Well, well, well....everyone touted the words of Powell when he backed Obama..(like it was a surprise and all)...and now he is suddenly slapping his head and saying "I could have had a conservative!".
Originally published 11:44 a.m., July 3, 2009, updated 03:16 p.m., July 3, 2009
Colin Powell, one of President Obama's most prominent Republican supporters, expressed concern Friday that the president's ambitious blitz of costly initiatives may be enlarging the size of government and the federal debt too much.
"I'm concerned at the number of programs that are being presented, the bills associated with these programs and the additional government that will be needed to execute them," Mr. Powell said in an excerpt of an interview with CNN's John King, released by the network Friday morning.
Mr. Powell, a retired U.S. army general who rose to political prominence after a long and accomplished military career, said that health care reform and many of Mr. Obama's other initiatives are "important" to Americans.
But, he said, "one of the cautions that has to be given to the president -- and I've talked to some of his people about this -- is that you can't have so many things on the table that you can't absorb it all."
"And we can't pay for it all," said Mr. Powell, who was the first African-American to serve as secretary of state, under former President George W. Bush. He was also national security adviser to President Reagan, and was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1993.
Mr. Powell was considered a possible Republican presidential candidate as early as 1996, and in 2007 he donated the maximum amount allowed to Sen. John McCain, the Arizona Republican who won the GOP primary. But less than a month before last fall's general election, Mr. Powell endorsed Mr. Obama over Mr. McCain.
Mr. Powell's comments represent the growing concern that began with hard-line fiscal conservatives but is now spreading to moderates about the rate of government spending and debt under President Obama, and the long-term impact on the country's fiscal sustainability and national security.
The national debt stands currently at $11.5 trillion and the deficit for the current fiscal year is projected to be close to $2 trillion.
Mr. Powell expressed alarm at "budgets that are running into the multi-trillions of dollars" and "a huge, huge national debt that, if we don't pay for in our lifetime, our kids and grandkids and great-grandchildren will have to pay for it."
"So, I think the president, as he moves forward with his initiatives, has to start really taking a very, very hard look at what the cost of all this is. And, how much additional bureaucracy [will] be needed to make all of this happen?" Mr. Powell said.
Mr. Powell said he has been in touch with Mr. Obama regularly, including recently.
"I don't insert myself. But, we stay in touch," he said.
Mr. King prompted Mr. Powell's comments by showing him video archive footage of Mr. Powell's comments at the 1996 Republican Convention in San Diego, where Mr. Powell talked about his opposition to big government.
"The federal government has become too large and too intrusive in our lives," Mr. Powell said then. "We can no longer afford solutions to our problems that result in more entitlements, higher taxes to pay for them, more bureaucracy to run them, and fewer results to show for it."
Mr. Powell said that now that he still believes what he said then, but that he would put it in different terms now.
"I don't like slogans anymore like 'limited government.' That's not the right answer. The right answer is, give me a government that works," he said. "Keep it as small as possible. Keep the tax burden on the American people as small as possible, but at the same time, have government that is solving the problems of the people."
The full interview will air on CNN's "State of the Union with John King" on Sunday, July 5.
~~life isn't about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain~~
When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.
Japanese Proverb
Mr. Powell expressed alarm at "budgets that are running into the multi-trillions of dollars" and "a huge, huge national debt that, if we don't pay for in our lifetime, our kids and grandkids and great-grandchildren will have to pay for it."
"So, I think the president, as he moves forward with his initiatives, has to start really taking a very, very hard look at what the cost of all this is. And, how much additional bureaucracy [will] be needed to make all of this happen?" Mr. Powell said.
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We'll be friends until we're old and senile. Then we'll be new friends.
-Anon.
Mr. Powell expressed alarm at "budgets that are running into the multi-trillions of dollars" and "a huge, huge national debt that, if we don't pay for in our lifetime, our kids and grandkids and great-grandchildren will have to pay for it."
Why should =he be surprised at that? Any Community Organizer expects more and more money from the taxpayers. Where has Powell been?
One of these days people will learn that there is a vast difference between knowledge and wisdom. That's when they will be able to discern the difference between an ugly man and a man in an empty suit--even when the man in the empty suit charms them,
People will learn to say no to bread and circuses because we cannot have bread and circuses.
I believe he's read the writing on the wall and has seen that Obama just ain't what he was billed to be...or rather he's seeing past the slight of hand that is the Obama administration! Realization or political motives...I saw the interview and you could tell he's moonwalking...could be he's putting a line in the water for both/either party to make a strike at....who knows? He has no credibility with me no matter what he says or does!
The language of priorities is the religion of Socialism.....Aneurin Bevan
Does this put Powell back in good standing with the Repubs. again. Is he no longer a RINO?
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I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
Who writes your material poetse? Whoever he or she is, you need to fire them. They are making you look like an idiot.
Jim...
Of course you do understand that wisdom to the foolish is foolishness.
You cannot spend yourself intyo prosperity and only the foolish would attempt to over burden the people with higher taxes. But I wouldn't expect you top see anything that evident. You would suggest firing my writer.
Does this put Powell back in good standing with the Repubs. again. Is he no longer a RINO?
IMHO Powell voted for Obama because he is Black. Most Republicvans and Conservatives knew that there was little difference between McCain and Obama, but McCain was enough Republican for true Republicans to vot for.
Obama never once gave any message that a true Republican would approve.
I repeat there is a vast difference between knowledge and wisdom.
Of course you do understand that wisdom to the foolish is foolishness.
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Yep, I do understand that. That is why you consider my views foolishness.
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You cannot spend yourself intyo prosperity and only the foolish would attempt to over burden the people with higher taxes. But I wouldn't expect you top see anything that evident. You would suggest firing my writer.
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I suggest you explain what you precisely mean by your "bread and circuses" quote. I'm assuming that it is an older version of the "guns or butter" economic thought. But, you'll have to explain it to us.
Lead on MacDuff!
Jim...
[edit note: And, if you answer the question correctly, I'll give you an airline ticket to NYC, and I'll relegate you to two weeks on Roby's rooftop garden, trying to absorb some real culture!... j/k...]
This message has been edited by Avalon99 on Jul 5, 2009 8:48 PM
Obviously you don't really understand the ways of history. People working and creating wealth is the only means of economic prosperity. When fewer people are providing for the masses and the government is taking from the producers to give to the non produces, there isn't enough goods and services to go around. therefore, there is rampqnt inflation. And there are bankruptcies. Notice GM and the states that are bankrupt. And notice the entitlements that are demanded by the people.
The foolsh will contend that we can do this forever--the wise know that it cannot last. Even Obama knows we cannot continue to do these things. So wveryone but Jim has made the observation, and Ji9m thinks wisdom is following Obama in more bread and circuses.
Empires rise and fall based on the wisdom or lack of wisdom of their leaders.
The leaders of the more civilized empires know where the barbarians are. They have been there themselves. And they believe those barbarians want the same things as the civilized people. Like the old man and the teen.
The two do have different interests; therefore, one will overthrow the other.
I believe I mentioned Cain and Abeloneto9me and you saw nothing in them that relates to secular society. ay I suggest that you read more about Canin and his descendants.
This message has been edited by Poetse12 on Jul 5, 2009 10:26 PM
"Powell isn't the only one with doubts. Many, many who voted for The One feel the same way."
There has actually been one other who has confessed on this board that they were disappointed in Obama and wished they had never voted for him. Of course that's just one that was willing to be honest.
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What is the essence of America? Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom "to" and freedom "from." ~Marilyn vos Savant, in Parade
The leaders of the more civilized empires know where the barbarians are. They have been there themselves. And they believe those barbarians want the same things as the civilized people. Like the old man and the teen.
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Define "more civilized".
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The two do have different interests; therefore, one will overthrow the other.
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Which "interests" will always win? Use the British in India and the Partition of Palestine as your starting point.
There has actually been one other who has confessed on this board that they were disappointed in Obama and wished they had never voted for him. Of course that's just one that was willing to be honest.
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I voted for Obama, and I am not disappointed. That too is "honest". Are you saying that "honesty" only involves agreeing with you?
There is a reason empires rise4 and fall. It is a spiritual reason and you ignore that aspect of the empires. After all the the United tates was built from a spirit of independence. Other empires are built on different spirits.
Greece had the simular ideas. But there is also a spiroit pf ens;lave4ment, and the wisdom of the leaders determins what happens to the empire.
but McCain was enough Republican for true Republicans to vot for.
You need to make up your mind.
You stated that McCain was really a Democrat and didn't belong in the Republican party. But now you say he was enough of a Republican for "true" Republicans to vote for him.
but McCain was enough Republican for true Republicans to vot for.
You need to make up your mind.
You stated that McCain was really a Democrat and didn't belong in the Republican party. But now you say he was enough of a Republican for "true" Republicans to vote for him.
Distinguish between Republicans and Conservatives. Conservatives were willing to vote for McCain while holding their noses. Onloy after Palinh was selected as the running mate did Conservatives decide to vote Republican.
True Republicans will vote for Republicans just becuse there is an R by the name.
True Democrats will vote for Democrats just because there is a D by the name.
BTW, Jim
Did you notice how your questions cll for knopwledge rather than wisdom.
Did you check the wisdom of the Stimulus package. Biden admitted that he and Obama misread the the economic condi9tions the economistsd gave them. There were some economists who disagree with the Obama solution. Those were the ones who were right.
BTW Many conservatives noted that the policy of the FDR administration had not worked, but many economists gave him credit. Now there is the difference between wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom makes the right decision. Everyone looks a5 the same facts and that is knowledge.
"Are you saying that "honesty" only involves agreeing with you?"
Geez, Jim have you totally taken leave of your senses? Honesty involves -- among other things -- the decency to admit it when you're wrong. So far there have only been a couple of people who were honest enough to do that, although I do expect there are more and more folks out there that are having serious second thoughts about Obama and his plans to save the world.
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What is the essence of America? Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom "to" and freedom "from." ~Marilyn vos Savant, in Parade
I don't recall any post where someone said they were sorry for voting for President Obama. Could you refresh my memory if there was one?
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I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
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What is the essence of America? Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom "to" and freedom "from." ~Marilyn vos Savant, in Parade
Did Mike post that here or on his other board? I don't recall him ever saying that. I know he questioned some of Obama's policies but I never seen where he was sorry he voted for him. and I believe the post said several. Mike is one person. I will email him and ask him myself. The proof is in the pudding..
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I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
Well seems I no longer have Mike's email addy, and since I dropped out of his board months ago, I no longer have a connection to him. too bad.
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I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
Does this put Powell back in good standing with the Repubs. again. Is he no longer a RINO?
He was never in "bad standing". I don't know where you come up with this stuff. He backed Obama, which was surprising, given his political beliefs...but not surprising because this way Powell could maybe redeem himself with people like Harry Belafonte who considered him nothing but a house you-know-what. Now I believe he is seeing the stupidity of that. I believe he is experiencing buyer's remorse.
~~life isn't about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain~~
When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.
Japanese Proverb
Don't put yourself out too much, Maw. I really could not care less whether you believe me or not.
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What is the essence of America? Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom "to" and freedom "from." ~Marilyn vos Savant, in Parade
Is it too late to vote for Hillary? (Not a joke)....
I am very disappointed in this latest hypocrisy. Very disappointed. While I believe in CJ's "absolute power corrupts absolutely" stance on the matter to a point, I also agree with Jan and Barb 100%. Obama has turned out to be, so far, as hypocritical as they come on to many issues.
While there are some things I have agreed with in his policies (much more than Bush), there are too many "shifts" and "dodges" and "weaves" that lead me to believe he is more of the same with just a slightly different flavor. I would ALMOST rather have Bush. At least I knew he was operating from a genuinely different philosophical standpoint - he was one of (the figurative) "them". I don't take kindly to those who claim to be part of (the figurative) "us", then turn around and start acting like (again, the figurative) "them". I don't have the patience for it.
So far, for Mr. Obama, I give a grade of D+. If it were possible to recant my vote and support, I would. So instead, as I promised I would do, consider this my 'screaming from the mountaintops'. I humbly eat crow for today.
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
Thanks, Inka, but you really didn't need to go to all that trouble. I'm sure someone will find a way to explain it all and make it look like it doesn't say what it really says.
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What is the essence of America? Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom "to" and freedom "from." ~Marilyn vos Savant, in Parade
WHAT??? No, "turncoat"; no "traitor"; no "backstabber"? My how you have mellowed, Maw.
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What is the essence of America? Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom "to" and freedom "from." ~Marilyn vos Savant, in Parade
I like it! I like it!!! Keep up the good work. I could have never waded through all those back threads to find it, and even if I tried, I probably couldn't have found it.
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What is the essence of America? Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom "to" and freedom "from." ~Marilyn vos Savant, in Parade
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
I'm so glad you like it! I was recently awarded the title of Truth Troll by posting a snopes link to debunk a story. And, in another thread, today, I was accused of being a troll who brought forward an old post just to stir up shit. I guess that makes me a Shit Troll, too, huh? ROFL!
"I guess that makes me a Shit Troll, too, huh? ROFL!"
We all have our crosses to bear, Inka! I've been called worse than that.
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What is the essence of America? Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom "to" and freedom "from." ~Marilyn vos Savant, in Parade
I'm so glad you like it! I was recently awarded the title of Truth Troll by posting a snopes link to debunk a story. And, in another thread, today, I was accused of being a troll who brought forward an old post just to stir up shit. I guess that makes me a Shit Troll, too, huh? ROFL!
Hey, if the shoe fits....
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I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
