the new norms between conflicting countries. Countries aren't in a hurry to go to war these days except us and religious extremists (who don't really count as countries since they are non-gov actors).

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

But we already give billions in aid to those countries still struggling from colonialism. What has billions in aid done in HAITI? Nothing. What has it done in Africa? Nothing. Why? LEADERSHIP. throwing money into a country that doesnt have solid leadership with no sense of direction, your going to have a bottomless bucket to keep throwing money in! I say that we've paid our share those countries find REAL leadership.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 Yes we have given billions in aid, but like you said, a lot of it goes into the pockets of corrupt leaders, or provides short fixes, such as meals for that week. It needs to start going into sustainable fixes. Teach the people to feed themselves. Set up schools so they can become educated. The reason these leaders are so corrupt is that their countries are filled with uneducated people that can easily be exploited.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

Thats true. But the people can't settle down, get educated, and learn to provide for themselves when there isnt a stable, peaceful environment. I.E. we're gunna need the military to secure these areas before they can grow. Thats what we're spending trillions in Iraq/Afghanistan for. And I dont think thats our military's job. Our military's job is to destroy the enemy, and then we should bring them home.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 The idea of trying to sustain a democracy in a country where 50+% of people are illiterate is ludicrous. If we had to pick one single thing to target it should be education. The global south/3rd world (whatever is PC these days) has an enormous amount of dead capital as described in De Soto's book "The Mystery of Capital." Even if people managed to tap into it, they would not survive a capitalist system without education.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 Whatever the case, it's becoming clear we need to change the way we've been doing things the last 100 years. It's time for us to adapt. We should focus more on sustaining our exponentially growing population, which is going to take heavy R&D in green technology to limit our carbon footprint.

I'm curious what your opinion is on immigration and the AZ law?

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

OUR population is actually shrinking, when you look at our birth/death rates. Slowly, but it is shrinking. Thats why we NEED immigrants to keep infusing us. Not only to bolster our labor pool, but immigrants that come here UNDERSTAND what America is supposed to REALLY be about (unlike lefty Progressive trash). With that being said, i 100% support LEGAL immigration. What I do NOT support is ANYONE, from ANY country immigrating here illegally (cont.)

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 I was more referring to global population. But yes, immigration needs to have legal channels, and Mexico and the U.S. could work very well together. This is what I propose. It would be crazy to deport all illegals immediately. They are the backbone of our agricultural industry and do many of the jobs Americans are "too good for." Let's face it, if unemployed people in our country really wanted to find an $8-9/hr job, I bet they could.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

I understand that they're the backbone of the workforce. Im not saying that they should be deported. They should have a certain time period to register with the federal government. They should pay a fine, pay taxes, learn english, and abide by our laws. And if they do that, after 10 years (which i believe is the length of time a person wanting to nationalize has to wait) then they should gain citizenship.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

Those that DONT register and follow the protocol, then they SHOULD be deported.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 We should set up a program that allows Mexicans to come work minimum wage jobs (still much higher wages than their country) for periods of time and take portions of wealth back to their families in Mexico. We receive cheap labor allowing our agricultural industry to remain competitive and profitable, while people in Mexico have an avenue for better wages.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 Then we also provide an easier method to gain citizenship that ensures these people will not be free-riding off of our welfare systems such as universal healthcare, national defense, social welfare, etc.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

Exactly! But you cant reform our immigration POLICIES before Securing the border. And sadly, many people think we're racist for wanting secure borders. Its NOT just the southern border that needs to be secure! The NORTHERN border needs to be secured as well! Do WHATEVER it takes to secure it. If a triple fence is the only way? DO IT. If another great wall is the only way? DO IT.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

I have several friends in the construction business and they're struggling because of the economy. Could you IMAGINE the stimulus we could have if those unemployed construction companies were paid by the federal government to build the structures necessary to secure our border?! It would be win-win all around!

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 Except we would continue to piss all over Mexico, like we do with the free economic zone along the border in Mexico. Have you read about the messed up things that happen in Juarez and places like that where American companies are operating just inside the boarder of Mexico?

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

Yes I know whats going on down in those border cities. But that's Mexico's problem. Its going to look bad either way. We could send the American Military across the border and secure those towns, but Hugo Chavez and Calderon are going to say "The americans are imperialist scum!"  If we do nothing they're going to say "The americans are allowing genocide!" We can't make them happy either way, so why should we solve their problems?

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 Yes, the things we do are met with cries of imperialism, but doing nothing certainly can't be the option. Doing nothing has never been a good option for making the world and people's lives better. What we need to do is open up more dialogue with people at the local level. We are almost at the point of perfect information with the technology we've created. So why can't we open up better communication to ensure the right things are happening in the right places?

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

Theres no such thing as perfect information/communication. Look at our media. 80% of it is liberal! They only cover what furthers their progressive Agenda. Im not saying we should do nothing. Im saying we should secure OUR border and OUR people, and WHEN Calderon is ready to swallow his pride and ask for our help, we need to be ready to help him. Thats the problem w/ us right now. We jump in to help whether we're wanted or not.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 Mass stereotyping is a huge problem that must be overcome. People are in a hurry to associate the actions of one person with the entire group. We have become a society of generalizers because it becomes easier that way to pick a side.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 And it all comes back to the fact that the right things for some people, are not the right things for other people. Some must lose so others can win. Man vs. man. Winner gets a better and more comfortable life.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

Thats life. One buffalo in the wild dies to feed the pride of lions. It would be no different if capitalism didnt exist. Indian tribes fought with eachother for territory, even though their societies werent capitalistic. I think the IMPORTANT thing for us to do is to protect the sanctity of life and the freedom for people TO CHOOSE FOR THEMSELVES what kind of country/society they want to be.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

When so many are waiting to come here the RIGHT way. Arizona is only doing what it MUST do to protect its citizens because the Federal Government isnt doing its job. The law goes NO further than the federal legislation (its actually pretty much identical to federal regulations). IMO it is NOT pre-empted because federal/state laws are allowed concurrent regulations, and States have an OBLIGATION to protect their citizens. so i support it 100%.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 My argument is not that we shouldn't do something about illegal immigration, but we need to go about it differently in a way that doesn't allow ethnic profiling.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

You're exactly right. But Az's law EXPLICITLY outlaws racial profiling. You cannot ask ANYONE for any kind of identification without first having a lawful reason for contact. If the cop stops them for speeding, driving eratically, or for committing a crime, they can ask. What they're NOT allowed to do is go around asking anyone who looks mexican for their papers when they're abiding by the law.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 The author's name escapes me. It was either Galeano, Mendoza, or maybe even Marques. He said "There will come a time on this planet when money and capital is free to move between countries, but people are not."

I think we are headed in that direction.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

I dont think so. The Progressives who are in power and who seem to keep GETTING into power believe in transnationalism. I.E.- we're ALL citizens of the world, and countries/sovereignty are not important. That, I think is a scarrier future than the future you just stated.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 Countries and sovereignty are important, but the world isn't like it used to be. The mobility of people, capital, and information is incredible. The world is becoming a very small place and eventually we will have to be more open with our neighbors and have a much higher level of transnational cooperation. Africa is really screwed. Colonists drew a bunch of national lines that do not take tribal lines into account.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 seeing as Africa is still a very traditional society, this is a serious problem. I think using the military to secure these areas is a bad idea. For one, nothing pisses people off more than having a foreign military on their soil. In fact, using the military to promote democracy is almost completely counterproductive. We need to supply more money for these NGOs and Co-ops that have the right idea of things.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

The best thing we can do for Africa is to STAY OUT of the problem. They need to sort it out for themselves and create THEIR OWN national boundaries. Because as you stated, the boundaries that are on them now are the ones WEVE imposed upon them. I think our responsibility is to make sure innocent men, women, and children aren't killed, and to provide food and medical Aid. Beyond that, we have to let them sort out what kind of country they want to be.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 But how can you justify not helping areas we played a large part in making poverty stricken? They are so far behind in this capitalist world that without our help they will never catch up. It is not in our best interest as developed countries to make sure these places develop and get some wealth. We make a killing off them staying poor.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

First off, It wasnt ME that made them poor I wasnt around 200 years ago. Secondly, theres very little difference in trying to "helping people to catch up" and "imposing OUR way of life on them." America was once a colonial nation as well if you dont remember. Before we were a nation, France, Brittain, and Spain exploited this country in a similar manner that we did the other countries in the 1900's. Nobody else told us what we should be

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

We had to decide OUR future for OURSELVES. its up to those people in those countries to decide what kind of country they want to be. Like I said, our proper role should be to prevent genocide, and to give food aid to them. But to think that we have a responsibility to go in there and nation build is rediculous.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 Not go in and directly build. But provide channels to help them with their own building. There are plenty of NGOs and non profits attempting grass roots movements and co-ops in these countries, but the aid we are giving is a trickle. Let's say the people did want to rise up and have a democratic developed nation (as I'm sure many desire). How do they start? No jobs, no money, no infrastructure. They need a boost.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 We can't really say we were in the same situation as them. Our founding fathers were some of the most educated people that emigrated from Europe to enjoy more liberties. Not to mention the US was stacked in resources to spur development. We also weren't subjected to hundreds of years of harsh colonialism before trying to gain our independence. It's apples and oranges.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

Perhaps thats true. But you cant educate people until they decide amongst themselves to stop fighting. And that may never happen. Perhaps it WILL, but it may be that enough people have not died. One thing any man of any culture shares in common is that we want to see our children to grow up and prosper. But until they take it upon themselves to make that decision, we're imposing our own will upon them, and we'll be seen as an imperial power.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 Yes, and it also doesn't help that we are making all these decisions from only our point of view. I spent quite a bit of time in underdeveloped Latin America last year and it put a lot of things into perspective for me. Places are still suffering the effects of companies like the United Fruit Company.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 I've been enjoying the discussion, but I have to get started on these final papers or this next week is going to be awful. I'll hit you up with a message though if you'd like to continue. You've made some great points, and I don't think our views are terribly inconsistent, but maybe I just bring morals and ethics into things too much. I wouldn't be sleeping well making millions a year if I wasn't helping out others too.

[cameltoejoe69]

@EssentialRationality

I agree. Thats why if we achieve great wealth we have a MORAL responsibility to give to charity. What we do NOT have a moral obligation to do is to pay high taxes to support social welfare/engineering programs. Thats a corruption of the true meaning of charity. And sure, go ahead and hit me up with a private msg or comment any time.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 By opening up more communication with local citizens in these countries and making them part of the development process, they learn to respect the progress and development they're making and take pride in it. It then becomes THEIR project, not someone else's ideas and values imposed upon them. Which is another thing we fail to do.

[EssentialRationality]

@cameltoejoe69 Many of these countries have fundamental, traditional beliefs tied up in religion and their society. They don't live by western values, and we can't impose our values on them with military. We would be fools to expect anything other than violent backlash if we try and do this.

[TreyParkersBitch]

Ugh why does he say things like this? Of course everyone is going to scream socialism. The greed in the government and banking industry is outrageous and someone needs to put a cap on it. Why did we vote this guy in if we're not going to let him fix what he promised to fix? For fucks' sake shut up with the socialist bullshit. And before anyone attacks me for being a lazy liberal I work almost everyday 8 hours at a time...I'm willing to pay to help stabilize this country.

[MrFatkook]

I drive a truck for a living...I can never in this life time earn too much money.

[Joehio620]

At a certain point you have made enough money. He's not saying that Hollywood people should be worried.

It's pretty obvious that the context here is the banking industry that has the American people by the neck. Before the crash, we saw people who made billions upon billions of dollars in a single year. I'd say that they've made enough money.

I'm not saying there needs to be a cap, but something needs to be done about this absolutely ridiculous greed that infects the banking system

[EssentialRationality]

@Joehio620 Yes!

[wReCktangle]

So when is it enough money? Obama made 5 million last year... is that enough money?

It's ok for him to make money but not 'other' people. Go suck one ya hypocritical douche.

[EssentialRationality]

@wReCktangle Palin made 12 million. What the fuck is she doing for this country?

[chinook366]

@EssentialRationality palin is not the one who wants to regulate other peoples income ,,is she? or have i missed something? go ahead and admit it that you fucked up when you voted for him!! his 152 days experience in the senate is really showing right now!

[EssentialRationality]

@chinook366 I will admit no such thing. Don't tell me you actually thought McCain and Palin could run this country. One's turning to dust and the other shouldn't be in politics.

[illspeakup4u]

If you don't believe that there is a certain point where you've made enough money then you're overcome by greed. Why'd you take the comments out of context? Everybody wants money and don't even realize what it really is, or what it really resembles..

[illspeakup4u]

@illspeakup4u Did we all forget, The United States Constitution declares, in Article I, Section 10, "No State shall... make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts". But, in fact, EVERY state in the United States of America DOES make some other "Thing" besides gold and silver coin a "Tender in Payment of Debts" -- some "Thing" called "Federal Reserve Notes." HOW ABOUT WE ALL WAKE UP TO THE TRUTH.

[npoma66]

One word "COMMUNIST"

[EssentialRationality]

@npoma66 You are so far off with this statement. I would point you to a book or two before you run around shouting things you don't even understand. Have fun being a sheep.

[CjAz91]

Why even try to work hard?  Why not just sit back and collect welfare? In az you get 325 a month per person in food stamps alone. That is more then I spend on two people. Also the medical ins is covered and then the cash on top of that. Why even try? And then to be taxed at 30%!

[EssentialRationality]

@CjAz91 Unfortunately, the free-rider problem is very big in welfare systems. It's too bad there are a bunch of lazy people that ruin it for everyone else. I'm not saying full-blown socialism is right, but we need something different than this dirty capitalism.

[christogarcia]

Obama is just soooo full of shit.

[backtotheday]

gilgamesh3000 spoken like a true fellow traveler. If a robber holds a gun to your head to take your money just because his family needs the money, is it right? If he has friends that think you have more than you need and together they decide to rob you, is it right? If a majority of the people in the country think you have too much and vote to rob you, does it make it right? It is no different. Who are you to decide what is too much.

[EssentialRationality]

@backtotheday Are million dollar bonuses/day right while we have people struggling to eat? What happened to ethics and morals that made people care for the welfare of other human beings? Don't buy the 3rd corporate jet, make sure a school stays open instead.

[backtotheday]

@EssentialRationality you are ignorant. capitalism is only system that lifts people out of poverty. jealousy of people who have worked hard and are worth more than you shows hatred in your heart. capitalism does not advocate fraud or misconduct, simply fair exchange of goods for an agreed upon value. one person owning a jet does not make another person poor. on the contrary, it enriches those who work at jet factory. But, that's ok. advocate for proletariat at the expense of the worker.

[davewvc]

@backtotheday Capitalism depends on people in poverty. More money does you no good if you can't find someone poorer who will work for you. I don't advocate Capitalism, Communism, or Socialism. Perhaps a mix of the three would work best, but we shouldn't cast a die. Why can't we work for the betterment of Man? Why do we feel the need to subjugate those who are less fortunate?

[backtotheday]

@davewvc that is a false propaganda statement not based on fact or figures. Key "who will work for you" the poor person would not work for you if they did not improve in doing so. We are not talking slavery here. Capitalism is the only system that promotes freedom through "free exchange for mutual benefit". Regulation exists to punish fraud. Government ownership of engines of economy is slavery by forcefully taxing one person to give benefit to another whereby the 1st has no "free exchange"

[EssentialRationality]

@backtotheday Of course capitalism doesn't advocate fraud and misconduct. There is nothing in economic theory about morality and ethics. People are just fucked up and seek to make a profit, whatever it takes.

[backtotheday]

@EssentialRationality and "People are just effed up and seek to make a profit" and very often work in the government and make back room deals while the little guy works hard and pays the taxes for it.

[tit4tat2000]

@EssentialRationality You cannot mandate generosity. If people get million dollar bonuses, it's because their stockholders agreed to give it to them based upon an expected return on investment. The government is not giving the bonus to them, nor should it have the right to take it away from them and give it to another person. Regardless of whether you think the other person is more deserving, Capitalism is the only way to guarantee everyone has a shot at being financially successful.

[EssentialRationality]

@tit4tat2000 That's just it though. Not everyone has a shot at being financially successful. Unless you're making a case that someone born into a 5-10k/yr family has the same shot at being successful as the one born into the 5-10 mill/yr family. The playing field is not even, and everyone can't be a winner in the game of capitalism. Therefore, some have to lose so others can win. It's when those others are cheating to win that pisses me off.

[PurpleJacketJoker]

Socialist countries do control wealth. If our country is fundamentally changed, like Obama has promised to do. Fundamentally changed to what? A Socialist country? If that ever happens, do you know it may be impossible for other Presidents to change it back to a Representative Republic.. which is what we are clinging onto now.

And what about Obama's many rich friends, Oprah, George Soros, and many of the Stars that have supported him? Is Pres. Obama going to make efforts to equalize pay?

[Lbfent2]

I'll bet his campaign sugar-daddy George Soros has something to say about that.

[gilgamesh3000]

A good life only requires so much wealth. It is difficult for the individual to use an excess of wealth well. Therefore, an excess of wealth is often best put to use through giving. Obama makes a good point.

[numag1]

@gilgamesh3000 But when a president with the power to sign tax bills into law says something like that it's something to be concerned about because that means that HE might decide how much is enough money. Your point is well taken, but be careful when people with absolute power say things like that.

[quizerry]

@gilgamesh3000 Ah but shouldn't you have the freedom to choose to give? That is what has always made America great and I might add one of the most generous Countries in the world.

[EssentialRationality]

@quizerry So perhaps we should focus on instilling some type of morality in people. I agree nothing like this would be necessary if a large portion of people weren't greedy bastards. When did everyone start caring for profits more than people? Our country is full of people looking out for #1, even if that means fucking someone else over.

[olejac]

he might be right

[hijosdevilla]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz­zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[chinook366]

he and his wife made 5 million last year, so i guess they will be redistributing some of that,,right?

[EssentialRationality]

@chinook366 Not before Sarah Palin redistributes some of her 12 million. If we were paying salaries based on a person's contributions to this society she shouldn't get more than $5/year. I don't think he's talking about the 5 or even 50 million dollar makers. It's those people getting million dollar bonuses a day cooking books that should lose all their wealth.

[occamselectricrazor]

And I think at a certain point Washington spends too much money.

[f01863]

I wonder if this buffoon said this to the yankees,(the team with the highest payroll),when they went to the white house and presented the douchebag with a shirt.

[ctusa777]

From a community organizer... LOL

[unillenium]

careful tom cruise will sue you in england