Conservatives and Fiscal Responsibility - P.J. O'Rourke

Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2009/04/22/Conservative_Comedy_with_Political_Satirist_PJ_ORourke

Political satirist P.J. O'Rourke criticizes the fiscal irresponsibility of recent conservative legislators. He says the poorest and least advantaged always suffer the most from any of the "three ways to pay for the electorates' fiscal irresponsibility."

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Deliberately offensive, determinedly provocative and extremely funny, PJ O'Rourke is the conservative journalist and satirist that makes even lefties laugh.

In Australia recently as a guest of the Centre for Independent Studies, he used this talk at the National Press club to deliver a scattergun critique of conservatism.

During the Q&A session he answers questions about gun control, the GFC and his personal drug use. - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Patrick Jake O'Rourke is an American political satirist, journalist, and writer. Born in Toledo, Ohio, he was educated at Miami University (Ohio) and Johns Hopkins University.

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[TheShankman]

Does it even matter that the gap between rich and poor has increased? Many people treat the issue as a class war between the idle rich and the indigent poor--however, most people who bring up the gap don't bring up what comes with it--people moving in and out of income gaps.

Most of the people in the top 20% of income last year aren't still there this year in the U.S.

Additionally, nearly half of income earners in the U.S. in the bottom 20% made their way to the top in the last decade.

[Uvissiet]

They always present a sound solution: limited government.

Channeling all these concerns through government only makes them worse because government is not the mechanism for them. It is too removed from risk and too prone to corruption, and a big government becomes too big to check.

[heixst]

@j19318

Well... this is a "far" from perfect society. Believe it or not, parents are the single most influential elements in the breath of human existence. They are the guides, the shepherds who know the pains of the world. But in this vindictive world, who do we turn to when our parents vindicate us? Community? Therein lies the problem of the aimless self-destructive poor. Let's be thankful our parents gave us even a "little" acknowledgement in this "age of apathy and reckless materialism."

[j19318]

@heixst I don't recall making a statement as to race!!! It dosen't matter the color!!! To me at least!!! Im talking about those who chose to have children knowing that its gona cost everyone else!!! The ones who do that are immoral, lazzy, and ignorant!!! That is a large percentage of the people on welfare!!! You call it a social class!!! I call it a classless group of idiots who will soon be faced with the cold hard consequences of decades of immorall and evil intentions!!! Truth hurts right!!!

[heixst]

@j19318

"Immoral and lazy" is that a reference to the poor that live on welfare? That's a stereotype and blatant generalization of a social class. Also do realize that 3/4 (%75) of all welfare recipients are white, not black welfare queens with 7 children.

[j19318]

@heixst I agree that people should be open minded and do research in order to reach logical conclusions concerning the well being of a nation!!! I don't want to dismiss any idea that may be of some assistance in this matter!!! However , I believe there are obvious substantial differences in the population of sweeden and or switzerland when compared to that of the U.S.!!! The population of the U.S. Is far too large and imorral/ lazzy to survive in a welfare state.

[heixst]

I don't think its so much about being a conservative/liberal, but rather taking in all opinions and doing research. Sweden/Switzerland have reliable successful governments that serve their public. Why can't we? Why are we so quick to dismiss other ideas?

@j9318 Also I can't believe I'm replying about a 1 year old post :)

[j19318]

@talitakoomi Thats rediculous!!! Yea why don't we cut doctors saleries too!!! Then lets see what kind of doctors we get!!! The truth is that the problem is with the people not the politicians!!! Most of them do fight hard for what they believe is right!!! We have to force people to wake up and take responsibilities for theirselves!!! Far too many people in this country have everything handed to them!!! They are sucking this country dry!!! It has to stop!!!

[j19318]

@heixst Well im a conservative, and I have a solution for you!!! How about people who can't afford to support theirselves, don't have kids!!! The only reason this country is in such bad shape is because of people who have kids that they can't support in any way shape or form, then its up to everyone else to pay for the womans needs and all of her kids. That has to stop. That is the root of this countries problems!!! If you don't have a job, don't have a kid!!! Period!!!

[j19318]

This guy is speaking the truth!!! Anyone who says otherwise is in denial!!!

[talitakoomi]

What if America's "Civil Servants" ie: congress people, presidents, governor's etc. were actually "servants" during their term of office? In other words, what if they received NO pay, or at BEST, minimum wage while they "devote themselves to tackling the issues YOU care about" (yeah right)! Do you have ANY idea of the PERKS politicians get?! Free health insurance! Free transportation! And a pension for LIFE!! 99% are rich before even running! Kill their salaries- THEN we'll see who's devoted.

[FRSFreeStateNow]

Fiscal Conservatism used to be before the Bush Administration about paying for things that you spend money on. And decentralizing Federal Power. But the Bush Administration changed that with they're Borrow and Spend Fiscal Policy.