Obama's Budget Speech: Fundamental Obama

Our President gave his much anticipated budget speech today. If you were expecting any real change from his leftist ideology, usual themes, and lack of truthfulness, then you were sorely disappointed. The following are some of the "highlights" from his speech - starting with one of Obama's themes, Obama in quotes, and my comments on each issue follows thereafter.

LIE NO. 1. "As a country that values fairness, wealthier individuals have traditionally borne a greater share of this burden than the middle class or those less fortunate; everybody pays, but the wealthier have borne a little more." A LITTLE MORE? Lie! Over 40% of the lowest wage earners pay zero in income taxes; with a relatively small percentage paying half the taxes.

BLAME BUSH - STILL. "But after Democrats and Republicans committed to fiscal discipline during the 1990's, we lost our way in the decade that followed. We increased spending dramatically for two wars and an expensive prescription drug program, but we didn't pay for any of this new spending." See how he blames Bush without mentioning his name - it's just the "decade" that followed. So who spent more without paying for it: Bush in 8 years or Obama in 2?

CLASS WARFARE. "...we made the problem worse with trillions of dollars in unpaid-for tax cuts; tax cuts that went to every millionaire and billionaire in the country." If all the millionaires and billionaires left this country where would that leave the economy? In the toilet, that's where. So stop already with the class warfare.

I'M THE VICTIM. "...by the time I took office, we once again found ourselves deeply in debt and unprepared for a baby boom retirement that is now starting to take place." We were so much in debt that Obama had to make it far worse. It was the only way. Poor Obama.

LET'S RAISE TAXES! "By 2025, the amount of taxes we currently pay will only be enough to finance our health care programs, Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security, and the interest we owe on our debt...every other national priority - education, transportation, even our national security - will have to be paid for with borrowed money." Or, you can keep printing more money Mr. President. Or - wait - you can raise taxes. 'Nuf said.

LIE NO. 2. "...all this spending is popular with both Republicans and Democrats alike..." Undoubtedly, much spending is popular with both sides. But ALL spending is EQUALLY popular? Pleeeaaase! How come it took Republicans to even start the discussion about what government (the taxpayers) should be spending money on.

LIE NO. 3. The Republican plan would lead to a "fundamentally different (America) than what we've known throughout our history." You remember? When those early Americans all went to college on Pell grants. What - most people did not go to college? Well, they all had health care. What - they didn't? Oh well, this little comment by Obama had the added benefit of utilizing one of his other themes: THOSE EVIL REPUBLICANS.

LIE NO. 4. Referring to the Ryan plan to replace Medicare with vouchers for those under age 55: "...if that voucher isn't worth enough to buy the insurance that's available in the open marketplace, well, tough luck; you're on your own." Wait a minute. I know Obama did not come up with that line - he never heard of an "open marketplace." And when Medicare runs out of money, who benefits then? Anybody? Besides, Ryan would allow for higher vouchers based on need. But let's repeat: THOSE EVIL REPUBLICANS.

RATIONING OF HEALTH CARE. "Their (Republicans') plan essentially lowers the government's health care bills by asking seniors and poor families to pay them instead. Our approach lowers the government's health care bills by reducing the cost of health care itself." Every time Obama talks about reducing health care costs, he is talking about some bureacrat in D.C. deciding you don't need that MRI or X-ray or therapy or surgery. And just how does the government (taxpayers) pay for your healthcare when they've run out of money?

LET'S CUT DEFENSE SPENDING. Always a Democrat favorite, Obama says he wants "a fundamental review of America's missions, capabilities, and our role in a changing world." Now, this might even sound reasonable coming from a President who believes in American exceptionalism; an America that should remain the strongest country on earth. But Obama talked about bringing "fundamental change" to this country during the campaign. The result is the making of the USA into a European socialist country. All in favor of our becoming a European level military power raise your hands.

DID HE REALLY AGREE WITH THE REPUBLICANS HERE? Obama wants to "reduce spending in the tax code, so-called tax expenditures." What is a "tax expenditure"? A deduction. Deductions can be viewed as subsidies (hence, expenditures) to whomever benefits (homeowners, farmers, etc.). But Ryan wants to lower the maximum rate significantly while reducing deductions; essentially a revenue-neutral measure that will bring some simplicity to the tax code. Obama wants to eliminate the deductions alright, but when his party won't go along with the lower rates? SORRY!